9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 17 February, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

On the RBI putting restraints on a certain card network

Source: This post on the RBI putting restraints on a certain card network has been created based on the article “Why has RBI put restraints on a certain card network?” published in “Indian Express” on 17^th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

News: The article discusses the recent decision of the RBI to put restraints on a certain card network in India due to concerns over wrongdoings.

Read in detail about Payment Regulation in India here.

Background:

There are 5 card networks in India: Visa, Mastercard, RuPay, Diners Club, AmEx. RBI has ordered a certain card network (without naming it) to stop “unauthorised payments” made using business cards.

Note: Card networks connect banks, merchants, and customers (card users) to one another so that transactions can be carried out smoothly and securely.

What are the reasons behind the RBI order?

1. Payments to Non-Card-Accepting Entities: The network was accepting card payments from corporates for their commercial payments, and was then remitting the funds (via IMPS, RTGS, or NEFT) to non-card accepting recipients.
   Such a payment system requires authorisation, which had not been obtained. This is a violation of the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.
2. Non-Compliance of KYC Norms: RBI also raised concerns over non-compliance of Know Your Customer (KYC) norms in such transactions.

What are the RBI’s concerns?

1) First, the card network put a large amount of funds into an account that was not a designated account under the PSS Act.

2) Second, these transactions did not comply with the ‘originator and beneficiary information’ requirements, as required under the ‘Master Direction on KYC’ issued by the RBI.

Question for practice:

Why has the RBI ordered a certain card network to stop “unauthorised payments” made using business cards?

On Fixing the Issues with India’s Electoral Funding

Source: This post on Fixing the Issues with India’s Election Funding has been created based on the article “How to Fix India’s Election Funding” published in “Times of India” on 17^th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

News: The article discusses the concerns raised over corporate donations. It also suggests reforms with respect to electoral funding in order to ensure the integrity of India’s elections.

A detailed article on the Electoral Bonds Scheme Verdict can be read here.

Background:

The Supreme Court recently struck down the electoral bonds scheme. This has brought to attention the framework regulating corporate contributions to political parties.

What was the rationale behind electoral funding by corporates?

Rising Expenditure for Fighting Elections: The rising electoral expenditure could not be met through individual contributions. Hence, the government proposed Companies Act be amended to provide the mechanism and a limit (Rs. 25,000) for companies to donate.

After a brief ban, corporate donations were again allowed in 1985.

What were the concerns raised over corporate donations?

Corporate donations for electoral funding could lead to:

1. Control over Corporates: The government could force a business house into donating to a party.
2. Unethical Favours and Corruption: Businesses may seek advantages for themselves by donating to the ruling party in the hope of compensation in the future. This will corrupt political life and negatively affect India’s democracy.

What should be the way forward?

Regulating electoral finance requires rethinking on the following issues:

1) Repeal Expenditure Limits: India has a limit on how much a candidate can spend on poll campaigns. However, there is a lack of effective enforcement mechanisms for ensuring adherence.
ECI and National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) have held that these expenditure limits are hardly followed and should be repealed.

2) Build a Donor Database: A living database of political contributions should be developed. This will bring transparency regarding a party’s support and lead to better-informed electorate.

3) Information in User-Friendly Format: Currently, parties do not share information about donations they receive in a machine-readable format, but in the form of scanned PDF files. This makes it difficult to analyse.

4) Empowering Election Commission (ECI):

1. Infusion of Resources: ECI’s institutional budget is roughly only Rs. 300 crore, with which it has to conduct free and fair elections for the world’s largest democracy.
2. Independent Secretariat: For officers to be insulated from political pressure and state interference, ECI should have an independent secretariat. It would allow it to control its personnel’s recruitment and service conditions better.
3. Expenditure of ECI to be ‘Charged’: A way to strengthen ECI’s independence is to ensure its expenditure is “charged”. It would give it parity with Supreme Court, CAG and UPSC.
   Note: Charged expenditure are those on which no voting takes place for the amount involved in these expenditures for their withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund of India.

According to the author, transparency of political donations and an independent election commission are key to ensure integrity of India’s elections.

Question for practice:

What are the concerns raised over corporate donations to political parties? What steps should be taken to tackle these concerns?

China’s ‘Xiaokang’ border defence villages

Source: The post China’s ‘Xiaokang’ border defence villages has been created, based on the article “Explained: China’s ‘Xiaokang’ border defence villages along the LAC, now being occupied” published in “Indian express” on 17th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2-International relations- India and its neighbourhood- relations.

News: The article discusses how China is building and now occupying “Xiaokang” villages along the India-China border for both civilian and potential military use, prompting concerns.

What are Xiaokang border defence villages?

Construction and Location: China has built 628 Xiaokang villages along the India-China border, including sensitive areas like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

Dual Purpose: These villages are designed for dual-use, serving both civilian and potential military functions.

Infrastructure: The villages feature substantial buildings, mostly double-storey and spacious, indicating a significant investment.

Strategic Intent: The placement of these villages along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC) is seen as a method for China to assert territorial claims.

Legal Framework: China introduced a law in 2021, effective from January 1, 2022, focusing on the protection and exploitation of its land border areas, which encompasses these border defence villages.

How is India responding?

Vibrant Villages Programme: India launched this initiative in 2022, focusing on developing border villages to counter China’s village program.

Development Goals: The program aims to modernize 663 Indian border villages, making them not only habitable but also attractive as tourist destinations.

Pilot Project: In the first phase, 17 villages along the China border, including in strategic locations like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, are being developed.

Specific Focus Areas: In Arunachal Pradesh, villages such as Zemithang, Taksing, Chayang Tajo, Tuting, and Kibithu are identified for development.

Infrastructure Enhancement: Alongside the village development, India is improving border infrastructure with new roads, bridges, and helipads to strengthen connectivity and response capabilities.

Way forward

To ensure regional stability, India and China need to maintain open communication and diplomatic efforts. Balancing infrastructure developments, like India’s Vibrant Villages Programme and China’s Xiaokang villages, with peaceful negotiations, is crucial to resolving border disputes and reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

Question for practice:

Examine the primary goals and strategies of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme in response to China’s construction of Xiaokang villages along the India-China border?

Challenges of India and Europe FTA – Brave new world

Source: The post Challenges of India and Europe FTA has been created, based on the article “Brave new world: India must invest in fundamental research to develop reliable drugs” published in “The Hindu” on 17th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- International Relations- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The article discusses the challenges in the free trade agreement between India and EFTA, focusing on intellectual property rights and data exclusivity in the pharmaceutical industry.

What is the main issue in the India– European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA)?

Intellectual Property Rights: In the India-EFTA Free Trade Agreement, a major issue is the management of intellectual property rights in the pharmaceutical sector. This has been a persistent challenge since the discussions began in 2008, with both sides striving to find a middle ground.

Patenting: The agreement grapples with the concept of patenting, where drug originators are granted exclusive rights for a certain period. This practice is counterbalanced by the ability of governments to enforce ‘compulsory licensing’, which allows them to override these monopolies in the interest of public health.

Data Exclusivity: A critical point of debate is data exclusivity, which protects the clinical trial data of drugs for a minimum of six years. This provision, if included, could greatly affect India’s pharmaceutical industry, renowned for its export of affordable drugs. India has shown resistance to incorporating data exclusivity into the agreement.

High Cost of Drug Discovery: The negotiations are underscored by the high cost of drug discovery, a factor that drives the divide between original drug inventors and generic drug manufacturers. The expense of developing new drugs contrasts sharply with the lower costs of producing generic versions, highlighting a fundamental tension in the global pharmaceutical industry.

For information on India- European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) read Article1 and Article2

What is India’s position in the negotiations?

1. India’s position in the negotiations focuses on rejecting the concept of data exclusivity. This stance is rooted in protecting its significant pharmaceutical industry, especially its role as a major exporter of affordable drugs.
2. The country recognizes the need for balance between protecting drug patents and ensuring access to affordable medication.
3. India’s experience with COVID-19 vaccine development highlights its capability in drug innovation, reinforcing its push for a more flexible intellectual property regime in the Free Trade Agreement.

Way forward

To secure its pharmaceutical future, India must invest more in fundamental research and ethical drug trials. This will enable the development of new drugs and therapeutics domestically. The successful creation of COVID-19 vaccines in India serves as a model for this approach.

Question for practice:

Examine the key challenges and India’s stance regarding intellectual property rights and data exclusivity in the India-European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA), particularly within the pharmaceutical sector.

GS PAPER - 3

Recommendations of Swaminathan commission

Source: The post Recommendations of Swaminathan commission has been created, based on the article “What Swaminathan panel said” published in “Indian express” on 17th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3-economy-Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;

News: This article discusses the demands of protesting Punjab farmers for a law ensuring minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.

Read extensive coverage of the MSP guarantee here.

What are the demands of protesting Punjab farmers?

The Punjab farmers’ primary demand is for a law that ensures the procurement of all crops for all farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). They seek a system where MSP is not just a guideline but a legally enforceable standard.
This demand aligns with the recommendations of the Dr. Swaminathan Commission to some extent but diverges in that the Commission did not recommend a legal guarantee for MSP.

To know who M.S. Swaminathan was read here

What were the objectives of the Swaminathan Commission?

The National Commission on Farmers (NCF) was formed under the leadership of agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan.

The Commission’s 10-point agenda focused on strategies for food and nutrition security and enhancing the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of farming in India.

Between 2004 and 2006, the Commission submitted five reports totaling 1,946 pages. These reports made several recommendations, including some on MSP, but did not suggest a legal guarantee for MSP or a specific formula for its calculation.

What recommendations of Swaminathan Commission?

Support for Farm Women: Establishing a National Board for New Deal for Women in Agriculture under the Union Food and Agriculture Minister, with the Union Ministers for Women and Child Development, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj as co-chairs.

Farm Schools: Recommending the establishment of Farm Schools to spread innovative farming methods.

Grain and Fodder Banks: Proposing the establishment of a grain bank and community food and fodder banks.

Insurance and Soil Testing: Advocating for promoting insurance and setting up a national network of advanced soil testing labs.

Market Reforms: Suggesting a code of conduct for contract farming, and amendments in the state APMC Acts and the Essential Commodities Act.

Agricultural Costs and Prices: The Commission made suggestions for the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), which recommends MSPs, to consider various factors in deciding the level of MSP, including the weighted average cost of production and risk factors.

Minimum Support Prices (MSP): Recommending timely issuance and better implementation of MSP across regions, but not supporting the specific formula of C2 cost plus 50%.

What are the different commission recommendations on Minimum Support Prices?

Swaminathan Commission

Timely MSP Issuance: Emphasized the need for prompt declaration of MSP, especially for Kharif crops.

Improving Implementation: Recommended improving MSP implementation across different regions.

Abhijit Sen Committee (High Level Committee on Long Term Grain Policy, 2002)

Cost Calculation Method: Suggested that the CACP should base MSPs on C2 cost of production (including imputed costs) in more efficient regions.

A2 + FL Costs: Recommended that CACP also indicate its estimates of A2 + FL costs for high-cost regions.

Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)

Cost of Production Consideration: Advised that MSP should be based on the weighted average cost of production, considering variability between regions and farmers.

Exclusion of Risk and Post-Harvest Expenses: Noted that risk factors and marketing and post-harvest expenses are not considered in the MSP determination process.

Way forward

To address the ongoing agricultural crisis, a balanced approach is needed that combines the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations with the current demands of farmers. This includes legally ensuring MSP, enhancing productivity, and improving market reforms while focusing on sustainability and support for farm women and innovative farming practices.

Question for practice

Discuss the various recommendations made by the Swaminathan Commission on Farmers regarding agricultural reforms and compare them with the demands of protesting Punjab farmers for a law ensuring Minimum Support Prices (MSP).

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Diphtheria- WHO guidelines for its clinical management

Source-This post on Diphtheria- WHO guidelines for its clinical management has been created based on the article “WHO releases guidelines for clinical management of diphtheria; New recommendations on antibiotics usage issued” published in “FE healthcare” on 14 February 2024.

Why in the news?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published the guidelines on the clinical management of diphtheria.

About diphtheria

Aspect	Details
Description	It is a serious contagious bacterial infection of the nose and throat.
Caused by	Strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin
Symptoms	A thick, gray membrane covering the throat and tonsils, sore throat and hoarseness, swollen glands (enlarged lymph nodes) in the neck and difficulty breathing etc
Transmission	1) It can spread from person to person, usually through respiratory droplets, like from coughing or sneezing. 2) People can also get sick from touching infected open sores or ulcers
Current treatment	1) It can be treated with medications but in advanced stages, the bacterial infection can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system. 2) Neutralization of unbound toxin with Diphtheria Antitoxin (DAT). 3) Antibiotics to prevent further bacterial growth. 4) Monitoring and supportive care to prevent and treat complications, e.g. airway obstruction, myocarditis.

What are WHO’s latest recommendation?

1) It has recommended the use of macrolide antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin) in preference to penicillin antibiotics.
2) It has recommended that routine sensitivity testing should not be performed prior to administration of diphtheria antitoxin (DAT).
3) It has suggested an escalation in the dosage regimen for diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) based on disease severity. It has also opposed giving fixed dose for all patients.
4)  It has suggested to administer antibiotics alongside DAT. The antibiotics treatment should not be delayed.

Read more about- Mission Indradhanush

UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology.

Coal Gasification- Process and its significance

Source-This post on Coal Gasification-Process and its significance has been created based on the article “Coal Ministry Hosts Industry Interaction on Coal Gasification” published in “PIB” on 16 February 2024.

Why in the news?

Coal Ministry has recently organized an Industry Interaction at Hyderabad. This was aimed to promote coal/gasification projects across the nation.

About Coal Gasification

Process: Coal gasification is a process in which coal is partially oxidised with air, oxygen, steam or carbon dioxide to form a fuel gas. This gas is then used for deriving energy.

In-situ gasification of coal – or Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) –It is the technique of converting coal into gas while it is still in the seam and then extracting it through wells.
Rather than directly burning coal, gasification transforms all of its carbon into electricity, hydrogen, and other kinds of energy via partial oxidation.

Advantages of Coal Gasification

1) Chemical energy production-Coal gas may be transformed into chemical energy, which is then utilised to produce iron from iron ore, as well as methanol and urea.

2) Green energy production-The hydrogen produced by coal gasification may be utilised for a variety of applications, including the production of ammonia and the powering of a Hydrogen Economy.

3) Cost effectiveness for Indian industries– The industries can utilise syngas from coal gasification facilities instead of imported coking coal. This will enhance the cost and export effectiveness of Indian Industries.

Disadvantages of Coal Gasification

1) Environmental issue-The process can produce a number of harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides etc.

2) Cost– It is an expensive energy production process.

3) Overuse of water-It is one of the more water-intensive modes of energy generation.

Read more about-National Green Hydrogen Mission

UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology.

Golden-backed Frog

Source-This post on Golden-backed Frog has been created based on the article “Mushroom growing on a frog in India baffles scientists” published in “The Indian Express” on 15 February 2024.

Why in the news?

Scientists discovered a frog in western ghat which seems to have a mushroom growing out of its side.

About Golden-backed Frog

Aspect	Details
Description	It is endemic to the Western Ghats of Karnataka and Kerala, specifically above the Palghat Gap.
Habitat	It is predominantly found in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats of India.
Characteristics	1) These frogs prefer to reside near streams, ponds, and other water bodies, where they can lay their eggs and find their food. 2) Diet– They are insectivorous and feed on a range of small insects and arthropods such as ants, beetles, and crickets. 3) Size– It is about the size of a human thumb
Threats	1) Habitat loss and fragmentation. 2) Pollution of water bodies 3) Introduction of non-native species.

What is Bonnet mushroom?

1) It is commonly found as a saprotroph (an organism that feeds on non-living organic matter) on rotting wood.
2) Some species are edible, while others contain toxins.

Note-Mutualism– It is an association between organisms of two different species in which each benefits.
Mutualistic arrangements are most likely to develop between organisms with widely different living requirements.

UPSC Syllabus-Environment (species in news)

NRI marriages Registration- Law Commission Recommendation

Source-This post on NRI marriages Registration- Law Commission Recommendation has been created based on the article “Law Commission recommends mandatory registration of NRI, OCI marriages” published in “The Indian express” on 16 February 2024.

Why in the news?

The Law commission, in its 287th report, has proposed making certain changes for NRI marriages by revising the pending Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians Bill, 2019 (NRI Bill).

Issues with NRI marriages

1) The Law Commission has highlighted the increase in instances of fraudulent marriages. Post marriage, women are being abandoned or being financially exploited.

2)  Due to lack of proper procedure for registration or verification of the NRI spouses’ claims, women are often left without legal recourse.

3) The women are exposed to risks like desertion, domestic violence and isolation from any form of social or familial support while residing in a foreign country.

Proposed recommendation by the law commission in Marriage of Non-Resident Indians (NRI) Bill, 2019.

1) New Procedure for NRI marriage registration- There will be a new procedure for registering marriages with NRIs. NRIs will have to give notice to the district Marriage Officer. The notice will then be displayed for 30 days for anyone who would want to object to the wedding.

2) Penal Provisions- Law commission has recommended penal provisions in cases of failure in registering divorce, failure in providing maintenance and child support etc.

3) Amendment of Passport Act 1967- It has recommended amendment of the Passport Act, 1967, to include the detail of marital status in a person’s passport.

4) Separate division to register NRI marriages- It has also recommended creation of a separate division in the Ministry of Home Affairs or External Affairs to serve as a registry for NRI and OCI marriages.

Read more about- Law commission

UPSC Syllabus-Bills & Acts.

Sagar Aankalan- Guidelines for Indian Port Performance Index

Source-This post on Sagar Aankalan -Guidelines for Indian Port Performance Index has been created based on the article “Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launches ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines for Indian Port Performance Index” published in “PIB” on 16 February.

Why in the news?

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has recently launched ‘Sagar Aankalan’ guidelines at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 (GMIS 2023).

About Sagar Aankalan

Aspects	Details
Description	It is the guidelines for National Benchmarking of Indian Ports Performance.
Objective	To ensure mapping and benchmarking of Indian Port’s – logistics performance and efficiency to improve competitiveness.
Released by	Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
Applicability	It would be applicable to all Indian seaports.
Significance	1) It will transform the performance assessment of Indian ports 2) It will help in fulfilling “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047” announced by the Prime Minister. 3) It will help in port development, modernization, green hydrogen and ammonia, port-led development, cruise sector, business and commerce, shipbuilding, and knowledge sharing. 4) It would ensure the realisation of the full potential of the maritime sector. This will drive inclusive growth and prosperity for all stakeholders.

Read more about-Global Maritime India Summit

UPSC Syllabus-Schemes & programmes.

Sora- OpenAI’s video generation model

Source-This post on Sora- OpenAI’s video generation model is based on the article “OpenAI launches Sora: How AI can create videos from a text prompt” published in “The Indian Express” on 17th February 2024.

Why in the News?

OpenAI recently unveiled Sora, an AI model that can produce realistic videos based on text instructions, with a duration of up to one minute. It is a generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) model.

About new OpenAI model Sora

1. Text to Video– The Sora model is capable of producing videos up to one minute in length, ensuring high visual quality and adherence as per the user’s instructions.

2. Generate complex scenes– Sora can generate intricate scenes featuring multiple characters, various types of motion, and precise details of both the subject and the background.

3. Dynamic Impressions- It can understand how objects function in reality, interpret prompts accurately. It can generate engaging characters that convey lively emotions.

4. Multishot Avatar- Sora can also produce multiple shots within a single generated video that accurately persist characters and visual style.

Note– Currently, the Sora model is not available in OpenAI’s products. It will be accessible after all safety checks are completed.

Which other companies have also entered this field?

1. Google’s Lumiere, launched recently , can generate five-second videos based on provided prompts, whether text- or image-based.

2. Additionally, companies like Runway and Pika also have showcased their own noteworthy text-to-video models.

What is generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)?

1. Generative AI uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms to enable machines to generate new content (machine generated).

2. Systems use previously created content, such as text, audio, video, images, and code.

3. The term ‘Generative’ refers to the ability of the models to learn how to create new data rather than simply recognising it. For example, a generative model may learn how to generate images that resemble faces given a set of parameters (such as the eyes, hair, or skin colour etc.).

Read more– Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)- India rejects EFTA’s data exclusivity demand in trade talks

Source-This post on European Free Trade Association (EFTA)- India rejects EFTA’s data exclusivity demand in trade talks is based on the article “India rejects EFTA’s data exclusivity demand in trade pact talks” published in “Financial Express” on 16th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, India rejected the European Free Trade Association’s (EFTA) request for ‘data exclusivity‘ in their ongoing free trade agreement negotiations.

About European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

Aspect	Details
About	It is an intergovernmental organization established in 1960 through the Stockholm Convention.
Objective	To facilitate free trade and economic integration among its members both within Europe and on a global scale.
Members	Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Function	1. The organization works alongside the European Union (EU). 2. Unlike the European Union (EU), it does not function as a customs union. 3. All four member states participate in the European Single Market through European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement.
Governance	1. The EFTA Council is its top authority, meeting about 8 times yearly at the ambassadorial level and twice yearly at the ministerial level. 2. The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) oversees compliance with European Economic Area (EEA) rules in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. 3. EFTA Court– It is Located in Luxembourg. It has the authority to resolve both internal and external disputes concerning the implementation, application, or interpretation of the EEA agreement. 4. The EFTA Secretariat is located in Geneva and supports the EFTA Council in managing relations among the 4 EFTA States. It handles the negotiation and operation of EFTA’s free trade agreements.

What is Data Exclusivity?

1. Data exclusivity safeguards the clinical trial information of a pharmaceutical company concerning a particular medication.

2. During exclusivity period, generic competitors cannot use the originator’s data to get approval for similar drugs.

What are India’s reasons for rejecting Data Exclusivity?

1. Data exclusivity provisions will prevent India’s domestic generic drug producers from utilizing preclinical test and clinical trial data from former patent holders.

2. If generic medicine manufacturers want to introduce their version of an off-patent drug, they must either produce their own clinical data or wait for the exclusivity period to expire.

3. This will lead to a rise in the cost of affordable medicines in India.

UPSC Syllabus- International Organisations/International Relations

Kanha Tiger Reserve

Source-This post on Kanha Tiger Reserve is based on the article “Kanha tiger relocated to Mukundpur Safari” published in “Times of India” on 16th February 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, a male tiger from the Kanha Tiger Reserve has been transferred to the Mukundpur Safari located in Satna.

About Kanha Tiger Reserve

Aspect	Details
About	1. Kanha Tiger Reserve, also called Kanha–Kisli National Park, is a major tiger reserve and the largest national park of the Madhya Pradesh, India. 2. It is also the largest National Park in Central India. 3. Presently, Kanha area is split into two protected zones: Hallon and Banjar.
Location	1. It is situated within the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. 2. It lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura Mountains.
History	Kanha National Park was established in 1955 and was designated as the Kanha Tiger Reserve in 1973.
Distinct feature	It is the first tiger reserve in India to have an official mascot named ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha‘(IUCN Status: Vulnerable).
Vegetation	Tropical moist deciduous forests.
Flora	The park mainly consist of moist Sal and mixed deciduous forest where Bamboo, Tendu, Sal, Jamun, Arjun, and Lendia thrive.
Fauna	1. The Park is globally recognized for saving the Barasingha from extinction and hosting the world’s last population of this deer species. 2. Other species found include tiger, leopard, dhole, bear, gaur, Indian python, and more.

Note– Kanha used to be the home of the Baiga tribe, a semi-nomadic group from central India. They were relocated as part of efforts to protect the critical tiger habitat.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)