The approval of an eco-tourism resort project on the Surla plateau, located within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, has sparked significant concern among environmentalists.
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats, located in the northern part of Goa.
Area:
The sanctuary spans 208 square kilometers, covering diverse terrains from dense forests to hilly landscapes.
Name Origin:
It is named after the Mhadei River, which flows through the sanctuary. This river plays a vital role in the region's hydrology and supports local wildlife.
Geography:
The sanctuary is home to some of the highest peaks in Goa, such as:
Sonsogod (1027 m)
Talvche Sada (812 m)
Vagheri (725 m)
Waterfalls:
Some of the picturesque waterfalls within the sanctuary include:
Vazra Sakla Falls
Virdi Falls
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity in both flora and fauna:
The forest type is mainly semi-evergreen and moist deciduous, with abundant species such as teak, sal, and bamboo.
It is also home to medicinal plants and orchids, along with sacred groves that protect rare and indigenous trees.
The sanctuary is an important habitat for wildlife and is home to several iconic species, including:
Bengal tigers (critical to the concern over the resort project)
Black panthers
Leopards
Sloth bears
Gaur (Indian bison)
Various species of deer
The sanctuary also harbors a variety of snakes, including the Indian krait, Russell’s viper, Saw-scaled viper, and Spectacled cobra.
Over 250 bird species have been recorded, including:
Malabar trogon
Great pied hornbill
Nilgiri wood pigeon
Many species are endemic to the Western Ghats.
The cliff face near Vazra Falls is a key nesting ground for the critically endangered Long-billed vultures, making it a crucial area for conservation.
The decision to approve the eco-tourism resort in this area has led to the following concerns from environmentalists:
Impact on Tiger Habitat:
The Surla plateau is part of a critical tiger habitat, and the introduction of tourism infrastructure could disrupt the natural behavior and movement of Bengal tigers and other wildlife species. Even eco-tourism has the potential to disturb wildlife, especially in a sanctuary that serves as a safe haven for endangered species.
Ecological Disruption:
The construction of a resort may lead to habitat fragmentation, noise pollution, and human-wildlife conflict, which could significantly affect the delicate ecosystems in the sanctuary. Additionally, the introduction of large-scale infrastructure may increase traffic, resulting in the disturbance of wildlife populations and the degradation of their habitats.
Water and Waste Management:
Resorts can put immense pressure on local water resources and may lead to the pollution of nearby rivers and streams. Waste management becomes a critical issue, especially in an ecologically sensitive area.
Tourism Pressure:
While eco-tourism aims to bring economic benefits, it can also lead to overcrowding and unsustainable development, which can further stress the sanctuary's resources and affect the flora and fauna.
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is not only crucial for conservation but also plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region:
Biodiversity: The sanctuary is home to some of India’s rarest and most iconic species. Preserving it ensures that these species continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
Water Conservation: The Mhadei River is an important water source for both wildlife and local human populations. Protecting the sanctuary is essential for maintaining the health of the river.
Climate Regulation: As part of the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sanctuary plays a significant role in maintaining the climate regulation of the region, with its forests acting as carbon sinks.
The recent sightings of noctilucent clouds from parts of Scotland are a beautiful natural phenomenon that can be both scientifically intriguing and visually stunning.
Appearance:
Noctilucent clouds are thin, wispy clouds that glow with a blue or silvery hue at night. The glow is caused by sunlight illuminating the clouds from below the horizon, even when the rest of the surface is in darkness. This makes them appear to "shine" brightly in the night sky.
Location in the Atmosphere:
Unlike most clouds that form in the troposphere, noctilucent clouds are found in the mesosphere, the third layer of Earth's atmosphere. This makes them the highest clouds in the Earth's atmosphere, typically occurring at altitudes between 76 km to 85 km (47 to 53 miles).
Formation:
These clouds are primarily made of ice crystals. During the summer months, the mesosphere cools enough for ice to form on dust particles suspended in the atmosphere. The dust particles may come from micrometeorites falling from space, remnants of volcanic eruptions, or even human activity such as rocket exhaust.
Unique Characteristics:
The name noctilucent comes from the Latin words nocto (night) and lucent (shining), reflecting how they appear to "shine" at night. They are often referred to as polar mesospheric clouds because they are typically visible at latitudes between 45 and 80 degrees north or south of the equator.
Seasonal Timing:
Noctilucent clouds are primarily a summer phenomenon. In the Northern Hemisphere, they can be seen from the end of May to early August, with sightings being most frequent in June and July. In the Southern Hemisphere, sightings are rarer, but they can occur from November to February, peaking in December and January.
Why Summer?
The mesosphere cools during summer, allowing the ice crystals to form on suspended particles. The long days and extended twilight at these latitudes make it possible for sunlight to reach these high-altitude clouds at night, causing them to glow. The further north you go, the longer the period of twilight, and thus the longer the potential for noctilucent clouds to be visible.
Noctilucent clouds are primarily composed of ice crystals.
Cooler Temperatures in the Mesosphere:
During summer, the mesosphere experiences cooler temperatures, allowing water vapor to freeze into ice crystals.
Suspended Dust Particles:
These ice crystals form on dust particles, which can originate from:
Micrometeorites: Tiny fragments of space debris entering Earth's atmosphere.
Volcanic Eruptions: Ash and particles from volcanoes can travel into the upper atmosphere and become part of the clouds.
Human Activities: Rocket launches can also introduce particles into the mesosphere, which may seed the formation of noctilucent clouds.
Reflection of Sunlight:
The ice crystals reflect sunlight, especially when the Sun is just below the horizon. This causes the clouds to glow with a bluish-silver color during the night.
Noctilucent clouds are valuable for climate and atmospheric research. Their formation is sensitive to temperature and atmospheric composition, so studying them can help scientists understand changes in the mesosphere and climate patterns. They also serve as indicators of changes in the upper atmosphere.
Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid, which, despite being non-essential, is extremely important in the body due to its diverse biological roles.
Structural Role: Cysteine is a key component in proteins like beta-keratin, found in nails, skin, and hair, making it vital for the health and structure of these tissues.
Antioxidant Production: It plays a key role in the production of glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Glutathione helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
Collagen Formation: Cysteine is involved in the production of collagen, which contributes to skin elasticity and texture, promoting healthy skin.
Detoxification: Cysteine is also critical for the body’s detoxification processes, helping remove harmful substances from the body.
Taurine Production: Cysteine contributes to the production of taurine, which is involved in maintaining heart health, supporting digestion, and regulating bile acids.
While cysteine is a non-essential amino acid (meaning the body can synthesize it), it is still crucial for various physiological processes. It’s found in high-protein foods like meat, dairy, and eggs. A lack of cysteine can lead to several health problems, including:
Fatigue: Cysteine is involved in energy metabolism, and a deficiency can lead to fatigue and weakness.
Weakened Immune System: Cysteine helps the body fight infections by supporting the production of antioxidants, so a deficiency can impair immune function.
Slow Growth in Children: Since cysteine is crucial for protein synthesis and growth, children with low levels may experience delayed development.
Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins. There are 20 amino acids, and they are classified as either essential or non-essential:
Essential amino acids: These cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from food. There are 9 essential amino acids (e.g., histidine, methionine, and tryptophan).
Non-essential amino acids: These can be produced by the body, even if they are not consumed in the diet. Cysteine falls into this category.
The study showing that mice lost 30% of their body weight in a week when cysteine was removed from their diet suggests that cysteine might play a significant role in energy metabolism or fat regulation. This could indicate that cysteine might help in controlling fat storage, and a lack of it might lead to drastic changes in body composition.
The discovery of Zographetus mathewi, a new species of butterfly in the Western Ghats.
Taxonomy:
This butterfly belongs to the Zographetus genus, which is part of the Hesperiidae family, commonly known as skippers. It is the 15th species in this genus and the 5th species to be recorded from India, making it a significant find in the field of lepidopterology.
Common Name:
The butterfly is proposed to be called the Sahyadri Spotted Flitter, named after the Sahyadri (Western Ghats), which is known for its unique biodiversity. The name honors both the butterfly’s distinctive features and its habitat.
Habitat:
It is endemic to the low-elevation forests of Kerala, a biodiversity hotspot that provides a perfect environment for various species, including this new butterfly.
The Zographetus mathewi can be identified by several key characteristics:
Wing Venation Patterns:
It belongs to the Zographetus satwa species group, which has specific wing venation patterns. These patterns are important for classification and identification.
Secondary Sexual Traits:
Males have swollen forewing veins, a characteristic feature of this genus, which is used for identification.
Other Physical Traits:
A basal hair tuft on the underside of the forewing.
Yellow-ochre scaling on the hindwing underside.
Unique genitalia structures in both males and females, which help differentiate this species from others in the group.
Butterflies, especially species like the Zographetus mathewi, play a critical role in ecosystems:
Pollination: They are important pollinators for various plants.
Biological Pest Control: As prey, butterflies help regulate the population of other insects.
Genetic Variation: Through their interaction with plants, they contribute to the genetic diversity of plant species.
Indicators of Environmental Health: Butterflies are sensitive to changes in their environment. Their presence, abundance, and diversity can indicate the health of the ecosystem, making them useful as environmental monitors.
The dedication of the Sigandur Bridge is a major milestone for the Sagar taluk in Shivamogga district, especially for the communities around the Sharavati River. The bridge will significantly ease transportation and offer better access to religious, economic, and cultural hubs like Sigandur and the Chowdeshwari Temple.
Length and Structure: At 2.44 km long, this is India’s second-longest cable-stayed bridge, with a width of 16 meters. Its design is not only functional but an engineering marvel.
Cost and Investment: The bridge was built at a cost of Rs 473 crore, representing a considerable investment in infrastructure aimed at improving the region's connectivity.
Impact on Travel: The bridge reduces the travel distance from Sagara town to Sigandur, making it far more convenient for pilgrims heading to the Chowdeshwari Temple. It also restores a critical link that had been disrupted by the Linganamakki Dam in the 1970s, which submerged key routes and isolated local communities.
The Linganamakki Dam’s construction led to the submergence of vital land corridors, leaving many villages isolated. Without a reliable bridge over the Sharavati River backwaters, people had no choice but to use boats or take long detours. The new bridge offers a much-needed solution to these challenges.
Geographical Importance: Originating in the Western Ghats, the Sharavati is a key west-flowing river. It spans 128 km before flowing into the Arabian Sea near Honavar in Uttara Kannada.
Environmental and Cultural Significance: The Sharavati River is famous for forming Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India, which is a major tourist attraction. The river’s basin supports diverse ecosystems, from rocky outcrops to fertile plains, making it ecologically rich.
Tributaries: Some of the major tributaries include Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, among others, contributing to the river’s flow and the region’s agricultural richness.
The new bridge is expected to:
Improve connectivity: Locals will have better access to markets, schools, and healthcare, improving their overall quality of life.
Boost tourism: The easier access to Sigandur Temple and Jog Falls could draw more tourists, benefiting the local economy.
Facilitate development: The bridge will likely attract investment and spur economic development, offering opportunities in agriculture, commerce, and other sectors.
This project is an excellent example of infrastructure development addressing long-standing logistical challenges, and it will likely pave the way for more such initiatives in other remote and isolated regions.
The genetic analysis of rhino horn samples from 2,573 rhinos is a significant step forward in protecting India's rhino population and combating illegal wildlife trade. These samples will be added to the RhoDIS India DNA data library, a key component of the Rhino DNA Indexing System (RhoDIS) launched in 2016.
The RhoDIS India Programme was launched as a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the forest departments of Assam, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, and WWF India.
The program aims to improve wildlife crime investigations through scientific means and to support the management of India's rhino population. The RhoDIS system is a wildlife forensics tool specifically designed for rhinos, using DNA to create a unique genetic signature for each individual animal. This system is essential for:
Investigating wildlife crime cases.
Enhancing law enforcement efforts by providing irrefutable DNA evidence.
Monitoring and managing rhino populations scientifically.
Wildlife Crime Investigation:
The programme has already proven successful in aiding crime investigations by providing strong scientific evidence. DNA analysis helps investigators link seized rhino horns to poaching incidents and track illegal trade routes.
Legal Support:
RhoDIS provides critical forensic data that strengthens legal cases in court, leading to more convictions and better enforcement of anti-poaching laws.
Rhino Conservation:
By enabling accurate tracking of rhino populations, RhoDIS aids in the scientific management and protection of India’s rhino species, including the Greater One-Horned Rhino, which is found in Assam and West Bengal.
Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade:
The data accumulated in the DNA database helps authorities trace the source of rhino horns involved in illegal trade, making it harder for poachers to sell them on the black market. This disrupts poaching syndicates and strengthens efforts to protect endangered species.
A rhino horn is made entirely of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails. It contains various amino acids like cysteine, tyrosine, histidine, and lysine, as well as minerals like calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. These complex proteins give the horn its unique chemical makeup.
Rhino horns are structurally similar to the hooves of horses, beaks of turtles, and bills of cockatoos.
Different rhino species have different numbers of horns:
Greater one-horned rhinos and Javan rhinos have one horn.
The remaining three species of rhinos have two horns.
The 75th Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) inauguration in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh, marks a pivotal step in the Government of India’s efforts to empower Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) and senior citizens.
Comprehensive, One-Stop Service:
The PMDK initiative is designed to offer integrated services under one roof:
Assessment and Evaluation: To understand the specific needs of beneficiaries.
Counselling: For guidance and emotional support, especially in adjusting to new assistive devices.
Device Distribution: A variety of essential aids such as wheelchairs, tricycles, hearing aids, walkers, artificial limbs, and other mobility devices are provided under the ADIP Scheme (Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchasing/Fitting of Aids and Appliances) for Divyangjan and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) for senior citizens.
Post-Distribution Care: Ensuring continued support to beneficiaries for the effective use of these devices.
Free of Cost Services:
A significant feature of the initiative is that the assistive devices are provided free of cost to eligible individuals, which ensures that financial constraints do not limit access to essential mobility aids.
Local Impact and Accessibility:
The establishment of regional PMDK centers helps reduce the travel and logistical challenges traditionally faced by beneficiaries, especially those in remote areas. This local presence ensures that services are timely, dignified, and more accessible, directly addressing the barriers that many Divyangjan and senior citizens face when accessing such aids.
Scalable Impact:
The program has already helped over 1.40 lakh beneficiaries, distributing ₹179.15 lakh worth of assistive devices. With the addition of the Badaun center, the total number of PMDKs across India has reached 75, creating a strong network of local support for those in need.
The launch of these centers underscores the Government’s commitment to the vision of an "Accessible India, Empowered India", where all citizens, regardless of their abilities, can live with dignity, independence, and mobility. By making services available at the regional level, the government is improving last-mile service delivery, ensuring inclusivity in development.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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