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LICHENS & GYMNOSPERMS
1. Gymnosperms
-Gymnosperm = “naked seed” plants- ovules/seeds are not enclosed within an ovary/fruit; hence they do not form true fruits.
-They are vascular seed plants, predominantly woody and evergreen; examples: Pine, Cycas, Deodar, Fir, Spruce and Himalayan Yew (Taxus).
-Gymnosperms are ancient plants (>300 million years); they evolved before flowering plants (angiosperms).
-They occur widely in temperate and alpine forests and act as important carbon sinks, regulate water flow and help protect watersheds.
-Himalayan Yew (Taxus wallichiana) is a medicinal gymnosperm; taxol/paclitaxel derived from Taxus is used as an anti-cancer drug.
Exam trap: Gymnosperms produce seeds and pollen, but flowers and fruits are characteristic of angiosperms.
2. Lichens
-Lichen is a symbiotic association mainly between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner- green alga and/or cyanobacterium (photobiont).
-Lichens are among the earliest colonisers of bare rocks —> called pioneer species; they promote rock weathering and soil formation, aiding primary succession.
-They lack true roots and absorb water/minerals largely from the atmosphere/surface; therefore, they are highly sensitive to air pollution. Hence, lichens are important bioindicators of air quality- their decline/absence may indicate high atmospheric pollution.
-Ecological roles: soil formation, nutrient cycling, trapping dust, food for wildlife and ecosystem succession.
Exam trap: Lichen is not a single plant/organism taxonomically; it represents a stable symbiotic association involving a fungus and photosynthetic organism.
Current Affairs Hook- Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Forest Department has developed dedicated conservation gardens for both groups: Gymnosperm Garden at Uttarkashi and Lichen Garden at Munsiyari; together they conserve about 135 species.
Interlink: https://t.me/bpscweb/45274
PYQs on Lichens: https://t.me/bpscweb/45279?single
#CA2026
👇🏻👇🏻
1. Gymnosperms
-Gymnosperm = “naked seed” plants- ovules/seeds are not enclosed within an ovary/fruit; hence they do not form true fruits.
-They are vascular seed plants, predominantly woody and evergreen; examples: Pine, Cycas, Deodar, Fir, Spruce and Himalayan Yew (Taxus).
-Gymnosperms are ancient plants (>300 million years); they evolved before flowering plants (angiosperms).
-They occur widely in temperate and alpine forests and act as important carbon sinks, regulate water flow and help protect watersheds.
-Himalayan Yew (Taxus wallichiana) is a medicinal gymnosperm; taxol/paclitaxel derived from Taxus is used as an anti-cancer drug.
Exam trap: Gymnosperms produce seeds and pollen, but flowers and fruits are characteristic of angiosperms.
2. Lichens
-Lichen is a symbiotic association mainly between a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner- green alga and/or cyanobacterium (photobiont).
-Lichens are among the earliest colonisers of bare rocks —> called pioneer species; they promote rock weathering and soil formation, aiding primary succession.
-They lack true roots and absorb water/minerals largely from the atmosphere/surface; therefore, they are highly sensitive to air pollution. Hence, lichens are important bioindicators of air quality- their decline/absence may indicate high atmospheric pollution.
-Ecological roles: soil formation, nutrient cycling, trapping dust, food for wildlife and ecosystem succession.
Exam trap: Lichen is not a single plant/organism taxonomically; it represents a stable symbiotic association involving a fungus and photosynthetic organism.
Current Affairs Hook- Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Forest Department has developed dedicated conservation gardens for both groups: Gymnosperm Garden at Uttarkashi and Lichen Garden at Munsiyari; together they conserve about 135 species.
Interlink: https://t.me/bpscweb/45274
PYQs on Lichens: https://t.me/bpscweb/45279?single
#CA2026
👇🏻👇🏻
India–Russia Relations:
—> EAM S. Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow; he also co-chaired the 27th IRIGC-TEC.
-Bilateral Trade Target: India & Russia have set a target of US$100 billion bilateral trade by 2030.
-Trade Trend: Bilateral trade reached a record US$68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, but declined to about US$59.86 billion in FY 2025–26.
-Priority Areas: Cooperation focuses on trade, energy, fertilisers, nuclear energy and high-tech. sectors.
-IRIGC-TEC: The India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological & Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) is a key institutional mechanism for bilateral economic and technological cooperation
-IRIGC: Two divisions - IRIGC-TEC (Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological & Cultural Cooperation) and IRIGC-M&MTC (Military & Military-Technical Cooperation).
-Upcoming High-level Engagements: Modi–Putin meetings are expected around the SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan (Aug 31–Sept 1) & BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13).
#CA2026
—> EAM S. Jaishankar met President Vladimir Putin in Moscow; he also co-chaired the 27th IRIGC-TEC.
-Bilateral Trade Target: India & Russia have set a target of US$100 billion bilateral trade by 2030.
-Trade Trend: Bilateral trade reached a record US$68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, but declined to about US$59.86 billion in FY 2025–26.
-Priority Areas: Cooperation focuses on trade, energy, fertilisers, nuclear energy and high-tech. sectors.
-IRIGC-TEC: The India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological & Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) is a key institutional mechanism for bilateral economic and technological cooperation
-IRIGC: Two divisions - IRIGC-TEC (Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological & Cultural Cooperation) and IRIGC-M&MTC (Military & Military-Technical Cooperation).
-Upcoming High-level Engagements: Modi–Putin meetings are expected around the SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan (Aug 31–Sept 1) & BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12–13).
#CA2026
Forwarded from 🕸️BPSC WEB🕸️ (🕸️CIVILS/BPSC web Support🕸️)
CA Vault 2026(72nd BPSC).pdf
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Ukraine —> known as the “Breadbasket of Europe” because of its highly fertile Chernozem (black soil) and large wheat/grain production.
Prairies of Canada —> often called the “Wheat Basket of the World” because of extensive commercial wheat cultivation.
Punjab and Haryana —> traditionally called the “Wheat Bowl/Breadbasket of India.”
Black Sea is a crucial wheat-export route; Russia–Ukraine attacks on ports, terminals and ships can disrupt global grain supply.
#CA2026
#GEOGRAPHY
Prairies of Canada —> often called the “Wheat Basket of the World” because of extensive commercial wheat cultivation.
Punjab and Haryana —> traditionally called the “Wheat Bowl/Breadbasket of India.”
Black Sea is a crucial wheat-export route; Russia–Ukraine attacks on ports, terminals and ships can disrupt global grain supply.
#CA2026
#GEOGRAPHY
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Urban Floods & Heatwaves in Indian Cities
Context: Delhi-NCR recently faced intense heat followed by heavy rain and urban flooding, showing how natural hazards turn into disasters because of poor urban planning.
Why are Indian cities increasingly vulnerable?
-Climate change: More intense heatwaves and extreme rainfall; urban centres can be 3–4°C hotter than surrounding areas.
-Concretisation: Soil, vegetation and water bodies replaced by roads/buildings—> less infiltration + higher surface run-off.
-Encroachment: Construction over lakes, wetlands, floodplains and natural drains reduces drainage capacity.
-Urban Heat Island effect: Dense construction, asphalt, poor ventilation and declining tree cover trap heat, including at night.
-Rapid urbanisation: India’s urban population may reach ~951 million by 2050; over half of the infrastructure needed by then is yet to be built.
-Unequal vulnerability: Informal settlements, poorly ventilated homes and outdoor workers face disproportionate risks.
Governance & institutional gaps
—>Disaster Management Act, 2005- Section 41A (2025 amendment): enables states to constitute Urban Disaster Management Authorities in state capitals and municipal-corporation cities, except Delhi and Chandigarh.
—>Fragmented responsibility among municipal corporations, district administrations and state departments.
—>65% of India’s 7,933 urban settlements lacked a master plan (NITI Aayog, 2021); planning departments also face severe staff shortages.
—>Disaster financing remains excessively relief-oriented rather than prevention/mitigation-oriented.
Way Forward
-Integrate disaster-risk reduction into master plans and everyday development approvals.
-Protect/restore wetlands, lakes, floodplains, natural drains and urban green spaces; expand permeable surfaces.
-Use flood maps to regulate construction and determine drainage capacity.
-Use heat maps for shade, ventilation, tree cover and heat-resilient building standards.
-Strengthen municipal technical capacity and fix clear responsibility + deadlines for mitigation projects.
-Shift from post-disaster relief to anticipatory governance- early warnings linked with work-hour changes, hospital preparedness, school closures and traffic diversions.
Data/Value addition: World Bank estimates timely adaptation could prevent around $5 billion/year in urban flood losses by 2030 and $30 billion/year by 2070; measures against extreme heat could save over 1.3 lakh lives by 2050.
Conclusion: Urban flooding and heatwaves are hazards; weak land-use planning, ecological degradation and inadequate infrastructure convert them into disasters. India needs climate-resilient urbanisation rather than disaster response after every season.
#GS2mains
#ESSAY
Context: Delhi-NCR recently faced intense heat followed by heavy rain and urban flooding, showing how natural hazards turn into disasters because of poor urban planning.
Why are Indian cities increasingly vulnerable?
-Climate change: More intense heatwaves and extreme rainfall; urban centres can be 3–4°C hotter than surrounding areas.
-Concretisation: Soil, vegetation and water bodies replaced by roads/buildings—> less infiltration + higher surface run-off.
-Encroachment: Construction over lakes, wetlands, floodplains and natural drains reduces drainage capacity.
-Urban Heat Island effect: Dense construction, asphalt, poor ventilation and declining tree cover trap heat, including at night.
-Rapid urbanisation: India’s urban population may reach ~951 million by 2050; over half of the infrastructure needed by then is yet to be built.
-Unequal vulnerability: Informal settlements, poorly ventilated homes and outdoor workers face disproportionate risks.
Governance & institutional gaps
—>Disaster Management Act, 2005- Section 41A (2025 amendment): enables states to constitute Urban Disaster Management Authorities in state capitals and municipal-corporation cities, except Delhi and Chandigarh.
—>Fragmented responsibility among municipal corporations, district administrations and state departments.
—>65% of India’s 7,933 urban settlements lacked a master plan (NITI Aayog, 2021); planning departments also face severe staff shortages.
—>Disaster financing remains excessively relief-oriented rather than prevention/mitigation-oriented.
Way Forward
-Integrate disaster-risk reduction into master plans and everyday development approvals.
-Protect/restore wetlands, lakes, floodplains, natural drains and urban green spaces; expand permeable surfaces.
-Use flood maps to regulate construction and determine drainage capacity.
-Use heat maps for shade, ventilation, tree cover and heat-resilient building standards.
-Strengthen municipal technical capacity and fix clear responsibility + deadlines for mitigation projects.
-Shift from post-disaster relief to anticipatory governance- early warnings linked with work-hour changes, hospital preparedness, school closures and traffic diversions.
Data/Value addition: World Bank estimates timely adaptation could prevent around $5 billion/year in urban flood losses by 2030 and $30 billion/year by 2070; measures against extreme heat could save over 1.3 lakh lives by 2050.
Conclusion: Urban flooding and heatwaves are hazards; weak land-use planning, ecological degradation and inadequate infrastructure convert them into disasters. India needs climate-resilient urbanisation rather than disaster response after every season.
#GS2mains
#ESSAY
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Madhepura Electric Locomotive Pvt. Ltd. (MELPL), Bihar manufactures 12,000 HP electric locomotives for Indian Railways; these locomotives are now being retrofitted with waterless urinals for loco pilots.
#BIHARspecial
#BIHARspecial
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FCNR(B) Accounts: Term deposits maintained by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) in permitted foreign currencies (e.g., USD, GBP, EUR). Since the deposit and interest are held in foreign currency, the exchange rate risk is borne by the bank/RBI, not the depositor.
FOREX Components:
1. Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)
2. Gold Reserves
3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the IMF
4. Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) in the IMF
#CA2026
FOREX Components:
1. Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)
2. Gold Reserves
3. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) with the IMF
4. Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) in the IMF
#CA2026
Darbhanga, historically known as the ‘city of ponds’
Pond count drop from over 350 (as per the 1969 district gazetteer) to fewer than 100 due to rampant encroachment and construction.
The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) initiated a ₹70.34-crore rejuvenation and beautification project covering three historically interconnected ponds: Harahi, Dighi, and Gangasagar.
Activists from Talab Bachao Abhiyan (TBA) opposed the project, alleging that laying pathways and filling soil alters the ecological character of the wetlands, violates the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and defies National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives.
TBA petitioned the Supreme Court seeking ecological restoration and reclamation instead of cosmetic beautification.
#BIHARSpecial
Pond count drop from over 350 (as per the 1969 district gazetteer) to fewer than 100 due to rampant encroachment and construction.
The Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) initiated a ₹70.34-crore rejuvenation and beautification project covering three historically interconnected ponds: Harahi, Dighi, and Gangasagar.
Activists from Talab Bachao Abhiyan (TBA) opposed the project, alleging that laying pathways and filling soil alters the ecological character of the wetlands, violates the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and defies National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives.
TBA petitioned the Supreme Court seeking ecological restoration and reclamation instead of cosmetic beautification.
#BIHARSpecial
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