16 Aug | UPSC Current Affairs: Stamps, St. George Museum, Senior Advocates, Jiyo Parsi, Flood Watch & More

UPSC GS 1

The First Stamps of Independent India

• News: First postage stamps of Independent India. 
• First Stamps of Independent India: 
  • • Three postage stamps were issued to commemorate India’s independence.
    • All of them featured the date August 15, 1947, and the words ‘Jai Hind’ in the Devanagari script.
    • The first stamp of Independent India was released on November 21, 1947. 
    • This initial stamp featured the Indian flag flying among clouds and had a denomination of three-and-a-half annas.

• Additional Commemorative Stamps:
  • • Two additional commemorative stamps were released in December 1947.
    • One of them depicted the Lion Capital of Ashoka,  the head of a column erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in Sarnath in 250 BCE. 
    • The stamp carried the image of the sculpture with three Asiatic lions (the fourth being hidden from view), a wheel in relief with a bull on the right and a horse on the left, and a bell-shaped lotus below. 
    • Another stamp of a flying Douglas DC-4 aircraft was priced at 12 annas.
• Brief Postal History of Pre-Independent India:
  • • Mughal Era:
    • Before the establishment of a formal postal system, the Mughals used a communication system known as “dawk” or “dak,” which involved horse runners for speedy deliveries and foot runners for shorter distances.
    • East India Company Era:
    • A more structured postal system began with the East India Company. 
    • In the 1720s, the company set up a postal service primarily for internal communication. 
    • In 1766, Governor-General Robert Clive established a regular postal system, and in 1774, Warren Hastings initiated the establishment of the first General Post Office (GPO) in Calcutta.
    •  The Madras GPO was opened in 1786, followed by the Bombay GPO in 1794.
• Key Legislative Developments:
  • • The Post Office Act of 1837 granted the government exclusive rights to convey letters in the territories of the East India Company. 
    • In 1854, uniform postage rates were introduced across the country.
• Issuance of Stamps: 
  • • India became the first country in Asia to issue its own postage stamps in 1852. 
    • These stamps, known as “Scinde Dawk,” were introduced in the Sindh district as part of postal reforms by Sir Bartle Frere.
    •  The Scinde Dawk stamps were circular in shape, valued at half anna, and featured the Merchant’s Mark of the East India Company. 
    • The inscription “Scinde district dawk” encircled the design. 
    • In 1854, the first postal stamps valid throughout India were issued, bearing Queen Victoria’s portrait, and the railway mail service was introduced.

 St. George Museum

• News: The 12 feet long 8 feet wide national treasure in Fort St. George Museum, Chennai is one of the first flags that was hoisted on August 15, 1947.
• Dimensions of the Flag:
  • • This historic flag measures 12 feet in length and 8 feet in width, which is one of the first flags hoisted on August 15, 1947.
    • This flag serves as a significant symbol of India’s struggle for independence and the moment of its victory.
    • It was crafted from pure silk.
    • It was ceremonially hoisted at 5:30 AM on August 15, 1947, at Fort St. George in Chennai.

• Fort St. George Museum Overview: 
  • • Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
    • Historical Significance: Chennai originated from the British settlement at Fort St. George, which expanded through the amalgamation of several villages and European settlements, forming the city of Madras.
    • Proposal: In 1946, Col. D.M. Reid of the Madras Guards proposed the idea of a museum to preserve colonial-era relics.
    • Opening: The museum was opened to the public on January 31, 1948.
    • Artifacts: The museum houses over 3,500 colonial-era artifacts across nine galleries, showcasing the history of the British Raj and Fort St. George.
    • Key Feature: Indian Independence Gallery: This gallery highlights the evolution of the Indian flag, telling the stories behind the Tiranga (Tricolor) and its significance.

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UPSC GS 2

Senior Advocates

• News:  The Supreme Court recently designated 39 lawyers, including 10 women, as senior advocates based on new guidelines. 
• What is a Senior Advocate?
  • • Section 16 of the Advocates Act, 1961 prescribes two different classes of advocates, “senior advocates and other advocates”. 
    • The designation of senior advocate is a mark of excellence to advocates who have distinguished themselves and have made a significant contribution to the development of the legal profession. 
• Restrictions on Senior Advocate:
  • • Section 16 also states that senior advocates may be subject to certain additional restrictions. 
    • They are barred from filing a vakalatnama, appearing before a court without a junior or an advocate-on-record, doing drafting work, or directly accepting briefs for cases from clients.
• Latest Guidelines For The Designation Of Senior Advocates:
  • • The Chief Justice of India, along with any other Supreme Court judge, can recommend in writing the name of an advocate for the designation.
    • The new guidelines prescribe the minimum age as 45 years to apply for the ‘senior advocate’ designation. 
    • There shall be ‘Committee for Designation of Senior Advocates’  which is chaired by the CJI and comprises the two senior-most SC judges, the Attorney General of India, and a “member of the Bar” nominated by the chair and other members.
    • This age limit may be relaxed by the Committee for Designation of Senior Advocates, the CJI, or a Supreme Court judge, if they have recommended an advocate’s name. 
    • No minimum age was prescribed under the 2018 guidelines.

Jiyo Parsi Scheme 

• News:  The Minister for Minority Affairs recently introduced the Jiyo Parsi Scheme portal.
• About the Jiyo Parsi Scheme:
  • • The Jiyo Parsi Scheme is a unique Central Sector Scheme.
    • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
    • It aims to address the population decline of the Parsi community in India. 

• Aim: 
  • • Its primary goal is to reverse the declining trend of the Parsi population through scientific methods and structured interventions aimed at stabilizing their numbers.
• Key Components: The scheme consists of three main components:
  • • Medical Assistance: This component provides financial aid to Parsi couples for medical treatment following established medical protocols.
    • Health of Community: Financial support is extended to Parsi couples for child care and the care of elderly community members.
    • Advocacy: Outreach and advocacy programs are conducted to raise awareness within the Parsi community regarding population issues.

FloodWatch India 2.0

• News: The Union Minister for Jal Shakti has launched the Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application developed by the Central Water Commission (CWC).
• Definition:
  • • FloodWatch India is an app that provides real-time information and forecasts related to flood situations across the country, with forecasts available up to 7 days.

• Key Features: 
  • • Real-Time Flood Monitoring: Users can access up-to-date flood situations throughout India.
    • Language Accessibility: The app supports both English and Hindi, offering readable text and audio broadcasts.
    • Flood Forecasts: It offers state-wise and basin-wise flood forecasts and advisories, with updates available on the nearest station to the user.
    • Advanced Technologies: Utilizes satellite data analysis, mathematical modeling, and real-time monitoring for accurate flood forecasts.
• FloodWatch India 2.0: 
  • • Expanded Monitoring: The app now covers 592 flood monitoring stations, up from 200, providing a more detailed view of flood conditions.
    • Reservoir Information: It offers data on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs, helping users assess potential flood risks downstream.

UPSC GS 3

Corbett Tiger Reserve

• News: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has announced a ban on tiger safaris within Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park.
• Location:
  • • Corbett Tiger Reserve is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand and spans three districts: Pauri, Nainital, and Almora.
• Establishment: 
  • • Corbett is India’s first national park, established in 1936, initially known as Hailey National Park.
    •  In 1957, it was renamed Corbett National Park in honor of the naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. 
    • Over time, the reserve expanded to cover an area of 1,288.31 square kilometers.

• Terrain and Rivers: 
  • • The terrain is characterized by undulating valleys, with the Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi rivers flowing through them.
    •  The reserve is largely spread over the Bhabar and lower Shivalik regions, featuring a porous tract with boulders and sand deposits.
• Flora:
  • • The vegetation mainly consists of sal and mixed forests interspersed with grasslands and riparian vegetation. 
    • These grasslands, known locally as “Chaur,” often result from abandoned settlements or past clearings. 
    • Evergreen sal trees, along with Sheesham and Kanju, are prevalent on the ridges. However, the invasive Lantana weed poses a challenge to the reserve’s ecosystem.
• Fauna: 
  • • The reserve is home to iconic species like tigers and elephants, along with various co-predators such as leopards and smaller carnivores. 
    • Other fauna includes ungulates like sambar, hog deer, and spotted deer, as well as numerous bird species, reptiles like gharials and crocodiles, and several fish species.

Dysbiosis

• News: Antibiotics can wipe out a large portion of the gut bacteria which is known as dysbiosis.
• Definition:
  • • Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the community of microorganisms, or microbiome, living in our bodies. 
    • The microbiome is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes that assist in various functions like digestion, immunity, and maintaining skin health. 
    • In a balanced microbiome, no single microorganism dominates, and there is a healthy diversity of microbes.

• Causes of Dysbiosis: 
  • • Infections: Pathogenic microorganisms can disrupt the natural balance.
    • Antibiotic use: Antibiotics can kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leading to imbalances.
    • Diet: Poor or unbalanced nutrition can negatively affect the diversity of microorganisms.
• Effects of Dysbiosis: 
  • • Increased infection risk: When certain microorganisms dominate, it weakens the body’s ability to ward off infections.
    • Disrupted bodily functions: The normal services provided by a balanced microbiome, such as aiding digestion and supporting the immune system, can be impaired.
• Symptoms: 
  • • Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting are common signs, though dysbiosis can sometimes be asymptomatic.
    • Skin Dysbiosis: Imbalances on the skin’s microbiome can lead to issues such as acne or eczema.
• Treatment: 
  • • Increasing Microbiome Diversity: This is the central aim of treatment.
    • Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT): A process where healthy microbiota is transplanted into the affected individual’s gut.
    • Probiotic therapy: Involves the introduction of beneficial bacteria to restore balance.
    • Microbial metabolic pathway therapy: Targets specific pathways in the microbiome to correct imbalances.
    • Underlying Conditions: Treatment is also directed at any underlying conditions contributing to dysbiosis.

Gurmar Plant (Gymnema Sylvestre)

• News: A team of researchers has uncovered an anti-diabetic herb called as Gurmar in Gaya, Bihar.
• Definition: 
  • • The Gurmar plant (Gymnema sylvestre) is a perennial plant known for its anti-diabetic properties. 
• Common Names: 
  • • Gymnema
    • Australian cowplant
    • Periploca of the woods

• Distribution: 
  • • Gurmar is a tropical plant native to India, thriving in the tropical forests of central, western, and southern regions.
    • It is also found in Africa, Australia, and China.
• Properties: 
  • • Active Compounds: Gymnemic acid, gymnemasides, anthraquinones, flavones, hentriacontane, pentatriacontane, phytin, resins, tartaric acid, and formic acid.
    • Blood Sugar Regulation: Gymnemic acid reduces blood sugar by occupying receptors in the intestine, curbing cravings for sweetness.
    • Lipid Metabolism: Flavonoids and saponins in the plant help regulate lipid metabolism. Flavonoids also act as antioxidants, while saponins lower cholesterol levels.
• Applications: 
  • • Gurmar has been used in traditional medicine for diabetes management and was integral to developing the anti-diabetic drug BGR-34 by CSIR.
    • The plant also contains flavonoids and saponins, which help regulate lipid metabolism.
    • Flavonoids have antioxidant properties, while saponins help lower cholesterol level. 

Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary

• News: A sambar and a barking deer are roaming free in the wild as they were released in the Chandaka wildlife sanctuary on Independence Day.
• Definition:
  • • Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Khurda district of Odisha, at the northeastern limits of the Eastern Ghats. 
    • Established as a sanctuary in 1982, it serves as a habitat for various threatened wildlife species.
• Climate: The climate of the area is tropical with three distinct and well-marked seasons i.e. summer, Rainy season and winter.

• Vegetation:
  • • The sanctuary’s flora is moderately diverse, with a mix of evergreen and deciduous species. 
    • Although it lies in a semi-evergreen forest zone, biotic factors have altered the original vegetation.
• Flora: Dhaman (Grewia Tiliaefolia), Bankapasia (Kydia calycina), Jamu (Syzyggium Cuminii), Gandhana (Premna mucronata), Kansa (Hymenodictyon excelsum), Kusum (Schleichera oleosa), Marua (Vitex pinnata), Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora), Karanja, Thorny bamboo etc.
• Fauna: Elephants, Chital, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus Monkey, Pangolin, Sloth Bear, Indian Wolf, Hyena and other mammals.

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INS Arighat

• News:  India is poised to commission its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, equipped with nuclear missiles, joining the INS Arihant. 

• Type: India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
• Nuclear Triad Contribution: Part of India’s effort to maintain a credible nuclear triad with land, air, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems.
• Shipbuilding: Built at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam.
• Strategic Role: Enhances India’s ability to launch nuclear missiles from sea, complementing the land and air-based systems.
• Key Features: 
  • • Displacement: Approximately 6,000 tons.
    • Dimensions: 111 meters long and 11 meters wide.
    • Propulsion: Powered by a nuclear reactor, giving it virtually unlimited range and endurance for extended submerged operations.
    • Armament: Equipped with ballistic missiles, including the K-15 Sagarika and potentially the K-4 missile, enhancing strategic strike capabilities.
    • Stealth: Features advanced stealth technology, improving detectability against enemy sonar systems.
• Strategic Significance: 
  • • Nuclear Deterrence: Vital for India’s second-strike capability within its nuclear triad, ensuring a credible deterrence posture.
    • Regional Influence: Operates primarily in the Indian Ocean, strengthening regional security and India’s strategic influence through its presence.