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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on December 03, 2024
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- The Panama Canal is more than just a waterway connecting two larger bodies of water; it's a complex, meticulously engineered system that utilizes locks and elevators to transport ships from one end to the other.
- This intricate system is necessary because the two oceans connected by the canal are at different elevations, with the Pacific being slightly higher than the Atlantic. To navigate this elevation difference, ships traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific must ascend during their journey.
- This is accomplished through a system of locks that raise and lower vessels to the appropriate sea levels at each end of the canal.
- Locks function as water elevators by either filling with water to raise ships or draining to lower them. The canal's lock system includes three sets of locks, totaling 12 locks, supported by artificial lakes and channels.
- Here's how a lock set operates: a ship enters the first, lowest lock chamber, which is at sea level; the gate at the entrance opens to admit the ship and then closes; water is then transferred from the first chamber to the second, higher chamber; once the water levels are equalized, the gate between the chambers opens, allowing the ship to move into the next chamber. This process continues to achieve the necessary elevation.
- The reverse process occurs when descending. Ships entering from the Atlantic first gain 26 meters of elevation at Lake Gaitan before descending as they approach the Pacific side
- The Panama Canal requires a substantial amount of fresh water to operate its lock system. Most of this water is sourced from Lake Gatun, relying on gravity to move it, which means no pumps are needed.
- Each day, the canal consumes about 2.5 times the amount of water used by New York City's 8 million residents. Recently, lower water levels in Lake Gatun restricted the number of ships that could transit the canal daily, and those that did often had to reduce their cargo.
- While ocean water could be used to operate the locks, it would increase the salinity of Lake Gatun, which also provides drinking water for over half of Panama's 4.4 million people.
- Though improved rainfall this year has eased some issues, experts warn that this is likely a temporary relief. Carlos Urriola, president of SSA International, notes that improved conditions can create a false sense of security.
- The broader issue is linked to climate change, which has led to more frequent extreme rainfall deficits.
- While significant rainfall shortages historically occurred about once every 20 years due to major El Niño events, there have been three such deficits in the past 26 years, suggesting a shift in rainfall patterns, according to Steven Paton from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. The conditions in 2023 were unprecedented in the last century.
- To address this ongoing challenge, Panama Canal authorities have proposed creating a new water source by damming the Rio Indio.
- Although such proposals have been made before, an old law previously prohibited this. However, Panama’s Supreme Court recently overturned that restriction, paving the way for a $1.6 billion dam project that officials believe will resolve the issue for at least the next 50 years
1.Which of the following statements about the Panama Canal is/are correct?
- The Panama Canal uses a system of locks and elevators to manage the elevation difference between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
- The water used by the Panama Canal's lock system is entirely sourced from the Pacific Ocean to avoid affecting local freshwater supplies.
- Recent lower water levels in Lake Gatun have led to restrictions on the number of ships that can pass through the canal, with some ships needing to reduce their cargo.
- The Panama Canal authorities have proposed damming the Rio Indio as a solution to address water supply issues for the canal.
Select the correct answer:
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Answer (b)
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- The ₹34,000-crore PM-KUSUM programme, designed to enhance solar energy infrastructure in agriculture, has faced delays, prompting States to explore alternative methods to increase adoption.
- The Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) aims to establish 100 GW of solar power on farmer-owned land, install 14 lakh solar pumps, and solarize 35 lakh grid-connected agricultural pumps.
- As of June, only 256 MW of power plants, 3.97 lakh solar pumps, and 13,500 solarized pumps have been installed, leading the government to extend the scheme's deadline to 2026.
- Major challenges include the lack of suitable land; while solar power in India has expanded with utility-scale projects in Gujarat and Rajasthan, finding adequate agricultural land for solar installations remains difficult.
- Saurabh Kumar, Vice President of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), notes that pooling agricultural land for power projects is a significant hurdle.
- GEAPP, a collaboration between the IKEA Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Bezos Earth Fund, is working with the Rajasthan government to develop a digital platform utilizing drone technology for land mapping.
- This digital platform allows real-time tracking of the scheme's progress and facilitates prompt corrective actions, providing essential oversight for large-scale solar projects.
- The platform has already resulted in 12.3 MW of solar power installation in Rajasthan, with plans to reach 100 MW by 2024 and expand to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
- Farmers who agree to host solar modules on their land receive rent from power project developers, with GEAPP ensuring fair compensation based on market rates and inflation.
- GEAPP’s solutions and support have helped Rajasthan significantly advance its renewable energy targets, with nearly 200 MW of the national 256 MW solar capacity installed in the state, according to the Ministry for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
- To facilitate the generation of solar power on rooftops of buildings, thus supporting the national goal of increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- The scheme is applicable to residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. Both owners of these properties and tenants (in some cases) can participate.
Incentives and Subsidies:
- Financial Assistance: The government provides subsidies to reduce the cost of solar rooftop installations. This financial assistance varies based on the capacity of the system and the type of user.
- Tax Benefits: Some schemes offer tax incentives or benefits for the installation of rooftop solar systems
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Answer (A)
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For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
Cabinet approves implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29 Total outlay of Rs.3,06,137 crore for FY 2024-25 to 2028-29 including Central Share of Rs.2,05,856 crore and State Matching Share of Rs.1,00,281 crore.
Read about:
What is Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY)?
Significance of PMAY
Key takeaways:
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has recently approved the Department of Rural Development's proposal for the “Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) from FY 2024-25 to 2028-29.” This plan includes financial support for building an additional two crore houses, with assistance set at Rs.1.20 lakh for plain areas and Rs.1.30 lakh for the North Eastern Region, as well as the hill states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Benefits:
- Completion of Existing Targets: The remaining 35 lakh houses not finished by March 31, 2024, will be completed to meet the earlier target of 2.95 crore houses.
- New Construction: Over the next five years (FY 2024-2029), the construction of two crore more houses will address ongoing housing needs. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 10 crore individuals.
- Improved Living Conditions: The approval aims to provide secure, quality housing with essential amenities to those currently living in inadequate conditions, thus enhancing safety, hygiene, and social inclusion for the beneficiaries.
Background:
To realize the goal of “Housing for All” in rural areas, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) in April 2016. The scheme aims to construct 2.95 crore houses with basic amenities in phases, with the target date set for March 2024
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-U)
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India in June 2015. Its primary goal is to ensure housing for all in urban areas by the year 2022, targeting the construction of affordable housing units for economically weaker sections, low-income groups, and middle-income groups.
Program Highlights:
- Housing Targets:
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- Objective: To provide affordable housing to the urban poor.
- Scope: The scheme aims to build approximately 20 million (2 crore) houses across urban areas by 2022.
- Financial Assistance:
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- Subsidies: The scheme offers financial assistance in the form of interest subsidies on housing loans for eligible beneficiaries under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).
- Grants: For the construction of houses, financial support is provided through central and state government contributions.
- Eligibility:
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- Beneficiaries: The scheme is designed to assist individuals from economically weaker sections (EWS), low-income groups (LIG), and middle-income groups (MIG).
- Criteria: Beneficiaries must meet specific income criteria and do not own a pucca house in their name.
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Answer (C)
2015 - 2022 The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) was launched in June 2015 with the aim of providing affordable housing for all by the year 2022 |
- Antibiotics are often praised for their ability to treat deadly infections and save lives, but their excessive and improper use in humans, animals, and agriculture has significant, often overlooked consequences.
- While it is widely recognized that such practices contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a deeper threat exists in the disruption they cause to the microbiome. This disturbance can impact every organ and function within the body.
Microbiome's Importance
- The human body harbors a complex community of microorganisms known as the microbiome, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. With about 38 trillion microbial cells in our body, they actually outnumber our human cells, which total around 30 trillion.
- The gut microbiome, in particular, is crucial for maintaining health by aiding in digestion, supporting the immune system, producing essential nutrients, and protecting against harmful pathogens. The diversity and balance of these microbial communities are vital to our overall well-being.
Impact of Antibiotics on the Microbiome
- While antibiotics are critical in treating bacterial infections, their overuse can severely disrupt the microbiome. These medications do not differentiate between harmful bacteria and beneficial microbes, leading to a condition known as dysbiosis.
- Dysbiosis, the imbalance in the gut microbiome, can have long-lasting consequences, potentially lasting months or years after antibiotic use.
- It is linked to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, weakened immune function, and metabolic disorders.
Gut-Organ Interactions
- The gut microbiome interacts with various organs through complex networks known as gut-organ axes. For instance, the gut-brain axis links the gut microbiome to the brain, where imbalances can affect mental health.
- The gut-liver axis involves the transport of bacterial toxins to the liver, potentially worsening liver conditions.
- The gut-skin axis influences skin health, where dysbiosis can exacerbate conditions like acne and eczema. Furthermore, the gut microbiome plays a role in metabolic processes, and its disruption can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes.
Beyond the Gut
The microbiome's influence extends beyond the gut. The skin microbiome, for example, plays a crucial role in protecting against infections and maintaining skin health. The respiratory tract microbiome helps defend against respiratory infections, and the genitourinary microbiome protects against infections in the urinary and reproductive systems.
Colonization Resistance
- A particularly concerning aspect of antibiotic use is its impact on colonization resistance, the ability of the native gut microbiome to protect against pathogenic microorganisms. Antibiotics can reduce this resistance, allowing harmful bacteria to establish themselves and increase the risk of infections.
- Given the profound effects of antibiotics on the microbiome and the long-term health risks associated with dysbiosis, it is essential to use these medications judiciously.
- Alternatives like better hygiene practices, vaccinations, and bacteriophage use should be considered to reduce antibiotic reliance.
- While antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, their misuse can turn them into harmful agents, underscoring the need for careful and responsible use to preserve the balance of our microbiome and maintain health
1.Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? ( UPSC CSE 2019)
- Genetic predisposition of some people
- Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
- Using antibiotics in livestock farming
- Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
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Answer (b)
Thus, options 2 and 3 are correct, making (b) 2 and 3 only the right answer |
- Governor Das emphasized the importance of addressing food inflation due to its significant share in the consumption basket. Following the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision to keep the Repo rate steady at 6.5% for the ninth consecutive time, he noted that persistent food inflation remains a key concern. The central bank maintained its projections for retail inflation at 4.5% and real GDP growth at 7.2% for the 2024-25 period.
- With food items accounting for about 46% of the consumer price index (CPI) basket, they contributed over 75% of headline inflation in May and June. Das highlighted that despite a notable decrease in core inflation, complacency is not an option.
- The MPC has decided to keep its monetary policy on course, carefully monitoring inflation trends and associated risks. Given the robust and steady GDP growth, the policy must continue to focus on curbing inflation, aiming to stabilize it at the 4% target over the long term.
- Under the flexible inflation-targeting framework, the RBI is tasked with keeping CPI within the 2-6% range and aims to reduce inflation to a durable 4%. Headline CPI inflation increased to 5.1% in June 2024 from 4.8% in May, primarily due to higher food prices, although core inflation fell to historic lows in May and June.
- The RBI has maintained its CPI inflation forecast for FY25 at 4.5%, but has adjusted its projections for retail inflation in Q2 and Q3 FY25 to 4.4% and 4.7%, respectively, up from earlier estimates of 3.8% and 4.6%. The MPC must remain vigilant against persistent high food inflation to avoid spillovers or secondary effects and to uphold the credibility of its monetary policy
Causes: Several factors can contribute to food inflation, including:
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Issues like poor harvests, transportation bottlenecks, or natural disasters can reduce the supply of food, leading to higher prices.
- Demand-Supply Imbalance: Increased demand for food or reduced production can drive up prices.
- Production Costs: Rising costs for inputs such as labor, fertilizers, and fuel can increase food prices.
- Climate Change: Extreme weather conditions and changing climate patterns can impact agricultural output and food prices.
- Global Market Trends: Changes in global commodity prices, trade policies, and international market conditions can affect local food prices.
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Answer (C)
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- Ladakh, the arid cold desert situated at the far northern edge of the country, is experiencing severe heat this summer due to a significant rainfall deficit. Typically, July and August are the hottest months for Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir.
- In Leh, maximum temperatures frequently reach 33 degrees Celsius annually. However, this July, the maximum temperature hit 33.5°C on the 28th.
- Historical data from 1973 to 2024 show multiple instances of temperatures exceeding 33°C, with the highest being 36.6°C in 2013, followed by 35.4°C in 1995, and 35.2°C in 2001.
- This year, the Leh division of Ladakh received only 3 mm of rainfall compared to the usual 15 mm, leading to an 88% rainfall deficit with only 12% of the expected precipitation.
- According to the Met Centre Leh, 2023 saw the highest rainfall in July over the past 14 years, with 58.8 mm, followed by 32 mm in both 2018 and 2015
- Cold deserts receive very little rainfall, often less than 250 mm (10 inches) annually. The precipitation they do receive is usually in the form of snow rather than rain
- These deserts experience cold temperatures, especially during the winter months. Summer temperatures can be mild to warm, but winters are often freezing
- There is a significant temperature variation between day and night, as well as between summer and winter seasons. Daytime temperatures can be quite warm, while nighttime temperatures drop drastically
- Due to the low precipitation and harsh climatic conditions, vegetation is sparse. The plant life that does exist is adapted to survive in dry, cold conditions
- Cold deserts are typically found at high altitudes or in high-latitude regions. Notable examples include the Gobi Desert in Asia, the Great Basin Desert in the United States, and parts of the Antarctic Desert
- The soil in cold deserts is often sandy or rocky, with little organic matter due to the sparse vegetation
Examples of Arid Cold Deserts:
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Ladakh: Located in the northern part of India, Ladakh is an example of a cold desert. It has a high altitude and experiences extreme cold temperatures with very little rainfall.
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Gobi Desert: Situated in northern China and southern Mongolia, the Gobi Desert is known for its cold winters and dry conditions.
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Antarctic Desert: The Antarctic Desert is the coldest desert in the world, characterized by extremely low temperatures and minimal precipitation, mostly in the form of snow.
1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available.
2. India cannot invest huge funds in research and development.
3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (a)
India faces challenges in addressing Global Warming: Developing and underdeveloped nations lack access to advanced technologies, resulting in a scarcity of viable alternatives for combating climate change. Being a developing nation, India relies partially or entirely on developed countries for technology. Moreover, a significant portion of the annual budget in these nations is allocated to development and poverty alleviation programs, leaving limited funds for research and development of alternative technologies compared to developed nations. Analyzing the statements provided: Statements 1 and 2 hold true based on the aforementioned factors. However, Statement 3 is inaccurate as the establishment of polluting industries by developed countries within India is not feasible due to regulations governing industrial setup
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
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