The Odisha government has translocated a female tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal Tiger Reserve, the State’s largest, to enhance the genetic diversity of its tiger population.
Why discuss this?
The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE-2023-24) says a total of 30 tigers were found in Odisha. Similipal has 27 of them.
A total of 13 adult tigers (seven females and six males) were found to be pseudo-melanistic in Similipal, and no other wild habitat in the world has pseudo-melanistic tigers.
Research indicates that a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene causes Similipal’s black tigers to develop distinctive striped patterns.
About Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR):
Details
Location
Located in the Mayurbhanj District, Northernmost part of Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
Highest Peak
Twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini, at 1515 meters above mean sea level.
Designation
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; included in the Project Tiger national conservation program in 1973.
UNESCO Recognition
Included as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
Terrain
Mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
Vegetation
A mix of different forest types, predominantly Northern tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen patches.
Tribal Communities
Inhabited by various tribes including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Flora
Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal being the dominant tree species.
Fauna
Diverse wildlife including Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python, Sambar, Pangolin, etc.
PYQ:
[2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
Why Raigad Fort is Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage?
Historical and Strategic Importance: Raigad Fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing Maratha resilience and independence.
Architectural Excellence: The fort showcases Maratha military architecture, with well-developed structures adapted to the hilly terrain.
Role in Maratha Legacy: As a hill fort, Raigad is emblematic of the Marathas’ unique fortification style, designed to withstand invasions and safeguard autonomy.
Icon of Maratha Heritage: Known as Durgaraj (King of Forts), Raigad stands as a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership and legacy and has become a pilgrimage site for Shivbhakts.
Natural Defense and Innovation: The fort’s natural fortifications, steep escarpments, and strategic location atop an isolated hill embody military ingenuity and make it a model of Maratha defense architecture.
History of Raigad Fort:
Details
Location
• Situated in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India.
• Elevation of approximately 2,700 feet above sea level.
• Surrounded by natural cliffs and 1,500-foot escarpments.
Background
• Originally known as Rairi.
• Captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1653 CE.
• Crowned Chhatrapati on June 6, 1674 CE.
• Served as the capital of the Maratha Empire until 1680 CE.
Significance
• Part of the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.
• Referred to as the “Gibraltar of the East” by Grant Duff.
Architectural Highlights
• Includes the Royal Complex with key structures like Ranivasa and Rajsadar.
• Jagadishwar Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Samadhi (final resting place) of Shivaji Maharaj located nearby.
Features
• Accessible mainly through Naqqarkhana and Palkhi Darwaja.
• Features well-designed drainage systems and secret chambers.
Ecology
• Surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers.
• Supported limited agriculture and had a self-sustained ecosystem.
Cultural Significance
• Known as the Durgaraj (King of Forts), symbolizing Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
• Hosts annual celebrations for Shivrajyabhishek and Punyatithi.
PYQ:
[2010] What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?
(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore
(b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab
(c) He wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot & Pasrur)
(d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom
India has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 with a score of 45.5 out of 100, placing it among the five worst performers alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).
Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:
High Rate of Land Conversion: 53% of India’s land is converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes, contributing to deforestation and habitat fragmentation that severely impact biodiversity.
Soil Pollution: India’s sustainable nitrogen index is 0.77, indicating high levels of soil pollution primarily due to extensive pesticide use, threatening soil health and agricultural sustainability.
Minimal Marine Conservation: Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are protected, with no protected areas in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), highlighting limited efforts in marine biodiversity conservation.
Illegal Wildlife Trade: India ranks as the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader globally, with an estimated annual trade value of £15 billion, putting added pressure on vulnerable wildlife species.
About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):
Details
Developed By
Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Purpose
To assess each country’s progress in balancing conservation and development through data-driven analysis.
Aim
To help governments, researchers, and organizations identify concerns and enhance conservation policies for long-term biodiversity protection.
Launch Date
Launched on October 24, 2024.
Scope
Ranks 180 countries based on their conservation efforts.
Pillars of the Index
• Managing Protected Areas
• Addressing Threats Against Biodiversity
• Nature and Conservation Governance
• Future Trends in Natural Resource Management
Significance
Provides insights into conservation policies and practices, aiding in the global effort to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
Key highlights of the reports:
Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and New Zealand ranked highest, showing strong conservation practices and governance.
Nations with advanced climate adaptation policies (e.g., Sweden and Denmark) are better positioned to mitigate biodiversity risks from climate change.
Despite Protected Areas, 46.9% of terrestrial and 67.5% of marine species are in decline worldwide.
High-density nations such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands face intense biodiversity pressures, driving them to implement urban greening and sustainable practices.
PYQ:
[2018] “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by:
Q) Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Q) Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public – Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Q) Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model. (UPSC CSE 2013)
Mentor’s Comment: The Indian government, through NITI Aayog, is developing an incentive scheme tailored for private bus operators, who currently account for about 90% of the bus fleet in India. This move is crucial for achieving the target of 40% e-bus penetration by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2070.
Despite existing support under the FAME-II scheme, which primarily benefits state transport undertakings (STUs), the high costs associated with e-buses deter private operators from making the switch. The forthcoming incentive scheme is seen as a potential game-changer that could facilitate the broader adoption of electric buses in public transportation.
Today’s editorial discusses the role of the private sector in India’s electric bus (e-bus) initiative. Today’s discussions will focus more on creating a supportive environment for e-bus deployment beyond state-run services.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Despite the government’s push through schemes like FAME II and PM e-Bus Sewa, which have incentivized electric vehicles for public transport, private bus operators have seen little benefit.
Presently, the government is planning to introduce a new incentive scheme specifically aimed at encouraging private operators to invest in e-buses.
Challenges Faced by Private Operators:
• Lack of Financial Incentives: Current government schemes do not extend to private operators, making it difficult for them to invest in e-buses. • High Initial Costs: The substantial upfront investment required for electric buses is prohibitive for many small operators. • Charging Infrastructure: Limited access to charging stations and facilities further complicates the adoption of e-buses. Most charging infrastructure is designed for state-run units, leaving private operators without adequate support. • Operational Inefficiencies: Restrictions on parking and charging at government depots create logistical challenges for private bus operations.
How can the private sector be incentivized to participate in the e-bus market?
1) Financial Incentives: The incentivized schemes and subsidies could significantly lower the upfront costs associated with e-bus acquisition, which can be up to five times that of diesel buses.
Offering viability gap funding for charging infrastructure and land leases could attract private investment.
Implementing a payment security mechanism can protect private operators against payment delays from state transport undertakings (STUs).
2) Infrastructure Development: Establishing a robust network of charging stations is crucial. Under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) Model, STUs pay a fixed cost per kilometer, ensuring steady income for operators while minimizing their risk exposure without bearing the full financial burden upfront.
This Flexible Leasing model enables operators to access capital without high initial investments, as maintenance and operational responsibilities can be shared.
What role does financing play in the adoption of electric buses?
High Initial Costs: The upfront costs of e-buses are significantly higher than those of traditional diesel buses, often up to five times more expensive, operators may find it challenging to justify the investment in e-buses despite their long-term operational savings.
Need for Dedicated Financing Facilities: Establishing a dedicated e-bus financing facility could provide concessional loans and grants, helping shield manufacturers and operators from the payment security risks posed by financially struggling state road transport undertakings (SRTUs).
Interest Rate Subventions: To encourage private operators to invest in e-buses, interest rate subventions of 4-6% on loans can be implemented. Lower interest rates can significantly ease the financial burden during the repayment period, making financing more accessible.
Leasing Models: Financing institutions can offer leasing options that include maintenance and battery replacement, thus sharing operational risks with bus operators. This approach not only lowers upfront costs but also allows operators to manage cash flow more effectively.
What infrastructure improvements are necessary for successful e-bus deployment?
Installation of Charging Stations: Establishing charging points within bus depots is crucial. A widespread infrastructure network will alleviate concerns about range and downtime, making e-buses a more viable option for operators.
Depot Charging Facilities: Private operators currently face restrictions in accessing government bus depots for parking and charging. Granting them access would streamline operations and improve efficiency by reducing the distance drivers must travel to pick up their buses.
Power Supply Management: The increased demand for electricity from charging e-buses can strain local power grids. Therefore, collaboration between bus operators and electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) is vital for planning and managing this demand effectively.
Pilot Projects: Implementing pilot projects in tier-2 and tier-3 cities can help assess infrastructure requirements and operational challenges before scaling up to larger urban areas.
For example, electrifying a specific route, such as Delhi-Mumbai, could provide valuable insights into the necessary specifications for e-bus deployment.
Conclusion: The future of India’s e-bus initiative depends on a united effort between government bodies and private stakeholders to create an inclusive framework that fosters growth and innovation in the electric mobility sector.
The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar cards cannot be accepted as proof of age, as other official documents like the School Leaving Certificate are more appropriate for this purpose.
What are the legal implications of the SC’s ruling on Aadhaar as proof of date of birth?
The ruling reinforces the legal stance that Aadhaar is primarily intended for identity verification rather than as a document for verifying age or date of birth. This aligns with the previous Supreme Court judgment in 2018, which defined Aadhaar as “proof of identity” rather than proof of age or residence.
By citing the Juvenile Justice Act and previous HC judgments, the SC emphasized that statutory provisions and established legal precedents should guide the determination of age.
This consistency ensures that legal processes are not diluted by using documents like Aadhaar, which lack stringent verification for date of birth.
The ruling adheres to UIDAI’s own circular, which states that Aadhaar is not intended to serve as proof of date of birth. This reduces potential misuse or misinterpretation of the Aadhaar card’s scope and usage.
How will this decision impact individuals and agencies that utilize Aadhaar for identity verification?
Impact on Identity Verification Practices: While Aadhaar remains a valid document for identity verification, organizations and institutions will need to reassess the supporting documents they accept for age-related verification.
For instance, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies may need to request additional documents when the date of birth is a critical factor.
Review of Policies in Government Schemes: Agencies implementing government schemes may need to revise their processes to comply with this ruling, ensuring that alternative documents are requested for verifying age-related eligibility.
Impact on Legal and Compensation Cases: In cases where age is a factor in calculating benefits, legal entities must rely on more reliable documents, such as birth certificates or school records, instead of Aadhaar.
What alternative documents can be used for verifying the DoB following this ruling?
School Leaving Certificate/Matriculation Certificate: This is often considered the most reliable document for verifying the age of an individual, as it is issued based on records from the time of schooling.
Birth Certificate: The birth certificate remains the primary document for establishing a person’s date of birth as it is issued by a government authority at the time of birth.
Passport: As an official government document that undergoes strict verification, the passport can serve as valid proof of age.
Government-issued Certificates (e.g., PAN Card): While not always requested for age verification, documents like the PAN card can also be used in some cases where other primary documents are unavailable.
Driver’s License or Voter ID (if Date of Birth is Mentioned): These documents, where the date of birth is explicitly recorded, could be used as supporting evidence for age verification.
Way forward:
Strengthen Guidelines for Acceptable Age Verification Documents: Government agencies, financial institutions, and service providers should clearly outline which documents are accepted for age verification, prioritizing reliable records like birth certificates and school certificates to ensure consistency and compliance.
Enhance Public Awareness on Aadhaar’s Usage Limitations: The government should initiate campaigns to educate citizens about Aadhaar’s limitations as age proof and encourage the use of appropriate documents for age-related matters, reducing confusion and potential legal disputes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz the Adhar card and NPM, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits , discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve development benefits and equitable growth (UPSC IAS/2014)
The Prime Minister in his recent broadcast of “Mann Ki Baat” warned about the ‘Digital Arrest’ scams in India.
What is Digital Arrest?
Details
What are they?
A fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims under the false pretence of an arrest.
Modus Operandi
• Scammers use audio or video calls to intimidate victims.
• Claim involvement in illegal activities (e.g., drugs, contraband).
• Victims are kept under constant visual surveillance until demands are met.
Common Tactics
• Use of deepfake videos and fake arrest warrants.
• Threats regarding family members being involved in crimes.
• Fake claims about parcels containing illegal goods.
Victim Impact
Victims may face significant financial losses, emotional distress, and a sense of vulnerability due to the intimidation tactics employed by scammers.
Recent Trends
• Increase in reported cases; over 11 lakh complaints of financial cyber fraud in 2023.
• Rising incidents attributed to the expansion of internet users.
Prevention Measures
• Awareness of scams and verification of callers’ identities.
• Immediate disconnection of suspicious calls.
• Reporting incidents to local police and cybercrime helplines.
Legal Framework
• Governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• Reports can be filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
PYQ:
[2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
In Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, tribals ambushed the police after tree-felling resumed for coal mining in the area.
What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?
Hasdeo Arand Forest is known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” due to its rich biodiversity.
It is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India with pristine Sal and teak forests.
It spans 1,879.6 sq km across the Sarguja, Korba, and Surajpur districts in Chhattisgarh.
The Hasdeo River runs through the forest.
It is home to nine protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including:
Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Indian grey wolves, and Indian pangolins.
It supports 92 bird species, 25 mammals, 16 types of snakes, and serves as a corridor for elephants and tigers.
It hosts 640 plant species, including 128 medicinal plants and 40 timber-yielding species.
Why are the People Protesting for its ‘Protection’?
Environmental Impact: Mining threatens to destroy the forest cover, impacting biodiversity and wildlife corridors.
Livelihood Concerns: Local communities depend on the forest for farming and forest produce.
Displacement Issues: Villagers report inadequate compensation and resettlement offers, which do not match the size of their current homes.
Alleged Forgery: Villagers allege that fake gram sabha resolutions were used to secure clearances for mining projects.
Demand for Cancellations: Activists want the Parsa coal block cancelled and assurances that the 1,995 sq km Lemru Reserve Forest will be protected from future mining.
PYQ:
[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 70% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
A team of researchers has discovered the genetic mechanisms that allow a newly identified tardigrades species—Hypsibius henanensis—to withstand high levels of radiation.
About Tardigrades
Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, water-dwelling microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions.
They can withstand environments that would be lethal for most life forms, including:
Extremely high and low temperatures (from near absolute zero to over 150°C),
High levels of radiation and vacuum conditions found in space,
Extreme dehydration (losing nearly all water in their bodies),
High pressures (up to six times that of the ocean’s deepest trenches).
This adaptability makes them a subject of interest for scientists, especially in understanding survival mechanisms in extreme conditions.
How Tardigrades resist High Radiations?
The researchers identified 2,801 genes involved in DNA repair. Three key factors contributing to radiation tolerance include:
DNA Repair Protein (TRID1): Enabled the species to repair double-strand DNA breaks due to radiation.
Gene Activation for Mitochondrial Proteins: Radiation exposure activated a gene that produced two proteins vital for mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
Antioxidant Pigments (Betalains): These pigments neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation within cells.
According to a recent study conducted by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, biodiversity is decreasing more rapidly within key protected areas than outside of them.
What did the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) say?
The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is a quantitative measure designed to assess the state of terrestrial biodiversity with its natural baseline, before significant human impact.
It decreased by 1.88% points globally between 2000 and 2020, indicating a loss in the average natural biodiversity of regions worldwide.
Within the 22% of ‘Critical Biodiversity Areas’ that are protected, biodiversity has declined by 2.1 percentage points, while non-protected areas saw a decline of 1.9 percentage points during the same period.
Why is the decline happening?
Inadequate Ecosystem Protection: Many protected areas focus only on specific species rather than the entire ecosystem, failing to prioritize overall biodiversity intactness.
Pre-existing Degradation: Some protected areas may have been already degraded before being designated as protected, limiting their effectiveness in conserving biodiversity.
External Threats: Activities such as oil, gas, and mining concessions encroach on protected areas, leading to habitat destruction and further biodiversity loss.
Climate Crisis Impact: Increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts and wildfires, has severely affected protected areas, undermining their conservation efforts.
Steps taken by the Indian Government to conserve biodiversity:
Legislative Framework
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Established to conserve biological resources and regulate access to these resources, ensuring equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use.
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Facilitates the creation of Protected Areas for wildlife conservation and imposes penalties for illegal hunting.
Conservation Policies:
Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this initiative aims to protect tiger populations across designated reserves.
Project Elephant: Initiated in 1992, it focuses on the management and protection of wild elephant populations and their habitats.
National Biodiversity Mission: A mission mode initiative aimed at documenting and conserving India’s biodiversity.
Protected Areas
Establishment of a Protected Area Network: This includes National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves to provide better protection for wildlife and their habitats.
Designation of Biosphere Reserves: These reserves are aimed at conserving representative ecosystems.
What should be done? (Way forward)
Ecosystem-Centric Management: Shift focus from individual species to the overall health of ecosystems to ensuring comprehensive protection of habitats and their interdependent species.
Strengthened Protection and Regulation: Implement stricter regulations to limit industrial activities (e.g., oil and gas exploration) within and around protected areas, alongside enforcing more robust land-use policies.
Community Engagement and Education: Involve local communities in conservation efforts and enhance public awareness about biodiversity’s importance, fostering a collective responsibility for sustainable practices.
The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is being held at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
AboutExercise SIMBEX:
Details
History
Initially known as Exercise Lion King.
The exercise has been held annually since 1994.
Evolution
Progressed from anti-submarine warfare to include maritime security, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare.
Objectives
• Strengthen strategic partnership between India and Singapore
• Enhance interoperability and maritime domain awareness
• Foster cooperation to tackle shared maritime challenges.
Phases
Harbour Phase:
• Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) for knowledge sharing
• Cross-deck visits and sports fixtures
• Pre-sail briefings between both navies Sea Phase:
• Advanced naval drills including live weapon firings
• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training
• Anti-surface and anti-air operations
• Seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres.
Significance
SIMBEX-2019 was conducted in theSouth China Sea and involved various maritime combat exercises.
Recognized as the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India conducts with any other country (Indian High Commission statement, 2019).
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
![[pib] Raigad Fort](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/raigad.jpg)
