• The criterion followed for the specification of a community, as scheduled tribes are indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the community at large and backwardness.
• This criterion is not spelt out in the Constitution but has become well established.
• It subsumes the definitions contained in the 1931 Census, the reports of the first Backward Classes Commission 1955, the Advisory Committee (Kalelkar), on Revision of SC/ST lists (Lokur Committee), 1965 and the Joint Committee of Parliament on the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Bill 1967 (Chanda Committee), 1969.
• In the exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (1) of Article 342 of the Constitution of India, the President, after Consultation with the State Governments concerned has promulgated so far 9 orders specifying the Scheduled Tribes about the state and union territories.
• Out of these, eight are in operation at present in their original or amended form.
• One order namely the Constitution (Goa, Daman & Diu) Scheduled Tribes order 1968 has become defunct on account of the reorganization of Goa, Daman & Diu in 1987.
• Under the Goa, Daman & Diu Reorganization Act 1987 (18 of 1987) the list of Scheduled Tribes of Goa has been transferred to part XIX of the Schedule to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) order, 1950 and that of Daman & Diu II of the Schedule of the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) (Union Territories) order, 1951.
• No community has been specified as a Scheduled Tribe in the State of Haryana and Punjab and the Union Territories of Chandigarh, Delhi and Puducherry.

5. Declaration as a Scheduled Tribe

• Article 342 provides for the specification of tribes or tribal communities or parts of or groups within tribes or tribal communities which are deemed to be for the constitution of the Scheduled Tribes about that State or Union Territory.
• In pursuance of these provisions, the list of Scheduled Tribes is notified for each State or Union Territory and is valid only within the jurisdiction of that State or Union Territory and not outside.
• The list of Scheduled Tribes is State or UT-specific and a community declared as a Scheduled Tribe in a State need not be so in another State. The inclusion of a community as a Scheduled Tribe is an ongoing process.

The essential characteristics of these communities are:

1. Primitive Traits
2. Geographical isolation
3. Distinct culture
4. Shy of Contact with the community at large
5. Economically backward

6. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups 

• Tribal communities live, in various ecological and geo-climatic conditions ranging from plains and forests to hills and inaccessible areas.
• Tribal groups are at different stages of social, economic and educational development.
• While some tribal communities have adopted a mainstream way of life, at the other end of the spectrum, there are certain Scheduled Tribes, 75 in number known as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), who are characterised by

1. Pre-agriculture level of technology
2. Stagnant or declining population
3. Extremely low literacy
4. Subsistence level of economy

7. Distribution of Tribes 

• The Scheduled Tribes are notified in 30 states and UTs and the number of individual ethnic groups, etc. notified as Scheduled Tribes is 705.
• The tribal population of the country, as per the 2011 census, is 10.43 crores, constituting 8. 6 per cent of the total population. 89.97 per cent of them live in rural areas and 10.03 per cent in urban areas.
• The decadal population growth of the tribal from the Census 2001 to 2011 has been 23. 66 per cent against the 17. 69 of the entire population.
• The sex ratio of the overall population is 940 females per 1000 males and that of Scheduled Tribes is 990 females per thousand males.

 Image Source: Vikaspedia

• Broadly the STs inhabit two distinct geographical areas Central India and the North Eastern Area.
• More than half of the Scheduled Tribe Population is concentrated in Central India i.e., Madhya Pradesh (14.69 per cent), Chhattisgarh (7.5 per cent), Jharkhand (8.29 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (5.7 per cent), Maharashtra (10.08 Per cent), Orissa (9.2 per cent), Gujarat (8.55 per cent) and Rajasthan (8.86 per cent).
• The other distinct area is the North East (Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh).
• More than two-thirds of the ST population is concentrated only in the seven states of the country, viz. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
• There is no ST population in 3 states (Delhi NCR, Punjab and Haryana) and 2 UTs (Puducherry and Chandigarh) as no Scheduled Tribe is notified.

Source: Vikaspeida

RAISINA DIALOGUE 

• The Raisina Dialogue is an annual event focusing on geopolitics and geoeconomics, seeking to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. Held in New Delhi, the conference attracts participants from political, business, media, and civil society spheres.
• Described as a multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral discussion, the Dialogue brings together heads of state, cabinet ministers, and local government officials.
• Additionally, thought leaders from the private sector, media, and academia actively participate in the event. The conference is organized by the Observer Research Foundation, a think tank based in Delhi, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs

3. Theme of this Year (2024)

 

The theme of the 2024 edition is “Chaturanga: Conflict, Contest, Cooperate, Create,”

The participants will engage with each other over six “thematic pillars”. These include: “(i) Tech Frontiers: Regulations & Realities; (ii) Peace with the Planet: Invest & Innovate; (iii) War & Peace: Armouries & Asymmetries; (iv) Decolonising Multilateralism: Institutions & Inclusion; (v) The Post 2030 Agenda: People & Progress; and (vi) Defending Democracy: Society & Sovereignty

 

 

Observer Research Foundation   The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a non-partisan, independent think tank based in India. It was founded in 1990 with the aim of conducting in-depth research, providing inclusive platforms, and investing in tomorrow's thought leaders today ORF's mandate is to help discover and inform India's choices, and to carry Indian voices and ideas to forums shaping global debates. It provides non-partisan, independent analyses and inputs on matters of security, strategy, economy, development, energy, resources and global governance to diverse decision-makers (governments, business communities, academia, civil society). ORF has a team of researchers, analysts, and experts who conduct research on a wide range of issues. It also has a number of centers and programs that focus on specific areas, such as the Centre for Security, Strategy & Technology, the Centre for New Economic Diplomacy, and the Neighbourhood Studies Centre

 

4.Background of Raisina Dialogue

• he Raisina Dialogue, initiated in 2016, is a relatively recent but rapidly established annual conference in the field of international relations. It is organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), a think tank based in New Delhi, India. The conference is held in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
• The Raisina Dialogue has gained prominence as a significant platform for global leaders, policymakers, intellectuals, and experts to engage in discussions on key issues related to geopolitics and geoeconomics.
• It provides a forum for diverse stakeholders, including heads of state, cabinet ministers, local government officials, business leaders, media representatives, and academics, to exchange ideas and perspectives on the pressing challenges facing the world.
• Over the years, the Raisina Dialogue has grown in scale and influence, attracting participants from around the globe.
• Its multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral approach contributes to the richness of the discussions, making it a valuable event for fostering international cooperation and understanding.
• The conference has become an integral part of the global diplomatic calendar, facilitating dialogue and collaboration on a wide range of issues affecting the international community

5.Significance of Raisina Dialogue

 

The Raisina Dialogue holds significant importance in the realm of international relations and diplomacy for several reasons:

• The conference brings together a diverse array of participants, including heads of state, cabinet ministers, government officials, business leaders, academics, and media professionals. This high-level participation enhances the quality and impact of the discussions.
• The Raisina Dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral discussion. This inclusive approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of global challenges, bringing together perspectives from various sectors and fostering a more holistic understanding of complex issues
• With its primary focus on geopolitics and geoeconomics, the Raisina Dialogue addresses critical issues that have a significant impact on the global political and economic landscape. This ensures that the discussions are relevant and contribute to shaping policies and strategies.
• Being hosted in New Delhi, India, the conference provides a platform for discussions that reflect the perspectives of the South Asian region. The geopolitical significance of India adds a unique dimension to the dialogue, making it an important forum for understanding and addressing regional and global challenges
• The Raisina Dialogue serves as a diplomatic platform where leaders and policymakers can engage in candid and open discussions. It provides an opportunity for countries to express their views, build understanding, and explore avenues for cooperation, potentially contributing to conflict resolution and international collaboration
• Organized by the Observer Research Foundation, the conference benefits from the insights and expertise of a leading think tank. This ensures that the discussions are well-informed, research-driven, and contribute to shaping policy discourse
• Over the years, the Raisina Dialogue has gained recognition and increased global influence. Its growing importance is evident from the expanding participation of countries, organizations, and thought leaders, making it a key event in the international diplomatic calendar.

6. Way Forward

More than 2,500 participants from around 115 countries will be joining the conference in person. The Dialogue is expected to be viewed by millions across the world on various digital platforms.

The participants include ministers, former prime ministers and presidents, military commanders, technology leaders, academics, journalists, scholars on strategic affairs, and experts from leading think tanks

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

INDIA'S POWER DEMANDS 

 

1. Context

 

As the fastest-growing major economy in a rapidly heating world, India’s electricity demand is growing fast. Since FY21, India’s electricity consumption has risen at approximately 9% per annum, compared to an average of 5% annually in the preceding decade. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) had projected electricity demand to grow at a 6% CAGR between 2022 and 2030. However, recent trends suggest a strong likelihood of overshooting these estimates

 

2. India's electricity demand

 

• Apart from economic expansion and urbanization, climate change-induced heat stress—characterized by increasingly intense summers—is a major factor driving electricity consumption.
• Presently, industries, households, and agriculture account for 33%, 28%, and 19% of India's total electricity usage, respectively. However, household electricity demand has witnessed the most rapid increase over the past decade.
• The summer of 2024 saw a significant surge of 40-50% in room air conditioner sales, fueled by rising incomes and record-high temperatures. On May 30, 2024, India's peak electricity demand surpassed 250 GW, exceeding projections by 6.3%.
• Looking ahead to 2025, following the warmest February in 125 years, the country must prepare for prolonged heatwaves and an estimated 9-10% rise in peak electricity demand.
• In essence, India's electricity consumption is rising swiftly and becoming increasingly unpredictable

 

3. How has India been meeting its rising demand?

 

• Since the early 2000s, India's power generation capacity has expanded fourfold to reach 460 GW, positioning the country as the third-largest electricity producer in the world.
• As part of its clean energy transition, India's power sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with renewable energy (RE) sources such as solar and wind playing an increasingly prominent role.
• Initially, in 2010, the government set a renewable energy target of 20 GW by 2020, which was later revised in 2014 to 175 GW by 2022. In 2021, this ambition was further elevated, aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity by 2030.
• To address surging electricity demand, the government has consistently implemented both short-term and long-term strategies. For instance, during the 2022 peak, coal supplies to the power sector were increased, and railway transportation for coal was prioritized.
• Additionally, imported coal-based power plants were instructed to operate at full capacity. States that had expanded their solar power infrastructure leveraged excess solar energy to meet daytime peaks, though managing nighttime demand remains a challenge.
• The year 2024 marked a significant milestone, with India adding a record 28 GW of new renewable energy capacity, raising the share of renewables in the electricity mix to 13.5%.
• Meanwhile, coal’s share in installed capacity dropped below 50%, yet it continues to account for 75% of total power generation.
• At present, India’s renewable energy capacity stands at 165 GW, with an additional 32 GW projected to come online in 2025.
• To meet its 2030 target, India will need to accelerate its efforts, adding approximately 50 GW of renewable energy capacity annually over the next five years

 

4. Clean energy ambitions

 

• A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) explores this issue by modeling six possible scenarios for India’s power sector in 2030. The findings indicate that failing to reach the target of 500 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030 could lead to power deficits and higher electricity costs, even if demand grows at a moderate pace.
• For instance, if India achieves only 400 GW instead of the 500 GW target, approximately 0.26% of the total demand would remain unmet. This shortfall, though seemingly minor, could disrupt power supply for around one million households for 2.5 hours each day. Northern states would face the greatest impact due to network limitations.
• If electricity demand grows at a faster rate—6.4% CAGR between 2023 and 2030 instead of 5.8%—even achieving 500 GW of clean energy will not be sufficient, necessitating additional capacity.
• In this scenario, India has two options: either add 6 GW of new coal-based power (beyond the projects already under construction) or expand renewable energy (RE) capacity by an additional 100 GW beyond the planned 500 GW. While the coal-based approach could meet demand, it would put excessive strain on existing coal plants, increasing the risk of outages and higher costs.
• In contrast, the study suggests that expanding renewable energy capacity by 100 GW, distributed across different states, would be a more sustainable and cost-effective solution

• India needs to achieve 600 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030 to keep up with growing demand. Meeting this target will enable the country to provide reliable electricity at lower costs, potentially saving up to ₹42,400 crore ($5 billion) in procurement expenses in 2030 alone.

• Additionally, it would bring significant social and health benefits, including the creation of 1,00,000 new jobs between 2025 and 2030 and a reduction of air pollutant emissions by up to 23% in 2030.

• However, reaching 600 GW would require an ambitious annual addition of 70 GW of renewable energy (RE) capacity until 2030, which presents considerable challenges. Several operational and grid-related issues are already slowing down RE deployment and discouraging distribution companies from increased adoption.

• Key obstacles include delays in acquiring conflict-free land, shortages of transmission equipment, uncertainties surrounding incentives for inter-state RE projects, and the complexities of grid balancing. Given these difficulties, coal power plants might seem like a more feasible option.

• However, this approach would neither be cost-effective nor dependable. Historical data indicates that coal projects take more than seven years to become operational, whereas modular RE plants can be deployed much faster and offer more affordable electricity

 

5. Renewable energy programs

 

Achieving 600 GW of clean energy is both urgent and feasible with the right market incentives. To accelerate the deployment of renewable energy (RE) in India, three key strategies must be implemented.

• Expanding RE Projects Across More States
  Currently, five states account for nearly 75% of India’s total RE capacity due to state-agnostic reverse bidding and the full waiver of inter-state transmission system (ISTS) charges, which have concentrated investments in specific regions, increasing land pressure. The government should collaborate with more states—such as Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, and Kerala—to create a more favorable environment for RE expansion. To encourage a more distributed approach, the ISTS waiver should not be extended beyond June 2025, except for storage-based projects. This would also promote smaller-scale RE plants under initiatives like PM-KUSUM and the PM Surya Ghar Scheme.
• Promoting Co-location of Wind, Solar, and Energy Storage
  Both central and state governments should encourage integrating wind and energy storage systems with existing and upcoming solar projects. This would optimize land use, enhance transmission network efficiency, and improve grid stability for renewable integration. According to a study by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), integrating 600 GW of RE by 2030 will require 280 GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 100 GWh of pumped hydro storage. Priority should be given to BESS, as it can be deployed within six months and is rapidly becoming cost-effective.
• Reforming Bidding and Contracting for Faster RE Procurement
  Innovations in bidding processes and contract structures are essential to boost RE procurement and ensure its availability in power markets. Several large-scale solar and hybrid RE tenders issued in FY24, particularly by intermediaries like the Solar Energy Corporation of India, failed to attract interest from states. The central government should collaborate with states to stimulate RE demand, refine tender mechanisms, and address bottlenecks proactively. Beyond bilateral procurement, efforts should focus on increasing RE participation in power exchanges. One potential solution is establishing a Contract-for-Difference pool to mitigate risks associated with merchant RE capacities

 

6. Way Forward

 

Over the past decade, India has made remarkable progress in its renewable energy journey. With determined efforts, it could achieve what once seemed impossible—doubling the share of clean energy in its generation mix from 25% to 50% by 2030

 

 

 

For Prelims: Electricity, Ministry of Power, solar energy,  For Mains:  1. Discuss the Reasons for the Power demand surge in India and its impact on climate change. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Consider the following statements: ( UPSC 2016) The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 1. Answer: (a) 2. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: [UPSC 2018] India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Bothe 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 2. Answer: (d)  India does not produce a single silicon chip for solar energy. Every solar panel manufactured in India is assembled, with all materials sourced from other nations. India has not yet established semiconductor clusters. India is to invest $480 million in its first solar silicon cell production facility, which will feed a project to construct the world's largest solar power plant. The tariffs of producing businesses owned or controlled by the Central Government are regulated by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. A power trading license has been granted to Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI). For Mains 1. India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (UPSC 2020)

Source: The Hindu

 

UNIYALA KERALENSIS 

 

 

1. Context

 

A dense shrub with light purple flowers found in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district has been confirmed as a distinct species of the genus Uniyala. The botanically significant development is also interesting in that a specimen of this plant was first collected by researchers 27 years ago

 

2. Uniyala keralensis 

 

• Uniyala keralensis is a newly identified shrub species from Kerala, India, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It grows between 1 to 3 meters in height and features light purple florets.
• This species is closely related to Uniyala comorinensis and Uniyala salviifolia but is distinguished by its consistently shrubby form, larger lanceolate leaves with serrulate margins, longer petioles, fewer lateral veins with distinct secondary and tertiary veins on the underside, many-flowered capitula with longer and narrowly lanceolate-falcate outer phyllaries and oblanceolate inner phyllaries, and smaller 3-4-ribbed achenes with sparse hairs near the apex.
• Flowering and fruiting occur from August to April. It is found in the western slopes of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve at altitudes of 700-1,400 meters.
• The population consists of around 5,000 plants in four subpopulations over 250 square kilometers. It is classified as Data Deficient under IUCN Red List Criteria (2024)

 

2. IUCN Red List Criteria

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is a comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biological species. It uses a set of quantitative criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of species and categorize them into different threat levels. These criteria are designed to be applicable to all species (except microorganisms) across all regions of the world.

The IUCN Red List criteria are based on factors such as population size, rate of decline, geographic range, and fragmentation of populations. 

Based on the above criteria, species are classified into the following categories:

• Extinct (EX): No remaining individuals exist.

• Extinct in the Wild (EW): Survives only in captivity or cultivation.

• Critically Endangered (CR): Extremely high risk of extinction.

• Endangered (EN): Very high risk of extinction.

• Vulnerable (VU): High risk of extinction.

• Near Threatened (NT): Close to qualifying for a threatened category.

• Least Concern (LC): Widespread and abundant.

• Data Deficient (DD): Insufficient data to assess risk.

• Not Evaluated (NE): Not yet assessed

 

3. Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR)

 

 

The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve located in the Western Ghats, one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. It spans the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in southern India. The reserve is named after the Agastya Mala peak, a prominent mountain in the region that is revered in Hindu mythology and associated with the sage Agastya

 

Biodiversity:

• Flora: The reserve is home to a wide variety of plant species, including many endemic and medicinal plants. It is part of one of the world's richest centers of plant diversity.

• Fauna: The region supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, Nilgiri tahrs, and lion-tailed macaques. It is also a haven for birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

• Endemism: The Western Ghats, including ABR, is known for its high level of endemic species (species found nowhere else in the world)

UNESCO Recognition:

• Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2001.

• Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2016

Biodiversity Hotspot:

• The Western Ghats, including ABR, is one of the eight hottest hotspots of biodiversity in the world.

• The reserve plays a critical role in conserving the unique flora and fauna of the region

 

 

For Prelims: UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ)   For Mains:  Discuss the ecological significance of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) in India's environmental conservation strategy. (250 words) Examine the role of indigenous communities like the Kani tribe in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in ABR. (250 words) What are the major challenges in conserving the biodiversity of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve? Suggest measures to address these challenges. (250 words)

 

 

Source: The Hindu

 

MADHAV NATIONAL PARK (TIGER RESERVE)

 

 

 

1. Context

 

On March 9, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that the Centre had declared the Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh as the country’s 58th tiger reserve. This is the ninth tiger reserve in the State, the highest among the States. Maharashtra has six; Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have five each.

 

2. Reasons for setting up of national tiger reserve

 

• Throughout history, tigers were widespread across India; however, their population began to decline sharply in the early 20th century due to rampant hunting, poaching, and the large-scale exploitation of forests for timber, particularly during the colonial era.
• Estimates from 1964 suggest that around 40,000 tigers may have existed in India at the beginning of the 20th century.
• By the 1960s, their numbers had plummeted to between 2,000 and 4,000, primarily due to indiscriminate hunting, the widespread issuance of gun licenses after 1947, increased accessibility to forests, extensive deforestation for various purposes, and the rise of commercial enterprises such as “Shikar Companies” and the fur trade.
• Concerned about the alarming decline, naturalists raised the issue, prompting the Indian Board for Wild Life (IBWL), the predecessor of the National Board for Wild Life, to recommend a complete ban on the export of wild cat skins, including those of tigers, during a meeting in New Delhi in July 1969.
• That same year, the 10th Assembly of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), held in Delhi, classified the tiger as an endangered species in its "Red Data Book" and passed a resolution advocating for a ban on tiger hunting.
• As tiger numbers dwindled further, reaching approximately 1,863, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed an 11-member Task Force to investigate the issue and develop a strategy for tiger conservation in India.
• In August 1972, the Task Force proposed designating eight tiger habitats across the country under a new initiative, later named Project Tiger.
• Officially launched on April 1, 1973, at Corbett Tiger Reserve, Project Tiger initially included nine reserves: Corbett (formerly in Uttar Pradesh, now in Uttarakhand), Palamau (formerly in Bihar, now in Jharkhand), Simlipal (Odisha), Sundarbans (West Bengal), Manas (Assam), Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Kanha (Madhya Pradesh), Melghat (Maharashtra), and Bandipur (Karnataka). These reserves were selected to represent the diverse tiger habitats across India.

 

3. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

 

Since 2006, Project Tiger has been replaced by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which mandates that each tiger reserve be managed according to a site-specific management plan. Project Tiger played a crucial role in establishing a structured approach to the scientific management of protected areas in India. It introduced key concepts such as the designation of core and buffer zones, implementation of protective measures, habitat enhancement, systematic field data collection on changes in flora and fauna, wildlife population estimation, and other essential conservation aspects.

The guidelines also introduced Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs) to ensure:

• Protection and targeted habitat management for sustaining viable populations of tigers, their prey, and co-predators.
• Ecologically sustainable land use within tiger reserves and the surrounding areas, particularly those connecting different protected zones, while considering the livelihood needs of local communities.

Recognizing the challenges posed by small reserves surrounded by human settlements, the NTCA guidelines focus on establishing source populations within reserves while maintaining corridors that connect these habitats to others. Source areas are those where tiger populations are growing, whereas sink areas experience declining numbers and require periodic reintroduction of individuals to maintain a stable population.

The process of designating a tiger reserve begins when the State Government submits a proposal to the Central Government. Upon evaluation, the NTCA reviews and recommends the proposal to the State, which then officially notifies the area as a tiger reserve

Funding of Tiger reserve   As per Project Tiger guidelines, the Central Government provides 60% of the funding for conservation efforts, while the remaining 40% is covered by the respective State Government. However, for Northeastern and Himalayan states, the Centre funds 90% of the expenses. These conservation efforts include anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, water resource development, and mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts. Additionally, the guidelines emphasize creating inviolate spaces for tigers and relocating villages from critical tiger habitats by offering improved rehabilitation packages. Furthermore, the initiative assists states in resolving the rights of displaced communities, rehabilitating traditional hunting tribes residing in and around tiger reserves, and conducting independent assessments to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of tiger conservation programs

 

4. The significance of Madhav National Park important

• Covering an estimated 165.32 sq km, Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh was initially designated as a National Park in 1956 under the MP National Parks Act, 1955. Today, the Madhav National Park and Tiger Reserve has expanded to a core area of 355 sq km, with a buffer zone of 4-6 sq km. The park did not have a resident tiger population until 2023, when a male tiger and two females were relocated. Since then, the population has grown to seven tigers.
• Importantly, the Madhav Tiger Reserve serves as a key corridor connecting to the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. It is also linked to Kuno National Park, which currently houses a population of captive cheetahs. Experts suggest that competition for prey species, such as deer, could lead to intricate ecological interactions between these predators.
• Madhya Pradesh is home to several renowned tiger reserves, including Kanha, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, and currently has the highest tiger population in India (785 tigers) due to effective conservation measures. However, the Kuno-Madhav forest division in the northern part of the state has historically received less attention.
• With Kuno gaining prominence as a cheetah reserve, a more integrated management approach is anticipated to oversee both cheetah and tiger populations, enhancing the region’s long-term wildlife conservation efforts.
• Additionally, there are ongoing plans to relocate Asiatic lions from Gir (Gujarat) to Kuno National Park, following Supreme Court approval. However, in March 2023, the government informed the Court that the coexistence of lions and cheetahs in Kuno could lead to territorial conflicts and requested additional time to reassess the relocation.
• If lions are introduced, it could attract greater funding from both national and international conservation bodies, further boosting the park’s wildlife conservation initiatives

 

 

For Prelims: National Tiger Conservation Authority, Dandeli Wildlife Reserve, Western Ghats, Kali River, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Project Tiger, Karnataka Tourism Policy, flora, fauna For Mains:  1. Discuss the challenges and potential solutions for balancing tourism development with wildlife conservation in protected areas. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. The term ‘M-STRIPES’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC 2017) (a) Captive breeding of Wild Fauna (b) Maintenance of Tiger Reserves (c) Indigenous Satellite Navigation System (d) Security of National Highways   2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014) 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservation Authority is a statutory body. 3. National Ganga River Basin Authority is chaired by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 2 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3   3. Which one of the following is the well-publicized wildlife campaign in the world launched in 1973? (BPSC 2023)  A. Sunderbans B. Project Project C. Tiger Lion Project D. More than one of the above E. None of the above   4. Which one of the following tiger reserves of India has ‘Bhoorsingh the Barasingha’ as its official mascot? (UPSC CAPF 2017) A. Nameri tiger reserve B. Ranthambhore tiger reserve C. Panna tiger reserve D. Kanha tiger reserve   5. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?(UPSC CSE 2017) (a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (b) Nallamala Forest (c) Nagarhole National Park (d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve   6. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which of the following states? (SSC CHSL2021) A. Kerala          B. Karnataka          C. Jharkhand        D. Sikkim     7. Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? (upsc 2020) Nagarhole National Park Papikonda National Park Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only      (b) 3 and 4 only           (c) 1, 3 and 4 only           (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4   8. According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which of the following animals cannot be hunted by any person except under some provisions provided by law? (UPSC 2017)  1. Gharial 2. Indian wild ass 3. Wild buffalo Select the correct answer using the code given below:  A. 1 only        B. 2 and 3 only          C. 1 and 3 only          D. 1, 2 and 3     9. With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022) 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A.1 and 2      B. 2 only         C.1 and 3           D.  3 only     10. In the field of tourism, which one of the following Indian States is described as 'One State Many Worlds'? (CDS GK 2020)  A. Assam         B. West Bengal        C. Karnataka       D. Rajasthan   Answers: 1-B, 2-B, 3-B, 4-D, 5-A, 6-B, 7-C, 8-D, 9-A, 10-C

 

Source: The Hindu