In News:

The recent visit of former Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to the Bengaluru Traffic Management Centre has brought international attention to ASTraM (Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management) - an AI-driven traffic governance platform. The system represents a shift toward predictive, data-driven urban traffic management in India’s rapidly expanding metropolitan cities.

What is ASTraM?

ASTraM is an advanced AI-based big data platform designed for macro-level traffic management.

Unlike traditional GPS-based applications that only display real-time congestion to commuters, ASTraM functions as a centralised intelligence engine for city authorities. It provides holistic, real-time situational awareness and predictive insights to traffic managers.

Development and Institutional Collaboration

ASTraM was developed through collaboration between:

• Bengaluru Traffic Police
• Arcadis, a Dutch design and consultancy firm

The model reflects international cooperation in urban governance and technology deployment.

Objectives

The system aims to:

• Transform traffic policing from a reactive complaint-based approach to a proactive, data-driven model
• Reduce urban congestion
• Improve road safety
• Streamline incident reporting
• Enhance planning for large-scale public events

How ASTraM Works

1. Data Integration

The platform integrates multiple real-time data streams, including:

• CCTV camera feeds
• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems
• Open-source and transport-related datasets

2. AI-Based Analysis

The AI engine processes large volumes of data to:

• Identify recurring congestion patterns (daily bottlenecks)
• Detect non-recurring disruptions (accidents, protests, roadblocks)
• Forecast potential traffic choke points

3. Automated Communication

• Issues are batched and communicated to field officers at 15-minute intervals
• Enables localised and timely intervention

Key Features

• Situational Awareness: A centralised dashboard provides a bird’s-eye view of city-wide traffic conditions.
• Predictive Analytics: The system anticipates congestion trends before gridlocks occur.
• Incident Reporting Bot: Automated bots log accidents, breakdowns, and obstructions, reducing manual reporting delays.
• Event Simulation: Supports traffic planning during major events such as processions, protests, and festivals by modelling potential disruptions.
• Dashboard Analytics for Urban Planning: Provides long-term data insights for infrastructure planning and policy adjustments.

In News:

The State of India’s Environment (SOE) 2026 report, released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth, highlights the accelerating ecological crisis at both global and national levels. The report warns that humanity has breached multiple planetary boundaries, pushing Earth’s life-support systems toward instability. It further links ecological degradation with intensifying human–tiger conflicts in India.

Planetary Boundaries Framework

The Planetary Boundaries framework, first proposed in 2009 by scientists led by Johan Rockström and updated in 2023, defines the safe operating limits within which humanity can function without destabilising Earth systems.

It identifies nine critical Earth system processes that regulate planetary stability. Crossing these limits increases the risk of abrupt, irreversible environmental changes. The boundaries are interconnected; transgression in one can trigger cascading impacts across others.

Status of the Nine Planetary Boundaries

According to SOE 2026, 7 out of 9 planetary boundaries have been breached:

1. Climate Change (Transgressed): Rising greenhouse gas concentrations are pushing the planet close to breaching the 1.5°C warming threshold, signalling potentially irreversible climate impacts.

2. Biosphere Integrity (Transgressed): Species extinction rates exceed 100 extinctions per million species years, nearly ten times the safe limit.

3. Land System Change (Transgressed): Global forest cover has declined to 59%, well below the 75% safe threshold, weakening carbon sinks and biodiversity resilience.

4. Freshwater Change (Transgressed): Over-extraction and climate variability are disrupting river systems, soil moisture cycles, and groundwater security.

5. Biogeochemical Flows (Transgressed): Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilisers are causing eutrophication and ecosystem imbalance.

6. Novel Entities (Transgressed): Plastics, synthetic chemicals, and other pollutants are entering ecosystems without adequate safety assessment.

7. Ocean Acidification (Recently Transgressed): Ocean acidity has increased by 30–40% since the industrial era, threatening coral reefs and marine food webs.

Boundaries Within Limits (But Risky)

• Atmospheric Aerosol Loading – Currently within limits globally but regionally disruptive (e.g., monsoon variability).
• Stratospheric Ozone Depletion – Within safe limits due to the success of the Montreal Protocol, a major global environmental governance success.

Climate Crisis and Tipping Points

• The report warns that climate disruptions are occurring earlier than predicted. Critical ecosystems such as coral reefs and the Amazon rainforest are approaching tipping points, beyond which recovery may be impossible.

Biodiversity Loss and Forest Decline

• Habitat degradation, deforestation, and ecosystem imbalance are accelerating biodiversity loss. Declining forest cover and fragmented habitats are reducing ecological resilience and increasing human–wildlife interactions.

Rising Human–Tiger Conflict in India

The report highlights how ecological degradation is intensifying human–tiger conflicts:

• Habitat loss and prey depletion are altering tiger behaviour.
• Expansion of human settlements near forest areas increases encounters.
• The invasive species Lantana camara now occupies nearly 50% of forest and scrublands, suppressing native grasses.
• Reduced prey availability forces tigers to prey on cattle, escalating conflict with local communities.

This reflects how ecosystem imbalance directly affects conservation outcomes.

Pollution and Freshwater Stress

• Freshwater reserves face severe stress due to overuse and climate variability. Simultaneously, pollution from plastics and synthetic chemicals presents long-term ecological and health risks, reinforcing the urgency of regulating “novel entities.”

Key Recommendations

1. Institutional Strengthening

• Enhance the capacity and independence of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
• Ensure environmental clearances prioritise ecological integrity over procedural compliance.

2. Sovereign Climate Action

• Integrate planetary boundaries into national accounting frameworks.
• Promote technology-led, full-stack decarbonisation strategies.

3. Community-Centric Conservation

• Adopt landscape-scale governance.
• Treat local communities as primary stakeholders in conservation rather than as obstacles.

In News:

A recent viral story from a Japanese zoo involving an abandoned baby Japanese macaque (“Punch”) brought global attention to the complex emotional bonds and strict social hierarchies within macaque societies. Beyond public curiosity, the episode highlights important aspects of primate behaviour, evolutionary biology, and conservation — areas relevant to biodiversity studies and wildlife management.

About Macaques

Macaques belong to the genus Macaca under the family Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys). They are among the most widespread and adaptable primates in the world.

Distribution and Diversity

• Over 20 species
• Found mainly across Asia and parts of North Africa
• Highly adaptable to diverse ecological conditions, including forests, mountains, and urban environments

Their adaptability has enabled certain species to thrive even in human-dominated landscapes.

Important Species

1. Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata)

• Native to Japan
• Known as the “Snow Monkey”
• Famous for surviving in cold climates and bathing in natural hot springs
• Displays highly structured matrilineal social systems

2. Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)

• Widely distributed in North India and Southeast Asia
• Frequently found in urban and semi-urban areas
• Extensively used in medical and biomedical research, including vaccine development

3. Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus)

• Endangered species
• Endemic to the Western Ghats (India)
• Recognised by its distinctive silver-white mane
• Threatened by habitat fragmentation and deforestation

4. Crested Black Macaque (Macaca nigra)

• Native to Sulawesi (Indonesia)
• Characterised by a dark crest
• Classified as Critically Endangered

Social Behaviour and Hierarchy

Macaques are highly gregarious animals, living in troops governed by strict dominance hierarchies. Their social organisation is complex and deeply structured.

Female Hierarchy

• Rank is typically matrilineal (inherited from the mother).
• Daughters generally rank close to their mother’s position.
• In species such as the Japanese macaque, the “youngest sister rule” applies — the youngest daughter ranks above older sisters.
• Female bonds are stable and form the core of troop structure.

Male Hierarchy

• Determined by physical strength, alliances, and fighting ability.
• Males often migrate between troops.
• Rank can fluctuate over time.

The viral incident involving the abandoned baby macaque illustrates how social rank and maternal position significantly affect offspring survival and acceptance within the troop.

Ecological and Evolutionary Significance

Macaques provide valuable insights into:

• Evolution of primate social systems
• Behavioural ecology
• Conflict resolution and cooperation
• Human–wildlife interaction

Their structured dominance systems resemble early social organisation patterns in primates, offering important evolutionary parallels.

Conservation and Human Interface

While some species like the rhesus macaque thrive near human settlements, others such as the lion-tailed macaque face severe threats due to:

• Habitat fragmentation
• Deforestation
• Infrastructure expansion
• Human–wildlife conflict

Urban macaque populations often lead to conflict, necessitating balanced wildlife management policies.

In News:

Under its flagship “52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” initiative (2026), the Ministry of Railways has announced two major structural reforms:

1. RailTech Policy
2. Complete Digitisation of the Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT)

These reforms aim to promote innovation, enhance transparency, and improve citizen-centric service delivery within Indian Railways — one of the world’s largest public transport systems.

RailTech Policy:

Objective

• The RailTech Policy seeks to create a structured, innovation-friendly ecosystem that enables startups, innovators, industry, and research institutions to collaborate with Indian Railways.
• It marks a shift from rigid vendor-based procurement systems to a technology-driven, trial-and-adoption framework.

Key Features

1. RailTech Portal

• A dedicated, end-to-end digital single-window platform
• Simplified, single-stage submission of proposals
• Enables innovators to directly approach Railways

2. Funding Mechanism

• Railways to support up to 50% of development funding for viable solutions
• Prototype development grants doubled
• Scale-up grants increased more than three times
• Successful solutions to receive long-term implementation orders

3. Inspiration from Best Practices: The framework draws lessons from:

• iDEX (Defence sector)
• Startup frameworks of MeitY
• Telecom innovation policies

Key Innovation Areas

The policy focuses on operational safety, efficiency, and administration, including:

• AI-based Elephant Intrusion Detection System (EIDS)
• AI-based fire detection in coaches
• Drone-based broken rail detection
• Rail stress monitoring systems
• Obstruction detection in foggy environments
• Sensor-based load calculation devices on parcel vans
• AI-based coach cleaning monitoring
• Solar panels on coaches
• AI-enabled pension and dispute resolution systems

The emphasis is on predictive maintenance, passenger safety, security enhancement, and administrative efficiency.

Digitisation of Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT)

Legal Basis

The Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) was established under the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987.

It adjudicates claims relating to:

• Compensation for death/injury in railway accidents
• Untoward incidents
• Loss or non-delivery of goods
• Refund of fares and freight

Currently, RCT functions through 23 benches (Principal Bench at Delhi).

Features of e-RCT System

The reform introduces complete end-to-end digitisation across all 23 benches (to be completed within 12 months).

Core Components

1. E-Filing

• 24×7 online filing from anywhere
• Uploading of petitions and documents
• Instant SMS/email acknowledgement
• Online scrutiny and defect rectification

2. Case Information System (CIS)

• Centralised database
• Auto-allocation of cases
• Real-time tracking from filing to disposal
• Hearing scheduling and monitoring

3. Document Management System (DMS)

• Digital storage of pleadings, notices, orders
• Digitally signed records
• Secure record management with disaster recovery

Additional Features

• Paperless courts
• Hybrid hearings (physical virtual)
• Online pronouncement of orders and judgments
• Automated alerts and compliance tracking
• Centralised data on pendency and disposal

Citizen-Centric Benefits

The e-RCT reform ensures:

• Faster disposal through automated workflows
• Reduced adjournments due to online hearings
• Elimination of travel burden
• Real-time case status updates
• Cost savings on travel, printing, courier
• Improved transparency and accountability

The model may be extended to other tribunals such as the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) if successful.

“52 Reforms in 52 Weeks” Initiative

Launched in 2026, the initiative commits Indian Railways to implement one structural reform per week, aiming at comprehensive transformation.

Earlier reforms include:

• Continuous end-to-end cleaning of general coaches
• Expansion of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals to over 500 hubs

The broader vision aligns with digital governance, infrastructure modernisation, and administrative efficiency.

In News:

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an increasingly recognised mental health condition under the category of eating disorders. Unlike commonly known eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, ARFID is not driven by concerns about body image or a desire to lose weight. It represents a serious but treatable disorder that affects nutritional intake, growth, and overall well-being, particularly among children.

What is ARFID?

ARFID is a condition characterised by persistent limitation in the amount or type of food consumed. The restriction is not due to cultural practices, food scarcity, or distorted body image. Instead, it arises from psychological and sensory factors.

Key features include:

• Loss of interest in eating or low appetite
• Anxiety related to eating (e.g., fear of choking or vomiting)
• Avoidance of foods based on colour, taste, smell, or texture
• Extreme selectivity toward specific food groups

While it may initially resemble “picky eating,” ARFID is far more severe and can lead to significant health consequences.

Causes and Risk Factors

The eating difficulties in ARFID arise due to:

• Strong sensory aversions (texture, smell, taste sensitivity)
• Fear-based avoidance (vomiting, choking)
• Lack of appetite or low interest in food
• Preference for specific colours or food presentations

It most commonly develops in infancy or early childhood, though it can persist into adulthood. In children, it is more frequently observed in males.

Research suggests strong associations with:

• Anxiety disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Developmental and intellectual disabilities

A genetic predisposition is also likely, as ARFID often runs in families.

Health Implications

Unlike ordinary fussy eating, ARFID can severely affect nutritional status and development.

Consequences may include:

• Inadequate caloric intake
• Stalled weight gain or weight loss
• Impaired vertical growth (reduced height gain in children)
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Delayed physical and cognitive development

If left untreated, ARFID may lead to life-threatening complications due to chronic malnutrition.

Diagnosis and Treatment

ARFID is a genuine health disorder and not a behavioural problem, stubbornness, or attention-seeking. Early identification is critical to prevent long-term damage.

Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:

• Mental health professionals
• Medical doctors
• Nutritionists/dietitians

The primary therapeutic intervention is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps address anxiety, sensory sensitivities, and maladaptive eating patterns. Nutritional rehabilitation and parental counselling are also important in paediatric cases.

With appropriate professional support, individuals can recover and develop a healthy relationship with food.