Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of Cancer;
Why in the News?
The financial strain of cancer is often ignored but can be the most harmful. It not only impacts the patient but also their family and future generations.
What is the extent of financial toxicity faced by cancer patients in India?
- High Treatment Costs: Cancer treatments, especially advanced options like immunotherapy, can be prohibitively expensive. For instance, a patient with oral cancer may face annual costs of approximately ₹10 lakh, adding to previous expenses that can total ₹25 lakh over several years. This financial strain often forces families to deplete savings or sell assets to afford care.
- Impact on Families: Financial toxicity extends beyond the patient to their families, leading to severe economic consequences. Families may resort to selling properties or skipping meals to manage treatment costs, which can entrap them in a cycle of generational poverty.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: A significant portion of healthcare costs is borne out-of-pocket by patients. For example, outpatient expenses can account for nearly 50% of total healthcare costs, which are not covered by insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
What are the contributing factors to financial toxicity in cancer care?
- Inadequate Public Health Funding: India’s public health expenditure has historically been below 2% of GDP, resulting in insufficient healthcare infrastructure and personnel in public hospitals. This leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for advanced cancer cases that require more costly interventions.
- Limited Insurance Coverage: Existing insurance schemes primarily cover inpatient costs, leaving patients responsible for outpatient diagnostics and follow-up treatments. This gap significantly contributes to the financial burden on patients and their families.
- Economic Disparities: Patients from low and middle-income backgrounds face additional hurdles in accessing cutting-edge treatments due to their high costs and limited availability in public health systems.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF): Established in 2009 under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, this fund provides financial assistance up to ₹5 lakh for cancer treatment at designated Regional Cancer Centers (RCCs).
- In emergency cases, assistance can go up to ₹15 lakh. The fund aims to support patients living below the poverty line.
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This scheme offers health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, including cancer treatments. It is designed for low-income families and is operational across India.
- State-Specific Schemes: Various states have their own initiatives:
- Arogyasri Scheme in Andhra Pradesh: Provides free cancer treatment for families with an annual income below ₹5 lakh.
- Free Chemotherapy in Odisha: Offers free chemotherapy treatment at district hospitals for poor cancer patients.
- Financial Assistance in Punjab: Up to ₹1.5 lakh is provided for cancer treatment to eligible residents.
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What strategies can be implemented to mitigate financial toxicity? (Way forward)
- Strengthening Public Healthcare: Increasing government investment in public health could improve access to affordable cancer care.
- States like Delhi and Kerala have initiated schemes to support direct medical costs, but broader implementation is needed across India.
- Supportive Measures for Non-Medical Costs: Initiatives such as discounted travel fares for cancer patients can alleviate some financial burdens associated with non-medical expenses. Expanding these programs could provide significant relief.
- Role of Nonprofits and CSR: Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in reducing out-of-pocket expenses through various support services. Increased funding from corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives could help these organisations expand their reach and impact.
- Promoting Philanthropy: Encouraging individual philanthropy among wealthier segments of society could provide critical funding for cancer care initiatives and nonprofits focused on assisting low-income patients.
- Policy Advocacy: Advocating for policies that address the gaps in insurance coverage and promote equitable access to cancer treatments is essential for reducing financial toxicity in the long term.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Trade war;
Why in the News?
In 2025, the United States’ imposition of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, exemplifies modern beggar-thy-neighbour policies.
What is Beggar-Thy-Neighbor Policy?
- Beggar-thy-neighbor policies refer to protectionist economic policies in which economic strategies are adopted by a country to improve its own economic situation at the expense of other nations.
- These policies often involve protectionist measures such as tariffs, quotas, or currency devaluation, which can lead to negative repercussions for trading partners. For example, recently the USA imposed tariffs on China.
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What are the positive implications of this policy?
- Domestic Economic Boost: Proponents argue that these policies can stimulate the domestic economy by protecting local industries and jobs. For example, tariffs on imports can encourage consumers to buy domestic products, potentially reducing unemployment in key sectors.
- National Security: Supporters often cite national security concerns, suggesting that certain industries need protection from foreign competition to maintain a robust domestic economy.
- Encouragement of Exports: By depreciating the national currency, a country can make its exports cheaper and more competitive in international markets, which is believed to enhance demand for domestic goods abroad.
What do the critics say?
- Global Economic Decline – The U.S.-China Trade War (2018-Present) illustrates how protectionist policies can escalate into retaliatory actions.
- The U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting China to retaliate with its own tariffs, disrupting global supply chains and reducing international trade volumes.
- Higher Consumer Prices – The U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum (2018) under Section 232 increased production costs for American industries relying on these metals, such as automobile and construction sectors.
- A study by the Federal Reserve found that these tariffs cost U.S. consumers and businesses over $1.4 billion per month.
- Historical Warnings – The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930) in the U.S. significantly raised tariffs on imports, leading to retaliation from trading partners like Canada and European nations.
- This contributed to a sharp decline in global trade and worsened the Great Depression. Global exports fell by nearly two-thirds between 1929 and 1934, demonstrating the adverse effects of widespread protectionism.
- Reduced Innovation and Efficiency – India’s License Raj (1947–1991) is a prime example of how excessive protectionism stifled innovation. The heavily regulated economy limited foreign competition, leading to inefficiencies, outdated technology, and slow economic growth.
- Post-1991 economic liberalization, which reduced trade barriers, spurred competition, efficiency, and innovation across various industries.
Which countries use this policy?
- U.S. Tariffs and Trade War – Under the “America First” policy, the U.S. imposed tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese goods in 2018 to shield domestic industries. In response, China introduced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, escalating a trade war that disrupted global markets.
- China’s Currency Policies – China has been accused of currency manipulation to maintain trade advantages. In 2019, the U.S. Treasury labeled China a currency manipulator after the People’s Bank of China allowed the yuan to depreciate, making Chinese exports cheaper and imports more expensive.
- Japan’s Currency Interventions – To boost exports during economic stagnation, Japan’s central bank has weakened the yen through market interventions. While this makes Japanese exports more competitive, it raises import costs for domestic consumers and affects trading partners negatively.
- Germany’s Eurozone Trade Advantage – Germany’s strong export-driven economy, supported by fiscal discipline and manufacturing strength, has been seen as creating imbalances within the Eurozone. During financial crises, weaker European economies struggle to compete, intensifying economic disparities.
Does India use this policy?
In recent times, India has indeed engaged in practices that can be characterized as beggar-thy-neighbor policies, particularly in the context of trade and economic strategy.
- Tariffs on Imports: India has imposed tariffs on various goods to protect its domestic industries.
- For instance, in 2018, India raised import duties on a range of products, including electronics and agricultural goods, to encourage local manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign imports. Such measures can be seen as attempts to bolster India’s economy at the expense of exporting countries.
- Restrictions on Chinese Imports: Following geopolitical tensions, India has implemented stricter regulations and tariffs on imports from China.
- This includes bans on several Chinese apps (like tiktok) and increased scrutiny of Chinese investments.
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Way forward:
- Balanced Trade Policies: Countries should adopt a mix of strategic protectionism and open trade to safeguard domestic industries while preventing trade wars.
- Strengthening WTO mechanisms and engaging in fair trade negotiations can ensure economic stability.
- Focus on Competitiveness: Instead of relying on protectionist measures, nations should invest in innovation, skill development, and infrastructure to enhance global competitiveness, ensuring sustainable economic growth without harming trading partners.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to the Judiciary;
Why in the News?
The Union Budget offers a major tax cut, benefiting taxpayers earning above ₹7 lakh. Rebates and exemptions have increased to reduce liabilities, though it may lead to an estimated ₹1 lakh crore revenue loss.
What is the logic behind the tax rebates?
- Boosting Household Consumption: Taxpayers earning ₹7–12 lakh/year now qualify for a full rebate (earlier limited to sub-₹7 lakh earners), saving ₹70,000–₹1.1 lakh annually.
- This exemption limit was raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh for those earning above ₹12 lakh, reducing tax burdens across income groups.It will Increase disposable income to drive consumption, savings, and private investment.
- With weak private investment and uncertain global demand, tax rebates are aimed at stimulating domestic consumption.
- Leveraging Tax Buoyancy for Revenue Growth: Despite an 8% tax rate reduction, the government anticipates a 14% rise in direct tax revenue (₹14.3 lakh crore), requiring a 24% income growth among taxpayers. It Simplified tax slabs and phased out the old regime to improve compliance and widen the taxpayer base.
- Focus on Middle-Class Welfare: The overarching goal of these tax rebates is to support the middle class, which constitutes a significant portion of the electorate and plays a vital role in the economy. By alleviating their tax burden, the government seeks to enhance their financial well-being and foster a more equitable economic environment.
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What are the implications if tax buoyancy does not work out?
- Revenue Shortfalls: A failure in tax buoyancy would lead to lower than expected tax revenues, resulting in budget deficits. This could force the government to cut essential services and social programs, negatively impacting the welfare of vulnerable populations.
- Pro-Cyclical Fiscal Policy: Insufficient tax revenue may compel the government to adopt a pro-cyclical fiscal policy, reducing public spending during economic downturns instead of stimulating growth. This can exacerbate economic slowdowns and hinder recovery efforts.
- Increased Tax Burden on Compliant Taxpayers: To compensate for revenue shortfalls, the government might increase taxes on those who continue to pay taxes, placing a heavier burden on compliant taxpayers and potentially discouraging further compliance and economic activity.
Is it ‘Fiscal Consolidation’ or ‘Fiscal Contraction’?
- The current approach appears to lean more towards fiscal contraction rather than fiscal consolidation. The Finance Minister has set a lower deficit target of 4.4% for 2025-26, down from 4.8% in the previous year. This suggests a tightening of fiscal policy rather than an expansion aimed at stimulating growth.
- Critics argue that such contractionary measures are ill-timed given the current economic slowdown, as they limit the government’s ability to invest in growth-promoting initiatives. The expectation seems to hinge on corporate investment and export growth to drive recovery, which may not be sufficient if domestic demand remains weak due to reduced government spending.
| Aspect |
Consolidation Argument |
Contraction Criticism |
| Deficit Target |
Lowered to 4.4% of GDP (from 4.8% in FY24), aiming for 3% by FY29 |
Aggressive deficit cuts during slowing growth (projected 10.1% nominal GDP) risk stifling recovery |
| Revenue Strategy |
Bank on ₹28.37 trillion net tax receipts (+11% YoY) via compliance gains and income growth |
No compensatory taxes for high earners (30% slab unchanged) or wealth assets, risking ₹1.26 lakh crore shortfall |
| Expenditure Focus |
Capital expenditure raised to ₹11.2 lakh crore (+17.4% YoY) for infrastructure multipliers |
Social sector allocations remain stagnant, with FY24 revised spending 15% below initial estimates. |
Way forward:
- Balanced Fiscal Approach – Instead of aggressive fiscal contraction, the government should adopt a gradual deficit reduction strategy while maintaining targeted public spending, especially in infrastructure and social sectors, to sustain domestic demand and economic growth.
- Enhancing Revenue without Burdening Taxpayers – Strengthen tax compliance through digital tracking, rationalize subsidies, and explore progressive taxation on wealth and high-income segments to ensure fiscal stability without increasing the burden on the middle class.
Mains PYQ:
Q Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019. (UPSC IAS/2018)
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) Critically examine the role of WHOin providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Bridging Healthcare Gaps (2015), and WHO Initiatives (2020).
The US is the largest contributor to WHO, providing about 18% of its funding. The withdrawal is expected to jeopardize critical health programs, particularly those addressing tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other health emergencies.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the need for member states to collaborate more effectively in light of reduced US involvement, ensuring that global health priorities remain addressed despite funding challenges. This content can be used to present the significance of multilateral collaboration and its impact on international policy and governance with respect to Health.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
After the USA’s withdrawal from WHO, it is time for the countries in the global south to support WHO and initiate collaborative actions to reshape the global health agenda.
What are the Potential Impacts of the US Withdrawal from WHO?
- Disruption of Funding and Programs: The US contributes nearly 18% of WHO’s budget (~$1 billion annually), supporting critical health programs like immunization, tuberculosis control, and pandemic preparedness.
- The withdrawal will likely disrupt ongoing projects aimed at combating health challenges such as HIV/AIDS and polio eradication.
- Weakened Global Health Response: WHO’s ability to coordinate responses to health crises will be significantly impaired without US support. This includes reduced resources for disease surveillance and emergency operations in regions facing outbreaks or health threats.
- Impact on Global Health Leadership and Collaboration: The absence of the US may create a leadership vacuum within WHO, allowing other nations (e.g., China) to increase their influence.
- This shift could alter international collaboration dynamics and lead to fragmented approaches to public health challenges.
- Repercussions for Low-Income Countries: Marginalized communities in low-income countries may face disproportionate impacts due to reduced funding from WHO. These communities rely heavily on WHO for access to essential health services, and the withdrawal signals a deprioritization of global health initiatives, exacerbating existing inequalities.
- The overall effectiveness of global health initiatives may decline as WHO struggles with funding constraints and could slow long-term progress toward key health goals, such as disease eradication and comprehensive vaccination programs, ultimately affecting global health security.
How might the withdrawal reshape international health diplomacy?
- Shift in Global Health Leadership: The absence of the US may create a leadership vacuum within WHO, potentially allowing countries like China to increase their influence in global health governance.
- This shift could alter the dynamics of international collaboration, with other nations stepping up to fill the void left by the US.
- Increased Geopolitical Tensions: The withdrawal could intensify competition between the US and China for influence in global health matters.
- China’s initiatives, such as the Health Silk Road, may gain traction as it seeks to position itself as a leader in global health, thereby reshaping alliances and partnerships among countries.
- Impact on Multilateral Cooperation: The US’s exit may weaken multilateral cooperation on critical health issues, leading to fragmented responses to global health challenges.
- Countries may become less willing to collaborate on shared health threats without US leadership, which could hinder effective pandemic preparedness and response efforts.
- Loss of Diplomatic Leverage: By withdrawing, the US relinquishes its role as a key influencer in shaping global health policies and initiatives.
- This could diminish its ability to advocate for public health programs that align with its interests and values, allowing other nations to take a more prominent role in setting global health agendas.
- Disproportionate Effects: The low-income countries that rely heavily on WHO for support may face greater challenges without US involvement.
What reforms or changes might be necessary within WHO in light of this withdrawal?
- Diversification of Funding Sources: WHO should encourage member states to increase their assessed contributions, which currently cover less than 20% of its budget. This could help reduce reliance on any single donor, particularly the US.
- WHO can seek to expand its voluntary contributions from other countries and private organizations to fill the financial gap left by the US withdrawal.
- Strengthening Governance and Accountability: Implementing more transparent financial management practices can help restore trust among member states and ensure that funds are allocated effectively.
- Establishing an independent oversight body to review WHO’s operations and decision-making processes may help address concerns about political influence and enhance accountability.
What opportunity do India have in this situation?
- Increased Leadership Role: India can take a prominent leadership position within WHO, representing the Global South.
- For Example, through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India facilitated vaccine exports during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its commitment to global health equity and influencing health policies.
- Strengthening Domestic Capabilities: The withdrawal allows India to bolster its healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities.
- For Example, significant investments in indigenous vaccine production, such as Covaxin and Covishield, have positioned India as a major player in global vaccine supply chains, enhancing self-reliance and healthcare outcomes.
- Enhanced Collaboration with Emerging Economies: India can forge stronger partnerships with other emerging economies to collaboratively address global health challenges.
- For Example, engagement with countries like Brazil and South Africa through the IBSA Dialogue Forum can focus on shared issues like antimicrobial resistance and maternal health, enhancing collective responses to public health threats.
- Leveraging Pharmaceutical Strength: India’s robust pharmaceutical industry can fill gaps left by reduced WHO funding.
- Known as the “pharmacy of the world,” India supplied affordable vaccines during the pandemic, reinforcing its reputation as a key player in global healthcare by continuing to produce low-cost medications.
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Way Forward: India can not only mitigate the impacts of the US withdrawal but also can significantly contribute to shaping a more equitable global health landscape.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Customs Duty
Why in the News?
The Budget proposes to remove 7 customs tariff rates for industrial goods, following a similar step in Budget 2023-24. This will leave only 8 tariff rates, including a zero rate, making customs duty structure more transparent and predictable.
What is Customs Duty?
- Customs Duty is a tax imposed on goods that cross international borders to regulate their movement.
- It helps protect a country’s economy, jobs, environment, and residents by controlling imports and exports.
- It prevents illegal trade, ensures fair competition, and generates government revenue.
- The Customs Act, 1962, which defines and regulates customs duty in India.
- The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under the Ministry of Finance manages customs duties.
- Types of Customs Duties in India:
- Basic Customs Duty (BCD): Levied on imported goods (0-100%).
- Countervailing Duty (CVD): Imposed to balance foreign subsidies (0-12%).
- Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): 10% surcharge to support welfare projects.
- Anti-Dumping Duty: Imposed on goods sold below market price to prevent unfair trade.
- Compensation Cess: Levied on items like tobacco and pollution-causing goods.
- Integrated GST (IGST): Imposed on imports at 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% rates.
- Safeguard Duty: Applied when excessive imports harm domestic industries.
- Customs Handling Fee: 1% charge for customs processing.
- Customs Duty Calculation: Based on product value, origin, composition, and international trade agreements.
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Key Changes Announced to Customs Tariffs:
- Tariff rates reduced from 15 to 8, Social Welfare Surcharge was removed on 82 items.
- 36 new life-saving medicines exempted, 5% duty on six more drugs.
- Full BCD exemption on 35 EV battery capital goods, 28 mobile battery items, and key minerals like cobalt & lithium.
- 10-year duty exemption for shipbuilding materials; Ethernet Switch duty cut from 20% to 10%.
- 20% export duty on crust leather removed, handicraft export timeline extended to 1 year.
- Frozen fish paste duty cut from 30% to 5% to boost seafood exports.
- Customs assessments limited to 2 years, quarterly importer reporting instead of monthly.
How India is Protecting Its Economy from Trade War Impact?
- Rupee-based trade settlements with Russia, UAE & Sri Lanka to reduce dollar dependence.
- Stockpiling essential imports like semiconductors, rare earth metals, and crude oil.
- Attracting companies shifting from China with PLI incentives for manufacturing.
- Paperless customs clearance, AI-driven trade monitoring, and blockchain documentation for smoother trade.
- Strengthening global trade alliances like IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) and Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) (Japan-Australia) for supply chain stability.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements
1. The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.
2. The Government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils a special case.
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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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GARBH-INi-DRISHTI
Why in the News?
India’s first Ferret Research Facility, GARBH-Ini-DRISHTI, was inaugurated at Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad to boost vaccine development and infectious disease research.
About GARBH-INi-DRISHTI
- GARBH-INi-DRISHTI is a data repository and information-sharing hub designed to provide comprehensive clinical and biological insights into maternal and child health.
- Developed under the GARBH-INi program, it is one of South Asia’s largest pregnancy cohort datasets, offering access to clinical data, medical images, and bio-specimens.
- The platform includes data from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers, enabling extensive research into maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
- It is a collaborative initiative, involving India’s top research institutions and hospitals, ensuring scientific synergy in maternal healthcare.
- Aims:
- To enhance maternal and neonatal healthcare research through large-scale data accessibility.
- To support global researchers in conducting transformative studies that can improve birth outcomes.
- To provide early insights into pregnancy-related complications, fostering better diagnostic and preventive measures.
- To develop predictive tools for conditions like preterm birth, ensuring better maternal health interventions.
- Features:
- Comprehensive Data Repository: Houses clinical, imaging, and bio-specimen data from thousands of pregnant women and newborns.
- Advanced Data Access: Researchers can explore detailed datasets to study pregnancy outcomes, foetal health, and postnatal development.
- Secure and Controlled Access: Provides clear guidance on data usage and approvals, ensuring ethical research practices.
- Global Research Platform: Enables nationwide and international collaboration, allowing researchers to work on common healthcare challenges.
- Supports Policy and Decision-Making: The data can be leveraged to shape maternal health policies, improve diagnostic protocols, and design effective interventions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gyan Bharatam Mission
Why in the News?
The Union Budget 2025-26 has introduced the Gyan Bharatam Mission, a comprehensive initiative for surveying, documenting, and conserving India’s manuscript heritage.
What is Gyan Bharatam Mission?
- It is a nationwide initiative launched in the Union Budget 2025-26 to survey, document, and conserve India’s manuscript heritage.
- The mission aims to cover over one crore manuscripts, ensuring the systematic preservation of ancient texts housed in academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collections.
- It is a revival and expansion of the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM), which was originally established in 2003 but had limited impact due to inadequate funding and structural challenges.
- The mission aligns with India’s broader cultural conservation goals and is expected to create a centralized repository for India’s rich textual and intellectual heritage.
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- Survey and document manuscripts across institutions and private collections.
- Digitize rare texts and create a centralized repository for research and preservation.
- Restore and conserve fragile manuscripts using modern preservation techniques.
- Features and Significance:
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- Budget Allocation Increased: Funding for NMM raised from ₹3.5 crore to ₹60 crore.
- Digital Preservation: AI-driven archiving, metadata tagging, and translation tools for easy access.
PYQ:
[2023] With reference to Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with (2023)
(a) archaeological excavations
(b) establishment of English Press in Colonial India
(c) establishment of Churches in Princely States
(d) construction of railways in Colonial India |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hollongapar Gibbon WLS
Why in the News?
Exploratory drilling for oil and gas has been approved within the eco-sensitive zone surrounding the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary.
About the Hollongapar Gibbon WLS
- Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary was initially established as Hollongapar Reserve Forest in 1997 and renamed in 2004.
- It is the only habitat for hollock gibbons in India.
- Located in Assam, with the Bhogdoi River along its northern boundary.
- Biome classified as plains alluvial semi-evergreen forests with patches of wet evergreen forests.
- Flora:
- Upper canopy: Dominated by Hollong trees (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus), Sam, Amari, Sopas, Bhelu, Udal, and Hingori.
- Middle canopy: Features Nahar trees.
- Lower canopy: Composed of evergreen shrubs and herbs.
- Fauna:
- Primates: Includes Hoolock Gibbons, Bengal Slow Loris (only nocturnal primate in Northeast India), stump-tailed macaques, northern pig-tailed macaques, eastern Assamese macaques, rhesus macaques, and capped langurs.
- Other mammals: Indian elephants, tigers, leopards, jungle cats, wild boars, civets, squirrels, and more.
About the Hoolock Gibbons:
- Gibbons are the smallest and fastest apes, and they inhabit tropical and subtropical forests across Southeast Asia.
- It is the only ape specie found in India.
- They possess high intelligence, exhibit distinct personalities, and have strong familial bonds, reflecting characteristics similar to other ape species.
- The current population of hoolock gibbons is estimated at around 12,000, found primarily in Northeast India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and southern China.
- Two distinct species, the eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) and the western hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock), were previously reported in India.
- Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: the western hoolock gibbon is classified as Endangered, and the eastern hoolock gibbon is classified as Vulnerable.
- Both gibbon species in India are placed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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PYQ:
[2010] Consider the following pairs:
Protected Area:: Well-known for
1. Bhitarkanika, Orissa :: Salt Water Crocodile
2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan :: Great Indian Bustard
3. Eravikulam, Kerala :: Hoolock Gibbon
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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