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| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Glacial Lake Outburst flood(GLOF) and Migrant Workers for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Antibiotics and Artificial Intelligence(AI) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for August 13, 2024 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on August 13, 2024
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
Glacial lakes multiply in Himachal and Tibet, poses threat to lives and infra downstream
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS I - World and Indian Gography
Context:
With glacier sizes rapidly reducing from the impact of changed weather patterns in recent years, there has been a gradual rise of moraine-dammed lakes in Himachal Pradesh and the Trans Himalayan Region of Tibet, posing a potential threat to human life and infrastructure further downstream.
Read about:
What is a glacier lake?
What is a Flash flood?
Key takeaways:
- Due to the rapid reduction in glacier sizes caused by recent changes in weather patterns, moraine-dammed lakes have been gradually increasing in Himachal Pradesh and the Trans Himalayan Region of Tibet, posing potential risks to human lives and infrastructure downstream.
- According to satellite data analyzed in a recent study by the Centre on Climate Change of the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology-Environment (HIMCOSTE), the number of glacial lakes in the Satluj river catchment area has nearly doubled, rising from 562 in 2019 to 1,048 in 2023. This study focused on the catchment area of the Satluj basin, extending from upstream of Jhakri to Mansarover Lake in Tibet, where the river originates.
- Of the 1,048 lakes identified in 2023, 900 are small, each covering less than five hectares. Additionally, 89 lakes span between 5 and 10 hectares, and 59 lakes are larger than 10 hectares each.
- The basin-wise analysis suggests a higher concentration of lakes in the Tibetan Himalayan Region or the Upper Satluj basin compared to the Spiti and Lower Satluj basins.
- This implies that the Upper Satluj basin is more prone to the formation of glacial lakes. The formation of small lakes in the upper region suggests a more significant impact of climate change at higher altitudes, where the average temperature is rising more rapidly than in lower areas.
- The study, which analyzed multi-spectral satellite images, warns that the increase in glacial lakes in Himachal Pradesh’s river basins could lead to catastrophic events downstream if any of these lakes were to burst.
- Sunil Dhar, Dean of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Jammu, emphasized that climate change has adversely affected glaciers across the Himalayan region, leading to a reduction in the cryospheric cover over the terrain.
- This has resulted in the development of high-altitude glacial lakes. Dhar pointed out that the number of such lakes has grown over the years, and they have become unstable due to the increased volume of water or the calving effect of nearby glaciers, leading to avalanches of snow or rocks.
- These lakes pose a potential threat to downstream settlements and infrastructure if they were to burst, depending on the volume of water, velocity, and the spread of the outburst
Read also:
What is a Cloudburst?
Follow Up Question
1.On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion (UPSC 2013)
(a) is found in the atmosphere as moisture and clouds
(b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
(c) exists as groundwater
(d) exists as soil moisture
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Answer (C)
Most of Earth's freshwater is locked away in ice caps, glaciers, and permanent snow, making up about 68.7% of the planet's total freshwater. However, the largest portion of the remaining freshwater, about 30.1%, exists as groundwater. Groundwater is found in aquifers, which are underground layers of water-bearing rock or sediments. This makes it the largest accessible freshwater source for human use, surpassing the amount of freshwater found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
In contrast, only a small fraction of freshwater is found in surface water bodies like rivers and lakes (about 1.2%), and an even smaller amount is present in the atmosphere as moisture and clouds, and as soil moisture. Therefore, groundwater represents the most significant and vital source of freshwater available to meet human, agricultural, and industrial needs
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Saudi’s new law aid migrant workers
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II & III - International law, Economy
Context:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s largest recipients of migrant domestic workers (MDWs), will roll out a new domestic workers law in September. The six GCC states (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain) employ close to 5.5 million migrant domestic workers, and all of them exclude MDWs from labour laws, with only four having passed specific domestic worker laws.
Read about:
Who is an Illegal migrant?
What are some of the features?
Key takeaways:
Who are migrant domestic workers?
Migrant domestic workers are individuals who move from their home country or region to another country or region to work in private households, performing tasks such as cleaning, cooking, childcare, elderly care, and other household duties. These workers often migrate in search of better economic opportunities, higher wages, or improved living conditions.
Here are some key characteristics of migrant domestic workers:
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Work Environment: They typically work within private homes, making their work less visible and often less regulated compared to other types of employment.
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Vulnerability: Migrant domestic workers are often vulnerable to exploitation and abuse due to factors such as language barriers, isolation, lack of legal protections, and dependency on their employers for housing and legal status.
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Legal Status: The legal status of migrant domestic workers varies by country. In some places, they may have formal work permits and legal protections, while in others, they may work without proper documentation, increasing their vulnerability.
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Gender: The majority of migrant domestic workers are women, reflecting traditional gender roles that associate women with domestic and caregiving tasks.
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Economic Importance: Migrant domestic workers play a crucial role in the economies of both their home and host countries. Their remittances support their families back home, and their work enables many households in host countries to manage work-life balance, especially in dual-income families.
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Challenges: They often face challenges such as long working hours, low wages, lack of social protections, and, in some cases, physical or emotional abuse. Legal and social advocacy for the rights and protections of migrant domestic workers is an ongoing issue globally
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Sponsorship Requirement:
- Under the Kafala system, a migrant worker's legal status is tied to a local sponsor, typically their employer, who is responsible for the worker’s visa and legal residency.
- The sponsor has significant control over the worker, including the ability to decide if the worker can change jobs or leave the country.
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Control Over Movement:
- Workers often need their sponsor’s permission to leave the country, known as an "exit permit." This can lead to situations where workers are trapped in the country, unable to return home even in cases of abuse or contract disputes.
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Restrictions on Job Mobility:
- Migrant workers under the Kafala system usually cannot switch jobs without the consent of their sponsor. This lack of mobility makes it difficult for workers to escape exploitative or abusive situations.
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Vulnerability to Abuse:
- The system can create a power imbalance, leading to exploitation such as withholding of wages, excessive working hours, poor living conditions, and even physical or psychological abuse.
- Many workers are also subjected to passport confiscation, limiting their ability to move freely or leave the country.
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Recent Reforms:
- In response to international criticism and pressure, some Gulf countries have introduced reforms to the Kafala system. For example, Qatar abolished the exit permit requirement for most workers and allowed greater job mobility. Saudi Arabia introduced labor reforms in 2021 that allow workers to switch jobs without employer consent, under certain conditions.
- Despite these reforms, the Kafala system still exists in various forms, and issues of worker exploitation remain prevalent.
1.Which of the following statements about the Kafala system is/are correct?
- The Kafala system is a legal framework that ties a migrant worker's legal status to a local sponsor, typically their employer, in several Gulf countries.
- Under the Kafala system, workers can freely change jobs or leave the country without the sponsor’s permission.
- Recent reforms in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia have entirely abolished the Kafala system.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
|
Answer (c)
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- 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
|
Answer (b)
Thus, options 2 and 3 are correct, making (b) 2 and 3 only the right answer |
Transition to AI will augment efficiency of legal system
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II & III - Governance on Artificial Intelligence, Science & Technology
Context:
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud Saturday said the transition to Artificial Intelligence (AI) would augment efficiency without impacting the foundational skills of the legal profession, and emphasised strengthening infrastructure in the courts to deal with pendency in cases
Read about:
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Applications of Artificial Intelligence?
Key takeaways:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines, particularly computer systems. AI involves creating algorithms and models that allow machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning from experience, understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making decisions.
Key Components of AI:
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Machine Learning (ML): A subset of AI where systems improve their performance on a task over time by learning from data without being explicitly programmed. This includes supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.
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Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enables machines to understand, interpret, and respond to human language. NLP is used in applications like chatbots, translation services, and sentiment analysis.
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Computer Vision: Allows machines to interpret and make decisions based on visual inputs like images or videos. This is used in facial recognition, autonomous vehicles, and medical imaging.
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Robotics: Combines AI with physical robots, enabling machines to perform complex tasks such as assembly, surgery, or exploration in environments hazardous to humans.
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Expert Systems: AI programs that mimic the decision-making abilities of a human expert in a specific field, using rules and logic to solve complex problems
Areas Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Healthcare
- Diagnostics and Imaging: AI is used to analyze medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to detect diseases like cancer.
- Personalized Medicine: AI algorithms help in developing personalized treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic makeup and medical history.
- Drug Discovery: AI accelerates the discovery of new drugs by predicting how different compounds will interact with targets in the body.
- Virtual Health Assistants: AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants provide patients with healthcare information and advice.
2. Finance
- Algorithmic Trading: AI systems are used to make high-speed trading decisions in financial markets.
- Fraud Detection: AI helps in identifying suspicious transactions and potential fraud by analyzing patterns in financial data.
- Credit Scoring: AI models assess creditworthiness more accurately by analyzing a broader range of data.
- Personal Finance Management: AI-based apps help individuals manage their finances by analyzing spending patterns and providing recommendations.
3. Manufacturing
- Predictive Maintenance: AI predicts when machinery is likely to fail, allowing for timely maintenance and reducing downtime.
- Quality Control: AI systems inspect products on the assembly line to detect defects.
- Supply Chain Optimization: AI helps in optimizing supply chain processes, from demand forecasting to inventory management.
- Robotics: AI-powered robots are used for automation in manufacturing processes, improving efficiency and precision.
4. Transportation
- Autonomous Vehicles: AI enables the development of self-driving cars by processing data from sensors and making real-time decisions.
- Traffic Management: AI optimizes traffic flow in cities by analyzing real-time data from cameras and sensors.
- Predictive Maintenance: In aviation and other transport industries, AI predicts the maintenance needs of vehicles, enhancing safety.
- Logistics and Route Planning: AI is used to plan the most efficient routes for transportation, reducing fuel consumption and delivery times.
Follow Up Question
1.With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (UPSC CSE 2020)
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
|
Answer (b)
Therefore, options 1, 3, and 4 are correct, making (b) the correct answer |
- The Quick Estimates of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) are published on the 12th of each month (or the preceding working day if the 12th is a holiday), with a six-week delay.
- These estimates are compiled using data from source agencies, which collect the information from the producing factories and establishments.
- According to the IIP revision policy, these initial estimates may be revised in future releases
Key Highlights:
Indices:
-
For June 2024, the Quick Estimates of the IIP, based on the 2011-12 base year, stand at 150.0, up from 143.9 in June 2023.
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The indices for the Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity sectors for June 2024 are 134.9, 145.3, and 222.8, respectively.
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Under the Use-based classification, the indices for June 2024 are 156.0 for Primary Goods, 110.0 for Capital Goods, 159.0 for Intermediate Goods, and 178.4 for Infrastructure/Construction Goods.
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The indices for Consumer Durables and Consumer Non-durables are 126.9 and 144.6, respectively, for the same month.
- The IIP growth rate for June 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year is 4.2%, up from 4.0% in June 2023.
- The growth rates for the Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity sectors for June 2024 over June 2023 are 10.3%, 2.6%, and 8.6%, respectively.
- Within Manufacturing, the top three contributors to the IIP growth in June 2024 are "Manufacture of basic metals" (4.9%), "Manufacture of electrical equipment" (28.4%), and "Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers" (4.1%).
- The Use-based classification shows growth rates of 6.3% in Primary Goods, 2.4% in Capital Goods, 3.1% in Intermediate Goods, 4.4% in Infrastructure/Construction Goods, 8.6% in Consumer Durables, and a decline of 1.4% in Consumer Non-durables in June 2024 compared to June 2023.
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Answer (C)
The Eight Core Industries in India, which have a combined weight of 37.90% in the overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP), include:
Textiles is not among the Eight Core Industries, so the correct options are 1 (Cement), 2 (Fertilizers), 3 (Natural Gas), and 4 (Refinery Products). Hence, option C is the correct answer |
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Indian Constitution | Non Constitutional bodies |
| History | Ancient History | Prehistoric times |
| Economy | NCERT Class 9 | Poverty as a Challenge |
| Geography | NCERT Class 9 | India Size and Location |
|
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