About Eravikulam National Park

• Location: It is located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala.
• It was declared as National Park in 1978.
• The Park covers an area of 97 sq.km.
• The highest peak south of the Himalayas, the Anamudi (2695 meters), is situated on the southern side of the park.
• This is also the land of “Neelakurinji”, the flower that blooms once every twelve years. 
• Climate: The park receives heavy showers during the southwest (June/July) and retreating (October/November) monsoons and is one of the wettest areas of the world.
• Vegetation: The major part of the park is covered with rolling grasslands, but several patches of shola forests are also found in the upper part of the valley. 
• Flora:
  • Important flora includes Actinodaphne bourdilloni, Microtropis ramiflora, Pittosporum tetraspermium, Sysygium aronottianum, Chrysopogon Zelanieus, etc.
  • The shola grasslands are exceptionally rich in balsams and orchids, including the long thought extinct variety Brachycorythis wightii.
• Fauna:
  • The Nilgiri Tahr, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Langur, Tiger, Leopard, Giant Squirrel, and wild dog are the common species.
  • Half the world population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr lives here.
  • The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is seen in this park.
  • 140 species of birds, of which 10 are unique to the Western Ghats. More than 100 varieties of butterflies have been recorded here. 

Key Facts about Nilgiri tahr

• It is an endangered mountain ungulate endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats. 
• Scientific Name: Nilgiritragus hylocrius
• Locally, the animal is called ‘Varayaadu’.
• They are known for their gravity-defying skills in climbing steep cliffs, earning them the nickname Mountain Monarch.
• It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Distribution:
  • Their present distribution is limited to approximately 5% of the Western Ghats in southern India (Kerala and Tamil Nadu).
  • Eravikulam National Park in Kerala has the highest density and largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr. 
• Habitat: They inhabit the open montane grassland habitats at elevations from 1200 to 2600 m of the South Western Ghats.
• Features:
  • It has a stocky body with short, coarse fur and a bristly mane. 
  • Both sexes have curved horns, which are larger in the males, reaching up to 40 cm in males and 30 cm in females. 
  • Adult males develop a light grey area or ’saddle’ on their backs and are hence called ‘saddlebacks’.
  • It has a short grey-brown or dark coat.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I

Q1) What are shola forests?

The Shola forests of South India derive their name from the Tamil word solai, which means a ‘tropical rainforest’. Classified as ‘Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forest’, the Sholas are found in the upper reaches of the Nilgiris, Anamalais, Palni hills, Kalakadu, Mundanthurai and Kanyakumari in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.These forests are found sheltered in valleys with sufficient moisture and proper drainage, at an altitude of more than 1,500 metres. The upper reaches are covered with grasslands, known as Shola grasslands. The vegetation that grows in Shola forests is evergreen.

Source: Eravikulam National Park to be shut from February 1 for calving season of Nilgiri tahr

About H-1B Visa

• It is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise for a specified period.
  • A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States.
• Occupations that qualify for the H-1B visa are typically in fields such as technology, finance, engineering, architecture, or more.
• Eligibility: In order to be eligible for the H1B visa, you will need:
  • A valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires specialty knowledge
  • Proof of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in that field
  • The US employer must show that there is a lack of qualified U.S. applicants for the role.
• Cap:
  • The annual H-1B visa limit is 85,000. There are 65,000 regular H-1B visas each year, and an additional 20,000 visas are reserved for applicants with advanced degrees. 
  • Some exceptions to the H-1B visa cap include people entering the U.S. to work in higher education or affiliated research/non-profit organizations.
  • Applicants are selected for adjudication via lottery system.
• Features:
  • The H-1B visa is valid for three years and can be extended one time for an additional three years. In general, the H-1B is valid for a maximum of six years.
  • There is no limit to the number of H1-B Visas that an individual can have in his or her lifetime.
  • H1-B holders can seek Green Card or Lawful Permanent Residency for themselves and their family.
  • If the H1-B holder is changing jobs, he or she must reapply for a new visa.

Q1) What is a US L1 Visa?

L1 Visa is an Intra-Company Transferee Visa. It allows large multinationals (need not be a US company) - with operations across various countries - to shift employees in specialized positions on a temporary basis to the US. There are two types of L1 visas - L1A and L1B. Managers and executives come under the category of L1As while L1Bs encompass workers with specialized knowledge. There is no education requirement for the L1 visa. L-1A visa holders are allowed a maximum stay of seven years in the U.S while s L-1B visa holders are allowed a maximum stay of five years.

Source: H-1B visa domestic renewal programme launched in US, accepting applications until April 1

About Shumang Leela

• It is a traditional form of theatre in Manipur.
• In this the roles of female artists are all played by male actors and male characters are played by female artists in case of female theatre groups.
• It was started as a comic genre for royalty and has evolved into a powerful medium for mass education, entertainment, and relaxation. 
• In this, the roles of women are all played by men, called Nupi Shabis.
• The female roles are taken up by transgender actors.
• The tradition is believed to be descended from Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the Meitei community of Manipur.
• Purpose: The plays provide a vehicle for educating the public about social, political, and economic issues.
• Types - Shumang Leela is of two types
  • Nupa Shumang Leela – It is Performed only by men
  • Nupi Shumang Leela – It is Performed only by women

What is Lai Haraoba?

• Lai Haraoba is a religious festival celebrated by the Meitei people who are largely settled in and around Manipur.
• It is held at neighborhood shrines dedicated to the local umanglai deities.
• It is observed in the months between February and May-June. 

Q1) Who are the Umang Lais?

The Umang Lais (the sacred deities or sylvan deities) are the only mysterious deities believed to reside in the sacred groves of Manipur and the Meiteis (Manipuris) worshiped and celebrated the Umang Lai Haraoba Festival every year.

Source: From stage to streets: Manipur’s Shumang Leela performers grapple with survival amid ongoing ethnic strife

About New kangaroo lizard species

• Researchers named the new, scaly reptiles after the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered of Existence (EDGE) program through the Zoological Society of London.
• The new species Agasthyagama edge or the northern kangaroo lizard belongs to the Agamidae family.
• A group of scientists discovered the new species from the southern Western Ghats at Kulamavu in Idukki.
• The species is the second one of the Agasthyagama genus after A. beddomii or Indian kangaroo lizard that has been previously reported from Sivagiri hills in Tamil Nadu.
• Features
  • o A reduced fifth toe makes these reptiles poor climbers and hence do not climb trees like other lizards.
  • o Instead, they are mostly terrestrial and found in areas with dense leaf litter cover.
  • o They feed on small insects, this variety of kangaroo lizard run fast and hide within dry leaves to evade predators.
  • o It is known to have a maximum snout-vent length of 4.3 cm.

Q1) Where is Western Ghats?

It is also called Sahyadri, a north–south-running range of mountains in western India. It forms the crest of the western edge of the Deccan plateau parallel to the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea. The Western Ghat is a biodiversity hotspot, a biologically rich but threatened region and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Source: Scientists discover new kangaroo lizard species from Western Ghats

About Lab-grown fish

• It is merely a type of lab-grown — or cultivated/ cultured — meat.
• Seafood without the sea is ‘grown’ in the same way as other cultivated meats are grown — without the need to raise and kill an animal.
• Process: Cultivated fish meat is produced by isolating specific cells from fish and growing them in a laboratory setting using media that is free of animal components.
• The final product is expected to replicate the flavour, texture, and nutritional qualities of ‘real’ fish meat.
• Role of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
  • It will focus on the genetic, biochemical, and analytical work related to the project.
  • In its cell culture lab, it will carry out research on early cell line development of high-value marine fish species — a process that involves isolating and cultivating fish cells for further research and development.
  • It will initially focus on developing cell-based meat of fish such as pomfret, kingfish, and seerfish.
• Recently, a number of countries have made great strides in this pioneering technology.
• Israel is the frontrunner, followed by Singapore, the United States and China.

Q1) What is the mandate of CMFRI?

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute’s mandate is to conduct researches on exploited , under - and unexploited marine fisheries resources and fisheries oceanography , to advise on rational exploitation and make forecast of abundance , development and upgradation of technologies for maximising production through mariculture and conducting teaching , training and extension programmes for development of human resources in fisheries .

Source: How to grow seafood outside the sea — and why a Govt lab in Kochi has taken up this project

About Bharat 5G Portal

• It is a comprehensive platform serving the interests of startups, industry and academia in quantum, 6G, IPR and 5G domains.
• It also features the Future Tech-Experts registration portal in collaboration with PANIIT USA, aimed to help and advise the Indian Telecom ecosystem to advance the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• It acts as a one-stop solution for all quantum, IPR, PoCs/Pilot, 5G and 6G-related works, capturing academic R&D developments, industry standards, OEMs, startups/MSMEs, and subject matter experts.
• It aims to propel India's 5G capabilities, foster innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing within the telecom sector.

Other 5G related initiatives in India

• Prime Minister of India in the India Mobile Congress, awarded 100 “5G Use Case Labs” to educational institutions across the countries to build competencies and engagement in 5G technologies for students & start-up communities.
• All the 100+ Labs/institutions are connected through a dedicated portal (Digital network of 100 5G Labs).
• It acts as a knowledge dissemination platform for the institutions/students/start-ups wherein 5G use cases are being tested/developed.
• Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) is an implementation agency for installation of 100 Labs and portal development.

Q1) What is the aim of 5G Use Case Labs?

This initiative aims to foster expertise and active participation in 5G and subsequent technologies among students, educators, researchers, and the startup ecosystem. 5G Use Cases Labs programmme will be overseen by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India.

Source: DoT Secretary Dr Neeraj Mittal Launches Bharat 5G Portal and Venture Capitalists/Investors meeting at Bharat Telecom 2024

About Maratha Military Landscapes of India

• The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, which developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers.
• This extraordinary network of forts, varying in hierarchies, scales and typological features, is a result of integrating the landscape, terrain and physiographic characteristics distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula.
• The twelve component parts of this nomination are, Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Khanderi fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu.
• Among these, Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad and Gingee fort are hill forts, Pratapgad is hill-forest fort, Panhala is hill-plateau fort, Vijaydurg is coastal fort whereas Khanderi fort, Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg are island forts.
• The inception of the Maratha Military ideology dates back to 17th Century during the reign of the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by the 1670 CE and continued through subsequent rules until Peshwa rule till 1818 CE.
• UNESCO World Heritage List of India
• At present in India there are 42 World Heritage sites, out of which 34 are cultural sites, seven are natural sites whereas one is mixed site.
• In Maharashtra there are six World Heritage Sites, five cultural and one natural these are, Ajanta Caves (1983), Ellora Caves (1983), Elephanta Caves (1987), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) and western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is serial property in natural category (2012).

Q1) Where is the Gingee Fort?

It is located in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most impregnable fortresses of peninsular India. Its might and impenetrable nature have earned it the appellation of the “Troy of the East” from the English. It has been under the possession of several political powers of note such as the Vijayanagar Nayaks, the Bijapuri Sultans, the Mughals, the Marathas, the French and the English, and served as a strategic stronghold for each one of them.

Source: Maratha Military Landscapes of India” will be India’s nomination for recognition as UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2024-25