Prelims Only – Page 204

Railway Reforms

Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway Track

5 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Economics

Mains Paper 3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway

Why in the News?

Himachal Pradesh CM has requested the Centre to consider running the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—on green hydrogen to promote clean energy.
- The CM emphasized that this initiative aligns with Himachal Pradesh’s goal of becoming a ‘green energy state’ by March 31, 2026.

About the Kalka-Shimla Railway

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a narrow-gauge railway with a width of 2 ft 6 in (762 mm).
It was constructed in 1898 to link Shimla with the broader Indian rail system under the guidance of chief engineer H. S. Harington.
The total length of the railway is approximately 96.6 km.
This engineering marvel features 107 tunnels, of which 102 are still in use, along with 864 bridges along its route.
The railway has a ruling gradient of 1 in 33 (about 3%), making it quite a steep climb in places, and it includes 919 curves, with the sharpest curve being at 48 degrees.
The elevation of the railway starts at 656 meters (2,152 feet) in Kalka and rises to 2,076 meters (6,811 feet) in Shimla, resulting in a height difference of 1,420 meters (4,660 feet).
Diesel locomotives began operation on the railway in 1955, followed by diesel-hydraulic models introduced in 1970.
On 8 July 2008, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Mountain Railways of India.

Note:

Three of the lines, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka–Shimla Railway, are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Mountain Railways of India”.
Two more, the Matheran Hill Railway and the Kangra Valley Railway, are on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is also the only rack and pinion railway in India.

PYQ:

[2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.

2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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Tribes in News

Manipur’s non-Naga Thadou community lends support to NRC

5 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Indian Society

Mains Paper 1: GS1-06.Salient features of Indian Society

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Thadou Tribe

Why in the News?

The Thadou tribe, one of the oldest and largest non-Naga tribes in Manipur, has expressed support to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state.

About the Thadou Community

	Details
Overview	One of the oldest indigenous tribes in Manipur, recognized as a distinct community. One of 29 officially recognized indigenous tribes in Manipur with rich cultural practices and folklore.
Historical Background	Recognized as the largest tribe in Manipur since the First Census of India (1881), with a distinct historical narrative from Kukis.
ST Recognition	Acknowledged as an independent Scheduled Tribe under the 1956 Presidential Order.
Population	As per the 2011 Census, the Thadou population stands at 2,15,913;
Identity	Asserts a distinct identity from the Kuki community, emphasizing unique language, culture, and history.
Language	Belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, with a distinct dialect from other nearby tribes.
Geographic Distribution	Primarily located in Manipur; also present in Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram, inhabiting hilly regions.
Socioeconomic Status	Engaged in agriculture (particularly jhum cultivation) and knowledgeable about medicinal plants; faces challenges in infrastructure and education.
Religious Practices	Traditionally practiced animism; many have converted to Christianity, blending traditional and Christian customs.
Position Amid Ethnic Conflict	Affected by the ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023; asserts their distinct identity.

PYQ:

[2013] Consider the following pairs :

Tribe: State

1. Limboo Limbu : Sikkim

2. Karbi : Himachal

3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha

4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

The Gompertz Model

4 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
Mains Paper 3: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Gompertz Model
Why in the News?

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

What is the Gompertz Model?
- It is a mathematical model developed by English mathematician Benjamin Gompertz in the early 19th century.
- - It was originally designed to model population growth in a constrained environment, such as a specific geographic region.
  - The model uses an S-shaped (sigmoid) curve to represent growth patterns that start slowly, accelerate, and then slow again as they approach a plateau.
- Applications:
- - Biology: The Gompertz Model is used to study tumor growth and cell population dynamics, reflecting constrained growth in biological systems.
  - Epidemiology: Applied in predicting the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, capturing how transmission rates slow with interventions.
  - Ecology: Useful for modelling species population growth in habitats with limited resources, aiding conservation and ecosystem management.
  - Healthcare: Recently adapted to predict foetal birth weight, helping identify potential risks associated with low or high birth weight.
  - Aging Research: Employed to analyze mortality rates and lifespan patterns, contributing to studies on aging and longevity.
Recent Research and Significance
- Recent research has applied the Gompertz Model in predicting foetal birth weight using routine scans, as shown by researchers from IISER Pune and IMSc Chennai, offering a non-invasive alternative for maternal health.
- The model is used in tumor growth studies, allowing researchers to understand and predict cancer progression.
- Its predictive accuracy under constrained conditions makes it useful for biological systems, including population growth and cell dynamics.
- In healthcare, it supports early detection and intervention for conditions impacted by growth patterns, such as low or high birth weight risks.
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Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

Glacial Lakes rise as glaciers retreat

4 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment

Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Glacial Lakes

Why in the News?

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

Formation of Glacial Lakes:

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

Major Glacial Lakes in India

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

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

PYQ:

[2019] Consider the following pairs:

Glacier: River

Bandarpunch: Yamuna
Bara Shigri: Chenab
Milam: Mandakini
Siachen: Nubra
Zemu: Manas

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

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

Sleep Apnea contributes to Dementia in older adults

4 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology

Mains Paper 3: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Why in the News?

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

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

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

Recent Findings on OSA and Dementia Risk

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

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Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

4 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Governance

Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)

Why in the news?

Employees of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) institutions have expressed concerns over the delay in revising their pay scales.

About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR):

	Details
Establishment	It was established as an Autonomous organization, in 1969 on the recommendation of *Prof. V. K. R. V. Rao Committee* (National Income Committee).
Nodal Ministry	Operates under the Ministry of Education.
Function	Promote, fund, and support social science research in India.
Objectives	• Encourage social science research • Fund and coordinate research in various branches • Collaborate with international research organizations • Provide policy recommendations based on research
Organizational Structure	It is governed by a Council of eminent scholars and policymakers, supported by 24 research institutes and 6 regional centers.
Research Institutes	Funds institutes such as: • Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram • Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru • Centre for Studies in Social Sciences (CSSS), Kolkata • Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune
Key Programs and Initiatives	• ICSSR Data Service: National repository for social science data • NASSDOC: Documentation and library services • Workshops and conferences to enhance research capabilities
International Collaboration	Collaborates with organizations like UNESCO and the Indian Council of World Affairs for joint projects and scholar exchanges.

PYQ:

[2013] Which of the following bodies is/are not mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

1. National Development Council

2. Planning Commission

3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Indian Army Updates

[pib] Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

2 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Internal Security

Mains Paper 3: GS3-24. Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

Why in the News?

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

Note:

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

About Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

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

PYQ:

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

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

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 4

(d) 2, 3 and 4

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Indian Army Updates

[pib] Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

2 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Internal Security

Mains Paper 3: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

Why in the News?

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

About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:

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

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

What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

2 November 2024 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology

Mains Paper 3: GS3-17.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and its spread

What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

Why in the News?

A case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was confirmed in the US.

About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

CWD is a fatal, transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer, elk, and moose.
First identified in 1967, CWD is a prion disease where normal proteins misfold, leading to symptoms that eventually cause death.
Transmission occurs through animal-to-animal contact or contamination of feed or water by infected saliva or bodily waste.
Environmental contamination can occur through soil exposure from infected carcasses or bodily fluids.
High-risk areas include places where deer and elk gather closely, like feeding or watering sites.
Species affected: CWD does not naturally infect cows, other livestock, or pets.
Although no strong evidence exists that it can spread to humans, officials advise against eating meat from infected animals.

Symptoms of CWD:

Symptoms: Drastic weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, listlessness, and excessive thirst. Infected animals may also show drooping ears and lose their fear of humans.
- Prevention: To prevent the spread of CWD, avoid handling or eating sick animals, use synthetic lures, dispose of carcass waste in landfills, and report any sick or unusual deer to local wildlife authorities.

PYQ:

[2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:

(a) The destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species

(b) A drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle

(d) A widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them

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Global Geological And Climatic Events

Mount Fuji

31 October 2024 | Prelims Only | Environment

Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

Why in the News?

Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has set a new record for the longest delay in snowfall since records began in 1894.

Why delay in snowfall at Mount Fuji?

Higher Temperatures: Japan’s hottest summer on record and above-average October temperatures have delayed the cooling needed for snow.
Heatwave: Japan experienced numerous “extremely hot” days with temperatures exceeding 35°C, even into September.
Jet Stream Shift: A northerly shift in the sub-tropical jet stream brought warmer air over Japan, further hindering snow formation.

About Mount Fuji:

	Details
Location	Honshu Island, Japan, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo.
Height	3,776 meters (12,389 feet), making it the tallest mountain in Japan.
Type of Volcano	Stratovolcano, characterized by a conical shape formed from alternating layers of lava flow, ash, and tephra.
Eruptions	Last major eruption occurred in 1707 (Hoei eruption), causing ash to fall on Edo (now Tokyo).
Geological Formation	Formed through volcanic eruptions over thousands of years; current shape solidified around 300,000 years ago.
Climate	Varied climate with decreasing temperatures at higher altitudes; snow caps the summit from November to May.
Surrounding Area	Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park; surrounded by five lakes: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu.
Cultural Significance	• National symbol of Japan • Sacred in Shintoism, associated with the deity Konohanasakuya-hime • Known as one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains
Art and Literature	A popular subject in traditional Japanese art (e.g., Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji), referenced in poetry and literature.
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its cultural significance and beauty.
Cultural Festivals	Hosts various festivals, such as the Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival, celebrating local flora.

PYQ:

[2021] Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

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Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

About the Kalka-Shimla Railway

Note:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the Thadou Community

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Gompertz Model?

Recent Research and Significance

Why in the News?

Formation of Glacial Lakes:

Major Glacial Lakes in India

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Recent Findings on OSA and Dementia Risk

Why in the news?

About the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Note:

About Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR:

Why in the News?

About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Symptoms of CWD:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Why delay in snowfall at Mount Fuji?

About Mount Fuji:

PYQ: