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Type: Prelims Only

  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Floor Test in Jharkhand Assembly

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Floor Test, No confidence Motion

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Introduction

    • The new government has won the trust vote on the floor of the Jharkhand Assembly. A floor test serves as a pivotal check to determine if the executive enjoys the confidence of the legislature.

    What is Floor Test?

    • Definition: A floor test is a constitutional measure employed to ascertain whether the Chief Minister, appointed by the Governor, commands the majority support of the Legislative Assembly.
    • Governor’s Role: The Governor appoints the CM, typically from the party securing the majority of seats in the Assembly.
    • Voting of Confidence: If the majority is challenged or questioned, the Chief Minister must seek a vote of confidence to prove the majority among the members present and voting.
    • Consequences of Failure: Failure to secure the majority in the floor test necessitates the resignation of the Chief Minister.
    • Application: Floor tests are conducted both in the Parliament and state legislative assemblies. They are also utilized in cases of disputes within coalition governments.

    Postponement of Floor Tests

    • Legal Precedent: Recent Supreme Court rulings have clarified that floor tests need not be postponed even if the decision on the disqualification of rebel members is pending.
    • Shivraj Singh Chouhan v/s Speaker Case: The 2020 case involving Shivraj Singh Chouhan established this principle.
    • Discretion in Special Cases: In exceptional situations with no clear majority, the Governor can use discretion to expedite the selection of the Chief Ministerial candidate for a floor test.

    Composite Floor Test

    • Multiple Claimants: When multiple individuals stake a claim to form the government, a Composite Floor Test is conducted.
    • Majority Determination: In cases where the majority is unclear, a special session is convened to ascertain the majority.
    • Counting the Majority: Majority is determined based on those present and voting. Voting can occur through voice votes or division voting, involving electronic gadgets, ballots, or slips.
    • Speaker’s Vote: In case of a tie, the Speaker may cast the deciding vote.

    Challenges with the Floor Test

    • Luring of MLAs: In some instances, ruling party MLAs may be lured with rewards or incentives, undermining the constitutionality and fairness of the floor test.
    • Constitutional and Moral Implications: Such actions are seen as constitutionally immoral and unjust, as they circumvent the Tenth Schedule through engineered defections using the judicial process.

    Back2Basics: No Confidence Motion

    • Rule 198 of Lok Sabha: The process for a No Confidence Motion is explained under this rule in the Lok Sabha.
    • Constitutional provisions: While the Constitution does NOT mention the terms ‘No Confidence Motion’ or ‘floor test,’ Articles 75 and 164 establish the collective responsibility of the executive to their respective legislatures.
    • Procedure: Any Opposition member can move a no-confidence motion, which requires the backing of at least 50 members for acceptance.
    • Discussion Period: The Speaker announces a date for discussion, which must occur within 10 days from the date of acceptance.

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  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops – cotton, mustards, etc.

    Unusual Cabbage Mutation that Could Boost Crop Yield

    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: Cabbage Mutation

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    cabbage mutation

    Introduction

    • A recent paper sheds light on the remarkable ability to induce sterility in a diverse range of plants, including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, tomato, and rice. This sterility is achieved through a minute genetic deletion.
    • This deletion holds the promise of significantly boosting crop yields through a phenomenon known as heterosis.

    Unveiling Genetics

    • DNA Structure: DNA consists of two long strands, each comprising four nucleotide bases: Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Thymine (T). These bases form pairs (A-T and G-C) held together by hydrogen bonds.
    • Genome Organization: The cabbage plant (Brassica oleracea) genome contains approximately 1.06 billion base pairs distributed across 18 chromosomes. Each chromosome pair, derived from pollen and egg, shares a mostly identical sequence.
    • Role of Genes: Genes are well-defined DNA sequences, typically spanning a few thousand base pairs. When expressed, a gene’s segment is transcribed into RNA, which serves as the blueprint for protein synthesis.
    • Protein Production: RNA is processed by cellular machinery called ribosomes, directing the assembly of amino acids into proteins.

    Role of Sterility in Hybrid Vigor

    • Discovery of Ms-cd1: Around 44 years ago, a cabbage plant with a natural mutation known as Ms-cd1 was identified. This mutation rendered the plant male-sterile, with a crucial twist: the eggs of the mutant plant could still be fertilized by pollen from normal plants, yielding normal seeds.
    • Hybrid Seeds: All seeds from mutant plants resulted from out-crossing, where eggs were fertilized by pollen from different strains. Such hybrid seeds, also called out-cross seeds, give rise to more robust plants with enhanced vigor, known as heterosis.
    • Dominant Mutation: The Ms-cd1 mutation was found to be dominant, meaning its presence in just one chromosome of the pair caused male sterility, regardless of the other chromosome’s status.
    • Recessive Mutations: The researchers demonstrated that mutations in both copies of the Ms-cd1 gene were necessary for male fertility. In such cases, the mutations became recessive.

    Crucial Missing Base-Pair

    • Genetic Mapping: Through genetic mapping, researchers identified a crucial distinction between the mutated and non-mutated Ms-cd1 genes: the mutated gene lacked a single DNA base pair in its promoter region.
    • Promoter’s Role: The promoter sequence binds to regulatory proteins that control when and in which cells a gene is transcribed into RNA.
    • ERF Binding: In the mutated gene, this missing base-pair disrupted its binding to the regulatory protein ERF, allowing the Ms-cd1 gene to remain expressed, leading to male sterility.
    • Fine-Tuning of Protein Levels: Proper pollen development depends on a precise balance of Ms-cd1 protein levels, with ERF binding regulating its expression at different stages of development.

    Extending the Discovery

    • Cross-Species Applicability: The dominant mutant gene was introduced into other plant species, including rice, tomato, and arabidopsis. In all cases, the recipient plants exhibited pollen developmental disruptions.
    • A Promising Tool: The genetic deletion of a single base-pair emerges as a powerful tool to produce hybrid seeds, not only in cabbage but also in various other crops.
    • Implications for Agriculture: This breakthrough offers the potential to harness heterosis and enhance crop yields across plant species, addressing global food security challenges.

    Conclusion

    • The genetic deletion that induces male sterility in plants represents a remarkable stride in agricultural science, offering the prospect of abundant harvests through hybrid seeds.
    • This discovery opens new doors for sustainable agriculture and reinforces the critical role of genetic research in addressing the world’s growing food demands.

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

    Ergosphere: A Unique Feature of Rotating Black Holes

    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: Ergosphere

    Mains level: Not Much

    Ergosphere

    Introduction

    • Rotating black holes, also known as Kerr black holes, possess a fascinating region called the ergosphere, which sets them apart from their non-rotating counterparts.

    Formation of Black Holes

    • Origin: Black holes are born from massive stars that exhaust their nuclear fuel and undergo a supernova explosion. The remaining core collapses under its own gravitational force, forming a black hole.
    • Gravitational Singularity: At the core of a black hole lies a gravitational singularity, a point where the laws of general relativity cease to provide accurate predictions.
    • Event Horizon: Surrounding the singularity is the event horizon, a boundary beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape. It acts as a point of no return for anything entering it.

    What is Ergosphere?

    • Ergosphere Description: Beyond the event horizon, rotating black holes feature another unique region known as the ergosphere. This region extends further out from the singularity, creating an additional sphere around the black hole.
    • Name Origins: The term ‘ergosphere’ finds its roots in the Greek word ‘ergon,’ which means ‘work.’ It earned this name due to the intriguing possibility it offers – the extraction of matter and energy from this region.

    Characteristics of the Ergosphere

    • Intriguing Property: Unlike the event horizon, objects can enter the ergosphere and potentially escape from it, provided they move at speeds less than that of light.
    • Acceleration Potential: Some scientists have explored the idea of sending objects into the ergosphere to leverage their unique characteristics. Objects within the ergosphere can gain energy and momentum, effectively “borrowing” some of the black hole’s angular momentum.

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Kalaripayattu gains popularity in Haryana

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Kalaripayattu

    Mains level: Not Much

    Kalaripayattu gains popularity in Haryana

    Introduction

    • The introduction of Kalaripayattu, a southern Indian martial arts form, into the Khelo India games in 2021 has led to its growing popularity among boys and girls in Haryana.

    About Kalaripayattu

    • Originates from ancient knowledge of the human body.
    • Originated in Kerala during the 3rd century BC, lasting until the 2nd century AD; currently practiced in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    • Practiced in a ‘Kalari’, a term in Malayalam indicating a gymnasium or a symbolic battlefield.
    • The term ‘Kalari’ appears in Tamil Sangam literature, denoting both a battlefield and a combat arena.
    • Considered one of the oldest martial arts in the world.
    • Known as the precursor to modern Kung Fu, often referred to as the “Father of Modern Kung Fu.”
    • Integrates Hindu rituals and philosophies, alongside medicinal practices derived from Ayurveda.
    • Incorporates elements from yoga and finger movements from Nata dances.

    Weapons used:

    Weapons are categorized into four groups:

    • Cutting, Slicing, and Piercing: Swords and daggers.
    • Pole Weapons: Spears and axes.
    • Bludgeoning Instruments: Sticks and maces.
    • Projectiles: Arrows, discuses, catapults, boomerangs, and other hand-thrown weapons.

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  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    Places of Worship Act and Ongoing Disputes: Explained

    ExplainedPrelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Communalism, Secularism, Regionalism

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Places of Worship Act

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Introduction

    • The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, has once again come into focus due to ongoing civil suits challenging the religious character of mosques in Varanasi and Mathura.

    Enactment of the Places of Worship Act

    • Background: The Act was enacted in September 1991, during the Babri-Masjid Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, to address issues related to the status of places of worship.
    • Objectives: It aimed to freeze the religious character of places of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, and prevent the conversion of places of worship from one denomination to another.

    Key Provisions of the Act

    • Continuity of Religious Character: The Act ensures that the religious character of a place of worship remains unchanged from its status on August 15, 1947.
    • Prohibition on Conversion: It prohibits the conversion of a place of worship of any religious denomination into one of a different denomination.
    • Abatement of Pending Cases: All pending legal proceedings regarding the conversion of a place of worship, initiated before August 15, 1947, would abate upon the Act coming into force, and no new proceedings can be initiated.

    Exceptions to the Rule

    • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites: The Act does not apply to ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
    • Settled Disputes: It does not apply to suits that were already settled or disposed of or to conversions by acquiescence.

    Status of Ongoing Cases on the Gyanvapi Mosque

    • Current Litigation: Ongoing civil suits in Varanasi involve claims by Hindu worshippers asserting their right to worship deities within the Gyanvapi mosque premises.
    • Basis for Suits: The Hindu side claims that an old temple of Lord Vishweshwar existed at the center of the mosque compound, demolished by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1669.
    • Court Orders: Court orders have favored the position that these suits are not barred by the Places of Worship Act. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a survey that reported the existence of a temple before the mosque.

    Implications of the Act in the Mathura Dispute

    • Shahi Idgah Mosque: Civil suits in Mathura pertain to the Shahi Idgah mosque near the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, with claims that it was built over Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
    • Challenging Compromise: The suits challenge a compromise reached in 1968 between Sri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan and the Shahi Idgah Trust. The Allahabad High Court has transferred all Mathura dispute suits to itself.
    • Act’s Applicability: Court decisions have held that the Act does not bar these suits. In the Mathura dispute, the Act is not applicable as the compromise decree predates its enactment.

    Conclusion

    • The Places of Worship Act, enacted to freeze the status of places of worship, is facing challenges in ongoing disputes, particularly in Varanasi and Mathura.
    • Courts have ruled that the Act does not prohibit these suits, emphasizing the need for a case-by-case examination to determine religious character.
    • These developments underscore the complexities and legal interpretations surrounding the Act’s application in the context of evolving disputes.

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Rare Dusted Apollo Butterfly Spotted in Himachal Pradesh

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Rare Dusted Apollo Butterfly

    Mains level: Not Much

    butterfly

    Introduction

    • In a remarkable discovery, the elusive Dusted Apollo butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus) was sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh.

    Dusted Apollo

    • Historical Rarity: Dusted Apollo is a rare high-altitude butterfly, initially discovered in 1890.
    • Sighting Details: The butterfly was spotted and photographed in September 2023 during a trek to Manimahesh Lake in Chamba.
    • Wide Range: The Dusted Apollo’s distribution extends from Ladakh to West Nepal.
    • Altitude Preference: This unique butterfly thrives at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas.
    • Comparing Species: Dusted Apollo closely resembles Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus) but exhibits distinct features.

    Implications for Conservation

    • Rare Find: Dusted Apollo had never been photographed in Himachal Pradesh before.
    • Additional Discovery: Another rare species, Regal Apollo (Parnnasius charltonius), was also photographed at Manimahesh, protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
    • Commercial Significance: Apollo butterflies are commercially valuable and are targeted by poachers, emphasizing the need for conservation.
    • Endangered Species: Many Apollo butterfly species are endangered and require immediate conservation efforts.
    • Community Awareness: Raising awareness about poaching and the significance of these species is vital for their protection.
    • Conservation Measures: Suggested measures include establishing butterfly parks and conservation reserves in the state to safeguard these fragile creatures.

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  • Jallikattu Debate

    Moh-Juj: Traditional Animal Fights in Assam

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Buffalo and bulbul fights

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Introduction

    • The Assam government’s bid to revive traditional ‘Moh-Juj’ buffalo and bulbul (songbird) fighting during Magh Bihu has encountered a legal challenge from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in the Gauhati High Court.
    • PETA India seeks to ban these activities.

    Buffalo and bulbul fights: Age-Old Tradition

    • Folk Culture: Buffalo and bulbul fights are part of the folk culture during the Assamese winter harvest festival of Magh Bihu.
    • Location: Buffalo fights are prominent in places like Ahatguri in Nagaon district, while bulbul fights are held at the Hayagriv Madhab Mandir in Hajo.
    • Religious Significance: Bulbul fights are tied to religion, involving rituals, lamps, and offerings to Lord Vishnu.
    • Historical Legacy: The practice has roots in the traditions of the Ahom rulers.

    Discontinuation after SC Ruling

    • Supreme Court’s Intervention: The fights were discontinued after the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment banned the use of bulls as performing animals in events like jallikattu.
    • Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI): Following the SC ruling, the AWBI urged the Assam government to stop animal and bird fights during Bihu celebrations.
    • Resistance: Despite the prohibition, some continued to hold buffalo fights in defiance, leading to legal challenges.

    Revival Efforts after SC Clears Path

    • SC Ruling in 2021: The Supreme Court overturned its 2014 judgment, allowing states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to conduct traditional events involving bulls and animals.
    • Assam Government’s SOPs: The Assam Cabinet approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for buffalo and bulbul fights without deliberate cruelty.
    • Guidelines: SOPs permit fights in traditional locations, set specific dates, forbid harm to animals, and ban the use of intoxicating substances.
    • Revival: Buffalo and bulbul fights were resumed in Magh Bihu, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma supporting the revival as part of Assam’s Bihu traditions.

    PETA’s Legal Challenge

    • PETA’s Petitions: PETA India filed petitions in the Gauhati High Court seeking a ban on both activities and an interim stay during the proceedings.
    • Allegations: PETA claimed that buffalo owners instigated fights through slapping, shoving, and using wooden sticks, resulting in injuries. Bulbuls were allegedly captured and forced to fight.
    • Court’s Response: The court heard PETA’s application and noted that organizing buffalo fights beyond January 25 violates government guidelines. It instructed the petitioners to inform the relevant authorities to prevent the event in violation of SOPs.

    Conclusion

    • The legal battle over the revival of traditional animal fights in Assam reflects the clash between cultural traditions, religious significance, and animal welfare concerns.
    • The Gauhati High Court’s decision will shape the future of these practices in the region.

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  • Uniform Civil Code: Triple Talaq debate, Polygamy issue, etc.

    Uttarakhand readies Final UCC draft

    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: Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    ucc

    Introduction

    • Uttarakhand is taking important steps to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
    • The state has received the final report from a committee, which is a significant move towards fulfilling its commitment to equality and justice.

    Tap to read everything about Uniform Civil Code:

    India needs a Uniform Civil Code: PM

    Uttarakhand UCC

    • Expert Committee: Uttarakhand appointed a committee, led by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to draft the UCC.
    • In the State Assembly: The UCC report will be presented in the State Assembly on February 5 for discussion. It will go through a detailed review before becoming law.

    Key Recommendations

    • Gender Equality: The final UCC draft focuses on achieving gender equality and removing unfairness in various areas, including property rights and adoption rules.
    • Language Choice: Notably, the UCC draft is around 750 pages long, entirely written in Hindi, without any Urdu or other languages.
    • Protection of Tribal Community: The report suggests that the tribal community should not be included in the UCC. Their specific needs and concerns will be addressed separately.

    Ensuring Equal Rights

    • Ban on Regressive Practices: The UCC draft recommends strong punishments for practices like triple talaq, iddat, and halala, which relate to marriage and divorce in Muslim personal law. It also proposes banning polygamy and polyandry.
    • Legalizing Live-In Relationships: The draft suggests making live-in relationships legal, with mandatory registration for such couples.
    • Equal Inheritance Rights: Women are granted the same rights as men when it comes to inheritance under the proposed UCC.
    • Minimum Marriage Age: The UCC draft suggests setting the minimum age for women’s marriage at 21 years.

    Conclusion

    • Uttarakhand’s efforts to establish a Uniform Civil Code demonstrate its commitment to ensuring equal rights and justice for all.
    • The careful drafting process, inclusive approach, and strong recommendations underscore the state’s determination to promote gender equality and eliminate regressive practices.

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    How Political Parties are created in India?

    ExplainedPrelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People’s Act

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Political Parties

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    political parties

    Introduction

    • Tamil superstar Thalapathy Vijay’s announcement of his political party has sparked interest in the process of registering political entities in India.

    Creating a Political Party

    • Legal Framework: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 empower the Election Commission to lay down guidelines for party registration.
    • Application: A party seeking registration must apply to the Election Commission within 30 days of its formation.
    • Public Notice: The applicant must publish the proposed party name in two national and two local daily newspapers. The notice is also posted on the Election Commission’s website.
    • Documentation: The application, in a prescribed format, must be sent to the Election Commission Secretary within 30 days of party formation. It should include a demand draft of Rs. 10,000, a printed copy of the party’s memorandum, rules, or constitution, and the latest electoral rolls for at least 100 party members.
    • Affidavits: An affidavit, duly signed by the President or General Secretary and sworn before a Magistrate/Notary Public, is required. Additionally, individual affidavits from 100 members confirming non-membership in any other registered political party are essential.

    Need for Registration

    • Not Mandatory: Registration with the Election Commission is not mandatory but comes with advantages under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
    • Symbol Allotment: Registered party candidates receive priority in the allotment of free symbols over independent candidates.
    • State or National Recognition: Parties can achieve recognition as ‘state parties’ or ‘national parties,’ subject to fulfilling conditions laid out in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

    Recognition Criteria

    • State Party: To be recognized as a state party, a registered party must meet any of these five conditions:
      1. Secure at least 6% of valid votes and win at least 2 seats in an Assembly General Election.
      2. Secure at least 6% of valid votes and win at least 1 seat in a Lok Sabha General Election.
      3. Win at least 3% of the seats or at least 3 seats, whichever is more, in an Assembly General Election.
      4. Win at least 1 out of every 25 seats from a state in a Lok Sabha General Election.
      5. Secure at least 8% of the total valid vote in an Assembly or Lok Sabha General Election.
    • National Party: To attain national party status, a registered party must meet any of these three conditions:
      1. Secure at least 6% of valid votes in an Assembly or Lok Sabha General Election in four or more states and win at least 4 seats in a Lok Sabha General Election from any state.
      2. Win at least 2% of total Lok Sabha seats in a Lok Sabha General Election, spanning at least 3 states.
      3. The party is recognized as a State Party in at least four states.

    Benefits of Recognition

    • Reserved Symbol: State parties receive a reserved symbol within the state, while national parties can use the reserved symbol across the country.
    • Nomination Ease: Such parties require only one proposer for filing nominations.
    • Free Electoral Rolls: They are entitled to two sets of electoral rolls free of cost.
    • Media Access: Recognized parties can use state-owned Akashvani/Doordarshan facilities for broadcasting/telecasting during general elections.
    • Additional Perks: Recognized parties can avail of other advantages such as subsidized land for party offices, among others.

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  • Wetland Conservation

    Five more Wetlands added to Ramsar List

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Ramsar Wetlands

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    wetland

    Introduction

    • Five more Indian wetlands have been added to the global list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, taking the total number of such highly recognised waterlogged ecosystems in the country to 80.
    • India is now the fourth-largest nation on the Ramsar map, trailing only behind the UK (175), Mexico (144), and China (82).
    • Tamil Nadu continues to have the maximum number of Ramsar sites (16) followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).

    List of newly designated Ramsar Sites:

    [1] Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka):

    • Spread over 98.76 hectares adjoining Ankasamudra village.
    • A biodiversity hotspot with over 210 plant species, 8 mammals, 25 reptiles, and 240 bird species.
    • Vital nesting and roosting ground for over 30,000 waterbirds, including the Painted Stork and Black-headed Ibis.

    [2] Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka):

    • Covers 4,801 hectares at the confluence of Aghanashini River with the Arabian Sea.
    • Offers flood and erosion risk mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support.
    • Sustains 6,000-7,500 families through fishing, agriculture, and traditional fish farming.
    • Acts as a natural barrier against storms and cyclones.

    [3] Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka):

    • A human-made wetland spanning nearly 50 hectares, originally designed for rainwater storage.
    • Home to 166 bird species, including 130 migratory birds.
    • Sanctuary for vulnerable and near-threatened species like the Common Pochard, River Tern, and Oriental Darter.
    • A crucial wintering ground for the Bar-headed Goose.

    [4] Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu):

    • Encompassing 453.72 hectares, it’s one of Tamil Nadu’s largest inland wetlands.
    • Facilitates groundwater recharge and supports agricultural activities.
    • Hosts around 198 bird species, including the Bar-headed Goose and Common Teal.

    [5] Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu):

    • Named after “Solai,” meaning tropical rainforest in Tamil.
    • Integral to the Western Ghats’ unique biodiversity.
    • Provides sanctuary to globally endangered and vulnerable bird species like the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Blue Robin, and Nilgiri Wood-pigeon.
    • Home to 14 of the 26 endemic bird species of the Western Ghats.

    Back2Basics: Ramsar Convention

    Explanation
    Purpose International treaty aimed at conserving and promoting the sustainable use of wetlands.
    Establishment Established on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
    Participating Countries 171 contracting parties (countries) as of September 2021.
    India and Ramsar Convention The first Ramsar Site in India, the Chilika Lake in Odisha, was designated in 1981.

     

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