20 January 2015 Current Affairs
India’s Tiger Population Increases By 30% In Past Three Years
The Country Wide Tiger Assessment Report (CWTAR) for 2014 was released on 20 January 2015 by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar. The report estimated the tiger population in the country at around 2,226, a rise of over 30% since the last count in 2010. According to this report Karnataka had the largest number of 406 tigers followed by Uttarakhand (340), Tamil Nadu (229), Madhya Pradesh (208), Maharashtra (190) and West Bengal (76). The report revealed that India is now home to 70% of the world’s tigers.
European Union Lifts Ban On Import of Indian Mangoes
The European Union on 20 January decided to lift a ban on the import of mangoes from India after the country made improvements in plant health controls and certification system, clearing the way for them to return to the 28-member bloc. A European Commission committee voted to lift the ban on 20 January. The legislation now needs to be formally adopted and published by the European Commission.
Ayonika Paul and Annu Raj Singh Won Gold At 4th Gun For Glory Shooting Championship
Ayonika Paul of Railways and Maharashtra’s Annu Raj Singh won a gold medal each in their respective events at the 4th Gun for Glory (GFG) Shooting Championship. The championship was held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi in Pune from 15 January 2015 to 21 January 2015.Ayonika won the gold in 10m Rifle Women and Annu Raj Singh won it in 10m Pistol Women.
Periyar Tiger Reserve Won NTCA Award
The Periyar Tiger Reserve, spread over 925 sq.km. in Kerala, won the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) biennial award on 20 January. It was awarded for encouraging local public participation in managing the reserve. People participation in the reserve started with setting up of India Eco-Development project (IEDP) in 1996. This was followed by setting up of Periyar Foundation in 2006 which involved participation of 75 communities including 15 tribal groups in the reserve in eco-development programmes. The eco-development programmes were carried on by development committees formed under the Periyar foundation. This resulted in boosting community-based eco-tourism in Periyar reserve.
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