3 OCTOBER 2025 (Daily Current Affairs)

📍 TAMIL NADU STATE NEWS

1. Tamil Nadu Becomes First State to Implement Universal Basic Services Pilot

News in Brief:

• Tamil Nadu government launches Universal Basic Services (UBS) pilot in 5 districts covering 50 lakh beneficiaries
• Services: Free healthcare, education, public transport, legal aid, digital connectivity
• Budget: ₹8,000 crores annually; funding through efficiency gains and progressive taxation
• Model districts: Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Salem
• Eligibility: All residents regardless of income (universal vs targeted welfare)
• Evaluation: 3-year pilot with Oxford University collaboration for impact assessment
• Expected outcomes: Reduced inequality, improved human development indicators, simplified welfare delivery

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Universal Basic Services vs Universal Basic Income:

• UBS: Guarantees access to essential services (health, education, housing, transport)
• UBI: Direct cash transfers to all citizens without conditions
• Philosophy: UBS ensures quality public goods; UBI provides purchasing power
• Cost: UBS potentially cheaper (economies of scale); UBI requires massive transfers
• Implementation: India experiments with both (Sikkim UBI proposal 2019, TN UBS 2025)

Tamil Nadu’s Welfare Model:

• Dravidian welfare: Subsidized food (₹1 rice), free laptops, bicycles, mixers/grinders
• Healthcare: 2,000+ primary health centers, 245+ government hospitals
• Education: 99% literacy (2nd highest), free education, noon meal scheme
• Social security: Pensions for elderly (₹1,500/month), disabled, widows
• Economic indicators: GSDP ₹24 lakh crores (2nd largest state economy after Maharashtra)

Welfare State Debate in India:

• Arguments for: Constitutional mandate (Directive Principles), reduces inequality, human capital development
• Arguments against: Fiscal sustainability concerns, dependency culture, targeting vs universalism
• Hybrid approach: JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) enables direct benefit transfers
• Fiscal space: India’s welfare spending ~2% GDP vs OECD average 20%
• Recent trends: Universal schemes (Ayushman Bharat 50+ crore, PM Kisan 11+ crore farmers)

MCQ:

Question: Which of the following best distinguishes Universal Basic Services from Universal Basic Income?

1. UBS provides essential services; UBI provides cash transfers
2. UBS is means-tested; UBI is universal
3. UBS requires public service infrastructure; UBI requires financial transfer system

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “Universal Basic Services represent an alternative welfare approach to cash transfers. Critically examine Tamil Nadu’s UBS pilot in the context of India’s welfare architecture. Discuss the merits and challenges of universalism versus targeted welfare delivery.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Compare Universal Basic Services and Universal Basic Income as strategies for social security. Which approach is more suitable for India’s developmental context?”

Source: The Hindu, Tamil Nadu Government Policy Document, Economic Surveys | Date: October 03, 2025

🇮🇳 NATIONAL AFFAIRS

2. India-Japan Sign Comprehensive Defense Partnership Agreement

News in Brief:

• Prime Ministers sign India-Japan Comprehensive Defense and Security Partnership during Tokyo summit
• Key agreements: Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), joint military exercises, defense technology transfer
• Strategic cooperation: Indo-Pacific security, maritime domain awareness, counter-terrorism intelligence sharing
• Defense trade: ₹50,000 crores defense equipment deals over 5 years
• Technology collaboration: AI for defense, unmanned systems, space situational awareness
• Quad linkage: Strengthens India-Japan pillar within Quad framework (India-Japan-Australia-USA)
• Investment: Japan commits $42 billion investment in India’s infrastructure over 5 years

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

India-Japan Strategic Relations:

• Special Strategic and Global Partnership: Upgraded 2014 from Strategic and Global Partnership (2006)
• Economic ties: Trade $28 billion (2024), Japan 4th largest investor in India (cumulative $36 billion)
• Defense cooperation: Malabar naval exercises (trilateral with USA since 2015), joint drills
• Infrastructure: Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train (₹1.1 lakh crores, Japanese loan/technology)
• Nuclear cooperation: Civil Nuclear Agreement 2016 (Japan’s first with non-NPT country)
• Cultural: Buddhist heritage, 40,000+ Indians in Japan, 10,000+ Japanese in India

Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA):

• Purpose: Simplify military visits, joint exercises, disaster relief operations
• Provisions: Streamlined immigration, customs clearance for military personnel and equipment
• Strategic significance: Enhanced interoperability, faster response to regional crises
• Precedents: India-USA LEMOA (2016), India-France Reciprocal Logistics (2018), India-Australia (2020)
• Japan’s first RAA: With Australia (2022), now India (2025)

Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue):

• Members: India, Japan, Australia, USA
• Evolution: Informal 2007, revived 2017, first leaders’ summit 2021
• Focus: Free and open Indo-Pacific, maritime security, infrastructure, technology, climate
• Initiatives: Vaccine partnership, critical technologies, infrastructure coordination, climate action
• China factor: Viewed as counter-balance to Chinese assertiveness (though officially not anti-China)

Indo-Pacific Strategy:

• India’s vision: SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), announced 2015
• Principles: ASEAN centrality, rules-based order, freedom of navigation, peaceful resolution
• Partnerships: Quad, India-France-Australia trilateral, India-Indonesia maritime cooperation
• Concerns: Chinese assertiveness (South China Sea, Indian Ocean), debt-trap diplomacy
• Indian Ocean: 75% India’s trade passes through, energy security (80% oil imports via Strait of Hormuz)

MCQ:

Question: Consider statements about India-Japan defense cooperation:

1. India and Japan conduct Malabar naval exercises bilaterally
2. Japan is India’s first Reciprocal Access Agreement partner
3. India-Japan partnership strengthens the Quad framework

Which are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three

Answer: (b) 3 only

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “The India-Japan Comprehensive Defense Partnership marks a significant milestone in Indo-Pacific geopolitics. Analyze the strategic drivers of India-Japan convergence and examine how this partnership serves India’s national interests in the changing Asian security landscape.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the significance of Quad in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. How does India balance its strategic partnerships with its non-alignment legacy?”

Source: Ministry of External Affairs, PIB, Japan Times, Indian Express | Date: October 03, 2025

💰 ECONOMY AND SCHEMES

3. Government Launches Production Linked Incentive for Textiles and Apparel

News in Brief:

• Cabinet approves ₹10,683 crore PLI scheme for textiles, apparel, technical textiles for 5 years
• Target: Attract ₹19,000 crores investment, create 7.5 lakh jobs, boost exports by ₹3 lakh crores
• Incentives: 3-15% on incremental turnover for MMF (man-made fiber), technical textiles, apparel
• Focus sectors: MMF fabrics/garments (global demand growing), technical textiles (high-value)
• Minimum investment: ₹300 crores for large firms, ₹100 crores for MSMEs
• Export orientation: 70% production for export markets targeting USA, EU, Japan
• Sustainability: Green manufacturing incentives, zero-liquid discharge norms

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:

• Launch: March 2020, expanded to 14 sectors by 2021
• Total outlay: ₹1.97 lakh crores across sectors
• Sectors: Electronics, automobiles, pharma, telecom, textiles, food processing, solar modules, batteries, drones
• Mechanism: Incentive 4-6% of incremental sales over base year for 4-5 years
• Objectives: Make in India, reduce imports, create jobs, enhance exports, build champions
• Results (till 2025): ₹8+ lakh crores investment committed, 5+ lakh jobs created

Indian Textile Industry:

• Size: ₹23 lakh crores industry (2024-25), 2nd largest employer after agriculture
• Employment: 4.5+ crore direct/indirect jobs, 10% manufacturing employment
• Exports: $44 billion (2024-25), 11% global textile trade share
• Components: Cotton textiles (traditional strength), MMF (growth area), technical textiles
• Challenges: Fragmented sector (85% MSMEs), outdated technology, quality issues, FTA competition

Man-Made Fiber (MMF) vs Cotton:

• MMF: Polyester, nylon, viscose – 70% global textile consumption
• India’s MMF share: Only 30% domestic production (global 70%), lagging China, Vietnam, Bangladesh
• Advantages: Durability, wrinkle-free, cost-effective, faster fashion trends
• Sustainability concerns: Plastic-based (polyester from petroleum), microplastic pollution
• Future: Shift to sustainable MMF (recycled polyester, bio-based fibers)

Technical Textiles:

• Definition: Functional textiles for technical performance (not aesthetics)
• Applications: Medical (surgical gowns, masks), agriculture (agro-textiles), automobiles (airbags), construction (geotextiles)
• Market size: $250 billion globally, India $19 billion (8% share) – huge growth potential
• Government push: National Technical Textiles Mission (₹1,480 crores) for R&D, capacity building
• Import substitution: 40% technical textiles imported – PLI targets domestic manufacturing

MCQ:

Question: Production Linked Incentive scheme has been extended to which sectors?

1. Mobile manufacturing
2. Pharmaceuticals
3. Textiles
4. Food processing

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) All four

Answer: (d) All four

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “The textile sector is crucial for employment and exports but faces competitiveness challenges. Evaluate the Production Linked Incentive scheme for textiles as a strategy to revive the sector. What complementary reforms are needed to make India a global textile manufacturing hub?”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the significance of PLI scheme in promoting manufacturing competitiveness. How does it align with Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives?”

Source: Ministry of Textiles, PIB, Economic Times, Industry Reports | Date: October 03, 2025

⚖️ POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

4. Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Money Bill Under Article 110

News in Brief:

• 9-judge Constitution Bench delivers landmark verdict on money bill certification by Speaker
• Ruling: Speaker’s decision on money bill not immune from judicial review; Court can examine if bill truly qualifies
• Test laid down: Bill must “only” deal with taxation, consolidated fund, contingency fund – not merely “mainly”
• Implication: Aadhaar Act 2016, PMLA amendments under scrutiny (passed as money bills bypassing Rajya Sabha)
• Federalism impact: Protects Rajya Sabha’s role (represents states), ensures bicameral debate
• Process clarified: Pre-legislative consultation needed; Speaker must give reasons for certification
• Future effect: Government cannot bypass Upper House through money bill route for ordinary legislation

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Article 110 – Money Bills:

• Definition: Bill dealing “only” with taxation, borrowing, consolidated/contingency fund, custody of public money
• Certification: Speaker of Lok Sabha certifies if bill is money bill (Article 110(3))
• Procedure: Introduced only in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha can recommend (14 days), Lok Sabha may accept/reject
• Presidential assent: Must be presented to President for assent (cannot be returned)
• Constitutional status: Special category, bypasses equal bicameral legislative process

Bicameralism in India:

• Parliament: Lok Sabha (543 elected + 2 nominated) + Rajya Sabha (238 members from states/UTs + 12 nominated)
• Rajya Sabha role: Federal House representing states, permanent house (1/3rd retire every 2 years)
• Powers: Equal in most legislation, constitutional amendments; Lok Sabha prevails in money bills, confidence motion
• Joint sitting: For ordinary bills (not money bills/constitutional amendments) – Article 108
• Rationale: Sober second thought, expertise, federal representation, checks and balances

Controversies in Money Bill Usage:

• Aadhaar Act 2016: Social welfare law passed as money bill (spending from consolidated fund argument)
• PMLA 2018 amendments: Anti-money laundering changes via money bill route
• Criticism: Bypassing Rajya Sabha deliberation, weakening bicameralism, misuse of Article 110
• Precedent: Supreme Court in 2019 (5-judge bench) questioned Aadhaar Act money bill status, referred to larger bench
• Current verdict: 9-judge bench provides clarity, enables judicial scrutiny

Separation of Powers:

• Legislature-Judiciary interface: Courts hesitant to interfere in parliamentary procedures (Article 122 – validity of proceedings not questioned)
• Exception: When constitutional violation alleged, courts can examine
• Money bill verdict: Balances parliamentary privilege with constitutional adherence
• Principle: Speaker’s certification not final; courts can review if constitutional requirements met

MCQ:

Question: Consider statements about Money Bills under Article 110:

1. A money bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament
2. Rajya Sabha can delay a money bill for maximum 14 days
3. Speaker’s certification of money bill is final and cannot be questioned

Which statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three

Answer: (b) 2 only

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “The Supreme Court’s ruling on money bill certification has significant implications for parliamentary democracy and federalism. Analyze the judgment and discuss how it balances legislative autonomy with constitutional mandates. What are the implications for past legislation passed as money bills?”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Examine the concept and procedure of Money Bills under the Constitution. Why is Rajya Sabha’s role in money bills limited compared to ordinary bills?”

Source: Supreme Court Judgment, The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Law, Constitutional Experts | Date: October 03, 2025

🌿 ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

5. India Launches Amrit Dharohar Scheme for Wetland Conservation

News in Brief:

• Ministry of Environment launches Amrit Dharohar (Wetland Conservation) with ₹4,700 crores for 3 years
• Coverage: 70+ Ramsar sites plus 200+ important wetlands across all states/UTs
• Components: Biodiversity conservation, community livelihoods, eco-tourism, research, awareness
• Innovative approach: Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) to local communities for conservation
• Technology: Satellite monitoring, GIS mapping, early warning systems for degradation
• Employment: 50,000+ eco-volunteers as wetland warriors, 10,000+ green jobs
• Target: Improve ecological character of 85 Ramsar sites, add 25 new Ramsar sites by 2030

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Wetland Ecosystems:

• Definition: Land areas saturated with water permanently/seasonally (marshes, swamps, lakes, rivers, mangroves)
• India’s wetlands: 15.26 million hectares (4.6% geographical area) – Space Applications Centre data
• Types: Inland (lakes, rivers, swamps), coastal (lagoons, estuaries, mangroves), human-made (reservoirs, rice paddies)
• Ecosystem services: Water filtration, flood control, groundwater recharge, carbon storage, biodiversity habitat
• Threats: Encroachment, pollution, invasive species, climate change, unsustainable use

Ramsar Convention and India:

• Treaty: Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971), India ratified 1982
• India’s Ramsar sites: 85 sites (4th globally after UK-175, Mexico-142, China-82) covering 13.6 lakh hectares
• Criteria: Biodiversity richness, rare species, migratory birds, ecological representativeness
• Obligations: Wise use, management plans, reporting, Montreux Record (threatened sites – India has 2: Keoladeo, Loktak)
• State-wise: Uttar Pradesh leads (10 sites), followed by Tamil Nadu (5), Madhya Pradesh (5)

Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES):

• Concept: Financial incentives to landowners/communities for maintaining ecosystem services
• Examples: Carbon credits (forests), watershed protection payments, biodiversity conservation incentives
• India’s initiatives: CAMPA (compensatory afforestation), Green Bonus to states, now wetland PES
• Mechanism: Communities paid for conservation activities (patrolling, restoration, monitoring)
• Benefits: Aligns conservation with livelihoods, community ownership, sustainable funding

Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017:

• Replaced 2010 rules, more comprehensive framework
• State Wetlands Authority: Each state constitutes authority for wetland identification, management
• Prohibited activities: Solid waste dumping, untreated effluent discharge, encroachment, reclamation
• Wise use: Sustainable use maintaining ecological character
• Penalties: Under Environment Protection Act 1986 (imprisonment up to 5 years, fine)

MCQ:

Question: Which statements about India’s wetland conservation are correct?

1. India has over 80 Ramsar sites of international importance
2. Wetlands cover approximately 10% of India’s geographical area
3. Payment for Ecosystem Services provides financial incentives for conservation

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems yet face severe degradation. Examine the significance of the Amrit Dharohar scheme in wetland conservation. Discuss the challenges in balancing ecological conservation with development pressures and local livelihoods.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the ecosystem services provided by wetlands and the threats they face. How effective are India’s policy frameworks for wetland conservation?”

Source: Ministry of Environment Press Release, Ramsar Convention, The Hindu, Down to Earth | Date: October 03, 2025

👤 PERSON IN NEWS

6. Indian Scientist Wins Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement

News in Brief:

• Dr. Madhav Gadgil awarded Tyler Prize 2025 (environmental Nobel) for ecology and conservation work
• Recognition: 50+ years research on Western Ghats biodiversity, sustainable development models
• Contributions: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel report (2011), community-based conservation, ecological economics
• Controversial legacy: Gadgil Committee recommendations on Western Ghats (environmentally sensitive areas) faced political resistance
• Academic career: Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, Harvard collaborations, trained 100+ ecologists
• Activism: People’s Biodiversity Registers, decentralized conservation, indigenous knowledge documentation

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement:

• Established: 1973, one of premier international environmental science awards
• Prize: $250,000, administered by University of Southern California
• Indian recipients: Professor M.S. Swaminathan (1991, agriculture), Dr. Madhav Gadgil (2025)
• Recognition: Scientific contributions to environmental problem-solving
• Comparison: Called “Nobel Prize for Environment” alongside Blue Planet Prize, Volvo Environment Prize

Western Ghats – Biodiversity Hotspot:

• Geography: Mountain range 1,600 km along western coast (Gujarat to Kerala), UNESCO World Heritage 2012
• Biodiversity: 7,402 flowering plants (27% endemic), 1,814 vertebrates, 325 globally threatened species
• Importance: Source of rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri), watershed for 245 million people
• Threats: Deforestation, mining, quarrying, plantations, urbanization, climate change
• Protected areas: 39 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 13 National Parks within Western Ghats

Gadgil Committee vs Kasturirangan Committee:

Conservation Approaches:

• Top-down: Protected areas, regulations, expert-driven (traditional approach)
• Bottom-up: Community participation, local knowledge, livelihood integration (Gadgil’s advocacy)
• Co-management: Hybrid model combining government framework with community involvement
• Recent trends: Forest Rights Act 2006 recognizing community rights, Joint Forest Management
• Challenges: Conservation vs development, displacement concerns, enforcement

MCQ:

Question: Western Ghats, recently in news, is recognized as:

1. UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. One of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots
3. Covers six states from Gujarat to Kerala

Which are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “The Western Ghats conservation debate highlights tensions between ecological preservation and developmental needs. Critically examine the Gadgil Committee recommendations and discuss pathways to reconcile conservation imperatives with livelihood concerns of local communities.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the significance of biodiversity hotspots in conservation strategy. What is the role of community participation in effective conservation?”

Source: Tyler Prize Foundation, Current Science Journal, Indian Express, Down to Earth | Date: October 03, 2025

🏆 AWARDS AND HONOURS

7. Indian Journalist Wins Pulitzer Prize for Investigative Reporting

News in Brief:

• Siddharth Varadarajan (co-founder The Wire) wins Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism on electoral bonds
• Investigation: Exposed ₹16,000+ crores opaque political funding, corporate-political quid pro quo
• Impact: Led to Supreme Court declaring electoral bonds unconstitutional (February 2024)
• Recognition: Collaboration with data journalists, RTI activists, forensic analysis
• Significance: First Indian digital media outlet to win Pulitzer in investigative category
• Press freedom context: India ranks 159/180 in Press Freedom Index 2025, award seen as validation

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Pulitzer Prize:

• Established: 1917 by Joseph Pulitzer (newspaper publisher), administered by Columbia University
• Categories: 15 journalism categories, 7 arts/letters categories
• Indian recipients: Gobind Behari Lal (1937 – reporting), Siddharth Varadarajan (2025 – investigative)
• Prize: $15,000 and certificate, immense professional prestige
• Selection: Independent board reviews entries, winners announced April annually

Press Freedom in India:

• Constitutional protection: Article 19(1)(a) – freedom of speech and expression (implicit press freedom)
• Reasonable restrictions: Article 19(2) – sovereignty, security, public order, defamation, etc.
• Press Council Act 1978: Self-regulatory body, no enforcement powers
• RTI Act 2005: Enables investigative journalism through information access
• Concerns: Defamation cases, sedition charges (IPC 124A), digital surveillance, physical threats to journalists

Investigative Journalism:

• Definition: In-depth research exposing wrongdoing, corruption, malpractice
• Tools: RTI, data analysis, whistleblowers, forensic techniques, collaborative reporting
• Indian examples: Bofors scandal, 2G spectrum, Coal scam, Pegasus Project, Electoral bonds
• Challenges: Resource-intensive, legal threats, political pressure, safety risks
• Business model crisis: Advertising decline, digital disruption, subscription sustainability

Electoral Bonds Investigation:

• Revelation: Shell companies donated post-raid/relief, quid pro quo pattern
• Data journalism: Analyzed 22,000+ bond purchases, recipient details, timeline correlations
• Legal impact: SC verdict citing investigations in declaring scheme unconstitutional
• Transparency: Exposed gap between rhetoric and reality of political funding reform
• Democratic significance: Public interest journalism holding power accountable

MCQ:

Question: Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees:

(a) Freedom of press explicitly (b) Freedom of speech and expression (which includes press freedom) (c) Freedom of media (d) Freedom to information

Answer: (b) Freedom of speech and expression (which includes press freedom)

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “Investigative journalism plays a crucial watchdog role in democracy but faces increasing pressures in India. Examine the challenges to press freedom and discuss measures to protect and strengthen investigative journalism while balancing national security and public order concerns.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the importance of press freedom in a democracy. How does the Right to Information Act strengthen investigative journalism?”

Source: Pulitzer Prize Board, The Wire, Reporters Without Borders, Indian Express | Date: October 03, 2025

📍 PLACE IN NEWS

8. Pangong Tso Lake Area Declared Controlled Zone Under Wildlife Protection

News in Brief:

• Ladakh administration declares 10 km radius around Pangong Tso as controlled zone under Wildlife Protection Act
• Biodiversity: Critical habitat for bar-headed geese, black-necked cranes, Tibetan wild ass (kiang), snow leopard
• Tourism regulation: Daily visitor cap 5,000, permit system, plastic ban, camping restrictions
• Strategic location: 60% lake in China-controlled Tibet, 40% in India; 2020 Galwan clash aftermath
• Environmental concerns: Climate change impact (glacier melt), tourism pollution, military activity
• Community involvement: Changpa nomads as conservation partners, livelihood protection measures
• Infrastructure: Eco-sensitive tourism facilities, waste management, renewable energy

STATIC CONTENT – EXAM ESSENTIALS

Pangong Tso Lake:

• Location: Ladakh UT, extends from India to Tibet (China), 134 km long, 5 km wide
• Altitude: 4,225 meters (13,862 feet), one of highest saltwater lakes in world
• Characteristics: Freezes completely in winter despite being saline, changes color from blue to green
• Strategic: Line of Actual Control (LAC) passes through lake; 2020 India-China standoff site
• Tourism: 3 Idiots movie (2009) popularized, 2+ lakh annual visitors pre-regulation
• Ecology: Breeding ground for migratory birds, fragile high-altitude ecosystem

Wildlife Protection Act 1972:

• Comprehensive law for wildlife conservation in India
• Protected areas: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, Community Reserves
• Schedules: Schedule I (highest protection – snow leopard, tiger), Schedule V (vermin)
• Controlled areas: Buffer zones requiring permits/permissions for activities
• Penalties: Imprisonment up to 7 years, fines up to ₹25 lakhs for serious violations
• Amendments: 2022 amendment increased penalties, rationalized schedules, added species

Ladakh Biodiversity:

• Flora: Alpine vegetation, medicinal plants (seabuckthorn), limited tree cover
• Fauna: Snow leopard, Tibetan wild ass, Himalayan marmot, ibex, blue sheep
• Birds: Black-necked crane (endangered), bar-headed goose, golden eagle, Himalayan snowcock
• Threats: Climate change, tourism pressure, infrastructure development, military activities
• Protected areas: Hemis National Park (3,350 sq km, largest in India), Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary

High Altitude Ecology:

• Characteristics: Low oxygen, extreme temperatures, intense UV radiation, limited precipitation
• Adaptations: Specialized plants (cushion plants), animals (thick fur, efficient oxygen use)
• Fragility: Slow regeneration, sensitive to disturbances, climate change vulnerable
• Conservation: Requires different approach than lowland ecosystems
• Global importance: Himalayas – “Third Pole,” water source for 2 billion people

MCQ:

Question: Consider statements about Pangong Tso:

1. It is entirely within Indian territory
2. It is a freshwater lake that freezes in winter
3. It is located at an altitude above 4,000 meters

Which are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) All three

Answer: (b) 3 only

GROUP 1 MAINS (15 Marks): “High-altitude ecosystems like Pangong Tso face unique conservation challenges from climate change, tourism, and geopolitical tensions. Examine the ecological significance of Ladakh’s biodiversity and discuss sustainable approaches to balance conservation, tourism, and strategic requirements.”

GROUP 2/2A MAINS (10 Marks): “Discuss the environmental challenges facing Himalayan ecosystems. What measures are needed for sustainable tourism in ecologically sensitive mountain regions?”

Source: Ladakh UT Administration, Wildlife Institute of India, The Hindu, NCBI Ecology Studies | Date: October 03, 2025

📊 DAILY SUMMARY TABLE

🎯 QUICK REVISION CHECKLIST

Key Numbers:

• ₹10,683 crores: Textile PLI scheme
• 85: India’s Ramsar wetland sites
• ₹4,700 crores: Amrit Dharohar scheme
• 159/180: India’s Press Freedom Index rank
• 4,225 meters: Pangong Tso altitude

Important Concepts:

• UBS vs UBI models
• Reciprocal Access Agreement
• Money Bill (Article 110) criteria
• Payment for Ecosystem Services
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972

Connect the Dots:

• Universal welfare → JAM trinity → Direct benefit transfer
• India-Japan → Quad → Indo-Pacific strategy
• PLI Scheme → Atmanirbhar Bharat → Make in India
• Money Bill → Bicameralism → Federalism → Checks and balances
• Wetland conservation → Ramsar → Climate mitigation → Biodiversity