From 2019-20 to 2023-24, India’s economy grew at 4.6% annually, with the farm sector at 4.2%, yet rural wages remain stagnant.
Disparity between Rural Wages and Economic Growth:
Divergent Growth Trends: While the Indian economy has experienced significant GDP growth (averaging 4.6% annually from 2019-20 to 2023-24), rural wages have stagnated, with real agricultural wages showing minimal growth and often negative real wage growth due to rising inflation.
Labor Supply Dynamics: The surge in female Labor Force Participation Rates (LFPR) in rural areas has increased the overall labor supply, exerting downward pressure on wages as more workers compete for the same or fewer jobs, primarily in low-productivity agricultural sectors.
Capital-Intensive Growth: Economic growth has become increasingly capital-intensive and labor-saving, leading to a disproportionate share of income going to capital rather than labour.
This trend results in fewer job opportunities in high-paying sectors, further exacerbating the stagnation of rural wages.
What are the major factors behind the Stagnant Rural Wages?
Increased Female Labour Force Participation (Surplus of Labour): The rural female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has seen a sharp rise, particularly due to government initiatives that have freed up women’s time for outside employment.
However, this has led to a significant increase in the overall rural workforce, causing a surplus of labor that exerts downward pressure on wages.
Majority of choosing Agricultural Employment: Although more women are entering the labour force, the majority are finding employment in agriculture rather than in higher-paying non-farm sectors.
This results in a surplus of workers in an already low-productivity sector, which suppresses wages further.
Capital-Intensive Economic Growth: The Indian economy’s growth has increasingly come from capital-intensive sectors that require fewer workers.
Consequently, the share of income generated is shifting from labour (wages) to capital (profits). This trend limits demand for rural labour, leading to wage stagnation.
Low Demand for Non-Agricultural Labor: Wage growth in rural non-agricultural sectors has been even weaker, with real wages declining. This reflects limited job opportunities outside of agriculture, partly due to low demand for labour in industries that are more capital-intensive.
What are the steps taken by Govt to address the issue of Low Rural Wages?
Income Transfer Schemes: Both central and state governments have introduced various income transfer schemes, like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) which provides an annual income support of Rs 6,000 to farmer households in rural areas.
Many states have launched income-support schemes specifically for women, such as Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides Rs 1,500 per month to women from low-income households.
Employment Generation Programs: Schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provide a safety net by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment for rural households.
The government has also promoted rural entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Mudra Yojana, which offers micro-loans to rural businesses and enhance employment opportunities.
Skill Development Initiatives: The government has been investing in rural skill development programs to promote employability in non-farm sectors.
Programs under schemes like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) focus on upskilling rural youth and women to enable them to find better-paying, non-agricultural employment.
Rural Infrastructure Development: Initiatives to build rural infrastructure, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), create temporary employment in construction and improve access to jobs, markets, and services.
Way forward:
Diversification of Employment Opportunities: Enhancing support for non-agricultural sectors through targeted investments in skill development, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs can create diverse job opportunities.
Strengthening Agricultural Productivity: Implementing policies that focus on modernizing agricultural practices and improving productivity can increase the income of rural labourers.
Mains PYQ:
Q Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty over time. Do you agree. Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. (2015)
Q Examine the pattern and trend of public expenditure on social services in the post-reforms period in India. To what extent this has been in consonance with achieving the objective of inclusive growth? (2024)
Dedicated Freight Corridors are boosting India’s GDP and significantly enhancing Indian Railways’ revenue, according to a recent study by Australia’s University of New South Wales.
What are dedicated freight corridors (DFCs)?
Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are specialized railway tracks for freight transportation, designed to improve efficiency with faster, high-capacity trains like double-stack containers and heavy-haul freight trains.
What is the Present Status?
India has two main DFCs:
Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spanning 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab). The EDFC is operational and includes feeder routes connecting coal mines and thermal plants.
Western DFC (WDFC): Extends 1,506 km from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai) to Dadri (Uttar Pradesh). The WDFC is 93% complete, serving major ports in Gujarat. Full completion is expected by December 2025.
As of March 31, 2024, the project has incurred costs of ₹94,091 crore, excluding land acquisition.
What does the Australian varsity study say?
Conducted by the University of New South Wales, this study used a Computable General Equilibrium model to assess the WDFC’s impact, specifically from FY 2019–20.
The study’s findings include:
Reduced freight costs and travel times have decreased commodity prices by up to 0.5%.
The DFCs contributed to a 2.94% increase in Indian Railways’ revenue between FY 2022–23 and FY 2018–19.
Western regions gained significantly from reduced freight costs, which had a “social-equalizing effect,” benefiting states with lower per capita GDP.
Published in Elsevier, the study integrated freight costs, industry inputs, population data, and rail and road data.
What economic benefits do Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) bring to India?
Improved Supply Chains: DFCs provide faster, efficient transit for freight, enhancing the supply chain for industries and logistics providers.
Cost Savings: Reduction in freight transport costs lowers overall logistics expenses, which can lead to price reductions for consumers.
Revenue Growth for Railways: DFCs have directly contributed to revenue increases, supporting the Railways’ finances.
Increased Freight Share: The corridors are key to meeting the National Rail Plan’s target of achieving a 45% rail share in freight by 2030.
Exports and Imports: Faster, dedicated freight routes boost export-import activities, as DFCs support port connectivity, particularly in the West.
How do DFCs enhance the overall logistics and transportation infrastructure in India?
Decongested Rail Network: By shifting freight traffic off the main passenger routes (e.g., the Golden Quadrilateral), DFCs alleviate congestion, improving both freight and passenger rail reliability.
Regional Development: States along the DFC routes experience increased industrial activity due to improved logistics support, which can enhance local economies and job creation.
Future Corridors: Plans are underway for four additional corridors (East Coast, East-West I & II, North-South) to further expand the freight network, enhancing connectivity across the country.
Current Operational Status and Future Outlook
As of now, 325 trains run daily on the DFCs, which is a 60% increase from the previous year.
DFC trains are faster, safer, and capable of carrying heavier loads, contributing to over 10% of Indian Railways’ total freight operations.
DFCCIL is conducting further research on DFCs’ economic impact, with results expected soon, which will provide deeper insights into their long-term contributions to India’s economic growth.
Challenges related to the development of DFC:
Land Acquisition Delays: Acquiring over 8,800 hectares, often privately owned and developed land, has caused setbacks, with disputes and legal cases prolonging the process.
Escalating Costs: Project costs have surged significantly, with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JBIC) noting that expenses have nearly doubled, raising concerns about financial viability and potential investor reluctance.
Technology Disputes: Differences over locomotive technology—diesel versus electric—pose delays, as stakeholders like Indian Railways and JBIC debate environmentally friendly solutions.
Utility and Infrastructure Challenges: Shifting utilities (power lines, water pipes) and constructing road overbridges and under-bridges add logistical complexities.
Funding and Financial Management: Reliance on external funding and the need for efficient resource management impact project timelines and execution stability.
Way Forward:
Streamlined Land Acquisition and Cost Management: Need to implement a centralized framework for faster land acquisition and cost oversight to mitigate delays and prevent cost escalations, ensuring project feasibility and investor confidence.
Technological and Funding Consensus: Need to establish clear technology standards (e.g., electric locomotives) for environmental benefits and secure diversified funding sources to reduce dependence on external financing, enabling timely completion and sustainable operations.
Mains PYQ:
Q “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space, marking the first time such a system has been identified.
Black Hole Triple: What does it mean?
Many black holes are found in binary systems with another star or black hole.
This triple system includes two stars orbiting a black hole:
The nearer star orbits the black hole every 6.5 days.
The distant star orbits approximately every 70,000 years.
The system, located in the constellation Cygnus, features V404 Cygni, one of the oldest black holes known, which is nine times larger than the Sun.
It is 8,000 light years away from Earth.
What is a Black Hole?
A black hole is a space region with such strong gravity that no light or matter can escape.
Most black holes form from supernova explosions—the death of massive stars.
This triple system suggests an alternative, less violent formation process.
How was it discovered?
Researchers from Caltech and MIT discovered the system while reviewing astronomical data from telescopes.
They described the stars as being gravitationally bound, indicating they form a triple system.
It is believed that V404 Cygni did not form through a supernova explosion, which typically ejects outer stars.
Instead, it likely formed through direct collapse: the star collapsed inward without exploding.
Known as a “failed supernova”, this process causes an implosion without expelling matter, leading to a gentler black hole formation.
Future of the Triple System
The triple system may not remain as such, as V404 Cygni is consuming the nearby star.
This discovery suggests that some existing binary systems may have originally been triple systems, where the black hole later consumed one of its members.
PYQ:
[2019] Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?
(a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
(b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
(c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
(d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’
Central Sector Scheme for the period of 2024 to 2026.
To provide drones to 14,500 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) for rental agricultural services (applying liquid fertilizers and pesticides)
Total Funding
Rs. 1,261 crore allocated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Financial Assistance
80% of the cost (up to ₹8 lakh per drone), with remaining 20% to be financed through loans.
Loans available under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with 3% interest subvention; SHGs can also access loans from other Rural Development programs
Training
15 days mandatory training for drone pilots.
Additional training for drone assistants in repairs and maintenance.
Training Providers
Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Implementing Agency
Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) responsible for coordinating with State Departments, drone manufacturers, and SHGs.
They will procure drones through a transparent process, with ownership placed with the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs or the SHGs themselves.
Operational Limits
Drones must operate within visual line of sight (vLOS) and below 400 feet (120 meters) AGL.
Expected Outcomes
Each SHG is expected to cover approximately 2,000-2,500 acres annually;
IT-based Management Information System (MIS) – Drone Portal for tracking drone usage, fund disbursement, and monitoring service delivery
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following activities:
Spraying pesticides on a crop field.
Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes.
Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis.
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Himachal Pradesh CM has requested the Centre to consider running the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—on green hydrogen to promote clean energy.
The CM emphasized that this initiative aligns with Himachal Pradesh’s goal of becoming a ‘green energy state’ by March 31, 2026.
About the Kalka-Shimla Railway
The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a narrow-gauge railway with a width of 2 ft 6 in (762 mm).
It was constructed in 1898 to link Shimla with the broader Indian rail system under the guidance of chief engineer H. S. Harington.
The total length of the railway is approximately 96.6 km.
This engineering marvel features 107 tunnels, of which 102 are still in use, along with 864 bridges along its route.
The railway has a ruling gradient of 1 in 33 (about 3%), making it quite a steep climb in places, and it includes 919 curves, with the sharpest curve being at 48 degrees.
The elevation of the railway starts at 656 meters (2,152 feet) in Kalka and rises to 2,076 meters (6,811 feet) in Shimla, resulting in a height difference of 1,420 meters (4,660 feet).
Diesel locomotives began operation on the railway in 1955, followed by diesel-hydraulic models introduced in 1970.
On 8 July 2008, it was designated as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site as part of the Mountain Railways of India.
Note:
Three of the lines, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka–Shimla Railway, are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Mountain Railways of India”.
Two more, the Matheran Hill Railway and the Kangra Valley Railway, are on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is also the only rack and pinion railway in India.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Thadou tribe, one of the oldest and largest non-Naga tribes in Manipur, has expressed support to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC)in the state.
About the Thadou Community
Details
Overview
One of the oldest indigenous tribes in Manipur, recognized as a distinct community.
One of 29 officially recognized indigenous tribes in Manipur with rich cultural practices and folklore.
Historical Background
Recognized as the largest tribe in Manipur since the First Census of India (1881), with a distinct historical narrative from Kukis.
ST Recognition
Acknowledged as an independent Scheduled Tribe under the 1956 Presidential Order.
Population
As per the 2011 Census, the Thadou population stands at 2,15,913;
Identity
Asserts a distinct identity from the Kuki community, emphasizing unique language, culture, and history.
Language
Belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, with a distinct dialect from other nearby tribes.
Geographic Distribution
Primarily located in Manipur; also present in Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram, inhabiting hilly regions.
Socioeconomic Status
Engaged in agriculture (particularly jhum cultivation) and knowledgeable about medicinal plants; faces challenges in infrastructure and education.
Religious Practices
Traditionally practiced animism; many have converted to Christianity, blending traditional and Christian customs.
Position Amid Ethnic Conflict
Affected by the ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023; asserts their distinct identity.
Q) In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (UPSC CSE 2018) Q) The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (UPSC CSE 2017)
Prelims
Q) Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (UPSC CSE 2016) a) Iran b) Saudi Arabia c) Oman d) Kuwait
Mentor’s Comment:Iran’s geographical position between the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea makes it a crucial link for India to access Central Asia and the Middle East. This is particularly important given India’s limited land connectivity to these regions due to tensions with Pakistan.
Strategically, Iran possesses one of the largest reserves of crude oil and natural gas in the world. Strengthening ties with Iran can help India secure its energy needs, especially as it seeks to diversify its sources of oil imports.
Security wise, both countries share concerns about regional stability, particularly regarding extremist groups.
Today’s editorial discusses the recent developments in the relationship between India and Iran, particularly in light of their interactions during the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The present 16th BRICS Summit (October 22-24, 2024) meeting marked the first interaction between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Iranian Prez Masoud Pezeshkian, since Pezeshkian took office following the death of former President Ebrahim Raisi.
What were the key discussions? • On Bilateral Ties: Both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Iran relations, emphasizing the potential for deeper cooperation across various sectors, particularly in connectivity and trade. • On Strategic Projects: The leaders discussed critical initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which are vital for enhancing trade links with Central Asia and supporting Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts. • On Regional stability: Given the ongoing conflict in West Asia, both leaders acknowledged India’s unique position to advocate for peace and de-escalation. Modi expressed concerns over escalating violence and emphasized the need for dialogue.
History of Strong Civilization Ties: • Common Origins: Both civilizations are believed to have originated from a common Indo-Iranian ancestry, with linguistic and cultural exchanges dating back to prehistoric times. Historical trade routes facilitated exchanges between the Indus Valley Civilization and ancient Persia, with goods such as silver, copper, and precious stones being traded across the Persian Gulf. • Cultural Interactions: The spread of Buddhism from India to Persia significantly influenced Iranian culture. Later, Sufism fostered spiritual ties, leading to deep cultural exchanges in literature and philosophy. Persian literature became highly influential in India during the Mughal-Safavid Period. • Modern Diplomatic Relations: India and Iran formalized their relationship with a friendship treaty in 1950. The recent collaborations focus on energy security and regional stability, highlighted by projects like the development of Chabahar Port, which enhances connectivity between India, Iran, and Afghanistan.
How does the inclusion of Iran in BRICS impact India’s strategic interests?
Economic Opportunities: Iran’s membership can boost bilateral trade through initiatives like the Chabahar Port, enhancing India’s access to Central Asia.
Strengthened ties may facilitate oil imports from Iran, helping India diversify its energy sources.
Geopolitical Dynamics: BRICS provides a platform for India to promote a multipolar world, and balance Western dominance in global affairs.
Including Iran could foster dialogue and reduce tensions in the Middle East, benefiting India’s regional interests.
Complex Relationships: India must manage its relationship with Iran while maintaining ties with Western allies, which BRICS dynamics could complicate.
Iran’s inclusion may enhance China’s leverage in the region, posing challenges for India’s strategic positioning.
What are the potential economic benefits for India from strengthened ties with Iran through BRICS?
Increased Trade Opportunities: A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) could boost trade in various sectors, enhancing exports of Indian goods like agriculture and machinery to Iran.
Iran serves as a gateway for India to reach Central Asian markets via the Chabahar Port, facilitating trade routes that bypass Pakistan.
Energy Security: Strengthening ties may allow India to resume importing oil from Iran, helping meet its growing energy needs.
Potential projects like the Iran-Oman-India gas pipeline could provide India with a direct source of natural gas, diversifying its energy supply.
Infrastructure Development: India’s investment in Chabahar Port enhances connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, offering an alternative route for trade.
This corridor aims to streamline trade between India, Iran, and Russia, reducing transit times and improving trade efficiency.
How does the BRICS summit reflect shifting geopolitical alliances and the future of multilateralism?
Challenge to U.S.-led order: The expansion of BRICS, including new members like Iran, signals a desire among emerging economies to create a more balanced multipolar world that reduces reliance on Western powers.
Geopolitical Fragmentation: The inclusion of countries with differing agendas, such as India’s ties with the West and Russia-China’s anti-Western stance, complicates the bloc’s unity and effectiveness.
This fragmentation may lead to a division of global politics into competing alliances, potentially undermining existing multilateral platforms like the G20.
Focus on South-South Cooperation: BRICS emphasizes cooperation among developing nations in trade and sustainable development, enhancing economic ties and addressing common challenges.
Conclusion: India and Iran can achieve a lot together. There is recognition that too much time has already been lost. India’s ability to de-hyphenate ties and engage independently with nations that are adversarial to each other, such as Iran and Israel, could be useful in driving the ties.
The Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 presented by WHO indicates that India recorded the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in 2023.
Current Scope of Tuberculosis in India
High Burden: According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, India accounts for 26% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide, making it the country with the highest TB burden. The report indicates that over 55.9% of global TB cases are concentrated in five countries: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
Mortality Rates: Although TB deaths in India have decreased from 580,000 in 2010 to 320,000 in 2023, the country still accounted for 26% of global TB deaths among people with and without HIV in 2023.
Incidence Trends: The incidence of TB has decreased from 275.7 cases per 100,000 population in 2010 to 194.9 cases in 2023. However, there has been a notable increase in notified TB relapse cases, reaching the highest level since 2010.
Risk Factors: Individuals with nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and smoking habits are at the highest risk of contracting TB. The prevalence of TB infection among individuals aged 15 and older is reported at 31.4%, according to the National TB Prevalence Survey conducted from 2019-2021.
Preventive Treatment Uptake: The number of people receiving preventive treatment has been rising, indicating an increased focus on preventing TB progression among high-risk populations.
Strategies and Programs Implemented by Govt to Reduce TB Incidence
National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): This program aims to eliminate TB by 2025 through various strategies including early diagnosis, treatment support, and preventive measures.
TB Preventive Therapy (TPT): The introduction of TPT marks a significant shift in TB care in India. It focuses on providing preventive treatment to individuals at high risk of developing active TB.
Project Axshya Plus: Launched with support from the Global Fund, this project implements comprehensive interventions such as contact tracing, testing for infection, and managing latent TB infections.
Increased Funding: Domestic funding for TB prevention and treatment increased by 38% in 2023 to $253 million, although international funding has declined during the same period.
Community Engagement Initiatives: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan encourage community involvement in supporting TB patients through initiatives like Ni-kshay Mitras.
Digital Health Initiatives: The NTEP leverages digital platforms for monitoring patient progress and ensuring adherence to treatment protocols through tools like the Nikshay portal.
Awareness Campaigns: Public health campaigns aim to reduce stigma associated with TB and educate communities about prevention and treatment options.
Challenges India Faces in Eliminating Tuberculosis by 2025
Funding and Infrastructure Gaps: Despite increases in domestic funding, overall financial resources remain lower than pre-COVID levels, impacting program implementation and outreach efforts.
Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, hampers access to timely diagnosis and treatment for many patients.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted TB services significantly, leading to a backlog of undiagnosed cases and impacting ongoing treatment programs.
Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma associated with TB continues to deter individuals from seeking diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to delayed care and increased transmission rates.
Social determinants such as poverty, malnutrition, and living conditions contribute to higher susceptibility to TB among vulnerable populations.
Drug Resistance Issues: The rise of drug-resistant strains of TB poses significant challenges for effective treatment and control strategies.
Multi-sectoral Coordination Challenges: Effective elimination requires collaboration across various sectors (healthcare, education, social services), which can be challenging due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Way forward:
Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Coordination: There is a need to foster collaboration among healthcare, education, and social services to address the social determinants of TB.
Enhancing Accessibility and Outreach: Need to improve access to TB diagnosis and treatment in rural areas by investing in healthcare infrastructure, training local health workers, and implementing mobile health units.
Mains PYQ:
Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)
Indian researchers have developed a predictive model based on the Gompertz Model to estimate a newborn’s birth weight using routine pregnancy scans.
What isthe Gompertz Model?
It is a mathematical model developed by English mathematician Benjamin Gompertz in the early 19th century.
It was originally designed to modelpopulation growth in a constrained environment, such as a specific geographic region.
The model uses an S-shaped (sigmoid) curve to represent growth patterns that start slowly, accelerate, and then slow again as they approach a plateau.
Applications:
Biology: The Gompertz Model is used to study tumor growth and cell population dynamics, reflecting constrained growth in biological systems.
Epidemiology: Applied in predicting the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, capturing how transmission rates slow with interventions.
Ecology: Useful for modelling species population growth in habitats with limited resources, aiding conservation and ecosystem management.
Healthcare: Recently adapted to predict foetal birth weight, helping identify potential risks associated with low or high birth weight.
Aging Research: Employed to analyze mortality rates and lifespan patterns, contributing to studies on aging and longevity.
Recent Research and Significance
Recent research has applied the Gompertz Model in predicting foetal birth weight using routine scans, as shown by researchers from IISER Pune and IMSc Chennai, offering a non-invasive alternative for maternal health.
The model is used in tumor growth studies, allowing researchers to understand and predict cancer progression.
Its predictive accuracy under constrained conditions makes it useful for biological systems, including population growth and cell dynamics.
In healthcare, it supports early detection and intervention for conditions impacted by growth patterns, such as low or high birth weight risks.
Since 1977, the South Lhonak Lake, a glacial lake in Sikkim has expanded significantly, growing from 17 hectares to 167 hectares by 2023.
Formation of Glacial Lakes:
When a glacier melts and retreats, the hollow left behind often fills with water, creating a glacial lake.
The rocky moraine at the glacier’s end can act as a natural dam, holding the water to form the lake.
Glacial lakes act as hydrological buffers, regulating water flow from melting ice, which can sometimes pose challenges to downstream communities.
Glacial lakes often have a vivid blue color, similar to swimming pools, due to the scattering of light by fine rock particles (rock flour) in the water.
There are several types of glacial lakes, each formed by specific processes and glacier dynamics:
Moraine-Dammed Lakes: Formed when moraine debris piles up at the end of a glacier and traps meltwater behind it. These are common and pose risks of outburst flooding.
Kettle Lakes: This was created when a chunk of glacier ice is buried in the moraine and eventually melts, leaving a depression filled with water.
Cirque Lakes: Formed in circular basins (cirques) carved by glaciers at high elevations. These lakes are often small and located at the glacier’s original head.
Pro-glacial Lakes: Situated in front of the glacier, between the ice and the moraine dam. These lakes are sometimes formed when the glacier’s snout melts and deposits water in the valley.
Tarn Lakes: Formed in depressions left behind in the cirques or basins after the glacier has completely melted.
Major Glacial Lakes in India
India’s Himalayan region is home to numerous glacial lakes, each with unique characteristics:
Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world at 5,430 meters above sea level, fed by glacial melt and known for its religious significance.
Chandra Taal (Himachal Pradesh): A stunning crescent-shaped lake in the Lahaul-Spiti region at 4,300 meters. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fed by glacier melt.
Samiti Lake (Sikkim): Located along the trek to Kanchenjunga and known for its clear blue waters and reflective quality.
Satopanth Tal (Uttarakhand): Found in the Garhwal Himalayas, this lake lies close to Satopanth Glacier and is considered sacred by locals.
South Lhonak Lake (Sikkim): A growing lake fed by three glaciers, expanding rapidly due to climate change and posing risks of glacial lake outburst floods.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following pairs:
Glacier: River
Bandarpunch: Yamuna
Bara Shigri: Chenab
Milam: Mandakini
Siachen: Nubra
Zemu: Manas
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 3 and 5 only
