LEGAL NEWS
Goa Tiger Reserve Proposal
• The Supreme Court–mandated Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has suggested creating the Goa Tiger Reserve in stages, beginning with 468.6 sq km covering both core and buffer zones and affecting about 102 households.
• A second phase may expand protection by adding 208 sq km, which includes nearly 612 households, ensuring a gradual transition for local communities.
• This phased model seeks to balance conservation goals with the livelihood concerns of people living around the proposed reserve.
• The matter is under Supreme Court scrutiny in the dispute between Goa government and Goa Foundation, marking an important moment for wildlife conservation in the State.
• The issue stems from a 2023 Bombay High Court (Goa bench) order directing the State to notify a tiger reserve—an order the government opposed by claiming tigers in Goa were just “transient visitors”.
• Phase 1 covers Netravali and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries as core areas, while Bhagwan Mahavir National Park and parts of its Wildlife Sanctuary will serve as buffer zones.
• Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is being considered for inclusion in Phase 2, further strengthening the protected landscape.
• Goa’s forests form a natural extension of Karnataka’s Kali Tiger Reserve, enabling tiger movement, genetic diversity, and long-term population revival in the region.
• The area lies within the Western Ghats, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot where scientific evidence confirms tiger presence, though in small numbers.
• Setting up a tiger reserve involves a formal process: state proposal → NTCA assessment → MoEFCC recommendation → public consultation → final notification under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act, officially declaring the reserve.
STATE NEWS
Northeast India Organic Week
• Meghalaya hosted its first-ever Northeast India Organic Week, aiming to project the state and the region as rising players in the global organic sector.
• The four-day programme brings together international buyers, experts and youth leaders to boost market access and spotlight biodiversity-based products.
• The event has been organised by the Meghalaya Agriculture Department, in collaboration with APEDA, the Commerce Ministry, and IFOAM-Organics Asia.
• Delegations and importers from 13 countries—including Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia and New Zealand—are participating.
• A key feature is the APEDA-led buyer–seller meet, enabling producers to directly connect with global markets seeking sustainable organic goods.
• Meghalaya is showcasing its major organic strengths such as ginger, turmeric, fruits and niche spices, which enjoy rising international demand.
• Officials emphasised that the state’s community-driven farming systems and rich biodiversity create strong potential for expanding organic agriculture.
• The event also hosts the 4th IFOAM World Organic Youth Summit, reinforcing youth participation and future leadership in the organic sector.
DEFENCE
Unveiling of Indigenous Hansa-3 NG Trainer Aircraft
• India introduced the Hansa-3 NG, its first fully composite two-seater trainer aircraft, during a launch event led by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh at CSIR-NAL, Bengaluru.
• The Minister also assessed the progress of the 19-seater SARAS Mk-2 light transport aircraft and inaugurated new aerospace facilities to strengthen civil and defence aviation capabilities.
• Designed to meet rising pilot-training needs, the Hansa-3 NG supports India’s projected requirement of nearly 30,000 pilots over the next 20 years.
• A ₹150-crore manufacturing plant is coming up in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, to produce up to 100 Hansa-3 NG aircraft annually through industry partner Pioneer Clean Amps.
• The aircraft is expected to lower reliance on imported trainers and benefit domestic flying schools and aviation training centres.
• Development of SARAS Mk-2 continues with advanced features like a pressurised cabin and digital avionics, supported by a newly inaugurated Iron Bird integration and testing facility.
• CSIR-NAL also launched a solar-powered High Altitude Platform project and partnered with Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd. to build a 150-kg loitering-munition UAV powered by an indigenous Wankel engine.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
• The nation remembered Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on 28 November, marking his death anniversary—he passed away in 1890.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah offered tributes, highlighting Phule’s lasting impact on Indian society.
• Born on 11 April 1827, Phule emerged as a pioneering reformer, educator and progressive thinker.
• He championed social justice, women’s education, and upliftment of oppressed communities.
• In 1848, he established India’s first girls’ school in Pune, challenging entrenched social norms.
• Phule founded the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873, aiming to dismantle caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
• In 1888, Vitthalrao Krishnaji Vandekar conferred upon him the respectful title ‘Mahatma’ in recognition of his reformist work.
