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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on January 09, 2025
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Why the location of China’s earthquake matters?
For Preliminary Examination: Earthquakes, P-Wave, S-Wave
For Mains Examination: GS I - World Geography
Context:
At 6:35 am IST on January 7, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 struck Tibetan China and Nepal. The epicentre was located 10 km below a spot around 80 km north of Mt Everest. As of 7 pm, Chinese state media had reported 95 people dead, 130 injured, and hundreds of houses flattened on its side of the border
Read about:
Earthquake and its causes
Earthquake belt near India, Nepal and China borders
Key takeaways:
Where did the earthquake happen?
- The China Earthquake Networks Centre reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was located beneath the surface in Tingry County, part of the Shigatse region of Tibet. This area, situated 4-5 km above sea level on average, is home to approximately 800,000 people, with around 7,000 residing in the county itself.
- The region’s capital holds significant spiritual importance as it is the seat of the Panchen Lama, an important figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
- Tingry County is also a ‘gateway’ to Mount Everest and its surrounding area, which is a well-known tourist destination. However, local authorities noted that fewer tourists visit the region during winter. Following the earthquake, China has closed the area to tourists, as reported by Xinhua.
Does the location of the earthquake matter?
- Preliminary assessments suggest that the earthquake's mainshock may have originated in the Lhasa terrane, a distinct segment of the Earth’s crust.
- This terrane includes locations relevant to China’s construction of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. The Chinese government approved the project last month. Once completed, it will span the Yarlung Tsangpo River, generating around 300 billion kWh of electricity annually.
- This project has raised concerns in India, as the Yarlung Tsangpo River eventually flows into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, where it becomes the Brahmaputra. Experts worry that the dam could disrupt the river’s consistent flow.
- Additionally, the broader Himalayan region, often referred to as the ‘third pole’ due to the vast amount of water stored in its rivers, glaciers, and lakes, has a significant impact on the millions who rely on this water. Earthquakes in the area can alter river courses, destabilize glaciers and lakes, and increase the likelihood of flooding.
- The cause of the earthquake is also linked to the region’s geographical and tectonic significance.
What caused the earthquake?
- The creation of the Himalayan mountains is a well-documented geological event. Around 50 million years ago, the Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate, resulting in the folding and uplifting of rocks to form the mountains.
- The tension between these two plates continues to build as the Indian plate pushes in at a rate of about 60 mm per year. Earthquakes occur when the rock formations in the region shift slightly to adjust to this ongoing tension.
- Since 1950, geologists have recorded over 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher in the Lhasa terrane alone. The most powerful of these occurred near Mainling in 2017, with a magnitude of 6.9. Mainling is located 960 km east of Tingry County.
- To predict future seismic events in the region and estimate their potential magnitude, geologists need to study the ancient plate collision in detail, assess the tension currently building in various areas, and determine how much has been released in past seismic events
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following factors contribute to the occurrence of earthquakes?
- Subduction of tectonic plates
- Movement of magma beneath the Earth's crust
- The collision of tectonic plates
- Volcanic eruptions
Select the correct answer from the options below:
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 1, 3, and 4
D) 1, 2, and 3
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Answer (D)
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River interlinking, the fount of environmental disaster
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & ecology
Context:
On December 25, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa River Link Project, which aims to solve the water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region that covers parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The project also includes the construction of a dam located within the Panna Tiger Reserve, raising concerns about its submergence. Upon completion, this project will link the supposed water surplus Ken river with the Betwa in drought-stricken Bundelkhand — an area that had 58% forest cover in 1938
Read about:
Ken-Betwa River linking model
Panna Tiger reserve
Key Takeaways:
- This ₹45,000 crore project was initiated despite opposition from experts, including members of an empowered committee appointed by the Supreme Court of India, and bypassing laws that impose strict conditions on hydroelectric power projects. The idea of large-scale technological interventions to solve water-related challenges has gained traction. Politicians are increasingly promoting river interlinking as a geoengineering solution to India's ongoing water scarcity.
- The concept of inter-basin water transfer was first proposed 130 years ago by Sir Arthur Cotton, who designed irrigation dams in the Godavari and Krishna river valleys. This idea was later refined by M. Visvesvaraya, an early figure in Indian engineering, and further expanded by K.L. Rao and Captain Dinshaw J. Dastur in the 1970s and 1980s. Initially called the ‘National Water Grid’, the idea later evolved into the ‘River-Interlinking Project’ (ILR), which aims to transfer surplus water from the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers to water-deficient regions in central and southern India.
- The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) was set up in 1982 to carry out surveys, investigations, and prepare feasibility reports for the National Perspective Plan. The NWDA identified 30 potential links for further study, divided into 14 Himalayan and 16 Peninsular river links. These links are expected to help mitigate floods and droughts, improve rural income, and address agricultural water scarcity.
- The project’s estimated cost of ₹5.5 lakh crore does not account for social, environmental, or operational expenses, and the burden of these costs will ultimately fall on the public. The idea of linking rivers to connect surplus rivers with water-deficient ones is flawed, as it ignores the massive environmental costs and the eventual destruction of rivers and delta ecosystems.
- Human-induced disruptions in natural hydrographic systems will devastate ecological niches, leading to severe consequences for long-term societal well-being, which will be a grave disservice to future generations.
- Additionally, the impacts of climate change on rainfall and river flows could worsen the situation. It remains unclear how the country’s commitment to mitigating climate change aligns with its plans to manipulate rivers.
- Policymakers fail to understand that there is no “free” surplus water in rivers. Simple calculations that suggest tapping water “lost to the sea” overlook the eco-hydrological realities of the issue. Proponents of these projects disregard the river as an integral part of the drainage basin, including the deltaic plains and its interaction with the sea.
- The ecosystem services provided by free-flowing rivers include the flushing of silt from riverbeds into coastal waters to form deltas. Floodwater is not simply ‘surplus’; it plays a crucial role in land fertility, groundwater recharge, and maintaining biodiversity, which sustains the livelihoods of millions of marginalized people.
- Diverting river water can starve deltaic regions of water, disrupting the balance of saltwater from the sea. This shift damages the delta ecosystem. The Indus Delta offers a poignant example. In her book Empires of the Indus: The Story of a River (2008), Alice Albinia describes how the Indus Delta, once the richest in Pakistan, was impoverished after the British constructed barrages, a practice continued by Pakistan after 1947.
- India has its own examples of such damage, with the downstream regions of the Narmada River suffering since the Sardar Sarovar dam was completed.
- Global examples of river channelization have also shown disastrous results. In Florida, the channelization of the Kissimmee River in 1954 to reduce flooding led to an environmental catastrophe, with the loss of wetlands, and significant resources are now being invested to restore its natural state. Similarly, the Aral Sea, once one of the largest lakes in the world, has become a desert after irrigation projects diverted the rivers that fed it, a legacy of the Soviet Union's geoengineering projects
The underlying causes of India’s water crisis
- India's water crisis is worsening, primarily due to ineffective water management, harmful environmental practices, unclear laws, and corruption. To address this, a national water policy should adopt an integrated approach to watershed management, with active involvement from local communities in monitoring the hydrological cycle.
- Collaboration with hydrologists, engineers, and biologists is necessary. The policy should prioritize effective aquifer management by regulating water consumption. Farmers must be involved in developing strategies for more efficient irrigation practices.
- The government has limited authority over wastewater management and should focus on creating innovative water reuse programs. Additionally, a thorough, interdisciplinary study of river basins is crucial before embarking on large-scale water transfer initiatives
- The Ken and Betwa rivers are two important rivers in central India that play a significant role in the region’s water supply, agriculture, and ecology.
- The Ken River originates from the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh, flowing primarily through the state before it merges with the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. It is a tributary of the Yamuna and stretches across a distance of approximately 427 kilometers.
- The Ken River basin is critical for the areas it flows through, as it supports agriculture, irrigation, and local water needs.
- The river also has historical significance, as the Ken valley and its surrounding areas are home to many cultural and religious sites. The river's water has been used for irrigation for centuries, though it faces challenges such as water scarcity and pollution due to industrial activities and growing urbanization in its catchment area.
- The Betwa River, also originating in the Vindhya Range, flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Betwa spans about 590 kilometers and is another important tributary of the Yamuna.
- The river is vital for the regions it flows through, serving agricultural needs, drinking water supply, and generating hydropower. The Betwa, like the Ken, faces issues such as over-extraction of water and pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff.
- The river basin is home to several communities that depend on it for sustenance and livelihoods. Both rivers are integral to the local ecosystem, supporting biodiversity, though they are increasingly under pressure from human activity and climate change.
- The Ken and Betwa rivers have been at the center of debates about interlinking rivers in India. The government proposed a project to connect the Ken and Betwa rivers through a series of dams and canals in an effort to address water scarcity in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region.
- While proponents argue that the project could provide much-needed water for irrigation and drinking, critics highlight the potential environmental consequences, such as disrupting ecosystems and affecting the flow of water to downstream areas.
- In summary, the Ken and Betwa rivers are crucial water resources for central India, supporting agriculture, drinking water supplies, and local communities. However, their future is uncertain due to the challenges posed by over-exploitation, pollution, and large-scale infrastructure projects like river interlinking
1.Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Ken and Betwa rivers?
- The Ken River is a tributary of the Yamuna and flows primarily through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
- The Betwa River is one of the major tributaries of the Ganga.
- The proposed interlinking of the Ken and Betwa rivers aims to address water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region.
- Both rivers face challenges related to pollution and over-extraction of water.
Select the correct answer from the options below:
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 1, 3, and 4 only
C) 1, 2, and 3 only
D) 2 and 4 only
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Answer (B)
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What is the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC)?
- The IVC, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, covered around 2,000 sites across 1.5 million square kilometers in present-day India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, flourishing during the Bronze Age (3000-1500 BCE).
- Its extent was larger than that of contemporary civilizations like those of Egypt and Mesopotamia. According to Pakistani archaeologist Ahmad Hasan Dani, the IVC’s geographical location, spanning ancient migration routes from Central and Western Asia to India, is critical in understanding its historical context.
- The civilization is known for introducing urban life to the region, a significant achievement when compared to similar developments along the Nile and Tigris-Euphrates rivers.
Why is deciphering the Indus script important?
While the scripts of contemporary civilizations, such as those of Mesopotamia and Egypt, have been successfully deciphered, the inability to decode the Indus script leaves a major gap in understanding Harappan culture. This lack of understanding has led scholars to label the Indus script as a "mystery script."
The Dravidian Hypothesis
- Several scholars, including Suniti Kumar Chatterji, Iravatham Mahadevan, and Asko Parpola, argue that the Indus script contains proto-Dravidian elements. Mahadevan, in his writings, suggested that the script encodes a language likely to be Dravidian, supporting this hypothesis with linguistic and archaeological evidence.
- He further noted that features such as the suffix-based structure of the language align with Dravidian languages, and the survival of Brahui (a Dravidian language) in the region adds to the evidence. While this does not prove a Dravidian origin for the IVC, it highlights the importance of the Dravidian hypothesis.
Recent Work on the Indus Script
- A recent study by K. Rajan and R. Sivanantham, commissioned by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology, focuses on graffiti marks found in Tamil Nadu.
- This study suggests that nearly 90% of these marks share similarities with symbols from the IVC, indicating a potential transformation or evolution of the Indus script into new forms. This research supports the idea that the Indus script didn’t disappear but evolved into different cultural forms.
The Background Project
- The study builds on a two-year-long project by the Tamil Nadu government, which aimed to document and digitize graffiti and inscriptions found on pottery shards. The project uncovered 15,184 graffiti-bearing shards from 140 sites in Tamil Nadu.
- The researchers identified 42 base signs, 544 variants, and 1,521 composite signs, with nearly 60% of these showing parallels with Indus script signs. This comparative analysis suggests a cultural link between the IVC and Tamil Nadu, though more concrete evidence is needed to confirm the extent of this connection.
Cultural Exchange between IVC and South India
- The monograph concludes that there is a possibility of cultural exchange between the IVC and South India, particularly given the contemporaneity of the IVC's Copper Age and the Iron Age of South India.
- Evidence such as carnelian beads, agate, and high-tin bronze objects in Iron Age graves in South India further suggests that trade or cultural contact may have occurred between these regions. However, the authors stress the need for further investigations and excavations to establish a stronger case for such exchanges.
- This research not only offers insights into the potential cultural connections between the IVC and South India but also highlights the importance of continued exploration and scholarly effort to uncover the mysteries of one of the world's earliest civilizations
Follow Up Question
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Answer (C)
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The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is an anti-terrorism legislation enacted by the Government of India in 1967. Its primary aim is to prevent unlawful activities, including terrorism, and to regulate activities that threaten the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India. The law grants the government and law enforcement agencies wide powers to combat activities that are deemed harmful to national security.
Key Features of the UAPA:
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Terrorist Designation: Under the UAPA, individuals, organizations, and associations can be designated as terrorists if they engage in, or support, activities that promote terror or threaten national security. This includes involvement in attacks against the government, citizens, or any threats to the sovereignty of the nation.
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Ban on Terrorist Organizations: The Act empowers the government to ban organizations that are found to be involved in or support terrorism or unlawful activities. Such organizations can be banned by an official notification.
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Detention Powers: The UAPA gives law enforcement agencies the authority to detain individuals suspected of engaging in unlawful activities for a certain period without immediate access to judicial review. For example, a person can be detained for up to 180 days without being charged, though this period may vary depending on specific circumstances.
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Prosecution and Investigation: The Act allows for rigorous investigations into suspected terrorist activities. It also authorizes the seizure of property involved in terrorism and allows for enhanced penalties for those convicted under its provisions.
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Amendments to UAPA: Over time, the law has been amended to address the growing threat of terrorism. Notably, the UAPA was amended in 2004, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the increased risk of global terrorism, to strengthen anti-terrorism measures in India. The amendment granted powers for the detention of individuals suspected of terrorism for up to 180 days without charge, with the provision of review by an advisory board.
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Designation of Individuals as Terrorists: One of the significant amendments to the UAPA in 2019 included the power to designate individuals as terrorists, separate from organizations. This was a controversial step, as it allows the government to label individuals as terrorists even without a trial
Criticisms
- Potential for Abuse: The law has been criticized for being overly broad and providing excessive powers to the government and law enforcement agencies. It has been alleged that the UAPA is sometimes used to target specific communities or political opponents without sufficient evidence.
- Lack of Accountability: The long periods of detention without charge have raised concerns about the potential violation of basic human rights, with some arguing that it undermines the principle of a fair trial.
- Vagueness of Provisions: The broad definitions under the UAPA, such as what constitutes "unlawful activity" or "terrorism," have led to legal ambiguities and have raised concerns about the law being used for political repression.
1.Under Article 22 of the Constitution of India, with the exception of certain provisions stated there in, what is the maximum period for detention of a person under preventive detention? (MPSC 2014)
A. 2 months
B. 3 months
C. 4 months
D. 6 months
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Answer (B)
Under Article 22 of the Constitution of India, a person can be detained under preventive detention for a maximum period of three months without obtaining the opinion of an Advisory Board. However, if the detention exceeds three months, the detention can continue only with the approval of an Advisory Board, which will review the case
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A modified UBI policy may be more feasible
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of antional and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy
Context:
The idea of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) keeps surfacing from time to time. A recent report by the International Labour Organization talks about how jobs growth has been lagging globally due to automation and Artificial Intelligence, and notes the massive problem of youth unemployment in India. The phenomenon of jobless growth, where productivity rises but job creation lags and contributes to the alarming trend in inequality, has rekindled interest in a UBI as a component of a social safety net across the world.
Read about:
What is Universal Basic Income?
World View on Universal Basic Income
Key takeaways:
- The concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) resurfaces periodically in discussions. A recent report from the International Labour Organization highlights how job growth is slowing worldwide due to automation and artificial intelligence, with India facing a significant issue of youth unemployment. The trend of jobless growth—where productivity increases but job creation stagnates—has renewed global interest in UBI as part of a broader social safety net to tackle rising inequality.
- In India, UBI gained traction after being recommended in the 2016-17 Economic Survey. Experts debated whether replacing inefficient welfare schemes with direct cash transfers to the poor could be more effective. The development of the JAM (Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) infrastructure also made the idea of direct benefit transfers more practical.
UBI and its variations
- The question arises whether India should adopt a version of UBI to address issues like unemployment and poverty. While feasibility and desirability are both factors in policymaking, critiques often misunderstand UBI's purpose. UBI is primarily a social safety net to help individuals cope with unemployment rather than directly stimulating job creation. As with other policies, it should be assessed based on the specific issues it aims to resolve.
- Even if UBI is deemed desirable, its feasibility is constrained by budgetary limits. A scaled-down version might be more practical. While India has several cash transfer schemes, UBI, by definition, must be universal and not targeted at specific groups.
- Comparisons with other safety net programs, like MGNREGS or the Public Distribution System, highlight the need for clarity in policy objectives—whether the goal is immediate relief or long-term poverty reduction.
Existing income transfer schemes
- India has already implemented cash transfer programs in agriculture, such as Telangana's Rythu Bandhu Scheme and the nationwide PM-KISAN scheme. These initiatives provide financial support to farmers but face challenges, including inclusion and exclusion errors. Universal income transfers could overcome some of these issues by simplifying implementation and reducing administrative costs.
- A common critique is that the wealthy would also benefit from UBI. However, in advanced economies, individuals pay taxes and receive benefits based on circumstances. Similarly, wealthier individuals would pay more in taxes than they receive from UBI, making the net effect fair.
Financial feasibility of UBI
- The main obstacle to UBI in India is its financial viability. Proposals suggest large transfers, amounting to 3.5%-11% of GDP, which would require cuts in other programs or significant tax hikes. A more modest approach could involve a smaller, universal transfer scheme, such as one pegged at 1% of GDP per capita.
- This would provide about ₹144 per month per citizen, similar to PM-KISAN, but extended to all citizens, including landless laborers. Though this amount may seem small, it aligns with poverty line estimates.
- Challenges remain, particularly in last-mile delivery of benefits. Issues like access to cash-out points and biometric authentication failures must be addressed for successful implementation.
- Despite fiscal constraints, a modified UBI could serve as a foundational policy, to which other targeted schemes, like those for women or vulnerable groups, could be added. Combining UBI with programs like MGNREGS could create a comprehensive safety net for various sections of society. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of both income and in-kind transfers in ensuring people's well-being during crises
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Answer (A)
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a social welfare concept where all citizens of a country receive a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government. The primary objectives of UBI are to reduce poverty, address income inequality, and provide a financial safety net, particularly in the face of automation and technological advancements that may reduce job opportunities.
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Important Personalities |
| History | Modern Indian History | Independence and Partition |
| History | Modern Indian History | Constitutional Development in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Peasants, Tribal and other movements |
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