Why in the News?
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) released Version 2.0 of the Checklist of Fauna of India, documenting 105,244 species and subspecies.
Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India
- The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale in 1916.
- It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India, based in Kolkata.
- It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
- The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
- Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
- The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.
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Key Findings About ZSI’s Work and Discoveries (2024–25):
- Significant Animal Discoveries:
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- New Genus: Dravidoseps gouensis – a new genus of skink (lizard) from Western Ghats
- New Species of Snakes: Anguiculus dicaprioi – named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio, belongs to the Colubridae family
- Other Reptiles: 2 new genera and 37 new species of reptiles discovered
- Amphibians: 5 new amphibian species, including frogs from northeastern and southern India
- Other Invertebrates: Multiple new insect species, particularly among beetles, moths, flies, and bees
- Highest representation among newly discovered species were insects, especially:
- Coleoptera (beetles)
- Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies)
- Diptera (flies)
- Hymenoptera (ants, bees, wasps)
| [2020] With reference to India’s Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:
(a) Birds
(b) Primates
(c) Reptiles
(d) Amphibians |
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Why in the News?
A new species of flowering plant, Begonia nyishiorum, has been discovered in the East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.
About Begonia nyishiorum:
- Overview: Begonia nyishiorum is a recently identified flowering plant found in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh, and is endemic to this region.
- Scientific Recognition: It was officially described in June 2025 in Novon, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Feature: The species is notable for its crimson, fringed scales (indumentum) on light green petioles, a distinct trait among Asian begonias.
- Habitat and Range: It thrives on moist, shaded mountain slopes between 1,500 and 3,000 metres in altitude.
- Ecological Sensitivity: Known from only two forest locations, the plant is potentially vulnerable and warrants conservation attention.
- Name Origin: The species name nyishiorum honours the Nyishi tribe, known for their traditional ecological stewardship of local forests.
About the Nyishi Tribe:
- Overview: The Nyishi are the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, with a population of about 300,000.
- Name Meaning: The word “Nyishi” combines “Nyi” (man) and “Shi” (being), signifying a civilised human in their language.
- Linguistic Identity: Their language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, although its origins remain debated among scholars.
- Geographic Spread: They live in eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh (like East Kameng, Papum Pare, and Kurung Kumey) and parts of Assam.
- Livelihood Practices: Their economy includes slash-and-burn farming, hunting, fishing, and handicrafts such as bamboo work and weaving.
- Key Festivals: They celebrate Boori-Boot (Feb) for unity, Nyokum (Feb) for prosperity, and Longte (Apr) for protection from evil.
- Social Structure: Nyishi society is patrilineal and clan-based, with no caste system or rigid social hierarchy.
- Role of Women: Women are seen as symbols of peace and prosperity, and marriages involve reciprocal family exchanges that build community ties.
| [UPSC 2016] 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?
Options: (a) Andaman Islands* (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast |
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Why in the News?
The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development is set to launch the second phase of capacity building for the NAKSHA programme (NAtional geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban HAbitations).
About NAKSHA Program:
- Overview: It was launched on 18th February 2025. It is a geospatial land survey initiative launched by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Ministry of Rural Development, under the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
- Objective: The programme aims to modernise urban land records, make property ownership more transparent, and streamline urban governance.
- Funding: It is 100% centrally funded, with an estimated cost of ₹194 crore.
- Significance: The programme was launched in response to India’s rapidly growing urban population, which is expected to exceed 600 million by 2031.
Key Features:
- Pilot Coverage: Implemented in 157 ULBs covering an area of 4,142.63 sq km, focusing on towns with an area of <35 sq km and a population of <2 lakh.
- Drone-Based Survey: Uses drones equipped with LiDAR sensors and 5 cm resolution cameras to conduct aerial surveys.
- Three-Stage Survey Process:
- Drone Survey & Data Collection
- Field Verification & Draft Mapping
- Public Review & Finalisation
- Integration with Legal Records: Field surveys validate and update property tax, ownership, and registration data.
| [UPSC 2024] With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements:
1. To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.
2. Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitised.
3. An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(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 Prada incident, involving footwear resembling India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, has reignited debates on cultural respect, equitable benefit sharing, and the need for stronger global enforcement of GI rights.
About the Kolhapuri Chappal Controversy:
- Cultural Origin: They originated in Kolhapur and nearby districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka, dating back to the 12th–13th century, once worn by royals.
- Craftsmanship and Features: These chappals are handmade from vegetable-tanned leather, use no nails or synthetic parts, and feature a T-strap design in natural tones.
- GI Tag Recognition: They received a GI tag in 2019, covering eight districts across the two states.
- Allegations Against Prada: Italian luxury brand Prada was accused of unauthorised cultural appropriation for selling similar sandals without acknowledging the traditional origin.
- Global Enforcement Gap: The controversy highlights the limited international protection for GI-tagged goods and the need for stronger legal safeguards abroad.
Earlier Cultural Misappropriation Cases:
- Basmati Rice (1997): The US Patent and Trademark Office granted a patent to Ricetec Inc., claiming new “lines and grains” of basmati rice. After diplomatic and legal pressure, Ricetec was barred from using the term “Basmati.”
- Turmeric (1995): A U.S. patent was granted for turmeric’s wound-healing properties, a use long documented in Ayurveda. CSIR successfully challenged and had the patent revoked.
- Neem (2000): The European Patent Office revoked a patent granted to the USDA and W.R. Grace for neem-based antifungal formulations, citing that such usage existed in Indian traditional knowledge.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI) Tags
- Purpose: A GI tag is a form of intellectual property that certifies a product’s origin from a specific place where its quality or reputation is uniquely linked to that location.
- Significance: GI tags help preserve cultural heritage, promote rural livelihoods, and enable market access for indigenous communities.
- Legal Framework in India: In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, in force since 2003, and managed by the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce.
- Ownership and Validity: A GI tag is collectively owned by local producers, valid for 10 years, and renewable indefinitely, unlike private trademarks.
- Examples of GI Goods: India has 658 GI goods, including Darjeeling tea, Madhubani paintings, Pashmina shawls, Chanderi sarees, and Kancheepuram silk.
- Jurisdiction of Protection: GI protection is territorial, meaning legal misuse can only be challenged within the registered country, unless separately protected abroad.
- Global Legal Backing: GI rights are supported by international treaties like the Paris Convention (1883) and the TRIPS Agreement (1995).
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