06 Feb 2025 ; Daily Current Affairs Updates

SwaRail App; GS-2 (Governance) ▪️Why in the News: The Ministry of Railways has recently introduced a new Super App called 'SwaRail.'

> SwaRail Application: The SwaRail App is designed to integrate multiple railway services, simplifying the process for users by consolidating them into one platform. This reduces the need for several applications and saves space on user devices.

> User Experience: The application focuses on delivering an enhanced user experience through a clean, seamless, and user-friendly interface (UI).

> Key Features: The app caters to a wide range of user needs, including:

• Booking reserved and unreserved tickets.

• Parcel and freight inquiries.

• Train and PNR status inquiries.

• Ordering food on trains.

• Managing complaints through Rail Madad for complaint management.

- Development:

• The SwaRail App is developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)

• CRIS is an organization under the Ministry of Railways responsible for developing and maintaining IT systems for Indian Railways.

• CRIS is involved in developing and maintaining software for various important functional areas across the Indian Railways network.

• It acts as a SuperApp, integrating all the public-facing applications of Indian Railways into a single platform, making access to railway services more streamlined.

National Geospatial Mission; GS-2 (Governance) ▪️Why in the news: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a

National Geospatial Mission in the Budget 2025-26.

> National Geospatial Mission:

• The National Geospatial Mission is a new initiative aimed at modernizing land records and improving urban planning throughout India.

• This project will utilize the existing PM Gati Shakti framework to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data, which will help enhance the design and execution of infrastructure projects across the country.

• The mission also seeks to address longstanding challenges such as land disputes and inefficient land use, which have impeded growth in various regions.

• Geospatial refers to data or information that is linked to a specific location on the Earth's surface.

• By creating a comprehensive geospatial database, the government intends to streamline land reforms, making processes more efficient and transparent.

• This move is expected to benefit not only government agencies but also private stakeholders, including geospatial and drone companies, which will likely experience a surge in demand for their services.

Deepor Beel; GS-3 (Environment and Ecology) ▪️Why in the news: The annual bird count at Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam's only Ramsar site, has recorded a significant increase in waterfowl.

> About the Lake:

• Location: Deepor Beel Lake is a perennial freshwater body situated on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam.

- Origin: It is located in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River.

> Recognition:

• Ramsar Site: The lake was recognized as a Ramsar Site in 2002, marking its significance for wetland conservation.

• Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA): In 2004, it was designated as an

IBA

• Unique Status: It holds the distinction of being the only Ramsar site in Assam.

> Ecological Importance:

• Migratory Birds: The lake serves as a critical staging site along migratory flyways, attracting some of the largest concentrations of aquatic birds in Assam, particularly in winter.

Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola Exilis) ▪️Why in the news: Golden-headed Cisticola has been found for the first time in Mathikettan Shola National Park.

• Golden-headed Cisticola:

• Scientific Name: The scientific name of the Golden-headed Cisticola is Cisticola exilis.

> Common Names: It is also known as the bright-capped cisticola.

> Family: This species belongs to the Cisticolidae family of warblers.

> Diet: The Golden-headed Cisticola is omnivorous, feeding primarily on invertebrates like insects and small slugs, but it also consumes grass seeds.

> Habitat: It is typically found in grasslands within mountain ranges.

• Distribution:

• The bird is found in various regions of Australia and Asia.

• In India, it has been observed in parts of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and northern Kerala.

• Appearance:

• Male Golden-headed Cisticolas display distinct golden-orange plumage on their head, neck, and chest during the breeding season.