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  • India scores 46th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2021

    India has climbed 2 spots and has been ranked 46th by the World Intellectual Property Organization in the Global Innovation Index 2021 rankings.

    Global Innovation Index

    • The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual ranking of countries by their capacity for, and success in, innovation.
    • It is published by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organization, in partnership with other organizations and institutions.
    • It is based on both subjective and objective data derived from several sources, including the International Telecommunication Union, the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.
    • The index was started in 2007 by INSEAD and World Business, a British magazine. It was created by Prof. Soumitra Dutta.

    Components of GII

    • The GII is computed by taking a simple average of the scores in two sub-indices, the Innovation Input Index and Innovation Output Index, which are composed of five and two pillars respectively.

    India’s performance

    • India has been on a rising trajectory, over the past several years in the Global Innovation Index (GII), from a rank of 81 in 2015 to 46 in 2021.
    • India attributed its improved performance due to the pivotal role played by the Department of Atomic Energy, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology and the Department of Space.

    Global scenario

    • Switzerland topped the league table, followed by Sweden, the US and the UK.
    • Among Asian economies, South Korea jumped to the fifth position, up from 10 last year.
    • China was in the 12th position.

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  • What is Vishnuonyx?

    Between 12.5 million and 14 million years ago, members of a genus of otters called Vishnuonyx lived in the major rivers of southern Asia.

    Vishnuonyx neptuni

    • Vishnuonyx were mid-sized predators that weighed, on average, 10-15 kg.
    • Before this, the genus was known only in Asia and Africa (recent findings show that Vishnuonyx reached East Africa about 12 million years ago, according to the release).
    • Vishnuonyx depended on water and could not travel long distances over land.

    Why in news?

    • German researchers have discovered the fossil of a previously unknown species, which they have named Vishnuonyx neptuni, meaning ‘Neptune’s Vishnu’.
    • Fossils of these now extinct otters were first discovered in sediments found in the foothills of the Himalayas.
    • Now, a newly found fossil indicates it had travelled as far as Germany. ‘
    • The dispersal of Vishnuonyx otters from the Indian subcontinent to Africa and Europe about 13 million years ago. ‘
    • This is the first discovery of any member of the Vishnuonyx genus in Europe; it is also its most northern and western record till date.

    How did it travel as far as Europe?

    • According to the researchers, its travels over 6,000 km were probably made possible by the geography of 12 million years ago, when the Alps were recently formed.
    • These Alps and the Iranian Elbrus Mountains were separated by a large ocean basin, which would have made it easier for the otters to cross it.
    • Researchers believe ‘Neptune’s Vishnu’ first reached southern Germany, followed by Ancient Guenz and eventually, the Hammerschmiede.

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  • Species in news: Sea Cucumber

    In a swift operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at Mandapam, Tamil Nadu seized two tonnes of sea cucumber, a banned marine species.

    Sea Cucumbers

    • Sea cucumbers are part of a larger animal group called echinoderms, which also contains starfish and sea urchins.
    • Their body shape is similar to a cucumber, but they have small tentacle-like tube feet that are used for locomotion and feeding.
    • One way that sea cucumbers can confuse or harm predators is by propelling their own toxic internal organs from their bodies in the direction of an attacker.
    • The organs grow back, and it may save them from being eaten.
    • They are found in virtually all marine environments throughout the world, from shallow to deep-sea environments.
    • They are benthic, meaning they live on the ocean floor. However, their larvae are planktonic, meaning they float in the ocean with the currents.

    Conservation status

    • Sea cucumber in India is treated as an endangered species listed under schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
    • It is primarily smuggled from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka in fishing vessels from Ramanathapuram and Tuticorin districts.

    (IUCN status is not available for this species)

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  • 21st September 2021 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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    [WpProQuiz 786]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 786]

  • [Burning Issue] BRICS and its relevance in today’s world

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    The 13th BRICS summit is set to be held on September 9 in digital format under India’s chairmanship. This plurilateral grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is chaired by turn. India held the chair in 2012 and 2016 too.

    The grouping is successful in moving towards the desire objectives for which it has come into existence. But currently, there are many challenges engulfing it. This is high time that it should look forward to resolving them and progress towards its desired objectives.

    What is BRICS?

    • BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
    • The BRICS Leaders’ Summit is convened annually. It does not exist in form of organization, but it is an annual summit between the supreme leaders of five nations.

    Inception

    • On November 30, 2001, Jim O’Neill, a British economist who was then chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, coined the term ‘BRIC’ to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
    • He made a case for BRIC on the basis of econometric analyses projecting that the four economies would individually and collectively occupy far greater economic space and become among the world’s largest economies in the next 50 years or so.

    How it has formed?

    • The grouping was formalized during the first meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of the UNGA in New York in September 2006.
    • The first BRIC Summit took place in 2009 in the Russian Federation and focused on issues such as reform of the global financial architecture.

    Who are the members?

    • South Africa was invited to join BRIC in December 2010, after which the group adopted the acronym BRICS. South Africa subsequently attended the Third BRICS Summit in Sanya, China, in March 2011.
    • The Chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S.
    • The importance of BRICS is self-evident: It represents 42% of the world’s population, 30% of the land area, 24% of global GDP and 16% of international trade.
    • The five BRICS countries are also members of G-20.

    Significant feats of BRICS

     1. Johannesburg Declaration, 2018

    • The 2018 summit saw the BRICS leaders come together and discuss various international and regional issues of common concern and adopted the ‘Johannesburg Declaration’ by consensus.
    • The leaders jointly reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, democracy, inclusiveness and strengthened collaboration.
    • The BRICS leaders have used the summit to reject the growing unilateralism and instead reiterate their commitment to the strengthening of multilateral institutions, calling for stronger intra-trade within member states.

    2. Focus on New Industrial Revolution

    • The other big idea emanating from the summit is to help nations to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
    • Participants embraced it, articulating the need for a new strategy on employment, education and skill development as the digital revolution unfolds.
    • The leaders commended the establishment of the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR).
    • It aims to deepen BRICS cooperation in digitalization, industrialization, innovation, inclusiveness and investment and to maximize the opportunities and address the challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution.

    3. BRICS Plus

    • The BRICS outreach to Africa began at the last summit hosted by South Africa, in 2013. It has picked up momentum now but African leaders want more.
    • They need big loans from the New Development Bank (NDB) for their infrastructure projects.
    • China introduced the “BRICS Plus” format at the Xiamen summit last year by inviting a few countries from different regions.
    • South Africa emulated it, arranging the attendance of top-level representation of five nations of its choice: Argentina, Jamaica, Turkey, Indonesia and Egypt.
    • The precise role of “BRICS Plus” countries will take time to evolve but an immediate benefit is the immense opportunities it provides for networking among leaders.

    4. Brasilia outcome

    • During Brazil’s chairmanship, the grouping reported 30 new outcomes, initiatives and documents.
    • The latest summit needed a 73 para-long Brasilia Declaration to spell out the leaders’ shared worldview and spectrum of their work.
    • Much to India’s satisfaction, the commitment of BRICS to counterterrorism seems to be getting strengthened.

    5. New Development Bank (NDB) projects

    • The NDB, the grouping’s flagship achievement, has 44 projects with its lending touching $12.4 billion, in just five years.
    • This is not a small gain, but the bank needs to grow as “a global development finance institution”. A move is now afoot to open its membership selectively.
    • NDB has opened its regional centers in South Africa and Brazil and will do so in Russia and India in 2020.

    6. Local Currency Bond Fund

    • With a successful Contingent Reserve Arrangement in the bag, BRICS governments are set to establish a Local Currency Bond Fund.

    7. Business promotion

    • The BRICS Business Council held a substantive dialogue to foster cooperation in areas ranging from infrastructure and energy to financial services, regional aviation and digital economy.
    • Its cooperation with the NDB is being encouraged. The national trade promotion agencies signed an MoU on cooperation among themselves.
    • A BRICS Women Business Alliance was also created, both as a women empowerment measure and as a tool to bring “a distinctive perspective on issues of interest for the business community.”

    How relevant is the BRICS in today’s world?

    New front against western dominance

    • The BRICS is group of countries having total population of approximately 3.6 billion which makes 40% of world population.
    • Also, the cumulative economy of the group members aggregate to around 17 trillion in nominal term which is 22% of world economy in current context.
    • The relevance of the group increases when it is considered as rival of western dominated institutions of World Bank and IMF.

    Future power centers of the world

    • India and China are today the fastest growing economies and they are considered as future super power of world.
    • The group also has Russia the former USSR as a member which was one of the two super power until 1991 when it was disintegrated for various political and economic reason but still retain the hegemony of western, US led military dominance.

    A step towards a more democratic world order

    • In subsequent summits since its inception the group has taken various initiatives which have changed the world economic order.
    • The group pledged a corpus of $75 billion to IMF on precondition of voting rights reform in June, 2012 which is not only the end of US hegemony in institution but also a start of more democratic world order.

    New Development Bank

    • During its fifth summit at Durban, South Africa in 2013, the member countries agreed to create a new global financial institution which finally came into existence as New Development Bank in 2015.
    • It has a head quarter at Shanghai with initial capital of $50 billion and subsequently increased to $100 billion.
    • The bank is today considered as rival of World Bank and the bank’s primary focus is to lend for various development projects in member and other developing countries.

    Contingent Reserve Agreement

    • To save members from immediate economic shocks the group has also agreed to Contingent Reserve Agreement.
    • The agreement provide protection to member countries against global liquidity pressure as all the members are developing economies and prone to increased economical volatility in current globalized scenario and is considered as rival of International Monetary Fund.

    A bridge between North and South

    • The grouping has gone through a reasonably productive journey. It strove to serve as a bridge between the Global North and Global South.

    Assuring global peace and security

    • The US unilateral withdrawal from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty and Iran deal has posed a great security threat to global peace.
    • BRICS, being a pillar of fairer polycentric world order, can play a significant role in assuring world peace by playing an active role in dispute resolution based on principle of fairness.

    Sustainable and inclusive growth and development

    • Structural imbalances caused by the global financial crisis of 2008 and new threats to the global economy posed by trade war and unilateral economic sanctions are yet to be resolved.
    • The growing contribution of the BRICS to the world economy and the rising importance of the economic relations between the BRICS and other Emerging Market and Developing Countries (EMDCs) create an opportunity for new initiatives.
    • This would better help to support sustainable and inclusive growth and development.

    Poverty Reduction

    • The BRICS contribution to world poverty reduction has been sizeable.
    • Continued BRICS growth remains important for poverty reduction as well as for reducing international inequalities.

    Issues in its consolidation

    • Common ground for the members was built by ensuring that no bilateral issues were brought up, but the contradictions remained.
    • Many economists soon grew tired of “emerging” economies that didn’t reach the goals they had predicted.
    • Others saw India’s closer ties with the US after the civil nuclear deal as a sign its bonds with BRICS would weaken.
    • Meanwhile, Russia, which had hoped to bolster its own global influence through the group, had been cast out of the G-7 order altogether after its actions in Crimea in 2014.
    • China, under Xi Jinping, grew increasingly aggressive, and impatient about the other underperforming economies in the group, as it became the U.S.’s main challenger on the global stage.

    Long-term prospects

    • China’s decision to launch the trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative in 2017 was opposed by India, and even Russia did not join the BRI plan, although it has considerable infrastructure projects with China.
    • South Africa’s debt-laden economy and the negative current account have led some to predict an economic collapse in the next decade.
    • Brazil’s poor handling during the Covid-19 crisis has ranked it amongst the world’s worst-affected countries, and its recovery is expected to be delayed.
    • India’s economic slowdown was a concern even before Covid-19 hit, and government policies like “Aatmanirbhar” were seen as a plan to turn inward.

    Issues with BRICS nations

    • Concerns about aggressions from Russia in Ukraine and Eastern Europe and China in the South China Sea, the border with India and internally in Hongkong and Xinjiang are clear visible.
    • There is creeping authoritarianism in democracies like Brazil and India have made investors question long-term prospects of the group.
    • In the market, BRICS has been mocked for being “broken”, while others have suggested it should be expanded to include more emerging economies like Indonesia, Mexico and Turkey, called the “Next-11”.

    Importance of BRICS for India

    Geo-Politics

    • Global geopolitics today represents the case of a tug of war and India finds itself in the middle of it.
    • This has made difficult for India to carve a middle path for balancing its strategic interests between the U.S and the Russia-China axis.
    • Therefore, BRICS platform provides an opportunity for India to balance Russia-China axis.

    Global Economic Order

    • BRICS countries shared a common objective of reforming the international financial and monetary system, with a strong desire to build a more just, and balanced international order.
    • To this end, BRICS community plays an important role in the G20, in shaping global economic policies and promoting financial stability.

    Voice of Developing Nations

    • As the western countries are raising challenges on issues ranging from World Trade Organization to climate change, the developing countries are crippling under the onslaught of these policies.
    • In recent period, BRICS has emerged as the voice of developing countries, or the global south and playing a significant role in protecting the rights of developing countries.
    • Terrorism
    • BRICS also provides a platform for India to galvanize its efforts against terrorism and has worked within the grouping to take a strong stand against terrorism and bring about focused consultations on specific aspects relating to terrorism.

    Global Grouping

    • India is actively pursuing its membership for United Nation Security Council (UNSC) and Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG).
    • China forms the major roadblock in pursuing such goals.
    • Therefore, BRICS provides an opportunity to actively engage with China and resolve the mutual disputes. It also helps in garnering support of other partner countries.

    What are the challenges with the BRICS?

    Heterogeneity

    • It is claimed by critics that heterogeneity (variable/diverse nature of countries) of the BRICS nations with its diverse interests possess a threat to the viability of the grouping.

    China Centric nature of the group

    • All the countries in BRICS grouping trade with China more than each other, therefore it is blamed that as a platform to promote China’s interest.
    • Balancing trade deficit with China is huge challenge for other partner nations.

    Global Model for Governance

    • Amidst, global slowdown, trade war and protectionism, the critical challenge for the BRICS consists in the development of a new global model of governance which should not be unipolar but inclusive and constructive.
    • The goal should be to avoid a negative scenario of unfolding globalization and to start a complicated merging of the global growing economies without distorting or breaking the single financial and economic continuum of the world.

    Not Been Effective

    • The five-power combine has succeeded, albeit up to a point.
    • However, China’s economic rise has created a serious imbalance within BRICS.
    • Also the group has not done enough to assist the Global South to win their optimal support for their agenda.

    Contentious issues between India and China

    • However, the future of the group seems little gloomy as the two biggest economy India and China of the group are having various contentious issues between them.
    • The two countries are often seen as rival on various global forums which degenerate the confidence between each other.
    • China is opposed to the entry of India to group like NSG and also a staunch supporter of Pakistan which has a demeaning record fuelling terrorism in India.
    • China has also opposed to UN resolution of declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist who is a mastermind of various terrorist attack in India and globally.
    • At the same time India is also opposed to the China’s aggressive policy in South China Sea where various countries like Vietnam, China, Philippines and others in the reason have territorial disputes.

    Sanctions on Russia

    • In recent times the global slowdown, sanction on Russia since it annexed Crimea and political instability in Brazil has also added burden on BRICS economy.

    Priorities/Immediate goals of BRICS

    1. Reform of multilateral institutions

    • The first is to pursue reform of multilateral institutions ranging from the United Nations, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to the World Trade Organization and now even the World Health Organization.
    • This is not a new goal. BRICS has had very little success so far, although strengthening multilateralism serves as a strong bond as well as a beacon.
    • Reform needs global consensus which is hardly feasible in the current climate of strategic contestation between the U.S. and China and the devastation caused by COVID-19 to health, lives and livelihoods.
    • BRICS emerged from the desire to challenge dominance (by the U.S.) in the early years of the century. The “counter-dominance instinct and principled commitment to multipolarity in all forms” is “written into the DNA of BRICS.”

    2. Resolve to combat terrorism

    • Terrorism is an international phenomenon affecting Europe, Africa, Asia and other parts of the world. Tragic developments concerning Afghanistan have helped to focus attention sharply on this overarching theme, stressing the need to bridge the gap between rhetoric and action.
    • China, for example, feels little hesitation in supporting clear-cut denunciations of terrorist groups, even as its backing of Pakistan, which is heavily enmeshed with a host of international terrorist groups, remains steadfast.
    • In this context, BRICS is attempting to pragmatically shape its counter-terrorism strategy by crafting the BRICS Counter Terrorism Action Plan containing specific measures to fight radicalization, terrorist financing and misuse of the Internet by terrorist groups.
    • This plan is expected to be a key deliverable at the forthcoming summit and may hopefully bring some change.

    3. Promoting technological and digital solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals

    • Digital tools have helped a world adversely hit by the pandemic, and India has been in the forefront of using new technological tools to improve governance.

    4. Expanding people-to-people cooperation

    • However, enhancing people-to-people cooperation will have to wait for international travel to revive. Interactions through digital means are a poor substitute.

    Way Forward

    • A close examination of India’s record in BRICS reveals that New Delhi has used its membership to make a substantial contribution to the global financial architecture, while also making efforts to address glaring gaps in areas such as counter-terrorism, the fight against climate change and UNSC reform.
    • India is not a free-rider in a system of global governance dominated by the West, and continues to provide a vision of global governance.
    • The BRICS needs to expand its agenda for increasing its relevance in the global order. As of now, climate change and development finance, aimed at building infrastructure must dominate its agenda.
    • For BRICS to remain relevant over the next decade, each of its members must make a realistic assessment of the initiative’s opportunities and inherent limitations.
    • BRICS should promote comprehensive development of all states — both big and small — and enhanced mutually beneficial cooperation among them on the basis of shared interests.
    • Democratization of international issues i.e agreements on global agendas should be reached with the widest and equal participation of all stakeholders and be based on universally recognized legal norms.
    • The principle of respect for cultural and civilization diversity of the world should be a top priority.
    • BRICS nations should strive for peaceful and politico-diplomatic settlement of crisis and conflict in various regions of the world.

    Conclusion

    BRICS, being one of the pillars of the emerging fairer polycentric world order, plays an important stabilizing role in global affairs. In the storming ocean of world politics, BRICS can contribute significantly in maintaining international stability and ensuring global economic growth, and becoming a united center of the multipolar world.

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  • Streak Daily Compilation of Questions & Videos – Sep 20, 2021

    Maintaining consistency is one of the biggest issues faced by IAS Aspirants. Streak’s initiative is to help Aspirants in their day-to-day preparation. You can follow the monthly, weekly, and daily timetables and continue this streak until you find yourself on the final list.

    Please register for Streak Initiative (free) through this link:- https://www.civilsdaily.com/course/streak-daily-initiative/

    You will get following study material:-

    1. Questions (PDF).
    2. RSTV/Yojana monthly notes (PDF).
    3. Burning issue (PDF).
    4. Subject specific (PDF).
    5. Mentor’s phone call for support & encouragement.

    _____________________________________________

    Daily Study Plan with Answer Writing Challenge || STREAK FREE INITIATIVE FOR UPSC IAS – by Ravi Ranjan

    UPSC PRELIMS-2021 || Current Affairs Based Most Probable Questions on Geography – by Sukanya Rana

    Q1) With respect to Tropical Cyclones, consider the following statements: 

    1. A tropical cyclone is a rotating low pressure weather system that has organized thunderstorms but has no fronts. 

    2. Tropical cyclones rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. 

    3. Tropical cyclones across the globe, except South Pacific Typhoons, are moving westward, closer to land, in recent decades. 

    Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 

    a. 1 only 

    b. 1 and 2 only 

    c. 1 and 3 only 

    d. 1, 2 and 3

    Q2) Consider the following statements with respect to Mid-ocean ridges?

    1. They are created by the upwelling of basaltic lava and lateral rifting of ocean crust.
    2. They cover the largest fraction of the abyssal zone in the Arctic Ocean and are absent from the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
    3. The mid-ocean ridges are the Earth’s largest volcanic system.
    4. They are absent in the South Pacific Ocean.

    Select the correct code using the codes given below.

    a. 1, 2 and 3 only

    b. 2, 3 and 4 only

    c. 1 and 4 only

    d. All the above

    Q3) Polar fleeing force relates to:

    a. Revolution of the Earth

    b. Rotation of the earth

    c. Gravitation

    d. Tides

    Q4) Consider the following statements with respect to the troposphere.

    1. The troposphere is marked by temperature inversion, turbulence and eddies.
    2. It is the atmospheric layer between the earth’s surface and an altitude of 16 km at the poles.
    3. It is meteorologically the most significant zone in the entire atmosphere.
    4. It is also called the convective region.

    Select the correct code using the codes given below.

    a. 2 and 3 only

    b. 1, 3 and 4 only

    c. 1, 2 and 4 only

    d,. All the above

  • Empathy through education

    Context

    While the National Education Policy (2020) notes numeracy and literacy as its central aims, Social and Emotional Learning should be an equally important goal as it supports skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.

    What is social and emotional learning (SEL)?

    • SEL is the process of learning to recognise and manage emotions and navigate social situations effectively.
    • SEL is foundational for human development, building healthy relationships, having self and social awareness, solving problems, making responsible decisions, and academic learning.
    • Neurobiologically, various brain regions such as the prefrontal and frontal cortices, amygdala, and superior temporal sulcus are involved in the cognitive mechanisms of SEL.
    • Brain systems that are responsible for basic human behaviour, such as getting hungry, may be reused for complex mechanisms involved in SEL.
    • Despite its importance to life, SEL is often added as a chapter in a larger curriculum rather than being integrated in it.
    • The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for SEL as school closures reduced opportunities for students to deepen social relationships and learn collaboratively in shared physical spaces.
    • Even with parental involvement, the challenge of an inadequate support system for SEL remains.

    Way forward

    • Perhaps we can contextually adapt best practices from existing models.
    • A starting point would be to consider insights from the Indian SEL framework:
    • One, the application of SEL practices should be based on students’ socioeconomic backgrounds.
    • Two, SEL strategies of caretakers and educators must align with one another.
    • Three, long-term success requires SEL to be based on scientific evidence.

    Conclusion

    As a sustainable development goal outlines, policymakers now have to ensure that future changes prioritise “inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” Importantly, the onus lies on all of us to make individual contributions that will drive systemic change.

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  • Species in News

    20th Sept 2021

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    Indian Bullfrogs

    • The Indian Bullfrog Hoplobatrachus Tigerinus (native to
      the Indian subcontinent) has rapidly invaded the Andaman
      islands after it was introduced there in the early 2000s.
    • In human-dominated areas, it now shares space with other
      native (and often endemic) frog species.
    •  The bullfrogs are prolific breeders: they have short breeding
      seasons, and each egg clutch can contain up to 5,750 eggs.
    • Its tadpoles are carnivorous and eat other tadpoles (including their own species).
    • The proportion of bullfrog tadpoles surviving was greater
      in the presence of both endemic frog tadpoles.
    • This is worrying because other native frog species – many
      of which are only being described – could also be affected

    Balsams of Eastern Himalayas

    • Consisting of both annual and perennial herbs, balsams
      are succulent plants with high endemism.
    • Because of their bright beautiful flowers, these groups of
      plants are of prized horticultural significance.
    • The details of the new species, including several new
      records, have been highlighted in the book, recently published by the Botanical Survey of India.
    • Of the 83 species described, 45 are from Arunachal Pradesh,
      24 from Sikkim and 16 species common to both states.
    Threats:
    • Prior to 2010, specimens of Impatiens that had potential
      of being identified as new species would be collected but
      the dried-up specimens looked identical to the species
      discovered earlier and their effort yielded no results.
    • Other than high endemism, what sets Impatiens apart is
      their sensitivity to climate change.
    • Most of the species of Impatiens cannot endure persistent
      drought or extended exposure to direct sunlight.
    • As a result Impatiens species are typically confined
      to stream margins, moist roadsides, waterside boulders, near waterfalls and wet forests.

    Miracle Plant Arogyapacha

    • This ‘miracle plant’ is known for its traditional use by the
      Kani tribal community to combat fatigue.
    • Studies have also proved its varied spectrum of pharmacological properties such as anti-oxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic.

    Dracaena Cambodiana: India’s first dragon blood-oozing tree

    • A group of researchers has discovered Dracaena cambodiana, a dragon tree species in the Dongka Sarpo area of West Karbi Anglong, Assam.
    •  This is the first time that a dragon tree species has been
      reported from India.
    • In India, the Dracaena genus belonging to the family Asparagaceae is represented by nine species and two varieties in the Himalayan region, the northeast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
    • But Dracaena cambodiana is the only true dragon tree species.
    • The Dracaena seeds are usually dispersed by birds. But due
      to the large fruit size, only a few species of birds are able
      to swallow the fruits, thus limiting the scope of its nature
      conservation.

    7 New Species Of Insects That Can Walk On Water Discovered

    • The newly described species belong to the genus Mesovelia
      whose size ranges from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm and are equipped
      with hydrophobic setae (bristles) on their legs.
    • The combination of hydrophobic setae and water surface
      tension prevents them from sinking.
    • The insects are pale green with silver-white wings with
      black veins on the basal half which make them stand out
      over the green mat of aquatic weeds.
    • Among the new discoveries, Mesovelia andamana is from
      Andaman Islands, bispinosa and M. isiasi are from Meghalaya, M. occulta and M. tenuia from Tamil Nadu and M.brevia and M. dilatata live both in Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu.

    Evolution

    •  These bugs are hemimetabolous insects without having
      larval stage i.e., they go from egg to nymph to adult.
    • They are found on freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes,
      pools, streams, rocks with moss and sometimes on estuaries.
    • These bugs serve as predators and scavengers (feed on
      midges, water fleas, feed on dead and dying mosquitoes),
      thereby removing organic waste and also providing a natural sanitation service.
    • The females of Mesovelia are larger than males and dig
      several holes on plants and insert eggs in plant tissues with
      a specially adapted long serrated ovipositor (genital organ).

    Emperor Penguin Colony In Antarctica Vanishes

    • The emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is the tallest
      and heaviest of all living penguin species and is endemic
      to Antarctica.
    • Like all penguins, it is flightless, with a streamlined body,
      and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat.
    • Its diet consists primarily of fish, but also includes crustaceans, such as krill, and cephalopods, such as squid.
    • The only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter, emperor penguins trek 50–120 km over the ice to breeding colonies which can contain up to several thousand individuals.
    • In 2012 the emperor penguin was uplisted from a species of least concern to near threatened by the IUCN.

    Arctic Kelp Forests

    • Kelp is a type of large brown seaweed that grows in shal-low, nutrient-rich saltwater, near coastal fronts around the world.
    • They occur on rocky coasts throughout the Arctic.
    • Kelp is a type of large brown seaweed that grows in shallow, nutrient-rich saltwater, near coastal fronts around the world.
    • They occur on rocky coasts throughout the Arctic.
    • The longest kelp recorded in the Arctic in Canada was 15 metres, and the deepest was found at 60-metre depth (Disko Bay, Greenland).
    • Kelps function underwater in the same way trees do on land. They create habitat and modify the physical environment by shading light and softening waves.
    • The underwater forests that Kelps create are used by many animals for shelter and food.More than 350 different species – up to 100,000 small invertebrates – can live on a single kelp plant, and many fish, birds and mammals depend on the whole forest.
    • Kelp forests also help protect coastlines by decreasing the power of waves during storms and reducing coastal erosion.

    Neelakurinji Blossom

    • Kurinji or Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthianus) is a shrub that is found in the shola forests of the Western Ghats in South India
    • Nilgiri Hills, which literally means the blue mountains, got their name from the purplish-blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms only once in 12 years.
    • It is the most rigorously demonstrated, with documented bloomings in 1838, 1850, 1862, 1874, 1886, 1898, 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 and 2018
    • Some Kurinji flowers bloom once every seven years, and then die. Their seeds subsequently sprout and continue the cycle of life and death.

    Kashmir Stag (Hangul)

    • Hangul, the state animal of Jammu & Kashmir, is restricted to the Dachigam National Park some 15 km north-west of Jammu & Kashmir summer capital Srinagar.
    • The Hangul is placed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the J&K Wildlife Protection Act, 1978.
    • The Hangul was once widely distributed in the mountains of Kashmir and parts of Chamba district in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
    • The IUCN’s Red List has classified it as Critically Endan-gered and is similarly listed under the Species Recovery Programme of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) of the MoEFCC.
    • From a population of 5,000 in the early 1900s, the Hangul’s numbers have constantly declined over the decades.
    • The Hangul is considered equally significant to the state of Jammu & Kashmir as the tiger is to the whole of India.
    • The Paliyan tribal people living in Tamil Nadu used it as a reference to calculate their age.
    • It is the only Asiatic survivor or subspecies of the European red deer.
    • But the state animal’s decreasing population remains a big concern.
    • According to the latest survey in 2017, the population of Hangul is 182 in Dachigam and adjoining areas. Earlier population estimates suggest that there were 197 deer in 2004 and 186 in 2015. T
    • The IUCN Red Data Book — which contains lists of species at risk of extinction — has declared the Hangul as one of three species that were critically endangered in J&K.
    • The other two are the Markhor — the world’s largest species of wild goat found in Kashmir and several regions of central Asia — and the Tibetan antelope or ‘Chiru’.

    Great Indian Bustard

    • The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is one of the few species that the Government of India has included in its ‘recovery programme for critically endangered species’.
    • With less than 200 GIBs remaining in the world, most of them were found in Rajasthan’s ‘Desert National Park’. We are on the brink of forever losing a majestic bird species, which was once a strong contender to be declared as India’s National Bird.
    • Habitat: Arid and semi-arid grasslands, open country with thorn scrub, tall grass interspersed with cultivation.
    • It avoids irrigated areas. It is endemic to Indian Sub-continent. found in central India, westem India and eastern Pakistan.
    • Currently, it is found in only six states in the country Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Karnataka. Protection: Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
    • It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES and covered under CMS or Bonn Convention.
    • Bustard Species Found in India: Great Indian Bustard, the Lesser Florican and the Bengal Florican; Houbara also belong to Bustard family but it’s a migratory species.
    • Importance to Ecosystem: GIB is an indicator species for grassland habitats and its gradual disappearance from such environments shows their deterioration. Once the species is lost. there will be no other species to replace it, and that will destabilise the ecosystem of the grassland and affect critical bio-diversities, as well as blackbucks and wolves, who share their habitat with the GIB.
    • Conservation Steps: Great Indian Bustard, popularly known as ‘Godawan is Rajasthan’s state bird. The state government has started “Project Godawan” for its conservation at Desert National Park (DNP) in Jaisalmer. It’s one of the Spades for The Recovery Programme under the Integrated Development of  Wildlife Habitats of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

    Tasmanian Tiger

    • The Tasmanian tiger or thylacine (a dog headed pouched dog) was an exclusively carnivorous marsupial that is considered to be extinct.
    • It has resemblance to a dog, with its distinguishing features being the dark stripes beginning at the rear of its body and extending into its tail, its stiff tail and abdominal pouch.
    • The last known thylacine died in captivity over 80 years ago, in Tasmania’s Hobart Zoo in 1936.
    • It may also be the only mammal to have become extinct in Tasmania since the European settlement.

    Adratiklit boulahfa

    • Named Adratiklit boulahfa, it is also the first stegosaurus to be found in North Africa.
    • Its remains were discovered in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco.
    • The scientists believe it is not only a new species but also belongs to a new genus.
    • The name is derived from the words used by the Berber (an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa) for mountains (Adras), lizard (tiklit) and and the area where the specimen was found. (Boulahfa).

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  • Top reasons why Civilsdaily has the best Economics coverage for the UPSC exam

    Top reasons why Civilsdaily has the best Economics coverage for the UPSC exam

    Economics is central to the UPSC exam. In Prelims, you can expect up to 15 questions based on your knowledge of Economics. In Mains, the knowledge of Economics could fetch you up to 100 marks. Sound knowledge of Economics can also be applied in essay writing. This is why it is essential that you have a good command of the subject and get the right guidance from the very start!

    The coverage of Economics at CivilsDaily under the guidance of Sajal Sir has been transformative for students. Our students have been able to answer almost all of the Economics questions in both Prelims and Mains using the study material and techniques we provided. 

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    In fact, we have narrowed down all the reasons why Civils Daily provides the best coverage of Economics:

    A. Free initiatives

    Economy – Free Material by Himanshu Sir

    1. It tries to explain the concept using circular Diagram for developing conceptual Clarity

    The Inflation

    The Deflation

    2. We give Layman examples for a better understanding of the topic?

    Remember what happened when there was an outbreak of swine flu in India? Due to the outbreak of the swine flu epidemic in India, the government issued a warning that people should wear Breathing Masks to protect them from the infection. As a result, the demand for masks had risen to a very high level, but the supply was limited as the producers of the mask had no anticipation of the swine flu epidemic. Due to the high demand and limited supply of masks, the prices had risen manifold. The case above captures the mechanism of demand-pull inflation.

    3. We add a lot of case studies?

    Case Study- Money in Nazi’s POW Camps

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    4. Use of Tables for comparison

    For example – Effects of Inflation on Different Sections

    Creditor/lenderDebtor/BorrowerPensionerProducersWealth Holders
    Inflation harms creditors, as they lose in real terms. A 1000 RS lent @ 5%, will pay an interest rate of 50. If inflation rises to 10%, the price of goods will be 1100, but after interest, the return will only be 1050.Inflation benefits the Debtor as they gain in real terms.Inflation harms the pensioners, if their pensions are not indexed to inflation, and loses money.They stand to gain by inflation since the price of goods and services rise faster than the cost of production as wages take time lag to react.They stand to lose due to inflation, as their real returns fall due to rise in prices. 

    5. We use data to explain concepts

    • India has been moderately successful in reducing poverty. In 1990, the all India Poverty HeadCount Ratio (PHCR) was estimated to be 47.8%. 
    • In order to meet the 2015 target, the PHCR level has to be 23.9%. In 2011-12, the PHCR was 21.9%. 
    • This indicates that India has achieved the poverty reduction target, however, progress is uneven. 

    6. We connect the Static and the Current Affairs part

    For example, in the chapter on Planning we gave a brief historical background wrt what is planning, what are the different types of planning, and India’s experience with planning. We followed it with contemporary aspects like Niti Ayog, Issues with Planning, and reforms needed.

    7. We use off-beat topics in mainstream chapters

    Eg: We discussed Amartya sen’s Capability approach in the poverty Chapter

    8. We cover all the important Government initiatives

    For example, in the chapter on poverty, we covered all the recent initiatives launched by the Government for the eradication of poverty.

    In the chapter on Banks, the government’s initiatives to tackle NPA are covered extensively.

    9. Economic Survey and Niti Aayog – New India @75 document recommendations are covered extensively

    For example – In the inclusive growth chapter we have mentioned NITI Aayog’s Strategy for New India @75 recommendations.

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     10. Global Comparision

    We provide comprehensive global comparison data for a better understanding of the context.

    11. We use infographics to help you understand the topics better

    wealth inequality in india

    12. We use Bullet points and Sub-headings making concepts easy-to-understand

    For example -How to reduce Inequalities

    1. Promotion of Labour Intensive Manufacturing: The failure to promote labour-intensive manufacturing like; Construction, Textile, Clothing, Footwear etc. is the single most reason of rising inequalities. The Labour-intensive manufacturing has the potential to absorb millions of people who are leaving farming. 
    2. More Inclusive Growth: The promotion and adoption of an Inclusive Growth Agenda is the only solution to rising inequality problem. Economic growth which is not inclusive will only exacerbate inequality.
    3. Skill Development: The development of advanced skills among the youth is a prerequisite if India wants to make use of its demographic dividend. The skilling of youth by increasing investment in education is the only way we can reduce inequality. India needs to become a Skill-led economy.

    B. Daily News initiatives

    1. Newscards

    Note 4 Students (Which areas to focus in Mains and Prelims)

    Experts raise concerns over mandatory food fortification
    Why are edible oils getting costlier?
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    2. B2BASICS (Connecting daily news with static part)

    [pib] National AI Portal INDIAai

    3. Previous Year Questions of Prelims

    Why are edible oils getting costlier?

    4. Expected Mains Question

    Open Network for Digital Commerce could disrupt India’s e-commerce space

    5. Article in Q&A/Model answer form (Helps you in writing mock tests).

    Implications of EU’s new GHG emissions law for Indian industry

    C. Paid Initiatives

    1. Samachar Manthan (SM)
    • Comprehensive coverage

    Economics is the mainstay of the SM program. We cover almost 10-12 Economics news every week and out of them, 6-7 Topics are given comprehensive coverage.

    For eg in Week 15 of SM we have covered the following topics

    • Poultry Farm Establishment Rules
    • India becomes 4th largest forex reserves holder globally
    • The National Monetisation Pipeline
    • Govt. tells utilities to ship in coal as demand surges
    • Microfinance 
    • Our banks are mispricing capital
    • Taxing interest on Provident Fund
    • How to unleash the entrepreneurial power of 1.3 billion Indians
    • The April-June quarter GDP numbers indicated at 20.1 per cent growth
    • Common Prosperity Drive in China
    • Why are India’s Steady Exports Are At A Record High?
    • NPA in India
    Get the exclusive contet of Samachar Manthan right now (Click Here)

    2. Use of storytelling in Lectures

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-oSOmq8dcc (Topic 1)

    3. Complete Hand Holding

    We do not assume that students know anything about Economics, we start from scratch! Our Economics coverage takes students from the very basic concepts to the advanced ones in a gradual step-by-step manner. We start off by building a strong foundation for ALL students and then introduce them to the more complex topics. This helps them become consistent and learning becomes easier.

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    4. Decoding The UPSC Syllabus And Question Pattern

    We decode the UPSC syllabus and the question pattern for students. We use the scientific method of dissecting each question based on different topics and prioritising the most important materials for you. This helps students organise their studies and focus on the topics that really matter. In fact, this helps students save a lot of time and effort in their preparation.

    5. Guiding Students To Learn At Their Own Pace

    We believe that each student learns at their own pace. That is why we cover Economics with individual attention to each student. We make sure that everyone grasps the concepts. All of the topics and discussions are designed in a way that each student gets the most benefit out of our Economics coverage.

    6. Resolving Doubts on CD community at Habitat

    7. Concentrated Study Material For Revision And Practice

    We do not want students to spend a lot of time and money trying to find the right resources for Economics. Our mentors create concentrated study material that students can read and score more. We work to create these specially designed study material for our students and pack it with all the relevant information. Everything you need for Economics, you’ll find in one place.

    8. Individual Feedback And Evaluation

    We conduct thorough feedback and evaluation for each student. Be it Prelims MCQs or Mains answer-writing practice, each student gets detailed feedback on their performance and tips on how to improve it further. With regular feedback, most of our students were able to score higher consistently with extremely high accuracy rates.

    9) Preparing You For The Exam

    We do not just train you academically, we train you mentally. We provide our students with complete support for the exam. We teach them the right answer-writing techniques, ways of intelligent guessing, and time management too. We ensure that every student is absolutely ready for the exam in every aspect!

    We take our students through step-by-step learning to build a strong foundation. We cover Economics in a practical manner and teach you how to use that effectively in the exam. And that is why our students have performed consistently well in the exams and scored higher than they did before.

    click here If you want to connect with a senior mentor for personal guidance

  • Holding transnational corporations accountable

    Context

    Given the enormous power that transnational corporations (TNCs) wield, questions about their accountability have arisen often. There have been many instances where the misconduct of TNCs has come to light such as the corruption scandal involving Siemens in Germany.

    Holding TNCs accountable: Background

    • The effort was made at the UN to develop a multilateral code of conduct on TNCs.
    • However, due to differences between developed and developing countries, it was abandoned in 1992.
    • Role of BITs: Aim was to use international law to institutionalise the forces of economic globalisation, leading to the spread of BITs.
    • Asymmetry in BITs: These treaties promised protection to foreign investors under international law by bestowing rights on them and imposing obligations on states.
    • This structural asymmetry in BITs, which confer rights on foreign investors but impose no obligations, relegated the demand for investor accountability.
    • In 2014, the UN Human Rights Council established an open-ended working group with the mandate to elaborate on an international legally binding instrument on TNCs and other businesses concerning human rights.
    • Since then, efforts are being made towards developing a treaty and finding ways to make foreign corporations accountable.
    • The latest UN report is a step in that direction.

    UN report on human rights-compatible international investment agreements

    • The UN working group on ‘human rights, transnational corporations (TNCs) and other businesses’ has published a new report on human rights-compatible international investment agreements.
    • It urges states to ensure that their bilateral investment treaties (BITs) are compatible with international human rights obligations.
    • It emphasises investor obligations at the international level i.e., the accountability of TNCs in international law.

    Using BITs to hold TNCs accountable

    • BITs can be harnessed to hold TNCs accountable under international law.
    • The issue of fixing accountability of foreign investors came up in an international law case, Urbaser v. Argentina (2016).
    • Subjecting corporates to international law: In this case, the tribunal held that corporations can be subjects of international law and are under a duty not to engage in activities that harm or destroy human rights.
    • The case played an important role in bringing human rights norms to the fore in BIT disputes.
    • It also opened up the possibility of using BITs to hold TNCs accountable provided the treaty imposes positive obligations on foreign investors.
    • Recalibrating BITs: In the last few years, states have started recalibrating their BITs by inserting provisions on investor accountability.
    • Issues with BITs: However, these employ soft law language and are hortatory.
    • They do not impose positive and binding obligations on foreign investors.
    • They fall short of creating a framework to hold TNCs accountable under international law.

    Takeaways for India

    • The recent UN report has important takeaways for India’s ongoing reforms in BITs.
    • Best endeavour clauses not enough: India’s new Model BIT of 2016 contains provisions on investor obligations.
    • However, these exist as best endeavour clauses. They do not impose a binding obligation on the TNC.
    • Impose positive binding obligations: India should impose positive and binding obligations on foreign investors, not just for protecting human rights but also for imperative issues such as promoting public health.
    • The Nigeria-Morocco BIT, which imposes binding obligations on foreign investors such as conducting an environmental impact assessment of their investment, is a good example.

    Consider the question ” Ensuring that the bilateral investment treaties (BITs) are compatible with international human rights obligations in the need of the hour. In light of this, assess the progress made globally on this issue and suggest way forward for India in framing its BITs.”

    Conclusion

    Reforms would help in harnessing BITs to ensure the answerability of foreign investors and creating a binding international legal framework to hold TNCs to account.

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