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Type: Prelims Only

  • Primary and Secondary Education – RTE, Education Policy, SEQI, RMSA, Committee Reports, etc.

    PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) Scheme

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PM SHRI Scheme

    Why in the News?

    Union Education Minister comment accusing the Tamil Nadu government of being “dishonest” in implementing the PM SHRI scheme caused disruption in the Lok Sabha.

    What is the PM-SHRI Scheme?

    About  
    • Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2022 to upgrade 14,500 schools as model institutions for NEP 2020 implementation.
    • Objective: To create inclusive, nurturing schools with modern infrastructure, holistic education, and competency-based learning.
    Implementation From 2022-23 to 2026-27. After this, states/UTs will maintain the benchmarks achieved. 

    Funding Pattern:

    1. 60:40 (Centre: State/UTs with legislature, except J&K).
    2. 90:10 for Northeastern & Himalayan States, J&K.
    3. 100% Central funding for UTs without legislature. States must sign an MoU with the Centre to participate.
    Key Features
    • Holistic learning: Focus on communication, collaboration, critical thinking. Experiential, inquiry-driven, learner-centred pedagogy.
    • Modern facilities: Smart classrooms, Computer Labs, Integrated Science Labs, Vocational Labs, Atal Tinkering Labs.
    • Green initiatives: Water conservation, waste recycling, energy efficiency.
    • Competency-based assessments linked to real-life applications.
    Eligible Schools Schools managed by Central/State/UT Governments & local bodies. Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) & Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) (non-project, with permanent buildings).

    School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) ensures performance evaluation & institutional excellence.
    Selection Process Challenge Mode (3-stage process):

    • Stage-1: Signing MoU with the Centre.
    • Stage-2: Identifying eligible schools using UDISE+ data.
    • Stage-3: Schools compete to meet selection criteria, verified by States/UTs/KVS/JNV.

    Final selection by Expert Committee headed by the Education Secretary.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’?

    1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.

    2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.

    3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Genetically-Engineered Bananas to Reduce Food Waste

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: RNA interference (RNAi)

    Why in the News?

    Scientists at Tropic, a UK-based biotech company, disabled the PPO gene in bananas slowing down the browning process while allowing normal ripening.

    About the Genetically Engineered Bananas

    • Genetically engineered bananas are modified using biotechnology to extend shelf life, resist browning, and enhance durability.
    • These bananas stay yellow for 12 hours after peeling and are less prone to bruising.
    • The modification prevents enzymatic browning, making bananas look fresh for longer without altering their ripening process.
    • The modification targets polyphenol oxidase (PPO), the enzyme responsible for browning.
    • By disabling PPO activity, oxidation of pigments is slowed, delaying the formation of brown spots.

    Gene-Silencing Method Used:

    • RNA interference (RNAi) is used to silence the PPO gene, reducing its activity without affecting overall banana development.
    • RNAi introduces small RNA molecules that block PPO gene expression, preventing the synthesis of the browning enzyme.
    • This method is precise and does not introduce foreign DNA, making it different from traditional genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
    • Gene-editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 are also being explored for future crop modifications.

    PYQ:

    [2019] ‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?

    1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies.

    2. It can be used in developing therapies for-the treatment of cancer.

    3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies.

    4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 4 only

     

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    What are Collisionless Shock Waves?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Collisionless Shock Waves

    Why in the News?

    A recent study published by Johns Hopkins University (USA) and Northumbria University (UK) reveals how Collisionless Shock Waves act as cosmic accelerators, helping subatomic particles gain ultra-high energy and travel vast distances in space.

    What are Collisionless Shock Waves?

    • Collisionless shock waves are disturbances in plasma (ionized gas) where energy transfer occurs without direct particle collisions, relying instead on electromagnetic forces.
    • They are found in supernova remnants, black hole disks, pulsars, magnetars, and planetary magnetospheres.
    • They act as natural cosmic accelerators, boosting electrons and other charged particles to ultra-high speeds.

    Key Findings from the Study

    • NASA’s MMS, THEMIS, and ARTEMIS missions observed an electron acceleration event near Earth’s bow shock on December 17, 2017.
    • Electrons in Earth’s foreshock region gained 500 keV of energy, reaching 86% of the speed of light, a huge increase from their usual 1 keV.
    • Diffusive shock acceleration (known for producing high-energy cosmic rays) requires electrons to already be moving at 50% of light speed before further acceleration can occur.
    • The study identifies how electrons receive this initial boost, a long-standing astrophysical mystery.
    • Scientists have long assumed that supernova explosions are the primary source of cosmic rays.
    • The recent study suggests that planetary magnetospheres interacting with stellar winds could also contribute to high-energy cosmic rays.

    How Shock Waves accelerate Particles without Collisions?

    • Unlike in solids, liquids, or gases, where energy is transferred via molecular collisions, plasma particles interact through electromagnetic fields.
    • This allows shock waves to accelerate electrons without direct contact.
    • Multi-Stage Acceleration Process:
      1. Plasma waves interact with electrons, imparting initial energy.
      2. Magnetic turbulence in the shock front causes electrons to spiral, further increasing their speed.
      3. Repeated interactions with plasma waves push electrons to relativistic speeds.
    • Role of Earth’s Bow Shock & Foreshock:
      • When the solar wind collides with Earth’s magnetosphere, it forms a shock wave.
      • The foreshock region ahead of this wave is highly turbulent, enabling efficient electron acceleration.

    PYQ:

    [2009] In the year 2008, which one of the following conducted a complex scientific experiment in which sub-atomic particles were accelerated to nearly the speed of light?

    (a) European Space Agency

    (b) European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)

    (c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

    (d) National Academy of Sciences, USA

     

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    India second-largest arms importer after Ukraine

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: India's Arms Imports, Make in India

    Why in the News?

    India remained the second-largest arms importer, despite a 9.3% decline in imports between 2015-19 and 2020-24 a/c to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Report.

    About SIPRI

    • The SIPRI is an independent organization established in 1966, based in Stockholm, Sweden, conducting research on conflict, arms control, and disarmament.
    • SIPRI provides comprehensive data on global arms imports, exports, and military expenditures, tracking defense trends and geopolitical conflicts worldwide.
    • It analyzes ongoing wars, nuclear proliferation, cybersecurity threats, and environmental security, offering policy recommendations for international peace and stability.
    • SIPRI publishes flagship reports such as the SIPRI Yearbook, Arms Transfers Database, and Military Expenditure Database, which are widely used by governments, researchers, and policymakers.

    India’s Arms Imports: Trends and Shifts

    • India remained the world’s second-largest arms importer, despite a 9.3% decline in imports from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
    • Russia accounted for 36% of India’s arms imports in 2020-24, significantly LOWER than 55% in 2015-19 and 72% in 2010-14.
    • India has reduced dependence on Russia and increased arms deals with France, the U.S., and Israel.
    • India became France’s largest arms importer (28%), with 36 Rafale fighter jets and six Scorpene submarines already contracted.
    • India is finalizing agreements for 26 Rafale-M jets and three additional Scorpene submarines.

    Global Arms Trade Highlights

    • Ukraine – The Largest Importer: Due to the ongoing war, Ukraine’s arms imports surged nearly 100 times in 2020-24 compared to 2015-19.
      • The U.S. accounted for 45% of Ukraine’s imports, followed by Germany (12%) and Poland (11%).
    • U.S. dominance in exports: The U.S. expanded its global arms market share to 43%, reinforcing its position as the top exporter.
    • Russia’s decline: Russian arms exports fell by 64%, dropping to 7.8% of global exports, behind France (9.6%).
    • European rearmament: European arms imports surged by 155% in response to rising security threats from Russia.
    • Pakistan’s growing imports: Pakistan’s arms imports grew by 61%, with China supplying 81% of its weapons, up from 74% in 2015-19.
    • China’s self-reliance: For the first time since 1990-94, China dropped out of the top 10 arms importers, reflecting its expanding domestic defense industry.
    • Italy’s rise in arms exports: Italy climbed from 10th to 6th place, with a 4.8% share of global arms exports.

    PYQ:

    [2020] What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

     

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  • Police Reforms – SC directives, NPC, other committees reports

    Preventive Detention is a ‘Draconian’ measure: SC

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Preventive Detention

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court recently ruled against the Preventive Detention of a couple in Nagaland, emphasizing that constitutional safeguards must be strictly followed, and preventive detention cannot override fundamental rights.

    Court’s Key Observations: Preventive Detention as a ‘Draconian Measure’

    • Violation of Rights: The court ruled that depriving individuals of liberty without trial requires strict adherence to legal safeguards.
    • Lack of Justification: Authorities failed to prove that the detainees posed a credible future threat, rendering the detention unjustified.
    • Language Barrier: Detention orders were in English, a language the detainees did not understand, violating their right to be informed in an accessible manner.

    What is Preventive Detention?

    • Preventive detention is the detention of an individual without trial to prevent them from engaging in activities that may threaten national security, public order, or foreign relations.
    • Unlike punitive detention, it aims to prevent future crimes rather than punish past offenses.
    • Under Article 22 of the Constitution, preventive detention is allowed but with safeguards:
      • Time Limit: Maximum three months, extendable only if an Advisory Board (comprising High Court judges) approves.
      • Rights of the Detainee: Must be informed of reasons for detention (unless against public interest) and given the right to challenge it.
      • Judicial Review: Courts can strike down unjustified detentions.
    • Major Preventive Detention Laws:
      • Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978: Used in J&K; detention up to two years.
      • National Security Act (NSA), 1980: Up to one year for threats to national security.
      • Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPS Act), 1988: For drug trafficking cases.
      • Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), 1974: For economic offenses & smuggling.

    Supreme Court’s Landmark Rulings

    • Ameena Begum Case (2023): Preventive detention is an exception, not a routine measure.
    • Ankul Chandra Pradhan Case (1997): It aims to prevent threats, not punish individuals.
    • Harikisan vs Maharashtra (1962): Detention orders must be in a language the detainee understands.
    • Gold Smuggling Case (2024): Authorities must consider bail conditions before imposing detention.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up in a police station, not in jail.
    2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Exercise Khanjar-XII

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Exercise KHANJAR-XII

    Why in the News?

    The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII is set to be held in Kyrgyzstan.

    About Exercise KHANJAR-XII

    • KHANJAR-XII is the 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise, aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism and special operations capabilities.
    • It is a bilateral military exercise held annually since 2011, alternately hosted by India and Kyrgyzstan.
    • The 2025 edition is being conducted in Kyrgyzstan.
    • Participants:
      • Indian Contingent: Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
      • Kyrgyzstan Contingent: Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
    • The primary objective is to strengthen military cooperation, improve joint operational capabilities, and enhance interoperability between the two nations’ Special Forces.

    Key Features:

    • Counter-Terrorism Focus: Training in urban and high-altitude warfare to counter modern security threats.
    • Special Forces Interoperability: Strengthening coordination in joint military operations.
    • Mountain Warfare & Survival Skills: Enhancing operational effectiveness in challenging terrains.
    • Military Technology Exchange: Sharing expertise on weapons systems, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
    • Reinforcing India’s Central Asia Outreach: Strengthening India’s engagement with Central Asian nations under its Connect Central Asia policy.

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  • Hunger and Nutrition Issues – GHI, GNI, etc.

    What is Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) Indicator?

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 1: Poverty & Development Issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) Indicator

    Why in the News?

    The United Nations Statistical Commission has introduced a new global indicator on Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) to monitor progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger.

    About Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) Indicator 

    • The MDD indicator measures whether individuals consume a variety of foods within a 24-hour period to assess dietary quality.
    • It tracks progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and helps identify micronutrient deficiencies in populations.
    • It was adopted by the United Nations Statistical Commission at its 56th session (March 4-7, 2025, New York) and developed by Switzerland, FAO, UNICEF, and WHO.
    • The indicator records whether an individual has consumed at least 5 out of 10 food groups in the last 24 hours.
    • It is measured for children (6-23 months old) and women of reproductive age (15-49 years) to ensure adequate nutrition.
    • 10 Food Groups: It monitors intake from grains, white roots and tubers, pulses, nuts and seeds, milk products, meat, poultry and fish, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, and other vegetables and fruits.
    • Significance:
      • It addresses hidden hunger, malnutrition, and non-communicable diseases by promoting nutrient-rich diets.
      • The indicator strengthens long-term diet monitoring and ensures dietary diversity remains a global priority beyond 2030.

    SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The Larger Goal

    • Adopted in 2015, SDG 2 aims to eliminate hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.
    • Recognizes interconnections between food security, rural development, and nutrition.
    • Hunger remains a global crisis:
      • 757 million people faced hunger in 2023 (nearly 10% of the world population).
      • One in nine people worldwide sleeps hungry each night.
      • 20 million people are at immediate risk of famine in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report?

    1. Undernourishment
    2. Child stunting
    3. Child mortality

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) 1 and 3 only

     

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  • Horticulture, Floriculture, Commercial crops, Bamboo Production – MIDH, NFSM-CC, etc.

    World Spice Organisation (WSO)

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: World Spice Organisation (WSO)

    Why in the News?

    Despite being the largest producer and exporter of spices in the world, India’s share in the global seasoning market remains only 0.7%, compared to China’s 12% and the USA’s 11%, according to the World Spice Organisation (WSO).

    About the World Spice Organisation (WSO)

    • WSO was established in 2011 in Kochi, Kerala, India’s spice capital.
    • It is registered as a Not-for-Profit organization under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific, and Charitable Societies Act, 1956.
    • It works towards food safety, sustainability, and market development for the spice industry.
    • It engages with farmers, processors, industry leaders, academia, and global spice associations.
    • It works with organizations like Spices Board India, Rainforest Alliance, GIZ (Germany), and IDH (Netherlands).
    • Partners with global spice trade bodies like:
      • American Spice Trade Association (ASTA)
      • European Spice Association (ESA)
      • International Pepper Community (IPC)
    • Participates in national and international food safety regulations, including:
      • FSSAI (India’s food safety authority)
      • BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)
      • ISO (International Standards Organization)
      • Codex Alimentarius (Global food safety standards)
    • It serves as the technical partner for the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF).

    Present Scenario of Spices  

    • India currently exports 1.5 million tonnes of spices worth $4.5 billion, accounting for one-fourth of the $20 billion global spice market. However, only 48% of these exports are value-added products, with the rest being whole spices.
    • 85% of India’s spices are consumed domestically, leaving limited surplus for exports.
    • Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, and China are emerging as strong competitors in the spice trade.
    • Production:
      • Major producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
      • During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion, up from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22.
      • India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
    • Major Produced and Exported Spices by India:
      • Pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils, and oleoresins.
      • Out of these spices, chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander make up about 76% of the total production.
      • Chilli is the leading export earner, generating $1.1 billion annually.
      • Ginger exports have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%.
    • Export:
      • In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totalled $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12% share of the global spice exports (till February 2024 data).
      • India exported spices and spice products to 159 destinations worldwide as of 2023-24. The top destinations were China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka. These countries accounted for more than 70% of total exports.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

     

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  • Indian Missile Program Updates

    ‘Brahmastra’ Missile

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: 'Brahmastra' Missile

    Why in the News?

    Indian scientists have achieved a breakthrough in hypersonic missile technology, developing a modern-day ‘Brahmastra’ with an astonishing speed of 12,144 km per hour (Mach 10).

    'Brahmastra' Missile

    About Brahmastra (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile – LRAShM): 

    • Brahmastra is a state-of-the-art hypersonic glide missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    • It is designed to neutralize enemy warships and strategic naval targets with extreme speed and precision.
    • With a speed of Mach 10 (12,144 km/h) and a range of 1,500 km, Brahmastra is one of the fastest and most lethal weapons in India’s defense arsenal.
    • The missile’s hypersonic glide vehicle technology allows it to evade enemy radar and missile defense systems, ensuring high-precision strikes on naval targets.

    Features of Brahmastra:

    • It can be launched from both land and naval platforms, enhancing India’s maritime strike capabilities.
    • Due to its hypersonic speed, Brahmastra can destroy an enemy warship within 7 to 8 minutes of launch.
    • The missile is built with advanced heat-resistant materials, preventing it from disintegrating under extreme temperatures during flight.
    • Unlike conventional missiles, Brahmastra retains its structural integrity even at hypersonic speeds, ensuring precise impact.
    • It uses scramjet propulsion and glide vehicle technology for sustained hypersonic flight.
    • It can adjust its trajectory mid-flight, making it highly maneuverable and difficult to intercept.
    • Its stealth and radar-evading capabilities ensure low detection probability, reducing the risk of interception.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.

    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.

    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have found that the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is slowing due to melting ice sheets. By 2050, it may weaken by 20%, affecting global climate, ocean circulation, and marine ecosystems.

    What is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)?

    • The ACC is the strongest and largest ocean current on Earth.
    • It flows continuously from west to east around Antarctica, acting as a boundary between the Southern Ocean and the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
    • It flows from west to east, driven by the westerly winds and the Coriolis effect, creating a loop that completely encircles Antarctica.
    • The ACC interacts with several regional currents, such as the Brazil Current, East Australian Current, and Agulhas Current.
    • It is influenced by both westerly winds and polar easterlies, which affect its strength and flow patterns.
    • Key features of the ACC:
      • It is five times stronger than the Gulf Stream and transports 130 million cubic meters of water per second.
      • It plays a crucial role in global heat and nutrient distribution, influencing climate patterns worldwide.
      • It prevents warmer northern waters from reaching Antarctica, helping to preserve the region’s ice sheets.
      • The ACC drives the global conveyor belt, regulating deep ocean currents and heat flow.
      • Its upwelling of nutrient-rich waters sustains Antarctic marine life, including krill, whales, and penguins.

    Why does Antarctic Ice Melt affect ACC?

    • Freshwater Dilution: Melting ice lowers salinity, weakening ocean density gradients that drive the ACC.
    • Slower Heat Exchange: Reduced current strength disrupts global heat distribution, leading to stronger storms and rising sea levels.

    Key Findings of the New Research

    A study by the University of Melbourne and NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, published in Environmental Research Letters, reveals:

    • ACC could slow by 20% by 2050 due to melting ice sheets.
    • Disrupted global climate as a weaker ACC reduces heat distribution, carbon absorption, and weather stability. 
    • Antarctic ecosystem at risk, with invasive species threatening penguins, krill, and whales.
    • Supercomputer simulations confirm that deep ocean circulation is slowing, worsening climate instability.
    • Reducing carbon emissions is crucial to prevent further ice melting and ACC weakening.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following factors:

    1. Rotation of the Earth

    2. Air pressure and wind

    3. Density of ocean water

    4. Revolution of the Earth

    Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 4

     

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