In News:

An order issued by the District Magistrate directed the owners of air guns to deposit their hunting weapons at the offices of respective village authorities.

Amur Falcons: An Overview

Scientific Classification:

• Common Name: Amur Falcon
• Scientific Name: Falco amurensis
• Family: Falconidae

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Small raptors, approximately 28-30 cm in length.
• Distinctive Features: Dark plumage with white wing linings; reddish-orange eyes and feet.

Migration Patterns:

• Breeding Grounds: Southeastern Russia and northern China.
• Migratory Route: They leave their breeding areas in autumn, traveling south to round the Himalayas, stopping in Nagaland, and then heading towards the Western Ghats before crossing the Indian Ocean to reach South Africa.
• Distance: These falcons undertake an incredible journey of around 22,000 kilometers annually, making them one of the most remarkable long-distance migrants among raptors.

Diet:

• Primarily insectivorous, they also consume small vertebrates when available.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN Status: Least Concern
• Legal Protection:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule IV
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix II

Recent Conservation Efforts:

• Ban in Manipur: The Tamenglong district administration has imposed a ban on hunting, catching, killing, and selling Amur falcons in preparation for their migratory arrival.
• Tagging Program: In 2016, radio transmitters were used to monitor their migration routes.
• Awareness Initiatives: An annual ‘Amur Falcon Festival’ in Tamenglong district promotes awareness and celebrates these migratory birds.

Threats:

• Amur falcons face various threats including habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trapping.

Cultural Significance:

• Locally known as ‘Kahuaipuina’ in Manipur and ‘Molulem’ in Nagaland, these birds hold ecological and cultural significance, particularly in regions that serve as critical stopover points during migration.

Summary

The Amur falcon is a small but remarkable migratory raptor known for its long-distance travels from its breeding grounds in Asia to Africa. Conservation efforts in India, particularly in the Tamenglong district of Manipur, aim to protect these birds from hunting and habitat loss, ensuring their continued survival and highlighting their importance in the ecosystem.

In News:

Celebrated annually on September 22, World Rhino Day raises awareness about the critical conservation status of rhinoceroses and the myriad threats they face, such as poaching and habitat loss. This day, first initiated by the World Wildlife Fund South Africa in 2010, aims to highlight the need for the conservation of all five species of rhinos: the Javan, Sumatran, Black, Greater One-Horned, and White rhinos.

The Current Status of Rhino Species

• Among the five rhino species, three are classified as
• Critically Endangered: the Black, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos.
• The White Rhino is considered Near Threatened, with the Northern White Rhino itself critically endangered.
• The Greater One-Horned Rhino, primarily found in India, is listed as Vulnerable.

Notably, Kaziranga National Park in Assam is home to the largest population of Greater One-Horned Rhinos, boasting approximately 3,700 individuals.

Conservation Efforts

In India, initiatives like Project Rhino play a crucial role in safeguarding rhino populations. This project focuses on preventing poaching, enhancing habitat management, and increasing public awareness. It collaborates with various conservation groups and government agencies to strengthen law enforcement against poaching and to relocate rhinos to safer areas.

Another significant program is the Indian Rhino Vision 2020 (IRV 2020), aimed at boosting the population of Greater One-Horned Rhinos in Assam, particularly in regions where they had previously become extinct.

Surprising Facts About Rhinos

1. Despite their thick skin, rhinos can get sunburned.
2. Rhinos are related to zebras, horses, and tapirs.
3. All five species are considered endangered.
4. A group of rhinos is called a "crash."
5. Rhinos' horns are made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and nails.
6. The term "rhinoceros" comes from two Greek words meaning "nose" and "horn."
7. Rhinos and elephants are not natural enemies.
8. One of the most famous depictions of a rhino is Albrecht Dürer's woodcut from 1515.
9. The gestation period for rhinos can last up to 16 months.
10. Rhinos have historically been used in traditional Asian medicine.

In News:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States, where he will participate in the fourth Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware.

What is the Quad Grouping?

The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is an informal strategic alliance comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. Originally formed in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the Quad aims to foster collaboration in various areas, but its primary focus has become countering the influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region.

Historical Background

• 2004: The Quad began as a response to the Indian Ocean tsunami, facilitating disaster relief.
• 2007: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe formalized the alliance.
• 2017: Amid rising Chinese assertiveness, the Quad was revitalized, expanding its objectives beyond maritime security.

Structure and Characteristics

• The Quad is not a formal organization; it lacks a secretariat or permanent decision-making body like the EU or UN.
• It focuses on strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties among member nations.
• Unlike NATO, the Quad does not include collective defense provisions but conducts joint military exercises to demonstrate unity.

Key Developments

• In 2020, the Malabar naval exercises expanded to include Australia, marking the first joint military exercises of the Quad since its resurgence.
• The first in-person summit took place in Washington, D.C. in 2021.

Objectives of the Quad

The Quad has outlined several primary objectives:

1. Maritime Security: Ensuring safe and open sea routes in the Indo-Pacific.
2. Climate Change: Addressing environmental challenges collaboratively.
3. Investment Ecosystem: Creating opportunities for economic investment in the region.
4. Technological Innovation: Promoting advancements and cooperation in technology.
5. Public Health: Collaborating on initiatives like vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expansion and Future Directions

The Quad members have discussed expanding the partnership to include countries like South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam. In a joint statement, they reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, resilient, and inclusive Indo-Pacific governed by international law.

Challenges and Opposition

China views the Quad as an effort to encircle and contain its influence. Beijing has criticized the grouping, labeling it as a strategy that incites discord among Asian nations.

In News:

Recently, both the Indian men's and women's chess teams achieved remarkable success by winning gold medals at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

• In the final round of the 45th Chess Olympiad, the Indian men's team triumphed over Slovenia with a score of 3.5-0.5.
• At the same time, the Indian women's team showcased their skills by defeating Azerbaijan with the same score of 3.5-0.5.
• With this victory, India joins an elite group, as only China and the former Soviet Union had previously managed to win both men's and women's gold medals in the same Chess Olympiad edition.
  • The Indian men's team had previously claimed bronze medals in 2014 and 2022.
  • Meanwhile, the Indian women's team secured a bronze medal in the 2022 tournament held in Chennai.

About the Chess Olympiad:

• This prestigious event occurs every two years and features national teams from around the globe. It is organized by FIDE, which also selects the host nation.
• The inaugural Olympiad, which was unofficial, took place in 1924.

Introduction

The centenary of the announcement of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) by Sir John Marshall on September 20, 1924, marks a significant milestone in archaeological history. This civilization, known for its advanced urban planning, encompasses over 2,000 sites across India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Historical Context

Discovery of the Indus Civilization

• John Marshall's Role: As the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Marshall played a pivotal role in the excavations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
• Initial Findings: The civilization was revealed through meticulous work over two decades, beginning with Marshall's initial interest in the antiquities of India.

The Process of Discovery

The Concept of 'The Slow Hunch'

• Definition: Inspired by Steven Johnson's idea of 'the slow hunch,' this concept highlights how insights develop over time, similar to Joseph Priestley's early experiments with oxygen.
• Application to Marshall: Marshall's initial curiosity about the antiquity of India was nurtured through years of observations and explorations, culminating in the excavation of Harappa in 1921.

Key Individuals Involved

• Daya Ram Sahni: Conducted the first excavations at Harappa, uncovering evidence of an ancient culture.
• Rakhaldas Banerji: Excavated Mohenjodaro in 1922, leading to significant discoveries that indicated a widespread civilization.

Institutional Challenges

Limitations within ASI

• Lack of Collaboration: The ASI lacked a platform for archaeologists to share insights, impeding a collaborative approach to discoveries.
• Marshall's Focus: His dedication to ongoing projects, particularly at Taxila, resulted in delays in recognizing the significance of findings at Harappa and Mohenjodaro.

Announcing the Discovery

Marshall's Publication

• Impactful Presentation: In September 1924, Marshall's article vividly described the architectural and cultural features of the Indus Civilization, captivating readers.
• Scholarly Reception: The discovery sparked immediate scholarly interest, leading to further inquiries into the civilization's connections with ancient Mesopotamia.

Characteristics of the Harappan Civilization

Overview

• Timeframe: Flourished around 2500 BCE, classified as a Bronze-age civilization.
• Major Sites: Notable locations include Harappa, Mohenjodaro, and Lothal.

Key Features

• Urban Planning: Cities featured grid layouts, advanced drainage systems, and distinct public and private spaces.
• Agriculture and Economy: The economy thrived on agriculture, trade, and crafts, with evidence of cotton production and extensive trade networks.

Religious Practices

• Deities and Symbols: Terracotta figurines and seals indicate worship of fertility deities and animal figures, suggesting a rich spiritual life.

Reasons for Decline

Theories of Collapse

• Environmental Changes: Shifts in rainfall and tectonic activity may have disrupted agriculture and led to resource scarcity.
• Invasion Theories: While some suggest Indo-European invasions, evidence of cultural continuity challenges this narrative.

Recent Initiatives

Preservation and Promotion

• National Maritime Heritage Complex: Development at Lothal aims to highlight maritime history and attract tourism.
• UNESCO Recognition: Dholavira was added to the World Heritage list in 2021, showcasing the importance of IVC sites.