11th June 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) – Environment

Why in News?

Concerns have been raised by experts regarding the ongoing construction of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, which passes through the Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The project is expected to have a significant negative impact on local wildlife.

Key Features of Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)

• Objective: To transfer surplus water from Ken River (Madhya Pradesh) to Betwa basin (Uttar Pradesh).
• Purpose: Address water scarcity and promote agricultural prosperity in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
• Power Generation:
  • 103 MW of hydropower
  • 27 MW of solar power
• Water Utilization:
  • Estimated at 4,543.52 Million Cubic Metres (MCM)
  • Benefits for both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh

Project Components

Phase I

• Construction of Daudhan Dam:
  • Height: 77 meters
  • Location: Inside Panna Tiger Reserve
• Canal System:
  • 221 km long
  • Includes a 2 km tunnel for efficient water transfer

Phase II

• Lower Orr Dam
• Kotha Barrage
• Bina Complex Projects
  • These components will further enhance water availability in the region.

Environmental Concerns

• The project will result in the flooding of ~6,000 hectares of core habitat in the Panna Tiger Reserve.
• This raises risks to:
  • Tiger population
  • Critical wildlife corridors
  • Biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption
• Experts advocate for rigorous environmental safeguards and re-evaluation of the project’s ecological impact.

Significance & Implications

Positive Impact

• Could mitigate drought in Bundelkhand
• Support agriculture, drinking water supply, and power generation

Challenges

• Biodiversity loss in a protected area
• Balancing development with conservation goals

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Ken-Betwa Link Project aims to connect rivers flowing through which of the following states?
A. Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
B. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
C. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
D. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

Answer: C. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh

2. The Daudhan Dam is proposed to be constructed in which protected area?
A. Bandhavgarh National Park
B. Kanha Tiger Reserve
C. Panna Tiger Reserve
D.Satpura Tiger Reserve

Answer: C. Panna Tiger Reserve

Mains

1. Critically evaluate the environmental impacts of the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. How can sustainable development principles be incorporated into large-scale river interlinking projects?

2. Discuss the role of river interlinking in addressing regional water scarcity in India. Examine the ecological trade-offs involved with reference to the Ken-Betwa Link Project.

3. What are the inter-state coordination challenges in implementing river linking projects? Suggest mechanisms for improving cooperative federalism in managing India’s water resources.

2. Civil Registration System (CRS) – Overview – Polity

Why in News?

A recent report from the Civil Registration System (CRS) shows that approximately 86.5 lakh deaths were registered in India during 2022 — a notable decrease compared to the peak numbers recorded in 2021 (largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

What is Civil Registration System (CRS)

• CRS is India’s official mechanism for recording vital events:
  • Births
  • Deaths
  • Stillbirths
• The goal is to create uniformity and comparability in vital event registration across all states and union territories.

Legal Framework

• Governed by the Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act), 1969.
  • Recently amended in 2023 to modernize and improve data collection.
• Implemented since April 1, 1970 in most parts of the country.
• Placed under Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution (Entry 30).

Administrative Structure

• The Office of the Registrar General, India (ORGI) is responsible for compiling national data.
• Data is collected from:
  • Chief Registrars of Births and Deaths in each state and UT.
• CRS data is used to generate vital statistics, including:
  • Total number of births and deaths
  • Causes of death
  • Demographic trends

Significance of Civil Registration

Policy-Making & Planning

• Enables evidence-based policymaking in sectors such as:
  • Public health
  • Social welfare
  • Education
  • Population control

Demographic Insights

• Helps in understanding population dynamics:
  • Birth rate
  • Death rate
  • Infant mortality rate
  • Life expectancy

Public Health Improvement

• Vital in monitoring disease trends and designing preventive healthcare measures.

Legal & Administrative Uses

• Essential for issuing birth and death certificates, which are required for:
  • Establishing legal identity
  • Accessing government services
  • Inheritance and insurance claims

Prelims

1. The Civil Registration System in India is governed under which of the following Acts?
A. National Population Register Act, 2003
B. Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969
C. Census Act, 1948
D. Vital Statistics Registration Act, 1965

Answer: B. Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969

2. Under which list of the Constitution of India does the subject “Vital Statistics” fall?
A. Union List
B. State List
C. Concurrent List
D. Residuary Powers

Answer: C. Concurrent List

Mains

1. Discuss the role of the Civil Registration System (CRS) in enhancing public policy formulation and governance in India.

2. What are the key challenges in ensuring universal and accurate civil registration in India? Suggest measures to strengthen the Civil Registration System across the country.

3. Examine the significance of the RBD Act, 1969 and its 2023 amendment in improving the collection and use of vital statistics in India.

3. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – Environment

Why in News?

The Prime Minister of India recently addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) held on June 6–7 in Nice, France.
The conference was organized by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), headquartered in New Delhi.

What is the CDRI?

• Established: In 2019 by the Government of India.
• Support: Backed by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
• Nature: A multi-stakeholder global partnership involving:
  • National governments
  • UN agencies
  • Multilateral development banks
  • Private sector
  • Academic and research institutions.

Primary Objectives

• Enhance resilience of infrastructure systems to climate change and disaster risks.
• Promote infrastructure that:
  • Supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Ensures universal access to basic services.
  • Fosters economic prosperity.

Mission & Impact

• Mission:
  Mobilize US$ 10 trillion in new and existing infrastructure investments by 2050, making them resilient to natural hazards and climate change.
• Global Impact Goal:
  Improve environmental quality and livelihoods of over 3 billion people worldwide.

Governance Structure

• Governing Council:
  • Comprises all member countries and partner organizations.
  • Meets annually.
• Executive Committee:
  • Oversees programs and initiatives.
  • Meets biannually.

Funding & Membership

• Funding:
  Voluntary contributions from member countries and partner organizations.
• Membership:
  • 46 member countries.
  • 8 partner organizations.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

Relevance of CDRI

Disaster Risk Reduction

• Infrastructure resilience is crucial for minimizing economic losses and human suffering during disasters.

Climate Adaptation

• Enhances adaptability of infrastructure to cope with extreme weather events and rising climate variability.

International Cooperation

• Fosters global collaboration and knowledge sharing on disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Sustainable Development

• Integral to achieving SDGs like:
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched by which of the following?
A. World Bank
B. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
C. Government of India
D. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)

Answer: C. Government of India

2. The headquarters of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is located in:
A. Paris
B. Geneva
C. New York
D.New Delhi

Answer: D. New Delhi

Mains

1. Explain the significance of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in strengthening global resilience against climate change and natural disasters.

2. Discuss the challenges India faces in developing disaster-resilient infrastructure. How can international partnerships like CDRI contribute to overcoming these challenges?

3. Analyze the role of multi-stakeholder global partnerships in enhancing the resilience of infrastructure systems. Use CDRI as a case study.

4. Indravati National Park – Defence & Security

Why in News?

Recently, security forces engaged with Maoist groups during anti-Naxal operations in the Indravati National Park region of Chhattisgarh.
This highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining security in sensitive ecological zones.

About Indravati National Park

• Location:
  • Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh.
  • Northern boundary marked by Indravati River, bordering Maharashtra.
• Designation:
  • Declared a tiger reserve in 1983 under Project Tiger.
• Name Origin:
  • Named after the Indravati River.

Geographical Features

• Topography:
  • Hilly terrain with altitudes ranging from 177 to 599 meters above sea level.
  • Connectivity with other tiger reserves:
    • Kawal (Telangana)
    • Tadoba (Maharashtra)
    • Kanha (Madhya Pradesh)

Vegetation & Flora

• Forest Types:
  • Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest with Teak
  • Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest without Teak
  • Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest
• Common Tree Species:
  • Teak, Achar, Karra, Kullu, Shisham, Semal, Haldu, Arjun, Bel, Jamun.

Fauna

• One of the last populations of wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee) — critically endangered.
• Other key species:
  • Nilgai
  • Black Buck
  • Sambar
  • Gaur
  • Tiger
  • Leopard
  • Chital
  • Sloth Bear

Security Concerns

• The park is situated in a Naxal-affected zone, making conservation efforts extremely challenging.
• Maoist presence impacts:
  • Eco-tourism development
  • Forest management
  • Wildlife monitoring
  • Safety of forest personnel and researchers.
• The region requires a balance between:
  • Security operations
  • Conservation objectives

Significance of Indravati National Park

Ecological Importance

• Critical habitat for tigers, wild buffalo, and other species.
• Rich biodiversity hotspot of central India.

Strategic Importance

• Located in an area with active Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) presence.
• Protection of both ecological assets and local communities is vital.

Policy Implications

• Need for integrated approach:
  • Security measures
  • Community participation
  • Sustainable conservation practices

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The Indravati National Park is located in which state?
A. Odisha
B. Chhattisgarh
C. Maharashtra
D. Madhya Pradesh

Answer: B. Chhattisgarh

2. Which river forms the northern boundary of the Indravati National Park?
A. Godavari
B. Mahanadi
C. Indravati
D. Narmada

Answer: C. Indravati

3. Indravati National Park is known for being home to one of the last populations of which of the following species?
A. Indian Rhinoceros
B. Wild Buffalo
C. Asiatic Lion
D. Great Indian Bustard

Answer: B. Wild Buffalo

Mains

1. Discuss the challenges of wildlife conservation in conflict-affected regions such as Indravati National Park. Suggest a strategy to balance security and ecological protection.

2. How does Left-Wing Extremism impact the management of protected areas in India? Analyze with reference to Indravati National Park.

3. Highlight the role of community participation and integrated security-conservation models in safeguarding India’s biodiversity hotspots located in sensitive zones.

5. What is Algorithmic Trading? – Economy

Why in News?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently introduced a settlement scheme for stockbrokers under regulatory scrutiny for their involvement with unregulated algorithmic (algo) trading platforms.
This highlights the growing need for proper regulation of automated trading in Indian markets.

What is Algorithmic Trading?

• Definition:
  • Algorithmic trading (or Algo trading) refers to the automated process of executing trades in financial markets using pre-programmed algorithms.
  • These algorithms are based on predefined criteria such as:
    • Timing
    • Price
    • Quantity
    • Other mathematical models
• Process:
  • Combines computer programming with financial market strategies.
  • Executes trades at precise moments — often faster and more efficiently than human traders.

Who Uses It?

• Institutional investors: Large banks, hedge funds, mutual funds.
• Retail investors: Increasingly popular among sophisticated individual investors using automated trading platforms.

Advantages of Algorithmic Trading

Speed & Efficiency

• Executes trades in milliseconds or even microseconds.

Market Liquidity

• Algo trading improves market liquidity by increasing the number of buy/sell orders.

Reduced Human Emotion

• Removes the influence of emotional decision-making — trades are purely rule-based.

Cost Reduction

• Lower transaction costs due to automation.

Risks & Challenges

Black Swan Events

• Unexpected market disruptions can cause massive losses, as algorithms are generally based on historical data and assumptions of market stability.

Over-Reliance on Technology

• System failures, software bugs, and connectivity issues can cause erroneous trades.

Market Manipulation

• Potential misuse of high-frequency trading (HFT) for market manipulation (e.g., spoofing).

Regulatory Gaps

• Rapid evolution of algo platforms can outpace regulation, creating challenges for market integrity.

Recent Regulatory Action by SEBI

• SEBI is working to:
  • Bring unregulated algo platforms under scrutiny.
  • Offer a settlement scheme to stockbrokers facing regulatory action.
  • Ensure investor protection and market stability through appropriate regulatory frameworks.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Algorithmic trading primarily involves:
A. Manual execution of trades by brokers.
B. Government-regulated manual trading.
C. Automated trading through pre-programmed instructions.
D. Trading based on market rumors and news.

Answer: C. Automated trading through pre-programmed instructions.

2. Which of the following statements is true about Black Swan Events in the context of algorithmic trading?
A. They refer to frequent market fluctuations.
B. They are rare and unexpected market disruptions causing significant losses.
C. They are predictable events based on historical data.
D. They have no impact on algorithmic trading.

Answer: B. They are rare and unexpected market disruptions causing significant losses.

Mains

1. What is Algorithmic Trading? Discuss its advantages and risks in the context of the Indian financial markets.

2. Analyze the role of SEBI in regulating algorithmic trading platforms. How can India strike a balance between innovation and market stability in this sector?

3. Explain the phenomenon of Black Swan Events in financial markets. How do such events challenge the assumptions of algorithmic trading models?

6. Discovery of Spathaspina noohi – Environment

New Beetle Species Discovered in Meghalaya

Why in News?

A new species of beetle, named Spathaspina noohi, has been discovered in the biodiverse forests of Meghalaya, India.
This highlights the region’s rich ecological diversity and the need for continued conservation.

About Spathaspina noohi

• Location of Discovery:
  • Found in Ri Bhoi district, Umran area, at an elevation of 781 metres.
• Family:
  • Belongs to the weevil family (Curculionidae).
  • One of the largest beetle families, with over 60,000 species globally.
• Distinctive Features:
  • Possesses a unique sword-like spine on its back.
  • This feature led to its classification in a new genus.
• Taxonomy & Naming:
  • New genus name: Spathaspina — from Latin:
    • spatha = sword
    • spina = spine
• Subfamily:
  • Ceutorhynchinae — comprises over 1,300 species.
  • Distribution:
    • Predominantly in Palaearctic and Oriental regions.
    • Absent in New Zealand, Oceania, Antarctica, and southern South America.
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Sturdy body.
  • Unique behavior: can tuck its snout between its front legs when at rest.

Ecological Role

Unlike many weevils that are agricultural pests, Spathaspina noohi plays a positive ecological role:

• Helps in controlling invasive plant species.
• Contributes to maintaining ecological balance in forest habitats.

Significance of the Discovery

Biodiversity Indicator

• Highlights the high biodiversity of the Meghalaya forests, part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Conservation Importance

• Emphasizes the need to:
  • Protect fragile habitats.
  • Promote scientific exploration and documentation of new species.

Ecological Research

• Provides new avenues for studying ecosystem interactions and pest management.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Spathaspina noohi, a newly discovered species, belongs to which family of insects?
A. Scarabaeidae
B. Curculionidae
C. Carabidae
D. Coccinellidae

Answer: B. Curculionidae

2. Spathaspina noohi was recently discovered in which Indian state?
A. Manipur
B. Sikkim
C. Meghalaya
D. Arunachal Pradesh

Answer: C. Meghalaya

3. The subfamily Ceutorhynchinae is primarily found in which of the following regions?
A. Nearctic and Neotropical
B. Australasian and Ethiopian
C. Palaearctic and Oriental
D. Antarctic and Oceania

Answer: C. Palaearctic and Oriental

Mains

1. Discuss the importance of documenting new species such as Spathaspina noohi in the context of India’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

2. Meghalaya is part of a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. What are the major threats to this biodiversity? Suggest conservation strategies.

3. Explain how newly discovered insect species can contribute to ecological balance and ecosystem services in forest ecosystems.

7. Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis: A New Bat Species – Environment

Why in News?

Researchers have identified a new bat species named Himalayan long-tailed myotis (Myotis himalayanus), discovered in the Western Himalayas — specifically in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, in 2021.
The species has also been linked to an earlier specimen collected in Pakistan in 1998.

About Himalayan Long-Tailed Myotis

• Scientific Name: Myotis himalayanus
• Taxonomic Group: Part of the Myotis frater complex:
  • A group of bats mainly found across East and Central Asia.
• Distinct Features:
  • Long tail — a key characteristic distinguishing it from other Myotis genus bats.
  • Considered uncommon, with limited sightings reported.

Habitat & Distribution

• Habitat:
  • High-altitude forests including:
    • Deodar
    • Pine
    • Cedar environments.
• Geographic Range:
  • Likely to occur in:
    • India
    • Pakistan
    • Nepal
  • Suggests a transboundary distribution.

Identification Methods

• Confirmed through:
  • Morphological traits (physical structure).
  • Genetic analysis.

Scientific & Ecological Significance

Biodiversity Enrichment

• Enhances understanding of bat diversity in the Himalayas.

Transboundary Biodiversity Research

• Highlights importance of regional cooperation for studying shared species.

Conservation Awareness

• Bats play vital roles in:
  • Pollination
  • Seed dispersal
  • Insect population control.
• The discovery underlines the need to protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

Conservation Implications

Threats to Habitat:

• Deforestation
• Climate change
• Habitat fragmentation

Limited Data:

• Requires more scientific studies to understand its population status and ecological needs.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The newly discovered Himalayan long-tailed myotis belongs to which genus of bats?
A. Rhinolophus
B. Pipistrellus
C. Myotis
D. Megaderma

Answer: C. Myotis

2. In which state of India was the Himalayan long-tailed myotis first discovered?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Sikkim
C. Uttarakhand
D. Arunachal Pradesh

Answer: C. Uttarakhand

3. The habitat of the Himalayan long-tailed myotis typically includes:
A. Mangrove forests
B. High-altitude coniferous forests
C. Grasslands
D.Desert scrublands

Answer: B. High-altitude coniferous forests

Mains

1. Discuss the significance of the discovery of the Himalayan long-tailed myotis for understanding Himalayan biodiversity.

2. Explain the importance of transboundary biodiversity research with examples from the Himalayan region.

3. What role do bats play in maintaining ecological balance? Highlight the conservation challenges faced by bat species in fragile ecosystems such as the Himalayas.