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  • Project to monitor animal health launched

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying launched the ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ initiative in New Delhi.

    What is the primary aim of the Animal Health Security Project?

    The Animal Health Security Project aims to strengthen India’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, reducing zoonotic disease risks through enhanced surveillance, laboratory systems, and regional collaboration.

    What are the objectives of the Animal Health Security Project?

    • Prevention, Detection, and Response: Enhance India’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, minimizing risks of pathogens transmitting from animals to humans.
    • Strengthen Surveillance Systems: Improve and integrate animal disease surveillance and early warning systems to promptly identify potential threats.
    • Laboratory and Vaccine Infrastructure: Upgrade and expand laboratory networks and vaccine manufacturing facilities to ensure preparedness.
    • Data Systems and Analytics: Strengthen interoperable data systems and analytics capabilities to support informed decision-making and risk communication.
    • Cross-Border Collaboration: Promote regional cooperation for transboundary animal disease control through cross-border collaborations.

    How is the project funded and what is its timeline?

    • The project is funded by the Pandemic Fund established by the G20 countries, which aims to help low- and middle-income countries improve their pandemic preparedness.
      • The fund’s first round raised $2 billion, and India’s project received a $25 million grant.
    • The project will be implemented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
    • Timeline: Expected to conclude by August 2026.

    Why is this project necessary for India?

    • Zoonotic Disease Threat: About two-thirds of infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic (transmitted from animals), with recent examples including COVID-19. India’s large population of 536 million livestock makes it vulnerable to zoonotic outbreaks.
    • Public Health Impact: With five of the six major global public health emergencies in recent decades being zoonotic, the project is crucial for India’s pandemic prevention and public health security.
    • Vulnerable Population Protection: By addressing animal health threats, the project aims to protect the health, nutritional security, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations reliant on livestock.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Coordination Across Sectors: Enhance collaboration between animal health, public health, and environmental sectors to create an integrated response to zoonotic threats, ensuring swift data sharing and response mechanisms.
    • Sustain Capacity Building and Infrastructure Investments: Ensure continued investment in laboratory networks, vaccine production, and training to maintain preparedness, and bolster resilience against emerging animal-to-human diseases beyond the project’s timeline.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • How climate change is bringing back the idea of Airships?

    How climate change is bringing back the idea of Airships?

    Why in the News?

    Some companies have been working to solve the buoyancy challenge of Airships, a longstanding issue that has hindered their use for cargo transportation.

    What are Airships?

    • Airships are lighter-than-air aircraft capable of controlled powered flight.
    • They were the first aircraft to achieve this and were considered the future of travel in the early 20th century.
    • However, as aeroplane technology advanced, the popularity of airships declined due to their technological limitations.
    • Today, airships are used mainly for:
      • Advertising platforms
      • Aerial observation for research and military purposes
      • Tourism and scenic flights
    Note: Buoyancy is the force that makes things float. It acts in the opposite direction to gravity. When an object is placed in a fluid (like air or water), the fluid pushes up against the object, helping it to stay afloat.

    How do Airships work?

    • Airships achieve lift by using lighter-than-air gases within their structure, much like helium balloons.
    • Early airships used hydrogen due to its lightweight and low cost.
      • However, hydrogen is highly flammable, leading to tragic incidents such as the Hindenburg disaster of 1937, which damaged public trust in airships.
    • Most airships today use helium, a non-flammable gas that is safer than hydrogen.
    • However, helium is scarce and expensive, costing about $35 per cubic meter (enough to lift just 1 kg).
    • Challenge with varying Buoyancy:
      • Airships require the ability to vary their buoyancy to adjust for weight changes when picking up or dropping off loads.
      • Solutions such as releasing and refilling helium are impractical due to helium’s high cost and scarcity.

    How Airships are a Promising Solution?

    Airships hold potential as low-emission cargo vehicles due to their unique design:

    • Airships have a high lift-to-drag ratio, meaning they consume far less fuel than aeroplanes for moving the same load.
    • Companies are exploring the use of ballast to regulate airship buoyancy, a method common in hot air balloons and submarines.
    • A French company has created a 200-meter “flying crane” airship called LCA60T, which can pick up water as ballast mid-flight, avoiding the need for specialized ground infrastructure.
    • With concerns about climate change and the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, airships offer a less polluting alternative. They do not burn fossil fuels to lift, making them an eco-friendly choice.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard?

  • Europe’s Proba-3 Mission to arrive in India

    Europe's Proba-3 Mission to arrive in India

    Why in the News?

    • India is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) PROBA-3 Mission in December from the Sriharikota spaceport.
      • The mission will use ISRO’s PSLV rocket to place two satellites in orbit, designed to study the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere.

    About Proba-3 Mission:

    Details
    Mission Name PROBA-3 (Project for On-Board Autonomy-3)
    Objective Study the Sun’s corona by creating an artificial eclipse with precision formation flying of two satellites
    Launch Date and Location December 4, 2024, from Sriharikota spaceport, India, via ISRO’s PSLV-XL rocket
    Orbit Highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 600 km to 60,000 km, with a 19.7-hour orbital period
    Satellites Two satellites: 

    1. Coronagraph spacecraft (340 kg) and
    2. Occulter spacecraft (200 kg)
    Alignment Precision Millimeter-level alignment to block the Sun’s light and allow continuous corona observation
    Key Scientific Goals Observe solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, to improve space weather forecasting
    Unique Features First ESA mission dedicated to precision formation flying, using smaller, agile satellites for cost-effective observation
    International Collaboration Jointly developed by ESA and ISRO, with contributions from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands
    Communication Support Managed via antenna in Santa Maria (Azores) and ground station in Redu (Belgium)
    Significance Advances solar research and international collaboration; enhances space weather insights, supporting infrastructure on Earth

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

  • How Vitamin D deficiency can trigger autoimmune conditions?

    Why in the News?

    Recent research conducted by scientists at McGill University has shed light on the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining thymus health and its implications for immune function.

    About Autoimmune Conditions:

    • Autoimmune conditions refer to disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, viewing them as foreign.
    • Vitamin D plays a role in regulating immune responses and promoting immune tolerance—the body’s ability to avoid attacking its own cells.
    • It influences T-cells (a type of immune cell) to recognize and tolerate the body’s own tissues rather than attacking them.
    • The thymus gland trains T-cells to avoid attacking healthy cells. A deficiency in Vitamin D may cause the thymus to age prematurely, reducing its ability to regulate T-cells properly.
      • Vitamin D affects certain genetic pathways related to immune function.
      • Variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene may also predispose some individuals to autoimmune diseases, and these individuals might be more sensitive to Vitamin D levels.

    What is Vitamin D?

    • Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for the body’s ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, which are essential for bone health.
    • It supports muscle movement, nerve function, and immune system responses. Due to its synthesis in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, it is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’.
    • The body naturally produces Vitamin D when skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight.
    • Sources of Vitamin D:
      • Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are rich in Vitamin D.
      • Cod liver oil: A concentrated source, providing 400–1,000 IU per teaspoon.
      • Mushrooms: Varieties like portobello contain Vitamin D if exposed to UV light.
      • Fortified Foods: Milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereals often have added Vitamin D.
      • Egg yolks: Contain a small amount of Vitamin D.
      • Common forms include Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), especially useful in autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is limited.

    Significance of Vitamin D

    • Bone Health: Essential for calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
    • Muscle and Nerve Function: Supports muscle contractions and nerve signaling between the brain and body.
    • Immune System: Enhances immune defenses, helping to fight off infections by viruses and bacteria.
    • Brain Health: May play a role in maintaining cognitive health, especially with aging.
    • Inflammation and Pain: Helps regulate the body’s response to inflammation and pain.
    • Blood Pressure: Linked to regulating blood pressure; deficiency is associated with hypertension.

    Impacts of Vitamin D Deficiency

    • Increases the risk of rickets in children (softening of bones) and osteoporosis in adults.
    • Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
    • Recent studies indicate that Vitamin D deficiency can accelerate thymus aging, leading to immune dysfunction and a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.
    • Deficiency has been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and chronic pain.
    • Can include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and depression.
    • In severe cases, deficiency may cause impaired bone growth and fracture susceptibility.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?

    (a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency.

    (b) They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy.

    (c) They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism.

    (d) They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process.

  • [pib] Development of Tuna Cluster in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Fisheries has notified the creation of a Tuna Cluster in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

    • The A&N Islands offer significant opportunities for fisheries development with approximately 6.0 lakh square km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
    • This region has rich sea resources, particularly Tuna and Tuna-like species, with an estimated potential of 60,000 metric tons.
    • The islands’ location near Southeast Asia enables efficient sea and air trade, and the pristine waters support sustainable fishing.

    About Tuna Species and its Significance

    • Tuna are large, fast-swimming fish belonging to the Thunnini tribe within the Scombridae family.
    • Known for their streamlined bodies and remarkable agility, tuna are found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.
    • There are over 15 species of tuna, with some of the most well-known being Bluefin, Yellowfin, Albacore, Bigeye, and Skipjack.
    • Tuna can grow quickly and live for several decades, with species like Bluefin reaching over 450 kg in weight.
    • It is one of the most popular and valuable fish in the global seafood market, highly sought after for its flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
    • Species like Bluefin tuna are particularly valuable, often fetching high prices in markets, especially in Japan for dishes like sushi and sashimi.
    • It is rich in protein, low in saturated fat, and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction.
    • It also provides essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, B12, iron, and selenium.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where

    (a) Warm and cold atmospheric currents meet

    (b) Rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea

    (c) Warm and cold oceanic currents meet

    (d) Continental shelf is undulating

  • Does the Sun rotate?

    sun

    Why in the News?

    Indian astronomers at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) have achieved a groundbreaking feat by mapping, for the first time, the variation in the Sun’s rotation speed from its equator to its poles.

    Sun’s Rotation: Key Facts

    • Unlike a solid body, the Sun exhibits differential rotation, meaning different parts of the Sun rotate at different speeds.
    • The rotation speed varies depending on latitude, with faster rotation near the equator and slower rotation toward the poles.
    • This variation is primarily due to the Sun’s composition of gaseous plasma rather than solid material.

    Rotation Period Variation by Latitude:

    • Equatorial Regions: The rotation period at the equator is the fastest, around 24.47 days (sidereal rotation).
    • Sunspot Zones (about 16 degrees latitude): Rotation slows slightly, with a period of about 27.3 days.
    • Higher Latitudes (up to 75 degrees): Rotation slows significantly; for example, at 75 degrees latitude, the rotation period is about 33.4 days.
    • Poles: The slowest rotation occurs at the poles, with a period around 31.1 days.

    Sidereal vs. Synodic Rotation Periods:

    • Sidereal Rotation Period: The time taken for the Sun to complete one full rotation relative to distant stars. It varies by latitude, from 24.47 days at the equator to around 33.4 days at higher latitudes.
    • Synodic Rotation Period: This is the time for a fixed feature on the Sun to appear in the same position when observed from Earth. It is longer than the sidereal period due to Earth’s own movement around the Sun, averaging around 26.24 days.

    Why Differential Rotation Occur?

    • Gaseous Plasma Composition: The Sun is composed of plasma—a hot, ionized state of matter—which allows its different regions to rotate at different speeds.
    • Convective Zone Dynamics: The outer convective layer of the Sun contributes to differential rotation. Plasma circulates, rising and sinking, which influences the rotational speed at different latitudes.

    Scientific Implications

    • Solar Dynamo Theory: The differential rotation of the Sun is central to theories about the solar dynamo—the process that generates the Sun’s magnetic field.
    • Mystery of Differential Rotation: Despite extensive research, the exact mechanism behind the Sun’s differential rotation remains an active area of investigation in solar physics.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following phenomena

    1. Size of the sun at dusk

    2. Colure of the sun at dawn

    3. Moon being visible at dawn

    4. Twinkle of stars in the sky

    5. Polestar being visible in the sky

    Which of the above are optical illusions?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 3, 4 and 5

    (c) 1, 2 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 5

  • Forging a future of Self-sufficiency and Economic Resilience 

    Why in the News?

    Chhattisgarh, with its cultural richness and natural resources, is starting an industrial path with the 2024-29 policy.

    • This plan is part of “Amritkaal: Chhattisgarh Vision@2047” to grow self-sufficient.

    CASE STUDY: “Amritkaal: Chhattisgarh Vision@2047

    • This policy introduces special provisions for marginalized groups, including surrendered Naxals, women, and the third-gender community. This inclusivity aims to empower these groups socio-economically.
    • Specific packages are designed to support entrepreneurship among these communities through training and financial assistance, facilitating their integration into mainstream society.
    • The ‘Amritkaal’ policy classifies development areas into three groups based on their industrialization levels, ensuring that incentives are targeted towards backward areas to promote balanced growth across the state.
      • Focus on Sustainable Industries: There is a strong emphasis on promoting pollution-free industries, particularly in electric vehicle manufacturing and environmentally friendly products, ensuring sustainable growth.
      • Support for Start-ups: A dedicated fund of ₹50 crore has been allocated to support start-ups, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the state.

    What strategies can be implemented to enhance economic resilience in communities?

    • For Targeted Training Programs: Implementing skill development initiatives tailored for marginalized groups can help them acquire the necessary skills for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
    • For Financial Assistance and Subsidies: Providing subsidized loans and financial incentives can lower barriers for starting new businesses, especially for women and the third-gender community.
    • For Establishment of Industrial Corridors: Developing industrial corridors can enhance connectivity and create a conducive environment for industries to thrive, leading to job creation and economic diversification.

    How does self-sufficiency contribute to overall economic stability?

    • Reduced Dependency: Self-sufficiency allows communities to rely less on external resources, making them more resilient to economic shocks and fluctuations in global markets.
    • Local Job Creation: By fostering local industries and entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency contributes to job creation within communities, enhancing overall economic stability.
    • Sustainable Growth: Emphasizing sustainable practices ensures that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental degradation, promoting long-term stability.

    What role do various stakeholders play in fostering economic resilience?

    • Government: The government plays a crucial role by formulating policies that provide incentives and support for industrial development. It also facilitates training programs and infrastructure development.
    • Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Local businesses contribute by creating jobs and stimulating the economy. Entrepreneurs drive innovation and respond effectively to local market needs.
    • Community Organizations: NGOs and community organizations can assist in identifying the needs of marginalized groups and facilitate access to resources such as training and financial assistance.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrated Community Development Programs: Establish comprehensive programs that unite training, financial assistance, and mentorship specifically for marginalized groups.
    • Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development: Encourage collaboration between the government and private sector to develop industrial corridors and infrastructure that facilitate economic activities.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)

  • What Australian varsity study says about impact of India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors

    Why in the News?

    Dedicated Freight Corridors are boosting India’s GDP and significantly enhancing Indian Railways’ revenue, according to a recent study by Australia’s University of New South Wales.

    What are dedicated freight corridors (DFCs)?

    Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are specialized railway tracks for freight transportation, designed to improve efficiency with faster, high-capacity trains like double-stack containers and heavy-haul freight trains.

    What is the Present Status?

    • India has two main DFCs:
      • Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spanning 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab). The EDFC is operational and includes feeder routes connecting coal mines and thermal plants.
      • Western DFC (WDFC): Extends 1,506 km from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai) to Dadri (Uttar Pradesh). The WDFC is 93% complete, serving major ports in Gujarat. Full completion is expected by December 2025.
    • As of March 31, 2024, the project has incurred costs of ₹94,091 crore, excluding land acquisition.

    What does the Australian varsity study say?

    • Conducted by the University of New South Wales, this study used a Computable General Equilibrium model to assess the WDFC’s impact, specifically from FY 2019–20.
    • The study’s findings include:
      • Reduced freight costs and travel times have decreased commodity prices by up to 0.5%.
      • The DFCs contributed to a 2.94% increase in Indian Railways’ revenue between FY 2022–23 and FY 2018–19.
      • Western regions gained significantly from reduced freight costs, which had a “social-equalizing effect,” benefiting states with lower per capita GDP.
    • Published in Elsevier, the study integrated freight costs, industry inputs, population data, and rail and road data.

    What economic benefits do Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) bring to India?

    • Improved Supply Chains: DFCs provide faster, efficient transit for freight, enhancing the supply chain for industries and logistics providers.
    • Cost Savings: Reduction in freight transport costs lowers overall logistics expenses, which can lead to price reductions for consumers.
    • Revenue Growth for Railways: DFCs have directly contributed to revenue increases, supporting the Railways’ finances.
    • Increased Freight Share: The corridors are key to meeting the National Rail Plan’s target of achieving a 45% rail share in freight by 2030.
    • Exports and Imports: Faster, dedicated freight routes boost export-import activities, as DFCs support port connectivity, particularly in the West.

    How do DFCs enhance the overall logistics and transportation infrastructure in India?

    • Decongested Rail Network: By shifting freight traffic off the main passenger routes (e.g., the Golden Quadrilateral), DFCs alleviate congestion, improving both freight and passenger rail reliability.
    • Regional Development: States along the DFC routes experience increased industrial activity due to improved logistics support, which can enhance local economies and job creation.
    • Future Corridors: Plans are underway for four additional corridors (East Coast, East-West I & II, North-South) to further expand the freight network, enhancing connectivity across the country.

    Current Operational Status and Future Outlook

    • As of now, 325 trains run daily on the DFCs, which is a 60% increase from the previous year.
    • DFC trains are faster, safer, and capable of carrying heavier loads, contributing to over 10% of Indian Railways’ total freight operations.
    • DFCCIL is conducting further research on DFCs’ economic impact, with results expected soon, which will provide deeper insights into their long-term contributions to India’s economic growth.

    Challenges related to the development of DFC: 

    • Land Acquisition Delays: Acquiring over 8,800 hectares, often privately owned and developed land, has caused setbacks, with disputes and legal cases prolonging the process.
    • Escalating Costs: Project costs have surged significantly, with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JBIC) noting that expenses have nearly doubled, raising concerns about financial viability and potential investor reluctance.
    • Technology Disputes: Differences over locomotive technology—diesel versus electric—pose delays, as stakeholders like Indian Railways and JBIC debate environmentally friendly solutions.
    • Utility and Infrastructure Challenges: Shifting utilities (power lines, water pipes) and constructing road overbridges and under-bridges add logistical complexities.
    • Funding and Financial Management: Reliance on external funding and the need for efficient resource management impact project timelines and execution stability.

    Way Forward: 

    • Streamlined Land Acquisition and Cost Management: Need to implement a centralized framework for faster land acquisition and cost oversight to mitigate delays and prevent cost escalations, ensuring project feasibility and investor confidence.
    • Technological and Funding Consensus: Need to establish clear technology standards (e.g., electric locomotives) for environmental benefits and secure diversified funding sources to reduce dependence on external financing, enabling timely completion and sustainable operations.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.” Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • First ‘Black Hole Triple’ System Discovered

    Scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space, marking the first time such a system has been identified.

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space, marking the first time such a system has been identified.

    Black Hole Triple: What does it mean?

    • Many black holes are found in binary systems with another star or black hole.
    • This triple system includes two stars orbiting a black hole:
      • The nearer star orbits the black hole every 6.5 days.
      • The distant star orbits approximately every 70,000 years.
    • The system, located in the constellation Cygnus, features V404 Cygni, one of the oldest black holes known, which is nine times larger than the Sun.
    • It is 8,000 light years away from Earth.

    What is a Black Hole?

    • A black hole is a space region with such strong gravity that no light or matter can escape.
    • Most black holes form from supernova explosions—the death of massive stars.
    • This triple system suggests an alternative, less violent formation process.

    How was it discovered?

    • Researchers from Caltech and MIT discovered the system while reviewing astronomical data from telescopes.
    • They described the stars as being gravitationally bound, indicating they form a triple system.
    • It is believed that  V404 Cygni did not form through a supernova explosion, which typically ejects outer stars.
    • Instead, it likely formed through direct collapse: the star collapsed inward without exploding.
    • Known as a “failed supernova”, this process causes an implosion without expelling matter, leading to a gentler black hole formation.

    Future of the Triple System

    • The triple system may not remain as such, as V404 Cygni is consuming the nearby star.
    • This discovery suggests that some existing binary systems may have originally been triple systems, where the black hole later consumed one of its members.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

    (a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
    (b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
    (c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
    (d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’

  • Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway Track

    Why in the News?

    • Himachal Pradesh CM has requested the Centre to consider running the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—on green hydrogen to promote clean energy.
      • The CM emphasized that this initiative aligns with Himachal Pradesh’s goal of becoming a ‘green energy state’ by March 31, 2026.

    About the Kalka-Shimla Railway

    • The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a narrow-gauge railway with a width of 2 ft 6 in (762 mm).
    • It was constructed in 1898 to link Shimla with the broader Indian rail system under the guidance of chief engineer H. S. Harington.
    • The total length of the railway is approximately 96.6 km.
    • This engineering marvel features 107 tunnels, of which 102 are still in use, along with 864 bridges along its route.
    • The railway has a ruling gradient of 1 in 33 (about 3%), making it quite a steep climb in places, and it includes 919 curves, with the sharpest curve being at 48 degrees.
    • The elevation of the railway starts at 656 meters (2,152 feet) in Kalka and rises to 2,076 meters (6,811 feet) in Shimla, resulting in a height difference of 1,420 meters (4,660 feet).
    • Diesel locomotives began operation on the railway in 1955, followed by diesel-hydraulic models introduced in 1970.
    • On 8 July 2008, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Mountain Railways of India.

    Note:

    • Three of the lines, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka–Shimla Railway, are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Mountain Railways of India”.
    • Two more, the Matheran Hill Railway and the Kangra Valley Railway, are on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    • The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is also the only rack and pinion railway in India.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

    1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.

    2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2