UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 February 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 February (2025)
• Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024
Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Vallabhajosyula Sriramulu
Vallabhajosyula Sriramulu
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• SPHEREx Space Telescope
SPHEREx Space Telescope
• SWAYATT initiative
SWAYATT initiative
• INS Tamal
INS Tamal
• Jhumoir Binandini
Jhumoir Binandini
• Black Plastic
Black Plastic
• Gharial
Gharial
• Tribes in News
Tribes in News
Mapping:
• Mount Fentale
Mount Fentale
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 February 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024
Syllabus: Governance
Source: PIB
Context: The Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), revealed a rise in women’s participation in paid employment and caregiving activities.
About Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024:
Key Data Insights & Important Findings from TUS 2024:
• Women’s Participation in Employment & Unpaid Work:
• 25% of women aged 15-59 years participated in employment-related activities (up from 21.8% in 2019). Men spent 132 minutes more than women on employment activities (473 minutes vs. 341 minutes). Women spent 201 minutes more than men in unpaid domestic services (289 minutes vs. 88 minutes).
• 25% of women aged 15-59 years participated in employment-related activities (up from 21.8% in 2019).
• Men spent 132 minutes more than women on employment activities (473 minutes vs. 341 minutes).
• Women spent 201 minutes more than men in unpaid domestic services (289 minutes vs. 88 minutes).
• Caregiving & Domestic Work:
• 41% of women participated in caregiving (vs. 21.4% of men). Women spent 137 minutes/day on caregiving (men: 75 minutes/day). Time spent on unpaid domestic work for women reduced from 315 minutes in 2019 to 305 minutes in 2024.
• 41% of women participated in caregiving (vs. 21.4% of men).
• Women spent 137 minutes/day on caregiving (men: 75 minutes/day).
• Time spent on unpaid domestic work for women reduced from 315 minutes in 2019 to 305 minutes in 2024.
• Learning & Skill Development:
• 89.3% of children (6-14 years) participated in learning activities, spending 413 minutes/day. Time spent on learning activities declined for both genders (males: 415 minutes, females: 413 minutes).
• 89.3% of children (6-14 years) participated in learning activities, spending 413 minutes/day.
• Time spent on learning activities declined for both genders (males: 415 minutes, females: 413 minutes).
• Leisure, Mass Media & Social Activities:
• 11% of daily time was spent on culture, leisure, mass media, and sports (up from 9.9% in 2019). Time spent on socializing and communication remained constant for women (139 minutes), while men’s participation decreased from 147 minutes to 138 minutes.
• 11% of daily time was spent on culture, leisure, mass media, and sports (up from 9.9% in 2019).
• Time spent on socializing and communication remained constant for women (139 minutes), while men’s participation decreased from 147 minutes to 138 minutes.
• Self-Care & Maintenance:
• Individuals aged 6+ years spent 708 minutes/day on self-care activities. Women spent 706 minutes/day, while men spent 710 minutes/day on self-care.
• Individuals aged 6+ years spent 708 minutes/day on self-care activities.
• Women spent 706 minutes/day, while men spent 710 minutes/day on self-care.
Analysis of the Report:
• Positive Trends in the Report:
• Increase in Women’s Workforce Participation: Women’s employment rate rose to 25% from 8% in 2019, showing a shift towards paid work.
• Reduction in Unpaid Domestic Work for Women: Women’s unpaid domestic workload decreased by 10 minutes/day, indicating progress towards gender balance.
• More Recognition of Caregiving Responsibilities: Both men and women saw higher participation in caregiving activities, acknowledging its importance within families.
• Rise in Cultural & Leisure Activities: Time spent on culture, mass media, and sports rose to 11% of daily time from 9% in 2019, improving work-life balance.
• Higher Participation in Learning Activities Among Children: 3% of children (6-14 years) engaged in learning activities, spending 413 minutes/day, showing strong educational engagement.
• Negative Aspects & Challenges in the Report:
• Persistent Gender Disparity in Household Work: Women still spent 201 minutes more than men on unpaid domestic work, reflecting deep-rooted gender roles.
• Decline in Learning Time for Youth: Both men and women spent less time on learning activities (males: -11 minutes, females: -10 minutes), indicating possible educational setbacks.
• Limited Male Participation in Caregiving: Only 4% of men participated in caregiving (vs. 41% of women), reinforcing the burden of care on women.
• Rural-Urban Divide in Employment & Domestic Work: 8% of people in rural areas engaged in self-production activities (vs. 6.2% in urban areas), highlighting economic inequalities.
• Increase in Employment Not Equal to Gender Parity: Despite higher workforce participation, women still spent 132 minutes less than men in employment-related activities.
Way Ahead:
• Promoting Gender Equality in Domestic Responsibilities: Encourage equal sharing of unpaid work through policy interventions and awareness programs.
• Enhancing Women’s Workforce Participation: Introduce flexible work policies, childcare support, and skill development programs to increase women’s employment rate.
• Revitalizing Learning & Skill Development: Strengthen educational infrastructure, promote vocational training, and boost digital learning to improve learning time.
• Reducing Rural-Urban Economic Disparities: Implement rural employment schemes, digital literacy programs, and financial inclusion initiatives to bridge the economic gap.
Conclusion:
While women’s workforce participation has improved, gender disparities in unpaid domestic work and caregiving remain a concern. Addressing these inequalities through policy interventions and social awareness will be key to achieving inclusive development and gender parity.
• Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can the care economy be brought into a monetized economy through women empowerment? (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Vallabhajosyula Sriramulu
Anecdote: At 101 years old, Vallabhajosyula Sriramulu has proven that age is just a number. Competing against athletes from 110 countries at the World Masters Athletics Championship in Sweden, he clinched three gold medals in javelin, discus, and shotput. Born on July 18, 1923, Sriramulu celebrated his 101st birthday just weeks before this historic win. His journey is a testament to perseverance and passion, having previously won a gold and two silver medals at the same championship in 2011. Upon his return to Visakhapatnam, he was warmly welcomed by D.S. Varma, Vice President of the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association, who praised him for bringing pride to the city. Sriramulu’s story inspires millions, showing that determination and discipline can defy the limits of age.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
SPHEREx Space Telescope
Source: DD News
Context: NASA’s SPHEREx space telescope is set to launch, aiming to explore the origins of the universe and search for water and organic molecules in the Milky Way.
• This mission will create a 3D map of the cosmos, providing insights into cosmic inflation and the formation of galaxies.
About SPHEREx Space Telescope:
• What is SPHEREx?
• Full Form: Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer. Mission Type: Space telescope designed to survey the sky in optical and near-infrared light. Duration: A two-year mission to map the universe and study its origins.
• Full Form: Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer.
• Mission Type: Space telescope designed to survey the sky in optical and near-infrared light.
• Duration: A two-year mission to map the universe and study its origins.
• Launched By:
• Agency: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9.
• Agency: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
• Rocket: SpaceX Falcon 9.
• Aim of SPHEREx:
• Study Cosmic Inflation: Investigate the rapid expansion of the universe after the Big Bang. Map Galaxies: Survey over 450 million galaxies to understand their distribution and evolution. Search for Water and Organic Molecules: Identify reservoirs of water and life-essential molecules in the Milky Way. Create a 3D Cosmic Map: Develop a detailed map of the universe in 102 color bands.
• Study Cosmic Inflation: Investigate the rapid expansion of the universe after the Big Bang.
• Map Galaxies: Survey over 450 million galaxies to understand their distribution and evolution.
• Search for Water and Organic Molecules: Identify reservoirs of water and life-essential molecules in the Milky Way.
• Create a 3D Cosmic Map: Develop a detailed map of the universe in 102 color bands.
• Key Features:
• Advanced Technology: Uses near-infrared light to observe objects invisible to the human eye. All-Sky Survey: Will map the entire sky every six months. High-Resolution Data: Provides data in 102 color bands, surpassing previous all-sky maps. Target Identification: Will identify objects for further study by missions like the James Webb Space Telescope.
• Advanced Technology: Uses near-infrared light to observe objects invisible to the human eye.
• All-Sky Survey: Will map the entire sky every six months.
• High-Resolution Data: Provides data in 102 color bands, surpassing previous all-sky maps.
• Target Identification: Will identify objects for further study by missions like the James Webb Space Telescope.
• Significance:
• Insight into Cosmic Inflation: Helps scientists understand the universe’s exponential expansion after the Big Bang. Search for Life’s Building Blocks: Detects water and organic molecules in star-forming regions and planetary systems. Foundation for Future Missions: Provides data to guide upcoming space exploration projects. Global Collaboration: Involves international partners like the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.
• Insight into Cosmic Inflation: Helps scientists understand the universe’s exponential expansion after the Big Bang.
• Search for Life’s Building Blocks: Detects water and organic molecules in star-forming regions and planetary systems.
• Foundation for Future Missions: Provides data to guide upcoming space exploration projects.
• Global Collaboration: Involves international partners like the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.
SWAYATT initiative
Source: PIB
Context: The SWAYATT initiative on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated six years of empowering startups, women entrepreneurs, and youth in public procurement.
• The initiative has significantly boosted participation, with women entrepreneurs now comprising 8% of registered sellers on GeM.
About SWAYATT initiative:
• What is SWAYATT?
• Full Form: Startups, Women & Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions. Launched On: 19th February 2019. Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Platform: Integrated with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
• Full Form: Startups, Women & Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions.
• Launched On: 19th February 2019.
• Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• Platform: Integrated with the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
• Aim of SWAYATT:
• Promote Inclusion: Enhance participation of women-led enterprises, startups, and youth in public procurement. Empower Marginalized Groups: Focus on Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and backward sections of society. Facilitate Market Access: Provide direct market linkages to government buyers without intermediaries. Boost Economic Growth: Encourage hyper-local job creation and inclusive economic development.
• Promote Inclusion: Enhance participation of women-led enterprises, startups, and youth in public procurement.
• Empower Marginalized Groups: Focus on Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and backward sections of society.
• Facilitate Market Access: Provide direct market linkages to government buyers without intermediaries.
• Boost Economic Growth: Encourage hyper-local job creation and inclusive economic development.
• Key Features:
• Dedicated Storefronts: Includes “Startup Runway” and “Womaniya” for startups and women entrepreneurs. Training and Onboarding: Focuses on capacity-building for last-mile sellers and women entrepreneurs. MoU with FICCI-FLO: Collaboration to empower 9,500+ women entrepreneurs through advocacy and training. Udyam-Verified Sellers: Over 1,77,786 women-led MSEs registered on GeM, fulfilling orders worth ₹46,615 crore. Startup Ecosystem: Supports 29,000+ startups, with cumulative orders worth ₹35,950 crore.
• Dedicated Storefronts: Includes “Startup Runway” and “Womaniya” for startups and women entrepreneurs.
• Training and Onboarding: Focuses on capacity-building for last-mile sellers and women entrepreneurs.
• MoU with FICCI-FLO: Collaboration to empower 9,500+ women entrepreneurs through advocacy and training.
• Udyam-Verified Sellers: Over 1,77,786 women-led MSEs registered on GeM, fulfilling orders worth ₹46,615 crore.
• Startup Ecosystem: Supports 29,000+ startups, with cumulative orders worth ₹35,950 crore.
INS Tamal
Source: TH
Context: INS Tamal, the last imported warship for the Indian Navy, is set to be commissioned in June 2025.
• This marks a significant milestone as India transitions to building all future warships domestically.
About INS Tamal:
• What is INS Tamal?
• Type: Stealth guided-missile frigate. Built By: Yantar Shipyard, Russia. Project: Part of Project 11356, under a $2.5-billion deal signed with Russia in 2016. Commissioning: Expected in June 2025.
• Type: Stealth guided-missile frigate.
• Built By: Yantar Shipyard, Russia.
• Project: Part of Project 11356, under a $2.5-billion deal signed with Russia in 2016.
• Commissioning: Expected in June 2025.
• Key Features:
• Stealth Technology: Designed to reduce radar cross-section, making it harder to detect. Advanced Weaponry: Equipped with state-of-the-art missile systems and naval guns. Integrated Systems: Combines Russian and Indian equipment for enhanced operational efficiency. Crew Training: Indian Navy personnel are trained by Russian specialists for seamless operations.
• Stealth Technology: Designed to reduce radar cross-section, making it harder to detect.
• Advanced Weaponry: Equipped with state-of-the-art missile systems and naval guns.
• Integrated Systems: Combines Russian and Indian equipment for enhanced operational efficiency.
• Crew Training: Indian Navy personnel are trained by Russian specialists for seamless operations.
• Significance:
• End of Imports: INS Tamal is the last warship to be commissioned outside India, marking a shift toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Enhanced Naval Capabilities: Strengthens the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Strategic Partnership: Highlights the strong defense ties between India and Russia. Technology Transfer: Paves the way for indigenous construction of similar frigates in India. Operational Readiness: Follows the commissioning of INS Tushil, the first frigate under the same project, in December 2024.
• End of Imports: INS Tamal is the last warship to be commissioned outside India, marking a shift toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
• Enhanced Naval Capabilities: Strengthens the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Strategic Partnership: Highlights the strong defense ties between India and Russia.
• Technology Transfer: Paves the way for indigenous construction of similar frigates in India.
• Operational Readiness: Follows the commissioning of INS Tushil, the first frigate under the same project, in December 2024.
Jhumoir Binandini
Source: IE
Context: Prime Minister attended the largest-ever Jhumoir Binandini event in Guwahati, Assam, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry.
About Jhumoir Binandini:
• What is Jhumoir Binandini?
• A traditional folk dance performed primarily by Assam’s tea garden communities. Celebrates agricultural festivals and the cultural heritage of migrant tea workers.
• A traditional folk dance performed primarily by Assam’s tea garden communities.
• Celebrates agricultural festivals and the cultural heritage of migrant tea workers.
• Region of Origin:
• Predominantly performed in Assam, especially in districts with a high concentration of tea estates. Associated with festivals and social gatherings in tea garden areas.
• Predominantly performed in Assam, especially in districts with a high concentration of tea estates.
• Associated with festivals and social gatherings in tea garden areas.
• Theme & Cultural Significance:
• Represents the struggles and aspirations of the tea-tribe community. Songs reflect themes of migration, labor exploitation, and resilience.
• Represents the struggles and aspirations of the tea-tribe community.
• Songs reflect themes of migration, labor exploitation, and resilience.
• Key Features of Jhumoir Dance:
• Performed by women in red and white sarees, while men play instruments like madal, dhol, dhak, cymbals, and flutes. Dancers hold hands in a synchronized manner, moving gracefully in a circular formation. Lyrics borrow from Nagpuri, Khortha, Kurmali, and Assamese languages.
• Performed by women in red and white sarees, while men play instruments like madal, dhol, dhak, cymbals, and flutes.
• Dancers hold hands in a synchronized manner, moving gracefully in a circular formation.
• Lyrics borrow from Nagpuri, Khortha, Kurmali, and Assamese languages.
• Tribes Associated with Jhumoir Dance:
• The dance is famous among Assam’s tea-tribe community, which includes the Santhal, Munda, Kurukh, Oraon, and Kharia tribes.
• The dance is famous among Assam’s tea-tribe community, which includes the Santhal, Munda, Kurukh, Oraon, and Kharia tribes.
• Historical Background:
• Originated with the tea-tribe community, who were migrants from Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. The British brought these workers to Assam for labor in tea plantations under harsh conditions. Jhumoir became a symbol of cultural preservation and social unity among displaced communities.
• Originated with the tea-tribe community, who were migrants from Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
• The British brought these workers to Assam for labor in tea plantations under harsh conditions.
• Jhumoir became a symbol of cultural preservation and social unity among displaced communities.
Black Plastic
- •Source: IE*
Context: A recent study on black plastic found that it contains toxic flame retardants, raising concerns over food contamination and health risks.
About Black Plastic:
• What is Black Plastic?
• A type of plastic material often produced from recycled electronic waste like TVs, computers, and appliances. Commonly used in kitchen utensils, takeout containers, packaging, and toys.
• A type of plastic material often produced from recycled electronic waste like TVs, computers, and appliances.
• Commonly used in kitchen utensils, takeout containers, packaging, and toys.
• Composition of Black Plastic:
• Made from polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE). Contains flame retardants such as bromine, decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), and heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
• Made from polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE).
• Contains flame retardants such as bromine, decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), and heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
• Production Process:
• Derived from recycled electronic waste, often including banned toxic materials. Difficult to sort and recycle, as black pigments absorb infrared sorting rays, making recycling inefficient.
• Derived from recycled electronic waste, often including banned toxic materials.
• Difficult to sort and recycle, as black pigments absorb infrared sorting rays, making recycling inefficient.
• Applications of Black Plastic:
• Kitchen utensils: Spatulas, peelers, and food containers. Electronics: Housings for TVs, cables, and chargers. Automobile industry: Dashboards and interiors. Consumer goods: Toys, cosmetics packaging, and furniture.
• Kitchen utensils: Spatulas, peelers, and food containers.
• Electronics: Housings for TVs, cables, and chargers.
• Automobile industry: Dashboards and interiors.
• Consumer goods: Toys, cosmetics packaging, and furniture.
• Is Black Plastic Safe to Use?
• Studies suggest trace amounts of toxic chemicals may leach into food when exposed to heat. Despite low contamination risks, the long-term effects of these chemicals remain uncertain.
• Studies suggest trace amounts of toxic chemicals may leach into food when exposed to heat.
• Despite low contamination risks, the long-term effects of these chemicals remain uncertain.
• Harmful Effects of Black Plastic:
• Health Risks: Contains neurotoxic heavy metals and carcinogenic compounds. Food Contamination: Heat exposure may cause chemical leaching into food. Environmental Hazard: Difficult to recycle, leading to increased plastic pollution.
• Health Risks: Contains neurotoxic heavy metals and carcinogenic compounds.
• Food Contamination: Heat exposure may cause chemical leaching into food.
• Environmental Hazard: Difficult to recycle, leading to increased plastic pollution.
Gharial
Source: IE
Context: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister released 10 gharials into the Chambal River at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary to boost conservation efforts.
• The state now hosts over 80% of India’s gharial population, reaffirming its leadership in gharial conservation.
About Gharial:
• What is a Gharial?
• A critically endangered species of crocodilian (Gavialis gangeticus) with a long, narrow snout adapted for catching fish. The name “gharial” comes from the Hindi word “ghara”, referring to the bulbous snout tip seen in males.
• A critically endangered species of crocodilian (Gavialis gangeticus) with a long, narrow snout adapted for catching fish.
• The name “gharial” comes from the Hindi word “ghara”, referring to the bulbous snout tip seen in males.
• Locations in India:
• Found in major river systems: Chambal River (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan) – Largest population. Ganges, Yamuna, Son, Gandak, Mahanadi, and Brahmaputra Rivers – Scattered populations.
• Found in major river systems:
• Chambal River (Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan) – Largest population.
• Ganges, Yamuna, Son, Gandak, Mahanadi, and Brahmaputra Rivers – Scattered populations.
• IUCN Status & Conservation Status:
• Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting it the highest legal protection in India.
• Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, granting it the highest legal protection in India.
• Biological & Physical Features:
• Size: Males grow up to 6 meters, females 2.6 to 4.5 meters. Diet: Primarily fish, using its slender snout and interlocking teeth for efficient hunting. Reproduction: Mates during November–January, nests on sandbanks and islands, and lays eggs March–May.
• Size: Males grow up to 6 meters, females 2.6 to 4.5 meters.
• Diet: Primarily fish, using its slender snout and interlocking teeth for efficient hunting.
• Reproduction: Mates during November–January, nests on sandbanks and islands, and lays eggs March–May.
• Major Threats
• Habitat destruction: Dams, embankments, irrigation canals, and sand mining disrupt nesting areas. Overfishing & Bycatch: Gharials get trapped in fishing nets (gillnets), leading to accidental deaths. Pollution: Industrial waste and pesticides poison river ecosystems. Historical Exploitation: Once hunted for skin, trophies, and traditional medicine.
• Habitat destruction: Dams, embankments, irrigation canals, and sand mining disrupt nesting areas.
• Overfishing & Bycatch: Gharials get trapped in fishing nets (gillnets), leading to accidental deaths.
• Pollution: Industrial waste and pesticides poison river ecosystems.
• Historical Exploitation: Once hunted for skin, trophies, and traditional medicine.
• Chambal River Conservation Efforts:
• National Chambal Sanctuary (435 km stretch): Protects one of India’s cleanest rivers. Captive Breeding & Release: Since 1975, hatchlings are raised in centers and released into rivers. Restoring Sandbanks: Ensures safe nesting sites. Community Involvement: Engaging locals in conservation efforts to protect riverine ecosystems.
• National Chambal Sanctuary (435 km stretch): Protects one of India’s cleanest rivers.
• Captive Breeding & Release: Since 1975, hatchlings are raised in centers and released into rivers.
• Restoring Sandbanks: Ensures safe nesting sites.
• Community Involvement: Engaging locals in conservation efforts to protect riverine ecosystems.
Tribes in News
Source: TOI
Context: Recently these tribes (Soliga Tribe, Pardhi Tribe, Irula tribe) were in news.
About Tribes in News:
• Soliga Tribe:
Context: Prime Minister praised the Soliga tribe for their role in increasing the tiger population in BRT Tiger Reserve, Karnataka.
• Located in: Biligiri Rangana Hills (BRT Tiger Reserve) and Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Karnataka.
• Cultural Aspects: Speak Sholaga (Dravidian language), worship Biligiri Ranganatha Swamy (Vishnu), and practice nature-based spiritual traditions.
• Livelihood: Depend on shifting agriculture, foraging, honey collection, and engage in minor forest produce trade and ecotourism.
• Pardhi Tribe:
Context: Activists and lawyers opposed the Madhya Pradesh government’s order for search and surveillance of nomadic tribes, including the Pardhi community.
• Located in: Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Cultural Aspects: Divided into subgroups (Vaghri Pardhi, Phase Pardhi, Pal Pardhi, Gav Pardhi, Takankar, Takari), follow Hindu traditions, and worship nature-linked deities.
• Livelihood: Traditionally hunted, but now engaged in agriculture, handicrafts, and small-scale trading, facing discrimination and poverty.
• Irula tribe:
Context: A nine-day workshop in Attappady aims to revive Ramar Koothu, a traditional dance-drama of the Irula tribe, which is on the verge of extinction.
• Located in: Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri), Kerala (Palakkad, Attappady), Karnataka (Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapur).
• Cultural Aspects: Speak Irula (Dravidian language), perform Ramar Koothu (Ramayana-based dance-drama), and follow animistic traditions blended with Hindu beliefs.
• Livelihood: Known for snake-catching and herbal medicine, depend on minor forest produce, honey collection, and small-scale farming, with many now working in plantations and construction.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –26 February 2025 Mapping:
Mount Fentale
Source: IDR
Context: Ethiopia’s Mount Fentale volcano has emitted massive methane plumes, an unprecedented natural event with potential climate change implications.
About Mount Fentale:
• What Happened?
• Mount Fentale, located in northern Ethiopia, released large amounts of methane into the atmosphere starting January 31, 2025. The event was described as a “burp”, with huge plumes of methane escaping from underground gas deposits. This phenomenon was first detected via satellite monitoring and later confirmed by GHGSat.
• Mount Fentale, located in northern Ethiopia, released large amounts of methane into the atmosphere starting January 31, 2025.
• The event was described as a “burp”, with huge plumes of methane escaping from underground gas deposits.
• This phenomenon was first detected via satellite monitoring and later confirmed by GHGSat.
• Why Is This Unusual?
• Volcanic activity typically emits carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), not methane (CH₄). Methane is 28 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. The emission surpasses typical volcanic gas output, raising concerns over climate impact and greenhouse gas monitoring.
• Volcanic activity typically emits carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), not methane (CH₄).
• Methane is 28 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period.
• The emission surpasses typical volcanic gas output, raising concerns over climate impact and greenhouse gas monitoring.
• Scientific Explanations:
• The methane release is likely due to magma movements opening underground gas pockets, rather than a surface eruption. Thermal anomalies detected via satellite in January suggest deep-seated geological activity.
• The methane release is likely due to magma movements opening underground gas pockets, rather than a surface eruption.
• Thermal anomalies detected via satellite in January suggest deep-seated geological activity.
• Climate and Environmental Concerns
• Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming (11% of total greenhouse gases). Even short-term spikes in methane levels can intensify climate change effects. Highlights the need for improved global methane tracking, both from natural sources and human activities.
• Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming (11% of total greenhouse gases).
• Even short-term spikes in methane levels can intensify climate change effects.
• Highlights the need for improved global methane tracking, both from natural sources and human activities.
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