Daily Prelims 30th November 2023

1) Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS): Recently, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the state government to resolve the issues in the delay in the notification of eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) status for SWS.  

• ESZ is a designated area around a protected area where certain activities are regulated to minimize human impact and protect the surrounding environment.  
• About SWS  
• Location- Shimoga District of Karnataka.  
• Declared Wildlife Sanctuary in 1974.  
• Main rivers- Thunga and Kumadwhathi  
• Fauna- Sambar, Indian Gaur, Tiger, Elephant, Sloth bear, etc  
• Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary, is also a part of this Sanctuary. 

2) Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC): IOTC is an intergovernmental organization responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean.  

• Its objective is to ensure the conservation and appropriate utilization of fish stocks and encourage the sustainable development of fisheries.  
• It was established within the framework of FAO by the Agreement for the establishment of the IOTC in 1993 and entered into force in 1996  
• Its key functions and responsibilities are drawn from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  
• Headquarters- Victoria, Seychelles  
• India is also a Member. 

3) Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children: Ministry of Women & Child Development launched the National Outreach Programme on the Anganwadi Protocol.  

• Protocol embodies a Social Model for Divyangjan inclusive care under the POSHAN Abhiyan, with a step-by-step approach:  
• Screening for early disability signs  
• Inclusion in community events and empowering families  
• Referral support via ASHA/ANM & Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) teams.  \
• The protocol is in line with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022. 

4) Tritonal: Israel has been accused of using Mk-84 bombs in the ongoing conflict in Gaza which are generally filled with Tritonal.  

• Tritonal is a mix of one part Aluminium and three parts trinitrotoluene or TNT.  
• It is a dangerous explosive, especially when exposed to heat.  
• Transport of Tritonal by aircraft or railways is forbidden due to its explosive characteristics. 

Places in News: 

1) Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur): 

• From December, Malaysia has allowed Visa free entry for Indians for stay up to 30 days.  
• Political Boundaries:   
• Thailand and Brunei (north), Singapore (south), Indonesia (southwest).  
• Malaysia consists of two non-contiguous regions i.e  
• Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) located in Malay Peninsula bordering South China Sea in the east.  
• Malaysia Timur (East Malaysia) located on the Island of Borneo.  
• It border South China Sea in the northwest, the Sulu Sea in the northeast, and the Celebes Sea in the southeast.  
• Geographical Features:  
• Major Rivers: Pahang, Sarawak, Rajang, Kinabatangan.  
• Highest Point: Mt Kinabalu (4100m)