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GS Paper: GS1

  • Taam Ja’: World’s Deepest Blue Hole

    Why in the news?

    Researchers have made a discovery in Mexico, uncovering the world’s deepest blue hole, known as Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH).

    What are Blue Holes?

    • Blue holes, such as TJBH, are formed in coastal regions with soluble bedrock, such as limestone, marble, or gypsum.
    • Water percolates through the rock, dissolving minerals and widening cracks, ultimately leading to the formation of sinkholes.
    • Famous examples: 410-foot Great Blue Hole in Belize, the 663-foot Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas and the 328-foot Blue Hole in the Red Sea near Dahab, Egypt.

    About Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH)

    • TJBH extends at least 1,380 feet (420 meters) below sea level, making it the deepest known underwater sinkhole in the world.
    • It is located in Chetumal Bay off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.
    • It was first discovered in 2021, was originally thought to be 900 feet deep.
    • This discovery surpasses the previous record-holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South China Sea, by an impressive 480 feet.

    Research Expedition and Findings

    • Scientists utilized a conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) profiler to collect data about the environmental conditions within the blue hole.
    • Despite reaching depths of 1,640 feet (500 meters), the CTD profiler was unable to reach the bottom of TJBH, indicating its remarkable depth.
    • Data from the profiler suggested the presence of different water layers within the blue hole, with conditions resembling those of the Caribbean Sea at depths below 1,312 feet (400 meters).

    PYQ:

    [2017] In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration?

    1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams.

    2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

    3. Subterranean deep saline formations.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Unveiling of Raja Ravi Varma’s Indulekha Painting

    Why in the News?

    The first true copy of Raja Ravi Varma’s painting “Indulekha” will be unveiled at Kilimanoor Palace, the birthplace of the legendary artist, on his 176th birth anniversary celebrations.

    About the Indulekha Painting:

    • The painting depicts Indulekha, the protagonist of the first modern Malayalam novel by O. Chandu Menon, published in 1889.
    • The painting holds significance as it is believed to have inspired Ravi Varma’s famous work, “Reclining Lady.”
    • The oil painting portrays Indulekha holding a letter, dated 1892.
    • It exhibits meticulous attention to detail and symmetry, characteristic of Ravi Varma’s style.

    Who was Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906)?

    • Raja Ravi Varma was born in April 1848 in Kilimanoor, Kerala, to a family which was very close to the royals of Travancore.
    • Often referred to as the father of modern Indian art, he is widely known for his realistic portrayal of Indian gods and goddesses.
    • While he majorly painted for the royalty, he is also credited for taking art to the masses with his prints and oleographs.
    • Patronised by Ayilyam Thirunal, the then ruler of Travancore, he learnt watercolour painting from the royal painter Ramaswamy Naidu.
    • He later trained in oil painting from Dutch artist Theodore Jensen.

    Fame as a notable painter

    • Following a portrait of Maharaja Sayajirao of Baroda, he has commissioned 14 Puranic paintings for the Durbar Hall of the new Lakshmi Vilas Palace at Baroda.
    • Depicting Indian culture, Varma borrowed from episodes of Mahabharata and Ramayana for the same.
    • He also received patronage from numerous other rulers, including the Maharaja of Mysore and Maharaja of Udaipur.
    • As his popularity soared, the artist won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873.
    • He was also awarded three gold medals at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893.
    • Viceroy Lord Curzon honoured him with the Kaisar-i-Hind Gold Medal for his service.

    Nature of his artforms

    • Much of his celebrated art also borrows heavily from Indian mythology.
    • In fact, he is often credited with defining the images of Indian gods and goddesses through his relatable and more realistic portrayals often painted with humans as models.
    • The depictions include Lakshmi as the goddess of wealth, Saraswati as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, and Lord Vishnu with his consorts, Maya and Lakshmi.
    • Raja Ravi Varma aspired to take his art to the masses and the intent led him to open a Lithographic Press in Bombay in 1894.
    • The first picture printed at Varma’s press was reportedly The Birth of Shakuntala, followed by numerous mythological figures and saints such as Adi Shankaracharya.

    Major works

    • It is believed that he had made around 7,000 paintings before his death at the age of 58.
    • But only one painting is now left in ‘Chithrashala,’ the artist’s studio at Kilimanoor Palace — an unfinished portrait of ‘Parsi lady’ which was his last work.
    • Some of his popular works include ‘Lady in the Moonlight’, ‘Nair Lady Adorning Her Hair’, ‘Malabar Lady with Violin’, ‘Lady with Swarbat’, and ‘Maharashtrian Lady with Fruits’.
    [2018] The well-known painting “Bani Thani” belongs to the

    (a) Bundi school

    (b) Jaipur school

    (c) Kangra school

    (d) Kishangarh school

  • Chin-Kuki-Zo Tribes: Backdrop of Ethnic Conflict in Manipur

    Why in the news?

    Manipur CM took it to social media where he alleged an “unnatural growth” in the population of the “Chin-Kuki-Zo” tribes in the state, posing a perceived threat to indigenous communities and national security.

    About Chin-Kuki-Zo Tribes

    Chin Tribe Kuki Tribe Zo Tribe
    Ethnic Composition Major ethnic group in Myanmar’s Chin State; known for distinct customs and language. Heterogeneous group in Northeast India; recognized for diverse subtribes. Diverse ethnic group in Northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Bangladesh.
    Geographical Distribution Primarily in Myanmar’s Chin State; significant populations in Indian states like Mizoram. Mainly in Northeast India; also found in Chin State, Myanmar. Inhabits Northeast India, particularly Mizoram and Manipur; also in parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh.
    Language Chin language, part of Kuki-Chin subgroup of Tibeto-Burman family. Kuki-Chin languages; various dialects with distinct variations. Mizo-Kuki-Chin languages; different dialects within Tibeto-Burman family.
    Culture and Traditions Vibrant music, dance, festivals; celebrates Chin National Day. Rich oral traditions, folk music; celebrates festivals like Chavang Kut. Rich oral literature, vibrant festivals; celebrates Chapchar Kut and Mim Kut.
    Livelihood Historically practiced subsistence agriculture; now diversified livelihoods. Historically practiced shifting (Jhum) cultivation; now engaged in various occupations. Historically practiced shifting (Jhum) cultivation; now diverse livelihood patterns.
    Religion Predominantly Christianity with some traditional animistic beliefs. Predominantly Christianity with traditional animistic practices. Predominantly Christianity with remnants of traditional beliefs.
    Socio-Political Organization Advocates for cultural identity and rights; e.g., Chin National Front. Promotes Kuki identity; active organizations like Kuki National Organization. Promotes Zo identity; e.g., Zomi Council and Mizo Zirlai Pawl.

    Issues with their migration

    The Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur are contributing to the conflict in the state due to various factors.

    • There have been longstanding demands from various tribal groups for greater recognition of their ethnic identity and autonomy within Manipur.
    • Land ownership and control are significant issues among the Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur.
    [2016]  Consider the following pairs: (2016)

    Community sometimes  mentioned in the news In the affairs of
    1. Kurd Bangladesh
    2. Madhesi Nepal
    3. Rohingya Myanmar

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

  • Why the Thar Desert on the borders of India and Pakistan is getting greener?

    Why in the News?

    Rajasthan’s barren Thar Desert may turn green, says a recent study in the journal Earth’s Future.

    Thar Desert

    • The Thar Desert is the 18th largest subtropical desert globally and is one of the most densely populated deserts.
    • Approximately 40% of the human population in Rajasthan resides in the Thar Desert.
    • It extends from the Sutlej River and is bounded by the Rann of Kutch, the Aravalli Mountains, and the Indus River.
    • About 85% of the Thar Desert is located in India, with the remainder in Pakistan.
    • In India, it spans across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab as well.
    • Civilizations are believed to have thrived in the Thar region around 50,000 years ago across the extinct Saraswati River.
    • The Desert National Park (home to the endangered Great Indian Bustard, desert fox, desert cat, blackbuck, and Indian gazelle) is situated in the Thar Desert in the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan.

    Why is the Thar desert getting greener?

    • Climate Change Effects:
        • Alteration of Weather Patterns: Climate change is causing shifts in rainfall distribution in the thar desert area.
        • Potential for Vegetation Growth: The increased precipitation could provide favorable conditions for vegetation growth, contributing to the greening of the desert.
    • Indian Monsoon Dynamics:
        • Westward Extension of Indian Monsoon: The Indian monsoon, known for bringing heavy rainfall to eastern India, is now extending further westward into regions like the Thar Desert.
        • Impact on Moisture and Rainfall: This change in monsoon dynamics could lead to increased moisture and rainfall in the desert region, facilitating the growth of vegetation.
    • Expansion of Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP):
        • Influence on Monsoon Patterns: The Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP) influences monsoon patterns and rainfall distribution over the Indian subcontinent.
        • Westward Expansion due to Climate Change: Climate change is causing the IOWP to expand westward, potentially resulting in increased rainfall over semi-arid regions like the Thar Desert and promoting greening.
    • Water Management Practices:
        • Contribution to Greening: Effective water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and irrigation techniques like johad, kuis, and kunds, may be playing a role in the greening of the Thar Desert.
        • Utilization of Water Resources: By harnessing and efficiently utilizing available water resources, local communities and authorities can support vegetation growth and ecosystem restoration efforts in the desert.
    • Introduction of Irrigation  
      • Commercial Cropping: Irrigation was introduced during British colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries to convert arid and semi-arid ecosystems into cropland.
      • Restrictions on Grazing: The right to graze animals was restricted to landowners who cultivated crops, leading to the transformation of nomadic pastoralists into sedentary agro-pastoralists.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves
    2. Tiny leaves
    3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2020] The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.

    [2013] Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why?

  • Anticyclones, hanging even now over India, link warming to heat | Explained

    Why in the news?

    The record warming of 2023 has so far not been fully explained since it was much warmer than expected just from the superposition of El Nino on global warming.

    About Anticyclone:

    • An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon defined as a large-scale circulation of winds around a central region of high atmospheric pressure, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

    The link between ElNino and Anticyclone: 

    • El Nino events can lead to the formation of anticyclone events. During El Niño, the weakening or reversal of the Walker circulation and strengthening of the Hadley circulation caused warm ocean water to develop in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.

    The link between anticyclone and heat 

    • Stability and Weather Patterns: Anticyclones are areas of high pressure in the atmosphere characterized by descending air, which stop the cloud formation and precipitation. This stable air mass tends to promote clear skies and can lead to prolonged periods of hot and dry weather.
    • Amplification by Global Warming: Studies suggest that global warming can intensify anticyclones, making them stronger and more persistent. Warmer temperatures due to climate change can enhance the evaporation of moisture from land and water surfaces, further reinforcing the stability of anticyclonic conditions.
    • Feedback Loop: Anticyclones can create a feedback loop with global warming. As anticyclones persist, they can exacerbate heatwaves by trapping heat near the surface, preventing it from escaping into the upper atmosphere. This trapped heat can then further strengthen the anticyclone, leading to a self-reinforcing cycle of heat and stability.

    What are the stages of early warnings?

    The stages of early warnings on the ‘ready-set-go’ system for disaster management

    • Ready: This stage involves providing a seasonal outlook based on background states and external factors like global warming and El Niño. The aim is to maximize the accuracy of longer-lead forecasts, enabling organizations like the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and local governments to prepare their disaster response systems accordingly.
    • Set: In this stage, subseasonal predictions for weeks two to four are utilized. Resource allocations are made, and potential hotspots are identified to ensure that disaster preparedness is in place. This step involves moving resources, including personnel, to areas that are identified as at risk based on the extended range forecasts.
    • Go: The final stage, based on short- and medium-range forecasts (days 1-10), involves the activation of disaster response efforts. This includes implementing rescue operations, setting up hydration centers, heat shelters, and other necessary measures to manage the disaster effectively.

    Conclusion: All evidence suggests India’s prediction system and early warning systems continue to improve and the NDMA has worked these details well into its ‘ready-set-go’ system.The remaining challenges are to build resilience for the future by better predicting the trajectory of the weather at every location over India.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.

    https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/anticyclones-hanging-even-now-over-india-link-warming-to-heat/article68117359.ece

  • In news: Pripyat River

    Why in the news?

    • The WWF has issued a stark warning regarding the dredging of the Pripyat River, adjacent to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.
    • Concerns mount as the Pripyat River could transform into a permanent repository of radioactive substances, contaminating the water and food sources.

    About Pripyat River

    • Pripyat River is a significant waterway in Eastern Europe. It flows through Ukraine, Belarus, and a small portion of Russia.
    • It is primarily situated within the Polesian Lowland, a region characterized by marshes, wetlands, and forests.
    • The Pripyat River is approximately 761 km (473 miles) long.
    • Physical Features:
    • Tributaries: It has numerous tributaries, including the Stokhid River, Styr River, and Horyn River. The largest tributary of the Pripyat is the Teterev River, which joins it from the right bank.
    • Drainage Basin: Its basin covers an area of around 121,000 square kilometers (46,700 square miles). It is one of the major tributaries of the Dnieper River, which eventually flows into the Black Sea.

    Notable event: The Pripyat River gained international attention due to its proximity to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where the catastrophic nuclear accident occurred in 1986.

    About Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

    • The Chernobyl Disaster occurred on April 26, 1986.
    • It took place at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near the town of Pripyat in northern Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union.
    • The explosion and subsequent fire released a large amount of radioactive material such as cesium-137 and strontium-90 into the atmosphere, resulting in widespread contamination.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following pairs?

    River — Flows into

    1. Mekong — Andaman sea
    2. Thames — Irish Sea
    3. Volga — Caspian Sea
    4. Zambezi — Indian Ocean

    Which of the pairs above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Only 3

    (d) None of the above/More than one of the above

  • In news: Yangli Festival

    Why in the news?

    Tiwa tribals dance recently celebrated the Yangli festival at Bormarjong village, in Karbi Anglong district, Assam.

    About Tiwa Tribals

    • Tiwa tribes, also known as Lalungs, inhabit both the hills and plains of Assam and Meghalaya states.
    • They hold the status of a Scheduled Tribe in Assam.
    • The hill-dwelling Tiwa villagers engage in traditional practices such as Jhum cultivation, horticulture, and the cultivation of local crops and vegetables.
    • Their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman linguistic group.

     About Yangli Festival

    • The Yangli festival is celebrated before starting the paddy sowing
    • It is also known as the Lakshmi Puja of the Tiwa people.
    • It is celebrated with traditional rituals, emphasizing the community’s strong ties to agriculture, their primary livelihood.
    • It serves as an occasion for prayers seeking a bountiful harvest and divine protection for crops against pests and natural calamities.
    • It is held once in 5 years.
    • In April, Khelchawa festival is celebrated by Tiwa tribes marking close of the harvest season.

    Celebratory Activities:

    • Festivities commenced with traditional rituals and vibrant dances.
    • It continues with a joyous gathering along the riverbanks.
    • It draws participation from over five hundred individuals representing various groups like Amchi, Rangkhai, and Magrat.
    • Ceremonial animal sacrifices, including poultry and goats, are performed to honour the goddess and ensure her benevolence upon the Tiwa people’s granary, known as “NoBaro.”

    PYQ:

    [2014] Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

    (a) Bhutia and Lepcha

    (b) Gond and Korku

    (c) lrula and Toda

    (d) Sahariya and Agariya

  • Sympathetic Solar Flares

    Why in the news?

    A rare celestial event unfolded as four solar flares called as Sympathetic Solar Flares simultaneously, signaling the onset of the Sun’s dynamic 11-year solar cycle.

    What is a Solar Cycle?

    • Given the Sun’s dynamic nature, electrically charged gases on its surface generate powerful magnetic fields, known as magnetic fields.
    • These magnetic fields undergo stretching, twisting, and tangling due to the constant movement of gases on the Sun’s surface, resulting in solar activity.
    • Scientists monitor solar cycles using sunspots. Solar activity fluctuates throughout the solar cycle, which typically spans about 11 years. 
    • The onset of a solar cycle typically features minimal sunspot activity, termed as a solar minimum.
    • For instance, the last Solar Cycle 25 commenced in December 2019, characterized by a low number of sunspots.

    What are Sympathetic Solar Flares?

    • Sympathetic solar flares are solar eruptions that occur in close temporal and spatial proximity to another solar flare or eruption.
    • These events are believed to be interconnected through magnetic fields or other physical processes occurring on the Sun.
    • When a solar flare or eruption happens on the Sun, it releases a burst of electromagnetic radiation and charged particles into space.
    • In some cases, the energy released during these events can cause disturbances in the Sun’s magnetic field.
    • These disturbances can trigger the occurrence of additional flares loop or eruptions in nearby regions of the Sun’s surface.
    • This event follows coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and intense plasma bursts.

    Implications for Earth

    • Potential impacts include disruptions to power grids, interference with communication networks, and increased radiation exposure for astronauts and aircraft passengers.
    • Solar storms can lead to spectacular natural light shows known as auroras, which are typically visible near the Earth’s magnetic poles.

    PYQ:

    [2012] The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs:

    (a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat

    (b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation

    (c) all the solar radiations

    (d) the infrared part of the solar radiation
  • PREMIUM – Travelling the Regions of South America

    PREMIUM – Travelling the Regions of South America

    Why in the News?

    South America, known for its diverse landscapes and cultures, also harbors several disputed territories, each with its own historical, geopolitical, and economic significance. These disputes often arise from conflicting territorial claims, historical grievances, or resource-rich areas. 

    Diverse Landscapes of South America:

    • The Pacific Coastal Strip:
      • Between the ocean and the Andes mountain Range.
      • The coastline of South America is smooth and regular. At the river mouths, some inlets are used as harbors. The southwestern coast of the continent has fiords or deep inlets of the sea.
    • Andes Mountain Range:
      • The Andes stretch through the entire continent, running in the north-south direction from the Isthmus of Panama to the Strait of Magellan. The second-highest mountain system in the world.
      • Mount Aconcagua (an extinct volcano lies in Argentina)
      • Mount Ojas del Salado is the highest active volcano in the world of Argentina.
      • Part of seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
      • They form a chain of ranges and knots with enclosed intermontane plateaus namely in Ecuador and Bolivia.
      • Being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are many volcanoes and frequent earthquakes in this region. Mount Cotopaxi and Mount Chimborazo are active volcanic peaks, which is the highest peak in South America.
    • About the Amazon River:
      • It is the world’s largest and second-longest (6,400 km) river in the world after the Nile.
      • Its journey begins high in the Andes Mountains. The river then makes its way east through thousands of miles of rainforests and lowlands until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern coast of Brazil
      • Its watershed spans the countries of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
      • It has more than 1,100 tributaries, which include the rivers like the Rio Negro, the Madeira River, and the Xingu River, etc.
      • The Amazon Rainforest, which represents about half of the Earth’s remaining rainforest, also constitutes its single largest reserve of biological resources.
      • It is sometimes referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” due to its role in regulating the planet’s oxygen and carbon cycles.

    Disputed Areas in South America

    Countries Involved Key Points Geographical Features
    Gulf of Venezuela Colombia, Venezuela
    • Inlet of the Caribbean Sea is Disputed over islands such as Los Monjes Archipelago due to Fishing rights and potential oil reserves.
    • Interpretation disputes regarding the 1941 Treaty of Delimitation            
    • Recent tensions over maritime confrontations and oil exploration activities.
    		 Surrounded by coastal mountain ranges with waters fed by several rivers
    Essequibo Region Guyana, Venezuela
    • Covers two-thirds of Guyana’s territory Historical grievances claimed by Venezuela.         
    • Recent oil discoveries raising tensions; ICJ case filed by Guyana.
    • Essequibo River flows through this region.
    		 Diverse landscapes including rainforests, savannahs, and mountains with the Essequibo River
    Atacama Desert Peru, Chile
    • Extremely Arid desert region            
    • War of the Pacific led to Chile’s control           
    • Valuable mineral resources contribute to disputes            
    • Bilateral talks and arbitration proposals for settlement
    		 Bordered by the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean with salt flats, sand dunes, and volcanic formations
    Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Argentina, UK
    • Sovereignty disputes since 1833           
    • Economic interests include fisheries, tourism, and potential oil reserves           
    • Diplomatic efforts and UN resolutions for resolution
    		 Consists of two main islands with rugged coastlines and low mountains
    Darien Gap Colombia, Panama
    • Dense jungle terrain separating North and South America            
    • Challenges in illegal immigration discussions            
    • Characterized by dense rainforests, swamps, and mountains
    		 Part of the Darien National Park with dense rainforests, mangroves, and steep mountain slopes
    Arroyo de la Invernada or Rincon de Artigas… Brazil, Uruguay
    • Dispute over the Invernada River region near Masoller            
    • UN does not officially recognize the claim            
    • 237 km2 region with significant natural resources            
    • Efforts to resolve through bilateral talks and international mediation
    		 Rolling hills, grasslands, and small rivers with the Invernada River
    New River Triangle (Tigri Area) Suriname, Guyana
    • Disputed region within the Guiana Highlands            
    • Conflicting claims over territory interpretation of historical treaties and boundaries
    		 Dense rainforests, mountain ranges, and numerous rivers
    Isla Brasilera/Ilha Brasileira Brazil, Uruguay
    • Uruguay claims ownership of Isla Brasilera            
    • Strategically located near the tripoint with Argentina            
    • Efforts to resolve through diplomatic negotiations and legal arguments
    		 Small island located in the Uruguay River with lush vegetation
    Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-mirim Bolivia, Brazil
    • Located in the Rio Mamore as a border between Bolivia and Brazil           
    • Economically dependent on Guajara-Mirim, Brazil            
    • Treaty signed in 1958 maintains the status quo            
    • Challenges of border management in riverine environments
    		 Riverine island characterized by tropical vegetation and wetlands
    Southern Patagonian Ice Field Argentina, Chile
    • Spanning parts of Argentina and Chile            
    • Border demarcation remains undefined in certain areas           
    • Bilateral efforts for resolution include scientific cooperation and mapping projects
    		 Vast expanse of ice and snow covering rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys
    Lithium Triangle  Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile
    • It is characterized by various salt pans or salars, concentrated along the Atacama Desert and adjacent arid regions.
    • The Salar de Atacama in Chile boasts the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources worldwide. 
    • Argentina boasts more than half of the world’s total lithium resources and holds the distinction of having the 2nd-largest lithium resources, the 3rd-largest lithium reserves, and the 4th-largest lithium production in the world.
    • India’s KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) has announced an investment of ₹211 crore ($25.712 million) over five years for exploration stage activities in five lithium blocks in the Fiambala area of Argentina.
    		 Key reserves of Lithium include:

    1. Uyuni (Bolivia): This salt flat is not only the world’s largest salt flat but also contains significant lithium reserves.  
    2. Atacama (Chile): Located in the Atacama Desert, Salar de Atacama is home to one of the largest lithium reserves globally. 
    3. Hombre Muerto (Argentina): This salt flat in northwestern Argentina also hosts lithium extraction operations.

     

    Note: Bolivia and Paraguay are land-locked countries in South America

    PYQ:

    [2013] “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.”  

    The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

    (a) African Savannah

    (b) Central Asian Steppe

    (c) South American Tropical

    (d) Siberian Tundra

     

  • Towards a less poor and more equal country

    Why in the news? 

    In March, World Inequality Lab, a Global Research Center focused on inequality and public policies, published in a paper titled, ‘Income and Wealth Inequality in India, 1922-2023: The Rise of the Billionaire Raj’. 

    Income and wealth inequality as per the World Inequality Lab: 

    • Income Inequality: In 2022-23, the top 1% of Indians received 22.6% of the national income, the highest in a century. The top 0.1% earned nearly 10% of the national income. Wealth inequality was also stark, with the top 1% holding 40.1% of the wealth in 2022-23, the highest since 1961.
    • Wealth Inequality Trends: Wealth concentration increased significantly between 1961 and 2023. The top 10% held 65% of the wealth in 2022-23, up from 45% in 1961. The bottom 50% and middle 40% saw declines in their share of wealth.
    • Comparison with Other Countries: India’s wealth inequality, while not as extreme as in Brazil and South Africa, increased threefold between 1961 and 2023. India’s income inequality is among the highest globally, surpassing South Africa, Brazil, and the U.S.
    • Impact of 1991 Economic Reforms: Inequality increased notably after the 1991 economic reforms in India. Growth in China has been broad-based compared to India, resulting in lesser income inequality despite higher growth rates in China.

    Present Dilemma in Human Development:

    • The Human Development Report (HDR) 2023-2024 ranked India 134 out of 193 countries. 
    • India is now the fifth-largest economy but it still ranks lower than Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh in human development. Its economic growth has not translated into growth in human development.

    Measures to Improve Human Development:

    • Investment in Education: Ensure access to quality education for all, from primary to higher levels. Focus on improving educational infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development.
    • Healthcare Access and Quality: Expand access to affordable and quality healthcare services, including preventive, primary, and specialized care. Invest in healthcare infrastructure, medical personnel, and technology.
    • Poverty Reduction: Implement social welfare programs to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing to the disadvantaged. Promote inclusive economic growth to create employment opportunities and increase household incomes.

    Conclusion: The Indian government has taken several steps including the creation and organization of women’s self-help groups, sending civil servants to areas with poor levels of human development,  and implementing land reforms. However, a major necessity of raising awareness is through an organic approach.

     

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive (UPSC IAS/2019)