Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

Similipal Tiger Reserve

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Similipal Tiger Reserve

Why in the News?

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

Similipal Tiger Reserve

Why discuss this?

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

About Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR):

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

PYQ:

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

(a) Corbett

(b) Ranthambore

(d) Sunderbans

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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

[pib] Raigad Fort

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Raigad Fort

[pib] Raigad Fort

Why in the News?

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

Why Raigad Fort is Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage?

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

History of Raigad Fort:

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

PYQ:

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

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

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

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

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

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

2024 Global Nature Conservation Index

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Nature Conservation Index

Why in the News?

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

Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:

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

About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):

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

Key highlights of the reports:

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

PYQ:

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

(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

(b) The UNEP Secretariat

(d) The World Meteorological Organisation

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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

[pib] Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Why in the News?

The ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be held on 31st October.

About National Unity Day

National Unity Day is celebrated every year in India on 31 October since 2014.
It marks the birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel who had a major role in the political integration of India.
- 31 October is also celebrated as Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas or National Pledge Day as it marks the day of assassination of Indira Gandhi.

Contributions made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

	Details
Who Was He?	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950) was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. He served as India’s first Deputy PM and Home Minister.
Role in the Freedom Struggle	• Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Led a non-violent campaign against unjust land revenue tax during a famine. • Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Organized protests against increased land revenue, earning the title “Sardar.”
Integration of Princely States	Played a crucial role in integrating over 565 princely states into the Indian Union post-independence using diplomatic skills and firm leadership.
Establishment of All India Services	Advocated for a unified administrative framework, establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), known as India’s “steel frame.”
Leadership in the Indian National Congress	Served as President during the Karachi session in 1931, where significant resolutions on Fundamental Rights were passed.
Constitutional Contributions	Headed committees of the Constituent Assembly on Fundamental Rights and minority rights, contributing to the framing of the Indian Constitution.
Promotion of National Unity	Advocated “*Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat*” (One India, Great India), emphasizing unity in diversity to build a cohesive nation.
Social Reforms	Worked against caste discrimination, untouchability, and alcohol consumption, promoting social justice and women’s rights.

PYQ:

[2011] What was the reason for Mahatma Gandhi to organize a satyagraha on behalf of the peasants of Kheda?

1. The Administration did not suspend the land revenue collection in spite of a drought.

2. The Administration proposed to introduce Permanent Settlement in Gujarat.

Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 or 2

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Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

What are the Digital Arrest Scams?

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Digital Arrest Scams

digital arrest

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister in his recent broadcast of “Mann Ki Baat” warned about the ‘Digital Arrest’ scams in India.

What is Digital Arrest?

	Details
What are they?	A fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims under the false pretence of an arrest.
Modus Operandi	• Scammers use audio or video calls to intimidate victims. • Claim involvement in illegal activities (e.g., drugs, contraband). • Victims are kept under constant visual surveillance until demands are met.
Common Tactics	• Use of deepfake videos and fake arrest warrants. • Threats regarding family members being involved in crimes. • Fake claims about parcels containing illegal goods.
Victim Impact	Victims may face significant financial losses, emotional distress, and a sense of vulnerability due to the intimidation tactics employed by scammers.
Recent Trends	• Increase in reported cases; over 11 lakh complaints of financial cyber fraud in 2023. • Rising incidents attributed to the expansion of internet users.
Prevention Measures	• Awareness of scams and verification of callers’ identities. • Immediate disconnection of suspicious calls. • Reporting incidents to local police and cybercrime helplines.
Legal Framework	• Governed by the Information Technology Act, 2000. • Reports can be filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).

PYQ:

[2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?

1. Service providers

2. Data centres

3. Body corporate

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Hasdeo Arand Forest

Why in the News?

In Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest, tribals ambushed the police after tree-felling resumed for coal mining in the area.

What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?

Hasdeo Arand Forest is known as the “lungs of Chhattisgarh” due to its rich biodiversity.
It is the largest unfragmented forest in Central India with pristine Sal and teak forests.
It spans 1,879.6 sq km across the Sarguja, Korba, and Surajpur districts in Chhattisgarh.
- The Hasdeo River runs through the forest.
It is home to nine protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, including:
- Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, Indian grey wolves, and Indian pangolins.
It supports 92 bird species, 25 mammals, 16 types of snakes, and serves as a corridor for elephants and tigers.
It hosts 640 plant species, including 128 medicinal plants and 40 timber-yielding species.

Why are the People Protesting for its ‘Protection’?

Environmental Impact: Mining threatens to destroy the forest cover, impacting biodiversity and wildlife corridors.
Livelihood Concerns: Local communities depend on the forest for farming and forest produce.
Displacement Issues: Villagers report inadequate compensation and resettlement offers, which do not match the size of their current homes.
Alleged Forgery: Villagers allege that fake gram sabha resolutions were used to secure clearances for mining projects.
Demand for Cancellations: Activists want the Parsa coal block cancelled and assurances that the 1,995 sq km Lemru Reserve Forest will be protected from future mining.

PYQ:

[2012] A particular State in India has the following characteristics:

1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.

2. It has over 70% of its area under forest cover.

3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.

Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?

(a) Arunachal Pradesh

(b) Assam

(d) Uttarakhand

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

How Tardigrades are able to resist high levels of radiation?

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Tardigrades
Why in the News?
- A team of researchers has discovered the genetic mechanisms that allow a newly identified tardigrades species—Hypsibius henanensis—to withstand high levels of radiation.
About Tardigrades
- Tardigrades, often called “water bears” or “moss piglets,” are tiny, water-dwelling microorganisms known for their remarkable ability to survive extreme conditions.
- They can withstand environments that would be lethal for most life forms, including:
  - Extremely high and low temperatures (from near absolute zero to over 150°C),
  - High levels of radiation and vacuum conditions found in space,
  - Extreme dehydration (losing nearly all water in their bodies),
  - High pressures (up to six times that of the ocean’s deepest trenches).
- This adaptability makes them a subject of interest for scientists, especially in understanding survival mechanisms in extreme conditions.
How Tardigrades resist High Radiations?

The researchers identified 2,801 genes involved in DNA repair. Three key factors contributing to radiation tolerance include:
- DNA Repair Protein (TRID1): Enabled the species to repair double-strand DNA breaks due to radiation.
- Gene Activation for Mitochondrial Proteins: Radiation exposure activated a gene that produced two proteins vital for mitochondrial synthesis and DNA repair.
- Antioxidant Pigments (Betalains): These pigments neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation within cells.
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Civil Services Reforms

[pib] Karmayogi Saptah

Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Civil Service

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Mission Karmayogi

Why in the News?

Prime Minister recently launched the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week to strengthen individual and organizational capacity among civil servants.

About Mission Karmayogi

	Details
What is it?	National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)
Objective	• To prepare civil servants for the future by making them more creative, constructive, and innovative through transparency and technology.
Launch Date	• Launched on 2nd September 2020.
Key Features	• On-Site Learning: Complementing off-site learning with more focus on practical experience. • Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform.
Pillars of NPCSCB	• Policy Framework • Institutional Framework • Competency Framework • Digital Learning Framework (iGOT-Karmayogi) • e-HRMS • Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
Target Audience	• All civil servants (including contractual employees) across various ministries, departments, organizations, and agencies of the Union Government.
iGOT-Karmayogi Features	• My iGOT: Personalized training courses based on individual capacity-building needs. • Blended Programs: Combines offline classroom learning with online components for equitable access to training. • Curated Programs: Tailored learning paths designed for different ministries and training institutions.
Vision for 2047	• Aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub and a supplier of skilled human resources by improving governance and civil service efficiency.
Steering Bodies	• Prime Minister’s Public Human Resources Council • Capacity Building Commission • Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for digital assets • Coordination Unit led by the Cabinet Secretary.
Courses Offered	• The iGOT platform offers over 1400 courses for personalized learning and skill development.
Significance	• Promotes a whole-of-government approach to foster collaboration, break bureaucratic silos, and prepare civil servants for modern governance challenges through continuous capacity building.

How Karmayogi Saptah Aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s Goals?

Karmayogi Saptah promotes a culture of lifelong learning and continuous improvement, key pillars of Mission Karmayogi.
It emphasizes innovation and a citizen-first mindset, encouraging civil servants to engage with new ideas and feedback mechanisms.
By focusing on adapting to new technologies like AI, it aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s goal of a digitally proficient workforce.
It fosters collaboration across departments, supporting the mission’s aim to break silos and promote a “One Government” ethos.
Through individual and organizational development activities, the week contributes to creating a skilled, motivated workforce for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

PYQ:

[2015] Consider the following statements:

1. The Executive Power of the union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.

2. The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Indian Navy Updates

[pib] Exercise SIMBEX 2024

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Exercise SIMBEX 2024

Why in the News?

The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is being held at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.

About Exercise SIMBEX:

	Details
History	Initially known as Exercise Lion King. The exercise has been held annually since 1994.
Evolution	Progressed from anti-submarine warfare to include maritime security, anti-air, and anti-surface warfare.
Objectives	• Strengthen strategic partnership between India and Singapore • Enhance interoperability and maritime domain awareness • Foster cooperation to tackle shared maritime challenges.
Phases	Harbour Phase: • Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) for knowledge sharing • Cross-deck visits and sports fixtures • Pre-sail briefings between both navies Sea Phase: • Advanced naval drills including live weapon firings • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training • Anti-surface and anti-air operations • Seamanship evolutions and tactical manoeuvres.
Significance	SIMBEX-2019 was conducted in the South China Sea and involved various maritime combat exercises. Recognized as the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India conducts with any other country (Indian High Commission statement, 2019).

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.
Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 4

(d) 2, 3 and 4

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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

National Manuscript Mission

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: National Manuscript Mission

Why in the News?

The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts.

Why Center is again re-evolving this scheme?

Currently, the NMM operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
The new entity, expected to be named the National Manuscripts Authority, will likely function as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

About the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):

Formed in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
It is managed by the National Archives of India.
Objective:
- To document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.
- The mission has set up over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres across India.
- India has an estimated 10 million manuscripts, covering a range of themes, languages, scripts, and illustrations.
What is a Manuscript?
- A manuscript is a handwritten document on materials like paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf.
- These documents are at least 75 years old and hold scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
- Manuscripts primarily contain knowledge content, unlike historical records that provide direct historical information.

Achievements and Challenges:

The NMM has documented metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles, though only a third have been uploaded.
Concerns were raised over mismatches between digitized data and original manuscripts, requiring correction.
Of the 130,000 manuscripts uploaded, only 70,000 are accessible for viewing due to the absence of an access policy, which limits public availability, especially since 80% of manuscripts are privately owned.
NMM has conducted preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios over the past 21 years.

PYQ:

[2008] Recently, the manuscripts of which one of the following have been included in the UNESCO’s Memory of World Register?

(a) Abhidhamma Pitaka

(b) Mahabharata

(c) Ramayana

(d) Rig-Veda

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

Why discuss this?

About Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Why Raigad Fort is Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage?

History of Raigad Fort:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:

About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):

Key highlights of the reports:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About National Unity Day

Contributions made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Digital Arrest?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Hasdeo Arand Forest?

Why are the People Protesting for its ‘Protection’?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Tardigrades

How Tardigrades resist High Radiations?

Why in the News?

About Mission Karmayogi

How Karmayogi Saptah Aligns with Mission Karmayogi’s Goals?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Exercise SIMBEX:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Why Center is again re-evolving this scheme?

About the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM):

Achievements and Challenges:

PYQ: