Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 13 Sep 2023

President Calls for Protecting Farmers' Rights and Traditional Seed Varieties

The President of India inaugurated the First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights in New Delhi, organized by the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to address farmers' rights.
The essential role of farmers as 'anna daatas' (providers of food) was highlighted and called for the protection of their rights and future.
- India, with just 2.4% of the world's land area, accounts for 7-8% of all recorded plant and animal species, thanks to farmers' efforts in conserving local varieties, domesticating wild plants, and nurturing traditional crop varieties, which have ensured food and nutritional security for humans and animals.
The President also presented the Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward 2021-22 to recognise the efforts of farmers who have bred and developed new plant varieties.
- The reward includes a citation, memento, and cash amount of Rs 1,50,000.

Read more: Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward

World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Day

World Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Day observed annually on 7^th September, aims to raise awareness about DMD and improve the lives of individuals affected by this rare degenerative illness.

The theme for this year's World DMD Day is "Duchenne: Breaking Barriers."
DMD is a rare genetic condition that weakens muscles progressively and affects approximately one in every five thousand boys.
- The condition results from an X-chromosome mutation and leads to difficulties in walking, followed by the impairment of other motor functions.
- Ultimately, DMD affects vital functions like breathing and heart function since the heart is a muscle too.
  - Currently, there is no known cure for DMD. Treatment aims to control symptoms to improve quality of life.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is actively involved in creating awareness about DMD.

Defence Minister Inaugurates 90 Border Infrastructure Projects Across India

The Defence Minister inaugurated a total of 90 border infrastructure projects to enhance all-weather connectivity and military readiness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Notable among them is the Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, which will provide year-round connectivity to the strategically vital Tawang sector.
Additionally, the construction of the Shinku La tunnel, the world's highest tunnel, will provide all-weather connectivity to the Lahaul-Spiti region in Himachal Pradesh.

Read more: Line of Actual Control

Libya's Catastrophic Flooding

Recently, Eastern Libya experienced a catastrophic event as floods caused by Storm Daniel, brought widespread destruction.

Decades of war and a lack of a central government have resulted in deteriorating infrastructure, making the country highly susceptible to the recent torrential rains.
Libya is the only nation without a climate strategy, as per the United Nations.
This catastrophe underscores the urgent need for stability, unity, and comprehensive governance in Libya, as it continues to grapple with multiple crises, from internal unrest to the exploitation of migrants and oil revenue disputes.