• 28 Apr 2025

NGOPV Yard 3040

Why in News? 

On 24 April 2025, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata hosted the keel laying ceremony for Yard 3040, the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (ex-GRSE). 

 

Key Points 

• About NGOPVs: 
  • The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) are designed with an approximate displacement of 3,000 tonnes, ensuring endurance and operational flexibility for diverse maritime missions. 
  • These vessels are intended to perform multiple roles, including: 
    • Coastal defence and surveillance. 
    • Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. 
    • Protection of offshore assets such as oil rigs, platforms, and installations 
    • Anti-piracy missions within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and in international waters. 
  • NGOPVs will be equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, surveillance systems, and modern weaponry, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s maritime domain awareness and its capabilities in low-intensity maritime conflicts. 
  • The addition of these vessels will bolster India's efforts to secure its maritime interests and promote stability across the wider Indo-Pacific region. 
• Background on NGOPV:  
  • The Indian Navy signed contracts for the indigenous design and construction of eleven NGOPVs on 30 March 2023 with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), Goa, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata. 
    • Under the agreement, Lead Shipyard GSL will construct seven ships, while Follow Shipyard GRSE will build four ships. 
  • The NGOPVs, with an approximate displacement of 3,000 tonnes, are designed for a range of missions including Coastal Defence and Surveillance, Search and Rescue operations, Protection of Offshore Assets, and Anti-Piracy missions. 
• Alignment with National Initiatives: 
  • The construction of the eleven NGOPVs aligns with India's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India,' and the project is set to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities. 

 Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 

• Each coastal State may claim an EEZ beyond and adjacent to its territorial sea that extends seaward up to 200 nm from its baselines. 
• Within its EEZ, a coastal state has: 
  • Sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving and managing natural resources, whether living or nonliving, of the seabed and subsoil. 
  • Rights to carry out activities like the production of energy from the water, currents and wind. 
• Unlike the territorial sea and the contiguous zone, the EEZ only allows for the above-mentioned resource rights. It does not give a coastal state the right to prohibit or limit freedom of navigation or overflight, subject to very limited exceptions. 

 ‘Make in India’ Initiative: 

• About: The campaign was launched to facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property & build best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure.  
• Objectives:  
  • Increase the growth rate of the manufacturing sector to 12-14% per annum.  
  • Create 100 million additional manufacturing jobs by 2022 (revised to 2025).  
  • Increase the manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP to 25% by 2025.  
• Pillars of ‘Make in India’:  
  • New Processes: Recognized 'ease of doing business' as vital for entrepreneurship, implementing measures to improve the business environment for startups and established enterprises.  
  • New Infrastructure: The government prioritised developing industrial corridors and smart cities to create world-class infrastructure.   
    • It also enhanced innovation and research through streamlined registration systems and improved intellectual property rights (IPR) infrastructure.   
  • New Sectors: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was significantly opened up in various sectors including Defence Production, Insurance, Medical Devices, Construction, and Railway infrastructure.   
  • New Mindset: The government embraced a role as a facilitator rather than a regulator, partnering with industry to drive the country’s economic development.   
• Make in India 2.0: The ongoing "Make in India 2.0" phase, encompassing 27 sectors, continues to propel the program forward, consolidating India’s role as a significant player in the global manufacturing arena. 

India’s First Wolf Sanctuary in Jharkhand

Why in News? 

The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in Jharkhand’s Latehar district is India’s first and only sanctuary dedicated to wolves. 

 

Key Points 

• About Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary: 
  • The Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary lies within a landscape inhabited largely by Sarna Dharma-following tribal communities. 
  • Over 80% of the local population practices Sarna Dharma, a nature-worshipping faith that venerates forests, rivers, and natural elements. 
  • Traditional Beliefs Supporting Wolf Conservation: 
    • One striking cultural practice involves seasonal avoidance of Sal forests during winter months (November to February), coinciding with the Sal tree’s sacred blooming season. 
    • This cultural reverence unintentionally creates periods of minimal human disturbance, aligning perfectly with the wolves’ critical breeding and denning season. 
• Insights from Scientific Research: 
  • A recent study published in Nature's Scientific Reports, titled "Den site selection by Indian gray wolves in tribal landscapes of Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary considering ecological and cultural factors", examined how wolves choose den sites in this unique cultural-ecological setting. 
  • Researchers hypothesised that wolves would prefer physically challenging terrains for dens while also benefiting from culturally imposed human avoidance zones. 
• Future of Indian Wolves: 
  • The future of the Indian gray wolf and other lesser-known carnivores may hinge on blending scientific understanding with respect for traditional knowledge. 
  • Conservation strategies must move beyond mere legal frameworks to engage cultural values that have long safeguarded ecosystems naturally. 

 Indian Grey Wolf 

• About: Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of grey wolf found across Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent.  
  • It lives in smaller packs and is less vocal compared to other wolf subspecies.   
  • It is primarily nocturnal, hunting from dusk to dawn.  
• Habitat: It is an apex predator in India’s scrublands, grasslands and semi-arid agro-ecosystems. Thrives in regions with warmer temperatures.  
• Conservation Status:  
  • IUCN: Endangered (population in India: 2,000 - 3,000 individuals).  
  • CITES: Appendix I.  
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I. 

Musk Deer

Why in News? 

According to a Central Zoo Authority (CZA) report, Indian zoos have not yet started any breeding programme for the conservation of the Musk Deer.  

 Key Points 

• Lack of Population Data for Musk Deer: 
  • The report reveals no updated population information for the alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster). 
  • No recent estimates exist regarding the species' numbers in the wild. 
• Ineffective Conservation Response:  
  • In response to an RTI, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that conservation is a state responsibility and did not provide details about the Himalayan Musk Project started in 1982. 
    • The 1982 Himalayan Musk Project aimed to promote in-situ conservation and animal welfare. 
    • Over time, focus shifted to high-profile species like the tiger, neglecting musk deer conservation. 
• History of Captive Breeding Attempts: 
  • Captive breeding began in 1965 and intensified post-1975 under government schemes. 
  • Breeding centres at Kufri, Almora, and Chamoli failed to achieve goals of rewilding and musk extraction. 
  • All deer at Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary's breeding centre eventually died, leading to closure in 2006. 
• Confusion in Species Identification: 
  • The CZA report highlights that zoos often misidentified alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster) and Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster). 
  • This confusion has hampered captive breeding efforts and proper species management. 
• Poor Management of Captive Breeding Programmes: 
  • Although breeding plans exist for various endangered species, many are either non-functional or poorly managed. 
  • Issues such as poor record-keeping, species misidentification, and lack of systematic tracking have weakened conservation outcomes. 
• Other Species Facing Similar Challenges: 
  • Endangered species like the Tibetan antelope, Nilgiri tahr, Ganges river dolphin, and Hangul also lack proper captive breeding programmes. 
  • Wild water buffalo and pygmy hog conservation efforts show some promise but remain fragile and underfunded. 
• Gaps in Genetic Monitoring and Research: 
  • Breeding efforts suffer due to insufficient founder stock and lack of genetic monitoring. 
  • India still lacks genome information for many endangered species. 
  • Research is constrained by forest regulations that restrict the collection of animal tissue and blood samples. 
• Need for Improved Scientific Investment: 
  • India needs significant investment in de-extinction sciences, conservation genomics, and wildlife research infrastructure. 
  • Existing facilities like Hyderabad’s Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species require better integration with zoo networks. 

 Central Zoo Authority  

• The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 1992 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.  
• It is chaired by the Environment Minister and has 10 members and a member-secretary.  
• Its objective is to complement and strengthen the national effort in conservation of rich biodiversity.

NHRC Condems Pahalgam Attack

Why in News? 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, expresses deep distress over terrorists killing 28 people after identifying their faith in the Pahalgam area of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on 22nd April, 2025. 

 Key Points 

• Condemnation of the Attack: 
  • The Commission strongly condemns the brutal attack on unarmed, innocent civilians who were on a holiday in the valley. 
  • This heinous act has deeply disturbed the conscience of every right-thinking individual, as it involves a serious violation of human rights, affecting the victims and their families. 
• Role of Terrorism in Human Rights Violations: 
  • Terrorism has consistently been recognized as one of the primary causes of human rights violations globally. 
  • Immediate action is necessary against those who aid, abet, support, or advance terrorism, holding them accountable for the devastating impact of this menace. 
  • Failing to take action may lead to the erosion of democratic values, increased intimidation, reprisals, community disharmony, and grave violations of human rights, including the rights to life, liberty, equality, fraternity, and livelihood. 
• State Accountability and Justice: 
  • The Commission expects the State to take all required measures to establish accountability, ensure justice for the perpetrators, and provide support to the victims' families in every possible way. 

Eco-tourism in UP

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to develop dams and reservoirs as tourist destinations to promote eco-tourism in the state. 

Key Points 

• About the Initiative: 
  • Under this initiative, infrastructure will be constructed on seven major dams and lakes in Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Hamirpur, Jhansi, Siddharthnagar and Banda districts . 
  • The cooperation of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department has been ensured to promote water and adventure sports activities at these places . 
  • The reservoirs and dams selected include: 
    • Gunta Dam (Chitrakoot) 
    • Arjun Dam (Mahoba) 
    • Dhandhraul Dam (Sonbhadra) 
    • Maudaha Dam (Hamirpur) 
    • Garhmau Lake (Jhansi) 
    • Majhauli Sagar (Siddharthanagar) 
    • Nawab Tank (Banda) 
  • The government aims to enhance the natural beauty of these reservoirs through modern tourist facilities like resorts, boating, water sports, trekking and camping . 
  • This scheme will strengthen employment generation and economic development at the local level . 
• The Irrigation and Water Resources Department will provide technical assistance and necessary permissions for these projects, and will also ensure compliance with the safety standards of the dams and maintaining the structure . 
  • Special attention will also be given to environmental and safety standards during water sports activities.  

 Eco Tourism 

• Introduction:  
  • Eco tourism is a form of tourism that focuses on environmentally friendly , sustainable and natural areas.  
  • In this, natural areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, rainforests etc. are visited in such a way that there is no harm to the biodiversity and culture there. 
• Objective: 
  • It aims to support conservation efforts, provide economic benefits to local communities, and create awareness among visitors about nature . 
• Types: 
  • Wildlife tourism: Observing animals in national parks and sanctuaries. 
  • Forest tourism: exploring rainforests and deciduous forests. 
  • Marine tourism: Observation of marine life. 
  • Cultural tourism: getting to know the customs of indigenous communities. 
  • Adventure tourism: Environmentally sustainable activities like trekking, mountaineering etc. 
• Global Perspective of Ecotourism: 
  • The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recognized ecotourism as a means of sustainable development . 

Kanha Gaushala

Why in News? 

A two megawatt solar power plant will be installed at the Kanha Gaushala of the Agra Municipal Corporation, making it the first such Gaushala in the state that will produce and use renewable energy on a large scale. 

Key Points 

• About Kanha Gaushala: 
  • This project is being implemented under the Municipal Bond Scheme, by the Municipal Corporation keeping in mind the goal of a green future by the year 2025. 
    • This will not only fulfill the energy needs of the cowshed from a clean source but will also strengthen environmental protection. 
  • The cowshed already has 100 solar street lights installed, which are an example of clean energy. 
  • Cow dung is being used to make cow dung cakes in the Gaushala, which are being used as an alternative to wood in religious rituals and funerals.  
  • This prevent deforestation and protect the environment . 
• Location:  
  • The goshala is located on a land where the soil is barren and groundwater is saline. Despite this, a dense forest has been developed here in an area of 5000 square meters by Miyawaki technique , which promotes biodiversity and acts as a natural oxygen zone . 
  • This cowshed has now become a leading model of energy, greenery and innovation 

 Municipal Bonds 

• Debt instruments issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to fund infrastructure and development projects.  
• Advantages: Reduce reliance on government funds, enhance financial autonomy, attract private investment, and enable long-term urban financing.  
• Challenges: Low issuance due to heavy dependence on state grants (38% of revenue in FY 24). Only a few cities like Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, and Lucknow have issued bonds.  
• Spending Pattern (FY18-FY25): Most funds raised by municipalities through bonds were allocated to urban water supply and sewerage, followed by renewable energy and river development. 

Miyawaki Plantation Method 

• The pioneer of the Miyawaki method is Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. With this method, forests can be converted into dense forests in a very short time. 
• This methodology was developed in the 1970s with the basic aim of creating dense green cover within a small piece of land. 
• In this process the trees grow on their own and within three years they grow to their full height. 
• The plants used in the Miyawaki method are mostly self-sufficient and do not require regular maintenance such as fertilizing and watering.

Prime Minister Excellence Awards

Why in News? 

On the occasion of National Civil Services Day (21 April 2025), the Prime Minister of India awarded the Prime Minister's Excellence Award-2023 to the Revenue Department of Madhya Pradesh for the "Cyber Tehsil Initiative" . 

Key Points 

• About Cyber Tehsil initiative: 
  • This initiative has been successful in making  the land transfer services in the state completely digital, effective and citizen-friendly. 
  • The integrated system manages the courts and ensures quick and fair disposal of cases. 
  • This initiative has increased transparency and citizens can now track the status of their mutation case through the Results and Customer Management System (RCMS) portal . 
    • More than 1 lakh 50 thousand cases have been settled in the state . 
  • The workload of name transfer cases at tehsil offices has reduced by 25% 
  • Real-time updates , integration of Web GIS , digital platforms like Sampada and SARA have further smoothened the process. 
  • The initiative has received national appreciation and other states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand have shown interest in adopting it. 
    

Web GIS  

• It refers to the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through the internet, allowing for the sharing, visualization, and analysis of geospatial data online.  
• It enables users to access and interact with maps and spatial data remotely, fostering collaboration and wider dissemination of information. 

 National Civil Service Day  

• Introduction:  
  • It is celebrated every year on 21 April all over India. This day is dedicated to expressing gratitude to all the officers who work in various public departments of the country and keep the administrative system of India running smoothly.  
  • Also, this day serves to remind civil servants that their primary responsibility is to serve the citizens of the country. 
    • Civil servants, especially those in higher administrative positions, play a vital role in formulating and implementing policy decisions.  
    • IAS, IPS and other high ranking officers often work at the grassroots level to solve problems related to citizens. 
• Objective: 
  • The Government of India celebrates Civil Services Day every year with the aim of enabling civil servants to re-dedicate themselves to their service and renew their commitment to public service.  
  • This day was chosen because in 1947, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India , while addressing the administrative service officers at Metcalfe House in Delhi, called  them the 'steel frame of India' . 
  • This term underlines that civil servants are the strong pillars of the administrative system.

Solar Project in Pokhran

Why in News? 

The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy inaugurated a 1.3 GW peak power solar project at Pokhran in Jaisalmer.  

Key Points 

• About Solar Project : 
  • The project is built entirely of Made-in-India modules, with 90% of the solar modules manufactured by Jaipur-based ReNew company. 
  • Objective: The main objective of this project is to increase electricity production through solar energy and save the environment from carbon emissions. 
  • Power Generation: The project will generate around 2490 million units of electricity annually which will meet the power needs of around 5 lakh households. 
  • Reduction in Carbon Emissions: The project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2.3 million tonnes , contributing to environmental protection. 
  • Geographical Location: The project is located in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan and is spread over an area of about 3500 acres. The area provides suitable conditions for solar energy, which further increases the chances of success of the project. 
  • Development in the energy sector: This project will help in meeting the energy demand in the future. Also, there is a possibility of rapid development in the energy sector. 
    

 Make in India Initiative  

• Introduction:  
  • Launched in 2014, Make in India aims to transform the country into a leading global manufacturing and investment destination. 
  • It is led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. 
  • This initiative is an open invitation to potential investors and partners from across the world to participate in the growth story of 'New India'. 
• Objective: 
  • To increase the growth rate of the manufacturing sector to 12-14% per annum. 
  • To create 100 million additional manufacturing jobs by 2022 (revised date 2025). 
  • To increase the contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP to 25% by the year 2025 . 

Solar Energy  

• Introduction:  
  • This is the energy that comes from the sun. It is a renewable and pollution-free energy source, one of the most abundant and sustainable energy sources available on Earth.  
  • Solar energy is used mainly in two ways: 
    • Solar Thermal Energy: In this, energy is produced by converting the sun's rays into heat. This energy is used to prepare hot water, control temperature or in industries. 
    • Solar Photovoltaic Energy: In this, sunlight is directly converted into electrical energy using solar panels (photovoltaic cells). This energy is used to supply electricity to homes, industries and other areas. 
• Advantages of solar energy: 
  • It is a renewable energy, meaning it is always available. 
  • Environmental impact is low as it does not cause pollution. 
  • It is a sustainable source that provides energy for a long time. 
  • Serves as a solution to the energy crisis, especially in remote areas where power supply is limited.