Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Places in news: Zabarwan Mountains

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Zabarwan Mountains
Mains level: NA
Prime Minister has asked tourists to visit the tulip garden, located at the foothills of the Zabarwan range in Jammu and Kashmir.

Try this PYQ from CSP 2020:

Q.Siachen Glacier is situated to the

(a) East of Aksai Chin

(b) East of Leh

(c)North of Gilgit

(d) North of Nubra Valley

Zabarwan Mountains
- The Zabarwan Range is a short sub-mountain range between Pir Panjal and the Great Himalayan Range in the central part of the Kashmir Valley.
- Specifically, the range is known to be what overlooks the Dal Lake and holds the Mughal gardens of Srinagar.
- The Shankaracharya Temple is built on the edge of the central part of the Zabarwan Range.
- The highest peak of this range is Mahadev Peak at 13,013 feet (3,966 m), which forms the distant background of the eastern mountain wall.
- On the northern slopes of the central part of the range, there are three Mughal gardens built by Emperor Shah Jahan.
- These include Chashma Shahi, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Garden alongside the Pari Mahal (the fairy palace).
- The Dachigam National Park is the main feature of the range which holds the last viable population of Kashmir stag (Hangul) and the largest population of black bear in Asia.
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Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

Maritime border dispute between Kenya and Somalia

India Mapping IOCR | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Map marking of these countries
Mains level: Issues in Africa
In a move that is set to further undermine stability in East Africa, Kenya has said that it will not take part in proceedings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its maritime border dispute with neighbouring Somalia.

Can you recall the terms like “Scramble for Africa”, “Paper Partition of Africa”? If yes, then you know very well the malady of the present-day Continent of Africa.

What is the news?
- Nairobi has accused the top UN body of bias.
- The move comes after Somalia’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with Kenya in December after it accused Nairobi of meddling in its internal affairs.
- The maritime dispute is said to form a crucial part of the diplomatic quarrel between the two countries.
The disputed area
- The main point of disagreement between the two neighbours is the direction in which their maritime boundary in the Indian Ocean should extend.
- According to Somalia, the sea border should be an extension of the same direction in which their land border runs as it approaches the Indian Ocean, i.e. towards the southeast.
- Kenya, on the other hand, argues that the territorial southeast border should take a 45-degree turn as it reaches the sea, and then run in a latitudinal direction, i.e. parallel to the equator.
- Such an arrangement would be advantageous for Kenya, whose coastline of 536 km is more than 6 times smaller than Somalia’s (3,333 km).
Why is this area important?
- The triangular area thus created by the dispute is around 1.6 lakh sq km large and boasts of rich marine reserves.
- It is also believed to have oil and gas deposits.
- Both Somalia and Kenya have accused each other of auctioning off blocks from this area, Al Jazeera reported.
How have Kenya and Somalia tried to resolve the dispute?
- After negotiations to resolve the issue bilaterally failed, Somalia in 2014 asked the ICJ to adjudicate.
- Kenya resisted, arguing that the world court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.
- In 2009 both countries had a commitment to settle the dispute out of court.
- However, in February 2017, the ICJ ruled that it did have the right to rule in the case, and in June 2019 said that it would begin public hearings.
- These hearings never took place, as Kenya successfully applied to have them postponed thrice– the last one being in June 2020, when it cited difficulties due to the Covid-19.
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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

[pib] Development of Rakhi Garhi Archaeological Site

India Mapping PIB | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Iconic Archaeological sites
Mains level: Indus valley civilization
Rakhi Garhi is being developed as one of the five Identified Iconic Archaeological Sites, informed the Minister of Culture and Tourism.

Rakhi Garhi
- The ancient site of Rakhi-Khas and Rakhi-Shahpur are collectively known as Rakhigarhi, located on the right bank of the now dried up Palaeo-channel of Drishadvati.
- It is located in the Ghaggar-Hakra river plain in the Hissar district of Haryana.
- Seven mounds are located here.
- The site has yielded various stages of Harappan culture and is by far one of the largest Harappan sites in India.
- The site shows the sequential development of the Indus culture in the now dried up Saraswati basin.
Try this question from our AWE initiative

Ancient Indian sculptural art is highly rich in its traditions. Trace the development ancient Indian sculpture that go back to the Indus Valley civilisation. 10 marks

Major findings at Rakhi Garhi
- Findings confirm both early and mature Harappan phases and include 4,600-year-old human skeletons, fortification and bricks.
- Digging so far reveals a well-planned city with 1.92 m wide roads, a bit wider than in Kalibangan.
- The pottery is similar to Kalibangan and Banawali.
- Pits surrounded by walls have been found, which are thought to be for sacrificial or some religious ceremonies.
- There are brick-lined drains to handle sewage from the houses.
- Terracotta statues, weights, bronze artefacts, comb, copper fish hooks, needles and terracotta seals have also been found.
- A bronze vessel has been found which is decorated with gold and silver.
- A granary belonging to the mature Harappan phase has been found here.
- Fire altars structures were revealed in Rakhigarhi.
Back2Basics: Five Iconic Archaeological Sites

The government has proposed to develop five archaeological sites as “iconic sites” with onsite museums in Rakhigarhi (Haryana), Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh), Sivsagar (Assam), Dholavira (Gujarat) and Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu) in the Union Budget 2020-21.

(1) Rakhigarhi

*discussed above*

(2) Hastinapur

Hastinapur in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh finds mention in the Mahabharata and the Puranas. One of the most significant discoveries made at this site was of the “new ceramic industry”, which was named the Painted Grey Ware, which as per the report represented the relics of the early Indo-Aryans.

(3) Sivasagar

In Sivasagar (Assam), excavations at the Karenghar (Talatalghar) complex between 2000 and 2003 led to the discovery of buried structures in the north-western and north-eastern side of the complex. Among the structural remains found at the site were ceramic assemblages including vases, vessels, dishes, and bowls, etc. Terracotta smoking pipes were also found.

(4) Dholavira

Dholavira in Gujarat is located in the Khadir island of the Rann of Kutch, and like Rakhigarhi is one of the sites where the remains of the Harappan civilization have been found. It is unique because the remains of a complete water system have been found here.

(5) Adichnallur

Adichnallur lies in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. The urn-burial site was first brought to light during a “haphazard excavation” by a German archaeologist in 1876. Following this, an Englishman Alexander Rae excavated the site between 1889 and 1905.
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Indian Navy Updates

[pib] Mission Sagar-IV

India Mapping | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Mission SAGAR
Mains level: Not Much
As part of Mission Sagar-IV, Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa has arrived at Port Anjouan, Comoros to deliver 1,000 Metric Tonnes of rice.

Mission SAGAR, unlike other missions, can create confusion with the name and its purpose. It is not a military exercise. Make note of such special cases. UPSC can ask such questions as one-liner MCQs.

Also note the location of the island country Comoros and its geostrategic significance.

Mission Sagar
- SAGAR is a term coined by PM Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with a focus on the blue economy.
- It is a maritime initiative that gives priority to the Indian Ocean region for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of India in the Indian Ocean region.
- The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and an increase in maritime cooperation.
- It is in line with the principles of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
Earlier such missions
- This is the second visit of an Indian Navy ship to the island country within a span of one year.
- Earlier, as part of Mission Sagar-I, in May-June 2020, the Indian Navy had delivered essential medicines to the nation.
- Mission Sagar-II was undertaken in May-June 2020, wherein India reached out to Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, and provided food aid and medicines.
- Sagar-III was undertaken in Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia.
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Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

Ramagundam Floating Solar Power Plant

India Mapping | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Ramagundam Solar Plant
Mains level: Not Much
The country’s biggest floating solar power plant, by generation capacity at Ramagundam in Peddapalli district of Telangana is set to be commissioned by May-June.
Try this PYQ:

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements :
1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in electricity generation process.
2. Photovoltaics generate Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 2 and 3

(d) None
Ramagundam Solar Plant
- It would be one of the renewable (solar) energy plants being developed by NTPC with an installed capacity of 447MW in the Southern Region and the entire capacity would be commissioned by March 2023.
- It will be spread over 450 acres of water surface area in the reservoir.
- It will be the single location largest floating solar plant in the country as of now; 92 MW floating unit at Kayamkulam gas plant in Kerala and a 25 MW unit at Simhadri power plant.
- In addition, we are setting up a 230 MW ground-mounted solar power plant in Ettayapuram near Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu
Why floating solar?
- One of the biggest advantages of floating solar panels is that the installations do not require valuable land space.
- Many of these installations can take up unused space on bodies of water, such as hydroelectric dam reservoirs, wastewater treatment ponds, or drinking water reservoirs.
- Additionally, installing solar panels out on open water reduces the need for tree removal and forest clearing, a practice used in the case of some larger solar panel installations.
- The bodies of water that host floating solar arrays help cool down the solar equipment, which means the panels produce electricity at higher efficiencies in hot climates than they might otherwise.
- The floating solar panel structure shades the body of water and reduces evaporation from these ponds, reservoirs, and lakes.
- This is a particularly useful benefit in areas susceptible to drought, as water loss to evaporation can add up over time and contribute to a shortage.
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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

[pib] Declaration of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO

India Mapping PIB | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: World heritage sites in India

Mains level: Not Much

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has provided some useful information about the World Heritage Sites By UNESCO in India.

We regret for the distorted view of this newscard on the app. Pls refer to the webpage link.

[pib] Declaration of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO

World Heritage Sites in India

At present, India has 38 World Heritage Properties. All the sites under the Ministry are conserved as per ASI’s Conservation Policy and are in good shape.
‘Dholavira: A Harappan City’ has been submitted for the nomination of World Heritage Site in 2019-2020.
Nomination dossiers of ‘Santiniketan, India’ and ‘Sacred Ensemble of Hoysalas’ have been submitted to UNESCO for the year 2021-22 cycle.

WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA (38)

CULTURAL SITES:

Under Protection of Archaeological Survey of India (22)

S.No.	Name of Site	State
1	Agra Fort (1983)	Uttar Pradesh
2	Ajanta Caves (1983)	Maharashtra
3	Ellora Caves (1983)	Maharashtra
4	Taj Mahal (1983)	Uttar Pradesh
5	Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (1984)	Tamil Nadu
6	Sun Temple, Konark (1984)	Odisha
7	Churches and Convents of Goa (1986)	Goa
8	FatehpurSikri (1986)	Uttar Pradesh
9	Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986)	Karnataka
10	Khajuraho, Group of Temples (1986)	Madhya Pradesh
11	Elephanta Caves ( 1987)	Maharashtra
12	Great Living Chola Temples at Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram (1987 & 2004)	Tamil Nadu
13	Group of Monuments at Pattadakal (1987)	Karnataka
14	Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989)	Madhya Pradesh
15	Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993)	Delhi
16	Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993)	Delhi
17	Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003)	Madhya Pradesh
18	Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Park (2004)	Gujarat
19	Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007)	Delhi
20	Hill Forts of Rajasthan Kumbhalgarh, Jaisalmer and Ranthambhore, Amber and Gagron Forts) (2013) (Amber and Gagron Forts are under protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums)	Rajasthan
21	Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan (2014)	Gujarat
22	Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda University) at Nalanda (2016)	Bihar

Under Protection of Ministry of Railways (2)

23.	Mountain Railways of India Darjeeling,(1999), Nilgiri (2005), Kalka-Shimla (2008)	West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh
24.	Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004)	Maharashtra

Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (1)

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, (2002)

Bihar

Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums (1)

26.

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010)

Rajasthan

Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration (1)

27.

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement (2016)

Chandigarh

Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (1)

28.

Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017)

Gujarat

Under Protection of Bombay Municipal Corporation (1)

29.

Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai (2018)

Govt of Maharashtra

Under Protection of Jaipur Municipal Corporation (1)

30.

Jaipur City, Rajasthan (2019)

Govt of Rajasthan

NATURAL SITES: (7)

Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes

31.	Kaziranga National Park (1985)	Assam
32.	Keoladeo National Park (1985)	Rajasthan
33.	Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985)	Assam
34.	Sunderbans National Park (1987)	West Bengal
35.	Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks (1988, 2005)	Uttarakhand
36.	Western Ghats (2012)	Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu
37	Great Himalayan National Park (2014)	Himachal Pradesh

MIXED SITE: (1)

Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes

38.

Khangchendzonga National Park (2016)

Sikkim

Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area, selected by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance, which is legally protected by international treaties.
The sites are judged to be important for the collective and preservative interests of humanity.
To be selected, a WHS must be an already-classified landmark, unique in some respect as a geographically and historically identifiable place having special cultural or physical significance (such as an ancient ruin or historical structure, building, city, complex, desert, forest, island, lake, monument, mountain, or wilderness area).
It may signify a remarkable accomplishment of humanity, and serve as evidence of our intellectual history on the planet.
The sites are intended for practical conservation for posterity, which otherwise would be subject to risk from human or animal trespassing, unmonitored/uncontrolled/unrestricted access, or threat from local administrative negligence.
The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Program administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 “states parties” that are elected by their General Assembly.

UNESCO World Heritage Committee

The World Heritage Committee selects the sites to be listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.
It monitors the state of conservation of the World Heritage properties, defines the use of the World Heritage Fund and allocates financial assistance upon requests from States Parties.
It is composed of 21 states parties that are elected by the General Assembly of States Parties for a four-year term.
India is NOT a member of this Committee.

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Forest Fires

Forest fire in Simlipal Biosphere Reserve

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Simlipal BR
Mains level: Forest fires and their prevention
The Simlipal forest reserve area frequently witnesses forest fires during dry weather conditions.

Try this PYQ:

Q.From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats?

(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

(b) Nallamala Forest

(c) Nagarhole National Park

(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve
- Similipal, which derives its name from the ‘Simul’ (silk cotton) tree, is a national park and a tiger reserve situated in the northern part of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.
- Similipal and the adjoining areas, comprising 5,569 sq km, was declared a biosphere reserve by the Government of India on June 22, 1994, and lies in the eastern end of the eastern ghat.
- It includes three protected areas — Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with 191.06 km2 (73.77 sq mi) and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
- It is the abode of 94 species of orchids and about 3,000 species of plants.
- The identified species of fauna include 12 species of amphibians, 29 species of reptiles, 264 species of birds and 42 species of mammals, all of which collectively highlight the biodiversity richness of Similipal.
- Sal is a dominant tree species.
How fire-prone is Simlipal forest?
- Generally, with the onset of summers and towards the end of autumn, the forest area remains vulnerable to forest fires.
- They are a recurrent annual phenomenon but are also brought under control due to the short span of precipitation.
- This duration coincides with the shedding of deciduous forests in the forest areas.
- The fallen leaves are more vulnerable to catching fire and facilitate the spreading of these forest fires quickly over the entire forest area.
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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Places in news: Mount Sinabung

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Mt Sinabung
Mains level: Pacific ring of fire
Indonesia’s Mount Sinabung volcano sent a cloud of hot ash as high as 3 km today, in its first big eruption since August last year.

Mount Sinabung
- It is a Pleistocene-to-Holocene stratovolcano in the Karo plateau of Karo Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia.
- It is created by the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate under the Eurasian Plate.
- It erupted in 2010 after a 400-year-long hiatus and has been continuously active since September 2013.
Why frequent eruptions?
- Indonesia straddles the “Pacific ring of fire” with nearly130 active volcanoes, more than any other country.
- Sinabung had been inactive for centuries before it erupted again in 2010.
Try this PYQ:

Q.Consider the following statements:
1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian Territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (CSP 2018)

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3
What is the Pacific ring of fire?
- The Pacific Ring of Fire is a region around much of the rim of the Pacific Ocean where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.
- It includes the Pacific coasts of South America, North America and Kamchatka, and some islands in the western Pacific Ocean.
- It is a direct result of plate tectonics: specifically the movement, collision and destruction of lithospheric plates under and around the Pacific Ocean.
- The collisions have created a nearly continuous series of subduction zones, where volcanoes are created and earthquakes occur.
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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

Places in news: Lake Chad

India Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Lake Chad
Mains level: Shrinking water bodies due to Global Warming
One of Africa’s largest freshwater bodies, Lake Chad, has shrunk by 90 per cent.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2018:

Q.Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 2 only

(d) 1 and 3
Lake Chad
- Lake Chad in the Sahel spans the countries of Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon and is home to 17.4 million people.
- It is blessed with rich aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.
- The Chari River, fed by its tributary the Logone, provides over 90% of the lake’s water, with a small amount coming from the Yobe River in Nigeria/Niger.
- Despite high levels of evaporation, the lake is freshwater.
- The Lake Chad basin comprises biosphere reserves, World Heritage and Ramsar sites as well as wetlands of international conservation importance.
Why it is significant?
- For years, the lake has been supporting drinking water, irrigation, fishing, livestock and economic activity for over 30 million people in the region.
- It is vital for indigenous, pastoral and farming communities in one of the world’s poorest countries.
- However, climate change has fuelled a massive environmental and humanitarian crisis.
- The United Nations has termed the Lake Chad crisis as “one of the worst in the world”.
A looming peril
- The lake has shrunk 90 per cent over the last 60 years since the chronic droughts surged at the beginning of the 1970s.
- The surface area of the lake was 26,000 square kilometres in 1963; it has now reduced to less than 1,500 square kilometres.
- Its population is exploding and the region has been ripped apart from conflict at an unprecedented scale.
Behind all crises
- The ever-changing climate has dramatically worsened the situation, amplifying food and nutritional insecurity in the region.
- Temperature is rising one-and-a-half times faster than the global average. The seasonal and inter-rainfall patterns have been drastically changing each year.
- This has triggered food insecurity, ultimately pushing communities into the arms of terrorist groups.
- Boko Haram is one of the top insurgent groups with a strong foothold in the region.
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Monsoon Updates

Mawsynram: Wettest place on Earth sees a decreasing trend in rainfall

India Mapping Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Mawsynram
Mains level: Not Much
A recent study that looked at the rainfall pattern in the past 119 years found a decreasing trend at Cherrapunji and nearby areas.

Try this PYQ:

Q.“Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.” The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

(a) African Savannah

(b) Central Asian Steppe

(c) North American Prairie

(d) Siberian Tundra

Mawsynram
- Mawsynram is a town in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in northeastern India, 60.9 kilometres from Shillong.
- Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India.
- It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872mm but that claim is disputed.
- According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Mawsynram received 26,000 millimetres (1,000 in) of rainfall in 1985.
Why it rain highest in Mawsynram?
- Because of the uneven relief of India due to the presence of a number of hill ranges, the monsoon is not able to shed its moisture evenly over India.
- Windward sides receive more rainfall and leeward sides receive less rainfall.
- Mawsynram lies in the funnel-shaped depression caused by the Khasi range in Meghalaya.
- The Bay of Bengal branch of monsoons is trapped in it and causes heavy rainfall.
Decreasing rainfall trends
- The research analysed daily rain gauge measurements during 1901–2019 and noted that the changes in the Indian Ocean temperature have a huge effect on the rainfall in the region.
- There was a reduction in the vegetation area in northeast India in the past two decades, implying that human influence also plays an important role in the changing rainfall patterns.
- The traditional way of cultivation known as Jhum cultivation or shifting cultivation is now decreased and being replaced by other methods.
- Also, previous studies have noted there is sizable deforestation in the region.
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Type: India Mapping

Try this PYQ from CSP 2020:

Zabarwan Mountains

What is the news?

The disputed area

Why is this area important?

How have Kenya and Somalia tried to resolve the dispute?

Rakhi Garhi

Major findings at Rakhi Garhi

Back2Basics: Five Iconic Archaeological Sites

Mission Sagar

Earlier such missions

Try this PYQ:

Ramagundam Solar Plant

Why floating solar?

World Heritage Sites in India

WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA (38)

Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Try this PYQ:

Simlipal Biosphere Reserve

How fire-prone is Simlipal forest?

Mount Sinabung

Why frequent eruptions?

Try this PYQ:

What is the Pacific ring of fire?

Try this PYQ from CSP 2018:

Lake Chad

Why it is significant?

A looming peril

Behind all crises

Try this PYQ:

Mawsynram

Why it rain highest in Mawsynram?

Decreasing rainfall trends