Aravalli Biodiversity Park
Aravalli Biodiversity Park On World Wetlands Day, the Aravalli Biodiversity Park was announced as the first Other Effective Area – based Conservation Measures site, OECM site. The park is spread over 390 acres. It has a semi – arid vegetation. It has more than 43,000 shrubs, 101,000 trees and 300 endemic plant species. Earlier, the park was a mining site. It was transformed into a city forest through immense efforts of environmentalists, scientists, ecologists along with the local population. Aravallis are considered as the green lungs of Delhi. They support leopards, foxes, sambhar and jackals. The Aravallis provide 7.07% of oxygen to Delhi. The Aravallis act as a barrier between the desert in the west and the fertile land in the east. The Aravallis stops the monsoon clouds and brings rains to Nainital and Shimla. The hill functions as the groundwater recharge for the region. 25% of the Aravallis was lost due to illegal mining. According to CAG, there were more than 4,0000 illegal mining cases. Since the 1960s, 31 hills have vanished from the hills. The OECM tag is provided by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN. According to IUCN, the OECM sites are not protected but are rich in biodiversity. The Aravalli hills are the first OECM site of the country. The proposal to make Aravallis as the OECM was made by the National Biodiversity Authority.
Lokayukta
Lokayukta It is an anti-corruption authority or ombudsman – an official appointed by the government to represent the interests of the public. Most importantly, it investigates allegations of corruption and mal-administration against public servants and is tasked with speedy redressal of public grievances. The Administrative Reforms Commission headed by Late Morarji Desai in 1966 recommended the setting up of the institution of Lokayukta. The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, commonly known The Lokpal Act was passed by the Parliament of India in December 2013. It provides for the appointment of a Lokayukta “to investigate and report on allegations or grievances relating to the conduct of public servants.” It also called for the establishment of Lokpal at the Centre. The Lokayukta is usually a former High Court Chief Justice or former Supreme Court judge and has a fixed tenure. The Chief Minister selects a person as the Lokayukta after consultation with the High Court Chief Justice, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Chairman of the Legislative Council, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council. The appointment is then made by the Governor. Once appointed, Lokayukta cannot be dismissed nor transferred by the government, and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state assembly. Read Also Lokpal and Lokayukta
Marine Heatwaves
Marine Heatwaves Marine heatwaves are periods of extremely high temperatures in the ocean.These events are linked to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction, and loss of kelp forests, affecting the fisheries sector adversely. The most common drivers of marine heatwaves include ocean currents which can build up areas of warm water and air-sea heat flux, or warming through the ocean surface from the atmosphere. The most common cause of marine heat waves are ocean currents which can build up areas of warm water and air-sea heat flux, or warming through the ocean surface from the atmosphere. Normally, sunlight passes through the atmosphere and heats the surface of the ocean. If there are weak winds this warm water doesn’t mix with the cooler waters below. It sits on top and continues to heat leading to marine heat waves. According to a study, the Western Indian Ocean region experienced the largest increase in marine heatwaves at a rate of about 1.5 events per decade, followed by the north Bay of Bengal at a rate of 0.5 events per decade. From 1982 to 2018, the Western Indian Ocean had a total of 66 events, while the Bay of Bengal had 94 events. The marine heatwaves in the Western Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal increased drying conditions over the central Indian subcontinent. Correspondingly, there is a significant increase in the rainfall over south peninsular India in response to the heatwaves in the north Bay of Bengal. Read Also Cyclone Nivar
Coal Gasification and Liquefaction
Coal Gasification and Liquefaction India aims for 100 million tonnes (MT) coal gasification by 2030 with investments worth over Rs. 4 lakh crores. For encouraging use of clean sources of fuel, the government has provided for a concession of 20% on revenue share of coal used for gasification. This will boost production of synthetic natural gas, energy fuel, urea for fertilisers and production of other chemicals. Coal Gasification It is the process of producing syngas, a mixture consisting of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), natural gas (CH4), and water vapour (H2O). During gasification, coal is blown with oxygen and steam while also being heated under high pressure. During the reaction, oxygen and water molecules oxidize the coal and produce syngas. Transporting gas is a lot cheaper than transporting coal. Help address local pollution problems. Has greater efficiency than conventional coal-burning because it can effectively use the gases twice: the coal gases are first cleansed of impurities and fired in a turbine to generate electricity. The exhaust heat from the gas turbine can be captured and used to generate steam for a steam turbine-generator. Read Also Lithium Mining Coal Liquefaction It is an alternative route to produce diesel and gasoline and makes economic sense only in a world of high crude oil prices,Also called Coal to Liquid (CTL) technology. The process involves gasification of coal, which in turn will produce synthetic gas (a mix of CO+H2). The synthetic gas can be liquefied to its fuel equivalent in presence of cobalt/iron-based catalysts at higher pressure and temperature. However, liquefied coal emits twice as much CO2 as burning oil. It also emits a large volume of SO2. The CO2 emissions are more readily and cheaply captured from CTL plants than from conventional coal-fired power stations. The captured CO2 can be transported and injected into underground storage reservoirs (a procedure known as “carbon capture and storage”—CCS—or “geosequestration”). Read Also Explore utilisation of fly ash in cement plant: NGT Coal Liquefaction It is an alternative route to produce diesel and gasoline and makes economic sense only in a world of high crude oil prices,Also called Coal to Liquid (CTL) technology. The process involves gasification of coal, which in turn will produce synthetic gas (a mix of CO+H2). The synthetic gas can be liquefied to its fuel equivalent in presence of cobalt/iron-based catalysts at higher pressure and temperature. However, liquefied coal emits twice as much CO2 as burning oil. It also emits a large volume of SO2. The CO2 emissions are more readily and cheaply captured from CTL plants than from conventional coal-fired power stations. The captured CO2 can be transported and injected into underground storage reservoirs (a procedure known as “carbon capture and storage”—CCS—or “geosequestration”). Read Also Explore utilisation of fly ash in cement plant: NGT
Nuclear Fusion Technology
Nuclear Fusion Technology A team at the Joint European Torus (JET) facility near Oxford in central England generated 59 megajoules of sustained energy during an experiment in December, more than doubling a 1997 record. This is a new milestone in producing nuclear fusion energy, or imitating the way energy is produced in the Sun. The energy was produced in a machine called a tokamak, a doughnut-shaped apparatus. Besides, the JET site is the largest operational one of its kind in the world. The record and scientific data from these crucial experiments are a major boost for ITER. Nuclear fusion Nuclear fusion is a reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles. The difference in mass between the reactants and products is manifested as either the release or the absorption of energy. Energy by nuclear fusion is one of mankind’s long standing quests as it promises to be low carbon, safer than how nuclear energy is now produced and, with an efficiency that can technically exceed a 100%. A kg of fusion fuel contains about 10 million times as much energy as a kg of coal, oil or gas. Deuterium and tritium, which are isotopes of hydrogen, are heated to temperatures 10 times hotter than the centre of the sun to create plasma. This is held in place using superconducting electromagnets as it spins around, fuses and releases tremendous energy as heat.
Lassa Fever
Lassa Fever The Lassa Fever-causing virus is found in West Africa and was first discovered in 1969 in Lassa, Nigeria. The fever is spread by rats and is primarily found in countries in West Africa including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Nigeria where it is endemic. Human beings can transmit the virus to each other through contact with infected bodily fluids. The best way to avoid getting infected is to avoid contact with rats. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, has been used to successfully treat Lassa fever in patients. Mild symptoms include slight fever, fatigue, weakness and headache. Serious symptoms include bleeding, difficulty breathing, vomiting, facial swelling, pain in the chest, back, and abdomen and shock. Death can occur from two weeks of the onset of symptoms, usually as a result of multi-organ failure. Read Also Nanomicelles
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese Encephalitis It is a disease caused by a flavivirus that affects the membranes around the brain. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is also a major cause of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in India. The disease is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes of the Culex species. These mosquitoes breed mainly in rice fields and large water bodies rich in aquatic vegetation. Migratory birds along with pigs in the community also play an important role in the transmission of JE from one area to other areas. Most people infected with JE do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms. However, a small percentage of infected people develop inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), with symptoms including sudden onset of headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors and convulsions. There is no antiviral treatment for patients with JE. Treatment, available, is supportive to relieve symptoms and stabilise the patient. Safe and effective JE vaccines are available to prevent the disease. In India, mass vaccination with JE vaccine was started in a phased manner subsequent to the major outbreak in 2005. JE vaccination is also included under the Universal Immunization Program of the Government of India.
Chintamani Padya Natakam
Chintamani Padya Natakam It is a stage play penned by social reformer, writer and poet Kallakuri Narayana Rao about 100 years ago. In the play, the writer explains how people neglect their families by falling prey to certain social evils. It was aimed to create awareness on the Devadasi system and how the flesh trade was ruining many families at that particular period. Subbisetty, Chintamani, Bilvamangaludu, Bhavani Shankaram, and Srihari are some of the characters in the play. The play is named after the main character, Chintamani, a woman born into a family involved in the flesh trade. The play focuses on how she attained salvation after repentance. Subbi Shetty, a character in the play, loses his wealth to Chintamani and his character is utilised in a way that engages the audience. Chintamani play is popular across the state. It has been performed at thousands of places. The play continues to engage the audience even today and has become a must stage play in villages during Dasara celebrations. The Andhra Pradesh government has brought the curtains down on the popular Telugu play ‘Chintamani Padya Natakam’, . Began as a social sermon, this play has been increasingly vulgar. Subbi Shetty, who resembles a person of a transgender community, is used to portray the social group in a bad way. Obscene dialogues are added to the play in the name of creativity. Read Also Tala Maddale
Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference has developed into the most important independent venue for international security policy decision-makers to exchange ideas during the last four decades. Every year, it brings together over 350 top officials from over 70 countries to engage in a discussion on various security concerns. Heads of state, international organizations, and governments as well as members of parliament, ministers, high-ranking military representatives, civil society, science, the media, and business are among those expected to attend this conference. The conference takes place every year in February in the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich, Germany. The conference arose from Ewald-Heinrich von Kleist-Internationale Schmenzin’s Wehrkundebegegnung / Münchner Wehrkundetagung, which he created in 1963. The Stauffenberg circle of resistance fighters advocated for the prevention of future military confrontations such as the Second World War and gathered together leaders and professionals in security policy to do so. Henry Kissinger and Helmut Schmidt were among the 60 people who attended the inaugural meeting. Von Kleist headed the meetings until 1997 when he was succeeded by politician and business manager Horst Teltschik, who led them from 1999 to 2008. Wolfgang Ischinger, a veteran diplomat, has led the conference since 2009. This conference has been cancelled twice, once in 1991 because of the First Gulf War and again in 1997 due to Kleist-Schmenzin’s retirement. The Security Conference started in the year 1999 under Teltschik’s leadership for military, political, and business leaders from Eastern and Central, as well as India, the People’s Republic of China and Japan. Senior politicians, diplomats, military and security experts from NATO and the European Union, as well as other countries such as India, China, Japan, Iran and Russia, are invited to discuss current issues in defence and security policies at this conference, which is themed peace through dialogue. The conference’s goal is to address current major security concerns and evaluate major security difficulties, all while sticking to the concept of networked security. The discussions of ideas on the future of transatlantic relations, as well as European and global security in the twenty-first century, are a focal feature of the conference. Since the conference is privately organised, it is not a government-sponsored event. It is just used for debate; there is no authorization for binding intergovernmental decisions. The high-level meeting is also used for private conversations among the attendees.
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice GS 3 -Test 20
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice GS 3 -Test 20 Check All Mains Questions 1. Improving the quality of workforce and social security measures are important components of inclusive growth in the country. In light of this statement, explain the measures taken by the government in this regard. (150 Words) (10 Marks) 2. Openness to trade and private enterprise usually has positive effects on growth. However, it can also promote inequality and lack of inclusiveness. Examine. (150 Words) (10 Marks) 3. Labour reforms will support the formalisation of India’s labour market and improve its flexibility, with positive efficiency gains. Discuss. (150 Words) (10 Marks) 4. Food processing industry holds potential not just for increasing farmer’s income but also for ensuring sustainability and nutritional security. Examine. (10 Marks) (150 Words) 5. Do you think Zero Budget Natural Farming is the panacea for the problems faced by marginal and small farmers in the country? Justify. (10 Marks) (150 Words) 6. Strategic disinvestment in India has been guided by the basic economic principle that the government should not be in the business to engage itself in manufacturing/producing goods and services in sectors where competitive markets have come of age. In light of this statement, critically examine the relevance of the shift in the disinvestment policy of the government. (250 Words) (15 Marks) 7. Explain how increasing protectionism and formation of regional trading blocs impact India’s international trade? How do you think India can harness the economic opportunities created by increasing conflicts between large economies? (250 Words) (15 Marks) 8. Examine the role of investments in promoting economic growth and employment in the country. How far have the recent measures taken by the government helped in boosting investments in the country? (250 Words) (15 Marks) 9. Ensuring better returns for the farm produce has been the goal of successive governments since independence. In light of this statement, explain the importance of agricultural marketing and the measures taken by the government to improve agricultural marketing in India. (15 Marks) (250 Words) 10. Public distribution system evolved as a system of management of scarcity through the distribution of food grains at affordable prices. Do you think the Public Distribution System was able to meet its objectives? Suggest measures for improving the system. (15 Marks) (250 Words) Answers 1. Improving the quality of workforce and social security measures are important components of inclusive growth in the country. In light of this statement, explain the measures taken by the government in this regard. (150 Words) (10 Marks) APPROACH:●Brief introduction about inclusive growth●Mention how inclusive growth and social security measures help to build inclusive growth in India.●List out measures taken by the government to ensure it. ANSWER: Inclusive growth is a concept that ensures equitable opportunities for economic participants during economic growth with benefits incurred by every section of society. Improved quality of workforce and social security measures are sine qua non for the inclusive growth in India due to: ●Demographic Dividend: India is the youngest country in the world with 64 percent of its population in the working age.●Work in Informal Sector: More than 8 in every 10 Indian workers are informally employed or work in informal sectors, excluded from employment rights, benefits and social protection.●Low productivity works: Employment growth remains concentrated in low-productivity sectors like the construction sector.●New technology tapping: NITI Aayog aims to leverage artificial intelligence for high productivity-high end jobs for economic growth, social development and inclusive growth.●Skill development: Sustained investments in skills development and fostering opportunities for decent job creation through entrepreneurship. Currently only 5% workers are formally skilled in India leading to inequitable growth.●Poverty Alleviation: Social security measures will be helpful to the 90% total labour force in the informal sector and help to raise the current 22% population lying below the poverty line. Measures to improve quality of workforce and social security: ●Productivity and skill development:○Promote entrepreneurship amongst women through Mahila e-Haat, Stand Up India etc.○Self-Employment and Talent Utilization, Skill India Mission, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana for skill enhancement.○Promoting innovations through increased R&D expenditure.●Technological Upgradation and Human Capital Development:○Occupational mobility of workers from the agriculture sector to non farm jobs.○Improved vocational education through SANKALP, STRIVE schemes.○Labour Market Information System for identifying skill shortages, training needs and employment created○National Strategy for AI to tap the benefits of new technologies.●Legislative reforms:○Simplify and modify labour laws applicable to the formal sector to introduce an optimum combination of flexibility and security. Eg: Industrial Relations Code 2020, Social Security Code 2020 etc.○The National Policy for Domestic Workers needs to be brought in at the earliest to recognize their rights and promote better working conditions○Adherence to Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 to increase Female Labour Force Participation Rate.○Expand the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to cover all jobs. Economic Survey 2020 envisions India to become a $5 trillion dollar economy by 2025. It should be on the basis of inclusive sustainable development. 2. Openness to trade and private enterprise usually has positive effects on growth. However, it can also promote inequality and lack of inclusiveness. Examine. (150 Words) (10 Marks) APPROACH:●List out the positive effects of growth through openness to trade and private enterprise.●Examine how it perpetuates income inequality and inclusiveness issues.●Conclude with measures to address the issue. ANSWER: After the advent of New economic policy in 1991, India has transformed into an open economy with overall trade as a percentage of GDP around 40%. Positive effects of openness to trade and privatisation:●Export Potential: The International Trade Center estimates India’s untapped export potential at around USD 201.4bn.●Employment Generation: India can generate adequate well paid jobs for 13 million new workers added every year.●Wealth Generation: Economic Survey 2020 mentions that the privatisation of firms can help to create wealth generation.●Spillover effects: Privatisation can help to create efficiency gains, increased profitability, improved return on assets and service to customers. Issues with openness to trade and privatisation:●Domestic Concerns: The indigenous manufacturers, farmers etc. will lose their profit margins due to high trade liberalisation. Eg: Dairy farmers protest during RCEP negotiations, Electronic
