6th March 2025-Current Affairs

1. Threat to Native Biodiversity from Ruellia elegans – Environment

Why in News?

A recent study has highlighted the potential threat posed by Ruellia elegans, an invasive plant species known for its aesthetic appeal, to native biodiversity in India.

Key Details:

1. Origin & Common Names:

• Native to: Brazil (thrives in wet tropical biomes).
• Common Names:
  • Brazilian petunia
  • Christmas pride
  • Elegant Ruellia
  • Red Ruellia
  • Wild petunia

2. Invasive Nature & Spread:

• Invasive Status: One of four invasive species in the Acanthoideae sub-family found in India.
• Geographical Spread in India:
  • First introduced in the Andaman Islands.
  • Recorded in Odisha for nearly a decade.
• How it spreads:
  • Rapid growth rate allows it to spread aggressively.
  • Outcompetes native flora by monopolizing sunlight, water, and nutrients.

3. Environmental Impact of Ruellia elegans

• Disrupts Local Ecosystems: Alters biodiversity by displacing native plant species.
• Affects Wildlife: Reduces the availability of native plants that serve as food and shelter for local fauna.
• Economic & Ecological Damage: Invasive species can lead to significant losses in agriculture, forestry, and natural ecosystems by reducing native species populations.
• Potential for Extinction: Native plant species may decline or disappear due to competition from Ruellia elegans.

4. Importance for HAS Exam:

• Biodiversity & Conservation: Invasive species threaten India’s rich biodiversity, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like the Himalayas.
• Environmental Governance: Highlights the need for conservation policies, such as:
  • National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
  • Invasive Species Management Programs
  • Afforestation and Ecosystem Restoration Initiatives
• Relevance to Himachal Pradesh:
  • HP’s fragile mountain ecosystem is highly vulnerable to invasive species.
  • Similar threats have been observed from invasive species like Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorus in the state.

Conclusion:

The case of Ruellia elegans serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by invasive species and the urgent need for monitoring, awareness, and management strategies to protect native biodiversity.

2. Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) – International Relations

Why in News?

India has launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), a multi-nation alliance aimed at promoting sustainable urban development through city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.

• Launched at: The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Jaipur.
• Spearheaded by:
  • Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India)
  • United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD)
  • Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)

Key Objectives of C-3:

• Promote circular economy principles to minimize waste and enhance resource efficiency.
• Encourage reuse, recycling, remanufacturing, and composting in urban planning.
• Strengthen city-to-city collaboration on sustainable development practices.
• Foster partnerships between local governments, private sector stakeholders, and academic institutions for innovation.
• Align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action (SDG 13) and responsible consumption (SDG 12).

Global Support & Partnerships:

• Backed by international organizations, including:
  • UNESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific)
  • Japan’s Ministry of Environment
  • Other global partners supporting sustainable urban growth.

Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034):

• A non-political, non-binding commitment under C-3.
• Aims to enhance resource efficiency and sustainability in urban development for the next decade.

Relevance to Exam:

• Urban Sustainability & Governance: Himachal Pradesh’s cities (e.g., Shimla, Dharamshala, Manali) face waste management and environmental challenges, making circular economy models crucial.
• Smart Cities & Urban Planning: HP has cities under Smart Cities Mission where sustainable waste management is key.
• Climate Change & Environmental Policies: Aligns with Swachh Bharat Mission, SDGs, and India’s commitment to reducing landfill waste.
• Economic & Policy Implications: Encourages green businesses, recycling industries, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Conclusion:

The C-3 initiative reflects India’s commitment to sustainable urban development by integrating circular economy principles into governance. It provides a collaborative platform for cities to exchange ideas and implement resource-efficient strategies.

3. Majuli Island – Geography

Why in News?

A recent six-day survey has raised concerns about the increasing human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the Majuli River Island district of Assam.

Key Facts About Majuli Island

1. Geographical Significance

• World’s largest river island (421 sq. km).
• Located in the Brahmaputra River, Assam.
• First island in India to be designated as a district (2016).
• Bordered by:
  • Brahmaputra River (South)
  • Kherkutia Xuti (an anabranch of the Brahmaputra) and Subansiri River (North).
• Landscape features: Lush greenery, numerous water bodies, expansive paddy fields.

2. Cultural Significance

• A center of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, founded in the 16th century by:
  • Srimanta Sankardeva (Saint-Reformer)
  • Madhavdeva (His disciple)
• Home to Satras (Vaishnavite monastic institutions) that preserve:
  • Sattriya dance (One of India’s classical dance forms).
  • Bhaona (Traditional Assamese theatre).
  • Mask-making & Boat-making traditions.
• Major tribal communities:
  • Mishing, Deori, and Sonowal Kachari.
  • Remaining population consists of non-tribal Assamese.

3. Economic Importance

• Rice Cultivation is the primary livelihood.
• Unique rice varieties cultivated:
  • Komal Saul (soft rice, requires no cooking, just soaking in warm water).
  • Bao Dhan (deepwater rice variety, grows in flood-prone areas).
• Pottery-making tradition → Uses alluvial clay, made without potter’s wheels.

4. Environmental & Conservation Concerns

• Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC):
  • Increasing conflicts due to habitat destruction and shrinking land area.
  • Wildlife (like elephants) entering human settlements, causing crop damage.
• Erosion & Climate Change Threats:
  • Severe riverbank erosion (Majuli is shrinking).
  • Deforestation and floods are major ecological challenges.
  • Conservation efforts are needed to prevent loss of cultural heritage and biodiversity.

Relevance to Exam

• Geography & Environment:
  • River Islands & Erosion: HP has mountain rivers facing erosion and ecological degradation.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Lessons from Majuli can apply to Himalayan river ecosystems.
• Culture & History:
  • Vaishnavite culture & religious institutions → Similar to monastic traditions in Himachal.
• Agriculture & Livelihood:
  • Unique Rice Varieties & Sustainable Farming → Can be linked to HP’s traditional cropping systems.
• Climate Change & Sustainable Development:
  • Majuli’s erosion highlights climate-induced vulnerabilities, a growing issue in Himalayan regions.

Conclusion

Majuli is not just a geographical wonder but also a cultural and ecological treasure. However, erosion, human-wildlife conflict, and environmental changes threaten its survival. The survey highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect both its biodiversity and cultural heritage.

4. Gond Tribes – Governance

Why in News?

The Gujarat High Court has sought responses from a power distribution company, Ahmedabad district collector, and a residential society after 95 families from the Rajgond tribe filed an appeal for electricity connections to their homes.

This issue underscores the challenges tribal communities face in accessing basic services such as electricity, which is essential for their development and integration into mainstream society.

Key Facts About the Gond Tribe

1. Demographics & Distribution

• One of the largest tribal groups in India (~11 million as per 2001 Census).
• Found mainly in:
  • Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha (largest populations).
  • Smaller populations in UP, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Jharkhand, West Bengal.

2. Sub-Groups of Gond Tribe

• Raj Gonds – Historically ruled parts of central India, involved in governance.
• Madia Gonds – Primarily forest dwellers, follow traditional hunting and gathering.
• Dhurve Gonds – Practitioners of agriculture and livestock rearing.
• Khatulwar Gonds – Found in parts of Maharashtra, involved in farming and labor.

3. Historical Significance

• Origins:
  • Settled in Gondwana region (9th–13th century AD).
  • Established powerful kingdoms in 14th century.
• Contributions:
  • Built forts, palaces, and temples.
  • Some Gond rulers, like Raja Shankar Shah and Rani Durgavati, played key roles in resisting Mughal and British invasions.

4. Language & Culture

• Language:
  • Speak Gondi, a Dravidian language (mostly unwritten).
  • Some have adopted Hindi, Marathi, Telugu.
• Religion & Festivals:
  • Worship clan and village gods, alongside ancestor worship.
  • Important festivals:
    • Keslapur Jathra (worship of tribal deities).
    • Madai Festival (celebration of culture and rituals).
    • Hindu festivals like Dussehra are also observed.
• Art & Culture:
  • Known for Gond Art, a unique tribal painting style using dots, lines, and vibrant colors.

5. Economy & Livelihood

• Agriculture-based economy, supplemented by:
  • Animal husbandry.
  • Forest-based occupations (hunting, gathering, fishing).
  • Wage labor in rural areas.

Relevance to Exam

• Tribal Welfare & Government Policies:
  • Gond tribes face socio-economic challenges, similar to tribal communities in Himachal Pradesh (Gaddis, Kinnauras, Lahaulis).
  • Questions on tribal rights, land ownership, and welfare schemes (e.g., Forest Rights Act, 2006) are common in HAS exams.
• History & Culture:
  • Gond rulers and tribal resistance movements (e.g., Rani Durgavati’s fight against the Mughals) are important for medieval history.
  • Gond Art & Cultural Preservation is relevant to Indian heritage & tourism.
• Governance & Social Issues:
  • The lack of basic services (electricity, education, healthcare) in tribal areas highlights the gap in development policies.
  • Government schemes such as:
    • Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (tribal welfare).
    • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) (tribal education).

Conclusion

The Gond Tribe is one of India’s most significant tribal groups, with a rich history, unique culture, and socio-economic challenges. The Gujarat HC case highlights the developmental issues faced by tribal communities, making it crucial to implement inclusive policies for their welfare.

5. Wallace Line – Environment

Why in News?

The Wallace Line is a biogeographical boundary proposed by English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863. He observed a sharp distinction in species while traveling from Asia to Australia, which led him to mark an imaginary boundary that separates the fauna and flora of these two regions.

Key Facts About the Wallace Line

1. Definition & Location

• The Wallace Line is an invisible boundary that separates:
  • Asian species (West of the line).
  • Australian species (East of the line).
• Runs through:
  • Lombok Strait (between Bali & Lombok).
  • Makassar Strait (between Borneo & Sulawesi).

2. Biodiversity Differences

• Very few land species (mainly birds & bats) cross the Wallace Line due to deep-water channels acting as natural barriers.
• Marine life is not affected, as water ecosystems allow species movement.

3. Formation Factors

• Continental Drift (Tectonic Shifts):
  • Australia separated from Antarctica ~35 million years ago.
  • A deep-sea barrier formed, preventing migration of land animals.
• Pleistocene Epoch Influence (~2.5 million – 11,700 years ago):
  • Ice Age caused sea levels to drop, exposing land bridges.
  • However, deep waters in the Wallace Line area remained, preventing land species migration.

4. Scientific Importance

• Biogeography & Evolution:
  • The Wallace Line helps explain how geographical barriers influence species evolution.
  • Supports Darwin-Wallace theory of natural selection.
• Climate Change Studies:
  • Helps predict species adaptation & migration patterns in response to climate change.
• Biodiversity Conservation:
  • Understanding species distribution helps in conserving endangered species in the region.

5. Comparison with Weber Line

• Wallace Line: Marks a sharp boundary between Asian & Australian species.
• Weber Line: A more gradual transition zone, where species from both regions are more balanced.

Relevance to Exam

• Geography & Environment:
  • Concepts of biogeographical boundaries are key for ecology & conservation topics.
  • Helps understand species migration & habitat formation.
• Evolution & Biodiversity:
  • Supports natural selection & species adaptation theories.
  • Similar concepts apply to Himalayan biodiversity, where altitude creates natural species barriers.
• Conservation Policies & Climate Change:
  • Lessons from species separation & adaptation are useful for Himalayan wildlife conservation efforts.
  • Similar biodiversity studies apply to Himalayan National Parks like Great Himalayan National Park (HP).

Conclusion

The Wallace Line is a crucial biogeographical concept that explains species distribution and evolutionary history. It serves as a key study model for biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation.

6. Navratna Status for IRCTC and IRFC – Economy

Why in News?

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) have been awarded Navratna status, making them the 25th and 26th companies in India to receive this prestigious recognition.

This status enhances their financial and operational autonomy, allowing them to expand and compete on a global scale while remaining publicly owned.

Understanding Navratna Status

1. What is Navratna Status?

• Introduced in 1997, the Navratna scheme recognizes high-performing Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and grants them greater autonomy in financial and operational decision-making.
• Enables them to compete with global players while maintaining government ownership.

2. Categories of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India

3. Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status

A CPSE must:

• Be a Miniratna Category-I company.
• Have an “Excellent” rating in MoU performance for 3 out of the last 5 years.
• Achieve a composite score of 60+ based on key financial metrics, such as:
  • Net profit
  • Net worth
  • Earnings per share (EPS)
  • Manpower cost to total cost ratio

4. Benefits of Navratna Status

• Greater Financial Autonomy
  • Can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth (whichever is higher) in a single project without government approval.
• Strategic Expansion
  • Freedom to form joint ventures, subsidiaries, and acquire businesses.
• Operational Flexibility
  • Can make independent investment decisions, reducing bureaucratic delays.
• Improved Market Position
  • Increases investor confidence and enhances stock performance.

5. Importance of Navratna Status for IRCTC & IRFC

• IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation)
  • Responsible for railway ticketing, catering, and tourism services in India.
  • Navratna status will allow IRCTC to expand its operations, improve digital services, and enter new markets.
• IRFC (Indian Railway Finance Corporation)
  • Acts as the financial arm of Indian Railways, funding rolling stock and infrastructure projects.
  • The new status will increase IRFC’s ability to raise capital and invest in railway modernization.

Relevance to Exam

• Economy & Governance:
  • Questions on PSU categorization, economic reforms, and privatization policies are common in HAS exams.
  • Navratna status reflects India’s strategy to make CPSEs more competitive and reduce government control.
• Infrastructure & Railways:
  • Indian Railways plays a key role in transportation and economic growth.
  • IRCTC and IRFC’s expanded capabilities can impact tourism, digital services, and infrastructure development.
• Financial Autonomy & Government Policy:
  • Understanding how PSU reforms boost economic efficiency is crucial for policy-related questions.

Conclusion

The Navratna status granted to IRCTC and IRFC is a significant step in enhancing their operational independence, financial strength, and global competitiveness. This reflects India’s ongoing economic reforms to make public sector enterprises more self-reliant and growth-driven.