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GS Paper: GS3

  • What is Tensor Processing Unit (TPU)?

    Why in the News?

    Recently Google introduced its seventh-generation TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), named Ironwood.

    About Ironwood

    • Ironwood is Google’s seventh-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), designed to accelerate AI model training and inference with improved performance and efficiency.
    • It builds on previous TPUs, enhancing speed and efficiency for AI workloads.
    • It has been optimized for complex AI tasks, especially those requiring high-speed data processing for neural networks and deep learning models.
    • Initially used internally, Ironwood is now available via Google Cloud Platform, allowing businesses to harness its power without investing in dedicated hardware.

    What is a TPU?

    • A TPU is a specialized processor developed by Google to accelerate machine learning tasks, particularly those involving TensorFlow.
    • TPUs are optimized for tensor operations, crucial for training deep learning models, enabling faster data processing and high efficiency.

    How is TPU Different from GPU and CPU?

    CPU GPU TPU
    What is it? Central Processing Unit – General-purpose processor for various computing tasks. Graphics Processing Unit – Specialized for parallel processing, initially for graphics rendering. Tensor Processing Unit – Specialized processor designed by Google for accelerating machine learning tasks, particularly for AI and deep learning.
    Specialization General-purpose tasks (sequential processing) Parallel processing (graphics, machine learning) Specialized for AI tasks (tensor computations)
    Performance Slower for AI tasks due to sequential processing Faster than CPU for parallel tasks Fastest for AI tasks like matrix multiplication
    Efficiency Versatile but less efficient for AI operations Energy-efficient for parallel tasks Highly energy-efficient for machine learning
    Best for Running applications, managing systems Graphics rendering, machine learning Deep learning, neural network training

     

    [UPSC 2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

    (1) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units (2) Create meaningful short stories and songs (3) Disease diagnosis (4) Text-to-Speech Conversion (5) Wireless transmission of electrical energy

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

  • China halts export of Rare Earth Magnets

    Why in the News?

    China has suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets after US’s tariff embargo.

    What Are Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and RE Magnets?

    • REEs are a group of 17 elements in the periodic table, including Lanthanum (La), Neodymium (Nd), Europium (Eu), and Ytterbium (Yb).
    • Though not rare, they are found in low concentrations, making extraction challenging and costly.
    • Classification:
      • Light REEs (LREEs): Elements 57-63, such as La, Ce, Nd, and Sm.
      • Heavy REEs (HREEs): Elements 64-71, like Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er.
      • Scandium and Yttrium: Classified with HREEs due to similar chemical properties.
    • Rare Earth Magnets are powerful permanent magnets made from elements like Neodymium (Nd), Samarium (Sm), and Dysprosium (Dy).
    • They are far stronger and more efficient than traditional magnets, crucial for high-tech electronic applications.

    Global Supply Chain of REEs:

    • REEs are abundant but difficult to extract economically.
    • China alone dominates, producing 70% of the global supply and controlling 80% of the refining capacity. REEs are primarily mined from China’s Bayan Obo mine.
    • Australia, USA, Brazil, and Russia also contribute, though less significantly.
    • Refining also is largely controlled by China, though other nations are working to build their own refining capabilities to reduce dependency.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following statements:

    1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • How govern-mentality exacerbates the problem of farmers’ stubble burning

    Why in the News?

    A new study by researchers Sujit Raghunathrao Jagadale and Javed M. Shaikh from IIM Amritsar looks at the issue of stubble burning by examining how government policies and market systems are failing to manage the problem effectively.

    Why do farmers continue stubble burning despite its harm to air quality?

    • Cost-Effective Method: Stubble burning is the cheapest way for farmers to clear their fields after harvesting. Eg: Farmers burn stubble to quickly prepare their land for the next crop, especially for wheat, without incurring high labor or machinery costs.
    • Lack of Affordable Alternatives: There are limited affordable and efficient alternatives to stubble burning. Eg: Farmers often do not have access to technology or subsidies for machines that can manage stubble, such as Happy Seeder or bio-decomposers.
    • Government’s Focus on High-Yield Crops: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy incentivizes the cultivation of wheat and rice, leading to monocropping. Eg: Farmers are encouraged to grow rice continuously, which results in an abundance of stubble that needs to be disposed of quickly.
    • Debt and Economic Pressure: Many farmers face financial pressures, including debt and low returns on their crops, which makes burning stubble a way to save time and money. Eg: Farmers often sell their crops to middlemen at low prices, leaving them with insufficient income to invest in sustainable farming practices.
    • Lack of Strong Enforcement or Support: Although stubble burning is penalized, enforcement of laws is weak, and farmers often feel the state does not provide adequate support for eco-friendly methods. Eg: Despite penalties, farmers feel little pressure to change practices when there is insufficient governmental support or infrastructure for alternatives.

    How does India’s MSP policy influence stubble burning?

    • Encourages Monocropping: The MSP policy promotes the cultivation of high-yield crops like rice and wheat, leading to monocropping, which results in a large amount of stubble that must be cleared. Eg: Farmers in Punjab often grow rice followed by wheat, creating a cycle where large quantities of rice stubble need to be burned to prepare the soil for the next crop.
    • Limits Crop Diversification: The MSP system prioritizes wheat and rice over other crops, making it economically unfeasible for farmers to switch to more sustainable practices or crops that would reduce stubble burning. Eg: Despite the potential for growing other crops, farmers focus on rice and wheat to benefit from MSP, leaving them with stubble that they have no economically viable option to manage.
    • Financial Constraints: The MSP rates for crops like rice and wheat have remained stagnant, making it harder for farmers to invest in alternatives to stubble burning, such as machinery or composting. Eg: With wheat MSP seeing only minimal increases, farmers struggle to cover costs for labor and inputs, leading them to resort to stubble burning as the most cost-effective option to clear fields.

    What has the government done in this situation?

    • Implemented Subsidies for Machinery: The government has provided subsidies for the purchase of machinery like the Happy Seeder to help farmers manage stubble without burning. Eg: The Punjab government has distributed equipment like straw management machines under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization to reduce stubble burning.
    • Awareness Campaigns: The government has conducted awareness programs to educate farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning and encourage them to adopt alternative practices. Eg: The Ministry of Agriculture and local bodies in states like Punjab and Haryana have launched campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental and health risks of stubble burning.
    • Legal Measures and Penalties: Various state governments, including Punjab, have imposed fines and penalties on farmers found burning stubble, aiming to deter the practice. Eg: The Punjab government introduced a fine for stubble burning, with penalties reaching up to Rs 2,500 for each violation, although enforcement remains challenging.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Crop Diversification: Encourage farmers to shift from paddy to less water-intensive and non-stubble-generating crops through assured procurement and better MSP for alternative crops. Eg: Incentivize crops like millets and pulses to reduce stubble generation.
    • Strengthen Support and Infrastructure: Scale up access to sustainable stubble management technologies and ensure timely financial and logistic support to small and marginal farmers. Eg: Expand reach of Happy Seeder and bio-decomposer solutions through local cooperatives and custom hiring centers.

    Mains PYQ:

     [UPSC 2015] Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious probelm in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

    Linkage: Delhi’s severe air pollution, especially at certain times of the year, is caused by a combination of its location in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, nearby states burning crop stubble, and weather conditions that trap pollutants.

  • KATRIN Experiment

    Why in the News?

    The KATRIN (Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino Experiment) has made a groundbreaking achievement by measuring neutrino mass with a new precision.

    About the KATRIN Experiment:

    • The KATRIN is located at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), specifically on its Campus North site in Karlsruhe, Germany.
    • It is aimed at measuring the mass of the electron antineutrino with sub-eV precision.
    • It has measured the mass of neutrinos by studying the beta decay of tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen.
    • The mass was inferred by analyzing the energy of the emitted electrons.
    • Technological Setup:
      • A 70-meter-long beamline with a powerful tritium source.
      • A 10-meter-wide spectrometer to measure the energy of emitted electrons with high precision.
    • Key Findings:
      • KATRIN has set a new upper limit for neutrino mass at less than 0.45 eV/cÂČ (8 × 10⁻³⁷ kg), nearly twice as precise as previous measurements from 2022.
      • Data Collection was based on five campaigns from 2019-2021, totalling 250 days of data.

    Neutrinos and Their Properties

    • Neutrinos are extremely light subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter, making them difficult to detect.
    • They are found in cosmic rays and solar radiation.
    • Properties:
      • Mass: Their small mass influences cosmic structure formation, such as galaxies and clusters.
      • Weak Interaction: They interact via the weak nuclear force, allowing them to pass through vast amounts of matter.
    • They are essential in particle reactions and play a key role in galaxy formation and the study of dark matter.

     

    [UPSC 2010] India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the planning commission as a mega-science project under the 11th Five-year plan. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1.Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.

    2.Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.

    3.Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.

    4.Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

     

  • Novel Silicon Photonics Breakthrough

    Why in the News?

    In a major breakthrough, Indian researchers have developed a new type of laser that can be placed directly onto silicon chips, a key component of modern computers.

    What is Silicon Photonics?

    • Silicon photonics is a technology that uses light (photons) instead of electrical signals to transmit data inside computer systems.
    • Light can carry more data at higher speeds with less energy than electricity, making it a promising technology for future computing and data transfer.
    • Traditional silicon chips struggle to produce light, requiring external lasers, which were inefficient and costly.
    • Silicon photonics can significantly enhance data transfer speed and efficiency, benefiting industries like data centers and telecommunications.

    About the Miniaturized Laser Technology

    • Indian researchers have successfully integrated a laser directly onto a silicon chip, eliminating the need for separate lasers.
    • The laser is made using gallium arsenide (where 20% of gallium atoms had been replaced with indium to achieve optimal light emission), which helps silicon emit light, a crucial step since silicon alone cannot produce light efficiently.
    • It uses minimal power, ideal for high-performance, energy-efficient computers.
    • Direct integration reduces costs, making the technology scalable for mass production.
    • This innovation boosts computing power, particularly in data centers where fast data transfer is critical.
    • Efforts are underway to enhance its durability, especially at higher temperatures, for broader industrial use.
    [UPSC 2008] Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer?

    (a) Dye laser (b) Gas laser (c) Semiconductor laser (d) Excimer laser

     

  • DRDO successfully tested Directed Energy Weapon (DEW)

    Why in the News?

    India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system, marking a major achievement in the country’s defense capabilities.

    About Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) System 

    • The Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW system, also known as Sahastra Shakti, is an indigenously developed Laser weapon with an operational range of 5km.
    • It is designed to neutralize threats like drones, missiles, and remotely piloted aircraft using a 30-kilowatt laser.
    • It is developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS), in collaboration with other DRDO labs, academic institutions, and Indian industries.
    • It focuses primarily on neutralizing aerial threats such as drones and missiles, offering a cutting-edge solution against modern warfare tactics.

    How does it work?

    • It utilizes radar and Electro-Optic (EO) systems for target detection.
    • The laser engages the target at the speed of light, causing structural failure or significant damage.
    • It delivers rapid, precise strikes with lethal impact in seconds.
    • The energy used for a few seconds of firing costs as little as a couple of litres of petrol, making it cost-efficient.
    • The 30-kilowatt laser ensures quick target neutralization with minimal collateral damage.

    Significance of the Mk-II(A) Laser-DEW System

    • Cost-Effective: Far more affordable than traditional missile systems, providing sustainable defense options.
    • Reduced Ammunition Dependence: Reduces reliance on expensive ammunition, offering a long-term sustainable defence solution.
    • Precision & Speed: Engages targets almost instantaneously, minimizing collateral damage and ensuring high-value targets are neutralized quickly.
    • Strategic Advantage: Enhances India’s defence capabilities, providing an advanced method for protecting infrastructure and addressing evolving aerial threats.
    [UPSC 2011] With reference to Indian defence, which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

    (a) With the induction of Prithvi-II, the IAF is the only air force in the world with surface-to-surface ballistic missiles under its command.

    (b) Sukhoi-30 MKI jet fighters can launch air-to-air and air-to-surface precision missiles

    (c) Trishul is a supersonic surface-to-air missile with a range of 30 km

    (d) The indigenously built INS Prabal can launch surface-to-surface missiles

     

  • Urban consumers are worried about their income levels

    Why in the News?

    In March, while many urban consumers were hopeful about job opportunities, many were still negative about their income levels.

    What does the gap between job optimism and income pessimism among urban consumers imply?

    • Jobs Are Available, But Income Growth Is Stagnant: In March 2025, 35.5% of urban respondents reported improved job opportunities compared to a year ago, but only 23.8% reported an increase in income.  
    • Rising Cost of Living Without Corresponding Wage Increases: Over 90% of urban respondents indicated that commodity prices have increased over the past year, but income increases remain minimal.  
    • Negative Economic Outlook Despite Employment Optimism: Despite optimism regarding job opportunities, only 34.7% of urban respondents believed the overall economic situation improved compared to the previous year, the lowest share in over a year.  

    Why are rural respondents more pessimistic about income than urban ones?

    • Dependence on Agriculture and Seasonal Employment: Rural areas heavily depend on agriculture, which is subject to seasonal fluctuations and external factors like weather conditions. Eg: A farmer in a rural area may experience low income during a poor harvest season, while urban workers with more stable jobs may not face similar income volatility.
    • Limited Access to Formal and High-Paying Jobs: Urban areas offer more formal employment opportunities with better wages and benefits, while rural areas often lack access to well-paying jobs and may have higher rates of informal employment. Eg: A rural resident working as a daily wage laborer may earn less compared to an office worker in the city with a regular salary, even if both are employed.
    • Lower Economic Diversification: Rural economies are less diversified compared to urban areas, which can lead to fewer job opportunities and economic growth. Eg: A rural worker may be reliant on local industries like agriculture or small-scale manufacturing, while an urban worker has access to a variety of sectors like technology, finance, and services, which tend to offer higher income prospects.

    How have rising prices affected urban spending?

    • Increased Spending on Essential Goods: With rising commodity prices, urban consumers are spending more on essential goods such as food, transportation, and utilities, leading to higher overall expenditures. Eg: An urban resident may see their grocery bills rise significantly due to inflation, causing them to spend more on basic food items like vegetables and grains, even if their income remains unchanged.
    • Shifting Spending Priorities: As prices rise, urban consumers are prioritizing necessary expenses, often cutting back on discretionary spending like entertainment, travel, and luxury goods. Eg: A family in an urban area may reduce spending on dining out or vacations to allocate more money towards rent and daily commuting costs, adjusting their lifestyle to account for increased living expenses.
    • Financial Strain Despite Employment Stability: Urban residents may continue to hold jobs, but the combination of stagnant incomes and rising costs puts financial pressure on them, leading to a higher sense of economic uncertainty. Eg: An office worker may retain their job but find it increasingly difficult to cover monthly expenses like rent and school fees for children, as inflation causes prices to rise faster than their salary increases.

    What was the main factor behind the decline in positive sentiment about the economy among urban consumers in March 2025?

    • Rising Commodity Prices Without Income Growth: In March 2025, over 90% of urban respondents reported that commodity prices had increased over the past year, while only 23.8% saw an increase in their income. Eg: With income levels largely stagnant and prices rising, 80% of urban respondents reported increased spending, leading to a more pessimistic view of the economy.
    • Stagnant Income and Higher Spending Pressures: The survey revealed that 34.7% of urban respondents felt the overall economic situation had improved, the lowest share in over a year, indicating dissatisfaction with the broader economic outlook. Eg: An office worker might retain their job but face higher living costs (such as rent, utilities, and groceries), contributing to the sense of financial strain and a decline in positive economic sentiment, despite job availability.

    Way forward: 

    • Focus on Wage Growth and Inflation-Linked Salary Adjustments: To address stagnant incomes, policies should ensure that wage growth keeps up with inflation, potentially through salary adjustments linked to cost-of-living indices, reducing financial strain for urban consumers.
    • Boost Rural Economic Diversification and Job Creation: Improve access to diverse, high-paying jobs in rural areas through skill development programs, infrastructure improvements, and incentives for non-agricultural industries, fostering economic resilience and reducing income pessimism.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2022] Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour productivity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to the creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.

    Linkage: If people in cities are worried that their incomes are not growing even though jobs are available, it shows a gap between growth driven by higher worker productivity and actual rise in people’s earnings. This is an important point discussed in this previous year’s question.

  • Real Time LAMP Assay for Early Diagnosis of TB

    Why in the News?

    Researchers from Thiruvananthapuram have developed a cost-effective Real-Time LAMP (rt-LAMP) Assay for early Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis.

    About the rt-LAMP Assay

    • The rt-LAMP assay (real-time Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) is a molecular diagnostic test designed to detect TB DNA with high precision.
    • It can detect TB DNA at concentrations as low as 10 copy numbers per microlitre, ensuring early detection even with low bacterial loads.
    • Developed by SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram, the rt-LAMP assay uses Syto 16, a fluorescent dye, to monitor DNA amplification in real time, addressing the limitations of traditional LAMP tests.
    • Working Principle:
      • It uses six primers for DNA amplification (compared to two in RT-PCR), enhancing amplification speed.
      • It operates at a single temperature, unlike RT-PCR, making it simpler and more cost-effective.
      • It monitors the amplification process continuously, providing faster results.

    Advantages Offered:

    • High Sensitivity and Specificity: Ensures accurate detection of TB DNA due to the use of six primers.
    • Cost-Effective: Uses affordable fluorescent dyes and primers, reducing diagnostic costs.
    • Speed: Produces results in just 10-20 minutes, faster than traditional tests.
    • Ease of Use: Compatible with existing RT-PCR machines, reducing the need for new infrastructure.
    • High Throughput: Can process 96-384 tests in one run, making it ideal for high-volume settings.
    [UPSC 2007] Which of the following types is used by computed tomography employed for visualization of the internal structure of the human body?

    (a) X-rays (b) Sound Waves (c) Magnetic Resonance (d) Radioisotopes

     

  • The conservation argument for resurrecting dire wolf is not credible

    Why in the news?

    Colossal Biosciences is an American company that combines genetics and conservation in a unique way by bringing back species that have been extinct for thousands of years.

    What is the primary goal of Colossal Biosciences’ de-extinction project?

    Colossal Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in de-extinction projects, aiming to revive extinct species through advanced genetic engineering.

    • Woolly Mammoth De-Extinction: Colossal is working to resurrect the woolly mammoth by integrating mammoth genes into the Asian elephant genome using CRISPR technology. The goal is to create a cold-resistant elephant with traits characteristic of the woolly mammoth, such as a thick layer of fat and shaggy hair, to inhabit Arctic tundra regions and potentially combat climate change.
    • Dire Wolf Revival: In a groundbreaking achievement, Colossal announced the birth of three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—genetically engineered to resemble the extinct dire wolf. Using DNA from ancient dire wolf remains, scientists edited the genes of modern gray wolves, resulting in animals that exhibit traits such as larger size and distinctive fur color.

    Why do critics question the credibility of reviving extinct species for conservation purposes?

    • Lack of Scientific Proof: The actual success of reviving extinct species like the woolly mammoth has not yet been proven through rigorous peer review or established results.
    • Limited Genetic Editing: The extent of genetic editing in revived species often involves only a small number of genes, leading to incomplete or flawed replicas of the original species. Eg: In the case of the dire wolf, only 20 genes were edited, resulting in what critics describe as just a “strange-looking gray wolf” rather than a true de-extinct species.
    • Ethical Concerns: There are ethical debates over the potential consequences of creating species that may not thrive in the modern environment or might cause unforeseen ecological imbalances. Eg: The introduction of revived species like the woolly mammoth could disrupt current ecosystems in ways that may not be beneficial.

    How can bringing back the woolly mammoth help stop global warming?

    • Restoring Grasslands: The woolly mammoth can help restore Arctic grasslands by grazing on shrubs and plants, which would create open grasslands where permafrost can remain intact. Eg: By grazing, mammoths would prevent the growth of shrubs that trap heat, promoting the return of grasslands that are cooler and better at reflecting sunlight.
    • Slowing Permafrost Melt: Grasslands absorb less heat than shrub forests, helping to keep the permafrost cool. The return of woolly mammoths could help prevent the thawing of permafrost, which releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Eg: Mammoth grazing can keep the ground cooler and slow the thawing of permafrost, thus reducing the release of methane into the atmosphere.
    • Preventing Methane Emissions: As the permafrost melts, it releases large amounts of methane into the atmosphere. Woolly mammoths could help mitigate this by maintaining ecosystems that slow down the permafrost’s thaw. Eg: With mammoths grazing, the tundra could remain cooler and less prone to releasing methane.
    • Enhancing Carbon Sequestration: Grasslands are more effective at absorbing carbon than shrubbery or forested areas. By converting tundra back into grasslands, woolly mammoths could enhance carbon sequestration and help store more carbon in the soil. Eg: Woolly mammoths could help re-establish healthy grasslands, which would act as carbon sinks, absorbing more CO2 from the atmosphere.

    What is India’s situation in advanced genetic engineering?

    • Advancements in Agricultural Biotechnology: India has developed a structured regulatory framework for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) under the Environment (Protection) Act, of 1986. Eg: Recently, India initiated trials of CRISPR/Cas9-modified rice varieties in test fields, reflecting a surge in scientific research and innovation in plant genome editing.
    • Pioneering Genomic Research and Precision Medicine: India’s Genome India Project aims to sequence at least 10,000 Indian genomes to develop predictive diagnostic indicators for various diseases. Eg: Institutions like the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) have been instrumental in understanding genetic epidemiology, including the development of the FELUDA COVID-19 test based on CRISPR technology.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Ethical and Regulatory Frameworks: India should establish robust regulations and ethical guidelines for genetic engineering, particularly for gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, to ensure safety and sustainability in areas such as agriculture and medicine.
    • Promote Collaborative Research and Innovation: Encouraging partnerships between academic institutions, the private sector, and the government will help accelerate research and application of advanced genetic technologies, positioning India as a global leader in biotechnology innovation.

    Mains PYQ: 

    [UPSC 2024] What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe [mass extinction of life]?

    Linkage: The article says we should focus more on saving the species that are alive today, rather than trying to bring back extinct ones. The debate about de-extinction raises the question of whether it’s better to spend resources on protecting current species instead.

  • [pib] Indian researchers introduce ‘Toxicity Standard’ of PM2.5 Pollution

    Why in the News?

    A recent study conducted in Kolkata shows that the toxicity value of PM2.5 experiences a sudden jump when the pollution level reaches around 70 ”g/m³.

    About PM2.5

    • PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller.
    • It is a major air pollutant linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, and other health issues.
    • Major sources include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, construction dust, biomass burning, and solid waste burning, contributing to both outdoor and indoor pollution.
    • WHO recommends that the annual average PM2.5 concentration should NOT exceed 5 ”g/mÂł, and the 24-hour average should not exceed 15 ”g/mÂł for more than 3-4 days per year.

    PM2.5 on Govt. Focus: National Clean Air Program (NCAP)

    • Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter by 40% by 2026 compared to 2017 levels.
    • It targets 131 non-attainment cities across India, focusing on improving air quality and addressing sources of pollution.

    About the Notified Toxicity Standard for PM2.5 

    • A new toxicity standard for PM2.5 in Kolkata sets the critical threshold at 70 ”g/mÂł.
    • Below this level, toxicity remains stable, but it sharply increases once the concentration exceeds 70 ”g/mÂł.
    • It emphasizes reducing pollution sources, particularly biomass and solid waste burning, which contribute significantly to high PM2.5 levels and increased toxicity in Kolkata.
    • Policy Recommendation: To reduce health risks, air quality control measures should aim to keep PM2.5 levels below 70 ”g/mÂł.
    [UPSC 2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:

    1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 ”g/m3 and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 ”g/m3.

    2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.

    3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.

    4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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