Daily Prelims Notes 6 March 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

6 March 2025

1. A brief history of the Russia-Ukraine war

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• The Ukraine conflict has seen significant developments, particularly with S. President Donald Trump’s shift in policy toward the war.
• After disagreements with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump halted all U.S. military aid to Ukraine, prompting Zelenskyy to offer a partial truce and express readiness to work with Trump toward peace.
• This shift caught Europe off guard, with Russia observing and waiting as the war continues.

Background of the War:

• The war began when Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, expecting a quick victory.
• However, Ukraine, supported by Western weapons, successfully resisted, leading to U.S. involvement with sanctions against Russia and arms for Ukraine.
• Russia initially retreated from Kharkiv and Kherson but later annexed Ukrainian territories and mobilized for a prolonged conflict.
• Despite Ukraine’s counteroffensive in 2023 and 2024, it has struggled to regain territory as Russia advanced.

Trump’s policy shift:

• Trump’s new policy appears to be driven by the belief that Ukraine cannot win the war, and he seeks a deal with Russia, excluding Ukraine and Europe from the process.
• This shift is part of a broader U.S. strategic reorientation, viewing China as the primary threat and deeming a Sino-Russian alliance more dangerous than a continued conflict in Ukraine.

Europe’s Dilemma:

• Europe is uncertain about these changes. While it initially supported Ukraine, it now faces internal economic struggles and a weakened position in global security.
• With the U.S. pulling back, Europe may not have the capacity to secure Ukraine’s future.

Ukraine’s Situation:

• Ukraine has lost over 20% of its territory to Russia and suffered extensive casualties. Its economy is devastated, and its military is facing shortages.
• With no NATO membership on the horizon and limited U.S. support, Ukraine faces tough choices: continue fighting and risk further losses or end the war under terms set by Russia and the U.S.
• The conflict highlights how great powers often pursue their own interests, leaving smaller nations like Ukraine to bear the consequences.

Ukraine territories annexed by Russia:

• Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Soledar, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Krasnohorivka, Vuhledar, Kursk, Velyka Novosilka, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk

2. Mapping Ukraine’s rare earth and critical minerals

Sub : Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

• A recent fiery exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, along with Vice President JD Vance, disrupted plans for a significant deal on Ukraine’s vast natural resources.
• The deal, which had been in preliminary stages, was meant to allow the U.S. to access Ukraine’s critical and rare earth mineral deposits.

Deal Terms (Before Tensions):

• The deal proposed collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine to utilize revenues from Ukraine’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas.
• A Reconstruction Investment Fund would be established, with 50% of revenues from state-owned resources contributing to the fund, aimed at Ukraine’s reconstruction, development, and infrastructure projects.
• The U.S. would support Ukraine’s long-term economic stability but would not provide direct security guarantees.
• Despite this, tensions flared when Trump reiterated his claim that the U.S. had provided more than $350 billion in aid to Ukraine, a figure contested by Zelenskyy, stating that actual U.S. aid was lower.

Ukraine’s Mineral Wealth:

• Known Reserves: Ukraine holds significant deposits of critical and rare earth minerals, including 22 out of the 34 minerals classified as critical by the EU. The country has large reserves of rare earth elements (REEs) vital for electronics, defence, aerospace, and renewable energy.
• Key minerals include lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, titanium, zirconium, graphite, and lithium.
• Ukraine is one of the world’s top producers of titanium and has vast, largely untapped lithium reserves, estimated at 500,000 tonnes.

Geographic Distribution:

• The critical mineral reserves are primarily concentrated in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv, regions that have been partially or fully occupied by Russian forces since the invasion in 2022.

3. Who is Responsible for Space Debris Crashes on Earth?

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space

Why in News

• On December, 2024, a metal object weighing 500 kg crashed in Makueni County, Kenya. The increasing frequency of space launches has amplified risks associated with falling debris and the legal complexities surrounding liability.

Space Debris and Legal Challenges:

• Space debris, also known as space junk, refers to defunct human-made objects in Earth’s orbit that no longer serve any useful purpose and pose a risk to operational spacecraft and satellites.
• Space debris does not have a universally accepted legal definition.
• The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee and United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) define space debris as:
  • “All man-made objects, including fragments and elements thereof, in Earth orbit or re-entering the atmosphere, that are non-functional.”
• The absence of a clear legal definition complicates liability and accountability in international space law.
• The Outer Space Treaty (1967) states that nations are responsible for national space activities, whether conducted by governmental or private entities.
• The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972) introduced absolute liability:
  • Launching states are automatically responsible for any damage caused by their space objects on Earth, regardless of fault.
  • However, enforcing liability remains challenging due to diplomatic complexities and prolonged settlement processes.
• The launch of mega-constellations (e.g., SpaceX Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, OneWeb) is expected to add 100,000+ satellites by 2030.
• Many older satellites lack deorbiting plans, exacerbating debris accumulation in orbit.
• UN’s 25-year deorbit rule is voluntary, with only 30% compliance, leaving thousands of decaying satellites in unpredictable orbits.
• The 1972 Liability Convention must be updated to include an independent tribunal with binding enforcement powers.
• Example:
  • Cosmos 954 Incident (1978): A Soviet satellite carrying a nuclear reactor crashed in Canada. Canada spent years negotiating compensation and secured only $3 million of the estimated $6 million clean-up cost.
  • March 2024: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket debris landed in Poland; the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) claimed its responsibility ended after losing control.
  • July 2024: China’s Long March 5B rocket core (23-tonne) crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

International Guidelines and Agreements:

• United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA): Guidelines for Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities (2019)
  • Encourages nations to design satellites with de-orbiting mechanisms.
  • Promotes the prevention of debris generation during space missions.
• Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC): A global forum of space agencies including NASA, ESA, and others. – Minimizing debris creation during launches and operations.
• Liability Convention (1972): Holds states responsible for damage caused by their space objects, motivating better debris management.
• Active Debris Removal (ADR) Projects:
• Remove DEBRIS (ESA and University of Surrey):
  • Net capture for debris collection.
  • Harpoons to grab large objects.
  • Drag sails to accelerate de-orbiting.
• ‘Project NETRA’: It is an early warning system in space to detect debris and other hazards to Indian satellites.
• ClearSpace-1 (ESA): Planned mission to capture and deorbit a defunct satellite using robotic arms.
• Astroscale (Japan) – ELSA-d Mission: Tests magnetic docking and capture systems for deorbiting debris.
• China’s SJ-21 Satellite: Demonstrated the capability to relocate large debris into graveyard orbits.

Kessler syndrome:

• This is an idea proposed by NASA scientist Donald Kessler in 1978.
• The Kessler syndrome is a scenario in which the density of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade that increases the likelihood of further collisions.

4. Protests Against Basalt Mining in Bengal

Sub: Env

Why in News

The ongoing basalt mining at the Deocha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harisingha (DPDH) coal project in West Bengal’s Birbhum district has been halted due to renewed protests by local villagers.

About Basalt mining:

• Basalt mining involves extracting basalt rock, a dense and durable volcanic stone, for various industrial applications.
• Quarrying: The primary method of basalt extraction involves cutting deep trenches or pits to access basalt beds.
• Environmental Impacts: Sources include emissions from mining operations, vehicular traffic, dust from unpaved roads, and domestic fuel burning. Ambient air quality monitoring is essential to assess these impacts.
• Carbon Sequestration Potential: Basalt has a natural ability to sequester carbon dioxide. During its formation, basalt absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere, locking it within its mineral structure. Utilizing basalt in construction can effectively store CO₂ long-term, aiding in offsetting carbon emissions.
• Applications of Basalt:
  • Due to its hardness and durability, basalt is used in construction (e.g., as building blocks, tiles, and slabs).
  • Crushed basalt acts as a slow-release natural fertilizer, rejuvenating weathered soils, boosting fertility, neutralizing acidity, and enhancing plant growth.
  • Geogrid meshes made from basalt fibres are employed to reinforce roads, improving stability and extending lifespan.
  • Basalt fibres serve as effective thermal and acoustic insulators, utilized in various building applications to enhance energy efficiency and soundproofing.

Major Basalt Zones and Mines in India:

• Deccan Traps: Primarily located in west-central India
• The Deocha-Pachami coal block is India’s largest coal reserve, spread over 12.31 billion tonnes of coal and basalt deposits.
• Rajmahal Basalts: Situated in the Rajmahal Hills of Jharkhand and extending into parts of the Bengal Basin.
• Bombay Area Basalts: The islands of Bombay (Mumbai), Salsette, and Trombay expose basalts and associated rocks belonging to the Upper Deccan group.

5. The Genetic Implications of Endogamy in India

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

• A recent study led by CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), has highlighted the genetic consequences of endogamy in India.

About Endogamy:

• Endogamy, or the practice of marrying within a specific community, has contributed to a high degree of inbreeding in certain Indian populations.
• Continuous endogamy can lead to a smaller genetic pool, increasing the risk of inheriting genetic disorders.

Key Findings of the Study:

• The study analysed 281 high-coverage whole-exome sequences from four anthropologically distinct populations to assess the extent of inbreeding and the emergence of novel genetic variants.
• These genetic variations have been linked to population-specific diseases in India.
• The study found a significant incidence of ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis affecting the spine) within the Reddy community of Andhra Pradesh.
• The study examined pharmacogenomic markers, which are genetic variations that influence how individuals metabolize and respond to medications.
• It discovered significant genetic differences in drug metabolism across Indian populations, impacting the effectiveness of common drugs such as:
  • Tacrolimus (an immunosuppressive drug used in organ transplant patients)
  • Warfarin (an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots)

Pharmacogenomic Markers:

• Pharmacogenomic markers are specific DNA or RNA characteristics that influence an individual’s response to drugs, including efficacy and risk of adverse effects.
• Types:
  • Genetic Variants: Differences in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, transporters, or drug targets.
  • Gene Expression Levels: Variations in the expression of genes affecting drug response.
• Applications:
  • Personalized Medicine: Tailoring drug therapies based on an individual’s genetic makeup to enhance efficacy and minimize adverse effects.
  • Drug Development: Identifying genetic markers that predict drug response can guide the creation of more effective medications.

6. Could Europe’s Eutelsat help to replace Starlink in Ukraine?

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

• Ukraine’s reliance on Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite Internet system has been crucial for maintaining military communications, especially after its fixed-line and mobile networks were damaged by Russian bombings. It has also supported civilian access to the internet.
• However, suggestions that Ukraine could lose access to Starlink have sparked interest in its European competitor, Eutelsat.

Eutelsat as an alternative:

• Eutelsat, a Franco-British satellite company, has also been providing satellite communications services in Ukraine. After merging with OneWeb in 2023, it gained control of the only other operational low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation besides Starlink.
• Eutelsat claims it can offer similar services to Starlink in Europe despite having only around 630 LEO satellites. It also has 35 satellites in geostationary orbit that complement the LEO constellation.
• Starlink provides speeds of up to 200 Mbps, while Eutelsat offers 150 Mbps.
• Eutelsat’s service costs more, with terminals priced up to $10,000, compared to Starlink’s $589 for the terminal and monthly subscriptions ranging from $95 to $440.

Other alternatives:

• SES (Luxembourg): SES offers some satellite services through its O3b mPOWER constellation in medium Earth orbit (MEO). This system is used primarily for corporate, government, and military clients, but it does not provide direct-to-consumer services like Starlink and Eutelsat.

7. ASI’s Underwater Exploration Off Dwarka Coast

Sub: History

Sec: Art and culture

Context:

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched a new phase of underwater exploration off the coast of Dwarka, Gujarat.
• The initiative aims to uncover and preserve India’s submerged cultural heritage.
• The Ministry of Culture announced the project on Tuesday.

Team Composition

• A team of five archaeologists is leading the investigation near the Gomati Creek.
• The team is headed by Prof. Alok Tripathi, Additional Director-General (Archaeology).
• Other team members include:
  • H.K. Nayak, Director (Excavations and Explorations)
  • Dr. Aparajita Sharma, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist
  • Poonam Vind
  • Rajkumari Barbina
• This marks the first instance of significant participation by women archaeologists in ASI-led underwater exploration.

Renewed Focus on Underwater Archaeology

• The exploration is part of the revived Underwater Archaeology Wing (UAW) of ASI.
• The UAW has been reactivated to conduct offshore surveys and excavations in Dwarka and Bet Dwarka.
• Since the 1980s, the UAW has played a key role in underwater archaeological research.
• Previous explorations conducted by UAW include:
  • Bangaram Island (Lakshadweep)
  • Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu)
  • Loktak Lake (Manipur)
  • Elephanta Island (Maharashtra)

Collaborations and Past Discoveries

• ASI has collaborated with the Indian Navy and other government organizations to study and protect underwater heritage.
• Between 2005 and 2007, ASI conducted offshore and onshore excavations in Dwarka.
• These excavations led to the discovery of sculptures and stone anchors during low tide.
• These findings provided the foundation for subsequent underwater excavations.

Preserving India’s Submerged Heritage

• The latest underwater investigations are crucial for ASI’s mission to explore and protect India’s rich underwater heritage.
• The ongoing research in Dwarka could provide significant insights into the historical and cultural importance of submerged structures in the region

8. ‘D’ Voters Issue in Assam Assembly

Sub: Polity

Sec: Citizenship

Context: Highlighting the plight of ‘D’ (doubtful) voters, the Opposition in the Assam Assembly on Wednesday demanded the closure of the State’s sole detention centre

About ‘D’ Voters

• ‘D’ (Doubtful) voters refer to individuals whose citizenship status is under question.
• Introduced in 1997 by the Election Commission of India in Assam to identify individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants.
• ‘D’ voters are barred from voting until their cases are resolved by Foreigners Tribunals.

Key Issues Raised in Assam Assembly

Demand for Closure of Detention Centre

• Opposition MLAs urged the closure of Assam’s only detention centre (now called a transit camp) located in Goalpara district.
• AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam highlighted that lakhs of people were declared ‘D’ voters without proper verification.

Family Disruptions Due to ‘D’ Voter Tag

• Cases where only one member of a family is declared a ‘D’ voter while others remain Indian citizens.
• This has led to distress and hardship among affected families.

Unfulfilled Political Promises

• CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar pointed out that BJP had promised to close the detention centre but failed to do so.
• Demanded the immediate release of Indian citizens and deportation of foreigners.

NRC and Citizenship Verification

• Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi emphasized that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process should have resolved citizenship questions.
• If there were errors in NRC, they should be rectified instead of continuing the ‘D’ voter issue.

Suffering of Indian Citizens

• Congress MLA Nurul Huda raised concerns about the prolonged detention of Indian citizens.
• Questioned why deceased detainees’ bodies were handed over to their relatives in Assam if they were considered foreigners.

Official Data on ‘D’ Voters and Detention

• As per the Assam Chief Minister’s written reply (February 24):
  • Total ‘D’ voters in Assam: 1,18,134
  • Total detainees in transit camp: 258

9. Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Agriculture

Context:

• The Union Cabinet has revised the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) with a total financial outlay of ₹3,880 crore for the years 2024-25 and 2025-26. The initiative aims to control and prevent livestock diseases through immunization and other health measures.

Key Features of LHDCP

• Financial Allocation: ₹3,880 crore for two years (2024-25 and 2025-26).
• New Component: Introduction of the Pashu Aushadhi component with a provision of ₹75 crore.
• Objective: To provide good quality and affordable generic veterinary medicine and an incentive for the sale of medicines.
• Disease Control: Focuses on preventing livestock diseases through immunization and health management strategies.

Rationale and Impact

• Economic Loss Prevention: The productivity of livestock is adversely affected by diseases, leading to economic losses.
• Livestock Productivity Enhancement: By reducing disease burden, the programme will enhance the overall livestock productivity and farmers’ income.
• Strengthening Animal Husbandry Sector: The initiative aligns with government efforts to boost rural livelihoods and food security.

Conclusion

• The revision of LHDCP underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening livestock health through immunization and affordable veterinary medicines. The introduction of the Pashu Aushadhi component is expected to improve accessibility to quality medicines, ensuring better animal healthcare and productivity in India.

10. Centralisation of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Education

Context:

• The Union government revised the EMRS scheme in 2020 to elevate its standards to match Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).
• The centralisation aimed to streamline administration and improve efficiency.
• However, progress on various proposals has been slow.

Challenges in Centralisation

Lack of Authority for NESTS

• NESTS was created to centralise administration but lacks oversight and inspection powers over State societies.
• State societies continue to run the daily operations independently.

Financial Improprieties in State Societies

• Reports of financial mismanagement, including improper expenditure booking and misuse of funds.
• Schools transferring money for uniforms and textbooks to parents’ accounts instead of directly purchasing them.

Challenges in Staff Recruitment at NESTS

• Sanctioned strength: 28 permanent and 6 temporary staff (mostly retired government officials).
• Job notices receive few applications due to low pay and lack of promotion opportunities.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

Introduction:
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are government-funded institutions aimed at providing quality education to tribal students in India. The scheme was launched in 1997-98 and revamped in 2020 to improve infrastructure and administration.

Objectives:

• Provide free, quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children.
• Ensure holistic development, including academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.
• Bridge the educational gap between tribal and non-tribal students.

Key Features:

• Residential schools for Grades 6 to 12.
• Schools set up in tribal-dominated blocks with at least 50% ST population.
• Capacity: Each school caters to 480 students.
• Funding: Fully funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Aim to be on par with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs)

Introduction:
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) are co-educational, fully residential schools established by the Government of India under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). Launched in 1986 under the National Policy on Education (1986), they aim to provide quality education to rural students.

Objectives:

• Provide free, high-quality education to talented rural children.
• Promote national integration through cultural exchange programs.
• Encourage excellence in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.

Key Features:

• Admission through JNVST (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test), conducted for students in Class 6.
• Reservation: 75% of seats for rural students, and special provisions for SC, ST, and girls.
• Curriculum: CBSE-affiliated, with emphasis on science, mathematics, and multilingual education.
• Migration Scheme: Students from Hindi-speaking States are exchanged with non-Hindi-speaking States to promote national unity.
• Infrastructure: Well-equipped campuses with hostels, laboratories, and sports facilities.

11. RBI announces steps to infuse liquidity worth Rs 1.87 lakh cr

Sub : Eco

Sec: Monetary Policy 

Key Announcements:

Open Market Operations (OMO) Purchase:

• RBI to buy government securities worth ₹1 lakh crore.
• Conducted in two tranches of ₹50,000 crore each on March 12 & March 18.

USD/INR Buy-Sell Swap Auction:

• $10 billion swap (Approx. ₹87,000 crore).
• Tenor: 36 months.
• Scheduled for March 24.

Previous Measures:

• January 2025: $5 billion dollar-rupee swap.
• February 2025: Another $10 billion dollar-rupee swap.

Objective & Impact:

• Address liquidity crunch before FY25 ends.
• Support banks in meeting financial targets.
• Ensure durable liquidity for the banking system.
• Stabilize the rupee and boost forex reserves.

Monetary Policy Context:

• RBI recently cut repo rate by 25 bps.

Significance:

• Helps banking stability.
• Affects currency value & forex reserves.
• Supports credit growth & economic stability.

OMO

• Open market operation is the sale and purchase of government securities and treasury bills by RBI without printing new currency.
• Open market operation is a tool that the RBI uses to smoothen liquidity conditions through the year and regulate money supply in the economy.
• RBI carries out the OMO through commercial banks and does not directly deal with the public.

12. What the first-ever comprehensive survey of India’s river dolphins revealed

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (March 3) released the results of the first-ever comprehensive population estimation of riverine dolphins – Gangetic and Indus dolphins – done in India.

Details:

The survey was conducted across the Ganga and Brahmaputra River basins between 2021 and 2023. It estimated an average of 6,324 Gangetic dolphins, ranging from 5,977 to 6,688. The survey only found three Indus River dolphins in the Indus basin, all in the Beas River in Punjab.

Key findings of the survey

Key Findings

• Gangetic Dolphins:
  • Ganga River (main stem): 3,275
  • Ganga Tributaries: 2,414
  • Brahmaputra River (main stem): 584
  • Brahmaputra Tributaries: 51
  • Beas River: 3 (Indus River Dolphins)
• State-wise Dolphin Distribution in Ganga Basin:
  • Uttar Pradesh: 2,397 (Highest)
  • Bihar: 2,220
  • West Bengal: 815
  • Jharkhand: 162
  • Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh: 95
  • Punjab: 3

Threats to Dolphins

• Pollution & habitat degradation.
• Riverbed mining & prey depletion.
• Low water depth & climate change.
• Endangered Status: Protected under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Survey Methodology & Challenges

• Dolphins are difficult to count (surface for 1.26 sec, dive for 107 sec).
• Methods Used:
  • Visual Surveys: Double observer, tandem, and single boat methods based on river width & depth.
  • Acoustic Surveys: Hydrophones used to record ‘dolphin clicks’ (echolocation).

Dolphin Hotspots & Coldspots

• Hotspots (High Dolphin Density)
  • Bihar: 1.62 dolphins/km (Deep River confluences: Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Son).
  • Chausa-Manihar Stretch (Bihar, 590 km): 2.20 dolphins/km.
  • Manihari (Bihar) – Rajmahal (Jharkhand): 2.75 dolphins/km.
• Coldspots (Low Dolphin Presence)
  • Ganga: Narora-Kanpur (366 km) – 0.1 dolphins/km.
  • Other Rivers: Yamuna (Kaushambi-Chitrakoot), Sharda (Pilibhit), Rapti (Balrampur-Siddharth Nagar).

Indus Dolphin

• Scientific Name: Platanista minor.
• Habitat: Indus river dolphins are one of only four river dolphin species and subspecies in the world that spend all of their lives in freshwater.
• Distribution: The Indus River dolphin is the second most endangered freshwater river dolphin. At present, there are only around 1,800 of these in the Indus in Pakistan. Their population in the Beas River is between eight to 10.
• IUCN status: Endangered.

Characteristics:

• Indus Dolphins are brown/grey in colour.
• They are functionally blind and rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and hunt prey including prawns, catfish and carp.
• They live for at least for 30 years and grow over 2 metres in length.

Gangetic Dolphins

• Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica
• The Ganges River Dolphin was officially discovered in 1801.
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Ganges river dolphins live in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu River systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• The Ganges River dolphin can only live in freshwater and is essentially blind.
• They hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds, which bounces off of fish and other prey, enabling them to “see” an image in their mind. They are also called ‘susu’.
• It is a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem.
• It was recognised as the National Aquatic Animal in 2009, by the Government of India.

13. PM Modi chairs first wildlife board meeting in 10 yrs

Sub: Env

Sec:  Env law and Institution

Context: Recently PM Modi chaired National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).

In 10 years of his tenure as the chairman of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened its first meeting on Monday.

Key initiative

• Foundation stone laying of a National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh
• Announcement of the 16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation to be conducted in 2025
• Establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Human-Animal Conflict at SACON, Coimbatore
• Allocation of over Rs. 2,900 crores for lion conservation over the next decade.

History of NBWL

• NBWL was constituted in 2003 and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee chaired its first meeting on October 15, 2023.  After Manmohan Singh became the Prime Minister in 2004, he chaired five meetings of the wildlife board till 2012.
• In the absence of NBWL meetings, the standing committee of the board headed by the Union Environment Minister takes the decision on project clearances and advises the government.
• According to the Centre’s data, since 2019, the standing committee has cleared more than 815 projects inside forests and over a lakh hectare of forestland was diverted for the non-forest use.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):

• The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is constituted by the Central Government under Section 5 A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).
• It replaced the Indian Board for Wildlife, which was formed in 1952.
• It is a 47-member committee, headed by the Prime Minister.
• The National Board may, at its discretion, constitute a Standing Committeewhich consist of the Vice-Chairperson (Union Minister in charge of Forests and Wildlife) the Member Secretary (Additional Director General of Forests (WL) & Director, Wildlife Preservation) and not more than ten members to be nominated by the Vice-Chairperson from amongst the members of the National Board.
• It also includes 3 parliament members (two from Lok Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha), 5 NGOs, 10 eminent conservationists, ecologists and environmentalists, government secretaries of various departments, Chief of army staff, Director General of forests, tourism etc.
• The board is advisory in nature and advises the GOI in conservation and development of wildlife and forests.
• As per the WLPA, every time a new government is formed, a new NBWL has to be constituted with the Prime Minister as the chairperson.
• The WLPA mandates that without the approval/recommendation of the NBWL, construction of tourist lodges, alteration of the boundaries of Protected Areas, destruction or diversion of wildlife habitat and de-notification of Tiger Reserves, cannot be done.