★★★★★ 5/5
Prelims: Indian Geography (species, River), Bull shark, Vaitarna River, IUCN Green Status Assessment
Mains: General Studies-I, Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Why in the News ?
Recently, the bull shark attacked a fisherman in Vaitarna river at Dongripada in Maharashtra’s Palghar district was the first sighting of a bull shark 40km upstream in the river.
Source: HT
Key Facts 🗝️
- Bull Shark
- Conservation status: IUCN – Vulnerable
📌 FYI on Prelims:
- IUCN Green Status Assessment
- The IUCN Green Status classifies species into nine Species Recovery Categories, indicating the extent to which species are depleted or recovered compared to their historical population levels.
- Each Green Status assessment measures the impact of past conservation on a species, a species’ dependence on continuing support, how much a species stands to gain from conservation action within the next ten years, and the potential for it to recover over the next century.
About:
- Bull Shark
- They’re known to be aggressive towards humans and are thought to be one of the most dangerous shark species in the world.
- Habitat: Tropical coastal areas worldwide, including shallower waters along coastlines.
- Unique ability to tolerate freshwater and saltwater habitats, meaning they can sometimes be found venturing into rivers and traveling great distances upstream.
- Reproduction: Through viviparity, the process in which the embryo develops within the mother’s body, leading to live birth.
- Vaitarna River:
- It is one of the west flowing rivers in the region North of Mumbai and South of the Tapi River.
- Origin: Originates in the Trimbakeshwar Hills of Nasik district of Maharashtra.
- It receives most of the rainfall from the South West monsoon during June to October. Almost 98% of the annual rainfall of the basin is received during this period.
- Tributaries: The main tributaries are Pinjal, Ganjai, Surya, Daharji and Tansa.
- The catchment area of Vaitarna basin completely lies in Thane and Nasik districts of Maharashtra.
- Drain: An area of 2019 sq km before it falls in Gulf of Khambhat.
UPSC CSE EXAMS Corner
Prelims: PYQ/FAQ
Q. Among the following, which one lays eggs and does not produce young ones directly? (2008)
A) Echidna
B) Kangaroo
C) Porcupine
D) Whale
Ans: a. Echidna
Explaination:
- Echidnas, sometimes known as spiny anteaters, belong to the family Tachyglossidae in the monotreme order of egg-laying mammals.
- The four extant species of Echidnas and the platypus are the only living mammals that lay eggs and the only surviving members of the order Monotremata.
- Echidnas evolved between 20 and 50 million years ago, descending from a platypus-like monotreme, which was aquatic, but echidnas adapted to life on land.
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Prelims: Polity (Statutory Organizations), Rubber, Rubber Board,Rubber Plantation
Mains: General Studies-II Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies
Why in the News ?
Recently, the government has increased the allocation for Sustainable and Inclusive Development of the Natural Rubber Sector by 23% to Rs 708.7 crore for the next two financial years and the scheme is run by the Rubber Board.
Source: TFE
Key Facts 🗝️
- Rubber Board: statutory organization – Rubber Act, 1947.
- Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- HQ: Kottayam, Kerala.
- Top Rubber Producing States: Kerala > Tamil Nadu > Karnataka.
📌 FYI on Prelims:
- Rubber Plantations in India:
- Ranking:World’s largest producer and the third-largest user of natural rubber.
- Rubber Growing Areas in India:
- Traditional Areas: Primarily in Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari District and Kerala.
- Non-traditional regions: Coastal Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra’s Konkan Region, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, the northeastern provinces, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, among other places.
About:
- Rubber Board
- Functions:
- It is responsible for the development of the rubber industry in the country by assisting and encouraging research, development, extension and training activities related to rubber.
- Maintains statistical data of rubber, takes steps to promote marketing of rubber and undertake labour welfare activities.
- A crucial function of the Rubber Board is issuing licenses to rubber producers, manufacturers, and exporters/traders. This license, known as the “Rubber Board license/registration,” is mandatory for anyone involved in rubber manufacturing and export
- Structure: It is headed by a Chairman appointed by the Central Government.
- It has 28 members representing various interests of the natural rubber industry.
- The activities of the Board are exercised through Five Departments viz. General Services, Extension & Advisory Services, Research Services (rubber Research Institute of India), Training (Rubber Training Institute) & Finance.
- Natural Rubber:
- Polymer made up of a chemical molecule called isoprene.
- Native: Amazon basin which was introduced to countries in the tropical belts of Asia and Africa in the late nineteenth century.
- Climatic conditions required for Rubber:
- Rubber trees require moist and humid climates with heavy rainfall of more than 200 cm.
- It grows well in equatorial climates and temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius.
- Rubber trees require well-drained, weathered soils.
UPSC CSE EXAMS Corner
Prelims: PYQ/FAQ
Prelims: PYQ related to Topic:
Q. Which one of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the ‘New World’ and introduced into the ‘Old World’? (2019)
(a) Tobacco, cocoa and rubber
(b) Tobacco, cotton and rubber
(c) Cotton, coffee and sugarcane
(d) Rubber, coffee and wheat
Ans: a. Tobacco, cocoa and rubber
Explaination:
- New World refers to the Americas, which was discovered by Christopher Columbus during his voyage attempt to India. Old World continents during 15th century included Asia, Africa and Europe.
- Tobacco is one of the most important cash crops in American farming and is native to the North and South American continents. It first became known to the Old World when European explorers during the 15th and 16th centuries saw it being used as a medicine and as a hallucinogen by native Americans.
- Natural rubber trees originated in Southern America and from there it was introduced to the Old World. The cocoa tree is also native to the Amazon Basin, which was introduced to the Old World from New World.
- Cotton and Wheat were found in the Indus Valley Civilization. So both these crops were native of the Old World.
★★★★★ 3.5/5
Prelims: Indian Culture (Festivals), Paruveta Utsavam, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
Mains: General Studies-I, Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Why in the News ?
Recently, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has been making efforts to obtain UNESCO recognition for the yearly ‘Paruveta Utsavam‘ (mock hunting festival) as an ‘intangible cultural heritage.
Source: TH
About:
- Paruveta Utsavam
- It is an annual mock hunting festival held at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.
- Symbol: During this time, the deity from the inner sanctum of the temple is carried to the 32 Chenchu tribal settlements surrounding Ahobilam for a period of 40 days.
- Belief: According to legend, Lord Vishnu, in his Narasimha form, married Maha Lakshmi, who was born as a tribal girl named Chenchulakshmi in Ahobilam.
- Activities: During the ceremony, tribal members shoot arrows at the deity’s palanquin as a gesture of respect and protection.
- Paruveta Utsavam is celebrated by people of all castes.
- Administrative Body & Tribal link:The 600-year-old Ahobila Mutt, through the ‘Guru Parampara’, oversees the temple.
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
- It is a non-profit charitable organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Established: It was founded in 1984 in New Delhi.
- Objective: Its goal is to establish a membership organization to promote awareness and lead conservation efforts for heritage in India.
★★★★★ 4.5/5
Prelims: Polity (Global Initiatives ), Global Initiative on Digital Health, Digital Health, WHO
Mains: General Studies-II Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Why in the News ?
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with Indian Govt, launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), a platform for sharing knowledge and digital products worldwide. This initiative constitutes one of the three priority areas outlined during India’s G20 presidency in 2023.
Source: IE
📌 FYI on Prelims:
World Health Organization (WHO)
- It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) established in 1948. WHO is the first global health organization established in 1948, replacing many regional and national health bodies.
- HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Member Countries: All Member countries of the United Nations may become members of WHO by accepting its Constitution. 194 Members of WHO are grouped according to 6 regions.
- World Health Assembly is the supreme decision-making body of WHO, attended by delegations from all member states.
- USA is currently the biggest financial contributor to the WHO, and has been its active member for many decades.
- Aim: It aims to enhance international cooperation for improved public health conditions. Each year WHO celebrates its date of establishment, April 7, 1948, as World Health Day.
- Functions: Its specific tasks include:
- Epidemic control,
- Quarantine measures,
- Drug standardization.
- Reports Published:
- World Health Report
- Global Nutrition Report
- World Vision Report
- Ambient Air Pollution Report
- World Report on Hearing
About:
- Global Initiative On Digital health:
- It is a WHO managed network aimed at implementing the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025 and other WHO standards, for digital health system transformation.
- Launched by: India in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO)
- Features- The initiative will consist of a network of networks comprising four key element:
- Country needs tracker: Helping digital health investments align with country priorities.
- Country resource portal: A map of resources available in a country.
- Transformation toolbox: For sharing quality-assured digital tools.
- Convening and Knowledge Exchange: Encouraging better collaboration and knowledge sharing among global, regional, and national digital health networks.
- Significance:
- The initiative would aid universal health convergence and improve healthcare service delivery.
- GIDH will help countries by listening to their needs, coordinating resources to prevent duplication, and offering quality-assured products.
- Digital Health:
- Digital health involves utilizing technology like mobile devices, software applications, and other digital tools to enhance health and healthcare services.
- Objective: It encompasses a wide range of technologies and platforms aimed at improving access to healthcare, enhancing the quality of care. It empowers individuals to better manage their health and wellness.
- Examples: India’s CoWIN, UNICEF’s RapidPro, and FamilyConnect.
UPSC CSE EXAMS Corner
Mains: PYQ/FAQ
Q. Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (2018)
★★★★★ 4/5
Prelims: Science & Tech. (Chemicals in News), Rhodamine B, Stockholm Convention,Dyeing
Mains: General Studies-III, Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
Why in the News ?
Recently, the Tamil Nadu government banned the sale and production of cotton candy in the state after it was found that the chemical Rhodamine-B was being used for making it.
Source: TH
Key Facts 🗝️
As per the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006, preparation, packaging, importing, selling and serving food items with Rhodamine-B in wedding ceremonies and other public events is a punishable offence.
📌 FYI on Prelims:
- Dyeing:
- It is the interaction between a dye and a fibre, as well as the movement of dye into the internal part of the fibre.
- Generally, a dyeing process involves adsorption (transfer of dyes from the aqueous solution onto the fibre surface) and diffusion (dyes diffused into the fibre).
- Stockholm Convention:
- It is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs). POPs are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are toxic to humans and wildlife.
- India ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2006
About:
- Rhodamine-B
- It is a water-soluble chemical compound.
- While it appears green in powder form, it turns vivid fluorescent pink when it comes in contact with water.
- It is a chemical commonly used for dyeing in the textile, paper, leather, and paints industry as a coloring agent that helps in attaining the red and pink spectrum.
- It is an industrial dye which is not allowed in food anywhere in the world as it is toxic.
- Harmful Nature:
- Researchers have identified that if food containing this chemical is consumed regularly, it can cause damage to the cerebellum tissue in the brain and to the brainstem that connects the brain to the spinal cord.
- These damages can lead to functional abnormalities and can hinder humans’ motor functioning.
- The chemical is toxic for humans and can cause oxidative stress on cells and tissues if ingested.
- It becomes particularly hazardous when it is mixed with food products, leading to cancer and tumour over time.
UPSC CSE EXAMS Corner
Prelims: PYQ/FAQ
Q. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013)
- Arsenic
- Sorbitol
- Fluoride
- Formaldehyde
- Uranium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2, 4 and 5 only
C) 1, 3 and 5 only
D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: C). 1, 3 and 5 only
Explaination :
- Drinking water in some parts of India have contaminants like Arsenic and Fluoride.
- The sources of arsenic include run off from orchards, metal smelting among others.
- The sources of Fluoride are erosion of natural deposits, discharge from fertilizers and Aluminium factories.
- The drinking water in some parts of India also contains traces of Uranium. The main source of the Uranium contamination is natural, but human factors such as groundwater-table decline and Nitrate pollution may exacerbate this problem.
- Some naturally occurring elements in drinking water are Lead, Arsenic, Mercury, Radium, Chloride, Iron and Copper compounds. Most of these are not harmful when consumed in small quantities. But when the consumption is higher than the prescribed amount, it could be harmful and sometimes even fatal.
- Water in India is contaminated with salinity, Arsenic, Fluoride, Iron, Nitrate, and heavy metals.
- Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found in fruits and plants with diuretic, laxative and cathartic property.
- Unabsorbed Sorbitol retains water in the large intestine through osmotic pressure, thereby stimulating peristalsis of the intestine and exerting its diuretic, laxative and cathartic effect.
- Formaldehyde is a colourless, strong-smelling gas used in making building materials and many household products. Formaldehyde quickly broken down in the air – generally within hours. It dissolves easily in water, but does not last long there, either.
