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  • Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Global Implications

    A thousand days of Ukrainian resilience

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    Exactly 1,000 days ago, world history took a dramatic turn when Russia initiated a full-scale military invasion with the goal of eradicating Ukrainian statehood, culture, and nationhood.

    ukraine

    How has Ukraine demonstrated resilience against Russian aggression?

    Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience against Russian aggression since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022. Key factors contributing to this resilience include:

    • National Unity: The unification of the Ukrainian people under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been crucial. This collective spirit has galvanized both military and civilian efforts to resist Russian advances, leading to significant victories such as the defense of Kyiv and the liberation of the Kharkiv and Kherson regions.
    • Military Strength: Throughout the conflict, the Ukrainian armed forces have transformed into one of the strongest military forces globally. Their ability to repel invaders and conduct successful counteroffensives has been widely recognized and admired internationally.
    • International Support: Ukraine has received substantial military, financial, and humanitarian aid from allies worldwide. This support has been instrumental in sustaining its defense efforts and rebuilding initiatives.
    • Cultural and Moral Resolve: The war has fostered a strong sense of identity among Ukrainians, who view their struggle as not only for survival but also for European values and democracy. This moral clarity strengthens their resolve against oppression.

    What are the human and economic costs of the conflict for the whole world?

    • Human Costs: Thousands of civilians, including 600 children, have died. Over eight million people have left Ukraine, and 3.6 million are still displaced. Russia has taken more than 20,000 children, many of whom are still missing or in captivity.
    • Economic Costs: Ukraine has lost over $400 billion, and it will need $500 billion to rebuild and $35 billion to clear landmines. The war has affected global supply chains and caused inflation worldwide.

    How can Ukraine in seeking peace and rebuilding?

    • Diplomatic Efforts: Ukraine continues to engage in diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing international support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
      • President Zelenskyy emphasizes that neutrality is not an option countries must choose sides in this conflict.
    • Reconstruction Plans: As rebuilding begins, Ukraine aims to restore its infrastructure while implementing reforms that demonstrate resilience and commitment to democratic values. This effort is supported by international partners who provide financial assistance1.
    • Cultural Restoration: Protecting cultural heritage is a priority, with initiatives underway to restore damaged institutions and memorialize those lost during the conflict. This cultural revival is integral to national identity and unity moving forward.

    What opportunity does India have from this conflict? (Way forward)

    • Strengthening Diplomatic Influence: India can play a key role in diplomatic efforts by supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and promoting peace talks, which enhances its global standing as a peacebuilder.
    • Economic and Trade Opportunities: As Ukraine seeks reconstruction, India can explore investment and trade opportunities in rebuilding efforts, especially in sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.
    • Cultural and Educational Collaboration: India can collaborate with Ukraine in preserving cultural heritage and restoring educational institutions, fostering cultural exchanges and strengthening bilateral ties.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020)

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  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    Telangana’s new EV policy

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The Telangana government has decided to completely waive road tax and registration fees for people buying electric vehicles.

    What are the key features of Telangana’s EV policy?

    • 100% Road Tax and Registration Fee Exemption: Electric two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles (such as taxis, autorickshaws, electric light goods carriers, and buses) will be exempt from road tax and registration fees for the entire lifetime of the vehicle.
    • Exemption for Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC): The exemption will apply to electric vehicles operated by TSRTC and buses owned by industries used for employee transport (not commercial purposes).
    • Validity Period: The exemption will be valid for two years, up to December 31, 2026, regardless of the number of vehicles registered.
    • Promotion of EV Awareness: The government is focused on spreading awareness about electric vehicle usage to reduce pollution levels and make Hyderabad pollution-free.
    • Support for Charging Infrastructure: Manufacturers of electric vehicles are encouraged to take the initiative in establishing charging stations to ensure convenience for users.

    How will the government support the EV push?

    • The government will provide exemptions from road taxes and registration fees for various categories of electric vehicles to make them more affordable for consumers.
    • A meeting of the concerned departments (Transport, Home, HMDA, etc.) will be convened to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the EV policy.
    • Government representatives studied the policies of other states to come up with a policy tailored to Telangana’s needs, reflecting the best practices for EV adoption.

    India’s New Electric Vehicle Policy 2024:

    • Duty Reduction: A customs duty of 15% is now applicable on imported EVs priced at $35,000 or above, significantly lower than the previous rates of 70-100%. This reduced rate will last for five years.
    • Import Limits and Investment Requirements: The policy allows for a maximum of 8,000 imported EVs per year, contingent on manufacturers investing at least ₹4,150 crore (approximately $500 million) in local production. There is no upper limit on investment, encouraging substantial financial commitments in the sector.
    • Local Manufacturing Mandate: Companies must establish operational facilities within three years and achieve a minimum domestic value addition (DVA) of 25% by that time, increasing to 50% by the fifth year. This aims to enhance local manufacturing capabilities.
    • Increased Import Allowance for Larger Investments: If a manufacturer invests over $800 million, they can import up to 40,000 EVs, still capped at 8,000 per year, with the option to carry over unused limits.
    • Bank Guarantees: A bank guarantee is required, which will be returned only upon meeting the DVA target and investment criteria.

    Why special EV Policy is needed?

    • Environmental Goals: The EV policy is part of an effort to reduce pollution levels in Telangana, especially in Hyderabad, to prevent the city from facing pollution issues similar to those in New Delhi.
    • Lack of Implementation in the Past: Although the previous government introduced an EV policy for 2020-30, it was not implemented effectively. The new policy addresses this gap and actively promotes EV adoption.
    • Growing Need for Awareness and Infrastructure: The policy also aims to spread awareness about EVs and address infrastructure challenges, such as the availability of charging stations, which are crucial to making electric vehicles a viable alternative.
    • Encouraging Wider Adoption: The policy aims to increase the percentage of electric vehicles in the state (currently 5 out of every 100 vehicles are EVs) by offering financial incentives and creating an ecosystem that supports EV users.

    Conclusion: Expanding and improving the availability of EV charging stations across the state is crucial to ensure the seamless adoption of electric vehicles, especially in urban areas and key highways.

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  • Swachh Bharat Mission

    [pib] World Toilet Day, 2024

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    • World Toilet Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is an official United Nations observance aimed at raising awareness of the global sanitation crisis and promoting action for safe toilets worldwide.
      • 2024 Theme: “Sanitation for Peace” – highlights the role of sanitation in promoting peace, security, and resilience.

    About World Toilet Day 

    • It is celebrated each year on November 19 to raise awareness about global sanitation issues.
    • It became an UN-recognized day in 2013 to emphasize the importance of safe sanitation under SDG 6.
    • It was first proposed by Jack Sim of the World Toilet Organization in 2001.
    • Purpose: To address the health, dignity, and environmental challenges linked to inadequate sanitation.

    Significance and Global Collaborations 

    • Public Health: Prevents waterborne diseases; 1,000 child deaths daily linked to unsafe sanitation (WHO).
    • UN Initiatives: UNICEF, WHO, and UN-Water work with countries to improve WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) facilities.
    • NGO Support: Organizations like World Toilet Organization and WaterAid implement sanitation projects and awareness.
    • International Partnerships: Programs like Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) unify governments and NGOs for sanitation solutions.

    India’s Policies and Successes

    • Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):
      • SBM-Grameen: Over 11.73 crore household toilets built; 5.57 lakh villages ODF.
      • SBM-Urban: 63.63 lakh household toilets constructed; 4,576 cities ODF.
    • Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide piped drinking water to rural households, supporting sanitation.
    • Women’s Safety Campaigns: Programs like Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman link sanitation to dignity, especially for women.
    • Waste Management: SBM Phase II focuses on sustainable waste management and sanitation systems.

    PYQ:

    [2024] Consider the following statements regarding World Toilet Organization:

    1. It is one of the agencies of the United Nations.
    2. World Toilet Summit, World Toilet Day and World Toilet College are the initiatives of this organization, to inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis.
    3. The main focus of its function is to grant funds to the least developed countries and developing countries to achieve the end of open defecation.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 2

    (d) 2 and 3

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  • Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

    India’s 56th Tiger Reserve notified in Chhatisgarh

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    India's 56th Tiger Reserve notified in Chhatisgarh

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government has notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the country’s 56th Tiger Reserve, now recognized as the third-largest tiger reserve in India.

    Largest Tiger Reserves in India:

    • First: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh
    • Second: Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam
    • Third: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh

    About the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve (TR):

    Details
    Location   • Located across Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh.
    • Total area: 2,829.38 sq. km.
    • Core area: 2,049.2 sq. km (Guru Ghasidas National Park + Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary).
    • Buffer area: 780.15 sq. km.
    Regional Significance • Contiguous with Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh forming a 4,500 sq. km landscape.
    • Connected to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (west) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (east).
    Biodiversity • 753 species documented by Zoological Survey of India.
    • 230 bird species.
    • 55 mammal species, including several threatened species.
    Landscape  • Located within the Chota Nagpur Plateau and partly in the Baghelkhand Plateau.
    • Features dense forests, streams, and rivers, providing a rich habitat for tigers and diverse fauna.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    (a) Corbett

    (b) Ranthambore

    (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam

    (d) Sunderbans

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Salt Chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea

    World Mapping | | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Salt Chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have identified unique salt chimneys on the Dead Sea floor.

    Key facts about the Dead Sea:

    Details
    Location • Located between Jordan and Israel, with the eastern shore in Jordan and the western shore in Israel.
    • The southern half of the western shore belongs to Israel, and the northern half is in the West Bank.• Divided by Al-Lisan peninsula into two basins: the northern basin is deep (400 m), and the southern basin is shallow (< 3 m).
    Geographical Features • 430.5 meters below sea level, the Earth’s lowest land-based feature.
    • Length: 50 km, Width: 15 km at its widest point.
    • Surrounded by the Judaea hills (west) and Transjordanian plateaus (east).
    Salinity and Density • Salinity: 34.2%, almost ten times saltier than ordinary seawater, making it the fourth saltiest water body in the world.
    • Density: 1.240 kg/L, which allows people to float easily.
    Inlets and Outlets • Main inlet: Jordan River.
    • No outlet, water loss occurs primarily through evaporation.
    • High salinity and harsh climate result in no life except for algae and microorganisms.

     

    About the Salt Chimneys 

    • Salt chimneys are tall, chimney-like structures made of crystallized salt, recently discovered on the Dead Sea floor.
    • They are found by researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) during an underwater survey.
    • These chimneys range from 1 to over 7m in height.
    • Formation Process:
      • Groundwater from surrounding aquifers flows through old salt deposits around the Dead Sea basin, dissolving halite (salt) and carrying it as brine.
      • Despite being saline, the brine is less dense than the Dead Sea water due to its high salinity, causing it to rise as a plume from the lake bed.
      • When this brine contacts the colder Dead Sea water, it rapidly crystallizes, forming chimney structures that can grow several centimeters in height each day.

    Potential Role in Sinkhole Forecasting

    • Thousands of sinkholes have appeared near the Dead Sea in recent decades; understanding chimney formation may aid in preventing future collapses in vulnerable areas.
    • Researchers have linked the formation of salt chimneys to underground cavities, which are often the precursors to sinkholes.
    • The location of these chimneys may help predict areas at high risk for sinkhole formation, offering a way to monitor and mitigate potential hazards.

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    [pib] Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan (2025-2029)

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    India and Italy signed an ambitious 5-year ‘joint strategic action plan 2025-2029’ that would include cooperation in space sector, critical technology, research, co-production of military equipment and widening the ambit of economic cooperation.

    Key Focus Areas of the Joint Strategic Action Plan:

    Details
    Political Dialogue • Regular high-level meetings and reciprocal visits.
    • Annual bilateral consultations between foreign ministries to discuss mutual interests.
    Economic Cooperation • Boosting trade, market access, and investments in sectors like transportation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and green technologies.
    • Promoting industrial partnerships and mutual investments.
    Connectivity • Collaborating on sustainable transport initiatives.
    • Enhancing maritime and land infrastructure, participating in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
    Science, Technology, IT, Innovation • Cooperation in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), telecommunications, and digital services.
    • Innovation, research collaborations, and exchange programs for scientific growth.
    Space Sector • Collaboration between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Earth observation and lunar science.
    • Facilitating mutual commercial space collaborations.
    Energy Transition • Technology summits in renewable energy.
    • Cooperation in green hydrogen, biofuels, and energy efficiency.
    • Collaboration in global energy alliances like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Global Biofuels Alliance.
    Defence Cooperation • Joint defence consultations and staff talks.
    • Co-development of defence platforms and equipment.
    • Negotiating a Defence Industrial Roadmap.
    Security Cooperation • Capacity-building in cybersecurity and counter-terrorism.
    • Regular exchanges and sector-specific talks in multilateral forums.

    Significance of the Plan:

    • Time-Bound Initiatives: It outlines specific, time-bound initiatives to ensure measurable progress and accountability.
    • Mutual Growth: By focusing on co-development and co-production, the plan aims to leverage the strengths of both nations for mutual economic and technological advancement.
    • Strategic Alignment: The collaboration in areas like defence, energy transition, and space signifies a strategic alignment of interests, enhancing regional and global stability.
    • Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Emphasizing cultural exchanges and academic collaborations strengthens the social fabric and mutual understanding between the two countries.

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements:

    1. It is an agreement among all the Pacific Rim countries except China and Russia.

    2. It is a strategic alliance for the purpose of maritime security only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    CAG flags 42% resource-expenditure gap, 37% staff vacancy

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The CAG found that urban local bodies in 18 states, serving 241 million people, face a 42% gap between income and spending, with just 29% used for development work.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    • Resource-Expenditure Gap: Urban local bodies (ULBs) in 18 states face a 42% gap between their income and expenditure, with only 29% of spending directed toward development work.
    • Revenue Dependence: ULBs generate only 32% of their revenue independently, relying heavily on Union and state government funds; they collect just 56% of their property tax demand.
    • Staff Shortages and Limited Recruitment Powers: ULBs operate with an average 37% staff vacancy rate, and 16 states provide them with limited or no recruitment autonomy.
    • Incomplete Implementation of the 74th Amendment: While 17 out of 18 functions have been devolved on average, compliance remains weak. Critical areas like urban planning and fire services are the least devolved.

    What are the implications of the resource-expenditure gap?

    • Reduced Development Expenditure: With only 29% of expenditure directed toward programmatic and development work, the quality and quantity of essential urban services such as sanitation, housing, and infrastructure suffer.
    • Increased Dependence on Grants: Only 32% of urban local bodies’ (ULBs) revenue comes from their own sources, making them overly reliant on state and Union government transfers. This undermines their fiscal autonomy.
    • Poor Service Delivery: Insufficient resources hinder the ability of ULBs to meet growing urban demands, exacerbating issues like inadequate housing, poor waste management, and insufficient public health services.
    • Impact on Urban Planning: The resource crunch constrains investment in urban planning and critical services like fire safety, leading to unplanned growth and vulnerabilities.

    How does the 37% staff vacancy rate impact government operations?

    • Operational Inefficiency: Vacant positions lead to delays in service delivery, poor maintenance of urban infrastructure, and inefficiencies in governance.
    • Overburdened Workforce: Existing staff must take on additional responsibilities, potentially leading to burnout and reduced productivity.
    • Limited Capacity for Resource Mobilization: Staff shortages in tax collection departments result in only 56% of property tax demand being realised, reducing revenue potential.
    • Weak Local Governance: Insufficient personnel to handle devolved functions hampers the implementation of policies and schemes meant for urban development.

    What are the Urban Local bodies?

    • The establishment and functioning of ULBs are governed by the 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India, enacted in 1992. 
    • This amendment provides a constitutional framework for urban self-governance and outlines the powers and responsibilities of ULBs, which include various functions related to public health, sanitation, urban planning, and infrastructure development.
    • ULBs are categorized into three main types: Municipal Corporations (for large cities), Municipalities (for smaller towns), and Nagar Panchayats (for transitional areas).

    What measures can be taken to improve resource mobilisation and management? (Way forward)

    • Enhancing Own Revenue Generation: ULBs should focus on improving their revenue generation capabilities, particularly in property tax collection where they currently realize only 56% of demand.
      • Implementing technology-driven solutions like GIS for property assessments could enhance collection efficiency.
    • Financial Management Training: Providing training for ULB officials on financial management could improve budgeting practices, ensuring that funds are allocated more effectively towards development projects.
    • Strengthening Autonomy: Empowering ULBs with greater autonomy over recruitment and financial decisions would enable them to respond more effectively to local needs and improve service delivery.
    • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging partnerships with private entities can help leverage additional resources for urban development projects while sharing risks associated with large-scale investments.
    • Community Engagement Initiatives: Involving citizens in budgetary processes can increase transparency and accountability, potentially leading to better resource allocation aligned with community priorities.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.  (UPSC IAS/2024)

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    COP-29 discussions flagging, no progress made on issues critical to developing countries: India

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The first week of the COP29 summit in Baku ended without major progress, as stark divisions between developed and developing nations hindered agreements on climate finance, trade measures, and equitable climate responsibilities.

    What is a COP meeting? 

    • Establishment and Early Meetings: The COP was established in 1995 following the adoption of the UNFCCC in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The first COP (COP1) took place in Berlin, Germany, where parties began to negotiate binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
      • This initial meeting set the stage for subsequent negotiations and agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which established legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce emissions.
    • Evolving Focus and Agreements: Over the years, COP meetings have evolved to address not only mitigation strategies but also adaptation, finance, and technology transfer to developing countries.
      • The landmark Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015, establishing a global framework for climate action with commitments from all countries to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

    What is the status of climate finance commitments from developed countries?

    • Unmet Financial Pledges: Developed countries have failed to fulfill the $100 billion annual climate finance goal set in 2009, leading to growing frustration among developing nations.
    • Loans Dominate Finance: Nearly 70% of climate finance provided so far is in the form of loans, creating a debt burden for vulnerable economies.
    • Demand for $1.3 Trillion Annually: The G-77/China bloc has called for a significant increase in climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually, with a focus on grants and concessional funding instead of debt-inducing mechanisms.
    • Equity in Climate Finance: Developing nations demand accountability and emphasize that climate finance should address both mitigation and adaptation needs equitably.

    How will the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) support developing countries?

    • Capacity Building: The MWP aims to enhance the capabilities of developing countries to implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) effectively.
    • Technology Transfer: A robust technology implementation program with dedicated financial backing is proposed to ensure equitable access to climate technologies.
    • Adaptation Finance: The MWP includes provisions for scaling up financial resources to assist countries in adapting to climate impacts, especially for those most vulnerable.
    • Equity in Responsibility: The MWP aligns with the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR), ensuring that mitigation efforts consider historical emissions and current capacities.

    What measures will be taken to address unilateral trade actions impacting developing nations? (Way forward)

    • Criticism of CBAM: Developing nations, including India and Bolivia, criticized the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which they view as a discriminatory trade barrier violating equity principles.
    • Call for Equity: Developing nations argue that CBAM shifts the burden of climate action to economies with minimal historical emissions, impacting industrial growth and development.
    • Opposition to External Regulations: India emphasized that mitigation measures must align with NDCs and national sovereignty, opposing attempts to impose external climate regulations.
    • Collaboration Against Trade Barriers: The BASIC bloc, AOSIS, and the Arab Group are working together to resist measures like CBAM and push for trade policies that consider the needs of the Global South.
    • Reforms in Multilateral Financial Systems: Countries like South Africa advocate for multilateral reforms to ensure fairer financial systems and debt relief for vulnerable economies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC IAS/2021)

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Species in News: Oriental pied Hornbills

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The people of Mayong village in Assam have come together to protect a growing colony of oriental pied hornbills, which they view as symbols of peace and prosperity.

    Species in News: Oriental pied Hornbills

    About Oriental-pied Hornbills

    Details
    Name Scientific Name: Anthracoceros albirostris
    Common Names: Sunda Pied Hornbill, Malaysian Pied Hornbill
    Size: 600-900 grams, 55-60 cm in length.
    Habitat Found in South and Southeast Asia including India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

    Inhabits tropical moist forests, secondary forests, and mangroves.
    Behavioural Features Diet: Omnivorous, mainly fruits (figs), insects, small reptiles.
    Role: Seed dispersers, forest regeneration agents.
    Nesting: Female seals in tree cavity, male feeds her.
    Conservation Status IUCN Red List: Least Concern; CITES: Appendix II (conditional trade permitted).
    Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, pet trade.
    Conservation: Protected in reserves, community efforts for habitat preservation.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] In which of the following regions of India, are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

    (a) Sand deserts of northwest India

    (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

    (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat

    (d) Western Ghats

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    [pib] Postage Stamp released on Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    Madhya Pradesh marked a significant milestone in public health by unveiling a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to the Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047 initiative.

    What is the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

    • SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells take a crescent shape, impairing circulation and causing complications like anaemia, organ damage, pain episodes, and a shortened lifespan.
      • It predominantly affects marginalized tribal populations.
    • Symptoms: Common symptoms include chronic anaemia, painful episodes (sickle cell crisis), and delayed growth and puberty.
    • Treatment: Treatments include blood transfusions, hydroxyurea to reduce pain episodes, and gene therapy or stem cell transplantation for long-term management.
    • India’s Mission:
      • Union Budget 2023-24 announced a mission to eradicate sickle cell anaemia by 2047, focusing on awareness and screening for individuals aged 0-40.
      • Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy: It provides bi weekly iron Folic acid supplementation to all under five children through ASHA workers.

    What are the key facts about the Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047 Initiative?

    Details
    Aims and Objectives • Complete eradication of sickle cell anemia by 2047.
    • Awareness and screening in tribal communities.
    • Accessible diagnosis and treatment, with tools like HPLC.
    • Genetic counseling for prevention.
    • Technology-driven monitoring via mobile app and National Sickle Cell Portal.
    Features of the Program • Newborn screening and prenatal diagnostics at AIIMS Bhopal.
    • Nationwide expansion to 17 states by 2047.
    • Advanced testing with HPLC machines.
    • Community engagement through support groups and education.
    Implementation   • Collaborations with institutions like AIIMS Bhopal, Sankalp India, and healthcare providers.
    • Phased rollout starting with high-prevalence regions in Madhya Pradesh.
    • Government funding for infrastructure and tech development.
    • Digital technology for data collection and case management.

     

    PYQ:

    [2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under the Anemia Mukt Bharat Strategy :

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
    2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth.
    3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
    4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) Only one
    (b) Only two
    (c) Only three
    (d) All four

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