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Type: Prelims Only

  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Vasuki Indicus: 50ft Snake Fossil Found in Gujarat

    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: Vasuki Indicus, Madtsoiidae snake family, Panandhro Lignite Mine, Middle Eocene Period

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    A fossil unearthed in Gujarat’s Kutch in 2005, initially presumed to belong to a giant crocodile, has been revealed as one of the largest snake ‘Vasuki Indicus’ ever to exist on Earth.

    About Vasuki Indicus

    • ‘Vasuki Indicus’ is the name given by IIT Roorkee Scientists to the fossil specie.
    • The name “Vasuki” derives from the mythological snake depicted often encircling the neck of the Hindu deity Shiva.

    Physical characteristics of Vasuki

    • It is estimated to measure between 11m (36ft) and 15m (49.22ft) in length,
    • It belonged to the extinct Madtsoiidae snake family.
      • Its size could potentially surpass the extinct Titanoboa in size, with its closest relatives identified as Titanoboa and Python.
    • The serpent’s large size indicates it was a slow-moving, ambush predator, akin to an anaconda, as suggested by researchers.
      • Like contemporary pythons and anacondas, Vasuki Indicus presumably employed Constriction (suffocation) as its primary method of prey capture.

    Age and Geological Context:

    • Recovered from the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch, the fossil dates back to the Middle Eocene period, approximately 47 million years ago.
    • Analysis of the well-preserved vertebrae indicates the snake’s existence during a warm geological interval with average temperatures estimated at 28°C.
    • ‘Vasuki’ is believed to represent an extinct relic lineage originating in India, with subsequent India-Asia collision facilitating its dispersal from the subcontinent into North Africa through southern Eurasia.
      • Vasuki thrived during a time when the continents of Africa, India, and South America were amalgamated into a single landmass.

    Significance for India

    • This discovery underscores India’s rich biodiversity.
    • It holds immense potential in unraveling insights into the evolutionary process, continental shifts, and India’s pivotal role in the origin of various species, particularly reptiles.

    Middle Eocene Period

    • It is part of the Cenozoic Era, which began about 66 million years ago and continues to the present day.
    • During the Middle Eocene, the Earth experienced a greenhouse climate, with global temperatures significantly warmer than today.
    • The poles were ice-free, and forests extended into higher latitudes than they do today.
    • The period was characterized by relatively high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to the warm climate.
    • The Middle Eocene was a time of significant diversification and evolution of various groups of organisms.
    • Mammals continued to diversify and evolve, with the emergence of early primates, rodents, and hoofed mammals.
    • The period also saw the rise of modern bird groups and the diversification of flowering plants (angiosperms).
    • The Middle Eocene was marked by tectonic activity, including the ongoing separation of continents and the formation of mountain ranges in various parts of the world.
    • For example, the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate during this time led to the uplift of the Himalayas.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to-

    (a) Fossils of a kind of dinosaurs

    (b) An early human species

    (c) A cave system found in North-East India.

    (d) A geological period in the history of the Indian subcontinent

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Iron Age Megalithic Sites discovered in Telangana

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Iron Age in India; Transition period of Mahajanpadas

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Archaeologists in Telangana have found Iron Age megalithic sites, including various structures such as large stone monuments and places with rock paintings.
    • These discoveries provide important information about the ancient civilizations that once lived in the area.

    Iron Age in India

    • India’s Iron Age ranged from approximately 1200 BCE to 200 BCE.
    • It was marked by the emergence of new archaeological cultures, including the megalithic cultures, Painted Grey Ware culture (1300–300 BCE), and the Northern Black Polished Ware (700–200 BCE).
    • This period corresponds to the transition from the Janapadas (principalities) of the Vedic period to the 16 Mahajanapadas (region-states) of the early historic period.
    • This transition culminated in the emergence of the Maurya Empire toward the end of the Iron Age.
    • Ironworking was prevalent in the Central Ganga Plain and the Eastern Vindhyas from the early second millennium BCE.
    • Sites:
    1. North India: Malhar, Dadupur, Raja Nala Ka Tila, Lahuradewa, Kosambi and Jhusi, Allahabad in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
    2. South India: Earliest Iron Age sites include Hallur in Karnataka and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu, dating to around 1000 BCE. Mahurjhari near Nagpur was a significant site for bead manufacturing.
    • The Indian Iron Age ended coinciding with other significant events such as the decline of the Mauryan Empire and the spread of Buddhism.

     

    About the Ooragutta Megalithic Site

    • The site boasts over 200 megalithic monuments, although the exact count remains uncertain due to the dense forest and hilly terrain.
    • They are characterized by squarish or rectangular shapes, the structures at Ooragutta exhibit unique features.

    Dolmenoid Cists

    • The newly discovered monuments, termed “Dolmenoid Cists,” feature side slabs arranged to mirror the shape of the cap-stone, resulting in each cist having a distinct shape dictated by the cap-stone.
    • These monuments are estimated to date back to around 1,000 BCE.

    Rock Art Sites at Damaratogu

    • Two new rock art sites have been discovered at Damaratogu in Gundala mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
    • One of these sites, known as ‘Devarlabanda Mula‘, exclusively depicts animals and NO humans, in a rock painting.
    • It suggests a cultural significance possibly related to hunting or animal worship.
    • The absence of weapons or domestic animals in the paintings indicates that these artworks may belong to the Mesolithic age, dating anywhere between 8000 – 3000 BCE.

    Significance of Discoveries

    • These monuments resemble to “Passage Chambers” found in Europe.
    • This discovery sheds light on previously unknown architectural styles in the region and offers insights into the evolution of megalithic practices.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following pairs: ​

    (Historical place) (Well-known for)​

    1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines​
    2. Chandraketugarh : Terracotta art​
    3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts​

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?​

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 2 and 3 only

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    [pib] SPACE Testing & Evaluation hub for Sonar Systems

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SPACE Testing, Working of SONAR

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    A state-of-the-art SPACE testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems, designed for the Indian Navy, was inaugurated by DRDO.

    About Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)

    • The SPACE is located at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala.
    • It is developed by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
    • It is set to become a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems deployed on various Indian Navy platforms, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.

    Key Features of SPACE:

    • SPACE comprises two distinct components:
    1. Floating Platform on the water surface and
    2. Submersible platform capable of descending to depths of up to 100 meters using winch systems.
    • After completing operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.

    Functions and Capabilities:

    • The primary function of SPACE is the evaluation of complete sonar systems, facilitating rapid deployment and retrieval of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
    • It will serve for surveying, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters utilizing modern scientific instrumentation.
    • It will address the data processing and sample analysis requirements, ushering in a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.

    What is SONAR?

    • SONAR stands for “Sound Navigation and Ranging.”
    • It’s a technique used for detecting and locating objects underwater by transmitting sound waves and analyzing the echoes they produce.

    Here’s how it works:

    1. Sound Transmission: A SONAR system sends out pulses of sound waves, typically at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. These sound waves travel through the water and propagate in all directions.
    2. Object Detection: When the sound waves encounter an object underwater, such as a submarine, seafloor, or marine life, they reflect off the object and return to the SONAR system as echoes.
    3. Echo Reception: The SONAR system receives the echoes of the transmitted sound waves and measures the time it takes for them to return. By knowing the speed of sound in water and the time it takes for the echoes to return, the system can calculate the distance to the object.
    4. Data Analysis: The received echoes are processed and analyzed to create a visual representation of the underwater environment. This information helps operators identify and locate objects of interest, navigate safely, and map the seafloor.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft,” The experiment in question refers to-

    (a) Voyager-2

    (b) New Horizons

    (c) LISA Pathfinder

    (d) Evolved LISA

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Mount Ruang in Indonesia Erupts

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Mount Ruang, Pacific Ring of Fire, Sangihe Islands arc, Tectonic Plates mentioned

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    Indonesia witnessed a series of eruptions from Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano located in North Sulawesi Province.

    About Mount Ruang 

    • Ruang is situated in the Sangihe Islands arc, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    • It comprises an island that is 4 by 5 kilometers wide, with a summit containing a partial lava dome reaching an altitude of 725 meters (2,379 ft).
    • From its summit, peaks such as Klabat, Siau, and Ternate can be observed in the south, north, and east, respectively.
    • The volcano’s first recorded eruption was in 1808.

    Why so many volcanic eruptions in Indonesia this year?

    • Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes.
    • It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

    What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?

    • The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
    • Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
    • It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
    • Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.

    Its spread

    • Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
    • It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.

    Seismic activity of the region

    • The area is along several tectonic plates including the:
    1. Pacific plate,
    2. Philippine Plate,
    3. Juan de Fuca plate,
    4. Cocos plate,
    5. Nazca plate, and
    6. North American plate.
    • The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
    • Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian Territory.
    2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
    3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3

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  • Pulses Production – Subramanian Committee, Eco Survey, etc.

    India’s Surge in Pulses Imports: A Six-Year High

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pulses: Cultivation pattern, Export dynamics, Consumption etc.

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • India’s pulses imports in fiscal 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge, soaring by 84% year-on-year to their highest level in six years.
    • Lower production levels prompted India to permit duty-free imports of red lentils (Masoor) and yellow peas (Tur/Arhar), further driving the increase in imports.

    Pulses Cultivation in India

    Details
    Seasons Cultivated in both ‘Kharif’ and ‘Rabi’ seasons. ‘Rabi’ pulses contribute more than 60% of production.

    Kharif Season Pulses:

    1. Pigeon Peas (Arhar/Toor/Red Gram)
    2. Green Beans (Moong Beans)
    3. Black Matpe (Urad/Mah/Black Gram)
    4. Black Eyed Peas (Lobia)
    5. Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana)
    6. Red Kidney Beans (Rajmash)

    Rabi Season Pulses:

    1. Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea/Desi Chana)
    2. Lentils (Masoor)
    3. White Peas (Matar)
    Production (2023)  Approximately 27.5 million metric tonnes

    Reported as 7.6 quintals per hectare
    Area under Cultivation Pulses account for around 20% of the area under food grains in India.
    Top Producing States Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka
    Government Initiatives National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for Pulses, Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme
    Research and Development Conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities
    Goal Aim for self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2027

     

    Pulses Import: Figures and Value

    • India imported a total of 4.65 million metric tons of pulses in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, marking the highest volume since fiscal 2018.
    • In terms of value, imports surged by 93% to reach $3.75 billion in the same period.

     

    Pulses Production in India: Key Facts

    • India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world (as per FAO).
    • Pulses account for around 20% of the area under foodgrains and contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country (as per Vikaspedia).
    • Gram (Chana) is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each. (Reference)
    • Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses producing States. (Reference)

     

    Global Impact of Higher Imports

    • The surge in imports by India, the world’s largest importer, producer, and consumer of protein-rich pulses, has been bolstering global prices.
    • It has also contributed to reducing stocks in exporting countries such as Canada, Australia, and Myanmar.

    Significance of Pulses Consumption

    1. Nutritional Value:
      • Pulses are considered to be ‘poor man’s protein’.
      • They contain 20-25% of protein by weight, with twice the protein available in wheat and thrice that present in rice.
      • WHO recommends 80gm/day of Pulses in the diet.
    2. Environmental Sustainability:
      • Pulses have low carbon and water footprints, making them integral to sustainable farming.
      • Water footprints for producing one kilogram of meat are five times higher than that of pulses.
      • Pulses emit 0.5 kilogram in CO2 equivalent per kilogram, while meat produces 9.5 kilograms in CO2 equivalent.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years ?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

    [2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
    2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
    3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex Dispute

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex, Reign of Mihir Bhoja, Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty and its contemporaries

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court has issued a cautionary note to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) barring any physical excavation that could alter the character of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex.

    About Bhojshala Complex

    Details
    Location Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
    Historical Background Established by Raja Bhoj, the greatest ruler of the Parmar dynasty, as an educational institute.
    Date of Establishment 11th century.
    Transformation Originally a Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati temple), later converted into Kamal Maulana Mosque by Muslim rulers.
    Architectural Features
    • Large open courtyard (Mahaāyata);
    • Verandah with decorated pillars (Sthāpanā);
    • Prayer hall with intricately carved ceilings (Shikharākāra).
    Inscriptions
    • Two hymns depicting the Karmavatar of Vishnu (Avatār);
    • Sarpabandha pillar inscriptions with Sanskrit alphabet and grammatical rules (Vyākaraṇa).
    Archaeological Significance Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as an 11th-century monument under Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

    Controversy over Bhojshala Complex

    • Religious Claims: Hindus regard the site as the temple of Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it to be the Kamal Maula mosque.
    • Usage Agreement: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) allows Hindus to pray on Tuesdays and Vasant Panchami, and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays,

    Recent Developments

    • Vasant Panchami Dispute: A recent order allowing Hindus to worship during Basant Panchami hours led to discontent among some Right-wing activists.
    • Demand for Extended Access: Hindu groups demand all-day access to the shrine on such occasions, leading to protests and petitions filed in the High Court.

     

    Who was Raja Bhoj?

    Details
    Original name Raja Bhoja (Mihir Bhoja)
    Dynasty Gurjara-Pratihara
    Reign 836 – 885 AD
    Rise to Prominence Emerged as the paramount power in northern India, defeating rivals like the Palas and Rashtrakutas
    Capital Kannauj (Mahodaya)
    Military Strength Possessed India’s strongest cavalry, as noted by Arab traveller Sulaiman
    Title Assumed the title of “Adivaraha”; referred to as “King Baura” by Arab travellers
    Religious Affiliation Great follower of Vaishnavism
    Acknowledgment of Supremacy Acknowledged as supreme by various factions, including Arabs of Sindh, Chandalas, and Kalachuris
    Notable Feats Triumph over Pala king Devapala and Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha
    Legacy Renowned for his wisdom, military prowess, and patronage of Vaishnavism
    Historical Significance Marked the zenith of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:​

    1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.​
    2. It is the only circular temple built in India.​
    3. I was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.​
    4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building. ​

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Norms tweaked for Green Credit Programme

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Green Credit Programme (GCP)

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Union Environment Ministry has rolled out norms for the Green Credit Programme (GCP).

    Guidelines and Modifications:

    1. The Environment Ministry’s recent guidelines empower ‘States’ to determine afforestation density based on local conditions, acknowledging the variability in forest ecosystems.
    2. Indigenous species are prioritized, and naturally occurring seedlings are retained to foster ecosystem resilience.

    What is Green Credit Programme (GCP)?

    • The GCP as notified on October 13, 2023 by the government of India, is an innovative market-based mechanism.
    • This program is part of the broader ‘LiFE’ campaign (Lifestyle for Environment), and it encourages and rewards voluntary environmentally positive actions.
    • It involves various stakeholders like- individuals, farmers, communities, private sector industries, and companies.
    • The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), based in Dehradun, serves as the GCP Administrator, responsible for programme implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
    • Initially, the GCP focuses on water conservation and afforestation.

    What are Green Credits?

    • The green credit rules notified under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 defines ‘green credit’ as a single unit of an incentive provided for a specific activity that delivers a positive impact on the environment.
    • Each tree planted and evaluated by the ICFRE after two years could yield one ‘green credit,’ which can be utilized in two ways:
    1. Compliance with forest laws necessitating recompense for forest land diversion.
    2. Reporting under environmental, social, and governance norms or meeting corporate social responsibility requirements.

    Notable Feature: Green Credit Registry

    • The ICFRE, alongside experts, is developing the Green Credit Registry and trading platforms to facilitate the registration, buying, and selling of green credits.
    • To obtain green credits, individuals and entities must register their activities through the central government’s dedicated app/website (www.moefcc-gcp.in).
    • The administrator verifies activities through a designated agency, with self-verification for small projects. Once verified, the administrator issues a tradeable green credit certificate.

    Activities under GCP

    The GCP includes numerous activities, such as:

    Description
    Tree Plantation-based Green Credit Promotes increasing the green cover through tree plantations and related activities.
    Water-based Green Credit Promotes water conservation, harvesting, and efficiency, including wastewater treatment and reuse.
    Sustainable Agriculture-based Green Credit Promotes natural and regenerative agricultural practices, land restoration, and soil health improvement.
    Waste Management-based Green Credit Promotes sustainable waste management practices, including collection, segregation, and treatment.
    Air Pollution Reduction-based Green Credit Promotes measures to reduce air pollution and other pollution abatement activities.
    Mangrove Conservation and Restoration-based Green Credit Promotes conservation and restoration of mangroves, critical ecosystems for coastal protection and biodiversity.
    Ecomark-based Green Credit Encourages manufacturers to obtain Ecomark labels for their goods and services, signifying environmental sustainability.
    Sustainable Building and Infrastructure-based Green Credit Promotes sustainable practices in building and infrastructure development, including energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and eco-friendly construction materials.

    Future prospects

    The programme is currently in a pilot phase, with ongoing deliberations on:

    1. Quantifying the contributions of shrubs and grasses to green credits;
    2. Equivalence between green and carbon credits;
    3. Allocation of credits for compensatory afforestation.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol

    (b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota

    (c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission

    (d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Places in news: Veeranam Lake 

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Veeranam Lake , Mettur Dam and their Location

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Chennai’s main drinking water source Veeranam Lake dries up.
    • Its supply was halted due to the lack of inflow from the Mettur dam located across the Kaveri River.

    About Veeranam Lake

    • Veeranarayanapuram Lake, commonly known as Veeranam Lake, serves as a crucial water source for Chennai city.
    • It is a manmade lake with 16-km long dam. It was about 20 km long and 7 km wide back then in 10th century.
    • It situated approximately 235 km away in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
    • The lake, located near Kattumannarkoil, has a storage capacity of around 1,465 million cubic feet (mcft) and plays a vital role in supplying water to Chennai.

    Historical Significance of Veeranam Lake

    • Constructed during the 10th century by Rajaditya Chola, a ruler of the Greater Cholas.
    • It was originally named as Veeranarayana Mangalam Lake,
    • It was built with the efforts of Rajaditya Chola and his soldiers during their leisure time while camped at Thirumunaipadi for a war against Pallava kings.

    Water Sources and Inflow

    • Veeranam Lake primarily receives water from the Kollidam River via the Vadavaru River.
    • The lake’s inflow is supplemented by water released from the Mettur dam through the Kollidam River and Lower Anicut, ensuring sufficient water availability during certain periods.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)

    (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Operation Jumbo to capture Wild Elephants 

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Operation Jumbo and prospect States

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The Forest Department has resumed Operation Jumbo to capture trouble-causing wild elephants and fix radio collars in Hassan division of Karnataka.

    What is Operation Jumbo?

    • Operation Jumbo is a campaign launched by the Karnataka government to capture and radio-collar rogue wild elephants that frequently enter human habitations.
    • It is effective in five districts of the state, namely Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Ramanagara, and Bengaluru. 
    • The objective of this operation is to manage elephant movement and mitigate conflicts through continuous tracking using GPS-equipped radio collars, which have a battery life of three years.

    Implementation of Operation Jumbo

    • The cost of capturing and radio-collaring each wild elephant is approximately Rs 22 lakh, with Rs 7 lakh spent on each radio collar imported from South Africa.
    • The operation involves a diverse team of 70-80 individuals, including forest officers, veterinarians, mahouts, and other support staff.
    • It includes tasks such as surveillance, tracking, darting wild animals from the back of trained elephants, and securing the rescued tusker.

    Elephants in India

    Details
    Population Estimate
    • India hosts the largest population of wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), with around 29,964 individuals,
    • Approximately 60% of the global population (2017 census).
    Leading States Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN Red List:  Endangered.
    • CMS: Appendix I.
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I,
    • CITES: Appendix I.
    Conservation Initiatives
    • Project Elephant launched in 1992, covering 23 states across India.
    • Contributed to the increase in wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.
    • Establishment of Elephant Reserves. Total 33 in numbers covering approximately 80,777 Sq.km.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

    1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
    2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
    3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
    4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

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  • Railway Reforms

    KAVACH Anti-Collision System

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: TCAS-Kavach ATP System, RFID

    Mains level: NA

    The Supreme Court has acknowledged and appreciated the implementation of the indigenous anti-collision system KAVACH.

    What is KAVACH?

    • Kavach, an automatic train protection (ATP) system, was initially named Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
      • Development commenced in 2011 as Indian Railways and Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO) sought a domestically developed ATP system.
      • B. Rajaram, credited with developing the Skybus Metro system, played a key role in Kavach’s development.
      • Field trials began in 2014, refining the system’s specification.
    • Final approval was granted in 2019, certifying Kavach for compliance with Safety Integrity level 4 (SIL-4) operations.

    Working Mechanism:

    • Kavach comprises trackside Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, onboard locomotive equipment, and radio infrastructure.
    • It communicates via radio, enabling real-time train monitoring.
    • Drivers receive alerts, and automatic braking is triggered to prevent collisions.
    • Kavach uses various data inputs like location, direction, and time to ensure safety.
    • Event recorders retain records of interactions and incidents for analysis.
    • Alerts and automatic braking ensure an immediate response to hazardous situations.

    How does it help prevent collision?

    • Kavach is designed to alert the locomotive pilot if they fail to notice a ‘red signal’ and continue at a speed that would surpass the signal.
    • If the pilot does not slow down below 15 kmph, Kavach automatically applies the brakes, bringing the train to a halt.

    Issues with KAVACH

    • High Deployment Cost: Implementing Kavach costs ₹50 lakh per kilometer for the Indian Railways.
    • Low Coverage: Currently, Kavach covers only 1,500 kilometers of rail routes, a small fraction of the total 68,000-kilometer network (as of November 2023).
      • Expanding its coverage, particularly on high-density routes, remains a formidable challenge.

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

    1. The decomposition of human waste in the biotoilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
    2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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