19 November 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. 56th Tiger Reserve of the country notified in Chhattisgarh

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2074302&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has been officially notified as the 56th tiger reserve in India, spanning 2,829 sq.kms. This makes it the third largest tiger reserve, bolstering tiger conservation efforts in the region.

Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Chhattisgarh, covering Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts.
• Size: 2,829.38 sq.kms, making it the 3rd largest tiger reserve in India.
• Core Area: 2,049.2 sq.kms, including Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Buffer Zone: 780.15 sq.kms.
• Connected Reserves: Part of a landscape complex with Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), and links to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (West) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (East).
• Fauna: 753 species documented, including 230 bird species and 55 mammal species, with many threatened species.

More About Tiger Reserves

Definition: Tiger reserves are protected areas established for the conservation of tigers and their habitats. Management: Managed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in India. Core and Buffer Zones: Core zones are strictly protected; buffer zones allow limited human activity. Legal Framework: Governed by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the NTCA guidelines. Ecological Importance: They help maintain ecological balance by protecting various species and forest ecosystems. Tourism: Some reserves promote eco-tourism, supporting local economies while ensuring wildlife protection. Examples: Jim Corbett, Sundarbans, and Ranthambhore are prominent tiger reserves in India.

Practice Question:  Tiger reserves play a crucial role in conservation efforts in India. Discuss their significance in biodiversity preservation, challenges faced in their management, and the role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). (250 Words /15 marks)

2. ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative to harness the microbial potential of India

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2074247&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative aims to showcase India’s vast microbial diversity and its vital role in environmental, agricultural, and human health sectors. By sequencing and sharing bacterial genomes, it promotes public access, research, and innovation in these fields.

‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative:

• Initiative: ‘One Day One Genome,’ launched on the foundation day of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC).
• Objective: To highlight India’s microbial diversity, focusing on unique bacterial species found across the country.
• Key Focus Areas: Environmental conservation, agriculture, and human health.
• Microbial Importance: Microorganisms play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles, soil formation, degradation of organic waste, and pollution control. They also contribute to methane production and nutrient cycling in agriculture.
• Agricultural Role: Aid in nitrogen fixation, maintaining soil fertility, pest control, and plant stress responses.
• Health Contribution: Microorganisms are vital for digestion, immunity, and mental health, with non-pathogenic microbes protecting against infectious diseases.
• Genome Sequencing: Enables visualisation of microbial potential, identifying enzymes, antimicrobial resistance, and bioactive compounds.
• Public Access: Fully annotated bacterial genomes will be freely available, along with graphical summaries and genome assembly details.
• Impact: Promotes scientific research, innovation, and public awareness, benefiting the environment, agriculture, and human health.