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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on February 28, 2025
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India’s Olive Ridley turtle numbers improve, but climate skews sex ratio
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
A 16-year-long assessment of trends in turtle populations in India says the numbers of the Olive Ridley species suggest a “steady or growing” population. However, rising sand temperatures due to climate change are causing a large proportion of these turtles to be females, “raising questions” on the long-term viability of the population.
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Read about:
Olive Ridley species
Rushikulya River
Key takeaways:
- A comprehensive 16-year study on turtle population trends in India indicates that the Olive Ridley turtle population is either stable or increasing. However, rising sand temperatures due to climate change are leading to a higher proportion of female hatchlings, raising concerns about the species' long-term sustainability.
- Conducted between 2008 and 2024, this study was carried out by the Dakshin Foundation in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and multiple State Forest departments.
- It offers valuable insights into population trends, threats, and conservation efforts along India’s mainland and island coasts. While the Olive Ridley is the most abundant marine turtle species, the research also includes other sea turtles found in India, such as the leatherback turtles of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Green Turtles of the Lakshadweep Islands.
- Sea turtles have long lifespans, mature late, and migrate extensively, meaning that population shifts occur gradually over several years or even decades. This makes long-term monitoring crucial for assessing population dynamics and environmental influences.
- One of the most remarkable natural events attracting significant public attention is the arribada, where tens or hundreds of thousands of female Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest simultaneously.
- Major nesting sites include Gahirmatha and Rushikulya in Odisha, which rank among the largest globally, alongside similar sites in Mexico and Costa Rica.
- Notably, Rushikulya recently experienced one of its largest arribadas in years, with an estimated 400,000 to 500,000 turtles nesting over just a few days
- Olive Ridley turtles are found across the globe and are protected under the Endangered Species Act. While their breeding colonies along Mexico's Pacific Coast are classified as endangered, other populations are considered threatened.
- According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the global Olive Ridley population has declined by approximately 30 to 50 percent. Although some nesting populations have shown stability or growth in recent years, overall declines in certain regions outweigh these gains.
- In the western Atlantic, some nesting populations have decreased by 80 percent since 1967, though Brazil has witnessed a rise in its nesting numbers. In the eastern Atlantic, Gabon hosts the largest regional nesting population, with 1,000 to 5,000 breeding females annually.
- The Pacific Ocean remains home to large nesting populations, particularly in Mexico and Costa Rica. In La Escobilla, Mexico, an estimated 450,000 turtles nest on a single beach, while Costa Rica’s Pacific coast supports roughly 600,000 nesting turtles across two major arribada beaches—Nancite and Ostional.
- In the Indian Ocean, India’s Odisha coast has three mass nesting sites—Gahirmatha, Devi River mouth, and Rushikulya—where more than 100,000 nests are recorded each year. Recently, a new nesting site was identified in the Andaman Islands, where over 5,000 nests were documented in a single season.
- However, solitary nesting populations have declined in countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Pakistan. In Terengganu, Malaysia, the number of nests has plummeted from thousands to just a few dozen per year.
Behavior and Diet
- Like all sea turtles, Olive Ridleys are marine reptiles that must surface to breathe. Female turtles return to land to lay eggs, often navigating back to beaches near where they originally hatched.
- Arribada nesting, a unique behavior observed only in the genus Lepidochelys (which includes both Kemp’s Ridley and Olive Ridley turtles), involves mass synchronized nesting events.
- While some other turtle species may nest in groups, none display this behavior at such a massive scale. Although solitary nesting occurs across nearly 40 countries, arribada nesting takes place on only a handful of beaches worldwide.
- These turtles undertake long migrations between feeding and breeding grounds. Satellite tracking has revealed that both male and female Olive Ridleys travel from breeding sites along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast into the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean.
- Olive Ridleys are omnivorous, consuming a diverse range of food, including algae, crabs, lobster, tunicates, and mollusks. They can dive as deep as 500 feet to forage for bottom-dwelling invertebrates
1.Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India? (2015)
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial
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Answer (c)
The Ganges River Dolphin, also known as the Gangetic Dolphin, is India's National Aquatic Animal. First officially identified in 1801, this species is found in sections of the Ganges, Meghna, and Brahmaputra river systems across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, as well as in the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh. Classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, the species is also protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India. The primary threats to its population include poaching, habitat degradation, reduced river flow, excessive siltation, and barrages, which create physical barriers that hinder its migration |
- A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is an entity registered under the Companies Act, 1956, that engages in financial activities such as providing loans and advances, acquiring shares, stocks, bonds, debentures, and securities issued by the government or local authorities, as well as engaging in leasing, hire-purchase, insurance, and chit fund businesses.
- However, NBFCs do not include institutions whose primary operations involve agriculture, industrial activities, trading (excluding securities), offering services, or dealing with real estate transactions.
- Additionally, a non-banking institution that primarily accepts deposits under a scheme, either as a lump sum or in installments, is classified as a Residuary Non-Banking Company (RNBC).
- For a company to qualify as an NBFC, financial activities must constitute over 50% of its total assets and generate more than 50% of its gross income—a criterion known as the 50-50 test.
- While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act does not explicitly define the term "principal business," the RBI uses this benchmark to ensure only companies predominantly engaged in financial activities come under its regulation.
- Businesses primarily involved in agriculture, industry, trading, service provision, or real estate, with only minor financial dealings, are not regulated by the RBI.
Differences Between NBFCs and Banks
Although NBFCs function similarly to banks by lending and making investments, there are key distinctions:
- NBFCs cannot accept demand deposits.
- They are not part of the payment and settlement system, meaning they cannot issue cheques in their own name.
- Deposits with NBFCs are not insured under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), unlike bank deposits.
Regulatory Requirements
As per Section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934, an NBFC must obtain a registration certificate from the RBI and maintain a minimum Net Owned Fund of ₹25 lakhs (raised to ₹2 crore since April 1999) to operate legally. However, certain NBFCs regulated by other authorities are exempt from RBI registration, including:
- Venture Capital Funds, Merchant Banking firms, and Stockbroking companies regulated by SEBI
- Insurance companies registered with IRDA
- Nidhi companies (as per Section 620A of the Companies Act, 1956)
- Chit Fund companies (as per the Chit Funds Act, 1982)
- Housing Finance Companies regulated by the National Housing Bank (NHB)
- Stock Exchanges and Mutual Benefit Companies
- They cannot engage in the acquisition of securities issued by the government.
- They cannot accept demand deposits like Savings Account.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer (b)
Thus, only Statement 2 is correct, making option (b) the right answer. |
National Science Day is observed annually on February 28 to honor the contributions of Indian scientists to societal progress. The Government of India officially designated this day in 1986 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect, made by C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
The Raman Effect describes the phenomenon where a portion of light scattered by a liquid changes color due to a shift in wavelength when the light interacts with molecules.
Major Scientific Contributions from India
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Concept of Zero and Negative Numbers: Brahmagupta, a 6th–7th century Indian mathematician, was the first to clearly define zero (as the result of subtracting a number from itself) and develop its mathematical properties. He also introduced the concept of negative numbers.
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Decimal Number System: Historical accounts suggest that India was the birthplace of the decimal system, as noted by A.L. Bhasm. Even Arab mathematicians referred to mathematics as "the Indian art" (hindisat) and spread this knowledge through trade and conquests.
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Kanad’s Atomic Theory: The ancient Vaisheshika philosopher Kanad proposed that the material universe is composed of indivisible particles (anu/atoms), which cannot be further divided. His ideas closely align with modern atomic theory.
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Earthquake Studies by Varahamihira: In his work Brihat Samhita, Varahamihira examined earthquake patterns, attributing them to planetary influences, undersea activity, underground water movements, cloud formations, and animal behavior.
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Aryabhata’s Astronomical Contributions: Aryabhata was the first to describe the position of nine planets and their revolution around the Sun, significantly advancing knowledge of planetary motion and the place value system in mathematics.
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Bhaskaracharya’s Chakrawat Method: Bhaskaracharya, in his work Siddhanta Shiromani, introduced the Chakrawat (Cyclic) Method for solving algebraic equations.
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Medical Insights by Charaka: Charaka, in his text Charaka Samhita, documented numerous diseases, their causes, and treatments. He emphasized the role of digestion, metabolism, and immunity in maintaining good health.
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Ancient Metallurgy and the Iron Pillar of Delhi: The Iron Pillar of Delhi is a testament to India's advanced metallurgical expertise, particularly in corrosion resistance. Additionally, Wootz steel, known for its high carbon content, durability, and strength, originated in India.
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Sushruta’s Contributions to Surgery: Often called the "Father of Surgery", Sushruta made groundbreaking advancements in surgical techniques, including cosmetic surgery. His text Sushruta Samhita showcases his deep understanding of human anatomy and medical practices.
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Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: Patanjali systematically outlined the science of Yoga in the Yoga Sutras, establishing Yoga as an integral part of Ayurveda, focusing on physical and mental well-being without medication
- With the rise of digital technology, the introduction of personal computers and later smartphones revolutionized mental healthcare, making it more accessible through online platforms and mobile applications.
- This transformation eliminated the need for long waiting times and the high costs associated with in-person therapy, allowing individuals to connect with mental health resources anytime, anywhere.
- As technology companies capitalized on growing digital reliance, artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as a key player in enhancing human-digital interaction in mental health support.
- Today, we are experiencing an unprecedented integration of AI into mental health services, with many people relying on AI-powered apps for emotional support. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its isolation, social restrictions, and limited access to traditional communication channels, accelerated this dependence.
- When physical social interactions declined, AI stepped in, offering companionship that was available around the clock and often affordable or free. Additionally, the global mental health crisis and a shortage of trained professionals have further reinforced the role of AI-based mental healthcare.
- As family structures evolve and workplaces become more isolated, AI has become a crucial bridge fulfilling the human need for connection, understanding, and validation.
- With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and mimic human thought and language patterns, AI is proving to be an effective tool for mental health research and services.
- In the future, AI could potentially predict mental health crises, including suicidal tendencies or high-risk behavior, by analyzing genetic factors, thought patterns, and behavioral trends, along with physiological data such as heart rate and blood pressure collected from wearable devices and mental health apps
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Answer (D)
Thus, AI effectively contributes to all the listed areas, making option D the correct choice |
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal have repeatedly criticized the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), also known as the carbon tax, as an “unfair” policy that contradicts the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR) in global climate negotiations.
- While countries like China, Russia, Brazil, and South Africa have challenged the EU’s CBAM at the World Trade Organization (WTO), India has yet to formally do so.
- This is because discussions are ongoing between India and the EU regarding a free trade agreement (FTA), an investment pact, and a geographical indication (GI) treaty.
- As part of the FTA negotiations, India is also advocating for special provisions to support its Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- CBAM is scheduled to be implemented in January 2026, with a transition phase that began on October 1, 2023. During this period, exporters are required to report carbon emission data to EU authorities. This is crucial for India, as the EU accounts for over 15% of its total exports, amounting to $75 billion in goods in 2022-23.
- According to the Delhi-based think tank Global Trade and Research Institute (GTRI), CBAM could negatively impact India’s exports of metals like iron, steel, and aluminium to the EU. The mechanism could result in an additional tax of 20–35% on selected imports starting January 1, 2026.
- The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is an initiative by the European Union (EU) aimed at imposing a carbon tax on high-emission products such as iron, steel, cement, aluminium, fertilizers, and electricity generation from 2026.
- Introduced in 2021, the EU designed CBAM to align with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations.
- As per the European Commission, EU importers will be required to purchase carbon certificates equivalent to the cost of carbon emissions under EU regulations.
- However, if a non-EU manufacturer can demonstrate that they have already paid for carbon emissions in their own country, the EU importer will receive a deduction for that amount
(a) European Union
(b) Gulf Cooperation Council
(c) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(d) Shanghai Cooperation Organization
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Answer (a)
The Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) refers to the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU). Negotiations for this agreement have been ongoing since 2007, aiming to enhance trade and investment flows between the two regions
The Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU). The negotiations for this agreement began in 2007, with the aim of expanding trade and investment opportunities between the two regions
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India has approximately 2.63 lakh panchayats at three levels—Gram Panchayat (village level), Panchayat Samiti (block level), and Zila Parishad (district level)—with 32.29 lakh elected representatives, nearly 46.6% (15.03 lakh) of whom are women.
Despite the increasing proportion of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in panchayats, their active involvement in decision-making remains limited. The phenomenon of 'Pradhan Pati,' 'Sarpanch Pati,' or 'Mukhiya Pati', where male relatives influence or take over the roles of elected women leaders, is particularly common in northern states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
To address this, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) established an advisory committee on September 19, 2023, following a Supreme Court directive from July 6, 2023. This committee was tasked with examining the issue of proxy leadership and other related challenges.
Key recommendations from the committee include:
- Capacity-building and training programs in vernacular languages, collaboration with institutions like IIMs, IITs/NITs, partnerships with international development agencies, and leadership training for women pradhans with the support of women MLAs/MPs.
- Accountability measures, such as helplines, women watchdog committees for confidential complaints on proxy leadership, and whistleblower rewards for verified cases.
- Strict penalties for confirmed instances of proxy leadership to discourage interference by male relatives.
The report, titled "Transforming Women’s Representation and Roles in Panchayati Raj Systems and Institutions: Eliminating Efforts for Proxy Participation," was recently submitted, and the ministry is planning policy interventions and structural reforms for its implementation.
Additional recommendations include:
- Gender-specific quotas in panchayat committees (similar to Kerala’s model).
- Awards for Anti-Pradhan Pati champions and the appointment of women’s ombudspersons.
- Public swearing-in ceremonies for women pradhans in Gram Sabhas to enhance visibility and accountability.
- Federations of women panchayat leaders and gender resource centers to provide leadership training, legal assistance, and support networks.
The committee also proposed technological solutions, such as:
- Virtual reality-based training and AI-powered real-time legal/governance support in vernacular languages.
- WhatsApp groups connecting WERs with panchayat and block officials to address daily administrative challenges.
- Integration with the Panchayat Nirnay Portal, enabling citizens to track pradhans’ participation in meetings and decision-making, ensuring public accountability and discouraging proxy leadership
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Answer (B)
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- The central government, in a counter-affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, stated that various penal laws impose penalties for a specific duration, ensuring deterrence while preventing excessive severity.
- This affidavit was filed in response to a petition by Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 8 and 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- The petitioner argued that restricting disqualification to a limited period violates constitutional principles and urged that such disqualification should be permanent.
- Addressing the petition, the government asserted that determining whether a lifetime ban is appropriate falls within Parliament's jurisdiction, not that of the petitioner or the respondent. It emphasized that Parliament considers proportionality and reasonability while imposing any penalty.
- The Centre maintained that the contested provisions are constitutionally valid, do not suffer from excessive delegation, and fall within Parliament’s legislative authority.
- According to Section 8 of the Act, individuals sentenced to imprisonment for specific offenses are disqualified from contesting elections for six years after their release.
- Section 9 stipulates that public servants dismissed for corruption or disloyalty to the state face a five-year disqualification from the date of dismissal.
- In India, the term "criminalization of politics" refers to the increasing participation of individuals with criminal backgrounds in political affairs
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Answer (A)
This Act was enacted to prevent the practice of untouchability and enforce constitutional provisions related to equality. Initially, certain laws did not apply to Jammu and Kashmir due to Article 370, but after its abrogation in August 2019, all central laws, including this Act, now extend to the entire country. Thus, the correct answer is: |
| 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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