TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Earth Sciences has established the Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) near Bhopal to delve deeper into the intricacies of monsoon processes.

EXPLANATION:

• India’s monsoon season is a critical phenomenon, especially for the agricultural sector, which heavily relies on rainfall for cultivation.
• Understanding the complex dynamics of monsoons, particularly over central India, has been a longstanding challenge.
• We will comprehensively explores the significance of ART and its potential impact on enhancing our understanding of the Indian monsoon.

The Purpose of Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)

• ART serves as an advanced research facility dedicated to studying crucial cloud processes associated with the monsoon season over central India’s Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ).
• Equipped with state-of-the-art meteorological instruments, ART aims to unravel the mysteries of monsoon dynamics, particularly focusing on transient synoptic systems and their impact on rainfall patterns.

Importance of Studying Monsoons over Central India

• Central India plays a pivotal role in the Indian monsoon system, serving as a natural laboratory for scientists to investigate monsoon phenomena.
• The region’s significance lies in its correlation with the overall rainfall performance of the country.
• By gaining insights into synoptic systems, cloud physics, and atmospheric parameters, researchers can enhance the accuracy of monsoon forecasts, crucial for agricultural planning and water resource management.

Addressing Data Gaps and Climate Change Challenges

• Despite advancements in meteorological forecasting, there are still significant gaps in understanding the role of synoptic systems and associated cloud properties in modulating monsoon rainfall.
• Climate change further complicates rainfall patterns, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of monsoon dynamics.
• ART’s ability to generate long-term observations on cloud microphysics, precipitation, and atmospheric variabilities is instrumental in addressing these challenges.

Location Selection and Instrumentation

• The selection of Silkheda near Bhopal as the ART site is strategic, aligning with the path of major rain-bearing synoptic systems.
• This pristine location offers an ideal setting for deploying sensitive meteorological instruments, free from anthropogenic pollutants.
• ART boasts a diverse array of instruments, including radars, aethalometers, and ceilometers, enabling continuous monitoring of cloud dynamics and precipitation patterns.

Future Implications and Collaborative Efforts

• ART’s establishment marks a significant milestone in India’s meteorological research landscape, promising groundbreaking insights into monsoon processes.
• Collaboration with institutions like the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) ensures the seamless operation and analysis of ART data.
• Moreover, the integration of ART findings into numerical weather models holds immense potential for improving monsoon forecasts and mitigating the impact of climate change on agriculture and water resources.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/india-atmospheric-testbed-bhopal-significance-9215690/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Bengaluru, a city known for its burgeoning population and rapid urbanization, grapples with a persistent water crisis exacerbated by deficit rains and depleting groundwater levels. However, amidst this dire situation, the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) emerges as a beacon of resilience, with its innovative water management strategies ensuring uninterrupted water supply for its diverse flora and fauna.

EXPLANATION:

Unaffected by City’s Water Woes

• Situated on the outskirts of Bengaluru, BBP remains largely unaffected by the city’s water scarcity woes.
• Despite facing seasonal shortages during the summer months, BBP leverages its internal water resources to mitigate the impact of the crisis.

Utilization of Internal Water Sources

• BBP boasts eight lakes within its premises, serving as invaluable reservoirs during times of water scarcity.
• To address seasonal shortages, the park employs tankers to distribute water sourced from these lakes across various areas within the park.
• Furthermore, the utilization of borewells ensures a supplementary water supply, bolstering BBP’s self-sufficiency in water management.

Sustainable Water Conservation Measures

• In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, BBP implements water conservation initiatives to optimize resource utilization.
• Through the adoption of water recycling techniques, the park minimizes wastage and maximizes efficiency.
• Specific areas, such as the hippopotamus enclosure and aviary, benefit from recycled water, showcasing BBP’s dedication to responsible water stewardship.

Future Preparedness and Collaboration

• Looking ahead, BBP remains proactive in its approach to water management, seeking collaboration with external agencies to enhance its water supply infrastructure.
• The park’s initiative to secure a dedicated supply line for potable Cauvery water, in partnership with the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), underscores its commitment to ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience.

Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP):

• In 2004, BBBP was carved out of the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) and brought under the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK).
• BNP which was declared a national park in 1974.
• BBBP has four divisions: the zoo, the safari, the butterfly park and the rescue centre.
• It is one of the few places in the world where wilderness is preserved so close to a big city.
• The valley of Champakadhama hills is inside the park.
• Vegetation: There are three types of vegetation that can be found: Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
• Flora: Include Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, Eucalyptus etc.
• Fauna: Prime habitat for several species, including the endangered Asian Elephant, Indian gaur, Tiger, Sambar deer, Spotted deer, Leopard, Wild dog, Wild pig, Sloth bear, Common mongoose, Pangolin, Slender loris, Black-naped hare, etc.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/water-woes-bannerghatta-biological-park-unaffected-by-water-crisis-in-bengaluru/article67943147.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  

THE CONTEXT: A breakthrough in astrophysics has been achieved with the potential detection of astrophysical tau neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles.”

EXPLANATION:

• These elusive particles, believed to originate from the distant universe, have long evaded detection due to their minimal interaction with matter.
• Scientists, utilizing data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica, have made significant strides in unraveling the secrets of these mysterious particles.

Neutrinos

• Neutrinos, subatomic particles of minuscule size, possess extraordinary properties.
• Their negligible interaction with matter enables them to traverse vast distances across the universe without disruption.
• This unique characteristic facilitates their traceability back to their cosmic sources, offering invaluable insights into the distant cosmos.

Discovery of Tau Neutrinos

• Researchers at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory have announced the detection of seven candidate tau neutrino events, marking a potential milestone in astrophysical research.
• These findings, derived from meticulous analysis of data spanning a decade (2011-2020), provide compelling evidence for the existence of astrophysical tau neutrinos.

Significance of the Discovery

• The identification of astrophysical tau neutrinos not only expands our understanding of fundamental particle physics but also confirms previous observations of a diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux.
• This discovery sheds light on the high-energy phenomena occurring in the farthest reaches of the universe, offering valuable clues about cosmic processes and structures.

IceCube Neutrino Observatory: A Gateway to the Cosmos

• Situated in the pristine environs of Antarctica, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory employs advanced technology to capture and analyze neutrino interactions.
• With over 5,150 digital optical modules (DOMs) strategically positioned within Antarctic ice, the observatory serves as a sentinel for detecting elusive neutrino signals.

Methodology: Unveiling the Ghostly Traces

• To distinguish tau neutrino events from background noise, scientists utilized convolutional neural networks (CNNs) tailored for image classification.
• By scrutinizing three-dimensional images rendered from neutrino interactions, researchers identified distinct signatures associated with tau neutrinos, thus unveiling their presence amidst the cosmic backdrop.

Implications and Future Prospects

• The discovery of astrophysical tau neutrinos not only validates the capabilities of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory but also opens avenues for further exploration.
• Future studies aimed at elucidating the origins and properties of these ghostly particles promise to revolutionize our understanding of the universe’s most enigmatic phenomena.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/ghost-particles-astronomers-neutrinos-9216444/

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in India is alarmingly high, contributing significantly to the nation’s healthcare burden.

EXPLANATION:

• In addressing this issue, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines recommend regular screening for diabetes, particularly in individuals aged 30 and above.
• With over 10.13 crore diagnosed cases and 13.6 crore pre-diabetic individuals, the urgency for preventive measures and early detection is evident.

HbA1C Test:

• The HbA1C test, also known as the glycated hemoglobin or glycosylated hemoglobin test, plays a pivotal role in diagnosing pre-diabetes and diabetes, including both type 1 and type 2.
• This test measures the percentage of red blood cells coated with sugar, reflecting average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months.

Working of the test:

• As sugar from food enters the bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin in red blood cells.
• While everyone has some level of sugar-coated hemoglobin, individuals with pre-diabetes or diabetes exhibit higher levels.
• The HbA1C test quantifies the extent of glycated hemoglobin, providing insights into long-term blood glucose control.

Evolution and Acceptance of the HbA1C Test

• Initially discovered in 1955, the clinical utility of HbA1C became apparent over subsequent years.
• Despite early inconsistencies in measurements, advancements in standardization and calibration, particularly between 1993 and 2012, significantly improved test accuracy.
• Subsequently, the American Diabetes Association endorsed HbA1C as a diagnostic tool in 2009, with the World Health Organization concurring in 2011, provided stringent quality assurance measures are in place.

Interpreting HbA1C Test Results

• HbA1C levels are typically expressed as a percentage or in mmol/mol, with higher values indicating elevated blood glucose levels.
• Normal levels fall below 5.7%, while readings between 5.7% and 6.4% suggest pre-diabetes, and values of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes.
• These values translate to mmol/mol ranges for easier interpretation.

Considerations and Limitations

• While the HbA1C test offers valuable insights into long-term blood glucose control, certain conditions and medications may affect its accuracy.
• Conditions such as kidney or liver failure, anemia, blood disorders, and specific drug therapies can influence test results.
• Additionally, variability in hemoglobin types across populations, prevalent in India, underscores the importance of comprehensive evaluation in interpreting results accurately.

Implementation and Follow-Up

• The ICMR recommends screening all individuals aged 30 and above for diabetes, with earlier screening for those exhibiting risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, or a history of heart disease.
• Retesting intervals vary based on initial results, with annual retests for pre-diabetic individuals and more frequent monitoring for diagnosed diabetes patients.

Distinct Advantages Over Traditional Tests

• Compared to fasting or post-meal blood sugar tests, the HbA1C test provides a comprehensive assessment of average blood glucose levels over several months, unaffected by recent meals.
• Its independence from meal timing enhances reliability, making it a preferred diagnostic tool for diabetes and pre-diabetes.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/hba1c-test-blood-sugar-levels-india-diabetes-explained/article67949552.ece

TAG: GS 2: POLITY, GS 3: INTERNAL SECURITY

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently revised the count of Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-hit districts covered under the Special Security Related Expenditure (SRE) funding scheme.

EXPLANATION:

• This revision, following a comprehensive review, has resulted in a reduction from 72 to 58 districts.
• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has 03 major schemes namely Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) and Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme through which funds are given to States to tackle left wing extremism.
• Under SRE, expenditure incurred by the States on Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is reimbursed on 100% basis, while for other items the reimbursement is made on sharing basis in the ratio of 60(Centre):40 (State).
• SIS is implemented on sharing basis in the ratio of 60(Centre):40 (State).
• Under SCA funds are provided to States to fill critical gaps in Public Infrastructure & Services in 30 Most LWE Affected Districts.
• This is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme.

Review Process and Communication:

• The revision follows a detailed review conducted by the Union home ministry and the 10 affected states.
• The MHA communicated the new categorization to the chief secretaries and directors general of police of these states.
• The revised categorization will be effective from the upcoming financial year beginning on April 1.
• The reduction in the number of LWE-hit districts is attributed to the combined efforts of the Ministry and the states in implementing various interventions, both security- and development-related.
• These efforts have led to a marked improvement in the LWE scenario across the affected regions.

Classification of Districts:

• The districts are categorized under two broad heads: LWE-affected and Legacy and Thrust districts.

LWE-Affected Districts:

• These are districts where violence and other Maoist activities persist.
• They are further sub-categorized into ‘most affected districts’ and ‘districts of concern’.
  • Most Affected Districts:
    • There are 12 such districts, down from 35 in 2015, indicating a decreasing trend over the years.
    • Chhattisgarh holds the highest number of these districts.
  • Districts of Concern (DOC):
    • A total of 9 new DOC districts have been identified, with Jharkhand having the highest representation.

Legacy and Thrust Districts:

• Legacy Districts: These are districts no longer LWE-affected but still require support for consolidating gains and continued development.
• Thrust Districts: These are considered prospective sites for LWE expansion, necessitating continued support for capacity building.

Distribution of Districts:

• Chhattisgarh has the highest number of LWE-affected districts, followed by Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Legacy and Thrust districts are spread across Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.

Utilization of Resources:

• The MHA emphasized that resources and funds allocated under the SRE scheme will be utilized in a focused manner on districts as per the revised categorization.
• This ensures efficient allocation of resources to combat the LWE menace effectively.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mha-revises-count-of-lwe-hit-districts-covered-by-special-funding-scheme-to-58-from-72-101710559960252-amp.html

THE CONTEXT: The State Bank of India and the Election Commission have released a list of those who purchased electoral bonds compelled by the Supreme Court notice recently. It is a big step in the right direction to remove the secrecy around electoral funding in India.

MORE ON THE NEWS:

• Supreme Court issued a notice to the SBI on the question of a fuller disclosure of the list of those who purchased electoral bonds to provide greater clarity on the questions of who paid whom, when they did so and why.
• The information reveals major buyers, including industrialists like Lakshmi Mittal, Sunil Mittal’s companies, Vedanta, ITC, and Mahindra and Mahindra. Future Gaming and Hotel Services, under ED scrutiny, bought bonds worth over Rs 1,350 crore. Vedanta Ltd, Sunil Mittal’s companies, and others also made significant purchases.
• The BJP, Congress, and several other parties received donations through these bonds, aiming to enhance transparency in political funding.
• At one level, it is deeply symbiotic the list points to the possibility of some donations being linked to entities securing lucrative contracts or licences at both the central and state level.
• A significantly large number of donors are from sectors that are more tightly controlled, more regulated by the government.
• These sectors such as mining, telecom, infrastructure, real estate and construction are where clearances and licences are required, and where contracts are awarded by governments. Instances of donations by those in sectors lightly regulated by the government are few.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MOVE:

• Transparency and Accountability in Political Funding: This move tend to ensure transparency and accountability in political funding. In addition to the details of the purchasers, SBI has also provided the EC with information regarding the date of encashment of the electoral bonds and the names of the political parties that received the donations.
• Close the nexus of business and politics: The revelations of donor names will help close the nexus of relationship between big business and politics.
• Right to know: The move is a watershed moment for transparency, and the citizen’s right to know which lie at the heart of the democratic governance.

ISSUES RELATED TO ELECTORAL BOND:

• Anonymity of electoral bonds: Critics argue that the one of the major issues related to electoral bond is anonymity of electoral bonds. This is contradictory to its basic idea that is to bring transparency to election funding.
• Democratic principles: Another issue faced by electoral bond is that it is against the democratic principles and representative democracy. As in a representative democracy, citizens cast their vote for the people who will represent them in Parliament. However, in case of electoral bond voters could not know which individual, company, or organization has funded which party, and to what extent.
• Affect Free & Fair Elections: As the anonymity does not apply to the government, which can always access the donor details by demanding the data from the SBI. This can affect free and fair elections.
• Crony Capitalism: The electoral bonds scheme removes all pre-existing limits on political donations and effectively allows corporations to fund elections subsequently paving the way for crony capitalism.
• Skewed benefits: There are also indications of a severely skewed system of election finance that the ruling party at the Centre and in several states, has evidently benefitted from the electoral bonds.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Revelation of code: The State Bank of India should provide the unique alphanumeric code on the electoral bonds which it had to. This code would allow the matching of each and every donation by the donors to the political parties.
• Regulation of Donations: There should be regulation on donations in both the terms who can and to what extent. It will ensure that a party is not captured by a few large donors whether individuals, corporations, or civil society organisations.
• Balancing Transparency and Anonymity: One of the most prominent solution is to balance legitimate public interests in transparency and anonymity. Many jurisdictions strike this balance by allowing anonymity for small donors, while requiring disclosures of large donations.
• Pre-determined criteria: The most commonly used method is to set predetermined criteria. For instance, in Germany, parties receive public funds on the basis of their importance within the political system.
• Limits on Expenditure: There should be limit on expenditure to safeguard politics from a financial arms race as it parties from the pressure of competing for money even before they start to compete for votes. Therefore, some jurisdictions impose an expenditure limit on political parties.

THE CONCLUSION:

Electoral bonds data raises troubling questions around secrecy and citizen’s right to know and, in this case, more disclosure is needed to ensure the same. Therefore, Court’s judgment striking down the electoral bonds scheme and its subsequent order pushing the SBI to submit the data are immensely welcome.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1 The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability.” Discuss. (2018)

Q.2 Whether electoral bonds are effective in ensuring fair, just and open elections? Discuss the various concerns regarding electoral bonds. (2022)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q.1 The Court’s judgment striking down the electoral bonds scheme, and its subsequent order pushing the SBI to submit the data is watershed moment for transparency, and the citizen’s right to know. Critically analyse the statement.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/the-bond-trail-9216861/

THE CONTEXT: Bengaluru is facing its worst drought in decades, affecting the city’s water supply. The state has declared drought in several taluks, with efforts to manage the crisis including controlling the water “mafia,” using private borewells, and deploying tankers. However, there have been accusations of politicization and water distribution challenges.

ISSUES:

• Severe Water Shortage: Bengaluru is currently facing a severe water shortage due to Karnataka’s worst drought in four decades. The city requires 2,600-2,800 million liters of water daily for its 14 million residents but is only managing half of this amount. Nearly 7,000 out of over 13,000 borewells in the city have dried up, exacerbating the crisis.
• Impact on Various Sectors: The water crisis has affected schools, hospitals, industries, and even the city’s IT hub. To prevent the misuse of potable water, Bengaluru authorities have imposed strict curbs and fixed rates for tankers supplying water to residential areas.
• Government Measures: The state government is taking steps to address the crisis by utilizing milk tankers from the Karnataka Milk Federation to supply water and taking over private borewells in and around the city. However, experts are concerned that the situation may worsen in the coming weeks.
• Historical Water Management: Historically, Bengaluru met a significant portion of its water needs from human-made lakes. However, rapid urbanization led to the loss of these water repositories as green areas were cut down and lake catchments became dumping sites for waste.
• Environmental Concerns: A study revealed that 85% of Bengaluru’s remaining water bodies were severely polluted in 2017. The city’s water supply infrastructure has not kept pace with urbanization, highlighting broader issues with water management in major Indian cities.
• National Implications: The challenges faced by Bengaluru serve as a warning for other major cities in India. Studies like the Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index predict that without mitigation measures, many cities could run out of groundwater by 2030, leading to significant economic losses by 2050.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Policy and Governance: India needs to develop and implement comprehensive water policies like Australia’s National Water Initiative, which provides a blueprint for water management across the country, focusing on sustainable water use, water access entitlements, and market-based water allocation.
• Improve Water Governance: Singapore’s active governance in water management, including the Public Utilities Board’s (PUB) efforts in water conservation, recycling, and desalination, serves as a model for effective water governance. India could benefit from adopting similar governance structures to manage its water resources more efficiently.
• Adopt Sustainable Water Management Technologies: Israel’s use of drip irrigation technology demonstrates how technology can significantly reduce water usage in agriculture while increasing crop yields. India could adopt similar technologies to address its irrigation inefficiencies.
• Increase Public Awareness: The Clean India Mission (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan) has successfully raised awareness about sanitation and cleanliness across India. A similar nationwide campaign focused on water conservation could help in changing public attitudes and behaviors towards water usage.
• Community-Level Water Conservation: The traditional rainwater harvesting techniques practiced in Rajasthan, India, such as the construction of ‘johads’ or small earthen check dams, have proven effective in conserving water at the community level. These practices can be revitalized and promoted across other parts of India.
• Promote Water-Efficient Agriculture: The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method, which has been adopted in various Indian states, uses less water and has shown to increase rice yields. Expanding the use of SRI and similar water-efficient agricultural practices can help mitigate water scarcity.
• Enhance Pollution Control and Sewage Treatment: The Ganga Action Plan, although facing challenges, represents India’s effort to clean upriver pollution. Learning from international examples like the Thames River cleanup in the UK, India can adopt more effective strategies for river rejuvenation and sewage treatment.

THE CONCLUSION:

The severe drought and water crisis in Bengaluru demand immediate and innovative solutions to ensure water availability for its residents. The government’s measures, including the use of tankers and the regulation of water distribution, aim to mitigate the immediate effects. However, the situation calls for long-term strategies, such as improving water infrastructure, enhancing groundwater recharge, and promoting water conservation among citizens to prevent future crises.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q.1) What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launches by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)

Q.2) The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (2018)

Q.3) The growth of cities as I.T. hubs have opened up new avenues of employment but has also created new problems. Substantiate this statement with examples. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1) Examine the impact of recurrent droughts on urban and rural livelihoods in India. Discuss the effectiveness of current drought management strategies and suggest comprehensive measures that the government should adopt to mitigate the adverse effects of droughts in the future.

SOURCE:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/a-penal-code-for-ai-9216837/