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

Collapse of the Gulf Stream System

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Gulf Stream System

Mains level: Not Much

gulf stream

Central Idea

Recent research warns that the Gulf Stream System, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), faces a critical threat of collapse due to unabated global carbon emissions.
If left unchecked, this collapse could occur between 2025 and 2095, with a central estimate of 2050.

What is Gulf Stream System?

	Description
Origin	Begins in the Gulf of Mexico, merging warm waters from the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
Flow	Flows northward along the eastern coast of the United States.
Current	Carries warm waters from the tropics towards higher latitudes.
Speed and Volume	Swift ocean currents with speeds of 2 to 5 miles per hour, transporting 30 million cubic meters per second.
Function	Redistributes heat towards the North Atlantic region, influencing climate and weather patterns.
Climate Impact	Moderates the climate of Western Europe, keeping it relatively warmer than other regions at similar latitudes.
Interaction with Atmosphere	Releases heat and moisture, influencing weather and precipitation.
Importance for Marine Life	Supports diverse marine life, serving as a migratory route for fish and marine mammals.

Gulf Stream’s Vulnerability

Gulf Stream, currently at its feeblest point in 1,600 years, is grappling with the consequences of global heating.
Alarming signals of a tipping point were already observed back in 2021.
Past collapses during ice ages have triggered rapid temperature shifts of up to 10 degrees Celsius in just a few decades, underlining the immense climatic impact it holds.

Implications of Collapse

The potential collapse of Gulf Stream could lead to dire consequences worldwide, including:

Disrupted Rainfall Patterns: Billions of people in regions like India, South America, and West Africa, reliant on these patterns for food production, would face food insecurity.
Intensified Storms and Colder Temperatures: Europe would experience increased storm activity and colder temperatures.
Rising Sea Levels: The eastern coast of North America would be at risk of rising sea levels, posing threats to coastal communities.
Endangered Ecosystems: The Amazon rainforest and Antarctic ice sheets could face severe endangerment.

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RBI Notifications

Discussions to lower CRR on Green Deposits

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Green Deposits
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- State Bank of India (SBI) is in talks with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to reduce the cash reserve ratio (CRR) requirement on green deposits.
What are Green Deposits?
- Definition: Green deposits are fixed-term investments tailored for individuals and entities seeking to support environmentally friendly initiatives.
- ESG Investing: These deposits align with the principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, reflecting a growing trend towards sustainable finance.
- Utilization: Funds from green deposits are directed towards projects promoting renewable energy, clean transportation, pollution control, green infrastructure, and sustainable water management.
RBI Framework for Green Deposits
- Preventing Greenwashing: The RBI’s framework ensures transparency in environmental claims associated with green deposits.
- Deposit Options: Banks offer green deposits denominated in rupees, with choices between cumulative or non-cumulative options.
- Applicability: Scheduled commercial banks, small finance banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and housing finance companies (HFCs) must comply with this framework.
- Eligibility: Both corporate entities and individual customers can invest in green deposits, contributing to environmentally sustainable initiatives.
- Allocation: Funds mobilized through green deposits are directed towards sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, and afforestation.
- Restrictions: Lenders are prohibited from channelling green deposit funds into sectors like fossil fuels, nuclear power, or tobacco.
- Verification: Independent Third-Party Verification is conducted annually to assess the allocation and impact of funds raised through green deposits.
- Oversight: Lenders are required to review the impact of funds lent for green finance activities on an annual basis.
- Penalties: There are no penalties for underutilization of funds raised through green deposits, providing flexibility to financial institutions.
Distinguishing Green Deposits from Normal Deposits
- Project Allocation: Green deposits allocate funds to specific environmentally friendly projects, unlike regular deposits.
- Interest Rates: Interest rates on green deposits are determined by lenders and are currently comparable to those offered on conventional deposits.
Back2Basics: Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
- Banks are mandated to maintain a certain portion of their deposits and specific liabilities in liquid cash with the RBI.
- CRR serves as a crucial tool in the RBI’s arsenal for managing liquidity in the economy and acts as a safety net during times of banking stress.
- Currently, banks are required to uphold 4.5% of their Net Demand and Time Liabilities as CRR with the RBI.
- Incremental-CRR was introduced on August 10, 2023, as a temporary measure by RBI to absorb surplus liquidity.
- Banks were required to maintain an I-CRR of 10% on the increase in their Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) between May 19, 2023, and July 28, 2023.
- It came into effect from the fortnight starting August 12, 2023.
- ICRR is employed during periods characterized by excess liquidity in the financial system.
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Pulses Production – Subramanian Committee, Eco Survey, etc.

Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) held in New Delhi

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Global Pulse Confederation (GPC), Stats on Pulses Production

Mains level: NA

Introduction

The Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) has initiated the three-day convention — Pulses 24 — in New Delhi, India.

About Global Pulse Confederation (GPC)

	Description
Formation	Founded in 2016 through the merger of the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) and the International Starch Institute (ISI).
Headquarters	Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Mission	Represents the global pulse industry, aiming to promote the sustainable growth of the pulse industry worldwide.
Focus Areas	Advocating for policies supporting the pulse industry’s interests. Providing resources and support to pulse industry stakeholders. Facilitating research and innovation in pulse production and utilization.
Membership	Open to businesses, organizations, and individuals involved in the pulse industry, including growers, processors, traders, and researchers.
India’s Connect	India, being a major producer and consumer of pulses, actively participates in the GPC and holds membership status, contributing to the organization’s objectives.

Key Highlights from Pulses 24 Convention

Production Growth: Pulses production in India has increased by 60% over the past decade, reaching 270 lakh tonnes in 2024 from 171 lakh tonnes in 2014.
Partnership Goals: Mr. Goyal emphasized the partnership between NAFED and GPC, aiming to position pulses as a vital dietary component not only in India but also globally.
Minimum Support Price (MSP): The Centre ensures an MSP offering 50% over the actual cost of production to farmers, resulting in attractive returns on investment. Significant increases in MSP for various pulses were highlighted, reaching as high as 117% in masoor and 90% in moong over the past decade.
Self-Sufficiency by 2027: India’s progress towards self-reliance in chickpeas and other pulses, with efforts focused on achieving self-sufficiency in all pulses by 2027. Initiatives include the supply of new seed varieties and the expansion of tur and black gram cultivation.
Global Knowledge Sharing: GPC president emphasized India’s potential to benefit from the conference by exchanging best practices and technological advancements in pulse cultivation from other countries.
Focus on Smallholding Farmers: Pulses are noted for their soil benefits and nutritional value, particularly beneficial for smallholding farmers.

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Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

[pib] Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative

PIB 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: Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative
Mains level: Digital Twin Technology
Introduction
- Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the ‘Sangam: Digital Twin’ initiative, inviting Expressions of Interest (EoI) from industry pioneers, startups, MSMEs, academia, innovators, and forward-thinkers.
What is Digital Twin Technology?
- A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical object, person, or process, contextualized in a digital version of its environment.
- Digital twins can help an organization simulate real situations and their outcomes, ultimately allowing it to make better decisions.
About Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative
- Context: The initiative aligns with the technological advancements of the past decade in communication, computation, and sensing, in line with the vision for 2047.
- Proof of Concept (PoC) in Two Stages: The initiative will be distributed in two stages, conducted in one of India’s major cities.
  1. First Stage: An exploratory phase focusing on clarifying horizons and creative exploration to unleash potential.
  2. Second Stage: A practical demonstration of specific use cases, generating a future blueprint for collaboration and scaling successful strategies in future infrastructure projects.
- Objectives:
  1. Demonstrate practical implementation of innovative infrastructure planning solutions.
  2. Develop a model framework for facilitating faster and more effective collaboration.
  3. Provide a future blueprint for scaling and replicating successful strategies in future infrastructure projects.
Features
- Sangam: Digital Twin represents a collaborative leap towards reshaping infrastructure planning and design.
- It integrates 5G, IoT, AI, AR/VR, AI native 6G, Digital Twin, and next-gen computational technologies, fostering collaboration among public entities, infrastructure planners, tech giants, startups, and academia.
- Sangam brings all stakeholders together, aiming to translate innovative ideas into tangible solutions, bridging the gap between conceptualization and realization, and paving the way for groundbreaking infrastructure advancements.
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Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

In news: Nohar Irrigation Project

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Nohar Irrigation Project, Indira Gandhi Canal

Mains level: Lift Irrigation Projects in India

Introduction

The Nohar irrigation project, supplying water to the agricultural fields in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan, is getting a boost with the repairing of Ferozepur feeder in neighbouring Punjab.

About Nohar Irrigation Project

	Description
Location	Located in the Nohar region of the Hanumangarh district in the state of Rajasthan, India.
Purpose	To improve irrigation facilities in the region, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of local farmers.
Irrigation Methods	Canal irrigation and the construction of check dams, reservoirs, and water storage facilities.
Water Source	Indira Gandhi Canal
Rivers	Situated near the Ghaggar-Hakra River A seasonal river originating in the Shivalik Hills

Back2Basics: Indira Gandhi Canal

	Description
Origin	Harike Barrage, Punjab
History	Conceived by hydraulic engineer Kanwar Sain in the late 1940s, construction began in 1960
Length	612 km Longest canal in India
Rivers	Utilizes water from the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers
Location	Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan
Purpose	Irrigation and water supply
Renaming	Renamed from Rajasthan Canal to Indira Gandhi Canal in 1984 after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

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Freedom of Speech – Defamation, Sedition, etc.

British-era Act invoked to Block Internet in Punjab

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: Various laws, judgments mentioned

Mains level: Internet Shut-downs

Introduction

The Union government invoked its authority under a colonial-era Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017 to suspend mobile Internet in select districts of Punjab during Farm Protests 2.0.

Mechanisms allowing Internet Shut-downs

	Authorities	Purpose
Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017	Home Departments in the states, state government review committee, central government (under this law, but rarely used)	Enforces shutdowns for public emergency or safety reasons.
Section 144 of the CrPC	Local law enforcement authorities	Enables shutdowns, particularly before 2017, to maintain public order and safety.
The Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, Section 5(2)	Home Secretary of the Union or state governments	Allows blocking of messaging during a public emergency, safeguarding public safety, or protecting sovereignty and integrity.

Constitutional Provisions for Right to Internet

	Constitutional Provision	Explanation
Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India and Ors. (2020)	Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a)	Grants the right to freedom of speech and expression, which encompasses access to information and the Internet.
Faheema Shirin RK vs. State of Kerala and others (2019)	Right to Education under Article 21A	Guarantees the right to education for children aged 6 to 14; Internet access is crucial for modern education.
K.S. Puttaswamy (Privacy) vs. Union of India (2017)	Right to Privacy under Article 21	Protects the fundamental right to privacy, and Internet access is often used for secure communication.
Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India and Ors.	Freedom to Practice Any Profession or Carry on Any Trade, Business, or Occupation under Article 19(1)(g)	Ensures the freedom to conduct various trades, businesses, and professions, often requiring Internet access.

Landmark Precedence: Anuradha Bhasin Judgment (2020)

Supreme Court’s Ruling: In January 2020, the Supreme Court of India recognized access to the Internet as a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
Restrictions Guidelines: The Court mandated that any government-imposed Internet restrictions must be temporary, limited, lawful, necessary, and proportionate. It also emphasized judicial review.

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Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Horseshoe Crab: Living Fossils of the Sea

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Horseshoe Crab and its conservation

Mains level: NA

Horseshoe Crab

Introduction

Environmental groups have petitioned the U.S. government to grant endangered species protection to the American horseshoe crab.
Horseshoe crabs, often called “living fossils,” have existed since before the age of dinosaurs.

About Horseshoe Crab

	Description
Habitat	Shallow coastal waters with soft sandy or muddy bottoms; Spawns primarily on intertidal beaches during summer-spring high tides.
Taxonomic Division	Chelicerata, a division of Arthropoda, comprising spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, mites, and ticks; characterized by segmented body and limbs, and a chitinous exoskeleton.
Status	Referred to as a marine “living fossil” due to minimal evolutionary changes over time.
Geographic Range	American horseshoe crab: Eastern coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico. Indo-Pacific species (Tri-spine, Coastal, Mangrove): Mainly in coastal waters of India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan.
Habitat in India	Odisha serves as the largest habitat for horseshoe crabs in India.
Conservation Status	Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
IUCN Status	American horseshoe crab: Vulnerable. Tri-spine horseshoe crab: Endangered. Other two are not listed yet.

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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

Hastsal Minaret: The Mini Qutub Minar

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Hastsal Minaret, its history, architecture

Mains level: NA

Introduction

The Hastsal Minar, also known as the Mini Qutub Minar or Chhota Qutub Minar, stands as a Grade A heritage monument in Delhi, silently narrating stories of an era marked by grandeur and mystery amidst ruins and encroachment.

About Hastsal Minaret

	Description
Name	Mini Qutub Minar (Chhota Qutub Minar, Mini Minar, Kaushal Minar, Hastsal ki Laat)
Location	Hastsal village in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, India
Built	1650
Builder	Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan
Original Height	5 storeys, topped with a domed Chhatri pavilion
Current Height	3 storeys, 16.87 meters (55 feet) tall
Structure	Built with Lakhori bricks and clad with red sandstone
Significance	Grade A listed, protected heritage monument with the Department of Archaeology, India
History	Originally built as a hunting lodge tower for Shah Jahan Used to have a tunnel connecting it to the royal hunting lodge nearby
Architecture	Resembles Qutub Minar in Delhi, octagonal platform, narrow staircase
Threats	Endangered due to neglect, lack of conservation, encroachment by new constructions, surrounded by urbanization

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New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

Invasive Species: Cuscuta Dodder

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

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Cuscuta Dodder
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- An invasive weed, Cuscuta dodder, is gradually strangling the Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, posing a severe threat to local vegetation, ecology, and the habitat of migratory birds.
About Cuscuta Dodder
- Parasitic Nature: It is a parasitic vine devoid of roots, already infesting acres of trees in reserve forests and beginning to spread within India’s oldest bird sanctuary.
- Origin: Native to North America.
- Modus Operandi: As a holoparasitic plant, it forms a canopy on the host plant and extends thousands of tendrils, eventually forming a dense spectacle before strangling and killing the host.
Persistence and Germination
- Seed Characteristics: Cuscuta seeds are spheroid with a hard coat, enabling them to survive up to 50 years in dry storage and at least 10 years in the field.
- Germination: Unlike root parasites, Cuscuta seeds do not require a specific stimulant to induce germination, enhancing their ability to spread rapidly.
Impact and Spread
- India: According to a technical paper by the National Research Centre for Weed Science, Cuscuta poses a significant problem in oilseeds, pulses, and fodder crops across various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Orissa, West Bengal, and parts of Madhya Pradesh under both rain-fed and irrigated conditions.
- Global Legislation: It is listed as a ‘declared noxious weed’ in 25 countries, with seeds and plant material restricted from entry. In the United States, it is the only weed seed whose movement is prohibited in every state.
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Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

In news: Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s Tomb

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

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah and his contemporaries

Mains level: NA

Introduction

A digital twin of the Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s tomb was unveiled by a reality technology company, Hexagon in Hyderabad.

Who was Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah?

Parentage: Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was born on April 4, 1565, as the third son of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali and his Hindu mother Bhagirathi.
Literary Talent: He was not only an able administrator but also a skilled poet who composed verses in Persian, Telugu, and Urdu.

Contemporaries of Quli Qutb Shah

Akbar (1556–1605): Mughal Emperor known for his religious tolerance and administrative reforms.
Rani Durgavati (1550–1564): Queen of the Gondwana Kingdom in central India, renowned for her bravery in resisting Mughal expansion.
Maharana Pratap (1572–1597): Rajput ruler of Mewar, famous for his defiance against Mughal Emperor Akbar and his valor in battles.
Chand Bibi (1550–1599): Regent of the Ahmednagar Sultanate in Deccan, known for her role in defending Ahmadnagar against Mughal forces.
Guru Ram Das (1574–1581): Fourth Sikh Guru who established the city of Amritsar and contributed significantly to Sikhism’s growth.
Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545): Founder of the Sur Empire in North India, celebrated for his administrative reforms and construction of the Grand Trunk Road.

Key Accomplishments

[A] Reign and Accomplishments

Ascension to the Throne: Muhammad Quli succeeded his father in 1580 at the age of 15 and ruled for 31 years.
Military Campaigns: Despite facing rebellions, he effectively led troops and quelled disturbances, ensuring stability in his realm.

[B] Foundation of Hyderabad

Urban Planning: Concerned about overcrowding in Golkonda, Muhammad Quli initiated the construction of Hyderabad in 1591.
Land Selection: While folklore suggests a romanticized version of land selection, Muhammad Quli’s vision for Hyderabad’s development aimed at relieving congestion and promoting growth.

[C] Architectural Marvels and City Planning

Charminar: As the architectural centrepiece, Charminar was built under Muhammad Quli’s patronage, symbolizing the city’s grandeur.
City Layout: Hyderabad was meticulously planned with a gridiron layout, featuring significant landmarks like Darulshafa, Mecca Masjid, and Badshahi Ashurkhana.

[D] Support for Arts and Literature

Calligraphic Art: Under Muhammad Quli’s rule, calligraphy flourished, with various scripts adorning buildings such as the Mecca Masjid.
Literary Contributions: Muhammad Quli’s poetic works in Urdu and Dakhni languages reflected his diverse interests and cultural appreciation.
Taraqqi: He was a poet himself and composed poetry in Persian and Telugu under the pen name “Taraqqi”.

[E] Medical and Literary Contributions

Intellectual Hub: Hyderabad became a centre for medical and literary pursuits, with scholars producing notable works during Muhammad Quli’s reign.
Preservation of Culture: Muhammad Quli’s literary legacy, including his Diwan, is preserved in institutions like the Salar Jung Museum, showcasing his contribution to cultural heritage.

Legacy and Influence

Cultural Integration: Muhammad Quli’s reign represents a period of cultural fusion, blending Hindu and Islamic traditions in the Deccan region.
Symbol of Unity: His efforts to promote harmony and coexistence endure as a testament to the inclusive ethos of his administration.

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Type: Prelims Only

Central Idea

What is Gulf Stream System?

Gulf Stream’s Vulnerability

Introduction

What are Green Deposits?

RBI Framework for Green Deposits

Distinguishing Green Deposits from Normal Deposits

Back2Basics: Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)

Introduction

About Global Pulse Confederation (GPC)

Key Highlights from Pulses 24 Convention

Introduction

What is Digital Twin Technology?

About Sangam: Digital Twin Initiative

Features

Introduction

About Nohar Irrigation Project

Back2Basics: Indira Gandhi Canal

Introduction

Mechanisms allowing Internet Shut-downs

Constitutional Provisions for Right to Internet

Landmark Precedence: Anuradha Bhasin Judgment (2020)

Introduction

About Horseshoe Crab

Introduction

About Hastsal Minaret

Introduction

About Cuscuta Dodder

Persistence and Germination

Impact and Spread

Introduction

Who was Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah?

Contemporaries of Quli Qutb Shah

Key Accomplishments

[A] Reign and Accomplishments

[B] Foundation of Hyderabad

[C] Architectural Marvels and City Planning

[D] Support for Arts and Literature

[E] Medical and Literary Contributions

Legacy and Influence