Current Affairs – March 06, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Tribe} Rajgond Tribe

Context (ToI): The Rajgond (ruling class among the Gond) tribe was in the news.

About the Gond Tribe

Ethno-linguistic Group: Gonds are a Dravidian ethno-linguistic tribal community.
Geographical Distributions: Largest populations in MP, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha, with presence in several other states like Gujarat, Telangana, UP, and Karnataka.
Four Major Subgroups: Raj Gonds, Madia Gonds, Dhurve Gonds, and Khatulwar Gonds.
Native Language: Gondi, an unwritten Dravidian language.
Economic Practices: Agriculture, animal husbandry, and forest produce gathering.
Spiritual Practices: Worship clan and village gods, along with ancestor worship.
Major Festivals: Keslapur Jathra and Madai are traditional festivals; also celebrate Dussehra.

Historical Background

Early Settlement: The Gonds settled in the Gondwana region between the 9th and 13th centuries AD.
Rule in Central India: Established kingdoms by the 14th century and built forts, palaces, and temples.
Gond Kingdoms: Four major dynasties, Garha-Mandla, Deogarh, Chanda & Kherla, ruled central India.
Resistance to British Rule: Actively fought the British and held power in Malwa after the decline of the Mughals and Marathas (1690).

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Geomorphology} Mount Vesuvius: Vitrification of Brain *

Context (DH | BBC | TH): Scientists confirmed that a man’s brain turned into glass during the 79 AD Mount Vesuvius eruption, marking the only known case of human brain vitrification.

What is Vitrification?

Vitrification is the transformation of a substance into a glass-like, non-crystalline state.
It happens when materials are exposed to extremely high temperatures, causing them to melt and then cool rapidly without forming crystals.

Process of Brain Vitrification

Extreme Heat Exposure: Victim engulfed by a pyroclastic surge exceeding 510°C.
Rapid Cooling: Sudden temperature drop allowed brain tissue to vitrify.
Skull Protection: Thick cranial bones may have prevented complete vaporisation.
Ash Encapsulation: Cement-like deposits preserved the remains over time.

Mount Vesuvius

Credit: Britanica

Vesuvius: It is a composite stratovolcano made up of pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and debris from lahars that accumulated to form the volcanic cone.
Location: An active volcano in southern Italy, rising above the Bay of Naples on the Campania plain and the only active volcano on the European mainland.
Geological Formation: Part of the Campanian volcanic arc, a line of volcanoes that formed over a subduction zone created by the convergence of African and Eurasian plates.
- It is also a source of volcanoes like Mount Etna, Phlegraean Fields (Campi Flegrei), Stromboli, etc.
79 AD Eruption: Vesuvius is most famous for the 79 AD eruption which destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Distinctive Feature: A slab window (a gap/tear in a subducting tectonic plate where a section of the plate breaks away, creating an opening in the Earth’s mantle) beneath Vesuvius causes its rocks to be chemically different from other Campanian volcanoes.

Herculaneum and Pompeii

Herculaneum: It is a smaller but affluent town near Pompeii, was established by Greek traders in the 6th century BCE and later became a typical Roman settlement.
- Located near the Bay of Naples, it had luxurious villas, bath complexes, and a thriving community.
Pompeii: Ancient Roman city in Campania, Italy, southeast of Naples.
World Heritage Site: Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata were declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities} Gandhi’s Role in the Bhagat Singh Case **

Context (IE): The failure of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact to secure a commutation of Bhagat Singh’s death sentence has been a major point of criticism.

Bhagat Singh’s Trial

Lahore Conspiracy Case: Bhagat Singh, along with Shivram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, was convicted in the Lahore Conspiracy Case for the assassination of British police officer J.P. Saunders in 1928.
- This act was in retaliation for the brutal police assault that led to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
The Special Tribunal: Sentenced them to death on October 7, 1930. Prominent legal experts and leaders criticised the trial for its lack of due process.
As legal options were exhausted, political intervention was seen as the last hope.

Gandhi’s Role in the Bhagat Singh Case

Gandhi-Irwin Talks: Less than a week after Bhagat Singh’s final appeal was rejected, Gandhi began talks with Irwin. Many hoped he would intervene to prevent the Bhagat Singh’s execution.
Failure to Secure a Commutation of death sentence: Thus, Gandhi’s critics argue that –
- Gandhi raised the issue with Lord Irwin, but in a non-confrontational manner.
- His requests for commutation were indirect and lacked assertiveness.
- His final plea on March 23, 1931 (day of execution), had little chance of being accepted.
Many believed Gandhi could have made clemency a precondition for signing a pact. However, others argue that his influence was limited, as the British saw Bhagat Singh as a serious threat.

The Ideological Divide: Gandhi vs. Bhagat Singh

Gandhi fundamentally opposed violent means in the struggle for independence. He described Bhagat Singh’s approach as “erroneous,” believing that violence would only strengthen British oppression.
In contrast, Bhagat Singh and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) viewed revolutionary action as necessary to inspire the masses and challenge British authority.
Gandhi described the bombing of the Central Assembly in Delhi as the “criminal act of two mad youth”.
At the Karachi Session (March 1931), days after Bhagat Singh’s execution, Gandhi reaffirmed his opposition to violence, further widening the rift between moderates and revolutionaries.

Various Perspectives on Gandhi’s Role

Strategic Decision View: Gandhi prioritised broader nationalist movement over individual cases, believing that long-term success was more crucial than saving one life.
Power Limitation View: Gandhi did not have the authority to dictate terms to the British, and the colonial government was determined to execute Bhagat Singh irrespective of Gandhi’s efforts.
Missed Opportunity View: Gandhi could have exerted stronger moral and political pressure on the British, making Bhagat Singh’s clemency a firm demand rather than a passive request.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact

Signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, British viceroy of India.
It marked the end of a period of civil disobedience. In 1930, Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement with his famous 24-day march to Dandi.

Key Provisions of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement by the Congress.
The release of political prisoners not convicted of violence.
The return of confiscated lands to their original owners.
Leniency towards government employees who had resigned.
Congress’ participation in the Second Round Table Conference.

Also Read > Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh.

{GS2 – Governance – Issues} Rising Dog Bite Cases in India

Context (BB| IE): NHRC has taken cognisance of the alarming rise in dog bite cases.

Legal Framework

Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023 supersede the Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, 2001, and aligns with SC guidelines, prohibiting the relocation of stray dogs. These are issued under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960.
Objective: Balances dog welfare with human safety while standardising ABC procedures.

Provisions of Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023

Responsible Authorities: Local bodies, municipalities, municipal corporations, and panchayats must implement ABC programs.
ABC Implementation: Must be conducted by Animal Welfare Board of India-recognized organisations.
Municipal Role: Municipal corporations must jointly implement ABC and Anti-Rabies Programs.
Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committees: Established at State, district, and municipal levels to oversee ABC execution.
Stray Animal Management: Local authorities must manage and control stray animal populations and will be held accountable for conflicts.
Euthanasia Guidelines: Allowed only for incurably ill or mortally wounded dogs, as diagnosed by the Local ABC Monitoring Committee, and must be conducted humanely by a qualified veterinarian.
Complaint Mechanism: An Animal Help Centre to register complaints about dog/cat bites.
Designated Feeding Spots: Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) must allocate feeding spots for dogs in areas frequented by children and senior citizens.
Cruelty Prevention: Ensures humane sterilisation and immunisation of stray dogs.

Key Concerns in Stray Dog Management

Inadequate Sterilization: Irregular ABC Rules implementation leading to population rise.
Lack of Infrastructure: Insufficient animal shelters to isolate aggressive dogs.
Weak Monitoring: Poor functioning of committees responsible for dog control policies.

{GS2 – Governance – Laws} Arrest Powers Under GST and Customs Acts

Context (IE): SC ruled that CGST and Customs officers have police-like powers and must follow CrPC restrictions to prevent arbitrary arrests.

Police vs. GST/Customs Officers

Criteria	Police Officers (CrPC Section 41)	GST/Customs Officers
Basis of Arrest	Suspicion of offence	“Reason to believe” based on evidence
Need for FIR	Not always required	FIR is not mandatory before arrest
Requirement of Written Grounds	Not mandatory	Mandatory before arrest

Legal Provisions Governing Arrests

Customs Act: Cognizable offences like smuggling and duty evasion over ₹50 lahks allow arrest without a warrant, while non-cognizable offences need prior Magistrate approval.
CGST Act: Differentiates cognisable & non-cognizable offences based on the seriousness of tax evasion.
CrPC Sections 4 & 5: Applies to all arrests unless a specific provision in special laws states otherwise.

Key Supreme Court Rulings

Officers Enjoy Analogous Powers: Officers under the Customs Act and CGST Act have investigation, arrest, and seizure powers similar to police officers.
Bound by CrPC Restrictions: These officers must follow procedural safeguards under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
Extension of PMLA Safeguards: SC extended procedural protections from Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, to prevent misuse.

Mandatory Safeguards for Arrests

Evidence Requirement: Arrests must be based on sufficient material evidence, not mere suspicion.
Extension of DK Basu Guidelines (1997): Customs and GST officers must maintain detailed arrest records and wear visible identification badges for accountability.
Written Justification: Officers must document written reasons for arrest to ensure transparency.
Family Notification: A family member or authorised person must be informed immediately.
Legal Representation: Right to consult a lawyer, who must be present during interrogation.
Magistrate Oversight: The individual must be presented before a Magistrate within 24 hours.
Anticipatory Bail Allowed: Available in GST and Customs cases to prevent arbitrary detention.
No Forced Tax Payments: Tax officials cannot coerce payments under arrest threats.

Also refer to GSTAT.

{GS2 – MoRTH – Schemes} Parvatmala Pariyojana *

Context (IE PIB): Two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand were approved under the Parvatmala Pariyojana.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Being executed by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a special purpose vehicle of NHAI.
Launched in: Union Budget 2022-23 as the National Ropeways Development Program.
Objective: Development of ropeway and alternative mobility solutions technology. To improve connectivity and convenience for commuters, besides promoting tourism esp. in Hilly areas.
Scope: 250+ ropeway projects covering 1,200+ km in the next five years.
Implementation: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
Funding for Parvatmala Pariyojana: 60% contribution by the Govt of India, 40% by private players.

What is Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)?

Mix of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) & BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) models.
Cost Sharing: The govt funds 40% of the project as construction support, while the private developer arranges the remaining 60%.
Private Player’s Role: Constructs the road & hands it over to the govt, which collects toll revenue.
Annuity Payments: The private player receives a fixed annuity from the government over a set period, reducing revenue risk.
Bidding Process: The contract is awarded to the developer demanding the lowest annuity.
Risk Distribution: The govt assumes toll revenue risk, while the private player takes on construction and maintenance responsibility.
Implementation: Introduced in 2016, with around 30 highway projects awarded under HAM by NHAI.

Major Ropeway Projects in India

Longest Ropeways: Auli Ropeway (4 km) is India’s longest, while the under-construction Mussoorie-Dehradun Ropeway (5.5 km) will surpass it.
First Ropeway: Rajgir Ropeway (Bihar) was built in the 1960s.
First Urban Ropeway: Kashi Ropeway, third urban public transport ropeway globally.

Importance of Ropeways in India

Geographical Advantage: 30% of India is mountainous, making ropeways a viable transport solution.
Faster Urban Transport: Ropeways travel in a straight line, reducing travel time; Suitable for congested cities where metro and roads are impractical.
Lower Land Acquisition Cost: Requires minimal ground construction, reducing land-use conflicts.
Low Maintenance Costs: Uses a single power plant and operator for multiple cars.
Eco-Friendly: Low dust emissions and minimal environmental impact.
Tourism Boost: Enhances accessibility to religious and tourist destinations.
Economic Growth: Facilitates trade, improves local livelihoods, and creates employment.

Context (TH): March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.

A chronic condition where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, commonly affecting reproductive organs in the pelvis or abdomen.
This misplaced tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds during each menstrual cycle but has no way to exit the body, causing chronic pain and inflammation.
Affects: Ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, intestines, bladder and, in rare cases, other body parts.
Impact: Leads to cyst formation, scarring & in severe cases, organ adhesions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Retrograde Menstruation: Menstrual blood flows backwards through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity, causing endometrial cells to implant and grow.
Cellular Metaplasia: Cells outside uterus transform into endometrial-like cells, proliferating abnormally.
Stem Cell Theory: Stem cells may contribute to the spread of it through blood and lymphatic vessels.
Estrogen Dependence: High estrogen levels fuel inflammation, tissue growth and pain.
Genetic & Immune Factors: Family history & immune dysfunction may play roles in it.

Treatment and Management

Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Hormonal Therapy: Contraceptive pills, progestins, and GnRH agonists to regulate hormone levels and suppress abnormal tissue growth.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Exercise, stress management, dietary changes, and physical therapy.
Surgical Intervention: Laparoscopic excision or ablation of endometrial implants; hysterectomy.

{GS3 – Agri – Finance} Agriculture Infrastructure Fund *

Context (IE): Punjab has utilised its allocation under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme.

Launch & Duration: Approved in 2020 as a Central Sector Scheme, active till FY2032.
Provides medium to long-term financing for post-harvest management and community farming assets.
Total Fund Allocation: Rs. 1 lakh crore through banks & financial institutions. Need-based refinance support by NABARD is available to all eligible lending entities as per its policy.
Financial Support: 3% interest subvention on eligible loans and credit guarantee under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) for loans up to Rs. 2 crores.
Private entities like farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and startups can apply for up to 25 projects, each eligible for a ₹2 crore loan, while state agencies, cooperatives, FPOs, and SHGs have no such limit.
Eligible Beneficiaries: Farmers, FPOs, PACs, SHGs, startups, agri-entrepreneurs, cooperative societies.
Exclusions: Public Sector Undertakings (PSU’s) are directly not eligible under the scheme, but projects sponsored by them under PPP are eligible.
Scope of Projects: Covers primary & secondary processing, modern storage, logistics & value addition.
Monitoring: District, state, and national committees ensure timely project execution within 60 days.

Significance of AIF

Market Access: Strengthens farmer-market linkages by enhancing marketing infrastructure.
Risk Mitigation: Reduces post-harvest losses and stabilises agribusiness operations.
Boost to Agribusiness: Supports logistics, cold storage, and value chain improvements.
Export Facilitation: Enhances sanitary and phytosanitary standards for organic produce.
Efficiency in Implementation: Streamlined monitoring mechanisms ensure timely project execution.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Necessity of Mainstreaming Wetland Conservation

Context (TH): Wetland degradation is accelerating due to urbanisation, agriculture, and industry, making policy integration for conservation crucial.

About Wetlands

Wetlands, often called the ‘kidneys of the Earth,’ are crucial for biodiversity conservation, water purification, and climate regulation.
They include marshes, swamps, lakes, floodplains, mangroves, and coastal lagoons, supporting a variety of flora and fauna.
Wetlands cover approximately 4.8% of India’s geographical area, with at least 6% of the population directly relying on them for their livelihood.

Why Wetlands Need Mainstreaming in Conservation Policies?

Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to diverse species, including migratory birds, fish, and amphibians. E.g. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Flood Control & Climate Regulation: Absorb excess floodwater, mitigate cyclones & act as carbon sinks.
Water Purification & Groundwater Recharge: Natural water filters to replenish groundwater.
Livelihoods & Economy: Fishing, tourism & agriculture. E.g. Chilika Lake, Odisha.
Cultural & Aesthetic Value: Integral to local traditions and heritage.

Challenges in Wetland Conservation in India:

Urbanisation & Encroachments: Expanding cities alter natural hydrology, leading to habitat loss and water imbalance due to construction and land reclamation. E.g., Bhoj Wetland, Madhya Pradesh.
Pollution from Industrial Effluents: Discharge of untreated sewage and industrial waste severely degrades water quality, threatening aquatic life and biodiversity. Eg- Yamuna floodplain wetlands, Delhi
Climate Change Impact: Erratic rainfall patterns and glacial melt disrupt wetland hydrology, causing unpredictable water levels and habitat instability. Eg- Wular Lake, J&K.
Unregulated Tourism & Overexploitation: Excessive human activities lead to habitat destruction & ecological imbalance. Eg- Maharashtra’s firefly habitats.
Invasive Species Proliferation: Spread of water hyacinth disrupts native ecosystems by depleting oxygen and blocking sunlight. Eg- Vembanad Lake, Kerala
Lack of Policy Implementation: Weak enforcement of conservation laws results in unchecked pollution, illegal land use, and poor management. Eg- East Kolkata Wetlands.

Initiatives for Wetland Conservation

Legal Protection: Covered under Indian Forest Act (1927), Forest (Conservation) Act (1980), Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
Wetlands of India Portal (MoEFCC): Provides data and tools for wetland management.
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems: Central scheme for wetland protection.
National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas (SAC): Tracks wetland loss and changes.
Integration with Namami Gange: Wetland conservation linked with river rejuvenation.
Amrit Dharohar Scheme (Budget 2023-24): Enhances biodiversity, carbon sequestration, eco-tourism, and local incomes.
National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): Focus on inland aquatic ecosystem conservation.

Global Efforts & Policy Frameworks

Ramsar Convention (1971): International treaty for wetland conservation.
Ramsar COP14 (2022): Stressed integrating wetland conservation with SDGs, biodiversity targets, and climate goals.
UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030): Highlights wetland conservation as a priority.
IPBES & IPCC Reports: Reinforce urgency to protect wetlands against biodiversity loss & climate change.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Vantara

Context (ET): PM inaugurated Vantara, the world’s largest animal rescue and conservation centre.

About Vantara

Vantara: Located in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Being run by: Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, Greens Zoological and Reliance.
Animal Welfare: Vantara houses over 1.5 lakh rescued and endangered animals.
- Vantara houses some of the world’s rarest species, including a two-headed snake, a two-headed turtle, Tapirs, Seals, Giant Otters, and Bongo antelopes.
Elephant Care: It also hosts the world’s largest elephant hospital.

{GS3 – S&T – AI} AI in Healthcare

Context (IE): Microsoft has introduced Dragon Copilot.

About Dragon Copilot

Part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare, it is a voice-activated AI assistant to streamline clinical documentation and reduce doctors’ administrative workload.
Primary Function: Automates transcription, drafts paperwork, and retrieves medical information.
Built on Existing Tools: Developed using Nuance Communications’ Dragon Medical One and DAX.

Basic Functionalities of Healthcare AI (including Dragon Copilot)

Voice-to-Text Transcription: Uses natural language voice dictation and ambient listening technology.
Automation of Key Tasks: Generates clinical evidence summaries, referral letters, and after-visit reports.
Integration with Health Records: Seamlessly works with various healthcare management systems.
Multi-Platform Access: Available on mobile apps, browsers, and desktops.
Personalized Documentation: Enables custom memo drafting based on individual preferences.
Search for Medical Information: Retrieves verified medical data from trusted sources.

Potential Benefits of AI in Healthcare

Reduced Administrative Burden: Saves time on paperwork, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care.
Improved Efficiency: Helps streamline workflow by automating documentation processes.
Combating Burnout: Clinicians can experience reduced fatigue.
Enhanced Patient Experience owing to better interactions with healthcare providers.

Challenges of AI in Healthcare

Risk of Hallucinations: Generative AI tools can generate incorrect or misleading medical information.
Bias in AI Models: Potential for inaccurate data analysis and misinterpretation.
Regulatory Concerns: US FDA highlights risks in AI-generated medical summaries.
Data Security and Compliance: Ensuring patient privacy and ethical AI use remains a critical challenge.

{GS3 – S&T – Bio} James Harrison and rare Anti-D plasma *

Context (IE | BBC): James Harrison, an Australian blood donor known as the “man with the golden arm,” saved many with his rare Anti-D plasma before passing away.
Origin of Harrison’s Rare Blood: Likely developed due to a massive blood transfusion he received at 14 during chest surgery.

Anti-D and HDFN

Anti-D Antibody: Prevents a mother’s immune system from attacking the RBCs of her unborn baby.
Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN): Occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, leading to severe anaemia, heart failure, or fetal death.
Prevention Through Anti-D: Before Anti-D interventions in the 1960s, nearly 50% of babies diagnosed with HDFN died.

{GS3 – S&T – Bio} Vitamin B12

Context (IE): Doctors suggest Vitamin B12 strips work faster than tablets due to direct absorption.

Vitamin B12: It is the vitamin that contains cobalt, which is why it is also known as Cobalamin. It is a water-soluble vitamin and is one of 8 B vitamins.
- It is stored in liver, allowing body to use it over time.
Sources: Poultry, meat, fish and dairy products. It is also added to some foods, such as fortified breakfast cereals, and is available as an oral supplement.
- Plant foods do not naturally contain vitamin B12. Thus, vegetarians and vegans are at higher risk.
Significance: Essential for many bodily functions, such as red blood cell formation, cell metabolism, nerve function and production of DNA, maintaining energy levels etc.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency: Can lead to anaemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, nerve damage and mood disturbances.

Also Read > Vitamins and Minerals.

{Prelims – PIN India} Majuli River Island *

Context (NEN): Escalating human-wildlife conflict in Assam’s Majuli River Island.

Majuli is the world’s largest river island formed by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
District Status: Became the first island district of India in 2016.
Demographics: Home to Mishing, Deori, Sonowal Kachari tribes & non-tribal Assamese communities.
Predominantly Agricultural Economy, cultivating unique rice varieties like Komal Saul and Bao Dhan.
Cultural Hub: Known for Assamese neo-Vaishnavite traditions, Satras (monastic institutions), mask-making and pottery.
Notable Species: Glossy ibis, black-headed ibis, Indian spot-billed ducks, greylag geese, bar-headed geese, and purple swamp hens observed roosting and breeding.
Since 2004, Majuli has been on the UNESCO Tentative List for nomination as a World Heritage Site.

Also refer to Sites from MP in UNESCO’s Tentative List.

{Species – Insects} Goliath Beetle Faces Extinction

Context (TH | DTE): One species of Africa’s giant Goliath beetle is nearing extinction.

Goliath Beetle

Largest Insect: Goliath beetles (genus Goliathus) are among the world’s biggest insects (up to 110mm).
Sexual Dimorphism: Males have Y-shaped horns; females lack horns.
Habitat: Found in rainforests of West and Central Africa.
Ecological Role: Larvae are omnivorous scavengers that aid in nutrient recycling; adults feed on tree sap in mature rainforests.
Indicator Species: Abundance reflects healthy forest ecosystems; decline signals degradation.
Threatened Goliath Species: Goliathus cacicus and Goliathus regius.
Major Threats: Deforestation for cocoa farming, commercial trade, climate change, mining, land conversion and online dried insect trade.

Source: TH

{Species – Mammals} Civet Cat *

Context (TOI): A rare civet cat, typically found in the Seshachalam forests near Tirumala, was spotted near Tadepalli in Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.

Credit: Wikipedia

Civet Cats: Small, nocturnal mammals belonging to the family Viverridae. Civets are not cats. In fact, they are more closely related to mongooses than cats.
- There are about 15 to 20 species of civets in the world.
Distribution: Asia, Africa, and Southern Europe. They are Common in India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Habitat: Tropical forests, grasslands etc.
Physical Description: Thickly furred tail, small ears, and a pointed snout.
- The colouration varies widely among the species but commonly is buff or greyish with a pattern of black spots or stripes or both.
Diet: They are omnivorous (Eats fruits, small mammals, insects, and coffee cherries).
Threat: Loss of habitat, commercial use etc.
- Civets are historically known for their musky scent used in perfumes.

Civets in India

8 different species of Wild civets are found in India.

	Civet	Feature	IUCN Status	WPA, 1972
1	Malabar Civet	Endemic to the Western Ghats.	Critically Endangered	Schedule I
2	Binturong	It is the largest civet cat in India.	Vulnerable	Schedule I
3	Large Indian Civet	Distinctive dark stripe with white bands across its neck up to shoulder.	Least Concern	NA
4	Small Toothed Palm Civet	Three Stripe Palm Civet due to its striking three dark lines.	Least Concern	NA
5	Masked Palm Civet (Himalayan Palm Civet)	White blotches across its face. Range: Himalayas to North East India. Also found in Andamans.	Least Concern	NA
6	Brown Palm Civet	Endemic to the Western Ghats.	Least Concern	NA
7	Common Palm Civets	Found across the sub-continent.	Least Concern	NA
8	Small Indian Civets	Spotted across sub-continent.	Least Concern	NA