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  • Smoke and Sulphur: On sulphur dioxide emissions, public health

    Why in the News?

    Recently the Environment Ministry of India has recently exempted most coal-fired power plants from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, reversing its 2015 mandate. This move weakens efforts to control sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, a harmful air pollutant.

    What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) system? 

    Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems are air pollution control technologies used in thermal power plants to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gases (the exhaust emitted when coal or oil is burned).

    Why has FGD installation been exempted for most coal plants?

    • Low Sulphur Content in Indian Coal: Indian coal contains naturally low sulphur, reducing the urgency to control SO₂ emissions. Eg: The expert committee stated that SO₂ levels near plants using Indian coal were already below permissible limits.
    • High Installation and Operational Costs: Installing FGD systems is capital-intensive and can increase electricity tariffs. Eg: Many private power producers cited cost constraints as a barrier to following the 2015 FGD mandate.
    • Limited Vendor Capacity in India: There is a shortage of FGD equipment suppliers, causing delays in implementation. Eg: From 2015–2024, only 8% of 600 units installed FGDs, primarily by NTPC (a public sector company).
    • Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic caused supply chain disruptions and delayed project execution timelines. Eg: The Environment Ministry cited COVID-related delays for missing 2024 FGD deadlines.
    • Scientific Reassessment of SO₂ Effects: New studies suggest sulphates formed from SO₂ may have a climate-cooling effect, weakening the urgency of emission controls. Eg: The Power Ministry argued that reducing sulphates could actually worsen global warming.

    How does SO₂ affect health and air quality?

    • Respiratory Health Impacts: Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) irritates the respiratory tract, causing issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and shortness of breath, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. In Delhi, spikes in SO₂ levels have been linked to increased hospital visits for respiratory ailments during winter months.
    • Formation of Particulate Matter (PM2.5): SO₂ reacts in the atmosphere to form sulphate aerosols, a major component of PM2.5, which penetrates deep into lungs and contributes to air pollution. Industrial belts like Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh record high levels of particulate pollution, partly due to emissions from coal-fired plants.
    • Reduced Visibility and Environmental Damage: SO₂ contributes to acid rain and haze, damaging crops, soil, and water sources, and reducing visibility. Areas near thermal power plants, such as in Chhattisgarh, have reported acidic soil degradation, affecting agriculture.

    What does selective FGD enforcement indicate about regulation?

    • Location-Based Policy Inconsistency: The decision to mandate FGD installation only near NCR and urban hotspots suggests that environmental regulations are being applied selectively, not based on uniform scientific standards, but geographical and political considerations.
    • Weak Enforcement and Shifting Priorities: Exempting most coal plants despite earlier commitments reflects regulatory dilution, raising concerns about policy backtracking and the government’s willingness to compromise on environmental health in favor of industrial or economic concerns.
    • Undermining Scientific Credibility and Public Trust: Ignoring the original mandate without robust public debate weakens trust in evidence-based regulation, indicating that scientific advisories are not consistently followed in policy implementation.

    Why is public debate vital before policy shifts on pollution?

    • Ensures Transparency and Accountability: Open public debate creates transparency, compelling policymakers to justify decisions and remain accountable to citizens.
    • Strengthens Scientific Rigor: Debate enables scientific scrutiny of environmental claims, ensuring that policy changes are based on credible evidenceand expert consultation.
    • Safeguards Public Health and Democratic Rights: Inclusive discussions protect public health and uphold democratic values by allowing citizens to voice concerns over pollution-related policies.

    Why is public debate vital before policy shifts on pollution?

    • Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), this market-based mechanism promotes energy efficiency in industries, indirectly reducing emissions.
    • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, it aims for a 20–30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024 (now extended), and addresses urban air pollution through sector-specific mitigation plans.
    • Retrofitting of Plants: Plants identified in pollution hotspots, those near NCR or million-plus cities, are required to install FGD by 2028, as per latest Environment Ministry directive.
    • Promotion of Renewable Energy and Ujjwala Yojana: Transition towards cleaner energy sources (solar, wind) and LPG distribution under Ujjwala Yojana has reduced reliance on coal and biomass, indirectly curbing SO₂ emissions.

    Way forward: 

    • Revise FGD Policy Through Transparent Public Consultation: Any change in environmental regulation, especially exemptions, must involve scientific review, public debate, and stakeholder consultations to ensure credibility and protect public health.
    • Strengthen Pollution Monitoring and Accountability: Enhance the real-time SO₂ monitoring network, enforce uniform emission standards, and link compliance with financial or operational incentives to promote cleaner technologies across all power plants.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard.

    Linkage: The article talks about the Environment Ministry’s decision to exempt most coal-fired plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which is a significant government initiative related to an environmental issue (sulphur dioxide emissions) and its mitigation. This is a direct and comprehensive question about environmental issues and the government’s initiatives and mitigation measures.

  • Assessing India’s Carbon Credit trading scheme targets 

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government recently set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity targets for key industrial sectors under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). These targets apply to eight major industries, including steel, cement, aluminium, and textiles, and aim to reduce emissions per unit of production.

    What is CCTS?

    The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) allows entities—such as factories, refineries, or power plants—that emit less than their permitted carbon limits to earn carbon credits. These credits can then be traded with other entities that have exceeded their emission limits.

    What is the importance of assessing carbon targets at the economy-wide level?

    • Reflects true environmental impact: Evaluating targets at the economy-wide level ensures we understand the overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which is the ultimate goal of climate action.
    • Enables flexible compliance: It allows efficient entities to overachieve and trade credits with less efficient ones, reducing total emissions cost-effectively. Eg: In India’s PAT scheme, cement plants exceeding targets sold energy-saving certificates to aluminium units lagging behind.
    • Aligns with national commitments: It supports the evaluation of whether India is on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero targets, beyond fragmented sectoral views. Eg: India aims to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 – a goal only visible through economy-wide analysis.

    What is the PAT Scheme?

    The PAT Scheme sets energy efficiency targets for large, energy-intensive industries. Companies that exceed their targets earn Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), which they can trade with other companies that fail to meet their targets.

    How has the PAT scheme proven effective in reducing energy intensity?

    • Encouraged market-based efficiency: The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme allowed industries to meet energy targets using tradable efficiency certificates, creating a cost-effective compliance mechanism.
    • Achieved aggregate reduction: Despite mixed results at the entity or sector level, overall energy intensity in India declined across PAT cycles, proving its system-wide impact. Eg: Between 2012–14, even as chlor-alkali sector’s intensity rose, combined data showed less energy used per unit of output.
    • Enabled flexible transition: PAT helped industries adopt incremental improvements or buy credits instead of making costly in-house upgrades, ensuring participation without economic strain. Eg: Aluminium units improved production processes, while others chose certificate trading to meet targets.

    Why are entity-level targets insufficient to assess emission reduction?

    • Limited Scope of Impact: Targets at the entity level show progress in isolation and may miss the broader picture. For instance, even if some paper or chlor-alkali plants increase their energy use per unit of output, overall national emissions may still fall due to reductions in other sectors.
    • Focus on Transactions, Not Outcomes: These targets often guide financial trades between companies rather than ensuring actual emissions reduction. A steel plant may meet its target not by cutting emissions but by buying efficiency certificates from another unit.
    • Inconsistency Across Sectors: Emission reductions may vary widely across sectors. While cement and aluminium sectors may improve efficiency, others may lag. Solely relying on entity targets could misrepresent the real national decarbonisation progress.

    What limits the comparison of CCTS targets with past and future benchmarks?

    • Mismatch in Scope: The CCTS targets apply only to a part of India’s industrial base, making it difficult to compare them with economy-wide goals like the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Eg. CCTS covers only 8 industrial sectors, while NDCs span all sectors including agriculture and transport.
    • Changing Baselines and Ambition Levels: Past schemes like PAT Cycle I had relatively modest targets. Comparing them with current CCTS goals may underestimate the urgency for stronger action aligned with net-zero by 2070. Eg. A sector that achieved 1% reduction earlier may now require over 2.5% annual reduction to stay on track.
    • Different Indicators Used: Past targets often focused on energy intensity, while future goals (like NDCs) emphasise emissions intensity per GDP or value added, making direct comparison methodologically inconsistent. Eg. Comparing energy saved per unit of production vs emissions per unit of GDP distorts true climate ambition.

    How do CCTS targets align with India’s NDC and net-zero goals?

    • Partial Alignment with Emission Intensity Reduction: The CCTS targets aim to reduce emissions intensity in key industrial sectors, contributing to India’s NDC goal of reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels). However, the annual reduction rateof ~1.68% in CCTS sectors is lower than the required pace for full alignment.
    • Lag Behind Power Sector Decarbonisation: Compared to the power sector, which has low-cost mitigation options and a projected 3.44% annual decline in emissions intensity, the industrial sector’s slower pace (~2.53%) under CCTS may hinder the broader net-zero pathway.
    • Need for Greater Sectoral Ambition: The current CCTS trajectory appears less aggressive than necessary for the 2070 net-zero target. Without scaling upambition across more sectors and tightening targets, CCTS alone cannot ensure full alignment with India’s long-term climate goals.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Sectoral Ambition with Dynamic Targeting: Revise CCTS targets periodically based on economy-wide modelling aligned with India’s NDC and net-zero goals, ensuring progressively stringent emission intensity reductions across all major industrial sectors.
    • Integrate Technology and Incentives: Promote adoption of clean technologies through financial incentives, carbon pricing, and capacity-building support to enable industries to decarbonize efficiently without compromising growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.

    Linkage: The article talks about the concept of “carbon credit,” which is a fundamental component of carbon trading schemes, including India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) which is related to the demand of the question.

  • Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project  

    Why in the News?

    India’s flagship freight rail infrastructure project — the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) — is nearing full commissioning.

    About the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project:

    • Overview: It is a flagship railway initiative by the Ministry of Railways to modernise and streamline freight movement in India.
    • Launch: The foundation stone was laid in 2006 by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
    • Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in October 2006.
    • Objective: The main aim is to develop high-capacity, high-speed freight-only rail corridors to decongest passenger routes and improve logistics efficiency.
    • Investment Size: With a total estimated cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore, the DFC is among India’s largest rail infrastructure investments.
    • Corridor Coverage:
      1. Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spans 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab) — fully operational.
      2. Western DFC (WDFC): Stretches 1,506 km from JNPT (Mumbai) to Dadri (UP) — 93% complete, to be commissioned by Dec 2025.
    • Need for DFCs: The project was necessitated by overuse of the Golden Quadrilateral, which carries over 50% of freight on just 16% of India’s rail routes.
    • Freight Transport Target: The goal is to increase the rail share of freight to 45% by 2030 as part of the National Rail Plan.

    Key Features of the DFC:

    • Dedicated Infrastructure: The DFCs feature electrified double-line tracks, exclusively for freight, separating them from passenger traffic.
    • Load and Speed Capacity: Built to handle 32.5-tonne axle loads and support freight train speeds of up to 100 km/h.
    • Cargo Type by Corridor:
      1. Eastern DFC: Focused on coal and raw materials.
      2. Western DFC: Transports containers, cement, fertilisers, and other industrial goods.
    • Train Speed: Trains currently operate at 50–60 km/h, with further speed gains expected through modern rolling stock.
    • Capacity Utilization: Already operating at over 85% capacity, with projections of 480 daily trains (240 each direction) by mid-2026.
    • Future Expansion Plans:
      1. East Coast Corridor: Paradip to Vijayawada
      2. East–West Corridor: Kharagpur to Mumbai
      3. North–South Corridor: Delhi to Chennai
    • Estimated Expansion Cost: The combined cost of these three new corridors is around ₹4 lakh crore, with the East Coast Corridor prioritized first.
    [UPSC 2000] Which one of the following ports of India handles the highest tonnage of import cargo?

    Options: (a) Calcutta (b) Kandla (c) Mumbai* (d) Visakhapatnam

     

  • Jarawa Tribe of Andaman Islands

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the 16th Census of India, experts have stated that counting the six main indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawa, is feasible.

    Jarawa Tribe of Andaman Islands

    About Jarawa Tribe:

    • Location: They live in the Middle and South Andaman Islands of India.
    • Official Status: They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the GoI.
    • Population Growth: Their population has risen from 260 (1998) to around 647 (2025) due to better healthcare and low external interference.
    • First Contact: Voluntary contact with outsiders began in 1997, allowing limited medical aid, schooling, and trade.
    • Key Features:
      • Lifestyle: They are hunter-gatherers and fisherfolk, moving in nomadic groups of 40–50 individuals.
      • Ancestry: Believed to be descendants of the extinct Jangil tribe and among the earliest human migrants from Africa.
      • Health Profile: They maintain strong physical health with low incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
      • Lifespan: Natural childbirth is common, and the average lifespan now exceeds 50 years.

    Note:

    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to 5 PVTGs, which are among the most isolated and distinct indigenous communities in India. They are- Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens.

     

    Back2Basics: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

    • Overview:  They are a subgroup within Scheduled Tribes considered most backward and vulnerable.
    • Habitat: They generally inhabit remote localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support.
    • Distribution: There are 75 such groups identified and categorized PVTGs.
    • Origin of the concept:
      • The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) stated that within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the rate of development.
      • During the 4th Five Year Plan (1969-74) a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that were considered to be at a lower level of development.
      • This sub-category was named “Primitive tribal group”.
      • In 2006 the government of India proposed to rename PVTGs.
    • Features of PVTGs: Groups that satisfied any one of the criteria are considered PVTGs:
      1. Pre-agricultural system of existence
      2. The practice of hunting and gathering
      3. Zero or negative population growth
      4. Extremely low level of literacy in comparison with other tribal groups.

     

    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

    1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.

    2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.

    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.

    4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4* (d) 1, 3 and 4

     

  • Exercise Talisman Sabre, 2025

    Why in the News?

    India is taking part in Talisman Sabre 2025, the 11th and largest edition of the Australia-U.S.-led multinational military exercise, involving over 35,000 personnel from 19 countries.

    About Exercise Talisman Sabre:

    • Overview: It is a biennial multinational joint military exercise, co-led by Australia and the United States.
    • Inception: It began in 2005 and has been conducted every 2 years, typically during odd-numbered years.
    • Objective: The primary aim is to enhance combat readiness, improve interoperability, and strengthen the joint operations capability of participating armed forces.
    • Scope of Operations: It focuses on high-end warfighting, including:
      • Crisis-action planning
      • Contingency response
      • Multi-domain operations across land, air, sea, cyber, and space
    • Strategic Importance: It plays a key role in promoting regional security cooperation and supports the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

    Key Features of the 2025 Edition:

    • Scale: The 2025 edition involves over 35,000 military personnel from 19 participating countries, making it the largest and most complex iteration of the exercise so far.
    • Participating Nations:
      • Full participants: Australia, the United States, India, Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.
      • Observer nations: Malaysia and Vietnam.
    • Geographical Expansion: For the first time, parts of the exercise will be conducted outside Australia, with training also planned in Papua New Guinea.
    • New Defence Capabilities: The 2025 edition will showcase:
      • UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters
      • Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) system introduced by the Australian Defence Force
    • Multi-Domain Focus: Operations will span across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, reflecting the modern, multi-domain nature of warfare.
    • Strategic Outcome: It aims to improve regional response capabilities, strengthen defence partnerships, and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
    [UPSC 2008] ‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’, a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries?

    Options: (a) China *(b) Japan (c) Russia (d) USA

     

  • Literature in News: Thirukkural

    Why in the News?

    Tamil Nadu CM stressed the need to declare the Thirukkural as a national book and to set up a major organisation in Delhi to promote Thiruvalluvar’s ideas.

    Literature in News: Thirukkural

    About Thirukkural:

    • Overview: Thirukkural is a classical Tamil literary work consisting of 1,330 couplets (kurals), each containing seven words.
    • Form and Message: Composed in the Kural Venba poetic form, it is renowned for its universal values, secular ethics, and moral guidance that transcend time, religion, and culture.
    • Authored by: The text is traditionally attributed to Thiruvalluvar, also known simply as Valluvar.
    • How old is it: Scholars date the text between 300 BCE and 500 CE, though its exact period remains debated.
    • Components: The Thirukkural is divided into 3 major sections:
      1. Aram (Virtue / Dharma): Deals with personal morality, non-violence, and ethical conduct—emphasizing values such as truth, charity, self-control, and compassion.
      2. Porul (Wealth / Artha): Focuses on social, political, and economic life, including governance, justice, taxation, warfare, diplomacy, and administration.
      3. Inbam (Love / Kama): Explores human emotions, love, and personal relationships, especially themes of romance, domestic life, and emotional well-being.

    Key Features of Thirukkural:

    • Ethical Emphasis: Promotes timeless values like non-violence (ahimsa), truth, self-restraint, gratitude, and hospitality.
    • Societal Themes: Highlights issues such as education, friendship, agriculture, social justice, and temperance.
    • Cultural Reverence: Referred to by honorifics such as “Tamil Veda” and “Divine Book”, symbolizing its moral and spiritual stature.
    • Literary Qualities: Celebrated for its brevity, clarity, and philosophical depth, making it accessible and universally admired.

    Back2Basics: Sangam Literature

    • Overview: It refers to the ancient body of Tamil texts composed during the Sangam period, traditionally dated from 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE.
    • Meaning: The word Sangam means “assembly” or “academy”, referring to gatherings of Tamil poets under the patronage of Pandya kings.
    • Historical Context: According to Tamil tradition, there were three Sangams:
      1. First Sangam (Madurai): No known literary works have survived.
      2. Second Sangam (Kapadapuram): Only Tolkappiyam (grammar and poetics) survives.
      3. Third Sangam (Madurai): Source of most surviving Sangam literature.
    • Nature and Content:
      • Literary Form: Written in classical Tamil poetry, the texts reflect secular themes like love, war, charity, governance, agriculture, and trade.
      • Societal Insight: Offers a detailed glimpse into the social, political, and economic life of ancient Tamil society.
    • Key Texts:
      • Tolkappiyam: The earliest Tamil grammar and work on poetic theory.
      • Ettuthogai (Eight Anthologies): Collections of short poems.
      • Pattupattu (Ten Idylls): Longer narrative poems.
      • Padinenkilkanakku (Eighteen Minor Works): Didactic works focused on ethics and morality.
      • Three Epics: Silappatikaram, Manimekalai, Sivaga Sindamani/. These were compiled later but are deeply influenced by Sangam themes.

     

    [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*

     

  • Nominated Members to the Rajya Sabha

    Why in the News?

    The President of India has nominated Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, C. Sadanandan Master, and Meenakshi Jain to the Rajya Sabha.

    Nominated Members to the Rajya Sabha

    About Nominated Members to the Rajya Sabha:

    • Number and Tenure: The President of India nominates 12 members to the Rajya Sabha for a six-year term.
    • Purpose of Nomination: This provision is meant to honor individuals with exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, literature, science, and social service.
    • Constitutional Basis: This right is granted to the President under the Fourth Schedule, in accordance with Articles 4(1) and 80(2) of the Constitution of India.
    • Constitutional Provisions for Nominated Members:
      • Article 80(1)(a): Provides for nomination of 12 members to the Rajya Sabha by the President.
      • Article 80(3): Specifies that the nominees must have special knowledge or practical experience in one or more of the following fields: Literature; Science; Art; Social service.

    Composition of the Rajya Sabha:

    • Total Strength: The current strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245 members, comprising:
      • 233 elected members representing States and Union Territories
      • 12 nominated members by the President
    • Permanent Nature: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution.
    • Biennial Retirement: One-third members retire every two years, and elections are held to fill the vacant seats.

    Powers and Privileges of Nominated Members:

    • Equal Rights in House Proceedings: Nominated members enjoy all powers, privileges, and immunities of an elected Member of Parliament.
    • Participation in Proceedings: They can take part in all debates, discussions, and committees in the House.
    • Voting Rights Exceptions:
      • They cannot vote in the election of the President of India.
      • They can vote in the election of the Vice President.
    • Political Affiliation Provision: According to Article 99, a nominated member is given six months to join a political party after being nominated.
    [UPSC 2014] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House. 2. While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.

    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

     

  • Specie in news: Lion-Tailed Macaque

    Why in the News?

    The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has granted approval for diverting 142.76 hectares of forest land in Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.

    https://www.downtoearth.org.in/environment/in-principle-nod-to-sharavathi-valley-hydel-project-in-endangered-lion-tailed-macaque-sanctuary 

    About Lion-Tailed Macaque:

    • Scientific Classification: The Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the Wanderoo or Bearded Monkey, is an primate species endemic to the Western Ghats of India.
    • Distribution: It is found primarily in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
    • Physical Characteristics: Recognized by a silver-white mane surrounding a black face and a lion-like tuft at the end of its tail, the body is covered in glossy black fur, and both sexes look similar.
    • Habitat and Behaviour
      • Preferences: The species inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests, and is also found in monsoon forests and shola-grassland ecosystems.
      • Habitat: It is arboreal (tree-dwelling) and diurnal (active during the day).
      • Elevation Range: Typically lives at altitudes between 600 and 1,800 metres above sea level.
      • Human Avoidance: Known for being shy, it tends to avoid human contact, staying high in the forest canopy.
      • Social Structure: Lives in social groups of 8 to 20 individuals, usually led by a dominant male.
    • Behaviour:
      • Dietary Habits: Primarily frugivorous, eating fruits, but also consumes leaves, stems, flowers, buds, fungi, and occasionally insects and small animals.
      • Communication System: Possesses a rich vocal communication system with over 17 distinct vocalizations.
      • Territorial Behavior: Males use loud calls to mark territory and warn intruders.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Status: Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
      • Legal Protection: Appendix I of CITES; Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • Population and Conservation Efforts:
      • Population: It is estimated at around only 2,500 individuals.
      • Key Protected Area: The Sharavathi Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka hosts the largest known population in any protected area, with around 700 individuals.
    • Ecological Importance:
      • Serves as an indicator species for rainforest health.
      • Plays a vital role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest regeneration.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following fauna:

    1. Lion-tailed Macaque 2. Malabar Civet 3. Sambar Deer

    How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None

     

  • Revising Guidelines to declare Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

    Why in the News?

    The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has decided to review and revise the 2011 guidelines on the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

    What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)?

    • Overview: ESZs, also called Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs), are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) around Protected Areas (PAs) like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
    • Purpose:
      • Act as “shock absorbers” to protect areas by regulating potentially harmful activities.
      • Serve as transition zones from highly protected to less protected ecosystems.
      • Help conserve biodiversity, maintain landscape connectivity, and prevent fragmentation of habitats.
    • Legal Basis:
      • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, particularly Section 3(2)(v).
      • Rule 5(1) of Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.
    • Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002: Recommended declaring 10 km radius around PAs as default ESZ.
    • Demarcation Process:
      • ESZ boundaries vary in width based on ecological sensitivity and ground realities.
      • Factors considered: species presence, migration routes, landscape linkage, human settlements, etc.
    • Activity Zonation:
      • Prohibited: Commercial mining, polluting industries, major hydro projects, wood logging.
      • Regulated: Tree felling, large-scale agriculture change, road widening, tourism infrastructure.
      • Permitted: Rainwater harvesting, organic farming, green energy use.
    • Present Status:
      • 347 final notifications issued.
      • Where no ESZ is notified, a default 10-km ESZ is applicable (SC 2022 ruling).

    2011 Guidelines on ESZs:

    • Issued by MoEFCC to standardize and guide the process of ESZ declaration.
    • Key Features:
      • Emphasized flexibility and site-specific demarcation.
      • Classified activities into permitted, regulated, prohibited.
      • Directed preparation of a Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) within 2 years of ESZ notification.
      • Called for community involvement, scientific input, and buffer management.

    Recent Context:

    • Reasons Behind: Revision One-size-fits-all (10-km blanket rule) is not effective:
      • Urban examples: Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Mumbai), Asola Bhatti Sanctuary (Delhi).
      • In Himachal Pradesh, ~65% area already under forest cover.
      • Kerala: Fear of new sanctuary leading to more restrictions.
    • Over-generalized: Existing guidelines unsuitable for marine sanctuaries, need ecosystem-specific norms.
    [UPSC 2014] With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

     

  • [12th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: View India’s Gender Gap Report ranking as a warning

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2023] Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India?

    Linkage: The report says that India’s low scores in areas like women’s jobs and health show a deep problem that is slowing down the country’s progress. Even though the economy is growing, women are still left behind in key areas. That’s why the report’s low ranking is a strong warning.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 has brought renewed attention to India’s poor performance in gender equality, ranking it 131 out of 148 countries. Despite being a global economic and digital power, the report highlights serious structural deficits in India, especially in women’s health, economic participation, and decision-making roles.

    Today’s editorial analyses the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 for India. This topic is important for  GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, India was ranked very low in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, showing that there are serious and long-standing inequalities between men and women, especially in jobs and economic roles.

    Why is India’s low gender gap ranking seen as a structural failure?

    • Low Global Ranking in Gender Gap: According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, India ranks 131 out of 148 countries, reflecting persistent inequality in key areas such as economic participation and health. This ranking indicates a structural issue beyond isolated policy failures.
    • Poor Female Labour Force Participation: India ranks 143rd in economic participation and opportunity, with women earning less than one-third of what men do. Female labour force participation remains below 25%, revealing systemic barriers to employment despite rising educational levels.

     

    What health barriers limit women’s economic participation in India?

    • High Anaemia Prevalence: Nearly 57% of women aged 15–49 suffer from anaemia (NFHS-5), which weakens physical capacity, affects cognitive ability, and reduces safe maternal outcomes, ultimately restricting their ability to work or study.
    • Gendered Gaps in Healthcare Access: Women, especially in rural and low-income groups, face inadequate access to reproductive health, preventive care, and nutrition, leading to poor health outcomes and lower life expectancy than men.
    • Neglect of Women’s Health in Policy: Public health systems often fail to prioritise women’s specific needs, with underfunded primary care, weak maternal services, and poor sanitation, resulting in chronic health issues that hinder long-term workforce participation.

    How does unpaid care work hinder gender equality and growth?

    • Limits Women’s Workforce Participation: Indian women perform nearly seven times more unpaid domestic work than men (Time Use Survey), leaving little time for formal employment or skill development.
      For instance, many women drop out of jobs after childbirth due to lack of childcare support.
    • Undervalued in National Economy: Despite its economic value, unpaid care work is invisible in GDP calculations and often excluded from policy priorities. Countries like Uruguay have tried to measure and integrate care work into development plans to promote inclusive growth.
    • Worsens Gender Inequality in Decision-Making: The burden of care responsibilities keeps women out of leadership roles and policy spaces, reinforcing their marginalisation in public and private institutions. Low representation of women in budget committees leads to underfunding of women-centric welfare schemes.
    Note: The Time Use Survey, conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in India (latest available: 2019), provides valuable data on how individuals allocate time to various activities over a 24-hour period.

     

    Which global models can India adopt for care economy reforms?

    • Uruguay’s Approach: The National Integrated Care System ensures universal access to services like childcare, eldercare, and disability assistance, aiming to reduce the unpaid care burden and promote professionalisation of care work.
    • South Korea’s Model: Through expansive public investment in care services, including care vouchers and subsidised facilities, South Korea has enhanced female workforce participation and addressed the care gap in ageing and young populations.
    • Nordic Countries’ Example: Nations like Sweden and Norway offer state-supported childcare, generous parental leave, and policies that promote shared caregiving roles, fostering strong welfare systems and improving gender equity.

    What are the demographic risks of excluding women from the workforce?

    • Rising Dependency Ratio: When women are excluded, fewer people contribute economically while more depend on them, especially as India’s population ages. Eg: By 2050, nearly 20% of Indians will be senior citizens, increasing the burden on a shrinking working population.
    • Shrinking Labour Force: Low female participation limits the potential of India’s large youth base, reducing the nation’s demographic dividend. Eg: India’s female labour force participation was just 24% in 2023, compared to over 60% in many developing nations.
    • Stagnant Economic Growth: Without women’s inclusion, GDP growth slows, and the country may miss massive income gains. Eg: McKinsey Global Institute estimated India could add $770 billion to its GDP by 2025 by closing gender gaps.
    What are the demographic risks of excluding women from the workforce?

    • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to improve the child sex ratio, ensure education for girls, and raise awareness against gender discrimination.
    • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): This maternity benefit scheme provides financial support to pregnant and lactating women for their first childbirth, promoting nutrition and health.
    • Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): MSKs offer support services at the grassroots level, including skill training, employment guidance, legal aid, and digital literacy to empower rural women.

     

    Way forward: 

    • Invest in Women-Centric Infrastructure: Enhance public spending on healthcare, childcare, and eldercare services, especially at the primary level, to support women’s well-being and free up time for economic participation.
    • Institutionalize Gender-Responsive Policies: Implement gender budgeting, time-use surveys, and inclusive labour reforms to recognize unpaid care work and promote women’s entry into the formal workforce.