TLDR;
This YouTube video by Deepak Yadav Education provides a detailed analysis of current affairs from October 2, 2025, focusing on topics relevant to the UPSC examination. It covers the discovery of new antlion and coffee species in the Western Ghats, the conservation efforts for red sandalwood, and the addition of new Ramsar sites in India. The session emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological significance, geographical locations, and conservation statuses of these topics, while also providing insights into previous year questions from UPSC to guide aspirants.
- Discovery of two new antlion species in Kerala's Western Ghats.
- Discovery of a new coffee species with medicinal properties in the Western Ghats.
- ₹82 lakh allocated by the National Biodiversity Authority for red sandalwood conservation in Andhra Pradesh.
- Two new Ramsar sites declared in Bihar: Gokul Reservoir and Udaipur Lake.
Introduction [0:00]
The lecture begins with an introduction to the Daily Hindu News and Editorial Analysis for October 2, 2025. Despite the absence of a published newspaper due to Dussehra, the session will cover important current issues from sources like PIB and The Hindu's website. The lecture emphasizes the importance of previous year's UPSC questions in guiding study and highlights unique topics relevant for the exam.
Discovery of New Antlion Species in Kerala [1:55]
Two new species of antlion, Indophenes keralensis and Andophenes sahadriaces, have been discovered in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, are spread across states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The discovery highlights the region's rich biodiversity and the importance of understanding insect species for the UPSC exam, referencing previous questions related to spiders and centipedes. The discussion also touches upon the Kasturirangan and Guardgil Committee reports on Western Ghats protection.
Understanding Antlions: Life Cycle and Ecological Significance [5:30]
Antlions are insects with a life cycle that includes egg, larva, cocoon, and adult stages. The larva creates conical pits in the sand to trap ants, controlling insect populations. Adult antlions resemble dragonflies but have different behaviors. They are found in India, Africa, and Europe. Ecologically, antlions play a significant role in controlling insect populations and balancing the ecosystem, and are harmless to humans and crops.
Discovery of New Coffee Species in the Western Ghats [9:53]
A new coffee plant species, Ophiorsia Acneta, has been discovered in the Western Ghats, specifically in the Idukki district of Kerala. This species is noted for its potential medicinal properties. The Western Ghats' Shola Forest, an ecotone region between evergreen forests and grasslands, is the habitat of this new species. The plant is related to Operozia Mungos, known for potential cancer treatment. The IUCN status of Ophiorsia Acneta is possibly critically endangered.
Coffee Production and Varieties [15:59]
The lecture discusses global coffee production, with Brazil being the top producer, followed by Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. India is the seventh largest coffee producer. Karnataka is the largest coffee-producing state in India, managed by the Coffee Board headquartered in Bengaluru. The main coffee varieties grown in India are Arabica and Robusta. There are four main types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Coffee originated in East Africa, particularly Ethiopia.
Red Sanders Conservation and National Biodiversity Authority [20:22]
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has allocated ₹82 lakh for the conservation of red sandalwood in Andhra Pradesh, the main producer of this expensive wood. Red sander is an endemic tree species found in rocky regions of Andhra Pradesh, requiring a hot, dry climate. It has high commercial value, especially in China, where it is used for furniture and musical instruments. Red sanders also contain trace amounts of radioactive materials like thorium and uranium.
Red Sanders: Uses, Conservation Status, and Smuggling [24:58]
Red sander is used in traditional medicine, musical instruments, and furniture, particularly in Japan and China. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it valuable in cosmetics. Illegal smuggling of red sander to China is a significant issue. The conservation status of red sander is endangered under IUCN and listed in Appendix Two of CITES and Schedule Four of the Wildlife Protection Act. The National Biodiversity Authority, established under the Biological Diversity Act 2002, is headquartered in Chennai and consists of a chairperson, 10 ex-official members, and five non-official members.
Analysis of UPSC Previous Year Question on Red Sanders [28:22]
A UPSC 2016 question regarding Red Sanders is analyzed. The correct statement is that Red Sander is a tree species found in the southern part of India. The incorrect statement claims it is found in tropical rain forest areas, whereas it thrives in dry deciduous forests.
New Ramsar Sites in Bihar and Ramsar Convention Overview [29:35]
Two new Ramsar sites have been declared in Bihar: Gokul Reservoir in Buxar and Udaipur Lake in West Champaran. These are oxbow lakes. The Ramsar Convention, adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international agreement for the conservation of wetlands. India signed it in 1982 and now has 93 Ramsar sites, the highest in South Asia and third-highest globally.
Details on New Ramsar Sites and Analysis of UPSC Questions [33:57]
In addition to the two new sites in Bihar, Kitchen Wetland and Manor Wetland in Rajasthan have also been declared Ramsar sites in June 2025. A UPSC 2019 question is analyzed, revealing that it is not mandatory for the Indian government to protect all wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. The Wetland Conservation and Management Rule 2010 was based on India's Environment Protection Act, not directly on Ramsar recommendations. A UPSC 2010 question emphasizes that Ramsar sites should be managed sustainably, balancing conservation with appropriate use.