6 Aug | UPSC Current Affairs: Brahmani River, Standardised Precipitation Index, Bagata Tribe, and More

UPSC GS 1

Brahmani River

• News: Residents of low-lying areas in Rourkela city are afraid because the Brahmani River is flooding due to continuous heavy rains in recent days.
• Overview
  • • The Brahmani River is a major east-flowing river in peninsular India and is also known as Dhamra in its lower reaches.
• Origin
  • • The river is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers near Rourkela in Odisha.
    • Both the Sankh and South Koel rivers originate from the Chota Nagpur Plateau, with the Sankh River starting near the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border and the South Koel River rising in Jharkhand.
• Course
  • • The Brahmani River basin flows through Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, draining an area of 39,033 sq.km before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
    • It flows south-southeast past Bonaigarh and Talcher in Odisha, then turns east to join the northern branches of the Mahanadi River, which subsequently flows into the Bay of Bengal at Palmyras Point.
    • The Brahmani River delta is home to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its estuarine crocodiles.

• Length
  • • The total length of the Brahmani River is approximately 799 km, with 541 km located within Odisha.
• Geography
  • • The river basin is bordered to the north by the Chhotanagpur Plateau, to the west and south by the Mahanadi Basin, and to the east by the Bay of Bengal.
    • The Brahmani River is notable for cutting across the Eastern Ghats, forming a minor gorge at Rengali in Odisha, where a dam has been constructed.
• Tributaries
  • • The principal tributaries of the Brahmani River are the Sankh, Tikra, and Karo rivers.

Read also: Important Mountain Passes in India | UPSC | Geography

Standardised Precipitation Index

• News: India Meteorological Department has analysed trends for precipitation and drought like conditions over India using ‘Standardised Precipitation Index’ (SPI).
• Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI)
• Purpose: The SPI is designed to estimate wet or dry conditions based on precipitation data.
• Calculation: It is calculated using long-term precipitation records for a specific location, ideally spanning over 30 years for accuracy.
• Index Values
  • • Negative SPI: Indicates drought conditions.
    • Positive SPI: Indicates wet conditions.
    • The index values become more negative or positive as conditions become more severe.
• Timescales: The SPI can be assessed over various timescales, including 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 months.

Bagata Tribe

• News: The plight of tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh, who were instrumental in the construction of the Lower Sileru Hydro-Electric Project (LSP), has recently come under scrutiny.
• Origin and Names
  • • The Bagata tribe derives its name from the term “Bhaktas,” referring to the devoted warriors of historical rulers.
    •  They are also known by several other names, including Bagatha, Bagat, Bagodi, Bogad, or Bhakta.
• Location
  • • The Bagatas inhabit both the state of Odisha and the state of Andhra Pradesh.
• Festivals and Dance
  • • Dhimsa is a popular dance among the Bagata tribe, with members of all ages actively participating. 
    • The traditional dances of the Bagata are collectively known as Sankidi Kelbar.

• Family Life
  • • The Bagata tribe typically practices nuclear family structures. 
    • They prefer cross-cousin marriages and view marriage by negotiation as the ideal form of matrimony.
• Language
  • • The Bagata people communicate in a variant of the Oriya language, with Telugu also being one of their main languages. 
    • Their local dialect is known as Adivasi Oriya.
• Profession
  • • Farming is the primary occupation of the Bagata tribe, which they pursue to meet their daily living needs.
• Religious Practices
  • • The Bagatas worship Hindu gods and goddesses, alongside their own family and tribal deities.

VIRAASAT Exhibition

• News:  The “VIRAASAT” exhibition, a two-week-long celebration of India’s handloom heritage, has begun at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi. 
• Event Overview
  • • “VIRAASAT” is a fortnight-long exhibition celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day.
    • It started on 3rd August 2024 at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi.
    • The exhibition will conclude on 16th August 2024.
• Organized By
  • • The event is organized by the National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
• Purpose and Focus
  • • The exhibition celebrates the rich tradition of handloom and handicrafts in India.
    • It provides a platform for handloom weavers and artisans to connect with buyers.
• Featured Handloom Varieties
  • • The exhibition includes popular handloom varieties such as Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua, and Tangaliya.
    • These products are known for their exclusive weaves, designs, and traditional motifs, attracting customers worldwide.
• Historical Context
  • • The Swadeshi Movement, launched on 7th August 1905, promoted indigenous industries, especially handloom weaving.
    • Since 2015, the Government of India has commemorated 7th August every year as National Handloom Day to honor this tradition.
• Significance of National Handloom Day
  • • The first National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7th August 2015 in Chennai by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
    • The day highlights the socio-economic contribution of the handloom sector and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to protecting handloom heritage and empowering weavers.
• Handloom Sector in India
  • • The handloom sector directly or indirectly employs 35 lakh people, making it the second-largest employment sector in India after agriculture.
    • The major handloom clusters in India are in Varanasi, Godda, Shiva Sagar, Virudhunagar, Prakasam, Bhagalpur, Guntur and Trichy.
    • The USA was the biggest importer of handloom products from India, consistently the top importer for the past 8 years.
    • Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC): 
      • The HEPC was formed in 1965 and is a not-for-profit organization.
      • This council is constituted under ‘The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India’ to promote exports of all handloom products like fabrics, home furnishings, carpets, floor coverings, etc.

Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano

• News: Researchers from the Pennsylvania State University have found out that the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania has been rapidly going underground for the past 10 years.
• Location
  • • Ol Doinyo Lengai is located in northern Tanzania, at the southern end of Lake Natron. 
    • The local Maasai people refer to it as the “Mountain of God.”
• Geological Characteristics
  • • It is an active stratovolcano with unique geological features.
    •  The volcano rises to an elevation of 9,442 feet (2,878 meters) and is part of the East African Rift System. 
    • Its lavas are highly alkaline, containing basalts rich in sodium and potassium, and resemble washing soda in their appearance.

• Activity and Eruptions
  • • Ol Doinyo Lengai has more than one active center, with most of the recent eruptions occurring from its northern crater.
• Rarity
  • • The volcano is rare because it is the only one on Earth with actively erupting carbonatite magma. 
    • This magma is saturated with alkali elements like calcium and sodium and is notably low in silica, making it extremely runny.

UPSC GS 2

India-Bangladesh Relations

• News:   The Central government will hold an all party meet soon to brief the Opposition leaders on the situation in Bangladesh.
• Historical Bonds:
  • • India was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh and establish diplomatic relations immediately after its independence in December 1971.
    • India shares land border of 4096.7 km with Bangladesh; it is the longest amongst all other neighbouring countries. 
• India-Bangladesh Trade:
  • • Bangladesh is India’s biggest trading partner in the subcontinent and India is the second biggest export partner accounting for 12% of the total exports to Bangladesh.
    • Their total bilateral trade amounted to $13 billion in the financial year 2023-24. 
    • Major principal commodities exported from India to Bangladesh include cotton yarn, petroleum products, cereals (US$ 556 million), etc.
    • Major principal commodities imported by India from Bangladesh include articles of apparel and clothing accessories. 
• Infra & connectivity:
  • • India has extended three lines of credit to Bangladesh since 2016 amounting to $8 billion for the development of road, rail, shipping and port infrastructure.
    • Railway Links:
      • Akhaura-Agartala link
      • Haldibari (India) – Chilahati (Bangladesh)
      • Petrapole (India)-Benapole (Bangladesh), ·
      • Gede (India) – Darshana (Bangladesh), 
      •  Singhabad (India) – Rohanpur (Bangladesh), and
      • Radhikapur (India) – Birol (Bangladesh).
• International Groupings:
  • • Bangladesh and India are common members of SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA and the Commonwealth.

Substantive Equality

• News: In Supreme Court’s verdict on sub-classification, the CJI Chandrachud referred to substantive equality to stress that reservation is a facet of merit, and not an exception to the merit rule.
• Overview
  • • Substantive equality aims to achieve genuine equality by recognizing and addressing the diverse needs, circumstances, and historical disadvantages of different groups in society.
    • Unlike formal equality, which treats everyone the same irrespective of their background, substantive equality seeks fair outcomes by considering individual differences.

 

• Key Concepts
  • • Historical Context and Disadvantages: Substantive equality acknowledges that some groups have experienced long-standing disadvantages and discrimination, affecting their current opportunities and outcomes.
    • Different Treatment for Fair Outcomes: To achieve fairness, certain groups may need to be treated differently through targeted measures that address their unique challenges.
    • Beyond Formal Equality: It ensures that policies and laws do not merely provide equal treatment but also result in equal opportunities and outcomes.
    • Addressing Systemic Inequalities: Involves identifying and dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality, including legal, social, economic, and cultural structures. Policies under substantive equality work to reform these structures to promote inclusive and equitable development.
• Examples in Practice
  • • Affirmative Action Policies: Reservations in education and employment help marginalized groups overcome historical disadvantages and ensure a fair chance to succeed.
    • Social Programs: Initiatives like scholarships for low-income students or healthcare programs for rural populations address the specific needs of disadvantaged groups.
    • Legal Reforms: Laws that protect marginalized groups’ rights, such as anti-discrimination laws, labor rights for informal workers, and land rights for indigenous communities, promote substantive equality.

UPSC GS 3

Bent-toed Gecko

• News: Scientists and researchers have discovered six new species of bent-toed gecko, a type of small lizard, in the northeastern region recently.
• Overview
  • • Bent-toed geckos belong to the genus Cyrtodactylus and are also known as bow-fingered geckos or forest geckos.
    • They are ectothermic, relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. 
    • Reproduction typically occurs during warm and wet seasons.
• Distribution
  • • There are about 346 species of bent-toed geckos found across various biogeographic zones, including Peninsular India, Sri Lanka, the Himalayan foothills, Northeast India, Southeast Asia, and the Solomon Islands.

• New Species Highlights
  • • Namdapha Bent-Toed Gecko: Documented in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, this species is widespread in lowland evergreen forests within the Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves.
    • Siang Valley Bent-Toed Gecko: Discovered in the Siang River valley of Arunachal Pradesh, known for its unique biodiversity.
    • Ngengpui Bent-Toed Gecko: Found in the Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary in Lawngtlai district, Mizoram, one of the easternmost protected areas in India.
    • Manipur Bent-Toed Gecko: Discovered near Lamdan Kabui village in Manipur.
    • Kiphire Bent-Toed Gecko and Barail Hill Bent-Toed Gecko: Both species were identified in Nagaland.

Glioblastoma

• News: In an innovative new study of glioblastoma, scientists used artificial intelligence (AI) to reprogram cancer cells, converting them into dendritic cells (DCs), which can identify cancer cells and direct other immune cells to kill them.
• Overview
  • • Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that originates in the brain or spinal cord.
    • It is caused by DNA mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. The specific causes of these genetic mutations are largely unknown.
    • Glioblastoma forms from astrocytes, which are cells that support nerve cells and provide nutrients to the brain.
    • The tumors create their own blood supply, facilitating rapid growth and easy invasion of normal brain tissue.
• Growth and Occurrence
  • • Glioblastoma grows quickly and can invade and destroy healthy brain tissue.
    • It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.
    • It accounts for nearly half of all cancerous brain tumors in adults.
• Symptoms
  • • Symptoms may include worsening headaches, nausea and vomiting, blurred or double vision, trouble speaking, altered sense of touch, and seizures.
    • There may also be issues with balance, coordination, and movement of facial or body parts.
• Treatment
  • • There is no cure for glioblastoma. Treatments aim to slow cancer growth and alleviate symptoms.
    • Main treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Read also: Critical Minerals in India: A Comprehensive Overview | UPSC

Lyme Disease

• News: Lyme disease is a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 476,000 individuals in the US each year, primarily through black-legged tick bites.
• Overview
  • • Lyme disease is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Transmission
  • • It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks.
    • Lyme disease does not spread between humans, from pets to humans, or through air, food, water, lice, mosquitoes, fleas, or flies.

• Prevalence
  • • The disease is commonly found in wooded and grassy areas worldwide, particularly during warmer months.
    • It is most frequently reported in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia.
• Symptoms
  • • Symptoms typically begin between 3 to 30 days after an infected tick bite.
    • Common symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive “bull’s-eye” red rash known as erythema migrans (EM).
    • Erythema migrans is a key sign that helps in the early diagnosis and management of the disease.
    • If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.
• Treatment
  • • The standard treatment for Lyme disease is antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, especially effective when administered in the early stages.

Astra Missile

• News:  The Indian Air Force (IAF) has given clearance to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to produce 200 Astra air-to-air missiles for its Su-3O and LCA Tejas fighter aircraft.
• Overview
  • • Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed for mounting on fighter aircraft.
    • It is indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Purpose
  • • The missile is built to engage and destroy aerial targets with high maneuverability and supersonic speed.
    • It is designed for advanced air combat, capable of engaging multiple high-performance targets.

• Class and Variants
  • • Astra is considered one of the best in its class of air-to-air missile systems worldwide.
    • The missile is being developed in multiple variants to meet specific operational requirements.
• Features of Astra Mk-I
  • • Dimensions and Weight: Astra is 3.6 meters long, with a diameter of 178 mm, and weighs 154 kg.
    • Range and Speed: It has a range of 80 to 110 km in a head-on chase and can travel at speeds up to 4.5 Mach (almost hypersonic).
    • Guidance System: The missile uses an inertial guidance system with a fibre optic gyroscope and terminal guidance through active radar homing.
    • Launch Options: It offers two modes of engagement—“Lock on Before Launch” (LOB) and “Lock on After Launch” (LOAL). This allows the aircraft to shoot and then move to safety after firing.
    • Engine Technology: It is based on advanced solid-fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) engine technology.
    • Operational Capability: Astra can operate in all weather conditions, both day and night, and provides high reliability and a very high Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP).