Current Affairs 05 March 2026
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Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘HANUMAN Project’ for Wildlife Conservation
The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched the HANUMAN Project to reduce human–wildlife conflict and strengthen wildlife conservation efforts in the State. The initiative was launched in Vijayawada by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forest and Environment Pawan Kalyan.
About the HANUMAN Project
The project stands for Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife (HANUMAN). It is a scientific and technology-driven initiative aimed at protecting wildlife while ensuring the safety of people living near forest areas.
- Over 100 rapid response and rescue vehicles deployed across the State.
- Seven wildlife ambulances introduced for the treatment of injured animals.
- Establishment of four Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres at:
- Visakhapatnam
- Rajamahendravaram
- Tirupati
- Byrluti
- Deployment of 19 rapid response teams to handle wildlife emergencies.
At the village level, Vajra teams consisting of trained wildlife protectors are being formed and equipped with rescue kits to deal with incidents involving snakes and other animals.
Compensation for Wildlife Conflict
The Andhra Pradesh government has also increased compensation for victims of wildlife attacks:
- Ex gratia for deaths: Increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh
- Compensation for injuries: Increased to ₹2 lakh
2,000-Year-Old Megalithic Rock-Cut Chamber Discovered in Kerala
A laterite rock-cut chamber dating back nearly 2,000 years to the Megalithic period was recently discovered at Panayal in Kasaragod district of Kerala during excavation work for constructing a compound wall.
Key Features of the Discovery
- The structure is a circular burial chamber carved out of laterite rock.
- Its entrance was sealed with a stone slab, indicating ritual burial practices.
- A circular aperture (about 5 cm in diameter) at the top allows entry into the chamber.
- A shaft about three feet deep leads down to the burial chamber.
Megalithic Burial Practices
Megalithic communities in South India often constructed rock-cut chambers or burial structures to inter the dead along with pottery and other ritual objects. These chambers are locally known by different names such as:
- Muniyara
- Pandava Cave
- Peeranki Cave
- Nidhikuzhi
- Kalppathayam
Nearby areas in Kasaragod have also yielded umbrella stones, another type of Megalithic monument.
1) Megalithic burials are extensively found in Southern India.
2) The Iron Age in prehistoric India is contemporary with Megalithic burials.
3) Chalcolithic communities founded the first villages in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Megalithic burial culture in India is widely found in Southern India, particularly in states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, making Statement 1 correct. The Megalithic culture is generally associated with the Iron Age in prehistoric India, therefore Statement 2 is correct. Chalcolithic communities were among the earliest settled agricultural communities that established villages in several parts of India, making Statement 3 correct.
Breast Cancer Cases in India Rise Nearly 500% Since 1990
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology has revealed a significant rise in breast cancer cases in India between 1990 and 2023.
According to the study:
- Breast cancer cases increased by about 477% (nearly 500%) in India during this period.
- Deaths due to breast cancer rose by around 352%.
The study highlights that the burden of breast cancer is increasing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, including India. Factors contributing to this rise include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Urbanisation
- Delayed childbirth
- Reduced breastfeeding
- Lack of early screening and awareness
Indian Women’s Cricket Team Nominated for 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award
The Indian women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has been nominated for the 2026 Laureus World Team of the Year Award following their historic maiden Women’s Cricket World Cup victory. The Laureus World Sports Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international sports, often referred to as the “Oscars of Sports.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Hanuman Project?
The project stands for Healing and Nurturing Units for Monitoring, Aid and Nursing of Wildlife (HANUMAN). It is a scientific and technology-driven initiative aimed at protecting wildlife while ensuring the safety of people living near forest areas.
Where are the four Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres established in Andhra Pradesh?
Establishment of four Wildlife Rescue and Treatment Centres at:Visakhapatnam
Rajamahendravaram
Tirupati
Byrluti
What are Vajra teams?
At the village level, Vajra teams consisting of trained wildlife protectors are being formed and equipped with rescue kits to deal with incidents involving snakes and other animals.
What are the megaliths found in Kerala?
A laterite rock-cut chamber dating back nearly 2,000 years to the Megalithic period was recently discovered at Panayal in Kasaragod district of Kerala during excavation work for constructing a compound wall.
