World Dugong Day
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- ‘World Dugong Day’ is observed annually on May 28th with the aim of raising global awareness regarding the conservation of dugongs (marine mammals also known as sea cows) and their vulnerable coastal habitats.
- The official theme for World Dugong Day is: “A Decade Beneath the Waves: Dugongs & Us.”
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially recognised India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, during the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress.
Key Points
- The reserve was officially notified in September 2022 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
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- This is India’s first marine reserve dedicated to conserving dugongs, a vulnerable marine mammal species.
- Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are marine mammals listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, provides the legal framework for such conservation reserves in India.
World Hunger Day
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- ‘World Hunger Day’ is observed annually on May 28th to raise awareness regarding global food insecurity and to inspire grassroots-level actions aimed at eradicating hunger.
- The theme for World Hunger Day 2026 is: “The End of Hunger is in Our Hands.”
The ‘Blue Flag’ Scheme
- The ‘Blue Flag’ scheme is a globally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators that meet high standards across the fields of environmental management, safety, accessibility, water quality, and environmental education.
- This ‘Blue Flag’ certification is granted by the ‘Foundation for Environmental Education’ (FEE), based in Denmark, to beaches that fulfill 33 specific criteria related to cleanliness, aesthetics, and environmental sustainability.
- In 2001, the scheme expanded globally and has since emerged as one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-awards.
- The selection process is conducted by an international jury representing organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the FEE, and the IUCN.
India’s ‘Blue Flag’ Beaches:
- Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Golden Beach (Odisha), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad and Thalaserry (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), Kadmat Island (Lakshadweep), Eden Beach (Puducherry).
Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (TNPFIDCL)
- The Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (TNPFIDCL) was established on June 27, 1991, as a wholly state-government-owned Public Sector Undertaking; it is also registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a ‘Non-Banking Financial Company’ (a deposit-taking institution).
- The Corporation was classified as a ‘Public Financial Institution’ by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, on January 9, 2007.
- TNPFIDCL primarily mobilizes its funds through deposits received from the general public; furthermore, it provides the necessary financial support for infrastructure projects undertaken by TANGEDCO.
- In addition to accepting deposits from the Government of Tamil Nadu for the implementation of various welfare schemes, the Corporation also generates attractive returns for the beneficiaries of these schemes.
Cotton Textile Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)
- Origin: Established by the Government of India in 1954, it was the first council set up after independence.
- Headquarters: Mumbai.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles.
- Type: A government-funded, autonomous, non-profit organization.
- Role: It serves as the international face of India’s cotton textile sector, facilitating exports across the globe.
Mekedatu Project- The Mekedatu Project is a proposed multipurpose balancing reservoir and drinking water project initiated by the Government of Karnataka.
- It is located near Kanakapura in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka, close to the Tamil Nadu border.
- The project is situated at the confluence of the Cauvery River and its tributary, the Arkavathi River.
- The project proposes the construction of a concrete gravity dam with a height of 99 meters and a length of 735 meters.
- The reservoir is planned to store approximately 66 TMC feet of water.
- It is expected to generate around 400 MW of hydroelectric power.
Arkavathi River- Arkavathi River is an important mountain river in Karnataka, and is a major tributary of the Cauvery River.
- It originates from the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka.
- The river flows southwards through Bengaluru, Ramanagara and Mandya districts.
- The total length of the river is about 190 km.
- The river forms the famous Chunji Falls near Haroshivanahalli.
Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Zone
- The Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board in Tamil Nadu has declared an area of about 193.215 hectares in Aritapatti, Madurai district as a biodiversity zone. It is the habitat of about 250 species of birds, anteaters, and devang. Also, the Anaikondan pond built during the Pandava period and several water springs are being protected.
- Kasampatti Veera Temple in Dindigul district, Elathur Lake (37.42 hectares) in Erode district, and Nagamalai Hills have been declared as important biodiversity hotspots.
- About 349 species of biodiversity such as various species of birds, insects, bees, wasps, and rare frogs are being maintained in an area of about 32.22 hectares in Nagamalai Hills.
Thirukkural (No. 672)
Sleep and act: Sleep
The verb to do not sleep.
- Meaning: Things that should be delayed should be done with delay; things that should be done quickly without delay should not be delayed.
