Daily Prelims Notes 1 February 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

1 February 2025

1. Impact of Warmer-than-Normal February on Wheat, Fruits, and Vegetables: IMD Report

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climatology

Why in News

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that February 2025 will be warmer than normal in northern India, accompanied by below-normal rainfall. This climatic trend is expected to negatively impact standing crops, including wheat, mustard, chickpea, and horticultural produce such as apples and stone fruits.

IMD’s Weather Forecast for February 2025:

• Northern India is expected to experience above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall.
• Night temperatures across most parts of the country will be above normal, except in northwest India and the southern peninsula, where they will be near normal.
• Day temperatures will be normal to above normal across most regions, except in parts of west-central and southern peninsular India, where below-normal maximum temperatures are likely.

Impact on Agriculture:

• Wheat, India’s primary rabi crop, is harvested between February and April.
• Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, the major wheat-producing states, are expected to face significant yield loss due to high temperatures during the flowering and grain-filling stages.
• Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh may be less affected due to a higher probability of rainfall and, consequently, lower temperatures.
• Mustard and chickpea crops may mature earlier than usual, potentially affecting yield quantity and quality.
• Warmer temperatures may cause premature bud break and early flowering in apples and other temperate stone fruits, leading to poor fruit setting and quality.
• The overall yield of horticultural crops is likely to decline due to these climatic anomalies.

Weak La Niña Conditions:

• The equatorial Pacific Ocean is currently experiencing weak La Niña conditions.
• Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are below normal in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
• These factors may influence regional weather patterns, contributing to warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall in India.
• What is La Niña: La Niña is a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a climate phenomenon that involves variations in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
• It can influence weather patterns globally, affecting rainfall, temperatures, and storm systems.
• In La Niña, the trade winds (winds blowing from east to west across the Pacific) are stronger than usual, pushing warm surface waters to the western Pacific.
• This allows cooler waters from below the surface to upwell along the eastern Pacific, leading to lower-than-normal sea surface temperatures in this region.
• In India, El Niño is associated with decreased rainfall and higher temperatures, while La Niña is associated with increased rainfall and hence lower temperatures.

About Wheat:

• Thrives in cool and dry climates; optimal temperature range is 10°C to 25°C.
• Prefers well-drained loamy or clayey soils with moderate water retention.
• Sown during the Rabi season (October to December) and harvested between February and April.
• Major Producing States: Uttar Pradesh > Punjab> Haryana
• India is the second-largest wheat producer globally.

Mustard:

• Requires cool temperatures during the growing period and warm temperatures during maturity; optimal range is 10°C to 25°C.
• Grows well in well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils with good fertility.
• Sown in the Rabi season (October to November) and harvested from February to April.
• Major Producing States: Rajasthan > Uttar Pradesh > Haryana
• Mustard seeds are a primary source of edible oil in India.

Chickpea:

• Prefers semi-arid conditions with mild winters; optimal temperature range is 10°C to 25°C.
• Best suited for well-drained loamy soils with moderate fertility.
• Sown in the Rabi season (October to November) and harvested from February to April.
• Major Producing States: Madhya Pradesh > Maharashtra > Rajasthan
• India is the largest producer and consumer of chickpeas globally.
• Chickpeas are a vital source of protein in the Indian diet.

Apple:

• Requires a temperate climate with cold winters; optimal temperature range is 21°C to 24°C during the growing season.
• Prefers well-drained loamy soils rich in organic matter.
• Flowering occurs in spring, with harvesting from July to October, depending on the variety and region.
• Major Producing States: Jammu and Kashmir > Himachal Pradesh > Uttarakhand
• Apples are a significant horticultural crop in India, contributing to the economy of hilly regions.

Stone Fruits:

• Stone fruits, also known as drupes, are fruits with a large, hard seed (stone) inside. Common examples include peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, and nectarines.
• Generally, require temperate climates with cold winters and warm summers; specific temperature requirements vary by fruit type.
• Prefer well-drained loamy soils with good fertility.
• Stone fruits are valued for their flavour and nutritional content, including vitamins and minerals.

2. Centre clears way for faster sanctioning of homes for tribes

Sub :Schemes

Sec: Vulnerable section

Context:-The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has now cleared the way for speedier sanctioning of homes for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups across India under its PM-JANMAN package, after it was flagged that maintaining data sanctity through the PM-GatiShakti portal was taking too much time, resulting in line ministries not being able to sanction the projects in time.

Resolution and Revised Process

• The Tribal Affairs Ministry communicated with the Rural Development Ministry and State/UT governments about the issue.
• It clarified that housing units could also be sanctioned via the PM-AWAS portal, bypassing some delays while still updating data on the PM-GatiShakti portal.

About PM-JANMAN Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) is a comprehensive initiative launched by the Government of India on November 15, 2023, during Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. The mission focuses on the holistic development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

• Key Objectives:
  • Infrastructure Development: Ensuring the provision of pucca houses, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and reliable road and telecom connectivity to PVTG habitations.
  • Social Welfare: Enhancing access to education, healthcare, and nutrition services for PVTG communities.
  • Economic Empowerment: Promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities tailored to the unique needs of PVTG households.
• Implementation Strategy:
  • PM-JANMAN adopts an inter-ministerial convergence approach, involving nine central ministries to address 11 critical interventions.
  • The mission aligns existing schemes with the specific requirements of PVTGs, modifying guidelines where necessary to ensure effective delivery.
  •  A significant portion of the mission’s budget is allocated to housing and road construction, reflecting its emphasis on infrastructure development

Progress and Achievements

• The PM-JANMAN package aims to sanction and build 4.90 lakh PM-AWAS homes for PVTGs.
• As of November 2024, around 3.3 lakh homes were sanctioned.
• Following the new clarification, nearly 1 lakh additional homes were sanctioned, bringing the total to over 4 lakh.
• 80,000 homes have been completed so far.

Other Sanctions Under PM-JANMAN

• Over 190 hostels were sanctioned.
• About 600 mobile medical units were approved.
• More than 850 multipurpose centres have been sanctioned.
• Mobile towers approved in over 2,100 habitations.
• Nearly the same number of Anganwadi Centres cleared for PVTG populations.

3. UIDAI notifies new rules for Aadhaar authentication

Sub :Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Context :-The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Friday (January 31, 2025) outlined a process for private entities to gain access to Aadhaar authentication: namely, the firms will have to refer their use case to a Union or State government Ministry or department, which will then have to refer the proposal to the UIDAI

Amendment Rules, 2025

• The Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025 introduce these changes.
• These amendments modify a framework originally published in 2020.
• The previous language that described the rules’ purpose as being in the “interest of good governance, preventing leakage of public funds” has been removed in the amendment.

Previous Process for Aadhaar Authentication

• As per the earlier rules:
  • The Ministry or Department of the Government of India or the State government had to prepare a proposal.
  • The proposal had to justify the need for Aadhaar authentication for a specific purpose under rule 3.
  • The proposal was then submitted to the Central Government, which made a reference to the UIDAI.

New Process for Private Entities

• Under the amended rules:
  • Any entity other than a Ministry or Department wishing to use Aadhaar authentication must prepare a proposal.
  • The proposal must justify that the authentication is required for a purpose specified in rule 3 and is in the interest of the State.
  • The proposal must be submitted to the concerned Ministry or department of the appropriate government.
  • The Ministry or department will then submit it to the Union Government, which will refer it to the UIDAI.

Potential Use Cases for Private Sector

• It has indicated potential use cases, such as:
  • Hotels implementing a better authentication framework for Aadhaar verification of guests.
  • The healthcare industry utilizing Aadhaar authentication for improved services.

About Aadhaar Act, 2016

The Aadhaar Act,2016, provides a legal framework for the use of Aadhaar numbers to identify individuals for government subsidies and services. It was passed as a Money Bill in Parliament.

Objective of the Aadhaar Act

• To provide targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits, and services to residents of India.
• To eliminate duplicate and fake identities, ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
• To enable digital authentication using biometric and demographic data.

Key Features of the Aadhaar Act

• Establishment of UIDAI
  • The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was given statutory status under this Act.
  • UIDAI is responsible for issuing Aadhaar numbers, maintaining security, and ensuring authentication services.
• Aadhaar Number & Authentication
  • Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number assigned to individuals based on their biometric and demographic data.
  • It is not proof of citizenship, only an identity number.
  • Aadhaar authentication can be performed using:
    • Biometric data (fingerprints, iris scan)
    • Demographic details (name, address, date of birth, etc.)
• Mandatory vs. Voluntary Nature
  • The Supreme Court (2018) ruled that Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory for private services such as banks, telecom, and schools.
  • However, Aadhaar is mandatory for government welfare schemes, PAN card linking, and filing income tax returns (ITR).
• Privacy & Data Protection
  • The Act restricts UIDAI from sharing core biometric information (fingerprints, iris scans).
  • Aadhaar authentication data is stored for six months and cannot be used for surveillance.
• Use of Aadhaar for Subsidies
  • Aadhaar is primarily used for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to prevent leakages in subsidies.
  • Examples: LPG subsidy, MNREGA wages, PDS rations, etc.
• Offenses & Penalties
  • Unauthorized access to Aadhaar data is a punishable offense.
  • Misuse of Aadhaar information can lead to imprisonment and fines.

4. Trump’s freeze on foreign aid sends shockwaves through eastern Europe

Sub : IR

Section : Places in news

Context:

• The Trump administration has abruptly frozen U.S. foreign aid, impacting pro-democracy groups, independent media, civil society initiatives, and local governments in Eastern Europe.
• The U.S. State Department stated that the 90-day freeze is aimed at eliminating waste and blocking programs that contradict U.S. national interests. The move is part of former President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda.

Geopolitical Impact:

• Eastern Europe has long been a geopolitical battleground between Western interests and those of Russia and China.
• The suspension of U.S. aid could weaken Washington’s allies and create a power vacuum that adversaries like Moscow and Beijing might exploit.
• Many countries in the region, such as Moldova, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, rely on U.S. aid to strengthen democratic institutions and economic reforms.

Impact on Moldova:

• Moldova has been significantly affected by the aid freeze, especially in the media sector. Many television networks and media institutions in Moldova receive funding from Russia, and U.S. aid was providing a counterbalance.
• The suspension also affects local municipalities and public institutions, creating financial instability.
• Experts warn that the funding freeze could destabilize Moldova ahead of its pivotal parliamentary elections, potentially increasing Russian influence.
• A shift to an anti-Western government in Moldova could destabilize the broader Eastern European and Black Sea region.

Impact on Kosovo:

• Kosovo heavily depends on international assistance, particularly from the U.S., to sustain development projects and economic stability. The aid freeze is affecting Kosovo’s economic and industrial sectors.
• The freeze coincides with EU sanctions imposed on Kosovo in 2023 due to conflicts with ethnic Serb minorities, worsening the economic strain.

Role of USAID in Eastern Europe:

• Since the 1990s, the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID has invested billions of dollars in former communist countries like Moldova, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with aspirations of joining the European Union.
• The aid has been used to promote democratic institutions, infrastructure development, energy security, and economic growth.
• Many NGOs and independent media platforms in the region have also been supported by USAID funding.

5. 40 million year old Whale fossil stolen in Meghalaya

Sub : History

Sec: Ancient History

Introduction

• A rare fossil, estimated to be 35 to 40 million years old, has been stolen from Tolegre village in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
• The fossil is believed to be from an extinct ancestor of modern whales, such as Rodhocetus or Ambulocetus.

Discovery and Significance

• The fossil was discovered in May 2023 by a team of explorers.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed its authenticity and age.
• The fossil is significant because it provides insights into the evolutionary history of whales and the region’s ancient past.

Fossils

• Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of organisms that lived in the geological past. They provide valuable insights into the history of life on Earth.

Types of Fossils:

• Body fossils: Preserved remains of an organism’s body, such as bones, shells, or leaves.
• Trace fossils: Evidence of an organism’s activity, such as footprints, burrows, or droppings.
• Chemical fossils: Organic compounds produced by living organisms that have been preserved in rocks.

Formation of Fossils:

• Most fossils are formed through a process called permineralization, where minerals dissolved in groundwater fill the pores of bones or other hard tissues.
• Other processes include:
  • Replacement: Minerals replace the original material of the organism.
  • Impression: An imprint of the organism is left in the sediment.
  • Preservation in amber: Insects or other small organisms are trapped in tree resin, which hardens over time.

Importance of Fossils:

• Evolutionary evidence: Fossils provide evidence of the evolution of life forms over time.
• Geological history: Fossils help to determine the age of rocks and understand past environments.
• Paleontology: The study of fossils helps us to reconstruct ancient ecosystems and understand the history of life on Earth.

Additional Points:

• Fossil dating: Methods used to determine the age of fossils, such as radiometric dating and stratigraphy.
• Index fossils: Fossils of organisms that lived for a short period of time and were geographically widespread, used to date rock layers.
• Fossil record: The total collection of fossils discovered, providing a record of life’s history.
• The study of fossils is essential for understanding the interconnectedness of life and the environment throughout Earth’s history.
• Fossils are a valuable resource for education and research, providing insights into the past and informing our understanding of the present.
• Conservation of fossil sites is crucial for preserving our natural heritage and ensuring that future generations can learn from the past.

Whales

Whales are marine mammals belonging to the order Cetacea. They are broadly classified into two suborders:

• Odontocetes (Toothed Whales): These whales possess teeth and include dolphins, porpoises, sperm whales, and killer whales (orcas). They use echolocation for navigation and hunting.
• Mysticetes (Baleen Whales): These whales have baleen plates in their mouths instead of teeth. Baleen plates are used to filter krill and other small organisms from the water. Examples include blue whales, humpback whales, and fin whales.

Key Features of Whales:

• Largest Animals: Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth, both present and extinct.
• Marine Mammals: They breathe air through a blowhole on top of their heads, give birth to live young, and produce milk to feed their offspring.

Threats to Whales:

• Whaling: Commercial whaling has significantly depleted whale populations in the past. Although many species are now protected, illegal whaling still occurs.
• Habitat Loss: Pollution, climate change, and coastal development are impacting whale habitats.
• Entanglement : Whales can get entangled in fishing gear, leading to injuries or death.
• Climate Change: Changes in ocean temperatures and currents can affect prey availability and migration patterns.
• Noise Pollution: Noise from ships and other human activities can interfere with whale communication and navigation.

Conservation Efforts:

• International Whaling Commission (IWC): Established in 1946, the IWC regulates whaling and promotes whale conservation.
• CITES: Many whale species are listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), restricting or banning international trade in whale products.
• Marine Protected Areas: Establishing marine protected areas can help safeguard whale habitats.

6. Centre approves two more Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu

Sub :Env

Sec :Protected Areas

• Two bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district — Sakkarakottai and Therthangal — have been designated as Ramsar sites. With this, the State has 20 Ramsar sites and continues to have the highest number of Ramsar sites in India.
• Uttar Pradesh follows with 10 sites.
• The designation is granted under the Ramsar Convention aimed at protecting and wisely using wetlands through local conservation, national policies, and global cooperation. Wetlands covered under the treaty include inland ecosystems such as marshes, lakes, rivers, and peatlands, as well as coastal habitats such as saltmarshes, mangroves, mudflats, seagrass beds, and even coral reefs.
• Ramanathapuram hosts two other Ramsar sanctuaries: Chitrangudi and Kanjirankulam.
• Another two added are Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim), and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand), bringing our total to 89.
• Tamil Nadu received its first Ramsar designation in 2002 for the Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary. In 2024, the Kazhuveli and Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuaries were also recognised. The Ramsar status enhances conservation efforts, funding, and global recognition, and ensures better protection for these fragile ecosystems.

RAMSAR WETLANDS

• Wetlands of international importance, designated under the Ramsar Convention.
• Vital ecosystems: support biodiversity, provide water, regulate climate, and offer resources.

Ramsar Convention

• Intergovernmental treaty for the “conservation and wise use of wetlands.”
• Signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
• Provides a framework for international cooperation on wetland conservation.

Key Features

• Wise Use: Sustainable utilization of wetlands for human benefit without compromising ecological integrity.
• International Importance: Criteria for designation include supporting vulnerable species, unique ecosystems, and vital ecosystem services.
• Ramsar List:  Includes sites recognized for their ecological, cultural, or economic significance.

India and Ramsar

• As of February 2025, India has 89 Ramsar sites, the highest number in South Asia.
• Diverse ecosystems: include lakes, mangroves, high-altitude wetlands, and human-made wetlands.
• Significance:
  • Biodiversity conservation hotspots.
  • Support livelihoods and cultural values.
  • Crucial for water security and climate change mitigation
  • Echolocation: Toothed whales use echolocation to navigate and find prey in the ocean. They emit clicks and analyze the returning echoes to create a mental picture of their surroundings.
  • Baleen Plates: Baleen whales have baleen plates made of keratin in their mouths. These plates act as filters, allowing them to trap small organisms while expelling water.
  • Migration: Many whale species undertake long migrations between their breeding and feeding grounds.
  • Social Animals: Whales are often social animals, living in groups called pods.

7. Tiger population in India increased by 30% over past two decades: NCBS study

Sub :Env

Sec : Species in news

• A study led by Yadvendradev Jhala and published in Science reveals India’s successful tiger conservation strategy.  Despite high human density, economic challenges, and rapid urbanization, India’s tiger population has increased by 30% in the last two decades.
• This success is attributed to a balance of scientific strategies, land-sharing and land-sparing approaches, and strong legislative support including the Wildlife Protection Act and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
• The tiger is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

• A statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Government of India.
• Established in 2005 based on the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force.
• Formed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006.

Why was it formed?

• To address the alarming decline in tiger populations in India.
• To provide a strong institutional framework for tiger conservation.

What does it do?

• Oversees Project Tiger and manages India’s Tiger Reserves.
• Conducts country-level assessments of tiger populations, their prey, and habitats every four years.
• Provides guidelines and support for tiger conservation efforts.
• Approves tiger conservation plans prepared by state governments.
• Facilitates research and monitoring of tiger populations.
• Addresses human-wildlife conflict in areas surrounding tiger reserves.

Key Functions:

• Policy Formulation: Develops conservation strategies and guidelines.
• Implementation: Ensures effective implementation of conservation plans.
• Monitoring: Tracks tiger populations and habitat health.
• Coordination: Works with state governments and other stakeholders.
• Awareness: Promotes awareness about tiger conservation.

Significance:

• NTCA has played a crucial role in India’s successful tiger conservation story.
• Its efforts have led to a significant increase in tiger numbers in recent years.
• It serves as a model for other countries striving to conserve their tiger populations.

Important Points for UPSC:

• NTCA’s legal basis and its role under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
• The link between NTCA and Project Tiger.
• The challenges faced by NTCA and its strategies to overcome them.
• The importance of community participation in tiger conservation.
• India’s tiger conservation success story and the role of NTCA in it.

Tigers in India

• India’s 2022 tiger census reveals a minimum of 3,167 tigers, representing over 70% of the global wild tiger population. With an estimated average of 3,682 tigers and a 6.1% annual growth rate, India’s tiger conservation efforts, spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and state governments, have been remarkably successful.  The population’s upper limit is estimated at 3,925 tigers.
• CA|TS Accreditation: Six more Indian tiger reserves (Kali, Melghat, Navegaon-Nagzira, Pilibhit, and Periyar) received Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) accreditation, bringing the total to 23.  CA|TS is an international system evaluating tiger reserve management.
• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): Launched by PM Modi in 2023, the IBCA focuses on conserving seven big cats (Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma).  It aims to foster global cooperation among range countries.
• India’s Approach: India’s tiger conservation strategy includes international collaboration, recognizing good management practices (CA|TS), expanding protected areas, and following global standards.  These combined efforts aim to ensure the long-term survival of tigers.
• Madhya Pradesh Leads: Madhya Pradesh has consistently held the highest tiger population in India.
• Five states (MP, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, TN) have 300+ tigers each. Eight states have 200+ tigers. Tiger occupancy declined in the Western Ghats, notably Wayanad and Biligiriranga Hills.

NTCA’s tiger counting uses:

• Camera Traps: Capture tiger images, identify individuals via stripes, estimate population.
• Occupancy Surveys: Confirm tiger presence using pugmarks, scat, etc.
• Habitat Evaluation: Assess prey density and habitat quality.
• M-STrIPES: App for real-time data collection by field staff.
• Statistical Analysis: Models analyze data for population estimates.