UPSC ENGLISH QUIZ 04.08.2025

Explanation

• A scientific study conducted over 24 years has revealed that the number of coral reefs in the Lakshadweep archipelago has now reduced to only 50% as compared to 1998. This decline is being considered a serious warning for the marine ecosystem.

More on the News

• The study was published in Diversity and Distributions by researchers from across India and Spain.
• It uses long-term data to propose a model for identifying both vulnerable and potentially resilient reefs.
• The Union Territory of Lakshadweep Archipelago consists of 12 coral atolls. Using data from 12 reef sites across three of them, Agatti, Kadmat and Kavaratti, the team tracked coral health from 1998 to 2022.
• Coral cover in Lakshadweep declined by 50% over 24 years, from 37.2% in 1998 to 19.1% in 2022.
• Coral mortality decreased over successive bleaching events, but the overall ability of reefs to recover has also declined.
• Recovery of coral cover was non-linear and accelerated only after 6+ years without bleaching.

Explanation

• Maldives recently celebrated its 60th Independence Day, with the Prime Minister of India attending the event as the Chief Guest.
• This was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was a symbol of the deep-rooted, strategic, and time-tested ties between the two countries.

Maldives

• Location: Island nation in the Indian Ocean
• Independence: Gained from British protectorate on 26 July 1965
• Significance: A key partner in India’s maritime and neighborhood strategy

Importance of India–Maldives Relations

• Geostrategic Importance:Maldives lies in the heart of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and is critical for safeguarding India’s maritime trade routes.A key pillar in India’s SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
• Defence and Maritime Cooperation:India has provided patrol vessels, training, and Dornier aircraft to the Maldivian defence forces.Joint military exercises like ‘Ekathva Ekuverin’ are held regularly.
• Development Assistance:India has assisted Maldives in infrastructure, health, education, and IT sectors.Over ₹3,000 crore provided through Line of Credit and grants.

Explanation

• Union Home Minister unveiled the National Cooperation Policy 2025 in New Delhi. This National Cooperative Policy will be effective from 2025 to 2045.
• The ministry said a new policy was needed because of globalisation and technological advancements in the past two decades.The vision of the new cooperation policy is to build a Viksit Bharat by 2047 through ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’.
• The policy is drafted by a 48-member committee led by Suresh Prabhu.This Policy has been introduced after a 23-year gap, following the previous policy announced in 2002.

Cooperative Society

• A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons, united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically member-controlled enterprise.

Explanation

• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of the reported collapse of a Government school building, resulting in the death of 7 students in Jhalawar district, Rajasthan.
• The commission issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan and the Superintendent of Police, Jhalawar, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.Reportedly, local residents had alerted the district authorities about the deteriorating condition of the school building but no action was taken, reflecting administrative negligence.

Historical Background of Human Rights

• In 1948, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of Human Rights.
• The Paris Principles were established by the National Human Rights Institutes (NHRIs) in 1991.
• The United Nations adopted these Paris Principles at its General Assembly in 1993.
• In 1993, India enacted the Human Rights Protection Act.
• The Protection of Human Rights Act also allowed state governments to establish State Human Rights Commissions.

Explanation

• Ladakh has officially announced August 12 as Safai Andolan Day for Indus River Conservation.
• The day is dedicated to protecting and cleaning the Indus River.
• A massive cleanup will take place along the river and its tributaries.
• Government agencies, armed forces, civil society groups, and students will all take part.
• This is the first government-supported campaign focused entirely on conserving the Indus River.
• The initiative is a combined effort by the Union Territory administration, Leh Hill Council, defense forces, and local communities.
• It is part of the larger Mission Indus Clean-up Movement, which began in June.
• The movement was launched in response to serious pollution concerns.
• Water testing had revealed high levels of arsenic in the Indus River.
• Mission Indus aims to reduce pollution and protect the river’s biodiversity. It includes both urgent actions and long-term planning.
• Plans are in place to upgrade existing sewage treatment systems. Illegal dumping of waste is being strictly controlled.
• Awareness campaigns are being run with help from social and religious leaders.
• The Leh Hill Council is also working closely with village leaders and faith-based communities.
• This is to ensure local support and participation in the clean-up efforts.