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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    EnviStats India 2024

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts” Report.

    What is the EnviStats India 2024 Report?

    • The EnviStats India 2024 Report, released by the MoSPI, is the 7th consecutive publication.
    • It compiles environmental-economic accounts based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Framework.
    • This framework provides a global standard for integrating environmental data with economic statistics, offering insights into the country’s natural resources, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability efforts.

    Key Highlights:

    Details
    Protected Areas (SDG 13 & SDG 15) – 72% increase in the number of Protected Areas (2000-2023)
    – 16% increase in the area of Protected Areas, reflecting biodiversity conservation efforts.
    Mangrove Cover (SDG 13 & SDG 15) – 8% increase in mangrove cover (2013-2021), highlighting positive growth in coastal ecosystem protection.
    Ocean Accounts (SDG 14: Life below Water) – Introduced for the first time, covering the extent and condition of ocean ecosystems.
    Energy Use & Physical Asset Accounts (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action) – Includes Physical Asset Accounts and Physical Supply and Use Tables for Energy, aligned with SEEA-Energy Framework, and data from ministries like Coal and Petroleum.
    Soil Nutrient Index (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) – Updated data on Soil Nutrient Index based on the Soil Health Card 2023-24, reflecting soil health and agricultural sustainability.
    Biodiversity & Species Richness (SDG 15: Life on Land) – Data on faunal and floral diversity, including endangered species like Leopards and Snow leopards, connecting to biodiversity conservation.

    Policy Recommendations  

    The EnviStats India 2024 Report suggests several policy directions based on its findings:

    • Biodiversity Protection: Strengthen community-led conservation and expand protection of critical ecosystems.
    • Ocean Ecosystem Management: Use Ocean Accounts for sustainable marine resource management and pollution control.
    • Soil Health: Encourage sustainable farming practices and better soil management, leveraging Soil Health Cards for improved productivity.
    • Integrated Planning: Focus on species conservation, habitat restoration, and genetic conservation through data-driven planning.

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Who was Rani Durgavati?

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    durgavati

    Why in the News?

    Madhya Pradesh CM chaired a meeting in honour of the 16th century tribal queen Rani Durgavati on her 500th birth anniversary.

    Rani Durgavati (1524-1564)

    • Rani Durgavati was born in 1524 in the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba (present-day Uttar Pradesh).
    • She married Dalpat Shah, son of Gond King Sangram Shah of the Garha-Katanga kingdom.
    • After her husband’s death in 1550, she ruled the kingdom as regent for her young son, Bir Narayan.
    • Her role against the Mughals:
      • Rani Durgavati expanded her kingdom and ruled with prosperity, shifting her capital to Chauragarh for strategic advantage.
      • In 1564, the Mughal general Asaf Khan, under Emperor Akbar, attacked her kingdom.
      • She led her forces bravely and initially defeated the Mughals in a strategic battle at Narhi.
      • To avoid capture, she sacrificed her life, becoming a symbol of courage and resistance.

    Her contributions

    • Rani Durgavati is remembered for her bravery, administrative skills, and martyrdom.
    • She carried out public works, including the construction of Ranital, a reservoir near Jabalpur.
    • Celebrated as a symbol of self-determination, especially for tribal communities.
    • She is honored in Indian history as a patriotic ruler who resisted Mughal expansion, with various political and cultural tributes dedicated to her legacy.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Dravidian Style of Architecture

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has recently finished copying inscriptions at three temples in Thirukurungudi, located in Tirunelveli district.

    About the 3 temples mentioned:

    Nambi Rayar Temple (Thirukoshtiyur Temple)

    • It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Thirukoshtiyur, near Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu.
    • It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples).
    • It is known for its association with Ramanuja, one of the most important figures in Vaishnavism, who learned the sacred mantra “Ashtakshara” here.
    • The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram (temple tower) and is built in Dravidian style.

    Thirumalai Nambi Temple (Thirumaliruncholai Temple)

    • It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Thirumaliruncholai, also known as Azhagar Kovil, near Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
    • This temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams.
    • Thirumalai Nambi, who was a saint and a scholar, was closely associated with this temple and served as a priest here.
    • The temple is set in a hilly region and has intricate carvings and sculptures in traditional Dravidian architecture.

    Aniliswarar Temple

    • It is a Shaivite temple located in Anilivandhan Kottai, near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
    • The temple architecture is traditional with a smaller gopuram (temple tower) compared to the larger, more well-known temples.

    dravid

    About Dravidian Style of Architecture

    Details
    Flourished 8th century to the 13-14th century AD
    Enclosure Temples are enclosed within a compound wall, unlike Nagara temples.
    Notable Features
    • Gopuram (Entrance Gateway): The front wall has an elaborate gateway tower called Gopuram, which serves as the main entrance to the temple complex.
    • Vimana (Main Tower): Vimana or temple tower has a stepped pyramid-like structure that rises geometrically, unlike the curving shikhara in North Indian temples.
    • Temple Tank: It is common to have a large water reservoir or temple tank enclosed within the temple complex.
    Shapes of Temples
    • Square (Kuta or Caturasra)
    • Rectangular (Shala or Ayatasra)
    • Elliptical (Gaja-prishta or Vrittayata)
    • Circular (Vritta)
    • Octagonal (Ashtasra)
    Notable Temples The Pallavas, early builders of Dravidian temples, started with rock-cut temples and later shifted to structural temples.

    • Mahabalipuram: Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) initiated construction, and Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) built the Shore Temple.
    • The Shore Temple houses three shrines for Shiva and Vishnu.

    The Rajarajeswara or Brahadeeshwarar Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja Chola in 1009 CE, is the largest and tallest of Indian temples. It features large Gopurams with elaborate sculptures.
    Significance Temples were not only religious centers but also key administrative hubs, controlling large areas of land and resources, especially during the 8th-12th centuries.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

    (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

    (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

    (c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture

    (d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    [pib] World Cerebral Palsy Day

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    • The World Cerebral Palsy Day was celebrated on October 6 with the theme ‘#UniquelyCP’.
      • It celebrates the uniqueness of individuals living with cerebral palsy by emphasizing that they are not defined by their disability.

    About Cerebral Palsy:

    Details
    Condition A group of neurological disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture.
    Cause Abnormal brain development, usually before birth; can also occur due to injury during birth or early childhood.
    Types – Spastic CP: Stiff muscles, difficulty with movement (most common, 70-80% of cases).
    – Dyskinetic CP: Uncontrolled movements affecting limbs.
    – Ataxic CP: Poor balance and coordination.
    – Mixed CP: Combination of symptoms from different types.
    Symptoms Motor skill difficulties (crawling, walking); Muscle stiffness or looseness; Poor coordination and balance; Speech or swallowing difficulties; Seizures in some cases.
    Diagnosis Physical examination, MRI scans, developmental monitoring (usually diagnosed within first 2 years).
    Risk Factors Premature birth; Low birth weight; Multiple births; Maternal infections; Lack of oxygen during birth.
    Treatment – Physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
    – Medications to reduce muscle stiffness.
    – Surgery in severe cases.
    Life Expectancy Normal life expectancy in many cases, depending on severity and associated complications.
    Prevention Some causes are preventable with proper maternal care, but many are not.
    Policy Support Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme:

    • Coverage: Up to ₹1,00,000/- for treatments, surgeries, and therapies for persons with disabilities.
    • Eligibility: Covers individuals with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
    • Annual Renewal: Requires yearly renewal with different fees for BPL and APL categories.
    • Easy Application: Enrollment and claims processed online via Registered Organizations (ROs).

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    What is the National Agriculture Code, currently being formulated by BIS?

    Explained | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Why in the News?

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the development of a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

    What is the National Agricultural Code (NAC)?

    • The NAC is a comprehensive set of standards for the agricultural sector, formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
    • It aims to standardize all agricultural practices and post-harvest operations, including the use of machinery, field preparation, water use, crop management, and input management like fertilisers and pesticides.
    • It will cover both traditional and emerging agricultural practices like organic farming, natural farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

    What Role Will the NAC Play in Standardization?

    • Comprehensive Framework: The NAC will provide a standardized framework for agricultural processes, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency in farming practices across India.
    • Sector-wide Application: It will set guidelines for various aspects of the agriculture sector, including crop selection, land preparation, irrigation, soil and plant health management, post-harvest operations, sustainability, and documentation.
    • Incorporation in Policies: The NAC will serve as a reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators to incorporate into schemes, policies, and regulations, aiding in quality control across the agricultural value chain.

    Who is Involved in the Formulation of the NAC?

    • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is leading the formulation of the NAC.
    • The BIS has formed working panels consisting of university professors, R&D organizations, and experts in 12-14 specific areas of agriculture to draft the NAC.
    • The BIS is collaborating with premier agricultural institutes and has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutes like Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) for setting up Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs).

    How will the NAC Impact Farmers’ Livelihoods?

    • Improved Decision-Making: The NAC will provide farmers with a structured guide for better decision-making in agricultural practices, which will help improve crop yields and reduce resource wastage.
    • Capacity Building: The BIS plans to offer training to farmers on NAC standards, enhancing their technical knowledge and helping them adopt sustainable practices.
    • Quality Assurance and Market Access: Standardized agricultural practices can ensure that crops meet quality requirements, potentially opening up better market access, higher incomes, and improved livelihoods for farmers.
    • Adoption of New Technologies: With standards in place for emerging technologies like IoT in agriculture, farmers can integrate modern technology into their operations, increasing productivity and efficiency.

    Way forward: 

    • Training and Capacity Building: Implement widespread training programs for farmers and agricultural professionals on NAC standards, ensuring smooth adoption of standardized practices and emerging technologies like IoT for improved efficiency.
    • Policy Integration and Support: Ensure seamless incorporation of NAC recommendations into national agricultural policies, with financial incentives and technical support to promote sustainable and quality-driven farming practices across India.

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    Government launches National Mission Edible Oils-Oilseeds to boost domestic production

    Explained | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to enhance domestic oilseed production and attain self-sufficiency in edible oils.

    About the Newly Launched NMEO-Oilseeds:

    • Aim: Boost domestic oilseed production, achieve self-reliance in edible, and boost farmers’ incomes. Currently, imports account for 57% of India’s domestic demand for edible oils.
    • Focus: It will focus on increasing edible oil production from Oil Palm  by enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops (Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum)
      • Increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources (Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils).
    • Tenure: 7 years (from 2024-25 to 2030-31)

    Roadmap for the Mission:

    • Increase Edible Oil Production: Achieve 25.45 million tonnes of domestic edible oil production by 2030-31, meeting 72% of domestic demand.
    • Seed Infrastructure: It will introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal to ensure timely availability of seeds.
    • Seed Hubs & Storage: Establish 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units to strengthen seed production infrastructure.
    • Value Chain Clusters: Develop over 600 value chain clusters across 347 districts, covering 10 lakh hectares annually. These clusters will focus on providing high-quality seeds and promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

    Other Initiatives by the Government:

    • National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): Launched in 2021 with a budget of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation.
    • Import Duties: A 20% import duty on edible oils has been imposed to protect domestic producers from cheap imports and encourage local oilseed cultivation.
    • MSP & PM-AASHA: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mandated edible oilseeds has been increased, and the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) ensures oilseed farmers receive MSP through price support and deficiency payment schemes.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Research and Development: Invest in research initiatives focused on developing climate-resilient, high-yield oilseed varieties through advanced technologies like genome editing.
    • Enhance Farmer Engagement and Training: Implement comprehensive training programs for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and effective resource management.

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  • Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

    How circular migration can help meet global skill shortages and lift Indians out of poverty?

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Poverty & Development Issues

    Why in the News?

    Maharashtra’s 997 youth, earning Rs 1.37 lakh in Israel, engage in circular migration, boosting skills through labour mobility agreements.

    What is the “triple win” scenario associated with circular migration?

    • Migrants win by gaining high-paying jobs, improving their skills, and getting social security benefits while working abroad.
    • The home country (like India) wins because when the workers return, they bring back new skills and experience that help improve local industries.
    • The host country (like Israel or Germany) wins because they get the skilled workers they need to fill labour shortages without facing long-term migration issues.

    How does circular migration contribute to skill development and poverty alleviation for Indian migrants?

    • Skill Development: Indian workers gain exposure to international work environments, cutting-edge technology, and management protocols, which enhance their skills and employability.
    • Poverty Alleviation: Higher wages in developed countries allow migrants to send remittances back home, improving the economic conditions of their families and contributing to poverty alleviation.

    In what way does circular migration mitigate the issue of brain drain?

    • Temporary Nature: Since workers return after a set period (e.g., five years), they bring back their enhanced skills and experience, preventing a permanent loss of talent to foreign nations.
    • Knowledge Transfer: Returning workers contribute to domestic industries by applying the new skills and technologies they learned abroad, benefiting the home economy.

    What are the policy implications for implementing circular migration effectively? (Way forward) 

    • Skill Matching and Training: Governments must ensure exact skill matching between migrant workers and the requirements of the destination countries, providing refresher courses and training as needed.
    • Government-to-Government Agreements: Strong bilateral agreements are essential to safeguard the rights of workers, ensure fair wages, and provide social security in the destination countries.
    • Streamlined Procedures: Policies should simplify legal compliances, fast-track passport issuance, and remove barriers like language skills through training in languages such as Japanese, German, or French.

    Conclusion: Circular migration offers a “triple win” by benefiting migrants, home countries, and host nations. It enhances skills, boosts incomes, mitigates brain drain, and fosters knowledge transfer, provided there is proper policy support, skill matching, and streamlined processes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

    IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: International Institutions

    Why in the News?

    According to the UNAIDS Director, without India’s significant contribution, the world is unlikely to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    What is HIV/AIDS?

    • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
    • AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.
    • HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, and breast milk.
    • Although there’s no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV and prevent the progression to AIDS.

    India’s progress in reducing HIV Infections

    • From 2010 to 2023, India reduced annual new HIV infections by 44%, which is better than the global average.
    • India has also made impressive progress in reducing AIDS-related deaths by nearly 80% between 2010 and 2023, surpassing the global average.
    • Challenges:
      • In 2023, India saw 68,000 new infections, meaning around 185 people were infected each day.
      • The Global AIDS Strategy calls for 80% of prevention services to be delivered by community-led organizations.
      • These organizations are best placed to reach key populations, but they need adequate resources and space to lead these efforts.

     

    About UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS):

    Details
    Established In 1996, by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Main Purpose To coordinate global action to combat HIV/AIDS, prevent infections, and support those affected
    Mandate • Coordinate the global response to HIV/AIDS
    • Support countries in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies
    • Advocate for human rights and equality in access to HIV services
    Principle Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA), endorsed by the UN in 2001 and 2006
    Global Targets 90-90-90 targets:
    90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed by 2020
    Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026: Aim to end inequalities driving HIV and ensure 30 million on treatment by 2025
    Cosponsors 11 UN organizations, including UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNESCO, World Bank
    Key Areas of Focus Supporting countries to meet SDG 3: End AIDS by 2030.

    • HIV prevention
    • Treatment access
    • Human rights advocacy
    • Gender equality
    • Youth and adolescents
    Funding Donors include governments, private foundations, and corporations
    Key Campaigns World AIDS Day (December 1), global awareness and advocacy efforts
    Achievements Significant progress toward the 90-90-90 targets, especially in countries like South Africa, Cambodia, and Eswatini

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?

    1. Chikungunya
    2. Hepatitis B
    3. HIV-AIDS

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    [pib] International Energy Efficiency Hub

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a ‘Letter of Intent’ that will enable India to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub (Hub).

    About the International Energy Efficiency Hub

    • The Hub was established in 2020 as the successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), of which India was already a member.
    • It is a global platform that promotes collaboration and energy efficiency among governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
    • Members: As of July 2024, 16 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK.)
    • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory agency, has been designated as the implementing agency for India’s participation in the Hub.

    Significance for India

    • India will benefit from opportunities to collaborate with other member states as a member.
    • India can share its expertise and learn from international best practices in energy efficiency.
    • The country will also contribute to global efforts to address climate change by promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices.
    • India’s participation will:
      • Accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
      • Improve energy security by adopting more efficient energy practices.

    Back2Basics: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) 

    Details
    Establishment Established in March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
    Objective To promote energy efficiency and conservation, reduce energy intensity, and enhance energy security
    Governing Body Functions under the Ministry of Power, Government of India
    Key Functions • Develops energy efficiency policies and strategies
    • Implements energy conservation programs
    • Coordinates with various sectors like industry, transport, and municipalities on energy efficiency
    • Promotes R&D in energy conservation technologies
    Key Initiatives • Standards and Labeling Program (Star rating system for appliances)
    • Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme (for energy-intensive industries)
    • Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) (for commercial buildings)
    • National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
    • Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP)
    Important Programs • National Energy Conservation Awards
    • Demand Side Management (DSM)
    • Street Lighting National Program (SLNP) (LED streetlight replacement)
    Goals • Reduce energy intensity in India
    • Improve energy efficiency in key sectors like agriculture, industry, buildings, and appliances
    • Contribute to sustainable development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
    International Cooperation Collaborates with UNDP, World Bank, and ADB on energy efficiency projects globally
    Legislative Framework Operates under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
    Achievements • Significant reduction in carbon emissions
    • Supports India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] On which of the following, can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

    1. Ceiling fans

    2. Electric geysers

    3. Tubular fluorescent lamps

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Why you should care about Mapping of the Fruit Fly’s Brain?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Researcher have successfully mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, marking the first time researchers have created such a detailed map of an adult animal’s brain.

    How Was the Fruit Fly Brain Mapped?

    • The process of mapping Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster) brain began in 2013.
    • Scientists dunked the brain of an adult fruit fly in a chemical bath, hardening it into a solid block.
    • This process involved 7,050 sections of the brain and produced 21 million photos to map the entire brain.
    • The first high-resolution image of the brain was created more than a decade after the work started.

    Key findings

    • Scientists identified more than 50 million connections between 139,000 neurons (brain nerve cells).
    • They classified the cells into 8,453 distinct types, making it the largest catalogue of cell types in any brain.
    • The research gave insights into how different types of cells function and how the fruit fly’s eyes process motion and color.
    • A group of “hub neurons” was discovered, which may help speed up information flow.

    Significance of the Work

    • Although the human brain is more complex, the logic of how neurons communicate is similar between fruit flies and humans.
    • Fruit flies are a valuable model system for neuroscience. Their brains solve many of the same problems that human brains do.
    • It could help in understanding and treat mental health conditions like Parkinson’s and depression.
    • The mapping of the fruit fly’s brain raises hopes that scientists will eventually be able to map the entire human brain.

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