• 09 Jun 2025

New Wasp Species Found in Chandigarh

Why in News? 

A new parasitic wasp species Losgna occidentalis was discovered in Chandigarh, marking the rediscovery of the Losgna genus in India after almost 60 years. 

Key Points 

• About the Discovery: 
  • The wasp belongs to the parasitic Ichneumonidae family, known for laying eggs on or inside other arthropods. 
  • The genus Losgna had not been recorded in India since Heinrich’s 1965 monograph. 
    • No Indian institution held records, specimens, or literature on Losgna after 1965, suggesting it had vanished from its known range in northeast India. 
  • It was discovered on a windowsill in Chandigarh during winter 2023–24. 
  • The species was named Losgna occidentalis to reflect its location in western India. 
  • Earlier sightings were limited to tropical forests of eastern India and nearby Southeast Asia. 
• Historical Specimens: 
  • The only known specimens of Losgna prior to this discovery were preserved in: 
    • Natural History Museum, London 
    • The Hope Collection, Oxford University 
    • Zoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM), Munich 
• Scientific & Conservation Significance: 
  • Taxonomy Revival: Revives study of the forgotten Losgna genus and emphasizes the critical role of taxonomy in biodiversity conservation. 
  • Importance of Hymenoptera: Wasps in this group serve as pollinators and biological control agents, contributing to ecological balance. 
  • Urban Biodiversity Spotlight: The find highlights the rich biodiversity of urban habitats, even those considered degraded like dry scrub forests.

Hymenoptera

• The Hymenoptera, insects commonly known as ants, bees, wasps and sawflies, comprise a significant proportion of arthropod diversity in most terrestrial habitats.  
• They are one of the four mega-diverse orders of insects, along with the Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (flies), and Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). 

Independent Commission for STs in Maharashtra

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra government approved the formation of a separate Scheduled Tribes (STs) Commission. The move aligns with the central government’s model of separate commissions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and STs. 

• This move is expected to enhance the autonomy, authority, and effectiveness of these bodies.  

Key Points

• Independent Commission for STs: 
  • The 51st Tribal Advisory Committee recommended establishing a separate and independent Commission for Tribals in the state. 
  • The Maharashtra Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to confer Constitutional status on the proposed SC and ST commissions. 
    • Additionally, Rs 4.20 crore has been sanctioned for administrative expenses, including infrastructure and salaries for commission members. 
  • The composition of this Commission will be similar to that of the Maharashtra Commission for SCs, comprising one Chairperson and four non-governmental members. 

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) 

• Formation: NCST was set up in 2004 by amending Article 338 and by inserting a new Article 338A in the Constitution through the 89th Constitution Amendment Act, 2003. Hence, it is a constitutional body. 
  • By this amendment, the erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes was replaced by two separate Commissions: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), and the NCST. 
• Objective: Article 338A inter-alia gives powers to the NCST to oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes (STs) under the Constitution or under any other law for the time being in force or under any other order to the Government and to evaluate the working of such safeguards. 

National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) 

• NCSC is a constitutional body that works to safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes (SC) in India. 
• Article 338 of the constitution of India deals with this commission: 
  • It provides for a National Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with duties to investigate and monitor all matters relating to safeguards provided for them, to inquire into specific complaints and to participate and advise on the planning process of their socio-economic development etc. 

SC Ban Illegal Mining in Ranthambore

Why in News? 

The Supreme Court has ordered the Rajasthan government to immediately ban mining in the core area of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and set up a committee to regulate temple visitor flow within the reserve.

Key Points

• Grave Threats to Wildlife: 
  • The application, filed by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), flagged multiple issues:  
    • Illegal mining on nearly 150 hectares near Uliyana village using heavy machinery, 
    • Unauthorised construction, High vehicular and human presence around the Trinetra Ganesha Temple inside the reserve. 
• Court’s Observations: 
  • Legal Concerns Over Mining: 
    • The court criticised state authorities for allowing mining in a protected area in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. 
      • The Tiger Conservation Plan prohibits any mining, private vehicular movement, or construction inside core tiger habitats. 
  • Formation of Three-Member Committee: 
    • Drawing from a similar situation at Sariska Tiger Reserve, the bench formed a three-member committee to address the issues at Ranthambore. 
    • Based on Sariska’s model, the court suggested: 
      • Restricting private vehicles at designated entry points, 
      • Using electric shuttle buses to ferry devotees to the Trinetra Ganesha Temple. 
  • About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: 
    • Ranthambore was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1955, designated as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973, and notified as a National Park in 1980. 
    • It is located at the intersection of the Aravalli and Vindhya mountain ranges and lies at the confluence of seven river systems, making it ecologically unique and highly biodiverse. 
    • It includes Ranthambore National Park as well as Sawai Mansingh and Kailadevi sanctuaries.  
    • The Ranthambore Fort, after which the forest is named, is said to have a history of over 1000 years. It is strategically located on a 700 feet high hill within the park.  
    • Features:  
      • The reserve consists of highly fragmented forest areas, ravines, river channels and agricultural lands.   
      • It is connected to the Kuno-Palpur landscape of Madhya Pradesh through parts of the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary, the ravine habitats of the Chambal and the forest areas of Sheopur.  
      • The tributaries of the Chambal River provide an easy route for the tigers to move towards Kuno National Park. 

Sariska Tiger Reserve 

• About: 
  • Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Aravali hills and forms a part of the Alwar District of Rajasthan. 
  • It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and was declared a tiger reserve later in 1978, making it a part of India's Project Tiger. 
  • It encompasses ruined temples, forts, pavilions and a palace. 
    • Kankwari Fort is located in the centre of the reserve. It is said that Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh at this fort in the struggle for succession to the throne. 
    • It also houses a famous temple of lord Hanuman at Pandupole related to Pandavas. 
• Flora and Fauna: 
  • It is characterised by rocky landscapes, arid scrub-thorn forests, grasslands, cliffs, and semi-deciduous forests. 
  • It is dominated by dhok trees, salar, kadaya, gol, ber, banyan, gugal, bamboo, kair, etc. 
  • It also supports a diverse array of other animals such as Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, hyenas, and jungle cats. 

Raja Bhabhut Singh

Why in News? 

The Madhya Pradesh government paid tribute to 19th-century tribal icon Raja Bhabhut Singh by renaming the Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary in his honour.

Key Points 

• About Raja Bhabhut Singh: 
  • Contribution in Revolt of 1857: Raja Bhabhut Singh was a prominent but lesser-known tribal leader during the 1857 revolt against British rule. 
  • Master of Guerrilla Warfare: He used his deep knowledge of the Satpura forests and terrain to launch effective guerrilla attacks, resisting British forces for years. 
  • Ally of Tatya Tope: He maintained close ties with national leaders like Tatya Tope and extended support to the broader freedom movement. 
  • Martyrdom and Legacy: The British deployed the Madras Infantry to capture him and later executed him in 1860. His legacy survives through Korku folk traditions. 
• Other Tribal Icons Honoured in Madhya Pradesh: 
  • Tantya Bhil: In 2021, Patalpani railway station was renamed after him. 
  • Bhima Nayak: A memorial has been announced to honour Bhima Nayak, a revered Bhil freedom fighter. 
  • Rani Kamlapati: Habibganj railway station in Bhopal was renamed after the Gond queen, the seventh wife of ruler Nizam Shah of Ginnor Fort (present-day Sehore). 
  • Shankar Shah & Raghunath Shah: In 2021, it was announced that Chhindwara University would be named after the Gond royals. 
  • Bhima Nayak Memorial: Nayak, who led the Bhil resistance in Khandesh (1818–1850). 
• Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary: 
  • About: 
    • It lies within the Deccan Peninsula biogeographic zone and falls under the Biotic Province of Central India. 
    • It is centrally located in the Satpura mountain range, which runs west to east across India. 
    • The tallest point in the reserve is Dhoopgarh, which rises to 1,352 metres above sea level. 
  • Protected Areas within the Reserve: 
    • The biosphere reserve includes three major protected areas: Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Satpura National Park, Pachmarhi Sanctuary. 
    • These three zones together form the Satpura Tiger Reserve, a significant conservation landscape for central India. 

Korku Tribe 

• About: 
  • The Korku community primarily resides in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Melghat region of Maharashtra. 
  • Traditionally, the Korku are settled agriculturalists and skilled cultivators. 
    • They were pioneers in growing crops like potato and coffee in their regions. 
  • While most now have substantial farms, some transitioned from slash-and-burn (jhum) cultivation to forestry and field labour as late as the 19th century. 
  • Korku villages are typically made up of small, thatched huts built from grass and wood. 
  • They live in hereditary, male-lineage-based communities, led by traditional headmen. 
• Cultural Practices and Beliefs: 
  • The Korku possess a distinct cultural identity, with traditional healing practices still in active use. 
  • They revere their ancestors as deities and commemorate them by erecting memorial pillars known as 'Munda'.