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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on December 19, 2024
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For Preliminary Examination: Himalayan ranges, Himalayam rivers
For Mains Examination: GS I - Indian Geography
Context:
Due to rising temperatures, record glacier melting has occurred in 2023 globally, including in Asia, according to the State of the Cryosphere 2024 report
Read about:
Khyber Pass and other trade routes
Impact on the monsoons and climatic patterns in South Asia
Key takeaways:
- The Hindu Kush Mountains are a significant mountain range located in South-Central Asia, forming a crucial part of the Himalayan mountain system. Known for their strategic, ecological, and historical importance, these mountains extend from central Afghanistan into northwestern Pakistan, and connect to the Pamir Knot and the Karakoram Range
- If carbon dioxide emissions continue unabated, global temperatures could rise by 3°C or more above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. This escalation poses a severe threat to the planet’s cryosphere, with profound implications for ecosystems, human livelihoods, and the global economy.
- These alarming trends were highlighted in the State of the Cryosphere 2024 – Lost Ice, Global Damage, a report unveiled at the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22.
- Published annually since 2021 by the International Cryosphere Climatic Initiative, the report assesses the health of the world's cryosphere.
- It reveals that 2023 witnessed unprecedented glacier melting worldwide, including in Asia, with significant impacts on regions like the Indian Himalayan Region. Before delving into the specific impacts of cryosphere loss in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, it is essential to understand the cryosphere's components, significance, and how rising global temperatures are affecting it.
Cryosphere: Components and Significance
- The term "cryosphere" is derived from the Greek word Kryos, meaning "icy cold." It encompasses all frozen water on Earth’s surface, including snow, glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets, sea ice, and permafrost. Permafrost refers to ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years. These elements are predominantly found in polar regions, high latitudes, and mountainous areas.
- The cryosphere plays an integral role in regulating the Earth's climate and hydrological systems. Acting as a vital reservoir of water, it supplies essential resources during periods of low water availability or drought. Snow, with its high albedo effect, reflects over 90% of incoming solar radiation, contributing to global temperature regulation and keeping the planet cooler.
- The glaciers in the HKH region—dubbed the "Third Pole" or the "Water Tower of the Earth"—are crucial for sustaining major river systems like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra.
- These glaciers, formed through the accumulation of snow over centuries, serve as key indicators of climate change. Snow layers preserve historical climate data, such as temperature, air composition, and traces of pollutants, which can be analyzed using ice-core techniques. However, the thawing of permafrost exacerbates global warming by releasing methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Hindu Kush Himalayan Region: Impacts of Cryosphere Loss
- The report emphasizes that 2023 was marked by record glacier melting worldwide, with the HKH region experiencing minimal snowfall during the 2023-2024 winter season. Reduced seasonal snow cover threatens food, water, and energy security across India and the surrounding region.
- The Indian Himalayan Region, encompassing 13 states and Union Territories, is particularly vulnerable to these changes. Even a 2°C rise in global temperatures could lead to a 50% reduction in the ice volume of High Mountain Asian glaciers. At a 1.5°C increase, substantial cryosphere loss in the HKH region is inevitable.
- This loss heightens the risk of catastrophic events like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which have already become more frequent in High Mountain Asia. A recent example is the South Lhonak Lake disaster in Sikkim in October 2023, which caused significant loss of life and infrastructure damage.
- The findings underscore the urgent need for global climate action to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of cryosphere degradation on ecosystems, economies, and human well-being
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following statements regarding the Hindu Kush mountain range is/are correct?
- The Hindu Kush mountain range extends across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Tajikistan.
- The Hindu Kush is the source of major rivers such as the Indus and the Ganges.
- The region is part of the global "Third Pole," known for its significant glaciers.
- The Hindu Kush mountains are primarily located in low-altitude areas, contributing to the rich agricultural lands of the region.
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1 and 2 only
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Answer (a)
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For Preliminary Examination: Eco Sensitive Zone, National Green Tribunal (NGT)
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
The National Green Tribunal urges the environment ministry to finalise a timeline for declaring the Western Ghats as an eco-sensitive zone, addressing concerns over illegal construction and mining in the Brahmagiri hills
Read about:
What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone?
What is the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
Key takeaways:
- The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) decided on Tuesday to take up a case suo motu concerning the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad, which resulted in numerous fatalities.
- The bench, consisting of judicial member Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayanan and expert member K. Satyagopal, instructed the registry to schedule the case.
- They also directed Kerala's standing counsel to gather data on potential trigger points, such as roads, buildings, and existing quarries in and around the impacted villages. “We are deeply concerned,” remarked Justice Pushpa.
- Experts attribute this to human activities and view it as a warning for other states, including Tamil Nadu, which permit unregulated and unscientific constructions in hilly areas without proper risk assessment.
- The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel's 2011 report to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change designated Vythiri, Mananthavady, and Sultan Bathery taluks in Wayanad as part of the ‘Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ)-1’. This classification prohibits land use changes from forest to non-forest uses or from agricultural to non-agricultural use
- This area contains some of the oldest rock formations in the world, dating back 2,500 million years. Frequent flooding occurs in Mananthavady and Vythiri, primarily because 75% of the streams, which are crucial water sources for Panamaram and Mananthavady, have been reclaimed.
- A 2017 soil survey indicated that 70% of the first and second-order streams feeding into three rivers at Panamaram, Mananthavady, and Basavali had been encroached upon.
- Following the 2018 floods, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a survey in Kozhikode, Kannur, and Wayanad. They found that although rain was the main cause of most landslides, the actual trigger was unscientific construction on the hills' slopes
Eco-Sensitive Zones
An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), also known as an Ecologically Fragile Area (EFA), is a designated area around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The primary purpose of declaring ESZs is to create a buffer zone that reduces the impact of human activities on these protected regions. The goal is to conserve biodiversity and protect the environment while allowing for regulated and sustainable development in the surrounding areas.
Key Features of Eco-Sensitive Zones:
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Buffer Zone: ESZs act as a buffer for protected areas to minimize the negative impact of human activities and developmental projects on the core protected zones.
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Regulated Activities: Certain activities are regulated within ESZs to ensure they do not harm the environment. This includes restrictions on industrial activities, mining, construction, and other projects that may negatively impact the ecology.
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Permitted Activities: Sustainable and eco-friendly activities, such as agriculture, horticulture, organic farming, and eco-tourism, are often permitted and encouraged within ESZs.
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Prohibited Activities: Activities that can cause significant environmental damage, such as commercial mining, major hydroelectric projects, and extensive construction, are generally prohibited within ESZs.
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Conservation Goals: ESZs aim to protect the flora and fauna of the region, preserve the natural landscape, and maintain ecological balance.
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Community Involvement: The management of ESZs often involves local communities to ensure sustainable development while protecting the environment. This can include awareness programs, community-based conservation projects, and participation in decision-making processes
Examples of Eco-Sensitive Zones:
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Western Ghats: A significant portion of the Western Ghats has been designated as an ESZ due to its rich biodiversity and the presence of numerous endemic species.
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Sundarbans: The Sundarbans region, known for its unique mangrove forests and Bengal tiger population, is another example of an ESZ.
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Himalayan Region: Several areas in the Himalayan region have been declared ESZs to protect the fragile mountain ecosystems and diverse wildlife.
1.In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass? (UPSC CSE 2012)
(a) Biosphere Reserves
(b) National Parks
(c) Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
(d) Wildlife Sanctuaries
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Answer (b)
In National Parks, local people are not allowed to collect and use biomass. National Parks have stricter regulations compared to other protected areas to ensure the highest level of protection and conservation for wildlife and their habitats.
So, the correct answer is:
(b) National Parks
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Categories of Specialty Steel under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international events
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
Five broad categories of Specialty Steel were identified under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, which are – (i) coated/plated steel products; (ii) high strength/wear resistant steel; (iii) specialty rails; (iv) alloy steel products and steel wires and (v) electrical steel. Selected companies under the PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel have committed to an additional investment of about ₹29,530 crores and an additional direct employment for about 18,000 persons by the end of scheme tenure.
Read about:
What is Production Linked Incentive (PLI)?
Benefits of PLI Scheme
Key takeaways:
- Under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, five key categories of steel were identified: (i) coated or plated steel products, (ii) high-strength or wear-resistant steel, (iii) specialty rails, (iv) alloy steel products and steel wires, and (v) electrical steel.
- Companies selected under this scheme have pledged to invest approximately ₹29,530 crores and create around 18,000 additional direct jobs by the scheme's conclusion.
- The 'Made in India' branding initiative allows domestic steel products to be labeled with a ‘Made in India’ mark and a QR Code that provides detailed product information.
- This pilot rollout has been implemented by major Integrated Steel Plants. The 'Made in India' brand will help consumers access product details via the QR Code, fostering greater confidence in Indian-made steel products.
- Additionally, steel producers can market their products under the 'Brand India' banner internationally, attracting customers who prefer Indian-made steel.
- The Quality Council of India (QCI) facilitated stakeholder consultations to define the Country of Origin and quality criteria for steel and also developed and manages the technology platform for the 'Made in India' label, enabling manufacturers to register on this platform
1.Consider, the following statements : (UPSC 2023)
Statement-I : India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods.
Statement-II : Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
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Answer (d)
Thus, Statement-I is incorrect while Statement-II is correct |
Tracing the evolution of the Indian National Flag
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS I - Modern Indian History
Context:
India is gearing up to celebrate the 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024. On this day, people demonstrate their patriotism by unfurling the national flag on their houses, societies, schools, and other places.
Read about:
What is the Indian Constituent Assembly?
National Flag adoption and rules
Key takeaways:
Early Versions of the Flag
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Calcutta Flag (1906): The earliest version of the Indian flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Calcutta (now Kolkata). Known as the Calcutta Flag or the Vande Mataram Flag, it featured three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red. The green stripe had eight white lotuses, the yellow had the words "Vande Mataram" in Devanagari script, and the red stripe had a crescent and a star.
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Berlin Committee Flag (1907): Another early version, known as the Berlin Committee Flag or the Madam Bhikaji Cama Flag, was hoisted by Indian revolutionaries in Paris in 1907. This flag had green, saffron, and red stripes with the words "Vande Mataram" and symbols such as the crescent, star, and sun.
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Home Rule Movement Flag (1917): During the Home Rule Movement led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, a new flag was introduced. This flag had five red and four green horizontal stripes with seven stars in the shape of the Saptarishi constellation and a Union Jack in the top corner.
Evolution of the Current Flag
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Gandhi's Involvement and Venkayya's Design (1921): Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and scholar, designed a flag that Mahatma Gandhi proposed during a Congress meeting in 1921. The flag initially had two colours—red and green—to represent the two major communities of India. Gandhi suggested adding a white stripe for peace and a spinning wheel (charkha) symbolizing self-reliance. This flag became popular during the freedom movement.
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Swaraj Flag (1931): In 1931, the Indian National Congress officially adopted a tricolour flag as the national flag. This flag had saffron, white, and green stripes with the charkha in the center. The colours represented courage and sacrifice (saffron), peace and truth (white), and faith and chivalry (green).
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Adoption of the Present Flag (1947): As India neared independence, the Constituent Assembly adopted the current design of the national flag on July 22, 1947. The flag retained the saffron, white, and green stripes but replaced the charkha with the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke navy blue wheel at the center. The flag became the official symbol of the Union of India on August 15, 1947.
Post-Independence Modifications
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Amendments to Flag Code: Initially, the flag was made from Khadi, hand-spun cloth promoted by Mahatma Gandhi. Over the years, the Flag Code of India was amended to allow the use of other materials, including polyester, and to permit private citizens to display the flag on non-national days. The most recent amendment in 2021 expanded the types of materials and methods allowed for producing the flag.
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Manufacturing and Protocol: The Bureau of Indian Standards sets the specifications for the flag's size, color, and other details. The Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission oversees the manufacturing rights, with only a few units licensed to produce the national flag.
Symbolism of the Flag
- Saffron: Represents courage and sacrifice.
- White: Symbolizes peace and truth.
- Green: Stands for faith and chivalry.
- Ashoka Chakra: The 24-spoke wheel represents the eternal wheel of law (dharma) and progress
Follow Up Question
1.Consider the following statements regarding the National Flag of India:
- The design of the current Indian national flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on July 22, 1947.
- The original design of the Indian national flag proposed by Pingali Venkayya included the Ashoka Chakra.
- The three colours in the national flag represent courage, peace, and faith.
- The Flag Code of India allows the flag to be made from any material, including polyester.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 3, and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
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Answer (C)
The Flag Code of India, 2002 was amended vide Order dated 30 December, 2021 and National Flag made of polyester or machine made Flag have been allowed. Now, the National Flag shall be made of handspun and handwoven or machine made,cotton/polyester/wool/silk/khadi bunting
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- The study's findings enhance the understanding of factors influencing inappropriate antibiotic access practices across various domains, enabling targeted interventions to combat antibiotic resistance.
- The research also revealed the widespread misuse of antibiotics, such as obtaining them without prescriptions and from unlicensed providers and informal sources.
- It was discovered that non-prescribed antibiotic access was more common among urban residents and those without health insurance. This indicates that concerns about distance, drug availability, and the convenience of public healthcare facilities were significant factors for these individuals.
- Additionally, women and rural residents were more likely to obtain antibiotics from unauthorized sources.
- The study conducted by Dumessa Edessa from Haramaya University, Ethiopia, found that unrestricted antibiotic sales in urban areas allowed for non-prescribed access, whereas in rural areas, unlicensed providers commonly facilitated this practice.
- Among the 1,245 individuals who received antibiotics, the majority were females (61 percent), children under five (30.3 percent), and young adults (29.8 percent). Although official drug suppliers (hospitals, health centers, pharmacies, or drugstores) provided 69 percent of recent antibiotic access, primary clinics (22.2 percent) and kiosks (8 percent) also played significant roles.
- Inappropriate antibiotic access practices occurred in 45.6 percent of cases, with 15.1 percent not prescribed, 21.8 percent from unlicensed providers, and 8.7 percent from informal sellers.
- Inappropriate antibiotic access practices can undermine their effectiveness and lead to bacterial antimicrobial resistance, which has become one of the greatest threats to human health, contributing to an estimated 7.7 million deaths worldwide in 2019
1.Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC 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)
Based on this analysis, the correct options are: 2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases 3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 2 and 3 only |
- In a comprehensive address during today's Rajya Sabha session, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal provided an update on the government's strategies to boost cargo movement via National Waterways (NWs).
- He highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency of India's inland water transport. Notably, under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), which is supported by the World Bank, substantial fairway development is being undertaken. This includes achieving a Least Available Depth (LAD) of up to 3.0 meters on crucial segments of NW-1, with ongoing projects such as Haldia-Barh and Barh-Ghazipur. Efforts are also in progress on NW-97 in the Sunderbans and Indo-Bangladesh protocol routes to ensure year-round navigability.
- Shri Sonowal emphasized the expansion of Ro-Ro/Ro-Pax services across multiple routes and announced the identification and planned development of 26 new National Waterways. This expansion aims to provide alternative transportation options and improve connectivity across different regions of India.
- Digital innovations are also a focus, with the introduction of the CAR-D portal for managing cargo data and the PANI portal for comprehensive asset and navigation information. These platforms are intended to enhance stakeholder collaboration, streamline organizational operations, and promote transparency.
- Recent Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed to advance cargo and cruise services, including collaborations with Assam Tourism for riverine tourism, Bihar’s Department of Tourism for Ro-Pax vessel operations, and Numaligarh Refinery Limited for transporting petroleum products. Additionally, new National Waterways projects are being considered in states such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, as part of a broader effort to strengthen India's inland water transport network.
- Shri Sonowal also detailed significant investments under the Sagarmala Scheme for Tamil Nadu. In the last three years, 22 port-related projects totaling ₹1,225 crore have been sanctioned for port infrastructure, coastal berths, and fishing harbours.
- Furthermore, ₹410 crore has been allocated for four fishing harbour projects, with a focus on skill development and economic growth in coastal districts through inter-ministerial collaboration.
- The Minister confirmed that the government is exploring the possibility of increasing floating jetty projects in Tamil Nadu as part of a wider initiative to enhance coastal infrastructure and connectivity.
- Regarding port expansion and upgrades, Shri Sonowal highlighted notable developments, including the leasing of 500.82 acres of land at V.O. Chidambaram Port to various industries for the development of Green Hydrogen and ammonia plants, reflecting a commitment to sustainable energy and industrial advancement
- The Indian government identifies and designates certain waterways as National Waterways based on their potential for commercial navigation. This designation helps prioritize the development and maintenance of these waterways for enhanced transport efficiency
- Significant development projects are undertaken to improve the navigability of these waterways. This includes dredging, constructing terminals, and developing infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient transport
- Under initiatives like the Jal Marg Vikas Project, efforts are made to develop and maintain National Waterways to achieve specified standards, such as the Least Available Depth (LAD) for safe navigation
- Developing National Waterways can alleviate congestion on roads and railways, reduce transportation costs, and promote environmentally friendly transport options. It also supports regional economic development by improving access to markets
- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and other relevant state agencies manage and oversee the development and operations of these waterways. This includes implementing policies and frameworks to regulate water transport and ensure its safety and efficiency
- Notable examples of National Waterways include NW-1 (the Ganga River), NW-2 (the Brahmaputra River), and NW-97 (the Sunderbans region). Each of these waterways plays a crucial role in regional and national transport
1.Which of the following statements about the Sagarmala Project is/are correct?
- The Sagarmala Project aims to enhance the capacity of ports and promote coastal shipping and inland water transport.
- The project is solely funded by the World Bank and focuses exclusively on the development of container terminals.
- Under the Sagarmala Project, significant investments are made in port connectivity, including the development of roads and rail links.
- The project includes initiatives to develop coastal economic zones and promote coastal tourism.
Options:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 1, 3, and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
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Answer (C)
Therefore, the correct statements are 1, 3, and 4. The correct answer is: C) 1, 3, and 4 only |
| 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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