Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.
AboutSimilipal Tiger Reserve (STR)
Details
Geographical Features
Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
Melanistic Tigers:
Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.
PYQ:
[2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.
Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II.
What is the Coastal Security Scheme?
CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km coastline, including 1,382 offshore islands, in order to prevent unauthorized entry, smuggling, and infiltration.
It is overseen by the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with coastal States/UTs and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Core Objective: Bolster coastal security by enhancing infrastructure, resources, and coordination among central and state agencies, ensuring effective maritime surveillance and prompt emergency response.
Implementation Phases
Phase I (2005–2011)
Budget: ₹646 crore
Established 73 coastal police stations, 97 check-posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 interceptor boats, 153 jeeps, and 312 motorcycles.
According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) resolved over 70 lakh grievances from 2022 to 2024.
About Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)
CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to register grievances related to government service delivery, functioning 24×7.
It was established in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG); the National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed the technical framework.
The Prime Minister serves as the supreme head of CPGRAMS.
Key Functions
Grievance Lodging & Tracking: Each complaint gets a unique registration number for monitoring.
Role-Based Access: Ministries and states can access and resolve relevant grievances.
Appeal Facility: Citizens can appeal if they are not satisfied with the resolution.
Feedback Mechanism: Complainants can rate the resolution; a “Poor” rating reopens the case for further appeals.
Exclusions: Subjudice cases, personal/family disputes, RTI queries, matters affecting national/international integrity, and government employees’ service issues.
Key Reforms to Improve CPGRAMS
Reduced Timelines: Grievance resolution deadlines shortened from 30 days to 21 days, with mandatory interim updates.
Integrated Platform: A unified portal for all ministries, departments, and states; accessible via web, mobile apps, and UMANG.
Feedback & Appeals: Citizens can provide feedback through SMS/email; a “Poor” rating escalates unresolved issues.
AI-Driven Process Improvements: Tools like the Tree Dashboard help identify problems and streamline grievance handling.
Training & Monitoring: Under SEVOTTAM (Service Excellence through Total Quality Management), Grievance Officers get specialized training, with regular performance reviews to enhance service delivery.
PYQ Relevance: Q) How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has always focused on Drug regulation (2013) and Patent Issues in India (2018).
India ranks as the third largest producer of pharmaceuticals in terms of volume and fourteenth largest in terms of value globally.
Today’s editorial highlights the critical issue of drug quality and safety, particularly concerning pharmaceuticals produced in countries with regulatory frameworks. This content can be used in your Mains answer writing while discussing the implications for public health, especially in low- and middle-income families, where substandard medications can lead to severe health crises.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged over 50 common medications as “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ), including widely used drugs for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and acid reflux.
Notable examples include Telmisartan, Glimepiride, and Paracetamol.
What is India’s Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940?
• It regulates the import, manufacture, and sale or distribution of drugs and cosmetics through licenses and permits. It has to ensure that the drugs and cosmetics marketed in India are reliable, efficient, and in compliance with national standards. • The associated Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which were formulated in association with the 1940 Act, provide provisions for classifying medications into schedules and instructions for the storage, sale, presentation, and prescription of each schedule.
Other provisions laid under this Act include: • The Act oversees medication imports into India as well as prohibits the production of inferior or counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the country. • To form a Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and Drugs Consultative Committees (DCC) for allopathic and allied drugs, as well as cosmetics.
Salient Features of the Act: • The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10 lakhs or three times the confiscated goods’ value, whichever is greater. • Other gazette officers and officers from the Central Drug Controller’s Office (CDSCO) are authorized to initiate prosecution under the Act; some offenses are cognizable and non-bailable. • Specialized courts for the trial of offenses covered by the Act and provision for the aggregation of minor offenses.
What are the recent challenges?
1) Regulatory Challenge: Since each state is responsible for licensing and inspecting pharmaceutical manufacturing units located within its territory, it means that there is little that States can do to stop poorly manufactured drugs.
The only tool available to prosecute pharmaceutical companies for Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs is lengthy criminal prosecution.
During trials, companies can continue manufacturing and selling drugs in Karnataka.
2) Verification Issues: Current tender requirements ask companies to disclose blacklisting but lack independent verification methods for procurement officers
CASE STUDY:
Tainted cough syrups from India resulted in the deaths of at least 89 children in Gambia and Uzbekistan. Such incidents underline the urgent need for stringent quality control measures. India and China, are significant players in global drug manufacturing, where they supply a substantial portion of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in generic drugs worldwide. However, the regulatory oversight in these regions is often inadequate. For instance, India’s pharmaceutical sector, which accounts for over 20% of the world’s generic drugs, has faced scrutiny following incidents involving contaminated products that have resulted in fatalities abroad.
What are the Socio-economic impacts on the Society?
Social Implications: The WHO estimates that around 10% of medical products in low- and middle-income countries are either substandard or falsified. These medications can lead to treatment failures, increased morbidity, and even mortality.
Economic Implications: The economic burden of substandard medications is profound. Families may spend their limited resources on ineffective treatments, leading to financial strain and loss of trust in healthcare systems. This erosion of confidence can have long-term repercussions on public health initiatives.
How can a centralized database help with drug quality assurance?
A Centralized Drug database will enable agencies like KSMSCL to verify pharmaceutical companies’ credentials before purchasing drugs, and prevent issues like the recent scandal in Maharashtra that involved spurious antibiotics. This will eventually help procurement officers to assess the quality of inspections across states and prioritize manufacturers with rigorous inspection records.
Solutions and Recommendations (Way Forward)
Promoting Information Sharing: Encourage greater collaboration between state drug control departments and public procurement agencies.
Establish a centralized database for drug testing results from all central and state laboratories.
Benefits of Centralized Data: A centralized database would allow drug inspectors to track the failure rates of pharmaceutical companies’ products across the country.
This would enable a risk-based approach in enforcement and procurement decisions, enhancing overall drug quality.
Recommendations: The Union Ministry of Health recommended creating a central register of pharmaceutical manufacturers blacklisted for supplying Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs.
It aims to enhance drug quality and eliminate unreliable suppliers from the market, thereby improving the safety of drugs available in public hospitals.
A recent study by The Azadi Project and Refugees International has found that Rohingya refugees detained in India face serious violations of their basic rights. It also criticizes India for not meeting its responsibilities under international human rights agreements.
What has a recent report said about India’s refugee policy for the Rohingya people?
Human Rights Violations: The report indicates that Rohingya refugees are subjected to “gross violations of constitutional and human rights,” including arbitrary detention without charges and inhumane living conditions in detention centres.
Call for Legal Revisions: It urges India to clarify the legal status of Rohingya refugees and revise outdated laws like the Foreigners Act of 1946 to align with international refugee standards.
Recommendations for Action: The report advocates for the immediate release of vulnerable detainees and calls on international actors, including the U.S. and UNHCR, to engage with India on these issues.
What does the 1951 Refugee Convention state?
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol establish fundamental principles for the protection of refugees, including:
Non-refoulement: This principle prohibits states from returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution or serious harm. It is a cornerstone of international refugee law and is considered customary international law, binding even on states not party to the Convention.
Rights of Refugees: The Convention outlines various rights that refugees are entitled to, such as access to legal assistance, work, education, and social services, ensuring their dignity and protection from discrimination.
Note: India is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention.
What is India’s stand?
Non-signatory Status: India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its Protocol, which it argues absolves it from legal obligations to provide asylum or adhere to non-refoulement principles.
Detention Practices: The Indian government continues to detain Rohingya refugees under domestic laws that classify them as illegal migrants. Recent court rulings have reinforced this stance, stating that while they have a right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, they lack right to reside or settle in India.
Judicial Interpretation: Despite India’s non-signatory status, some High Courts have interpreted international norms as applicable under Article 21, suggesting a potential pathway for legal protections for refugees.
What are India’s international obligations?
International Treaties: India is a party to several international human rights treaties that imply obligations related to the treatment of individuals at risk of torture or inhumane treatment. For instance:
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) includes provisions against refoulement (forcible return of refugees) under Article 7.
Other treaties like the Convention Against Torture also emphasise non-refoulement principles, even if India’s ratification status complicates direct enforcement.
Constitutional Mandates: Article 51(c) of the Indian Constitution encourages respect for international law and treaty obligations. Landmark Supreme Court rulings have indicated that international conventions should guide domestic law when local legislation is lacking
Way forward:
Establish a Comprehensive Refugee Policy: India should enact a uniform refugee law aligning with international principles, ensuring legal clarity and protection for all refugees, including the Rohingya, while upholding the constitutional mandate under Article 21.
Strengthen Collaboration with UNHCR and Civil Society: Engage with international agencies and local organizations to improve refugee support systems, focusing on humane detention practices, legal aid, and sustainable resettlement initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Refugees should not be turned back to the country where they would face persecution or human right violation”. Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the nation claiming to be democratic with open society. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) in space with a PSLV rocket.
What is SpaDeX mission?
The SpaDeX mission, or Space Docking Experiment, is a significant initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at demonstrating advanced in-space docking technology.
Docking technology involves manoeuvring two spacecraft into the same orbit, aligning them precisely, and physically joining them to enable modular assembly, resupply, crew transfer, or sample return missions in space.
What is Space Docking?
Space docking refers to the process where two spacecraft in orbit rendezvous and physically connect to form a single entity. It is a highly complex and precise maneuver essential for advanced space missions.
Key Steps of Space Docking:
Rendezvous: Involves bringing two spacecraft into the same orbit with minimal distance and velocity difference.
Docking: Establishing a mechanical connection between the spacecraft using specialized docking systems.
Power and Resource Sharing: Once docked, the spacecraft can transfer power, fuel, or crew to support joint operations.
What is the significance of India’s achievement in space docking technology?
Joining an Elite Club: With the successful completion of the SpaDeX mission, India becomes only the fourth country in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, capable of conducting space docking operations. This positions India as a key player in global space exploration and technology.
Foundation for Future Missions: The docking capability is crucial for various upcoming missions, including India’s plans for a lunar sample return mission (Chandrayaan-4) and establishing its own space station by 2035. The ability to dock spacecraft allows for complex missions that require multiple launches and assembly in orbit.
How does the SpaDeX mission contribute to India’s future space exploration goals?
Support for Lunar Missions: SpaDeX is designed to demonstrate technologies necessary for future lunar missions, particularly for Chandrayaan-4, which will involve multiple components that need to be docked in space before proceeding to the Moon.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station: The mission is a critical step towards building the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), which will consist of several modules that must be docked together in orbit. The first module is expected to launch by 2028.
Satellite Servicing and Interplanetary Missions: The docking technology developed through SpaDeX will facilitate satellite servicing missions and interplanetary missions, enhancing India’s capabilities in space exploration.
What technological advancements were demonstrated through the SpaDeX mission?
Innovative Docking Technology: The mission showcases advanced docking techniques using two small satellites (SDX01 and SDX02), which require high precision due to their smaller size compared to typical spacecraft. This necessitates more intricate maneuvering during the docking process.
New Sensors and Systems: SpaDeX employs various new sensors such as Laser Range Finders and Rendezvous Sensors to ensure accurate measurements during docking.
Additionally, it utilizes a new processor for determining relative positions and velocities, paving the way for future autonomous docking systems.
Biological Experiments: For the first time, ISRO is conducting biological experiments in space with the CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies), which will study plant growth under microgravity conditions. This adds a new dimension to India’s space research capabilities.
Way forward:
Enhancing Autonomous Docking Systems: Focus on developing fully autonomous docking capabilities for complex missions, enabling seamless execution of lunar, interplanetary, and modular space station operations.
Strengthening Collaborative Ventures: Leverage international partnerships to exchange expertise and expand applications of docking technology in satellite servicing, resupply missions, and deep-space exploration.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?(UPSC IAS/2019)
In just eight years, UPI now handles nearly 80% of India’s digital transactions which valued at ₹20.60 lakh crore in August, despite challenges like PhonePe and Google Pay’s market dominance.
What are the implications of market concentration in the UPI ecosystem?
Systemic Vulnerability: The dominance of two Third Party App Providers (TPAPs) for online transactions like UPI PhonePe and Google Pay, which together control over 85% of the market share, creates a risk of systemic failure.
Any disruption in their services could significantly impact the entire UPI ecosystem, given that nearly 80% of transactions occur through these platforms.
Reduced Competition and Innovation: The high market concentration discourages competition, leading to fewer incentives for innovation among existing players. Smaller or new entrants face significant barriers to entry due to the scale and resources of the dominant TPAPs, stifling diversity in service offerings.
Foreign Dominance Risks: Both leading TPAPs are foreign-owned, raising concerns about data security and sovereignty. This foreign dominance can lead to potential vulnerabilities in terms of data protection and access to sensitive information about Indian users.
How effective are regulatory measures in addressing duopoly issues?
Regulatory Challenges: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has attempted to address market concentration by capping TPAP market shares at 30%. However, this measure has not been effectively enforced, with extensions granted that allow dominant players to maintain their substantial market positions.
Limited Impact of Existing Regulations: Despite regulatory intentions, the continued growth of PhonePe and Google Pay indicates that existing measures have not sufficiently mitigated the risks associated with a duopoly. The potential increase in market share cap from 30% to 40% may further entrench the dominance of these platforms rather than promote a competitive landscape.
What strategies can smaller players adopt to compete in this landscape?
Innovation and Niche Services: Smaller players can focus on niche markets or specialized services that cater to specific user needs, differentiating themselves from larger competitors. This could include unique features or localised services that appeal to underserved populations.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Forming alliances with banks, fintech companies, or other service providers can help smaller players leverage resources and technology to enhance their offerings and reach a broader audience.
User Education and Trust Building: Investing in user education about digital payments and building trust through transparent practices can attract users who may be hesitant to switch from established platforms. Emphasizing security features and customer support can also enhance user confidence.
What should the Indian Government do to reduce the dependency? (Way forward)
Enforce and Strengthen Regulatory Caps: Mandate strict enforcement of market share caps for TPAPs and ensure timely compliance to prevent excessive concentration. Introduce penalties for non-compliance and avoid extensions to foster a competitive ecosystem.
Promote Indigenous Development: Provide financial incentives, subsidies, and grants to Indian TPAPs to enhance their competitiveness. Encourage innovation through dedicated programs and regulatory frameworks that support startups in the payments space.
Mains PYQ:
Q Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. (UPSC IAS/2021)
The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 highlights key trends in consumption patterns across India. It is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) every 5 years.
Important Highlights of HCES, 2023-24:
Rural Spending: Monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) increased by 9.3% to ₹4,122 in 2023-24 (from ₹3,773 in 2022-23); significantly higher than ₹1,430 in 2011-12.
Urban Spending: MPCE rose by 8.3% to ₹6,996 (from ₹6,459 in 2022-23); up from ₹2,630 in 2011-12.
Rural-Urban Gap: Narrowed to 69.7% in 2023-24, compared to 71.2% in 2022-23 and 83.9% in 2011-12.
Food Expenditure: Share increased to 47.04% in rural and 39.68% in urban households, reversing a decades-long decline.
Rural households spent most on beverages and processed food (11.09%), followed by milk products (8.44%) and vegetables (6.03%).
Urban households spent most on beverages and processed food (9.84%), milk products (7.19%), and vegetables (4.12%).
Decline in expenditure on sugar and salt, with rising spending on beverages and processed foods, signaling dietary shifts.
Non-Food Expenditure: Accounted for the majority in both rural (52.96%) and urban areas (60.32%).
Major rural non-food expenses: Conveyance (7.59%), medical expenses (6.83%), and clothing & bedding (6.63%).
Major urban non-food expenses: Conveyance (8.46%), entertainment (6.92%), and durable goods (6.87%).
– Regional Variations:
States with largest rural-urban gaps: Meghalaya (104%), Jharkhand (83%), and Chhattisgarh (80%).
Consumption Inequality: Gini coefficient declined from 0.266 to 0.237 in rural areas and 0.314 to 0.284 in urban areas, indicating reduced income disparity.
Features and Significance
Consumption Trends: Indicates rising food expenditure driven by inflation and evolving post-pandemic behaviors.
Changing Diet Patterns: Increased preference for beverages and processed foods in both rural and urban households reflects dietary shifts.
Regional Disparities: Offers insights into high- and low-spending regions, aiding targeted interventions.
Policy Implications: Highlights the need for price stabilization for essentials, rural infrastructure investments, and urban employment growth to address income disparities and rising expenses.
PYQ:
[2019] In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because:
(a) poverty rates vary from State to State
(b) price levels vary from State to State
(c) Gross State Product varies from State to State
(d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State
The Indian Army has installed a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the bank of Pangong lake at an altitude of 14,300 feet, a region that is close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the eastern Ladakh sector.
AboutPangong Lake (Pangong Tso)
Its name is derived from the Tibetan term “Pangong Tso,” meaning “high grassland lake.” It is an endorheic (landlocked) lake with no outflow.
Location & Size:
Spans 134 km, divided between India (1/3) and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (2/3).
Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, covers 604 sq. km, and is 5 km wide at its broadest point.
Water & Climate:
Brackish water that completely freezes in winter.
The lake’s color shifts with sunlight and weather, displaying shades of blue, green, and red.
Wildlife: Acts as a breeding ground for Bar-Headed Geese, Brahmini Ducks, and Radix freshwater snails.
Strategic Importance: Located in the Chushul approach, a key route for potential Chinese offensives, and was a major site of conflict during the 1962 war.
Political Features:
Border & Control: Lies on the Ladakh-China border, with the Line of Actual Control (LAC) passing through it.
Contested Terrain: The northern bank is a hotspot due to differing boundary perceptions; China has built roads highlighting the lake’s strategic value.
1999 Incident: During Operation Vijay, China constructed a 5-km road inside Indian territory.
2020 Standoff:
Began on May 5, 2020, following a clash in the Pangong Lake area.
Disengagement on the north and south banks concluded in 2021.
On October 21, 2024, India and China resolved the final friction points (Demchok, Depsang), ending a four-and-half-year border standoff.
The Indian Army contingent has departed for Nepal to participate in the 18th edition of the Battalion-Level Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN.
About the Exercise Surya Kiran
Exercise Surya Kiran is a bilateral joint military exercise conducted annually between India and Nepal since 2011.
The 18th edition is being held in Saljhandi, Nepal, from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025.
It alternates between India and Nepal as the host nation.
The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 334 personnel, is led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles.
The Nepal Army contingent is represented by the Srijung Battalion.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in areas like jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains, and humanitarian assistance under the United Nations Charter.
Features and Significance
Strengthens combat readiness in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism.
Facilitates the exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices between the armies of both nations.
Reinforces the strong cultural and historical ties shared by India and Nepal.
Prepares both nations to address shared security challenges effectively.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
