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Exam Year: 2024

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    As per Granville Austin, India is a “cooperative federalism” model, where Centre and States are bound in a “seamless web” to achieve socio-economic revolution. The recent changes highlight the spirit of ‘competitive-cooperative federalism’.

    Recent Changes in Centre-State Relations

    Legislative

    Farm Acts, 2020 – Parliament legislated in agriculture (State subject) under Concurrent List.

    GNCTD (Amendment) Act, 2021 – Enhanced LG’s powers in Delhi.

    All India Services rules amendment – Greater Centre control over deputation/discipline.

    Executive / Institutional

    Governor-State tensions – Delayed assent to bills (TN, Kerala, WB).

    Pandemic handling – Centralised lockdown and restrictions.

    Revival of Inter-State Council

    NITI Aayog – Replaced Planning Commission

    Financial

    15th Finance Commission – New devolution formula using 2011 census and performance criteria.

    GST Council – Extended GST compensation cess.

    Rise in cess & surcharges – increased from 10.4% in 2011-12 to 20% in 2021-22.

    Conditional borrowing – Linked to reforms under FRBM/Art. 293.

    Issues in Centre-State Relations

    Financial Issues

    Cesses & surcharges not shared with States.

    Special category status demand – Bihar, Andhra Pradesh.

    Finance Commission TOR – (e.g., use of 2011 Census penalising southern States).

    GST regime – Delayed compensation, reduced fiscal autonomy.

    Administrative Issues

    Governor’s appointment & dismissal (Art. 156) – Often politically motivated

    Control over All India Services

    Central agencies’ overreach – CBI, ED, NIA operating in States without consent.

    Legislative Issues

    Encroachment on State List – use of Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Disaster Management Act, 2005 in public health (a State subject).

    Measures to Build Trust & Strengthen Federalism

    Sarkaria Commission (1983-88)

    Inter-State Council (Art. 263) to be activated as a permanent forum for consultation.

    Governor’s role – should be impartial; appointment in consultation with CM.

    Centre’s use of Art. 356 – to be a measure of last resort.

    All India Services – joint consultation in rules of recruitment, posting, and deputation.

    Punchhi Commission (2007-10)

    Clear guidelines for Governor’s office – fixed tenure, limited discretion, no arbitrary withholding of assent to bills.

    Concurrent List – reduce overlap by greater consultation before Union laws are enacted.

    National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC, 2000)

    Decentralisation – strengthen local bodies and fiscal devolution.

    Inter-Governmental Forums – regular meetings between PM and CMs to resolve disputes.

    Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2nd ARC, 2005-09)

    Neutral federal institutions – e.g., CBI under Lokpal for credibility, not political misuse.

    Fiscal federalism – ensure predictability in devolution; reduce tied grants in Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

    Finance Commission Recommendations

    Suggested GST Council as a true federal forum for resolving fiscal disputes.

    “Federalism is not a monolith; it is a dialogue between self-rule and shared rule.” Thus, such Acts must be exercised with consultation and cooperation.

    (a)

    (b)

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    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    “Privacy is the constitutional core of human dignity.” – Justice D.Y. Chandrachud

    The Supreme Court in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) declared that Right to Privacy is intrinsic to Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21.

    Scope of Right to Privacy (post-Puttaswamy)

    Informational Privacy – Protection of personal data, Aadhaar details, medical records, online footprints.

    Decisional Autonomy – Eg- Navtej Singh Johar (2018) decriminalised same-sex relations.

    Bodily Integrity – Eg- Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration (2009) recognised reproductive choice.

    Family, Marriage & Relationships – Eg- Shafin Jahan v. Asokan (2018, Hadiya case) upheld interfaith marriage choice.

    Reproductive Rights – Eg- in X v. Principal Secretary, Health case (2022), SC allowed abortion for unmarried women under MTP Act.

    Digital Privacy – Protection against surveillance, right to internet access, and data protection in cyberspace. Eg- Aadhar Judgment

    However, Privacy is not absolute and subject to Reasonable Restrictions

    Test of Proportionality – Puttaswamy (2017) –

    Legality – sanctioned by law, with a just, fair, and reasonable procedure.

    Legitimate Aim – e.g., national security, public health.

    Proportionality – The nature, method, and extent of interference must be proportionate to the purpose sought.

    Arguments in Favour of DNA Testing

    Truth and Justice – Ensures scientific accuracy in resolving paternity disputes. Eg – Goutam Kundu v. State of West Bengal (1993) allowed DNA in exceptional cases.

    Child’s Right to Identity – Establishing paternity secures child’s dignity and identity under Article 21.

    Preventing Fraud – Avoids false claims in inheritance, custody, or maintenance disputes.

    Criminal Justice Support – DNA helps in rape and assault cases, strengthening convictions.

    International Standards – Aligns with UNCRC’s recognition of a child’s right to know parents.

    Arguments Against DNA Testing

    Privacy of Parents – Supreme Court in 2025 held that DNA cannot be used for “roving inquiries into paternity.”

    Right to Dignity – Privacy includes the right to be left alone; forceful DNA tests intrude into intimate decisions

    Genetic information = core privacy – DNA reveals “a person’s very essence” and is part of the fundamental right to privacy under Article 21.

    Potential Misuse – DNA demands in marital disputes may be used to harass women and allege infidelity.

    Mother’s dignity – Forced DNA tests also harm the reputation and dignity of mothers, by casting aspersions on fidelity.

    Presumption of Legitimacy – Section 112, Indian Evidence Act presumes legitimacy of child born in wedlock.

    Child’s dignity – Children cannot be treated as material objects in divorce battles; they have a right not to have their legitimacy frivolously questioned.

    UN Convention on Rights of the Child – Recognises privacy, autonomy and identity as core entitlements of children.

    Thus, the doctrine of ‘Eminent Need’ and ‘Last resort’ (Family courts should order DNA tests only in rare, expedient cases) is essential to balance a child’s right to identity with parents’ dignity and privacy.

    (a)

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    73rd and 74th CAA are the embodiment of grass-root democracy and democratic decentralization in India. They are inspired by Gandhiji’s concept of “Oceanic Circles of Power” and “Swaraj”.

    Role of Local Bodies in Ensuring Good Governance

    Citizen Participation in planning and decision-making through Gram Sabhas and Ward Committees. Eg- Kerala’s people plan campaign

    Transparency- Eg- Social audits under MGNREGA enhance transparency in fund utilization.

    Accountability- Elected representatives are directly answerable to citizens.

    Effectiveness and Efficiency- Proximity to citizens allows timely service delivery in areas like sanitation, water supply, and waste management.

    Equity and Inclusion through reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women. Eg- Women’s Representation at 46.44%

    Responsiveness during Disasters. Eg- COVID-19 management and disaster relief in Kerala.

    Rule of Law- Local bodies function under constitutional and legal mandates of the 73rd and 74th Amendments, ensuring lawful governance.

    Consensus-Oriented Governance- Gram Sabhas and District Planning Committees promote coordination and collective decision-making.

    Sustainability- service delivery in waste recycling and water conservation. Eg- Hiware Bazar Model of watershed development.

    Challenges

    “PRIs exist as over-structured but underpowered organisations.” (2nd ARC)

    No decentralisation of power, rather decentralisation of corruption – Mani Shankar Iyer Committee

    Limited own-source revenue- Poor tax collection efficiency (>1% own tax).

    Incomplete devolution- less than 20% of States have transferred all 29 subjects under 11th Schedule (MoPR, 2022). (​​overall Panchayat Devolution Index is only 43.89% (2021-22))

    Weak Gram Sabhas- Low participation, elite domination, and token meetings.

    Gender and social barriers leading to proxy control. (Sarpanch Pati)

    Pros of Merging Rural and Urban Local Bodies

    Integrated Regional Planning – Addresses rurban challenges and ensures seamless infrastructure and service delivery.

    Uniform Standards of Governance – Streamlines policies, taxation, and land-use planning.

    Efficient Resource Utilization – Shared funding and manpower reduce duplication.

    Better Management of Peri-Urban Areas – Urban expansion can be better planned and regulated.

    Cons of Merging Rural and Urban Local Bodies

    Dilution of Constitutional Intent under 73rd and 74th Amendments.

    Political Resistance – Power redistribution may face bureaucratic and political opposition.

    Administrative Complexity due to different laws, tax systems, and governance mechanisms.

    Urban areas may dominate resource allocation and decision-making.

    Local bodies are the cornerstones of participatory democracy and good governance. A functional convergence, not structural merger, aligns better with India’s constitutional vision of decentralization.

    (a)

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    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    The Cabinet system, a legacy of the British parliamentary model, is based on the principle of collective responsibility of the executive to the Legislature. However, the growth of the Cabinet system has concentrated power in the hands of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

    Cabinet System Marginalising Parliamentary Supremacy

    Party Whip curtails independence of MPs, limiting free deliberation.

    Ordinance Power (Articles 123 & 213) bypasses legislative scrutiny.

    Prime Ministerial Supremacy due to centralisation of authority in PMO.

    Decline of Private Members’ Bills – The last such Bill was passed in 1970.

    Weak Legislative Scrutiny – Increasing absenteeism, fewer sittings, and guillotining of Demands for Grants.

    Decline of parliamentary Committees have weakened executive accountability.

    Coalition Politics results in bargaining politics instead of genuine legislative oversight.

    However, parliamentary control over executive can also be seen

    Executive Accountability – collective responsibility to Parliament under Article 75(3).

    Financial Oversight – Finance committees scrutinise government expenditure. Eg- PAC review of GST framework

    Budgetary Control (Art. 112) through Demands for Grants, and Appropriation Acts.

    Opposition’s Role – Eg- Farm Laws withdrawal.

    Role in Foreign Policy – Eg- debate on Civil Nuclear Deal with the US.

    Way Forward

    Publish Annual Parliamentary Calendar (NCRWC)

    Adopt Shadow Cabinet Model of UK, to institutionalise constructive opposition oversight.

    Allocate fixed time for Private Members’ Bills and Questions.

    Mandatory referral of Bill to Committees (UK system)

    “Parliament is the keystone of the democratic arch.” – Harold Laski

    For a resilient democracy, Parliament must function as the centre of deliberation and control, not as a department of the executive.

    (a)

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    Correct Answer:

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    The Indo-Gangetic Valley is home to one of the world’s most prolific alluvial aquifer systems. Yet, according to the United Nations (2025-26) reports, several regions in this basin have crossed the “groundwater depletion tipping point.”

    Declining groundwater potential

    Nationwide, India extracts approximately 247 BCM of groundwater annually, more than China and the US combined.

    Groundwater storage in the Ganga basin is declining at an average rate of 2.6 cm per year. (CGWB)

    In Punjab and Haryana, nearly 78% of assessment units are categorized as “over-exploited.”

    Reasons Behind the Decline

    Green Revolution Legacy-The shift to High-Yielding Varieties (HYV) required 3-4 times more water than traditional seeds.

    Faulty Cropping Patterns-Cultivation of water-guzzling crops like Paddy in semi-arid regions (Punjab/Haryana) where they are not ecologically suited.

    Energy Subsidies-Free or heavily subsidized electricity leads to “blind pumping” in states like Punjab and Haryana.

    Inadequate Regulation-Under the Indian Easements Act 1882, groundwater is tied to land ownership, allowing landowners to extract unlimited water without legal penalty.

    Rapid urban expansion in cities like Delhi, Kanpur, and Patna has reduced the “pervious” area available for natural recharge.

    Climate Change & Monsoonal Shifts-Erratic rainfall patterns mean shorter, more intense bursts of rain that run off rather than seeping into the ground.

    Inefficient Irrigation-Traditional Flood Irrigation methods result in nearly 40% water wastage through evaporation and runoff.

    Deforestation in Catchment Areas-Loss of forest cover in the Himalayan foothills (Shivaliks) has disrupted the natural hydrological cycle that feeds the Gangetic aquifers.

    Industrial Contamination-Discharge of untreated effluents reduces the “potable” potential of the remaining groundwater.

    Population Pressure-With the IGP being one of the most densely populated regions globally, domestic demand has surged, competing directly with agriculture.

    Impact on Food Security

    Yield Reductions-Studies show a 1-meter decline in the water table can lead to an 8% reduction in food grain production.

    Threat to Staples-Punjab and Haryana provide 50% of India’s rice and 85% of its wheat, depletion here directly threatens the National Buffer Stock.

    Increased Cost of Cultivation-Farmers must drill deeper (up to 300-500 ft) and install expensive submersible pumps, leading to rural indebtedness.

    Punjab and Haryana supply a major portion of wheat and rice for the PDS. Reduced grain output affects government stocks.

    Food Inflation-Reduced supply and higher production costs lead to a spike in market prices, making food unaffordable for the poor.

    Quality Degradation (Nutritional Security)-As water levels drop, concentrations of Arsenic and Uranium increase. These enter the food chain, compromising food safety.

    Land Degradation-Excessive groundwater use leads to soil salinization, turning once-fertile alluvial tracts into barren “Usar” land.

    Reduced Cropping Intensity-Farmers who previously grew three crops a year (Zaid, Kharif, Rabi) are being forced to skip seasons due to dry wells.

    Vulnerability of Small Farmers-While wealthy farmers can afford deeper wells, marginal farmers lose access entirely, leading to “de-peasantization” and migration.

    Climate Instability-Without groundwater, Indian agriculture becomes more dependent on the vagaries of the monsoon.

    Way Forward

    Crop Diversification-Aggressively shifting from Paddy to Millets (Shree Anna), pulses, and oilseeds in over-exploited blocks.

    Micro-Irrigation-Scaling up the “Per Drop More Crop” initiative to make drip and sprinkler irrigation mandatory for water-intensive crops.

    Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)-Utilizing the Mission Amrit Sarovar to rejuvenate 75,000+ local ponds to act as recharge pits.

    Power Reforms-Transitioning from free electricity to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for electricity.

    Unified Water Governance-Implementing the Mihir Shah Committee recommendations to merge the CGWB and CWC into a single National Water Commission.

    Community-Led Management-Scaling the Atal Bhujal Yojana model where villagers prepare “Water Security Plans” based on their local water budget.

    Legal Reform-Updating the 19th-century Easement Act to treat groundwater as a “Common Pool Resource” rather than private property.

    Aligning agricultural policies with ecological limits and climate resilience can ensure long term food security.

    Indian Geography

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    Key Features of a Twister

    Funnel-shaped cloud – Visible condensation funnel extending downward.

    Very high wind speeds – Can exceed 300 km/h (EF5 category).

    Short duration – Typically lasts minutes but causes intense damage.

    Narrow path of destruction – Damage track often a few hundred meters wide.

    Associated with supercell thunderstorms

    Low pressure core – Central pressure drop causes debris uplift.

    Occurs mostly in mid-latitudes – Especially continental interiors.

    Formation Process of a Twister

    Warm, moist air near the surface rises rapidly.

    Cold, dry air above descends below.

    Wind shear develops – Change in wind speed and direction with height.

    Horizontal rotation forms in the lower atmosphere.

    Updraft tilts rotation vertically, forming a mesocyclone.

    Supercell thunderstorm develops.

    A funnel cloud forms and extends to ground, becoming a tornado.

    Reasons for Majority of Twisters Around the Gulf of Mexico

    Continuous supply of warm, moist air – Gulf waters average 25-30°C.

    Collision of contrasting air masses – Warm Gulf air meets cold Canadian air over central U.S.

    No Latitudinal Barriers- Unlike Europe’s Alps, North America has no east-west mountain ranges to block the collision of these contrasting air masses.

    Low-Level Jet Streams from the Gulf provide the necessary wind shear to initiate rotation near the ground.

    Dryline effect – Dry air from Rockies creates a sharp moisture gradient leading to storm development.

    The Great Plains and Mississippi Valley offer a smooth “runway” that prevents the disruption of rotating storm structures.

    Proximity to Tornado Alley – Central U.S. records ~75% of world’s tornadoes.

    The high frequency of thunderstorms in the gulf region creates tornados. 83% of Gulf hurricanes since 1950 have produced at least one tornado.

    As climate variability enhances the frequency and intensity of tornados, advanced radar detection and robust disaster preparedness is needed for disaster risk reduction.

    (a)

    (b)

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    Correct Answer:

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    Sea Surface Temperature (SST) rise refers to the increase in temperature of the upper layer of ocean water. It is a critical indicator of the Earth’s climate health

    Causes of sea surface temperature rise

    Greenhouse gas emissions – Eg- Atmospheric CO₂ crossed 425 ppm.

    Global warming trend – Eg- Earth warmed ~1.44°C since pre-industrial levels. (IPCC)

    Marine heatwaves – Persistent abnormal warming events.

    Weakening ocean circulation reduces heat redistribution. Eg- Slowing Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC).

    El Niño events – Periodic warming of Pacific surface waters.

    Declining polar ice cover – Reduced albedo effect increases absorption.

    Ocean Stratification- As surface water warms, it becomes lighter and fails to mix with deeper, cooler water

    Impact of SST rise on formation of tropical cyclones

    Minimum SST of 26.5°C was required for a cyclone to form. Rising sea temperature has led to

    Cyclones in South Atlantic and higher latitudes of the Pacific

    Arabian Sea witnessing more intense storms. Eg- Cyclone Nisarga (2020) near Maharashtra coast.

    Enhanced evaporation – Warmer oceans increase moisture supply. Eg- Rapid moisture buildup before Cyclone Amphan (2020).

    Rapid Intensification (RI)- High SSTs provide an explosive amount of latent heat. Eg- Hurricane Milton (2024) jumped from Category 1 to Category 5 in under 24 hours.

    Greater Storm Size- Eg- Super Cyclone Amphan (2020) covered almost the entire Bay of Bengal during its peak.

    For every 1°C of SST rise, the air holds 7% more water vapor. This leads to greater rainfall during cyclonic activity.

    High SSTs allow storms to carry their moisture further inland before dissipating. Eg- Hurricane Harvey in Texas

    Higher storm surge risk – Combined SST rise and sea-level rise amplify flooding. Eg- Cyclone Idai (2019) caused severe coastal inundation.

    Shift in cyclone tracks and behavior due to altered SST gradients. Eg- Increasing westward shift of North Indian Ocean cyclones.

    Addressing this challenge requires a multi-layered climate and disaster strategy–

    Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions

    Strengthen ocean monitoring systems

    Improve cyclone early warning systems

    Protect natural buffers. Eg- mangroves

    (a)

    (b)

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    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    IMD defines cloudburst as an extreme weather event involving very high-intensity rainfall (often >100 mm/hour) over a small geographical area (20-30 sq. km.) within a short duration.

    Orographic Uplift

    Moist air masses are forced to rise abruptly when they encounter steep mountain slopes.

    Rapid ascent causes condensation and release of latent heat, intensifying convection.

    Strong Convective Clouds (Cumulonimbus) up to 12-15 km.

    Moisture Supply from Monsoon Systems enhances instability.

    When updrafts weaken, large volumes of accumulated rainwater are released at once, causing cloudburst-like rainfall.

    Occurrence of cloudburst in the Indian Subcontinent

    Himalayan and Western Ghat Topography – Steep slopes promote rapid vertical uplift.

    Monsoon Dynamics – High atmospheric moisture during June-September.

    Climate Change – Rising temperatures increase atmospheric moisture-holding capacity. Eg- every 1°C rise lets air hold ~7% more moisture.

    Land-Use Changes – Deforestation, slope cutting, and urbanisation increase runoff and disaster impact.

    Mitigation measures

    Structural

    Engineering solutions – Retaining walls, slope drainage, rock bolting, geo-textiles,

    Nature based solutions – Afforestation in himalaya

    Non-Structural

    Expansion of multi-hazard insurance

    Disaster resilient urban planning (Mishra committee on Joshimath crisis)

    The Sendai Framework’s proactive approach is essential for making Bharat a ‘weather-ready and climate-smart’ nation.

    Geomorphology

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    The Constitution envisages substantive equality to correct historical injustices faced by vulnerable groups. However, despite being the 4th largest economy, India’s ranking in HDI, 2025 was 130th out of 193 countries.

    Policies for equity and social justice

    Constitutional provisions – Articles 14, 15(4), 15(5), 16(4), 17, 46

    Reservations in education, public employment, and political representation

    Protective legislation – SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act

    Targeted welfare schemes

    Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

    MGNREGA

    Ayushman Bharat

    PM-JANMAN (for PVTGs)

    SHRESHTA (high-quality residential education for SCs).

    Institutional mechanisms – National Commissions for SCs, STs, OBCs

    UGC Equity Regulations 2026, which mandate anti-discrimination cells in all universities.

    Reasons behind underprivileged sections not getting benefits of affirmative action

    Political factors

    Politicization of affirmative action policies hinders adaptability to changing needs. Eg- high income limit for creamy layer

    Proxy representation – Eg- Sarpanch Pati phenomenon in panchayats

    Short termism and political populism rather than focusing on “empowerment.” Eg- loan waivers, ladli behna etc reduce public investment in health, education etc

    Social factors

    Social Stratification- Caste-based discrimination prevents upward mobility for the marginalized. Eg- 96% manual scavengers are Dalits

    Population Pressure (1.35 billion) strains public infrastructure, housing, and the job market.

    Elite Capture within Beneficiary Groups – Eg- Advanced sections among SCs dominating reserved seats (“class within caste”)

    Regional disparity – Eg- BIMARU states lag behind southern states in human development indicators

    Low Social Capital and Networks – Lack of mentoring and peer support for marginalised students leading to social isolation. Eg- Rohith Vemula

    Glass ceiling effect for women – discrimination and low representation at higher positions

    Economic factors

    Shrinking Public Sector – Eg- Over 90% workforce outside formal government employment where reservation is absent

    Intergenerational Poverty limits health, education outcomes and employment productivity. Eg- stunting and wasting rates among ST children is ~10-15% higher than the national average.

    Economic Inequality – richest 1% control more than 40% of total wealth, while the bottom 50% own merely 3% (Oxfam Report)

    Administrative factors

    Leakages and corruption –

    Inclusion-exclusion errors in PDS (Shanta Kumar committee)

    Ghost beneficiaries in Ayushman Bharat identified by CAG

    Lack of last mile reach due to security issues like naxalism, insurgency etc.

    Poor Social Infrastructure

    Healthcare – low public spending (2.1% of GDP) and high out of pocket expenditure (40%)

    Education – low public investment (2.9% of GDP) lead to “quality crisis” and high dropout rates at secondary and higher levels

    Skill Gap – only about 51.25% of youth are employable.

    Way Forward

    Outcome-Oriented Design – Eg- Aspirational district program

    Better targeting

    Subcategorization within SCs (Davinder Singh case)

    Multi-dimensional Deprivation Index (MDI) for EWS and OBC categories

    Capability Approach- increase expenditure on Health (2.5% of GDP) and Education (6% of GDP)

    Women Empowerment by adopting best practices like Kerala’s Kudumbshree Model

    Focus on Gender-Caste Intersectionality to address the “double burden” of women from underprivileged sections.

    There is need for whole of government and life-cycle approach to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047

    (a)

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    Correct Answer:

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    An aurora is a natural luminous phenomenon seen in high-latitude skies, caused by the interaction between charged particles from the Sun and Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing dynamic light displays in various colors.

    Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)

    Occurs in the Southern Hemisphere – Visible near the Antarctic Circle.

    Observed in countries like – Antarctica, Tasmania (Australia), New Zealand, and the southern tip of Argentina.

    Forms luminous arcs and curtains – Green, red, purple colors dominate.

    Best viewed during the Southern Hemisphere’s winter (May to September) due to the long hours of darkness.

    Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

    Occurs in the Northern Hemisphere – Visible near the Arctic Circle.

    Observed in countries like – Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Alaska.

    Displays dynamic wave-like patterns – Curtains, spirals, and arcs.

    March and September equinoxes are peak viewing times due to the Russell-McPherron effect, which allows solar energy to enter the atmosphere more easily.

    Triggers of Auroras

    Solar Activity

    The Sun’s corona constantly releases a stream of protons and electrons at speeds up to 900 km/s.

    These particles hit the Magnetosphere (Earth’s magnetic shield), which deflects most of them.

    Magnetic lines guide particles poleward as Earth’s magnetic field lines are weakest and more vertical at the North and South Poles.

    Acceleration (Birkeland Currents)- Particles gain speed as they spiral down the field lines toward the Ionosphere.

    Atmospheric Collision- Charged particles collide with gas atoms (Oxygen and Nitrogen) in the Thermosphere (approx. 100km-400km up).

    The collision transfers energy to the gas atoms, moving their electrons to a higher-energy state.

    These atoms release that energy as a photon (a packet of light).

    Color Differentiation- Oxygen produces green and red, Nitrogen produces blue or purple light.

    They illustrate the protective role of the magnetosphere while producing one of the most visually stunning atmospheric phenomena.

    (a)

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    Correct Answer: