9th June 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Census Set to Trigger NPR Update – Polity

Why in News?

• The upcoming Census — scheduled in two phases (2026 and 2027) — will be a key event shaping various governance processes.
• Apart from its usual role in demographic data collection, this Census will also:
  • Facilitate constituency delimitation.
  • Enable implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill.
  • Likely trigger an update of the National Population Register (NPR) — raising questions about a potential Nationwide NRC (National Register of Citizens) exercise.

Key Takeaways

• Two-phase Census:
  Planned for 2026–2027.
• Purpose:
  • To update demographic data required for:
    • Constituency delimitation.
    • Implementation of Women’s Reservation Bill.
• NPR Update:
  Expected during the house listing phase.
• Political Sensitivity:
  NPR–NRC issue remains highly contentious; past proposals triggered nationwide protests.
• Official Position:
  Recent government announcements did not explicitly mention NPR or NRC.

Additional Details

1. National Population Register (NPR)

• NPR is a register of usual residents of India.
• Data includes:
  • Demographic details (name, DOB, address, etc.).
  • Not a register of citizenship, but of residency.
• Legal Basis:
  • NPR is governed by Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
  • These rules are framed under Section 18 of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Historical Background:
  • NPR first conducted in 2010.
  • Updated in 2015.
  • Revival attempt in 2019 coincided with Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) controversy → led to massive protests.

2. National Register of Citizens (NRC)

• NRC is a register of Indian citizens.
• The NRC has so far been implemented only in Assam.
• Proposal for a nationwide NRC remains politically sensitive and legally complex.
• Concerns raised:
  • Exclusion risks for vulnerable populations.
  • Potential for administrative errors.
  • Risk of creating stateless persons.

3. Political Context

• The NPR–NRC issue became a flashpoint after the CAA was passed in 2019.
• Protests occurred in several states, notably in Assam, West Bengal, Delhi, and parts of South India.
• Several state governments declared they would not implement NRC and raised objections to the NPR update.

4. Role of Census in Governance

• The Census remains a crucial tool for:
  • Policy planning.
  • Welfare scheme targeting.
  • Electoral constituency delimitation.
  • Infrastructure planning.
• In this round:
  • Will support the operationalisation of the Women’s Reservation Bill (which mandates a certain percentage of reserved seats for women post-delimitation).

Significance

The Census is not merely a statistical exercise, but a politically significant event with long-term governance implications.
NPR update during this process could reshape debates on citizenship and identity.
Transparent communication and constitutional safeguards will be key to ensuring public trust.
The NPR–NRC debate underscores the importance of balancing administrative efficiency with rights-based citizenship frameworks.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. With reference to the National Population Register (NPR), consider the following statements:
1.NPR is a register of citizens of India.
2.The NPR is governed by the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
3.Data collection under NPR began in 2010.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B.2 and 3 only
Statement 1 is incorrect → NPR is a register of residents, not citizens.

2. The authority for conducting Census in India is vested with:
A. Ministry of Home Affairs.
B. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
C. Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under the Election Commission of India.
D.National Statistical Office.

Answer: A. Ministry of Home Affairs
Census operations are conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Mains

1. Discuss the political and legal significance of the National Population Register (NPR) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). How do they relate to the Citizenship framework of India? (250 words)
   
   
2. The upcoming Census will not only update demographic data but also influence key governance decisions such as delimitation and representation. Analyse. (250 words)
   
   
3. Critically evaluate the challenges and concerns surrounding the NPR–NRC issue. Suggest measures to ensure transparency and protect citizens’ rights. (250 words)
   

2. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve – Environment

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court has mandated an immediate ban on all mining activities within the core area of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
• The order underscores the critical need for conservation in this ecologically sensitive and biodiversity-rich zone.

Key Takeaways

• Location: Sawai Madhopur district, southeastern Rajasthan.
• Name origin: Named after the Ranthambore Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Area: Approx. 1,411 sq km — one of the largest tiger reserves in northern India.
• Historical background: Once a royal hunting ground.

Additional Details

1. Geographical Features

• Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravalli hill ranges.
• Landscape includes:
  • Boulder-strewn plateaus.
  • Lakes.
  • Ancient forts.

2. River Systems

• Bana River → northern boundary.
• Chambal River → southern boundary.
• Major water bodies inside the park:
  • Padam Talab.
  • Raj Bagh Talab.
  • Malik Talab.

3. Flora

• Dominant ecosystem: Dry deciduous forests and open grassy meadows.
• Key plant species:
  • Dhok tree (Anogeissus pendula).
  • Acacia.
  • Capparis.
  • Zizyphus.
  • Prosopis.

4. Fauna

• Rich wildlife diversity, including:
  • Royal Bengal Tiger.
  • Leopard.
  • Caracal.
  • Jungle cat.
  • Sambar deer.
  • Chital (spotted deer).
  • Chinkara (Indian gazelle).
  • Wild boar.

Conservation Significance

• Critical tiger habitat → plays a key role in the Project Tiger initiative.
• Part of India’s network of protected areas supporting big cat populations.
• Recent SC ruling aims to:
  • Halt mining-induced degradation of core habitat.
  • Ensure the long-term viability of the tiger population.
  • Protect the overall biodiversity and ecosystem services of the region.

Challenges

Threats from mining, encroachment, poaching, and tourism pressure.
Fragmentation of habitat due to nearby human activity.
Need for strict enforcement of conservation laws post-SC order.

Significance

Reinforces the importance of maintaining ecological integrity of core tiger habitats.
Sets a strong judicial precedent against destructive activities in protected areas.
Supports India’s commitments under:

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Global Tiger Recovery Programme.
• SDG 15 → Life on Land.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1, With reference to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, consider the following statements:
1.It is located in the Aravalli hills of southern Rajasthan.
2.It is bordered by the Bana River to the north and the Chambal River to the south.
3.The Dhok tree is one of the dominant tree species in its forests.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A.1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Ranthambore lies between Vindhya and Aravalli ranges, not fully within Aravalli hills.

2. Which of the following rivers is NOT associated with the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve?
A. Bana River
B. Chambal River
C. Banas River
D. Luni River

Answer: D. Luni River
Luni River flows in western Rajasthan, not associated with Ranthambore.

Mains

1. Discuss the ecological significance of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. How do judicial interventions contribute to the conservation of protected areas in India? (250 words)
   
   
2. Mining in and around protected areas poses a major challenge to wildlife conservation. In the context of the recent Supreme Court order on Ranthambore, analyse the legal and ecological dimensions of this issue. (250 words)
   
   
3. Tiger reserves play a critical role in conserving India’s biodiversity. What are the major threats faced by these reserves? Suggest measures to address them effectively. (250 words)
   

3. National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) Inauguration – Polity

Why in News?

• The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is being inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs at the Puducherry Legislative Assembly.
• The digital initiative aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of legislative processes across India.

Key Takeaways

• NeVA is a digital platform designed to make India’s legislatures paperless.
• Spearheaded by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA).
• Part of the vision: “One Nation – One Application”.
• Target coverage: All 37 State and UT Legislatures.

Additional Details

Objective

• To enable the Legislative Business of all Houses to be conducted in a paperless manner.
• Promote a unified digital platform for legislative work.
• Support environmental sustainability and cost efficiency by reducing paper usage.

Features

• User-friendly interface for legislators.
• Mobile access: Members can view House business and manage legislative tasks via smartphones and tablets.
• Hosted on the Meghraj National Cloud:
  • Provides secure, scalable, and reliable digital environment.
• Members can:
  • Access House proceedings.
  • Respond to questions.
  • Access and manage legislative documents and agendas in real time.

AI/ML Integration

• NeVA integrates AI/ML-based real-time translation services.
• Partnership with BHASHINI (National Language Translation Mission).
• Promotes linguistic inclusivity and helps members work in their preferred languages.

Progress So Far

• 28 State Legislatures have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
• 18 Legislative Houses have fully transitioned to a digital format.
• The project is being gradually scaled up to cover all legislatures.

Significance

Promotes transparency, efficiency, and citizen access to legislative processes.
Aligns with Digital India and Good Governance initiatives.
Supports the One Nation – One Application vision → fosters standardisation of legislative processes across India.
Encourages green governance through paperless working.
Enhances digital literacy and ICT integration within legislative bodies.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. With reference to the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), consider the following statements:
1.NeVA is implemented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
2. It enables paperless functioning of legislative Houses across India.
3.NeVA integrates AI/ML-based real-time translation services through BHASHINI.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A.1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Implemented by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA), not MeitY.

2. The Meghraj initiative, often mentioned in the context of NeVA, refers to:
A.India’s cloud computing initiative for e-governance.
B. India’s National Water Policy initiative.
C. National Mission for Air Quality Improvement.
D. Digital payment system for farmers.

Answer: A. India’s cloud computing initiative for e-governance.

Mains

1. Discuss the significance of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in promoting transparency and efficiency in India’s legislative processes. What challenges need to be addressed to achieve its full potential? (250 words)
   
   
2. Paperless governance is a key pillar of Digital India. Analyse how initiatives like NeVA contribute to sustainable and inclusive governance. (250 words)
   
   
3. Critically evaluate the role of AI and cloud computing in modernising India’s democratic institutions with reference to the National e-Vidhan Application. (250 words)

4. Bacteriophages: A Renewed Focus Against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – Science and Technology

Why in News?

• With the rising threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), there is a renewed global interest in the use of bacteriophages as potential tools to combat resistant bacterial infections.
• Ongoing research is being conducted in multiple countries to explore their therapeutic potential.

Key Takeaways

• Bacteriophages (phages) are natural viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria.
• They are highly abundant in the environment:
  • Found in water, soil, and the human body.
• Phages are strain-specific, unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics → they usually target specific bacterial strains.

Additional Details

1.What are Bacteriophages?

• Often called “good viruses“.
• Estimated to be 10 times more numerous than bacteria on Earth.
• Play a key role in controlling bacterial populations in ecosystems.

2. Structure

• Composed of:
  • Nucleic acid molecule (DNA or RNA; can be single-stranded or double-stranded).
  • Surrounded by a protective protein coat.
• The structure allows them to infect bacterial cells, replicate within them, and cause the bacteria to lyse (burst).

3. Treatment Strategies Using Phages

a) Isolation & Targeted Application

• Process:
  1. Isolate the bacteria from the infected tissue.
  2. Identify effective phages in the laboratory.
  3. Grow these phages and administer them to the patient.
• Benefits:
  • Highly targeted therapy.
  • Lower risk of disturbing beneficial microbiota.

b) Genetically Engineered Phages

• Involves modifying phages in the lab to:
  • Broaden their host range.
  • Enhance efficacy against resistant bacterial strains.
• A promising area of biomedical research.

4. Applications

• Phage therapy has been effectively used in treating:
  • Burn infections.
  • Foot ulcers.
  • Gastrointestinal (gut) infections.
  • Respiratory infections.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Particularly useful in cases where antibiotics have failed due to AMR.

Significance

Bacteriophages offer a viable alternative or complement to antibiotics.
They can be a precision tool in combating AMR → reducing dependence on traditional antibiotics.
May help in preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics by lowering usage pressures.
Support the global health objective of addressing the AMR crisis, which is projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if unchecked.

Challenges Ahead

Phage therapy requires highly individualized treatment → time-consuming to identify effective phages.
Regulatory frameworks for phage therapy are underdeveloped in many countries.
Need for more clinical trials and safety evaluations.
Risk of phage resistance in bacteria if overused.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Consider the following statements regarding bacteriophages:
1.Bacteriophages are broad-spectrum viruses that can target both bacteria and human cells.
2.They can be genetically engineered to improve their efficacy.
3.Phage therapy can be used to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B.2 and 3 only
Statement 1 is incorrect → bacteriophages only target bacteria, not human cells.

2. The term “phage therapy,” recently in news, is most appropriately associated with:
A.Treatment of viral infections using antiviral drugs.
B. Use of engineered bacteria to combat cancer.
C. Use of viruses to target and kill bacteria.
D.Use of plant-based compounds for disease prevention.

Answer: C. Use of viruses to target and kill bacteria.

Mains

1. Discuss the potential of bacteriophages in addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). What are the key opportunities and challenges in adopting phage therapy in India? (250 words)
   
   
2. With reference to emerging alternatives to antibiotics, critically analyse the role of bacteriophages in modern medical treatment. (250 words)
   
   
3. Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to global public health. Examine the scope of bacteriophage research and its possible role in India’s National Action Plan on AMR. (250 words)
   

5. Urban Consumer Sentiment in India: RBI Survey Reflects Confidence and Optimism for the Future – Economy

Why in News?

• The RBI’s latest Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS) shows that urban consumers are maintaining stable yet cautious optimism about the economic outlook.
• The data reflects growing hope regarding income, employment, and inflation control, even as current sentiments remain subdued.

Key Takeaways

• As of May 2025, urban households show steady optimism for the future.
• Current sentiment remains subdued but future expectations are positive, especially regarding:
  • Income.
  • Employment.
  • Inflation control.

Additional Details

1. About UCCS

• Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS) is a bi-monthly survey conducted by the RBI.
• Purpose: To gauge urban household perceptions on:
  • Economic conditions.
  • Employment.
  • Income.
  • Inflation.
  • Consumer spending.
• May 2025 round:
  • 6,090 respondents.
  • Covered 19 cities.
  • First time the survey was formally named UCCS to distinguish it from the new Rural Consumer Confidence Survey.

2. Indices Explained

a) Current Situation Index (CSI)

• Measures households’ perceptions of present economic conditions.
• May 2025 result:
  • CSI declined slightly from 95.5 (March) to 95.4.
  • Remains below the benchmark of 100, indicating pessimism about current conditions.

b) Future Expectations Index (FEI)

• Gauges optimism regarding the next 12 months, specifically about:
  • Income.
  • Employment.
  • Price levels.
• May 2025 result:
  • FEI rose from 122.4 (March) to 123.4.
  • Indicates growing consumer confidence for the near future.

3. Inflation Trends & Consumer Perceptions

• Perceived current inflation dropped by 10 basis points → now at 7.7%.
• One-year ahead inflation expectations dropped by 20 basis points → now at 9.5%.
• Reflects:
  • Reduced worries about current price levels.
  • Increased confidence in RBI’s inflation management.

4. Income & Employment Trends

• Perceptions of current income and employment remained largely unchanged.
• However:
  • Optimism about future income remains high.
  • Positively influencing consumer spending behavior.

5. Rural Consumer Confidence Survey

• Newly launched survey for rural households (April–May 2025).
• Findings:
  • Rural CSI dropped slightly from 100.1 to 100.0 → relatively neutral.
  • Rural FEI stands at 126.2 → higher optimism than urban areas.

Significance

The data offers valuable insights for monetary policy formulation.
Helps policymakers understand:

• Urban and rural sentiment trends.
• Inflation expectations.
• Consumer behavior.
  Positive FEI readings suggest that RBI’s monetary policy is helping to anchor inflation expectations and support economic recovery.
  Important for sustaining consumer confidence, a key driver of domestic demand.

Challenges & Policy Implications

Urban current sentiment remains below neutral, reflecting concerns over present economic conditions.
Policymakers must continue efforts to ensure:

• Price stability.
• Employment generation.
• Income growth.
  Managing inflation expectations remains crucial to avoid demand dampening effects.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. With reference to the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey (UCCS), consider the following statements:
1.The UCCS is conducted annually by the RBI to assess inflation expectations of urban households.
2.The Current Situation Index (CSI) indicates consumers’ optimism about future economic prospects.
3.The UCCS captures perceptions about income, employment, inflation, and consumer spending.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A.1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C. 3 only
UCCS is bi-monthly, not annual.
CSI measures current perceptions, not future optimism.

2. The Future Expectations Index (FEI) in the RBI’s Consumer Confidence Surveys is used to measure:
A. The expected fiscal deficit for the upcoming year.
B. Consumer sentiment regarding future income, employment, and inflation.
C. The level of rural indebtedness in future quarters.
D. The projected monetary policy stance of the RBI.

Answer: B. Consumer sentiment regarding future income, employment, and inflation.

Mains

1. Consumer confidence is a key determinant of demand-driven economic growth. In this context, analyse the recent trends highlighted by the RBI’s Urban Consumer Confidence Survey. (250 words)
   
   
2. Discuss the role of Consumer Confidence Surveys in shaping monetary policy. How can these surveys contribute to effective inflation targeting by the RBI? (250 words)
   
   
3. Compare and contrast the consumer sentiment trends in urban and rural India based on the latest RBI surveys. What policy measures can help bridge the sentiment gap? (250 words)
   

6. Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM) Web App – Environment

Why in News?

• The Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM) web app, developed by an associate professor and students at IIT Kharagpur, aims to promote eco-friendly urban mobility.
• The app offers route recommendations that balance travel efficiency with environmental considerations, such as air pollution and energy efficiency.

Key Takeaways

• The app provides five route options:
  1. Shortest route.
  2. Fastest route.
  3. Least Exposure to Air Pollution (LEAP).
  4. Least Energy Consumption Route (LECR).
  5. Suggested route → combines all four factors.
• Uses real-time data:
  • Pollution.
  • Traffic.
• Data is fetched live whenever a user inputs a route (not at set intervals).

Additional Details

1. Routing Technology

• The app uses GraphHopper, a Java-based routing library.
• Generates multiple route options.
• Retrieves real-time traffic updates.

2. Data Sources

• Pollution data from:
  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
  • World Air Quality Index.
• Traffic data sourced dynamically during each routing query.

3. Pollution Estimation Method

• Uses a segment-wise interpolation strategy:
  • Divides the route into segments.
  • For segments without direct sensor coverage, estimates pollution using data from nearby sensors.
• This approach allows pollution levels to be estimated across the entire route, even in areas with limited sensor presence.

4. Field Testing

• Tested on simulated corridors in Delhi:
  • East Delhi.
  • South Delhi.
  • North Delhi.
  • Central Delhi.
• Findings:
  • Shortest or fastest routes often pass through high-pollution zones.
  • In some cases, avoiding polluted areas may require sacrificing speed or distance efficiency.

Significance

Promotes environmentally conscious urban mobility.
Helps users minimise exposure to air pollution → public health benefit.
Encourages energy-efficient driving, contributing to climate action goals.
Integrates real-time data into route planning → dynamic adaptability.
Highlights the trade-offs between travel time, pollution exposure, and energy consumption.

Challenges

Current sensor coverage is limited → interpolation is necessary but may reduce accuracy.
Widespread adoption requires integration with popular navigation apps (e.g. Google Maps, Apple Maps).
Needs further testing in other Indian cities beyond Delhi.

Broader Context

• Aligns with:
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
  • SDG 11 → Sustainable Cities and Communities.
  • SDG 13 → Climate Action.
• Supports India’s move towards Green Mobility and Smart Urban Planning.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. With reference to the DRUM web app, consider the following statements:
1. It provides route options based only on shortest distance and fastest travel time.
2. It uses real-time air quality data to suggest routes with lower pollution exposure.
3. The app is built on a Java-based routing library called GraphHopper.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Statement 1 is incorrect → app provides five route options, including LEAP and LECR.

2. The term “LEAP,” often seen in the context of the DRUM app, stands for:
A.Low Emissions and Accelerated Pathway.
B. Least Energy And Pollution.
C. Least Exposure to Air Pollution.
D. Low Energy Adaptation Protocol.

Answer: C.Least Exposure to Air Pollution.

Mains

1. Discuss how digital innovations like the DRUM web app can contribute to sustainable urban mobility and improved public health outcomes. (250 words)
   
   
2. Urban transport planning must increasingly account for environmental and health factors. Critically analyse this statement in the context of the Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility (DRUM) initiative. (250 words)
   
   
3. Technological solutions are key to achieving India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) goals. Evaluate the role of real-time data-driven tools in supporting air quality management in Indian cities. (250 words)
   

7. Key Facts about Kalvarayan Hills – Geography

Why in News?

• A tribal girl from the Kalvarayan Hills has secured admission to an IIT for the first time — a landmark educational achievement.
• The event highlights educational progress and underscores the need for improving access to opportunities in remote tribal regions like Kalvarayan Hills.

Key Takeaways

• Location: Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu.
• Elevation: Rises between 2000 to 3000 feet.
• Area: Covers 1095 sq. km.
• Divisions: The hills are divided into:
  • Chinna Kalrayans (Little Kalvarayans).
  • Periya Kalrayans (Big Kalvarayans).

Additional Details

1. Geographical Significance

• The hills act as a natural divide:
  • Separating the Kaveri River basin (south) from the Palar River basin (north).
• Play a crucial role in the ecology and hydrology of the region.
• Elevation details:
  • Chinna Kalrayans → average height ~2700 feet.
  • Periya Kalrayans → average height ~4000 feet.

2. Vegetation & Ecosystem

• Vegetation types:
  • Grassy jungles.
  • Deciduous forests.
  • Sholas (montane tropical forests found in Southern India).
• Support a diverse ecosystem → habitat for various flora and fauna.

3. Key Attractions

• Waterfalls:
  • Megam Falls.
  • Periyar Falls.
• Botanical park.
• Numerous temples.
• Extensive woodlands → important for ecological balance and tribal livelihoods.

4. Hydrological Importance

• Gomukhi Dam located at the foothills of the Kalvarayan Hills.
• Provides water resources for:
  • Irrigation.
  • Drinking water.
  • Local community needs.

5. Sociocultural Aspects

• Inhabited by indigenous tribal communities, including:
  • Malayan tribes.
• Tribes contribute significantly to the cultural richness and traditional knowledge of the region.
• The recent educational milestone symbolizes:
  • Progress in inclusive education.
  • Need for greater development efforts in tribal belts.

Significance

Kalvarayan Hills are an important ecological zone within the Eastern Ghats.
They play a vital role in watershed management between the Kaveri and Palar river systems.
Home to biodiversity and indigenous cultures.
The region highlights the intersection of geography, ecology, and society — relevant to sustainable development goals in tribal and remote areas.
The educational success of a tribal girl from this region is a symbol of empowerment and the potential of education to transform marginalized communities.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. With reference to Kalvarayan Hills, consider the following statements:
1.They are located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
2.They separate the Kaveri and Palar river basins.
3. The Periya Kalrayans have an average elevation of around 4000 feet.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Kalvarayan Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, not the Western Ghats.

2. The term “Shola forests,” often associated with Kalvarayan Hills, refers to:
A. Mangrove forests found in river deltas.
B. Tropical thorn forests of Central India.
C. Montane tropical forests found in the high ranges of Southern India.
D. Dry deciduous forests found in Rajasthan.

Answer: C. Montane tropical forests found in the high ranges of Southern India.

Mains

1. Discuss the ecological and hydrological significance of the Kalvarayan Hills. How can sustainable development be promoted in such ecologically sensitive tribal regions? (250 words)
   
   
2. The recent educational achievement of a tribal girl from the Kalvarayan Hills highlights the transformative potential of education. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in promoting inclusive education in tribal areas of India. (250 words)
   
   
3. Analyse the role of geographical features such as the Kalvarayan Hills in shaping the ecology and livelihoods of the region. Suggest measures to ensure their conservation while promoting regional development. (250 words)