A 12-year study by researchers from the Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology has revealed that the king cobra, previously believed to be a single species, actually comprises four distinct species.
Important facts related to King Cobra:
Details
About
• Scientific Name: Ophiophagus hannah.
• It is the largest Venomous Snake; Reaches up to 18 feet (5.5 meters).
• Venom is Neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system.
Re-categorization
Kalinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology identified the species as:
Species differ by 1-4% genetically, justifying their reclassification.
Habitat and Behavioural Features
• Found in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions ( India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines)
• Solitary and territorial, with a diet of snakes, lizards, birds, and rodents.
• Mating occurs annually during monsoon, with females laying up to 40 eggs in nests.
• Raises and spreads its hood when threatened, appearing larger.
• Vital in controlling snake populations and maintaining ecological balance.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
CITES: Appendix II.
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule II.
PYQ:
[2010] King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?
(a) It is a snake-eater and the nest helps attract other snakes
(b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring
(c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched
(d) It is a large, cold-blooded animal and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season
Over 1.76 crore school students participated in Project Veer Gatha 4.0, sharing creative tributes to the bravery and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel.
About Project Veer Gatha:
Details
About
• Launched in 2021 to honor the acts of bravery and selfless sacrifice of Gallantry Awardees.
• 1.76 crore students from 36 states and UTs participated.
• Conducted annually since its inception, with increasing participation:
• First Edition (2021): 8 lakh students, Second Edition (2022): 19.5 lakh students, Third Edition (2023): 1.36 crore students.
Aims and Objectives
• Instill patriotism and national pride among students.
• Spread awareness about the heroic contributions of Gallantry Awardees.
• Foster creativity through various forms of artistic expression.
• Promote national unity and pride across India’s diverse school system.
• Enhance knowledge about unsung heroes and military heritage.
Features of the Program
• Creative content submissions, including poems, paintings, essays, and videos.
• 100 national-level winners annually, with a ₹10,000 cash prize and recognition by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defence.
• District and state awards for outstanding students.
• Educational outreach programs by the Ministry of Defence to engage students.
• Digital submission via the MyGov portal, making the process inclusive and easy for wide participation.
• Focus on both famous Gallantry Awardees and unsung heroes.
PYQ:
[2024] Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:
India’s ongoing trade deficit, where imports exceed exports, is often viewed as a sign of weakness in Indian manufacturing.
What is the nature of India’s trade deficit?
Trade Deficit in Goods: As of October 2024, India recorded a merchandise trade deficit of $27.1 billion, which narrowed from $31.5 billion in the same month the previous year.
Net Exporter of Services: India has established itself as a significant player in the global services market, with services exports constituting a substantial portion of its overall trade.
In FY 2023-24, India’s services exports amounted to approximately $309 billion, contributing significantly to offsetting the goods trade deficit
Foreign Capital Inflows: The trade deficit is often viewed positively as it correlates with India’s ability to attract foreign investment.
For instance, India’s current account deficit was about 1.1% of GDP in June 2024, indicating that capital inflows are necessary to balance this outflow.
Current Account Balance: The current account deficit (CAD) reached approximately $9.7 billion in the April-June 2024 quarter, reflecting the need for capital inflows to support economic growth and stability.
India’s current account deficit has been maintained at around 2% of GDP, which is generally considered manageable within the context of its economic growth and investment strategies.
Why do we hold reserves?
Cushion Against Economic Shocks: Reserves are held as a safeguard against potential economic disruptions, such as sudden spikes in oil prices that could worsen the current account deficit.
For Cost Management: While holding reserves incurs costs (e.g., lower returns on reserves compared to returns on foreign investments), they are essential for maintaining economic stability and investor confidence.
Optimal Level of Reserves: India aims to maintain adequate reserves without excessive accumulation. This involves balancing the need for emergency funds against the costs associated with holding those reserves.
What are the Steps taken by the Government?
Make in India Initiative: Launched in 2014, this initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing by encouraging both foreign and domestic companies to manufacture their products in India.
It focuses on sectors such as electronics, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals to increase production capabilities, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance export competitiveness.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Introduced in 2020, the PLI scheme provides financial incentives to manufacturers across various sectors, including electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
This program is designed to attract investments, promote local manufacturing, and increase exports by enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian products.
What strategies can mitigate the effects of the trade deficit? (Way forward)
Boosting Domestic Demand: Encouraging greater domestic consumption can help increase manufacturing output. Rising domestic demand can lead to higher production levels without necessarily increasing imports.
Enhancing Export Competitiveness: Focusing on sectors where India has a comparative advantage, such as pharmaceuticals and automobiles, can help increase export volumes and reduce the trade deficit.
Diversifying Import Sources: Reducing reliance on specific countries for imports (e.g., crude oil) by diversifying sources can help stabilize import costs and mitigate fluctuations in global prices.
Investing in Manufacturing Capabilities: Strengthening domestic manufacturing through policies supporting local industries can reduce import dependency and enhance export capacity.
Mains PYQ:
Q Craze for gold in India has led to a surge in the import of gold in recent years and put pressure on the balance of payments and the external value of the rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of the Gold Monetization scheme. (UPSC IAS/2015)
The Coffee Board of India has launched a 10-year roadmap with a goal to double the country’s coffee production and coffee exports by 2034.
About Coffee Board of India:
Details
About
• Coffee cultivation in India began with the planting of 7 seeds of coffee during 1600 AD by saint Baba Budan, in the courtyard of his hermitage in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
• Until1995, marketed the pooled supply of coffee.
• Post-1995, coffee marketing became a private-sector activity due to economic liberalisation.
Structural Mandate
• Managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, established in 1942, headquartered in Bangalore.
• Comprises 33 members, including a Chairman appointed by the Government of India.
Functions of Coffee Board
• Enhancement of production, productivity & quality.
• Export promotion for achieving higher value returns for Indian Coffee.
• Supporting the development of the domestic market.
Coffee Industry in India – Imports/Exports
• Karnataka is the largest producer (70%), followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• India exports over 70% of its coffee production.
• India is the 8th largest coffee exporter (FAO) globally (by volume).
• Coffee exports peak from March to June.
Agro-climatic Conditions
• It is a tropical plant which is also grown in semi-tropical climate.
• 16° – 28°C temperature, 150-250cm rainfall and well-drained slopes are essential for its growth.
• Low temperature, frost, dry weather for a long time and harsh sunshine are harmful for its plant.
• Coffee plants grow better in the laterite soils of Karnataka in India.
• Major Varieties Cultivated: Arabica, Robusta and Liberica.
• Arabica has high market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavor.
PYQ:
[2010] Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:
Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Chancay Port was inaugurated in Peru by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
About Chancay Port Project:
The Chancay Port Project was inaugurated in Peru as part of a new land-sea corridor linking China with Latin America.
It is funded underBelt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a total cost of $3.6 billion.
The port can accommodate vessels up to 18,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), the largest shipping vessels in the world.
Ownership: 60% of the port is owned by China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), with the remaining stake held by a local company.
It is expected to generate $4.5 billion annually for Peru, equivalent to 1.8% of the country’s GDP.
Key Exports: The port will handle exports like copper, blueberries, soybeans, and lithium from the lithium triangle (Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina).
Geo-strategic Location:
Proximity to Lima: Located 78 km north of Lima, Peru’s capital, in the small fishing town of Chancay.
Natural Deep-Water Port: Chancay is a natural deep-water port, ideal for accommodating large vessels.
Trade Gateway: Positioned strategically to facilitate trade between South America and Asia, reducing transit time for goods between the two continents.
Alternative to North America: It eliminates the need for Latin American exports to transit through ports in North America, offering a more direct route to Asia.
Why it is a concern for USA?
Chinese Influence in Latin America: The US has traditionally viewed Latin America as its sphere of influence. The Chancay Port increases China’s economic and geopolitical presence in the region.
Strategic Gateway for China: The port strengthens China’s access to critical resources in South America, including lithium and copper, raising concerns about China’s growing dominance in the region.
US Trade Routes Disruption: The port reduces transportation time between Latin America and Asia, which could disrupt existing US trade routes and diminish its role as a trade facilitator.
PYQ:
[2017] What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
(a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.
(b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
(c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
(d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.
The ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal was digitally launched by Minister of Jal Shakti, during the India Water Week 2024.
About the ‘Bhu-Neer’ Portal:
Details
About
• Centralized platform for managing groundwater withdrawal permits.
• Developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) and National Informatics Centre (NIC). • Aims to regulate groundwater usage across India efficiently, ensuring transparency and sustainability.
Features and Provisions
• User-friendly interface with PAN-based single ID, NOC with QR code, and streamlined processes.
• Improved version compared to its predecessor, NOCAP.
• Ensures groundwater compliance and promotes sustainable practices.
Implementation
• The portal is live and accessible for groundwater queries, tracking, and payments.
• Open to both project proponents and the general public for groundwater-related services.
Back2Basics: Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)
It has the mandate of regulating groundwater development and management in the country.
It is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
CGWA issues advisories, public notices and grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) for groundwater withdrawal.
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) What are the continued challenges for Women in India against time and space? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always been focused on Minority Section of the Society –esp. Women and children. Some recent micro themes have been asked like – Mental Healthcare challenges faced by Women in India (Mains 2023).
In major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, HIV seroprevalence rates among ‘female sex workers’ have been reported between 50% to 90%.
This alarming statistic places these women at a significantly higher risk (30 times more likely to contract HIV) compared to other women of reproductive age. Secondly, the mental health of sex workers is severely compromised due to the stigma associated with their profession.
Today’s editorial discusses the systemic barriers that prevent sex workers from accessing mental health care. This content can be used on a case-by-case basis depending upon the demand of the questions related to ‘Women Issues’ and the ‘Healthcare’ sector in India.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The recent initiatives aimed at addressing HIV prevention among sex workers have highlighted gaps in mental health support, prompting calls for more integrated healthcare approaches that consider both physical and mental health needs.
Furthermore, with cultural representations of “Heeramandi,” there is a drawing attention to the resilience and agency of sex workers while also acknowledging their struggles.
What are the Mental Health challenges faced by sex workers?
• Common Disorders: Many sex workers suffer from high rates of depression and anxiety, with studies showing that up to 47% may experience depression. Due to exposure to violence and trauma, around 21% report symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). • Violence and Stigma: Sex workers often face physical, emotional, and sexual violence from clients and others, leading to chronic stress and mental health issues. Societal stigma creates feelings of shame and isolation, making it hard for them to seek help. • Economic Pressures: Many enter sex work due to financial need, which adds ongoing stress and anxiety about their situation. To cope with stress and trauma, some may turn to drugs or alcohol, which can worsen their mental health. • Barriers to Care: Discrimination in healthcare settings and fear of judgment prevent many sex workers from getting the mental health care they need.
Why is access to mental health services limited for sex workers?
Stigma and Discrimination: Many sex workers avoid seeking help due to fear of being judged by healthcare providers. Past experiences of discrimination can lead to distrust in the healthcare system.
Legal Barriers: In many areas, sex work is illegal, making workers afraid to seek help due to potential legal consequences. Many migrant sex workers do not have valid IDs, which can prevent them from accessing services.
Economic Constraints: Many sex workers struggle financially, making it hard to afford mental health care.
Limited Availability of Services: Few mental health services are designed specifically for sex workers, who may feel that existing options don’t meet their needs. Many sex workers are unaware of available mental health resources.
Cultural and Language Barriers: Migrant sex workers may face language barriers that complicate communication with healthcare providers.
What comprehensive strategies can be implemented?
Creating Safe Spaces: Create specialized, free, and confidential mental health services for sex workers, staffed by trained professionals who understand their unique challenges.
Community-Based Support: Establish peer support groups and outreach programs to connect sex workers with resources and foster a sense of community.
Education and Empowerment: Provide workshops on mental health awareness and coping strategies, along with skill development programs to create alternative job opportunities.
Advocacy for Rights and Stigma Reduction: Work towards decriminalizing sex work and advocate for policies that protect sex workers’ rights, while also launching public awareness campaigns to combat stigma.
India has called protectionist policies like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and Deforestation Regulation as “unfair” and “unjust”.
What is CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)?
CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is a proposed policy by the European Union (EU) aimed at addressing carbon leakage, ensuring that imported goods face a similar carbon cost as those produced within the EU.
The mechanism requires companies that export goods to the EU from non-EU countries to purchase carbon certificates, reflecting the carbon emissions involved in the production of these goods.
This is intended to create a level playing field for EU industries that have to meet strict carbon emissions regulations.
How will the CBAM impact India’s key industries and overall trade?
Disruption to Trade: CBAM could significantly affect India’s exports to the EU, especially sectors like iron, steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers, which account for a large portion of India’s trade with the EU.
Increased Export Costs: The new requirements under CBAM, such as carbon emission certificates, will likely increase production costs for industries, making them less competitive in the global market.
Risk to Iron and Steel Industry: As iron and steel make up 76.83% of India’s exports affected by CBAM, this sector could face the greatest challenge in terms of compliance and potential cost increases.
Economic Strain on Developing Economies: The additional burden of having to meet emissions standards without corresponding support or time for transition may lead to economic difficulties for India’s industries.
What strategies can India employ to effectively challenge the CBAM?
Coordination with Other Developing Countries: India should align its arguments with other developing economies to present a unified stance, ensuring a coordinated response to the EU-CBAM that reflects shared concerns.
Arguing for Adequate Time for Adaptation: India can argue that developing nations should be given sufficient time to adapt to the CBAM, similar to the EU’s phased climate targets, to avoid disproportionate burden.
Revenue Sharing: India can advocate for the EU to share the revenues generated from CBAM with non-EU countries to support capacity building, technology transfer, and emission reduction initiatives in developing nations.
Equity-Based Accounting (EBA) Proposal: India can push for a more equitable framework for emission reductions, suggesting the adoption of an EBA that takes into account historical contributions to climate change, trade benefits, and the developmental needs of nations.
Highlighting the CBAM’s Discriminatory Nature: India should emphasize that CBAM imposes an unjust transfer of climate responsibilities to developing countries without considering their economic realities or historical emissions.
What role does International cooperation play in addressing the challenges?
Global Coordination on Climate Action: India should work with other developing countries to demand a more inclusive global framework for addressing climate change, ensuring that the impacts of mechanisms like CBAM are shared equitably.
Technology and Knowledge Sharing: International cooperation can facilitate the transfer of green technologies, which would help developing nations meet emissions targets without stifling their economic growth.
Addressing Historical Responsibilities: Cooperation with other nations can strengthen calls for addressing historical emissions and providing the necessary financial resources to developing countries to adapt to climate policies like CBAM.
Leveraging Multilateral Platforms: India can use international platforms such as the UNFCCC and COP discussions to engage with other nations and challenge policies that disproportionately affect developing economies.
Conclusion: India should actively engage with other developing countries and form a coalition to present a unified front against the discriminatory nature of CBAM. This could involve joint lobbying at international forums such as the UNFCCC and COP summits.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC IAS/2021)
The Telangana government has decided to completely waive road tax and registration fees for people buying electric vehicles.
What are the key features of Telangana’s EV policy?
100% Road Tax and Registration Fee Exemption: Electric two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles (such as taxis, autorickshaws, electric light goods carriers, and buses) will be exempt from road tax and registration fees for the entire lifetime of the vehicle.
Exemption for Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC): The exemption will apply to electric vehicles operated by TSRTC and buses owned by industries used for employee transport (not commercial purposes).
Validity Period: The exemption will be valid for two years, up to December 31, 2026, regardless of the number of vehicles registered.
Promotion of EV Awareness: The government is focused on spreading awareness about electric vehicle usage to reduce pollution levels and make Hyderabad pollution-free.
Support for Charging Infrastructure: Manufacturers of electric vehicles are encouraged to take the initiative in establishing charging stations to ensure convenience for users.
How will the government support the EV push?
The government will provide exemptions from road taxes and registration fees for various categories of electric vehicles to make them more affordable for consumers.
A meeting of the concerned departments (Transport, Home, HMDA, etc.) will be convened to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the EV policy.
Government representatives studied the policies of other states to come up with a policy tailored to Telangana’s needs, reflecting the best practices for EV adoption.
India’s New Electric Vehicle Policy 2024:
Duty Reduction: A customs duty of 15% is now applicable on imported EVs priced at $35,000 or above, significantly lower than the previous rates of 70-100%. This reduced rate will last for five years.
Import Limits and Investment Requirements: The policy allows for a maximum of 8,000 imported EVs per year, contingent on manufacturers investing at least ₹4,150 crore (approximately $500 million) in local production. There is no upper limit on investment, encouraging substantial financial commitments in the sector.
Local Manufacturing Mandate: Companies must establish operational facilities within three years and achieve a minimum domestic value addition (DVA) of 25% by that time, increasing to 50% by the fifth year. This aims to enhance local manufacturing capabilities.
Increased Import Allowance for Larger Investments: If a manufacturer invests over $800 million, they can import up to 40,000 EVs, still capped at 8,000 per year, with the option to carry over unused limits.
Bank Guarantees: A bank guarantee is required, which will be returned only upon meeting the DVA target and investment criteria.
Why special EV Policy is needed?
Environmental Goals: The EV policy is part of an effort to reduce pollution levels in Telangana, especially in Hyderabad, to prevent the city from facing pollution issues similar to those in New Delhi.
Lack of Implementation in the Past: Although the previous government introduced an EV policy for 2020-30, it was not implemented effectively. The new policy addresses this gap and actively promotes EV adoption.
Growing Need for Awareness and Infrastructure: The policy also aims to spread awareness about EVs and address infrastructure challenges, such as the availability of charging stations, which are crucial to making electric vehicles a viable alternative.
Encouraging Wider Adoption: The policy aims to increase the percentage of electric vehicles in the state (currently 5 out of every 100 vehicles are EVs) by offering financial incentives and creating an ecosystem that supports EV users.
Conclusion: Expanding and improving the availability of EV charging stations across the state is crucial to ensure the seamless adoption of electric vehicles, especially in urban areas and key highways.
World Toilet Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is an official United Nations observance aimed at raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and promoting action for safe toilets worldwide.
2024 Theme: “Sanitation for Peace” – highlights the role of sanitation in promoting peace, security, and resilience.
About World Toilet Day
It is celebrated each year on November 19 to raise awareness about global sanitation issues.
It became an UN-recognized day in 2013 to emphasize the importance of safe sanitation under SDG 6.
It was first proposed by Jack Sim of the World Toilet Organization in 2001.
Purpose: To address the health, dignity, and environmental challenges linked to inadequate sanitation.
Significance and Global Collaborations
Public Health: Prevents waterborne diseases; 1,000 child deaths daily linked to unsafe sanitation (WHO).
UN Initiatives: UNICEF, WHO, and UN-Water work with countries to improve WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) facilities.
NGO Support: Organizations like World Toilet Organization and WaterAid implement sanitation projects and awareness.
International Partnerships: Programs like Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) unify governments and NGOs for sanitation solutions.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide piped drinking water to rural households, supporting sanitation.
Women’s Safety Campaigns: Programs like Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman link sanitation to dignity, especially for women.
Waste Management: SBM Phase II focuses on sustainable waste management and sanitation systems.
PYQ:
[2024] Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:
It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
