💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS1

  • [13 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A well-intentioned study and a demographic myth

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 

    Q Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion.(UPSC IAS/2022)
    Q Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC IAS/2021)
    Q “Empowering women is the key to controlling the population growth.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019)

    Prelims:
    India is regarded as a country With a “Demographic Dividend” This is due to (UPSC IAS/2011)
    (a) Its high population in the age group below 15 years
    (b) Its high population in the age group of 15-64 years
    (c) Its high population in the age group above 65 years
    (d) Its high total population

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims:  Population Trends; Minorities; 

    Mains: Society; Minorities; Religious demography; Effects of Policies and Programs on Demographics;

    Mentor comment: The recent report ‘Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)’ conducted by the Economic Advisory Council analyzes the demographic changes in the religious composition of Indian Society as well as across 167 countries from 1950 to 2015. It focuses on the shifting shares of majority and minority religious groups, highlighting trends such as the decline in the Hindu population and the growth of the Muslim population in India. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes as indicators of relative well-being within a country. We need to study this analysis as it is based on the premise that any change in minority populations is influenced by policies related to defining and treating minorities in our country.

    Let’s learn

    _

    Why in the News? 

    The recent working paper titled ‘Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)’ by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), has major observations on Indian religious demographics.

    Key highlights made by EAC-PM Report:

    The paper is based on the baseline year as 1950, because this was the time around when the International Human Rights Framework was introduced under the aegis of the newly created United Nations.
    Considering the global trends of declining majority, India too has witnessed a reduction in the share of the majority religious denomination by 7.82%.
    According to the Report, the Hindu population decreased by 7.82% (1950-2015), while that of Muslims increased by 43.15%, suggesting a conducive environment in the country to foster diversity.
    The share of the Christian population rose from 2.24% to 2.36% — an increase of 5.38% between 1950 and 2015.
    While the share of the Sikh population increased from 1.24% in 1950 to 1.85% in 2015 — a 6.58% rise in their share, the share of the Parsi population in India witnessed a stark 85% decline, reducing from 0.03% share in 1950 to 0.004% in 2015.

    South Asian Trends:

    Within the neighborhood, the share of the majority religious denomination has increased and minority populations have shrunk alarmingly across countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Afghanistan. Minority populations from across the neighborhood come to India during times of duress.

    The present controversy over the EAC-PM Report:

    • The PM-EAC report on religious minorities in India has sparked debate due to its timing, outdated data, and selective focus. 
      • For example, firstly, it does not highlight the nearly 1,520% increase in share in the total population of Buddhists, for every one Muslim, five Hindus were born during this period.
      • Secondly, the Hindu population has tripled, and the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of Muslim women saw a drop of 2.05 against Hindu women’s TFR by 1.36, making it controversial. 
    • Despite concerns raised by some, the demographers do not see that the Hindus are losing their majority status, given the historical context and current demographic patterns.
      • For example, when Hindus could retain their majority status during the 800 years of so-called Mughal rule, they cannot be in danger today.

    Present rhetoric and challenges:

    • Need to have a broader outlook: Focusing solely on Total Fertility Rates to assess a group’s status overlooks broader factors like education and socioeconomic conditions. 
    • Need to survey Public Participation: The representation of a particular religious group in the state’s power structure is a crucial indicator of its well-being.
      • The Finance Minister recently highlighted the growth of the Muslim population as a positive sign, emphasizing that Indian Muslims enjoy more rights compared to minorities in some Muslim-majority countries. 
    • India is set to become the country with the largest Hindu and Muslim populations by 2050, showcasing the diversity and coexistence within the nation.

    What does the Population Data say?

    • Stabilizing of the Minorities: The data on the decline in Muslim women’s fertility rates, as seen in Census data, indicates a positive trend toward stabilization. (according to the United Nations Population Fund)
      • Demographers predict that by the end of the century, Muslims may constitute around 18.8% of India’s population, with Hindus maintaining a significant majority at 74.7%. 
    • Regional Variations: Various states have already achieved fertility rates below replacement levels, signaling a broader trend of population stabilization.
      • While the Population Regulation Bill in 2019 or the Population (Control) Bill in 2021 has been introduced, some demographers generally emphasize the importance of addressing population dynamics through education, healthcare, and socioeconomic development.
    • Lack of Data-evidences: Claims of alarming Muslim population growth in certain regions like Assam lack substantial evidence, with data showing different growth patterns across states.
      • Illegal Muslim infiltration from Bangladesh is generally said to be responsible for the demographic change since the 1970s in Assam.

    Are Coercive Methods Counter-productive?

    • International Norms and the Indian Government stance: Being a signatory to international covenants such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), India has to abide by the international norms on population control. 
    • The United Nations Human Rights Committee has categorically mandated that state parties to ICCPR cannot adopt policies that are compulsory, coercive, or discriminatory. 
    • Even the National Population Policy, of 2000 focused on more relevant socio-cultural factors such as age at marriage, age at birth, girl education, maternal and child health, and voluntary and informed consent over coercive methods.

    Conclusion: To address concerns about population growth, efforts should concentrate on improving education and economic opportunities for all communities, including Muslims, rather than resorting to coercive measures.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a-well-intentioned-study-and-a-demographic-myth/article68168538.ece

    https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/hindu-population-falls-1950-2015-eac-pm-paper/article68156830.ece

  • Aurora Borealis: What are Northern and Southern lights? Why do they occur?

    Why in the news?

    • In a rare event, the night sky over Hanle village in Ladakh was illuminated by the northern lights or aurora borealis.
      • Concurrently, the southern lights, or aurora australis, were observed in New Zealand and Australia.

    What are Auroras?

    • Auroras are natural light displays that appear as bright, swirling curtains in the night sky.
    • They are typically seen near the Poles but can occasionally be observed at lower latitudes.
    • These lights can display a range of colors, including blue, red, yellow, green, and orange, due to the interaction of solar particles with different gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
    • The phenomenon is known as:
    1. Aurora borealis in Northern Hemisphere and
    2. Aurora australis in Southern Hemisphere

    What causes Auroras?

    • Interaction with Earth’s Magnetic Field: As the solar wind approaches Earth, it interacts with the planet’s magnetic field, causing some charged particles to enter the atmosphere near the poles.
    • Interaction with Gases: These particles interact with gases in the upper atmosphere, producing colourful flashes of light. Collision with oxygen produces green light, while interaction with nitrogen results in shades of blue and purple.

    Reasons for Aurora in Ladakh:

    • Intense Solar Activity: Auroras can extend to lower latitudes during periods of intense solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
      • The CMEs are from the AR13664 region of the sun that has produced several high-energy solar flares
    • Localized magnetic anomalies: Variations in Earth’s magnetic field could potentially influence the occurrence of auroras in specific areas, including regions at lower latitudes.

    Impact on Tech Infrastructure 

    • Auroras can pose challenges to space-dependent technologies and operations.
    • Disruptions in Global Positioning Systems (GPS), radio communications, flight operations, power grids, and space exploration endeavors may occur during such events.

    PYQ:

    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
    3. Power grids could be damaged.
    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over Polar Regions could be interrupted.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
    (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
    (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

     

  • Reservation within Constitutional bounds

    Why in the news?

    There’s a big argument between political parties about reservation. The BJP said some exaggerated things about the Congress wanting a caste census, suggesting it’s connected to religion.

    Current debates on Reservation and Sub-categorization:

    • Constitutional Provisions: The Constituent Assembly opposed reservation solely based on religion, and the Constitution guarantees prohibition of discrimination based on religion under Articles 15 and 16.
    • History of Sub-categorization in Karnataka: In Karnataka, all Muslim communities are included within the OBC quota, forming the basis for the BJP’s current campaign.
      • Sub-categorization for Muslims within the OBC quota has existed in Karnataka since 1995.
      • The H. D. Deve Gowda-led government introduced it but was later removed by the Basavaraj Bommai-led government. However, the status quo continues after court observation.
    • Reservation for Muslim and Christian Communities: Socially and educationally backward Muslim and Christian communities are provided reservations under the OBC/MBC category in various states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • Constitutional Language and SC/ST Communities: The Constitution specifies that for SCs, the person should profess Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism, but no such requirement exists for STs.
    • Congress Manifesto Promise: The Congress has promised in its manifesto to work towards removing the 50% cap placed on reservations, suggesting a potential shift in reservation policy if they come into power.

    Affirmative action as per Constitution:

    • Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution ensure equality to all citizens in actions by the state, including admissions to educational institutions and public employment.
      • They also enable the state to make special provisions for advancing socially and educationally backward classes, including OBC, SC, and ST.
    • Classification of Backward Classes: OBC is a collective term for socially and educationally backward castes, with some states also classifying certain castes as Most Backward Classes (MBC). Reservation percentages vary from state to state.
    • Indra Sawhney Case (1992): Supreme Court upheld 27% reservation for OBC. Caste is considered a determinant of class in the Indian context, and backwardness cannot be determined solely on economic criteria.
      • A cap of 50% was fixed for reservations unless there were exceptional circumstances.
    • Total reservation stood at 49.5% for OBC (27%), SC (15%), and ST (7.5%)—creamy layer exclusion from OBC reservation, with an income limit currently at ₹8 lakhs per annum.
      • Exclusion of children of certain government officials from the reservation.
    • Janhit Abhiyan Case (2022): The court upheld the constitutional validity of the reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Economic criteria could be a reservation basis, according to the court’s majority opinion.

    Affirmative Actions Globally:

    • In the U.S., there is ‘affirmative action’ that consists of government-approved and voluntary private programs granting special consideration to racial minorities like African Americans and Latin Americans.
      • In Fair Admissions vs Harvard case (2023), the U.S. Supreme Court, however, ruled that race-based affirmative action programs in college admissions violate the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
    • In the U.K., the law enables voluntary ‘positive action’ which allows employers to combat the under-representation of disadvantaged groups.
    • France does not have any affirmative action based on race or ethnicity. It provides educational measures designed to increase opportunities for low-income students.

    Way Forward: 

    • Need for Sub-categorization: The Rohini Commission was set up to provide recommendations on sub-categorization among OBC castes, as a significant portion of reserved jobs and seats have been garnered by a small percentage of OBC castes/sub-castes. Similar issues of concentration of benefits persist in the SC and ST categories.
    • Inclusion of Dalit Christians and Muslims: Dalit Christians and Muslims also suffer from discrimination and lack of opportunities. There is a need to extend reservation benefits to these communities and address their marginalization.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine.(UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) to aid Monsoon this year

    Why in the News?

    Australian weather agencies predict the possible return of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in the latter half of 2024.

    What is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)?

    • The IOD is also known as the Indian Nino. It is characterized by the differential heating of ocean waters in the eastern and western parts of the basin.
    • Similar to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Pacific, the IOD involves phases of ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions that affect weather patterns across the region and beyond.
    • There are two main phases of the IOD:
      • Positive Phase: In this phase, the western Indian Ocean becomes warmer than average, and the eastern part cooler than average. This results in greater convection and rainfall over the western Indian Ocean and adjacent land areas like East Africa, while reducing rainfall over the eastern Indian Ocean and places like Indonesia and Australia.
      • Negative Phase: The opposite conditions prevail during this phase, with cooler waters in the western Indian Ocean and warmer waters in the east. This leads to increased rainfall in the eastern Indian Ocean regions and drier conditions in the western part and East Africa.

    Back2Basics: El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

    • El Nino and La Nina are two opposite phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
    • ENSO is a naturally occurring phenomenon that involves the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the equatorial Pacific.

    Here is a detailed comparison of El Nino and La Nina

    El Nino La Nina
    Definition Warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures Cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures
    Frequency Every two to seven years Every two to seven years
    Duration Several months to a year or more Several months to a year or more
    Impact on winds Weakens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns Strengthens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns
    Impact on rains Reduces rainfall and can cause droughts Increases rainfall and can cause flooding
    Impact on temp. Warmer-than-average temperatures Colder-than-average temperatures
    Global effects Droughts in Asia and Africa, floods in Americas Floods in Asia and Africa, droughts in South America

     

    Impact on the Indian Monsoon:

    The Indian Ocean Dipole has significant impacts on the Indian monsoon system:

    1. Positive IOD often coincides with a stronger Southwest Monsoon, bringing more rainfall to India. This is due to the shift in warm water and accompanying convection towards India, which enhances the monsoon rainfall.
    2. Negative IOD can weaken the Southwest Monsoon, resulting in less rainfall and potential drought conditions in India. The shift of warm water away from India reduces the necessary heat and moisture that drive the monsoon rains.

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.

    2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower and how it can be spotted

    Why in the news?

    • The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, an annual event, will reach its peak on May 5 and 6.
    • This meteor shower is a result of Earth intersecting with the debris trail left by Halley’s Comet during its orbit.

    Halley’s Comet

    • Halley’s Comet is a short-period comet visible from Earth every 75–79 years.
    • It was last seen in Earth’s skies in 1986 and was met in space by an international fleet of spacecraft. It will return in 2061 on its regular journey around the Sun.

    What are Meteoric Showers?

    • Meteors, fragments of dust, rock and ice, are expelled from comets during their celestial orbits around the sun.
    • The Earth’s atmosphere heats these space rocks as they descend, leaving luminous streaks of gas in their way.
    • NASA’s records confirms existence of over 30 meteor showers annually.

    Origin of Meteor Showers:

    • Meteor showers originate from comets, remnants of the solar system’s formation composed of dust, rock, and ice.
    • Comets orbit the Sun in highly elliptical paths, and as they approach, they heat up, releasing gases and dust to form a glowing head and a tail stretching millions of miles.
    • When Earth traverses through the debris left behind by comets along their orbital plane, we witness meteor showers.

    About Eta Aquariids

    • Known for their rapid speed, Eta Aquariid meteors produce long, glowing tails lasting several minutes.
    • Observers in the Southern Hemisphere can witness approximately 30 to 40 meteors per hour during the peak, while those in the Northern Hemisphere may see around 10 meteors per hour.
    • They seem to originate from the Aquarius constellation, hence the name ‘Eta Aquariid.’

    PYQ:

    [2014] What is a coma, in the content of astronomy?

    (a) Bright half of material on the comet

    (b) Long tail of dust

    (c) Two asteroids orbiting each other

    (d) Two planets orbiting each other

  • ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’: India’s First Newspaper

    Why in the news?

    • World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, underscores the significance of journalism in society, tracing its roots back to pivotal moments in history.
    • Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, founded by James Augustus Hicky in 1780, marked the inception of Indian journalism, serving as a platform for social discourse and political critique.

    Who was James Augustus Hicky?

    • Born in Ireland in the 1730s, James Augustus Hicky ventured to India, then known as the “Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire“, in search of better opportunities.
    • Faced with initial setbacks, including debts that led to his imprisonment, Hicky demonstrated resilience by setting up a printing press within the jail premises.

    Establishment of ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’:

    • ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’ was the first newspaper ever published in India (indeed in Asia), with its inaugural edition released on January 29, 1780.
    • Hicky served as its founder-editor, aiming to cater primarily to the European community in Calcutta.
    • He initially focusing on local issues such as road repairs and maintenance.
    • The newspaper later delved into broader societal concerns, including government corruption and civic issues.
    • Despite its reputation for gossip and salacious content, the Gazette also published articles critical of the British East India Company and advocated for infrastructure development and sanitation improvements.
    • Hicky’s newspaper was printed once a week on Saturday, and retailed for Rs 1.
    • Its circulation was estimated to be around 400 copies per week, although possibly more.

    Challenges and Legal Battles:

    • The Gazette faced legal challenges, including multiple libel lawsuits filed by prominent figures such as Governor General Warren Hastings in 1780s and missionary Johann Zacharias Kiernander.
    • He described Hastings in an article as being Robert Clive’s “miserable successor”.
    • Hicky’s bold stance against powerful figures, including scathing critiques of Hastings’ expansion policies, led to his imprisonment and financial ruin due to legal fees and penalties.
    • The publication was ceased on 30 March 1782.

    Legacy and Impact:

    • Despite its eventual closure due to legal pressure and financial constraints, ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’ left an indelible mark on Indian journalism.
    • Hicky’s pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for the development of a vibrant media landscape in India, inspiring subsequent generations of journalists and press pioneers.
    • The Gazette’s brief but impactful existence demonstrated the power of the press in advocating for societal change and holding the powerful to account.

    PYQ:

    [2020] The Vital-Vidhwansak, the first monthly journal to have the untouchable people as its target audience was published by:

    (a) Gopal Baba Walangkar

    (b) Jyotiba Phule

    (c) Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

    (d) Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

  • Mapping: Garo Hills

    Why in the news?

    • Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers have made a breakthrough, uncovering ancient fossils in Tolegre, South Garo Hills of Meghalaya.
    • It is speculated that the fossils could be linked to the genera Rhodocetus or Amulocetus (now extinct), considered ancestors of modern whales.

    About Garo Hills

    • The Garo Hills, located in Meghalaya, are part of the Garo-Khasi range, one of the hill ranges in the northeastern region of India.
    • They are situated in the western part of Meghalaya, bordering Bangladesh to the south and west.
    • The terrain of the Garo Hills is rugged and hilly, characterized by dense forests, steep slopes, and deep valleys.
    • The Nokrek is highest Peak, which stands at approximately 1,415 meters (4,642 feet) above sea level.
    • The climate in the Garo Hills is typically humid subtropical, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from June to September.
    • Numerous rivers and streams, including the Brahmaputra, Someshwari, and Jinjiram rivers crisscross this region.
    • The region is also known for its picturesque waterfalls, such as the Pelga Falls, located near Tura, the largest town in the Garo Hills.
    • The Nokrek National Park, located within, is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is home to various endangered species, including the Asian elephant and the red panda.
    • The Garo Hills are inhabited predominantly by the Garo tribe, one of the major ethnic groups in Meghalaya.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following pairs:

    1. Nokrek Bio-Sphere Reserve : Garo Hills

    2. Logtak (Loktak) Lake : Barail Range

    3. Namdapha National Park: Daphla Hills

    Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

  • Mapping: Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago

    Why in the news?

    Researchers disclosed that one of Norway’s Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago witnessed its first walrus death due to Bird Flu (H5N1).

    About Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago

    • Hopen Island is situated in the southern part of the Svalbard Archipelago, between the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea.
    • The island covers an area of about 47 square km, making it one of the smaller islands in the Svalbard group.
    • The landscape mainly consists of low-lying tundra, rocky outcrops, and coastal cliffs.
    • Like the rest of Svalbard, Hopen Island experiences a harsh Arctic climate. Winters are long, dark, and extremely cold, while summers are short and cool.
    • It serves as an important breeding ground for seabirds such as guillemots, puffins, and kittiwakes. Polar bears are also occasionally spotted on the island, along with walruses, seals, and Arctic foxes.
    • It is uninhabited and largely inaccessible to humans due to its remote location and extreme weather conditions.
    • Historically, Hopen Island has been of strategic importance due to its location between the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea.

    H5N1 Bird Flu: Details

    • H5N1 originated from a virus outbreak on a goose farm in China in 1996 and has since evolved into a highly pathogenic strain.
    • The virus quickly spread from Europe to Africa, Asia, North America, and South America, and most recently, it reached mainland Antarctica.
    • H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds, known as avian influenza or “bird flu”.
    • Influenza A viruses are classified by subtypes based on the properties of their surface proteins, with H5N1 being one subtype.

    How widespread is it?

    • The virus has affected birds in over 80 countries, resulting in mass culling of poultry and wild birds.
    • Furthermore, it has now begun infecting mammals, including seals, sea lions, and marine mammals.
    • While humans rarely contract bird flu, those at risk are typically individuals who have extensive contact with infected birds at poultry farms.
    • Bird flu first broke out in Maharashtra in 2006.
    • The H5N1 virus led to the culling of millions of poultry so as to contain the virus. But it has resurfaced from time to time.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’?

    (a) Andaman and Nicobar

    (b) Nicobar and Sumatra

    (c) Maldives and Lakshadweep

    (d) Sumatra and Java

  • [PREMIUM] To the South Pole – Antarctica

    Why in the news?

    The Antarctic Treaty has sparked debates among policymakers, scientists, and the public, as they weigh the balance between environmental conservation, economic interests, and geopolitical concerns in Antarctica.

    About Antarctica

      • Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, covering an area of approximately 14 million square km.
      • It is situated entirely within the Antarctic Circle, with its geographic center near the South Pole.
      • It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth.
      • The interior of Antarctica is a polar desert, receiving very little precipitation, mostly in the form of snow.
    • The Antarctic Ice Sheet is the largest single mass of ice on Earth, containing approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater.

    Geographical Features:

    Description
    Mountains
    • The continent is home to several mountain ranges, including the Transantarctic Mountains.
    • Vinson Massif is the highest peak at 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level.
    Ice Shelves Large floating ice shelves extend along the coast, formed by glaciers flowing from the interior, crucial for stabilizing the Antarctic ice sheet.
    Glaciers Numerous glaciers flow from the high interior to the coast, including Pine Island Glacier and Thwaites Glacier, among the largest and fastest-moving in the world.
    Icebergs
    • Glaciers calve off large chunks of ice, forming icebergs of various sizes.
    • Antarctic Iceberg A-68, which broke off from the Larsen C Ice Shelf in 2017, was one of the largest recorded.
    Plateaus Much of Antarctica’s interior consists of high, flat plateaus covered by ice, reaching elevations over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level.
    Ice-Free Areas Despite being predominantly ice-covered, some ice-free areas exist along the coastlines and in the Antarctic Peninsula region, supporting limited vegetation and wildlife.

    Territorial Claims on Antarctica:

    The countries with territorial claims in Antarctica are:

    1. Argentina: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as Argentine Antarctica.
    2. Australia: Claims the Australian Antarctic Territory.
    3. Chile: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as Chilean Antarctic Territory.
    4. France: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as Adélie Land.
    5. New Zealand: Claims the Ross Dependency.
    6. Norway: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as Queen Maud Land.
    7. United Kingdom: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as the British Antarctic Territory.
    8. United States: Claims a sector of Antarctica known as the Marie Byrd Land.

    India’s Antarctic Outreach

    • Initiated in 1981, India’s Antarctic Program, managed by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, encompasses multi-disciplinary research expeditions.
    • With the establishment of research bases like Dakshin Gangotri (1983) (now decommissioned), Maitri (1989), and Bharati (2012), India contributes significantly to Antarctic exploration.
    • Notably, India’s presence in Antarctica includes a Post Office established in 1984, facilitating communication and research logistics.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?

    (a) Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons

    (b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric’: Clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons

    (c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons

    (d) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming.

  • Patachitra Scroll Paintings

    Why in the news?

    Patachitra Paintings of women in Paschim Medinipur’s Pingla block in West Bengal has become popular worldwide.

    About Bengal Patachitra

    • Patachitra, also spelled as Pattachitra, is a traditional form of scroll painting that originated in the eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal, as well as parts of Bangladesh. The term “Patachitra” derives from Sanskrit, where “pata” means “cloth” and “chitra” means “picture.”
    • These paintings are typically created on cloth canvas, palm leaves, or paper. Artists associated with Patachitra are known as Patuas.
    • Origin: Bengal Patachitra is believed to have originated in rural Bengal, with some historical references suggesting its existence during the Pre-Pala period.
    • Themes and Style:
      • The themes of Bengal Patachitra are diverse, ranging from religious and mythological narratives to secular subjects.
      • Religious themes often depict stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as folklore such as Manasha and Chandi.
      • Secular themes include important news events, accidents, scandals, and social issues.
      • Each Patachitra is accompanied by a song called Patua Sangeet, sung by the artists while unfurling the scroll.
    • Aspects of Painting:
      • Chalchitra: Background paintings associated with religious idols, such as Durga Pratima.
      • Durga Pot: Special Patachitras worshiped during Durga Puja, often featuring images of gods and goddesses.
      • Various Technique: Different districts have distinct techniques, colors, and designs. For example, Purulia Patachitras prefer burnt sienna with white and yellow patches, while Hooghly and Manbhum scrolls exhibit modernistic abstract linear treatment.
      • Artists: Bengal Patua artists, also known as Chitrakars, are concentrated in villages like Naya in the Medinipur district.
      • Colors: Bengal Patachitra typically uses natural colors derived from materials like chalk dust (for white), pauri (for yellow), cultivated indigo (for blue), bhushakali (for black), and mete sindur (for red).