INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Asteroids and Banni grasslands for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Chandrayan-3 important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for August 21, 2024 |
🚨 UPSC EXAM NOTES presents the July edition of our comprehensive monthly guide. Access it to enhance your preparation. We value your input - share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section or via email at Support@upscexamnotes.com 🚨
Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on August 21, 2024
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
How the Banni grasslands of Kachchh, Gujarat can be restored
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & ecology
Context:
The Kachchh district in Gujarat houses one of the largest tracts of grasslands in the country. In a new study, researchers have assessed the suitability of different areas of Banni for sustainable grassland restoration, considering ecological value to be the primary criterion
Read about:
What are Banni grasslands?
Significance of banni grasslands
Key takeaways:
- Expanding grasslands in the "moderately suitable" zone should not pose significant challenges. In the "marginally suitable" and "not suitable" zones, effective management can be achieved through methods like terracing, adding fertilizers, and safeguarding against issues such as excessive water run-off, erosion, and salt intrusion, according to the researchers.
- This study could offer the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and policymakers a strong basis for developing policies focused on the protection and restoration of degraded grasslands.
- While some regional studies have been done, they often relied on single vegetation indicators like net primary productivity (NPP) and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), without considering soil characteristics.
- The study was carried out in the Banni grassland area, where researchers gathered soil samples from 45 locations and data for geomorphological analysis.
- The data on slope, land use, and land cover was provided by the U.S. Sentinel 2 satellite and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER)
More Information
The Banni grasslands are a unique ecosystem located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. Covering an area of about 3,847 square kilometers, they are one of the largest tropical grasslands in Asia. The Banni region is known for its semi-arid environment and distinct landscape, which is a mix of grasslands, shrublands, and seasonal wetlands.
Here's all you should know about banni grasslands:
- The Banni grasslands are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including several species of grasses, shrubs, and trees. They also support a wide range of wildlife, including migratory birds, reptiles, and mammals, such as the Indian gazelle (chinkara), wild boars, and desert foxes
- The Banni grasslands are inhabited by pastoral communities, primarily the Maldhari people, who practice traditional livestock rearing. The region is known for its indigenous breeds of cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. The Banni buffalo, in particular, is a famous breed known for its high milk yield
- Over the years, the Banni grasslands have faced significant ecological challenges, including the spread of the invasive Prosopis juliflora (commonly known as mesquite), soil salinity, and water scarcity. These factors have contributed to the degradation of the grassland ecosystem
- Various efforts have been made to conserve and restore the Banni grasslands, including initiatives to manage invasive species, promote sustainable grazing practices, and protect the area's biodiversity. Research and policies are being developed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the grasslands
- The Banni region is situated near the Great Rann of Kutch, a large salt marsh, and has a unique geomorphology characterized by low-lying, saline, and marshy lands. The area experiences extreme climate conditions, with high temperatures in summer and occasional flooding during the monsoon season
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Banni grasslands in India?
- The Banni grasslands are located in the state of Rajasthan.
- Banni grasslands are known for their rich biodiversity and are home to the Banni buffalo breed.
- The spread of the invasive species Prosopis juliflora has contributed to the degradation of the Banni grasslands.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
|
Answer (b)
|
-
Transmission: HIV is primarily transmitted through:
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
- Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV.
- Blood transfusions with contaminated blood (though this is rare in places with rigorous screening).
- From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
-
Stages of HIV Infection:
- Acute HIV Infection: This is the initial stage, occurring 2-4 weeks after exposure, and is characterized by flu-like symptoms. The virus multiplies rapidly, and the person is highly contagious.
- Chronic HIV Infection (Clinical Latency Stage): During this stage, HIV continues to reproduce at low levels but might not cause symptoms. Without treatment, this stage can last for several years.
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): This is the most severe stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged, and the person becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection.
- A newly developed drug delivery method could be beneficial for patients with asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung diseases, HIV, cancer, or those who have been on corticosteroids for extended periods.
- Nanoparticles show great promise for controlled and effective drug release, with polymeric nanoparticles representing the most advanced drug delivery technique. Currently used azole drugs target fungal membranes to neutralize fungi, but the growing resistance to these antifungal drugs highlights the need for improved drug delivery methods to enhance treatment effectiveness.
- A team of scientists from the Agharkar Research Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), utilized a chitin synthesis inhibitor, Nikkomycin, produced by the bacterium Streptomyces spp., to create Nikkomycin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles. Chitin, a primary component of fungal cell walls, is absent in humans.
- The drug-loaded nanoparticles were effective in disrupting the growth of Aspergillus species and treating Aspergillosis, an infection caused by fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. The developed nanoformulation was free from cytotoxic and hemolytic effects.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?
- HIV primarily targets and destroys CD4 cells, which are crucial for the immune system's defense against infections.
- HIV can be completely cured with antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- The virus is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
|
Answer (b)
|
Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Building on the success and lessons learned from Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 aims to further India's presence in lunar exploration by attempting a soft landing on the Moon's surface.
Key Objectives:
-
Soft Landing: The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to achieve a successful soft landing on the Moon's surface. This is a critical goal following the partial success of Chandrayaan-2, where the orbiter functioned well, but the Vikram lander failed to achieve a soft landing.
-
Lunar Exploration: Chandrayaan-3 aims to conduct scientific experiments on the lunar surface, focusing on the composition, topography, and seismic activity of the Moon, especially near the south pole, a region of high interest due to its potential for containing water ice.
-
Technological Demonstration: The mission is also a demonstration of India's growing space technology capabilities, particularly in the areas of landing and surface mobility.
Components of Chandrayaan-3:
-
Lander Module: The Chandrayaan-3 lander is designed to safely reach the Moon's surface. Unlike Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 does not include an orbiter; it relies on the orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 for communications.
-
Rover: The lander carries a rover designed to move on the lunar surface and conduct scientific experiments. The rover will analyze the lunar soil and rocks, providing valuable data about the Moon's composition.
-
Propulsion Module: This module carries the lander and rover to lunar orbit and is equipped with scientific instruments to study the Earth-Moon system.
Launch and Timeline:
- Launch Date: Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14, 2023, using the GSLV Mk III-M1 (LVM-3) rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
- Landing Date: The mission successfully soft-landed on the Moon on August 23, 2023, making India the fourth country to achieve this feat, after the USA, Russia, and China, and the first to land near the lunar south pole.
Scientific and Strategic Importance:
- Lunar South Pole Exploration: Chandrayaan-3's focus on the south pole is significant due to the possibility of water ice, which could be crucial for future lunar habitation and as a resource for deep space missions.
- Global Positioning: Success in this mission strengthens India's position as a major player in global space exploration and opens up opportunities for international collaboration
|
Answer (C)
"Bhuvan" is a geoportal developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that provides satellite imagery and allows users to explore 3D visualizations of Indian terrain. It serves as an Indian alternative to platforms like Google Earth, offering a variety of tools for mapping, visualization, and analysis of geospatial data
|
- From April 1 to June 20 of this year, Himachal Pradesh experienced 28 heatwave days, the highest number ever recorded for this three-month period. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla reached its peak temperature of 30.6°C in mid-June, while Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Neri all saw temperatures exceed 40°C during May and June.
- The heatwave's effects on the already vulnerable mountain state have been severe, impacting tourism and leading to widespread forest fires. Over these three months, more than 2,700 forest fires were reported, the highest since 2007, according to the state's Forest Protection and Fire Control division.
- These fires destroyed approximately 23,000 hectares. This situation comes as the state continues to recover from a warm and dry winter that caused water shortages and poor horticultural yields.
- While 2024 may have set new temperature records, heatwaves in Himachal Pradesh have been increasingly frequent over the past four decades.
- The IMD defines a heatwave as a period where maximum temperatures exceed 4.5-6.4°C above normal or exceed 45°C. A severe heatwave is when temperatures are more than 6.4°C above normal or exceed 47°C.
- From 1984 to 2023, Himachal Pradesh experienced 669 heatwaves. February had the highest number with 110 heatwaves, followed by January with 106 and March with 105.
- In contrast, September had the fewest heatwaves (5), with November (10) and August (11) also having relatively low numbers.
- Except for June-August, all other months showed an increasing trend in heatwave occurrences, suggesting that winter temperatures are rising faster than summer temperatures.
- Additionally, minimum temperatures are rising at a faster rate than maximum temperatures. Severe heatwaves followed a similar pattern, with February experiencing 46 severe heatwaves, March 36, and January 26. Severe heatwaves were also recorded in April, May, June, and December, but not in August-November.
Causes:
- Atmospheric Conditions: High-pressure systems can trap warm air over a region, leading to prolonged high temperatures.
- Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities can experience higher temperatures due to the concentration of buildings, concrete, and other materials that absorb and retain heat.
- Climate Change: Rising global temperatures due to climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves
Impacts:
- Health: Heatwaves can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, children, and those with chronic health issues.
- Agriculture: Extreme heat can damage crops, reduce yields, and affect livestock health.
- Infrastructure: Prolonged high temperatures can strain energy systems, leading to power outages, and can damage infrastructure such as roads and railways.
- Environment: Heatwaves can increase the risk of wildfires, affect water supply and quality, and disrupt ecosystems.
Management and Mitigation:
- Early Warning Systems: Providing timely information and forecasts can help communities prepare and take preventive measures.
- Health Precautions: Measures include staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat, and seeking medical care if experiencing heat-related symptoms.
- Urban Planning: Incorporating green spaces and improving building materials to reduce heat absorption can help mitigate urban heat effects.
- Emergency Responses: Establishing cooling centers and public health advisories during extreme heat events can protect vulnerable populations.
|
1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available.
2. India cannot invest huge funds in research and development.
3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
|
Answer (a)
|
How an asteroid from beyond Jupiter ended the age of dinosaurs
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & technology
Context:
For nearly 180 million years, dinosaurs ruled planet Earth until their sudden demise some 66 million years ago during what scientists call the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.
Read about:
What is an Asteroid?
What are differences between satellites and asteroids?
Key takeaways:
- For approximately 180 million years, dinosaurs dominated Earth until their abrupt extinction around 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event. This catastrophic event led to the extinction of all non-avian dinosaurs and resulted in the loss of about 75% of the planet's plant and animal species.
- In 1980, scientists Luis and Walter Alvarez proposed that a massive asteroid, roughly 10-15 km in diameter, was responsible for this extinction. This theory gained support with the discovery of the Chicxulub crater, measuring 180 km in diameter, in the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula in the early 1990s.
- A recent study published on August 15 in the journal Science examined geochemical evidence from the impact site, revealing that the asteroid originated beyond Jupiter's orbit. This finding implies that the mass extinction might have resulted from a series of events that began with the early formation of the Solar System.
- The study, led by geochemist Mario Fischer-Gödde from the University of Cologne, analyzed samples from three locations at the Chicxulub crater and compared them with rocks from eight other asteroid impact sites dating back 3.5 billion years.
- The Solar System began forming around 4.6 billion years ago from a dense cloud of gas and dust, which eventually collapsed to form the celestial bodies we know today. During this formation, the high temperatures in the inner regions of the molecular cloud prevented volatile chemicals from condensing, leading to the formation of asteroids rich in silicate minerals, which make up 90% of Earth’s crust.
- Conversely, asteroids formed further out contained more carbon and volatile chemicals.
More Information
| Aspect | Asteroid | Satelite |
| Definition | Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun. They are remnants from the early solar system that did not form into planets | Satellites are natural or artificial objects that orbit around planets, dwarf planets, or other celestial bodies. Natural satellites are commonly known as moons |
| Orbit | Asteroids primarily orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Some, known as Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs), have orbits that bring them close to Earth | Satellites orbit planets or other celestial bodies rather than the Sun. Their orbits are influenced by the gravitational pull of the body they orbit |
| Composition | Asteroids are composed of rock, metal, and sometimes organic compounds. Their composition can vary widely, leading to different types such as C-type (carbonaceous), S-type (silicaceous), and M-type (metallic) | Natural satellites vary in composition depending on their parent planet. They can be rocky (like Earth’s Moon), icy (like Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons), or a mix of rock and ice (like Titan, Saturn’s moon) |
| Size and Shape | Asteroids range in size from small boulders to objects hundreds of kilometers in diameter. They often have irregular shapes due to their small size and insufficient gravity to form spherical shapes | Natural satellites range in size from small moonlets to large bodies like Ganymede, which is larger than the planet Mercury. Many larger moons are spherical due to their sufficient gravitational force, while smaller moons often have irregular shapes |
| Examples | Notable asteroids include Ceres (the largest and classified as a dwarf planet), Vesta, Bennu, and Ryugu. | Notable natural satellites include Earth’s Moon, Jupiter’s moons (e.g., Ganymede, Io, Europa, Callisto), Saturn’s moons (e.g., Titan, Enceladus), and Mars’ moons (Phobos and Deimos) |
Follow Up Question
|
Answer (C)
The THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) mission, managed by NASA, is designed to investigate the phenomena related to the auroras, or the colorful displays of high-latitude skies. Specifically, it aims to understand the dynamics and mechanisms of the Earth's magnetosphere and how it interacts with solar wind to create auroras. This mission focuses on studying the auroral displays and their relationship to geomagnetic storms and substorms
|
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | National Movements between 1919 to 1939 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Governor generals of India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Doctrine of Lapse |
| History | Modern Indian History | Religious reform Movements |
|
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:
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 |