The Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand, which is the last stronghold of the Gaur in the region, has witnessed an alarming decline in the Gaur population.
This decline raises serious concerns for the conservation of the species in this area.
Also known as the Indian Bison.
The largest species among wild cattle and the Bovidae family.
Distribution: Native to South and Southeast Asia.
Found mostly in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, as well as moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
Prefers hilly terrains below 1,500-1,800 meters altitude.
Requires large, undisturbed forests with abundant water sources.
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I (strictest protection)
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection level in India)
Crucial for maintaining ecological balance in forests.
An important prey species for tigers.
As herbivores, they shape vegetation dynamics and help in seed dispersal.
Habitat loss across much of their range.
Vulnerable to domestic cattle diseases such as rinderpest and hoof or mouth disease.
APAAR stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry.
It is a unique, lifelong identification number for every student in India, created under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
To track a student’s academic journey from pre-primary to higher education.
To digitally store and verify academic records like report cards, certificates, and achievements.
Linked to DigiLocker, where students can access their academic data securely.
Helps prevent fake academic certificates by acting as an official verification link.
The CBSE Governing Body approved this decision in June 2025.
Student data (from Classes 9 & 11) and board exam candidate lists (Classes 10 & 12) aren’t connected to a common ID.
This causes data duplication, errors, and inconsistency in student records.
Provides a standardized ID that will:
Improve data accuracy
Help in record verification
Simplify administration and authentication
From the 2026 CBSE board exams (Class 10 & 12)
Students registering for Class 9 (2024–25) and Class 11 (2024–25) will be the first required to use APAAR ID for board registration.
Student’s name, date of birth, gender, photo
Aadhaar number for verification
Schools distribute consent forms to parents.
Parents provide the required data.
Data is uploaded and authenticated using Aadhaar.
APAAR ID is generated and linked to the student’s profile in DigiLocker.
Some schools, especially in Delhi, have already started the process as early as 2023.
Risk of data leaks
Misuse of Aadhaar-linked information
Data is used only for educational purposes
Access limited to:
UDISE+
Scholarship databases
Academic record systems
Recognized educational/recruitment institutions
No third-party or commercial access is allowed
The Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR), situated in Jharkhand, is the last stronghold of the Gaur (Bos gaurus) in the state. Recently, there has been an alarming decline in the population of this important bovid species within the reserve.
The reserve is located on the western side of the Latehar district, on the Chhotanagpur plateau in Jharkhand. It forms a part of the Betla National Park, a significant wildlife habitat in the region. PTR spans a total area of 1,014 square kilometers, with a core area of 414 sq.km. and a buffer zone of 600 sq.km.
Palamau Tiger Reserve is one of the first nine tiger reserves created in India under the launch of Project Tiger in the early 1970s. The reserve also has the distinction of being the first in the world where a tiger census was conducted by counting tiger pugmarks (footprints) as early as 1932, under the supervision of J.W. Nicholson. This makes PTR a pioneer in tiger conservation efforts.
The reserve features an undulating terrain characterized by valleys, hills, and plains. Three rivers—North Koyal, Auranga, and Burha—flow through these valleys. Among them, the Burha River is the only perennial river, providing a critical water source in this drought-prone area. The presence of these rivers supports the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna.
Geologically, PTR’s terrain consists mainly of gneiss, with deposits of granite and limestone. The region is mineral-rich, particularly in bauxite and coal, which are economically important but present potential environmental challenges due to mining activities nearby.
The forest cover in the Palamau region mainly comprises moist deciduous and dry deciduous forests. The major tree species include Sal (Shorea robusta), which dominates the canopy, and bamboo, which forms the undergrowth. This diverse vegetation supports the rich wildlife population in the reserve.
Palamau Tiger Reserve hosts several key and keystone species important for ecosystem balance:
Tiger (the flagship species)
Asiatic Elephant
Leopard
Grey Wolf
Wild Dog (Dhole)
Gaur (Indian Bison)
Sloth Bear
Four-Horned Antelope
The reserve plays a crucial role in conserving these species, especially the gaur, whose population is now declining sharply. The gaur is vital to the forest ecosystem as a large herbivore, and its decline could have cascading effects on biodiversity.
The decline in the gaur population signals several underlying issues, which may include habitat degradation, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and pressure from nearby mining and human settlements. Being a drought-prone area with limited perennial water sources, Palamau faces ecological stress, making conservation efforts more difficult but also more critical.
What is LMF?
The LMF is the toolkit used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to manage liquidity (cash) in the banking system. Its main goals are to control short-term interest rates and ensure smooth transmission of monetary policy.
Core Mechanism:
LMF primarily relies on the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), which includes repo and reverse repo operations.
RBI injects liquidity by lending money (repo) or absorbs excess liquidity by borrowing money (reverse repo).
It operates under a “corridor system”, where the policy repo rate is the central reference rate.
The key operating target of the LMF is the overnight Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR) — the average rate banks charge each other for overnight funds.
Other Tools under LMF:
Open Market Operations (OMO): Buying/selling government securities for longer-term liquidity adjustments.
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): Minimum reserves banks must keep with RBI to manage liquidity.
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Minimum liquid assets banks must maintain.
|
Recommendation |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Continue WACR as Operating Target |
WACR is highly correlated with other money market rates and helps smooth policy transmission. |
|
Discontinue 14-day VRR/VRRR Auctions |
Stop using 14-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) and Reverse Repo (VRRR) auctions as the primary tools. Use mostly 7-day and shorter-term repo/reverse repo operations instead. |
|
Advance Notice for Repo/Reverse Repo Operations |
RBI should give at least one day's notice before conducting repo/reverse repo operations but can do same-day operations if liquidity conditions change suddenly. |
|
Maintain Minimum CRR Requirement at 90% Daily |
Ensures banks keep sufficient reserves to prevent liquidity shortages. |
Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR):
Average overnight interbank lending rate weighted by transaction volume; RBI’s main monetary policy operating target.
Variable Rate Repo (VRR):
Auction-based repo operation where the interest rate varies based on market demand, unlike fixed repo rates.
Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR):
Auction-based reverse repo operation to absorb excess liquidity; banks bid at variable interest rates to deposit funds with RBI.
The 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) took place in New Delhi. During this meeting, both nations reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening defence ties and enhancing strategic cooperation. The discussions were centered around expanding military collaboration, improving joint capabilities, and fostering long-term partnerships to address regional security challenges effectively.
One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard.
This MoU aims to boost maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by focusing on critical areas such as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, anti-piracy measures, pollution response, and real-time sharing of information.
This partnership is expected to strengthen the ability of both countries to respond quickly and effectively to maritime threats and emergencies.
In addition to maritime security, the two countries agreed to enhance their defence manufacturing collaboration. The existing partnership under the ICOMM-CARACAL small arms program was highlighted as a successful model, and both sides expressed interest in expanding joint ventures. There is a particular focus on the co-development of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and shipbuilding capabilities, including the refitting and maintenance of shared defence platforms. This would not only improve operational readiness but also foster technological innovation and self-reliance in defence production.
The meeting also saw inter-service discussions involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force alongside their UAE counterparts. These talks were aimed at boosting joint military exercises, expanding training programs, facilitating the exchange of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and improving coordination among the three services. This tri-service interoperability is considered crucial for enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of combined defence operations in the region.
The bilateral relationship between India and the UAE holds substantial economic and strategic significance. The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination, while India ranks as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner. Their trade encompasses a broad range of sectors including petroleum, gems and jewelry, agriculture, textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods. This diverse trade relationship underpins the economic interdependence of the two countries.
Strategically, the UAE plays a vital role as a major oil supplier to India and as a key contributor to India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). The SPR is critical for India’s energy security, providing a buffer against global oil market volatility and ensuring uninterrupted energy supply. Furthermore, the UAE’s contribution is essential for maintaining stability in the Gulf region, which directly impacts India’s energy interests. To facilitate smoother trade and financial transactions, India and the UAE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Local Currency Settlement System and integrated payment mechanisms, thereby reducing dependence on foreign currencies and enhancing financial cooperation.
At the multilateral level, the UAE is a strategic partner for India in various international platforms such as I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA), IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor), and the Abraham Accords. Participation in these platforms strengthens India’s connectivity, broadens its economic influence, and enhances its energy security by fostering greater collaboration with Gulf countries and other partners.
Culturally and socially, the UAE hosts a large Indian diaspora of approximately 3.5 million people, making it one of the most significant overseas Indian communities. This demographic presence has facilitated strong people-to-people ties and contributed significantly to the economic bonds between the two nations. The construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi symbolizes the deep-rooted cultural connection and mutual respect shared by India and the UAE, reflecting the broader spirit of partnership beyond just economic and strategic interests.
India-UAE relations have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Establishment of a strategic security dialogue reflects growing political and strategic alignment.
UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022 boosted trade from USD 72.9 billion (2021-22) to USD 84.5 billion (2022-23), a 16% increase.
UAE is India’s fourth-largest investor.
FDI from UAE to India surged over three-fold to USD 3.35 billion in FY23 from USD 1.03 billion in 2021-22.
UAE is a key supplier of oil to India.
Plays a vital role in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) ensuring energy security.
Launch of India’s RuPay card and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the UAE.
Agreement on a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system for cross-border trade in Indian Rupee (INR) and UAE Dirham (AED).
MoU signed between ISRO and UAE Space Agency (UAESA) for cooperation in peaceful outer space exploration.
Strengthened collaboration on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises (e.g., Exercise Desert Cyclone).
UAE shows growing interest in Indian defence products like BrahMos missiles, Akash air defence system, and Tejas fighter jet.
UAE’s participation in I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-US) and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) highlights its strategic and economic importance.
UAE’s role in the Abraham Accords and normalization with Israel fosters regional peace.
Stability in the Middle East is crucial due to India’s heavy dependence on Gulf energy imports.
Large Indian diaspora (~3.5 million people) forms an important bridge between the countries.
Cultural initiatives like the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi demonstrate shared values of tolerance.
Mutual assistance through medical supplies, equipment, and vaccines during the pandemic strengthened ties.
Trade remains concentrated in sectors like gems and jewellery, petroleum, and smartphones.
Insufficient expansion into new categories limits broader economic benefits.
Imports from UAE increased 19% year-on-year to USD 53.2 billion in FY23.
High dependency on certain imports pressures India’s trade surplus.
Export hurdles such as mandatory Halal certification affect processed food exports.
These limit India’s market access and competitiveness in the UAE.
Issues with the Kafala system, which controls migrant workers’ employment and status, raise rights concerns.
India needs to carefully navigate regional conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war and tensions between Iran and Arab nations.
UAE’s financial aid to Pakistan causes concern over potential misuse for anti-India activities.
This complicates diplomatic relations.
Focus on emerging sectors like technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.
Achieve a balanced trade relationship and broader economic benefits.
Explore joint ventures and partnerships to enhance collaboration.
Mitigate the impact of rising import costs.
Initiate discussions to address concerns about the Kafala system.
Advocate reforms improving rights and working conditions of migrant workers, aligning with international labour standards.
Engage in proactive diplomacy to align on shared goals.
Ensure geopolitical tensions do not harm bilateral relations.
The Union Minister for Finance recently urged FinTech companies to expand their focus on rural India, not merely as a social responsibility but as a business opportunity.This comes amidst evidence of robust growth in the rural consumer market, highlighting its potential to create new markets and contribute significantly to India’s overall economic growth.
Rural consumer demand is increasing faster than urban demand.
Example: The Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector — companies like Dabur — are witnessing higher growth rates in rural areas than in cities.
The Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) in rural India increased by 9.2% in 2023-24, compared to an 8.3% rise in urban areas, according to the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES).
This is important because India’s economy is largely domestic consumption-driven, with household and government consumption together accounting for about two-thirds of GDP.
The gap between rural and urban consumption is narrowing:
The rural-urban MPCE gap declined to 69.7% in 2023-24 from 71.2% in 2022-23.
This means rural consumers are catching up to urban consumption levels.
Rural and semi-urban markets are increasingly adopting urban consumption behaviors.
For example, spending on non-food items like communication services (mobile phones, internet), education, and healthcare is rising.
This signals an improvement in lifestyle and preferences, showing rural consumers’ demand for diverse and quality products.
Diversification beyond farming: Rural incomes are becoming more resilient due to income from sources other than agriculture.
Non-farm income sources include:
MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages,
Rural entrepreneurship activities,
Remittances from migrant workers.
This diversification results in more discretionary spending capacity in rural households.
A significant decrease in poverty in rural areas:
Rural poverty declined to less than 5% in 2023-24, down from 25.7% in 2011-12 (SBI report).
This rise in income levels leads to increased consumption demand.
Various government programs have played a key role in stabilizing rural incomes and boosting consumption:
Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) ensure targeted financial assistance directly reaches rural beneficiaries.
PM-KISAN scheme provides income support to farmers.
These initiatives inject liquidity and increase rural purchasing power.
Development of both physical and digital infrastructure is crucial.
Physical Connectivity:
Roads and transportation networks improve access to markets and facilitate the movement of goods and people.
Example: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) improves rural road connectivity.
Digital Connectivity:
Digital infrastructure reduces information asymmetry and expands access to online services.
Rural internet subscriptions increased by 200% from 2015 to 2021, outpacing urban growth (158%).
Programs like Bharat Net have improved rural broadband access.
Financial services in rural India are expanding rapidly:
Innovations like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have simplified digital transactions.
PM-Jan Dhan Yojana has opened millions of bank accounts, with 67% in rural/semi-urban areas and 55% accounts opened by women.
Financial inclusion empowers households with more economic agency, increasing their ability to consume.
Growth in rural income is not uniformly distributed:
Socio-economic disparities persist.
A small affluent class drives most discretionary spending.
For instance, the top 5% of rural consumers spend more than six times what the poorest 5% consume on average.
Despite improvements, gaps remain:
Last-mile connectivity and logistics bottlenecks persist.
Rural supply chains are fragmented and inefficient.
There is limited cold chain infrastructure for perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, posing risks to quality and safety.
Challenges to widespread adoption of digital commerce and payments:
Low digital literacy among rural populations.
Language barriers with digital content.
Lack of trust in digital platforms.
Concerns around cybersecurity.
Rural incomes are vulnerable to climate risks:
Erratic monsoons or other extreme weather events cause income shocks.
Such shocks negatively affect consumption patterns.
Address Intra-rural Inequality:
Invest in aspirational districts to uplift lagging areas.
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship:
Converge schemes like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (skill development) with entrepreneurship missions like Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission.
Focus especially on women and youth empowerment.
Multi-modal Rural Infrastructure:
Develop roads, digital infrastructure (internet), and warehousing facilities to improve market access and supply chains.
Localized Marketing and Product Development:
Tailor products and campaigns to cultural and linguistic diversity in rural areas.
Promote Rural Micro-entrepreneurship:
Example: Hindustan Unilever Limited’s (HUL) Project Shakti, which empowers 1.6 lakh women entrepreneurs in rural markets.
Leverage Low-Cost Technologies:
Use of IVR (Interactive Voice Response), vernacular AI chatbots, and WhatsApp commerce to connect with rural consumers.
Rural India is no longer just a zone of social responsibility; it is poised to be the new engine of India’s consumer-led growth.
To sustain and accelerate this momentum, continued investments in:
Robust physical and digital infrastructure,
Programs that enhance digital and financial literacy,
Building trust in digital platforms,
Ensuring inclusive income growth,
are all paramount.
This shift will ensure that rural India remains a vital growth driver in the national economy and a key market for businesses.
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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.
Offline/Online Class
