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Type: Prelims Only

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    100 years of Electroencephalography (EEG)

    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: EEG and its working

    Why in the News?

    This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first human electroencephalography (EEG) by German physiologist Hans Berger.

    Historical Development of EEG

    • The development of EEG started with Richard Caton in 1875, who first noticed electrical signals in the brains of animals.
    • His work was expanded by Adolf Beck and later by Vladimir Pravdich-Neminsky, who recorded the first EEG of a dog.
    • Hans Berger was the first to record these signals from a human brain in 1924.

    What is EEG?

    • EEG stands for electroencephalography. “Electro” means electricity, “encephalo” refers to the brain, and “graphy” means recording.
    • It tracks the electrical activity in the brain that happens when neurons, the brain’s cells, move tiny charged particles. 
    • This helps doctors tell if the brain is working normally or not.
    • Doctors use EEG to diagnose epilepsy, check how deep a person is under anesthesia, study sleep patterns, and even confirm if a person has passed away.

    Understanding Volume Conduction

    • Volume conduction explains how the brain’s electrical signals move through different layers like skin and bone to reach the electrodes on the scalp.
    • The signals that electrodes pick up need to be cleaned up from any distortions caused by these layers or other noises before doctors can read them accurately.

    How does an EEG Test Works?

    • Neurons interact with their surroundings and sometimes push ions around.
    • This movement creates waves of electrical activity.
    • Electrodes on the head detect these waves and measure how strong they are, which is then recorded as an EEG.
    • Setting up an EEG involves putting gel on the head and placing electrodes accurately, which can be affected by things like having thick hair.

    What EEG Can and Can’t Show?

    • Strengths: EEG is very good at catching fast changes in the brain’s electrical activity, which is helpful for immediate observations.
    • Limitations: It mainly detects signals from the surface of the brain and is better at picking up signals from certain types of cell parts than others.
      • Pinpointing exactly where the brain an activity started can be difficult.

    Cost and Accessibility

    • EEG is simple and affordable compared to other methods like MRI.
    • It’s portable, doesn’t use large equipment, and is safe.

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields.

    2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other.

    3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple, opened after 46 years

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath Temple; Architectural features.

    Why in the News?

    After 46 years, the sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, known as Ratna Bhandar, was reopened amid years of legal battles, controversies, and debates.

    About the Ratna Bhandar

    • The Ratna Bhandar stores the gold and jewels offered by devotees to the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
    • It is located adjacent to the prayer hall on the north side of the temple.
    • It consists of two sections: the ‘Bhitar Bhandar’ (Inner Treasury) and the ‘Bahar Bhandar’ (Outer Treasury), with the last inventory in 1978 noting significant amounts of gold and silver items in both chambers.
    • Legend says, Odisha’s King Anangabhima Dev (1211 to 1238) donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to prepare jewellery for the almighty.
    • The Odisha government passed the Jagannath Temple Act, 1952 to have a greater role in the temple’s management, which included maintaining an inventory of the offerings in the Puri collectorate’s Record Room.

    Recent Developments:

    • The safety of the Ratna Bhandar is managed by the Temple’s Committee, chaired by the titular ‘King of Puri’ and includes IAS officers and other state-appointed members.
    • Originally, keys to the Ratna Bhandar were held by the Puri royal family, temple committee, and collectorate, with significant changes in ownership and access protocols over the years due to legal rulings.
    • The recent reopening involved breaking the locks of the inner chamber as they could not be opened traditionally, following strict procedures.

    About Jagannath Puri Temple

    • The Jagannath Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna in Puri in Odisha.
    • The present temple was rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, on the site of an earlier temple, and begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
    • The Puri temple is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three principal deities are pulled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars.

    Its Architecture:

    • With its sculptural richness and fluidity of the Oriya style of temple architecture, it is one of the most magnificent monuments of India.
    • The huge temple complex covers an area of over 400,000 square feet and is surrounded by a high fortified wall.
    • This 20 feet high wall is known as Meghanada Pacheri.
    • Another wall known as kurma bedha surrounds the main temple.

    The temple has four distinct sectional structures, namely:

    1. Deula, Vimana or Garba griha (Sanctum sanctorum) where the triad deities are lodged on the ratnavedi (Throne of Pearls). In Rekha Deula style;
    2. Mukhashala (Frontal porch);
    3. Nata mandir/Natamandapa, which is also known as the Jagamohan (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), and
    4. Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

    (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

    (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

    (c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture

    (d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Temples in News: Mahabodhi Temple, Puri Jagannath Temple

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bodh Gaya; Places associated with Buddha; Jagannath Puri Temple

    Description

    Mahabodhi Temple Complex

    Mahabodhi Temple Tourism (Bodh Gaya) (2024) - A Complete Travel Guide
    • Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar
    • Significance: Marks the location where Buddha attained enlightenment.
    • UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site since 2002.
    • Historical Importance: One of the four holy sites related to Buddha’s life (Enlightenment).
    • Original Construction: Built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka around 260 BCE.
    • Reconstruction: Reconstructed in brick during the late Gupta period (5th or 6th centuries).
    • Archaeological Finds: Indicates a site of veneration since the Mauryan period; Vajrasana (Diamond Throne) dated to the third century BCE.
    • Main Temple Structure: Dates from the 6th century CE, incorporates parts from 2nd or 3rd century CE.
    • Architectural Features: Two large shikhara towers, the largest over 55 meters high; influenced Jain, Hindu, and Buddhist architecture globally.
    • Materials: Made mostly of brick covered with stucco.
    • Bodhi Tree: A direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
    • Traditional Accounts: Describes 7 weeks Buddha spent meditating after enlightenment at various spots within the complex.
    • Decline and Revival: Declined after the Huna and early Islamic invasions; revived under the Pala Empire (8th-12th century); declined again after 12th century CE invasions by Turk armies.

    Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Puri Temple

    • Location: Puri, Odisha
    • Significance: Important Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Sri Krishna
    • History: Rebuilt from the 10th century onwards, begun by Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty
    • Annual Event: Famous for its annual Ratha Yatra (chariot festival) where three principal deities are pulled on huge, elaborately decorated temple cars
    • Architecture: Oriya style of temple architecture; complex covers over 400,000 square feet, surrounded by a high fortified wall (Meghanada Pacheri); main structures include Deula (Sanctum sanctorum), Mukhashala (Frontal porch), Nata mandir/Natamandapa (Audience Hall/Dancing Hall), Bhoga Mandapa (Offerings Hall)

    Ratna Bhandar:

    • Context: The sacred treasury of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, known as Ratna Bhandar, was reopened after 46 years amid legal battles and controversies
    • Contents: Stores gold and jewels offered by devotees to the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra
    • Location: Adjacent to the prayer hall on the north side of the temple.
    • Sections: Consists of two sections: the ‘Bhitar Bhandar’ (Inner Treasury) and the ‘Bahar Bhandar’ (Outer Treasury)
    • Historical Significance: Legend says Odisha’s King Anangabhima Dev (1211 to 1238) donated 2.5 lakh madhas of gold to prepare jewelry for the deities
    • Management: Safety managed by the Temple’s Committee chaired by the titular ‘King of Puri’; keys held by the Puri royal family, temple committee, and collectorate with changes over the years
    • Recent Developments: Reopened by breaking the locks of the inner chamber due to inability to open traditionally, following strict procedures

     

     

    Also in news: World Heritage Young Professional Forum

    • India is hosting the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting for the first time in New Delhi.
      • Theme: “World Heritage in the 21st Century: Building Capacities and Exploring Opportunities for Youth.”
    • The World Heritage Young Professionals Forum is an initiative by UNESCO to engage young professionals in the field of heritage conservation.
    • The first World Heritage Young Professionals Forum was organized in 1995.
    • The primary aim is to engage young professionals in heritage conservation and management through capacity building, networking, and awareness-raising.

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

    (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

    (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

    (c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture

    (d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    India-based Neutrino Observatory

    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: India-based Neutrino Observatory; Neutrino

    Why in the News?

    • Takaaki Kajita, a Nobel laureate has supported India’s pursuit of a neutrino lab.
      • Despite numerous obstacles, Kajita believes that the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project, which would rank as one of the largest basic science projects in the country, is still worth pursuing.

    Who is Takaaki Kajita?

    • Takaaki Kajita is a Japanese physicist who was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering the oscillations of neutrinos from one flavour to another, which proved that those subatomic particles have mass.
    • He shared the prize with Canadian physicist Arthur B. McDonald.16 May 2024

    About India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO):

    Details
    Location INO Peak near Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
    Objective Study atmospheric neutrinos and provide precise measurements of neutrino mixing parameters
    Project Scope One of the largest experimental particle physics projects in India
    Initial Completion Date Originally planned for 2015
    Key Equipment
    • Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) Detector, designed to probe Earth matter effects on neutrino propagation and determine neutrino oscillation parameters.
    • 50,000 tonnes, the world’s largest magnet, four times larger than CERN’s CMS detector magnet
    Research Goals
    • Neutrino Oscillation Parameters: Unambiguous and precise determination using atmospheric neutrinos.
    • Matter Effects: Study through electric charge identification to determine the sign of mass differences.
    • CP Violation: Investigate charge-conjugation and parity violations in the leptonic sector.
    • CPT Violation: Possible studies of charge-conjugation, parity, and time-reversal violations.
    • Kolar Events: Study possible identification of very-high-energy neutrinos and multi-muon events in Kolar Gold Fields.
    Historical Discussions Initial discussions in 1989, formal collaboration in 2001, and MoU signed in 2002
    Current Status Construction stalled as of July 2021 due to local opposition and environmental concerns; ongoing legal and governmental deliberations

     

    What is Neutrinos?

    Neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles,” are subatomic particles with nearly zero mass and no electric charge.

    Other issues in space:

    Last week, ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed the possibility of engaging with the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth at a distance of 32,000 km in 2029.

    What is Apophis?

    • Apophis is classified as a near-Earth asteroid (NEA), specifically a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) due to its size and proximity to Earth’s orbit.
    • Apophis is approximately 335 meters (1,100 feet) in diameter, making it one of the larger near-Earth asteroids.
    • Discovered in 2004, Apophis initially posed a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth, raising alarms due to its size (about 450 m wide).
    • Subsequent observations ruled out immediate collision risks in 2029, 2036, and 2068, but it will pass close to Earth in 2029 at 32,000 km.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the planning commission as a mega-science project under the 11th Five-year plan. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
    2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
    3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.
    4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 4

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Tribes in News

    Asur Tribes to get Forest Land Rights

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Asur Tribes

    Why in the News?

    The Gumla district administration in Jharkhand has announced that the Asur community, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) residing in the Netarhat plateau region of Gumla, will soon benefit from the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.

    About Asur Community

    • The Asur tribe primarily resides in the districts of Gumla, Lohardaga, Palamu, and Latehar in Jharkhand, India.
    • They speak Asuri, a Munda language belonging to the Austroasiatic language family.
    • Traditionally, the Asur were skilled iron-smelters, practicing metallurgy using indigenous techniques.
    • Over time, many have shifted to agriculture, although some are still involved in mining work.
    • The Asur community has a traditional council (jati panch) to settle disputes.
    • They maintain kinship ties with neighboring tribes like Kharwar and Munda.

    Social Structure of Asur Community:

    • They live in forest-surrounded clearings called pats, with houses made of mud walls, wooden poles, and roofs covered with paddy straw.
    • Asurs follow a religion that combines animism, animatism, naturalism, and ancestral worship.
    • Their chief deity is Singbonga, and they celebrate festivals like Sarhul and Karma.
    • Marriage is significant, following rules of monogamy with exceptions for barrenness or widowhood.
    • Widow remarriage is allowed, and marriages occur within the tribe (endogamy).

    Back2Basics: Forest Rights Act, 2006

    Details
    Purpose Recognizes and vests forest rights in Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes (FDST) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFD).
    Eligibility Individuals or communities residing in forest land for at least 3 generations (75 years) prior to December 13, 2005.
    Rights Recognized
    • Title Rights: Ownership up to 4 hectares for cultivation.
    • Use Rights: Includes Minor Forest Produce and grazing areas.
    • Relief and Development Rights: Rehabilitation and basic amenities in case of eviction.
    • Forest Management Rights: Conservation and sustainable use of community forest resources.
    Authority Gram Sabha initiates the process of determining Individual Forest Rights (IFR) or Community Forest Rights (CFR).
    Conservation Balances forest conservation with livelihood and food security of FDST and OTFD.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?

    (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

    (b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj

    (c) Ministry of Rural Development

    (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    [pib] Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas’ on 25th June Every Year

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Emergency under Art. 352

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India has decided to observe 25th June every year as ‘Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas.’ 

    National Emergency imposition in India

    • June 25, 2025, will mark fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency.
    • The Emergency lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.
    • It was characterized by the suspension of civil liberties, press freedom, mass arrests, the cancellation of elections, and rule by decree.

    What was the Emergency?

    • PM Indira Gandhi’s government used constitutional provisions to impose sweeping executive and legislative control.
    • Opposition leaders were jailed, and fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression, were curtailed, leading to press censorship.
    • The federal structure was effectively converted into a unitary one, with the Union controlling state governments.
    • Parliament extended its term, made laws on state subjects, and extended the Union’s executive powers to the states.

    Legal and Constitutional Sanction

    • Article 352 allowed the President to proclaim an emergency if India’s security was threatened by war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
    • In 1975, “internal disturbance” was used as grounds for the Emergency, citing incitements against the police and armed forces.
    • This was the only instance of emergency due to “internal disturbance,” later removed by the 44th Amendment in 1978.
      • Article 358 suspended limitations on Article 19 (“Right to freedom”).
      • Article 359 allowed the President to suspend the right to court enforcement of rights during an emergency.

    Political and Social Circumstances: A Timeline 

    • In 1974, the Navnirman movement against corruption in Gujarat led to President’s Rule.
    • Inspired by Navnirman, a student movement in Bihar, led by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), aimed to cleanse the country of corruption and misgovernance.
    • In May 1974, George Fernandes led a massive railway workers’ strike.
    • On June 5, 1974, JP called for “Sampoorna Kranti” (total revolution).
    • On June 12, 1975, Justice Jagmohanlal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court convicted Indira Gandhi of electoral malpractice.
    • On June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed signed the Proclamation of Emergency, cutting power to major newspapers and informing the Cabinet the next morning.

    Impact on Opposition Leaders, Media, and Political Dissenters

    • Almost all opposition leaders, including JP, were detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA).
    • Newspapers faced pre-censorship, with UNI and PTI merged into a state-controlled agency, Samachar.
    • More than 250 journalists were jailed, and The Indian Express resisted by printing blank spaces when stories were censored.
    • Sanjay Gandhi’s “five-point programme” included forced family planning and slum clearance, leading to forced sterilizations and violent clashes.

    Sanjay Gandhi’s “Five-Point Programme”

    Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of then PM, Mrs. Indira Gandhi had come forward with a programme to ‘improve’ the condition of the poor people.

    His programme can be divided under five Headings, i.e.

    1. Adult Education.
    2. To abolish Dowry.
    3. To Grow more trees.
    4. Family planning – only two children.
    5. Eradication of caste system.

    Legal Changes during the Emergency

    • With opposition leaders in jail, Parliament passed amendments barring judicial review of the Emergency and securing the Prime Minister’s election.
    • The 42nd Amendment expanded Union authority over states and gave Parliament unbridled power to amend the Constitution.
    • In ADM Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla (1976), the Supreme Court ruled that detention without trial was legal during an emergency, with Justice H.R. Khanna dissenting.

    Lifting the Emergency and Aftermath

    • Indira Gandhi lifted the Emergency in early 1977, leading to her defeat in the elections.
    • The Janata Party emerged victorious, with Morarji Desai becoming India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister.
    • The Janata government reversed many constitutional changes from the 42nd Amendment, made judicial review of emergency proclamations possible, and removed “internal disturbance” as grounds for emergency imposition.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha?

    1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
    2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
    3. To impeach the President of India

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) 3 only

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  • Wetland Conservation

    Species in News

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Cyrtobagus salvinia’ Insect; Squalus hima

    Description

    Cyrtobagus salvinia
    • Context: Used to eradicate the invasive weed Salvinia molesta from the Sarani reservoir in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Biological Details: Exotic beetle from Brazil, targets and eradicates Salvinia molesta, dies naturally post-eradication.
    • Bioremediation: Implemented by ICAR-DWR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Weed Research), started in April 2022, completed within 15 to 18 months.
    • Economic and Social Impact: Restored livelihoods for fishermen by reviving fish populations; initial challenges included high cost and impracticality of manual removal.
    • Conservation Status: No risk, as the beetle dies naturally after eradicating the weed.

    Squalus hima

     
    • Context: Newly discovered species of deep-water dogfish shark found in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala.
    • Biological Details: Genus Squalus, family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs; differs in vertebrae count, teeth, and fin structure from other species.
    • Discovery: Discovered by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Sakthikulangara fishing harbour, Kerala; significant for new species identification and conservation.
    • Economic and Social Impact: Important for commercial products like liver oil used in cosmetics and anti-cancer products; challenges include high exploitation for liver oil, fins, and meat.
    • Conservation Status: Critical due to high commercial exploitation for liver oil, fins, and meat; important for conservation efforts.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news?

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.

    (d) None of the above.

     

    [2019] Consider the following pairs:

    Wildlife Naturally found in
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Zoological Survey of India’s Report on Animal Discoveries 2023

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: ZSI, Key highlights of the report.

    Why in the News?

    A report titled “Animal Discoveries 2023” by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) highlights significant new species findings in Maharashtra and across India.

    New Species in Maharashtra:

    • Maharashtra recorded 14 new animal species in 2023, with two species reported for the first time in India.
    • Notably, among the 25 Arachnid species reported for the first time in India, two belong to Maharashtra—Steatoda Erigoniformis and Myrmarachne Spissa.
    1. Steatoda Erigoniformis: It is a species of spider known for its resemblance to the more dangerous black widow spiders. They are commonly referred to as “false widow spiders.”
    2. Myrmarachne Spissa: It is part of a group of spiders that mimic ants in appearance and behaviour, a trait known as myrmecomorphy. Previously reported in Sri Lanka, Myrmarachne Spissa’s discovery in Pune marks its first report from India, highlighting the region’s biodiversity significance.

    Key Findings from the ZSI Report:

    • National Discoveries:
      • In 2023, Indian scientists reported a total of 641 new discoveries, including 442 new species and 199 new records for India.
      • This includes the discovery of 19 new genera. As of January 1, 2024, India’s faunal diversity stands at 104,561 species, with the additions in 2023 constituting 6.65% of the global faunal diversity.
    • Categories of Discoveries:
      • Invertebrates accounted for the majority of new discoveries with 564 species, while vertebrates contributed 77 species.
      • Among invertebrates, insects led with 369 new species, while vertebrates were dominated by fish with 47 species, followed by reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
    • Regional Distribution:
      • Kerala reported the highest number of new discoveries (101), followed by West Bengal (72), Tamil Nadu (64), Arunachal Pradesh (45), Karnataka (45), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (36).
      • Southern India consistently reports the highest number of species.

     

    Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India

    • The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale, in 1916.
    • It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India based in Kolkata.
    • It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
    • The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
    • Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
    • The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to India’s Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Primates

    (c) Reptiles

    (d) Amphibians

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Upper Siang; Brahmaputra River.

    Why in the News?

    Activists are protesting against the Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal.

    About Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project

    • The Upper Siang project is a proposed 11,000 MW hydropower project on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.
      • The Siang, originating near Mount Kailash in Tibet (Tsangpo), flows over 1,000 km eastward, enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, and later becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam.
    • Initially proposed as two separate projects, it was consolidated into one larger project in 2017, to be built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), featuring a 300-metre high dam.

    Strategic Importance:

    • The Upper Siang project is seen as a strategic move to counter China’s hydel projects on the Tsangpo, particularly a 60,000 MW ‘super dam’ in Tibet’s Medog county.
    • This super dam’s capacity is nearly 3x that of the Three Gorges Dam in China and is intended to divert water to northern China.

    Environmental and Social Concerns

    • Anti-dam organizations express concerns about the project’s environmental and social impact in their memorandum.
    • The memorandum highlights the threat to delicate ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh, which already hosts numerous dams.
    • The activists are particularly worried about the displacement of communities, as the project could submerge over 300 villages of the Adi tribe, including the district headquarters of Yingkiong.
    • Activists are also wary of the project’s portrayal as a national interest endeavor and are troubled by a provision in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, which exempts strategic projects within 100 km from India’s borders from clearance requirements.

    Back2Basics: Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023

    Details
    Land Under the Purview of the Act Defines two categories of land under its purview:

    1. Land declared as forest under the Indian Forest Act or any other law, or notified as a forest after 25th October 1980.
    2. Land converted from forest to non-forest use before 12th December 1996.
    Exemptions from the Act Allows exemptions for:

    • Up to 0.10 hectares of forest land for connectivity purposes along roads and railways. 
    • Up to 10 hectares for security-related infrastructure.
    • Up to 5 hectares in Left Wing Extremism Affected Districts for public utility projects.
    • Additionally, strategic projects within 100 km of international borders, LAC, and LoC are also exempted.
    Permitted Activities in Forest Land
    • Includes conservation, management, and development efforts.
    • Activities like zoos, ecotourism facilities, silvi-cultural operations, and specified surveys are exempted from non-forest purposes.
    Assignment/Leasing of Forest Land
    • Extends the prerequisite for obtaining prior approval from the central government for the assignment of forest land to any entity, broadening the scope beyond private entities.
    • It also grants the central government the authority to stipulate the terms and conditions governing such assignments.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow it through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to:

    (a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series

    (b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas

    (c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains

    (d) Both (A) and (B) above

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    [pib] National Gopal Ratna Award, 2024

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Economics Of Animal-Rearing

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Gopal Ratna Award

    Why in the News?

    • The National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) 2024 has been awarded by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
      • The awards are conferred annually on National Milk Day, which is celebrated on 26th November.

    What is the National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA)?

    • NGRA is an initiative under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
    • Objective: The award aims to promote the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds, which are crucial for the sustainability of the dairy sector in India.
    • Categories: NGRA is awarded in several categories:
      • Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds.
      • Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company (MPC)/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
      • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).

    Other aspects of the Award

      • Special Recognition: In recent years, a special award category has been included for the North Eastern Region (NER) states to encourage dairy development activities in these regions.
    • Nomination and Recognition: Nominations for the NGRA are submitted online through the National Award portal.
    • Award Details:
    • NGRA 2024 will confer awards in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks, and one Special Award for the NER States in each category.
    • Cash prizes for Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPC categories:
      • Rs. 5,00,000/- (1st rank)
      • Rs. 3,00,000/- (2nd rank)
      • Rs. 2,00,000/- (3rd rank)
      • Rs. 2,00,000/- (Special Award for NER).
    • Best AIT category: Certificate of merit and a memento, without any cash prize.

    Back2Basics: Rashtriya Gokul Mission

    Details
    About
    • Implemented for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds since December 2014.
    • Continued under the umbrella scheme Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana from 2021 to 2026 with a budget of Rs.2400 crore.
    Nodal Ministry Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
    Objectives
    • Enhance productivity of bovines and increase milk production sustainably using advanced technologies.
    • Propagate the use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes.
    • Enhance artificial insemination coverage by strengthening the breeding network and providing services at farmers’ doorsteps.
    • Promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.

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