PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.
Linkage: India as a strategic “third option” in the technological rivalry between the U.S. and China, driven by tariffs. It notes that India might benefit if companies seek alternatives to China for manufacturing due to tariff-induced supply chain disruptions. |
Mentor’s Comment: After the 2024 U.S. election, the government raised tariffs on AI hardware, increasing costs and making the U.S. expensive for building AI technology. These tariffs disrupt global supply chains and push companies to move data centers abroad. India’s growing tech sector positions it as a key alternative to the U.S. and China in this changing AI rivalry and supply chain realignment.
Today’s editorial explains how the USA raised tariffs on AI hardware and the impact of these tariffs. This information will help with GS Paper II (International Relations) and Paper III (Indian Economy).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
After the 2024 U.S. presidential election, new high tariffs on AI hardware could significantly change the global supply chains that support artificial intelligence (AI) development.
What is the effect of 2024 U.S. tariffs on AI supply chains and costs?
- Increased Hardware Costs: Tariffs have raised import duties up to 27% on critical AI components, making AI infrastructure significantly more expensive in the U.S. Eg: Imports of data processing machines worth $200 billion from countries like China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Mexico are now tariff-affected.
- Disruption of Global Supply Chains: Tariffs have caused companies to rethink and relocate data center construction abroad due to higher costs in the U.S. Eg: Some firms are shifting operations to China, which was ironically a key target of the tariffs.
- Reduced Innovation and Investment: Tariffs create uncertainty, discourage investment, and slow innovation due to higher costs and fragmented supply chains. Eg: Studies show that a standard deviation increase in tariffs could reduce output growth by 0.4% over five years.
Why is India seen as a potential third option in the U.S.-China tech rivalry?
- Strategic Geopolitical Position: India is being positioned as a neutral and reliable alternative amidst U.S.-China tensions. Eg: India is increasingly chosen for data center locations and AI collaborations as companies seek to reduce dependence on China.
- Growing Tech and AI Sector: India’s AI and digital engineering sectors are among the fastest-growing within its IT industry. Eg: IT exports have grown at 3.3% to 5.1% annually in recent years, with a major focus on AI services.
- Skilled Workforce: India produces about 1.5 million engineering graduates every year, many with strong AI-related skills. Eg: This talent pool supports global R&D needs, especially in software and algorithm development.
- Policy Support and Investment: The Indian government is heavily investing in semiconductor and AI infrastructure. Eg: AMD’s $400 million design campus in Bengaluru and multi-billion-dollar fab proposals are part of this initiative.
- Comparative Cost Advantage: Lower labor costs and an expanding tech ecosystem make India economically attractive. Eg: Companies find operations in India more cost-effective compared to both the U.S. and China.
How do tariffs influence AI innovation and efficiency?
- Disruption of Global Supply Chains: Tariffs increase the cost of critical AI components, slowing innovation and access to cutting-edge technologies. Eg: A 27% tariff on AI chips in 2025 made the U.S. one of the most expensive places to build AI infrastructure.
- Shift Toward Efficiency Over Raw Power: Rising hardware costs push companies to focus on algorithmic efficiency and model compression instead of raw compute. Eg: AI model usage costs are falling rapidly (by ~40x/year) due to optimisation rather than increased hardware.
- Deadweight Loss and Slowed Productivity: Tariffs reduce trade volume and create inefficiencies that neither benefit producers nor consumers, slowing innovation cycles. Eg: Studies show a 1 standard deviation rise in tariffs can cut output growth by 0.4% over 5 years.
Where is India investing to boost its AI and semiconductor sector?
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Facilities: India is setting up large-scale chip fabrication units to reduce dependency on imports. Eg: A ₹2,500 crore semiconductor chip manufacturing facility is being established in Lucknow under the India Semiconductor Mission.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations with global tech companies are being encouraged to build domestic capacity. Eg: HCL and Foxconn are jointly setting up a semiconductor unit near the Yamuna Expressway in Uttar Pradesh.
- AI Skilling and R&D Initiatives: Programs are being launched to train talent in AI and expand research. Eg: The ‘AI Pragya’ initiative aims to upskill 1 million individuals in areas like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
When could over 50% of AI workload accelerators become custom ASICs?
By 2028, over 50% of AI workload accelerators are expected to be custom ASICs: This marks a shift from general-purpose chips to highly specialized hardware tailored for specific AI tasks. Eg: ASICs designed for language model inference (like Google’s TPU) outperform GPUs in efficiency and cost for specific applications.
Note: ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) are specialised chips designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks more efficiently than general-purpose processors like CPUs or GPUs.
What does it imply?
- Shift Toward Decentralised and Specialised AI Development: Indicates a move away from one-size-fits-all hardware to task-specific solutions, enhancing performance and energy efficiency. Eg: Companies may deploy custom ASICs for voice assistants, facial recognition, or autonomous driving systems instead of relying on generic GPUs.
- Cost Optimisation: Encourages innovation in hardware design and reduces long-term operational costs, benefiting firms with large-scale AI deployments. Eg: Startups and emerging economies like India can leapfrog legacy systems by adopting efficient ASIC-based infrastructure tailored to specific AI needs.
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What are the challenges for India?
- Dependence on Imported Hardware: India relies heavily on imported semiconductor components, which makes its AI ambitions vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and tariffs. Eg: Tariffs on AI hardware can increase costs, slowing India’s AI infrastructure development.
- Limited Semiconductor Manufacturing Capacity: India currently has insufficient domestic chip manufacturing facilities, making it difficult to compete with established producers like Taiwan and China. Eg: India has announced semiconductor fab proposals but is still far from meeting demand for advanced chips.
Way forward:
- Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Accelerate investments in semiconductor fabs and public-private partnerships to build self-reliant AI hardware supply chains, reducing dependence on imports and mitigating tariff impacts.
- Enhance R&D and Skilling: Strengthen AI-focused research, innovation, and workforce training programs to develop specialized hardware solutions like custom ASICs, driving cost efficiency and global competitiveness.
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Why in the News?
The Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad, a rare green space in the city, became the centre of a major legal and environmental fight when the Telangana government planned to turn 400 acres of it into an industrial area.
What is the significance of urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli in Indian cities?
- Improve Air Quality and Public Health: Urban forests absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, helping reduce toxic urban air. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli helps combat air pollution in Hyderabad, which often faces high pollution levels.
- Mitigate Climate Change and Urban Heat: They reduce the urban heat island effect and help control flooding by managing stormwater runoff. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli acts as a natural cooler and flood controller amid Hyderabad’s expanding concrete areas.
- Support Biodiversity and Provide Recreation: Urban forests preserve habitats for endangered birds and animals and offer residents nature-sensitive spaces for relaxation. Eg: Kancha Gachibowli provides green space and supports local wildlife in the middle of the city.
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Why did the Telangana government face criticism for its decision regarding Kancha Gachibowli?
- Threat to Urban Forest Land: The government decided to allocate 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli forest for industrial development, risking the loss of one of Hyderabad’s last urban forests. Eg: This move put 100 acres of trees at risk, which were actually felled before intervention.
- Allegations of Ignoring Public Concerns: The government claimed ownership over the forest and accused protesting students of being misled by real estate interests, downplaying genuine environmental concerns. Eg: Students and activists protested to protect the forest but were dismissed by the state government.
- Judicial Reprimand for Environmental Damage: The Supreme Court took notice of the deforestation and reprimanded the Telangana government, highlighting the environmental insensitivity of the decision. Eg: The court ordered action after 100 acres were cut down, signaling the need to protect urban green spaces.
How do urban forests help in improving the environment and public health in cities?
- Mitigate Pollution and Improve Air Quality: Urban forests sequester carbon and absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, which are major causes of air pollution in cities. Eg: One hectare of trees can remove around one ton of air pollutants annually, helping reduce Delhi’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494.
- Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect: Trees provide shade and cooling, lowering temperatures in concrete-heavy urban areas and combating the urban heat island effect caused by extensive construction and vehicle emissions. Eg: Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai with more green cover experience less extreme heat compared to heavily built-up areas.
- Control Stormwater and Prevent Flooding: Urban forests help manage stormwater runoff, reduce soil erosion, and prevent flooding, thus protecting urban infrastructure and residents. Eg: Urban green spaces reduce flood risks during heavy rains by absorbing excess water, unlike paved surfaces which increase runoff.
What role have judicial interventions played in protecting urban forests in India?
- Broadened Legal Protection: The Supreme Court’s Godavarman case (1996) expanded the definition of forests, mandating all States to identify and map forest areas, including urban forests, thereby bringing them under legal protection. Eg: In 2004, the apex court directed States to conduct a comprehensive forest inventory to enhance conservation efforts.
- Prevented Tree Felling through Stay Orders: Courts have intervened to stop indiscriminate tree felling in urban areas when public protests or petitions were filed, safeguarding ecologically significant areas. Eg: In 2020, the Supreme Court issued a stay on the tree felling in Aarey Forest, Mumbai, after public outcry and legal petitions.
- Ensured Government Accountability: Judicial interventions have held governments accountable for environmentally insensitive development and upheld the Right to a Healthy Environment under Article 21. Eg: In 2024, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Telangana government for felling trees in Kancha Gachibowli, directing restoration efforts.
What is the goal of the Nagar Van Yojana?
The Nagar Van Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2020, aims to:
- Promote and develop urban forest spaces to enhance green cover and biodiversity in rapidly urbanising areas. Eg: It seeks to create eco-friendly urban ecosystems for better living environments.
- Create 1,000 urban forests by 2027 across Indian cities, contributing to climate resilience, air purification, and recreation. Eg: As per the India State of Forest Report 2023, the scheme has already added 1445.81 km² of tree and forest cover.
- Involve local communities in forest development and maintenance to ensure sustainable urban forestry and public participation. Eg: Civic bodies and citizen groups are encouraged to adopt and care for these green spaces.
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Way forward:
- Legally Safeguard Urban Forests: Enact clear legal protections for urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli by integrating them into city master plans and forest laws to prevent diversion for non-forest use.
- Strengthen Community Participation: Empower local communities and civic bodies to co-manage and monitor urban forests through citizen-led initiatives, ensuring long-term conservation and accountability.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2015] “Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
Linkage: The Urban forests can serve as a safeguard against toxic urban air by absorbing pollutants. This question focuses on the critical issue of urban air pollution, highlighting the need for mechanisms like urban forests to improve air quality.
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Why in the News?
AMR is rapidly becoming one of the greatest public health threats, contributing to 2.97 lakh deaths in India in 2019 alone, as reported by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
- AMR occurs when microorganisms (like bacteria) evolve to become resistant to antibiotics designed to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat, leading to increased mortality and healthcare complications.
- Globally, AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths and in India to 2,97,000 deaths in 2019 (IHME report).
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Why is it a growing concern globally?
- Rising Deaths Due to Resistant Infections: AMR causes infections that are harder to treat, leading to increased mortality. Eg, globally AMR contributed to 1.27 million deaths in 2019, and it is projected that by 2050, up to 10 million people could die annually due to resistant infections if no action is taken.
- Limited New Antibiotics Development: There has been a major decline in new antibiotic discovery over the past 30 years, leaving fewer effective treatment options. Eg, India’s development of Nafthromycin was the first new antibiotic in three decades, highlighting the global innovation gap.
- Widespread Misuse and Overuse of Antibiotics: Over-prescription and use of antibiotics in humans, livestock, and agriculture accelerate resistance. Eg, in India, antibiotics are often sold without prescriptions, promoting resistance and reducing drug effectiveness.
What is Nafthromycin?
- Nafthromycin, marketed as ‘Miqnaf’, is a new antibiotic developed in India by Wockhardt, with support from BIRAC.
- It treats Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP). It is a once-a-day, three-day treatment with a 97% success rate.
- India’s first indigenously-developed antibiotic in 30 years and the first globally in this class.
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What is the role of Nafthromycin in fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
- Provides a New Effective Treatment Option: Nafthromycin is India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic in 30 years, offering a powerful new drug to treat infections like Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) with a 97% success rate. Eg: This helps overcome resistance to older antibiotics like azithromycin.
- Supports Antibiotic Stewardship by Reducing Overuse of Existing Drugs: By providing an effective alternative, Nafthromycin can reduce reliance on existing antibiotics that have become less effective due to resistance, helping slow down the spread of AMR.
Why is the misuse and overuse of antibiotics a major cause of AMR in India?
- Over-the-counter sales without prescription: Antibiotics are often sold without a prescription, leading to improper and unnecessary use. Eg: People buying antibiotics directly from pharmacies for viral infections like common cold, where antibiotics are ineffective.
- Use of antibiotics in livestock and agriculture: A large portion of antibiotics is used in animals to promote growth or prevent disease, which contributes to resistant bacteria spreading to humans. Eg: Use of colistin in poultry farming, which was recently banned in India to curb resistance.
- Self-medication and lack of awareness: Many people self-medicate with antibiotics or do not complete prescribed courses, promoting resistance.
What are the healthcare gaps in the treatment of AMR?
- Shortage of Trained Medical Personnel in AMR Management: There is limited awareness and training among healthcare providers on rational antibiotic use and infection control practices. Eg: A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that in community clinics in tier-2 cities, over 50% of doctors were unaware of the national treatment guidelines for infections.
- Lack of Diagnostic Infrastructure: Many primary and secondary healthcare centers in India lack adequate microbiology labs to accurately identify bacterial infections and their resistance profiles. Eg: In rural districts of Uttar Pradesh, absence of lab support leads doctors to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics blindly, increasing resistance risks.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR): A comprehensive plan aligned with WHO’s Global Action Plan to tackle AMR using a One Health approach (human, animal, and environment sectors). Eg: The plan prioritizes awareness, surveillance, infection prevention, and rational antimicrobial use. States like Kerala and Delhi have developed their own State Action Plans on AMR in alignment with NAP-AMR.
- Establishment of Surveillance Networks: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set up the Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance & Research Network (AMRSN) to track resistance patterns across hospitals. Eg: AMRSN collects data on AMR trends in pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli from over 30 hospitals, helping inform national policy.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Regulation and Stewardship: Enforce strict controls on antibiotic sales and promote antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals and clinics.
- Invest in Surveillance and Public Awareness: Expand AMR surveillance networks and run sustained awareness campaigns to educate public and healthcare providers.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] How do you explain the factors responsible for the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.
Linkage: The core issue of “drug-resistant diseases” which is Antibiotic Resistance (AMR). The article talking about the key factors for AMR, such as misuse and overuse of antibiotics across various sectors, including non-prescription sales in countries like India. It also discusses the need for monitoring and control mechanisms like responsible global stewardship, patient education, public awareness, innovation, regulation, and government leadership in stewardship.
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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.
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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:
- 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.
- 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 |
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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.
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: Endangered (facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild)
- 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 (2025): 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.
| [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 |
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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.
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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 |
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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.
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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* |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INSV Kaundinya
Why in the News?
The Indian Navy has formally inducted a traditional stitched sail ship, named INSV Kaundinya, at a ceremony held at the Naval Base in Karwar.
About INSV Kaundinya:
- Induction: It is a newly inducted, stitched sail ship of the Indian Navy, formally inducted at Karwar Naval Base.
- Design: The ship is based on a 5th-century design shown in a painting from the Ajanta Caves.
- Construction Method: Built using ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques, including coconut fibre stitching, wooden joinery, coir ropes, natural resins, and cotton sails.
- No Modern Additions: It has no metal parts, no modern rudder, and is powered by square sails and steering oars.
- Cultural Symbols: Features include the Gandabherunda (two-headed eagle of the Kadamba dynasty), a Simha Yali on the bow, and a Harappan-style stone anchor.
- Sail Plan: The vessel has 3 masts — the main mast, mizzen mast, and bowsprit mast.
- Planned Voyage: A 15-member Indian Navy crew will sail it to Oman by late 2025, retracing ancient maritime trade routes.
- Project Partners: This heritage revival project is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
Legend of Kaundinya and Queen Soma:
- Kaundinya is regarded as the first known Indian sailor to cross the seas over 2,000 years ago.
- He is credited with founding the kingdom of Funan (in present-day Cambodia and South Vietnam) through a historic alliance with Queen Soma.
- Their story is recorded in Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Chinese sources, though not in Indian texts.
- Future dynasties like the Khmer and Cham traced their origins to this union.
| [UPSC 2003] Consider the following statements:
1. The Cholas defeated Pandya and Chera rulers and established their domination over peninsular India in the early medieval times.
2. The Cholas sent an expedition against Sailendra empire of South East Asia and conquered some of the areas.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
Options: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/navy-inducts-stitched-sail-ship-as-insv-kaundinya/article69601911.ece
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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.
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| [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 |
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