• 21 May 2025

Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR)

Why in News? 

Chhattisgarh’s Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR) has recorded a remarkable resurgence in wildlife activity, highlighting the reserve’s transformation into a thriving ecological sanctuary. 

 Key Points 

•  Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR): 
  • About: 
    • It is located in the Gariaband and Dhamtari districts of Chhattisgarh. It was formed by combining the Udanti and Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuaries. 
    • It is the source of three major rivers—Mahanadi, Sitanadi, and Udanti—which sustain both Chhattisgarh and Odisha. 
    • The reserve’s dense forests act like natural sponges, storing rainwater and supporting biodiversity as well as agriculture. 
  • Ecological Diversity: 
    • It contains various types of forest crops mixed with Sal forest. 
    • The Asiatic Wild Buffalo is a key endangered species found in the reserve.  
    • Apart from the tiger, other endangered and rare species include the Indian Wolf, Leopard, Sloth Bear, and Mouse Deer. 
  • Strategic Wildlife Corridor: 
    • USTR functions as a key tiger corridor, connecting Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli forests and Chhattisgarh’s Indravati Tiger Reserve with Odisha’s Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary. 
    • This linkage supports genetic diversity and long-range animal movement across state borders. 
• Protection Measures by the State Government: 
  • Community-Centric Conservation Model: 
    • Local communities are playing a crucial role through participatory initiatives such as Charwaha Sammelans and the recognition of Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights. 
    • These measures have fostered trust, leading to active local involvement in curbing poaching, illegal logging, and forest fires. 
  • Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: 
    • The ‘Elephant Alert App’ has become an effective tool for early warning and tracking elephant movement, thereby reducing human-wildlife conflict. 

 Note: In 2022, Chhattisgarh became the second state after Odisha to have recognised CFR rights inside a national park i.e., Kanger Ghati National Park. 

  

Indravati National Park  

• About:   
  • It is situated in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.  
  • It was established in 1981 and declared a tiger reserve in 1983 under India’s Project Tiger.  
  • It is named after the Indravati River, which flows from east to west and forms the reserve's northern boundary with Maharashtra.  
• Vegetation:  
  • Comprises three major forest types:  
    • Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest with Teak 
    • Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest without Teak 
    • Southern Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest.  
• Flora:  
  • Common tree species include teak, achar, karra, kullu, shisham, semal, haldu, arjun, bel, and jamun.  
• Fauna:  
  • Hosts one of the last populations of rare wild buffalo.  
  • Other species include Nilgai, Black Buck, Sambar, Gaur, Tiger, Leopard, Chital, Sloth Bears, etc. 

 Community Forest Resource (CFR) 

• About CFR:  
  • CFR area is common forest land that has been traditionally protected and conserved for sustainable use by a particular community. 
  • The community uses it to access resources available within the traditional and customary boundary of the village and for seasonal use of landscape in the case of pastoralist communities. 
  • Each CFR area has a customary boundary with identifiable landmarks recognised by the community and its neighbouring villages. 
• Community Forest Resource (CFR) Rights: 
  • CFR rights under Section 3(1)(i) of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (commonly referred to as the Forest Rights Act) provides for recognition of the right to “protect, regenerate or conserve or manage” the community forest resource. 

UP Sets Two World Records in Infrastructure Development

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has set two world records in road construction within just 24 hours by constructing a 10-kilometre crash barrier and laying 34.24 lane kilometres of bituminous concrete road.  

• These records were officially recognized by the Golden Book of World Records, Asia Book of Records, and Indian Book of Records. 

Key Points 

Location of the Road Construction 

• The construction work was carried out on the Ganga Motorway Project between Hardoi and Unnao districts. This motorway is part of India’s longest state-owned expressway. 

Golden Book of World Records 

• The Golden Book of World Records (GBWR) is a global platform that helps people showcase their talents by setting or breaking records.  
• It offers a simple online process, supports Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, and updates records daily for easy access and recognition. 

Asia Book of Records 

• Asia Book of Records, headquartered in India and Vietnam, operates under the World Records Union and collaborates with several national record books across Asia and beyond.  
• It was founded in 2008 to recognize unique talents and unrecognized sports across Asia, creating a platform where national record holders can compete for continental recognition.  
• With a database of over 40,000 records, it publishes an annual edition in partnership with WorldKing, distributed globally. 

Indian Book of Records 

• India Book of Records, the leading authority on Indian records since 2006, focuses on pushing human limits for individual and collective growth.  
• It has been published every year for 19 years and is the only record book to do so, with editors from different countries. 

Campaign to Eradicate Child Labour by 2027

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a comprehensive state-wide campaign to eradicate child labour by 2027. 

 Key Points 

Campaign to Eliminate Child Labour  

• The campaign aims to raise awareness, provide education, and support rehabilitation so that every child can access opportunities for growth and learning. 
• The government will organise special awareness programs on 12th June 2025, aligning with the World Day Against Child Labour, to intensify public engagement. 

 Uttar Pradesh’s Efforts in Bonded Labour Eradication and Child Rehabilitation 

• The government has taken a firm stand against bonded labour, rehabilitating 1,408 individuals between 2018–19 and 2024–25. 
  • These individuals have received Rs 18.17 crore in financial aid, helping them rebuild independent and dignified lives. 
• Between 2017–18 and 2024–25, the UP government has rehabilitated 12,426 children, helping them to continue their education. 
• The state has provided economic assistance to 1,089 families, ensuring they do not depend on child labour for income. 
• Under the Bal Shramik Vidya Yojana, the government has enrolled 2,000 working children in schools. 
  • The UP government launched this state-level initiative in 2020 to combat child labour through a targeted, structured approach. 
  • The scheme seeks to reintegrate child labourers into the formal education system, ensuring their right to learning and a dignified future. 

 World Day Against Child Labour 

• About: 
  • The World Day Against Child Labour is observed annually on 12th June. 
  • The day aims to draw global attention to the scale of child labour and the urgent actions needed to eliminate it. 
• Global Collaboration:  
  • The day serves as a platform to unite governments, employers' and workers' organisations, civil society groups, and citizens from across the world. 
  • It focuses on highlighting the challenges faced by child labourers and identifying practical solutions to end their exploitation. 
• Child Labour Eradication and the SDG Framework: 
  • The elimination of child labour is a key objective under the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7. 
  • SDG 8.7 calls for immediate and effective measures to: 
    • Eradicate forced labour 
    • End modern slavery and human trafficking 
    • Prohibit and eliminate the worst forms of child labour, including the recruitment and use of child soldiers 

 Bonded Labour 

• Bonded labour, defined by the National Human Rights Commission of India, is a form of slavery called debt bondage that has persisted for centuries. 
• It is considered the most severe form of modern slavery, where workers are forced to work for long periods with little pay. This can include being coerced to work without pay for a specific period by an employer as a way to settle a debt. 

 Constitutional Provisions Related to Child Labour 

• Article 23: It prohibits trafficking in human beings and forced labour, ensuring protection against exploitation and degrading work conditions. 
• Article 24: States that a child under 14 years cannot be employed to perform any hazardous work. 
• Article 39: Outlines principles that the State should follow, including ensuring equal rights to livelihood for men and women, equal pay for equal work, protection of workers' health and children's well-being, and opportunities for children to develop in a healthy and dignified manner. 

Infrastructure Development for Tourism

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government will spend ₹4,560 crore in 2025–26 to upgrade roads connecting important religious and historical sites.  

• The plan covers 272 projects aimed at boosting religious tourism, improving infrastructure, and making travel easier for devotees. 

Key Points 

• About the Project: 
  • Major focus areas include: Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Naimisharanya, and Mirzapur. 
    • These places are of significant religious, cultural, and mythological importance. 
  • Roads selected typically witness an average footfall of 5 lakh devotees per year. 
  • Execution will be managed jointly by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Religious Works Department. 
  • The Principal Secretary of Religious Works Department has approved the road strengthening efforts. 
  • Land Acquisition Considerations: Priority is given to routes that require minimal land acquisition to ensure fast-tracked implementation. 
  • Key Project Features: 
    • Road widening and strengthening 
    • Surface repairs and lane markings 
    • Pedestrian sidewalks and carriageway upgrades 
    • Beautification and expansion 
    • Traffic management enhancements 
    • Improved road safety standards 
  • Significance: 
    • Reduced travel time and enhanced safety for pilgrims. 
    • Smoother, more organized journeys for tourists and devotees. 
    • Boost in religious tourism and local economic development. 

 

Tourist Places of Varanasi 

• Sarnath: Located 10 km northeast of Varanasi near the confluence of the Ganges and Varuna rivers, Sarnath is a significant Buddhist site where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. 
• Ganga Ghat: The ghats of Varanasi are iconic riverfront steps on the banks of the Ganges. The city has 88 ghats, most of which are used for bathing and religious rituals. 
• Shree Kashi Vishvanath Temple: One of India’s most revered temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a major spiritual center and an important pilgrimage site. 
• BHU (Banaras Hindu University): Situated in the historic city of Varanasi, also known as Kashi or the City of Lights, BHU is a landmark educational and spiritual hub surrounded by many important religious places. 

Mathura & Vrindavan Region 

• Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi (Mathura): The sacred site marks the birthplace of Lord Krishna, believed to be where he manifested in a prison cell. 
• Shri Dwarkadhish Temple (Mathura): One of the oldest and largest temples in Mathura, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his Dwarkadhish (King of Dwarka) form. 
• Raman Reti, Gokul: Situated near Mathura, Raman Reti (or Raman Van) is believed to be the sacred land where young Krishna played in the sands. 
• Shri Banke Bihari Mandir (Vrindavan): A major Krishna temple in Vrindavan, known for its unique worship style and deep spiritual atmosphere. It attracts thousands of devotees daily. 
• ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan: Also known as the Sri Krishna Balrama Mandir, this is the first temple built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and a hub of Krishna devotion worldwide. 
• Shri Radha Rani Mandir (Barsana): Located in Barsana, this temple is dedicated to Radha Rani and is a major pilgrimage site in the Braj region, drawing large crowds during festivals like Holi. 

Chitrakoot 

• Ram Ghat: A sacred ghat on the banks of the Mandakini River where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman are believed to have bathed. It is a hub of spiritual activity, especially during festivals. 
• Kamadgiri: A forested hill believed to be the original Chitrakoot. Devotees undertake a parikrama (circumambulation) around the hill, considering it extremely sacred. 
• Bharat Milap Mandir: Located on Kamadgiri Parikrama path, this temple marks the site where Bharat met Lord Ram to persuade him to return to Ayodhya. 
• Hanuman Dhara: A scenic spot on a hilltop where a stream flows over a Hanuman idol. It is believed that Lord Ram calmed Hanuman’s anger here after the burning of Lanka. 
• Sati Anusuya Ashram: An ancient ashram associated with the sage Atri and his wife Anusuya. It is surrounded by tranquil forests and natural springs. 

Contributions of Jayant Narlikar

Why in News? 

On 20^th May 2025, renowned astrophysicist Professor Jayant Narlikar passed away in Pune, Maharashtra. He was best known for developing ‘Steady-State Theory’, an alternative model of the universe. 

 

Key Points 

• His Contributions: 
  • The Hoyle-Narlikar Collaboration: 
    • Narlikar is best known for developing the Hoyle-Narlikar theory alongside his PhD mentor Fred Hoyle, a prominent figure in 20th-century astrophysics. 
    • Their work supported the Steady-State Theory, an alternative to the Big Bang model, suggesting the universe is eternal and unchanging in density due to continuous creation of matter. 
    • Core Concepts of the Steady-State Theory: Unlike the Big Bang theory, which proposes a single explosive origin for the universe, the steady-state model argues that the universe has no beginning or end. 
      • The theory acknowledges the expansion of the universe but maintains that new matter is constantly created, preserving uniform density. 
    • Mathematical Innovations: 
      • Narlikar played a key role in modifying Einstein’s general relativity to support the creation of matter. 
      • It was proposed that gravity could be influenced not just by local objects, but also by distant matter across the universe—a revolutionary idea in gravitational physics. 
    • He emphasized that a constant density in an expanding universe necessitates continuous matter creation—a cornerstone of the steady-state view. 
  • Gradual Decline of the Theory: The discovery of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation in 1965 dealt a significant blow to the steady-state model. 
    • The CMB is a faint, nearly uniform glow of microwave radiation that fills the observable universe. It is often referred to as the "afterglow" of the Big Bang. 
    • CMB's properties aligned closely with Big Bang predictions, providing strong evidence of a primordial explosive event. 
    • Shift in Scientific Consensus: Further observations—such as evolving galaxies, and theoretical advancements by Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose on singularities—bolstered the Big Bang theory. 
      • Despite these shifts, Narlikar remained critical of the Big Bang’s unresolved assumptions and argued for re-examining alternative models. 
    • Enduring Scientific Legacy: Though the steady-state theory fell out of favour, Narlikar’s mathematical frameworks and methodological innovations remain relevant. 
      • His work continues to be cited and applied in cosmological and gravitational studies. 
• About Professor Jayant Narlikar: 
  • Early Life and Academic Excellence: 
    • Born on July 19, 1938, Dr. Jayant Narlikar grew up on the campus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where his father, Vishnu Vasudeva Narlikar, served as Professor and Head of the Mathematics Department. 
    • He pursued higher education at the University of Cambridge, where he distinguished himself as a Wrangler and Tyson Medallist in the Mathematical Tripos — an honour awarded to top-performing mathematics students. 
  • Founding of IUCAA: 
    • In 1988, the University Grants Commission (UGC) entrusted Dr. Narlikar with establishing the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. 
    • He served as the Founding Director of IUCAA until his retirement in 2003, after which he was designated Emeritus Professor. 
    • IUCAA, under his leadership, emerged as a globally respected centre for advanced research and teaching in astronomy and astrophysics. 
  • National and International Honours: 
    • In recognition of his efforts in science popularisation, UNESCO honoured him with the Kalinga Award in 1996. 
    • The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1965, making him one of the youngest recipients at the age of 26. 
    • He received the Padma Vibhushan in 2004, and the Maharashtra Bhushan, the state’s highest civilian honour, in 2011. 
    • In 2012, the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) awarded him for establishing a leading centre of excellence in scientific research. 
  • Literary Contributions: 
    • In 2014, his autobiography was selected by the Sahitya Akademi for its highest award in regional language (Marathi) writing, further cementing his legacy as a versatile intellectual. 

Big Bang Theory  

• Origin of the Universe: Proposed by Georges Lemaître in 1927, the Big Bang Theory explains how the universe began as a single, infinitely small and hot point that expanded and stretched to create the vast universe.  
• Evidence and Confirmation: Edwin Hubble later confirmed this idea by observing galaxies moving away from us, indicating that the universe is still expanding.  
  • Visible and ultraviolet light from distant galaxies shift to the infrared wavelengths as the universe expands.  
• Formation of Celestial Bodies: As the universe expanded, it cooled, allowing particles to form atoms, which then combined to create celestial bodies such as planets, asteroids, comets, and black hole.