1. Pilikula Biological Park

Why in the News?

1. Pilikula Biological Park in Karnataka had recently contributed a male king cobra to Madhya Pradesh as part of an inter-state wildlife conservation effort.
2. The king cobra was sent to Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal under the project to reintroduce the species in the state.
3. The snake died under unclear circumstances, despite being housed in a temperature-controlled enclosure.

What are the Key Highlights of the Pilikula Biological Park?

1.  Geographical Location:
   1.  State: Karnataka
   2.  District: Dakshina Kannada
   3.  City: Mangaluru (Mangalore)
   4. River: Gurupura River
   5.  Coordinates: 12.9310° North latitude, 74.9029° East longitude
   6.  Altitude: Approximately 100 metres above sea level
2.  Pilikula Biological Park Overview:
   1. The Pilikula Biological Park is a major attraction within Pilikula Nisarga Dhama (Integrated Eco-education, Conservation, and Tourism Development Project).
   2. It spans 150 acres and has been recognized as a major zoo by the Central Zoo Authority of India.
   3. The park is considered one of the most aesthetically designed zoological premises in the country.
   4. It meets modern international standards for zoo management.
3.  Objectives and Conservation Goals
   1. Display a broad taxonomic range of wild animal species with a focus on Western Ghats fauna.
   2. Conserve and breed endangered species for display, exchange, breeding loans, and reintroduction into the wild.
   3. Serve as a rescue center for orphaned wild animals in the region.
4.  Animal Enclosures and Facilities:
   1. Animals are kept in spacious enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats.
   2. The zoo houses around 1200 animals belonging to 120 different species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds.
   3. Pilikula has the distinction of being the only zoo in India to successfully breed the King Cobra in captivity.
   4. The park also breeds several endangered species native to the Western Ghats.
5.  Veterinary and Support Infrastructure
   1. The park has a modern veterinary hospital complex with facilities such as:
      1. Quarantine and post-treatment wards
      2. A post-mortem block
      3. X-ray and ultrasound scanning equipment
   2. The Central Zoo Authority funded the construction of the hospital complex.
       
6. Ecological and Biodiversity Features
   1. The park is covered with dense vegetation, providing a natural habitat for many wild animals.
   2. It supports a wide variety of free-ranging wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
      The park is also a nesting ground for over 70 species of birds.
7.  Educational and Scientific Contributions
   1. The zoo serves as an educational hub for students of all ages to learn about wildlife and conservation.
   2. It promotes public awareness of wildlife and the need to protect natural habitats.
   3. The park supports research and scientific studies beneficial to zoo and wildlife management.
8.  Recreational Role
   1. Pilikula Biological Park offers wholesome and educational recreation by utilizing its natural features.
   2. It blends entertainment with awareness, making it a family-friendly destination with a conservation message.

2. Shipki La pass

Why in the News?

1. Shipki La Pass is a motorable mountain pass opened to Indian tourists without permit (only Aadhaar card needed).
2. Move seen as a step to revitalise tourism and trade in the region.

What are the Key Highlights of the Shipki La Pass?

1. Geographical Location
   1. State: Himachal Pradesh
   2. District: Kinnaur
   3. Altitude: Approx. 3,930 metres (12,894 feet) above sea level
   4. Coordinates: 31.8161° N, 78.7534° E

1. Location Features
   1. Type: High-altitude mountain pass in the Himalayas
   2. River: The Sutlej River enters India from Tibet near Shipki La
   3. Border: Connects India (Himachal Pradesh) with Tibet (China)
   4. Strategic Role: One of the few Indo-China land border passes used historically for trade and pilgrimage
2. Reasons for Closure
   1. Disrupted after the 1962 Sino-India War.
   2. Further breakdowns after Doklam standoff (2017) and COVID-19 pandemic.
   3. Trade routes remain shut for commercial exchange, despite tourism access.
3. Goods Traded Historically
   1. Imports from Tibet: wool, yak products, livestock, borax, turquoise, gold, and religious items.
   2. Exports to Tibet: grains, pulses, spices, timber, utensils, dried fruits, tobacco, copper, iron tools.
   3. Trade supported local craftsmanship (e.g., Kinnauri jewellery using turquoise and gold).
4. Significance of Recent Tourism Access
   1. Boosts religious tourism: can shorten Delhi to Mansarovar route by 14 days.
   2. Potential to increase employment, promote the hospitality sector, and revive the regional economy.
   3. May become a soft diplomacy tool and a community-led trust-building model.
5.  Cultural and Civilisational Connections
   1. Shared lifestyle between Kinnaur and Tibet: pastoralism, surnames (e.g., Namgyal), and Buddhism.
   2. Common festivals, monastic traditions, and oral heritage preserve cross-border continuity.
   3. Cultural ties are based on shared civilisation, not bloodline (unlike India-Pakistan border).
6.  Strategic and Diplomatic Relevance
   1. Although trade volume through land passes is limited, the symbolic and developmental value is high.
   2. Could serve as a peace corridor and model for grassroots diplomacy.
   3. Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association has appealed to reopen trade; CM promised to raise the matter with MEA.