UPSC GS 2
Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS)
- News: Nearly 15 years after it was launched, all 17,130 police stations in the country have been linked through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).
- About CCTNS:
- The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is an online platform established under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- It was launched in 2009 with a budget allocation of ₹2,000 crore as part of the National e-Governance Plan.
- The platform is designed to create a comprehensive and integrated system that enhances the efficiency and transparency of police operations at the police station level.
- CCTNS is categorized as a Mission Mode Project (MMP), providing law enforcement agencies with advanced tools for investigation, data analysis, policymaking, and citizen-centric services.
- Key Features of CCTNS:
- Nationwide Integration: Connects 17,130 police stations across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories, achieving 100% deployment even in remote regions such as Manipur, Nagaland, and Lakshadweep.
- Comprehensive Crime Database: Maintains detailed records of accused individuals, habitual offenders, proclaimed offenders, and crime-related data, including information on missing persons and stolen vehicles.
- Analytical Capabilities: Offers tools to generate crime statistics and detailed reports for data-driven decision-making at the police station level.
- Citizen Services: Facilitates the tracking of complaints, verification requests, and case updates, making police services more accessible to the public.
- Enhanced Integration: Linked with the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS), facilitating seamless data sharing between police, courts, prisons, prosecution, forensics, and fingerprint databases.
- Key Modifications Under New Criminal Laws:
- Role of CCTNS in Implementation:CCTNS plays a crucial role in operationalizing new criminal laws introduced on July 1, 2024, including:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860).
- Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (replacing the Indian Evidence Act, 1872).
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (replacing the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898).
- Key Updates:
- Mandatory Videography: Videographic documentation of crime scenes and forensic evidence collection in cases with punishments exceeding seven years.
- Forensic Investigations: Collection of biological samples upon the request of investigating officers.
- Arrest Procedures: Senior officer approval required for certain arrests. Arrest details communicated to the accused’s relatives and displayed publicly.
- Case Monitoring: Victims to receive updates on investigation progress within 90 days.
- Digital Reporting: Fortnightly submission of daily diaries to magistrates.
- About National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):
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- Establishment: Founded in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Primary Role: Serves as the central repository for crime and criminal data across India.
- Headquarters: Based in New Delhi.
- Responsibilities:
- Collects and analyzes crime statistics nationwide.
- Manages the Central Finger Print Bureau, maintaining a national fingerprint database.
- Publishes key reports such as Crime in India, Accidental Deaths & Suicides, and Prison Statistics.
- Provides technical expertise in fields such as digital forensics and network security.
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Kisan Kavach
- News: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology has recently unveiled Kisan Kavach, Bharat’s first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit.
- About Kisan Kavach:
- Kisan Kavach is a pioneering anti-pesticide bodysuit designed to safeguard farmers from the adverse effects of pesticide exposure.
- The suit aims to protect farmworkers from absorbing harmful pesticides during spraying activities, many of which are known neurotoxins and hazardous to health.
- It has been developed collaboratively by the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC-inStem), Bangalore, and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.
- Features of Kisan Kavach:
- The kit comprises three components: a trouser, a pullover, and a face cover.
- The fabric used in the kit, called ‘oxime fabric’, is engineered to chemically neutralize common pesticides that come into contact with the body or clothing during spraying operations.
- This mechanism effectively prevents harmful chemicals from penetrating the skin.
- The kit is priced at ₹4,000 per unit, making it accessible to farmers.
- Mechanism of Action:
- The fabric works by deactivating pesticides on contact through nucleophilic-mediated hydrolysis, a process that neutralizes toxic chemicals.
- This mechanism helps in mitigating pesticide-induced toxicity and fatality risks.
- Durability and Efficiency:
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- The protective suit maintains its effectiveness across a wide temperature range and under UV light exposure.
- It remains functional and protective even after 150 washes, ensuring long-term usability for farmers.
Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS)
- News: The Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) has initiated a “detailed examination” following official trade data that revealed a threefold increase in India’s gold imports in November, reaching a record high of $14.8 billion compared to the previous year.
- Definition: The DGCIS serves as the Government of India’s primary agency for the collection, compilation, and dissemination of trade statistics and commercial information.
- Historical Background:
- The organization’s origins date back to 1862, when a statistical branch was established in the Finance Department of the Government of India.
- Sir William W. Hunter was appointed as the first Director General of the Directorate General of Statistics (now DGCIS) in 1871.
- Functions:
- Data Collection and Dissemination: Responsible for gathering, compiling, and publishing trade statistics and commercial data essential for policymakers, researchers, importers, exporters, and traders.
- Export and Import Data: Operates as the nodal agency for processing large-scale export and import data in India.
- Inland Trade Statistics: Compiles and publishes data on inter-state movement of goods via rail, river, and air on an annual basis.
- Publications: Disseminates trade-related information required by domestic and international stakeholders.
- Organizational Structure:
- The DGCIS is led by the Director General, a senior officer of the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) at the Additional Secretary level.
- The organization operates under the Ministry of Commerce.
- Headquarters: The headquarters of the DGCIS is located in Kolkata, India.
UPSC GS 3
Milkweed Fiber
- News: The Union Ministry of Textiles is expanding its research and development initiatives to explore new natural fibers, including milkweed fiber, for diverse applications.
- Definition:
- Milkweed fiber is derived from the seeds of the milkweed plant (Asclepias syriaca).
- The plant belongs to the genus Asclepias within the family Asclepiadaceae and is often referred to as stubborn weed.
- Distribution in India: In India, milkweed grows as a wild plant in states such as Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- Characteristics of the Plant: Milkweed plants are rich in milk sap, which is abundant in their leaves, stems, and pods.
- Properties of Milkweed Fiber:
- Composition: Contains oily substances and lignin, a woody component that renders the fibers brittle and unsuitable for conventional spinning.
- Surface Features: Exhibits hydrophobic (water-repelling) and oleophobic (oil-repelling) properties due to natural wax coatings on the fiber surface.
- Applications:
- Industrial Uses: Widely used in the paper manufacturing industry.
- Insulation: Serves as an effective filling material for insulation purposes.
- Water-Safety Equipment: Incorporated into life jackets and belts due to its buoyant properties.
- Oil Spill Management: Researchers have found that milkweed fiber is highly efficient at absorbing oil while simultaneously repelling water, making it a valuable resource for cleaning up oil spills.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
- News: Madhya Pradesh has announced plans to develop Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary into a suitable habitat for cheetahs. The sanctuary spans a landscape of 2,500 sq. km across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
- Location:
- Located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, along the border with Rajasthan.
- Falls within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
- Key Features:
- Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974, covering an area of 368 sq. km.
- The Chambal River traverses the sanctuary, splitting it into two sections.
- Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
- Topography and Vegetation:
- The sanctuary encompasses diverse terrains, including hills, plateaus, and the catchment of the Gandhi Sagar Dam.
- Vegetation includes:
- Northern tropical dry deciduous forests.
- Northern tropical dry mixed deciduous forests.
- Dry deciduous scrub.
- Common tree species include Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash.
- Fauna:
- Herbivores: Species like Chinkara, Nilgai, and Spotted Deer inhabit the sanctuary.
- Carnivores: Includes Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal.
- Aquatic Species: Hosts crocodiles, various fish, otters, and turtles.
- Historical and Cultural Significance: The sanctuary is home to historical and archaeological landmarks, such as:
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- Chaurasigarh.
- Chaturbhujnath Temple.
- Bhadkaji rock paintings.
- Hinglajgarh Fort.
- Taxakeshwar Temple.
Jungli Murga (Grey Junglefowl)
- News: A controversy has recently emerged surrounding the alleged consumption of the Jungli Murga (Grey Junglefowl) by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
- Key Legal and Environmental Implications:
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972:
- The Grey Junglefowl is classified under Schedule I, granting it the highest level of legal protection in India.
- Hunting or consuming this species is a punishable offence under the provisions of this Act.
- Relevant Provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
- Section 353(2): Addresses the dissemination of false information that incites hatred.
- Section 356: Pertains to defamation or intentional damage to a person’s reputation.
- Cultural Sensitivities: Emphasizes the importance of respecting local traditions while ensuring compliance with environmental laws and conservation practices.
- About the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus):
- Definition:
- The Red Junglefowl, a tropical pheasant, is the wild progenitor of domesticated chickens.
- It holds significant importance in understanding the history and evolution of avian domestication.
- The species is indigenous to India, Indo-China, Malaysia, and nearby regions.
- Habitat: Occupies a variety of ecosystems, including:
- Primeval forests.
- Dry scrublands.
- Secondary growth woodlands.
- Threats:
- Hybridization: Genetic integrity is at risk due to crossbreeding with feral domestic chickens and subspecies.
- Habitat Loss: Deforestation and land-use changes reduce suitable environments.
- Lack of Awareness: Limited public understanding of the importance of conserving pure Red Junglefowl populations exacerbates the issue.
- Role in Human History:
- The Red Junglefowl was domesticated approximately 5,000 years ago in Southeast Asia.
- It became an essential food source for early human civilizations and was subsequently introduced to regions such as Africa, South America, and the Pacific Islands.
- IUCN Status:
- Category: Least Concern.
Sacred Groves
- News: In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court told the Union government to create a comprehensive policy for the management of sacred groves across the country.
- What Are Sacred Groves?
- Sacred Groves are small forest patches or areas of natural vegetation preserved by local communities due to their cultural and religious importance.
- These groves are often dedicated to local deities and function as both spiritual sanctuaries and ecological havens.
- They serve as biodiversity hotspots, providing shelter to rare and endangered plant and animal species.
- Human activities such as hunting and deforestation are generally prohibited in these areas, though sustainable practices like honey collection or gathering deadwood may be allowed.
- Sacred Groves in India: Sacred groves are widespread across the country and are predominantly found in the following regions:
- The Western Ghats.
- The Himalayan ranges.
- Northeastern hill tracts.
- Central India.
- Regional Names for Sacred Groves:
- Bihar: Known as Sarna.
- Himachal Pradesh: Called Dev Van.
- Karnataka: Referred to as Devarakadu.
- Kerala: Known as Kavu or Sarpa Kavu.
- Maharashtra: Called Devrai or Deorai.
- Meghalaya: Known as Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi.
- Rajasthan: Termed Oran.
- Examples of Success: Piplantri Village, Rajasthan:
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- This village is renowned for its initiative of planting 111 trees for every girl child born.
- The program has achieved multiple benefits, including:
- Enhancing local incomes.
- Reducing instances of female foeticide.
- Empowering women through self-help groups.
Himalayan Birch Tree (Betula utilis)
- News: Recent research highlights that climate change is altering the Himalayan tree landscape, with drought-resistant fir trees gradually replacing Himalayan birch trees.
- Description: The Himalayan Birch is a deciduous broadleaved tree species that predominantly grows in the Himalayan region.
- Distribution:
- Found within an altitude range of 3,100–3,800 meters in the northwestern Himalayas.
- Native to the Western Himalayas, it thrives at elevations up to 4,500 meters.
- Key Features:
- Known for its high freezing tolerance, enabling it to form a treeline in the Himalayan ecosystem.
- A long-lived species capable of surviving up to 400 years.
- The only angiosperm in the Himalayas to dominate extensive areas at sub-alpine altitudes.
- Ecological Role:
- Plays a vital role in maintaining the Himalayan ecosystem by preventing soil erosion.
- Acts as a bio-shield for the forests and sub-alpine meadows below the treeline.
- Highlights of the Research:
- Challenges for Birch Trees:
- Birch trees are facing growth challenges due to increased temperatures and reduced moisture availability.
- The species requires high moisture levels, making it vulnerable to heat-induced dryness.
- Competition with Fir Trees:
- Birch trees face competition from fir trees for critical resources like space, sunlight, water, and nutrients, further hindering their growth.
- Climate Change Effects:
- Disturbances such as early snowmelt, snow fungi, avalanches, landslides, insect outbreaks, hotter droughts, and fires are likely to reduce the recruitment of less resilient species like birch.
- Environmental Impacts:
- Shift in Dominance:
- The transition from deciduous birch to evergreen fir trees may significantly affect ecological processes.
- Altered Functions:
- Changes in litter decomposition rates, carbon and nitrogen cycling, water-use efficiency, and energy fluxes.
- Modifications in interactions with animals, fungi, and plant communities in alpine regions.
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Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3)
- News: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently announced that it has started assembling the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) for Gaganyaan’s first uncrewed flight.
- Definition: HLVM-3 is a human-rated variant of ISRO’s LVM3, specifically developed for the Gaganyaan program to facilitate human spaceflight.
- Aim: The primary objective is to ensure a safe and secure human spaceflight by incorporating advanced safety and reliability features.
- Features of HLVM-3:
- Payload Capacity: HLVM-3 is a three-stage vehicle capable of carrying approximately 10 tonnes of payload to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Dimensions: The vehicle stands 53 meters tall and has a liftoff weight of 640 tonnes.
- Crew Escape System (CES): The CES is a critical safety feature designed to safeguard astronauts in the event of an emergency during launch. It is activated in the early phases of the mission, particularly before the spacecraft exits atmospheric flight and enters orbital separation.
- About LVM-3 Vehicle:
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- LVM-3, also known as Launch Vehicle Mark-3, is a three-stage rocket.
- It features two S200 solid-propellant strap-ons on either side.
- The core stage comprises the L110 liquid stage and the C25 cryogenic stage.
- The rocket weighs 640 tonnes at liftoff.
- LVM-3 can transport up to 8 tonnes of payloads to Low Earth Orbits (LEO).
- It has a payload capacity of approximately 4 tonnes for Geostationary Transfer Orbits (GTO).
