Yaks from China stray into eastern Ladakh

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Himalayan Yaks

Why in the News?

Around 40 Chinese yaks ventured into Indian Territory in the “Demchok” area of eastern Ladakh and are currently under the control of the local villagers.

Grazing land issue at LAC:

Nomads from both sides traditionally access grazing grounds across the LAC.
Indian nomads have been stopped by Chinese soldiers when crossing to the Chinese side.
Demchok nomads lost access to Lungkar Valley in 2022 and Nilung Valley in 2017.
Loss of these areas has negatively impacted the livelihoods of border residents.
China expanded its presence on the Indian side of Charding nala (adjacent to Demchok) since 2020 stand-off.

About Himalayan Yaks in India:

	Details
Species	Belongs to the Bovini tribe, including bison, buffaloes, and cattle.
Adaptation	Can tolerate extreme cold, *down to -40°C*; adapted for high altitudes with long, insulating hair.
Cultural Significance	Valued by Himalayan peoples; Linked to *Tibetan Buddhism* legend of *Rinpoche.*
Raising Method	Traditionally reared under a transhumance system; involves significant hardship.
Habitat	Endemic to the Tibetan Plateau and high-altitude regions.
Altitude Preference	Thrives above *14,000 feet; typically climbs to 20,000 feet* and rarely descends below 12,000 feet.
Yak-Rearing States in India	Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir.
Population Decline	2019 census: 58,000 yaks in India, a 25% drop from 2012; decline due to low remuneration and market.
Significance	Provides crucial nutritional and livelihood security for pastoral nomads in high-altitude regions.
Threats	Climate change causing heat stress; inbreeding due to closed borders limiting genetic diversity.
Protection Status*	– IUCN Red List: Vulnerable – CITES: Appendix I – Indian Wildlife Act: Schedule I
Food Status*	Approved as a ‘food animal’ by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI).

PYQ:

[2016] What is/are unique about ‘Kharai camel’, a breed found in India?

1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater.

2. It survives by grazing on mangroves.

3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

[pib] Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister has paid homage to the great Maharaja of Tripura Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his birth anniversary.

Who was Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur?

	Details
Reign	1923 – 1947
Birth	August 19, 1908
Contributions to Tripura	– Modernized Tripura with *infrastructure and educational reforms.* – Planned and designed the *city of Agartala,* earning the title “Architect of Modern Tripura.”-He took initiatives to *explore tea cultivation and established several tea estates* in Tripura.
Education and Infrastructure	– Established schools, colleges, and hospitals. – He was instrumental in establishing the *first airport in Tripura, the Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport,* which greatly improved connectivity and facilitated economic growth
Social Reforms	Introduced land reforms, *granted land rights to indigenous people,* and worked to abolish untouchability. Maharaja Bir Bikram was a *patron of the arts and culture,* supporting various cultural activities and institutions.
Military Role	Supported the *British during World War II.*
Legacy	Died on May 17, 1947 Remembered as a visionary ruler who played a crucial role in shaping modern Tripura.

PYQ:

[2022] The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (250 words, 15 marks)

[2007] Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the following states as full states of the Indian Union?

(a) Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Haryana

(b) Nagaland , Haryana, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh

(d) Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Haryana

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Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

Banni Grasslands of Kachchh

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Banni Grasslands of Kachchh

Why in the News?

A study conducted by researchers at Kachchh University assessed the suitability of different areas in Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, with ecological value being the primary criterion.

Restoration of Banni Grasslands: Highlights of the Study

Recent Study:

Objective: A study conducted by researchers at KSKV Kachchh University assessed the suitability of different areas in Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, with ecological value being the primary criterion.
Need for restoration: Originally covering about 3,800 sq. km, the Banni grasslands have shrunk to about 2,600 sq. km.
Categories of Restoration Zones: The researchers divided the grassland into five categories based on restoration suitability:
- Highly Suitable: 937 sq. km (36%)
- Suitable: 728 sq. km (28%)
- Moderately Suitable: 714 sq. km (27%)
- Marginally Suitable: 182 sq. km (7%)
- Not Suitable: 61 sq. km (2%)
Restoration Potential: The “highly suitable” and “suitable” zones, making up nearly two-thirds of the Banni grasslands, can be restored easily by providing adequate water sources.

About Banni Grasslands:

The Banni Grassland is a salt-tolerant ecosystem located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, covering around 3,847 square km.
It is said to be Asia’s largest grassland (TOI).
The climate is arid and semi-arid, with extremely hot summers (temperatures above 45°C) and mild winters (12°C to 25°C), receiving 300-400 mm of annual rainfall mainly during the monsoon.
It is inhabited by pastoral communities like the Maldharis, who rely on livestock grazing (cattle, buffalo, and sheep) for their livelihood.
Agriculture is limited due to arid conditions, with some areas used for salt production.
Flora: Grasses such as Dichanthium, Sporobolus, and Cenchrus species, with salt-tolerant plants, shrubs, and trees like Acacia and the invasive Prosopis juliflora.
Fauna: Indian wolf, hyena, chinkara, Great Indian Bustard, flamingos, and various raptors, reptiles, and invertebrates.

PYQ:

[2021] The vegetation of Savannah consists of grassland with scattered small trees, but extensive areas have no trees. The forest development in such areas is generally kept in check by one or more or a combination of some conditions. Which of the following are such conditions?

1. Burrowing animals and termites

2. Fire

3. Grazing herbivores

4. Seasonal rainfall

5. Soil properties

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 4 and 5

(d) 1, 3 and 5

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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Japan

[pib] 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
Why in the News?

Japanese foreign and defence ministers have arrived in India to participate in the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting.

About 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
- The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a diplomatic summit held annually since 2018, initially between India and the US.
- It later expanded to include Japan, Australia, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
- This dialogue involves the Foreign and Defense Ministers of participating countries and focuses on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing common concerns.
- The dialogue replaced the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue during a 2017 agreement between PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump.
- First Summit was held on September 6, 2018, between India and the US in New Delhi, involving discussions on defense partnerships and strategic cooperation.
Key Milestones:

What are the key priorities of the Indo-Japan 2+2 Dialogue?
- Update Security Cooperation: Revising the 2008 security agreement to reflect current strategic needs.
- Promote a Free Indo-Pacific: Collaborating to ensure a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region.
- Engage in Strategic Talks: Holding strategic discussions between foreign and defense ministers to boost bilateral ties.
- Address Regional Security: Discussing key issues like Chinese assertiveness, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Gaza crisis.
- Coordinate Quad Efforts: Exploring cooperation within the Quad framework, including a potential summit.
PYQ:

[2020] Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss.
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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Waggle Dance of Bees

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Waggle Dance of Bees

Why in the News?

Two scientists have raised concerns about “problematic behaviour” in papers on honeybee communication co-authored by Dr. Mandyam Srinivasan, a highly honoured neuroscientist.

About Waggle Dance of Bees

	Details
Purpose	Communicates location of food sources to other bees.
Dance Pattern	Figure-eight (8) movement with a waggle run in the middle.
Direction Indication	Angle of waggle run shows direction relative to the sun.
Distance Indication	Duration of waggle run indicates distance to the food source.
Efficiency	Enhances foraging efficiency by *guiding bees directly to food sources.*
Environmental Impact	Accuracy affected by Sun position, wind, and landscape.
Scientific Importance	Decoded by Nobel laureate Karl von Frisch; an example of advanced insect communication.

PYQ:

[2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

(a) Butterflies

(b) Dragonflies

(d) Wasps

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Zoopharmacognosy: the study of how animals self-medicate

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Zoopharmacognosy

Why in the News?

Researchers highlighted the zoopharmacognosy (practice of self-medication) by a Sumatran orangutan using the plant Fibraurea tinctoria to treat a facial wound.

What is Zoopharmacognosy?

Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals use natural substances like plants, soils, and insects to treat their own illnesses.
The term was coined by ecologist D.H. Janzen from the University of Pennsylvania.
It shows that animals have an instinctive ability to find and use natural remedies.

Key Studies and Observations

Neanderthals: In 2012, a Nature publication found that Neanderthals in Northern Spain used plants like yarrow and chamomile to treat infections.

Other Animal Species:

Primates: Chimpanzees eat bitter leaves, like Vernonia amygdalina, to get rid of intestinal worms.
- Pregnant lemurs nibbling on tamarind leaves to aid milk production.
Reindeer: Reindeer eat mushrooms like Amanita muscaria, possibly to fight off parasites.
Birds: Starlings line their nests with antimicrobial plants to protect their young from diseases.
Elephants: Pregnant elephants in Kenya eat specific plants to help induce labor.
Dogs: Dogs chew grass and then vomit to clear their stomachs of infections.

PYQ:

[2019] Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of:

(a) Anti-malarial drug

(b) Biodiesel

(d) Textile fibre

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Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

In news: Namdhari Sect

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Namdhari Sect

Why in the News?

Recently, followers of the two rival groups within the Namdhari religious sect clashed violently in Haryana.

About Namdhari Sect

	Details
Founder	*Satguru Ram Singh in 1857* (on Baisakhi) Also known as Kuka Movement
Primary Beliefs	– Belief in a living human Guru; Also known as Kuka/Kukaism – Guru Granth Sahib is considered the Supreme Gurbani – Strict vegetarianism and teetotalism (alcohol is forbidden)
Key Practices	– Wearing white attire as a sign of mourning – Rejection of caste distinctions – Promotion of widow remarriage – Non-violent resistance– Cow is the sacred animal
Headquarters	Bhaini Sahib, Ludhiana, Punjab
Global Presence	– Deras across Punjab and Haryana – Presence in countries such as the UK, Canada, and Kenya
Role in Independence	– Early opposition to British rule – Adoption of non-cooperation and boycott of British goods – Victims of severe British reprisals
Notable Historical Event	Malerkotla Massacre (1872) – 66 Namdharis executed by the British
Leadership Succession	– After Ram Singh: His brother Satguru Hari Singh – Later Successors: Satguru Partap Singh, Satguru Jagjit Singh – Current leaders: Uday Singh and Dalip Singh (factional dispute)

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following Bhakti Saints :

1. Dadu Dayal

2. Guru Nanak

3. Tyagaraja

Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(d) 1 and 2

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Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

Lok Sabha Speaker constitutes 6 new Parliamentary Committees

Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Parliamentary Committees

Why in the News?

Lok Sabha Speaker has constituted six new Parliamentary Committees, for a tenure of 1year:

	Origin	Composition	Functions
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)	Established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919	22 members: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha; Chairman from the Opposition, Appointed by the LS Speaker.	Examines public expenditure, scrutinizes CAG reports, and ensures efficient use of public funds.
Committee on Estimates	Traces back to 1921; reconstituted in 1950 (recommended by John Mathai)	30 members, All from Lok Sabha; Elected annually through proportional representation. Minister CANNOT be a member.	Examines budget estimates, suggests economic efficiencies, and recommends alternative policies.
Committee on Public Undertakings	Established in 1964 based on the Krishna Menon Committee	22 members: 15 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha; Chairman appointed by the Speaker, Chosen from Lok Sabha members	Examines accounts and reports of PSUs, and provides recommendations without interfering in operations.
Committee on Welfare of OBCs	The committee was constituted in June 2012	It comprises 30 members, with 20 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha	Focuses on the implementation of policies for OBC welfare, evaluates reservations, and suggests improvements.
Committee on Welfare of SC/ST	N/A	The committee consists of 30 members, with 20 elected from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.	Ensures implementation of safeguards for SCs and STs, reviews welfare programs, and suggests enhancements.
Joint Committee on Office of Profit	Joint Committee on Office of Profit was established by the Lok Sabha on July 23, 2019	15 members; 10 Lok + 5 from Rajya Sabha.	Examines cases of MPs/MLAs holding offices of profit, determine qualification, and maintains legislative integrity.

PYQ:

[2018] With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the house whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation?

(a) Committee on Government Assurances

(b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation

(d) Business Advisory Committee

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e-Commerce: The New Boom

What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?

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: Deceptive Dark Patterns

Why in the News?

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released a report highlighting the use of deceptive dark patterns in Indian apps.

Key highlights of the ASCI Study:

The ASCI report aims to raise awareness among marketers and designers about the ethical implications of these deceptive patterns.
The study analyzed 12,000 screens across 53 leading Indian apps in 9 different industries.
The report identified the use of one or more of 12 deceptive patterns in most of these apps.

What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?

These practices use elements of digital choice architecture, particularly in user interfaces.
The goal is to manipulate or impair consumer autonomy, decision-making, or choice.
These patterns are often subtle, directing users toward decisions that may not align with their true preferences.
As a result, they compromise the ability of users to make informed choices.

Examples of Deceptive Patterns:

	Description	Example
Interface Interference	Directs users to specific choices using visual tricks.	Highlighting preferred options with bright colors.
Confirm Shaming	Uses guilt to push users toward certain actions.	Options like “Upgrade now” vs. “I don’t want a smarter software.”
Basket Sneaking	Adds unwanted items to cart without consent.	Automatically adding a donation to the shopping cart.
Privacy Deception	Tricks users into sharing more personal data.	Requiring unnecessary personal info during signup.
Drip Pricing	Reveals extra fees late in the purchase process.	Adding hidden charges at checkout.
Subscription Trap	Leads to unintended subscriptions without clear notice.	“Free trial” that auto-renews to a paid plan.

Importance of Ethical Design

Raising Awareness: Marketers are encouraged to study the guidelines issued by ASCI and the Department of Consumer Affairs to avoid unethical practices.
Conscious Patterns Website: Marketers can use resources like the Conscious Patterns website to test their apps and obtain a “conscious score” to ensure that their apps balance business needs with user interests.
Digital Responsibility: As the digital world evolves, ethical design practices are crucial for building and maintaining trust with customers.
Marketer and Designer Roles: Both marketers and app designers need to be vigilant about pursuing ethical design to create safe and trustworthy online environments.

PYQ

[2015] What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industry in India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck?

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FDI in Indian economy

[pib] Amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, FEMA

Why in the News?

The Finance Ministry has issued a notification amending the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to simplify Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules.

Key amendments made by the Finance Ministry:

	Details
Cross-Border Share Swaps	Simplifies the process for Indian companies to engage in cross-border share swaps with foreign companies.
Clarity on Downstream Investments	Provides clearer guidelines on the treatment of downstream investments by OCI-owned entities on a non-repatriation basis, aligning them with NRI-owned entities.
FDI in White Label ATMs (WLAs)	Allows FDI in White Label ATMs to increase the geographical spread of ATMs, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.
Standardization of ‘Control’ Definition	Standardizes the definition of ‘control’ to ensure consistency with other Acts and laws.
Harmonization of ‘Startup Company’ Definition	Aligns the definition of ‘startup company’ with the Government of India’s notification G.S.R. 127 (E) dated February 19, 2019.

About The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019

These rules govern foreign investment in India in non-debt instruments like equity shares, mutual funds, and real estate (excluding agricultural land).
These rules, effective from October 17, 2019, were issued under FEMA, 1999 (Foreign Exchange Management Act).

It covers the following key aspects:

FDI Regulation: Specifies guidelines for foreign direct investment (FDI) in various sectors, including sectoral caps and conditions.
Investment Vehicles: Allows investment through entities like Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and mutual funds.
Repatriation: Provides a framework for repatriation of profits, dividends, and capital by foreign investors.
Reporting: Mandates detailed reporting for companies receiving foreign investments.
Sectoral Caps and Conditions: Sets sectoral limits and approval requirements for foreign investment, with some sectors requiring government approval.
Prohibited Sectors: Prohibits foreign investment in sectors like lottery, gambling, chit funds, and agricultural land.
Transfer of Shares: Outlines guidelines for share transfer between residents and non-residents, ensuring compliance with regulatory conditions.

PYQ:

[2020] With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?

(a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.

(b) It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.

(d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

Grazing land issue at LAC:

About Himalayan Yaks in India:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Who was Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Restoration of Banni Grasslands: Highlights of the Study

Recent Study:

About Banni Grasslands:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

Key Milestones:

What are the key priorities of the Indo-Japan 2+2 Dialogue?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Waggle Dance of Bees

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Zoopharmacognosy?

Key Studies and Observations

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Namdhari Sect

PYQ:

Why in the News?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Key highlights of the ASCI Study:

What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?

Examples of Deceptive Patterns:

Importance of Ethical Design

PYQ

Why in the News?

Key amendments made by the Finance Ministry:

About The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019

PYQ: