CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20/03/2024

The curious case of SosammaIype and the Vechur cow

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

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The story of Dr. SosammaIype, a quiet and unassuming woman, unfolds against the backdrop of India’s rapid industrialization and the simultaneous decline of indigenous cattle breeds.

• In 2022, she received the prestigious Padma Shri for her remarkable efforts in saving and resurrecting the Vechur cow, a breed on the brink of extinction.

Key Highlights

• Agrarian Transformations and Erasure of Breeds:
  • India’s post-Independence era was marked by efforts to modernize agriculture and animal husbandry to address poverty and food scarcity.
  • Initiatives like the Green Revolution and the White Revolution significantly boosted agricultural output and dairy production.
  • However, these transformations came at the cost of indigenous breeds like the Vechur cow, which faced extinction due to crossbreeding and changing agricultural dynamics favoring larger, commercially viable cattle.
  • The Plight of the Vechur Cow:
    • The Vechur cow, acknowledged as one of the world’s smallest cattle breeds, lost significance during the White Revolution’s push for higher milk production through crossbreeding.
    • Its adaptability to local environmental conditions was overshadowed by the demand for larger breeds.
    • Traditional farming practices that relied on smaller-sized cattle breeds fell out of favor, pushing the Vechur cow to the brink of disappearance.
  • The Remarkable Journey of Dr. SosammaIype:
    • SosammaIype’s connection to the Vechur cow stemmed from her childhood memories of drinking its milk on her family’s rural Kerala compound.
    • Her realization of the breed’s near-extinction while teaching at a veterinary college in 1989 prompted her to embark on a mission to save it.
    • Despite initial discouragement upon believing the breed to be extinct, she remained determined to preserve this beloved animal.
    • Anil Zachariah, a former student of Prof. SosammaIype and now a renowned veterinarian, refused to accept the bleak reality of the Vechur cow’s disappearance.
    • Determined to find the animal, he embarked on a quest and eventually stumbled upon a Vechur cow in Vaikom, Kerala.
    • Upon learning of the existence of the Vechur cow, Prof. Iype dedicated herself wholeheartedly to resurrecting and nurturing not only the Vechur breed but also several other endangered indigenous breeds in Kerala.
    • She established the Vechur Conservation Unit at the Kerala Agricultural University, starting with just eight cows.
    • Despite the modest beginnings, the unit quickly flourished under Prof. Iype’s fervent dedication, boasting over 24 cows within the first year.
    • Her unwavering passion and commitment became a tremendous testament to her ardor for conservation.
    • In 1998, she established the Vechur Conservation Trust with the aim of fostering community participation and providing germ-plasm of the Vechur cow to countless destitute farmers, enabling them to rear the breed.
    • This initiative not only empowers these families but also fosters a sense of self-reliance within their communities.
  • The Project’s Nationwide Impact:
    • The success of Prof. SosammaIype’sVechur Conservation Project in Kerala didn’t stay confined within state borders.
    • Its pioneering nature captured attention nationwide, attracting interest from prominent national governmental institutions.
    • Impressed by the achievements of the project, R.M. Acharya from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) visited the veterinary college to witness its glory.
    • Ultimately, the ICAR adopted the Vechur Conservation Project as a model for conservation efforts throughout India, recognizing its significance and success.

About Vechur cow

• The Vechur cow is a rare breed of Bosindicus cattle originating from the village of Vechoor in Kerala, India.
• It holds the distinction of being the smallest cattle breed globally, with an average length of 124 cm and a height of 87 cm.
• This breed is highly valued for its milk production efficiency relative to its food requirements.
• Conservation efforts led by Dr. SosammaIype and her team have saved the Vechur cow from extinction, with about 200 cows existing today, many of them under the care of the Veterinary College.
  • The Vechur cow was listed as a critically endangered breed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations due to its declining population in the mid-20th century
• Vechur cows are known to yield up to 3 liters of milk per day, despite their small size, and their milk is believed to have medicinal properties and easy digestibility due to its smaller fat globule size.
• The milk of the Vechur cow contains a higher proportion of beta casein variety A2, which is associated with various health benefits compared to the A1 variety found in hybrid breeds.
• Additionally, the Vechur cow’s milk is rich in the lactoferrin protein, known for its enhanced antimicrobial properties.
• These cows are well-adapted to Kerala’s hot and humid climate, requiring minimal food and exhibiting high disease resistance.
• Farmers appreciate their intelligence and lovable nature, considering them superior to common crossbreeds.
• Vechur bulls, despite their small stature, are strong and were traditionally used for plowing paddy fields.
• The Vechur cow’s milk is endorsed by Ayurveda for its medicinal qualities, making it an ideal food for children and individuals in recovery.
• The breed’s milk, ghee, and other products are renowned for their high medicinal value, contributing to the international fame of the Vechur cow.

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Guaranteed MSP is an ethical imperative

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source :  The Hindu

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As India’s general elections draw nearer, agrarian issues have once again come to the forefront of political discourse.

• Farmers, particularly from regions known for the Green Revolution, have converged at the borders of the capital to voice their grievances and influence the electoral agenda.

Key Highlights

• Government’s Attempted Outreach:
  • In response to farmers’ protests and concerns, the ruling government made efforts to engage with them, offering to procure pulses, maize, and cotton at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
  • However, this offer was contingent upon farmers diversifying their crops.
  • Despite these attempts, farm leaders rejected the proposal, citing the failure to address core issues.
  • Farmers continue to advocate for fair pricing of their produce, with calls for legal assurances of Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Importance of MSP in Ensuring Food Security:
  • The Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime has been a crucial tool in ensuring food security in India.
  • Given the unique nature of agriculture, where farmers lack significant influence over pricing, MSP serves to mitigate this market failure.
  • By setting a benchmark price, MSP ensures that agricultural commodity prices remain above a predetermined threshold, facilitating remunerative price discovery for farmers.
• MSP Implementation Challenges:
  • Despite annual announcements covering 23 crops, including essential food crops for both kharif and rabi seasons, the implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) remains poor in India.
  • Only a small percentage (6%) of farmers, primarily those cultivating paddy and wheat in states like Punjab, actually benefit from MSP.
  • Most transactions for these crucial food commodities occur below MSP, rendering farming economically unviable for the majority of producers.
  • This dire situation has led to a distressing cycle of “produce and perish,” pushing many farmers into crippling debt and tragically resulting in suicides.
• Examples of Existing MSP Mechanisms:
  • Sugarcane growers already benefit from a “statutory” MSP, strictly adhered to by sugar factories when purchasing cane from farmers.
  • Efforts to legislate MSP protection have been made in various states, such as Maharashtra’s attempt to amend its Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act to prevent the purchase of agricultural produce below MSP.
  • However, such efforts often falter due to a lack of political will and comprehensive strategy.
  • States like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have taken proactive measures towards ensuring a legally binding MSP for crops cultivated within their borders.
  • The Karnataka Agricultural Price Commission has outlined a clear roadmap, including potential financial commitments, towards this goal.
  • Similarly, the Andhra Pradesh government unveiled a draft bill aimed at guaranteeing MSP for crops grown in the state.
• Amendment to Legislation for MSP Guarantee:
  • Proposing a minor amendment to State Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Acts or the Centre’s Essential Commodities Act, the implementation of a law ensuring that farmers’ produce transactions occur only at or above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is suggested.
  • This legal measure aims to prevent transactions below MSP, offering crucial protection to farmers.
• Supporting Infrastructure Development:
  • Accompanying legal recourse to MSP, the development of essential backward and forward linkages is emphasized.
  • This includes initiatives such as crop planning, market intelligence, and the establishment of post-harvest infrastructure for efficient storage, transportation, and processing of farm commodities.
  • These measures aim to manage post-harvest surpluses effectively without distorting the market.
  • Effective Procurement and Distribution:
    • Along with MSP, the importance of effective procurement and distribution, is also significant as it will not only ensures MSP but also addresses issues of hunger and malnutrition.
    • The PM-AASHA scheme, comprising price support, price deficiency payment, and incentives to private traders, is mentioned as a potential avenue for implementing MSP support.

About the Minimum Support Price (MSP)

• Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India is the minimum price set by the government to protect agricultural producers, ensuring they receive a fair return for their crops, especially during market price fluctuations.
• The MSP acts as a safety net, guaranteeing farmers a minimum income for their produce.
• The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is responsible for determining the MSP levels.
• The CACP considers various factors like production costs, market trends, demand-supply dynamics, and input-output price parity when calculating the MSP.
• Once the CACP submits its recommendations, the final decision on MSP levels is made by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
• Covered Crops:
  • MSP is announced for various agricultural commodities, including food grains (such as rice, wheat, and pulses), oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane, and certain horticultural crops.
  • The government procures these commodities directly from farmers at the announced MSP if market prices fall below the support price.
• Procurement Agencies:
  • Government agencies such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED), and state-level agencies are responsible for procuring crops from farmers at MSP.
  • These agencies purchase crops through designated procurement centers, mandis (market yards), and other procurement channels.

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27.6 million People engaged in forced labour in 2021: ILO

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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A recent study conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and released in Geneva reveals alarming statistics regarding forced labor.

• According to the study, forced labor generates illegal profits amounting to a staggering $36 billion annually.
• This represents a significant increase of 37% in illegal profits since 2014.
• The growth in profits is attributed to both an increase in the number of individuals forced into labor and higher profits generated from the exploitation of victims.

Key Highlights

• Survey Findings and Global Analysis:
  • The study conducted surveys among workers, including Indian workers in countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to gather insights into the prevalence and impact of forced labor.
  • It found that traffickers and criminals are generating close to $10,000 per victim, marking a significant increase from a decade ago.
  • The report further breaks down the total annual illegal profits by region, with Europe and Central Asia leading at $84 billion, followed by Asia and the Pacific at $62 billion, the Americas at $52 billion, Africa at $20 billion, and the Arab States at $18 billion.
• Sectors Affected by Forced Labor:
  • Forced commercial sexual exploitation accounts for more than two-thirds (73%) of the total illegal profits, despite comprising only 27% of the total number of victims in privately imposed labor.
  • Following forced commercial sexual exploitation, the industry sector emerges with the highest annual illegal profits at $35 billion, followed by services at $20.8 billion, agriculture at $5.0 billion, and domestic work at $2.6 billion.
• Alarming Statistics on Forced Labor:
  • According to the report, 27.6 million people were engaged in forced labor on any given day in 2021, representing 3.5 individuals for every 1,000 people globally.
  • Shockingly, between 2016 and 2021, the number of people in forced labor increased by 2.7 million, underscoring the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.
• Recommendations for Action:
  • The report highlights the critical need for investment in enforcement measures to disrupt illegal profit flows and hold perpetrators accountable.
  • Key recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, providing training for enforcement officials, extending labor inspection into high-risk sectors, and enhancing coordination between labor and criminal law enforcement agencies.
  • While enforcement measures are essential, the report emphasizes that forced labor cannot be eradicated through law enforcement alone.
  • A comprehensive approach is required, prioritizing the addressing of root causes and the protection of victims.
  • This holistic strategy aims to build resilience to the risks of forced labor and ensure the effective safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.
  • Promoting fair recruitment processes is deemed crucial, as forced labor cases often trace back to recruitment abuses.
  • Additionally, addressing unlawful recruitment fees and costs is highlighted as a vital step in combatting forced labor and disrupting illegal profit flows.
  • Ensuring the freedom of workers to associate and bargain collectively is also emphasized as essential for building resilience against forced labor risks.

About the International Labour Organization (ILO)

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) founded in 1919 under the League of Nations and later incorporated into the UN in 1946.
• It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and has 187 member states.
• The ILO’s mission is to promote social and economic justice by setting international labor standards, ensuring accessible, productive, and sustainable work worldwide in conditions of freedom, equity, security, and dignity.
• Structure:
  • Governed by a tripartite structure involving governments, employers, and workers.
  • Key bodies include the International Labour Conference, Governing Body, and International Labour Office.
• Achievements: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969 for promoting peace among nations and advocating for decent work and justice for workers.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) publishes various reports to address critical labor and social issues globally. Some of the reports published by the ILO include:
  • World Employment and Social Outlook
  • Global Wage Report
  • World Social Protection Report

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States raise record ₹50,206 cr.in debt, push up bond yields

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

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State governments in India mobilized a record amount of ₹50,206 crore through the auction of State Development Loan (SDL) bonds.

• This significant mobilization comes ahead of the financial year’s closure, indicating a strong demand for state government securities.

Key Highlights

• Lower Than Projected Borrowings:
  • Despite the record mobilization, the total borrowings of state governments for the fiscal year 2023-24 are expected to be far lower than the projected ₹10.88 lakh crore.
  • This suggests that states may not meet their initial borrowing targets for the fiscal year.
• Impact on Borrowing Rates:
  • The liquidity pressures in the market have pushed up borrowing rates for state governments.
  • As a result, the weighted average cut-off of State government securities climbed to 7.45%, up from 7.38% the previous week.
  • This increase in borrowing rates reflects the heightened demand for state government bonds.
  • Comparison with Central Government Bonds:
    • The increase in borrowing rates for state government bonds has widened the gap between central government and state government bond yields.
    • While the 10-year government bond yields rose by six basis points to 7.09% over the past week, similar tenure State loans’ cut-off yields have increased at a sharper pace, ranging from 7.44% to 7.5%.
  • Expectations for Future Borrowings:
    • The final auction of State government bonds for the fiscal year is scheduled for next week, with an indicative auction calendar penciling in about ₹29,400 crore of borrowings.
    • It is anticipated that the cost of borrowings will remain high.
    • Despite the strong demand witnessed in the recent auctions, states are not expected to meet their projected borrowing plans for the fiscal year, even if they raise more than the indicated amount in the upcoming auction.

What is a bond?

• A bond is a financial instrument representing a loan made by an investor to a borrower, typically a corporation or government entity.
  • When an investor purchases a bond, they are essentially lending money to the issuer in exchange for periodic interest payments and the return of the bond’s face value at maturity.
  • Bonds are considered fixed-income securities as they provide a predictable stream of income through interest payments.
• Bond yield, on the other hand, refers to the return an investor realizes on a bond.
  • It is the annualized return that includes income from fixed interest payments, the bond’s current market price, and other terms like discounts or prepayment penalty fees.
  • There are different types of bond yields, including:
    • Coupon Yield: This is the fixed annual interest rate established when the bond is issued and remains unchanged throughout the bond’s term.
    • Current Yield: Calculated as the bond’s coupon yield divided by its current market price, reflecting the percentage return an investor can expect over the next year if the bond is purchased at its current market price.
  • Yield to Maturity (YTM): Represents the annualized return an investor will receive if they buy a bond at its current market price and hold it until maturity, assuming all required payments are made and interest payments are reinvested at the same rate.

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Why do global sea surface temperatures matter?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the average global sea surface temperature (SST) for February 2024 reached 21.06 degrees Celsius, marking the highest ever recorded since data collection began in 1979.

• This surpasses the previous record of 20.98 degrees Celsius set in August 2023.

Key Highlights

• Trend of Increasing SST:
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  • Since March 2023, the average daily SST has consistently exceeded previous years’ temperatures, as depicted in a graph provided by the C3S.
  • While the orange line represents 2023’s temperatures, the solid black line indicates the trajectory of 2024’s temperatures, significantly surpassing those of previous years.
  • Rising sea surface temperatures have significant implications for marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and global climate systems.
  • Understanding the causes and consequences of increased SST is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
• Causes of Ocean Warming:
  • Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century, human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels, have led to the release of significant amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere.
  • These gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide, create a greenhouse effect, trapping heat within the Earth’s atmosphere and resulting in global warming.
  • As a consequence, the average global temperature has risen by at least 1.2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
• Ocean’s Role in Absorbing Heat:
  • Approximately 90% of the additional heat trapped by greenhouse gases has been absorbed by the world’s oceans.
  • This absorption of heat has caused ocean temperatures to steadily increase over the decades.
  • Francisco Chavez, a biological oceanographer, highlights the vital role of oceans in mitigating the impacts of climate change, as they absorb and redistribute heat, preventing even more severe climate consequences.
• Contributing Factors:
  • Aside from the direct impact of global warming, other factors have also contributed to the rise in ocean temperatures.
  • Events such as El Niño, characterized by abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, have led to spikes in ocean temperatures and a subsequent increase in global surface temperatures.
  • However, it’s noted that the global average sea surface temperature began rising before the full development of El Niño, indicating other contributing factors.
  • Impact of Environmental Changes:
    • Environmental changes, such as decreased dust blowing off the Sahara Desert due to weaker winds, have also influenced ocean temperatures.
    • The Sahara dust typically acts as a shield, shading the Atlantic waters and reducing ocean temperatures.
    • However, with reduced dust cover, more sunlight reaches the ocean surface, contributing to warmer temperatures.
  • Impact of Rising Sea Surface Temperatures:
    • Rising sea surface temperatures (SST) pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and global climate patterns.
    • Ocean Stratification and Carbon Absorption:
      • Increased ocean temperatures lead to greater stratification, hindering the mixing of water layers.
      • This reduces the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and distribute oxygen properly, endangering marine life.
    • Threat to Phytoplankton Population:
      • Nutrient circulation is disrupted, impacting phytoplankton populations crucial for marine food webs.
      • A decline in phytoplankton could lead to ecosystem collapse as they serve as the base of marine food chains.
    • Marine Heatwaves (MHWs):
      • Warmer oceans contribute to the occurrence of marine heatwaves (MHWs), which have doubled in frequency, duration, and intensity since 1982.
      • MHWs result in coral bleaching, disrupting reproduction and making corals susceptible to diseases, while also affecting aquatic animal migration patterns.
    • Impact on Storms and Extreme Weather:
      • Higher ocean temperatures fuel the intensity of storms like hurricanes and cyclones, leading to more powerful winds, heavier rainfall, and increased flooding upon landfall.
      • This exacerbates the devastation caused by extreme weather events.
    • Mitigation through GHG Emission Reductions:
      • The most effective way to mitigate these consequences is by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
      • However, global GHG concentrations have reached record levels, indicating insufficient progress in emission reduction efforts.

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Heat, aridity, clear skies: why forests are already ablaze in the Nilgiris?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

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Forest fires have been raging in the Coonoor forest range in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, for almost a week.

• The Indian Air Force has joined the firefighting efforts by deploying an Mi-17 V5 helicopter equipped with a Bambi Bucket to drop water on the fires.

Key Highlights

• The Bambi Bucket:
  • The Bambi Bucket is a specialised container suspended by a cable under a helicopter.
  • It can be filled with water from a nearby water source before being flown above a fire and discharged aerially by opening a valve at the bottom of the bucket.
  • This method is particularly effective for combating wildfires that are difficult to reach from the ground.
• Forest Fire Season in India:
  • November to June is considered the forest fire season in India, with hundreds of thousands of small and large fires occurring annually.
  • The frequency of fires increases from February onward as summer approaches, with April and May typically being the worst months for wildfires across the country.
• Extent of Forest Fires in India:
  • According to the biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR) published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), over 36% of India’s forest cover is prone to frequent fires.
  • Approximately 4% of the forest cover is classified as ‘extremely prone’ to fires, while another 6% is ‘very highly’ fire prone, based on the ISFR 2019 report.
  • Global Comparison:
    • Globally, about 3% of the total forest area, equivalent to approximately 98 million hectares of forest, was affected by fires in 2015.
    • Most of these fires occurred in tropical regions, highlighting the widespread impact of forest fires on a global scale.
  • Forest Fire Hotspots in India:
    • According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), severe forest fires predominantly occur in dry deciduous forests, with evergreen, semi-evergreen, and montane temperate forests being less susceptible.
    • Vulnerable regions during the November to June period include Northeast India, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand.
    • Recent Incidents:
      • In March 2023, significant bushfires erupted in Goa, prompting investigations into their potential human causes.
      • In 2021, forest fires occurred across various states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland-Manipur border, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, affecting wildlife sanctuaries.
    • Forest Fire Situation in 2024:
      • Recent data from the Forest Survey of India indicates an increase in forest fire incidents across multiple states.
      • Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, and Maharashtra reported the highest number of forest fires over the past week.
    • Satellite Observations:
      • Satellite imagery from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) revealed an escalation in forest fires since early March.
      • Affected regions include the Konkan belt in Maharashtra, southern coastal Gujarat, southern Rajasthan, southwestern districts of Madhya Pradesh, coastal and interior Odisha, and adjoining areas of Jharkhand.
    • Forest Fire Incidents in South India:
      • Southern states such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have also witnessed forest fire incidents in recent weeks.
      • While some forest areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are prone to fires, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) notes that forests in southern India are generally less susceptible to fires due to the predominance of evergreen or semi-evergreen vegetation.
      • However, Tamil Nadu has experienced wildfires in recent years, suggesting occasional incidents in the region.
    • Causes of Forest Fires:
      • Forest fires can arise from both human activities and natural phenomena.
      • Human-related causes include discarded cigarettes, campfires, burning of debris, and other forms of carelessness.
      • Lightning strikes are a common natural cause of forest fires.
      • Factors Contributing to Fires This Year:
        • The spike in forest fire incidents in southern India this year can be attributed to several factors.
        • Firstly, high aridity, above-normal daytime temperatures, clear skies, and calm winds during the early stages of the summer season have created conducive conditions for fires.
        • Additionally, the region experienced exceptionally hot weather in recent months, with February being the hottest on record since 1901 and January ranking as the fifth warmest in over a century.
      • Early Build-up of Heat Load:
        • Over the past two months, maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures have consistently remained above normal across southern states, leading to an early accumulation of dry biomass in forests.
        • This availability of dry fuel since the winter season has heightened the risk of fires.
      • Warnings and Aridity Levels:
        • The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings indicating a significantly higher likelihood of heatwaves, particularly over western Andhra Pradesh and neighboring Karnataka.
        • Maximum temperatures in these regions reached 40 degrees Celsius in mid-March, unusual for this time of year.
        • Furthermore, almost all districts in southern India are classified under ‘mild’ aridity due to the absence of rain and prevailing high temperatures.

About the Nilgiris

• The Nilgiris, also known as the Blue Mountains, are a range of mountains located in South India, spanning across the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
• Location and Climate:
  • The Nilgiris are part of the Western Ghats mountain range and are characterized by gentle undulating slopes ideal for tea cultivation.
  • Ooty, the administrative headquarters, was declared the summer capital of the Madras presidency due to its pleasant climate.
  • The region enjoys a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 10-25°C throughout the year, experiencing rainfall from both the north-east and south-west monsoons.
• History:
  • The Nilgiris have a rich history dating back centuries, with native tribal peoples like the Todas, Kotas, and Badagas inhabiting the region.
  • The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed to facilitate travel to the hills.
• Geography and Conservation:
  • The Nilgiris are part of the larger Western Ghats and are home to peaks exceeding 2,000 meters, with Doddabetta being the highest at 2,637 meters.
  • The region is separated from the Karnataka Plateau by the Moyar River and is known for its lush tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries like Mudumalai, Mukurthi, and Silent Valley National Parks, and its unique biosphere reserve.
• Etymology:
  • The name “Nilgiri” is derived from the Tamil words “neelam” (blue) and “giri” (mountain), reflecting the bluish tinge of the slopes, possibly due to the bluish flowers of kurinji shrubs that bloom every twelve years.

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