About Shompen Tribe:

• They are one of the most isolated tribes on Earth.
• They are one of the least studied Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India.
• They reside in dense tropical rain forests of the Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands. Around 95% of the island is covered in rainforest.
• The Shompen habitat is also an important biological hotspot, and there are two National Parks and one Biosphere Reserve, namely Campbell Bay National Park, Galathea National Park, and Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve.
• Population: Though according to the Census (2011), the estimated population of Shompen is 229, the exact population of Shompen is unknown till today.
• Most of them remain in the forest and have little or no contact with outsiders. 
• They are semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers and their main sources of livelihood are hunting, gathering, fishing, and a little bit of horticultural activities in a rudimentary form.
• They live in small groups, whose territories are identified by the rivers that criss-cross the rainforest.
• Being nomadic, they typically set up forest camps where they live for a few weeks or months, before moving to another site.
• They collect a wide variety of forest plants, but their staple food is the pandanus fruit, which they call larop.
• Shompen speak their own language, which has many dialects. Members of one band do not understand the dialect of the other. 
• They are of short to medium stature, have a round or nearly broad head shape, narrow nose, a broad facial profile, and distinctly exhibit Mongoloid features such as light brown to yellow brown skin and oblique eye features.
• Shompen have nuclear families comprising husband, wife, and their unmarried children.
  • A Shompen family is controlled by the eldest male member, who controls all activities of the women and kids.
  • Monogamy is the general rule, although polygamy is allowed too.

Q1. What are Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

PVTGs are a more vulnerable group among tribal groups in India. These groups have primitive traits, geographical isolation, low literacy, zero to negative population growth rate and backwardness. Moreover, they are largely dependent on hunting for food and a pre-agriculture level of technology. Currently, there are 2.8 million PVTGs belonging to 75 tribes across 22,544 villages in 220 districts across 18 states and Union Territories in India. According to the 2011 Census, Odisha has the largest population of PVTGs at 866,000. It is followed by Madhya Pradesh at 609,000 and Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana) at 539,000.

Source: Nicobar project will not disturb or displace tribes: Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav

About BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy:

• To be steered by the Department of Biotechnology, the policy is for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing.
  • High-performance biomanufacturing is the ability to produce products from medicine to materials, address farming and food challenges, and promote manufacturing of bio-based products through the integration of advanced biotechnological processes.
• The policy seeks to include innovation-driven support for research and development and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors.
• This will accelerate technology development and commercialization by establishing biomanufacturing and bio-AI hubs and biofoundry.
• Along with prioritising regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate the expansion of India’s skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation.
• To address the national priorities, the BioE3 Policy would broadly focus on the following strategic/thematic sectors:
  • high-value bio-based chemicals;
  • biopolymers and enzymes;
  • smart proteins and functional foods;
  • precision biotherapeutics;
  • climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture and its utilisation;
  • marine and space research.

Q1. What are biopolymers?

Biopolymers are natural polymers produced by the cells of living organisms. They consist of monomeric units that are covalently bonded to form larger structures. These polymers are crucial for various biological processes and functions, and they can be found in all living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. There are several types of biopolymers, each with a unique structure and function. Examples: Cellulose, Starch, etc.

Source: Govt gives nod to BioE3 policy, Vigyan Dhara scheme to foster R&D

About Vigyan Dhara Scheme:

• It is a new central sector scheme unifying three umbrella schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• The scheme has three broad components:
  • Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building,
  • Research and Development and
  • Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment.
• These three schemes have been merged into the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’.
• This initiative, managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), is designed to enhance India's S&T capabilities through a streamlined approach. 
• The proposed outlay for the implementation of the unified scheme ‘Vigyan Dhara’ is Rs.10,579.84 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• The merger of the schemes into a single scheme would enhance efficiency in fund utilization and establish synchronization among the sub-schemes/programs.
• The primary objective of the 'Vigyan Dhara' scheme is to promote S&T capacity building as well as research, innovation, and technology development towards strengthening the Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystem in the country.
• Components:
  • The scheme endeavours to promote research in areas such as basic research with access to the international mega facilities, translational research in sustainable energy, water, etc. and collaborative research through international bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
  • It will also contribute to building a critical human resource pool to strengthen the science and technology landscape and expand the R&D base of the country towards improving the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.
  • Focused interventions will be taken up to enhance the participation of women in the field of S&T with the ultimate goal of bringing gender parity in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). 
• All the programs proposed under the ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme would be aligned with the 5-year goals of DST towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. 
• The R&D component of the scheme will be aligned in line with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Q1. What is Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?

ANRF has been established with Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) 2023 Act. The ANRF aims to seed, grow and promote research and development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories. ANRF will act as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP). With the establishment of ANRF, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 has been subsumed into ANRF. ANRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments and research institutions, and create an interface mechanism for participation and contribution of industries and State governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries.

Source: Vigyan Dhara scheme gets Cabinet nod

About the Great Nicobar Project:

• The Great Nicobar Project is a multi-development initiative aimed at the holistic development of Great Nicobar Island, a strategic location in the southern end of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• It was cleared by the Ministry of Environment in November 2022 and is part of a broader strategy to enhance India's strategic presence and infrastructure in the region.
• The project is expected to be developed over 30 years in a phased manner.

Key objectives:

• Strategic importance: The project is designed to counter expansionist activities by neighbouring countries, particularly China, and to safeguard India's maritime interests by curbing illegal activities like poaching by Myanmarese fishers.
• Infrastructure development: The project is valued at ₹72,000 crore and includes key infrastructure such as the development of an international container trans-shipment terminal, a greenfield international airport with dual military-civilian functions, township development, and a 450 MVA power plant (gas and solar-based).

Geographical context:

• Location: Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost island in the Andaman and Nicobar group, separated from the Andaman Islands by the Ten Degree Channel. 
  • It is also home to Indira Point, India's southernmost point, located less than 150 km from Indonesia.
• Ecosystem: The island features tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges up to 650 meters high, and coastal plains. 
  • It also houses two national parks and a biosphere reserve, supporting endangered species like the leatherback sea turtle.

Impact on Indigenous Tribes:

• Tribal population: The island is home to the Shompen, a hunter-gatherer tribe, and the Nicobarese. An estimated 237 Shompen and 1,094 Nicobarese live in a tribal reserve covering 751 sq km, of which 84 sq km is proposed to be denotified for the project.

Environmental and seismic considerations:

• Deforestation: Approximately 13,075 hectares of forest land, or about 15% of the island’s area, is slated for diversion, with nearly 9.64 lakh trees expected to be felled. 
• Seismic risks: The region is seismically active, having experienced a major earthquake (9.2 on the Richter scale) in 2004. 
  • Experts suggest a similar event may not occur for another 400-750 years, though smaller quakes are anticipated. 
  • The project will adhere to the National Building Code for earthquake-resistant structures.

Q1. What is a Coral reef?

A coral reef is a diverse underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. These reefs are formed from the calcium carbonate skeletons of coral polyps, tiny marine animals. Coral reefs are often called the "rainforests of the sea" because of their rich biodiversity.

Source: Nicobar project will not disturb or displace tribes: Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav - The Hindu

Virupaksha Temple

• Situated in Hampi, within the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, the temple is part of the larger Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.

Historical significance:

• Dedication: The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
• Location: Situated in Hampi, within the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, the temple is part of the larger Group of Monuments at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
• Inception: The temple has been in continuous operation since its inception in the 7th century AD, making it one of India's oldest functioning temples.
• Development: Originally a modest shrine, the temple was expanded to its current grandeur during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings, with further additions from the Chalukyan and Hoysala eras.

Architectural features:

• Style: The temple is built in the South Indian architectural style, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and advanced engineering.
• Main structure: The temple complex includes a sanctum sanctorum, multiple pillared halls (the most elaborate being a hall with 100 pillars), antechambers, and grand gopurams (gateway towers).
• Gopurams:
  • The temple has three prominent gopurams, with the eastern gopuram being the largest, standing nine storeys tall and 50 meters high.
  • The other two are smaller gopurams located on the inner east and inner northern sides of the complex.
• Sculptural details: The gopurams are adorned with beautiful sculptures of various Hindu deities.
• Innovative construction:
  • The temple's design incorporates principles of physics, such as the Rectilinear Light Theory and the pinhole camera effect.
  • Mathematical concepts like fractals, geometry, complex mathematics, and the Fibonacci sequence were also utilized in the construction.
  • Notably, the temple features an inverted pinhole image of its tower on the inner wall, a remarkable example of ancient engineering.
• Cultural importance: The Virupaksha Temple remains a focal point of religious and cultural activities in Hampi, continuing to attract pilgrims and tourists alike. Its uninterrupted history of worship highlights its enduring significance in India's spiritual landscape.

Q1. Who was Krishnadevaraya?

The greatest emperor in the Vijayanagar empire’s history was Krishnadevaraya(17 January 1471-17 October 1529). He presided over the Tuluva Dynasty as its third king. By overthrowing the sultans of Bijapur, Golconda, the Bahmani Sultanate, and the Gajapatis of Odisha, he rose to power.

Source: Keeping the Vijayanagara Empire alive: What it takes to conserve Hampi | Long Reads News - The Indian Express.