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GS Paper: GS3

  • Assessing India’s Tuberculosis burden

    Why in the News?

    The Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 presented by WHO indicates that India recorded the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in 2023.

    Current Scope of Tuberculosis in India

    • High Burden: According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, India accounts for 26% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide, making it the country with the highest TB burden. The report indicates that over 55.9% of global TB cases are concentrated in five countries: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
    • Mortality Rates: Although TB deaths in India have decreased from 580,000 in 2010 to 320,000 in 2023, the country still accounted for 26% of global TB deaths among people with and without HIV in 2023.
    • Incidence Trends: The incidence of TB has decreased from 275.7 cases per 100,000 population in 2010 to 194.9 cases in 2023. However, there has been a notable increase in notified TB relapse cases, reaching the highest level since 2010.
    • Risk Factors: Individuals with nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and smoking habits are at the highest risk of contracting TB. The prevalence of TB infection among individuals aged 15 and older is reported at 31.4%, according to the National TB Prevalence Survey conducted from 2019-2021.
    • Preventive Treatment Uptake: The number of people receiving preventive treatment has been rising, indicating an increased focus on preventing TB progression among high-risk populations.

    Strategies and Programs Implemented by Govt to Reduce TB Incidence

    • National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): This program aims to eliminate TB by 2025 through various strategies including early diagnosis, treatment support, and preventive measures.
    • TB Preventive Therapy (TPT): The introduction of TPT marks a significant shift in TB care in India. It focuses on providing preventive treatment to individuals at high risk of developing active TB.
    • Project Axshya Plus: Launched with support from the Global Fund, this project implements comprehensive interventions such as contact tracing, testing for infection, and managing latent TB infections.
    • Increased Funding: Domestic funding for TB prevention and treatment increased by 38% in 2023 to $253 million, although international funding has declined during the same period.
    • Community Engagement Initiatives: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan encourage community involvement in supporting TB patients through initiatives like Ni-kshay Mitras.
    • Digital Health Initiatives: The NTEP leverages digital platforms for monitoring patient progress and ensuring adherence to treatment protocols through tools like the Nikshay portal.
    • Awareness Campaigns: Public health campaigns aim to reduce stigma associated with TB and educate communities about prevention and treatment options.

    Challenges India Faces in Eliminating Tuberculosis by 2025

    • Funding and Infrastructure Gaps: Despite increases in domestic funding, overall financial resources remain lower than pre-COVID levels, impacting program implementation and outreach efforts.
      • Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, hampers access to timely diagnosis and treatment for many patients.
      •  The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted TB services significantly, leading to a backlog of undiagnosed cases and impacting ongoing treatment programs.
    • Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma associated with TB continues to deter individuals from seeking diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to delayed care and increased transmission rates.
      • Social determinants such as poverty, malnutrition, and living conditions contribute to higher susceptibility to TB among vulnerable populations.
    • Drug Resistance Issues: The rise of drug-resistant strains of TB poses significant challenges for effective treatment and control strategies.
    • Multi-sectoral Coordination Challenges: Effective elimination requires collaboration across various sectors (healthcare, education, social services), which can be challenging due to bureaucratic hurdles.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Coordination: There is a need to foster collaboration among healthcare, education, and social services to address the social determinants of TB.
    • Enhancing Accessibility and Outreach: Need to improve access to TB diagnosis and treatment in rural areas by investing in healthcare infrastructure, training local health workers, and implementing mobile health units.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)

  • Airports where pilots could fear to land

    Why in the News?

    • The October 25, 2024, incident where a Qatar Airways Boeing 787’s landing gear sank into a collapsed ramp at Doha underscores the importance of runway safety concerns.
    • Similar risks exist in Chennai Airport’s expansion plans and the greenfield project at Parandur, where soil stability and structural integrity are critical issues that must not be overlooked.

    Background 

    • The Chennai airport expansion, initially proposed in 2007, faced design and safety issues, including unsuitable soil for a parallel runway and violations in bridge construction standards, raising concerns about infrastructure reliability and potential flooding risks in future projects.

    What are the specific challenges and risks pilots face when landing at these airports?

    • Runway Integrity: Pilots may encounter challenges if the runway or taxiways have structural weaknesses or are poorly designed, such as in the case of Doha, where the ground beneath collapsed under the aircraft’s weight.
    • Crosswinds and Weather Conditions: Airports located near water bodies or in regions with extreme weather may present challenges during landing, such as turbulence from crosswinds or sudden weather changes, increasing the risk of hard landings or runway excursions.
    • Ground Handling: The condition of the ground infrastructure, including taxiways and ramps, is critical. Pilots must be cautious of soft spots or areas not properly constructed to withstand aircraft weight, which can lead to accidents.
    • Limited Runway Width and Length: Airports with insufficient runway dimensions may restrict landing and takeoff performance for larger aircraft, posing risks during adverse conditions where longer stopping distances are required.
    • Inadequate Visual Aids: Poorly designed lighting and navigational aids can impair a pilot’s ability to assess runway conditions, especially in low visibility scenarios.
    • Safety Compliance: Non-compliance with international aviation standards during the design and construction phases may lead to operational hazards that pilots must navigate.

    How do airport design and infrastructure impact aviation safety?

    • Structural Reliability: The strength and reliability of runway surfaces directly affect safety. Insufficient ground support may lead to structural failures under heavy loads, as seen in the Doha incident.
    • Drainage Systems: Effective drainage systems are vital for preventing water accumulation on runways, which can lead to hydroplaning and loss of control during landings.
    • Environmental Considerations: The placement of airports in flood-prone areas without adequate flood management strategies can compromise safety during heavy rainfall, as experienced in Chennai.
    • Design Standards: Compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards is crucial for ensuring that airports are capable of safely accommodating various aircraft types.
    • Construction Quality: The choice of construction materials and techniques directly impacts the longevity and safety of airport infrastructure. Cost-cutting measures may lead to substandard designs.

    What measures are being taken to enhance pilot training and operational procedures at these high-risk airports? (Way forward) 

    • Enhanced Simulation Training: Pilots receive advanced simulation training to handle specific challenges associated with landing at high-risk airports, including crosswind landings and emergencies on compromised runways.
    • Regular Safety Audits: Conduct audits and inspections of airport facilities and infrastructure to ensure compliance with safety standards and identify potential hazards.
    • Real-time Weather Updates: Implementation of systems that provide pilots with real-time updates on weather conditions and runway status, helping them make informed decisions during landings.
    • Collaboration with Engineers: Continuous collaboration between pilots and airport engineers during the planning and construction phases to address potential safety issues upfront.
    • Training on Emergency Protocols: Training programs that include scenarios specific to airports with known risks, ensuring pilots are prepared for emergencies related to runway or taxiway failures.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q 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. (2017)

  • The Gompertz Model

    Why in the News?

    Indian researchers have developed a predictive model based on the Gompertz Model to estimate a newborn’s birth weight using routine pregnancy scans.

    What is the Gompertz Model?

    • It is a mathematical model developed by English mathematician Benjamin Gompertz in the early 19th century.
      • It was originally designed to model population growth in a constrained environment, such as a specific geographic region.
      • The model uses an S-shaped (sigmoid) curve to represent growth patterns that start slowly, accelerate, and then slow again as they approach a plateau.
    • Applications:
      • Biology: The Gompertz Model is used to study tumor growth and cell population dynamics, reflecting constrained growth in biological systems.
      • Epidemiology: Applied in predicting the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, capturing how transmission rates slow with interventions.
      • Ecology: Useful for modelling species population growth in habitats with limited resources, aiding conservation and ecosystem management.
      • Healthcare: Recently adapted to predict foetal birth weight, helping identify potential risks associated with low or high birth weight.
      • Aging Research: Employed to analyze mortality rates and lifespan patterns, contributing to studies on aging and longevity.

    Recent Research and Significance

    • Recent research has applied the Gompertz Model in predicting foetal birth weight using routine scans, as shown by researchers from IISER Pune and IMSc Chennai, offering a non-invasive alternative for maternal health.
    • The model is used in tumor growth studies, allowing researchers to understand and predict cancer progression.
    • Its predictive accuracy under constrained conditions makes it useful for biological systems, including population growth and cell dynamics.
    • In healthcare, it supports early detection and intervention for conditions impacted by growth patterns, such as low or high birth weight risks.

  • Glacial Lakes rise as glaciers retreat

    Why in the News?

    Since 1977, the South Lhonak Lake, a glacial lake in Sikkim has expanded significantly, growing from 17 hectares to 167 hectares by 2023.

    Formation of Glacial Lakes:

    • When a glacier melts and retreats, the hollow left behind often fills with water, creating a glacial lake.
    • The rocky moraine at the glacier’s end can act as a natural dam, holding the water to form the lake.
    • Glacial lakes act as hydrological buffers, regulating water flow from melting ice, which can sometimes pose challenges to downstream communities.
    • Glacial lakes often have a vivid blue color, similar to swimming pools, due to the scattering of light by fine rock particles (rock flour) in the water.
    • There are several types of glacial lakes, each formed by specific processes and glacier dynamics:
      • Moraine-Dammed Lakes: Formed when moraine debris piles up at the end of a glacier and traps meltwater behind it. These are common and pose risks of outburst flooding.
      • Kettle Lakes: This was created when a chunk of glacier ice is buried in the moraine and eventually melts, leaving a depression filled with water.
      • Cirque Lakes: Formed in circular basins (cirques) carved by glaciers at high elevations. These lakes are often small and located at the glacier’s original head.
      • Pro-glacial Lakes: Situated in front of the glacier, between the ice and the moraine dam. These lakes are sometimes formed when the glacier’s snout melts and deposits water in the valley.
      • Tarn Lakes: Formed in depressions left behind in the cirques or basins after the glacier has completely melted.

    Major Glacial Lakes in India

    India’s Himalayan region is home to numerous glacial lakes, each with unique characteristics:

    • Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world at 5,430 meters above sea level, fed by glacial melt and known for its religious significance.
    • Chandra Taal (Himachal Pradesh): A stunning crescent-shaped lake in the Lahaul-Spiti region at 4,300 meters. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fed by glacier melt.
    • Samiti Lake (Sikkim): Located along the trek to Kanchenjunga and known for its clear blue waters and reflective quality.
    • Satopanth Tal (Uttarakhand): Found in the Garhwal Himalayas, this lake lies close to Satopanth Glacier and is considered sacred by locals.
    • South Lhonak Lake (Sikkim): A growing lake fed by three glaciers, expanding rapidly due to climate change and posing risks of glacial lake outburst floods.

    PYQ:

    [2019]  Consider the following pairs:

    Glacier: River

    1. Bandarpunch: Yamuna
    2. Bara Shigri: Chenab
    3. Milam: Mandakini
    4. Siachen: Nubra
    5. Zemu: Manas

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 5 only
    (d) 3 and 5 only

  • Sleep Apnea contributes to Dementia in older adults

    Why in the News?

    A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder, increases the risk of dementia (loss of cognitive functioning) in adults, especially in women.

    What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

    • OSA is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airways.
    • It is marked by episodes of disrupted or restricted breathing, leading to brief awakenings throughout the night.
    • Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping for air, morning headaches, and daytime drowsiness.
    • Risk Factors: Common in individuals who are overweight, have large tonsils or suffer from nasal congestion.
      • In India, approximately 10.4 lakh people are reported to suffer from OSA, as per government data.
      • Untreated OSA is associated with various health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

    Recent Findings on OSA and Dementia Risk

    • A study from Michigan Medicine found a link between OSA and increased dementia risk, especially in older adults over 50.
      • Women with known or suspected OSA were found to have a higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to men, with dementia diagnoses increasing as women age.
    • Another study by NIMHANS focused on the link between stroke and OSA.
      • 105 stroke patients over the age of 50 were studied using polysomnography (PSG), which tracks brain waves and sleep breathing patterns.
      • Results showed that 88% of stroke patients had sleep apnea soon after their stroke, with 38% having severe OSA.

  • [2nd November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Nilgiris as a shared wilderness

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC CSE 2018)

    Q) How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (UPSC CSE 2019)

    Q) Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC CSE 2020)

    Mentor’s Comment:  The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a region in southern India, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. However, it faces significant environmental challenges that threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of local communities. 

    Today’s editorial explores the pressing issues surrounding the Nilgiris as a shared wilderness, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and community involvement in conservation efforts.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Experts at a recent conference emphasized the urgent need for community involvement in restoration efforts within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR).

    • They highlighted threats such as invasive species, unregulated tourism, and land use changes that have disrupted the ecological balance.
    About the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR):

    • Located in the Western Ghats of southern India, it is a critical ecological zone renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
    • Established in 1986, it was the first biosphere reserve in India and is recognized under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
    • The NBR spans parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, making it a significant area for conservation efforts.

    Significance:
    • The diverse vegetation types, ranging from tropical evergreen forests to montane sholas and grasslands, contribute to the region’s ecological richness.
    • It supports many endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque.
    • The region’s forests are crucial for watershed management, helping to regulate water flow and maintain water quality for millions of people living downstream.
    • The forests within the NBR act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and helping mitigate climate change effects.

    What are the ecological challenges facing the Nilgiris?

    • Habitat Loss: Non-native plants like Lantana and Eucalyptus are taking over, outcompeting local flora and harming wildlife habitats.
      • Urbanization and agricultural expansion (like tea and coffee plantations) are destroying natural landscapes, leading to fragmentation of wildlife habitats.
    • Climate Change: Altered weather patterns are affecting plant and animal distributions, causing shifts in biodiversity and increasing soil erosion.
    • Unregulated Tourism: Increased tourist activity is causing littering and habitat disturbance, putting pressure on sensitive ecosystems.
      • As humans expand into wildlife areas, Human-animal conflicts arise, especially with elephants raiding crops, leading to retaliatory actions.
    • Illegal Activities: Poaching and illegal logging threaten the region’s biodiversity, particularly valuable species like sandalwood.

    How do indigenous communities interact with and contribute to the conservation of the Nilgiris?

    • Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous peoples have deep knowledge about local plants and animals, helping them manage resources sustainably.
      • For example, Their traditional farming methods, such as rotational agriculture, promote ecological balance and help maintain wildlife habitats.
    • Sustainable Practices: Many rely on non-timber forest products (like honey and medicinal plants) and practice eco-friendly agriculture, which supports both their livelihoods and biodiversity.
      • Indigenous groups actively participate in conservation projects, such as restoring degraded areas and managing invasive species.
    • Advocacy: Indigenous leaders advocate for their rights to land and resources, emphasizing their role as protectors of the environment.
      • They pass down traditional knowledge to younger generations through workshops, ensuring that conservation practices continue.

    What policies or initiatives are necessary to balance development and conservation in the Nilgiris?

    • Carbon Neutral Initiatives: Need to encourage eco-friendly tourism practices, such as cycling tours and car-free pathways, to reduce vehicular traffic and pollution.
    • Community Involvement: Facilitate the development of sustainable livelihoods that align with conservation goals, such as harvesting non-timber forest products. Their traditional knowledge can guide sustainable practices and restoration activities.
    • Regulation of Development Activities: State governments needs to enforce stringent regulations on construction activities to prevent encroachments and protect wetlands and other sensitive areas.
    • Restoration Projects: Need to develop programs that focus on restoring degraded habitats, such as montane grasslands and shola forests, which are critical for biodiversity.
    • Water Resource Protection: Need to implement measures to safeguard water bodies from pollution and encroachment, recognizing that the Nilgiris are vital water sources for surrounding regions.
      •  For example, restoring wetland areas that have been converted for agriculture or development, enhancing their capacity to retain water and support biodiversity.

    Way Forward: By recognizing the interconnectedness of culture and ecology, there is potential to develop sustainable practices that honor both the natural environment and the rich heritage of its inhabitants. The path forward lies in fostering collaboration and promoting awareness about the importance of conserving this unique biosphere for future generations.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-nilgiris-as-a-shared-wilderness/article68820359.ece

  • How remote sensing system LiDAR helped discover a lost Mayan city?

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have used LiDAR technology to find an ancient Mayan city hidden for centuries under a thick jungle in Mexico.

    What is LiDAR?

    • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light pulses to measure distances between a sensor (often airborne) and Earth’s surface.
    • It produces high-resolution, 3D models of ground elevation with up to 10 cm vertical accuracy, as per the US Geological Survey.

    How Does LiDAR Work?

    • LiDAR Setup: Includes a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver. The laser emits rapid pulses of light that reflect off surfaces on the ground, including natural features and man-made structures.
    • Data Collection: The reflected light returns to the sensor, and the LiDAR system calculates the two-way travel time to determine the distance to each point on Earth’s surface.
    • Data Processing: GPS and Inertial Measurement System (IMS) data are used to create accurate maps. The initial data forms a “point cloud” representing surfaces like vegetation, buildings, and terrain.
    • “Bare Earth” Model: By filtering out structures and vegetation, LiDAR can create a Digital Elevation Model that shows just the ground terrain.

    Applications of LiDAR

    • Geography and Mapping: Creates precise 3D information for topographic mapping.
    • Urban Planning and Infrastructure: Used in planning transportation routes, assessing flood risk, and managing natural resources.
    • Conservation: Helps monitor forest health, manage habitats, and detect environmental changes.
    • Engineering and Policy: Provides data for infrastructure design, environmental policy making, and land-use planning.

    Why is LiDAR Useful for Archaeologists?

    • Large-Area Surveying: LiDAR enables archaeologists to study extensive areas quickly, bypassing the need for labor-intensive, on-ground exploration.
    • Vegetation Penetration: LiDAR can “see through” dense tree canopies by using the reflections that pass through gaps, allowing mapping of hidden structures and terrain.
    • Detailed Site Mapping: With “bare earth” models, archaeologists can strip away vegetation layers to reveal hidden archaeological sites.
    • Case Study – Maya Civilization: Archaeologists discovered the lost Mayan city of Valeriana in Mexico by analyzing publicly available LiDAR data, uncovering plazas, temple pyramids, a ballcourt, and other features indicative of a Classic Maya capital.

    Where is the Indian Government using LiDAR ?

    • High-Speed Rail Projects: NHSRCL (National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited) uses aerial LiDAR surveys for the Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail Corridor, reducing survey time from 10-12 months to 3-4 months by capturing detailed topographical data within a 300-meter corridor.
    • National Highways: NHAI mandates Mobile LiDAR for feasibility studies and project reports, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of highway surveys across extensive networks.
    • Forest Mapping: The Ministry of Environment is piloting LiDAR-based forest mapping across states to improve forest management and accurately monitor forest cover changes.
    • Water Resource Management: WAPCOS is using LiDAR to identify groundwater recharge zones, aiding water resource management and mitigating human-animal conflicts in forested areas.
    • Urban Planning: Chandigarh and Gujarat are using LiDAR for GIS mapping and drone-based surveys, respectively, supporting detailed city models, urban planning, and infrastructure mapping.

    Conclusion: LiDAR technology has revolutionized fields from archaeology to urban planning by providing precise 3D mapping. In India, it’s enhancing infrastructure projects, environmental monitoring, and urban planning, proving invaluable for efficient, large-scale data collection and analysis.

  • Why the goal to arrest global temperature rise to 1.5°C is unrealistic?

    Why in the News?

    Over nine years ago, the world promised to cut emissions significantly, but it hasn’t succeeded. As a result, the goal of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees is now out of reach.

    Is the 1.5°C Target Still Achievable?

    • Rising Emissions: Global emissions are still increasing, with 2023 seeing record levels. Despite clean energy advancements, emissions reductions have been insufficient to meet the pace required for the 1.5°C target.
    • Potential for Emission Peaking: The UNEP Emissions Gap Report suggests that emissions could peak by 2023 or 2024 if significant additional measures are taken, but global actions remain inconsistent and often insufficient.
    • Need for Accelerated Action: For the 1.5°C goal, global emissions need to drop by at least 43% by 2030 from 2019 levels.
      • Current projections indicate only a 2.6% reduction by 2030, far short of the required cuts.
    • Technological and Financial Challenges: Achieving the 1.5°C target hinges on rapid technological deployment, energy transition, and substantial financing for climate action. However, these remain constrained by a lack of coordination and resources.

    Implications of Exceeding the 1.5°C Limit

    • Increased Frequency of Extreme Events: Exceeding 1.5°C would lead to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and intense storms.
    • Impacts on Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Many species and ecosystems are sensitive to small temperature changes; coral reefs, for instance, face near-total collapse beyond 1.5°C warming.
    • Threats to Human Health and Livelihoods: Exceeding 1.5°C could lead to more heat-related illnesses, loss of productivity, water scarcity, and risks to food security, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
    • Feedback Loops: Warming beyond 1.5°C may activate feedback loops (e.g., Arctic ice melt, permafrost thawing), which could lead to irreversible changes and make further warming difficult to control.

    Should We Reconsider the Focus on the 1.5°C Target?

    • Adaptation vs. Mitigation: Given the increasing difficulty of limiting warming to 1.5°C, some argue for a shift in focus towards adaptation strategies to manage the unavoidable impacts of higher temperatures.
    • Realigning Expectations: While the 1.5°C target was critical to rally global climate action, a shift towards realistic, achievable goals may better support gradual but sustained progress, especially if mitigation pathways fall short.
    • Moving Towards a ‘Just Transition’: With a likely overshoot of the 1.5°C target, there is a greater need to ensure that climate adaptation and resilience measures do not disproportionately burden low-income countries and communities.
    • Science-Based Overshoot Scenarios: The IPCC and other scientific bodies continue to assess overshoot scenarios (e.g., temporarily exceeding 1.5°C and then returning below it later) to guide global climate strategies. However, returning to a lower temperature after an overshoot requires substantial and sustained negative emissions, which are currently unfeasible at scale.

    Way forward: 

    • Prioritize Scalable Emissions Reductions and Resilient Adaptation: Accelerate global transition to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and reduce methane and other non-CO₂ emissions. Simultaneously, invest in adaptation measures to help vulnerable communities manage the impacts of warming beyond 1.5°C.
    • Strengthen Climate Finance and International Cooperation: Mobilize substantial climate funding for developing nations to support both mitigation and adaptation efforts. Enhance cross-border technology sharing and policy alignment to enable collective, equitable climate action.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • [pib] Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army contingent has departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia to take part in the 9th edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24.

    Note: 

    • Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force.
    • Exercise Shakti is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France.

    About Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

    Details
    What is it? A bilateral joint special forces exercise between India and Indonesia aimed at enhancing military cooperation.

    Held alternatively in India and Indonesia.
    History Initiated in 2012 as part of defense cooperation between India and Indonesia.
    Objectives • Enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between special forces
    • Share best practices and experiences in counter-terrorism
    • Conduct joint operations and drills to improve interoperability
    Activities • Joint planning and execution of special operations
    • Orientation on advanced special forces skills
    • Sharing information on weapons, tactics, and techniques
    • Operations practice in diverse terrains
    • Cultural exchanges between troops
    Significance • Strengthens bilateral relations
    • Fosters trust between India and Indonesia
    • Contributes to regional security and addresses terrorism challenges
    • Enhances operational capabilities of both armies
    Recent Edition Ninth Edition (2024): Scheduled from November 1 to 12, focusing on enhancing understanding, cooperation, and interoperability.

     

    PYQ:

    [2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 1 and 4

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • [pib] Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of VAJRA PRAHAR, a joint Special Forces exercise with the US Army.

    About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:

    Details
    What is it? A joint Special Forces exercise between India and the US aimed at enhancing military cooperation.
    Inception
    • Started in 2010 as part of bilateral defense cooperation between India and the US.
    • No exercises held between 2012 and 2015 and in 2020.
    Frequency Conducted annually, alternately in India and the United States.
    15th Edition Dates Scheduled from 2nd to 22nd November 2024 at the Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho, USA.
    Participants 45 personnel from each country; Indian Army’s Special Forces and US Army’s Green Berets.
    Objectives • Enhance military cooperation
    • Promote interoperability and tactical exchange
    • Improve combined capabilities in joint operations
    Key Focus Areas • High physical fitness standards
    • Joint planning and tactical drills
    Significance • Joint Team Mission Planning
    • Reconnaissance Missions
    • Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
    • Execution of Special Operations
    • Roles of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers
    • Psychological Warfare