• 30 Jun 2025

Salkhan Fossil Park Added to UNESCO Tentative List

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh’s Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. 

Key Points 

• About Salkhan Fossil Park: 
  • Located in Salkhan village in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, the park spans 25 hectares within the scenic Kaimur Range, adjacent to Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary. 
  • Though geological interest in the site dates back to the 1930s, it was officially declared a fossil park in 2002. 
  • Salkhan Fossil Park preserves stromatolites, rare layered sedimentary structures formed by ancient cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). 
    • Cyanobacteria, emerging around 3.5 billion years ago, were likely the first organisms to perform oxygenic photosynthesis, triggering the Great Oxidation Event (~2.4 billion years ago), which enriched Earth's atmosphere with oxygen, enabling complex life. 
  • These photosynthesizing microorganisms belong to the Mesoproterozoic Era (1.6–1.0 billion years ago), making the fossils up to 1.4 billion years old. 
  • Such formations are globally rare, placing Salkhan among the oldest fossil sites in the world, older than Shark Bay (Australia) and Yellowstone (USA). 
• Challenging Scientific Assumptions:  
  • Discoveries at Salkhan have transformed scientific understanding of early life. 
  • Previously, scientists believed life began around 570 million years ago, but the ancient stromatolites here predate that timeline. 
    • A key development in this scientific observation was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between the UP eco-tourism development board and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow. 
  • The fossils provide vital clues into the Earth’s earliest biosphere and the evolution of oceanic ecosystems. 

World Heritage Sites (WHS) 

• WHS are locations recognized for their outstanding universal value to humanity and are inscribed on the World Heritage List for protection and preservation for future generations.  
  • These sites may be cultural, natural, or mixed in nature. WHS are safeguarded under the World Heritage Convention, 1972, an international agreement adopted by UNESCO member countries.   
  • The Convention outlines the responsibilities of State Parties in identifying, protecting, and preserving such sites.   
  • The list of WHS are maintained by the international 'World Heritage Programme', administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.  
  • India ratified the Convention in 1977. 
• As of June 2025, India has 43 World Heritage Sites (34 Cultural, 7 Natural, and 2 Mixed) and 63 sites on the Tentative List. 

Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE)

Why in News? 

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth visited the Defence Materials and Stores Research & Development Establishment (DMSRDE) in Kanpur, a key DRDO laboratory, and appreciated its contributions to indigenous defence technologies, especially in the context of Operation Sindoor.

Key Points 

• Recognition for Indigenous Defence Innovations: 
  • DMSRDE received appreciation for its significant contributions to the development of advanced defence systems and indigenous products. 
  • Key achievements include: 
    • Bullet Proof Jacket (Level-6)-- Lightest bulletproof jacket in the country 
    • Naphthyl Fuel for the BrahMos missile 
    • High-Pressure Polymeric Membranes for Indian Coast Guard ships 
    • Silicon Carbide Fibres 
    • Activated Carbon Fabric-based Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Suits 
    • A range of stealth materials enhancing battlefield survivability 
• Leading in Technology Transfer and Industry Collaboration: 
  • DMSRDE carried out the highest number of technology transfers among all DRDO labs over the past two years. 
  • The lab has intensified its focus on collaboration with industry and academia, aligning with the national vision of achieving a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. 
• Broader Contributions: 
  • Showcased innovations in nano-materials, technical textiles, camouflage systems, coatings, rubbers, and lubricants. 
  • It reinforces DRDO's commitment to developing cutting-edge dual-use technologies. 
• About DRDO:  
  • DRDO was established in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).  
    • DRDO is the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.  
    • It initially had 10 laboratories; it currently operates 41 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs).  
  • Philosophy: The guiding principle of DRDO is "Balasya Mulam Vigyanam" (Strength lies in science), driving the nation in both peace and war.  
  • Mission: Achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems while equipping the Indian armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment, as per the requirements of the three Services.

BrahMos Missile 

• An Indo-Russian joint venture, the BrahMos missile has a range of 290 km and is the world's fastest cruise missile with a top speed of Mach 2.8 (about three times the speed of sound).  
  • It is named after the Brahmaputra River of India and the Moskva River of Russia.  
• It is a two-stage (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second) missile.  
• It is a multiplatform missile which can be launched with great accuracy from land, air and sea having multi-capability capabilities and can operate during day and night despite bad weather.  
• It operates on the "fire and forget" principle i.e., it does not require guidance after launch.

Operation Sindoor 

• About: Operation Sindoor was a coordinated precision strike operation launched by the Indian Armed Forces on 7th May 2025, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.  
  • It was executed through the coordinated efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, conducted from Indian territory.  
  • Unlike past operations with aggressive names meant to project strength, this operation’s name was chosen as a personal tribute to the victims, particularly the widows of the Pahalgam attack.  
• Targets: Under 'Operation Sindoor,' the Indian Armed Forces targeted terror facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and PoJK.  
  • These strikes aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure used for planning attacks against India.

Mahua Tree

Why in News? 

The Mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia), deeply interwoven with the life of tribal communities in Central India, is gaining attention for its socio-economic and ecological significance amid efforts to document traditional knowledge and conserve native flora. 

• It is commonly found in West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, parts of Northern and Central India, and also in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

Key Points

• About Mahua: 
  • Botanical Identity: 
    • The Mahua tree grows as a medium-sized deciduous species, reaching heights of 16–20 metres. 
    • It thrives predominantly in the forested regions of Central India. 
    • The tree blooms between March and April, producing creamy-white flowers that fall before dawn. 
    • Its fruits mature and ripen from June to August, supporting seasonal harvesting. 
  • Cultural and Religious Significance: 
    • Tribal communities revere Mahua as the “Tree of Life”, treating it as sacred. 
    • They use every part of the tree—flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds, and even fruit shells—in daily rituals and significant ceremonies, including funeral rites. 
  • Nutritional and Economic Importance: 
    • Tribals consume Mahua flowers raw or dried, valuing them for their high nutritional content. 
    • These flowers are traditionally fermented into a local alcoholic beverage, which provides a crucial source of livelihood. 
  • Ecological Role in Forest Ecosystems: 
    • Mahua’s night-blooming, fragrant flowers attract bats, promoting pollination and seed dispersal. 
    • Sloth bears and other wildlife feed on its flowers, highlighting its role in the forest food chain. 
  • Support for Tribal Livelihoods and Innovation: 
    • The collection, drying, and processing of Mahua flowers form a major seasonal occupation, especially for tribal women. 
      • This activity ensures food security, income generation, and local employment. 
    • Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED),  in collaboration with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FIIT), has developed the Mahua Nutra Beverage to enhance the commercial value of Mahua products. 
      • This initiative aims to boost tribal income through innovation. 
    • This is India’s first scientific innovation involving Mahua, starting in Jharkhand, and reflects TRIFED’s focus on value addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through technology transfer and innovation. 

Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) 

• TRIFED came into existence in 1987. It is a national-level apex organisation functioning under the administrative control of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. 
• The objective of TRIFED is the socio-economic development of tribal people in the country by way of marketing development of the tribal products such as metal craft, tribal textiles, pottery, tribal paintings and pottery on which the tribals depend heavily for a major portion of their income. 
• TRIFED acts as a facilitator and service provider for tribes to sell their product. 
• The approach by TRIFED aims to empower tribal people with knowledge, tools and a pool of information so that they can undertake their operations in a more systematic and scientific manner. 
• It also involves capacity building of the tribal people through sensitization, formation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and imparting training to them for undertaking a particular activity. 
• TRIFED has its Head Office located in New Delhi and has a network of 15 Regional Offices located at various places in the country. 

Kolhapuri Chappals

Why in News? 

Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has admitted drawing inspiration from traditional Indian handcrafted footwear for its Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 sandals, after facing backlash for not crediting the resemblance to India’s GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals. 

• Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA), in collaboration with artisans, decided to patent Kolhapuri chappals to protect them internationally. 

 

Key Points 

• About Kolhapuri Chappals: 
  • It is handcrafted in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) and nearby districts like Sangli, Satara, and Solapur, dating back to the 12th–13th century, and was originally made for royalty. 
  • It is made using vegetable-tanned leather from cow, buffalo, or goat, and is fully handmade without nails or synthetic components 
  • It is recognised for its T-strap shape, detailed braiding, and open-toe design, mostly in tan or deep brown shades. 
  • It was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2019, covering eight districts in Maharashtra and Karnataka. 
• Other GI Tagged Products of Maharashtra: 
  • Kasti Coriander (2023) 
  • Sangli Raisins (2016) 
  • Mangalwedha Jowar (2016) 

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag  

• About: A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.  
  • The GI tag ensures that only authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.  
    • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.  
  • A registered GI is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.  
  • GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.  
• Legal Framework:  
  • Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999  
  • WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

Bacillus ayatagriensis: New Soil Bacteria Species

Why in News? 

Researchers at Raiganj University in Bengal have discovered a new species of soil bacteria that shows powerful antimicrobial activity and the ability to enhance seed germination, offering promise for sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

Key Points

• About the Bacteria: 
  • Bacillus ayatagriensis – derived from “Aayat” (from Sanskrit Ayata, meaning extended or vast) and “Krishi” (meaning agriculture), symbolizing its potential contribution to sustainable farming. 
  • Researchers isolated the newly discovered bacterium from the rhizosphere of mulberry plants, which play a vital role in the region’s sericulture and farming systems. 
    • The study, focuses on applied microbiology and its impact on sustainable agriculture. 
• Sericulture: 
  • It is the process of farming silkworms to make silk. Silkworms are raised on mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun leaves.  
  • After about a month, they spin cocoons. These cocoons are collected and boiled to soften the silk.  
  • The silk threads are then pulled out, twisted into yarn, and woven into fabric.  
  • This careful process turns small silkworms into shiny silk. 
  • Silk production in India: 
    • India is the second-largest producer and consumer of silk globally. 
    • India's raw silk production increased from 31,906 MT in 2017-18 to 38,913 MT in 2023-24. 
    • The area under mulberry plantations grew from 223,926 ha in 2017-18 to 263,352 ha in 2023-24.