PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2017] ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.
Linkage: It focuses on how China uses its economic power to gain strategic and military advantages, and how this affects India, its neighbor. The article show that Pakistan heavily depends on China for money, support, and infrastructure. With China’s backing, Pakistan could pose new terrorism and security threats to India. |
Mentor’s Comment: China recently held a three-country meeting with Pakistan and Bangladesh in Kunming, soon after a similar one with Pakistan and Afghanistan. These talks show that China is trying to increase its influence in South Asia by bringing India’s neighbours closer, especially as India’s ties with Bangladesh are tense and India is becoming more active in Afghanistan. This reminds us of Cold War-style strategies, where countries tried to surround rivals. As India takes strong action against terrorism and defends its regional interests, China’s new meetings seem to show not just strategy, but also nervousness about India’s growing power.
Today’s editorial talks about the recent meeting between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Last week, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh met together for the first time in a three-country meeting held in Kunming, China.
What are China’s goals behind trilateral talks with Pakistan and others?
- Expand Regional Influence: China aims to increase its geopolitical footprint in South Asia by leading trilateral forums.
- Contain India’s Rise: Trilateral talks help China keep India distracted by regional tensions, limiting its strategic outreach and diplomatic bandwidth. Eg: China’s coordination with Pakistan and Afghanistan shortly after India’s Operation Sindoor aimed to show Pakistan as a regional stakeholder and challenge India’s dominance.
- Promote BRI and Economic Interests: By drawing countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh closer, China seeks to push its Belt and Road Initiative and related infrastructure investments. Eg: Discussions with Afghanistan have included extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Afghan territory.
Why is China increasing regional engagement amid India’s rise?
- To Counter India’s Strategic Clout: As India grows economically and diplomatically, China seeks to undermine its influence in neighbouring countries. Eg: China’s trilateral with Pakistan and Bangladesh followed India’s strengthening ties with Afghanistan and regional powers.
- To Exploit Shifting Political Landscapes: China is leveraging regime changes in countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh to draw them closer into its orbit. Eg: After the regime change in Bangladesh (2024), China intensified efforts to engage Dhaka through trilaterals.
- To Protect and Expand Economic Interests: Rising Indian assertiveness challenges China’s economic initiatives, especially BRI projects. Regional engagement helps safeguard these investments. Eg: China wants to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan to secure trade routes and regional access.
How does the China-Pakistan nexus affect India’s security strategy?
- Increased Two-Front Security Threat: The China-Pakistan partnership forces India to prepare for simultaneous threats on both western and northern borders, complicating military planning. Eg: During Operation Sindoor (2025), Pakistan used Chinese-made drones, radars, and fighter jets, requiring India to recalibrate its defence posture.
- Diplomatic Isolation Attempts: China often backs Pakistan at global platforms, shielding it from international scrutiny, especially on terror-related matters. Eg: China blocked UN resolutions targeting Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, limiting India’s global counterterrorism diplomacy.
- Regional Instability via Trilateral Engagements: China promotes trilateral meetings involving Pakistan and India’s neighbours to sideline New Delhi and create regional pressure points. Eg: The China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral aims to undermine India’s influence in South Asia and divert attention from long-term strategic goals.
What are the developments that show India countering China’s regional influence?
- Assertive Military and Diplomatic Response: India has adopted a proactive approach to respond to security threats and Chinese intrusions. Eg: In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor (2025) and suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, restricted port access, and took military action, signalling firm redlines.
- Strengthening Ties with Neighbours: India is engaging constructively with its neighbours to limit Chinese outreach and reinforce strategic trust. Eg: Despite past tensions, India supported Nepal’s energy cooperation with Bangladesh and re-engaged with Maldives and Sri Lanka, reinforcing regional goodwill.
- Coalition Building with Like-Minded Nations: India is enhancing cooperation with democratic allies to counterbalance China’s strategic footprint in South Asia. Eg: India has deepened ties through platforms like QUAD, and built defence and intelligence partnerships with countries like the U.S., Japan, and Australia, strengthening its regional deterrence.
Who among the neighbours are shifting towards China?
- Pakistan: Deeply aligned with China for military, economic, and diplomatic support. Eg: Over $29 billion in loans, and 80% of arms imports from China.
- Bangladesh: After the 2024 regime change, it has shown increasing economic and political engagement with China. Eg: Joined trilateral talks with China and Pakistan, indicating a shift despite India’s past close ties.
- Afghanistan: Shifted closer to China-Pakistan axis after the Taliban takeover (2021) and again after 2024 regime changes.
Way forward:
- Enhance Strategic Partnerships in South Asia: India should build stronger bilateral ties with its neighbors through infrastructure support, trade cooperation, and regional connectivity projects. Strengthening initiatives like BIMSTEC and Act East Policy can counterbalance China’s influence.
- Assert Regional Leadership Through Security and Diplomacy: India must continue to lead anti-terror cooperation, defend regional sovereignty, and set clear redlines for any hostile alignments. At the same time, it should promote inclusive regional forums that prioritize peace and mutual development.
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Why in the News?
India has entered the top 100 in the Sustainable Development Report (2025), ranking 99th out of 167 countries, according to the UN-backed Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). This shows a clear improvement from its 110th position in 2016, marking a notable step forward.
What does India’s SDG ranking improvement show?
- India moved into the top 100 of the Sustainable Development Report for the first time since 2016, reaching rank 99 out of 167 countries.
- The improvement reflects progress in poverty reduction (SDG 1), infrastructure (SDG 9), electricity access (SDG 7), and digital inclusion.
Why is Zero Hunger still a challenge for India?
- Persistent Child Malnutrition: A significant portion of Indian children still suffer from undernutrition. Eg: As per NFHS-5 (2019–21), 35.5% of children under five were stunted, only slightly better than 38.4% in NFHS-4 (2015–16).
- Widening Dietary Disparities: Access to a nutritious diet remains unequal across income and geographic lines. Eg: Rural and low-income households often rely on calorie-dense than nutrient-poor food, while wealthier urban populations have better diet diversity.
- Rising Dual Burden of Malnutrition: India is witnessing a simultaneous increase in obesity and undernutrition. Eg: Between 2006 and 2021, obesity among adults aged 15–49 almost doubled, especially in urban areas, showing nutritional imbalance.
Which SDG areas show strong and weak performance?
Strong Performance:
- SDG 1 – No Poverty: Significant progress in reducing poverty levels. Eg: Poverty rate declined from 22% in 2012 (NSSO) to about 12% in 2023 (World Bank).
- SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Near-universal household electrification and renewable energy expansion. Eg: India is the 4th largest in renewable energy capacity (solar and wind).
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Rapid growth in digital connectivity and financial inclusion. Eg: UPI-driven digital payment infrastructure and mobile network penetration.
Weak Performance:
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: High levels of malnutrition and dietary inequality persist. Eg: 35.5% of children under five are stunted (NFHS-5, 2019–21).
- SDG 4 – Quality Education: Uneven access to education and digital learning across regions. Eg: COVID-19 widened learning gaps between rural and urban students.
- SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Challenges in governance, rule of law, and press freedom. Eg: India ranks low in global indices measuring institutional strength.
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What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- POSHAN Abhiyaan: Launched to reduce malnutrition, stunting, and anemia among children and womenthrough better nutrition and health services. It supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
- Digital India and UPI Initiatives: Aimed at increasing digital access, financial inclusion, and service delivery, especially in rural and remote areas. It supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
- PM-KUSUM and Solar Missions: Promote renewable energy and sustainable farming by enabling farmers to adopt solar-powered pumps and panels. It supports SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 13: Climate Action.
How can India improve in governance-related SDGs? (Way forward)
- Strengthen Institutional Transparency and Accountability: Ensure timely delivery of justice, reduce corruption, and make public institutions more responsive. Eg: Implementing police and judicial reforms, and enhancing public grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Promote Press Freedom and Civic Participation: Safeguard freedom of expression, support independent media, and encourage public engagement in policymaking. Eg: Enforcing laws that protect journalists and fostering platforms for inclusive civic dialogue.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2021] What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?
Linkage: This focuses on the main goal of ending hunger and malnutrition, which is the heart of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). The article says that SDG 2 is still a major concern in India, even though there has been progress in other areas. So, it’s important to examine how well policies like the National Food Security Act are working.
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Why in the News?
On May 13, 2025, the Supreme Court gave a key judgment revisiting earlier cases on senior lawyer designation. Though overlooked as an internal court issue, it raised concerns about inequality in the legal profession, elitism, and the fairness of classifying lawyers under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961.
What are the legal issues with the senior advocate designation?
- Arbitrary Classification under Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961: Section 16 allows courts to classify lawyers into “senior advocates” and others based on vague terms like “ability” or “standing at the Bar”, which lack objective benchmarks. It has been challenged as violative of Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution because it creates unequal treatment among equals without a clear rationale.
- Lack of Objective Selection Process in Court Rules: The Supreme Court Rules, 2013 prescribe procedures for designation but allow subjective discretion, enabling possible favouritism or bias. Eg: Rule 2 of Order IV of the Supreme Court Rules allows for pre-audience to senior advocates, reinforcing hierarchical privilege without transparency in how they are chosen.
- Undermines Egalitarian Access to Justice: Designation often leads to a concentration of influence among a few, marginalising others and affecting diversity in courtroom representation. Eg: In Indira Jaising v. Supreme Court of India (2017), the Court upheld the validity of Section 16 but did not address how it leads to systemic exclusion, especially of women and underprivileged lawyers, conflicting with constitutional ideals of equality and non-discrimination.
Why is the 2025 Jitender judgment seen as inadequate?
- Did Not Address Constitutional Validity of Section 16: The 2025 judgment failed to examine the constitutional validity of Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961, which creates a classification between senior advocates and other advocates. The Court did not refer the matter to a larger Bench for a deeper constitutional review. The classification was upheld without addressing whether it was arbitrary or led to inequality in the legal profession.
- Acknowledged Subjectivity but Retained Flawed Process: The Court admitted that the point-based assessment system used to designate senior advocates is “highly subjective”, yet it retained the application-based process. This allows judges’ discretion to continue dominating the selection process, opening space for favoritism and elite networks. Eg: Many competent lawyers are left out simply because they lack access to the corridors of power.
- Missed Opportunity to Promote Inclusiveness and Reform: Instead of proposing systemic change, the Court left it to High Courts to frame rules, without tackling the core issue of representation. The process continues to exclude women, Dalits, and those from less privileged backgrounds, reinforcing elitism in the judiciary. Eg: The designation process continues to favour a “creamy layer” of elite lawyers, limiting judicial diversity.
What are the factors fueling inequality in the legal profession?
- Unequal Access to Quality Legal Education: Aspiring lawyers from rural or low-income backgrounds often lack access to top law schools due to language barriers, lack of coaching, or high costs. Eg: Students from remote areas rarely make it to National Law Universities, which limits their exposure and opportunities.
- Urban Concentration of Legal Opportunities: Legal practice in metropolitan cities attracts more recognition, clients, and judicial exposure compared to small-town lawyers. Eg: Talented advocates in lower courts of Bihar or Odisha are often overlooked for high-profile cases or designations.
- Subjectivity in Senior Advocate Designation: The selection process often favours those with elite networks or familiarity with judges, sidelining equally competent but lesser-known lawyers. Eg: Women and Dalit lawyers remain significantly underrepresented among senior advocates.
Way forward:
- Transparent and Inclusive Designation Process: Develop a merit-based, transparent system for designating senior advocates with clear evaluation criteria. Include diverse representation (e.g., women, marginalized groups) in selection committees to promote judicial inclusiveness.
- Strengthening Legal Education and Access: Expand access to quality legal education through scholarships, regional law schools, and skill-based training in vernacular languages, especially for students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds to reduce structural entry barriers.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy.
Linkage: This question prompts an evaluation of the judiciary’s role in achieving “ideals of democracy”. The article talks about the direct counter-narrative to this positive assertion by arguing that the classification of senior advocates, as upheld by Supreme Court judgments in Indira Jaising and Jitender, creates a “legal oligarchy” and perpetuates inequality that can damage the justice delivery system enormously.
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Why in the News?
India is preparing to reassess and renegotiate the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with Bangladesh, which is set to expire in 2026, completing its 30-year term.
About the Ganga Water Agreement (1996):
- Signing: It was signed on December 12, 1996, by PM H. D. Deve Gowda (India) and PM Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh) to share the Ganga’s dry season flow.
- Purpose: It aimed to ensure water availability for irrigation, ecology, and navigation in both countries, especially at the Farakka Barrage, which diverts water to sustain the Kolkata Port.
- Duration: It replaced earlier short-term deals and set a 30-year framework (1996–2026), with a renewal clause by mutual consent.
Key Terms of the Agreement:
- Lean Season Period: The treaty applies from January 1 to May 31, with water sharing calculated in 10-day intervals.
- Sharing Formula at Farakka:
- ≤ 70,000 cusecs: 50% each
- 70,000–75,000 cusecs: India gets the remainder after Bangladesh gets 35,000
- ≥ 75,000 cusecs: India gets 40,000; Bangladesh gets the balance
- Alternate Sharing: From March 11 to May 10, both countries receive 35,000 cusecs alternately every three 10-day blocks.
- No Minimum Guarantee: If flow falls below 50,000 cusecs, Article II allows for consultations and emergency adjustments.
- Monitoring Mechanism: The Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) ensures implementation and dispute resolution.
- Project Provisions: Both countries may construct water projects for irrigation and navigation.
Why must India reconsider it?
- Treaty Expiry: The treaty ends in 2026, and India wants a revised pact to reflect current demands.
- Rising Needs: India seeks an additional 30,000–35,000 cusecs due to:
- Increased irrigation in West Bengal and other states
- Siltation issues at Kolkata Port
- Urban and industrial growth
- Flexibility Concerns: Officials argue the treaty lacks provisions for climate variability and seasonal shortages.
- State Support: West Bengal supports changes, citing inadequate current allocations.
- Proposed Change: India may pursue a shorter, more flexible treaty, like its move on the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Implications for Bangladesh:
- Downstream Vulnerability: Bangladesh faces greater risk from reduced water flow.
- Historical Shortfalls: Between 1997 and 2016, Bangladesh received less than its share 65% of the time.
- Potential Consequences:
- Increased salinity in rivers and farmland
- Reduced water for fisheries, irrigation, and drinking
- Navigation issues in the delta
- Political Sensitivity: Many in Bangladesh already view the treaty as unfair, and further reduction may trigger domestic backlash.
- Diplomatic Impact: A poorly negotiated outcome could strain India-Bangladesh ties, especially in water diplomacy and cross-border trust.
| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. The Baglihar Power Project had been constructed within the parameters of the Indus Water Treaty.
2. The project was completely built by the Union Government with loans from Japan and the World Bank. 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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Why in the News?
A far-right leader has called for a public debate on the terms “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, arguing they were added undemocratically during the Emergency via the 42nd Amendment and now require re-evaluation.
About the Preamble:
- Overview: It is the introductory statement to the Constitution of India. It sets out the philosophy, vision, and objectives of the Constitution.
- Origin: It is based on the Objectives Resolution introduced by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947.
- Declaration made: It declares India to be a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic and seeks to secure to all citizens:
Justice (social, economic, political), Liberty (of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship), Equality (of status and opportunity), and Fraternity (assuring dignity and national unity).
- Significance: It serves as a guiding light for interpreting the Constitution. N.A. Palkhivala called it the “Identity Card of the Constitution”, while K.M. Munshi described it as the “Political Horoscope” of India.
- Key symbolism associated:
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- Source of Authority – We, the People of India emphasizes that power originates from the people.
- Nature of Indian State – India is described as Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic.
Amendments to the Preamble:
- Can the Preamble be amended: Yes, the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) held that the Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended, provided the Basic Structure Doctrine is not violated.
- The Preamble has been amended only once in the history of the Constitution.
- 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976:
- Passed during the Emergency (1975-77) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- Based on the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee.
- Three words were added:
- “Socialist” and “Secular” – inserted between “Sovereign” and “Democratic”.
- “Integrity” – added to the phrase “Unity of the Nation” → changed to “Unity and Integrity of the Nation”.
Why was it controversial?
- It was passed during the Emergency, a time of suppressed democratic processes and curbed civil liberties.
- Critics argue that the words were politically motivated and not part of the original constitutional vision.
- Proponents argue that these values were already implicitly present in the Constitution, and the amendment merely made them explicit.
Preamble as an integral part of the Constitution: Key Judgments
- Berubari Union Case (1960):
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- The Supreme Court initially held that the Preamble is not a part of the Constitution.
- It could be used to interpret ambiguous provisions but had no independent legal standing.
- Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): The Court overruled the earlier view and held that:
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- The Preamble is a part of the Constitution.
- It reflects the basic structure and essential philosophy of the Constitution.
- However, it cannot be used to override specific provisions of the Constitution.
- LIC of India Case (1995):
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- The Court reaffirmed that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution.
- But it is not enforceable in a court of law—i.e., one cannot file a case solely based on a violation of the Preamble.
| [UPSC 2020] The Preamble to the Constitution of India is:
Options: (a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either (c) part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts
[UPSC 2016] Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances? |
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Why in the News?
June 26 is observed globally as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.
About the International Day Against Drug Abuse:
- It is observed annually on June 26, following a declaration by the UN General Assembly on December 7, 1987.
- The theme for 2025, “Break the Cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime,” highlights the need for tackling organized crime networks linked to drug trafficking and calls for long-term investment in justice, education, health care, and alternative livelihoods.
- Events are held worldwide to raise awareness about the social, health, and legal impacts of drug abuse, with active participation from governments, NGOs, and citizens.
- In India, efforts like the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan reflect the government’s zero-tolerance policy and people-centric approach to preventing drug addiction and trafficking.
Key Highlights of the UNODC World Drug Report (2024-2025):
- The latest World Drug Report by UNODC reveals that 292 million people globally were using drugs by 2022, marking a 20% increase in the last decade.
- The report notes a worrying expansion of synthetic drug markets, especially methamphetamine and fentanyl-type opioids, and links them to organised crime groups.
- It calls attention to youth vulnerability, mental health correlations, and gaps in treatment access, especially in low-income countries.
Back2Basics: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
- Overview: It was established in 1997 through the merger of the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention.
- UN agency: It helps in tackling illicit drugs, organised crime, corruption, and terrorism.
- Headquarters: It is located in Vienna, Austria.
- Its core functions include:
- Educating global populations about the dangers of drug abuse.
- Assisting countries in ratifying and implementing international drug control treaties.
- Strengthening criminal justice systems to promote the rule of law.
- Supporting crime prevention, anti-corruption efforts, and terrorism prevention through technical and legal assistance.
- Funding Mechanism: UNODC is voluntarily funded, mainly by governments, and works with partners worldwide to promote stable, secure, and just societies.
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| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following activities:
1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
2. Monitoring of precipitation
3. Tracking the migration of animals
In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) (c) All three (d) None |
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Why in the News?
Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has been recently added to UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites.
About Salkhan Fossil Park:
- Location: It is located in Salkhan village, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Fossil Significance: It is renowned for its stromatolite fossils, ancient layered structures formed by cyanobacteria through photosynthesis.
- Age of Fossils: These fossils are estimated to be up to 1.4 billion years old, dating to the Mesoproterozoic era.
- Scientific Value: Preserved in Bhander limestone of the Vindhyan Supergroup, the site is one of the world’s richest Proterozoic rock collections.
- Significance:
- Evolutionary Insights: The fossils offer key evidence of early microbial life and events like the Great Oxidation Event, helping us understand Earth’s early biosphere.
- Ecological Context: It lies within the Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, enhancing its ecological and conservation value.
Back2Basics: UNESCO’s Tentative List
- Definition: It is a country’s inventory of sites proposed for future inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Nomination Process: A site must be on the Tentative List for at least one year before formal nomination.
- Evaluation Criteria: Sites are assessed for natural, cultural, or mixed heritage value, based on global significance.
- India’s Status: As of June 2025, India has 63 sites on its Tentative List, spanning ecosystems, monuments, and landscapes.
- Benefits of Inclusion: While not guaranteeing World Heritage status, inclusion raises awareness, improves funding, and strengthens conservation.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
1. Shantiniketan 2. Rani-ki-Vav 3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas 4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) Only three (d) All four |
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Why in the News?
The elusive dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, has been rediscovered in Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) after being thought locally extinct.
About Dhole:
- Overview: The dhole (Cuon alpinus), also known as the Asiatic wild dog, is a carnivorous mammal from the Canidae family.
- Habitat: Historically, dholes inhabited southern Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia but are now limited to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.
- Clusters in India: In India, dholes are found mainly in the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Central Indian Landscape, and the Northeast.
- Key States: According to a 2020 study, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh lead in dhole conservation efforts.
- Social Behaviour: Dholes live in packs of up to 30 but may also hunt solo or in pairs depending on prey availability.
- Ecological Role: As predators, dholes help regulate prey populations and maintain ecosystem balance.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix II (not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so if trade is not closely controlled).
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II (considered important for conservation and are granted a high degree of protection).
Back2Basics: Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL)
- Geographic Spread: KKAL is located south of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, comprising Kaziranga National Park (KNP) and the Karbi Anglong Hills.
- Ecological Importance: KNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, known for rich, unmodified ecosystems.
- Wildlife Corridor: KKAL facilitates seasonal migration during Brahmaputra floods, supporting species movement and survival.
- Flagship Species: The landscape hosts the world’s largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as Bengal tigers, elephants, swamp deer, and wild buffalo.
- B2B Corridor: KKAL forms a vital link in the proposed Bhutan-to-Burma (B2B) Connected Landscape, a 1,400 km biodiversity corridor across northeast India.
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Why in the News?
In a breakthrough, scientists at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found that teak leaf extract (Tectona grandis) could offer a natural, sustainable solution for laser protection.
About Optical Properties of Teak Leaf:
- Natural Composition: Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) contain natural compounds that can interact with strong laser light.
- Laser Blocking Ability: These compounds can block harmful laser rays while allowing normal light to pass, making them suitable for selective light filtering.
- Nonlinear Optics: This unique behaviour is called a nonlinear optical property, where a material responds differently to high-intensity light.
- Linear vs Nonlinear: In linear optics, the material’s response is directly proportional to the light’s intensity. In nonlinear optics, the response becomes non-proportional, especially under laser exposure.
Back2Basics: Teak as Timber in India
- Teak (Tectona grandis) is a large deciduous hardwood tree native to India and Southeast Asia, mainly found in tropical dry and moist deciduous forests.
- It is highly valued for its durable, strong, and water- and pest-resistant wood, making it the “King of Timbers”.
- India manages 35% of the world’s planted teak forests, with major natural habitats in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Teak is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List but is not under CITES; private plantations are crucial for meeting demand due to restrictions on commercial felling in government forests.
- Green felling is prohibited in government forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and National Forest Policy, 1988, with timber supply to be met mainly from dead/diseased trees or private plantations.
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Recent Breakthrough:
- New Discovery: Scientists discovered that teak leaf extract can function as a natural laser shield.
- Protection Potential: The extract can block high-intensity laser beams, offering protection to human eyes and sensitive optical devices.
- First of Its Kind: This marks the first known instance of a natural material exhibiting such laser-blocking properties.
Significance for Humans:
- Practical Applications: It can be used in laser safety goggles, optical sensors, and other light-sensitive technologies.
- Safe Alternative: It offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly substitute to chemical-based laser protection materials.
- Sustainability Impact: The use of plant-based materials supports cost reduction and promotes sustainable innovation in science and optics.
| [UPSC 2015] In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
Options: (a) Tropical moist deciduous forest* (b) Tropical rain forest (c) Tropical thorn scrub forest (d) Temperate Forest with grasslands |
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