• 19 Nov 2024

Excavation of Diamond

Why in News?

Recently, a farmer and his associates have discovered a valuable diamond, weighing 7.44 carats, in the Panna district of Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• About Diamond:
  • Diamond, an allotrope of carbon, is the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth.
  • Formed in the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity, it is found in volcanic landforms like dykes and sills.
  • Uses:
    • In jewelry, metal polishing, gem cutting, and industrial applications such as cutting edges for drills.
  • Diamond Rich Locations in India:
    • The Panna belt (Madhya Pradesh), Wajrakarur Kimberlite field, and the Krishna River basin (Andhra Pradesh).
    • The cutting and polishing industry is centered in Surat, Navsari, Ahmedabad, and Palampur.
  • Leading Producers:
    • Russia, Botswana, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
• Panna’s Diamond Industry:
  • Panna has been a diamond mining center for centuries.
  • The district’s diamond deposits have dwindled due to over-mining, making large discoveries rare.
  • Mining serves as an alternative income source for the largely tribal population, with modest daily earnings of Rs 250-300.

Diamond Industry in India

• India is the world's largest cutting and polishing center for diamonds, accounting for over 90% of polished diamond manufacturing globally.
  • According to Indian Minerals Yearbook 2019, diamond fields of India are grouped into four regions:
    • Central Indian tract of Madhya Pradesh, comprising Panna belt.
    • South Indian tract of Andhra Pradesh, comprising parts of Anantapur, Kadapa, Guntur, Krishna, Mahabubnagar and Kurnool districts.
    • Behradin-Kodavali area in Raipur district and Tokapal, Dugapal, etc. areas in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
    • Eastern Indian tract mostly of Odisha, lying between Mahanadi and Godavari valleys.

BRO Clears Snow at Zojila Pass

Why in News?

Recently, the Border Roads Organization (BRO) conducted a snow clearance operation at Zojila Pass, following heavy snowfall, to restore connectivity and ensure safe travel in the area.

Key Points

• The Machil sector in Kupwara district experienced fresh snowfall, adding to the region's scenic beauty.
• Zoji La Pass:
  • Zoji La is a high mountain pass located in the Kargil district of Ladakh.
  • The pass links Leh and Srinagar and provides an important link between Union Territories of Ladakh and Kashmir.
  • Zoji La pass remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall, cutting off Ladakh region from Kashmir.
  • In 2018, the Zoji La tunnel project was launched. The tunnel is Asia's longest and strategic bi-directional tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)

• BRO was conceived and raised in 1960 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for coordinating the speedy development of a network of roads in the North and the North Eastern border regions of the country.
• It works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
• It has diversified into a large spectrum of construction and development works comprising airfields, building projects, defence works and tunneling and has endeared itself to the people.

Saffron Production Declines in Kashmir Valley

Why in News?

The Kashmir Valley has experienced a notable decline in production of saffron due to insufficient rainfall.

• The harvest, traditionally carried out from mid-October to November, is primarily concentrated in South Kashmir's Pampore, famously known as the "Saffron Bowl of Kashmir."

Key Points

• Rainfall Deficit in Kashmir:
  • Srinagar meteorological department reported a 79% rainfall deficit from 1^st October to 14^th November 2024, following a 26% deficit during the monsoon, severely affecting agriculture, including saffron.
• Government Initiatives:
  • The National Mission on Saffron (NMS), launched in 2010–11, aims to address challenges in saffron cultivation.
  • In 2020, Kashmiri saffron received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with efforts underway to position it as a globally recognized brand.
• Farmers’ Demands:
  • Farmers emphasize the need for operational borewells and enhanced funding under NMS to ensure sustainable saffron cultivation and address ongoing challenges.
• Saffron:
  • Saffron is a plant whose dried stigmas (thread-like parts of the flower) are used to make saffron spice.
  • Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around the 1^st Century BCE.
  • It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.
  • It is a very precious and costly product.
  • In ancient Sanskrit literature, Saffron is referred to as ‘Bahukam’.
  • It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Types:
    • There are three types of saffron available in Kashmir Lachha Saffron, Mongra Saffron and Guchhi Saffron.
  • Importance:
    • It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.
    • It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
• The GI tag ensures that only the authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.
  • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.
• A registered GI is valid for 10 years.
• GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Rajasthan Questions Findings on Parsa Mine Clearance

Why in News?

Recently, Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) has questioned the legitimacy of a report by the Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission (CSSTC), which found irregularities in environmental clearances for the Parsa coal mine in the State’s Surguja region.

• The Parsa coal block is located in the north central part of the Hasdo-Arand.

Key Points

• Earlier Findings:
  • According to RRVUNL, in 2023 the CSSTC, set aside allegations regarding the Parsa mine following a detailed inquiry by the Surguja district administration.
  • In 2024, The Commission recommended canceling forest clearances for the Parsa mine, alleging they were obtained using forged gram sabha consent documents.
  • RRVUNL countered that the gram sabha approval issue is under judicial review, with no adverse court observations on alleged irregularities.
• Role of RRVUNL and Adani Group:
  • The Parsa coal mine, allotted to RRVUNL, is developed and operated by the Adani Group, despite ongoing opposition from activists and sections of local communities.
• Legitimacy of the Report:
  • RRVUNL questioned the Commission’s report, and stated that the report was based on inputs from a small group of individuals, despite the issue involving thousands of local stakeholders.
• About Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribes Commission:
  • The Chhattisgarh government formed the Tribal Advisory Council to recommend policies related to Scheduled Tribes.
    • Some of the tribes in Chhattisgarh include the Gonds of Bastar, Baiga tribes, Pahari korwa tribes, Abhuj Maria, Bison Horn Maria, Muria, Halbaa, Birhor's tribes, Bhatra, and Dhurvaa.
  • The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh is the Chairman of the Council, and the Minister of Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Department is a member.

Hasdeo Arand Forest

• Hasdeo Arand, a sprawling forest in the northern part of Chhattisgarh is known for its biodiversity and its coal deposits.
• The forest falls under Korba, Sujapur and Surguja districts with significant tribal population.
• The Hasdeo river, a tributary of Mahanadi, flows through it.
• Hasdeo Arand is the largest un-fragmented forest in Central India consisting of pristine Sal (Shorea robusta) and teak forests.
• It is a noted migratory corridor and has a significant presence of elephants.

56th Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh

Why in News?

Recently, Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh has officially been declared as the 56^th Tiger Reserve of the country.

Key Points

• About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve:
  • The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve spans from Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh.
  • Total area is 2,829.38 sq. km, with core tiger habitat of 2,049.2 sq. km and buffer zone 780.15 sq. km.
  • It is the third-largest tiger reserve in India, after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh and Manas in Assam.
• Conservation and Connectivity:
  • It forms a landscape complex of approximately 4,500 sq. km with the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
  • It is connected to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh in the west and Palamau Tiger Reserve, Jharkhand in the east.
• Ecological and Faunal Diversity:
  • Located in the Chota Nagpur plateau and partly in the Baghelkhand plateau, the reserve features diverse terrains, dense forests, streams, and rivers, providing critical tiger habitats.
  • Zoological Survey of India documented 753 species:
    • 365 invertebrates (mainly insects).
    • 388 vertebrates, including 230 bird species and 55 mammal species, several of which are threatened.
• Chhattisgarh now hosts four tiger reserves, enhancing tiger conservation efforts under National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Project Tiger initiative.

Dhudmaras Village

Why in News?

Dhudmaras, a village in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, has been selected to participate in the Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP) under the United Nations Tourism for Rural Development Programme (UNTRDP) by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

• This recognition marks its potential as a hub for eco-tourism and sustainable development.

Key Points

• Dhudmaras Village:
  • Located in Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), is surrounded by dense forests, the Kanger River, and rich biodiversity, making it a prime eco-tourism destination.
    • KVNP is named after the Kanger River, which flows through it. It was designated as a national park in 1982.
    • KVNP is home to three notable caves Kutumbasar, Kailash and Dandak famous for their stalagmites (mineral formations that rise from the floor of a cave) and stalactites (mineral formations that hang from the ceiling of a cave).
    • The park is dominated by Sal, Teak, and Bamboo, forming a moist deciduous forest.
  • It is home to the Dhurwa Tribe, part of the Gond Tribe, speak Paarji, a Gond dialect. Their lifestyle is closely tied to nature, relying on forests and natural resources for sustenance.
• Recognition and Support:
  • As part of the UNWTO’s initiative under the BTVUP, Dhudmaras will now receive assistance to enhance areas like economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and tourism development, ensuring long-term growth.
• UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme:
  • About:
    • UNTRDP promotes development, inclusion, and innovation in rural areas through tourism, aiming to combat depopulation and encourage sustainable practices.
  • Evaluation Criteria:
    • Villages participating in the program are evaluated under nine key areas, which include cultural and natural resources, economic and social sustainability, tourism development, and infrastructure, among others.
      • This evaluation ensures that the selected villages meet standards of sustainability, inclusiveness, and governance.

United Nations World Tourism Organisation

• The UNWTO, established in 1975 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain, promotes responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism.
• It has 159 member countries, including India, it serves as a global forum for tourism policy, advocates the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and aligns tourism with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • Target 8.9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs and preserves local culture and products.