💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (June Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Archives: News

  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

    30 October 2024 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-20.Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

    Why in the News?

    Israel’s Knesset has banned the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, citing alleged ties between UNRWA staff and Hamas.

    What is Israel’s Knesset?

    • The Knesset is Israel’s unicameral parliament, established in 1949.
    • It consists of 120 members, elected every four years through proportional representation, and is responsible for legislation, government oversight, and electing the president.

    About UNRWA:

    Details
    Full Name United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)
    Establishment Established by the UN General Assembly in 1949.
    Primary Purpose To provide relief, healthcare, and education for Palestinian refugees displaced after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
    Headquarters Originally in Beirut, moved to Vienna in 1978, and relocated to Gaza in 1996.
    Mandate Renewal The mandate has been renewed repeatedly, currently extended until June 30, 2026.
    Fields of Operation Operates in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
    Beneficiaries Supports over five million Palestinian refugees and their descendants displaced in 1948 and 1967.
    Services Provided • Education
    • Healthcare
    • Social services
    • Infrastructure improvement
    • Microfinance
    • Emergency assistance
    Funding Sources Primarily funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states, with limited funding from the UN Regular Budget for staffing costs.
    Leadership Led by a Commissioner-General, appointed by the UN Secretary-General with General Assembly approval.
    Controversies • Disputed mandate regarding descendants of original refugees.
    • Allegations of staff affiliations with militant groups.
    Global Response Condemned by the international community regarding bans and criticisms, with calls to support UNRWA’s humanitarian role.

    Its role and significance:

    • Humanitarian Aid: UNRWA provides essential support, including food, shelter, healthcare, and education to over five million Palestinian refugees.
    • Education and Empowerment: Operates schools for 500,000 children and supports microfinance programs to promote economic self-sufficiency.
    • Crisis Response: Plays a vital role in emergency situations and advocates for the rights of Palestinian refugees on an international level.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Amnesty International is:

    (a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars

    (b) a global Human Rights Movement

    (c) a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people

    (d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    TN declares Heatwaves a State-specific Disaster

    30 October 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-19.Disaster and Disaster Management.

    Why in the News?

    • The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared heatwaves a State-specific disaster.
      • It announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for families of individuals who die from heat-related causes, including those involved in relief operations.

    Key Details of the Declaration

    • Purpose: This declaration allows the government to provide immediate relief to those affected by extreme heat, especially during the severe temperatures of April and May 2024.
    • Funding: Relief efforts will be supported by the State Disaster Response Fund.
    • Other State-specific disasters in TN: Sea erosion, lightning, thunder, whirlwinds, and gale winds as State-specific disasters to ensure relief assistance for those impacted by these events.

    Note: 

    • Kerala in March this year, declared man-animal conflict as a state-specific disaster, becoming the first state in the country to do so.
    • Once an issue is declared a state-specific disaster, the onus to deal with it shifts to the state disaster management authority, which, powered by the Disaster Management Act, can take quicker and more decisive action.
    • Also, district collectors can directly intervene in their capacity as the chairman of the district disaster body.

     

    heatwave

    About Heatwaves:

    Details
    Definition A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, relative to the usual climate of a region.
    Occurrence Typically occurs in India between March and June.
    Declaration by IMD
    • Plains: The maximum temperature is at least 45°C
    • Hills: The maximum temperature is at least 30°C
    • Coastal regions: The maximum temperature is at least 37°C and the departure from normal is at least 4.5°C
    Formation • High-Pressure Systems: Develop when high pressure settles over a region for days or weeks.
    • Air Sinking: Forces air to sink, warming and drying it.
    • Increased Radiation: Fewer clouds lead to higher surface temperatures.
    • Surface Winds: Warm air from lower latitudes or continental winds intensify heat.
    Criteria for Declaring a Heatwave At least two stations in a meteorological subdivision must meet one of the following criteria for two consecutive days (declared on the second day):
    Based on Departure from Normal:
    – Heat Wave: Temperature departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal.
    – Severe Heat Wave: Temperature departure of >6.4°C above normal.
    Based on Actual Maximum Temperature (plains only):
    – Heat Wave: Maximum temperature reaches 45°C or higher.
    – Severe Heat Wave: Maximum temperature reaches 47°C or higher.
    Duration Typically lasts a minimum of four days but can extend to seven or ten days.
    Longest Recorded Spell: May 2015, lasting from 18 to 31 May.
    Impact of Heatwaves • Heat Strokes: Increased risk, especially for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
    • Increased Healthcare Costs: Higher hospital visits and death rates from related illnesses.
    • Reduced Productivity: Extreme heat affects the output of over 1 billion workers.
    • Risk of Wildfires: Heat domes can lead to wildfires.
    • Effect on Vegetation: Prolonged heat damages crops and leads to droughts.
    • Increased Energy Demands: Higher electricity usage for cooling, driving up rates.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.

    [2013] The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is / are the reason / reasons?

    1. Thermal difference between land and water

    2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans

    3. Presence of strong winds in the interior

    4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Microfinance Story of India

    [pib] Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

    30 October 2024 | Schemes | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth

    mudra

    Why in the News?

    • The Centre has doubled the limit of Mudra loan amount under the PMMY to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh under a new ‘Tarun Plus’ category to promote entrepreneurship in the country.
      • This higher loan limit is available to entrepreneurs who have previously taken and successfully repaid loans under the existing ‘Tarun’ category.

    About Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY):

    Details
    Launch  Launched on April 8, 2015, by Prime Minister.
    Objective
    • To provide financial assistance and support to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs through collateral-free loans.
    • Non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs are individuals or entities that operate small-scale businesses outside the corporate and agricultural sectors. 
    • These include self-employed workers, small retail shops, artisans, repair services, and other informal sector businesses, often with limited capital and workforce.
    Recent Update Loan limit increased from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh under the new Tarun Plus category, announced in July 2024.
    Loan Categories • Shishu: Loans up to Rs 50,000
    • Kishore: Loans between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh
    • Tarun: Loans between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh
    • Tarun Plus: Loans between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh
    Loan Performance (2023-24) • 66.8 million Loans sanctioned totaling Rs 5.4 trillion.
    • Over 487.8 million loans worth Rs 29.79 trillion sanctioned since launch.
    NPA Statistics • NPA of public sector banks under Mudra loans decreased to 3.4% in FY24, down from 4.77% in 2020-21.
    • Gross NPA for scheduled commercial banks at 2.8% as of March 2024.
    Target Beneficiaries Aims to empower women, minorities, and marginalized communities by facilitating easy access to credit.
    Technological Intervention
    • MUDRA Card: An innovative credit product that offers an overdraft facility and can be used like a debit card for transactions.
    • MUDRA MITRA App: A mobile application providing information about MUDRA and its schemes, guiding loan seekers to approach banks for availing loans.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:

    (a) Bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system.

    (b) Providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops.

    (c) Providing pension to old and destitute persons.

    (d) Funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Solar, a game changer in women’s empowerment 

    29 October 2024 | Explained | Indian Society
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-07.Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues.

    Why in the News?

    Rooftop solar (RTS) can transform India’s energy landscape by providing a sustainable, decentralized, and affordable solution for rising electricity needs and could empower consumers (women and other sections of society) toward greater self-reliance.

    How does solar energy contribute to women’s economic empowerment?

    • Income Generation and Financial Independence: Solar technology enables women to generate income directly, especially in rural areas where traditional energy sources are scarce or costly.
      • For instance, solar-powered pumps have empowered women salt farmers in Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch, who, after shifting from diesel to solar, saw a 94% income boost and lower CO₂ emissions.
    • Employment Opportunities: The solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, employing around 4.9 million people in 2022, has been particularly impactful for women, who make up about 40% of its workforce.
    • Empowerment Programs: Initiatives like Barefoot College in India and Solar Sister in Africa train women as solar engineers. These programs enhance skills, improve self-reliance, and create employment in remote communities.

    What are the broader social implications of women’s involvement in the solar sector?

    • Community Well-being and Social Development: Women’s participation in the solar sector promotes local economic growth and strengthens social structures.
    • Leadership and Decision-Making: When women lead or actively participate in renewable energy projects, they often advocate for inclusive policies and better community engagement.
    • Gender-Sensitive Energy Policies: Women’s involvement highlights the need for energy policies that address the unique needs of women, improving both economic participation and social inclusion.

    What challenges do women face in the renewable energy sector, and how can these be addressed?

    • Access to Training and Financing: Women often face limited access to training and funding.
      • Overcoming these barriers requires accessible, affordable training programs in solar technology, as well as microfinance schemes specifically for women-led renewable energy projects.
    • Gender Bias and Occupational Segregation: The renewable energy sector, like many others, is affected by gender biases that can limit women’s roles to lower-level positions.
      • To address this, it’s important to promote women’s leadership and equal opportunities through gender-sensitive hiring practices and mentorship programs.
    • Policy and Regulatory Gaps: Energy access policies frequently lack a gender perspective, which limits their reach and inclusiveness.
      • Integrating gender-focused policies in energy and rural development sectors can enhance the socio-economic impacts of solar energy for women.

    Conclusion: Governments should integrate gender-focused policies within renewable energy frameworks, ensuring accessible financing options and training programs specifically for women. Microfinance schemes and subsidies for women-led solar projects can foster broader participation.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC IAS/2020)

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Fertilizer Sector reforms – NBS, bio-fertilizers, Neem coating, etc.

    What challenges does India face in fertilizer imports?

    29 October 2024 | Explained | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Why in the News?

    As the crises in Ukraine and Gaza persist, experts and policymakers are increasingly concerned about further rises in the costs of components essential for producing petroleum-based chemical fertilizers.

    Current Scenario of Fertilizer Imports:

    • India’s domestic fertilizer production capacity does not meet the full demand, requiring substantial imports to bridge the gap.
      • Urea: Approximately 20% of India’s urea requirement is met through imports.
      • Diammonium Phosphate (DAP): Around 50-60% of DAP demand is fulfilled by imports.
      • Muriate of Potassium (MOP or Potash): 100% of India’s MOP demand is met through imports, as there is no domestic production.
    • The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (August 2023) expressed concern about India’s dependence on imports for fertilizers, recommending an increase in domestic production capacity.

    How did the conflict in Ukraine impact the Global Fertilizer Market?

    • Market Instability: Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are disrupting the stability of the global fertilizer market, particularly affecting the prices of oil and petroleum-based fertilizers.
    • Supply Chain Disruptions: These conflicts affect global supply chains, particularly for fertilizer-producing countries such as Russia, which has been a significant source of fertilizer imports for India.
    • Price Volatility: Higher oil prices due to geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and Gaza indirectly drive up costs of fertilizers, as these are often by-products of petroleum.

    Its effects on India

    • Rising Import Costs: Increased global fertilizer prices lead to higher import costs for India, putting pressure on the fertilizer subsidy budget.
    • Potential Supply Constraints: India’s reliance on imports from conflict-affected regions like Russia and West Asia (including the Middle East) poses risks of reduced fertilizer availability.
    • Budget Strain: India’s fertilizer subsidy allocation for 2023-24 was ₹1.79 lakh crore, with substantial amounts dedicated to both indigenous and imported fertilizers.
    • Need for Self-Reliance: The conflicts underscore the importance for India to reduce dependency on imports by increasing domestic production capacity, promoting alternatives like nano urea, and exploring sustainable practices like natural farming.

    Steps taken by the government: 

    • New Investment Policy (NIP): NIP supports new urea manufacturing units by PSUs and private companies, boosting production capacity from 207.54 LMTPA in 2014-15 to 283.74 LMTPA.
    • Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS): The government included Potash from Molasses under NBS in 2021, encouraging local production and reducing import dependency.
    • Public-Private Joint Ventures: PSUs and private firms collaborate in urea production, establishing units like the Ramagundam Fertilizers in Telangana and Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan plants in northern states.

    Way forward: 

    • Boost Domestic Production: Increase India’s fertilizer production capacity through investment in domestic infrastructure and support for nano urea and alternative sustainable fertilizers to reduce import dependency.
    • Adopt Policy Reforms: Implement policies promoting self-reliance in fertilizers, with targeted subsidies and incentives for private, public, and cooperative sectors to enhance production and ensure affordable supply amidst global market volatility.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Foreign Policy Watch: United Nations

    India and Spain slam attacks on UN troops in Lebanon

    29 October 2024 | Explained | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

    Why in the News?

    During mid-October, 34 UNIFIL troop-contributing Nations condemned attacks on peacekeepers and urged respect for UNIFIL’s mission. Although not listed, India expressed full alignment with the joint statement.

    About UNIFIL: 

    UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) is a peacekeeping mission established in 1978, focused on monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting Lebanese stability, and ensuring security along the Lebanon-Israel Blue Line.

    What prompted the condemnation from India and Spain regarding the attacks on UN peacekeepers?

    • Repeated Targeting of Peacekeepers: Peacekeepers, including Indian personnel, faced direct attacks, such as IDF tank fire on UNIFIL positions and deliberate disabling of surveillance systems. Spain, along with other European countries, condemned these attacks as “unjustifiable.”
    • Violation of International Norms: These attacks on UN peacekeeping personnel and facilities violated the UN mandate, undermining the peacekeepers’ protection under international humanitarian law. Both India and Spain view this as a significant breach of norms that safeguard the sanctity of UN missions.
    • Response to Escalating Risk to Peacekeepers: Statements from both India and Spain emphasized the need for respecting UN premises’ “inviolability” and maintaining safety for peacekeepers amidst escalations, underscoring the importance of ensuring the protection and security of peacekeepers.

    What is the significance of UNIFIL’s role in Lebanon, and how do India and Spain view it?

    • Peacekeeping and Stability: UNIFIL is crucial in mediating and maintaining peace along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. Its presence serves as a stabilizing force, helping prevent spillovers of conflict, which is essential for regional peace.
    • India’s Role as a Major Contributor: With 903 personnel deployed, India plays a substantial role in peacekeeping efforts, reflecting its commitment to UN missions and highlighting the need for global respect toward UN mandates.
    • Spain’s Support for UNIFIL’s Mission: Spain aligns with other European countries in reinforcing UNIFIL’s role in regional stability. By condemning attacks, Spain emphasizes the importance of this mission in Lebanon and, by extension, its support for UN peacekeeping mandates globally.

    How do these events relate to broader geopolitical tensions in the region?

    • Regional Escalations and Proxy Conflicts: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly in Lebanon, feeds into broader geopolitical dynamics involving Israeli security concerns, Lebanese stability, and Iran’s influence through Hezbollah.
    • Impact on Global Diplomacy: The hostilities and targeting of UN peacekeepers may strain diplomatic relations, as countries urge Israel to respect international norms and safeguard peacekeepers. This may influence the UN Security Council’s approach, emphasizing a unified international stance against actions threatening UN missions.
    • Pressure on Multinational Cooperation and Regional Security: The events underscore the risks of operating in volatile zones where multinational peacekeeping efforts face direct threats.

    Way forward:

    • Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: India should actively engage with the UN Security Council and regional stakeholders to advocate for stringent measures ensuring the protection of UN peacekeepers and upholding the sanctity of UN mandates in conflict zones.
    • Enhance Contingency Protocols for Peacekeepers: India should work with UNIFIL and other troop-contributing countries to strengthen on-ground security protocols and response mechanisms.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • AYUSH – Indian Medicine System

    9th National Ayurveda Day

    29 October 2024 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    Why in the News?

    • On the occasion of the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister will launch several healthcare projects valued at Rs 12,850 crore.
      • The focal theme for Ayurveda day-2024 has been decided as ‘Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health’.

    About Ayurveda:

    Details
    Origins   • Rooted in four Vedas (5000–1000 BCE).
    • References in Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
    • Fully developed by 1000 BCE with Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita.
    Foundational Texts   • Brhattrayi (Three Major Treatises):
    • Caraka Samhita (internal medicine)
    • Susruta Samhita (surgery)
    • Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hrdaya (Vrddha Vagbhata and Vagbhata, 6th-7th century CE).
    • Takshashila and Nalanda universities attracted foreign students.
    Global Influence • Spread through Buddhism to Tibetan and Chinese medicine.
    • Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans adopted concepts via trade and interactions.
    • 8th century CE saw Nagarjuna study medicinal use of metals.
    Integration of Modern Techniques • 16th century saw inclusion of modern diagnostics and treatment for new diseases.
    Revival in India (19th-20th Cent.) • 1827: First Ayurveda course at Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta.
    • 20th Century: Ayurveda colleges spread under regional patronage.
    • 1970s: Ayurveda revived, with academic research, publications, and global symposia.
    Current Status   • Structured undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral education.
    • Strong network of practitioners and manufacturers.
    • Developed infrastructure for community outreach.
    Global Influence  24 countries recognize Ayurveda legally.
    Collaborative platforms include:
    • SCO Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine
    • BIMSTEC Taskforce on Traditional Medicine
    • BRICS High-Level Forum on Traditional Medicine.
    • Ayurveda products exported to 100+ countries.
    WHO Standards and Milestones • ICD-11 Integration: WHO included Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani in ICD-11 TM Module 2.
    • WHO set global standards for practice and training.
    • GCTM, Jamnagar (Gujarat): Focuses on Ayurveda research, education, and practice.
    Philosophical Foundations • Historical evidence dates to the first millennium BCE.
    • Knowledge passed from gods to sages and then to human physicians.
    • Central concepts align with Samkhya, Vaisheshika, Buddhism, and Jainism.
    • Emphasis on balance and maintaining natural urges.

    Initiatives and Programs by the Govt.

    • National Ayush Mission (2014): Aimed at promoting the development and growth of Ayush systems (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in the country, focusing on strengthening educational institutions and enhancing the quality of services.
    • Ayurveda Research Portal (2021): Promotes research in Ayurveda by providing a digital platform for researchers, practitioners, and institutions to access data, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives.
    • Ayush Grid (2020): A digital initiative aimed at enhancing the accessibility of Ayush services and information through online platforms, connecting practitioners, patients, and educational institutions.

    PYQ:

    [2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

    Similipal Tiger Reserve

    29 October 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

    Why in the News?

    The Odisha government has translocated a female tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal Tiger Reserve, the State’s largest, to enhance the genetic diversity of its tiger population.

    Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why discuss this?

    • The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE-2023-24) says a total of 30 tigers were found in Odisha. Similipal has 27 of them.
    • A total of 13 adult tigers (seven females and six males) were found to be pseudo-melanistic in Similipal, and no other wild habitat in the world has pseudo-melanistic tigers.
      • Research indicates that a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene causes Similipal’s black tigers to develop distinctive striped patterns.

    About Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR):

    Details
    Location Located in the Mayurbhanj District, Northernmost part of Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
    Highest Peak Twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini, at 1515 meters above mean sea level.
    Designation Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; included in the Project Tiger national conservation program in 1973.
    UNESCO Recognition Included as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009.
    Terrain Mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
    Vegetation A mix of different forest types, predominantly Northern tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen patches.
    Tribal Communities Inhabited by various tribes including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    Flora Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal being the dominant tree species.
    Fauna Diverse wildlife including Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python, Sambar, Pangolin, etc.

     

    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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    [pib] Raigad Fort

    29 October 2024 | Prelims Only | History
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    [pib] Raigad Fort

    Why in the News?

    The Raigad Fort is among 12 forts nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status under the title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India.”

    Why Raigad Fort is Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage?

    • Historical and Strategic Importance: Raigad Fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing Maratha resilience and independence.
    • Architectural Excellence: The fort showcases Maratha military architecture, with well-developed structures adapted to the hilly terrain.
    • Role in Maratha Legacy: As a hill fort, Raigad is emblematic of the Marathas’ unique fortification style, designed to withstand invasions and safeguard autonomy.
    • Icon of Maratha Heritage: Known as Durgaraj (King of Forts), Raigad stands as a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership and legacy and has become a pilgrimage site for Shivbhakts.
    • Natural Defense and Innovation: The fort’s natural fortifications, steep escarpments, and strategic location atop an isolated hill embody military ingenuity and make it a model of Maratha defense architecture.

    History of Raigad Fort:

    Details
    Location   • Situated in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India.
    • Elevation of approximately 2,700 feet above sea level.
    • Surrounded by natural cliffs and 1,500-foot escarpments.
    Background • Originally known as Rairi.
    • Captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1653 CE.
    • Crowned Chhatrapati on June 6, 1674 CE.
    • Served as the capital of the Maratha Empire until 1680 CE.
    Significance • Part of the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.
    • Referred to as the “Gibraltar of the East” by Grant Duff.
    Architectural Highlights • Includes the Royal Complex with key structures like Ranivasa and Rajsadar.
    • Jagadishwar Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva.
    • Samadhi (final resting place) of Shivaji Maharaj located nearby.
    Features • Accessible mainly through Naqqarkhana and Palkhi Darwaja.
    • Features well-designed drainage systems and secret chambers.
    Ecology • Surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers.
    • Supported limited agriculture and had a self-sustained ecosystem.
    Cultural Significance • Known as the Durgaraj (King of Forts), symbolizing Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
    • Hosts annual celebrations for Shivrajyabhishek and Punyatithi.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?

    (a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore

    (b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab

    (c) He wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot & Pasrur)

    (d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    2024 Global Nature Conservation Index

    29 October 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

    Why in the News?

    India has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 with a score of 45.5 out of 100, placing it among the five worst performers alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).

    Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:

    • High Rate of Land Conversion: 53% of India’s land is converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes, contributing to deforestation and habitat fragmentation that severely impact biodiversity.
    • Soil Pollution: India’s sustainable nitrogen index is 0.77, indicating high levels of soil pollution primarily due to extensive pesticide use, threatening soil health and agricultural sustainability.
    • Minimal Marine Conservation: Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are protected, with no protected areas in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), highlighting limited efforts in marine biodiversity conservation.
    • Illegal Wildlife Trade: India ranks as the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader globally, with an estimated annual trade value of £15 billion, putting added pressure on vulnerable wildlife species.

    About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):

    Details
    Developed By Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
    Purpose To assess each country’s progress in balancing conservation and development through data-driven analysis.
    Aim To help governments, researchers, and organizations identify concerns and enhance conservation policies for long-term biodiversity protection.
    Launch Date Launched on October 24, 2024.
    Scope Ranks 180 countries based on their conservation efforts.
    Pillars of the Index • Managing Protected Areas
    • Addressing Threats Against Biodiversity
    • Nature and Conservation Governance
    • Future Trends in Natural Resource Management
    Significance Provides insights into conservation policies and practices, aiding in the global effort to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

    Key highlights of the reports:

    • Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and New Zealand ranked highest, showing strong conservation practices and governance.
    • Nations with advanced climate adaptation policies (e.g., Sweden and Denmark) are better positioned to mitigate biodiversity risks from climate change.
    • Despite Protected Areas, 46.9% of terrestrial and 67.5% of marine species are in decline worldwide.
    • High-density nations such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands face intense biodiversity pressures, driving them to implement urban greening and sustainable practices.

    PYQ:

    [2018] “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by:

    (a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

    (b) The UNEP Secretariat

    (c) The UNFCCC Secretariat

    (d) The World Meteorological Organisation

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Join the Community

Join us across Social Media platforms.