PRELIMS
Cross River Gorilla
Why in News: The Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli), one of the rarest primates in the world, faces urgent conservation challenges with fewer than 300 individuals left in the wild.
Habitat: Mountainous forests along the Nigeria–Cameroon border (Cross River basin, Afi & Mbe Mountains, Takamanda National Park).
Elevation Range: 1,500 – 3,500 metres.
Distinct Features:
- Subspecies of Western Gorilla.
- Brownish-grey to black fur.
- Cone-shaped head with red crest.
- Adult males develop silver patches → called silverbacks.
Social Behaviour:
- Small groups (2–20 individuals).
- Dominant silverback male leads group.
- Build nests on ground or in trees (especially rainy season).
- Diet: Leaves, nuts, berries, lianas.
Threats:
Human-driven: Poaching (bushmeat, pet trade), deforestation, habitat fragmentation.
Diseases: Ebola.
Others: Slow reproduction (one birth every 4 years).
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List).
Lifespan: 35–50 years.
Conservation Efforts:
- No longer in zoos (last captive died in 2016).
- Protected in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Efforts include ecotourism, documentaries, and community awareness.
Fossil Leaves from Nagaland
Why in News: Recently discovered fossil leaves from Nagaland reveal how the formation of Antarctica influenced the evolution of the Indian Monsoon.
Key Facts
Institutions Involved:
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (Lucknow)
- Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (Dehradun)
- Both are DST autonomous institutes.
Location of Discovery: Laisong Formation, Nagaland.
Age of Fossils: ~34 million years old (Eocene–Oligocene boundary).
Methodology: CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) used for analysing fossilised leaves.
Findings:
- Region once had warm, wet climate with high rainfall and temperatures.
- Climate shift correlates with Antarctic glaciation.
- Antarctic ice sheet growth altered global wind & rainfall patterns, intensifying Indian Monsoons.
Significance:
- Establishes link between Antarctic glaciation and tropical rainfall in India.
- Provides evidence of past monsoon evolution.
Future Implications:
- Modern Antarctic ice melt could shift the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
- Potential disruption of Indian monsoon patterns → serious consequences for agriculture & water security.
- Highlights importance of studying ancient climate shifts for preparedness.
Wood Wide Web: Trees’ Network to Preserve Life
Why in News: Recent books and scientific studies highlight how trees are not passive beings but active shapers of ecosystems, communicating underground via the “Wood Wide Web” and controlling elements like water, air, fire, and soil.
Concept:
- Wood Wide Web refers to the underground fungal networks (mycorrhizal associations) that connect trees, enabling exchange of nutrients, water, and chemical signals.
- Helps maintain forest resilience, cooperation, and regeneration.
Ecological Roles of Trees:
- Rain-makers: Draw water from atmosphere and release via transpiration.
- Water redistributors: Roots channel and store water underground.
- Soil formers: Break down rocks into soil over millennia.
- Oxygen providers: Key in transforming Earth’s early atmosphere.
- Carbon sinks: Sequester CO₂, mitigating climate change.
Research & Thinkers:
Suzanne Simard (2021, Finding the Mother Tree): Anthropomorphic interpretation – trees “talk” and “nurture” each other.
Vasudha Rai (2025, Sacred): Blends spirituality & science; significance of sacred trees like Peepal, Banyan, Rudraksha, Deodar.
Historical Perspective:
- Trees have existed for ~400 million years.
- At human evolution (~40,000 years ago), Earth had ~6 trillion trees.
- Today, <3 trillion remain (as per 2015 Nature study).
Cultural/Traditional Angle:
- Around 50+ trees considered “divine” in Indian traditions (e.g., Peepal, Banyan).
- Ancient belief: every plant part shelters life forms → hence sacred.
- Scriptures and folklore emphasize utility and sacredness of all plants.
Static Info
Mycorrhiza: Symbiotic association between fungi & tree roots.
Transpiration: Process where trees release water vapour → influences rainfall.
Sacred Groves: Protected forest patches in India (e.g., Kodagu in Karnataka, Khasi Hills in Meghalaya).
Important Fact: First printing press in India was set up in Goa (1556) by Portuguese to publish Christian texts – also used wood pulp → links to wood & paper culture.
Himachal Declared ‘Fully Literate’
Why in News; Himachal Pradesh has been declared a ‘fully literate’ state, becoming the 5th state/UT after Goa, Ladakh, Mizoram, and Tripura.
Key Facts
Definition of Literacy (Ministry of Education):
- “Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple text in any language, along with basic numerical and digital literacy.”
- Full literacy = literacy rate above 95% in a State/UT.
- Himachal Literacy Rate: ~99.3% (among highest in India).
- ULAS Programme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society):
- Launched in 2022.
- Aims for 100% literacy by 2030.
- In line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Adults must clear Functional Literacy Assessment Test (FLNAT).
- Covers basic reading, writing, numeracy, and digital literacy (e.g., digital payments).
- Certification: Provided by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Other Adult Literacy Schemes (Static Info):
- 1960s–70s: Centre & states ran literacy programmes for farmers & women.
- National Literacy Mission (1988–2009): Adult education focus.
- National Adult Education Programme (1978): Targeted 15–35 age group.
- Saakshar Bharat (2009–18): Literacy for 15+ age group with focus on women.
Data Pointers:
- As per 2011 Census: India’s literacy rate = 74% (Male: 82.1%, Female: 65.5%).
- States with highest literacy (2011): Kerala (94%), Lakshadweep (91.8%), Mizoram (91.3%).
- Latest surveys: NSSO (2014) literacy = 71%; PLFS (2022–23) literacy = ~77.3%.
India’s Stance on Crypto Regulation
Why in News: India has declined to enact a comprehensive law governing cryptocurrencies, citing fears of systemic risk and difficulty in effective regulation.
Key Facts:
- RBI’s Concern: Regulation could confer legitimacy and increase adoption → risk systemic implications.
Partial Oversight Existing:
- Global exchanges must register locally.
- 30% tax on gains from crypto.
- TDS or transaction-based tax withheld (1% on transactions).
- Current Exposure: Indians hold about US$4.5 billion in cryptocurrencies.
- Systemic risk concerns: Adverse effects on payment systems (e.g. UPI), monetary policy, financial stability.
Global Trends:
- The U.S. passed legislation to allow broader use of stablecoins.
- China continues ban on private cryptos but exploring a Yuan-backed stablecoin.
- Japan, Australia developing regulatory frameworks with caution.
Analysis / Implications
- India’s cautious approach reflects trade-off: Innovation and investment vs systemic stability and risk.
- Partial oversight and high taxation act as deterrents but also create grey areas, especially in P2P and decentralised markets.
- Lack of clarity in regulation may discourage growth of domestic crypto innovation.
- Risks to the payment infrastructure (e.g. UPI) are a prime concern because of scale and trust in digital payments in India.
- Stablecoins are emerging as a key point of concern since they have bridges with fiat currencies and could threaten monetary control if widely used.
Prelims Static Info
Cryptocurrency: Digital or virtual asset using cryptography, typically decentralised (blockchain-based), often volatile.
Stablecoin: A cryptocurrency pegged to a stable asset (like the U.S. dollar), designed to reduce volatility.
Unified Payments Interface (UPI): India’s real-time payment system, widely used for digital transactions.
AML/KYC Laws: Anti-Money Laundering / Know Your Customer rules that apply to financial infra, meant to prevent laundering, fraud.
Digital Rupee / CBDC (e₹): Issued by RBI for controlled digital monetary issuance.
