The human genome, comprising 23 pairs of chromosomes, is the blueprint of our genetic makeup inherited from our parents.
The replication of this genetic information in nearly a trillion cells during development results in a complex mosaic of cellular diversity.
Despite remarkable DNA replication accuracy, mutations still occur.
What are Somatic Genes?
Somatic genetic variants, also known as somatic mutations or somatic alterations, are genetic changes that occur in the cells of an organism’s body (somatic cells) during its lifetime.
These mutations are distinct from germline mutations, which are inherited from parents and are present in every cell of an individual’s body.
Somatic mutations are acquired after conception and are not passed on to future generations.
Somatic mutations can occur due to various factors, such as exposure to environmental mutagens (like radiation or chemicals), errors in DNA replication, and other cellular processes.
These mutations can affect the DNA sequence of specific genes, leading to changes in protein production or function.
DNA Replication: The Copy-Paste Mechanism
Genetic Inheritance: Ovum and sperm carry parental genetic blueprints, which combine after fertilization.
Cell Division: The single fertilized cell, with 23 chromosomes, multiplies to form the human body’s trillions of cells.
DNA Replication Accuracy: Proteins proofread and correct DNA during replication, resulting in an error rate of 0.64-0.78 mutations per billion base pairs per division.
Impact of Somatic Genetic Mutations
Dependent on Timing: Errors occurring after birth but during development are somatic genetic mutations.
Driver Mutations: Mutations that confer a fitness advantage to cells can lead to tumor formation and are called driver mutations.
Cellular Mosaic: Human body is a mosaic of cells with subtle genomic differences, influenced by somatic genetic variants.
Genetic Variants: Genetic variants within functional genome regions can affect protein encoding and regulation.
Somatic Variants and Physiological Processes
Immune Cell Diversity: Immune cells undergo extensive somatic changes to create diverse antibodies recognise pathogens.
Recent Knowledge Explosion: Technological advancements in sequencing individual cells have led to an explosion of data and knowledge on somatic variants.
Cancer’s Role: Somatic genetic variants play a significant role in cancer development, aiding in early detection, diagnosis, and prognosis.
Cancer Mutational Signatures
Mutational Signatures: Specific genetic variations and patterns are characteristic of certain cancers, enabling early detection.
Blood-Based Detection: Technologies identify tumour DNA in blood to detect cancer early.
Disease Progress Tracking: Cancer variations can be used to monitor disease progression and therapy response.
Somatic Variants in Genetic Diseases
Genetic Diseases Origin: Many genetic disorders arise from somatic genetic variants, not inherited from parents.
Disease Severity and Timing: The severity and distribution of genetic diseases depend on the timing of somatic mutations during development.
Immune Disorders: Somatic changes can cause immune disorders and even beneficially reverse some genetic diseases.
SMaHT Network: Understanding Somatic Mosaicism
Somatic Mosaicism: US has launched the ‘Somatic Mosaicism across Human Tissues’ (SMaHT) Network.
Aims: SMaHT aims to discover somatic variants, develop tools for study, and improve analysis for biological and clinical insights.
Investment and Research: The U.S. government has invested $140 million to study somatic variants in post-mortem samples.
Implications and Future Prospects
Cellular Complexity: Studying somatic variants reveals the intricate diversity of cells and reshapes evolutionary understanding.
Disease Management: Understanding somatic genetic changes can advance disease understanding and management.
Innovative Approaches: Analyzing genes at the single-cell level paves the way for innovative disease approaches and insights into evolution.
The State of India’s Birds (SoIB) report based on data collected from approximately 30,000 birdwatchers has unveiled concerning trends regarding India’s bird population.
The study highlights a substantial decline in numerous bird species, attributing this decline to a range of factors.
About SoIB Report
The SoIB report aims to evaluate the conservation status of a wide range of species regularly present in India.
It is published by a partnership involving 13 governmental and non-governmental organizations, including SACON, WII, and ZSI.
The report extensively employs data from over 30 million observations on eBird by more than 30,000 birdwatchers.
The report assesses distribution range size, abundance trends over the long term and since 2015, and information from the IUCN Red List to categorize Indian species into Low, Moderate, and High Conservation Priority tiers.
Key Highlights of the Report
Widespread Decline: Among the species analyzed, 60% of those assessed for long-term trends show decline, while 40% exhibit a decline in current annual trends.
Raptors and Vultures: Birds consuming vertebrates and carrion, including raptors and vultures, have significantly declined, possibly due to pollutants or prey availability reduction.
Endemics and Biodiversity Hotspots: Endemic species in the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot have experienced rapid declines over the past decades.
Positive Outlook: Certain generalist species, exemplified by the Indian peafowl, demonstrate remarkable increases in abundance, with a 150% rise observed over the past decades.
Conservation Priority: The report classifies species into High, Moderate, and Low Conservation Priority, with 178 species as High Priority, 323 as Moderate, and 441 as Low Priority. Noteworthy species include the Ruddy shelduck, Indian courser, Narcondam hornbill, and Nicobar megapode.
Identified Threats to Bird Species
The report underscores threats encompassing forest degradation, urbanization, energy infrastructure.
Birds are highly impacted by environmental pollutants like Nimesulide affecting vulture populations, climate change’s impacts on migratory species, avian diseases, and illegal hunting and trade.
Actions and Research Implications
Targeted Conservation: The report advocates for the conservation of specific groups, such as grassland specialists that have suffered a more than 50% decline, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving grassland ecosystems.
Long-Term Monitoring: The significance of continuous, systematic bird population monitoring is emphasized to comprehend subtle fluctuations in bird numbers.
In-Depth Research: Further research is needed to understand the causes behind both declines and increases in bird populations.
Synergy among Policies: The report calls for the harmonization of policies related to river, water, and wasteland development, recognizing the multifaceted role of abundant, widespread bird species.
Citizen Participation: Citizen Engagement plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation, warranting an essential role in the action plan for bird population and habitat preservation.
As the PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completes 9 years, its remarkable journey is marked by over 50 crore bank accounts and deposits exceeding ₹2 lakh crore.
The scheme’s success lies in its commitment to financial inclusion, creating avenues for underprivileged segments to access banking services and government schemes.
What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
The PMJDY is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government in 2014.
It is National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, a basic savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.
Under the scheme, a basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account can be opened in any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet, by persons not having any other account.
Benefits under PMJDY
One basic savings bank account is opened for unbanked person.
There is no requirement to maintain any minimum balance in PMJDY accounts.
Interest is earned on the deposit in PMJDY accounts.
Rupay Debit card is provided to the account holder.
Accident Insurance Cover of Rs.1 lakh (enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh to new PMJDY accounts opened after 28.8.2018) is available with RuPay card issued to the PMJDY account holders.
An overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs. 10,000 to eligible account holders is available.
Is PMJDY a success?
Dormancy of accounts: The PMJDY scheme has led to an increase in the number of bank accounts in rural areas. The percentage of zero-balance accounts has significantly decreased from 58% in March 2015 to a mere 8%, indicating a more active engagement with banking services.
Low or no transactions: Insurance coverage for the account holder is linked to their transaction history, and many accounts remain frozen due to lack of transactions, taking several weeks or months to reactivate.
False promise of overdraft: The promised overdraft facility of Rs 5000 for new account holders has not been provided as promised, leading to scepticism about the scheme’s success.
Payments bottleneck: The lack of proper connectivity, electricity, internet, and ATM facilities in rural areas has hindered the activation of RuPay cards and PIN numbers, which should have been considered before implementing such a large-scale program.
Future prospects
Voluntary Participation: The government aims to persuade PMJDY account holders to opt for voluntary micro-insurance schemes like PMJJBY and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
Persuasion over Compulsion: The focus is on financial literacy campaigns, special drives, and awareness programs conducted by banks to help account holders make informed choices.
Multi-Level Coordination: Collaboration with line ministries, including Anganwadi and Asha workers, enhances awareness campaigns and ensures wider coverage.
Leveraging Databases: Utilization of databases like the E-Shram portal for labour-related information aids in identifying potential beneficiaries.
The emergence of El Nino as a significant climatic phenomenon in India carries dual implications – economic and political – as the country gears up for national elections in April-May 2024.
With its known ability to suppress rainfall and disrupt agricultural cycles, El Nino’s effects are already being felt.
Understanding El Nino and La Nina
El Nino and La Nina are two opposite phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
ENSO is a naturally occurring phenomenon that involves the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the equatorial Pacific.
Here is a detailed comparison of El Nino and La Nina
El Nino
La Nina
Definition
Warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures
Cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures
Frequency
Every two to seven years
Every two to seven years
Duration
Several months to a year or more
Several months to a year or more
Impact on winds
Weakens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns
Strengthens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns
Impact on rains
Reduces rainfall and can cause droughts
Increases rainfall and can cause flooding
Impact on temp.
Warmer-than-average temperatures
Colder-than-average temperatures
Global effects
Droughts in Asia and Africa, floods in Americas
Floods in Asia and Africa, droughts in South America
Impact on India
El Nino
La Nina
Associated with weak monsoons and drought-like conditions in India
Associated with above-normal rainfall and floods in India
Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean rises above normal levels
Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean drops below normal levels
Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns
Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns
Shift in the location of the jet stream, affecting the strength and direction of the monsoon winds
Increase in the strength of the monsoon winds, bringing more moisture and rainfall to India
Results in reduced rainfall, dry spells, and heatwaves, leading to crop failures and water scarcity
Excessive rainfall can also lead to floods and landslides, causing damage to crops and infrastructure
Broader Implications:
[A] Agriculture
Rainfall Deficit: August’s nationwide rainfall stands at 30.7% below normal, erasing the initial 4.2% surplus from the southwest monsoon.
Strengthening El Nino: July saw the Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) surpass the El Nino threshold, hitting 1 degree Celsius, suggesting an intensification of El Nino.
Projected Persistence: Forecasts predict El Nino’s continuation and possible strengthening during the 2023-24 winter season, potentially impacting the northeast monsoon and winter seasons.
[B] Food Supply Challenges
Crucial Monsoon: Beyond crop yield, the southwest monsoon replenishes reservoirs and recharges groundwater, essential for agricultural success.
Rabi Season Dependence: The success of rabi season crops like wheat, mustard, and chickpea hinges on water reserves, primarily sourced from aquifers and reservoirs.
Supply-Demand Nexus: With rice and wheat stocks at a six-year low and food inflation at 11.5%, El Nino-induced shortfalls may exacerbate food inflation concerns.
[C] Political Implications
Food Inflation: Examining consumer food price inflation leading up to previous Lok Sabha elections reveals its considerable impact on political outcomes.
Electoral Influence: The BJP’s 2019 electoral victory and the UPA’s 2014 defeat were partially attributed to the level of food inflation during those periods.
Government Actions: The Modi administration has already taken steps to ensure food availability, curb hoarding, and address potential food inflation concerns.
Conclusion
El Nino’s emergence as a formidable environmental and political factor underscores the intricate interplay between climate patterns, agriculture, and political dynamics.
India’s ability to manage the far-reaching consequences of El Nino on food production and inflation will determine its capacity to address immediate challenges while considering the longer-term goals.
Designed for Working Professionals and College going UPSC aspirants
The foundation and Ultimate Assessment Program for UPSC 2025 with 3 Layered Super Mentorship Program is built with keeping all the NECESSITIES in mind.
Nothing more, Nothing less.
Aiming for UPSC IAS 2025? Why wait? Seize the Day 0 advantage now! Our early start Foundation/UAP is uniquely designed to give you a jumpstart, guided by a top 50 ranked IAS/IPS mentor. From planning to execution, we’ve got your journey to success meticulously curated. Don’t just prepare—prepare to succeed. Take the Day 0 advantage and turn your IAS dream into reality.
Know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2025 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
In 2021-23, we connected with over 15,000+ IAS aspirants via our Samanvaya (1 on 1 mentoring) outreach program.
With an average call time of ~40 minutes, we spent ~3.84 lakh minutes (~6,400 hours) understanding you and your preparation strategies.
We’re excited to embark on the journey of eliminating all doubts & difficulties in UPSC/IAS preparation for 2025. With an unwavering commitment to serving aspirants, Civilsdaily offers a one-stop program that equips students with the necessary tools and guidance to clear UPSC in the very 1st attempt.
IAS officers as your UPSC Mentors
Through personalized mentorship, curated study materials, daily current affairs updates, interactive doubt-solving LIVE sessions, and regular evaluation, Civilsdaily strives to create a UPSC ecosystem that fosters growth and ensures success.
With a deep understanding of the challenges most of the aspirants face, our rankers, mentors’ and faculties’ enthusiasm to alleviate doubts and obstacles is constant, making it an invaluable companion on the path to achieving your dreams.
Shishir, AIR 16, UPSC 2022 was our Mentorship Student
UPSC Foundation Timetable
to be updated soon.. (call directly at +91 73033 16700)
3 Layers of Mentorship
We have supercharged our mentorship program for you. In the four layers of mentorship we will have:
IAS Batch Mentors: Top 50 Rankers
UPSC AIR 48, Aaditya Pandey; AIR 50 Abhijit; AIR 22. Pavandatta all three IAS toppers will be taking in a batch of 50 aspirants under them respectively and will handhold them to a top 50 rank in UPSC 2024-25.
These Batch Mentors will guide and oversee your studyplans, targets, progress, shortcomings, and will devise a plan to take you forward.
You will be talking 1-1 with these rankers and learning UPSC relevant skills like answer writing, notemaking, articulation of thoughts, doing current affairs, covering UPSC syllabus, etc.
Know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2024-25 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
The core academic team led by Pravin sir, Venus ma’am, Sumit sir, Zeeshan sir, Dinesh sir through various programs like Samachar Manthan current affairs, Essay program, Dominate Prelims program, Ethics program, etc will be mentoring you and connecting with you at every stage of your UPSC preparation.
Dedicated Mentors
This is where the magic actually happens. These dedicated mentors who were the actual mentors of UPSC rankers like Aaditya Pandey, AIR 48, AIR 22 Pavandatta, AIR 16 Shishir, AIR 50 Abhijit, and many more UPSC Toppers will provide handholding support and holistic UPSC preparation management.
Know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2024-25 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
You want a perfect timetable that adapts according to your learning curve.
want a Holistic UPSC Preparation Program covering all the bases- Lectures, Tests, Notes, Personalized Mentorship, Etc.
Want to adapt and prepare according to Recent UPSC Trends?
You want to prepare under the same roof with IAS Rankers in a strategic, time-bound, and targeted manner.
were unsuccessful in Prelims or Mains in your previous attempt, and want to guarantee ultimate success in UPSC-2025.
You Seek productivity, consistency, efficiency, relevance, continuous evaluation, and kill Doubt in your UPSC Preparation journey.
You think news & static concepts should be tied together for better retention.
You are fine with self-study modules but need motivation boosters to keep you on the right track.
You want your preparation to be non-judgemental.
You want a community of like-minded, sincere aspirants so that you can feed off each other’s energy.
You love active learning.
You love active doubt resolutions.
You are patient with your progress as long as it is assured.
Key Outcomes
Total GS and Current Affairs syllabus, multiple rounds of revision, and tests will be covered on time.
Advanced UPSC-level (Prelims and Mains) conceptual clarity through lectures.
With a dedicated Super Mentor (an IAS/IPS ranker) and in-house mentor, you will have consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness in your UPSC preparation
Under your Super Mentor (IAS/UPSC Rankers), in-house senior IAS mentors/faculties, you will be well equipped with intelligent MCQs solving skills (including elimination skills), will have solid strategy on ‘How to attempt Prelims to score 120+‘
Under Civilsdaily mains team led by Arvind sir, Pravin sir, and Other in-house senior IAS mentors/faculties, you will be well equipped with awesome answer writing skills. You’ll have a solid strategy on how to attempt Mains papers.
You will clear UPSC Prelims 2025, then Mains 2025 comfortably.
Know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2025 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
Masterclass covers 100 percent static syllabus from basic to advanced.
Focus on developing an interest in the subject.
Better language & explainers to ensure conceptual clarity
Comparative analysis with quick reference tables
Flowcharts, Listicles & Mind maps for easy recall
Note4Students in every chapter to establish relevance
Previous Year Questions to ensure you understand the level of depth required to crack the UPSC Mains.
UAP: Ultimate Assessment Program
Comprehensive Assessment Program that includes Test Series for both Prelims and Mains, Current Affairs and Weekly Answer Writing and Essay Program
Five Components of UAP 2025:
UPSC Prime Prelims Test Series
Mains Essential Program
Samachar Manthan 2025 – Current Affairs and Answer Writing program
Dominate Prelims 2025 by Zeeshan sir
Essay Program
2. Civilsdaily 3 Layered 1-1 Mentorship
3. Dominate Prelims:
Dominate Prelims 2025, is a comprehensive year-long program for UPSC Prelims 2025.
This holistic program offers time-bound syllabus (GS+CA) coverage, advanced conceptual clarity, AI-powered Replica-based Test Series, personalized mentorship, strategy sessions by Zeeshan sir and Rankers, and periodic performance evaluations, to help you overcome all your critical gaps.
4. Mains Essential Program:
It’s a 3-phased UPSC Mains answer writing and test series. The focus is on identifying and highlighting the issues with your preparation (information/analysis/ utilization). According to your strengths and weaknesses, a tailor-made strategy is developed. It is worked on under Arvind sir’s strict monitoring, aiming for incremental improvements every day.
No Cost EMI Facility for Students Enrolling in Civilsdaily’s Foundation Course 2024. This ensures that financial burden has not remained a concern for your preparation.
Why & How Civilsdaily’s Foundation program stands apart?
LECTURE CONTENT PREPARED based on PYQ (Highly effective). Only those areas will be focussed where UPSC can ask questions.
Lectures are covered in a storytelling format (No boring factual stuff in lectures). The focus will be on concept building.
Value addition points will be discussed in the lecture to enhance UPSC Mains answer writing.
Lectures will segregate the Prelims and Mains portions.
Domain experts: Geography Ph.D. for Geography, Historian for History, Economist for Economics
Special Lectures by Rankers
Linkage with current affairs
Note-making through lectures
Trusted by Rank 1 & 2:
This is what our students have to say..
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What makes a UPSC topper? Is it the countless hours of study, the meticulous note-making, luck? or something else entirely?
How is it that some aspirants take multiple attempts—3, 4, even 6—struggling year after year, while very few of them manage to top the UPSC exam in their very first attempt?
The journey to cracking the UPSC exams is a tale of ambition, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s not just an academic marathon but also a test of your mental fortitude, character, emotional intelligence and ability to stay calm under extreme pressure.
With over 13 lakh aspirants applying each year and only a handful making it to the finish line, one can’t help but wonder what sets the toppers apart. Could it be luck, or is there a specific mindset and strategy that ensures success?
Understanding how to excel in one of India’s most challenging exams goes beyond hard work. It demands strategic planning, emotional intelligence, and above all, insights from those who’ve been there, and done that.
This is where experts like Gautam Mohakul sir, Civil Servant with 7 yrs of experience in the administration and a seasoned UPSC interviewer, come into play. With a wealth of experience and an intimate understanding of the UPSC interview process, Gautam Sir has become a guiding light for countless UPSC aspirants. He has invaluable experience in helping candidates develop a winning mindset.
Gautam sir’s wisdom is not just theoretical; nearly 90% of those who appear for UPSC interviews take mock interviews under his guidance.
Topic: Strategies to develop mindset, attitude and UPSC prep approach like an IAS Topper
Date: 26th August 2023 (Satday)
Time: 7:00 pm Onwards
Zoom Meeting Link will be sent via your registered email address.
Who should attend this webinar?
Beginner Aspirants: Those who are just starting their UPSC journey and need strategic guidance. College or working professionals- 1st attempt aspirants
Intermediate Aspirants: Candidates who have some experience but wish to move from mediocrity to excellence- 1 to 2 attempt aspirants
Advanced Aspirants: Those who are in the last leg of their preparation and looking to fine-tune their strategies.
Previous Year Candidates: Aspirants who could not clear the exam in previous attempts and want to understand what they were lacking.
UPSC Mentors: For a better understanding of what makes an aspirant, a topper.
Aspirants who want to crack a top 50 rank in UPSC 2024-25
Anyone who is aiming to break free from the feeling of unfulfillment and aimlessness in their preparation.
Aspirants who are not able to decipher the pattern and ‘new ways of UPSC’.
Someone who has failed in earlier attempts – aiming to understand and fill critical gaps in your preparation.
Candidates looking for practical strategies rather than generic guidance.
What can you expect to learn from the session?
Mindset Mechanics: Learn what kind of mindset differentiates an average aspirant from a UPSC topper.
Strategic Planning: Gain insights into crafting a highly effective and personalized study plan.
Purpose-driven study and prep: Whatever these toppers study is under an outcome-oriented plan.
Time Management and Priority setting: Understand how to allocate time efficiently across subjects and maximize productivity.
Adaptability: Tips on how to be flexible and adapt your strategy as per your performance and new UPSC trends.
Handling Stress: Master the art of stress management to keep your preparation and exam-day performance optimal.
Always progressing, never regressing
7 pitfalls that an aspirant must avoid that might kill your UPSC dream
Real-Life Examples: Hear anecdotes and case studies of past aspirants who successfully navigated their UPSC journey.
We’ll be sharing a personalized study plan after the webinar
CivilsDaily’s FREE Current Affairs package& Personalized UPSC studyplan
Post-webinar you will get your Personalized study plan, important PDFs, timetable framework, and mentorship session.
Based on your UPSC prep situation (working aspirant, full-time aspirant), your learning style, previous attempts, and other such factors, we will be preparing and sharing a personalized PDF study plan for you.
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) has been officially ratified and inaugurated during the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) held in Vancouver, Canada.
Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)
Key Points
Establishment
Ratified and inaugurated during the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Purpose
Channels financial resources to achieve goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework established by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by the year 2030.
Financial Contributions
Canada: 200 million Canadian dollars, United Kingdom: 10 million pounds.
Alignment with Framework
Accelerates progress towards halting biodiversity decline by 2030.
Inclusivity and Indigenous Initiatives
Allocates up to 20% for projects led by Indigenous communities.
Focus on Vulnerable Nations
Over a third of resources dedicated to support Small Island Developing States.
Fulfilling Targets
Contributes to commitment of $200 billion annually by 2030.
Funding Requirements
Approximately $40 million needed for operationalization by end of 2023.
Future Contributions
Dependent on domestic fiscal processes of key donors.
Council Meetings
First meeting in January 2024, aims to approve inaugural work program in June.
Impact and Action
Timely disbursement crucial for launching projects under the fund.
About Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Establishment: The GEF was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
Purpose: The GEF serves as an international financial institution that funds projects to address global environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and pollution.
Funding Mechanism: It operates as a financial mechanism for several international environmental conventions, including:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Structure: It has a governing body known as the GEF Council. The GEF is structured as a partnership between three main institutions:
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and
World Bank.
Funding Sources: The GEF is funded by contributions from its member countries, known as “donors.” Donors include both developed and developing nations, as well as international organizations.
Japan has begun discharging treated radioactive wastewater from the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the Pacific Ocean in a plan endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
IAEA is an international organization that plays a pivotal role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
It was established in 1957 as an autonomous agency under the UN is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the principles outlined in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1970.
Despite its independent treaty, the IAEA remains accountable to both the UN General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
What does it do?
Promotion of Peaceful Nuclear Energy: Established amidst the Cold War’s geopolitical tension, the IAEA’s core mission centers on promoting the constructive application of nuclear energy.
Prevention of Military Use: The agency’s fundamental role is to prevent the diversion of nuclear programs for military intentions, ensuring compliance with international agreements.
IAEA’s Tri-fold Missions
Peaceful Utilization: Fostering member states’ constructive adoption of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes constitutes a pivotal aspect of IAEA’s mission.
Safeguarding Measures: A cornerstone role of the IAEA involves implementing measures to verify the non-military use of nuclear energy, particularly through assessing declared nuclear activities and materials.
Nuclear Safety: The IAEA takes an active stance in advocating stringent standards of nuclear safety to prevent accidents and ensure public and environmental protection.
Significant feature: IAEA’s Safeguards
Purpose of Safeguards: IAEA’s safeguards are mechanisms designed to affirm that a nation adheres to its international commitment against exploiting nuclear programs for weaponry purposes.
Verification Approach: Safeguards are founded on the meticulous examination of a state’s reported nuclear materials and activities, evaluating their accuracy and completeness.
Varied Verification Measures: The agency employs a range of verification tools, including on-site inspections, visits, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring rigorous oversight.
Dual Dimensions of Safeguards
Declared Nuclear Material Verification: Through the inspection of reported nuclear materials and activities, IAEA ensures that a state remains transparent in its nuclear endeavors.
Non-Diversion Assurance: A significant facet is the assurance of the absence of undeclared nuclear materials or activities, thereby averting any unauthorized deviation from peaceful usage.
A study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 2022 examines the relationship between diverse urban forms and their reactions to heat, offering insights that could guide India’s urban centers in combatting heat-related challenges.
Distinct Urban Forms and Heat Resilience
Crucial Consideration: Urban form encompasses a city’s unique blend of natural and built components, shaping its activities and infrastructure.
Diverse Parameters: Urban form’s defining elements include urban morphology, aspect ratio, sky view factor (SVF), blue/green infrastructure (B/GI), floor space index (FSI), and street orientation.
Localized Study: CSE’s ongoing study focuses on 10 cities, such as Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, each revealing trends that could inform heat mitigation strategies.
Unveiling Key Parameters and Findings
Urban Morphology: Varied urban morphologies, from open highrise to compact midrise, demonstrate lower land surface temperatures (LST) among heat pockets. Lowrise areas exhibit higher LST due to sparse vegetation and heat-trapping roofing materials, suggesting the potential for improvement.
Aspect Ratio: The ratio of building height to street width impacts heat retention. Higher aspect ratios correlate with lower LST, indicating the significance of narrower streets for reduced heat gain.
Sky View Factor: The visibility of sky between buildings influences heat dissipation. Elevated sky view factors increase LST by up to 10°C, highlighting the role of factors like road intersections and open parking lots.
Blue/Green Infrastructure: Vegetation significantly impacts microclimates. Effective vegetation cover (EVC), with a focus on trees, grass, and shrubs, can reduce LST by 2-4°C, demonstrating the need to prioritize tree-heavy greens.
Policy Implications for Enhanced Heat Resilience
FSI and Urban Cooling: Higher floor space index (FSI) inversely correlates with LST, suggesting that denser urban configurations can alleviate heat.
Street Orientation: The orientation of streets affects sun exposure and wind, leading to differences in thermal comfort. North-south streets expose higher LST due to east-west sun exposure.
Contextual Cooling Solutions: Urban form-based codes can offer targeted cooling solutions. Diverse zones with customized regulations—shaded walkways, cool roofs, or high EVC—can cater to varied needs.
Way Forward
Incorporating Learning: Urban planning must integrate findings from the study into building by-laws and master plans. Pune’s experience showcases the impact of SVF, aspect ratio, EVC, and urban morphology on heat gain.
Adaptation for Other Cities: Each city may face distinct drivers influencing heat resilience, necessitating customized solutions and urban planning modifications.
Economic Benefits: A 1°C temperature reduction corresponds to a 2% drop in the city’s power consumption, highlighting the financial advantages of heat mitigation strategies.
