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GS Paper: GS3

  • Why global sea ice cover has dipped to record low — what this means

    Why in the News?

    Between February 8 and 13, the total area of sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic shrank to 15.76 million sq km, breaking the previous record low of 15.93 million sq km from early 2023, according to a BBC analysis of data from the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC).

    What are the reasons for the record low?

    • Warm Air and Ocean Temperatures: Elevated air and sea temperatures have significantly contributed to the melting of both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice. Warmer conditions, particularly towards the end of summer, have led to increased melting rates, especially in the Antarctic region.
    • Wind Patterns: Changes in atmospheric dynamics, including stronger westerly winds associated with the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), have disrupted sea ice formation and stability. In the Antarctic, these winds can break apart ice more easily due to its thinner and more mobile nature compared to the thicker Arctic ice.
    • Delayed Freezing: In the Arctic, a delayed freezing process around regions like Hudson Bay has occurred due to unusually warm ocean temperatures, preventing the formation of new ice during winter.
    • Increased Freshwater Input: The melting of glaciers and ice shelves adds freshwater to the oceans, which can alter ocean stratification and impact sea ice formation. While freshwater can initially encourage sea ice growth in some contexts, it also leads to changes that may ultimately reduce overall sea ice extent.
    • Feedback Mechanisms: The loss of sea ice creates feedback loops that further exacerbate warming. As less ice remains to reflect sunlight, more solar radiation is absorbed by the ocean, leading to increased temperatures and further melting of ice.

    What does “dip” mean?

    • In the context of the recent report on sea ice, the term “dip” refers to a significant decrease or reduction in the extent of sea ice coverage. Specifically, it denotes the record low measurement of combined Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, which fell to 15.76 million square kilometres, marking a decline from previous levels.
    • This “dip” highlights the alarming trend of diminishing sea ice, which is crucial for regulating global temperatures and maintaining ecological balance in polar regions.

    What could be its impact?

    • Accelerated Global Warming: Less sea ice means more ocean water is exposed to sunlight, absorbing heat instead of reflecting it. Example: The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, leading to extreme weather patterns worldwide.
    • Disruptions in Ocean Currents: Melting sea ice releases freshwater into the ocean, reducing salinity and slowing down deep-water circulation. Example: The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which influences global climate patterns, is weakening due to increased freshwater from melting Arctic ice.
    • Threat to Marine Ecosystems: Sea ice loss affects marine species dependent on stable ice conditions for survival. Example: Polar bears rely on sea ice for hunting seals. As ice declines, they face starvation and habitat loss. Similarly, krill populations in Antarctica, a key food source for whales and penguins, are declining due to changing ice conditions.
    • More Extreme Weather Events: Changes in polar ice influence atmospheric circulation, leading to unpredictable weather. Example: The weakening of the polar vortex due to Arctic warming has been linked to severe cold waves in North America and Europe, such as the Texas winter storm in 2021.
    • Coastal and Infrastructure Damage: Rising temperatures due to ice melt contribute to permafrost thawing, which destabilizes infrastructure in polar regions. Example: In Siberia, Russia, thawing permafrost has caused buildings and roads to collapse, posing a major economic and environmental challenge.

    What measures have been taken at the international level?

    • International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (2025): The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and UNESCO have declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of glaciers and ice sheets, which store a significant portion of the world’s freshwater, and to promote actions to mitigate their melting.
    • Global Cryosphere Watch: The WMO’s Global Cryosphere Watch network, which includes scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has been actively monitoring and reporting on cryosphere changes. Their findings highlight alarming trends in ice loss and emphasize the need for immediate action to address these issues.
    • Collaborative Research Initiatives: Various international scientific collaborations are underway to study and model the impacts of climate change on sea ice. These efforts involve researchers from multiple countries working together to gather data, analyze trends, and develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation.
    • Climate Action Frameworks: Global climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, encourage countries to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which are a primary driver of climate change affecting sea ice.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns: International organizations are engaging in campaigns to educate the public about the significance of sea ice and glaciers in regulating global climate systems.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Climate Mitigation Efforts: Nations must enhance commitments under the Paris Agreement by accelerating renewable energy adoption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing carbon pricing mechanisms to curb global warming.
    • Enhancing Polar and Oceanic Monitoring: Strengthen international collaboration for real-time satellite monitoring, expand scientific research on polar ice dynamics, and develop adaptive strategies to protect vulnerable ecosystems and coastal communities.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • [pib] Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Quarterly Bulletin

    Why in the News?

    The latest edition of PLFS report (October-December 2024) has highlighted key labour market indicators.

    plfs

    About Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

    • The PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to assess employment and unemployment trends in India.
    • Launched in April 2017, PLFS provides quarterly estimates for urban areas and annual estimates for both rural and urban areas.
    • Key Indicators:
    1. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Percentage of people working or seeking jobs.
    2. Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Percentage of people employed.
    3. Unemployment Rate (UR): Percentage of job seekers unable to find employment.
    4. Current Weekly Status (CWS): Employment status based on work done in the last 7 days.
    • Survey Methodology:
      • Urban Areas: Rotational Panel Sampling (each household surveyed four times).
      • Data Collected (Oct-Dec 2024): 5,742 urban units surveyed, covering 1,70,487 individuals across 45,074 households.
      • Publication: Quarterly Bulletins for urban areas, Annual Reports for rural and urban regions.

    Key Highlights of PLFS (Oct-Dec 2024)

    • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): 50.4% (↑ from 49.9% in 2023).
      • Male LFPR: 75.4% (↑ from 74.1% in 2023).
      • Female LFPR: 25.2% (↑ from 25.0% in 2023).
    • Worker Population Ratio (WPR): 47.2% (↑ from 46.6% in 2023).
      • Male WPR: 70.9% (↑ from 69.8% in 2023).
      • Female WPR: 23.2% (↑ from 22.9% in 2023).
    • Unemployment Rate (UR): 6.4% (↓ from 6.5% in 2023).
      • Male UR: 5.8% (unchanged).
      • Female UR: 8.1% (↓ from 8.6% in 2023).

    PYQ:

    [2023] Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements.

    [2013] Disguised unemployment generally means:

    (a) large number of people remain unemployed

    (b) alternative employment is not available

    (c) marginal productivity of labour is zero

    (d) productivity of workers is low

     

  • New study challenges the age of Saturn’s Rings

    Why in the News?

    A new study has challenged previous assumptions, suggesting that Saturn’s rings could be as old as the Solar System (~4.5 billion years old).

    New study challenges the age of Saturn’s Rings

    About Saturn and Its Rings

    • Saturn, the sixth planet from the Sun, is famous for its iconic ring system, made up of billions of ice and rock particles ranging in size from tiny grains to massive chunks.
    • It is primarily composed of water ice (95%), with some dust and rocky debris.
    • The rings are divided into seven main sections (A to G), with gaps like the Cassini Division.
    • Scientists have debated whether the rings formed with Saturn (~4.5 billion years ago) or if they are only 100-400 million years old.
    • Over time, tiny space rocks should darken the rings, yet they remain surprisingly bright.

    Key Findings of the Study:

    • Earlier estimates, based on Cassini data, suggested the rings were 100-400 million years old because they looked clean and bright.
    • The new study suggests that micrometeoroid collisions remove dust efficiently, preventing the rings from darkening over time.
    • High-speed micrometeoroid impacts (~108,000 km/h) cause dust to vaporize, rather than accumulate.
    • The vaporized dust either escapes Saturn’s gravity, falls into the planet’s atmosphere, or gets ejected into space, keeping the rings pristine.
    • 100 million years ago, the Solar System was stable, making ring formation unlikely.
    • 4 billion years ago, the Solar System was chaotic, increasing the chances of violent planetary collisions that could have formed Saturn’s rings.

    Various Missions to Saturn

    Saturn has been explored by multiple spacecraft, each providing valuable insights into its rings, atmosphere, and moons.

    1. Pioneer 11 (1979)

    • First spacecraft to fly past Saturn, capturing basic images.

    2. Voyager 1 & Voyager 2 (1980-1981)

    • Discovered new moons and ring structures.
    • Provided detailed images of Saturn’s rings.

    3. Cassini-Huygens (1997-2017)

    • A NASA-ESA-ASI mission that orbited Saturn for 13 years.
    • Key discoveries:
      • Confirmed liquid oceans on Enceladus.
      • Found methane lakes on Titan.
      • Observed Saturn’s rings losing material into the planet’s atmosphere.

     

    PYQ:

    [2009] Which one of the following planets has largest number of natural satellites or moons?

    (a) Jupiter
    (b) Mars
    (c) Saturn
    (d) Venus

     

  • Nocturnal Bull Ants Navigate Using Polarized Moonlight

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at Macquarie University, Sydney, have discovered that two species of nocturnal bull ants (Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas) rely on polarised moonlight for navigation.

    Nocturnal Bull Ants Navigate Using Polarized Moonlight

    What is Polarised Moonlight?  

    • Polarised moonlight refers to moonlight that has undergone scattering in Earth’s atmosphere, causing its waves to oscillate in a specific direction.
    • Unlike direct moonlight, which is unpolarised, the light that scatters in the sky becomes linearly polarised, meaning its electric field aligns in a fixed plane.
    • The moon emits unpolarised light, but when it interacts with air molecules and dust particles in the atmosphere, it scatters and becomes polarised.
    • The intensity of polarised moonlight is much lower than polarised sunlight, making it harder for most animals to detect.
    • The pattern of polarisation in moonlight remains stable, allowing nocturnal animals to use it as a reliable navigation tool.
    • Why is it Important for Navigation?
      • Many nocturnal animals, including bull ants (Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas), rely on celestial cues to orient themselves.
      • Unlike the moon’s direct position, which changes with phases and cloud cover, the polarisation pattern remains detectable throughout the night.
      • This enables ants to navigate effectively even under crescent or waning moons, where light intensity is significantly lower.

    E-Vector Pattern and Ant Navigation

    • Polarised moonlight forms a distinct pattern in the sky, known as the E-vector pattern.
    • This pattern shifts based on the moon’s position, but its orientation remains stable, allowing insects like ants to use it as a natural compass.
    • The E-vector pattern aligns at 90° to the moon’s direct light, creating a predictable navigation reference.
    • How do Bull Ants use it?
      • Ants detect the E-vector pattern in the night sky using their specialised compound eyes, which are sensitive to polarised light.
      • Even in dim conditions, they adjust their movements according to the orientation of polarised moonlight.
      • Researchers found that when the E-vector was artificially rotated, the ants changed their paths accordingly, confirming that they rely on this pattern.
      • When the moonlight disappeared (during a new moon phase), the ants struggled to navigate, further proving their dependence on polarised lunar light.

  • What is Deposit Insurance?

    Why in the News?

    The Centre is actively considering increasing the deposit insurance cover beyond the current ₹5 lakh limit, as confirmed by Financial Services Secretary.

    What is Deposit Insurance?

    • Deposit Insurance is a financial protection mechanism for depositors if a bank fails or faces restrictions imposed by the RBI.
    • It ensures compensation up to a set limit, even if the bank cannot return the money.
    • It is provided by Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), a subsidiary of RBI.
    • Coverage & Exclusions:
      • Covers: Savings accounts, fixed deposits (FDs), recurring deposits (RDs), current accounts (both principal & interest).
      • Does NOT cover: Deposits from foreign governments, central/state governments, inter-bank deposits, and primary cooperative societies.

    History of Deposit Insurance in India:

    • 1962: First in Asia to introduce Deposit Insurance Corporation (DIC), covering ₹1,500 per depositor.
    • 1978: Merged with the Credit Guarantee Corporation to form DICGC.
    • 1993: Deposit limit raised to ₹1 lakh.
    • 2020: After the PMC Bank crisis in Pune, the limit was increased from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
    • 2021: Law amended to ensure insured payouts within 90 days of a bank facing restrictions.

    About DICGC & Its Functions

    • DICGC was established in 1961, a wholly-owned RBI subsidiary under the DICGC Act, 1961.
    • It covers all commercial banks, regional rural banks, foreign banks in India, and cooperative banks.
    • Banks pay the insurance premium; depositors do not pay any charges.
    • It ensures timely compensation within 90 days of a bank’s collapse.

    How does Deposit Insurance work?

    • DICGC insures deposits up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank.
    • The ₹5 lakh limit includes both principal and interest amounts.
    • If a bank is facing financial distress or RBI-imposed restrictions, depositors are eligible to claim insurance under Section 18A of the DICGC Act, 1961.
    • Payout Timeline:
      • Within 45 days: The troubled bank must submit a list of depositors to DICGC.
      • Within 90 days: DICGC processes and pays depositors up to ₹5 lakh.
    • If a bank goes into liquidation, DICGC pays the insured amount within two months of receiving a claim list from the bank’s liquidator.
    • When RBI restricts withdrawals from a bank, depositors are eligible to receive their insured deposits.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following grants/grant direct credit assistance to rural households? (2013)

    1. Regional Rural Banks
    2. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
    3. Land Development Banks

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

     

  • [pib] 10 Years of Soil Health Cards Scheme

    Why in the News?

    It has been 10 years since the Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan.

    What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

    • The SHC Scheme was launched to analyze soil quality and provide personalized recommendations to farmers for nutrient management and soil fertility improvement.
    • The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
    • It has been integrated into Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since 2022-23 under the Soil Health & Fertility component.

    Key Features of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

    • SHC evaluates 12 parameters, including:
      • Macronutrients: N, P, K, S.
      • Micronutrients: Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B.
      • Physical & Chemical Properties: pH, EC, OC.
    • Samples collected twice a year (post-Rabi and Kharif).
    • Grid-based sampling: 2.5 ha in irrigated areas, 10 ha in rain-fed areas.
    • SHC Portal & Mobile App enable online tracking, GPS-tagged samples, and QR-coded test results.
    • Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs): 665 VLSTLs established across 17 states for local soil testing.
    • School Soil Health Programme: Implemented in 1020 schools, with 1000 soil testing labs and 125,972 students enrolled.

    Successes and Limitations of SHC:

    Success:

    • Crop Yields & Productivity Increased (8-10%) through optimized fertilizer application.
    • Farmers saved up to ₹5,000 per hectare by using balanced fertilizers.
    • 665 Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) established, improving soil testing accessibility.
    • Technological integration (SHC Portal & Mobile App) ensures real-time monitoring.
    • Encouraged sustainable farming practices, reducing soil degradation and nutrient depletion.

    Limitations and Challenges:

    • Many farmers are unaware of SHC benefits and continue traditional farming methods.
    • Reports often reach farmers too late for implementation.
    • Limited soil testing labs and trained staff in remote areas.
    • Farmers need training to interpret SHC reports and apply recommendations.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following statements:

    The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at-

    1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.

    2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.

    3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 arid 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • Exercise Dharma Guardian

    Why in the News?

    India and Japan are set to commence the 6th edition of the Dharma Guardian military exercise at Mount Fuji.

    Other India-Japan Military Exercises

    • JIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise): Naval cooperation between the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
    • Veer Guardian: Joint air force exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
    • Malabar Exercise: Japan participates along with India, the US, and Australia (Quad nations) in this high-level naval exercise.

    About Exercise Dharma Guardian

    • It is an annual joint military exercise between the Indian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), conducted alternatively in India and Japan.
    • It was commenced in 2018
    • The 6th edition will be held from February 25 to March 9, 2025, at Mount Fuji, Japan.
    • 120 Indian soldiers from the Madras Regiment will participate, focusing on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
    • Key Features:
      • Joint Counter-Terrorism Training: Focus on urban and semi-desert warfare.
      • Advanced Tactical Drills: Close-quarters combat, live fire, and battlefield medical evacuation.
      • 48-hour Validation Exercise: Tests real-time combat coordination.
      • Cultural and Professional Exchange: Strengthens India-Japan military ties.

    Significance:

    • Strengthens Strategic Ties: Expands India-Japan defence cooperation under the Indo-Pacific framework.
    • Enhances Regional Security: Aligns with Quad nations’ vision (India, Japan, US, Australia).
    • Boosts Defence Technology Collaboration: Includes co-development of Unicorn Stealth Antenna System.
    • Improves Military Readiness: Supports joint UN peacekeeping and disaster response operations.

  • [18th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Lighten the pollution burden of thermal power States

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC CSE 2020)

     

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on major issues like conventional energy generation (2020) and coal-fired thermal plants (2014).

    In August 2022, India updated its climate plan to the UNFCCC, promising to follow a cleaner, environmentally friendly path for growth. The country aims to cut emissions per unit of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. It also plans to get 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030, while keeping thermal power at 50% of the energy mix.

    Today’s editorial addresses issues related to thermal power plants. This topic will be useful for GS Paper 2 and 3 in the Mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    States that produce thermal power should be fairly compensated for handling the pollution caused while generating electricity for other states.

    What is the extent of the pollution burden caused by thermal power plants in certain states?

    • High Concentration of Polluting Power Plants: States like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh are home to a large share of India’s thermal power plants, contributing significantly to the country’s carbon emissions. These states face disproportionate pollution as they generate much of the power consumed across India but do not benefit equally in terms of electricity consumption.
      • For example, Chhattisgarh produces large amounts of electricity from thermal plants, but its per capita electricity consumption remains much lower than that of economically better-off states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
    • Disproportionate Emissions and Air Pollution: Thermal power generation is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate matter (PM), contributing heavily to air pollution. States like Chhattisgarh and Odisha, with a high density of coal-based plants, suffer from severe air quality deterioration, leading to health hazards like respiratory diseases.
    • Externalities from Power Exporting States: States such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha are significant net exporters of electricity. Despite being the source of much of India’s thermal power, these states bear the brunt of the pollution without receiving adequate compensation or benefits. Chhattisgarh was the highest net exporter of electricity in 2022-23, yet it continues to face the negative environmental impacts without direct benefits.
    • Impact on Local Health and Environment: The local populations near thermal power plants suffer from air pollution-induced health issues like COPD, asthma, and lung cancer. Additionally, the local environment is negatively impacted due to thermal pollution and the disposal of coal ash.
      • In Bihar, which generates most of its electricity from thermal plants, residents face health risks due to pollutants emitted by nearby plants, such as NTPC‘s plants.
    • Water and Soil Contamination: Thermal power plants contribute to thermal pollution in water bodies, affecting aquatic life, and displace harmful chemicals into soil, which degrades agriculture. In coal-rich states like Odisha and Jharkhand, this leads to long-term environmental damage.
      • For instance, the coal ash from thermal plants in Odisha has been found to pollute the soil, reducing agricultural productivity and harming local ecosystems.

    What are the environmental and health impacts of this pollution on local populations?

    • Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: The emission of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) from thermal power plants significantly degrades air quality. This leads to an increase in respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
      • For example, in Chhattisgarh, where thermal plants are concentrated, residents face high rates of respiratory illnesses due to prolonged exposure to air pollution from coal-fired power plants.
    • Water and Soil Contamination: The disposal of toxic coal ash and wastewater from thermal power plants pollutes local water bodies and soil, leading to contamination of drinking water sources and agricultural land. This can cause long-term harm to both human health and local ecosystems.
      • In Odisha, coal ash from thermal plants has been found to seep into nearby rivers and groundwater, impacting drinking water quality and agricultural productivity.
    • Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: The carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted by thermal power plants contributes to global warming, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts. These events directly affect public health by increasing mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
      • For example, states like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha face heightened vulnerability to heatwaves and flooding, worsened by the cumulative impact of pollution from nearby thermal power plants.

    What steps can be taken to mitigate the pollution caused by thermal power plants? (Way forward)

    • Adoption of Cleaner Technologies: Implementing advanced technologies such as Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD), Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) can significantly reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). These technologies capture pollutants before they are released into the atmosphere, improving air quality.
    • Switching to Cleaner Fuels and Renewable Energy Sources: Gradually transitioning from coal to cleaner energy sources like natural gas, biomass, or renewable energy (solar, wind, and hydro) can help reduce carbon emissions and other pollutants.
      • The Solar power initiatives in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, which have vast renewable energy capacities, can be expanded to replace coal-based power generation, reducing reliance on thermal plants.
    • Improved Waste Management and Pollution Control Regulations: Establishing strict regulations for the management of coal ash and waste from thermal plants can help prevent contamination of water bodies and soil. The use of ash for brick-making and cement production, or proper disposal in landfills, can mitigate environmental hazards.

  • Parliamentary Panel recommends Paddy Residue MSP to curb Stubble Burning

    Why in the News?

    Recently, a parliamentary committee, led by Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora, has suggested setting a minimum support price (MSP) for paddy residue. This aims to discourage farmers from burning stubble, which is a major cause of air pollution in Delhi.

    What were the observations made by the Parliamentary standing committee?

    • Stubble Burning as a Key Cause of Air Pollution: The committee acknowledged that stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana significantly contributes to Delhi’s air pollution during winter.
    • Farmers’ Constraints: Farmers burn stubble due to a short window (25 days) between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing.
    • State-wise Disparities: Punjab generates 16.1 million tonnes of non-basmati paddy straw annually, while Haryana generates only 4.04 million tonnes. Punjab also reported 10,990 stubble-burning incidents in 2023-24, compared to Haryana’s 1,406.
    • Existing Government Schemes: The Central government provides subsidies for crop residue management machinery, but high fuel costs make their usage unfeasible for many farmers.
    • Incentive Gap: Haryana provides higher financial support (₹7,000/acre for crop diversification, ₹4,000 for direct seeding of rice), whereas Punjab offers only ₹1,500 for direct seeding.
    • Technological Gaps: Even after mechanized harvesting, 10-15 cm of stubble remains in fields, which cannot be manually cleared due to labour shortages.

    What recommendations were given by the Panel?

    • Minimum Price for Paddy Residue: Establish a mechanism to determine a minimum price for paddy residue, similar to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, in consultation with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The benchmark price should be announced before the Kharif season to reflect residue collection costs.
    • Promote Short-Duration Paddy Varieties: Urge state governments to promote short-duration paddy varieties instead of long-duration ones like PUSA 44.
    • Unified National Policy: Implement a unified national policy to integrate agricultural residue into bioenergy generation, ensuring inter-ministerial coordination.
    • Real-time Forecasting: Establish real-time mapping of crop acreage and forecasting of crop maturity and weather patterns to estimate land under cultivation and assess district-wise crop yields for better planning.
    • Storage Facilities: Set up interim storage facilities in districts where industries or end-users are not available within a 20–50 km range to facilitate efficient crop residue collection and transport.
    • Incentives and Subsidies: Provide incentives for the transportation of stubble to discourage in-field burning and subsidize machinery for in-situ paddy straw management. Farmers should get a 50 percent subsidy for machinery and 80 percent for establishing centers for renting out machines for managing paddy straw.
    • Technological Advancements: Develop technology that combines the work of harvesters and cutters to completely clear stubble from fields and promote early-maturing crop varieties.

    What is Delhi govt’s 20-point Winter Action Plan?

    • Real-Time Monitoring and Special Task Force: The plan includes the use of drones for real-time monitoring of pollution hotspots, marking a shift from manual inventory methods. Additionally, a special task force will be formed to oversee pollution control efforts and ensure compliance with regulations across various sectors.
    • Control Measures for Pollution Sources: The action plan emphasizes controlling dust pollution through increased water sprinkling, deployment of anti-smog guns, and strict regulations on construction sites. It also addresses vehicular emissions by promoting work-from-home policies and considering the implementation of an odd-even vehicle rationing scheme during high pollution days.
    • Public Participation and Emergency Measures: The plan encourages public involvement through campaigns and initiatives aimed at reducing pollution, such as banning firecrackers and promoting eco-friendly practices.
      • Emergency measures like artificial rain are also proposed to mitigate severe pollution events expected around Diwali and during stubble burning seasons.

    Way forward: 

    • Sustainable Agricultural Practices & Farmer Incentives: Strengthen financial incentives for crop residue management, promote widespread adoption of short-duration paddy varieties, and enhance technological solutions for complete stubble removal to reduce reliance on burning.
    • Integrated Pollution Control & Public Awareness: Implement a coordinated air quality management framework involving real-time monitoring, stricter enforcement of emission norms, and large-scale public participation campaigns to promote eco-friendly practices and behavioural change.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q 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? (UPSC IAS/2015)

  • How did a DDoS attack cripple Kaveri 2.0?

    Why in the News?

    In January, the Kaveri 2.0 web portal, which helps with property registrations in Karnataka, experienced frequent server crashes. This caused a major disruption, bringing property registration and related citizen services to a near halt in the state.

    What is a DDoS attack?

    • A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack is when a website or online service is flooded with too much traffic all at once, making it crash or slow down so that real users can’t access it.
    • Instead of coming from one source, the attack comes from many different computers or devices that have been taken over by attackers. These devices work together to send massive amounts of fake traffic to the target, overwhelming it and causing it to stop working.

    What are other major DDoS attacks?

    • Dyn DDoS Attack (2016): The Dyn DDoS attack disrupted major websites including Twitter, Netflix, and Reddit. The attack used a botnet of IoT devices, such as cameras and routers, to flood Dyn’s servers with traffic, causing widespread outages.
    • GitHub DDoS Attack (2018): In 2018, GitHub was hit by one of the largest DDoS attacks in history, with traffic peaking at 1.35 terabits per second. The attack exploited memcached servers to amplify the traffic, overwhelming GitHub’s servers before mitigation efforts kicked in.
    • AWS DDoS Attack (2020): Amazon Web Services (AWS) faced a 2.3 Tbps DDoS attack in 2020, which was one of the largest publicly reported DDoS attacks. AWS mitigated the attack using its cloud infrastructure and security services like AWS Shield.
    • Cloudflare DDoS Attack (2021): In 2021, Cloudflare thwarted a 26 million request-per-second DDoS attack, one of the largest HTTPS DDoS attacks at the time. It was mitigated using Cloudflare’s advanced rate-limiting and traffic filtering technologies.
    • Microsoft Azure DDoS Attack (2023): Microsoft Azure faced one of the largest DDoS attacks ever recorded, peaking at 3.47 terabits per second. The attack, attributed to a botnet leveraging vulnerable devices, aimed to disrupt services for enterprise clients.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Cybersecurity Regulations and Policies: In 2025, new cybersecurity regulations were introduced to enhance the existing framework, including mandatory data localization and strengthened data protection laws. The National Cyber Security Policy, established in 2013, continues to guide these efforts by providing strategies for securing cyberspace and protecting critical information infrastructure.
    • Increased Budget Allocations: The Union Budget for 2025 allocated over ₹1,600 crore for cybersecurity initiatives, reflecting the government’s recognition of its importance for national security and economic stability. This includes significant funding for CERT-In and capital projects aimed at bolstering cybersecurity infrastructure across various sectors.
    • Formation of Cybersecurity Agencies: The establishment of agencies such as CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team) and NCIIPC (National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre) has been crucial.
      • These agencies are responsible for monitoring cyber threats, coordinating responses, and enhancing the security of critical sectors like banking, telecommunications, and energy.
    • Skill Development Initiatives: To address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, the government has launched skill development programs aimed at training a workforce of over 500,000 IT experts. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a resilient cyber ecosystem capable of responding to evolving threats.

    How can such attacks be mitigated? (Way forward)

    • Traffic Filtering & AI-Based Detection: Uses firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and AI-based threat analysis to filter out malicious traffic before it reaches the target server.
      • Example: Google Cloud Armor helped mitigate a 46 million request-per-second (RPS) DDoS attack in 2022 by detecting abnormal traffic patterns and blocking it in real-time.
    • Rate Limiting & Load Balancing: Restricts the number of requests a user can make in a given timeframe and distributes traffic across multiple servers to prevent overload.
      • Example: Cloudflare’s Rate Limiting and Load Balancer mitigated an HTTP flood attack on a European banking institution, ensuring legitimate users were not affected.
    • Bot Detection & CAPTCHAs: Uses CAPTCHA tests, behavioural analytics, and browser fingerprinting to block automated bot traffic.
      • Example: GitHub (2015 DDoS Attack by China-based botnet) introduced CAPTCHA-based protection to prevent automated malicious requests targeting anti-censorship tools.
    • CDN & Cloud-Based DDoS Protection: Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and cloud-based security providers absorb attack traffic before it reaches the main infrastructure.
      • Example: Amazon AWS Shield protected against a 2.3 Tbps DDoS attack (2020) by leveraging global CDN distribution and real-time attack mitigation.
    • Incident Response Plan & Collaboration with Cybersecurity Agencies: Organizations monitor threats, conduct regular security audits, and coordinate with government agencies for rapid response.
      • Example: Kaveri 2.0 Attack (2024, Karnataka, India) led to a cybercrime investigation and strengthened security protocols after the portal faced 6.2 lakh malicious requests in two hours.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the potential threats of Cyber attack and the security framework to prevent it.(UPSC IAS/2017)