theIASHub | 25 Jul, 2025 | 10
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Study on Coral Cover : Recently, a comprehensive 24-year-long scientific study has brought to light a stark reality about coral cover in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
o It shows that coral cover has declined largely due to repeated marine heatwaves caused by global climate change.
o Introduces a predictive framework to identify: Vulnerable reefs
- Potentially resilient reef zones across the Lakshadweep archipelago and possibly beyond.
o Coral cover in Lakshadweep declined by ~50%, from 37.24% in 1998 to 19.6% in 2022.
o Primary cause: Repeated marine heatwaves, especially during El Niño years (1998, 2010, 2016), worsened by global climate change.
o Local conditions like wave exposure and reef depth play a critical role in shaping bleaching impact and recovery.
o Corals also capture food using tentacle-like structures.
o An individual coral animal is called a polyp, and many polyps form a colony.
o Hard corals have limestone skeletons and build coral reefs over thousands of years but soft corals do not.
o Coral reefs are known as the "rainforests of the sea", existing for over 450 million years.
o They are critical marine ecosystems, supporting thousands of marine species.
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) : Recently, in a move to strengthen India’s indigenous navigation capabilities, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced plans to launch three new satellites for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) by 2026.
o The first satellite in the upcoming series, NVS-03, is scheduled for launch by the end of 2025. The subsequent satellites, NVS-04 and NVS-05, are expected to follow in six-month intervals, bringing the navigation fleet closer to its intended capacity.
o Aims to reduce reliance on foreign satellite navigation systems, particularly in strategic and defence sectors.
o Ground Segment: Includes control centres, monitoring stations, timing facilities, and ranging stations.
o Service Area: Primary: India and region up to 1500 km from its borders.
- Extended: Between 30° S to 50° N latitude and 30° E to 130° E longitude.
o Services Provided: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) – for all users.
- Restricted Service (RS) – encrypted, for authorised users only.
o Civilian Utility: Supports accurate navigation for aviation, transport, maritime, agriculture, and public services.
o Disaster Management: Aids in real-time location tracking for effective disaster response and risk reduction.
Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS): Recently, 27 Science Centres have been established across India under the Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS), launched by the Ministry of Culture, to actively promote scientific temper among the youth.
o Implementing Agency: Executed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), under the Ministry of Culture.
o Key Components: Science Cities – Offer immersive, experiment-based learning environments to foster inquiry and creativity.
- Science Centres – Promote hands-on learning through interactive exhibits and self-discovery of scientific concepts.
- Innovation Hubs – Act as platforms to nurture new ideas and innovations.
SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 : Recently, the Madras High Court ruled that any complaint under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 that discloses a cognisable offence must lead to immediate registration of an FIR, without the need for a preliminary inquiry.
o Ensures protection, legal remedies, and justice for victims.
o Key Provisions: Punitive Measures: Prescribes punishment for 37 identified offences that violate the dignity, rights, and self-respect of SCs/STs.
- Exclusion Clause: Does not apply to crimes committed between SCs and STs.
- Central Authority: Central Government empowered to frame rules; State Governments implement the Act with central assistance.
o Investigation: Offences under the Act must be investigated by a police officer not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
o Exclusive Special Courts to be established in each district for speedy trials.
o Punishments: Minimum punishment: 6 months’ imprisonment.
- Maximum: Up to life imprisonment or death penalty (in severe cases).
- Neglect by Public Servants: Section 4 penalizes officials (non-SC/ST) for willful neglect of duties under the Act (up to 6 months’ imprisonment).
o Immediate Relief: As per PoA Rules, 1995, relief in cash/kind to be provided by District/Sub-Divisional Magistrates.
- Includes food, water, shelter, clothing, transport, medical aid, and other basic necessities for victims and their dependents.
Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua : Recently, a group of artists practising Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua art forms called on the President of India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
o These artists from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal participated in the second edition of Kala Utsav 2025 under the ‘Artists in Residence Programme’.
o Theme: Based on nature and animal motifs – forests, rivers, birds, cattle, etc. Often linked with agricultural cycles and the Sohrai harvest festival Symbolizes harmony between humans and nature
o GI Tag: Sohrai Khovar painting from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag
o Theme: Hindu mythology (Jagannath, Krishna Lila, Dasavatara) in Odisha, Goddess Durga and folk tales in Bengal. Decorative borders, floral motifs, temple architecture, and deities
o GI Tag: Odisha version registered as "Orissa Pattachitra"
- Bengal version registered as "Bengal Patachitra“
o Theme: Traditional storytelling of epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Local myths (Radha-Krishna, village lore)
- Modern : social awareness, environment, health, gender, etc.
Lumpy Skin Disease: Recently, with over 900 cattle infected and new cases reported daily, Pune district of Maharashtra is facing a growing threat of reduced milk production due to the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease.
o It is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), which belongs to the Capripoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family (which also includes smallpox and monkeypox viruses).
o Zoonotic Potential: LSDV is not transmissible to humans.
o Geographical Spread: Once endemic to Africa and the Middle East, the disease is now spreading rapidly in Europe and Southeast Asia.
o Seasonal Pattern: Outbreaks are most common during wet summer and fall, especially in low-lying, water-rich regions, but can also occur in dry seasons.
o Affected Species: While both cattle and buffalo can be infected, cattle suffer more severely, with higher morbidity and mortality.
o It can cause temporary or permanent infertility in bulls, hampering breeding efforts.
o The disease results in damage to the hides, reducing their commercial value.
o In severe cases, especially in animals with low immunity or no prior exposure, the infection can prove fatal.
o Also shed through saliva and nasal secretions, contaminating shared feed and water sources.
Henley Passport Index 2025 : Recently, the Henley Passport Index 2025 revealed a notable rise in global mobility, with more than 80 countries climbing at least 10 positions in the rankings.
o India's passport has improved notably, rising from 85th to 77th rank within the first half of 2025.
o Japan and South Korea share the second spot, with visa-free travel to 190 destinations.
o The United States has dropped from 9th to 10th place, providing access to 182 countries.
o The global average for visa-free access has significantly increased, going from 58 countries in 2006 to an estimated 109 in 2025.
o It uses data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
o First launched in 2006 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index (HVRI).
o The index currently covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations worldwide.
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