9 PM Daily UPSC Current Affairs Brief – January 20th, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Indian Monsoon and Variability (IMD) – Gearing up for change
Source: This post on the Variability of Indian Monsoon has been created based on the article “Gearing up for change” published in “The Hindu” on 20th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Geography – Important Geophysical phenomena.
News: The article discusses the findings of IMD’s data at the sub-divisional (tehsil) level on monsoon trends.
A detailed article on the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) can be read here.
Indian Monsoon and Variability (IMD), In the150 years of its existence, the IMD has collected immense amounts of meteorological data that underlie its forecasts of the monsoon.
What IMD’s Data Mentioned on Monsoon Trends?
In an analysis of monsoon trends at the sub-divisional (tehsil) level, from 1982-2022, the following was noticed:
- Increase in Rainfall: Monsoon rainfall is increasing in more than half, or 55%, of India’s roughly 4,400 tehsils.
- Decline in Rainfall: About 11% of them saw decreasing rainfall. In those tehsils, 87% showed a decline during June and July, which are crucial for the sowing of kharif crops.
- Abnormally High or Low Rainfall: 30% of India’s districts witnessed several years of deficient rainfall years and 38% districts witnessed several years of excessive rainfall.
- Reversal of Rainfall Patterns: Some tehsils in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, that were historically dry, were getting wetter.
- Changes in North-East Monsoon: The northeast monsoon rain has increased by more than 10% in the past decade (2012-2022) in several tehsils in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Here Are More Topics For Your Interest-
The problem with India’s science management
Nagara style of temple architecture
How Should These Findings be Utilised?
There is still research happening on whether Indian monsoon’s long dry spells followed by torrential wet spells can be attributed to natural variability or global warming. In this regard, prioritising regional and sub-district forecast data over national level data would be helpful.
This will help in making region-specific plans to improve climate resilience and channel necessary funds and resources.
Question for practice:
Why is localised data (at the sub-divisional (tehsil) level) regarding Indian monsoon more useful, compared to natinal-level data?
GS PAPER - 2
Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France
Source: The post consensus regarding cooperation between India and France has been created, based on the article “Why India Says France Mon Ami” published in “Times of India” on 20th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France, The article discusses the strong 25-year partnership between France and India. They want to deepen their ties to address modern challenges like security in the Indo-Pacific, climate change, and technology cooperation.
What is The Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France?
Strategic Partnership Foundation: Both nations view their alliance as a pillar of stability in a turbulent world, having cultivated ties for over 25 years without major contention.
Focus on Indo-Pacific Region: Key areas of joint concern include security, climate change, and regional architecture development. France, with its significant Indian Ocean presence, partners with India in addressing these challenges.
Security Cooperation: They collaborate against traditional threats like piracy and non-traditional ones such as illegal fishing. France’s regional military bases, like in La Reunion and Djibouti, facilitate joint naval patrols and resource pooling.
Technology and Digital Initiatives: Joint efforts in digital technology aim to foster economic growth and sustainable development, emphasizing an inclusive digital environment.
Research and Development: Collaborations in frontier technologies, such as AI and quantum computing, are central, highlighted by the Indo-French Centre of Excellence in quantum computing.
Environmental Initiatives: They share a roadmap for developing Green Hydrogen, aspiring to lead in decarbonized hydrogen production.
Defence and Space Collaboration: Defense relationship is evolving, with India diversifying its defence acquisitions and France emerging as a key supplier. In space, joint initiatives include the Gaganyaan project and collaboration in the upcoming Venus mission.
Here Are More Topics For Your Interest-
Indian Monsoon and Variability (IMD) – Gearing up for change
On the Policy regarding Stocking and Export of Agricultural Commodities
What Required Grow Cooperation Between India and France?
Maritime Security Enhancement: Increase frequency and scale of joint naval exercises, utilizing French bases more effectively for regional security.
Institutional Mechanism Synergy: Foster better integration between the Indian Ocean Rim Association, Indian Ocean Naval Symposium, and the Indian Ocean Commission, led by India and France for a unified approach to maritime challenges.
Trade and Technology Coordination: Strengthen collaboration in the EU-India Trade and Technology Council, utilizing France’s influence for beneficial outcomes, and align strategies in the Mineral Security Partnership with the US and G7 countries.
Defense Manufacturing Collaboration: Beyond purchasing French defense equipment, India should focus on manufacturing items like Rafale jets domestically, benefiting from the trilateral partnership with France and UAE, to deepen defense ties.
Joint Research Initiatives: Expand consortiums involving academic, governmental, and corporate entities for projects in crucial sectors like health and climate change, leveraging the Indo-French Centre of Excellence in quantum computing.
Question for practice:
Discuss the key areas of cooperation and potential areas for enhancement between India and France.
GS PAPER - 3
Agriculture and Stocking Policy in India in 2024
Source: This post on the Policy regarding Stocking and Export of Agricultural Commodities has been created based on the article “Express View on low wheat stocks: The test” published in “Indian Express” on 20th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Agriculture – Storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce.
Agriculture and Stocking Policy in India, The article discusses the drawbacks of the measures that have been taken to maintain foodgrain stocks and prevent food inflation India. It also suggests a way forward in this regard.
Background:
Agriculture and Stocking Policy in India, Wheat stocks in government warehouses are currently at a 7-year-low. According to the author, this is not a concern currently, but may become one in the future.
Steps Taken by Govt to Maintain Stocks and Prevent Food Inflation?
- Export Curbs: Banning wheat and non-basmati white rice exports.
For more on Ban on Rice Exports, read here. - Stocking Limits: Not permitting large retailers and traders to hold more than 1,000 tonnes of wheat.
- Sale of Buffer Stock in Open Market: Selling grain from the Food Corporation of India’s stocks in the open market (which keeps the prices in check).
- Usage Restrictions: There have been curbs on diversion of cane juice and intermediate-stage molasses for ethanol production by sugar mills.
- Allowing Imports in certain cases: In the case of pulses and edible oils, imports have been allowed at nil or low duties to deal with supply-side challenges.
However, this policy hasn’t been followed in the case of wheat, rice and sugar. This might be due to political pressure (as the growers of these crops are politically more organised and don’t want the price of their crops to go down due to cheap imports).
Here Are More Topics For Your Interest-
Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France
The problem with India’s science management
What can be The Emerging Challenges?
In the case of wheat, if the yield of the current wheat crop (due for harvesting from March-end) is low, it will lead to supply challenges.
What Should be Done?
1) Not putting Export or Stocking Controls: Allowing imports (like in the case of edible oils and pulses) without applying export and stocking controls is required in all agri-commodities.
2) Policy Consistency: India’s farm sector has suffered from lack of policy stability and predictability. This impacts investments in processing, warehousing, marketing and research.
3) Long-Term Vision: A strategic vision for Indian agriculture, going beyond just focusing on short-term issues like food inflation, is important.
Question for practice:
What measures have been taken to maintain foodgrain stocks and prevent food inflation? What are the drawbacks of these measures? Analyse.
Recent Concerns with India’s Science Management in 2024
Source: This post has been created based on the article “The problem with India’s science management” published in “The Hindu” on 20th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Science & technology – Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
News: The article discusses the issues with India’s science management.
Recent Concerns with India’s Science Management, Scientific advances leading to deployable technologies are important for sustained economic progress for any nation.
What Steps are Being Taken in This Regard?
The government has tried to overhaul India’s science establishment through the following steps:
- Setting up of National Research Foundation (NRF)
- Restructuring of the DRDO.
What are The Issues with India’s Science Management?
- Low R&D Expenditure: India’s expenditure on R&D is very low (around 0.7% of GDP, compared to 3.5% for USA and 2.4% for China).
- Slow Progress in Key Fields: Fields such as India’s space programme, nuclear energy, genomics, robotics, and AI are witnessing slow progress.
- Public Sector Dominance: This leads to issues related to governmental bureaucracy, such as slow approvals for funding.
- Long-Term Funding Issues: Commitment to long-term steady funding of critical projects is missing.
- Issues with Senior Scientists in Leadership Positions: Some of the issues with their working include micromanaging institutions’ accounts, and a lack of accountability.
- Concentration of Power: Since only a handful of institutions (like IITs) had exclusive access to scientific equipment, abuse of power happened by those in control. Appointments, awards, foreign accolades and support from the system became their monopoly.
Here Are More Topics For Your Interest-
Agriculture and Stocking Policy in India in 2024
Consensus Regarding Cooperation Between India and France
Why is The Assumption That Only Scientists can Lead Scientific Institutions Incorrect?
First, administering of a complex organisation cannot be performed as a side-project of a ‘working’ scientist. Also, there is a difference between a good scientist, who is generally driven by individual considerations, and a good administrator, who must be organisationally driven.
Second, scientists are not trained to prioritise between time, cost, or precision, in making administrative decisions.
Third, there is scope for conflict of interest. Being an academic within the same institution in which one has administrative control can lead to an abuse of power.
What Should be Done in This Regard?
International Best Practices: For instance, universities in USA follow a separation of administrators and scientists in their science administratin.
Constituting a Central Service: Scientists could be selected and trained as part of an all-India science administration central service.
The administrative setup of a science establishment is its core. Without addressing these concerns, India’s science establishment will continue to do injustice to its economic and strategic aspirations.
Question for practice:
What are the issues with India’s science management? What are the steps that can be taken to tackle these issues?
Increased Capital Expenditure by Indian states in 2024- States are spending
Source: The post Increased capital expenditure by Indian states has been created, based on the article “States are spending. The economy is waiting” published in “Indian express” on 20th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth and development.
Increased Capital Expenditure by Indian States, The article discusses how state governments in India veered towards the path of fiscal consolidation after the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now spending more on capital expenditure rather than just on regular expenses like salaries and pensions.
How State Governments Managed Their Finances Post-COVID-19?
- Post COVID-19, state governments in India kept their fiscal deficits below 3% of GDP in 2021-22 and 2022-23, lower than the allowed limits of 4.5% and 4%.
- States spend more than the central government, accounting for over 60% of total government expenditure.
- In 2023-24, states (excluding Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Manipur and Meghalaya) shifted focus to capital expenditure with a 45.7% increase, while regular expenses grew only by 9.3%.
- The ratio of capital outlay to total expenditure hit an eight-year high of 14.1%, indicating more spending on productive assets.
What Increased Capital Expenditure?
Increased capital expenditure by Indian states is driven primarily by two factors:
First, proactive policies by the Union government, including the early release of tax devolution funds. In 2023-24, Rs 973.74 billion was approved, with Rs 590.3 billion disbursed for capital projects by November.
Second, states’ own revenues have shown robust growth. Tax and non-tax revenues grew by 11.5% and 19.5%, respectively. This indicates improved tax administration efficiency and economic formalization.
Thirdly, the state tax revenues outpacing nominal GDP growth, estimated at 8.9% according to the National Statistical Office’s First Advance Estimates, suggests two key aspects. Firstly, it reflects enhanced efficiency in tax administration by the states, indicating better collection and management of taxes. Secondly, it points to an increase in the formalization of the economy.
Additionally, significant revenue from the mining sector, boosted by reforms like e-auction of mining leases, contributed to this growth, particularly in mineral-rich states.
Here Are More Topics For Interest-
Recent Concerns with India’s Science Management in 2024
Agriculture and Stocking Policy in India in 2024
What are The Challenges?
- Overall revenue receipts grew by only 5.5% due to a 29.2% reduction in grants from the Union government.
- States increased market borrowings to a record Rs 5.8 trillion in nine months, mainly for capital expenditure.
- States might slightly exceed their fiscal deficit target of 3.1% of GDP, potentially reaching up to 3.3 – 3.4%.
Question for practice:
Examine the factors and challenges associated with the increased capital expenditure by state governments in India following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Detailed Air Quality Management Plan in India in 2024
Source: The post need for a detailed air quality management plan in India has been created, based on the article “Why pollution control needs localised data, grounded in science” published in “Indian express” on 20th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment – Environmental Pollution and Degradation
A Detailed Air Quality Management Plan in India in 2024, This article discusses India’s challenges with air pollution and proposes a detailed plan. It suggests creating an advanced air quality framework using science, technology, and policy to monitor and manage air pollution more effectively across different regions of India.
Why is There A Need for A detailed Air Quality Management Plan in India?
Severe Air Pollution: Indian cities are grappling with high levels of air pollution, as highlighted during events like COP 28.
For information on COP 28 read here
Mixed Results from Existing Plans: The National Clean Air Action Plan (NCAP) launched in 2019 shows mixed results, indicating the need for more effective strategies.
For information on NCAP read here
Health and Climate Risks: Air pollution in India, caused by fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, and biofuel burning, poses health risks and contributes to climate change.
Diverse Climatic Conditions: India’s varied micro-environments and climatic conditions make a one-size-fits-all approach ineffective.
Lack of Comprehensive Data: Current efforts are mainly urban-focused, and there’s a lack of systematic emissions inventory and monitoring.
Baseline Pollution Levels: Research by NIAS shows baseline levels of pollutants like PM2.5 are higher than WHO guidelines, emphasizing the need for localized standards.
Here Are More Topics For Your Interest-
Increased Capital Expenditure by Indian states in 2024- States are spending
Recent Concerns with India’s Science Management in 2024
What Has Been Done to Address Air Pollution in India?
Implementation of National Clean Air Action Plan (NCAP): Launched in 2019, the NCAP was India’s major initiative to reduce air pollution levels in its cities.
Establishment of Air Quality Monitoring Networks: Enhanced monitoring systems have been set up in urban areas to regularly track air pollution levels.
Research Initiatives by NIAS: The National Institute of Advanced Studies conducted research to establish baseline levels of major air pollutants in various climatic zones.
Technology Integration for Emission Tracking: In Bengaluru, drone-based artificial intelligence was used for the first time to identify emission hotspots, a step towards precise pollution source identification.
Policy Formulation at Urban Levels: Focused efforts on analyzing and managing air pollution in urban areas, acknowledging the severity of pollution in these regions.
15th Finance Commission Funding: Allocated funds to states specifically for air quality management, encouraging state-level initiatives and actions.
What Should Be Done to Address Air Pollution?
Strengthen Key Input Parameters: Before developing an air quality early warning system, focus on reinforcing two critical aspects: creating a detailed inventory of emissions and conducting comprehensive air-shed mapping. This foundational work is essential for accurate forecasting and effective management of air quality.
Tailor Strategies to Diverse Environments: Address air quality in rural, urban, and industrial areas with strategies specific to each region’s climatic conditions.
Incorporate Advanced Technology: Incorporate Advanced Technology entails using innovative tools in air pollution management. This includes drone-based AI for pinpointing emission hotspots, as demonstrated in Bengaluru, and CubeSats, small satellites offering detailed environmental monitoring, crucial for air quality analysis in India.
Expert Collaboration: Form a consortium of domain experts, health scientists, and policy specialists for integrated air quality management.
Question for practice:
Discuss the actions that have been taken in India to address air pollution and elaborate on the proposed strategies to further tackle this issue.
Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:
Yojana Summaryhttps://www.eliteias.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/yojana-magazine-january-2024-1.pdf
INDO-AFRICAN RELATIONSHIP AMIDST SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION
7 PM Article - [Yojana January 2024] Indo-African Relationship amid South-South Cooperation- Explained Pointwise
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Boeing India Engineering, & Technology Campus (BIETC) set up in Bengaluru
Source-This post is based on the article “PM Modi unveils Boeing’s global engineering, technology campus in Bengaluru” published in “Business Standard” on 20th January.
Why in the news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated US aerospace giant Boeing’s global engineering and technology campus in Bengaluru.
About the campus
The new state-of-the-art Boeing India Engineering and Technology Campus (BIETC) set up in Bengaluru has been built with an investment of Rs 1,600 crore and is spread across 43 acres in
The campus is Boeing’s largest such investment
What is Boeing Sukanya Programme?
- PM Modi also launched the Boeing Sukanya Program to encourage the participation of girls and women the country’s growing aviation sector.
- The programme will provide opportunities to girls and women to learn critical skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the aviation sector.
- The programme will create labs at 150 planned locations to generate interest in STEM careers.
- The programme will provide scholarships to women who are training to be pilots.
What is The Significance Of Establishing This Campus?
1)It will lead to the creation of next generation products and services for aerospace and defense industry.
2)This strengthens the “Make in India-Make for the world” resolution of India.
UPSC Syllabus:Prelims-current events of national and international importance.
Temple Architecture of Nagara Style in 2024
Source: This post is based on the article “What is the Nagara style in which Ayodhya’s Ram temple is built” published in “The Indian Express” on 20th January 2024.
Why in the news?
Temple Architecture of Nagara Style, The Ram temple in Ayodhya is going to be inaugurated on January 22.
What is the Nagara style of temple architecture?
Originated from the word Nagar meaning town or city. It’s the style of temple in the northern India. This style developed in the 5th century, characterized by a curvilinear or convex shikhara. The shikhara is topped by a larger round cushion-like element called an Amalaka.
What are the features of Nagara style of temple?
- It does not have elaborate boundary walls or gateways.
- The entire temple is built on a stone platform with steps leading up to it.
- The garbhagriha(sanctum sanctorum) is always located under the tallest tower.Garbhgriha is the place where main deity is placed. It is the most sacred part of the temple.
- Shikharas are human-made representations of the natural and cosmological order, as imagined in Hindu tradition. For example; Meru, Mandara, and kailasaa are the three mountain which are believed to be axis of world. Example-Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho, M.P.
- Amalaka or Kalash installed on Shikhara is one of the features of this temple style.
- It also consists of circumambulatory path around the garbhagriha.
- Other examples of Nagara style of temples in India are- Sun temple, Konark, Sun temple at Modhera, Gujarat and Ossian temple, Gujarat.
Image based on EB
Havell’s The ancient and Medieval Architecture of India.
Here Are More Topics For Your Interest-
Boeing India Engineering, & Technology Campus (BIETC) set up in Bengaluru
A Detailed Air Quality Management Plan in India in 2024
What are the modes of nagara architecture?
Adam Hardy,who is author of book The Temple Architecture of India (2007) identifies five modes of Nagara temple architecture — Valabhi, Phamsana, Latina, Shekhari, and Bhumija.
What is the difference between Dravida and Nagara Style of Architecture?
Area of difference | Dravida style | Nagara style |
Location | Southern India | Northern India |
Mandapa towers | Single tower | Multiple tower |
Central towers | Shaped like a pyramid | Curvilinear in shape |
Boundaries | Boundaries are given great importance. | Boundaries are not given great importance. |
UPSC Syllabus: GS paper 1 Art and Culture
The largest deep sea coral reef found in Atlantic Off US
Source: This post is based on the article ‘’ Scientists map largest deep sea coral reef found till date in Atlantic off US” published in ‘’The Indian express” on 20th January 2024.
Why in the news?
Researchers in the USA have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean.
About the discovery of The largest deep sea coral reef found in Atlantic Off US
Researchers have mapped the largest coral reef deep in the ocean off the Atlantic coast of the United States using new underwater mapping technology. The length of the reef is 310 miles (499 Kilometers) starting from Florida to South Carolina.
The width of the reef is about 68 miles (109 kilometers). The depth of reef ranges from 200 meters to 1000 meters where even sunlight does not penetrate.
What are coral reefs?
Coral reefs are underwater structures that are formed of coral polyps that are held together by calcium carbonate. They are also regarded as the tropical rainforest of the sea. They occupy just 0.1% of the ocean’s surface but are home to 25% of marine species. The world’s largest tropical coral reef system is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
What is The Difference Between Deep and Shallow Water Coral Reefs?
Shallow or tropical water coral Reef | Deep water coral reef | |
1 | They require sunlight for growth. | They do not require sunlight for growth.
|
2 | They are more accessible and known to scientists. | They are less known to scientists. Till now, only about 75% of the world’s ocean floor has been mapped in high resolution. |
3 | They cover less area of ocean floor. | They cover more areas of ocean floor. |
4 | They provide habitats to various sponges, crabs, and sea stars. | They provide habitats for sharks, swordfish, sea stars etc.
|
Here Are More Topics For Your Interest-
Nagara style of temple architecture
Boeing India Engineering, & Technology Campus (BIETC) set up in Bengaluru
What are The Threats?
They face threats of similar kinds including climate change and pollution due to oil spill.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment and ecology.
Quality Control Order (QCO): 220 Goods to Get Quality Norms
Source-This post is based on the article “220 goods to get quality norms” published in “Live Mint” on 19th January 2024.
Why in The News?
Quality Control Order (QCO) norms mandate adherence for around 220 products, encompassing both domestically manufactured and imported items, by May 2027. The majority, 218 products, are expected to meet the regulations by end of 2024.
What are Quality Control Order (QCO) Norms?
Aim– To enhance the quality ecosystem in India and safeguard the health and safety of consumers.
1) Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are regulatory directives issued by government authorities to establish and enforce quality standards for specific products.
2) QCOs are issued by different ministries under the central government following stakeholder consultations.
3) Once the order comes into effect, products are required to adhere to the specified norms.
What is its Significance for India?
1) India aims to boost its global manufacturing and supply chain position by emphasizing quality control and competing with international players in global markets.
2) This will enhance India’s competitiveness as it negotiates free trade agreements (FTAs) with multiple countries by reducing tariffs on manufactured goods and preventing the influx of sub-standard imports.
Here Are More Topics For Your Interest-
The largest deep sea coral reef found in Atlantic Off US
Boeing India Engineering, & Technology Campus (BIETC) set up in Bengaluru
What Products Fall Under QCO Norms According to The Government Notification?
1) As per the notification the following products (total 218) has to come within the purview of QCO norms by December 2024.
2) The products include safe deposit locker cabinets, reverse osmosis-based point of use water treatment system for drinking purposes, cotton bales, cabinet hinges, block boards, rice bran fatty acids, coconut fatty acids, digital television receiver for satellite broadcast transmission, etc.
3) The government also mandated quality norms for electrical accessories like switch-socket-outlets and cable trunking to curb sub-standard imports and promote domestic manufacturing.
Note- The government has set a target to bring over 2,000 products under the QCO in the coming years.
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy
A Brief About Soligas and Yeravas Tribes in 2024
Source-This post is based on the article “What do tribal groups like the Soligas and Yeravas eat?” published in “DownToEarth” on 14th January 2024.
Why in the News?
A Brief About Soligas and Yeravas Tribes, A newly released book “Forgotten Trails: Foraging Wild Edibles,” documents the wild foods gathered by the Soligas and Yeravas tribes from the forests.
About Soligas
![Soliga](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Soliga-300x150.png)
Aspect | Details |
About | 1. The Soligas are an indigenous community residing in the Cauvery Basin and the surrounding hills of peninsular India. 2. They are the original inhabitants of Karnataka, primarily residing in the Chamarajanagar and Mandya districts. |
Language | They speak Sholaga, which belongs to the Dravidian family. |
Religion | 1. The Soliga people adhere to a blend of naturism, animism, and Hindu practices. 2. Their primary deity is Madeshwara. |
Characteristics | 1. Honey plays a vital role in the Soliga diet. 2. The community continuing to forage a significant portion of their food from the biodiversity-rich Ghats. 3. They live in the forest outskirts near Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara hills in Chamarajanagar district. 4. They have become the first tribal community residing within the core region of an Indian tiger reserve to have their forest rights formally acknowledged by a court of law. 5. Soligas eat Silver cockscomb as a healthy leafy green, rich in beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin E, calcium, and iron. |
Note- The scientific community has named a new genus of wasp (Soliga ecarinata) in honor of this community.
About Yeravas
![Yereva](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Yereva.jpg)
Aspect | Details |
About | 1. They are also an indigenous community residing in the Cauvery Basin and the surrounding hills of peninsular India. 2. They migrated from the Wayanad district in Kerala and established their settlement in the Kodagu district of the state. |
Language | They speak Revula language. |
Religion | The Yeravas people practice Hinduism while they also believe in spirits residing in natural elements like trees, mountains, and rivers. |
Characteristics | 1. They are mostly agricultural laborers in coffee plantations and tea estates. 2. Yeravas incorporate a higher quantity of tubers into their diet compared to Soligas. 3. Yeravas include mushrooms in their diet during the monsoon season. 4. Their settlements are called ‘Kunju‘. |
UPSC Syllabus- Geography & Places in News
Chandaka – Dampara wildlife sanctuary
Source-This post is based on the article “Odisha: Sambar, bison to be introduced in Chandaka wildlife sanctuary” published in “The Indian Express” on 17th January 2024.
Why in the News?
The Odisha state government is planning to introduce Sambar and Gaur (bison) to the Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary.
About Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary
![Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Location-map-of-Chandaka-Dampara-Sanctuary-in-the-map-of-Odisha-and-India-300x211.png)
Aspect | Details |
Location | 1. It is located in the Odisha’s Khurda district. 2. It marks the northeastern edge of the Eastern Ghats. |
Sanctuary Status | It designated as a sanctuary in 1982. |
Vegetation | 1. This landscape experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct summer, rainy season, and winter periods. 2. The flora is moderately diverse, blending evergreen and deciduous elements. 3. Despite falling under the semi-evergreen forest zone, the interplay of biotic factors has altered the original vegetation character. |
Flora | Bankapasia (Kydia calycina), Gandhana (Premna mucronata), Dhaman (Grewia Tiliaefolia),Kansa (Hymenodictyon excelsum),Jamu (Syzyggium Cuminii), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Karanja, Thorny bamboo etc. |
Fauna | Elephants, barking deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, Pangolin, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf, Hyena and other mammals. |
About Indian Gaur or Bison
1) Indian Gaur or Bison is the largest species among the wild cattle and the Bovidae.
2) Habitat: Indian Bisons are mostly found in the hilly parts of the Western Ghats region such as Bandipur, Wayanad and Mudumalai.
3) State Animal: Gaur is the state animal of Goa and Bihar.
4) Conservation Status:
a. IUCN Status: Vulnerable
b. Wildlife Protection Act,1972: Schedule I
UPSC Syllabus- Environment/Geography and Places in News
Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2023
Source-This post is based on the article “PM inaugurates opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu” published in “PIB” on 20th January 2024.
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
What are Khelo India Youth Games(KIYG)?
Aspect | Details |
About | 1. These are annual national-level multidisciplinary sports events held in India. 2. KIYG is a part of the Khelo India Programme. |
Objective | To revive India’s grassroots sports culture by building a strong framework for all sports and establish the country as a great sporting nation. |
Edition | The first edition was held in 2018 in Delhi. |
Features | 1. The event includes two categories: under-17 school students and under-21 college students. 2. Talented players in priority sports identified by the High-Powered Committee will receive INR 5 lakh annually for 8 years. |
KIYG 2023 | 1. This is the 6th edition of Khelo India Youth Games. 2. Mascot– VeeraMangai Velu Nachiyar( first Indian queen to wage war with the East India Company in India). 3. The games logo integrates the image of the poet Thiruvalluvar. 4. The event will include 26 sports disciplines and 1 demo sport. 5. Archery, athletics, badminton, and squash have been introduced first time in this edition. 6. Silambam, a traditional martial art sport of Tamil Nadu, is also being introduced as a demo sport for the first time in KIYG history. |
UPSC Syllabus- Schemes & Programmes
PM Modi visits Guruvayur Temple
Source-This post is based on the article “PM Modi visits Guruvayur temple in Kerala” published in “The Hindu” on 17th January 2024.
Why in the News?
The Prime Minister recently visited the Sreekrishna Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala to offer prayers.
About Guruvayur Temple
![Guruvayur temple](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Guruvayur-temple.jpg)
Aspect | Details |
About | 1. It is a Hindu temple, often referred to as the Southern Dwarka. 2. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the youthful form of Lord Krishna. |
Location | It is located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. |
Construction | The earliest temple records date back to the 17th century, yet other literary texts and legends suggest that the temple may be approximately 5000 years old. |
Features | 1. The Chief deity here is Lord Krishna, also known as Guruvayoorappan. 2. The chief deity is portrayed standing with four hands, grasping Shankh, Sudarshana Chakra, Lotus, and Mace, all carved from a stone known as Patala Anjana. 3. It follows the traditional Kerala architectural style. 4. The temple has structures like the Nalambalam (temple structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), Balikkal (sacrificial stone), and Deepastambam (pillar of lights). 5. A prominent feature is the Dwajasthamba, a 70-foot-tall flagstaff completely coated in gold. 6. In 1931-32, Sathyagraha was initiated by Kelappan (known as Kerala Gandhi) to advocate for the inclusion of untouchables into the temple. It resulted in the Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936. 7. The temple is known for housing a significant number of captive male Asian elephants. The nearby Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary is home to 56 elephants. |
UPSC Syllabus- Art & Culture