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Distribution: yearly

  • 6 new sites added to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

    Why in the News?

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six traditional farming systems from Brazil, China, Mexico, and Spain as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

    About the Newly Recognised GIAHS Systems:

    1. Deqing Pearl Mussel Fishery (China): 800-year-old integrated system of pearl farming, rice, and silk boosts ecotourism and water purification.
    2. Fuding White Tea Culture (China): Biodiverse tea gardens linked to rituals and livelihoods, supporting 18 tea and 41 vegetable varieties.
    3. Gaolan Pear Orchards (China): 600-year-old dryland system along the Yellow River yields 2 million kg of pears with native crop-livestock integration.
    4. Erva Mate Agroforestry (Brazil): Indigenous agroforestry under Araucaria forests preserves ecology and culture through erva-mate farming.
    5. Metepantle Terraces (Mexico): 3,000-year-old Nahua terrace farming ensures food sovereignty and conserves over 140 native species.
    6. Lanzarote Sand Farming (Spain): Volcanic and sea sand techniques grow crops without irrigation in one of Europe’s driest zones.

    About GIAHS: 

    • Definition: GIAHS are living and evolving agricultural systems where communities maintain strong ties to their land through agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, resilient ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
    • Purpose: The program works to identify, support, and safeguard agricultural systems that preserve genetic diversity, support rural livelihoods, and maintain cultural landscapes.
    • Origins: The concept was launched in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
    • Nodal Agency: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads the GIAHS initiative.
    • Program Implementation:
      1. Global level: Identification, selection, and formal recognition of GIAHS.
      2. National level: Policy support and capacity building.
      3. Local level: Community empowerment and technical assistance for sustainable resource use.

    India’s GIAHS-Recognized Farming Systems:

    India, known for its diverse agro-ecological zones and rich farming heritage, has 3 GIAHS sites:

    1. Koraput Traditional Agriculture (Odisha): Practised by tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats, this system conserves over 1,200 indigenous rice varieties; integrates millets and pulses in shifting and terraced cultivation; and supports community seed banks and organic methods vital for agro-biodiversity and food security.
    2. Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System (Kerala): Located in the Vembanad wetland area, it is the only below-sea-level farming system in India; farmers use polders and bunds to grow paddy, practice rice–fish rotation, and manage seasonal flooding through indigenous water control systems.
    3. Saffron Heritage of Kashmir (UT of Jammu & Kashmir): Found in the Pampore plateau, saffron is cultivated at 1,600–1,800 metres using traditional methods on Karewa soils; the crops are known for its high crocin content, aroma, and colour strength, making it a key product for local economy, export, and cultural heritage.
    [UPSC 2016] The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

    1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.

    2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities

    3. The provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • ‘Zudpi Jungles’ are Forest Land: SC

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India ruled that 86,400 hectares of Zudpi Jungle lands in Eastern Vidarbha, Maharashtra, should be treated as forest land. However, existing structures (built before December 12, 1996) such as schools, homes, graveyards, and government offices were allowed to remain.

    About Zudpi Jungles:

    • Location and Meaning: They are lands located in the eastern Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The term “Zudpi” is Marathi for shrubs or bushes.
    • Vegetation and Soil: These lands have low-quality vegetation, mostly shrubs and dry plants. The soil, called Murmadi soil, is arid, filled with gravel and soft stones, and unsuitable for large trees.
    • Ecological Role: Despite sparse growth, Zudpi lands are ecologically important as wildlife corridors, allowing animals to move safely between forest patches.
    • Geographic Spread: Found in 6 Vidarbha districts: Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli.
    • Conservation Status: The Maharashtra government has treated them as forests since the 1980s. In 1987, it requested the Environment Ministry to exempt Zudpi lands from the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, acknowledging their forest-like value.
    • Biodiversity Importance: Environmental experts stress that small forest patches like this help maintain biodiversity and ecological balance.

    Definition of Forests as per the Godavarman Case (1996):

    • Case Background: The T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India case began in 1995 over illegal deforestation in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris, leading to a landmark 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
    • Expanded Definition: The Court ruled that ‘forest’ includes all areas with forest-like features, not just those recorded as forest in official documents.
    • Included Areas: This includes private lands, plantations, uncategorized jungle lands, and corporate forests with significant vegetation.
    • Basis of Definition: It adopted the dictionary meaning of forest — “a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.”
    • Legal Protection: All such lands, regardless of ownership, are protected under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
    • Doctrine of Public Trust: The ruling applied this doctrine, stating the government must safeguard natural resources for current and future generations.
    • Constitutional Links: The Court linked environmental protection to Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 48A, which mandates the State to protect forests and wildlife.
    • Impact: It brought millions of hectares of land under forest protection laws, creating a uniform national standard for forest classification and aiding conservation efforts.

     

    [UPSC 2012] A particular State in India has the following characteristics:

    1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.

    2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.

    3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes the Protected Area Network in this State.

    Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?

    (a) Arunachal Pradesh* (b) Assam (c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Uttarakhand

     

  • Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund has invested about ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs across India as of March 2025.  The highest number of investee firms are in Karnataka (151), followed by Maharashtra (144) and Delhi (69).

    About the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Scheme:

    • Launch: The SRI Fund was launched in 2020 under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Package to provide equity funding to MSMEs with growth potential.
    • Total Corpus: It targets ₹50,000 crore, with ₹10,000 crore from the Government of India and ₹40,000 crore to be raised from private investors.
    • Structure and Management: The fund is a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) registered with SEBI.  The fund uses a two-tier structure:
      1. A Mother Fund managed by NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL).
      2. 60 empanelled Daughter Funds that make direct investments in MSMEs.
    • Progress: As of March 2025, the SRI Fund has invested ₹10,979 crore in 577 MSMEs.
    • Package Alignment: It is a component of the ₹20 lakh crore Atmanirbhar Bharat package, equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP.

    Key Features Impact:

    • Funding Type: Offers equity or quasi-equity support to reduce MSMEs’ reliance on debt and strengthen long-term growth.
    • Sectoral Focus: Prioritises manufacturing, services, and high-growth MSMEs, especially those engaged in innovation, R&D, and exports.
    • Addressing Credit Gap: Helps bridge India’s ₹30 lakh crore MSME credit gap by complementing credit guarantee schemes with equity-based support.
    • Revised Eligibility: With the turnover limit raised to ₹500 crore, more companies now qualify for SRI and related MSME support.
    [UPSC 2017] The term ‘Domestic Content Requirement’ is sometimes seen in the news with reference to:

    Options: (a) Developing solar power production in our country* (b) Granting licenses to foreign T.V. channels in our country. (c) Exporting our food products to other countries. (d) Permitting foreign educational institutions to set up their campuses in our country.

     

  • ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defence System

    Why in the News?

    US President Donald Trump announced that he has shortlisted a design for a powerful new missile defence shield called the ‘Golden Dome’.

    About the Golden Dome Project:

    • Project Launch: It is a proposed missile defence shield announced by Donald Trump.
    • Development: It is being led by Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force, with support from SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril.
    • Timeline: The system is projected to cost $175 billion and is expected to be operational by January 2029.
    • Purpose: It aims to protect the US from long-range missile threats, particularly ICBMs from China and Russia.
    • Defence Layers: The system will combine technologies deployed on land, at sea, and in space for comprehensive coverage.

    Key Features:

    • Space-Based Interceptors: Thousands of orbiting satellites will carry and launch interceptors from space, offering global missile defence.
    • Missile Tracking: Real-time detection using space-based sensors will allow the system to track enemy launches within seconds.
    • Altitude and Reach: Drones and satellites operating at 15,000 meters or more will stay above many conventional air defences.
    • Payload Flexibility: Capable of deploying surveillance drones, kamikaze UAVs, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles depending on mission needs.
    • Modular Adaptability: The system is designed for multiple applications, including military operations, public security, and maritime surveillance.

    Parallel Examples:

    • Iron Dome (Israel): A short-range missile defence system using ground-based radar and Tamir interceptors for protection against rockets and UAVs.
    • “Star Wars” Initiative (1980s): President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) aimed to destroy nuclear missiles from space using lasers and interceptors.
    • DARPA’s Gremlins Project: Explored mother ship-launched drones; Golden Dome builds on this idea at a larger and space-based scale.
    [UPSC 2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    Options: (a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme (c) An American anti-missile system * (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

     

  • China’s ‘Mother Ship’ Drone

    Why in the News?

    China has unleashed its unmanned aerial “mother ship” drone named ‘Jiu Tian,’ capable of launching and coordinating over 100 drones in a single mission.

    About the Jiu Tian Mother Ship Drone:

    • Type and Capability: It is a jet-powered, super-high-altitude, long-range drone designed for advanced aerial missions.
    • First Appearance: It was first showcased at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024.
    • Size and Range: The drone is 82 feet wide, has a wingspan of 25 metres, and can fly up to 15,000 metres (50,000 feet) with a maximum range of 7,000 km.
    • Weight and Payload: It has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes and can carry up to 6 tonnes of weapons and drones.
    • Altitude Advantage: It is designed to fly above medium-range air defence systems, improving survivability in contested zones.

    Key Capabilities and Features:

    • Drone Deployment: It can release up to 100 small drones or loitering munitions, including kamikaze drones, from both sides of its belly.
    • Weapon Compatibility: It features eight external hardpoints that can carry surveillance drones, cruise missiles, and air-to-air missiles like the PL-12E.
    • Mission Flexibility: Its modular interior allows for quick reconfiguration to suit different missions such as military strikes, border defence, maritime surveillance, emergency rescue, public security, and high-risk logistics.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following activities: (1) Spraying pesticides on a crop field (2) Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes (3) Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis

    At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?

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

     

  • E-Zero FIR to speed up action on Cyber Frauds

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched a pilot project for the e-Zero FIR (First Information Report) system in Delhi to help police take faster action in high-value cyber financial frauds.

    What is Zero FIR?

    • Purpose: Zero FIR allows any police station to register an FIR for a cognisable offence without assigning a regular FIR number initially.
    • No diary: Whereas FIRs have serial numbers assigned to them, zero FIRs are assigned the number ‘0’. Hence the name.

    About the e-Zero FIR System:

    • Launch and Objective: The MHA has launched a pilot e-Zero FIR project in Delhi to speed up action in cyber financial frauds over ₹10 lakh.
    • System Developer: It has been developed by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the MHA.
    • How It Works: Victims can file complaints via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or by calling the 1930 helpline.
    • FIR Process: The e-Crime Police Station in Delhi registers the FIR digitally, which is then transferred electronically to the correct local police station.
    • Legal Basis: The project is implemented under Section 173(1) and 173(1)(ii) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
    • Jurisdiction-Free Filing: Victims can report crimes without worrying about police station limits.
    • Digital Integration: The system connects the I4C’s NCRP, Delhi Police’s e-FIR portal, and NCRB’s CCTNS platform.

    Key Features and Victim Support:

    • Automatic Registration: FIRs are automatically registered for cyber frauds involving over ₹10 lakh.
    • Anywhere Access: Victims can file from any location, ensuring jurisdiction-free access.
    • Fast FIR Transfer: FIRs are sent electronically to the appropriate police station for follow-up.
    • Mandatory Visit: Victims must visit a cybercrime police station within 3 days to convert the Zero FIR into a regular FIR.
    • Improved Recovery: Early registration improves the chances of recovering lost funds in time-sensitive fraud cases.
    • Simplified Process: The system makes legal action easier and more accessible for cybercrime victims.
    [UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up in a police station, not in jail.
    2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Lion count grows by 32% in 5 years

    Why in the News?

    According to a recent report by the Gujarat Forest Department, the population of Asiatic lions in India has increased by 32% between 2020 and 2025, reaching 891 individuals.

    lion

    About the Asiatic Lion:

    • Scientific Identity: The Asiatic Lion, also known as the Persian or Indian Lion, is found only in India and is one of the 5 big cat species in the country.
    • Physical Traits: They are slightly smaller than African lions and have a less developed mane.
    • Habitat: Their only wild habitat is the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
    • Range: Asiatic lions once roamed Western Asia, the Middle East, and parts of eastern and central India. Now, their entire wild population is restricted to Gujarat.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (most sources claimed it Endangered, but VU status is confirmed from IUCN official website).
      • CITES: Appendix I (international commercial trade is prohibited; trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances)
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection in India, violations attract the harshest penalties)
    • Lion Census: First conducted in 1936, and since 1965, done every 5 years by the Gujarat Forest Department.
    • Behavioural Aspects:
      • Reproduction: Lions are polyoestrous with no fixed breeding season; females come into estrus every 16 days and remain fertile for 4–8 days.
      • Territorial Marking: Lions roar and scent mark to declare territory; males often scrape the ground to carry their scent.

    Population and Conservation Updates:

    • Population Growth: From 2020 to 2025, the lion population rose 32% to 891.
    • Female Increase: Adult females grew 27% to 330, indicating positive breeding trends.
    • Habitat Expansion: Lions now inhabit nine satellite regions, including Mityala (32 lions) and a new corridor (22 lions).
    • Range Growth: Lion territory expanded from 30,000 sq. km in 2020 to 35,000 sq. km in 2025 — a 16.67% increase.
    • Project Lion (2020): A ₹2,900 crore mission to enhance habitats and create new protected areas within Gujarat.
    • Human-Wildlife Conflict: With more lions outside reserves, there’s a rise in livestock attacks, with a 10% annual increase in affected villages and a 15% rise in animals killed.
    • Community Support: Despite risks, 61% of surveyed locals showed tolerance towards lions, underlining the need for community-based conservation.
    Back2Basics: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) 

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • SPICED Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Spices Board of India has decided to disburse ₹130 crore to almost 45,000 beneficiaries in 2025-2026 under the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme.

    Back2Basics: Spices Board of India

    • The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
    • The Board functions as an international link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
    • It is headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the GoI.
    • Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.

    About SPICED Scheme and its Features:

    • Launch: It is launched by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Timeline and Budget: The scheme runs till 2025–26 with a total outlay of ₹422.30 crore, aligned with the 15th Finance Commission period.
    • Objectives: It aims to boost spice exports, improve cardamom productivity, enhance post-harvest quality, and promote value addition and sustainability.
    • Funding Support: In 2025–26, about ₹130 crore will be distributed to 45,000 beneficiaries.
    • Focus Areas: Includes Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, promotion of GI-tagged spices, and development of Spice Incubation Centres.
    • Priority Beneficiaries: Special focus on farmer groups, FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, SC/ST communities, SMEs, and exporters from the North-East.
    • Monitoring: All activities are geo-tagged for transparency and tracking.

    Key Facts about Spices Production and Trade:

    • Global Position: India is one of the largest producers and exporters of spices, cultivating 75 of 109 ISO-listed spices.
    • Major Producing States: Include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and others.
    • Key Spices: India grows and exports pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel, celery, nutmeg, and spice oils.
    • Top Products by Volume: Chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander account for 76% of production.
    • Export Leaders: Chili is the top export earner, generating around $1.1 billion annually. Ginger exports are growing at 27% CAGR.
    • Export Value: In 2023–24, India exported $4.25 billion worth of spices, capturing 12% of the global spice trade.
    • Export Destinations: India exported to 159 countries. Key markets include China, USA, Bangladesh, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, UK, and Sri Lanka — together accounting for 70% of exports.
    [UPSC 2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

     

  • Rewriting the Keezhadi (Keeladi) Excavations Report

    Why in the News?

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has asked to resubmit his excavation report on the Keeladi site near Madurai after making necessary corrections.

    ASI’s Concerns with the Report:

    • The ASI asked for better scientific justification for the period of 8th century BCE to 5th century BCE.
    • It said the earliest period could be more accurately dated to pre-300 BCE.
    • The ASI said that depth data alone was not enough — each scientific date should also mention the layer number to allow for stratigraphic consistency.

    About Keezhadi Excavations:

    • Location: Keezhadi is a village in Sivaganga district, located about 12 km southeast of Madurai, along the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu.
    • Excavations: Excavations began in 2014, led by archaeologist Amarnath Ramakrishna, to uncover urban signs from the Sangam Age.
    • Period Link: The site is associated with the Sangam period (3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE), and findings may push it back to 800 BCE.
    • Civilisation Context: Keezhadi is now seen as part of the Vaigai Valley Civilisation, with evidence of urbanisation, trade, and early literacy.

    Key Findings from Keezhadi:

    • Period: Charcoal samples dated to around 200 BCE; some artefacts range between the 6th century BCE and 1st century BCE using the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) dating.
    • Tamil Brahmi Inscriptions: Over 120 potsherds with early Tamil Brahmi script indicate literacy during the Sangam period.
    • Pottery and Craftsmanship: Discovery of pottery, gold ornaments, copper tools, shell bangles, and ivory combs show local industry and artistic skill.
    • Trade and Imports: Agate and carnelian beads suggest access to imported materials and long-distance trade.
    • Recreational Items: Dice and game pieces were found, indicating leisure activities in the society.
    • Industrial Activity: Evidence of dyeing units and bead-making points to a flourishing economy.
    • Cultural Continuity: Artefacts show a transition from the Iron Age to the Early Historic Period.
    • Possible Indus Link: Some symbols on potsherds resemble Indus Valley signs, hinting at cultural connections, despite a 1,000-year gap.
    [UPSC 2013] Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment.

    [UPSC 2023] Which one of the following explains the practice of Vattakirutal’ as mentioned in Sangam poems?

    Options: (a) Kings employing women bodyguards (b) Learned persons assembling in royal courts to discuss religious and philosophical matters (c) Young girls keeping watch over agricultural fields and driving away birds and animals (d) A king defeated in a battle committing ritual suicide by starving himself to death*

     

  • [pib] International Day for Biological Diversity, 2025

    Why in the News?

    India has celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 in Udaipur.

    About International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB):

    • Annual Observance: The IDB is celebrated every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
    • Significance: The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.
    • 2025 Theme: ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’.
    • Key Highlights: India showcased its global leadership through:

    Back2Basics: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

    • Adoption: The CBD was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and came into force on December 29, 1993.
    • Membership: Its secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, and the convention has been ratified by 196 countries. The USA has signed but NOT ratified it.
    • India and CBD:
      • India became a party to the CBD on February 18, 1994, and is recognised as a leader among developing countries in biodiversity conservation and policy implementation
      • India hosted the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP-11) to the CBD in Hyderabad in 2012, showcasing its commitment and capacity in biodiversity governance
    • Core Objectives:
      • Conservation of biodiversity
      • Sustainable use of its components
      • Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources
    • Functioning: The CBD is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), which meets every 2 years.
    • Latest Development (COP16, 2024): Held in Cali, Colombia, COP16 introduced a benefit-sharing mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI) to ensure rewards for local communities.
    • Related Protocols:
      • Cartagena Protocol (2000): Regulates cross-border movement of living modified organisms (LMOs); effective from 2003.
      • Nagoya Protocol (2010): Ensures fair access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources.

    India’s Biodiversity Profile:

    • India is one of 17 mega-diverse countries in the world.
    • It covers an area of 329 million hectares and is the 9th largest country globally.
    • India is home to:
      • Over 1,00,000 animal species.
      • Around 55,000 plant species.
      • Ten bio-geographic regions.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.

    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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