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

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • GW231123: Biggest Black Hole Merger Detected

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have reported the detection of an exceptionally massive black hole merger, labelled GW231123.

    GW231123: Biggest Black Hole Merger Detected

    About Black Holes and Black Hole Merger:

    • Overview: Black holes are extremely dense celestial objects whose gravitational pull is so strong that even light cannot escape.
    • Types of Black Holes:
      1. Stellar-mass: Around 20 times the mass of the Sun or more.
      2. Intermediate-mass: Between 100 and 100,000 times the mass of the Sun.
      3. Supermassive: From 100,000 to several billion times the mass of the Sun.
    • Black Hole Merger:
      • Occurs when two black holes orbit each other, lose energy via gravitational waves, and merge into a larger black hole.
      • The GW231123 event involved black holes of approximately 140 and 100 solar masses, forming a final black hole of 225 solar masses — the largest detected through gravitational waves.
      • Scientists suggest such massive black holes may form via hierarchical mergers (successive black hole mergers).
      • Supports theories on the formation of supermassive black holes, often found at galactic centers.

    Recent Observations:

    • Event Timing: The GW231123 event was detected on November 23, 2023, though it occurred billions of years ago.
    • Signal Characteristics:
      • Lasted only a tenth of a second but matched Einstein’s predictions under General Relativity.
      • Both black holes were rapidly spinning, hinting at a complex formation history.
    • Scientific Significance:
      • Involved intermediate-mass black holes, rarely observed in nature.
      • Challenges existing models of black hole formation via stellar collapse.
      • Indicates the presence of black holes in the so-called “forbidden mass gap”.
    • Conference Presentation:
      • Findings to be presented at the 24th International Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation (GR24) and the 16th Edoardo Amaldi Conference on Gravitational Waves, held in Glasgow, UK (July 14–18, 2025).
    • Broader Implications:
      • Opens new questions about the origin of massive black holes.
      • Offers insights into gravitational physics, cosmology, astrophysics, and potentially particle physics or cosmic string theory.
      • Model refinements are ongoing to better understand such extreme cosmic phenomena.

    Gravitational Wave Detection Network:

    • Nature of Gravitational Waves: Invisible ripples in spacetime caused by cataclysmic cosmic events like black hole collisions; predicted by Einstein in 1916.
    • Global Detection Network (LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA):
      • Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO):
        • Operates two detectors in the United States (in the states of Louisiana and Washington).
        • First detected gravitational waves in 2015, leading to a Nobel Prize in Physics in 2017.
      • Virgo Observatory: Located near Pisa, Italy and operated by the European Gravitational Observatory.
      • Kamioka Gravitational Wave Detector (KAGRA): Located underground in the Kamioka mine, Japan, and notable for its cryogenic mirror technology.
    • LIGO-India:
      • Under construction in Hingoli, Maharashtra in partnership with the US National Science Foundation.
      • Involves scientists from 17 Indian institutions.
    [UPSC 2019] Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth.

    What is the significance of this observation?

    Options: (a) Higgs boson particles’ were detected. (b) Gravitational waves’ were detected * (c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed. (d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.

     

  • NIPGR’s gene-edited Japonica Rice shows increased Phosphate uptake

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi, have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to enhance phosphate uptake and utilization in japonica rice.

    Back2Basics: CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing

    • What It Is: A powerful gene-editing tool that allows targeted changes to DNA sequences.
    • Full Form: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and CRISPR-associated protein 9.
    • Nobel Prize: Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this discovery.
    • Key Components:
      • Cas9 Enzyme: Acts as molecular scissors to cut DNA at a specific location.
      • Guide RNA (gRNA): Directs Cas9 to the exact DNA sequence to be edited.
    • How It Works?
      • A gRNA is designed to match the target DNA.
      • Cas9 and gRNA form a complex inside the cell.
      • The complex binds to the target and cuts the DNA.
      • The cell’s repair system modifies the DNA—adding, deleting, or changing genetic material.

    About Japonica Rice:

    • Overview: Japonica is one of the two major cultivated rice subspecies, the other being Indica.
    • Research Use: The Nipponbare variety of Japonica was used in recent gene-editing experiments.
    • Why Japonica is Preferred in Studies:
      • High regeneration potential in tissue culture
      • Easier genetic transformation and faster growth in lab conditions
    • Relevance to India: While not widely cultivated in India, Japonica acts as a model variety for testing before applying results to Indian Indica varieties.

    Key Features of the Japonica Rice Study:

    • Gene Editing Technique: Used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit a 30 base-pair repressor binding site on the promoter of the OsPHO1;2 gene.
    • Outcomes of the Edit:
      • Enhanced phosphate uptake from the soil
      • Improved phosphate transport from root to shoot
      • Yield increased by up to 40% using only 10% of the usual phosphate fertilizer
      • Normal seed traits retained: size, shape, starch, and phosphate levels
    • Significance: Demonstrated precise, minimal gene editing as a proof-of-concept that can be adapted to Indian rice varieties.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • ANRF unveils PM Professorships Program

    Why in the News?

    To bridge the research capability gap in India’s state universities, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the Prime Minister Professorships.

    What is PM Professorships?

    • Objective:  A program to leverage retired experts and professionals to mentor emerging state universities.
    • Relocation: Selected Professors must shift to host universities and offer sustained support.
    • Goal: Democratize quality research across all regions and institutions.
    • Eligibility:

    Key Features:

    • Host Institution Requirement
      • Placement: At Category A “spoke” institutions under ANRF’s PAIR programme
      • Type: Mainly state universities with limited research capacity
    • Scope of Work:
      • Mentor faculty and students; Promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
      • Enable 6-month internships in top institutions.
    • Funding and Support:
      • ₹30 lakh annual fellowship
      • ₹24 lakh annual research grant
      • ₹1 lakh overhead to host university
    • Terms of Engagement:
      • Tenure: Up to 5 years based on performance
      • Full-time presence required
      • No dual fellowship/salary
      • IP rights per host institution norms
    [UPSC 2015] Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)?

    1. NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.

    2. NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    a) 1 Only * b) 2 Only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • Silent Salt Consumption Epidemic

    Why in the News?

    The National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has launched a community-driven initiative to promote awareness and encourage the adoption of low-sodium salt substitutes.

    About the Silent Salt Consumption Epidemic:

    • What is it: The epidemic refers to the widespread, unmonitored intake of excess salt leading to chronic diseases.
    • Silent Nature of the Problem: It remains “silent” as its health impacts like hypertension and heart ailments develop gradually over time.
    • Cultural and Behavioral Factors: Cultural dietary habits and low public awareness contribute to its persistence.
    • Public Health Recognition: ICMR-NIE has termed it a public health crisis, prompting intervention projects in selected states.

    Salt Consumption in India:

    • Urban-Rural Disparity: Urban Indians consume about 9.2 grams of salt per day, while rural populations consume around 5.6 grams—both above safe limits.
    • Gender-Based Consumption Data: A national survey (2023) revealed men consume 8.9 grams and women 7.1 grams daily.
    • Dietary Practices and Salt Intake: The excessive intake is tied to Indian cooking styles, snack consumption, and processed food habits.

    WHO Directives on Salt Consumption:

    • Recommended Salt Intake: WHO recommends a maximum daily salt intake of 5 grams per person.
    • Global Average Consumption: The global average salt consumption stands at 10.8 grams/day, highlighting a universal public health challenge.
    • Suggested Interventions: WHO encourages the use of low-sodium salt substitutes and public education campaigns to reduce consumption.

    Issues with High Salt Consumption:

    • Health Impact: Linked to kidney stones, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes.
    • Mortality Burden: Globally, excess salt intake is responsible for around 5 million deaths annually.
    • Limited Access to Low-Sodium Salt: Only 28% of retail outlets in Chennai had low-sodium salt; just 4% availability in small grocery shops.
    [UPSC 2005] Assertion (A): The person with diabetes insipidus feels thirsty. Reason (R): A person with diabetes insipidus suffers from excess secretion of vasopressin.

    Options: (a) A is true but R is false* (b) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A (c) A is false but R is true

    (d) A is false but R is false

     

  • Mysterious Antimatter Physics discovered at CERN Large Hadron Collider

    Why in the News?

    CERN scientists have detected a tiny but significant difference in how matter and antimatter versions of baryons behave — offering clues to why matter dominates the universe, despite both being created equally after the Big Bang.

    What is CERN’s LHCb Experiment?

    • Location: At the Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, on the France–Switzerland border.
    • Name: LHCb = Large Hadron Collider beauty; focuses on beauty (bottom) quarks.
    • Started: Built in early 2000s; began collecting data in 2009.
    • Purpose: Studies particle decay, especially of beauty quark-containing particles, to test the Standard Model and search for small anomalies.

    Matter vs Antimatter – The Big Puzzle:

    • Matter: Everything around us is made of it.
    • Antimatter: Mirror image of matter, with opposite charges.
    • Big Bang Theory: Both should have been produced equally — and destroyed each other.
    • But…: Only matter remains — a mystery science is still trying to solve.
    • CP Symmetry: Physics expects matter and antimatter to behave identically (Charge-Parity symmetry).
    • CP Violation: When this symmetry breaks — possibly explaining why matter survived.

    What did Scientists Discover?

    • Focus: Lambda-b baryons and their antimatter versions.
    • Finding: A small but clear CP violation — they decayed differently.
    • Significance: First such discovery in baryons (previously seen only in mesons).
    • Certainty: Highly reliable — only 1 in 3.5 million chance it’s random.

    Why is this Important?

    • Helps explain why the universe is made of matter.
    • Expands discovery of CP violation to heavier particles.
    • Could hint at physics beyond the Standard Model.
    • Moves us closer to solving one of the universe’s biggest mysteries.
    [UPSC 2013] The efforts to detect the existence of Higgs boson particle have become frequent news in the recent past. What is/are the importance/importances of discovering this particle?

    1. It will enable us to under-stand as to why elementary particles have mass. 2. It will enable us in the near future to develop the technology of transferring matter from one point to another without traversing the physical space between them. 3. It will enable us to create better fuels for nuclear fission.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

     

  • Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS)

    Why in the News?

    The Assam Forest Department is conducting DNA profiling of 2,500 rhino horns using the Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS) to aid wildlife forensics and curb illegal trade.

    What is Rhino DNA Index System (RhODIS)?

    • Overview: It is a wildlife forensic tool designed to combat rhino poaching through DNA profiling.
    • Development: It was originally developed by South Africa and later adapted for use in India.
    • Working: The system helps build a genetic database of individual rhinos by collecting DNA from horns, tissues, dung, or blood samples.
    • Utility: Each rhino has a unique DNA profile, making it possible to match confiscated horns with individual animals or poaching locations.
    • Implementing Agency: In India, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is responsible for RhODIS genetic analysis under the RhODIS India program.
    • Applications of RhODIS: The system plays a vital role in linking seized rhino horns to poaching incidents, providing admissible forensic evidence in court cases, tracking illegal wildlife trade routes and criminal networks, and monitoring genetic diversity and population health over time.

    About One-Horned Rhinoceros:

    • Overview: The Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a herbivorous megafauna species native to the Indian subcontinent.
    • Distinctive Features: It is also called the Indian rhinoceros and is characterized by its single black horn and thick, armor-like skin.
    • Conservation Status: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, in Appendix I of CITES, and under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India).
    • Major Habitats in India: Its primary habitats include Kaziranga, Pobitora, Manas, and Orang National Parks in Assam; Jaldapara and Gorumara National Parks in West Bengal; and the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
    • Population Growth: Its has increased from around 1,500 in the 1980s to over 4,000 in 2024, with Assam alone holding 80% of the global population. Kaziranga National Park houses the largest population, with 2,613 rhinos as per 2022 data.
    • Primary Threats: Major threats include poaching for horns driven by illegal wildlife trade and false beliefs about medicinal value, as well as habitat degradation due to floods, encroachment, and climate change.
    • Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (Project Rhino):  It was launched in 2005, aimed to spread the rhino population across seven protected areas.
    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. Asiatic lion is naturally found In India only.

    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.

    3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] 10 Years of Skill India Mission

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched a week-long celebration to commemorate 10 years of the Skill India Mission.

    About Skill India Mission:

    • Launch: It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to empower India’s youth with employable skills.
    • Training Target: The mission aims to train 40 crore individuals by 2022 across various economic sectors and make them job-ready.
    • Progress Achieved: Over 2.27 crore people have been trained under the programme, including rural youth, women, and marginalized communities.
    • Standardization and Quality Assurance: All training and certifications are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring uniform standards and industry relevance.
    • Digital Integration: The courses are digitally integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for secure storage and seamless academic and career progression.
    • Employment and Education Linkages: It promotes formal recognition of skills, enhances industry alignment, and ensures better linkages with employment and higher education.

    Components of Skill India Mission:

    [A] Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)

    • Focus: It provides short-term training, reskilling, and upskilling opportunities for the youth.
    • Target Age Group: The scheme targets individuals aged 15 to 59 years.
    • Courses Offered: More than 400 new courses have been introduced in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, cybersecurity, green hydrogen, and drones.
    • Recognition and Mobility: It emphasizes international mobility and recognition of prior learning (RPL) to certify existing skills.
    • Alignment with Flagship Missions: It is aligned with flagship government missions like PM Vishwakarma, Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

    [B] Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)

    • Objective: PM-NAPS aims to promote apprenticeship training across industries by providing financial support.
    • Incentive Structure: It offers 25% of the stipend (up to ₹1,500 per month) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to apprentices.
    • Sectoral Expansion: The scheme has expanded apprenticeship opportunities in sectors like AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0.
    • Special Focus Areas: It gives special attention to small establishments, MSMEs, Aspirational Districts, and the North-East region.
    • Target Age Group: The scheme targets individuals in the age group of 14 to 35 years.

    [C] Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme

    • About: It is a community-based vocational training initiative.
    • Target Beneficiaries: It focuses on empowering women, rural youth, and economically weaker sections through low-cost, flexible skilling programmes.
    • Target Age Group: The scheme is designed for individuals aged 15 to 45 years.
    • Integration with National Initiatives: The scheme is integrated with inclusive national initiatives like PM JANMAN and ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society).
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:

    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.

    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • [pib] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at 97

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 97th Foundation Day, marking nearly a century of contributions to Indian agriculture.

    About ICAR:

    • Overview: ICAR is an autonomous organization under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
    • Establishment: It was established on 16 July 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, following the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.
    • Legal Framework: It functions as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
    • Headquarters: ICAR is headquartered in New Delhi and serves as the apex body for coordinating and managing agricultural research and education across the country.
    • Structure: ICAR oversees a vast network of 113 research institutes and 74 agricultural universities, making it one of the largest national agricultural systems globally.
    • Functions: It supports research in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal sciences, and natural resource management.

    Key Accomplishments of ICAR:

    • Record Agricultural Production: India achieved record foodgrain production of 353.95 million tonnes in 2024–25. It became the largest global producer and exporter of rice and the top producer of milk (239.3 million tonnes), while ranking second in wheat, horticultural output, and fish production (18.42 million tonnes).
    • Major Initiatives and Campaigns: It launched programmes such as One Scientist One Product, 100 Days 100 Varieties and Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (reaching 1.35 crore farmers).
    • Crop Science Research: Developed 679 field crop varieties, including 27 bio-fortified ones; introduced the world’s first genome-edited rice; improved varietal replacement in pulses and oilseeds; supported basmati rice exports worth ₹50,000 crore.
    • Horticultural Innovation: Released 83 new varieties across fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and medicinal plants; distributed over 22 lakh high-quality planting materials; set up 9 Clean Plant Centres for disease-free germplasm.
    • Fisheries Development: Implemented precision shrimp farming systems with high efficiency; developed low-carbon marine fish products and nutraceutical feeds; standardized breeding for 7 fish species.
    • Natural Resource Management: Created a National Soil Spectral Library with 40,000 samples; developed 35 Good Agricultural Practices; promoted climate-resilient villages and crop diversification; reduced methane emissions in rice by 18% using microbial consortia.
    • Livestock Sector Contributions: Registered 10 indigenous breeds; developed 5 vaccines and 7 diagnostic kits; distributed over 14.09 lakh poultry germplasm; introduced smart sensors for dairy quality monitoring.
    • Major National Programmes: Launched the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna), genome editing in 40 crops, the Second National Gene Bank, the MAHARISHI (Millets and Ancient Grains) Initiative, and national missions on edible oils, cotton, and emerging biotic threats.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Untouchability Cases Drop, Pendency Rises

    Why in the News?

    The 2022 Annual Report on the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955, sheds light on the declining registration of untouchability-related offences and systemic inefficiencies in enforcing the law.

    Key Highlights of the 2022 Annual Report:

    • The report was released by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
    • Only 13 cases were registered under the PCR Act in 2022, showing a decline from previous years.
    • No state or UT declared any area as “untouchability-prone.”
    • Courts had 1,242 cases pending; out of 31 disposed, ONLY 1 led to conviction.
    • In contrast, 62,501 cases were filed under the SC/ST Act, highlighting its growing use.
    • 18,936 inter-caste marriage couples received financial incentives, but data from several major states was missing.

    About Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 and Its Provisions:

    • Enacted under Article 35 to implement Article 17 and criminalize untouchability.
    • Originally titled the Untouchability Offences Act, 1955, renamed and strengthened in 1976.
    • Key Provisions:
      • No provision for pardon; any conviction leads to disqualification from elections.
      • Penalties: Up to 2 years imprisonment, ₹2000 fine, or both.
      • Any right denied due to untouchability is considered a civil right under the Act.
    • Preventive Measures under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:
      • Aimed at curbing atrocities and providing victim protection and rehabilitation.
      • Establishes special courts and police cells.
      • In some cases, allows firearms for self-defense by vulnerable SC/ST individuals.

    Understanding ‘Untouchability’ and Its Abolition:

    • What is it: Untouchability refers to social discrimination based on caste, historically excluding certain communities from public, religious, and social spaces.
    • Constitutional Safeguard: Article 17 of the Constitution of India abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form.
    • Legal Status: Any disability arising from untouchability is declared a punishable offence under Article 17.
    • Nature of the Right under Article 17: Article 17 is an absolute fundamental right with no exceptions, applicable to both state and private actors.
    • Lack of Definition: The term “untouchability” is not explicitly defined in the Constitution or in related legislation but is understood as referring to caste-based social discrimination.
    • Scope of Discrimination: Untouchability includes denial of access to public utilities, places of worship, public services, education, and market services.

    Various Judgments Related to Untouchability:

    • Devarajiah v. Padmanna (1961): This case reaffirmed that Article 17 is intended to eliminate inhuman treatment based on caste distinctions.
    • State of Karnataka v. Appa Balu Ingale (1993): The judgment likened untouchability to slavery and held that the caste system must be eradicated for democracy and the rule of law to survive.
    • Union of India v. People’s Union for Democratic Rights (1982): The Court ruled that violations of Article 17 by private individuals also warrant state intervention.
    • Union of India v. Safai Karamchari Andolan (2014): The Court directed the implementation of the Manual Scavengers and Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, and mandated rehabilitation, skill training, and compensation for families of victims of sewer deaths.

     

    [UPSC 2020] Which one of the following categories of ‘Fundamental Rights incorporates against untouchability as a form of discrimination?

    Options: (a) Right against Exploitation (b) Right to Freedom (c) Right to Constitutional Remedies (d) Right to Equality*

     

  • New butterfly species Zographetus mathewi found in Western Ghats

    Why in the News?

    A team of Indian conservationists has identified a new butterfly species, Zographetus mathewi, in the biologically rich Western Ghats.

    About Zographetus mathewi

    • Overview: Zographetus mathewi is a newly identified species of skipper butterfly.
    • Taxonomic Classification: It belongs to the family Hesperiidae and the genus Zographetus Watson, 1893.
    • Distribution: This species is endemic to the low-elevation forests of Kerala, Western Ghats.
    • Genus: It is the 15th species in the Zographetus genus and the 5th recorded in India.
    • Publication and Naming: Published in the journal Entomon, the butterfly was named in honour of George Mathew, a noted Indian entomologist.

    Key Features of Zographetus mathewi

    • Similarity with Other Species: It closely resembles Zographetus ogygia but differs in wing venation patterns and genitalia structure in both male and female butterflies.
    • Species Group Traits: It belongs to the Zographetus satwa species-group, which is known for swollen forewing veins in males as a secondary sexual trait, a distinct basal hair tuft on the underside of the forewing, and yellow-ochre scaling on the hindwing underside.
    [UPSC 2025] Regarding Peacock tarantula (Gooty tarantula), consider the following statements :

    I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.

    II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.

    III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) I only   (b) I and III   (c) II only  (d) II and III*