Clouded Leopard
Why in News: The Mizoram governor highlighted the pressing challenges in wildlife conservation during a recent event held to observe International Clouded Leopard Day.
About Clouded Leopard
There are two species of clouded leopards: the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi).
Habitat and Distribution:
- Geographical Range: Found in dense forests across Southeast Asia and the Himalayas, including southern China, Bhutan, Nepal, northeast India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Bangladesh.
- Preferred Habitats: Primarily inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests but can also be found in dry tropical forests and mangrove swamps.
- Altitude: Found at relatively high altitudes in the Himalayas.
- India: In India, it is found in Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- State Symbol: It is the state animal of Meghalaya.
Features:
- Size: A medium-sized cat, measuring 60 to 110 cm in length and weighing between 11 and 20 kg.
- Appearance: Named for the distinctive “clouds” on its coat—ellipses partially edged in black, with darker insides contrasting against a pale yellow to rich brown fur base.
- Physical Traits: It has a stocky build, the longest canine teeth (proportionately) of any living feline, short legs, and broad paws, making it highly adept at climbing.
- Climbing Abilities: Can climb while hanging upside-down under branches and descend tree trunks head-first.
- Behavior: It is a solitary animal.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Both species are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)
Why in News: The central government has recently released the complete list of recipients for the inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2024 awards.
About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is a newly established set of awards introduced by the Government of India to honor outstanding contributions in Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Objective:
- Purpose: The awards aim to recognize notable and inspiring contributions by scientists, technologists, and innovators, either individually or in teams, across various fields of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
- Significance: It is one of the highest recognitions in India for achievements in science, technology, and innovation.
Eligibility:
- Who Can Apply: Eligible candidates include scientists, technologists, and innovators working in government or private sector organizations, as well as individuals outside any organization, who have made significant contributions through groundbreaking research, innovation, or discovery in any science or technology field.
- Global Eligibility: People of Indian origin living abroad who have made exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society are also eligible.
Selection Domains:
- Fields Covered: Scientists will be selected across 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and others.
- Representation: The selection process will ensure representation from each domain, including gender parity.
Award Categories:
- Vigyan Ratna (VR): Recognizes lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
- Vigyan Shri (VS): Honors distinguished contributions in any science and technology field.
- Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Encourages young scientists up to the age of 45 years who have made exceptional contributions in any science and technology field.
- Vigyan Team (VT): Awarded to a team of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made significant contributions while working collaboratively in any science and technology field.
Award Process:
- Selection Committee: All nominations are reviewed by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
- Award Ceremony: The awards will be presented on 23rd August (National Space Day), with recipients receiving a Sanad (certificate) and a medal.
Waqf
Why in News: A controversial bill proposing amendments to 44 sections of the Waqf Act of 1995, including provisions to ensure the inclusion of non-Muslim individuals and Muslim women in central and state Waqf boards, is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha.
About Waqf:
Definition:
- Under the Waqf Act of 1954, a Waqf refers to a property dedicated in the name of God for religious and charitable purposes.
- Legally, it is the permanent dedication by a Muslim of any movable or immovable property for purposes recognized by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable.
Establishment:
- A Waqf can be established through a deed or instrument, or a property can be considered a Waqf if it has been used for religious or charitable purposes over a long period.
- Proceeds from Waqf typically fund educational institutions, graveyards, mosques, and shelter homes.
Characteristics:
- Once a property is designated as a Waqf, it becomes non-transferable and is detained perpetually as a charitable act toward God, essentially transferring ownership to God.
- Waqfs can be either public, serving charitable ends, or private, benefiting the property owner’s direct descendants.
Eligibility:
- To create a Waqf, one must be of sound mind and hold valid ownership of the property.
- The creator of a Waqf, known as the Waqif, does not have to be a Muslim, as long as they profess belief in Islamic principles.
Governance of Waqf:
Regulation:
- Waqfs in India are regulated by the Waqf Act, 1995.
- A survey commissioner lists all properties declared as Waqf by conducting local investigations, summoning witnesses, and requisitioning public documents.
- The Waqf is managed by a mutawali, who acts as a supervisor.
Comparison with Trusts:
- Unlike trusts established under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, which can serve broader purposes and be dissolved by the board, Waqfs are specifically for religious and charitable uses and are intended to be perpetual.
Waqf Board:
Definition and Functions:
- A Waqf board is a legal entity capable of acquiring, holding, and transferring property. It can sue and be sued in court.
- Each state has a Waqf Board led by a chairperson, including nominees from the state government, Muslim legislators, parliamentarians, members of the state Bar Council, Islamic scholars, and mutawalis (managers) of Waqfs with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh and above.
Responsibilities:
- The Waqf Board administers Waqf properties, recovers lost properties, and sanctions the transfer of immovable Waqf properties through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease, with at least two-thirds of the board members voting in favour of the transaction.
- The board appoints custodians to ensure the Waqf and its revenue are used for their designated purposes.
Central Waqf Council (CWC):
- Established in 1964, the CWC oversees and advises state-level Waqf Boards across India.
Waqf Act 1995:
Overview:
- The Waqf Act of 1995 is comprehensive legislation enacted by the Indian government to improve the administration and management of waqf properties.
- It establishes the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, distributing powers between Chief Executive Officers and Waqf Boards.
Key Provisions:
- Mandatory registration of all Waqfs with the Waqf Board.
- Maintenance of a central register of Waqfs.
- Authority of Waqf Boards to appoint executive officers.
- Removal of encroachments from Waqf properties.
- Preparation of annual budgets for Waqf maintenance.
- Maintenance of records and inspection of Waqf properties.
Neutron Stars
Why in News: Astronomers have recently identified ten unusual dead stars, known as “neutron stars,” located near the center of the Milky Way.
About Neutron Stars:
Formation:
- Neutron stars are incredibly dense and compact celestial objects formed when a massive star exhausts its fuel and collapses.
- During this collapse, the star’s core compresses, converting protons and electrons into neutrons.
- If the core’s mass is between 1 and 3 solar masses, these neutrons halt the collapse, resulting in a neutron star. Stars with greater mass continue to collapse into black holes.
Characteristics:
- Neutron stars are found throughout the galaxy, often in the same locations as other stars, and can be isolated or part of binary systems.
- They are typically about 20 km (12 miles) in diameter.
- Their masses range from 1.18 to 1.97 times that of the Sun, with most averaging 1.35 times the Sun’s mass.
Detection:
- Many neutron stars may be undetectable due to insufficient radiation emission.
- Most neutron stars are observed as pulsars, which are rotating neutron stars emitting radiation in regular pulses, ranging from milliseconds to seconds.
- Pulsars have strong magnetic fields that direct particle jets along their magnetic poles, producing intense beams of light.
Types:
- Pulsars: Rotating neutron stars that emit regular pulses of radiation.
- Rotating Radio Transients (RRATs): Sources emitting single, sporadic radio bursts at intervals from four minutes to three hours, with an unknown cause.
- Magnetars: Neutron stars with exceptionally strong magnetic fields, much stronger than Earth’s magnetic field.