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Type: Prelims Only

  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)?

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

    Why in the News?

    A new ETH Zurich study warns that under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 scenario, warming could make cyclones more intense and hit unusual regions with greater damage.

    What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)?

    • Definition: SSPs are 5 global scenarios that show how changes in society, economy, and technology might influence climate adaptation and mitigation.
    • Purpose: They complement Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) by adding socioeconomic context to climate models.
    • Development: Created in the late 2000s, published in 2016, and used in the IPCC 6th Assessment Report and CMIP6 models.
    • Function: SSPs assume no new climate policies, helping scientists explore how global trends affect emissions and climate action.
    • The Five Pathways:
      1. SSP1: Sustainable and equitable world
      2. SSP2: Continuation of current trends
      3. SSP3: Regional rivalry with high population growth
      4. SSP4: Unequal world with high disparities
      5. SSP5: Fossil-fuel-based rapid economic growth
    • Usage: SSPs are used with RCPs to explore how different futures could affect the 1.5°C or 2°C warming targets.
    • Significance: They help policymakers assess how societal choices impact climate risks, emissions, and the feasibility of global goals.

    About SSP5-8.5 and Cyclone Risks:

    • Scenario Summary: SSP5 shows rapid economic growth fuelled by fossil fuels.
    • Radiative Forcing: SSP5-8.5 implies 8.5 W/m² of energy, compared to about 2.7 W/m² today.
    • Climate Target Gap: To limit warming below 2°C, forcing must stay around 2.6 W/m².
    • Cyclone Projections: Using the CLIMADA (climate adaptation) AI model, scientists studied past cyclone patterns and projected risks from 2015–2050.
    • Ecoregion Types:
      1. Resilient: Often affected, but recover quickly
      2. Dependent: Moderately impacted and adaptive
      3. Vulnerable: Rarely hit but slow to recover
    • Findings:
      • Time between severe cyclones in resilient areas may drop from 19 to 12 years.
      • East Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean will face stronger, more frequent cyclones.
      • Madagascar, Oceania, and the Philippines will face unprecedented cyclone activity.

    Impact on Mangroves and Coastal Ecosystems:

    • Mangrove Risk: By 2100, up to 56% of global mangroves could be at high to severe risk.
    • Most Affected Region: Southeast Asia, with 52–78% of mangroves at risk.
    • Other Scenario Impact (SSP3-7.0): Even under less severe warming, 97–98% of protective mangroves in Southeast Asia could still face critical threats.
    • Environmental Concern: These losses would severely weaken coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only* (d) 1 and 3 only

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    World’s most powerful Solar Particle Storm struck Earth 14,300 years ago

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have discovered that a massive solar storm hit Earth around 12,350 BC, making it the most powerful solar event ever detected.

    What are Solar Particle Storms?

    • About: A solar storm is a disturbance caused by solar flares or coronal mass ejections that release charged particles into space.
    • Solar Particle Storm: It is a type of solar storm where high-energy particles travel toward Earth, producing cosmogenic isotopes like radiocarbon.
    • Detection: These isotope spikes are recorded in tree rings and are known as Miyake events, which act as cosmic timestamps.
    • Impact: Though rare, solar particle storms can severely affect satellites, communication systems, and power grids.
    • Historical Events: Major solar particle storms were identified in AD 994, 663 BC, 5259 BC, and 7176 BC.
    • Carrington Event (1859): This was a major solar storm, but not a particle storm—it resulted from a different solar mechanism.

    How was the ancient storm detected?

    • Methodology: A solar storm from 12,350 BC was discovered using tree-ring data from the French Alps.
    • Event Strength: This storm was over 500 times stronger than the 2005 solar storm, the largest in the satellite era.
    • What are its implications?
      • Significance: This is the first known extreme solar event before the Holocene, predating the last 12,000 years of stable climate.
      • Modern Relevance: The discovery highlights the risks of future extreme solar activity on Satellite infrastructure and Space Application.
      • Significance: Miyake events improve the precision of archaeological dating, helping better understand ancient human history.
    [UPSC 2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.

    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.

    3. Power grids could be damaged.

    4.  Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.

    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.

    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.

    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7*

    Tap to know more about the answer.

     

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    [pib] DoT introduces Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Why in the News?

    In a major move to fight cyber fraud and financial crime, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) as a part of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP).

    Back2Basics: Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)

    • DIP is developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as a secure, integrated platform for real-time intelligence sharing.
    • Stakeholders Involved: It connects Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), law enforcement agencies (LEAs), banks, financial institutions, social media platforms, and identity document issuers.
    • Functionality: The platform contains information on telecom resource misuse and supports case tracking and coordinated action.
    • Sanchar Saathi Integration: DIP acts as a backend system for citizen requests submitted through the Sanchar Saathi portal.
    • Access Control: DIP is available only to authorized stakeholders via secure connections and is NOT accessible to public.

    What is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)?

    • Purpose: FRI is a risk-based tool that flags mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk for financial fraud.
    • Data Sources: It pulls inputs from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), DoT’s Chakshu Platform, and banking institutions.
    • Beneficiaries: Helps banks, NBFCs, and UPI service providers implement added security for high-risk numbers.
    • How It Works:
      • The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) shares a Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) with reasons like cybercrime, failed verification, or excess usage.
      • The tool performs multi-dimensional analysis and assigns a fraud risk level.
      • Risk status is shared in real-time via DIP, enabling early action before fraud occurs.

    Case Study: PhonePe’s use of FRI System

    • PhonePe was one of the first adopters of the FRI system.
    • It uses FRI to:
      • Block transactions linked to Very High-risk numbers.
      • Display alerts using the PhonePe Protect feature.
    • For Medium-risk numbers, PhonePe is working on showing proactive user warnings before transactions.
    • The tool has proven highly accurate in identifying numbers involved in cyber fraud.

     

    [UPSC 2021] Which one of the following effects of the creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India?

    Options: (a) Diversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing (b) Investment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones, jewelry, gold, etc. (c) Large donations to political parties and the growth of regionalism (d) Loss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion*

     

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

    Shirui Lily Festival in Manipur

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

    Why in the News?

    The Shirui Lily Festival has commenced in Manipur after a two-year gap caused by the ongoing conflict in the state.

    About Shirui Lily Festival

    • Organiser: The festival is conducted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur.
    • Launch: It was first held in 2017 and is now one of Manipur’s two major tourism festivals (the other being the Sangai Festival).
    • Origin: Named after the Shirui Lily (Lilium mackliniae), the State Flower of Manipur.
    • Location: The event is held in Ukhrul district, home to the Tangkhul Naga community.
    • Purpose: It aims to raise awareness about the Shirui Lily and promote eco-tourism in the hill regions of Ukhrul.
    • Key Activities: The festival includes cultural performances, music concerts, a beauty pageant, a cooking competition, and a trash collection marathon.

    About the Shirui Lily Flower:

    • Habitat: The Shirui Lily grows only in the upper reaches of the Shirui Hill range in Ukhrul district, at an altitude of 2,673 metres.
    • Local Name: It is locally known as ‘Kashong Timrawon’, named after a mythical hill guardian.
    • Discovery: British botanist Frank Kingdon-Ward identified it in 1946 and named it Lilium mackliniae after his wife Jean Macklin.
    • Conservation Status: Classified as Endangered by the IUCN. (It is not listed by CITES or Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Shirui National Park is named after it.
    • Threats: The flower faces threats from climate change, human encroachment, resource exploitation, and invasion by wild dwarf bamboo.

     

    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs:

    Tradition– State

    1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram

    2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur

    3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2* (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3

     

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  • [pib] 150 Years of Metre Convention 

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

    Why in the News?

    On May 20, 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated World Metrology Day, marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in Paris on May 20, 1875.

    About the Metre Convention:

    • Inception: Also called the Treaty of the Metre, it was signed in Paris on May 20, 1875, to establish a global system of standardised measurements.
    • 17 Founding Members: Argentina, Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Norway, Switzerland, Ottoman Empire (Turkiye), USA, and Venezuela.
    • Institutions Created: The treaty established the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), and two governing bodies—CGPM (General Conference on Weights and Measures) and CIPM (International Committee for Weights and Measures).
    • Early Prototypes: It created international prototypes of the metre and kilogram, stored at the BIPM; member countries received national copies for comparison.
    • Expansion in 1921: The Convention was extended to cover all physical quantities, forming the basis for the International System of Units (SI).
    • Global Reach: As of October 2024, there are 64 member states in the Convention.
    • Collaboration: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), European Space Agency (ESA) participate in the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

    India and the Convention:

    • Membership: India joined the Metre Convention in 1957 after passing the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1956.
    • Participation Benefits: India gained the ability to participate in BIPM work, align with global systems, and ensure international recognition of its standards.
    • Recent Milestone: India is now the 13th country authorized to issue OIML (International Organisation of Legal Metrology) Certificates.
    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The series of the International Paper Sizes is based on A0 size whose area is 0.5 m² (approximately).

    2. The area of A4 size paper is 1/8th of that of the A0 size paper.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 *

     

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Hoyle–Narlikar Theory of Gravity

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    Jayant Narlikar, renowned Indian astrophysicist and Padma Vibhushan awardee, who co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory to refine Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, passed away in Pune at the age of 87.

    About Jayant Narlikar and His Contributions:

    • Early Life: Born in 1938 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and pursued a PhD at Cambridge University under Fred Hoyle.
    • Scientific Influence: Hoyle had earlier developed the steady-state theory with Bondi and Gold and coined the term “Big Bang” sarcastically in 1948.
    • Narlikar’s Belief: He argued that the universe always looks the same, as new matter fills the gaps created by expansion.
    • Critique of Big Bang: He believed the Big Bang theory includes unproven assumptions, especially about the sudden origin of all matter and energy.
    • Enduring Work: Despite steady-state theory’s decline, Narlikar’s contributions remain respected for their scientific depth and originality.

    What Is the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory?

    Fred Hoyle and Jayant Narlikar developed a theory to answer one of the most basic questions: Why do things have mass, and how are they connected to the rest of the universe?

    • Based on Mach’s Principle: They believed your mass isn’t just something you have on your own. Instead, it depends on your connection to everything else in the universe. That means even faraway stars and galaxies play a role in what you weigh.
    • Inertia Explained: In simple terms, when you feel resistance while trying to move (inertia), it’s because of the gravitational pull of all the matter in the universe acting on you at once.
    • Mass is Relative: Earth, the Sun, or even you don’t have a fixed mass. That mass is influenced by everything else that exists out there, no matter how far away it is.
    • C-field and Steady-State Model
      • New Idea – C-Field: They introduced the “creation field”, which creates new matter in space.
      • Universe Without a Start: Their steady-state theory says the universe has no beginning or end, is always expanding, and keeps its density constant.
      • Against the Big Bang: They believed the Big Bang couldn’t explain everything we see today.
      • Hydrogen Creation: They said hydrogen atoms form in space to fill in the gaps as the universe grows.
    • Issues with the Theory:
      • CMB Discovery (1965): Scientists found cosmic microwave background radiation, strong proof of the Big Bang.
      • Other Evidence: Later discoveries like young, chaotic galaxies and studies by Hawking and Penrose supported the Big Bang.
      • Current View: The Big Bang theory became more accepted, but Hoyle and Narlikar’s ideas are still respected for their scientific value.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following phenomena:

    1. Light is affected by gravity.

    2. The Universe is constantly expanding.

    3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.

    Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

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

     

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    RBI revises rules for investment in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Investment Models

    Why in the News?

    The RBI has released revised draft guidelines for investments made by Regulated Entities (REs) in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to ensure better regulatory oversight, prevent misuse of funds, and align with the rules already set by SEBI.

    What are Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs)?

    • Definition: They are unique investment vehicles that are privately pooled and invested in alternative asset classes such as venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, commodities, real estate, and derivatives.
    • Regulation: They are governed by SEBI under the SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012.
    • Working: It can be formed as a trust, company, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or any other SEBI-permitted structure.
    • Legal Structure: They can be set up as trusts, companies, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), or other legally permitted forms.
    • Investor Base:
      • AIFs are meant for High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) and institutional investors, NOT small retail investors.
      • Resident Indians, NRIs, and foreign nationals can invest.
    • Minimum Investment Requirement:
      • The minimum investment size is ₹1 crore (SEBI, May 2024), except for accredited investors as defined by SEBI.
      • For employees or directors of the AIF or its manager, the minimum investment is ₹25 lakh.
      • An AIF must have a minimum corpus of ₹20 crore (₹10 crore for Angel Funds).

    Types of AIFs: 

    1. Category I: These funds invest in early-stage unlisted companies in the form of equity or debt (venture capital). These alternative asset funds can also invest in infrastructure-based projects or social ventures.
    2. Category II: These types of funds invest in equity or debt of unlisted companies that are in the mid or late stage of growth and are known as private equity or pre-IPO, respectively.
    3. Category III: This category of funds invests in the shares of listed companies. These alternative strategy funds can be for any period, long only or a combination of long and short.
    [UPSC 2014] What does Venture Capital mean?

    Options: (a) A short-term capital provided to industries. (b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs* (c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses. (d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries.

     

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

    Potato Cultivation in India

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Why in the News?

    India is likely to become the world’s largest potato producer, overtaking China, by 2050, according to experts from the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Peru.

    Back2Basics: International Potato Center (CIP)

    • The CIP is a research-for-development organisation founded in 1971, focused on improving potato, sweet potato, and Andean root and tuber crops.
    • Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP operates in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
    • It maintains the world’s largest Potato Gene Bank, safeguarding biodiversity for future use in research and breeding.

    Potato Cultivation in India:

    • About: Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is known as the “King of Vegetables” and is India’s fourth most important food crop after rice, wheat, and maize.
    • Origin: Introduced to India by Portuguese traders in the 17th century.
    • Geographic Spread: Grown in 23 states, but 85% of production comes from the Indo-Gangetic plains in North India.
    • Top Producing States:
      • Uttar Pradesh: ~30% of total output
      • West Bengal: ~23.5%
      • Bihar: ~17%
      • Other contributors: Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
    • Climate Needs: Potato is a cool-season crop.
      • Ideal growth temp: 24°C
      • Ideal tuber formation temp: 20°C
    • Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils with moisture retention.
    • Planting Seasons:
      • Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand: Spring (Jan–Feb), Summer (May)
      • Punjab, Haryana, UP, Bihar, Bengal: Main crop in October
      • MP, Maharashtra, Karnataka: Both kharif and rabi seasons
    • Seed Management: Use disease-free, sprouted seeds (30–50g);
    • Popular varieties: Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Bahar, Kufri Pukhraj, and Kufri Chandramukhi.
    • Fertilization & Irrigation: Apply balanced nutrients, especially phosphorus and potassium; drip irrigation is recommended.
    • Harvesting: Ready in 90–120 days, harvested manually or mechanically.

    Global Comparison and Future Outlook:

    • Global Rank: India is the second-largest producer after China.
    • Production Volume: Over 50 million tonnes/year currently; projected to reach 100 million tonnes by 2050 (CIP experts).
    • Growth Drivers: Expansion is due to large cultivation area, strong domestic demand, and government support.
    • Tuber Crop Potential: Promoting crops like sweet potato can improve nutrition, livelihoods, and climate resilience.

    Policy measure for Potato Farmers: Operation Greens

    • It is a scheme launched by the GoI in 2018, modelled after Operation Flood, with the aim to stabilize the supply and prices of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops.
    • The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and was initially allocated a budget of ₹500 crore.
    • Objectives:
      • Stabilize the supply and prices of potatoes (along with tomato and onion) to protect both farmers and consumers from extreme price fluctuations.
      • Reduce post-harvest losses of potatoes by improving storage, processing, and logistics infrastructure

     

    [UPSC 2014] In India, cluster bean (Guar) is traditionally used as a vegetable or animal feed, but recently the cultivation of this has assumed significance.

    Which one of the following statements is correct in this context?

    Options: (a) The oil extracted from seeds is used in the manufacture of biodegradable plastics. (b) The gum made from its seeds is used in the extraction of shale gas.* (c) The leaf extract of this plant has the properties of antihistamines. (d) It is a source of high quality biodiesel.

     

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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI)

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Diaspora

    Why in the News?

    The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status of a notable British-Indian academic has been cancelled due to involvement in anti-India activities.

    About Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI):

    • Launch: Introduced in August 2005 to give Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) a long-term connection to India.
    • Eligibility: Open to those who were citizens of India on/after January 26, 1950, or eligible for Indian citizenship on that date.
    • Nature: OCI is not full citizenship but offers lifelong visa and residency benefits.
    • Benefits: Includes a multiple-entry, lifelong visa and exemption from police registration.
    • Administered by: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
    • Global Numbers (2023): Over 45 lakh OCI holders from 129 countries — top sources include the USA (16.8 lakh), UK (9.34 lakh), Australia (4.94 lakh), and Canada (4.18 lakh).

    Who are the Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)?

    • The PIO category was abolished in 2015 and merged with the OCI category. However, existing PIO cards are valid till December 31, 2023.
    • PIO referred to a:
      • Foreign citizen (except a national of Pakistan, Afghanistan Bangladesh, China, Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal) who at any time held an Indian passport, or
      • Who or either of their parents/ grandparents/great grandparents was born and permanently resided in India as defined in Government of India Act, 1935, or
      • Who is a spouse of a citizen of India or a PIO.

    Rules, Amendments & Privileges:

    • 2021 Rule Change: Special permission required for visiting restricted areas, conducting research, journalism, or religious work.
    • FEMA Status: Treated as foreign nationals under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (2003).
    • Earlier Privileges:
      • 2005: Life-long visa, no FRRO (Foreigners Registration Office) registration
      • 2007: Parity with NRIs for adoption, domestic airfare
      • 2009: Parity for monument entry and access to regulated professions

    Limitations and Ineligibility:

    • Not Eligible:
      • Individuals with parents/grandparents from Pakistan or Bangladesh
      • Foreign military personnel, active or retired
    • Spouse Clause: Foreign spouse eligible if legally married for at least two years.
    • No Political Rights: OCI holders cannot vote, contest elections, hold constitutional posts (President, Vice President, or Supreme Court/High Court Judge), or work in Indian government services.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:

    1.There is only one citizenship and one domicile.

    2.A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.

    3.A foreigner, once granted citizenship, cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only * (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    [pib] What is Operation Olivia?

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

    Why in the News?

    As of February 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protected a record 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles during their mass nesting at the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha.

    About Operation Olivia:

    • Launch: Operation Olivia is an annual conservation mission by the Indian Coast Guard, started in the early 1980s.
    • Main Objective: It aims to protect Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season, from November to May.
    • Primary Locations: The operation focuses on Odisha’s coast, especially Gahirmatha Beach, Devi River mouth, and Rushikulya River mouth.
    • Turtle Nesting Scale: Over 8 lakh turtles arrive annually at these sites to nest.
    • Surveillance Efforts: The Coast Guard has conducted more than 5,387 surface patrols and 1,768 aerial missions.
    • Community Engagement: Fishermen are encouraged to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) that allow turtles to escape fishing nets.

    About Olive Ridley Turtles:

    • Appearance: Named for their olive-green shell, or carapace.
    • Diet: They are Omnivores, though feeding mainly on jellyfish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
    • Nesting Behaviour: Known for Arribada, a phenomenon where thousands of females come ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.
    • Habitat Range: Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
    • Major Nesting Sites in India:
      • Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha (largest site)
      • Devi River mouth (discovered in 1981)
      • Rushikulya River mouth (discovered in 1994)
    • Protection Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Listed as Vulnerable.
      • CITES: Included in Appendix I, banning international trade.
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I, offering the highest legal protection in India.
    [UPSC 2002] The sea coast of which one of the following states has become famous as a nesting place for the giant Olive Ridley turtles from South America?

    Options: (a) Goa (b) Gujarat (c) Odisha* (d) Tamil Nadu

     

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