Recently, over 160 elephants and numerous other wildlife species perished in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park due to a climate change-induced drought. The park, part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, faced a severe water crisis as seasonal water sources dried up and boreholes failed. The extended drought, influenced by the El Nino weather phenomenon, forced elephants to migrate in search of water. Despite temporary relief from rains, the park remains at risk, with forecasts predicting further drought and heightened climate change challenges in the southern African region.

Wandering albatrosses, the world’s largest flying birds with a 3.5-meter wingspan, face extinction due to threats like longline fishing and plastic ingestion. Climate change poses an additional risk to their nesting sites in the Southern Hemisphere. These oceanic nomads spend most of their 60-year life at sea, breeding on subantarctic islands like Marion and Prince Edward. With a vulnerable conservation status, urgent measures are needed to protect these majestic birds and their unique habitats.

The Centre has no plans to modify the RoDTEP scheme for exporters, despite US anti-subsidy duties. The issue lies in exporters’ inability to provide adequate documents to US investigators, not the scheme’s WTO compatibility. Launched on January 1, 2021, by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, RoDTEP replaces the MEIS to refund non-recoverable embedded taxes and boost exports. The scheme aims to address previously low export volumes by facilitating duty and tax remissions for exporters.

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival, also known as Maru Mahotsav, is a vibrant cultural extravaganza scheduled for 2024 in the heart of Rajasthan’s desert city, Jaisalmer. This unique blend of music, dance, art, and tradition showcases the rich heritage of Rajasthan. The festival, themed “Back to the Desert,” is a captivating celebration from February 22–24, 2024, offering a delightful fusion of contemporary and age-old customs, creating an unforgettable experience and serving as a testament to Rajasthan’s enduring traditions.

Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) unveils Havisure, India’s first indigenous Hepatitis-A vaccine, protecting against the contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food or water. The two-dose inactivated virus vaccine, developed over eight years, addresses pediatric, adolescent, and adult needs. Priced at Rs 2,150 per dose, Havisure is a vital step in achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat. Extensive clinical trials and regulatory approval were completed, showcasing IIL’s commitment to advancing healthcare. Havisure joins IIL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), vaccines lineup, following Mebella and TeddyVac.