1) NASA’s PUNCH: The Latest Solar Mission 

GS 3: Science and Technology: Rise in Solar Studies

Why is it in the news?

• NASA is set to launch its latest solar mission, the Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH), from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 4, 2025.
• This marks the third major solar mission in the past 18 months, indicating a significant rise in solar studies. The increased frequency of solar missions is directly linked to the ongoing solar cycle.

Understanding the Solar Cycle

• Like a bar magnet, the Sun has a magnetic field with north and south poles, generated by the movement of electrically charged particles. Approximately every 11 years, the Sun’s magnetic field flips, causing its poles to switch places. This phenomenon, known as the solar cycle, influences solar activity.
• The solar maximum is the phase when the Sun is most active, characterized by increased radiation and particle emissions. In contrast, during the solar minimum, solar activity is at its lowest.
• One key indicator of the solar cycle is the number of sunspots—dark, cooler regions with strong magnetic fields. These sunspots peak during the solar maximum and decline during the solar minimum.
• Additionally, solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) become more frequent, sending bursts of energy into space, which can disrupt satellite communications and power grids on Earth.

Why Are More Solar Missions Being Launched?

• The current solar activity suggests that the Sun may be nearing its solar maximum, though official confirmation is awaited. Observations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate that solar activity has been above normal since May 2022 and has remained high through 2024.
• The solar maximum provides the best opportunity for physicists to study the Sun, making it an ideal period for launching missions. If this window is missed, the next period of high solar activity will not occur until 2035-2036. This urgency has led to a surge in solar missions.

Recent Solar Missions

Several significant solar missions have been launched recently to study the Sun’s behaviour and its impact on space weather:

Aditya L1 (India) – Launched on September 2, 2023

• India’s first solar mission by ISRO is designed to study solar flares, solar winds, low-intensity magnetic fields, and solar X-ray emissions.

Proba-3 (European Space Agency) – Launched on December 4, 2024

• This ESA mission, launched in collaboration with ISRO, has a unique design to study solar winds and solar storms.

PUNCH (NASA) – Set to Launch on March 4, 2025

• PUNCH is a first-of-its-kind mission that will study the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost atmosphere. It consists of four identical satellites that will continuously image the Sun’s inner corona and analyze the origins of solar flares and solar winds.

2) Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Achieves Historic Private Moon Landing

GS 3: Science and Technology: Private Lunar Landing

Why is it in the news?

• American private space company Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its spacecraft, Blue Ghost, on the Moon, marking the first near-flawless private lunar landing. This is the second time a private company has reached the Moon, following Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus mission last year.
• The success of these private space missions is part of NASA’s effort to build a broader ecosystem of space transportation companies for frequent lunar travel in the coming years.

Scientific Goals of Blue Ghost

• These private missions primarily carry scientific instruments, mostly for NASA, to advance lunar research. Blue Ghost has ten payloads designed to test robotic drilling technology, analyze surface and sub-surface composition, and explore dust mitigation techniques.
• The spacecraft landed on the Moon’s nearside, around 20 degrees north of the equator, in a region impacted by an asteroid three billion years ago. The payloads will function for one lunar day (14 Earth days), with battery power extending their operation into the frigid lunar night.
• On March 14, the mission aims to capture high-definition images of a solar eclipse occurring on the Moon. Unlike some future missions, Blue Ghost does not have a rover; instead, its payloads will remain static on the lander.

NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)

• Firefly Aerospace is the third private company to send a lunar mission under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. This initiative allows private space firms to transport scientific instruments to the Moon on a commercial basis while also taking payloads from other institutions, corporations, and nations.
• CLPS is a key component of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, utilize its natural resources, and prepare for deep-space exploration.

Growing Private Lunar Missions

• The first CLPS mission, launched in January 2023 by Astrobotic Technologies, failed to reach the Moon due to technical problems. Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus mission in February 2023 successfully landed, but with a hard impact that damaged its landing legs. Despite this, the spacecraft remained upright and transmitted data.
• Firefly’s Blue Ghost, however, achieved a nearly perfect landing, prompting the company to claim it as the first “successful” private Moon landing. Future missions under CLPS will involve more complex operations, including rovers and sample return modules.

Increased Lunar Traffic in 2024

• The entry of private space firms is increasing the frequency of Moon missions. Even as Blue Ghost landed, another CLPS mission, Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 (Athena), was en route, set to land on March 6 near the Moon’s south pole.
• Additionally, Japan’s Hakuto-R Mission 2, developed by private firm ispace, is expected to land in May or June after taking a more energy-efficient route. More missions are anticipated later in 2024, including another launch by Astrobotic Technologies and a potential third mission from Intuitive Machines (IM-3).

Conclusion

• These advancements signal a new era of lunar exploration, where private companies play a crucial role in accelerating scientific discoveries and preparing for long-term human presence on the Moon.

3) Understanding China’s Foreign Policy Structure

GS 2: International Relations:  China’s Foreign Policy framework

Why is it in the news?

• China’s foreign policy is uniquely structured, with an intricate overlap between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and state institutions. Unlike India, where the party and government function separately, China’s political framework ensures that the CPC holds ultimate authority over foreign affairs.
• This influence is evident in recent diplomatic engagements, such as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s January visit to China, where he met officials from both state and party bodies.

Key Decision-Making Bodies

• At the highest level, the Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) sets the overall direction for political decision-making.
• However, actual foreign policy coordination and implementation fall under the CPC Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission (FAC). This commission, led by President Xi Jinping, is responsible for inter-departmental coordination and decision-making.
• Li Qiang serves as the deputy head, while Wang Yi, also China’s Foreign Minister, heads the commission’s administrative arm, the Office of the FAC. This office plays a crucial role in setting the agenda, gathering intelligence from various agencies, and making recommendations to top leaders.

The CPC’s Diplomatic Arm: International Liaison Department

• Beyond state-level diplomacy, the CPC operates its own foreign policy outreach through the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC). Led by Liu Jianchao, a former foreign ministry spokesperson, the IDCPC handles party-to-party diplomacy in over 150 countries.
• It builds relationships with political parties across ideological lines, aiming to enhance the CPC’s legitimacy internationally. The department is organized into regional bureaus, such as South and Southeast Asian Affairs, which conduct research and maintain contact with major political entities.
• The IDCPC has also facilitated engagements with Indian political parties, highlighting the CPC’s influence beyond state diplomacy.
• Another significant entity in foreign policy is the United Front Work Department (UFWD), headed by Politburo member Shi Taifeng. The UFWD focuses on managing relations with the overseas Chinese diaspora, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
• It also plays a crucial role in shaping global narratives on Tibet and Xinjiang and influences intellectual circles in foreign countries to align with China’s messaging.

Role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) serves as China’s official diplomatic body, operating under the State Council. Historically, its influence has fluctuated; under Premier Zhou Enlai, it held considerable power but later saw a decline.
• Today, it primarily implements foreign policy decisions through its diplomatic corps, issuing statements on international affairs.
• Though it ranks at the ‘middle level’ in China’s hierarchy, its importance has grown under Xi Jinping’s leadership, who frequently engages with foreign service officials, reinforcing the ‘top-level design’ approach in foreign policy.

Expanding Foreign Policy Apparatus

• Beyond these entities, China’s foreign policy framework includes other organizations like the National Security Commission, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and the National People’s Congress, each with diplomatic responsibilities.
• This multi-layered approach highlights the complexity of engaging with China, requiring nations like India to carefully monitor CPC policies, as they significantly shape the country’s foreign relations.

4) Global Race for Copper: India, China, and the U.S. Compete for Critical Supplies

GS 3: Economy: India’s overseas exploration

Why is it in the news?

• On February 27, the Indian government announced the acquisition of a 9,000-sq-km block in Zambia for copper and cobalt exploration. With domestic production declining, this project marks a crucial step for India in establishing overseas mining operations.
• The country’s only domestic copper miner, Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), reported a 6% drop in production between April and January of the current financial year. Additionally, India’s copper concentrate imports have doubled in value to ₹26,000 crore since 2018-19 due to stagnant domestic ore production.

U.S. Concerns Over Copper Supply Chain

• On February 25, the White House warned that America’s reliance on foreign copper could threaten national security, infrastructure development, and technological innovation. President Donald Trump issued an executive order to investigate how copper imports impact the U.S. economy and security.
• The U.S., despite having significant reserves, lags in smelting and refining capacity, with China controlling over 50% of global smelting. The investigation aims to identify vulnerabilities and recommend tariffs, export controls, or incentives to strengthen domestic copper production.

China’s Strategy Amid Tightening Copper Supply

• China, the world’s largest smelter of copper, is facing challenges due to tightening global supply. On February 17, Bloomberg reported that China is enforcing stricter regulations on smelting capacity.
• Companies must now secure long-term contracts with copper mines, primarily in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Chile, and Peru, before building new smelters.
• China’s move aims to balance supply and demand, as treatment and refining charges (TCRCs) have declined due to overcapacity, squeezing smelter margins and forcing some operations to shut down.

The Growing Demand for Copper

• The demand for copper is rising, driven by its crucial role in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, clean energy technologies, and industrial applications. By 2035, global demand is expected to outstrip supply, intensifying the race to secure resources.
• The copper value chain involves processing ore into concentrate, smelting into anodes, and refining into cathodes, which are used to produce industrial products like rods, sheets, and wires. While recycling and alternative battery chemistries may ease pressure on supply, mining remains essential.

India’s Overseas Exploration Strategy

• India considers copper a critical mineral, but domestic reserves require extensive exploration before mining can begin. Globally, it takes up to 17 years on average to operationalize a copper mine.
• Given the delay in developing domestic resources, India is aggressively seeking overseas assets in copper-rich nations like Zambia, Chile, and the DRC. Deposits in these regions are of higher grade and can be developed faster, though geopolitical risks remain a concern.
• India’s Ministry of Mines is working through nodal officers in the DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda to acquire more mineral assets.

Africa’s Rising Role in Copper Production

• Africa’s share in the global production of critical minerals, including copper, lithium, and natural graphite, is increasing. The International Energy Agency (IEA) noted that Africa accounts for 70% of global cobalt production and 16% of copper production, with the DRC expected to become the world’s second-largest copper supplier by 2030.
• India’s newly acquired block in Zambia’s Northwestern province will be explored by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The region is known for high-grade deposits, and the Vedanta Group already operates a large copper mine in the neighbouring Copperbelt province.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

• The global copper industry faces multiple challenges, including geopolitical risks, environmental concerns, and fluctuating market conditions. China’s efforts to control smelting overcapacity indicate supply constraints, while the U.S. is exploring ways to reduce dependency on imports.
• India’s overseas push is a strategic move to secure its long-term supply, but competition from global players remains intense. As the demand for copper surges, nations will continue to navigate economic, political, and technological factors to maintain stable supply chains.
• Bottom of Form

5) 12th Regional 3R Forum: Advancing Circular Economy and Sustainability in Asia-Pacific

GS 3: Economy: India’s Circular Economy

Why is it in the news?

• The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific was inaugurated in Jaipur, India, marking a crucial step in regional cooperation for sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives.
• The forum serves as a key platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to discuss and implement resource-efficient solutions. With rapid urbanization and industrialization in the Asia-Pacific region, transitioning to a circular economy is now an urgent necessity.

Focus on 3R Principles

• The forum emphasizes the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) approach to establish sustainable production and consumption patterns.
• Through policy recommendations and strategic collaborations, it aims to promote resource efficiency, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. The previous edition was hosted by Cambodia in 2023, while India last hosted it in Indore in 2018.

India’s Role and Key Announcements

• PM Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Pro-Planet People (P3) approach and emphasized India’s willingness to share its expertise in transitioning towards a circular economy.
• He also reiterated India’s leadership in global sustainability efforts through initiatives like

1) Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment);

2) Panchamrit Goals at COP26, committing India to net-zero emissions by 2070;

3) Swachh Bharat Mission & AMRUT 2.0, focusing on urban waste and wastewater recycling;

4) Bio-CNG, plastic waste management, and e-waste recycling initiatives.

• Taking forward this vision, the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) was launched as a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.
• Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was signed to drive integrated waste management and climate action. The ₹1,800 crore initiative will benefit 18 cities across 14 states, serving as lighthouse projects for other urban areas.

History of the 3R and Circular Economy Forum

• Established in 2009, the Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum has played a critical role in advancing sustainable waste management and resource efficiency. It has helped align regional efforts with global sustainability goals, including:

1) UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

2) The Paris Agreement

3) The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030)

• A major milestone was the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023), which set 33 voluntary goals for transitioning to a resource-efficient and circular economy.
• The new 3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034) aims to bring transformational changes in resource and waste management while strengthening global efforts, such as negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty.

India’s Leadership in Circular Economy and 3R Policies

India has been at the forefront of sustainable development with several key initiatives:

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-U):

• Strengthening urban waste management through 3R principles.
• Achieved 108.62% success in household toilet construction (target: 58,99,637; constructed: 63,74,355, as of Feb 27, 2025).
• 29% of solid waste in India is being processed successfully.

GOBAR-Dhan Scheme:

• Promotes waste-to-wealth through biogas and organic waste processing.
• Covers 67.8% of districts in India.
• 1,008 biogas plants operational (as of Feb 27, 2025).

E-Waste Management Rules (2022):

• Strengthens circular economy practices for electronic waste disposal.
• FY 2024-25: E-waste collected – 5,82,769 MT; recycled – 5,18,240 MT.
• FY 2023-24: E-waste collected – 7,98,493 MT; recycled – 7,68,406 MT.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Waste:

• Mandates industries to take responsibility for plastic waste management.
• Single-use plastic banned in India on July 1, 2022.

Conclusion

• The forum will significantly contribute to achieving a zero-waste and circular economy-driven future.
• The discussions, policy recommendations, and commitments from this forum will guide policy implementation, sustainable investments, and technological innovations for resource efficiency, climate resilience, and low-carbon development.

6) India’s Wildlife Conservation Milestones

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Maintaining ecological balance

Why is it in the news?

• World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated annually on March 3rd to emphasize the importance of wild animals and plants in maintaining ecological balance. The theme for WWD 2025 is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”
• On this occasion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Gir National Park, Gujarat, to chair the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife. The Board reviewed India’s conservation efforts, including initiatives like Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Snow Leopard, and the International Big Cats Alliance.

India’s Biodiversity Significance

• Despite covering only 2.4% of the Earth’s land, India is home to 7-8% of global species, including over 45,000 plant and 91,000 animal species. The country hosts four of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Northeast, and the Nicobar Islands.
• India’s diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and coastal habitats, make it a crucial region for global conservation efforts.

National Wildlife Database

• The National Wildlife Database Centre at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) manages the National Wildlife Information System (NWIS), which tracks Protected Areas.
• As of November 27, 2023, India has 106 National Parks; 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries; 115 Conservation Reserves and 220 Community Reserves.
• In total, 1,014 Protected Areas covering 1,75,169.42 km² (5.32% of India’s geographical area).

Legislative and Policy Framework

• National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): Focuses on landscape-level conservation, community involvement, and climate change integration.
• National Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Strategy (2021-26): Aims to reduce human-wildlife conflicts through scientific and policy-based interventions developed under the Indo-German HWC Mitigation Project.

Species-Specific Conservation Initiatives

Project Dolphin

• Launched on August 15, 2020, Project Dolphin focuses on the conservation of marine and riverine dolphins through habitat protection, research, and community awareness.
• Key locations: Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Lakshadweep.
• The 2022 amendment to the Wild Life (Protection) Act empowered the Indian Coast Guard and recognized Gangetic and Indus River Dolphins under Schedule I.
• India’s first-ever Ganges River Dolphin tagging took place in Assam (Dec 18, 2024) under Project Dolphin to study migration and habitat patterns.
• India participated in the Global Declaration for River Dolphins (Oct 2023, Colombia) and conducted a meeting on Irrawaddy dolphins in Odisha.

Project Tiger

• Initiated in 1973, Project Tiger has successfully revived tiger populations. As of 2022, India hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tigers.
• Tiger Population Trends: 2014: 2,226 (2014); 2,967 (2018); 3,682 (range: 3,167-3,925) in 2022, with a 6.1% annual growth rate.

Major Conservation Efforts

• India now has 54 tiger reserves covering over 78,000 sq. km (2.30% of the country’s geographical area). The latest addition is Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh).
• Tigers have been successfully reintroduced in the following tiger reserves: Rajaji (Uttarakhand); Madhav (Madhya Pradesh); Mukundra Hills (Rajasthan); and Ramgarh Vishdhari (Rajasthan).
• Future plans include tiger reintroduction in Buxa Tiger Reserve (West Bengal).

Global Conservation Recognition & Collaboration

• 23 Indian tiger reserves are now CA|TS-accredited, ensuring adherence to global best conservation practices.
• Six new reserves received accreditation this year.
• Pench and Satpura Tiger Reserves won the Tx2 Award for doubling their tiger populations.
• India signed MoUs with Cambodia for tiger reintroduction and held bilateral discussions with Bangladesh for transboundary conservation in the Sundarbans.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Becomes a Treaty-Based Organization

• On January 23, 2025, the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) became a treaty-based intergovernmental organization. It was ratified by Nicaragua, Eswatini, India, Somalia, and Liberia, with a total of 27 countries joining the initiative.

About IBCA:

• Launched by PM Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during 50 Years of Project Tiger.
• Union Cabinet approved its establishment in February 2024.
• Founded by NTCA under MoEFCC on March 12, 2024.
• Focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

Key Objectives & Impact

• Enhancing global collaboration among governments, conservationists, and NGOs.
• Establishing a central fund and technical hub for research and conservation.
• Strengthening habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and wildlife law enforcement.
• Combating illegal wildlife trade and promoting sustainable conservation practices.
• Integrating climate change mitigation into conservation strategies.
• With its legal status formalized, IBCA marks a historic milestone in global big cat conservation.
• The organization, in collaboration with Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, conducted an executive course on capacity building, bringing together officials from 27 countries to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts.

Project Cheetah

• Launched on September 17, 2022, Project Cheetah is a pioneering conservation effort aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to India, marking the world’s first intercontinental large carnivore translocation.
• The project operates under Project Tiger and aligns with the Cheetah Action Plan to restore the species in India’s grasslands.

Key Achievements

Transcontinental Relocation:

• September 2022 – Eight cheetahs from Namibia translocated to Kuno National Park.
• February 2023 – Twelve cheetahs from South Africa introduced.

Successful Adaptation:

• Cheetahs exhibited natural behaviours such as hunting, territory establishment, and mating.
• A female cheetah gave birth on Indian soil after 75 years.
• January 3, 2024 – Three cubs born to Namibian cheetah Aasha in Kuno National Park.

Community Engagement:

• Over 350 ‘Cheetah Mitras’ (Cheetah Friends) engaged from local villages.
• Promotes human-wildlife conflict mitigation and peaceful coexistence.

Project Elephant

• India hosts over 60% of the global Asian elephant population. Project Elephant, launched by the Government of India, ensures the long-term survival of elephants in their natural habitats.

Key Focus Areas

• Habitat preservation and restoration.
• Mitigation of human-elephant conflicts.
• Welfare of captive elephants.
• Strengthening India’s ecological and cultural commitment to elephant conservation.
• With comprehensive conservation strategies and international cooperation, India continues to lead efforts in wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.

Key Achievements and Initiatives in Wildlife Conservation

• India’s wild elephant population has increased from 26,786 (2018 census) to 29,964 in 2022, reinforcing the country’s successful conservation efforts.
• India has established 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states, covering 80,777 km², ensuring safe migratory corridors and protected habitats.
• Elephant Reserves often overlap with Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserved Forests, ensuring comprehensive protection under multiple forest and wildlife laws.
• Under the 15th Finance Commission cycle, the Government has allocated ₹2,602.98 crores for wildlife conservation, including ₹236.58 crores for Project Elephant to strengthen conservation measures and reduce human-elephant conflicts.

Conservation of the Asiatic Lion in India

Project Lion

Launched as a flagship initiative, Project Lion focuses on:

• Landscape ecology-based conservation
• Habitat restoration and expansion
• Community participation and livelihood opportunities
• Disease management and research in big cat health

Significance and Achievements:

• India’s conservation efforts have led to steady growth in the Asiatic lion population:
• 2010: 411 lions
• 2015: 523 lions
• 2020: 674 lions
• The Gujarat Government allocated ₹155.53 crore for lion conservation in 2023-24.
• Due to India’s efforts, the IUCN reclassified the Asiatic lion from “Critically Endangered” to “Endangered” in 2008.

Conserving the One-Horned Rhinoceros in India

• National Conservation Strategy for the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (2019): Focuses on repopulation and scientific conservation measures.
• Indian Rhino Vision (IRV) 2020: Aims to increase the rhino population and expand their distribution through translocation.

Impact and Achievements

• Population Growth: As of 2022, Kaziranga National Park houses 2,613 greater one-horned rhinoceroses.
• Global Significance: Assam accounts for 68% of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceroses.
• Community Engagement: Initiatives like World Rhino Day involve local communities in conservation efforts.

Habitat and Ecosystem Conservation

• In 2024, BSI and ZSI digitized 16,500 specimens with 45,000 images. ZSI completed faunal documentation across 27 States, 10 Biogeographic Zones, and geo-tagged 6,124 springs in 11 Himalayan States and J&K.

Key Initiatives:

• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): Launched on World Environment Day 2024, restoring 22,561 hectares of degraded mangroves.
• National Mission for Green India (GIM): Launched in 2014 to enhance India’s forest cover as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
• Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH): A centrally sponsored scheme supporting conservation with ₹2,602.98 crores for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.

Research and Monitoring 

• In December 2024, MoEFCC inaugurated a Next Generation DNA Sequencing facility at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, enhancing wildlife genetics research.

Community Involvement and Awareness

‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign

• Launched on World Environment Day 2024, this initiative promotes tree planting in honour of mothers and Mother Earth.
• By December 2024, 102 crore trees had been planted, with a target of 140 crore trees by March 2025.

Conservation of Marine Species

Key Initiatives:

• National Marine Turtle Action Plan: Focuses on the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats.
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: Protects ecologically sensitive coastal areas, including mangroves and turtle nesting grounds.

Combating Wildlife Crime

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)

• The WCCB combats organized wildlife crime, coordinates enforcement actions, and supports international anti-trafficking efforts. Between 2019 and 2023, it conducted 166 joint operations, leading to 375 wildlife offender arrests.

7) Electoral Roll Integrity: Addressing EPIC Number Duplication

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Concern over EPIC numbers

Why is it in the news?

• The issue of electoral roll integrity has gained attention due to claims that multiple electors share the same Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number.

EC’s Clarification and Measures to Address Concerns

• The EC confirmed that duplicate EPIC numbers exist but emphasized that this does not equate to voter duplication. It explained that before the launch of the ERONET platform, states were issuing EPICs independently, sometimes using the same alphanumeric series.
• As a result, while some EPIC numbers might be identical, the details on the voter’s card—including name, address, constituency, and polling booth—are unique.
• The EC reiterated that voters can cast ballots only at their designated polling station in the constituency where they are enrolled. To eliminate confusion, the Commission assured that unique EPIC numbers would be assigned to all registered voters.
• It also announced an update to ERONET 2.0, which will facilitate the rectification process. Additionally, new EPIC numbers will be issued to affected voters to resolve any duplication issues.

What Are EPICs and How Are They Issued?

• Under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, EPICs were introduced to prevent voter impersonation. The process of issuing EPICs began in 1993. However, possession of an EPIC alone does not grant voting rights; only those whose names appear on the electoral roll of their constituency can vote.
• An EPIC contains an elector’s name, age, residence, a photograph, and the facsimile signature of the registration officer. According to the EC’s Manual on Electoral Rolls, 2023, each EPIC is assigned a unique alphanumeric series comprising three letters followed by a seven-digit number.
• This system includes a Functional Unique Serial Number (FUSN) for each Assembly constituency. Since 2017, EPICs have been issued exclusively through the EC’s ERONET portal, ensuring digital generation and record-keeping.

8) First Comprehensive Survey Estimates 6,327 Gangetic Dolphins Across Four States

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Estimating Gangetic dolphins

Why is it in the news?

• PM Narendra Modi released the first comprehensive estimate of Gangetic dolphins, revealing a population of 6,327 in the Ganga and its tributaries. The survey, conducted over a cumulative distance of 8,507 km since 2021, also recorded three Indus River dolphins.
• However, experts caution that due to differing methodologies from past counts, this estimate cannot be used to assess population trends over time.

Distribution of Gangetic Dolphins

• According to the Environment Ministry’s report, 3,275 dolphins were found in the main stem of the Ganga, 2,414 in its tributaries, 584 in the Brahmaputra main stem, 412 in its tributaries, and 101 in the Beas River.
• The highest dolphin population was recorded in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

Challenges in Dolphin Counting

• Unlike terrestrial animals like tigers and elephants, counting dolphins is complex as they remain underwater and surface sporadically to breathe. Since they lack unique identifying features like tiger stripes or elephant ears, researchers used acoustic hydrophones—underwater microphones—to detect sounds emitted by the dolphins.
• The survey was conducted using boats moving at a constant speed with two separate observer teams to triangulate dolphin presence while avoiding double counting.

Future Surveys and Conservation Challenges

• The next dolphin survey is scheduled for four years from now. A major challenge to dolphin conservation is entanglement in fishing nets, and researchers are also studying the impact of pollution on their habitats.
• During the report release, PM Modi emphasized the role of local populations in conservation efforts and suggested that schoolchildren be encouraged to visit dolphin habitats to raise awareness.