Current affairs 2014

China’s Yan Bingtao Becomes Youngest Player to Win World Snooker Title

Yan Bingtao, the 14-year-old prodigy from China, has created history by becoming the youngest player to win the men’s title in the IBSF World SnookerChampionship. He defeated Pakistan’s Muhammad Sajjad 8-7 in the final match held in Bengaluru,Karnataka.

Earlier, Yan had defeated 12 time World titles holder Pankaj Advani by 6-4 to storm into the men’s semi-finals.

PM flags off Meghalaya’s first train

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off the first train from Mendipathar, Meghalaya, to Guwahati. This was an important occasion in the history of IndianRailways, as Meghalaya was being added to the rail network  of India for first time. He also unveiled the plaque for a new rail line from Bhairabi to Sairang.

WCCB develops app to track wildlife crimes across country

For the first time, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) underEnvironment Ministry in coordination with the Wildlife Trust ofIndia (WTI) have developed Android based smartphone application that will enable users to report wildlife crimes, from any part of the country using their mobile phones

Features of applications

• This application provides a secure platform for real time exchange of wildlife crime related information between WCCB and relevant stakeholders
• The app allows an individual to report a wildlife crime quickly and efficiently as the lead will be automatically delivered to a designated email id of WCCB.
• The user who reports crime can also remain anonymous and WCCB will be the sole custodian of the collected information.
• Further, no details of the person reporting the crime will be shared without the prior consent of the individual.
• This interactive app has a simple user interface replacing the written reporting and records.
• It is also integrated with digital version of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The updated version will provide regular wildlife crime news alerts and updates on any amendments/notifications related to the Act.

Further, WTI is in consultation with its partner International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is also trying to develop an application for identification of wild animals which is expected to be integrated in the next version of the present app.

Thus this application may contribute greatly in improving wildlife crime enforcement in India.