PYQ Relevance:
Q) Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the Public health system (2015), and the Health for All’ in India (2018).
Medical education is changing in unusual ways. There is a shortage of doctors, yet governments and medical professionals limit access to medical studies. As a result, more students from different countries travel abroad to study medicine. In the past, medical education was international, but now each country controls it while it still becomes more global. This trend is important because of healthcare needs. The exact number of students studying medicine abroad is unknown, but it is estimated to be over 200,000, often in low-quality institutions. Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine had 24,000 foreign medical students, mostly from India.
Today’s editorial talks about issues in the Medical sector. This content would help in GS Papers 1, 2 and 3 to substantiate your answer.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Studying medicine abroad is common, but it is largely unnoticed and lacks proper regulation.
How does the globalization of medical education impact the quality and accessibility of healthcare?
- Increased Access to Medical Education but Quality Concerns Persist: India has only 1 medical seat for every 22 applicants, with 2.3 million students appearing for NEET annually.
- As a result, over 20,000 Indian students go abroad for medical studies each year. While foreign education provides an alternative, some countries have lax regulatory frameworks, leading to concerns over clinical training standards.
- Low Licensing Exam Pass Rates for Foreign Medical Graduates: India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) pass rate has historically been below 20%.
- In 2022, only 10,500 out of 41,349 candidates (25.4%) cleared the exam. Many foreign-trained doctors struggle to meet national standards, delaying their entry into the healthcare system.
- Disproportionate Dependence on Foreign-trained Doctors in Some Countries: In the US, 25% of physicians are international medical graduates (IMGs), while in the UK, 37% of doctors in the NHS come from abroad.
- While globalization helps address doctor shortages in developed countries, it exacerbates the “brain drain” in source countries like India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
- Growth of For-profit Medical Schools with Limited Oversight: The Caribbean region alone has over 50 private medical schools, many catering exclusively to international students from the US and Canada.
- These institutions charge high tuition fees but often lack sufficient clinical training infrastructure, raising concerns about graduate competence.
- Shortage of Trained Doctors in Source Countries: The WHO estimates a global shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, with Africa facing a deficit of 6 million doctors and nurses.
- Many doctors trained abroad do not return home, worsening healthcare shortages in low-income countries while benefiting high-income nations.
What are the consequences of medical degrees that are obtained abroad, especially from countries with lower academic standards?
- High Failure Rates in Licensing Exams: Foreign-trained doctors often struggle to meet national medical standards, leading to low pass rates in licensing exams.
- Example: In India, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) pass rate has historically been below 20%. In 2022, only 10,500 out of 41,349 candidates (25.4%) cleared the exam, delaying their entry into the healthcare system.
- Limited Clinical Exposure and Skill Gaps: Some foreign medical colleges lack proper clinical training, affecting students’ hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients.
- Example: Several Caribbean medical schools, catering to US and Canadian students, have faced criticism for their limited hospital affiliations, forcing students to complete clinical rotations in different countries.
- Difficulty in Securing Residency and Employment: Graduates from lesser-known foreign institutions often struggle to secure postgraduate training and jobs in competitive healthcare markets.
- Example: In the United States, international medical graduates (IMGs) face higher rejection rates for medical residencies, with only about 60% of non-US IMGs matching into residency programs in 2023, compared to 93% of US medical graduates.
Is the global mobility of medical education sustainable, and how does it affect local health systems?
- Brain Drain Weakens Healthcare in Source Countries: Many doctors trained abroad do not return, leading to a shortage of medical professionals in their home countries.
- Example: Nigeria loses over 2,000 doctors annually to migration, worsening its doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at 1:5,000, far below the WHO-recommended 1:1,000.
- Unequal Distribution of Healthcare Professionals: High-income countries attract foreign-trained doctors, leaving rural and underserved regions in low- and middle-income nations critically short-staffed.
- Example: In India, only 20% of doctors serve in rural areas, even though 65% of the population resides there, leading to severe healthcare disparities.
- Reliance on Foreign-trained Doctors in Host Countries: Developed nations depend on foreign medical graduates to fill workforce gaps, making their healthcare systems vulnerable to changing immigration policies.
- Example: The UK’s NHS workforce includes 37% foreign-trained doctors, with a significant number from India and Pakistan.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Domestic Medical Education Infrastructure: Increase the number of medical seats and improve the quality of training in home countries to reduce dependence on foreign institutions. Example: India has added over 100 new medical colleges since 2019 to expand access to medical education.
- Stricter Accreditation and Recognition of Foreign Medical Degrees: Establish global accreditation standards and bilateral agreements to ensure only high-quality foreign medical degrees are recognized. Example: The National Exit Test (NExT) in India will standardize assessment for both domestic and foreign medical graduates.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Ethics and Morality issues;
Why in the News?
The Maharashtra cyber police have denied YouTuber Samay Raina’s request for more time to join the investigation into a case against him, podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, and others. The case was filed over an “obscene joke” made by Allahbadia on Raina’s show, India’s Got Latent.
What is an “obscene joke”?
- An “obscene joke” is a joke that contains sexually explicit, vulgar, or offensive content that may be considered inappropriate, indecent, or immoral by societal standards.
What are the Ethical Issues Surrounding Obscenity?
- Freedom of Expression vs. Public Morality: Content creators often push boundaries in comedy, art, and media, but their work may conflict with societal norms and moral values. Example: A stand-up comedian making jokes about religious figures or sexual themes faces backlash from communities who find it offensive.
- Cultural Sensitivities and Perception: What is considered obscene varies across cultures, making content regulation complex. Example: Nudity in Western films may be viewed as artistic, whereas in India, it often faces censorship under decency laws.
- Impact on Vulnerable Audiences: Children and adolescents may be influenced by explicit content, shaping their attitudes toward relationships, gender roles, and social behaviour.Example: Music videos with sexually suggestive lyrics and visuals can promote unrealistic or unhealthy perceptions of relationships.
- Exploitation and Objectification: Media and advertisements sometimes use sexually provocative imagery, reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes.Example: Advertisements that use hypersexualized images of women to sell products contribute to the objectification of women.
- Accountability of Content Creators and Platforms: Digital platforms and influencers have a responsibility to regulate content while ensuring free speech is not misused. Example: A YouTube influencer posting explicit prank videos that go viral raises concerns about platform moderation and ethical responsibility.
What are the legal provisions related to Obscenity?
- Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860
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- Section 292: Prohibits the sale, distribution, and public exhibition of obscene materials, including books, paintings, and electronic content.
- Section 293: Increases punishment for selling obscene materials to minors.
- Section 294: Penalizes obscene acts and songs in public places.
- Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000
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- Section 67: Prohibits the publication, transmission, and distribution of obscene electronic content, including on social media and online platforms.
- Section 67A: Imposes stricter penalties for publishing sexually explicit material in electronic form.
- Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Restricts the depiction of women in an indecent or derogatory manner in advertisements, publications, and other media.
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What can be the Key Recommendations for Obscenity?
- Clear Legal Definitions and Guidelines: Laws should define “obscenity” more precisely to avoid subjective interpretations and misuse. Example: Updating Section 292 of the IPC to distinguish between artistic expression and truly obscene content.
- Stronger Content Moderation on Digital Platforms: Social media and streaming services should implement stricter policies to regulate obscene content. Example: YouTube and Instagram enforce AI-based content moderation to flag and remove explicit material.
- Public Awareness and Media Literacy: Educating audiences, especially minors, about responsible content consumption and the impact of obscene materials. Example: Schools include media literacy programs to help students critically analyze digital content.
- Balanced Regulation Without Censorship: Authorities should ensure that restrictions on obscenity do not infringe on creative freedom and free speech. Example: Allowing adult-rated films and stand-up comedy with proper disclaimers instead of outright bans.
- Stronger Accountability for Content Creators and Influencers: Creators should adhere to ethical guidelines and be held accountable for promoting obscene or harmful content. Example: Social media influencers issue public apologies and remove controversial videos after backlash.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Regulatory Mechanisms: Implement a balanced framework that ensures accountability without suppressing creative freedom. Example: Establishing independent review bodies to assess content complaints objectively.
- Promoting Ethical Digital Responsibility: Encourage responsible content creation and consumption through self-regulation and industry guidelines.Example: Platforms introducing stricter age-restriction features and user awareness campaigns.
Mains PYQ:
Q State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. (150 words) (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Clash between Delhi and Central Government;
Why in the News?
Over the past decade, the Aam Aadmi Party’s government in Delhi has been in a constant legal battle with the Centre over the city’s special constitutional status and how it should be governed.
What is the Constitutional status of Delhi?
- Union Territory with Special Status – Delhi is a Union Territory (UT) but has a legislative assembly and council of ministers, unlike most other UTs. It is governed under Article 239 and Article 239AA of the Indian Constitution.
- Limited Legislative Powers – The Delhi Legislative Assembly can make laws on subjects in the State List and Concurrent List, except for police, public order, and land, which remain under the control of the Central Government (Article 239AA(3)(a)).
- Three Power Centers – Governance in Delhi is divided among:
- Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (elected government)
- Lieutenant Governor (L-G) (appointed by the President)
- Union Home Ministry (exercises control over law, order, and services).
- L-G’s Role and Discretionary Powers – While the L-G is bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, they can refer matters to the President in case of disagreements, giving the Centre overriding authority (Article 239AA(4)).
- Sui Generis (Unique) Model – The Supreme Court has ruled that Delhi’s governance model is neither like a full-fledged state nor like a regular Union Territory, making it a special case within India’s federal structure.
How does Delhi differ from other Union Territories and States?
| Feature |
Delhi (NCT) |
Full-Fledged State |
Other Union Territories (UTs) |
| Legislative Assembly |
Yes (since 1991) |
Yes |
No (except J&K, Puducherry) |
| Elected Government |
Yes |
Yes |
No (except J&K, Puducherry) |
| Control Over Public Order |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Control Over Land |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Lieutenant Governor (L-G) |
Yes, has special powers |
No (Governor acts as ceremonial head) |
Yes (UTs are directly administered by L-G/Administrator) |
| Power Over Services (Bureaucracy) |
Limited (Disputed between Delhi Govt. & Centre) |
Yes (State Govt. controls) |
No (Centre controls) |
| Special Constitutional Provisions |
Yes (Article 239AA) |
No (Governed under normal state rules) |
No (UTs are governed under Article 239) |
What are the legal battles between Delhi and the central Government?
- Control Over Bureaucracy (Services Department Dispute): The Centre transferred control of Delhi’s bureaucracy (services) to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) through a 2015 notification. The Supreme Court (2023) ruled in favor of the Delhi government, giving it power over services except police, land, and public order. However, the Centre later amended the GNCTD Act (2023) to override this decision, restoring L-G’s power over services.
- Example: The Delhi government’s attempt to appoint bureaucrats without L-G’s approval was blocked.
- Lieutenant Governor’s Special Powers (Interpretation of Article 239AA): The Centre argued that the L-G has overriding authority over all governance matters, while the Delhi government maintained that L-G must act on the aid and advice of the elected government. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the L-G must follow the advice of the Delhi government, except in matters explicitly under the Centre’s control.
- Example: The L-G blocked multiple decisions of the Delhi Cabinet, including the ‘Doorstep Ration Delivery’ scheme, citing procedural issues.
- Control Over Law and Order (Police and Land Disputes): Delhi’s elected government has no control over law and order (including Delhi Police and land administration), leading to governance challenges. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld Centre’s control over these subjects as per Article 239AA.
- Example: The Delhi government sought control over Delhi Police after riots in 2020, but the Centre refused, citing law and order as a central subject.
What are the implications due to Governance Crisis and Political Fallout?
- Administrative Paralysis and Policy Delays: Frequent clashes between the Delhi government and the L-G have stalled decision-making, leading to delays in key projects and governance paralysis.
- Example: The Mohalla Clinics initiative for public healthcare faced repeated delays due to bureaucratic approvals and interference by the L-G’s office.
- Reduced Accountability and Bureaucratic Resistance: With dual control over administration, bureaucrats often face conflicting orders from the elected government and the Centre, leading to inefficiency.
- Example: The Delhi Jal Board’s water supply projects were disrupted as officers refused to follow the Delhi government’s directives, citing L-G’s authority.
- Political Tensions and Electoral Ramifications: The governance crisis has deepened political rivalries, with the Delhi government accusing the Centre of undermining democracy, while the Centre claims Delhi needs central oversight due to its national capital status.
- Example: The arrest of CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in the excise policy case led to political instability and weakened AAP’s governance.
What could happen after the election result in future?
- Stronger Central Control and Policy Alignment: With the BJP in power in both the Centre and Delhi, governance could become more streamlined as there would be no friction over administrative control.
- Example: The L-G’s role in decision-making would likely diminish in practice, as seen in BJP-ruled Puducherry, where Centre-state coordination improved after a BJP-backed government took over.
- Reversal of AAP’s Key Policies: The BJP might roll back or modify key AAP policies, such as free electricity, water subsidies, and education reforms, aligning governance with its national agenda.
- Example: Similar to how the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh altered welfare schemes after replacing the Congress government, a BJP-led Delhi might review or discontinue AAP’s flagship initiatives.
Way forward:
- Clearer Division of Powers – Amendments to Article 239AA or a judicial clarification can establish a more balanced framework, ensuring smooth governance without frequent conflicts between the Centre and the Delhi government.
- Strengthening Cooperative Federalism – A structured dialogue mechanism between the Centre, L-G, and the elected government can improve coordination.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics? (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PARAS-2 Spectrograph
Why in the News?
Scientists at PRL, Ahmedabad, discovered the exoplanet TOI-6038A b, a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet with a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii, using the PARAS-2 spectrograph at Mount Abu Observatory.
About TOI-6038A b
- TOI-6038A b is a dense sub-Saturn-sized planet with a mass of 78.5 Earth masses and a radius of 6.41 Earth radii, orbiting a bright, metal-rich F-type star every 5.83 days in a circular orbit.
- This is the 2nd exoplanet discovery using the PARAS-2 spectrograph.
- It is also the 5th exoplanet detection combining efforts of PARAS-1 and PARAS-2, showcasing India’s growing expertise in astronomical instrumentation.
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About PARAS-2 Spectrograph:
- PARAS-2 (PRL Advanced Radial-velocity All-sky Search-2) is a state-of-the-art high-resolution spectrograph designed for exoplanet detection.
- The development of PARAS-2 began in mid-2018 and was successfully installed at the telescope site in mid-2022.
- It is the highest-resolution stabilized radial velocity (RV) spectrograph in Asia, operating at a precision level of 30 cm/s.
- It is installed at PRL’s 2.5-meter telescope at the Mount Abu Observatory, benefiting from high-altitude, clear sky conditions.
- Key Features of PARAS-2:
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- Operates in the 380-690 nm waveband, making it suitable for studying a wide range of celestial objects.
- Resolution of ~107,000, the highest in Asia, enabling ultra-precise exoplanetary studies.
- Ultra-stable temperature and pressure environment: Maintained at 24 ± 0.001 °C and 0.005 ± 0.0005 mbar, ensuring minimal instrumental drift.
- Uses a Uranium Argon Hollow Cathode Lamp (UAr HCL) for calibration, achieving a velocity precision of better than 2 m/s.
- Advanced optical fiber system for capturing stellar light and spectral calibration data simultaneously.
- It uses the radial velocity method, which detects tiny wobbles in a star’s motion caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet.
- These wobbles cause shifts in the star’s light spectrum, allowing scientists to determine a planet’s presence, mass, and orbital period.
- It can detect minute stellar movements, making it ideal for finding low-mass exoplanets like super-Earths.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites containing precious metals |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fishery Survey of India (FSI)
Why in the News?
A deep-sea fishing expedition conducted by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) has uncovered several highly productive and previously unexplored fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea.
Key Findings of the Deep-Sea Survey:
- Fishing was conducted at depths between 300-540 meters using deep-sea trawlers.
- The survey was funded under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
- It mapped potential deep-sea fishing zones 100-120 nautical miles off India’s western coast, stretching from Kollam in Kerala to Goa.
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About Fishery Survey of India (FSI)
- FSI was established in 1983, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
- It conducts fisheries research, resource surveys, and sustainable fishing assessments.
- It operates annual Fishery Resource Surveys to guide:
- Traditional fishermen
- Small and medium boat operators
- Deep-sea longlining tuna fleet
- History of FSI:
- Originated from the “Deep Sea Fishing Station” project (1946).
- Renamed “Exploratory Fisheries Project” (1974) and later “Fishery Survey of India” (1983).
- In 2005, Marine Engineering Division was integrated into FSI.
- In 2017, PM Narendra Modi launched the Deep-Sea Fishing Project to promote sustainable fishing practices.
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- Operates 11 ocean survey vessels across six major Indian ports.
- Employs 752 personnel, conducting deep-sea research and data collection.
India’s Marine Fishing Industry
- India ranks second in global fish production after China.
- Contributes 9.58 million tonnes of total fish production, with:
- 70% from the west coast
- 30% from the east coast
- Major fish-producing states: Andhra Pradesh (20%), West Bengal (15%), Gujarat (8%), Kerala (7%), Maharashtra (6%), Tamil Nadu (6%).
- Exports and Global Trade:
- India exports 1.05 million tonnes of marine fish, generating ₹334.4 billion ($5.57 billion) in revenue.
- Major export markets: USA (26%), ASEAN nations (26%), EU (20%), Japan (9%), Middle East (6%), China (4%).
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PYQ:
[2018] Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India.
[2022] What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Arab League
Why in the News?
The Arab League has strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s proposal for Gaza relocation, calling it unacceptable.
About the Arab League
- The Arab League was founded on March 22, 1945, in Cairo, Egypt.
- Its founding members included Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria.
- The primary goals of the Arab League include:
- Promoting economic, cultural, political, and military cooperation among Arab states.
- Safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of its members.
- Addressing regional conflicts through diplomatic engagement and coordination.
- The League operates on consensus-based decision-making, meaning all member states must agree on major resolutions.
- It holds regular summits and meetings where Arab leaders discuss and formulate policies.
- Specialized councils and committees focus on key areas like economic affairs, defense, social welfare, and education.
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- Today, it has 22 member states and several observer nations.
- Members: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, UAE, and Yemen.
- Observer Nations: Several non-Arab nations, including Brazil, Eritrea, India, and Venezuela, hold observer status but do not have voting rights.
Key Achievements of the Arab League:
- Arab Peace Initiative (2002): Proposed a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Military Coordination: Facilitated joint military efforts in various regional conflicts.
- Economic Integration: Established the Arab Free Trade Area to promote intra-regional trade.
- Cultural and Educational Exchange Programs: Strengthened cooperation in education, research, and cultural preservation.
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PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following statements :
Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II: The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in the News?
The Karnataka government’s move to build a tribal village in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary’s buffer zone has sparked debates on environmental conservation, tribal rights, and human-wildlife conflict.
About Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:
- The Brahmagiri WLS is located in Kodagu District, Karnataka, within the Western Ghats.
- It serves as a crucial ecological corridor, facilitating wildlife movement between Nagarhole National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Geographical Location and Features
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- It is situated approximately 250 km from Bengaluru and derives its name from the Brahmagiri Peak, the highest point in the region.
- The sanctuary was declared a protected area on June 5, 1974, to conserve its unique flora and fauna.
- The terrain consists of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, grasslands, and shola forests, which provide a habitat for various species.
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- Bamboo species are widely spread across the region, providing food for herbivores like elephants and deer.
- The diverse vegetation supports a wide range of faunal species by offering food, shelter, and nesting sites.
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- Carnivores: Tigers, jungle cats, leopard cats, wild dogs, and sloth bears.
- Herbivores: Indian elephants, gaurs, sambars, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, and wild pigs.
- Primates: Lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, slender loris, bonnet macaques, and common langurs.
- Small Mammals & Rodents: Malabar giant squirrels, giant flying squirrels, Nilgiri martens, common otters, brown mongooses, civets, porcupines, and pangolins.
- Reptiles: King cobras, Indian cobras, pythons, Malabar pit vipers.
- Birds: Emerald doves, square-tailed bulbuls, and Malabar trogons.
PYQ:
[2020] Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
(a) Kanha National Park
(b) Manas National Park
(c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
(d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary |
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