Why in the News?

A group of scientists from India and the United Kingdom have discovered a new species of toads, the third of a genus found only in a very narrow area in northeast India.

About the Recently Discovered Toad Species:

• This newfound toad species, belonging to the bufoides genus, marks the third identified within a limited area in northeast India.
• Distinguished by its interdigital webbing, unique colouration, skin tuberculation, and the existence of ovoid, tuberculated, and depressed parotid glands, this species adds to the diversity of its genus.
• The preceding species from the same genus, Bufoides meghalayanus and Bufoides kempi, were previously identified in the region of Meghalaya.
• In recognition of its discovery and to honour the significant contributions of the renowned herpetologist S. Bhupathy, this new species has been aptly named after him.

About the Dampa Tiger Reserve:

• Situated in the Lushai Hills on the western side of Mizoram, the Dampa Tiger Reserve holds significance for its unique features.
• Establishment: Designated as a tiger reserve in 1994 under the Project Tiger initiative.
• Geographical Boundaries: Bordered on the west by the Chittagong hill tracts (Sazek hill range) of Bangladesh.
• The terrain is characterized by hills, with elevations ranging from 49 to 1095 meters above mean sea level.
• Prominent peaks include Chhawrpialtlang (1095m), Dampatlang (869m), and Pathlawilunglentlang (780m).
• Vegetation Diversity: Encompassing tropical evergreen to semi-evergreen forests, the reserve boasts a diverse range of vegetation.
• River Systems: Drained by the Khawthlangtuipui River in the west and the Teirei River in the east, with tributaries like Keisalam, Seling, and Aivapui flowing through the reserve.
• Fauna: Diverse mammalian species inhabit the reserve, including Hoolock Gibbon, Rhesus Macaque, Assamese Macaque, Pig-Tailed Macaque, Stump-Tailed Macaque, and Phayre’s Leaf Monkey.
• Flora: The reserve boasts a rich flora, featuring species such as Dipterocarpus turbinatus, Dipterocarpus marcocarpus, Terminalia myriocarpa, and Michelia champaca, among others.

Why in the News?

Consolidating efforts towards the conservation of Tamil Nadu’s State Animal, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday, October 12, 2023, launched the ‘Project Nilgiri Tahr’ from the Secretariat in Chennai.

About Nilgiri Tahr:

• The Nilgiri Tahr, scientifically known as Nilgiritragus hylocrius, is an endangered mountain ungulate that is native to the southern part of the Western Ghats.
• Locally referred to as 'Varayaadu,' these creatures are renowned for their remarkable climbing abilities on steep cliffs, earning them the moniker "Mountain Monarch."
• Notably, the Nilgiri Tahr holds the distinction of being the state animal of Tamil Nadu.

Distribution:

• The current range of Nilgiri Tahrs is confined to approximately 5% of the Western Ghats in southern India, specifically in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• The Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is home to the highest density and the largest surviving population of Nilgiri Tahrs.

Habitat:

• Nilgiri Tahrs inhabit open montane grassland habitats, thriving at elevations ranging from 1200 to 2600 meters in the South Western Ghats.

Distinctive Features:

• Characterized by a stocky body, short coarse fur, and a bristly mane, Nilgiri Tahrs exhibit sexual dimorphism, with mature males being larger and darker in colour.
• Both males and females possess curved horns, with males having larger ones measuring up to 40 cm, while females' horns reach approximately 30 cm.
• Adult males develop a light grey area or 'saddle' on their backs, leading to the term 'saddlebacks.' The species is recognized by its short grey-brown or dark coat.

Conservation Status:

• The Nilgiri Tahr is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, signifying the critical need for conservation efforts.
• Additionally, it is accorded the highest protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972, listed in Schedule I.

Why in the News?

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), a Hyderabad-based international research institute with a focus on tropical dryland agrifood system innovation, has joined the One CGIAR integrated partnership.

What is One CGIAR Global Initiative?

• The One CGIAR global initiative is designed to establish a cohesive approach to transform food, land, and water systems in response to the challenges posed by the climate crisis.
• This collaborative effort involves the CGIAR System Organisation and 12 research centres operating under the umbrella of One CGIAR.
• CGIAR is a publicly-funded network of research centres focused on agrifood systems, operating in over 80 countries.

Key Facts about ICRISAT:

• ICRISAT, a non-profit, non-political international research organization, is dedicated to agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
• Its mission is to support farmers by providing improved crop varieties and hybrids, particularly aiding smallholder farmers in arid regions to combat climate change.
• The organization specializes in research on five highly nutritious, drought-tolerant crops: chickpea, pigeonpea, pearl millet, sorghum, and groundnut.
• Recognized for its impactful work, ICRISAT was awarded the 2021 Africa Food Prize for the Tropical Legumes Project, contributing to improved food security across 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
• ICRISAT is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana State, India, with two regional hubs in Nairobi, Kenya, and Bamako, Mali.
• Through its research and initiatives, ICRISAT plays a crucial role in addressing agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable development in diverse regions.

Why in the News?

India ranks 111 out of a total of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023, with its progress against hunger nearly halted since 2015, reflecting a global trend.

Key Findings of Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023:

• India holds a Global Hunger Index score of 28.7 on a 100-point scale, categorizing its severity of hunger as "serious."
• The global GHI score for 2023 is 18.3, considered moderate.
• Latin America and the Caribbean stand out as the only region in the world where GHI scores have deteriorated between 2015 and 2023.
• South Asia and Africa South of the Sahara emerge as the global regions with the highest hunger levels, each having GHI scores of 27.0.

About the Global Hunger Index:

• The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at global, regional, and national levels, reflecting multiple dimensions of hunger over time.
• The GHI is intended to raise awareness and understanding of the struggle against hunger, provide a way to compare levels of hunger between countries and regions and call attention to those areas of the world where hunger levels are highest and where the need for additional efforts to eliminate hunger is greatest.
• It is prepared jointly by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and the German organisation Welt Hunger Hilfe.
• How the GHI Is Calculated?
• Each country’s GHI score is calculated based on a formula that combines four indicators that together capture the multidimensional nature of hunger:
• Undernourishment: the share of the population whose caloric intake is insufficient;
• Child stunting: the share of children under the age of 5 who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition;
• Child wasting: the share of children under the age of five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition; and
• Child mortality: the share of children who die before their 5th birthday, reflecting in part the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.
• The indicators included in the GHI formula reflect caloric deficiencies as well as poor nutrition.
• The undernourishment indicator captures the food access situation of the population as a whole, while the indicators specific to children reflect the nutrition status within a particularly vulnerable subset of the population for whom a lack of dietary energy, protein, and/or micronutrients (essential vitamins and minerals) leads to a high risk of illness, poor physical and cognitive development, and death.
• The inclusion of both child wasting and child stunting allows the GHI to document both acute and chronic undernutrition.
• By combining multiple indicators, the index minimizes the effects of random measurement errors.
• These four indicators are all part of the indicator set used to measure progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Why in the News?

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant hailed the recognition as a great opportunity for the cashew industry in the state and “a milestone towards the Swayampurna Goa mission”.

About Goan cashew:

• Cashew is one of the most important plantation crops in India, with significant cultivation in the state of Goa.
• Its introduction to India traces back to the 16th century (1570) when the Portuguese brought it from its native region in northeast Brazil, Latin America.
• Originally recognized for afforestation and soil conservation, cashews quickly gained prominence in Goa, occupying the largest area among horticultural crops.
• The climatic conditions conducive to its growth are well-suited to the Indian coastal areas, thriving under hot and humid circumstances.

Climatic Conditions:

• Soil and Climate: Well-drained deep sandy loam soils, ranging from sandy to laterite, prove to be ideal for cashew cultivation.
• Goa, known for its sandy loam, is a particularly favourable region for this crop.
• Adaptability: Cashew exhibits excellent adaptability to the coastal regions of India, thriving under temperatures ranging from 20 to 38 degrees Celsius.
• The relative humidity in the range of 60 to 95% is also conducive to its growth.
• Rainfall: Annual precipitation between 2000 to 3500mm supports the cultivation of cashews, ensuring optimal growth and development.
• Geographical Expansion: While traditionally associated with Goa, the cultivation of cashews is expanding to non-traditional areas in the plains of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and some parts of the Northeast hill region.
• Cashew's journey from its introduction by the Portuguese to becoming a vital crop in Goan agriculture highlights its adaptability and significance in the diverse agro-climatic regions of India.

What is a Geographical Indication Tag?

• A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a distinctive emblem affixed to products originating from a specific geographical area, signifying unique qualities or a reputation inherently tied to that origin.
• Primarily employed for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial items, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in India aims to facilitate the registration and enhanced safeguarding of geographical indications associated with various goods.
• Under this act, the granted GI tag holds validity for a period of 10 years, with the provision for renewal upon expiration.