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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on September 09, 2024

Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students

 

 

On uncommon cyclones in the Arabian Sea

For Preliminary Examination: Cyclones, Landslides, Flashfloods

For Mains Examination: GS I - Indian Geography, World Geography

 

Context:

The north Indian Ocean supplies a large part of the moisture required to generate the 200 lakh crore or so buckets of water during the summer monsoon. That implies a lot of evaporation from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which requires these seas to be warm enough to allow evaporation. Warm tropical oceans also tend to be hotbeds of cyclones

Read about:

What is a Cyclone?

Formation of Cyclone

 

Key takeaways:

• The northern Indian Ocean provides a significant portion of the moisture necessary to generate the vast amount of water involved in the summer monsoon, which requires substantial evaporation from the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
• Despite these conditions being conducive to cyclone formation, this region experiences fewer cyclones compared to other oceanic areas. This is due to a combination of factors that both promote and hinder cyclone formation, making the north Indian Ocean unique in its cyclone activity and how it responds to global warming.

• The Indian Ocean stands out not only for its seasonal wind reversals and monsoon circulation but also because of its ‘oceanic tunnels,’ which link it to both the Pacific and Southern Oceans. Warm water flows into the Indian Ocean from the Pacific through these tunnels at shallow depths, while cooler water enters from the Southern Ocean at greater depths.
• During the pre-monsoon season, the Arabian Sea warms quickly as the sun moves northward, while the Bay of Bengal, being relatively warmer, continues to heat up, leading to convection and rainfall. By mid-May, the monsoon trough begins to form over the Bay of Bengal.
• Following the summer monsoon, the northeast monsoon brings substantial rain to several Indian states. The variations in wind patterns and sea surface temperatures throughout the year significantly affect cyclone formation, contributing to the differences in cyclone activity between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

• During the monsoon season, strong southwesterly winds increase evaporation and mix cooler subsurface waters with surface waters, causing the Arabian Sea to cool significantly. In the Bay of Bengal, strong convection generates many low-pressure systems, but they rarely develop into cyclones due to the variation in wind strength and direction from the surface to the middle atmosphere, known as vertical shear, which disrupts cyclone growth.
• As a result, cyclone activity in the north Indian Ocean is concentrated in the pre- and post-monsoon periods, unlike other regions that have a single cyclone season. The Arabian Sea, in particular, sees less cyclone activity due to lower levels of convection and the cooling effects of the northeast monsoon.
• Although there has been a slight increase in cyclone activity in recent years, the Arabian Sea has remained unusually calm lately.

• Recently, there was notable interest in Cyclone Asna, a rare August cyclone in the north Indian Ocean, the first of its kind since 1981. It formed from a powerful land depression that moved onto the warm Arabian Sea.
• Low-pressure systems typically form over the Bay of Bengal and bring much of the seasonal rainfall, but this depression was unusual in both its rapid growth over land and its ability to maintain strength over the sea. The warming Arabian Sea provided the necessary energy for the system to strengthen into a cyclone.
• This unusual event, driven by changes in wind patterns and sea temperatures, underscores the unpredictability of weather systems, especially in a year influenced by global warming, El Niño, and other climate factors. Cyclone Asna resulted in significant damage, including loss of life, but ultimately dissipated as it encountered dry air from surrounding deserts

 

Follow Up Question

 

 

How changes in the level of Arctic sea ice can change monsoon patterns in India

For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

For Mains Examination: GS I - Indian Geography, World Geography

 

Context:

Unpredictable, erratic rainfall has become the norm for the Indian monsoon. New research reveals that less sea ice in the central Arctic leads to lower rain in western and peninsular India but more rain in central and northern India

 

Read about:

Significance of Arctic ice

What is the Environment Protection Agency (EPA)?

 

Key takeaways:

 

• The Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR), occurring from July to September with the heaviest rains in July and August, is one of the most significant monsoon systems globally.
• During the summer, the Central Asian and Indian landmasses heat up more quickly than the surrounding oceans due to sunlight. This results in a low-pressure zone at the Tropic of Cancer, known as the intertropical convergence zone.
• Trade winds, originating from the southeast, are redirected towards the Indian subcontinent by the Coriolis force and are at a lower pressure once they cross the equator. As these winds travel over the Arabian Sea, they gather moisture and release it as rainfall over India.
• Upon reaching land, the southwest monsoon splits into two branches. The Arabian Sea branch delivers rain to India’s west coast, while the other branch moves towards the Bay of Bengal, bringing rainfall to the eastern and northeastern parts of India.
• These two branches eventually meet over Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, with the Arabian Sea branch moving inland and the Bay of Bengal branch following the Himalayan range.
• The ISMR is more intricate than previously thought. Climate models over the past two decades have shown that sea surface temperatures in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans all play a role in influencing the monsoon. The circum-global teleconnection (CGT), a large-scale atmospheric wave in the mid-latitudes, also appears to significantly impact monsoon patterns.

• Recently, scientists have proposed that shrinking Arctic sea ice, a consequence of climate change, could influence the behavior of the monsoon. In a new study, researchers analyzed data from 1980 to 2020 along with climate models (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phases 5 and 6) to investigate how Arctic sea ice levels affect atmospheric circulation patterns, which in turn influence the ISMR.
• The study found that the effects vary depending on location. For instance, reduced sea ice in the central Arctic results in lower rainfall in western and peninsular India, but increases rainfall in central and northern India.
• Meanwhile, reduced sea ice in the Barents-Kara Sea region (which includes the Hudson Bay, Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Sea of Okhotsk) causes delays in the monsoon onset and makes it more unpredictable.
• Various atmospheric mechanisms contribute to these patterns. The study revealed that when central Arctic sea ice increases, heat from the ocean triggers a cyclonic circulation at lower latitudes, such as the North Atlantic.
• This strengthens Rossby waves—streams of fast-moving air in the upper atmosphere caused by Earth's rotation and temperature differences, which move from west to east. 
• This intensifies the Asian jet stream over the Caspian Sea, shifting the subtropical easterly jet—winds blowing over India in the summer—northward.
• This leads to high pressure over Central Asia, causing instability in the atmosphere over India and increasing rainfall in western and peninsular regions.
• On the other hand, lower sea ice levels in the Barents-Kara Sea region set off air currents that create high pressure over southwest China. This is associated with a positive Arctic Oscillation—marked by high pressure over the northern Atlantic and Pacific—and weakens the CGT, which links weather events worldwide.
• As sea ice declines in the region, the heat released from the Barents-Kara Sea leads to an anticyclonic circulation (calm, clear skies) over northwest Europe, disturbing the upper atmosphere over subtropical Asia and India.
• This instability, combined with the high surface temperatures of the Arabian Sea and moisture from surrounding waters, results in heavier rainfall in northeastern India while leaving central and northwest India relatively dry

1.Which one of the following statements best describes the 'Polar Code'? (UPSC 2022)

A. It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.

B. It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.

C. It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and the South Pole.

D. It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.

 

Answer (A)   The correct answer is A. It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters. The 'Polar Code' is an international code established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that sets safety and environmental standards for ships operating in the Arctic and Antarctic regions

 

 

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

 

For Preliminary Examination:  Indian Polity, Governance and Social Development

 

For Mains Examination: GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

 

Context:

 

After Punjab, the AAP government in Delhi has also relented under financial pressure and agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre to implement the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme in the Capital

 

 

Read about:

 

What is National Education Policy (NEP) ?

 

What is the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme?

 

 

Key takeaways:

 

The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at developing and upgrading schools across the country to serve as model institutions of excellence. Under this scheme, selected schools are transformed into "PM-SHRI Schools", which are envisioned to be centers of quality education that embrace modern teaching practices, a student-centered environment, and comprehensive infrastructure.

Key features of the PM-SHRI scheme include:

• Holistic Learning Environment: The scheme emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on both academic and co-curricular excellence.

• Modern Infrastructure: PM-SHRI schools will be equipped with modern facilities, smart classrooms, libraries, and laboratories to promote experiential and inquiry-based learning.

• Sustainable Practices: The schools will adopt sustainable practices such as energy-efficient infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems.

• Technology Integration: The scheme encourages the use of technology in teaching and learning, enabling digital literacy and a focus on skill development.

• Inclusive and Equitable Education: PM-SHRI schools will aim to provide equitable access to quality education for all, including marginalized and disadvantaged communities

 

National Education Policy (NEP)

 

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework introduced by the Government of India to guide the development of the education system, from primary to higher education, and vocational training. It aims to make India a global knowledge superpower by transforming the educational landscape, promoting innovation, and improving the quality of education across all levels.

Here are the key highlights of NEP 2020:

New Structure: The traditional 10+2 structure has been replaced with a 5+3+3+4 structure corresponding to the stages of child development:

• Foundational Stage (5 years): 3 years of pre-primary + grades 1 and 2
• Preparatory Stage (3 years): Grades 3 to 5
• Middle Stage (3 years): Grades 6 to 8
• Secondary Stage (4 years): Grades 9 to 12

 

 

Follow Up Question

1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018)

1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the State Council of Teacher Education concerned.

2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines.

3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2         

(b) 2 only           

(c) 1 and 3           

(d) 3 only

 

Answer (b)   Statement 1: This is incorrect. The minimum qualification for teachers is laid down by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), not the State Council of Teacher Education. Statement 2: This is correct. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, candidates must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for teaching primary classes, conducted in accordance with NCTE guidelines. Statement 3: This is incorrect. In India, most teacher education institutions are privately managed, not directly under State Governments

 

 

Why global models went wrong with their La Niña predictions — and what its delay means

 

For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

 

For Mains Examination: GS I - World Geography

 

Context:

 India had pinned hopes on the influential climate phenomenon to drive enhanced rainfall during August-September. Now that a delay in La Niña’s onset is imminent, what is the likely impact going to be in the upcoming months? And why did global weather models get their predictions wrong?

 

 

Key takeaways:

What is La Niña?

• La Niña, which means 'The Little Girl' in Spanish, is one of the phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a phenomenon that plays a crucial role in driving global climate variability.
• ENSO is characterized by fluctuations in sea surface temperatures across the tropical Pacific Ocean due to atmospheric changes. These shifts influence global weather patterns.
• ENSO cycles occur irregularly every two to seven years, with three phases: warm (El Niño), cool (La Niña), and neutral. In the neutral phase, cooler waters dominate the eastern Pacific Ocean near South America, while warmer waters gather in the western Pacific.
• This pattern is driven by trade winds that move east to west. During La Niña, these winds intensify, pushing more warm water toward the western Pacific, while the eastern Pacific remains cooler.
• In India, La Niña typically enhances monsoon rainfall, while El Niño is linked to reduced monsoon activity. The previous El Niño occurred between June 2023 and May 2024, and before that, a prolonged La Niña lasted from 2020 to 2023. Climate change has amplified the impacts of both phases, leading to extreme weather events like heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and droughts.

What did global weather models predict this year?

• A powerful El Niño event concluded in June 2024, leading to a neutral ENSO phase. Early weather models had projected the onset of La Niña by July, but by mid-July, it became clear that this would be delayed.
• Agencies like the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) predicted La Niña conditions would emerge between August and October.
• India's Meteorological Department (IMD) also forecasted La Niña’s appearance during the latter part of the monsoon season (June-September), potentially boosting rainfall in August and September. However, the exact onset timing of La Niña was misjudged, though predictions about its intensity — expected to be weak — remained accurate.
• Errors in forecasting the onset were largely due to the weak intensity of La Niña, as models tend to detect stronger phases more accurately. Other atmospheric factors, such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), also complicate predictions by influencing surface conditions across the Pacific.
• As of now, neutral conditions prevail in the Pacific, with La Niña expected to begin by late September or early October, peaking in November and lasting through winter in the northern hemisphere.

How has the delay in La Niña’s onset impacted India’s monsoon?

• While La Niña typically strengthens the southwest monsoon (June to September), its delayed onset means it hasn’t significantly impacted India’s rainfall yet. However, other factors have contributed to a relatively strong monsoon season so far. In August, India recorded 16% more rainfall than normal, and September is also expected to see above-normal rainfall, as per IMD forecasts.
• Overall, India has received 8% more rainfall than average during the monsoon, though regional disparities exist. Eastern and northeastern states have experienced deficient rainfall, while central and southern regions have received a surplus.

What is the outlook for La Niña in the coming months?

• If La Niña begins in late September or October, it could still affect India’s weather during the northeast monsoon season (October-December), which mainly impacts Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, southern Karnataka, and Kerala. Historically, La Niña doesn’t favor heavy rainfall during this period, but exceptions have occurred.
• Additionally, La Niña could influence cyclone activity in the north Indian Ocean, where cyclones typically develop between March-May and October-December. La Niña years often see more frequent and intense cyclones, particularly in November, which could lead to greater preparedness among meteorologists and officials

 

Follow Up Question

 

1.La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? (UPSC 2011)

1. La Nina is characterised by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
2. El Nino has an adverse effect on the south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on the monsoon climate.

Which of the statement/s given above is/are correct?

A. 1 Only                 

B. 2 Only               

C. Both 1 and 2           

D. Neither 1 Nor 2

 

Answer (D)   Statement 1 is incorrect: La Niña is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, not the Indian Ocean. Similarly, El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Statement 2 is incorrect: El Niño does have an adverse effect on the southwest monsoon in India, often leading to reduced rainfall. However, La Niña does influence the monsoon by generally enhancing it and bringing more rainfall to India. Therefore, La Niña does affect the monsoon climate

 

 

Why Haryana’s agriculture is different from Punjab’s

 

For Preliminary Examination:  Green revolution, Yellow revolution

 

For Mains Examination: GS-II, III: Government policies and interventions, Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country

 

 

Context:

Both Haryana and Punjab are seen to embody the best and the worst of the Green Revolution-they helped India turn self-suf- ficient, if not surplus, in rice and wheat, but also imposed steep environmental costs through the monocropping of rice-wheat. But like the grains of wheat and rice are apart, field realities in Punjab are very different from those in Haryana

 

Read about:

 

What is the green revolution?

 

What is monoculture agriculture?

 

 

Key takeaways:

 

The Green Revolution refers to a period of significant agricultural transformation that began in the 1960s, aimed at increasing food production, particularly in developing countries. It introduced high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and modern irrigation techniques to boost crop productivity, primarily of staple crops like wheat, rice, and maize. The Green Revolution helped reduce hunger and increase food security in many countries, including India, which faced severe food shortages before its implementation.

Key features of the Green Revolution include:

• High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): The introduction of genetically improved seeds that produced more grain per plant.
• Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: Intensive use of chemical inputs to enhance crop growth and protect them from pests and diseases.
• Irrigation Expansion: Increased use of irrigation systems to provide consistent water supply, crucial for the success of HYV crops.
• Mechanization: Introduction of tractors, threshers, and harvesters to increase efficiency in farming practices.

 

Monoculture

 

Monoculture agriculture refers to the practice of growing a single crop species or variety over a large area of land and for multiple seasons. This method contrasts with polyculture, where multiple crops are grown together in the same area.

Characteristics of Monoculture Agriculture:

• Single Crop Focus: The land is dedicated to one type of crop, such as wheat, corn, or soybeans.
• Uniformity: The crops are often of the same variety, leading to uniformity in the field.
• Specialized Farming: The farming practices, including planting, harvesting, and pest management, are tailored specifically to the needs of the single crop.

 

Advantages of Monoculture:

• Efficiency: Simplifies planting, maintenance, and harvesting processes, often leading to higher efficiency and productivity.
• Economies of Scale: Allows for specialized equipment and techniques, potentially reducing costs.
• Ease of Management: Simplifies pest and disease management, as strategies can be standardized.

Disadvantages of Monoculture:

• Soil Depletion: Continuous cultivation of the same crop can deplete specific nutrients from the soil, requiring increased use of fertilizers.
• Increased Pest and Disease Risk: Uniformity in crops can lead to the rapid spread of pests and diseases, as they can quickly exploit a single crop species.
• Reduced Biodiversity: Monoculture reduces plant and animal diversity in the farming environment, impacting ecosystem health.
• Environmental Impact: Can lead to soil erosion, reduced soil fertility, and increased use of chemical inputs

 

 

Subject and Subject Wise Notes for the Sunday Exam (Free)

 

Subject	Topic	Description
History	Modern Indian History	Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947
HistoryÂ	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

 

 

UPSC EXAM NOTES will be conducting both Prelims and Mains exams every Sunday as part of the Integrated Mains and Prelims (IMPM) Program. This program provides a comprehensive approach to UPSC exam preparation, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for both stages of the exam. Program Highlights: Daily Study Keys: Each day, we will provide keys that outline what to read, focusing on the most relevant topics and current affairs. Subject Notes: In addition to daily keys, we will supply detailed subject notes to help you build a strong foundation in all necessary areas. Sunday Exams: Every Sunday, a combined exam will be held, encompassing the daily keys' content and subject notes, along with a culmination of current affairs from various sources. These exams will cover both Prelims and Mains syllabi. Format: Exams will be available in both online and offline formats to cater to different preferences and situations. Duration: The IMPM plan is a one-year program, ensuring continuous and structured preparation over 12 months. With regular testing and consistent study guidance, this program is designed to maximize your chances of success in the UPSC exams