💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Sympathetic Solar Flares

    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

  • Unveiling the Link between Fairness Creams and Nephrotic Syndrome

    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

  • Madras High Court Ruling on Waqf Properties

    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.

  • Icequakes on Ross Ice Shelf

    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

  • In the news: Pulicat Wetland

    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

  • [pib]  Role of the Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO)

    Why in the news?

    The Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO) recently held inspections of Coal Mines to ensure the accuracy of Coal class and grade declarations.

    Coal Sector in Indian Economy:

    • The Indian coal sector is one of the 8 core sectors contributing heavily to the economic development of India.
    • In India, there are 4 grades of coal available: Lignite, Bituminous, Sub-Bituminous, and Anthracite, and out of which Anthracite is the highest grade of coal.
    • More than 70% of Coal reserves in India are mainly found in the South-Central region i.e. in Orissa, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
    • India is the second-largest producer of Anthracite globally after China.
    • The mining sector accounts for more than 2% contribution to the total GDP of India.
    • India, had a global share of Coal production nearly 9%.
    • India’s share of coal in major imports in FY 2023 was estimated at 8%.
    • India exports coking coal to neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

    About Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO)

    • The CCO was established in 1975 under the Coal Mines (Conservation and Development) Act, 1974.
    • It operates under the Ministry of Coal.
    • It is headquartered in Kolkata and field offices at Dhanbad, Ranchi, Bilaspur, Nagpur, Sambalpur, Kothagudem, and Asansol.

    Functions of CCO

    • Regulatory Oversight: Regulates coal industry activities, ensuring compliance with laws and policies.
    • Inspections: It conducts inspections of collieries to ensure the accuracy of coal class and grade declarations under the Colliery Control Rules, 2004 (Amended in 2021).
    • Quality Control: Establishes and enforces standards for coal quality through testing and inspection.
    • Grading and Classification: Categorizes coal into grades based on quality and intended use.
    • Licensing and Permissions: Issues licenses and permits to coal producers, traders, and consumers.
    • Data Collection and Analysis: Collects and analyzes data on coal production, consumption, and market trends.
    • Research and Development: Conducts or sponsors R&D to improve mining techniques and coal quality.
    • Conservation and Sustainability: Formulates policies for coal resource conservation and sustainable development.
    • Enforcement and Compliance: Ensures compliance with coal-related regulations through inspections and enforcement actions.

    Grades of Coal in India

    The gradation of coal is based on-

    1. Non-Coking Coal: Based on Gross Calorific Value (GCV).
    2. Coking Coal: Ash Content
    3. Semi Coking /Weakly Coking Coal: Ash plus Moisture Content

    What is Coke?

    • Coke is a solid carbonaceous material derived from heating coal in the absence of air.
    • It is a porous, hard, black substance with a high carbon content and few impurities.
    • Coke is primarily used as a fuel and as a reducing agent in the process of smelting iron ore to produce steel in a blast furnace.

    Types of Coal based on Coking ability

    1. Non-Coking Coal: Non-coking coal, also known as thermal coal, is coal that does not have the ability to undergo conversion into coke when heated in the absence of air. It is primarily used for power generation in thermal power plants, as well as for other industrial applications such as cement production and heating.
    2. Coking Coal: Coking coal, also known as metallurgical coal, is a type of coal that possesses the necessary properties to undergo conversion into coke when heated in the absence of air. Coking coal is characterized by its high carbon content, low ash content, and ability to form a strong, porous coke when heated.
    3. Semi Coking / Weakly Coking Coal: Semi-coking or weakly coking coal is a coal type that falls between non-coking coal and coking coal in terms of its properties. While it does not fully qualify as coking coal due to certain limitations in its coking properties, it exhibits some degree of coking ability when heated.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)?

    1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India.
    2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks.
    3. It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
    4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 4

  • 95Mat5 Antibody: Revolutionizing Snakebite Treatment

    Why in the news?

    After multiple rounds of screening, researchers have identified an antibody, 95Mat5 that showed promising results in making a potent antidote against various snake venoms.

    What is 95Mat5?

    • 95Mat5 is a universal antivenom developed to neutralize the toxins present in snake venoms.
    • Development Process:
    1. The scientists first synthesized variants of a toxin called long-chain 3FTxs (3FTx-L), which are found in the venoms of various snakes, including cobras, kraits, mambas, and monocled cobras.
    2. They then screened billions of human antibodies expressed on the surface of yeast cells to find antibodies that bound best to the synthesized toxins.
    3. After multiple rounds of screening, they identified a shortlist of antibodies that broadly reacted with most of the 3FTx variants used in the study.
    4. The selected antibodies were further tested in vitro in human cells to determine which ones could best neutralize the toxins.

    Mechanism of Action

    • 95Mat5 specifically targets α-neurotoxins, which are a specific class of 3FTxs that prevent nerve and muscle cells from responding to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in carrying messages from neurons to muscles.
    • By binding to the toxins, 95Mat5 prevents toxins from interacting with the receptors in human nerve and muscle cells, thereby blocking their ability to induce paralysis and other deadly effects.
    • In animal experiments, 95Mat5 demonstrated efficacy in neutralizing the toxins present in the venoms of various snake species, protecting the animals from death.

    Global Impact of Snakebites

    • Venomous snakebites claim over 100,000 lives annually, with around 400,000 individuals suffering permanent disability.
    • Low and middle-income countries, especially India and Africa, bear the brunt of this burden.
      • India alone witnessing an average of 58,000 deaths each year.
    • In 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared snakebite envenoming as a highest priority Neglected Tropical Disease, shedding light on a long-hidden health crisis.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to carbon nanotubes, consider the following statements:

    1. They can be used as carriers of drugs and antigens in the human body.
    2. They can be made into artificial blood capillaries for an injured part of human body.
    3. They can be used in biochemical sensors.
    4. Carbon nanotubes are biodegradable.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • [pib] India showcases CPGRAMS at 3rd Biennial Pan-Commonwealth Meeting in London

    Why in the news?

    India’s Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) received global recognition during the 3rd Biennial Pan-Commonwealth Heads in London.

    What is CPGRAMS?

    • The primary objective of CPGRAMS is to provide citizens with a user-friendly mechanism to register complaints or grievances related to various government departments and agencies.
    • It is an online platform available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge their grievances to the public authorities on any subject related to service delivery.
    • It was created in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances.
    • It has been designed in-house by the National Informatics Centre team.
    • Prime Minister is the supreme head of the CPGRAMS.

    Key functions of CPGRAMS include:

    • Grievance Lodging and Tracking: Citizens can lodge grievances online and track their progress using a unique registration number generated by the system.
    • Role-Based Access: Every Ministry and state have role-based access to this system, ensuring that grievances are forwarded to the concerned Ministries or Government Departments.
    • Appeal Facility: CPGRAMS provides an appeal facility to the citizens if they are not satisfied with the resolution by the Grievance Officer.
    • Feedback Mechanism: After the closure of grievance, if the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, they can provide feedback. If the rating is ‘Poor’, the option to file an appeal is enabled. The status of the Appeal can also be tracked by the petitioner with the grievance registration number.

    Issues that are NOT taken up under CPGRAMS:

    • Subjudice cases or any matter concerning judgment given by any court.
    • Personal and Family disputes.
    • Right to Information (RTI) Queries.
    • Anything that impacts upon territorial integrity of the country or friendly relations with other countries.
    • Grievances of Government employees concerning their service matters including disciplinary proceedings etc because there is already a mechanism for addressing these issues.

    What is the Commonwealth of Nations?

    • The Commonwealth of Nations is an intergovernmental organization of 53 member states that are mostly former territories of the British Empire.
    • It dates back to the first half of the 20th century with the decolonization of the British Empire through increased self-governance of its territories.
    • It was originally created as the British Commonwealth of Nations through the Balfour Declaration at the 1926 Imperial Conference.
    • It was formalized by the UK through the Statute of Westminster in 1931.
    • The symbol of this free association is Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Head of the Commonwealth.
      • Membership: Based on free and equal voluntary cooperation.

    History of its creation

    • The Commonwealth was created in the early 1900s when nations that were formerly a part of the British Empire began to secede.
    • India is one of the founding members of the modern Commonwealth.
    • India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, played a key role in the creation of the modern Commonwealth in 1949, Indian policy-makers over the years have considered it as a relic of empire and steeped in colonial legacy.

    Working of Commonwealth

    • Commonwealth members have no legal obligations to one another.
    • Instead, they are united by language, history, culture and their shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

    Actual functioning: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)

    • CHOGM which takes place every two years is a platform for all Commonwealth leaders to meet and discuss issues about the Commonwealth.
    • The motto behind the meeting is to reaffirm common values, address the shared global challenges and agree on how to work to create a better future.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] With reference to consumers rights/privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing.

    2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid.

    3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2016] The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that after the Second World War,

    (a) India should be granted complete independence

    (b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence

    (c) India should be made a republic with the condition that it will join the Commonwealth

    (d) India should be given Dominion status
  • PREMIUM – Travelling the Regions of South America

    PREMIUM – Travelling the Regions of South America

    Why in the News?

    South America, known for its diverse landscapes and cultures, also harbors several disputed territories, each with its own historical, geopolitical, and economic significance. These disputes often arise from conflicting territorial claims, historical grievances, or resource-rich areas. 

    Diverse Landscapes of South America:

    • The Pacific Coastal Strip:
      • Between the ocean and the Andes mountain Range.
      • The coastline of South America is smooth and regular. At the river mouths, some inlets are used as harbors. The southwestern coast of the continent has fiords or deep inlets of the sea.
    • Andes Mountain Range:
      • The Andes stretch through the entire continent, running in the north-south direction from the Isthmus of Panama to the Strait of Magellan. The second-highest mountain system in the world.
      • Mount Aconcagua (an extinct volcano lies in Argentina)
      • Mount Ojas del Salado is the highest active volcano in the world of Argentina.
      • Part of seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
      • They form a chain of ranges and knots with enclosed intermontane plateaus namely in Ecuador and Bolivia.
      • Being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are many volcanoes and frequent earthquakes in this region. Mount Cotopaxi and Mount Chimborazo are active volcanic peaks, which is the highest peak in South America.
    • About the Amazon River:
      • It is the world’s largest and second-longest (6,400 km) river in the world after the Nile.
      • Its journey begins high in the Andes Mountains. The river then makes its way east through thousands of miles of rainforests and lowlands until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean on the northeastern coast of Brazil
      • Its watershed spans the countries of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
      • It has more than 1,100 tributaries, which include the rivers like the Rio Negro, the Madeira River, and the Xingu River, etc.
      • The Amazon Rainforest, which represents about half of the Earth’s remaining rainforest, also constitutes its single largest reserve of biological resources.
      • It is sometimes referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” due to its role in regulating the planet’s oxygen and carbon cycles.

    Disputed Areas in South America

    Countries Involved Key Points Geographical Features
    Gulf of Venezuela Colombia, Venezuela
    • Inlet of the Caribbean Sea is Disputed over islands such as Los Monjes Archipelago due to Fishing rights and potential oil reserves.
    • Interpretation disputes regarding the 1941 Treaty of Delimitation            
    • Recent tensions over maritime confrontations and oil exploration activities.
    		 Surrounded by coastal mountain ranges with waters fed by several rivers
    Essequibo Region Guyana, Venezuela
    • Covers two-thirds of Guyana’s territory Historical grievances claimed by Venezuela.         
    • Recent oil discoveries raising tensions; ICJ case filed by Guyana.
    • Essequibo River flows through this region.
    		 Diverse landscapes including rainforests, savannahs, and mountains with the Essequibo River
    Atacama Desert Peru, Chile
    • Extremely Arid desert region            
    • War of the Pacific led to Chile’s control           
    • Valuable mineral resources contribute to disputes            
    • Bilateral talks and arbitration proposals for settlement
    		 Bordered by the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean with salt flats, sand dunes, and volcanic formations
    Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Argentina, UK
    • Sovereignty disputes since 1833           
    • Economic interests include fisheries, tourism, and potential oil reserves           
    • Diplomatic efforts and UN resolutions for resolution
    		 Consists of two main islands with rugged coastlines and low mountains
    Darien Gap Colombia, Panama
    • Dense jungle terrain separating North and South America            
    • Challenges in illegal immigration discussions            
    • Characterized by dense rainforests, swamps, and mountains
    		 Part of the Darien National Park with dense rainforests, mangroves, and steep mountain slopes
    Arroyo de la Invernada or Rincon de Artigas… Brazil, Uruguay
    • Dispute over the Invernada River region near Masoller            
    • UN does not officially recognize the claim            
    • 237 km2 region with significant natural resources            
    • Efforts to resolve through bilateral talks and international mediation
    		 Rolling hills, grasslands, and small rivers with the Invernada River
    New River Triangle (Tigri Area) Suriname, Guyana
    • Disputed region within the Guiana Highlands            
    • Conflicting claims over territory interpretation of historical treaties and boundaries
    		 Dense rainforests, mountain ranges, and numerous rivers
    Isla Brasilera/Ilha Brasileira Brazil, Uruguay
    • Uruguay claims ownership of Isla Brasilera            
    • Strategically located near the tripoint with Argentina            
    • Efforts to resolve through diplomatic negotiations and legal arguments
    		 Small island located in the Uruguay River with lush vegetation
    Isla Suarez/Ilha de Guajara-mirim Bolivia, Brazil
    • Located in the Rio Mamore as a border between Bolivia and Brazil           
    • Economically dependent on Guajara-Mirim, Brazil            
    • Treaty signed in 1958 maintains the status quo            
    • Challenges of border management in riverine environments
    		 Riverine island characterized by tropical vegetation and wetlands
    Southern Patagonian Ice Field Argentina, Chile
    • Spanning parts of Argentina and Chile            
    • Border demarcation remains undefined in certain areas           
    • Bilateral efforts for resolution include scientific cooperation and mapping projects
    		 Vast expanse of ice and snow covering rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys
    Lithium Triangle  Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile
    • It is characterized by various salt pans or salars, concentrated along the Atacama Desert and adjacent arid regions.
    • The Salar de Atacama in Chile boasts the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources worldwide. 
    • Argentina boasts more than half of the world’s total lithium resources and holds the distinction of having the 2nd-largest lithium resources, the 3rd-largest lithium reserves, and the 4th-largest lithium production in the world.
    • India’s KABIL (Khanij Bidesh India Ltd) has announced an investment of ₹211 crore ($25.712 million) over five years for exploration stage activities in five lithium blocks in the Fiambala area of Argentina.
    		 Key reserves of Lithium include:

    1. Uyuni (Bolivia): This salt flat is not only the world’s largest salt flat but also contains significant lithium reserves.  
    2. Atacama (Chile): Located in the Atacama Desert, Salar de Atacama is home to one of the largest lithium reserves globally. 
    3. Hombre Muerto (Argentina): This salt flat in northwestern Argentina also hosts lithium extraction operations.

     

    Note: Bolivia and Paraguay are land-locked countries in South America

    PYQ:

    [2013] “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.”  

    The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

    (a) African Savannah

    (b) Central Asian Steppe

    (c) South American Tropical

    (d) Siberian Tundra

     

  • ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lake Dynamics in Himalaya

     

    Why in the News?

    • The Satellite images by ISRO show an increase in the size of Gepang Gath Lake amidst rising concerns about Climate Change.
    • Gepang Gath Lake (one of the biggest Glacial lakes in the Chandra basin) is located in the Western Indian Himalaya at the terminus of the Gepan Gath glacier.

    ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lakes in Himalayas 

    Expansion of Glacial Lakes

    • During 2016-17, total of 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares were identified, among which 676 were identified as glacial lakes. Notably, these 676 glacial lakes have shown significant expansion since 1984. A staggering 89% (601 lakes) of the expanding lakes have more than doubled in size since 1984.
    • Regional Distribution: Out of these expanding glacial lakes, 130 are situated within India. Among these, 65 lakes are located in the Indus River basin, seven in the Ganga River basin, and 58 in the Brahmaputra River basin.
    • The derived analysis from the Satellite provides valuable insights for understanding glacial lake dynamics.
    • It is essential for assessing environmental impacts and developing strategies for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) risk management and climate change adaptation in glacial environments.

     

    What are Glacial Lakes?

     

      • Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed in depressions on the surface of glaciers or in moraines left behind by retreating glaciers.
      • Glacial lakes were categorized based on their formation process into four broad categories: 
        • Moraine-dammed, 
        • Ice-dammed, 
        • Erosion, and 
        • Other glacial lakes.
      • Among the expanding lakes, the majority are Moraine-dammed (307), followed by Erosion (265), other (96), and Ice-dammed (8) glacial lakes.
      • Formation Process: Glacial lakes form through the accumulation of meltwater from the melting ice of glaciers. As glaciers move, they carve out depressions in the landscape, which may fill with water to form lakes.
        • When glaciers retreat, they leave behind moraines, which can act as natural dams, trapping meltwater and forming lakes.
      • Characteristics:
        • Vary in size, depending on the size and activity of the glacier.
        • Found in mountainous regions and polar areas where glaciers are present.
        • The primary source of water is melting glacial ice, precipitation and runoff.
    • Significance of Glacial Lakes:
      • Glacial lakes play a crucial role in regulating water flow in glacier-fed rivers, particularly during the dry season.
      • Provides habitat for unique aquatic species adapted to cold, high-altitude environments.
      • Contributes to landscape evolution and the formation of landforms such as cirques and tarns.
    • Present Ecological Challenges:
      • Glacial Outburst Floods: The sudden release of water from glacial lakes, known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), can pose significant hazards to downstream communities and infrastructure. Ex. Chamoli Disaster.
      • Rapid Expansion: Glacial lakes can rapidly expand due to the increased melting of glaciers, leading to the risk of flooding and landslides in surrounding areas.

    Important Glacial Lakes in India:

    • Deosai National Park (Jammu and Kashmir): Known for its numerous glacial lakes.
    • Gangbal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir): At the base of Mount Haramukh.
    • Zanskar Valley Lakes (Jammu and Kashmir): Includes Tsomoriri Lake, Tsokar Lake, and many others.
    • Roopkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Known for the human skeletons found at its bottom.
    • Sarson Patal Lake (Uttarakhand): Within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
    • Deoria Tal (Uttarakhand): Offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
    • Hemkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Near the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.
    • Kedar Tal (Uttarakhand): At the foot of the Thalay Sagar peak.
    • Nanda Devi East Base Lake (Uttarakhand): Offering views of the Nanda Devi peaks.
    • Vasuki Tal (Uttarakhand): Near the Chaturangi Glacier.
    • Chandratal Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Known for its crescent shape.
    • Suraj Tal (Himachal Pradesh): Close to the Baralacha La pass.
    • Rupin Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Near the Rupin Pass.
    • Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the

    (a) East of Aksai Chin

    (b) East of Leh

    (c) North of Gilgit

    (d) North of Nubra Valley