Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 15 May 2023
- 6 min read
Moroccan Locust Outbreak
The Moroccan locust outbreak in Afghanistan's wheat-producing regions is posing a significant threat to the country's food security and economy. The outbreak, affecting eight provinces, is expected to destroy 700,000-1.2 million tonnes of wheat, equivalent to a quarter of the annual harvest. If left untreated, the locust population could multiply by a hundredfold in the next year, exacerbating the food security crisis in Afghanistan and neighboring countries.
The Moroccan locusts are known as the most economically damaging plant pests worldwide. The impact extends beyond the wheat crop, as the Moroccan locusts consume over 150 species of plants, including tree crops, pastures, and various food crops grown in Afghanistan.
Moroccan locusts, scientifically known as “Dociostaurus maroccanus”.They belong to the family Acrididae, which includes grasshoppers and locusts. These locusts are known for their ability to form swarms, causing significant agricultural damage in the regions they infest. They are medium to large-sized insects, with adults typically measuring around 4-5 centimeters in length. They have a robust body, short antennae, and powerful hind legs adapted for jumping. The coloration of their bodies can vary, ranging from greenish brown to reddish-brown.
Read more: Climate Change & Locust Infestations
Bhopal First Indian City to Track Progress on SDGs
Bhopal has taken a significant step towards localizing the United Nations-mandated sustainable development goals (SDGs). It has become the first city in India to adopt voluntary local reviews (VLR) to demonstrate its commitment and capacity to achieving the SDGs. The SDGs localisation involves translating the global agenda of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into actionable local plans that contribute to the overall achievement of the goals. Bhopal's VLR is the result of collaboration between the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, UN-Habitat, and various local stakeholders, aiming to showcase the city's efforts towards sustainable and inclusive urban transformation. The review incorporates both quantitative and qualitative approaches, including a qualitative mapping of 56 developmental projects.
In 2015, all 193 member states of the UN adopted the Agenda 2030, which consists of 17 SDGs and 169 targets. Member states report their progress towards these goals through voluntary national reviews (VNRs) submitted to the UN's high-level political forum (HLPF). Recognizing the importance of local and regional engagement, cities and regions have increasingly undertaken their own subnational reviews known as VLRs. Although VLRs do not have an official basis in the 2030 Agenda or other intergovernmental agreements, they have proven useful in facilitating local action. New York City was the first to present its VLR to the HLPF in 2018, and as of 2021, 33 countries had made 114 VLRs or similar review documents publicly available.
Read more: Sustainable Development , Global Sustainable Development Report, 2022
World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was observed on May 13, 2023, with the theme “Water and its importance for Migratory Bird”. In the run-up to World Environment Day, several mass mobilization activities were organized across India under the Mission LiFE program. These events aimed to underscore the importance of biodiversity conservation and environmentally friendly habits at the community level. Participants took the LiFE pledge to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact.
WMBD is a bi-annual global campaign aimed at raising awareness about migratory birds, promoting their conservation, and emphasizing the importance of preserving their habitats. Celebrated on the second Saturday in May and October each year, the campaign is organized through a collaborative partnership between two United Nations treaties, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), along with the non-profit organization Environment for the Americas (EFTA).
Read more: World Migratory Bird Day 2022
SAMUDRA SHAKTI - 23
The 4th edition of the India-Indonesia Bilateral exercise, Samudra Shakti-23, commenced as INS Kavaratti, an indigenously designed and built ASW Corvette, arrived in Batam, Indonesia. Taking place from May 14-19, 2023, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability, jointness, and mutual cooperation between the Indian and Indonesian navies. Alongside INS Kavaratti, an Indian Navy Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft and Chetak helicopter are also participating. At the same time, the Indonesian Navy is represented by KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, CN 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and AS565 Panther Helicopter.
The Other Exercise between India and Indonesia is Garuda Shakti, a joint military exercise. And India-Indonesia CORPAT is a coordinated patrol between the navies of India and Indonesia, aimed at enhancing maritime security and cooperation in the Andaman Sea and the Straits of Malacca.
Read more: 38th India-Indonesia CORPAT
