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Type: Prelims Only

  • Port Infrastructure and Shipping Industry – Sagarmala Project, SDC, CEZ, etc.

    [pib] Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways has launched the standard operating procedures for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). 

    What is the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)?

    • The GTTP aims to transition conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives. 
    • The program is a part of India’s broader efforts to decarbonize maritime operations and promote environmental sustainability in the maritime sector.
    • The GTTP is also aligned with the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp,’ a strategic framework for enhancing India’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable maritime industry.

    Key Features:

    (1) Decarbonization of Maritime Operations

    • Objective: Replace conventional tugs with green tugs powered by cleaner fuels like battery-electric, hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen.
    • Impact: Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Indian ports.

    (2) Phased Implementation

    • Phase 1 (2024-2027): Four Major Ports (Jawaharlal Nehru, Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar) will each procure or charter two green tugs.
    • Technology: Initial tugs will be battery-electric with provisions for adopting newer technologies.

    (3) Standardization and Compliance

    • ASTDS-GTTP Standards: By 2040, all tugs in Indian Major Ports will comply with green standards, ensuring an eco-friendly fleet.

    (4) Alignment with National Visions

    • Maritime India Vision 2030: Supports goals like sourcing 60% of port power from renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions by 30% per ton of cargo by 2030.
    • Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.

    PYQ:

    [2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Port Well known as
    1. Kamarajar Port First major port in India registered as a company
    2. Mundra Port Largest privately owned port in India
    3. Visakhapatnam Port Largest container port in India

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    (a) Only one pair
    (b) Only two pairs
    (c) All three pairs
    (d) None of the pairs

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Indian Astronomers discover new method for Solar Cycle Amplitude Prediction

    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: Space Weather, Solar Supergranular Cells

    Why in the News?

    • Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have developed a new method to predict the amplitude of the upcoming solar cycle.

    What is Space Weather?

    • Space weather refers to the varying conditions within the solar system and its heliosphere, influenced by the Sun and solar wind.
    • The main components of space weather include: solar wind, coronal mass ejections, and solar flares.
    • These components can compress the Earth’s magnetosphere, triggering geomagnetic storms.
    • This can disrupt communication, power transmission, damage spacecraft electronics, and pose threats to astronauts.

    Solar Cycle and Its Importance

    • The activity of the Sun follows an approximately 11-year periodic cycle, marked by variations in the number of sunspots on the Sun’s surface.
    • This solar cycle influences space weather, Earth’s atmosphere, and climate variations.
    • Predicting the amplitude of the solar cycle is a major challenge in astrophysics, as it directly affects related phenomena and space weather.

    Research Findings

    • IIA researchers discovered that the width of supergranular cells on the solar surface during the minimum year of the solar cycle is correlated with the number of sunspots observed during the subsequent solar cycle maximum.
    • This simple method can be used to predict the strength of the upcoming solar cycle, which is valuable for space weather forecasting.

    What are Supergranular Cells?

    • Supergranular Cells are large convective cells on the Sun’s surface, with diameters of about 30,000 km.
    • These cells are part of the solar convection zone where hot plasma rises, cools as it reaches the surface, and then sinks back down in a continuous cycle.
    • Characteristics:
      • Supergranular cells are larger than granules, another type of convective cell on the Sun. Its borders, known as supergranular lanes, are about 5,000 km thick.
      • Plasma within these cells moves from the center of the cell toward the edges, where it sinks back into the Sun’s interior. This movement creates a network of lanes that can be observed on the solar surface.
      • Supergranular cells are associated with the magnetic field concentrations on the Sun’s surface, often where sunspots and other magnetic features appear.

    PYQ:

    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
    3. Power grids could be damaged.
    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over pola-regions could be interrupted.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
    (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
    (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

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  • Tiger Conservation Efforts – Project Tiger, etc.

    Corbett Tiger Reserve

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Corbett Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    The Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve authorities have recently concluded an awareness campaign to celebrate World Elephant Day (August 12).

    About Corbett Tiger Reserve

    Details
    Location
    • Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
    • Spread over Pauri, Nainital, and Almora districts.
    Establishment
    • Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park (first National Park of India).
    • Renamed Corbett National Park in 1957 in honor of Jim Corbett.
    • Total area now extends to 1,288.31 sq. km.
    Terrain
    • Several valleys, with rivers Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi flowing through them.
    Geographical Features
    • Spread over the Bhabar and lower Shivalik regions.
    • Porous tract with boulders and sand deposits, deep water table.
    Flora
    • Sal and mixed forests, with grasslands called ‘Chaur’.
    • Evergreen Sal, Sheesham, and Kanju trees are common.
    • Lantana weed is a widespread irritant in the reserve.
    Fauna
    • Home to tigers and elephants as key species.
    • Also hosts leopards, small carnivores, ungulates like sambar and spotted deer, birds, reptiles (gharials, crocodiles), and fishes.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    (a) Corbett

    (b) Ranthambore

    (c) Nagarjunasagar- Srisailam

    (d) Sunderbans

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: E-Technology In The Aid Of Farmers

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to help farmers connect with agriculture scientists and experts for pests’ control.

    What is the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)?

    • The NPSS is an AI-based platform launched by the government on August 15, 2024.
    • It is designed to help farmers connect with agricultural scientists and experts for effective pest control using their phones.
    • It aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers.
    • It provides data for selected crops i.e. Rice, Cotton, Maize, Mango and Chilies.

    How will farmers use it?

    • Farmers can take photos of infested crops or pests using the NPSS platform, which are then analyzed by scientists and experts.
    • Then they will suggest the correct quantity of the pesticide at the right time, reducing excessive pesticide use.
    • Target Groups: Approximately 14 crore farmers across India.

    Significance

    • It will reduce crop damage, improve pest management practices, and reduce the risk of soil damage by minimizing excessive pesticide use.

    PYQ:

    [2014] With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:

    1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.

    2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.

    3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Wetland Conservation

    3 more Ramsar Wetland sites now in India, taking total to 85

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Ramsar Wetland sites in India

    Why in the News?

    • The Environment Ministry announced the designation of three more wetlands: Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (TN), Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (TN) and Tawa Reservoir (MP) as Ramsar Sites.
      • This makes the total Ramsar sites count in India to 85.

    About the newly designated Ramsar Sites:

    Location Geographical Features Key Species Ecosystem
    Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu Located on the banks of Nanjarayan Tank;

    ~125 hectares

    		 Herons, egrets, pelicans Wetland habitats, surrounded by agricultural lands
    Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu Brackish water wetland near Bay of Bengal;

    ~5,000 hectares

    		 Flamingos, pelicans, storks, waterfowl Mix of freshwater and saltwater habitats, includes mangroves
    Tawa Reservoir Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh Part of Narmada River Basin, foothills of Satpura Range;

    ~225 sq. km

    		 Mahseer fish, surrounded by Satpura forests Aquatic life, forested surroundings

     

    Important Facts:

    • India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
      • India is one of the contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention, which was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
    • With the inclusion of these 3 new sites, India now has 85 Ramsar sites, covering a total area of 13,58,068 hectares.
    • Tamil Nadu currently has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 18 sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
    • India’s Ramsar wetlands constitute about 10% of the total wetland area in the country, spread across 18 states.
    • UK leads globally with 175 sites, followed by Mexico with 142 sites.
      • Bolivia, however, has the largest area under Ramsar protection, spanning 148,000 sq. km.
    • According to the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment by ISRO, India’s wetlands cover approximately 1,52,600 sq. km., which is 4.63% of total geographical area.
    • India has 19 types of wetlands, with Gujarat having the largest area, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
    2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.
    3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 3 and 3

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  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    What is the drug Captagon?

    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: Captagon Drug

    Why in the News?

    Captagon, the “poor man’s cocaine,” has become increasingly popular among young adults in the Middle East and North Africa.

    What is the Drug Captagon?

    • Captagon is a synthetic drug that was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s.
    • It was initially created as a pharmaceutical treatment for attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy, and sometimes depression.
    • The primary active ingredient in Captagon is fenethylline, a compound that, once ingested, is metabolized into two powerful stimulants: amphetamine and theophylline.
    • These substances stimulate the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and a sense of euphoria.

    How Addictive is Captagon?

    • Captagon is highly addictive due to its powerful effects on the brain and body.
    • As a psychostimulant, Captagon significantly impacts the central nervous system, leading to a range of effects that can make it very difficult for users to stop taking the drug once they start.
    • It is also reportedly used by fighters in conflict zones to enhance their endurance and suppress fatigue.
    • The primary effects of Captagon include:
    1. Euphoria: Users often experience an intense feeling of happiness or well-being.
    2. Increased Wakefulness: The drug reduces the need for sleep, keeping users awake and alert for extended periods.
    3. Enhanced Physical and Mental Performance: Users may feel stronger, more focused, and more capable of performing both physically and mentally demanding tasks.
    • However, the heavy use of Captagon comes with serious risks such as cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, and risk of addiction.

    Where is Captagon Made?

    • In recent years, Syria the “narco state” of Middle East has emerged as the largest producer of Captagon.
    • Its production increased after 2011 Arab Spring protests, which led to civil unrest and conflict in the region.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
    2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
    3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
    4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Extremophile bacteria have learnt to survive microwaves

    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: Extremophile bacteria

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have isolated extremophile bacteria from harsh environments like volcanic vents, permafrost, acid mines, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and lakes beneath polar ice caps.

    What are Extremophiles?

    • Extremophiles are microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions where other life forms typically cannot survive.
    • For example: Volcanic vents, Permafrost, Acid mines, Deep-sea hydrothermal vents, dark lakes buried beneath polar ice caps, on the exteriors of spacecraft, around nuclear waste storage sites.

    Adaptation and Evolution:

    • Extremophiles have developed unique biological and biochemical processes over millions of years to adapt to diverse habitats.
    • Unlike more complex life forms, which have one set of proteins, extremophiles have multiple sets of proteins, each adapted to specific environmental conditions.
    • These proteins are ‘activated’ based on the surrounding environment, enabling survival during extreme conditions like high temperatures, lack of water, or high acidity.
    • Significance: Some scientists believe that life on Earth may have begun as an extremophile in extreme environmental niches before spreading and adapting to more temperate ecosystems.

    About the ‘Earth Microbiome Project’

    • It is a global initiative aimed at mapping, organising, and understanding the diversity of microbial life across different environmental niches on Earth.
    • The project was founded in 2010.
    • Objective: 
      • To sequence 200,000 genetic samples from diverse environments.
      • To assemble 500,000 microbial genomes, creating a comprehensive map of microbial diversity on Earth.
    • Significance:
      • The project is part of broader efforts to understand the microbial world, which is still in its infancy.
      • It is related to other significant projects like the ‘Earth Biogenome Project,’ which aims to sequence the genomes of all eukaryotic organisms on the planet.
      • Understanding microbial diversity has numerous biological and industrial applications, such as developing new enzymes for molecular biology or finding new ways to adapt organisms to challenging environments.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

    1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.

    2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.

    3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

    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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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    India, UAE reviewing precious metals trade under CEPA

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: India-UAE CEPA

    Why in the News?

    India is seeking a review of certain provisions of the free trade agreement (FTA) with the UAE, which came into force on May 1, 2022.

    India-UAE Trade Relations: An Overview

    Concerns over Precious Metals Imports

    • There has been a significant increase in imports of precious metals from the UAE under the trade agreement.
    • Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has raised concerns about the spurt in imports of gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds with zero tariffs in the coming years.
    • GTRI’s report highlights potential revenue losses and a shift in import business from banks to private traders, favouring Dubai-based firms.
    • It also claims that many imports do not meet the Rules of Origin conditions, making them ineligible for concessions.

    Review of IT Hardware Import Regime

    • When asked about the review of the new authorisation regime for monitoring imports of certain IT hardware products, Barthwal indicated that the government would make a decision at the appropriate time.
    • The government had previously adjusted import restrictions on laptops and computers, allowing importers to bring in shipments under an ‘authorisation’ system until September.

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    WHO declares Mpox as Public Health Emergency of International Concern

    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: PHEIC, Mpox

    Why in the news?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).

    What is a PHEIC?

    • A PHEIC is a formal declaration by the WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.
    • It refers to an “extraordinary event” posing a public health risk through the international spread of disease, potentially requiring a coordinated global response.
    • Criteria for PHEIC:
      • Serious and unusual event: Poses a significant public health risk.
      • Cross-border implications: Affects more than one country.
      • International response needed: Requires immediate global coordination.
    • Purpose: Mobilizes resources, raises awareness, and coordinates efforts to manage and contain the threat.

    What is Mpox?

    • Mpox is a disease caused by the orthopoxvirus, related to the smallpox virus.
    • First detected in humans in 1970, it is endemic in central and West Africa.
    • Transmission: Spread from animals to humans (zoonotic) and between humans via close contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials.
    • Symptoms: Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes; can lead to severe complications or death.
    • Vaccination: WHO recommends vaccines, widely used in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to control outbreaks.

    Recent Developments: 

    • In recent years, there has been an increase in mpox cases, including the emergence of new strains such as clade 1b, which has spread to countries outside of its typical endemic regions.
    • This led to the declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its potential for widespread impact.

     

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following diseases

    1. Diphtheria

    2. Chickenpox

    3. Smallpox

    Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

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  • Urban Floods

    [pib] FloodWatch India Version 2.0 App

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: FloodWatch India Version 2.0 App

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application.

    About FloodWatch India Version 2.0

    • FloodWatch India Version 2.0 is a mobile application developed by Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
    • The app provides real-time information and forecasts related to flood situations across India.
    • It now covers 592 flood monitoring stations, up from 200 in the previous version, offering a more comprehensive overview of flood conditions.
    • The app includes information on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in India, aiding in flood management.
    • Key features include:
      • It provides real-time river flow data and flood forecasts up to 7 days in advance.
      • Users can view state-wise and basin-wise flood forecasts and advisories.
      • The app uses satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to ensure accurate and timely flood information.
      • The app is available in English and Hindi and offers both readable and audio broadcast formats.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.

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