9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 7 March, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

India Joining the IEA as a full member- India and the IEA: Friends with benefits?

Source: The post India joining the IEA as a full member has been created, based on the article “India and the IEA: Friends with benefits?” published in “Business Standard” on 7th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate

News: This article discusses India’s potential full membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA). It highlights the importance of including India, given its growing energy consumption and role in climate change.

About India joining the IEA

India requested to join the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a full member. This discussion started during IEA’s 50th anniversary.

India would be the first non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) country to join, reflecting the changing global energy landscape.

For information on IEA read here

What is the Significance of India Joining the IEA?

Benefits for India:

Enhanced Global Influence: As the world’s third-largest energy consumer, India’s full membership in the IEA can increase its global influence in energy decisions.

Energy Transition Support: India’s ambitious renewable energy goals, like tripling non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030, can gain support and expertise from the IEA.

Learning from IEA Expertise: India can benefit from the IEA’s experience in energy security and climate-proofing economies.

Benefits for IEA:

Reflecting Current Global Energy Trends: Including India reflects the shift in energy consumption from OECD countries to emerging economies.

Addressing Climate Change: India’s role in global energy consumption makes its participation crucial in global climate efforts.

Balancing Energy Needs with Climate Goals: The IEA can work with India to balance its rising energy needs, especially in fossil fuels, with global emission reduction targets.

What Challenges Exist in India Joining the IEA?

Differing Energy Priorities: India’s increasing fossil fuel consumption, including a potential 20% rise in oil use by the end of the decade, contrasts with the IEA’s focus on reducing fossil fuels.

New Coal Capacity Concerns: Plans to build 40-80 GW of new coal electricity generation in India conflict with the IEA’s stance against new coal capacity without expensive carbon removal technologies.

Oil Reserve Requirements: India currently has less than a week’s strategic oil reserve, far below the IEA requirement of a 90-day emergency reserve, posing a compliance challenge.

Balancing Economic Growth with Emission Reductions: Aligning India’s rapid economic growth with global emission reduction efforts presents a complex negotiation issue.

How does India’s energy consumption impact the world?

Major Contributor to Global Energy Demand: India’s growing population and economy significantly increase global energy demand.

Influence on Global Emissions: As a major greenhouse gas emitter, India’s energy choices directly affect global emissions. Its success in renewable energy and emission intensity reduction is crucial for global climate goals.

Setting a Precedent for Developing Nations: India’s path in balancing economic growth with sustainable energy practices can serve as a model for other developing countries.

Driving Global Energy Transition: India’s commitment to increasing renewables, like targeting a tripling of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030, influences global energy market trends and investments.

Way forward

To move forward, the IEA and India should focus on mutual goals while respecting their differences. India’s energy growth and transition to renewables, like its ambitious 2030 targets, are key. Balancing India’s oil and coal usage with global climate goals is essential, requiring cooperation and understanding from both sides.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges India may face in aligning its energy priorities with the objectives of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and how these challenges could impact global energy dynamics and climate efforts.

Legal aspects related to disqualification- Slow and unsteady

Source: The post legal aspects related to disqualification has been created, based on the article “Slow and unsteady: The legislature should complement the judiciary in fighting corruption” published in “The Hindu” on 7th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-polity-Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

News: The Tirukkoyilur Assembly (Tamil Nadu) constituency was not declared vacant immediately after the conviction of former Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy in a disproportionate assets case. Despite the conviction, there was a delay in declaring the seat vacant.

Why has the delayed declaration of a vacant assembly seat in Tamil Nadu faced criticism?

Legal Mandate: Despite the Madras High Court’s conviction, the seat remained occupied for an unexplained duration, raising concerns about timely legislative response to lawmaker disqualification.

Contrast with Other Cases: This delay contrasts with the prompt action taken in other cases, such as the Vilavancode constituency, where a legislator promptly vacated the seat after changing party affiliation.

What are the legal aspects related to disqualification?

Section 8(1) Disqualification:

Section 8(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 lists offenses under laws like the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and Prevention of Corruption Act.

Criteria for Disqualification: Section 8(1) states that disqualification “shall be” immediate upon conviction, implying no delay in implementation.

For example: Despite K. Ponmudy’s conviction, there was a delay in declaring the Tirukkoyilur Assembly seat vacant, raising questions about adherence to the legal mandate.

Section 8(3) Disqualification:

Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 mandates disqualification for certain offenses, including criminal defamation. It applies to specific offenses and mandates disqualification for a certain period after conviction. For example: Member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi was disqualified under Section 8(3) after his conviction and two-year sentence in a criminal defamation case.

For more information read here

What are the broader implications of such delays?

It undermines public confidence in the legislative process.

Unequal treatment in responding to lawmaker disqualification cases can erode trust in the fairness of the system.

What should be done?

  1. The legislature should take prompt action to declare vacant seats in cases of lawmaker disqualification, in line with legal mandates.
  2. There should be cooperation between the judiciary and legislature to ensure effective combat against corruption.
  3. All lawmakers should be treated equally in disqualification cases, without bias or delay.
  4. Upholding democratic principles involves respecting dissent while combating corruption and ensuring fair and timely responses to disqualification cases.

Question for practice:

Discuss the importance of promptly declaring vacant seats in cases of lawmaker disqualification, considering legal mandates and the implications of delays, with examples from cases like Tirukkoyilur and Vilavancode constituencies.

Credit Systems in India- The National Credit Framework makes education system more flexible

Source: The post Credit Systems in India has been created, based on the article “The National Credit Framework makes education system more flexible” published in “Indian express” on 7th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

News: This article discusses a new education system in India, where students can earn and transfer credits for various learning activities, including online courses and internships, through a digital platform called Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). This approach, part of the National Credit Framework (NCrF), makes education more flexible and diverse.

What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?

About– It is a unified meta-framework that accumulates credits earned from school education, higher education, and vocational and skill education. Under this system, credits will be assigned to academic learning.
1. It consists of three verticals:
a. National School Education Qualification Framework (NSEQF)
b. National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF)
c. National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

For more information read here

What are the challenges with traditional credit systems in India?

Credit Incompatibility Issues: A major challenge in India has been the incompatibility of credits among different educational institutions and programs, hindering student mobility.

Limited Flexibility in Pre-NEP Systems: The Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) and semesterisation, implemented before the National Education Policy (NEP), lacked sufficient flexibility. They did not fully enhance the options available to students or provide adequate autonomy for diverse academic pursuits.

Criticism of the CBCS: The CBCS was criticized for not allowing students to explore a wide range of learning objectives, highlighting a need for a more adaptable credit-earning approach.

What is the Importance of Credits in Education?

Measuring Learning Effort and Achievement: Credits are fundamental units for capturing effort and achievement in academic activities, including both classroom learning and extracurricular activities. It will promote a broad and enriched learning environment.

Monitoring Academic Progress: They enable students to systematically track their academic progress towards educational objectives.

Facilitating Educational Flexibility: Credits aid in informed decision-making, especially when transferring between institutions or programs, enhancing the educational experience.

Centralized Credit Management: The Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) platform serves as a centralized repository for academic credits, streamlining their accumulation, storage, and retrieval. This system significantly enhances the flexibility and diversity of education.

For information on ABC read here

What initiatives has India taken towards credit systems?

Integrates various educational levels: Launched in April 2023, the National Credit Framework (NCrF) integrates various educational levels, including school, higher, and vocational education from grades I to VIII.

Establishing the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): A digital platform for managing credit accumulation, storage, and retrieval, ABC supports the NCrF. It has seen significant participation, with over six crore students registered.

Collaboration with Stakeholders: The NCrF was developed in consultation with various stakeholders, including the IIT Council, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Way forward

The way forward involves fully embracing the National Credit Framework (NCrF) and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), ensuring seamless credit transfer and flexible learning pathways. This approach will enhance educational diversity, accommodate varied student needs, and align with contemporary interdisciplinary learning demands.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the role of the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) in addressing the challenges and limitations faced by India’s previous credit systems.

Linkage of malnutrition and obesity in India

Source-This post on Linkage of malnutrition and obesity in India has been created based on the article “How malnutrition and obesity are linked in India” published in “The Indian Express” on 7 March 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

News-The article highlights the significance of investing in adolescent girls and young women health to minimize possibilities of obesity and diabetes in future.

What is obesity and how is it measured?

Obesity- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that poses health risks.

It is measured in following ways-

  1. Adults over the age of 20 years
    Obese- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or more.
    Underweight- Body Mass Index (BMI) is less than 18 kg/m2.

NOTE- BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.

Read more- Obesity in India

How are malnutrition and obesity linked in India?

1)Deposition of fat- Indians deposit most fat in and around the abdomen. The highest glucose levels were found in individuals having the lowest BMI and the highest waist measurement. Indians have low BMI and high glucose-insulin metabolism. This increases their vulnerability to obesity and diabetes.

2) Intrauterine Programming-This can be defined as the impact of malnutrition on babies when they are still in the mother’s womb. This alters the structure and function of the developing organs, reducing their capacity to cope with stress. For ex-overnutrition, inactivity, psycho-social stress, migration etc.

3) Role of blood chemistry– The blood chemistry of an Indian newborn may indicate future risk of diabetes. Due to lack of adequate and balanced nutrition from the mother, there is  reduction in the deposition of protein-rich tissues. Many of these mothers also suffer from “gestational diabetes” which adds to the baby’s fat and increases the chances of obesity and diabetes.

What should be the way forward?

There is a need to improve maternal health, nutrition, and metabolism. This will ensure that the babies born will be more resilient and enjoy a healthy life.

Question for practice

How are maternal health and vulnerability to obesity linked in India?

GS PAPER - 3

Bloomberg including Indian bonds in its index- Confidence booster

Source: The post Bloomberg including Indian bonds in its index has been created, based on the article “Confidence booster: Index inclusion reflects confidence in India” published in “Business Standard” on 7th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Indian economy-mobilisation of resources.

News: The article discusses Bloomberg adding Indian government bonds to its index, which is expected to attract foreign investment and help India’s economy.

About inclusion of India’s government bonds to emerging market index.

Bloomberg will include Indian government bonds in its emerging market index starting January 31, 2025, over 10 months.

This follows JP Morgan’s inclusion of Indian bonds starting in June 2024.

The initial inflow from Bloomberg’s inclusion is expected to be $2-3 billion.

What is the significance of Bloomberg including Indian bonds in its index?

Boost to Indian Debt Market: Bloomberg’s inclusion of Indian bonds in its index significantly boosts the Indian debt market. (Expected to attract $2-3 billion initially)

Confidence from Global Investors: Following JP Morgan’s earlier inclusion, Bloomberg’s decision signals strong confidence from international investors in the Indian economy.

Impact on Fiscal Deficits: Helps the Indian government finance fiscal and current account deficits by bringing in foreign savings.

Stable Investment Flow: Investments from funds tracking the index are typically passive and considered more stable.

Economic Strength Indicator: Reflects confidence in India’s macroeconomic stability, highlighting its growth and substantial foreign exchange reserves.

Risk Management: Calls for agile macroeconomic management due to the increased risks associated with higher foreign exposure.

What are the risks involved in including Indian bonds in the emerging market index?

Increased Market Volatility: Higher foreign investment can lead to greater market volatility, especially during global financial stress.

Currency Fluctuations: Large foreign fund movements can cause instability in the value of the Indian rupee.

Economic Impact of Reversed Flows: As per the RBI Governor’s statement, an increase in index weighting brings inflows, but a decrease could lead to outflows, posing economic challenges.

Way forward

To manage the risks from Bloomberg’s inclusion of Indian bonds, India needs to maintain low fiscal and current account deficits, ensure stable inflation, and actively manage foreign exchange flows. The Reserve Bank of India will play a crucial role in stabilizing the currency and mitigating volatility.

Question for practice:

Examine how Bloomberg’s inclusion of Indian government bonds in its emerging market index will impact India’s economy and financial markets?

Significance of Undersea cable for India

Source-This post on Significance of Undersea cable for India has been created based on the article “Undersea Message: India, Get More Cable-Able” published on “The Times of India” on 7 March 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper 3- Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

News-The article highlights the need of building robust submarine infrastructure for commercial and strategic interest of India.

Background– Recently, submarine cables in the Red Sea have been damaged. This poses challenge for India’s Telecom Sector.

What is an undersea cable or submarine cable system?

It is a ‘line link‘ in the form of wire, cable, optical fiber, tube, conduit, waveguide or another physical medium. It is for carrying communications by means of guided electromagnetic energy.

What is the damage and who caused it?

The Red Sea has 14 undersea cables.They carry 90% of net traffic between Europe and Asia.
There is no solid evidence to inform who caused the damage. The Houthis claim that they have damaged it, whereas some believe it is damaged by anchors of old ships.

Read more- Submarine Cables and India- Threats and Vulnerabilities

What is the significance of building robust undersea cable for India?

1) Economic significance– Undersea cables carry 99% of internet traffic. India’s TATA communication is a stakeholder in TGN Red Sea cable. Damage to cable may lead to substantial loss to Indian service sector

2) Geostrategic Significance-

A) Data is perceived to be new oil and cables carry data.So,cutting hostile or enemy nations’ communication could prove to be a great strategic move during wartime. For ex-During world wars, this tactic was employed by warring nations.

B) India lies at the important maritime crossroads between western Pacific and Persian Gulf. Submarine cable mostly follow these maritime routes.Hence,India may be at a strategically advantageous position while navigating through regional diplomacy.

Question for practice

What is geo-economic and geo-strategic significance of Undersea cables for India?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi

Source-This post on e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi has been created based on the article Shri Goyal launches ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ to ease farmers’ warehousing logistics published in “PIB” on 4th March 2024.

Why in the news?

Piyush Goyal Launches 'e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi' Digital Gateway to Transform Agriculture for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Photo Source: @fooddeptgoi/X)
Krishi Jagran

Recently, the union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Commerce and Industry and Textiles launched ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway).

What is ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’?

Aspect Details
About It is a digital gateway of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).
Objective To ease the farmers’ warehousing logistics and aid the farmers in receiving fair prices for their produce.
Nodal ministry It is an initiative of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution and Commerce and Industry and Textiles
Salient features 1) E-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ platform with its simplified digital process can ease the procedure of farmers’ storage at any registered WDRA warehouse for a period of 6 months at 7% interest per annum.
2) It will integrate e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi and e-NAM to enables farmers to leverage interconnected markets, extending benefits beyond government Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Significance This initiative with no collateral, extra security deposit policy aims to prevent distress sales by farmers, enabling better post-harvest storage opportunities.

What is Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA)?

  1. About– WDRA operates as a statutory authority under the Department of Food and Public Distribution. Its headquarter is at New Delhi.
  2. Established– It was established in October 2010 under the Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007.
  3. Aim– to develop and regulate warehouses, promote negotiability of warehouse receipts, and facilitate orderly growth of the warehousing business in India.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programmes

India’s second spaceport at Kulasekharapattanam (TN)

Source-This post on India’s second spaceport at Kulasekharapattanam (TN) has been created based on the article Modi lays stone for India’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapa published in “Times of India” on 29th February 2024.

Why in the news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the country’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in in Tuticorin district.

About India’s second spaceport

Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport - News and discussions | Indian Defence Forum
Defenceforum.india

1. About: A spaceport or cosmodrome is a site for launching or receiving spacecraft, by analogy to a seaport for ships or an airport for aircraft.

2. Location: India’s second spaceport is being established in Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal village in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu.

Note: Kulasekharapatnam situated in the Thoothukudi district, is an ancient port town dating back to the 1st century AD.

3. The new spaceport is dedicated to Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) developed by the private sector.

4. Indian Space Research Organization launched a Rohini sounding rocket from a mobile launch pad to mark the beginning of work at the site.

Reasons why launching sites are generally located on the Eastern Coast: 

1. The eastern coast location offers several benefits for rocket launches:

a. Fuel Savings: Launching rockets from the eastern coast harnesses Earth’s rotation, granting them initial velocity and reducing fuel requirements for orbit.

b. Equatorial Position: The spaceport’s proximity to the Equator further enhances launch efficiency. Rockets launched closer to the Equator receive an additional boost from the Earth’s rotational speed, making it easier to reach orbit.

The new spaceport advantages over the Sriharikota facility:

1. Eliminating Diversion Due to Sri Lanka’s Airspace:

a. Currently, rockets launched from the existing spaceport at Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh)  must head east before turning south. This trajectory is necessary to avoid flying over the airspace of neighboring Sri Lanka.

b. Rockets can now take a more direct path without encroaching on Sri Lanka’s airspace, enhancing launch efficiency.

2. Proximity to Isro’s Propulsion Complex:

a. Isro’s propulsion complex is located in Mahendragiri, which is much closer to Kulasekarapattinam (approximately 88 km) than to Sriharikota (approximately 780 km).

b. This proximity facilitates the transportation of rocket components, reducing both time and cost.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Dry ice

Source- This post on Dry ice has been created based on the article What is ‘dry ice’, at the centre of the Gurugram restaurant incident? published in “Down to earth” on 5th March 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, Dry ice mistakenly provided at a party in a Gurugram restaurant caused severe injuries to people’s mouths and food pipes, leading to hospitalization.

About Dry Ice

Dry ice
Source- DownToEarth

1. About: Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide (CO₂) formed by compressing and cooling carbon dioxide gas. 

2. Difference between regular ice and dry ice: Unlike regular ice, which melts into liquid water, dry ice undergoes sublimation, transitioning directly from a solid to a gas without going through a liquid phase. This sublimation process releases large volumes of CO₂ gas.

3. Applications:

i) Dry Ice is commonly used as a cooling agent for food products like ice cream, frozen desserts etc.

ii) Dry ice is also used for applications such as preservation and for creating special effects like fog or smoke.

iii) It also finds use in industrial cleaning processes like dry ice blasting.

4. Hazardous nature:
a. Dry ice can be hazardous if ingested because dry ice sublimates rapidly and when it comes in contact with moisture in the mouth or digestive tract it releases CO₂ gas  which could pose a danger of breathlessness (hypercapnia).
b. It may also cause burns, bloating, vomiting, and even life-threatening complications like stomach or intestinal perforation.

UPSC Syllabus: Science & Technology

Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs)

Source-This post on Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs) is based on article “Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog and Meta join hands to establish Frontier Technology Labs in schools” published in “PIB” on 6th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog and Meta have collaborated to set up Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs) in schools deemed strategically important.

This partnership aims to make frontier technologies accessible to everyone and encourage innovation among students.

What are Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs)?

Frontier Technology Labs (FTLs)
Source- India Today

1. About:
a. The FTL is an advanced version of the Atal Tinkering Lab, featuring cutting-edge infrastructure that includes all elements found within the Tinkering Lab.
b. It enables students to innovate using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented & Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Internet of Things.

2. Component of Meta’s Education to Entrepreneurship initiative– The FTLs are a component of Meta’s Education to Entrepreneurship program, which started in September 2023.This initiative aims to connect students, youth, workers, and micro-entrepreneurs with advanced technologies, bringing digital skills to the grassroots level.

3. FundingMeta will finance the FTLs

4. Knowledge PartnerAtal Innovation Mission

About Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL)

1. About– It is an initiative by the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog with the aim of establishing Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) in schools across India.

2. Objective- To foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young minds; and inculcate skills such as design mindset, computational thinking, adaptive learning, physical computing etc.

3. Current Status– Till date, AIM has established 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools across 722 districts throughout India.

What are frontier technologies?

1. About-It is defined as potentially disruptive technology that can address large-scale challenges. It is an intersection where radical forward-thinking and real-world implementation meet.

2. Examples–  AI, robotics, 3D printing, Internet of Things among others.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology/ Schemes & Programmes

Begonia Narahari

Source-This post on Begonia Narahari is based on the article “New Begonia Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh by USTM and CSIR-NEIST Researchers” published in “bnn” on 5th March 2024.

Why in the News?

A new flowering plant species named Begonia Narahari was recently discovered by researchers in Arunachal Pradesh.

About Begonia Narahari

Begonia Narahari
Source- bnn

1. Discovery and Identification:
a. It is a newly discovered flowering plant species belonging to the Begonia genus within the Begoniaceae family.
b. The species, named ‘Narahari,’ is a tribute to Prof. Garikapati Narahari Sastry for his contributions to the well-being of the region and the establishment of the Germplasm Conservation Centre for the bio-resources of Northeast India.

2. Characteristics:
a. Begonia Narahari is known for its vibrant blue iridescence when exposed to direct light, a unique characteristic that helps distinguish it from related species during identification.
b. Currently, Begonia naraharii is only found in the Demwe area within the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.

3. Conservation Status:
a. Due to limited information about its global population, the species is temporarily labeled as Data Deficient (DD) per the IUCN species assessment guidelines.
b. The limited habitat and possible threats like agricultural expansion, fires, and timber extraction highlight the importance of focused conservation efforts.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news) 

Cycas circinalis (Eenthu Pana)

Source-This post on Cycas circinalis (Eenthu Pana) is based on the article “Rare tree fights a losing battle in north Kerala” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd March 2024.

Why in the News?

Cycas circinalis (Eenthu Pana) faces the threat of extinction in northern Kerala due to an unidentified and rapidly spreading plant disease.

About Cycas circinalis
Cycas circinalis (Eenthu Pana)

1. About-Cycas circinalis, also known as Queen Sago, is a species of cycad native to southern India and Sri Lanka.

2. Classification:
a. It is classified within the cycads family (Cycadaceae), which ranks among the planet’s most threatened plant groups.
b. These plants originated 300 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, making cycads the oldest surviving group of seed plants.

3. Recognized by names in India-It is called Eenthu Pana in Kerala and has various names like Mund isalu (Kannada), madana kama raja (Tamil), and Malabari supari (Marathi) in different states.

4. Characteristics:
a. It is an evergreen tree resembling a palm, reaching heights of up to 25 feet.
b. It is commonly found in dense, scrubby woodlands in hilly regions that experience seasonal dryness.
c. During extremely arid periods, it may shed its leaves.
d. It requires complete dryness for processing, which is challenging since it is usually harvested during the rainy season.
e. Typically, it takes 40 to 50 years for the trees to bear fruit.

5. Geographical distribution:
a. It is recognized as an Indian native plant, found exclusively in the Western Ghats region, spanning the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and southern Maharashtra.
b. Among the nine cycad species identified in India, six are native to the country.

6. Applications– It is a valuable plant used for nutrition by many local communities in the Western Ghats.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)

India’s first underwater Metro line

Source-This post on India’s first underwater Metro line is based on the article “PM Modi unveils multiple metro projects, including Kolkata underwater corridor” published in “The Hindu” on 6th March 2024.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated India’s first underwater metro line in Kolkata.

About India’s first Underwater Metro line

India’s first underwater Metro line
Source- The Indian Express

1. About– This underwater Metro line is a part of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor.

2. Length of the section– Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section is 4.8 km long and goes under the Hooghly River through India’s first underwater transportation tunnel.

3. Tunnel specification-The tunnel is 13 meters below the riverbed and 33 meters below ground level. Its total length is 520 meters.

4. Connecting Places– This section connects Kolkata and Howrah, located on the east and west banks of the Hooghly River, respectively.

5. Deepest metro Station-This section will also have the distinction of having the deepest metro station in India at Howrah, which is 30 meters deep.

History of Kolkata Metro

1. About-It is India’s first rapid transit system, serving Kolkata and the wider Kolkata Metropolitan Region in West Bengal.

2. Started & Current Status– It was first operationalized in 1984. As of January 2023, it is the second busiest and fourth longest metro network in India.

Key facts about Hooghly River

Hooghly river
Source- TimesofIndia

1. About– The Hooghly River, also called the Bhagirathi-Hoogly and Kati-Ganga River, is a major river in West Bengal.

2. Length– It is a branch of the Ganges River, spanning approximately 260 kilometers.

3. Course:
a. It originates in Murshidabad, where the Ganga River divides into two branches.
b. The branch that flows through Bangladesh is known as the Padma, while the other branch, the Hooghly, flows through a densely industrialized region of West Bengal.

4. Rivers drain into Hooghly– Ajay, Falgu, Jalangi and Churni to the north and Rupnarayan, Mayurakshi, Damodar and Haldi to the south.

5. Important cities near it– Jiaganj, Azimganj, Murshidabad, and Baharampur.

UPSC SyllabusGeography and Places in news

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