Prelims Current Affairs includes Prevention Of Blindness Week, World Autism Awareness Day, 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste Initiative, Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), Pm E-Drive Scheme & Rare Albino Tahr Spotted in Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary

DAYS TO REMEMBER  

1. PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS WEEK

Current Context: Prevention of Blindness Week is observed from 1 April to 7 April to raise awareness about causes of blindness and preventive measures.

ABOUT PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS WEEK

• Duration: 1–7 April every year
• Objective:
  • To spread awareness about causes of blindness
  • To promote preventive eye care
• Focus Areas:
  • Early detection of eye diseases
  • Promotion of eye hygiene and regular check-ups
• Significance:
  • Helps reduce preventable blindness
  • Supports public health awareness

DAYS TO REMEMBER  

2. WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

Current Context: World Autism Awareness Day is observed on 2 April to promote awareness and understanding of autism.

ABOUT WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

• Date: 2 April every year
• Objective:
  • To raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • To promote inclusion and support for individuals with autism
• Significance:
  • Encourages early diagnosis and intervention
  • Promotes acceptance and inclusive society

ENVIRONMENT

3. 20 CITIES TOWARDS ZERO WASTE INITIATIVE

Current Context: Varkala has been selected under the inaugural “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste” initiative.

ABOUT ZERO WASTE INITIATIVE

• Led by: UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste
• Supported by: UN-Habitat and UNEP
• Objective:
  • To promote sustainable waste management
  • To support circular economy practices
• Key Features:
  • Recognises innovative cities reducing waste
  • Encourages exchange of best practices
  • Promotes resilient and sustainable urban systems
• Significance:
  • Supports global environmental sustainability
  • Encourages cities to adopt zero-waste models

ABOUT UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP)

• Established in: 1972
• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
• Mandate:
  • To monitor global environmental conditions
  • Coordinate international environmental responses
• Functions:
  • Supports treaties like CBD, CITES, Minamata Convention
  • Publishes reports (Global Environment Outlook, Emissions Gap Report)
  • Provides technical and financial support to developing countries
• Significance:
  • Leading global authority on environmental issues

ENVIRONMENT

4. CONVENTION ON THE CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY SPECIES (CMS)

Current Context: At CMS COP15, 40 new species were added to the protected list.

• Venue: Campo Grande, Brazil
• Date: 23–29 March 2026
• Theme: “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life”

ABOUT CMS (BONN CONVENTION)

• Signed in: 1979 (Bonn, Germany)
• Under: UNEP
• Objective:
  • Conservation and sustainable use of migratory species
• Key Features:
  • Only global treaty dedicated to migratory species
  • Covers terrestrial, aquatic, and avian species
• Institutional Structure:
  • Conference of Parties (COP) as decision-making body
• Appendices:
  • Appendix I: Endangered species (strict protection)
  • Appendix II: Species needing international cooperation
• Significance:
  • Promotes global cooperation for biodiversity conservation

SCHEME

5. PM E-DRIVE SCHEME

Current Context: Government extended subsidies under PM E-DRIVE Scheme for electric vehicles.

ABOUT PM E-DRIVE SCHEME

• Full Form: Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement
• Launched in: October 2024
• Objective:
  • To promote electric vehicle adoption
  • To develop EV charging infrastructure
• Key Components:
  • Subsidies: For e-2W, e-3W, e-buses, e-trucks, etc.
  • Infrastructure Support: Charging stations and testing facilities
  • Administrative Support: IEC activities and project management
• Implementation:
  • Overseen by Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee (PISC)
• Eligibility:
  • Vehicles must be registered under CMVR
  • Must use advanced battery technology
• Significance:
  • Promotes clean energy and reduces emissions
  • Supports EV ecosystem and manufacturing

HIMACHAL NEWS

6. Rare Albino Tahr Spotted in Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary

Current Context: A rare white female albino Himalayan tahr has been sighted in Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary in the Bharmour region of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh.

Significance of the Albino Tahr Sighting

• This is significant because albino individuals are extremely rare in the wild and indicate unique genetic variation.
• However, albinism may also make animals more vulnerable to predators and environmental challenges.
• The sighting underscores the need for continued conservation efforts and habitat protection in high-altitude ecosystems like Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary

• Second largest wildlife sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh
• Located in Chamba district
• Lies between the Ravi and Chenab rivers
• Altitude range: 2,195 m to 5,040 m
• High-altitude terrain with harsh climatic conditions
• The sanctuary is also known for the revered Manimahesh Temple
• The sanctuary is bordered by:
  • Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary — south-east
  • Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary — north-west

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