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GS Paper: GS3

  • India, cross-border insolvency and legal reform

    Why in the News?

    The current state of cross-border insolvency laws is poor, with rules that cannot be enforced and slow progress in making necessary changes. This situation needs to be fixed.

    How did the evolution of the cross-border insolvency framework in India?

    • Post-Independence Legal Framework: After Independence, India’s insolvency laws focused on domestic cases and did not address cross-border insolvency, leaving a significant gap in the legal framework.
    • Committee Recommendations and IBC Drafting: In the 2000s, committees like the Eradi, Mitra, and Irani Committees recommended adopting the UNCITRAL Model Law, leading to the drafting of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) in 2015, which initially focused on domestic insolvencies.
    • Incorporation of Cross-Border Provisions: Sections 234 and 235 were introduced in 2016 to facilitate cross-border insolvency, allowing reciprocal agreements and assistance from foreign courts, though their effectiveness was limited by the lack of implementation and reciprocal arrangements.

    What are the key challenges in adopting a cross-border insolvency framework in India?

    • Outdated Framework: Current legal provisions, such as Sections 234 and 235 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), remain non-notified and unenforceable, rendering them ineffective. Reliance on ad hoc protocols like in the Jet Airways case increases judicial burden, delays resolutions, and reduces asset value.
    • Jurisdictional Issues: Section 60(5) of the IBC limits the jurisdiction of civil courts over insolvency matters, leaving the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) as the sole authority. However, the NCLT lacks the power to recognize or enforce foreign judgments.
    • Lack of Reciprocal Arrangements: The absence of reciprocal agreements between India and other nations for cross-border insolvency resolution creates barriers to effective cooperation.
    • Inefficient Court Communication: Outdated communication methods between Indian and foreign courts hinder transparency and efficiency in handling cross-border insolvency matters.
    • Legislative Gaps: The delay in adopting structured frameworks, such as the UNCITRAL Model Law, highlights a critical regulatory gap in managing cross-border insolvencies.

    How does India’s proposed legislation align with international standards, such as the UNCITRAL Model Law?

    • India’s proposed amendments to the IBC aim to incorporate elements of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, which provides a structured framework for international cooperation and coordination in insolvency matters.
      • By adopting this model, India seeks to enhance its legal framework to better manage cross-border insolvencies and align with global best practices.
    • The recommendations from various expert committees, including the Insolvency Law Committee and the Parliamentary Standing Committee, emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes provisions for recognizing foreign insolvency proceedings and facilitating smoother communication between jurisdictions.

    What implications do these reforms have for foreign investment and economic growth in India?

    • Attracting Foreign Investment: A robust cross-border insolvency framework will enhance investor confidence by ensuring that their rights are protected in case of insolvency. This predictability is crucial for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, as investors seek assurance that their interests will be managed effectively across borders.
    • Facilitating Corporate Restructuring: Improved legal mechanisms for cross-border insolvency will enable Indian companies operating internationally to restructure more efficiently when faced with financial difficulties. This can lead to better asset recovery and preservation of business value, ultimately contributing to economic stability and growth.
    • Strengthening Economic Ties: By aligning its insolvency laws with international standards, India can foster stronger economic relationships with other nations, facilitating smoother trade and investment flows. This alignment is essential as India’s economic integration with global markets continues to grow.

    Way forward: 

    • Adopt UNCITRAL Model Law: Expedite the implementation of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency to establish a predictable, structured framework for managing international insolvency cases, fostering investor confidence and global integration.
    • Enhance NCLT Capacity: Strengthen the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) with expanded jurisdiction and training to effectively handle cross-border insolvency cases, alongside modernizing judicial coordination mechanisms through international guidelines like JIN.

  • What is KM3NeT Project?

    Why in the News?

    Scientists are deploying two advanced telescopes under the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) project.

    What is KM3NeT Project?

    • The KM3NeT is a European research initiative launched in 2012 and located in the Mediterranean Sea.
    • It uses advanced water Cherenkov detectors to study high-energy neutrinos and their origins, as well as fundamental neutrino properties.
    • Key Components:
    1. ARCA (Astroparticle Research with Cosmics in the Abyss): Offshore Sicily, Italy, at 3,400 meters depth, studying high-energy cosmic neutrinos.
    2. ORCA (Oscillation Research with Cosmics in the Abyss): Offshore Toulon, France, at 2,475 meters depth, focusing on neutrino oscillations and mass hierarchy.
    • It detects Cherenkov radiation, faint light produced when neutrinos interact with water molecules, using 6,210 optical modules.
    • Design:
      • Modular construction with plans to deploy 12,000 optical modules on 600 vertical strings, anchored to the seabed.
      • Connected via electro-optical networks to shore stations for power and data processing.

    About Neutrinos

    • Neutrinos are subatomic particles, similar to electrons but without an electric charge.
      • Neutrinos are the 2nd most abundant particles in the universe after Photons.
    • Approximately a billion neutrinos pass through a cubic centimetre of space every second.
    • First detected in 1959, though their existence was theorized in 1931.
    • High-energy neutrinos, which originate from exotic astrophysical events like supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, or colliding stars, are of particular interest to scientists because:
    • Neutrinos can travel through dense cosmic environments, such as the dust-shrouded centre of the Milky Way, where visible light telescopes fail.
    • Neutrino detection depends on observing Cherenkov radiation — light flashes produced when neutrinos interact with water or ice molecules.
      • Darkness is essential for detecting the faint flashes of Cherenkov radiation.
    • Why study neutrinos?
      • Neutrinos provide insights into particle physics, including neutrino oscillations and mass hierarchy, challenging the Standard Model.
      • Neutrinos pass through dense cosmic regions, offering access to areas invisible to traditional telescopes.
      • Studying neutrinos aids in tracing cosmic ray origins and understanding dark matter, unlocking mysteries of the universe.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the planning commission as a mega-science project under the 11th Five-year plan. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
    2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
    3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.
    4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 4

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Banana Cultivation in India

    Why in the News?

    India has seen a 10x increase in banana exports over the past decade and now targets $1 billion in exports within the next five years. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s banana production was estimated at around 34.9 million metric tons.

    Do you know?

    • Banana is the second most important fruit crop in India after Mango, contributing 33% to total fruit production.
    • India is the largest producer of bananas globally, contributing 26.5% to the world’s total banana production (FAO, 2021).
    • Andhra Pradesh is the leading state with 56.84 lakh tonnes (16.5% of national production) followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

    Banana Cultivation in India

    • Bananas thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures between 15°C and 35°C and high humidity.
    • Common varieties: Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Grand Naine, Nendran, Rasthali, Poovan, Red Banana, Monthan, Safed Velchi, Lal Velchi, Ardhapuri, Karpuravalli, Elakki Bale, Basrai, Amrit Sagar, Champa, Chinia, Malbhog, Rajapuri, and Yelakki.
    • The crop requires well–drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5 and 1,800–2,000 mm of water annually, often supported by drip irrigation.
    • Fusarium Wilt is the most common disease affecting Bananas.
    • Seasons for Planting:
      • Maharashtra: Kharif (June–July) and Rabi (October–November).
      • Tamil Nadu: February–April and November–December.
      • Kerala: Rainfed crop (April–May) and irrigated crop (August–September).

    PYQ:

    [2011] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?

    (a) Andaman Islands

    (b) Anaimalai Forests

    (c) Maikala Hills

    (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast

  • Union Cabinet approved the continuation of PMFBY and RWBCIS until 2025-26

    Why in the News?

    The government extended two crop insurance schemes, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), for another year until 2025-26. It also set aside ₹824.77 crore to improve these schemes using advanced technology.

    What are the provisions and key features of PMFBY?

    • Comprehensive Risk Coverage: PMFBY provides coverage against all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages, including droughts, floods, and pests.
    • Subsidised Premium Rates: Farmers pay a fixed premium of 1.5% for rabi crops, 2% for kharif crops, and 5% for cash crops. The remaining premium is shared between the central and state governments.
    • Financial Support: It offers financial assistance to farmers suffering from crop loss due to unforeseen events, aiming to stabilise their income and encourage modern agricultural practices.
    • Technology Integration: The scheme incorporates technological initiatives like YES-TECH for yield estimation and WINDS for weather data collection, enhancing efficiency in claim settlement.

    Why was RWBCIS introduced?

    • Financial Protection Against Weather Risks: RWBCIS was introduced to safeguard farmers from financial losses caused by adverse weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature fluctuations, wind, and humidity, which can severely impact crop yields and farmer income.
    • Comprehensive Coverage for Various Crops: The scheme aims to provide insurance protection for a wide range of crops, including food crops, oilseeds, and commercial or horticultural crops, thereby mitigating the impact of natural calamities like droughts and floods on farmers’ livelihoods.

    What is the difference between PMFBY and RWBCIS?

    PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) RWBCIS (Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme)
    Launch Launched in 2016 (replacing NAIS and MNAIS). Introduced in 2016 to safeguard farmers against adverse weather conditions.
    Primary Focus Protects against crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, diseases. Provides insurance based on weather parameters (e.g., rainfall, temperature, wind) to mitigate financial losses from weather extremes.
    Risk Assessment Method – Area-based approach with crop-cutting experiments, remote sensing, etc.
    – Yield vs. threshold yield determines compensation.    		 – Weather-based triggers using data from weather stations.
    – Predefined thresholds (e.g., rainfall levels) activate payouts automatically.
    Premium Structure – Uniform, capped rates for farmers: 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for horticulture/commercial crops.
    – No upper limit on government subsidy.    		 – Varies based on weather risks and policy design.
    – Similar subsidy approach, but rates are dependent on specific weather-based insurance products.
    Coverage – All notified crops in a defined area.
    – Includes food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops.    		 – Covers food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops for weather-induced losses (e.g., drought, flood, cyclone, hailstorm).
    Enrollment – Initially compulsory for farmers with crop loans (KCC).
    – Made voluntary for all farmers from Kharif 2020.    		 – All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, are eligible if they grow notified crops in notified areas.
    Key Objectives – Provide financial support and stabilize income in the event of crop failure.
    – Encourage innovative and modern farming practices.    		 – Protect farmers from weather aberrations, ensuring swift compensation when weather thresholds are met or breached.
    Unique Features – “One Nation, One Scheme” concept.
    – Loss-based compensation linked to actual yield shortfall.    		 – Trigger-based system; payouts depend on deviation from normal weather parameters (no extensive damage assessment).

    What is the role of FIAT in crop insurance schemes?

    The Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) has been established with a corpus of ₹824.77 crore to enhance the implementation of PMFBY and RWBCIS. There are various key roles:

    • Technological Advancement: Funding technological initiatives aimed at improving the assessment of crop damage and expediting claim settlements.
    • Research Support: Facilitating research and development studies that enhance the effectiveness of crop insurance schemes through innovative practices.
    • Improving Accessibility: Aiding in the use of digital technologies for easier enrollment processes and expanding coverage among farmers.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Awareness and Accessibility: Increase farmer outreach through targeted awareness campaigns and simplify enrollment processes using digital platforms to ensure maximum participation in crop insurance schemes.
    • Enhanced Technology Integration: Expand the deployment of advanced tools like remote sensing and automated weather monitoring to improve accuracy in loss assessment, and claim settlements, and minimize disputes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.  Conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the report provides a scientific baseline for groundwater quality across India.

    Annual Groundwater Quality Report, 2024: Key Highlights

    Monitoring Scale

    • Data collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend stations both before and after the monsoon.

    Contamination Levels

    • Nitrate
      • 20% of samples exceeded the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
      • Hotspots include Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra (>40% of samples), Telangana (27.48%), Andhra Pradesh (23.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (22.58%).
      • States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland remain within safe limits.
    • Fluoride
      • 9.04% of samples above permissible limits.
      • Affected states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
    • Arsenic
      • Detected in Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains (West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh).
      • Linked to cancer and skin lesions.
    • Uranium
      • 42% of Rajasthan and 30% of Punjab samples exceed 100 ppb.
      • Over-exploited zones in Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh also show elevated levels, posing kidney damage risks.

    Agricultural Suitability

    • SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) & RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate): 81% of samples suitable for irrigation; 100% suitability in North-Eastern states.
    • High Sodium: Elevated levels in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, risking soil degradation.
    • Salinity (as a measure of Electrical Conductivity (EC)): High in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka.

    Temporal Trends

    • Seasonal Improvements: Post-monsoon recharge improves EC (salinity) and fluoride levels.
    • Stable Nitrate since 2015 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.
    • Rising Nitrate (2017–2023) in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana.

    Hotspots of Contamination

    • Nitrate:
      • Rajasthan (Barmer, Jodhpur), Maharashtra (Wardha, Jalgaon), Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu), Tamil Nadu (Villupuram), Punjab (Bathinda).
    • Uranium:
      • Over-exploited aquifers in Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat.
    • Arsenic:
      • Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar.

    What are the key factors contributing to decline in Groundwater quality?

    Groundwater quality declines due to:

    • Industrialization, with untreated waste introducing heavy metals and chemicals into aquifers, and agricultural practices, where excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nitrate contamination.
    • Urbanization worsens the problem through improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.
    • Over-extraction for agriculture and domestic use lowers water tables, exposing aquifers to pollutants like arsenic and uranium.
    • Climate change and poor livestock waste management further exacerbate contamination and reduce aquifer recharge.

    Government Initiatives to conserve Groundwater

    • Jal Jeevan Mission – Groundwater Component (2023): Ensures source sustainability for rural water supply by focusing on groundwater recharge and sustainable extraction with local governance participation.
    • Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain (2021): A nationwide campaign promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, emphasizing the creation of water conservation structures.
    • National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (Updated 2020): Maps groundwater aquifers to guide sustainable management, particularly in over-exploited areas.
    • Atal Bhujal Yojana (2019): Focuses on sustainable groundwater management through community participation in seven water-stressed states, with decentralized planning involving Gram Panchayats.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:​

    1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.​

    2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.​

    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​

  • [pib] What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) ?

    [pib] What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate?

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme.

    What is Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)?

    • DAP is a two-nutrient fertilizer that contains 18% nitrogen (N) and 46% phosphorus (P) as P2O5.
    • DAP is highly soluble in water and soil, releasing phosphate and ammonium that plants can use.
    • DAP is a popular choice for farming and other industries because of its high nutrient content and physical properties. It’s particularly effective in the early stages of plant development.

    What is Fertilizer Subsidy in India?

    Details
    • Ensures affordable fertilizers for farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
    • Applies to both Urea and Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, each with distinct pricing/subsidy mechanisms.

    Types of Subsidies:

    1. Urea Subsidy

    • Fixed MRP: Urea is sold at a statutorily notified MRP (₹5,360/ton in 2023), irrespective of production costs.
    • Government Compensation: Bridges the cost gap, making urea highly affordable but often leading to overuse.

    2. Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) for P&K (2010)

    • Nutrient-Based Approach: Subsidies depend on Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content, promoting balanced fertilization.
    • Pricing Revision: Subsidy rates are reviewed annually or bi-annually based on global market prices.
    • Objectives: Improve soil health, nutrient efficiency, and ensure affordability of P&K fertilizers.

    3. Subsidies as per New Investment Policy (NIP) for Urea (2012)

    • Self-Sufficiency Focus: Encourages new urea plants and revival of old ones to reduce imports.
    • Investment Incentives: Aim to increase domestic production through favourable policies and pricing.
    Concerns Related to Subsidy
    • Overuse of Urea: Low urea prices lead to excessive application, causing soil nutrient imbalance and environmental harm.
    • Fiscal Burden: Total subsidy expenditures reached ₹2.25 lakh crore (2023–24), placing a heavy load on public finances.
    • Imbalanced Nutrient Use: Heavy reliance on urea discourages the use of P&K fertilizers, degrading soil quality over time.
    • Import Dependency: India relies significantly on P&K imports, exposing farmers to global price volatility.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:

    1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.

    2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.

    3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.

    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

  • [pib] Tobacco Board of India

    Why in the News?

    The Tobacco Board of India, established on January 1, 1976, under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the growth and sustainability of the tobacco industry.

    About Tobacco Board of India

    • It is established under the Tobacco Board Act, 1975, operational from January 1, 1976.
    • It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • It is headquartered in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
    • Objective: To promote the orderly development of India’s tobacco industry, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
    • Functions:
      • Regulates the production, curing, grading, and marketing of Virginia tobacco (Flue-Cured Virginia and Burley).
      • Issues licenses and registrations for growers, manufacturers, exporters, and dealers.
      • Collaborates with research institutes to develop new crop varieties and improve farming practices.
      • Engages in market promotion, price stabilization, and quality control to protect farmers and maintain fair trade.

    About the Tobacco Production and Trade

    India

    • Tobacco is drought-tolerant, hardy, and short-duration, cultivable on soils where other crops are less profitable.
    • It is grown on 0.45 million hectares, accounting for 0.27% of India’s net cultivated area.
      • India produces around 750 million kilograms of tobacco leaf annually.
    • India is the second-largest producer globally (after China) and second-largest exporter (after Brazil).
    • About 300 million kg of Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is produced on 0.20 million ha, while 450 million kg of non-FCV varieties come from 0.25 million ha.
    • India contributes 10% of global tobacco acreage and 9% of world tobacco production

     

    PYQ:

    [2008] Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:

    List-I(Board) List-II (Headquarters)
    A. Coffee Board 1. Bengaluru
    B Rubber Board 2. Guntur
    C Tea Board 3. Kottayam
    D Tobacco Board 4. Kolkata

    Code: A B C D

    (a) 2 4 3 1

    (b) 1 3 4 2

    (c) 2 3 4 1

    (d) 1 4 3 2

  • Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    Why in the News?

    Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems.

    Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    About Willow Quantum Processor:

    • Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature.
    • Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of information in quantum computers.
      • Some qubits perform the actual calculations (called data qubits).
      • Others check for mistakes and fix them (called measurement qubits).
    • It operates at an extremely low temperature—almost absolute zero (-273.15°C)—to keep its qubits stable.
    • How fast is It? Willow solved a tough problem in just a few minutes. The same task would take the world’s best regular computer 10 septillion years (that’s 1 followed by 24 zeros!).
    • Each qubit can stay stable for 100 microseconds (a tiny fraction of a second), which is a big improvement for quantum computers.

    Features and Significance

    • Smarter Error Handling:
      • Quantum computers are extremely sensitive, and even the tiniest disturbance can cause errors.
      • Willow uses a system where some qubits (called measurement qubits) are dedicated to spotting and fixing errors without disturbing the main qubits (called data qubits) that are doing the calculations.
    • Bigger, Better Performance:
      • Willow has 105 qubits: about half for computations and the rest for error correction.
      • Most quantum computers become less reliable as more qubits are added. Willow is different—it actually improves its performance as more qubits are included.
    • Longer Stability:
      • Qubits in Willow remain stable for 100 microseconds—a significant improvement that allows it to perform more complex tasks.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services
    (b) Quantum Computing
    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

  • In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.

    In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

    Details
    Geographical Features
    • Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
    • Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
    • Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
    • Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
    • Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
    • It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
    • Melanistic Tigers:
      • Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
      • It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a) Bhitarkanika

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d) Simlipal

  • What is Coastal Security Scheme (CSS)?

    Why in the News?

    Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II.

    What is the Coastal Security Scheme?

    • CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km coastline, including 1,382 offshore islands, in order to prevent unauthorized entry, smuggling, and infiltration.
    • It is overseen by the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with coastal States/UTs and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
    • Core Objective: Bolster coastal security by enhancing infrastructure, resources, and coordination among central and state agencies, ensuring effective maritime surveillance and prompt emergency response.

    Implementation Phases

    • Phase I (2005–2011)
      • Budget: ₹646 crore
      • Established 73 coastal police stations, 97 check-posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 interceptor boats, 153 jeeps, and 312 motorcycles.
    • Phase II (2011–2020)
      • Budget: ₹1,579.91 crore
      • Added 131 coastal police stations, 60 jetties, 10 marine operational centers, 225 boats, 131 four-wheelers, and 242 motorcycles.

    Key Features

    • Infrastructure Development: Construction of coastal police stations, jetties, outposts, barracks, and marine operation centers.
    • Marine Patrolling: Deployment of interceptor boats for rapid response and improved surveillance.
    • Manpower & Training: Specialized marine police personnel trained at the National Academy of Coastal Policing (Gujarat).
    • Technological Integration: Collaboration with the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) for real-time monitoring and swift threat detection.

    Current Status

    • Phase III Plans:
      • Upgraded Boats & Equipment: Introducing larger, more stable vessels and better maintenance.
      • More Manpower: Focused recruitment and specialized training for marine police.
      • Infrastructure Expansion: Building new jetties and operational centers, backed by adequate funding.
      • Insurance Coverage: Proposals to protect marine police personnel operating in high-risk conditions.