💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Distribution: weekly

  • Definition of ‘Tribe’ in India

    Why in the News?  

    At the recent Indian Anthropology Congress officials from the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) called for a shift in defining tribes.

    Instead of a rigid binary classification—tribe or not—they advocate for a “spectrum of tribalness”.

    About Scheduled Tribes (STs)

    • STs are defined under Article 366(25) of the Indian Constitution as “such tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within such tribes or tribal communities as are deemed under Article 342 to be Scheduled Tribes for the purposes of this Constitution.“
    • Under Article 342, the President notifies STs for each State/UT after consultation with the Governor, and modifications can only be made by Parliament through legislation.
    • Currently, 705 STs are notified across 30 States/UTs, comprising 8.6% of India’s population (2011 Census).
    • They are mainly concentrated in Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, etc.) and the North-East.

    Existing Criteria for ST Classification (Lokur Committee, 1965)

    • The Lokur Committee (1965) laid down 5 key criteria for classifying STs:
    1. Primitive Traits
    2. Distinctive Culture
    3. Geographical Isolation
    4. Shyness of Contact with the Community at Large
    5. Backwardness
    • Criticisms of Existing Criteria:
      • Termed obsolete, condescending, and colonial by scholars.
      • Many communities today do not fully meet all criteria.
      • Fails to reflect regional diversity, historical coexistence, and social changes.
      • Overly dependent on a binary view of ‘tribe’ vs. ‘non-tribe’, leading to inclusion-exclusion conflicts (e.g., Meitei ST demand in Manipur).

    Proposal for a ‘Spectrum of Tribalness’

    Recent academic and policy discussions (e.g., at the Indian Anthropology Congress) advocate for a paradigm shift:

    • Replace binary classification with a “spectrum of tribalness” or matrix of indicators.
    • Use a broader set of 100-150 indicators, including:
      • Marriage, kinship systems, language, rituals, governance structures, cultural materiality (e.g., headgear, weaponry) etc.
    • Assign weightage to each indicator to determine the degree of tribalness.

    PYQ:

    [2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. It is the Governor of the State who recognizes and declares any community of that State as a Scheduled Tribe.

    2. A community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • What Laws govern Import of Gold into India?

    Why in the News?

    India is facing a rise in gold smuggling due to higher global gold prices, with a recent high-profile case where an actor was arrested for smuggling over 14 kg of gold from Dubai to Bengaluru.

    Laws Against Gold Smuggling in India:

    • Gold smuggling is regulated by the Customs Act, 1962.
      • Sections 111 & 112 allow confiscation and fines for illegal imports.
      • Section 135 provides up to 7 years imprisonment if the smuggled goods’ value exceeds ₹1 lakh.
    • Under the Baggage Rules, 2016, men abroad for 1+ year can bring 20g duty-free (₹50,000 cap); women can bring 40g (₹1 lakh cap).
    • Customs duty rates:
      • 3% duty: Men (20-50g), Women (40-100g).
      • 6% duty: Men (50-100g), Women (100-200g).
      • 10% duty: Beyond these limits.
    • The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, punishes organized smuggling with 5 years to life imprisonment under Section 111.
    • Under UAPA Section 15, smuggling that affects India’s monetary stability is treated as a terrorist act, attracting life imprisonment.
    • The Supreme Court (2003) ruled that non-compliant imports are prohibited goods, liable for confiscation and punishment.

    India’s Gold Imports:

    • India is the second-largest gold consumer after China, with gold making up 5% of total imports, mostly for the jewellery industry.
    • Major import sources: Switzerland (40%), UAE (16%), South Africa (10%).
    • Budget 2024 reduced import duty from 15% to 6% to control smuggling and balance trade.
    • In April-July 2024-25, gold imports dipped by 4.23%, easing pressure on the Current Account Deficit (CAD).
    • April-June 2024:
      • Gems & jewellery exports: US$ 6.87 bn.
      • Diamonds: 53.47%, gold jewellery: 32.39% (US$ 608 mn), silver jewellery: 3.36%.
      • Gold jewellery imports: US$ 88.61 mn (June 2024).
    • Major production hubs: Surat, Mumbai, Jaipur, Thrissur, Nellore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata.
    • India targets US$ 100 billion gems & jewellery exports by 2027, making it a focus sector for export promotion.

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?

    1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.

    2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector.

    3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • A voluntary mandate: On the APAAR student ID

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Education introduced the Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID to digitally store each student’s academic records, providing a single, reliable source of their educational history throughout their life in India.

    Should the APAAR ID be imposed without a legal framework in place?

    • Violation of Right to Privacy: Without a legal framework, imposing APAAR violates the right to privacy upheld by the Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy judgment (2017). Example: The Court ruled that Aadhaar cannot be mandatory for basic services like school admissions. APAAR, linked to Aadhaar, may similarly infringe on privacy rights.
    • Lack of Informed Consent: Mandatory implementation without clear legal guidelines undermines voluntary participation and informed consent. Example: Parents in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka face pressure to enroll their children despite official claims that APAAR is voluntary.
    • Data Security Risks: Collecting sensitive student data without legal safeguards increases vulnerability to data breaches and misuse. Example: The Aadhaar leak incidents exposed millions of personal records, highlighting risks in handling large-scale digital databases without strict protection laws.
    • Discrimination and Exclusion: Errors in digital records (e.g., name mismatches) can exclude students from educational benefits if no legal recourse is available. Example: In DigiLocker, discrepancies in Aadhaar details have led to failed registrations and denial of services. Similar risks exist with APAAR.
    • Need for Legislative Oversight: A legal framework ensures transparency, accountability, and public trust in the system’s operation. Example: Countries like Germany regulate educational data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to protect citizens’ privacy. India lacks similar comprehensive safeguards for APAAR.

    What is the purpose of the APAAR ID introduced by the Ministry of Education?

    • Digitisation of Academic Records: APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) aims to create a digital repository for every student’s academic transcripts, ensuring a lifetime record of their educational journey.
      • It seeks to provide a unified and verified database for academic credentials, reducing discrepancies and ensuring authenticity across institutions.
    • Improved Accessibility and Portability: Enables students to access, share, and transfer their academic records seamlessly across educational institutions and employment platforms.
    • Integration with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): APAAR is part of the broader Digital Public Infrastructure strategy, aligning with initiatives like UDISE+ and the Student Database Management System to enhance educational governance.
    • Facilitating Future Opportunities: It aims to streamline processes like scholarship applications, higher education admissions, and employment verification, making these services more efficient and transparent.

    How are schools and state education authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka enforcing APAAR enrolment?

    • Imposing 100% Enrolment Targets: Schools have been directed to achieve “saturation”, meaning complete APAAR enrolment for all students, putting pressure on administrators and parents. Example: In Uttar Pradesh, education authorities have set strict deadlines for schools to register every student under the APAAR system.
    • Threatening Consequences for Non-Enrolment: Schools are warning parents of potential penalties or loss of educational services if they refuse to enroll their children. Example: In Karnataka, some schools have informed parents that students may face issues in accessing government benefits and future educational opportunities without APAAR registration.
    • Targeting Minority Institutions and Administrators: Religious minority schools and district education officials face increased scrutiny for discrepancies between APAAR and existing student records. Example: In Uttar Pradesh, authorities have questioned minority institutions over mismatched enrollment data, raising concerns about discrimination and administrative overreach.

    Way forward: 

    • Enact a Clear Legal Framework: Introduce legislation to regulate APAAR, ensuring data protection, informed consent, and compliance with the right to privacy as upheld by the Supreme Court.
    • Ensure Voluntary Participation and Transparency: Maintain APAAR enrolment as optional, provide clear communication to parents and institutions, and establish grievance redressal mechanisms to address errors and concerns.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on the Right to Privacy. (UPSC IAS/2017)

    Reason- UPSC’s focus on privacy concerns related to government actions.

  • A school closure that must be called out

    Why in the News?

    The shutdown of the only Gondi-medium school in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, which was started in 2019 by the Mohgaon gram panchayat, raises concerns about tribal students learning in their own language.

    What constitutional provisions support the preservation of Adivasi languages and cultures in India?

    • Article 29: Protects the rights of minorities to conserve their distinct languages, scripts, and cultures.
    • Article 350A: Directs the state to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary education level for minority children.
    • Fifth Schedule: Provides special protections and governance provisions for Scheduled Areas, where many Adivasi communities reside.
    • Sixth Schedule: Grants autonomy to certain tribal areas in the northeastern states, allowing self-governance and cultural preservation.
    • Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA): Recognizes the role of gram sabhas in self-governance, including decisions related to education in tribal areas.

    How do the forces of absorption in secular and religious realms impact Adivasi communities?

    • Marginalization of Adivasi Languages in Education: Adivasi students are forced to learn in dominant languages, leading to the decline of their mother tongues and weakening of cultural identity. Example: The closure of the Gondi-medium school in Maharashtra due to non-recognition under the Right to Education Act.
    • Loss of Land and Displacement Due to Development Projects: Adivasi communities are displaced from their ancestral lands due to industrial and infrastructural projects, leading to economic instability and cultural loss. Example: Large-scale mining and dam projects in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have forced many Adivasis to migrate to urban slums.
    • Religious Assimilation and Erosion of Indigenous Beliefs: Traditional tribal religious practices are undermined or replaced by dominant religions, leading to cultural homogenization. Example: The decline of Sarna worship among Adivasis due to conversions to Hinduism and Christianity.
    • Market-Driven Cultural Appropriation: Tribal art, music, and traditions are exploited for commercial purposes without benefiting the Adivasi creators. Example: Warli and Gond paintings being sold globally, while many Adivasi artists remain in poverty.
    • Denial of Political and Constitutional Recognition: The lack of official recognition for Adivasi languages and cultures weakens their identity and limits access to resources and opportunities. Example: Gondi, spoken by over 2.9 million people, is not included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, whereas Sanskrit, spoken by fewer than 25,000, is recognized.

    What are the steps taken by the government?

    • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Emphasizes mother-tongue-based education at the primary level, promoting indigenous languages. Example: Bilingual textbooks in tribal languages have been introduced in states like Odisha and Jharkhand.
    • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Aims to provide quality education to tribal students while incorporating their cultural heritage. Example: Over 700 EMRS schools are planned across India, with some offering instruction in tribal languages.
    • Documentation and Digital Preservation Initiatives: Projects to document and preserve endangered tribal languages and cultures. Example: The Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) under the CIIL (Central Institute of Indian Languages) focuses on documenting languages like Gondi.

    What are the factors that highlight the contrast between the recognition of Sanskrit and Gondi in the Eighth Schedule?

    • Oral vs. Textual Tradition: Sanskrit has a vast corpus of classical texts and scriptures, whereas Gondi follows an oral tradition, making it vulnerable to erosion without formal preservation efforts. Example: Ancient Sanskrit texts like the Vedas are archived and studied, but Gondi folklore and oral histories are at risk of being lost due to a lack of institutional documentation.
    • Number of Speakers: Gondi is spoken by over 2.9 million people across six states, while Sanskrit has fewer than 25,000 speakers. Example: Despite its widespread use among Adivasi communities, Gondi remains unrecognized, whereas Sanskrit, with a much smaller speaker base, is included in the Eighth Schedule.
    • State Support and Promotion: Sanskrit receives government funding, university courses, and institutional backing, whereas Gondi lacks state-supported educational and literary initiatives. Example: Sanskrit is taught in schools and has dedicated institutions like the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, while Gondi-medium schools struggle for recognition, such as the case in Maharashtra.
    • Socio-Political Influence: Sanskrit is associated with elite Brahminical traditions and enjoys support from powerful socio-political groups, whereas Gondi is linked to marginalized Adivasi communities with limited political representation. Example: Political leaders and policymakers advocate for Sanskrit’s preservation, but there is little lobbying for Gondi’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.
    • Economic and Employment Relevance: Sanskrit is promoted as a classical and sacred language, but it has minimal practical usage in employment, whereas Gondi is actively spoken by tribal communities in daily life. Example: Sanskrit is used in religious and academic contexts, while Gondi is the primary language for communication among Adivasis, yet lacks state recognition.

    Way forward: 

    • Institutional Recognition and Policy Support: Need to include Gondi and other major Adivasi languages in the Eighth Schedule to ensure constitutional recognition, funding for education, and cultural preservation.
    • Community-Led Preservation and Promotion: The Government should strengthen grassroots efforts by empowering Adivasi organizations, establishing indigenous language schools, and promoting digital documentation of oral traditions.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (UPSC IAS/2022) 

    Reason- This question is relevant because the closure of the Gondi-medium school highlights the specific educational needs of a particular tribal community (Gondi speakers).

  • What is Hantavirus and how does it spread?

    Why in the News?

    Betsy Arakawa, wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, died from a respiratory illness linked to hantavirus, a rare disease transmitted by infected rodents, officials have confirmed.

    What is Hantavirus?

    • Hantavirus is a family of viruses carried by rodents that cause severe illnesses in humans. The two primary diseases it causes are:
    1. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) – A fatal respiratory illness common in the Americas.
    2. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) – Affects the kidneys and causes internal bleeding, mostly found in Asia and Europe.
    • Hantavirus spreads through contact with infected rodent waste, primarily via:
      • Inhalation (Aerosolization) – Breathing in airborne particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
      • Direct Contact – Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
      • Open Wounds – Virus entering through cuts or scratches.
      • Rodent Bites (Rare).
      • Human-to-Human Transmission – Extremely rare, except for Andes virus in South America.

    Is there a Cure or Treatment?

    • No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine exists.
    • Medical care focuses on symptom management:
      • Oxygen therapy for breathing difficulties.
      • ICU support & mechanical ventilation in severe cases.
    • Early detection is crucial – Seek medical help immediately after potential rodent exposure.

  • Neurobiological basis of Substance Abuse Addiction

    Why in the News?

    A groundbreaking study at the University of British Columbia, published in Nature Mental Health, reveals that addiction involves a complex neural circuit regulating cravings, emotions, and decision-making, shifting approaches to treatment and recovery.

    Key Findings of the Research:

    • Addiction Alters a Network of Brain Regions:  A multi-center study analyzing 144 neuroimaging studies with 9,000 participants confirmed that addiction does not affect isolated brain areas but rather disrupts a circuit responsible for craving, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
    • Brain’s Reward System is Hijacked: The nucleus accumbens releases dopamine, reinforcing pleasurable behaviors. Addictive substances exploit this mechanism, making substance use compulsive over time.
    • Withdrawal Causes Emotional Distress: The extended amygdala triggers stress, anxiety, and irritability when substance use stops, driving continued consumption to avoid discomfort.
    • Decision-Making is Impaired: The prefrontal cortex weakens, reducing impulse control and rational thinking, making quitting extremely difficult despite awareness of harm.
    • Adolescents are More Vulnerable: Since the prefrontal cortex matures last, early substance exposure increases long-term addiction risk.
    • Neuroadaptations Persist Even After Abstinence: Brain changes caused by addiction do not immediately reverse, leading to relapse vulnerability even after long periods of sobriety.

    The Three-Stage Cycle of Addiction

    • Binge/Intoxication Stage (Basal Ganglia – Reward Processing)
      • Substance use triggers dopamine release, reinforcing pleasurable behaviors.
      • Over time, the brain associates substance use with intense rewards, increasing dependence.
      • Users experience cravings, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
    • Withdrawal/Negative Affect Stage (Extended Amygdala – Emotional Distress)
      • When substance use stops, individuals experience withdrawal symptoms like stress, anxiety, and depression.
      • The brain craves relief, pushing individuals toward continued substance use to avoid discomfort.
      • This stage makes quitting extremely difficult, reinforcing addiction.
    • Preoccupation/Anticipation Stage (Prefrontal Cortex – Impulse Control & Cravings)
      • The prefrontal cortex weakens, impairing decision-making and self-control.
      • Cravings dominate thoughts, leading to obsessive focus on substance use.
      • Despite knowing the negative consequences, individuals struggle to quit due to impaired cognitive function.

    This cycle continuously repeats, making addiction a self-reinforcing loop.

    PYQ:

    [2007] Which one of the following parts of the human brain is the regulating center for swallowing and vomiting?

    Options:

    (a) Cerebellum (b) Cerebrum (c) Medulla oblongata (d) Pons

     

  • [13th March 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The dangerous illusion cast by development rankings

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q)  It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. (UPSC CSE 2019)

     

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the strategy of objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together (2019) and the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. (2020).

    California recently faced devastating wildfires, causing around $250 billion in damage—close to Greece’s GDP in 2023. This reveals the hidden costs of development in wealthy nations. If all countries consumed resources like the U.S. or EU, we would need multiple Earths. Yet, the HDI still promotes these unsustainable models as ideals, ignoring ecological realities.

    Today’s editorial talks about how the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Planetary Pressures-adjusted HDI (PHDI) give a misleading view of progress. This topic is useful for GS Paper 2 and GS Paper 3 in the UPSC Mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Indicators like the United Nations’ HDI and PHDI overlook the fact that Earth has limited resources, promoting development models that may harm the environment and exceed planetary boundaries.

    How does the Human Development Index (HDI) create a misguided perception of progress?

    • Ignores Environmental Impact: HDI measures life expectancy, education, and income but does not account for the environmental damage caused by development. Example: Countries like the United States and Norway have high HDI scores despite being among the largest carbon emitters and resource consumers.
    • Promotes Unsustainable Consumption Patterns: It celebrates the lifestyles of affluent countries without considering whether these consumption patterns can be replicated globally. Example: If every country consumed resources like the European Union, we would need multiple Earths to sustain global life.
    • Overlooks Inequality and Social Justice: HDI does not reflect internal inequalities within countries, masking disparities in wealth distribution and social justice.
      Example: Despite India’s improving HDI score, significant inequalities exist between rural and urban populations in access to education and healthcare.
    • Creates a One-Size-Fits-All Model of Development: It assumes that higher incomes and longer life expectancy automatically equate to better development, disregarding cultural and ecological diversity. Example: Countries like Costa Rica achieve high life expectancy and literacy with a low ecological footprint, offering a sustainable development model.
    • Fails to Recognize Planetary Boundaries: HDI does not measure whether a country’s development exceeds ecological limits, encouraging a pursuit of progress at the cost of environmental sustainability. Example, Nordic countries maintain top HDI rankings despite consuming resources equivalent to five Earths per capita.

    What is Planetary Pressures-adjusted HDI (PHDI)?

    • The PHDI is a modified version of the Human Development Index (HDI) introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2020.
    • It adjusts a country’s HDI score by accounting for the environmental impact of its development, particularly focusing on carbon emissions and material consumption.

    Why did the United Nations introduce the Planetary Pressures-adjusted HDI (PHDI)?

    • To Address Environmental Sustainability: The PHDI was introduced to account for the environmental pressures caused by high levels of human development, such as carbon emissions and resource consumption. Example: Countries with high HDI scores, like the United States and Australia, receive lower PHDI rankings due to their significant carbon footprints.
    • To Provide a More Holistic Measure of Progress: It aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of development by balancing human well-being with environmental responsibility. Example: While Norway ranks highly on the HDI, its PHDI score is reduced because of its high per-capita ecological impact.
    • To Encourage Sustainable Development Models: The PHDI highlights the need for nations to pursue progress within planetary boundaries, promoting more sustainable policy frameworks.
      Example: Costa Rica, with its focus on renewable energy and forest conservation, maintains a more balanced PHDI compared to other high-income countries.

    What should be the true meaning of progress for developing nations like India?

    • Sustainable Development within Ecological Limits: Progress should balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, ensuring the responsible use of natural resources without depleting them for future generations. Example: India’s National Solar Mission aims to increase renewable energy capacity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels, promoting cleaner and sustainable progress.
    • Inclusive and Equitable Growth: Development must ensure social justice by reducing inequalities and providing access to basic services like healthcare, education, and employment for all sections of society. Example: Aspirational Districts Programme focuses on improving underdeveloped areas by enhancing healthcare, education, and infrastructure, fostering inclusive growth.
    • Quality of Life and Human Dignity: True progress prioritizes human well-being, ensuring that every citizen lives with dignity and has access to a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life. Example: The Swachh Bharat Mission improved sanitation across rural India, enhancing public health and ensuring better living conditions.

    Why should developing countries like India adopt a different vision of progress?

    • Environmental Sustainability and Resource Limits: Following the Western model of high consumption is unsustainable for resource-rich but ecologically vulnerable countries. Developing nations must prioritize sustainable practices to avoid environmental degradation. Example: India’s Green Hydrogen Mission aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote clean energy, aligning growth with environmental conservation.
    • Addressing Social Inequalities: A different vision of progress focuses on reducing socio-economic disparities by ensuring equitable access to basic services like healthcare, education, and livelihoods. Example: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana promotes financial inclusion by providing banking services to marginalized communities, fostering inclusive development.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) (2008): Includes eight missions focusing on renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Example: The National Solar Mission aims to achieve 280 GW of solar power by 2030.
    • Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): Promotes the use of green hydrogen to reduce fossil fuel dependency and cut carbon emissions.
    • Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) (2014): Provides banking access to the unbanked population, enhancing financial inclusion.
    • Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) (2018): Provides health coverage to over 500 million people, ensuring access to quality healthcare for low-income groups.
    • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) (2005): This guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households, ensuring livelihood security.
    • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (2014): Focuses on skill development and employment for rural and urban poor.

    Way forward: 

    • Adopt a Balanced Development Approach: Integrate environmental sustainability with social and economic policies, ensuring that progress respects planetary boundaries while addressing socio-economic disparities. Example: Strengthen initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Mission and promote circular economy practices to reduce ecological footprints.
    • Enhance Social Equity and Human Well-being: Prioritize inclusive growth by improving access to quality healthcare, education, and employment for all, especially marginalized communities. Example: Expand programs like Ayushman Bharat and Skill India Mission to ensure equitable opportunities and better living standards.

  • National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

    Why in the News?

    The PM chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Gir National Park, marking the first full-body meeting of the NBWL since 2012.

    What is National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)?

    Details
    About 
    • NBWL is India’s apex statutory advisory body for wildlife conservation and policy formulation.
    • Established in 2003 under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, replacing the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).
    Evolution from IBWL to NBWL
    • 1952: IBWL formed;
    • 1961: Declared Peacock as National Bird;
    • 1972: Wild Life (Protection) Act (WLPA) passed;
    • 1973: Project Tiger launched; 1982-83: Keoladeo National Park declared a Ramsar site;
    • 1997: IBWL last met under PM H.D. Deve Gowda;
    • 2003: IBWL replaced by NBWL.
    Structure of NBWL
    • Chairperson: Prime Minister of India (ex officio).
    • Vice-Chairperson: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
    • Members (47 total): – Government Officials: Chiefs of Army Staff, Secretaries from Defence, Tribal Affairs, Finance, I&B Ministries.
    • Parliamentary Members: 3 Lok Sabha MPs, 1 Rajya Sabha MP.
    • Experts: 10 eminent conservationists, ecologists, environmentalists.
    • NGO: 5 from non-governmental sectors.
    • + Director General of Forests (MoEFCC).
    Mandate of NBWL
    • Wildlife Conservation Policy: Formulates and updates India’s wildlife policies and provides recommendations on biodiversity conservation.
    • Development Project Regulation: Reviews and grants environmental clearances for projects near wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and eco-sensitive zones (ESZs).
    • Protected Area Management: Recommends creation and expansion of protected areas.
    • Monitoring Conservation Programs: Oversees Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992), Project Cheetah (2022), and Project Lion Expansion.
    • Ecological Impact Assessment: Evaluates deforestation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflicts.

    Standing Committee of NBWL:

    • A smaller body that evaluates infrastructure projects impacting wildlife habitats, grants fast-track approvals, and advises on conservation policies.
    • It has the power to approve or reject projects affecting protected areas.
    Major Contributions
    • Framed key wildlife policies including National Wildlife Action Plan.
    • Approved eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around national parks and sanctuaries.
    • Strengthened Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and species-specific conservation programs.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body.

    3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Wine Production in India

    Why in the News?

    Despite concerns over high tariff rates that India applies on European wine, going up to 150%, Italy sees the Indian market, along with China, as a big window of opportunity for its signature wines.

    Wine Production in India

    About India’s Wine Market

    • Wine accounts for only 2% of India’s alcohol market, while whiskey and beer dominate with 98%.
    • India’s per capita wine consumption is just 9 ml—1/8000th of France’s.
    • The domestic wine market is expanding at 20-30% annually, fueled by urban demand.
    • Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, and Delhi-NCR account for 70% of total wine consumption.
    • Goa leads in per capita wine consumption, driven by tourism and relaxed liquor policies.
    • India has 110+ wineries, with Maharashtra and Karnataka leading in production.
    • Sula Vineyards, India’s largest and most popular winery, produces over 1 million cases annually.
    • Events like the Nashik Wine Festival and Bengaluru Wine Festival attract tourists and wine enthusiasts.
    • Vineyard tourism is boosting the rural economy in Nashik and Nandi Hills of Karnataka.

    Viticulture in India 

    • India’s wine industry revival in the 1980s and 1990s led to increased vineyard expansion, making viticulture a key agricultural activity.
    • Nashik, Maharashtra, is known as the “Wine Capital of India”, producing over 80% of the country’s wine.
    • The semi-sandy soil, dry winters, and proximity to major cities like Mumbai and Pune make it ideal for viticulture.
    • The region has over 6,000–7,000 acres of vineyards dedicated to winemaking.
    • Key Wine Regions in India:
      • Nashik, Maharashtra – India’s largest wine-producing region, with optimal conditions for vineyards.
      • Nandi Hills, Karnataka – A cooler climate and high altitude favor premium wine production.
      • Himachal Pradesh & Tamil Nadu – Emerging high-altitude viticulture hubs.
    • Types of Grapes Used in Indian Wines:
      • Red Wine Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir.
      • White Wine Grapes: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc.
      • Indian Varieties: Anab-e-Shahi, Bangalore Blue, Thompson Seedless.

    PYQ:

    [2002] Consider the following plants:

    1. Bougainvillea 2. Carnations 3. Cocoa 4. Grapes

     

    Which of these plants are propagated by stem cuttings?

    (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2 and 4

    [2006] Consider the following statements:

    1. Caffeine, a constituent of tea and coffee, is a diuretic.

    2. Citric acid is used in soft drinks.

    3. Ascorbic acid is essential for the formation of bones and teeth.

    4. Citric acid is a good substitution for ascorbic acid in our nutrition.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2, only (b) 1, 2 and 3, only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4″

     

  • [pib] Bharat 6G Alliance

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister has released India’s 6G vision “Bharat 6G Vision” document which envisaged India to be a frontline contributor in design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.

    What is the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA)?

    • The B6GA is a collaborative platform established to drive India’s leadership in 6G technology.
    • It is an alliance of public and private enterprises, academic institutions, research organizations, and standardization bodies.
    • Objectives of B6GA:
      • Foster Global Collaboration: Partner with international 6G alliances to share knowledge and best practices.
      • Develop India-Centric 6G Use Cases: Identify key industry applications suited to India’s socio-economic landscape.
      • Drive High-Impact Research & Development: Facilitate cutting-edge research in terahertz communications, AI-driven networks, and quantum-enabled security.
      • Standardization & Spectrum Identification: Influence global 6G standards through active participation in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC-27).

    Operationalization of 6G Technology:

    The Bharat 6G Project is structured into 2 key phases:

    • Phase 1 (2023-2025):  Focus on:
      • Exploratory research on futuristic telecom technologies.
      • Proof-of-concept testing in research labs.
      • Risky and innovative pathways in wireless communication.
    • Phase 2 (2025-2030): Focus on:
      • Intellectual property (IP) creation for India-led 6G innovations.
      • Deployment of testbeds leading to large-scale commercialization.
    • International Telecom Union (ITU) is evaluating new spectrum bands for 6G:
      • 4400-4800 MHz, 7125-8400 MHz, and 14.8-15.35 GHz.
      • Final decision to be taken at World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).
    • Currently, 600 MHz to 26 GHz spectrum bands are allocated for IMT (2G-6G) services in India.

    PYQ:

    [2019] With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference / differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?

    1. LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.

    2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.

    3. VoLTE requires IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network for voice calls.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) Neither 1 nor 2