{"id":1693,"date":"2025-09-30T09:47:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T09:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=1693"},"modified":"2025-10-21T12:43:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T12:43:41","slug":"current-affairs-30th-september-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/09\/30\/current-affairs-30th-september-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 30th September 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><u>1.Industrial ouput growth slows to 4%in August<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Economy (GS Paper III &#8211; Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>India&#8217;s IIP growth fell to 4% in August 2025 from 4.3% in July, pressured by weaker consumer demand and slower manufacturing growth.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The primary goods sector rebounded to 5.2% (seven-month high); mining surged 6% (14-month high), electricity hit 4.1% (five-month high).<\/li>\n<li>Manufacturing dipped to 3.8% (from 6%); capital goods at 4.4% (from 6.7%); consumer durables reported the lowest at 3.5% in eight months.<\/li>\n<li>No GST reform impact evident; MoSPI data signals industrial slowdown needing policy attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is IIP<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>IIP is a composite index that tracks short-term changes in India\u2019s industrial output volume.<\/li>\n<li>It measures growth in mining, manufacturing, and electricity against a fixed base year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Purpose of IIP<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Economic Indicator: Early signal of industrial health and cyclical trends.<\/li>\n<li>Short-Term Measurement: Captures monthly production shifts for timely policies.<\/li>\n<li>Relative Change: Shows output percentage change versus base period.<\/li>\n<li>Compiled by CSO\/MoSPI: Ensures standardized national data.<\/li>\n<li>Frequency: Published monthly for real-time assessment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Calculation of IIP<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Quantum Index: Uses Laspeyres formula, a weighted mean of production relatives.<\/li>\n<li>Production Relatives: Computed as (Current output \/ Base output) \u00d7 100.<\/li>\n<li>Base Year: 2011-12 is current standard; weights fixed to base year.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Interpreting IIP Data<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>YoY growth above 5% suggests strong expansion; below 3% signals slowdown.<\/li>\n<li>Sectoral analysis highlights demand drivers and drags.<\/li>\n<li>Index values over 100 mean output exceeds base year; revisions may occur later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Components of IIP<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mining (14.37%): Includes extractive industries; August 2025 growth 6%.<\/li>\n<li>Manufacturing (77.63%): Largest segment; consumer durables at 3.5% in August.<\/li>\n<li>Electricity (7.99%): Power generation; grew 4.1% in August.<\/li>\n<li>Use-Based: Primary (5.2%), Capital (4.4%), Consumer Durables (3.5%), Non-Durables (-6.3%).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Importance in Policy &amp; Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Guides RBI monetary policy (rate changes) and government steps.<\/li>\n<li>Leads GDP estimates, informs investments, benchmarks India globally.<\/li>\n<li>Critical for UPSC\/eco exams, highlighting sectoral shifts like manufacturing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Limitations of IIP<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Does not cover unorganized sector (~80% of workforce).<\/li>\n<li>Relies on selective item sampling; subject to revision and outdated base year.<\/li>\n<li>Focus on volume omits price\/quality and service sector data.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>IIP and Economic Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>IIP leads industrial GDP, typically 25-30% of total output.<\/li>\n<li>Sustained growth above 5% supports GDP expansion goals.<\/li>\n<li>Slowdowns warn of wider weakness, triggering policy action.<\/li>\n<li>Historical link: Strong IIP precedes booms; low IIP aligns with economic recessions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>IIP is a vital high-frequency measure of India&#8217;s industrial health, despite coverage limits.<\/li>\n<li>The recent slowdown points to need for deeper reforms and demand revival interventions.<\/li>\n<li>Remains essential for policy and exam readiness as a key proxy for economic strength and direction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>2.&#8221;India-Bhutan Rail Links: Boosting Connectivity, Trade, and Strategic Ties in 2025&#8243;<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>International Relations (GS Paper II &#8211; India and its neighbourhood relations;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>India announced two new railway links with Bhutan: Kokrajhar-Gelephu (Assam-Bhutan) and Banarhat-Samtse (West Bengal-Bhutan), totaling 89 km, at a cost of \u20b94,033 crore.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The projects were formalized during Bhutan\u2019s King\u2019s visit to India and coincide with Foreign Secretary-level talks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Project Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Kokrajhar-Gelephu Line (Assam-Bhutan)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Connects Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan.<\/li>\n<li>Will be developed over four years as part of the first direct rail link from India&#8217;s northeast to Bhutan.<\/li>\n<li>Facilitates Bhutan\u2019s access to the Indian railway network.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Banarhat-Samtse Line (West Bengal-Bhutan)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Connects Banarhat in West Bengal to Samtse in Bhutan.<\/li>\n<li>Planned to be completed in three years.<\/li>\n<li>Designed to support Vande Bharat trains for faster, efficient service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Strategic and Economic Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Trade and Connectivity<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enables seamless connectivity for Bhutan\u2019s EXIM trade, as most Bhutanese imports and exports move via India.<\/li>\n<li>Provides Bhutan access to India&#8217;s 1,50,000 km rail network, promoting regional integration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Tourism, People-to-People Ties<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enhanced rail services encourage tourism between both countries.<\/li>\n<li>Easier travel fosters stronger social and cultural exchanges and supports the &#8220;Neighborhood First&#8221; policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Industrial and Economic Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rail links will boost industrial corridors and improve goods movement, aiding manufacturing and supply chains.<\/li>\n<li>Supports Bhutan\u2019s economic development through better infrastructure and logistics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Geostrategic Angle<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Deepens India&#8217;s strategic partnership with Bhutan, countering regional competition and ensuring connectivity in sensitive border areas.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthens India&#8217;s influence in the region under broader Indo-Pacific objectives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><u>Wider India-Bhutan Cooperation<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Development and Assistance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India pledged \u20b910,000 crore for Bhutan\u2019s 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029), supplementing grants from earlier plans.<\/li>\n<li>Recent cooperation includes the opening of the Jogighopa Inland Waterways Terminal, boosting logistics options for Bhutan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Hydropower Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Collaboration on major hydropower projects like Chukha, Tala, Mangdechhu, Kurichhu, and the upcoming Punatsangchhu-II strengthens energy ties.<\/li>\n<li>Bilateral cooperation in power trading supports energy security and clean energy goals for both nations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Inland Waterways<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bhutan gains alternative trade routes for heavy cargo through Indian waterways, reducing costs and improving access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These new rail links represent a significant step in advancing India-Bhutan connectivity, economic growth, and bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>3.&#8221;Flood Threat in Andhra Pradesh: Managing Krishna and Godavari River.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Geography (GS Paper I &#8211; <strong>Topic<\/strong>: River Systems of India; Water Resource Management; Flood Management and Disaster Mitigation; Major Irrigation and Hydropower Projects.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>Continued flood threat in Andhra Pradesh due to swollen Krishna and Godavari rivers after heavy inflows and surplus water release.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Krishna River \u2013 Basic Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Origin and Course<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Originates in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra (Western Ghats).<\/li>\n<li>Flows southeast through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh; empties into the Bay of Bengal near Hamsaladeevi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Basin<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Covers ~2,58,948 sq km (8% of India&#8217;s area); supports dense agriculture in several states.<\/li>\n<li>Flows through four states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Tributaries<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Right bank: Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Koyna, Tungabhadra, Panchganga, Dudhganga, Venna.<\/li>\n<li>Left bank: Bhima, Dindi, Peddavagu, Halia, Musi, Paleru, Munneru.<\/li>\n<li>Major tributaries: Tungabhadra (formed by Tunga &amp; Bhadra), Bhima, Musi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Godavari River Basin (&#8220;Dakshina Ganga&#8221;)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>About Godavari River<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Second-longest River in India (&#8220;Dakshina Ganga&#8221;).<\/li>\n<li>Provides water for agriculture, industry, and drinking, enriching the Deccan plateau.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Source and Drainage Basin<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Source: Trimbakeshwar (Nashik, Maharashtra, Western Ghats).<\/li>\n<li>Empties into the Bay of Bengal at Antarvedi (Andhra Pradesh).<\/li>\n<li>Basin size: ~3,12,812 sq km (nearly 10% of India&#8217;s area), making it the largest Peninsular basin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Boundaries of the Basin<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bounded by Satmala hills (north), Ajanta and Mahadeo hills (south), the Eastern Ghats (east).<\/li>\n<li>Basin covers Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Puducherry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Major Tributaries<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Left bank: Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, Sabari.<\/li>\n<li>Right bank: Pravara, Manjira, Manair, Penganga, Wardha, Wainganga.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cultural and Religious Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Considered sacred; holds several pilgrimage sites (Trimbakeshwar, Nashik Kumbh Mela).<\/li>\n<li>Referred to as &#8220;Dakshina Ganga&#8221; for its scale and sanctity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Major Projects on Godavari<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Notable dams\/projects: Jayakwadi, Sriramsagar, Dowleswaram (Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage), Polavaram, Upper Indravati, Pranahita-Chevella, Godavari canal projects.<\/li>\n<li>Polavaram is a nationally important multipurpose irrigation and hydropower project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These river systems are central to South India&#8217;s water security, agriculture, and regional culture, with multiple large-scale engineering and conservation projects vital to the region\u2019s livelihood and flood management.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>4.&#8221;India&#8217;s Leadership in South-South Cooperation: A New Era of Global Partnership&#8221;.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>SSTC is more than a diplomatic phrase<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>General Studies Paper II (International Relations) or Paper III (Economy\/Development).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>UN Day for South-South and Triangular Cooperation was observed on September 12, 2025, themed &#8220;New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC&#8221; at the UN Headquarters.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Hindu op-ed focused on India&#8217;s SSTC leadership amidst declining humanitarian aid and rising global challenges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Background of SSTC<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>SSTC emerged with the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), aiming for technical cooperation among developing countries.<\/li>\n<li>The UN Day for SSTC was established in 2011; Triangular Cooperation broadened the model post-2009.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is SSTC?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>South-South Cooperation (SSC): Horizontal sharing of resources, expertise, and solutions among developing nations for mutual progress.<\/li>\n<li>Triangular Cooperation: Developed partners provide funds\/expertise while respecting southern country priorities.<\/li>\n<li>SSTC emphasizes demand-led, scalable projects in health, digital, and agriculture, adaptable across countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why SSTC Matters Today?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Offers South-led alternatives as UN funding for humanitarian development drops and geopolitical divides rise.<\/li>\n<li>SSTC\u2019s locally-driven models address inequalities, climate resilience, and food insecurity more effectively.<\/li>\n<li>Empowers innovation, trust, and resources within the Global South, supporting SDGs amid mounting divides.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>India\u2019s Role and Philosophy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Diplomacy and Multilateralism<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India champions Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (&#8220;world as one family&#8221;), promoting sovereignty and shared benefits.<\/li>\n<li>Leads Voice of Global South Summits and funds the India-UN Development Partnership for 75+ projects in 60 nations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Capacity Building<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Runs ITEC programme, training over 200,000 global officials in key domains.<\/li>\n<li>Share\u2019s disaster management expertise through NDMA-led workshops in Africa and Asia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Technology and Innovation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Exports digital platforms (Aadhaar, UPI) to 100+ nations; hosts UNDP hubs to scale health tech globally.<\/li>\n<li>Fosters digital public goods and vaccine cold-chain solutions for equitable access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Food Security Partnership<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Collaborates with WFP on models like Annapurna grain ATM and Take-Home Ration, enhancing nutrition for millions.<\/li>\n<li>Pilots\u2019 climate-resilient farming and replicable supply chain technologies for the Global South.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>SSTC is a powerful, replicable pathway for equitable development, moving beyond diplomacy to transform billions of lives.<\/li>\n<li>India&#8217;s philosophy and actions prove how innovation through partnerships drives sustained progress for all.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>5. The Wassenaar Arrangement: need to reform export control regimes<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>GS paper II:IR Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>Protests have erupted against Microsoft over allegations that its Azure cloud services are supporting Israeli military operations, potentially harming Palestinian civilians and triggering concerns under the Wassenaar Arrangement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the Wassenaar Arrangement?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Establishment:\u00a0Formed in 1996, succeeding the Cold War-era COCOM controls.<\/li>\n<li>Name Origin:\u00a0Named after Wassenaar, near The Hague, where the agreement was reached in 1995.<\/li>\n<li>Headquarters:\u00a0Based in Vienna, Austria.<\/li>\n<li>Membership:\u00a0Comprises 42 countries including India (joined 2017); includes most NATO\/EU states and UNSC P5 except China.<\/li>\n<li>Objective:\u00a0Promotes transparency, responsibility, and control in transfers of conventional arms and dual-use technologies.<\/li>\n<li>Mechanism: Operates by voluntary sharing of information, notifications of export denials, and maintenance of control lists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Control Lists under the Arrangement<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Munitions List:\u00a0Covers conventional arms\u2014tanks, aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, missiles, small arms, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Dual-Use List: Encompasses sensitive technologies and equipment with both civilian and military applications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Wassenaar Arrangement and Software\/Cloud<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Initial Scope:\u00a0Focused on hardware exports.<\/li>\n<li>2013 Expansion:\u00a0Added \u201cintrusion software\u201d capable of bypassing cyber protections.<\/li>\n<li>Current Challenges:\u00a0Ambiguities exist regarding cloud services, remote access, and cross-border software transfers; inconsistent member interpretations.<\/li>\n<li>Gap: Rapid developments in AI, cloud, biometrics have surpassed the Arrangement&#8217;s traditional framework.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Suggested Reforms<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Modernize Lists:\u00a0Cover cloud, AI, surveillance, and biometrics explicitly.<\/li>\n<li>Remote Access:\u00a0Recognize software exports via cloud as export activities.<\/li>\n<li>Agility: Set up technical committees for regular updates to control lists.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Wassenaar Arrangement and India<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Membership (2017):\u00a0Raised India\u2019s profile in arms control and non-proliferation, strengthening its Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) bid.<\/li>\n<li>Export Controls:\u00a0Aligns India\u2019s SCOMET list to the Arrangement\u2019s standards for better oversight.<\/li>\n<li>Technology Access:\u00a0Aids Indian access to sensitive dual-use tech for space, defence, and digital industries.<\/li>\n<li>Diplomatic Impact:\u00a0Enhances India\u2019s stance on counter-terrorism and global security by aligning with initiatives like the &#8220;No Money for Terrorism&#8221; summit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>6.World&#8217;s highest bridge opens to traffic in China<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>GS PAPER III: ECONOMICS -Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why in the News?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, China, has opened as the world\u2019s tallest bridge, standing 625 meters above the Beipan River.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1820 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-151459-300x177.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-151459-300x177.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-151459.png 411w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Height and Records<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The bridge rises 625 meters above the Beipan River, surpassing the previous record-holder Beipanjiang Bridge (565 m).<\/li>\n<li>Holds the world record for tallest deck-to-water clearance and the largest span built in a mountainous area.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Connectivity and Network<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Links Liuzhi Special District and Anlong Special District, cutting travel time from two hours to two minutes.<\/li>\n<li>Forms an integral part of the Guizhou S57 Expressway and 190-km Shantian\u2013Puxi Expressway.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Engineering Marvel<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Guizhou is renowned as the \u201cbridge museum of the world\u201d, hosting nearly half of the world&#8217;s 100 tallest bridges.<\/li>\n<li>The bridge\u2019s total length is 2,890 m, with a main suspension span of 1,420 m\u2014world\u2019s longest main span in mountainous terrain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Construction Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Construction began in January 2022 and was completed in just over three years.<\/li>\n<li>Final truss installed in January 2025; load testing done with 96 trucks for structural integrity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion: <\/strong>The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge sets new global benchmarks in civil engineering and connectivity, boosting local transport, economy, and tourism while highlighting China\u2019s leadership in high-altitude infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>7. Bihar adds 2 more Wetlands to Ramsar List<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>GS paper III: Enviro &amp; Biodiversity<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: India<\/strong> designated two new wetlands \u2014 Gokul Jalashay (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran) in Bihar \u2014 as Ramsar sites.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>With these additions, India now has 93 Ramsar sites, ranking first in Asia and third glo<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1821 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-151556-300x201.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-151556-300x201.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-30-151556.png 405w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>bally after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key Facts on India\u2019s Ramsar Sites<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Since 2012, the number of Ramsar sites in India grew from 26 to 93, covering 13.6 lakh hectares; 51 sites added since 2020.<\/li>\n<li>Largest wetland area globally: Bolivia, Llanos de Moxos (6.9 million ha).<\/li>\n<li>Tamil Nadu has the highest number (20), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).<\/li>\n<li>About 10% of India&#8217;s wetland area falls under Ramsar protection.<\/li>\n<li>India joined the Ramsar Convention in 1982; first site: Chilika Lake, Odisha (1981).<\/li>\n<li>Currently, there are 2,544 Ramsar sites worldwide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Wetland Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Gokul Jalashay (Buxar)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>448-hectare oxbow lake on the Ganga&#8217;s southern edge.<\/li>\n<li>Acts as a flood buffer, supporting 50+ bird species and local livelihoods via fishing and farming.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>319-hectare oxbow lake, part of Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary, formed by the Gandaki River.<\/li>\n<li>Enhances connectivity for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Ramsar Convention: Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran; currently 173 member countries.<\/li>\n<li>Objective: Framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands and resources.<\/li>\n<li>Functions: Identification\/designation of sites, management promotion, and international conservation cooperation.<\/li>\n<li>Montreux Record: List of globally threatened sites \u2014 includes 2 from India (Keoladeo and Loktak Lake).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>World Wetlands Day<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Observed on February 2 globally; 2025 theme: \u201cProtecting Wetlands for Our Common Future\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Criteria for Ramsar Site Declaration (Any 1 of 9 Needed)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unique or rare wetland type.<\/li>\n<li>Supports endangered or endemic species.<\/li>\n<li>Critical migratory bird habitat.<\/li>\n<li>Notable ecological, botanical, zoological, hydrological features.<\/li>\n<li>Biodiversity, scientific research, and ecosystem services (flood control, groundwater recharge, water purification).<\/li>\n<li>Cultural or livelihood significance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1.Industrial ouput growth slows to 4%in August Economy (GS Paper III &#8211; 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