Context: Not more than two years after the introduction of cheetahs in India, prey shortage and the competition posed by leopards has been a major concern to authorities monitoring the survival of and well being of the big cats. They became extinct from India in 1952. Cheetahs have been reintroduced at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh via the translocation of: Up until now, according to government sources, ten cheetahs have died, and the current number of cheetahs in the park is 26. Concerns Over Prey Scarcity Competition from Leopards: Another Challenge The already low prey base, reduced further through predation from the leopards and other natural causes, threatens to be so minuscule that it will be incapable of natural recovery. Project Cheetah Source: BS

Contemporary research into the existence and properties of heat has remained a vital part of gravitational lensing. For over a century, one of the most powerful members of physics, Alfred Einstein, shared his brilliant ability by predicting that massive objects such as galaxies and galaxy clusters might bend light from distant objects through their gravitational influence. This effect, called gravitational lensing, can produce arc like distortions or, on rare occasions, a perfect Einstein ring, should their alignment be perfect. What is an Einstein Ring? A rare optical phenomenon where light from a distant object encircles a massive foreground object.The stunning effect is produced with the help of strong gravitational lensing. By bending spacetime more than its delineation, it distorts and magnifies light. Discovery of Altieri’s Ring How was it found? What is its highlight? How Gravitational Lensing Works How does it work? Why are Einstein Rings formed? Why Einstein Rings Matter How was the discovery confirmed?

Context: Coastal communities in Kerala have been agitating against the Centre’s offshore mining plans, fearing destruction to marine ecosystems and loss of livelihoods. The agitation gained momentum after the 2023 amendment to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, which opened offshore mining to private players.The Kerala Fisheries Coordination Committee has been formed to lead the resistance, with a Parliament march planned for March 12. Government Plans and Identified Mineral Reserves Fisheries and Scientific Concerns Call for a ‘Right to the Sea Act’ N.K. Premachandran, MP, who is leading the RSP’s protest march, demanded that the Centre introduce a ‘Right to the Sea Act’, similar to the Right to Forest Act, to protect the rights of India’s coastal communities. He accused the Union government of pushing ahead with the project in a unilateral and opaque manner and raised several critical questions: After acquiring protection from truckers, the Kerala government and local fishing communities want the entire offshore mining process to stop until a thorough environmental impact study is conducted. With protests intensifying and ecological ruin reckoned as a possibility, the controversy is far from closure.

Context: Complaints were being made about voter ID numbers (EPICs being the same) for voters in different states. The Election Commission (EC) clarified that the voter’s right would be exercised solely at the polling station designated by him in the state of his enrollment in that electoral roll irrespective of the EPIC number.Thus, the 10 digit EPIC number is a means of identification, and its exercise beyond the designated constituency would not be permitted. Comments and Remedial Actions by EC What is ERONET? The Election Commission has further reassured voters that duplications will not come in the way of voting rights, and systematic correction processes are taking their course. However, this giving rise to political slanging matches over election integrity. Credit: The Hindu

Context: The Centre withdrew the Bill on February 22, declaring that it needed to have public consultation and present a new draft of the same for reintroduction. The Bar Council of India (BCI) opposed the Bill vehemently, asserting that it jeopardizes the bar’s autonomy and independence. Key Provisions & Impasse Strike & Boycott by Lawyers Banned Government Control Over BCI Widened BCI’s Powers Greatly Enhanced Recognition of Corporate Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms Way Forward The Bill sought to create reforms for the legal profession and was heavily criticized for attempting to undermine bar autonomy, government overreach, and unclear provisions for corporate lawyers.

What is PM 2.5? PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is a type of air pollution that can cause serious health problems. It’s made up of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.  Main Highlights from Study Published in Nature Communications Oxidative Potential and Health Risks Air Quality Variations from Season to Season Policy Recommendations and Implications The study revealed the necessity for local air pollution control in Northern India, especially in high traffic and biomass burning areas, to prevent the most severe health impacts. Source: The Hindu

Context: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from processing certain amino acids. This leads to a characteristic odor of maple syrup in the urine. Hope has been renewed for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) with the introduction of a new gene therapy. Key Findings Meaning for the Human Patient Long-term Assessment: Assess how the therapy affects BCKDH levels in the brain.Cognition and Behavior Assessment: Check for neurological and cognitive advantages for longer periods. Source: The Hindu