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Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Topics like Sacred Grooves, Western Ghats for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Indus Water Treaty and Pineapple Express, Pashmina, GI Tag important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for February 06, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on February 06 20205
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What is the SC directive on sacred groves?
For Preliminary Examination: Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Forest Department of Rajasthan to map on the ground and via satellite every ‘sacred grove’ in detail. They were to be identified irrespective of their size and based “solely on their purpose and their cultural and ecological significance to the local community”. After mapping, the court directed the department to classify them as ‘forests’ and notify them as ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972
Read about:
Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972
Community reserves
Key takeaways:
- Sacred groves hold deep ecological, spiritual, and cultural significance for communities. These forested areas are often regarded as sacred spaces associated with deities, ancestral spirits, and local legends.
- Their conservation is traditionally guided by religious beliefs, rituals, and customary laws that prohibit or strictly regulate resource extraction, ensuring their protection over generations.
- For indigenous and rural communities, sacred groves serve as vital biodiversity hotspots, preserving rare and endemic flora and fauna. They also function as reservoirs of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge, supporting local healthcare systems.
- Additionally, these groves play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by preventing soil erosion, conserving water sources, and mitigating climate change impacts.
- Beyond their environmental importance, sacred groves foster a sense of identity, unity, and responsibility within communities. They reinforce traditional conservation ethics, strengthen cultural heritage, and provide spaces for communal gatherings, ceremonies, and spiritual practices. In many ways, sacred groves are living symbols of the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the value of community-led environmental stewardship
Community reserves
Community reserves are a category of Protected Areas under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 2002, established on community or private land where local people voluntarily participate in habitat conservation. They complement national parks and wildlife sanctuaries by allowing communities to protect fauna, flora, and traditional conservation values while retaining ownership and management rights.
Key Features of Community Reserves:
- Voluntary Conservation: Landowners or communities willingly dedicate their land for conservation, ensuring biodiversity protection.
- Legal Protection: Once notified, the area is legally protected, and activities harming wildlife, boundary markers, or habitats are prohibited.
- Community Management: The Community Reserve Management Committee, comprising local representatives and Forest Department officials, oversees the reserve’s conservation efforts.
- Sustainable Use: While conservation is the primary goal, regulated traditional practices that do not harm biodiversity may continue.
- Government Support: State governments are responsible for assisting in the management and implementation of conservation plans.
- If sacred groves were included under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), they would be categorized as community forest resources. The FRA defines community forest resources as customary common forest land within a village’s traditional boundaries, encompassing reserved forests, protected forests, and other protected areas such as sanctuaries and national parks that the community has historically accessed.
- In such a scenario, gram sabhas would have statutory authority to protect, restore, conserve, and manage these forest resources, including their wildlife, flora, and biodiversity. They would also be responsible for preventing activities that could threaten the area’s cultural and ecological integrity.
- To achieve this, gram sabhas would need to establish Community Forest Resource Management Committees, tasked with developing and implementing conservation plans approved by the sabha. Additionally, State governments would be obligated to provide support for these initiatives.
- Currently, sacred groves located within forested areas are part of community forest resources and fall under the jurisdiction of gram sabhas, rather than the Forest or Wildlife Department. Any sacred groves outside forest land could also come under the FRA’s governance if they are designated as ‘forest land’ in the future.
- Overall, categorizing sacred groves as community reserves under the Forest Department’s control could conflict with traditional customs and the FRA’s approach, which aligns with community-led conservation by recognizing their self-governance and customary rights
(a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant.
(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
(c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.
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Answer (a)
Under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, certain plant species are listed to regulate their cultivation and prevent over-exploitation. If a plant is placed under this schedule:
Examples of plants in Schedule VI include species like Red Vanda (Renanthera imschootiana), Blue Vanda (Vanda coerulea), Kuth (Saussurea lappa), and Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana). |
- The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, are a mountain range that stretches along the western coast of India, passing through six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- This range is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and unique ecosystems, making it one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions.
- The Western Ghats are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region, and have earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their environmental importance.
- Historically, the Western Ghats were celebrated for their breathtaking natural beauty. The region is dotted with lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and a diverse range of plant and animal life.
- The region’s varied climate and topography support a wide array of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests in the lower elevations to montane grasslands and shola forests at higher altitudes. The Western Ghats also play a critical role in regulating the monsoon weather system and maintaining water sources for much of peninsular India.
- However, despite its ecological significance, the Western Ghats face numerous challenges. Climate change has altered weather patterns, affecting the region's delicate balance.
- Deforestation due to industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture has led to the loss of vital habitats.
- Traditional communities, particularly tribal populations, who have depended on the forests for their livelihoods, are facing the decline of their way of life as their lands are encroached upon.
- Additionally, urban sprawl and infrastructure development continue to put pressure on the ecosystem. These combined threats have left the Western Ghats in a vulnerable state, requiring urgent attention and conservation efforts to preserve its unique biodiversity and cultural heritage
- The Western Ghats are not just an ecological treasure trove, but also a living archive of culture, memory, and resilience for the diverse communities that have called this region home for centuries.
- This mountain range, with its sweeping landscapes and deep forests, has nurtured a unique blend of traditions, practices, and beliefs that are intricately tied to the land. The indigenous and local communities of the Western Ghats have developed a deep connection with their environment, relying on it not only for sustenance but for cultural identity.
- For these communities, the Western Ghats are much more than a geographical feature; they are a repository of cultural practices passed down through generations.
- From the rituals associated with sacred groves, to the traditional agricultural practices that harmonize with the natural rhythms of the region, the Ghats serve as a living testament to the sustainable relationship between people and nature. The wisdom embedded in these practices offers valuable insights into living in harmony with the environment, even in the face of modern challenges.
- Moreover, the Western Ghats also represent resilience. Communities living in the region have endured countless adversities—be it the ravages of natural disasters, political upheaval, or external pressures like land encroachment and development.
- Despite these challenges, these communities have continued to safeguard their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations.
- The rich oral traditions, folk art, music, and dance of the Western Ghats further reflect this resilience, offering glimpses into the memories and experiences of those who have lived in these mountains for generations.
- In the face of climate change, deforestation, and modernization, the cultural heritage of the Western Ghats remains a source of strength and pride for the people who live there.
- The region’s preservation as a living archive of culture, memory, and resilience is not just an environmental concern—it is a vital effort to protect the ways of life that have sustained generations of people and the ecosystem for centuries.
- This ongoing connection between nature and culture in the Western Ghats highlights the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage, ensuring that the mountains continue to thrive as a symbol of both ecological and human resilience
1.Which of the following statements in respect of landslides are correct? (NDA 2022)
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (B)
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Indus Water Treaty
- India and Pakistan signed the Indus Water Treaty on September 19, 1960, to ensure the equitable distribution of water from the Indus River and its tributaries. The treaty was signed in Karachi by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Ayub Khan of Pakistan.
- Under the treaty, India is the upper riparian state (where the river originates), while Pakistan is the lower riparian state (where the river terminates). India was granted exclusive rights over the three eastern rivers—Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas—which account for about 20% of the total water in the Indus river system (approximately 33 million acre-feet).
- On the other hand, Pakistan gained control over the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—which constitute the remaining 80% of the water in the system (around 135 million acre-feet).
- India is allowed to use water from the western rivers for domestic, non-consumptive, and agricultural purposes, as well as for hydroelectric projects under certain conditions. The treaty’s dispute resolution mechanism, outlined in Article IX, is a three-tier process.
- Initially, disputes are addressed by the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), followed by a Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank, and, as a last resort, by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Indus River System
- A river system refers to a main river along with its tributaries. The Indus River system includes six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. The Indus and Sutlej are antecedent rivers, meaning they existed before the Himalayas formed and carved deep gorges as they flowed from the Tibet region. The remaining four rivers—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Beas—originate in India.
- The Indus Basin spans across China, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. In India, it covers Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, and the states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, with a drainage area of approximately 3,21,289 square kilometers (about 9.8% of India’s total geographical area).
Western Rivers
- The Indus River originates in the Kailash Range of Tibet near Mansarovar Lake, where it is called Singi Khamban or Lion’s Mouth. It flows westward and enters India at Demchok, Ladakh, where it runs for about 1,114 kilometers between the Ladakh and Karakoram ranges.
- Key right-bank tributaries of the Indus include the Shyok, Shigar, and Gilgit, while the Zaskar and Hanle are on the left. After flowing a total of 2,880 kilometers, the Indus empties into the Arabian Sea near Karachi, Pakistan. The Indus River Dolphin, an endangered species, is found mainly in this river.
- The Jhelum River (252 km) begins at a spring near Verinag, Pir Panjal, in India and flows through Wular Lake in Srinagar before entering Pakistan. It joins the Chenab River at Jhang in Pakistan. The Chenab, the largest tributary of the Indus, spans 1,180 kilometers in India and is formed at the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Keylong, Himachal Pradesh.
Eastern Rivers
- The Ravi River (95 km) starts from the Kullu Hills near Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh and joins the Chenab in Pakistan. The Beas River (354 km) rises from Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass and flows through the Kullu Valley before meeting the Sutlej at Harike in Punjab, India. The Harike Barrage, constructed in 1952, diverts water for the Indira Gandhi Canal system.
- The Sutlej River (676 km) is another antecedent river, originating from Rakas Tal near Mansarovar in Tibet and entering India near Ropar. India has implemented several major projects, including the Ranjit Sagar Dam (Ravi), Bhakra Dam (Sutlej), and Pong and Pandoh Dams (Beas), to utilize the waters of the eastern rivers.
- These initiatives allow India to use nearly 95% of the eastern rivers' water, with projects like the Beas-Sutlej Link, Madhopur-Beas Link, and the Indira Gandhi Canal Project.
- On the western rivers, however, India’s projects—such as the Salal Dam, Baglihar Hydropower Project, Pakal Dul Project, and Kiru Project on the Chenab River, and the Tulbul Project on the Jhelum in Jammu and Kashmir—have been sources of contention with Pakistan over time
1.With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021)
(a) Chenab
(b) Jhelum
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutle
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Answer (d)
Indus river system: ​The Indus system comprises the main Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. Jhelum and Ravi join Chenab, Beas joins Sutlej, and then Sutlej and Chenab join to form Panjnad, 10 miles north of Uch Sharif in Muzaffar Garh district. The combined stream runs southwest for approximately 44 miles and joins the Indus River at Mithankot.
Sutlej is the longest tributary of the Indus. The Chenab River is the largest tributary of the river Indus.
Sutlej River: The ancient name of the Sutlej River is Zaradros (Ancient Greek) Shutudri or Shatadru (Sanskrit). ​It is the longest of the five tributaries of the Indus River that give Punjab (meaning “Five Rivers”) its name. It rises on the north slope of the Himalayas in Lake La’nga in southwestern Tibet
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According to a BBC report, the Pineapple Express is a form of atmospheric river— a narrow and rapid-moving "river in the sky" that transports large amounts of moisture across vast distances. The warm, humid air it carries from the Pacific results in heavy rainfall when it reaches the land.
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The Pineapple Express is named after the warm, moist air drawn from a region near Hawaii, known for its pineapple cultivation.
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The NOAA describes atmospheric rivers as long, narrow bands in the atmosphere that carry substantial amounts of water vapor from the tropics. These rivers vary in size and strength, but typically they move a volume of water equivalent to the flow of the Mississippi River at its mouth. Exceptionally strong atmospheric rivers can transport as much as 15 times that amount.
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When these atmospheric rivers reach land, they usually release the moisture as rain or snow, affecting large areas as they progress inland.
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The NOAA states that these atmospheric rivers are part of the Earth's ocean water cycle and are directly connected to both water supply and flood risks. While they can lead to heavy rainfall and flooding, they also contribute positively by increasing snowpack levels.
Is the "Pineapple Express" a common phenomenon?
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Atmospheric rivers are frequently observed along the West Coast but can also occur in other areas, including the eastern United States, where they often bring moisture from the Caribbean.
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As this moisture interacts with land, it may fall as rain or snow. While these atmospheric rivers come in various forms, for one to be a "true Pineapple Express," its moisture must originate near Hawaii, and the river must extend continuously to the U.S. West Coast.
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Experts warn that climate change could make these systems more intense in the future, leading to increased rainfall at lower elevations, heightened flood risks, and stronger storms
Polar Vortex and Santa Ana Winds
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The polar vortex is a massive area of low pressure and cold air that rotates around Earth's polar regions. There are two kinds of polar vortex: the tropospheric polar vortex and the stratospheric polar vortex.
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The tropospheric polar vortex exists in the lowest layer of the atmosphere, from the Earth's surface up to about 10 to 15 kilometers. Most weather events occur in this layer.
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The stratospheric polar vortex is found at altitudes ranging from 15 to 50 kilometers. Unlike the tropospheric vortex, it disappears in the summer and reaches its peak strength in autumn.
Santa Ana Winds
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Santa Ana winds are a key feature of California’s climate, typically occurring from October to January. They form when high pressure builds over the Great Basin, located between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, while a low-pressure system develops along California's coast.
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The pressure difference creates strong winds that move from the inland deserts of the Basin to the east and north of Southern California, eventually heading toward the Pacific Ocean.
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As the winds descend the mountains, they compress and warm up, causing their humidity to drop — sometimes falling below 10%
1.The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole? (2011)
(a) Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
(d) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming
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Answer (b)
Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons Explanation: The ozone hole over the Antarctic region is primarily caused by the presence of polar stratospheric clouds and the inflow of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These chemicals, when released into the atmosphere, break down the ozone molecules in the stratosphere, leading to a depletion of the ozone layer, particularly over the Antarctic during spring. The polar front and the stratospheric clouds create the ideal conditions for the chemical reactions that result in the thinning of the ozone layer |
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Pashmina, commonly referred to as cashmere wool, is renowned globally for its exceptional softness, warmth, and durability. The name "pashmina" comes from the word "pashmn," which refers to the fine undercoat of the Chyangra goat (Capra Hircus), found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, typically around 12,000 feet.
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This wool is highly sought after during colder months due to its excellent thermal conductivity, making it an ideal insulator.
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The tradition of making pashmina has been an integral part of Himalayan culture for centuries. The process of spinning and weaving by hand gives each piece a unique historical and human connection. Many families in the region have been involved in this craft for generations, preserving both a livelihood and cultural heritage.
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Crafting pashmina shawls involves a detailed, time-consuming process that includes hand-combing, spinning, weaving, and dyeing. Depending on the complexity, it can take weeks or even months to complete a single piece. The weaving is done on traditional handlooms, requiring considerable skill and expertise. Some pashmina pieces can take years to produce.
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Pashmina from Kashmir has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag due to the distinctive, traditional methods used by artisans in the Kashmir Valley
Geographical Indication & Intellectual Property Rights in the Handicrafts & Handlooms Sector:
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As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India implemented the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act in 1999, which came into effect on 15th September 2003.
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A Geographical Indication (GI) is a designation used for products originating in a particular geographical area and having qualities or a reputation linked to that region. This label ensures the product’s authenticity and uniqueness, building consumer trust.
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Once a product is assigned a GI tag, no one can market a similar item under that name. The GI tag remains valid for 10 years, after which it can be renewed. Additional benefits of GI registration include legal protection against unauthorized use and the promotion of exports.
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The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, awards GIs in India. Darjeeling Tea was the first product to receive a GI tag.
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GI registration is granted to the region, not individual traders. After receiving a GI tag, traders involved in the product can apply to sell it with the GI logo. Authorized sellers are assigned a specific GI number.
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The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 allows the registration of handicrafts and handlooms as GIs. Handicrafts and handlooms are covered under Section 2(f) of the Act, which defines “goods” to include agricultural, natural, manufactured, and handicraft items, among others.
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Artisans and weavers of handicrafts and handlooms can be registered as Authorized Users of GIs under Section 7(3), with reference to Section 17 of the Act
Major GI-Tagged Products That Gained Attention in 2024:
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Tirupati Laddu: There was a controversy over alleged adulteration of ghee used in making laddoos at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Tirupati Laddu received its GI tag in 2009, which was renewed in 2018 and is valid until 2028.
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Veena: The Thanjavur Veena became the first musical instrument in India to receive a GI tag.
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Majuli Masks: Traditional masks from Majuli, Assam, received a GI tag on March 4, 2024. These masks, used in bhaonas (devotional performances), have been part of Assam's neo-Vaishnavite tradition since the 16th century.
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Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree): Rupa Tarakasi, a silver filigree work from Odisha’s Cuttack, was awarded a GI tag. This intricate craft involves transforming silver into thin wires for jewelry and decorative items.
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Similipal Kai Chutney: Made from red weaver ants, this chutney from Mayurbhanj, Odisha, received a GI tag in January 2024. It’s rich in nutrients like protein and iron.
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Koraput Kala Jeera Rice: Known as the "Prince of Rice," this black rice variety from Odisha's Koraput region is valued for its aroma, texture, and nutritional benefits. It has been cultivated by tribal farmers for over 1,000 years.
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Kapdaganda Shawl: This shawl, woven and embroidered by the Dongria Kondh tribe of Odisha, received a GI tag in 2024. It showcases the tribe’s rich heritage.
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Odisha Khajuri Guda: Traditional date-palm jaggery from Gajapati, Odisha, received a GI tag. It’s known for its unique dark-brown color and organic production process.
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Dhenkanal Magji: This cheese-based sweet from Dhenkanal, Odisha, gained a GI tag in 2024. It stands out for its distinct shape, flavor, and nutritional properties
1.Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status? (UPSC 2015)
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (C)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Fundamental Duties | Fundamental Duties |
| Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity in India | Biodiversity |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
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