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Type: Prelims Only

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) Project

    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: ACS3 Project, Solar Sailing

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    NASA has launched its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) spacecraft that uses sunlight for propulsion from New Zealand into space.

    About Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) Project

    • The spacecraft is slated to orbit 1,000 kilometers above Earth, deploying an 80-square-meter solar sail approximately 25 minutes after liftoff.
    • It harnesses sunlight as a renewable propulsion source, marking a novel advancement in space exploration.
    • It uses a compact CubeSat, similar in size to an oven, which facilitates propulsion by capturing solar particle energy.
    • Operational Phases:
    • The initial flight phase spans two months and involves subsystems checkout and solar sail deployment.
    • A series of pointing maneuvers will showcase orbit raising and lowering, validating the effectiveness of sunlight pressure on the sail.

    The Technology Behind: Solar Sailing

    • Solar sails typically consist of lightweight, reflective materials such as Mylar or aluminized Kapton, which are deployed in space to capture sunlight.
    • The sail is often configured as a large, thin membrane with a large surface area to maximize the amount of sunlight it can intercept.
    • When sunlight reflects off a shiny solar sail, some of its momentum is transferred, giving the sail a small push.

    Solar sailing offers several advantages over traditional propulsion methods, including:

    1. Efficiency: Solar sailing does not require onboard fuel, making it a highly efficient and sustainable propulsion method for long-duration missions.
    2. Continuous thrust: Unlike chemical rockets, which provide brief bursts of acceleration, solar sails can provide continuous thrust as long as they are exposed to sunlight.
    3. Maneuverability: Solar sails can change their trajectory by adjusting the orientation of the sail relative to the direction of incoming sunlight. This allows for precise navigation and maneuvering in space.
    4. Interstellar travel: Solar sailing has the potential to enable interstellar missions by gradually accelerating spacecraft to very high velocities over time, allowing them to explore distant star systems.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

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

    India’s growing dependence on Chinese Imports

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: India’s Imports from China and Other Countries

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • India’s imports from China surged to over $101 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a significant increase from approximately $70 billion recorded in 2018-19.
    • The proportion of China’s industrial goods imports to India has risen from 21% to 30% over a span of 15 years, as highlighted in a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

    India’s Import: GTRI study

    • The GTRI study revealed that imports from China have grown at a pace 2.3 times faster than India’s overall imports during the 15-year period.
    • Contrary to common belief, China has emerged as the top supplier in eight core industrial sectors, encompassing machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, among others.
    • India is experiencing stagnant exports valued at around $16 billion annually.
    • Over a six-year period spanning from 2018-2019 to 2023-24, India’s cumulative trade deficit with China surpassed $387 billion, prompting apprehension among policymakers.

    China’s Share of India’s Imports:

    • China accounted for 15% of India’s overall imports in 2023-24, with $101.8 billion out of a total of $677.2 billion.
    • Sector-wise Contributions:
    1. Electronics, Telecom, and Electrical Products: China’s contribution was 38.4% in April-January 2023-24.
    2. Clothing: Nearly 42% of India’s textile and clothing imports accounted from China.
    3. Machinery Sector: China accounted for 39.6% of India’s overall imports.
    4. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector: China’s share was 29.2%.
    5. Plastics and Related Articles: China provided articles worth $4.8 billion, accounting for 25.8% of total imports in this sector.

    Back2Basics: Top Importers of India

    S. No Importer Share of India’s Imports
    1. China (Biggest Importer in India) 15.43%
    2. United Arab Emirates 7.31%
    3. United States 7.07%
    4. Switzerland 3.82%
    5. Hong Kong 3.12%
    6. Singapore 3.09%
    7. Indonesia 2.89%
    8. South Korea 2.85%

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    In news: Pripyat River

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pripyat River, Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The WWF has issued a stark warning regarding the dredging of the Pripyat River, adjacent to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.
    • Concerns mount as the Pripyat River could transform into a permanent repository of radioactive substances, contaminating the water and food sources.

    About Pripyat River

    • Pripyat River is a significant waterway in Eastern Europe. It flows through Ukraine, Belarus, and a small portion of Russia.
    • It is primarily situated within the Polesian Lowland, a region characterized by marshes, wetlands, and forests.
    • The Pripyat River is approximately 761 km (473 miles) long.
    • Physical Features:
    • Tributaries: It has numerous tributaries, including the Stokhid River, Styr River, and Horyn River. The largest tributary of the Pripyat is the Teterev River, which joins it from the right bank.
    • Drainage Basin: Its basin covers an area of around 121,000 square kilometers (46,700 square miles). It is one of the major tributaries of the Dnieper River, which eventually flows into the Black Sea.

    Notable event: The Pripyat River gained international attention due to its proximity to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where the catastrophic nuclear accident occurred in 1986.

    About Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

    • The Chernobyl Disaster occurred on April 26, 1986.
    • It took place at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near the town of Pripyat in northern Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union.
    • The explosion and subsequent fire released a large amount of radioactive material such as cesium-137 and strontium-90 into the atmosphere, resulting in widespread contamination.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following pairs?

    River — Flows into

    1. Mekong — Andaman sea
    2. Thames — Irish Sea
    3. Volga — Caspian Sea
    4. Zambezi — Indian Ocean

    Which of the pairs above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Only 3

    (d) None of the above/More than one of the above

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    In news: Yangli Festival

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Yangli Festival, Khelchawa Festival, Tiwa Tribe

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    Tiwa tribals dance recently celebrated the Yangli festival at Bormarjong village, in Karbi Anglong district, Assam.

    About Tiwa Tribals

    • Tiwa tribes, also known as Lalungs, inhabit both the hills and plains of Assam and Meghalaya states.
    • They hold the status of a Scheduled Tribe in Assam.
    • The hill-dwelling Tiwa villagers engage in traditional practices such as Jhum cultivation, horticulture, and the cultivation of local crops and vegetables.
    • Their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman linguistic group.

     About Yangli Festival

    • The Yangli festival is celebrated before starting the paddy sowing
    • It is also known as the Lakshmi Puja of the Tiwa people.
    • It is celebrated with traditional rituals, emphasizing the community’s strong ties to agriculture, their primary livelihood.
    • It serves as an occasion for prayers seeking a bountiful harvest and divine protection for crops against pests and natural calamities.
    • It is held once in 5 years.
    • In April, Khelchawa festival is celebrated by Tiwa tribes marking close of the harvest season.

    Celebratory Activities:

    • Festivities commenced with traditional rituals and vibrant dances.
    • It continues with a joyous gathering along the riverbanks.
    • It draws participation from over five hundred individuals representing various groups like Amchi, Rangkhai, and Magrat.
    • Ceremonial animal sacrifices, including poultry and goats, are performed to honour the goddess and ensure her benevolence upon the Tiwa people’s granary, known as “NoBaro.”

    PYQ:

    [2014] Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which of the following are such communities/tribes?

    (a) Bhutia and Lepcha

    (b) Gond and Korku

    (c) lrula and Toda

    (d) Sahariya and Agariya

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    State-level DPI Adoption Index

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), DPI Adoption Index Mains: NA

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    The World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MEITY), is spearheading the development of a state-level Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) adoption index.

    About State-Level DPI Adoption Index

    • World Bank confirmed that the project was in its preparatory stages.
    • The envisioned state-level DPI index aims to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening the DPI for the digital economy, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering public-private innovation.
    • The index will assess different states based on their adoption levels of DPIs, intending to incentivize increased utilization of these digital systems.

    What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)?

    • DPI refers to the foundational digital infrastructure that enables the delivery of digital services and facilitates digital interactions between citizens, businesses, and governments.
    • It encompasses various technological components, policies, and frameworks aimed at enhancing digital connectivity, accessibility, and efficiency in public service delivery.
    DPI, as defined by the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (September 2023) “is a set of shared digital systems that are secure and interoperable, built on open technologies, to deliver equitable access to public and/or private services at a societal scale”.

    Three Pillars of DPI:

    • DPI primarily focuses on three key pillars: identity, payments, and data management.
    • India has pioneered the development of all three DPI pillars through its India Stack Platform, setting a global benchmark.
      1. Identity: Aadhar serves as India’s digital ID system.
      2. Payment: The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facilitates real-time fast payments.
      3. Data Management: The Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) ensures consent-based data sharing.

    India’s Initiatives Leveraging DPI

    • Digital India: Initiatives like Digital Locker, e-sign framework, and the National Scholarship Portal are integral parts of the Digital India campaign.
    • BharatNet: This project aims to provide affordable internet connectivity to rural India, leveraging high-speed broadband networks.
    • National Health Stack: Designed to revolutionize healthcare, this infrastructure facilitates health data exchange and interoperability.
    • National Knowledge Network (NKN): Facilitating collaborative research and innovation, NKN promotes knowledge sharing.
    • UMANG: The Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance offers access to various government services and schemes.
    • Government e-Marketplace (GeM): An online platform streamlining procurement processes for government agencies.

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Sympathetic Solar Flares

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sympathetic Solar Flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CME), Solar Cycle

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    A rare celestial event unfolded as four solar flares called as Sympathetic Solar Flares simultaneously, signaling the onset of the Sun’s dynamic 11-year solar cycle.

    What is a Solar Cycle?

    • Given the Sun’s dynamic nature, electrically charged gases on its surface generate powerful magnetic fields, known as magnetic fields.
    • These magnetic fields undergo stretching, twisting, and tangling due to the constant movement of gases on the Sun’s surface, resulting in solar activity.
    • Scientists monitor solar cycles using sunspots. Solar activity fluctuates throughout the solar cycle, which typically spans about 11 years. 
    • The onset of a solar cycle typically features minimal sunspot activity, termed as a solar minimum.
    • For instance, the last Solar Cycle 25 commenced in December 2019, characterized by a low number of sunspots.

    What are Sympathetic Solar Flares?

    • Sympathetic solar flares are solar eruptions that occur in close temporal and spatial proximity to another solar flare or eruption.
    • These events are believed to be interconnected through magnetic fields or other physical processes occurring on the Sun.
    • When a solar flare or eruption happens on the Sun, it releases a burst of electromagnetic radiation and charged particles into space.
    • In some cases, the energy released during these events can cause disturbances in the Sun’s magnetic field.
    • These disturbances can trigger the occurrence of additional flares loop or eruptions in nearby regions of the Sun’s surface.
    • This event follows coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and intense plasma bursts.

    Implications for Earth

    • Potential impacts include disruptions to power grids, interference with communication networks, and increased radiation exposure for astronauts and aircraft passengers.
    • Solar storms can lead to spectacular natural light shows known as auroras, which are typically visible near the Earth’s magnetic poles.

    PYQ:

    [2012] The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs:

    (a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat

    (b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation

    (c) all the solar radiations

    (d) the infrared part of the solar radiation

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Unveiling the Link between Fairness Creams and Nephrotic Syndrome

    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: Mercury Poisoning, Membranous Nephropathy, Minamata Convention.

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Researchers from Kerala reported 15 cases of Membranous Nephropathy (MN) linked to the regular application of fairness creams.
    • These creams contained high levels of mercury, sometimes exceeding the safe limit by 10,000 times.

    Mercury Contamination in Hair Cream

    • Blood and urine screenings of affected individuals unveiled alarmingly high levels of mercury, a well-known toxic element.
    • The fairness creams contained mercury levels up to 10,000 times above the permissible limit of 1 ppm under Minamata Convention (2013).
    • Most cases were PLA2R (phospholipase A2 receptor) negative, indicating a different cause.
    • Cases of MN linked to Neural epidermal growth factor-like protein 1 (NELL-1) have been identified.
    • NELL-1 has been associated with MN caused by traditional medicines containing high mercury levels.

    Understanding Membranous Nephropathy

    • Membranous Nephropathy (MN) is a nephrotic syndrome, characterized by excessive protein leakage into urine, eventually leading to kidney failure. Symptoms such as fatigue, edema, and proteinuria were found to have a history of regular fairness cream usage.

    Impact of Mercury:

    • Mercury in fairness creams inhibits melanin formation, resulting in lighter skin. Consumers perceive higher mercury levels as more effective for skin whitening.
    • Mercury, a potent heavy metal found in these creams, penetrates the body through various channels, including sweat glands and hair follicles, causing systemic toxicity.
    • Chronic exposure to mercury can result in kidney damage, neurological disorders, and a myriad of other health complications.

    Back2Basics: Minamata Convention on Mercury

    • The Minamata Convention on Mercury is devised to safeguard human health and the environment from the detrimental impacts of mercury and its derivatives.
    • Its name derives from the Japanese bay where, during the mid-20th century, industrial wastewater tainted with mercury inflicted severe health damage upon thousands of individuals, leading to what is now recognized as “Minamata disease.”
    • Signed in 2013 and enforced in 2017, it operates as a United Nations treaty under the purview of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
    • Countries ratifying the Convention are legally obliged under international law to implement these regulations.
    • 128 countries are signatories, with 119 of them having ratified it; India became a party by ratifying it in 2018.

    Activities covered by the Convention:

    • The Convention encompasses all phases of the mercury life cycle, aiming to regulate and diminish mercury usage across various products, processes, and industries.
    • This encompasses regulations about:
      • Mercury mining involves bans on new mines and the gradual phase-out of existing ones.
      • Gradual reduction and elimination of mercury utilization in numerous products and procedures.
      • Control measures address emissions into the atmosphere and release into soil and water bodies.
      • Oversight of the informal artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector.
      • Management of interim mercury storage and its disposal once classified as waste, as well as remediation of mercury-contaminated sites and associated health issues.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] Indiscriminate disposal of used fluorescent electric lamps causes mercury pollution in the environment. Why is mercury used in the manufacture of these lamps?

    (a) A mercury coating on the inside of the lamp makes the light bright white

    (b) When the lamp is switched on, the mercury in the lamp causes the emission of ultra-violet radiations

    (c) When the lamp is switched on, it is the mercury which converts the ultra-violet energy into visible light

    (d) None of the statement given above is correct about the use of mercury in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps

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  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    Madras High Court Ruling on Waqf Properties

    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: Doctrine of Repugnancy; Sachar Committee, Article 254, Waqf

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Madras High Court ruled the Tamil Nadu Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Act of 2010 as repugnant and unconstitutional.
    • The amendment conferred authority on the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board CEO to order evictions, contradicting with the Central legislation, the Waqf Act of 1995.

    Madras HC Verdict:

    • Parliament’s 2013 amendment to Waqf Act prevails over Tamil Nadu’s legislation.
    • It already provides uniform and effective mechanisms for possession recovery.

    Arguments made by TN:

    • Lawyers argue 2010 amendment exercised power under Concurrent List, required Presidential assent.
    • State law and Central law cannot co-exist, Parliament’s 2013 amendment prevails.
    • Original provisions of Waqf Act not sufficient to deal with encroachments.
    • Tamil Nadu enacted 2010 amendment based on Sachar Committee recommendation.

    Sachar Committee:

    A seven-member high-level committee headed by former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Rajinder Sachar to study the social, economic, and educational condition of Muslims in March 2005.

     

    What is Doctrine of Repugnancy?

    • The doctrine of repugnancy arises when two laws conflict and produce different outcomes when applied to the same situation.
    • It occurs when the provisions of two laws are so contradictory that complying with one law would mean violating the other.
    • Article 254 of the Indian Constitution establishes the Doctrine of Repugnancy in India, providing a framework for resolving conflicts between Central and State laws.
    • It resolves conflicts between Central and State laws.

    Key Provisions of Article 254:

    1.    Article 254(1):

    • Declares that if a law passed by a State Legislature contradicts a law passed by Parliament, the State law will be deemed void.
    • The law enacted by Parliament will take precedence over the State law.

    2.    Article 254(2):

    • Allows States to enforce legislation that contradicts Parliament’s laws if they receive assent from the President.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016]  The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the:

    (a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership

    (b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership

    (c) Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership

    (d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

    Back2Basics: What is Waqf property and what does the Waqf Act state?

    Details
    Enactment
    • Enacted by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1954 to centralize Waqf properties.
    • Led to the formation of the Central Waqf Council in 1964.
    • Amended in 1995 under the Congress government of PV Narasimha Rao, granting extensive powers to Waqf Boards.
    Key Provisions
    • Section 3(R) of the 1995 amendment designates properties as Waqf if deemed sacred, religious, or charitable according to Muslim law.
    • Article 40 mandates the Waqf Surveyor and Board to determine property ownership.
    • 2013 amendments require State Waqf Boards to appoint Survey Commissioners to manage properties and settle disputes.
    Legal Status Property declared as Waqf cannot be contested in court; appeals must be made to the Waqf Board.
    Chairmanship
    • Union Minority Welfare Minister serves as ex-officio chairman of the Central Waqf Council.
    • State Waqf Boards consist of seven Muslim members.

    Waqf Property
    Details
    Definition
    • Property donated for charitable purposes in the name of Allah.
    • Donated by individuals for public benefit; no individual ownership rights.
    Donation Criteria Must be donated by Muslims above the age of 18.
    Ownership
    • Upon donation, property becomes Allah’s possession;
    • Family members have no claim after donor’s demise.
    Types Includes movable or immovable property donated for charitable purposes.
    Management Overseen by the Waqf Board, responsible for legal matters and property administration.
    Total Properties
    • Over 8,65,646 properties registered with the Waqf Board in India.
    • Estimated to cover 8 lakh acres of land with a market value of approximately Rs 1.20 lakh crore.
    • State-wide Share:
    1. West Bengal: More than 80,000 properties registered.
    2. Punjab: 70,994 properties under Waqf Board.
    3. Tamil Nadu: 65,945 properties managed.
    4. Karnataka: 61,195 properties overseen.

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

    Icequakes on Ross Ice Shelf

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Ross Ice Shelf, Whillans Ice Stream

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Scientists found out that the huge Ross Ice Shelf, almost as big as France, moves forward a few centimetres daily.
    • This happens because of the Whillans Ice Stream, a fast-moving river of ice that sometimes gets stuck and then suddenly moves forward.

    About Ross Ice Shelf

    • Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf of Antarctica roughly the size of France.
    • It was discovered by Sir James Clark Ross on 28 January 1841.
    • The shelf spans an area of roughly 500,809 square kilometers, about the size of France or the Yukon Territory in Canada.
    • It is several hundred meters thick. In the shelf’s southern reaches, nearest the True South Pole, the ice can be as thick as 750m.
    • The nearly vertical ice front to the open sea is more than 600 km long, and between 15 and 50 meters high above the water surface. However, 90% of the floating ice is below the water surface.
    • It is fed primarily by giant glaciers, or ice streams, that transport ice down to it from the high polar ice sheet of East and West Antarctica.
    • Most of Ross Ice Shelf is in the Ross Dependency claimed by New Zealand.
    • It floats in, and covers, a large southern portion of the Ross Sea and the entire Roosevelt Island located in the east of the Ross Sea.

    Spotlight: Icequakes on Ross Ice Shelf

    • Influence of Ice Stream: Most glaciers move slowly, but the Whillans Ice Stream stops and starts suddenly. This might happen because there isn’t enough water below to help it move smoothly.
    • Sudden Movements: These sudden movements, like tiny earthquakes, push against the Ross Ice Shelf.
    • Threat to Stability: Even though these daily shifts aren’t caused by humans, they could make the Ross Ice Shelf weaker over time. Ice shelves slow down the flow of ice into the ocean.
    • Retreat of Glacier: If the Ross Ice Shelf gets weaker or breaks, it could speed up melting and raise sea levels.

    PYQ:

    [2013] On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion

    (a) Is found in the atmosphere as moisture and clouds

    (b) Is found in freshwater lakes and rivers

    (c) Exists as groundwater

    (d) Exists as soil moisture

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  • Wetland Conservation

    In the news: Pulicat Wetland

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pulicat Wetland and its topography; Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Settlement of claims for local communities within Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary boundary raises concerns.
    • State government plans to denotify a significant portion of the sanctuary and Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for industrial park development.

    About Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary

    • Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary is the second-largest bird sanctuary in India.
    • It cuts across Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
    • The sanctuary is situated along the coast of the Bay of Bengal covering an area of 759 square kilometers.
    • The sanctuary is bordered by the Arani River at its southern tip, the Kalangi River from the Northwest, and the Swarnamukhi River at the northern end.
    • Pulicat Lake runs parallel to the Bay of Bengal and has a sand bar, making it a lagoon of its own kind.
    • Sriharikota, renowned as India’s rocket launch pad and home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal.
    • The sanctuary includes 16 island villages and 30 villages adjoining the lake, whose inhabitants depend on the lake for their livelihood.
    • Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary hosts a large number of migratory birds during winter, including gulls, terns, plovers, shanks, curlews, and storks.
    • It is a habitat for a variety of bird species such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, and ducks.

    What are the Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)?

    •  Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
    • The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
    • They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.

     How are they demarcated?

    • The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does NOT mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
    • However, Section 3(2)(v) of the Act, says that Central Government can restrict areas in which any industries, operations or processes or class of industries, operations or processes shall be carried out or shall not, subject to certain safeguards.
    • Besides Rule 5(1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 states that central government can prohibit or restrict the location of industries and carrying on certain operations or processes on the basis of certain considerations.
    • The same criteria have been used by the government to declare No Development Zones (NDZs).

    Defining its boundaries

    • An ESZ could go up to 10 kilometres around a protected area as provided in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.
    • Moreover, in the case where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are beyond 10 km width, these should be included in the ESZs.
    • Further, even in the context of a particular Protected Area, the distribution of an area of ESZ and the extent of regulation may not be uniform all around and it could be of variable width and extent.

     

    PYQ:

     [2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.

    2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only.

    3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

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