9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 10th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

TB in India: A fight to the end

Source: The post is based on the article “TB in India: A fight to the end” published in “Indian Express” on 10th November 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

News: The article discusses India’s tuberculosis (TB) situation, with a particular emphasis on the findings and suggestions presented in the WHO report. It highlights the high number of TB cases in 2022 and notes some progress in reducing TB mortality and improving case detection. Additionally, the article discusses challenges such as multi-drug resistant TB and underscores the significance of the WHO’s recommendations in addressing these issues.

What is TB?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious airborne bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs but can also damage other parts of the body.

For more information on TB read here

What are the findings of the WHO report on the TB situation in India?

Positive Findings:

Mortality and Incidence Reduction: The WHO report acknowledges a reduction in TB mortality and incidence in India over the past eight years, indicating progress. For instance, India recorded a staggering 28 lakh TB cases in 2022.

Improved Case Detection: The report highlights improvements in India’s TB case detection system, ensuring more timely diagnosis and treatment. This progress is essential in addressing the TB burden.

TB Reporting Resilience: Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s TB reporting rebounded to 2019 levels, demonstrating the resilience of surveillance programs.

Negative Findings:

Multi-Drug Resistant TB Challenge: The report mentions that India faces a substantial challenge with multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB, with only slightly over half of the estimated 1,19,000 new cases reported annually.

Undiagnosed Cases: The WHO report raises concerns about the possibility that some “new cases” might actually be undiagnosed patients from the pandemic years.

Missed Elimination Target: Despite progress, India is likely to miss its target of eliminating TB by 2025.

What are the suggestions provided in the WHO report on the TB situation in India?

Utilize Molecular Diagnostics: The WHO recommends the use of molecular diagnostic tests for TB, similar to those used for COVID-19 detection. These tests have been effective in the pandemic and can be repurposed for TB diagnostics, as they provide more accurate results.

Address MDR TB Epidemic: The report suggests improving prescription practices, drug quality, and completion of medications to tackle the MDR TB epidemic effectively.

Enhance Patient Care: TB treatment is challenging, with side effects like nausea and jaundice. The report emphasizes the need for dedicated and caring physicians to support patients throughout their treatment, improving treatment completion rates.

What steps have been taken to combat TB in India?

India has taken significant steps to combat tuberculosis (TB) as part of its National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Elimination:

Setting Ambitious Targets: India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global goal. The NSP targets no more than 44 new TB cases or 65 total cases per lakh population by 2025.

Expanded Testing: The government has increased access to molecular test kits like CB-NAAT and TureNat across all districts, facilitating faster and more accurate TB diagnosis.

Community Engagement: Ni-Kshay Mitras engage in community programs, offering nutritional support to TB patients.

Free Medication: Essential medicines like Bedaquiline and Delamanid are provided free by the government for TB treatment.

Vaccine Research: Ongoing research on vaccines such as Immuvac and VPM1002 demonstrates India’s commitment to finding more effective ways to combat TB.

For additional details on the government’s efforts to combat TB in India, read here

Question to practice

Discuss the positive and negative findings presented in the WHO report on the tuberculosis (TB) situation in India.

 

WTO’s Abu Dhabi ministerial meeting

Source: The post is based on the article “Make the WTO’s Abu Dhabi ministerial meeting count” published in “Live mint” on 10th November 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relation- Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

News: The article discusses the World Trade Organization’s recent meetings where countries showed unity and planned future discussions. It emphasizes the need to fix the dispute system, help developing countries with food security and farming, and manage fishing to protect livelihoods and resources.

About Ministerial Conference of WTO

The Ministerial Conference, the highest authority in the WTO, convenes biennially with all member nations and customs unions participating. It has the power to make decisions on any aspect of the various multilateral trade agreements. So far, there have been 12 meetings, and the 13th is scheduled for Abu Dhabi in 2024. Some of the important ministerial conference of WTO

For more information on 12th ministerial conference of WTO read here

What reforms should be pushed in the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO?

Dispute Settlement Reform: The WTO’s dispute resolution mechanism is stalled since 2019 due to the U.S. blocking appointments to the Appellate Body. A formal process is needed to meet the commitment for a functional system by 2024.

Agriculture Support for Developing Countries:

Public Stockholding (PSH): A permanent solution for PSH is critical for developing countries to ensure food security. The Bali Decision of 2013 provided a temporary fix, but a lasting solution is still pending.

Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM): Developing countries need an SSM to shield against volatile agricultural markets, an issue under discussion for over a decade but still unresolved.

Fisheries Subsidies Discipline: The agreement from MC-12 left overcapacity and overfishing disciplines undecided. A balance is necessary between industrial fishing and the rights of developing countries for sustainable fishing, ensuring food security and social justice.

Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Adjustments: Developing countries are urging for the extension of the TRIPS waiver to include diagnostics and therapeutics for COVID-19, as proposed by South Africa and India, to enhance access to medical products.

Development-Centric Reforms: The Africa Group is pushing for reforms that consider the development needs of poorer nations, including policy space for industrialization and support for least-developed countries (LDCs) facing graduation challenges.

Terminology used:

Peace clause: To address disparities in food subsidies, WTO members introduced the Peace Clause at the 2013 Bali ministerial meeting. This mechanism shields developing nations from arbitration if they exceed the 10% support limit for farmers. The Peace Clause manages such disputes until a lasting resolution is established.

Question to practice

Examine the key reforms that need to be discussed and addressed during the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO.

Menstrual hygiene policy: Women in red

Source: This post on menstrual hygiene policy has been created based on the article Women in red, published in The Hindu on 10^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, Social Issues, government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

News: The Supreme Court of India has given the Central Government a four-week deadline to finalize a policy focused on the distribution of sanitary napkins. The article discusses the urgent need for a comprehensive menstrual hygiene policy in India.

About draft Menstrual Hygiene Policy, 2023

The policy aligns with India’s commitment to achieving the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Goal 3 on good health and well-being,
2. Goal 4 on quality education,
3. Goal 5 on gender equality,
4. Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation

It adopts a life cycle approach, through the entire menstrual journey of the girls.

It prioritizes underserved and vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to menstrual hygiene resources.

What are the factors influence use of menstrual hygiene products?

There is a direct link between menstruation, school dropout rates, and the lack of access to sanitary products and facilities:

As per NFHS-5, 73% of rural women and 90% of urban women use hygienic menstrual protection methods.

1) Accessibility: Menstrual hygiene products are more accessible now. However, still in semi-urban and rural areas, affordability and access remain major challenges.

2) Education: The survey also states a strong correlation between education and the preference for hygienic methods. Women with 12 or more years of schooling are more likely to use them, compared to those with no schooling.

What measures should be adopted by menstrual hygiene policy?

Ensure access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, clean toilets, and water for all menstruating girls.

Policy should address the entire lifecycle of menstruation, including the health and its social consequences.

Question to practice

Discuss the significance of the Supreme Court’s directive to the Indian government to finalize a menstrual hygiene policy. Evaluate its potential impact on gender equality and social justice in India.

 

GS PAPER - 3

India Finance Report on NBFCs

Source: The post is based on the article “India Finance Report: A warning against repeating past mistakes” published in “Indian Express” on 10th November 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy- mobilisation of resources (banking sector)

News: The article covers a CAFRAL report on India’s NBFCs, noting their improved capital and asset quality. It also expresses worry about increased bank funding for NBFCs, emphasizing potential systemic risks. This underscores the need for regulatory action due to recent monetary policy shifts and the NBFC sector’s significance in India’s economy.

What are NBFCs?

A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a registered entity under the Companies Act, 1956, specializing in activities such as lending, investing in financial securities, leasing, and insurance. It excludes primary operations related to agriculture, industry, goods trading, or property transactions. NBFCs are commonly referred to as “shadow banks” because they operate similarly to banks but have fewer regulatory restrictions.

Read more about NBFCs

What is CAFRAL?

Centre for Advanced Financial Research and Learning (CAFRAL) is an independent body established by the Reserve Bank of India. It conducts research and provides insights into India’s financial sector, including non-bank financial companies (NBFCs). The CAFRAL report on India’s NBFC sector reveals noteworthy trends:

1. Stronger Capital Position:The report indicates a significant rise in the Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR), soaring from 22.9% in 2019-2020 to 27.6% in 2022-23. This shows improved financial stability.
2. Enhanced Asset Quality:Both gross and net non-performing asset (NPA) ratios have consistently decreased, indicating healthier loan portfolios.
3. Economic Importance:The NBFC sector’s vital role in supporting India’s economy, particularly MSMEs, is emphasized. It served as a crucial support system post-2008 Global Financial Crisis, providing credit when banks struggled with NPAs.

What concerns does the CAFRAL report raise?

1. Rising Bank Financing for NBFCs: The report is concerned about the increasing reliance of NBFCs on bank financing. This means that NBFCs are borrowing more from traditional banks to fund their operations. The concern here is that if these NBFCs face financial stress or defaults, it could potentially impact the stability of the banking sector as well, leading to a broader financial crisis.
2. Systemic Contagion Risk:The report emphasizes the need for preventive measures to address the risk of systemic contagion. This means that problems in one NBFC could spread to other financial institutions or even the broader economy. For example, if one NBFC faces a crisis, it might trigger a chain reaction of financial problems across the sector, affecting the real economy and people’s livelihoods.
3. Monetary Policy Shocks:The report recognizes the recent shifts in monetary policy, from loose to tight, in response to rising inflation. These abrupt policy changes can catch businesses off-guard and impact the sector.

Terminology used

Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR): It represents a bank’s capital in relation to its risk. In essence, it measures a bank’s capital against its risk-weighted assets and present liabilities. This ratio plays a crucial role in safeguarding depositors and enhancing the effectiveness and stability of global financial systems.

NPA: A non-performing asset (NPA) is a loan or advance where the borrower has not made the principal or interest payment for a duration of 90 days or more.

Question to practice

The increased reliance of NBFCs on bank financing has the potential to destabilize India’s financial sectors? Discuss

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Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

The Indian Express: 
(1) Best of Both Sides: To combat pollution, policymakers and public alike need to see economic benefits 
(2)Best of Both Sides: To combat pollution, use of personal vehicles must decrease 
7 PM Article: Artificial Rain by Cloud Seeding- Explained Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Central Consumer Protection Authority

Source– This post “Central Consumer Protection Authority ” is based on the article “Consumer body issues notices to IAS coaching centres for ‘misleading’ ads” published in “The Indian Express” on 24th October 2023.

Why in the News?

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has sent notices to 20 IAS coaching institutes across the country for issuing “misleading” advertisements.

What is Central Consumer Protection Authority?

What is it?	Central Consumer Protection Authority is a regulatory authority set up under Section 10(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
Mandate	Keep a check on matters affecting rights of consumers. Protect the consumer’s interest, from individuals or entities who follow improper trade practices or display inappropriate or wrong advertisements.
Composition	Central Consumer Protection Authority shall consist of following members appointed by Central Government 1. Chief Commissioner 2. Two Commissioners- One commissioner will represent goods, the other will represent services.
Important Powers	1. Inquire on the violation of customer rights either by suo-moto, on complaint or when referred by central govt. 2. The commission can direct to discontinue advertisements which are wrong or misleading to consumers, and impose penalties upto Rs 10 lakhs payable in cash.

What is Consumer Protection Act, 2019?

What is it?	Consumer Protection Act, 2019 replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Objective	It focuses on giving more powers to the customer by strengthening trade transparency.
Consumer Rights under this act	1. Protection against marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to life and property. 2. Right to be informed on the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard and price of goods and services. 3. Assurance of access to a variety of goods or services at competitive prices. 4. Redressal against unfair and restrictive trade practices. 5. Right to receive adequate compensation or consideration from respective consumer forums. 6. Right to receive consumer education
Important provisions of Consumer Protection Act, 2019	1. The Act establishes consumer protection councils to protect the rights of the consumers at both the national and state levels. 2. The Consumer Protection Act has made it mandatory for every e-commerce entity to display the country of origin. 3. Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission: CDRCs will be set up at the district, state, and national levels. 4. Product Liability: A manufacturer or product seller will be held responsible to compensate for injury or damage caused by defective product or deficiency in services 5. Punishment for Manufacture or Sale of defected or adulterated Goods– In case of the first conviction, a competent court may suspend any licence issued to the person for a period of up to two years and in case of second or subsequent conviction, may cancel the licence permanently.

UPSC Syllabus-Polity (Acts & Bills)

Important Judgments by Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities

Source– This post “Important Judgments by Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities” is based on the article “Important Judgments by Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities to promote accessibility and rights of differently abled individuals” published in “PIB” on 9th November 2023.

Why in the News?

The Court of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities delivered two landmark judgments on rights of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) in India.

Who is Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities?

What is it?	Section 74 of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 provides for appointment of a Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Controlling Authority	Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Mandate	The office has been mandated to take steps to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities.
Composition	One Chief Commissioner and two Commissioners to assist the Chief Commissioner at the Centre.
Some Important Functions	1. Identify, suo motu or otherwise, the provisions of any law or policy, programme and procedures, which are inconsistent with this Act and recommend necessary corrective steps. 2. Inquire, suo motu or otherwise, deprivation of rights of persons with disabilities and safeguards available to them.

What is the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016?

Origin	1. The new Act replaces the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995.
International obligation	It fulfils India’s obligations to the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which India is a signatory.
Some important Salient Features	1. 21 types of disabilities covered under this act. 2. Rights and entitlements- -Benefits such as reservation in higher education (not less than 5%), government jobs (not less than 4%), reservation in allocation of land, poverty alleviation schemes (5% allotment) etc. -Every child with benchmark disability between the age group of 6 and 18 years shall have the right to free education. 3. Establishment of Authorities- Office of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities, who will be assisted by 2 Commissioners and an Advisory Committee comprising of not more than 11 members who have expertise in various disabilities. 4. Penalties- Any person who violates provisions of the Act shall be punishable with imprisonment up to six months and/ or a fine of Rs 10,000, or both.

What are the recent Judgments?

1. Equitable access of offices to Divyangjans– The Court of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities mandated that any government office in the country that are not accessible to Divyangjan, must relocate their services to the ground floor or another accessible location for Divyangjans.
2. Air travel access-The Court of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities emphasized that all airlines are responsible for implementing the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation (Acts)

New island born near Ogasawara island chain in Japan

Source– This post “New island born near Ogasawara island chain in Japan” is based on the article “New island is born in Japan after undersea volcanic eruption” published in “The Times of India” on 10 November 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently, a new island emerged near Japan’s Ogasawara island chain after an undersea volcanic eruption.

What is Ogasawara island chain?

1.  The Ogasawara islands chain (also known as Bonin islands) is a volcanic arc that consist of more than 30 islands.
2.  It comprises of three main island groups Mukojima, Chichijima, & Hahajima.
3.  It is located more than 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean.
4.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage site inducted in 2011.

   

How new islands are continuously born near Japan?

1. These islands are mainly formed through phreatomagmatic eruptions, which occur when magma interacts with seawater and produce explosive bursts of steam and ash.
2. After that, the volcanic material accumulated on the shallow bed and rise above the sea surface and take the form of an island.

Why continuous volcanic eruptions take place near Japan?

1. Tectonic Activities- Active volcanism is the consequence of meeting of various continental plates. The Eurasian, the North America, the Philippines and the Pacific plate collide in a relatively small area near Japan.
2. Geographical location- Japan is located on the “ring of fire” which is home to 111 of the approximately 1500 active volcanoes worldwide.

UPSC Syllabus- Geography (Places in news)

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project: How ignored landslide warnings led to Subansiri running dry

Source: The post is based on the article “Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project: How ignored landslide warnings led to Subansiri running dry” published in “Indian Express” on 10th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project has experienced a setback due to a landslide that blocked the only operational diversion tunnel. This obstruction halted the flow of water downstream, impacting the Subansiri River.

What is the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project?

Specifications	Details
What is it	It is an under construction gravity dam on the Subansiri River  Note: A gravity dam is a dam constructed from concrete or stone-masonry. It is designed to hold back water by using only the weight of the material to resist the horizontal pressure of water pushing against it.
Located in	Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
Executed by	National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
Significance	Once completed, it will be the largest hydroelectric project in India

Where is the Subansiri River?

Specifications	Details
Tributary of	Brahmaputra
Originates in	Tibet Plateau and enters India through Miri hills in Arunachal Pradesh.
Known as	Gold River
Passes through which Indian states	Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
Significance	It is the largest tributary of Brahmaputra River.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography in News

SC attains full strength as case log nears 80,000

Source: The post is based on the article “SC attains full strength as case log nears 80,000” published in “The Hindu” on 10th November 2023

Why in the News?

Three New Judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court. This takes the judicial strength of SC to its sanctioned capacity of 34.

However, on the other hand, the pendency of cases in the Supreme Court has reached around 80,000.

What is the data on the pendency of cases in the Supreme Court?

The Indian judiciary faces an increasing number of cases to be decided.

The total number of cases pending in Supreme Court, High Courts and Subordinate courts have crossed the 5 crore mark.

Cases Pending in Supreme Court: 

1. Around 80,000 cases are pending in the Supreme Court.

2.78% of these are civil cases and 22% criminal cases.

3. There are 444 pending constitutional matters. There are 135 cases awaiting to be setup before a 9-judge bench.

Reasons for Pendency of cases in Supreme Court:

1. Non-availability of adequate number of judges and judicial officers, supporting court staff and physical infrastructure

2. Complexity of facts involved

3. Non-cooperation of stakeholders such as the Bar, investigation agencies, witnesses and litigants

4. Lack of prescribed time frame by respective courts for disposal of various kinds of cases

5. Frequent adjournments 

6. Lack of adequate arrangement to monitor, track and bunch cases for hearing.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Nation

Safe States List: UK to include India in its safe states list

Source: The post is based on the article “Safe States List: UK to include India in its safe states list” published in “Hindustan Times” on 10th November 2023

Why in the News?

The UK government is planning to add India into the Safe States List.

What does inclusion in the ‘safe states’ list mean?

The inclusion of India in the safe states list means that the UK government considers India to be generally safe, stable, and free from widespread human rights abuses.

What will be the impact of this inclusion of India in the Safe List?

The inclusion of India in the safe states list will make it difficult for Indians travelling illegally to seek asylum in Britain.

This will also enable the UK to detain illegal immigrants or order their prompt return to a safe third country or their country of origin.

Which other countries are in the UK Safe States list?

Georgia, Albania, Switzerland, European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) states.

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

Operations conducted by Railway Protection Force(RPF): Operation ‘Nanhe Faristey’ and others

 

Source: The post is based on the article “Operations conducted by Railway Protection Force(RPF): Operation ‘Nanhe Faristey’ and others” published in “PIB” on 10th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has conducted several operations to safeguard railway property, passenger areas and the well-being of travellers.

What are the operations launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF)?

Operations	Purpose
Operation Nanhe Faristey	To rescue lost children
Operation AAHT	Against Human Trafficking
Operation Jeevan Raksha	To save the lives of passengers who had come close to getting run over by trains at platforms and railway tracks
Meri Saheli Initiative	To provide security to lady passengers travelling in trains
Operation Uplabdh	To curb illegal selling of railway tickets
Operation NARCOS	To combat drug crimes
Operation Yatri Suraksha	To supplement the efforts of police in preventing and detecting crimes against railway passengers
Operation Sanraksha	To maintain passenger safety and protect railway services
Operation Seva	To assist those in need during rail travels
Operation Satark	To curb Illegal Goods Transport

UPSC Syllabus: Policies and Programs

MiG-21 fighter jets: How are the MiG-21 fighter jets being phased out?

 

Source: The post is based on the article “MiG-21 fighter jets: How are the MiG-21 fighter jets being phased out?” published in “Indian Express” on 10th November 2023

Why in the News?

MiG-21 fighter jets of the No. 4 squadron ‘OORIALS’ of the Indian Air Force (IAF) flew one last time over Uttarlai in Rajasthan.

What is MiG-21?

MiG-21 is India’s longest-serving fighter plane.

It is a single engine, single-seater multirole fighter/ground attack aircraft.

Designed by: Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau (OKB) of the erstwhile Soviet Union.

Inducted in: 1963. Since then, India has procured over 700 MiG-21 aircraft of different variations. 

– The latest of these was the MiG-21 Bison, which is an upgraded aircraft with advanced missiles and radars and better avionics.

What are the important roles the MiG-21 played?

1965 Indo-Pak War: MiG-21 had memorable encounters with the Pakistan Air Force.

1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: Flying Officer Jayendra Sukrut Raj shot down a Pakistani plane in East Pakistan.

Balakot Air Strikes: MiG-21 received tremendous coverage in 2019 when Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, piloting the aircraft, shot down a F-16 fighter of Pakistan a day after India had carried out the Balakot air strikes.

What will replace MiG-21 aircraft?

Current Fleet: IAF has inducted two squadrons of LCA Tejas. Two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets from France have been added.

– As of now, the Indian Air Force has 31 squadrons, against the 42 mandated by the government.

LCA Tejas Procurement: In 2021, IAF signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 83 LCA Mk1A. Deliveries are expected to begin from early 2024.

Ongoing Developments: Larger LCA-Mk2 and fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are under development. These aircraft will take time to be available in significant numbers.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology (Defence)

Geoglyph: ‘3,000-year-old Iron Age’ geoglyph circle discovered in Telangana

Source: The post is based on the article “Geoglyph: ‘3,000-year-old Iron Age’ geoglyph circle discovered in Telangana” published in “The Hindu” on 10th November 2023

Why in the News?

A 3,000-year-old circular geoglyph was recently discovered in Telangana’s Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

What is Geoglyph?

Specifications	Details
Definition	1. Geoglyph refers to a design that is drawn on the earth. 2. The design is created by elements of the landscape that are long-lasting such as stones, earth, gravel and other things.
Types of Geoglyph	Positive Geoglyph: Created by arranging elements on the ground, such as petroforms (outlines made using boulders).
	Negative Geoglyph: Formed by removing part of the upper surfaces of rock to create a design.
	Arbor glyph: A type of geoglyph involving seeding plants in a specific design. Takes years to develop as it depends on plant growth.
Examples of Geoglyph	1. Nazca Lines in Peru 2. Uffington White Horse in England

What are the features of Geoglyph discovered in Telangana?

Specifications	Details
Belongs to Period	Iron Age, specifically around 1000 BC
Features	1. Etched on a low-lying granitoid hillock 2. Features a perfect circular shape. 3. A 30-centimeter-wide rim surrounds the circle. 4. Within the circle, two triangles are present
Significance	Suggested to have served as a model for megalithic communities in planning their circular burial sites.

UPSC Syllabus: History/Art and Culture