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26-Dec-2024
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INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) KEY (26/12/2024)

INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY

 
 
 
Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Tsunami for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Science& Technology Agreement and Cooperative Societies and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for December 26, 2024

 

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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on December 26, 2024

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

 

How the 2004 Indian Ocean quake transformed tsunami science?

For Preliminary Examination: Earthquakes, tsunamis

For Mains Examination: GS I & III - World Geography, Disaster Management

Context:

The transoceanic reach of the 2004 tsunami was a big surprise. With no recorded history of any event of such magnitude, researchers had not anticipated it occurring along India’s eastern seaboard. But in the two decades since, their understanding of tsunamis has leapt forward

 

Read about:

Disaster Management Act

Plate tectonic theory

 

Key takeaways:

 

  • The early 21st century witnessed two catastrophic seismic events that reshaped our understanding of tsunamis. The most recent occurred on March 11, 2011, when Japan experienced its most powerful recorded earthquake, measuring 9.1 in magnitude.
  • This event generated massive waves reaching heights of 39 meters and penetrating 8 kilometers inland, resulting in over 18,000 fatalities, forcing half a million people from their homes, and triggering the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
  • While major tsunamis had struck before, including those in Chile (1960) and Alaska (1964), the events of the 21st century provided crucial insights into disaster management.
  • The 2004 tsunami particularly exposed global vulnerabilities to natural disasters, striking unexpectedly in unprecedented locations. This prompted UN disaster risk reduction chief Margareta Wahlström to note the significant progress in global safety measures implemented in the subsequent decade.
  • The 2004 event caught the scientific community off guard, especially along India's eastern coast, where historical records only documented minor tsunamis in 1881 near Car Nicobar and 1883 following the Krakatoa eruption.
  • This knowledge gap spurred remarkable advances in tsunami science and earthquake monitoring capabilities. A notable development was India's establishment of the ITEWC in 2007, operating from INCOIS in Hyderabad.
  • This sophisticated system integrates seismological stations, pressure recorders, and tidal monitoring across the Indian Ocean, enabling rapid tsunami detection and warning dissemination within 10 minutes of an event.
  • This achievement placed India among select nations with advanced tsunami warning capabilities, alongside the U.S., Japan, Chile, and Australia.
  • The disaster catalyzed new research directions in tsunami geology, building on Brian Atwater's pioneering work. Scientists discovered evidence of historical tsunamis by studying land elevation changes and mangrove patterns in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • Research at Mahabalipuram revealed the first Indian-documented evidence of a pre-2004 tsunami. These investigations led to improved understanding of tsunami deposits and enhanced GPS and seismic monitoring systems across the region.
  • The event highlighted vulnerabilities in coastal nuclear installations. While the Kalpakkam facility weathered the 2004 tsunami, the 2011 Fukushima disaster demonstrated the potential consequences of inadequate safety measures, with radioactive contamination entering the food chain.
  • This raises concerns about ongoing development projects in Great Car Nicobar and potential risks from unexamined seismic zones between Myanmar and India.
  • Additional areas requiring attention include the Makran Coast and Myanmar coastline, both capable of generating significant tsunamis. The Makran Coast poses particular risks to India's western regions, including Mumbai and its nuclear facilities.
  • Recent scientific advances have enhanced our understanding of tectonic processes, including the discovery of slow slips and their relationship to major earthquakes.
  • Research has identified potential precursor signals, such as the documented ground movement in South Andaman before the 2004 event.
  • The Andaman-Sumatra earthquake has become a cornerstone in modern seismological research, providing valuable data for understanding earthquake mechanisms and associated hazards.
  • This catastrophic event ultimately transformed into a catalyst for scientific advancement, significantly improving our comprehension of seismic events and tsunami formation while highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and preparation

 

National Disaster Management Act (NDMA)

 

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is an agency established by the Government of India to coordinate and manage disaster response and preparedness at the national level. The NDMA's primary objectives are to formulate policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management and ensure their effective implementation.
 
Key aspects of NDMA include:
  • NDMA develops national policies and guidelines for disaster management to strengthen the country's ability to respond to and mitigate the effects of disasters
  • It coordinates between various government departments, agencies, and stakeholders involved in disaster management, ensuring a cohesive approach to disaster response and recovery
  • NDMA oversees the implementation of disaster management plans and provides technical assistance and guidance to state and district authorities
  • It focuses on building the capacity of institutions and individuals through training, simulations, and public awareness programs
  • NDMA supports research on disaster management practices and technologies to improve preparedness and response strategies
  • During a disaster, NDMA plays a key role in mobilizing resources, providing strategic direction, and coordinating relief efforts
 
Follow Up Question
 
1.Select the correct statement about Sendai Framework. (MPSC 2019)
(a) This framework was passed by United Nations Organisation's conference at Sendai (Japan) on 18th March 2015.
(b) This framework is regarding measures for Disaster Risk Reduction.
(c) This is an onward step of the Hyogo Framework about disaster management.
(d) The provisions in this framework are binding on member countries.
A. (a), (b) statements are correct.
B. (b), (c) statements are correct.
C. (a), (b), (c) statements are correct.
D. All of the above statements are correct.
 
Answer (c)
 

Statement (a): "This framework was passed by United Nations Organisation's conference at Sendai (Japan) on 18th March 2015."

  • This is CORRECT. The Sendai Framework was indeed adopted at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, on March 18, 2015.

Statement (b): "This framework is regarding measures for Disaster Risk Reduction."

  • This is CORRECT. The Sendai Framework is specifically focused on disaster risk reduction and is officially called the "Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030."

Statement (c): "This is an onward step of the Hyogo Framework about disaster management."

  • This is CORRECT. The Sendai Framework is the successor instrument to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015.

Statement (d): "The provisions in this framework are binding on member countries."

  • This is INCORRECT. The Sendai Framework is a voluntary, non-binding agreement.
 
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination: Semiconductor Industry, Science & technology
 
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
 
Context:
On December 13, China and the U.S. agreed to extend their Agreement on Co-operation in Science and Technology for an additional five years, effective from August 27, 2024, and also signed a protocol to amend it. Observers have welcomed the development as an affirmation of science and technology cooperation between the two major powers
 
Read about:
 
Significance of Science & technology agreement
 
Semiconductor Chip
 
Key takeaways:
 
  • On December 13, 2024, the U.S. and China extended their science and technology cooperation agreement for five years, also introducing amendments. This renewal signifies the continued importance of scientific collaboration between these major powers.
  • Initiated in 1979, the agreement has been renewed periodically and expanded in scope. It's overseen by a joint commission with designated co-chairs and executive agencies from both countries. Numerous sub-agreements cover diverse areas, from agriculture to nuclear fusion.
  • Bilateral science and technology agreements foster cooperation beyond government institutions, facilitating joint research, researcher exchange, and institutional partnerships.
  • While such agreements are common, their success hinges on both countries' commitment and capacity to actively pursue collaborative endeavors. The U.S.-China agreement stands out as a particularly impactful example.
  • The renewed agreement reflects growing U.S. concerns about China's technological advancement and intellectual property rights.
  • To address these concerns, the amended agreement limits collaboration to intergovernmental basic research within specific areas of mutual benefit, excluding cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
  • Despite these limitations, the U.S. recognizes the agreement's value. It allows for continued dialogue and cooperation, enabling the U.S. to influence China's scientific trajectory while maintaining a degree of leverage.
  • Moreover, the agreement has significantly benefited the U.S., contributing to advancements in various scientific fields and fostering educational exchanges.
  • This agreement underscores the crucial role of capacity-building and sustained R&D investment in maximizing the benefits of international scientific collaborations. It highlights how such agreements can catalyze transformative change, even as they navigate complex geopolitical realities.
 
Follow Up Question
 
1.A semiconductor differs from a conductor in that it has (UPSC IES 2016)
A. Only one path for the free electrons in the valence band
B. Only one path for holes in the conduction band
C. Two paths followed by free electrons and holes, one an ordinary path in the conduction band and the other one an extraordinary path in the valence band, respectively
D. Two paths followed by free electrons and holes, one an extraordinary path in the conduction band and the other one an ordinary path in the valence band, respectively
 
Answer (C)
 
  • First, let's recall the key differences between semiconductors and conductors:
    • In conductors, electrons in the conduction band are the primary charge carriers
    • In semiconductors, both electrons in the conduction band AND holes in the valence band contribute to conduction
  • In semiconductors:
    • Electrons move in the conduction band
    • Holes move in the valence band
    • Both contribute to current flow
  • Looking at the options:
    • Option A & B mention only one path each, which is incorrect as semiconductors have two paths
    • Option C & D both mention two paths, which is correct conceptually
  • The crucial difference:
    • In semiconductors, electrons follow the "ordinary" path in the conduction band
    • Holes follow the "extraordinary" path in the valence band
  • Checking against option D: It states the opposite - claiming "extraordinary" path for electrons and "ordinary" path for holes, which is incorrect
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international importance
 
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
 
Context:
 
Since its inception on 6th July 2021, it is endevaour of Ministry of Cooperation to encourage states/UTs & cooperative societies to submit their proposals including those related to tax, which are not in parity with the benefits available to other business entities. In this regard, a memorandum dated 25.11.2024 from Minister of Cooperation, Tamil Nadu was received seeking, inter-alia, GST exemption for cooperative products and services of the cooperative societies
 
Read about:
 
Cooperative Societies
 
Cooperative Societies Act
 
Key takeaways:
 
Cooperative Societies are organizations formed by a group of individuals with similar economic interests, who come together voluntarily to meet their common needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. These societies aim to promote mutual help, democratic decision-making, and collective well-being among their members.
 

Types of Cooperative Societies:

  • Consumer Cooperatives: These cooperatives are formed by consumers who join together to purchase goods in bulk, usually at lower prices, and distribute them among themselves. Examples include grocery cooperatives or retail stores.

  • Producer Cooperatives: These are formed by producers who collaborate to produce goods or services and benefit from economies of scale. Examples include agricultural cooperatives where farmers pool resources to buy seeds or machinery.

  • Credit Cooperatives: Also known as cooperative banks, these institutions are formed by individuals who deposit money and provide loans to members at affordable interest rates. They are an important source of financial support for members.

  • Housing Cooperatives: These cooperatives help members build or buy houses by pooling resources together. The society manages the construction or purchase of homes and provides affordable housing to its members.

  • Worker Cooperatives: In this type, workers own and manage the business themselves. They share in the profits and make decisions collectively regarding the running of the business.

  • Agricultural Cooperatives: These cooperatives are formed by farmers to improve their farming practices, collectively buy inputs (like seeds and fertilizers), and sell their produce in the market.

  • Marketing Cooperatives: These cooperatives help farmers and producers sell their goods by marketing them collectively, ensuring better prices and reducing the reliance on middlemen

Since its inception on 6th July 2021, it is endevaour of Ministry of Cooperation to encourage states/UTs & cooperative societies to submit their proposals including those related to tax, which are not in parity with the benefits available to other business entities. In this regard, a memorandum dated 25.11.2024 from Minister of Cooperation, Tamil Nadu was received seeking, inter-alia, GST exemption for cooperative products and services of the cooperative societies. The proposal related to GST are examined by GST Council (a constitutional body). Recently the GST on molasses was reduced from 28% to 5% which will benefit Cooperative Sugar Mills

Legal Framework in India:

  • The Cooperative Societies Act, 1912: Initially, the cooperative movement in India was governed by this Act, which laid down the rules for the formation and registration of cooperatives.

  • The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002: This Act regulates cooperatives that operate in more than one state.

  • The Constitution of India: The cooperative movement was included under the Directive Principles of State Policy in Article 43B, which calls for promoting the establishment and development of cooperative societies.
 
 
Follow Up Question
 

1.Which of the following statements about Cooperative Societies in India are correct?

  1. Cooperative societies are voluntary associations formed to promote the welfare of their members.
  2. The primary objective of cooperative societies is to maximize profits for their members.
  3. Cooperative societies in India are regulated by the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and the state-specific cooperative laws.
  4. The Constitution of India recognizes the importance of cooperative societies under the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 3, and 4 only
(b) 2, 3, and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 2 only

Answer (a)
 
  1. "Cooperative societies are voluntary associations formed to promote the welfare of their members."
    • This statement is CORRECT. Cooperative societies are indeed voluntary organizations where members come together with a common economic and social interest.
  2. "The primary objective of cooperative societies is to maximize profits for their members."
    • This statement is INCORRECT. While cooperatives can generate economic benefits, their primary objective is not profit maximization but to provide services and support to their members' economic and social needs.
  3. "Cooperative societies in India are regulated by the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and the state-specific cooperative laws."
    • This statement is CORRECT. There are two levels of regulation for cooperative societies in India - the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 for multi-state cooperatives, and individual state-specific cooperative laws.
  4. "The Constitution of India recognizes the importance of cooperative societies under the Directive Principles of State Policy."
    • This statement is CORRECT. Article 43B in Part IV of the Constitution specifically mentions the state's duty to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, professional management, and democratic control of cooperative societies.

Looking at these evaluations, the statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
 
 
 
For Prelims Examination: Carbon Markets, Carbon Credits
 
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
 
Context:
COP29, the ongoing climate conference in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, has given a fillip to the idea of using carbon markets to curb carbon emissions by approving standards that can help in the setting up of an international carbon market as soon as the coming year
 
Read about:
 
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
 
Carbon Markets
 
Key takeaways:
 

What is a Carbon Market?

  • A carbon market is a system that allows the buying and selling of carbon emission rights. If a government wishes to limit the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, it can issue carbon credits.
  • These credits permit the holder to emit a specific amount of carbon, with one carbon credit representing 1,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide. By controlling the number of carbon credits issued, governments can regulate the total emissions.
  • Importantly, anyone without carbon credits cannot emit carbon. Carbon credits were first introduced in the 1990s in the U.S. through a cap-and-trade model to manage sulfur dioxide emissions.
  • Entities that have carbon credits but do not need them can sell them to others who require them. The price of these credits is determined by market dynamics—supply and demand.
  • A carbon market may also involve trading carbon offsets, where companies that pollute the environment buy offsets from environmental groups that plant trees to absorb a certain amount of carbon.

Benefits of Carbon Markets

  • Carbon emissions are a prime example of an externality, an economic term where the costs of an activity aren't reflected in the market price due to poorly defined property rights.
  • For instance, a business pays for the raw materials it uses, but it doesn't pay for the carbon it emits into the atmosphere. This leads to pollution without financial consequences for the company.
  • Carbon markets address this issue by attaching a cost to pollution, incentivizing companies to reduce their emissions.
  • Advancements in standardizing carbon accounting and technology have improved corporations' ability to track and report emissions.
  • However, small businesses, especially in developing countries, still face challenges, such as capturing supply chain emissions. Although many corporations prefer voluntary reporting systems like the Carbon Disclosure Project, they resist government-imposed emission limits, fearing restrictions on production or increased costs.
  • Large multinational companies like ExxonMobil and General Motors advocate for carbon markets, where carbon credits can be traded freely, arguing that market-driven pricing results in a more efficient allocation of credits.

Challenges in Carbon Markets

  • Even with a functioning carbon market, governments that are not committed to reducing emissions may increase the supply of carbon credits, lowering the cost of pollution rights, and thereby reducing the impact of the system.
  • Alternatively, governments may strictly limit the supply of credits but allow firms to circumvent the rules by emitting carbon illegally.
  • The effectiveness of carbon offsets depends on the motivation of business owners to genuinely address carbon emissions, with some critics suggesting that firms often purchase offsets to enhance their public image rather than to make a real environmental impact.
  • Other critics question how governments can determine the optimal number of carbon credits.
  • They argue that politicians, who do not personally suffer economic consequences from emission reductions, may not make decisions that benefit the environment in the long run
 
Follow Up Question
 
1.Which of the following statements best describes the term 'Social Cost of Carbon'? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the  (UPSC 2020)
A. long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emission in a given year.
B. requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels.
C. efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place.
D. contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.
 
Answer (A)
 

The Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) refers to the monetary value of the long-term damage caused by the emission of one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) in a given year. It is a metric used to estimate the economic impact of CO2 emissions on climate change, including the costs related to damage to human health, agriculture, property, and ecosystems due to rising temperatures and climate impacts. This value helps inform climate policy and the setting of carbon taxes or emissions reduction targets.

  • Option B refers to the requirement of fossil fuels, which is not related to the concept of social cost of carbon.
  • Option C refers to efforts by climate refugees, which is an unrelated concept.
  • Option D refers to an individual's carbon footprint, which is a different concept than the social cost of carbon
 
 

In poll-bound Maharashtra, securing a job has got harder

For Preliminary Examination:  Unemployment, Periodic Labour Force Survey, MGNREGA

For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy

 

Context:

Shivam Rangire, 24, is among the almost 20,000 candidates who turned up on July 16 at Air India Airport Services Ltd.’s (AIASL’s) gate at Andheri in Mumbai for a walk-in interview being held to fill 2,216 vacancies for the post of handymen. The overcrowding could have led to a stampede.

 

Read about:

What is Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?

Unemployment and its types

 

Key takeaways:

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is an initiative by the Government of India, conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Launched in 2017, the PLFS aims to provide comprehensive data on the employment and unemployment scenario in the country. It collects key information related to labor force participation, unemployment rates, and various employment characteristics in both rural and urban areas.

Key Objectives:

  • Timely and Reliable Employment Data: To generate estimates on the various labor force indicators, such as employment, unemployment, labor force participation, and worker-population ratios.

  • Assess the Informal Sector: To provide data on workers engaged in the informal economy and unorganized sector.

  • Urban and Rural Focus: To measure employment trends in both rural and urban regions, capturing the changing patterns of labor force participation.

  • Identify Unemployment Trends: To identify the nature and extent of unemployment, such as those who are unemployed but seeking work or those available for work but not actively seeking employment.

  • Measure Wage Data: To capture wage levels, earnings, and employment characteristics, which can help in policy formulation.

Key Indicators in the PLFS:

  • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): The percentage of the population that is either employed or actively seeking employment.

  • Worker Population Ratio (WPR): The proportion of the population that is currently working.

  • Unemployment Rate (UR): The percentage of the labor force that is unemployed but actively seeking work.

  • Sectoral Employment: The survey provides details about employment in different sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services.

  • Formal vs Informal Employment: It provides insights into the levels of formal (with social security benefits) and informal employment across the country

Statistics

  • The 2023-24 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data presents a slightly less favorable picture of Maharashtra compared to the national average. While India's labor force and workforce participation rates both rose by approximately 2 percentage points, Maharashtra experienced a slight decline in these metrics compared to 2022-23.
  • The labor force participation rate represents the percentage of people either employed or seeking employment.
  • According to the 2023-24 PLFS, urban unemployment in Maharashtra stands at 5.2%, up from 4.6% the previous year. In terms of the overall unemployment rate, Maharashtra recorded 3.3% for 2023-24, closely aligning with the national average of 3.2% for the same period.
  • National trends indicate a rise in agricultural employment alongside a decline in manufacturing jobs, which won't necessarily appear as a decrease in employment numbers.
  • This contrast becomes clearer when examining the India Unemployment Report 2023 from the ILO, which noted that unemployment among the educated in Maharashtra was 15% in 2022, up from 11% a decade ago. In contrast, PLFS data for 2023-24 reported unemployment for those educated above the secondary level at 5.9%, down slightly from 6.1% the previous year.
  • It's important to note that the PLFS provides data across all working-age groups, while the ILO focuses on the 15-29 age group. Regardless of education level, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) offers up to 100 days of employment annually.
  • Maharashtra's Economic Survey 2023-24 reported that the number of households provided jobs under MGNREGA rose to 24.5 lakh in 2023-24, up from 20.4 lakh in 2021-22, reflecting increasing rural distress.

 

Follow Up Question

1.Which of the following statements about the employment situation in India according to the periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 is/are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2020)
1. Construction sector gave employment to nearly one-tenth of the urban male workforce in India
2. Nearly one-fourth of urban female workers in India were working in the manufacturing sector
3. One-fourth of rural female workers in India were engaged in the agriculture sector
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 2 only       
B. 1 and 2 only           
C. 1 and 3 only           
D. 1, 2 and 3
 
Answer (B)
 

  • Construction sector employment for urban males: According to the PLFS 2017-18 data, the construction sector provided employment to a significant portion of the urban male workforce, approximately one-tenth of the total urban male workforce. So, Statement 1 is correct.

  • Urban female workers in the manufacturing sector: Nearly one-fourth of urban female workers were employed in the manufacturing sector as per the PLFS 2017-18 data. Thus, Statement 2 is also correct.

  • Rural female workers in agriculture: A much larger proportion of rural female workers, more than one-fourth, were engaged in the agriculture sector. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect because one-fourth is an understatement
 
 
 
Subject and Subject Wise Notes for the Sunday Exam (Free)
 
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
 

 

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
 
 
Previous IMPM Keys
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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