The Study IAS

Tag: GS-1

  • Revival of Gold Mining at Kolar Gold Fields

    Context:

    The Karnataka government on Thursday cleared a proposal of the Centre for reviving gold mining and auctioning of 13 tailing dumps spread over 1,003.4 acres at Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) by the Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML).

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    • Bharat Gold Mines Limited (BGML), erstwhile public sector undertaking was incorporated in April, 1972 under the administrative control of Department of Mines with its office at KGF
    •  Engaged in (i) mining and production of gold mainly in KGF and (ii) in a few smaller operations in Andhra Pradesh.

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    More on News:

    • Approximately 33 million tonnes of tailing dumps (extraction waste) are estimated to be lying at the 13 tailing dumps at KGF.
    • It is estimated that processing one tonne of these dumps yields one gram of gold.
    • A Cabinet meeting cleared the proposal submitted to the State government by the Centre under column 17 of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act, 1957, seeking the State’s consent for reviving gold mining at KGF.

    gold is a chemical element ,gold chemical properties,gold conductivity.

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    About Kolar Gold Field Mines:

    • KGF (Kolar Gold Fields) is situated 100 kilometres from Bangalore in Karnataka’s Kolar district.
    • KGF has a rich history dating back to the first century BC. 
    • It has been a significant source of wealth for rulers in South India, including during the periods of the Satvahanas, Chola Empire, Vijayanagar Empire, and Tipu Sultan’s reign.
    • The British mining company John Taylor introduced electric power in the 1920s.
      • It was known as “Little England “ by the British, due to its more temperate Weather and a landscape more similar to Britain`s.
    • Mining Legacy: Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. operated KGF from 1880 to 2001. Economic challenges due to declining gold yields forced its closure in 2001.
    • Revival: In July 2010, the Supreme Court’s ruling cleared the path for resuming mining activities, including the auction of gold mines. 
      • The government later announced auction plans in 2016.
      • Kolar  has deposits of gold in India. These mines are among the deepest in the world which makes mining of this ore a very expensive process.

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    The Gold Mines in India:

    • Karnataka: Kolar Gold Fields (KGF): The oldest gold mine of India.Hutti Gold Mines, Ganajur Gold Mine.
    • Andhra Pradesh: Jonnagiri Gold Mine: The first privately owned gold mine of India, Ramagiri Gold Mine.
    • Uttar Pradesh: Sonbhadra Gold Mines: The newly discovered gold mine of India, 
    • Jharkhand: Lava Gold Mine.

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    Interesting Facts About Gold:

    • Gold is the only naturally yellow metal; others turn yellowish through oxidation.
    • Gold is highly ductile, capable of being drawn into very thin wires.
    • As a noble metal, gold is resistant to corrosion and oxidation.

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  • Nalanda University

    Context:

    Prime Minister inaugurates Nalanda University Campus in Rajgir, Bihar.

     

    About Nalanda University: 

    • Nalanda Mahavihara, a Buddhist university, was built in 427 AD by Emperor Kumaragupta in Bihar, in the ancient kingdom of Magadha.
    • Significance: Considered one of the greatest learning centres of the ancient world, it flourished for 800 years until the 12th century CE, reaching its peak during Harshavardhana and the Pala monarchs.
      • It was also visited by Hiuen Tsang, who took back several scriptures and translated them into Chinese.
    • Academic Excellence: Admission was highly competitive. Students were mentored by renowned Buddhist teachers such as Dharmapala and Silabhadra.
    • The university’s library, “Dharma Gunj,” housed nine million palm-leaf manuscripts.
    • Scholars and Subjects: Nalanda attracted over 10,000 students and scholars from across Asia, including Aryabhatta, who taught here.
      • Subjects included Ayurveda, mathematics, logic, grammar, Indian philosophy, astronomy, and Buddhist principles.
      • It also created top-notch academicians like Dharmakirti, Nagarjuna, etc.
    • Destruction and Rediscovery: Destroyed in 1193 by Bakhtiyar Khilji, it was rediscovered in 1812 by Francis Buchanan-Hamilton and identified by Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1861.

  • Places in News: Thailand

    Context:

    Thailand’s Senate has approved the marriage equality bill toward legalising same sex marriage in the country.

    • The development will make Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia after Nepal and Taiwan to fully recognise same-sex marriage

    thailand map

    About Thailand

    • Official Name: Kingdom of Thailand
    • Form of Government: Constitutional monarchy
    • Capital: Bangkok
    • Official Language: Thai
    • Money: Baht
    • Location: It is situated centrally in Southeast Asia, and shares borders with Cambodia to the east, Laos to the northeast, and Myanmar to the northwest.
    • Geography: It is bounded by the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east, with a long, hilly, and forested southern region connecting with Malaysia.
    • Culture: Influenced by Buddhism, evident in its temples and traditional arts, while also incorporating elements from neighbouring countries.
    • Festivals: Like Songkran (Thai New Year) and Loy Krathong (festival of lights).
    • Major rivers: The Chao Phraya in the west and the Mekong in the east. Other rivers include Mae Klong River, Nan River, Ping River.
    • Major mountains: The highest peak is Doi Inthanon other notable peaks such as Doi Chiang Dao and Doi Luang Chiang Dao.
    • Climate: It experiences a tropical climate which is influenced by seasonal monsoon winds.
    • Cuisine: Famous for its spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavours.
      • Dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Green Curry.
    • Tourism: Historical sites like Ayutthaya to beach resorts in Phuket and Koh Samui.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ban Chiang, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, Kamphaeng Phet, Wat Phrathat Phanom Woramahawihan.

  • INCOIS’s New Product to Forecast El Niño and La Niña

    Context:

    Recently, INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services) has introduced a new forecasting product called the Bayesian Convolutional Neural Network (BCNN) to predict El Niño and La Niña conditions.

     

    More On News : 

    • This product leverages advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep learning, and machine learning (ML) to enhance the accuracy and lead time of forecasts related to the phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

     

    BCNN Working:

    • BCNN predicts ENSO phases (El Niño, La Niña, neutral), crucial for agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management. 
    • It uses SST anomalies in the Niño3.4 region (5°N to 5°S, 170°W to 120°W) to calculate the Niño 3.4 index. 
    • By integrating Bayesian inference with CNNs, BCNN handles prediction uncertainty and leverages spatial SST data relationships. 
    • It provides early forecasts by analysing oceanic variations and atmospheric couplings, offering sufficient lead time for decision-making.

     

    BCNN Comparison with Existing Weather Forecasting Models:

    • BCNN integrates dynamic weather models with AI, enhancing ENSO phase forecasts up to 15 months ahead—outperforming traditional models by 6 to 9 months. 
    • It utilises historical simulations from CMIP5 and CMIP6 datasets (1850-2014) for robust training, overcoming oceanic data limitations. 

     

    Significant challenges

    • Limited Oceanic Data: Scarce long-term sea surface temperature (SST) records in the central Pacific hindered BCNN training.
    • Short Observation Period: Sparse SST data since 1871 limited BCNN’s accuracy, especially for rare El Niño or La Niña events.
    • Complexity of ENSO Phenomenon: The intricate interactions between ocean and atmosphere in El Niño and La Niña events posed challenges for BCNN, as these phenomena involve nonlinear dynamics and complex feedback loops.
    • Operational Deployment: Real-time data integration and user-friendly interfaces posed challenges in BCNN’s operational use.

     

    What is El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) ?

    • ENSO is a recurring climate pattern where temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean fluctuate every 3 to 7 years. Surface waters across a large area warm or cool by 1°C to 3°C, affecting rainfall in the tropics and influencing the global weather system.
    • Though ENSO is a single climate phenomenon, it has 3 phases : El Niño , La Niña and ENSO-neutral.
    • El Niño : 
      • It causes warming of the ocean surface, resulting in above-average sea surface temperatures (SST) in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. 
      • This leads to reduced rainfall over Indonesia and increased rainfall across the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. 
      • The usual easterly winds along the equator weaken or may reverse, occasionally becoming westerly. 
      • The warmer the ocean temperature anomalies, the stronger the El Niño (and vice-versa).

     

    • La Niña : 
      • This entails cooling of the ocean surface, causing below-average sea surface temperatures (SST) in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. 
      • Over Indonesia, rainfall tends to increase while decreasing over the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. 
      • The normal easterly winds along the equator intensify further. 
      • The cooler the ocean temperature anomalies, the stronger the La Niña (and vice-versa).

     

    • Neutral Phase: 
      • This phase occurs when neither El Niño nor La Niña is dominant. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the tropical Pacific are generally near average.

     

    • El Niño, La Niña and Indian Monsoon Relationship : 
      • El Niño weakens trade winds across the Pacific, reducing moisture-laden monsoon winds over India, leading to reduced monsoon rainfall. Historically, at least half of the El Niño years were monsoon droughts (below -10% departure from the long-term average).
      • La Niña, the cool phase of ENSO, generally enhances the strength of the trade winds, potentially increasing the moisture-laden monsoon winds over India, often leading to increased rainfall.

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    The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) : 

    • The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a climate phenomenon characterised by the difference in sea surface temperatures between the western and eastern parts of the Indian Ocean.
    • It’s often referred to as the “Indian Nino” due to its similarity to the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Pacific Ocean.

    Phases : 

    Positive IOD:

    • Occurs when the western Indian Ocean (near Somalia) is warmer than the eastern Indian Ocean (near Indonesia).
    • This temperature gradient influences air circulation patterns, leading to rising air and potentially enhancing rainfall over the western Indian Ocean and parts of the Indian subcontinent.
    • Conversely, it suppresses rainfall over eastern Africa, Indonesia, southeast Asia, and Australia.

    Negative IOD:

    • Occurs when the eastern Indian Ocean (near Indonesia) is warmer than the western Indian Ocean (near Somalia).
    • This phase can lead to reduced rainfall over the Indian subcontinent and increased rainfall over Indonesia and Australia.

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    ESSO-INCOIS : 

    • It was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES) and is a unit of the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO). 
    • It is mandated to provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations and constant improvements through systematic and focussed research
    • It Operates Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) and is designated as Regional Tsunami Service Provider (RTSP) by UNESCO’s IOC.

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  • Places in News: Armenia

    Context:

    The USA welcomed Armenia as the newest nation to sign the Artemis Accords.

     

    More on News:

    • Armenia became the 43rd signatory to the Artemis Accords.
    • The Artemis Accords were established in 2020 by the United States and seven other countries to set out a practical set of principles to guide the exploration and use of outer space. (India also has signed the Artemis Accords).

    armenia map

    About Armenia:

    • Capital: Yerevan.
    • Landlocked country.
    • Bordering Country: Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan. 
    • Its terrain is mainly mountainous, with forests and fast-flowing rivers.
    • Longest River: The Aras River. 
    • Lake Sevan: One of the highest and largest freshwater lakes in the world.
    • Highest Peak: Mount Ararat.
    • Member of: Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
    • Conflict with Azerbaijan: Centred around the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

     

  • Coal Reforms

    Context:

    The Centre is preparing to launch ‘Coal Reforms 3.0’, aimed at reducing overall coal imports and increasing the availability of coal for industrial sectors.

     

    More on News:

    • Following coal nationalisation in 1971 and the introduction of the e-bidding regime in 2015, the ministry views this as the third wave of reform, targeting the non-power sector, especially the steel industry.
    • India is the second-largest producer of crude steel globally, and its steel mills require significant quantities of coking coal to meet domestic demand.

    Coal Reforms 3.0

    About Coal Reforms 3.0:

    • Plans to unlock the domestic production of coking coal through a new forward bidding auction process.
      • Forward bidding:  
        • Forward bidding is a method of coal mine allocation where coal blocks are put up for bidding by various companies. 
        • The bidding process involves companies submitting their bids for the coal blocks, and the highest bidder is awarded the coal block. 
        • This method is used to allocate coal blocks for commercial mining, where the coal is sold to companies for use in their operations.
    • Targeting zero coal imports in the next two financial years.
    • Aims to provide coal to non-power sector.
      • Non-power sector consumers of coal such as aluminium, steel and cement producers.
      • These non-power sector faces the issue of low coal supplies from Coal India Ltd (CIL) as a result of the Central government’s move to prioritise supply for thermal power plants during shortage of coal.
    • Removing end use restrictions for auction Participants.

     

    About Coal Reforms 1.0:

    • Nationalisation of the coal sector in 1973 through The Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, of 1973 with Coal India Limited (CIL) becoming the dominant player.
    • Reasons for Nationalisation:
      • To ensure a scientific approach to the exploration and exploitation of coal deposits with due attention to safety, conservation and environmental aspects. 
      • Accelerating the production level through substantial investment so as to reduce India’s dependence on oil.
      • Recognizing the importance of coal, a primary source of energy in the national economy and the massive investment needed to meet the huge demand.

     

    About Coal Reforms 2.0:

    • Enactment of the Coal Mines Special Provisions Act, 2015:  
      • It reformed the coal mining sector in India by introducing the transparent auction process, encouraged Private participation, generated revenue for the government, creating employment opportunities.
    • Amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act:
      • To enhance transparency and efficiency in the allocation of mining licenses.
    • Launch of Commercial coal mining auctions in 2020, allowing private sector participation.
      • Commercial coal mining auctions were launched marking the entry of private players into the coal sector. 
      • This move attracted investments, spurred competition, and led to increased efficiency and faster project implementation. 
    • Approval of a single e-auction window for coal sales by coal companies.
      • It will cater to all the Sectors viz. Power & Non-Regulated Sector including traders. 
      • It would enable the coal companies to sell coal through the market discovered price mechanism and thus, implementing this policy will lead to the removal of Market distortions. 
    • Amendments to the New Coal Distribution Policy (NCDP) to allow the sale of coal from closed/abandoned/discontinued mines.
    • Allowing 100% FDI in coal mining to attract global expertise and advanced technologies.
    • Introduction of the Coal Mines Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS) and the Khanan Prahari app to enhance security and transparency in coal mining.
      • Khanan Prahari empowers citizens to report illegal mining, while CMSMS aids tracking and analysis, fostering transparency and coordination.

    difference between coal major and coal minor.

  • India Ageing Population

    Context:

    Preparing for India’s Ageing Population: Ensuring Social, Financial, and Active Lifestyles.

     

    More on News:

    • The projected magnitude of the elderly population(aged 60 & above) is estimated at 319 million by mid-century, growing by around 3% a year from 153 million.
    • India ageing, elderly to make up 20.8% of the population by 2050: United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA report).

     

    Vulnerabilities of the Elderly Population:

    • Restrictions in activities of daily living (ADL):
      • ADLs refer to the daily activities that people perform to maintain their independence, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and using the bathroom.
      • Restrictions in ADLs can be a significant vulnerability for the elderly, as it can lead to a loss of independence and increased reliance on others for daily care

     

    • Multi-morbidity: 
      • It refers to the presence of multiple chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.
      • While 75% of the elderly population are victims of one or more chronic diseases and 40% of those aged 45 and above have one or the other disability.
        • Two threatening forces are diabetes and cancer which appear to be frequent among India’s elderly.
      • 20% of those aged above 45 self-reporting some ailment, primarily associated with depression.

     

    • Poverty: 
      • Poverty is inherently gendered in old age when older women are more likely to be widowed, living alone, with no income and with fewer assets of their own, and fully dependent on family for support.
        • As per the UNFPA report population of people aged 80+ years will grow at a rate of around 279% between 2022 and 2050 with a “predominance of widowed and highly dependent very old women” 
      • There also appears to be food insecurity among India’s elderly where 6% of those above 45 years of age ate smaller portions or skipped meals.
        • 5.3% of them did not eat despite being hungry. 
        • This phenomenon may look minimal but has its bearing on nutrition and consequential morbidities.

     

    • Absence of any income: 
      • It is significant vulnerability for the elderly, as it can lead to financial insecurity and reduced access to necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare.
      • More than 40% of the elderly in India are in the poorest wealth quintile, with about 18.7% of them living without an income, as per UNFPA report. 

     

    • Familial transition:  
      • With a growing trend towards nuclear family set-up, and increasing education, urbanisation and industrialisation, the vulnerability of elderly is rapidly increasing.
      • Persistence of vulnerabilities in individual elderly arising simply out of the household features more than individual characteristics. 
      • Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India (LASI, 2017-18) reports that about 20% of the elderly population experience each of these vulnerabilities with widespread variation across the States.

     

    Steps taken by the Government towards Elder People:

    • Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Scheme for providing Physical Aids and Assisted-Living Devices for Senior Citizens.
      • Ministry: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
      • Objective: To provide aids and assisted living devices viz. walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers/crutches, tripods/quadpods, hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial dentures and spectacles, free of cost to senior citizens.
      • Coverage: Under the revised Scheme, the beneficiaries extended to include senior citizens with monthly income not more than Rs. 15000/- and who suffer from age-related disabilities/infirmities as mentioned above along with senior citizens belonging to BPL category.

     

    • The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: 
      • It came into being due to the gradual withering away of the Joint Family System in society.
      • Old-Age Homes: State governments are empowered to establish old-age homes in every district to provide shelter and care to senior citizens.
      • Maintenance Tribunals: Senior citizens who are unable to maintain themselves can apply to a maintenance tribunal for a monthly allowance from their children or heirs. State governments may set up maintenance tribunals in every sub-division to decide the level of maintenance.
      • Appellate Tribunals: Appellate tribunals may be established at the district level to hear appeals against maintenance tribunal decisions.
      • Monthly Allowance: State governments shall set the maximum monthly maintenance allowance.
      • Punishment for Non-Compliance: Failure to pay the required monthly allowance can result in a fine of Rs 5,000 or up to three months imprisonment, or both.

     

    • National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): 
      • The elderly, widows, and disabled persons belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) and fulfilling eligibility criteria prescribed in the NSAP guidelines, are provided financial assistance ranging from Rs.200/- to Rs.500/- p.m.

     

    • India has benefited significantly from the global understanding of ageing issues, which has evolved over the years. Key milestones include:
      • 1982 Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing
      • UN Principles for Older Persons in 1991
      • Second World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid in 2002. 

     

    • Global Efforts: The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) is a global collaboration—aligned with the last 10 years of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—that brings together governments, civil society, international agencies, to improve the lives of older people, their families and the communities:
      • The Decade will address four areas of action:
        • Creating age-friendly environments:
        • Combating ageism: 
        • Providing integrated care
        • Building long-term care systems

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    About United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA)

    • UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. 
    • Mission:
      • Its mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
      • Promote gender equality and empower women, girls and young people to take control of their bodies and their futures.
      • Provide access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services.
      • Ending unmet need for family planning, preventable maternal death, and gender-based violence and harmful practices including child marriage and female genital mutilation by 2030.  

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  • Places in News: Sweden

    Context:

    A Russian Su-24 bomber violated Swedish airspace near the strategic Baltic Sea island of Gotland, leaving only after Sweden scrambled two JAS-39 fighter jets, Sweden’s military said on Saturday.

    overview of sweden.

    Overview of Sweden:

    • Sweden is in the geographical region known as Scandinavia in northern Europe.
    • It is the largest country in the Nordic Region and has the biggest population.
    • Location: Sweden is situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula.
    • Etymology: The name “Sweden” originates from the Svear (Suiones), mentioned by Roman author Tacitus in 98 CE. Its ancient name was Svithiod.
    • Capital: Stockholm
    • Borders: Bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the northeast.
      • Eastern coastline along the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea.
      • Separated from Denmark by The Sound (Öresund) strait.
      • Southwestern coastline along the Skagerrak and Kattegat straits.
    • Environment and landscape is known for its inland lakes, vast forests, mountains covered in glaciers, and its thousands of coastal islands.
      • The Torne River is the longest in Sweden
      • Mount Kebne  is the highest peak in the Kebnekaise mountain range. 
    • Sweden’s  Arctic North: Known as the “land of the midnight sun” because during summer, the sun never sets.
      • In Stockholm, summer nights last only four hours, with the sky remaining in twilight.
    • Seasons: Winter extends until May, with long nights and short days.
    • Aurora Borealis: In the fall and spring, northern Sweden experiences the “aurora borealis” or “northern lights.”
    • These spectacular light shows of green and red are caused by collisions of tiny particles in the Earth’s atmosphere.

  • Places in News: Ranthambore National Park

    Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India.

    Ranthambore National Park

    • Location: Sawai Madhopur district, southeastern Rajasthan, India.
      • Surrounded by the Vindhya and Aravalli mountain ranges. 
      • It is bounded by Chambal River in the south and Banas River in the north.

     

    • Established as a sanctuary in 1955. 
      • Declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973. 
      • Became a national park in 1980. 
      • Expanded in 1991 to include Sawai Man Singh and Keladevi sanctuaries.

     

    • Area: Approximately 1,334 square kilometres including core and buffer areas.

     

    • Historical Significance
      • Ranthambore Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the park, dating back to the 10th century.
      • Other Structures: Ancient temples, mosques, hunting pavilions, and ruins of palaces.

     

    • Wildlife
      • Bengal Tigers: One of the best places in India to see wild tigers.
      • Other Mammals: Leopards, Indian Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Sambar Deer, Chital, Nilgai, and Indian Gazelle.
      • Birds: Over 300 species including migratory and resident birds.

     

    • Vegetation and Terrain:
      • Mixture of deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hillocks.
      • Features narrow valleys, lakes, canals, and waterfalls.
      • Notable lakes: Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab, and Malik Talab.
      • Flora: Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) is the most dominant tree species.
        • Other trees include Banyan, Peepal, and various types of Acacia.

     

    • Conservation
      • Project Tiger: Key tiger reserve under the national conservation program.

     

    • Challenges: Human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and habitat destruction.

     

    • Nearby Attractions
      • Kachida Valley: Known for its leopard population.
      • Lakarda and Anantpura: Areas to spot Sloth Bears and other wildlife.
      • Padam Talao: Largest lake in the park, famous for its water lilies.

     

    • Tourism
      • Safari Options: Jeep and canter safaris available for visitors to explore the park.
        • Peak tiger sightings usually occur from April to June.

     

    • National Parks in Rajasthan
      • Mukundra Hills (Darrah) National Park – Kota
      • Desert National Park – Jaisalmer
      • Keoladeo Ghana National Park – Bharatpur
      • Ranthambore National Park – Sawai Madhopur
      • Sariska National Park – Alwar

     

  • Hindu Kush-Himalaya: Diminished Snow Persistence

    Context:

    According to a new report released by ICIMOD, snowfall reduction over the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra basins is expected to be 23%, 17% and 15% respectively from November 2023 to April 2024 compared to the historical average of 2003-2023.

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    About ICIMOD:

    • The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre.
    • They are based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
    • It operates in eight regional member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
    • Their mission is to improve the lives and livelihoods of men, women, and children in the HKH.
    • ICIMOD’s work strengthens regional cooperation for conservation and sustainable mountain development.

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    Key Findings of the Report:

    • Snow Persistence Reduction: The report indicates a substantial reduction in snow cover, threatening early summer water availability. 
      • This anomaly follows a trend of decreasing snow amounts and persistence over the past 22 years.
    • Water Supply Impact: Snowmelt contributes approximately 23% of the total water flow in 12 major river basins originating from the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH). 
      • Reduced snow persistence poses a severe risk to water security for around 240 million people in the region and an additional 1.65 billion downstream.
    • Impact on Water Resources: The decrease in snow persistence directly affects the water availability in these basins. 
      • This reduction in snow cover translates to less snowmelt feeding into the rivers during the critical pre-monsoon period​​.
    • Historical Comparison: The data indicates a notable downward trend in snow cover over the past two decades, emphasising the ongoing impact of climate change on the region’s hydrological cycle​​.

    substantial reduction in snow cover, threatening early summer water availability

    Specific Basin Impacts:

    • Indus Basin: Snow persistence dropped 23.3% below normal, the lowest in the past 22 years, surpassing the previous low in 2018.
    • Ganga Basin: Experienced a 17% decrease in snow persistence, marking its lowest level, worse than the 15% recorded in 2018.
    • Brahmaputra Basin: Recorded a 15% decrease, significantly below normal levels.
    • Helmand Basin: Noted a 31.8% decline, the second-lowest after a 42% decrease in 2018.
    • Amu Darya Basin: Saw a 28.2% reduction in snow persistence, one of the lowest among Central Asian rivers.
    • Irrawaddy Basin: Showed a slight decline of 2.4%, reflecting fluctuating snow levels over the past 22 years.

    Specific Basin Impacts

    Climate Change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH): 

    • Warming Trends: Even with global warming limited to 1.5˚C, the HKH will likely experience at least 0.3˚C higher warming, with the northwest Himalaya and Karakoram seeing increases of at least 0.7˚C.
    • Temperature Extremes: Over the past five to six decades, there has been a rise in extreme warm events and a decrease in extreme cold events, with increasing variability in temperature indices.
    • Snow and Glacier Dynamics: Increased variability in western disturbances and higher snowfall probabilities in the Karakoram and western Himalaya may contribute to glacier mass increases in these areas.
    • Model Uncertainty: Climate model consensus is weak due to the region’s complex topography and the coarse resolution of global climate models.

    Climate Change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)

    Climate Change Implications:

    • Streamflow Variability: The reduction in snow persistence is likely to lead to increased variability in streamflow, with potential decreases in pre-monsoon flows. 
      • This change poses significant risks for irrigation, hydropower, and ecosystem services that rely on steady water supplies during this period​​.
    • Increased Risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): As glaciers continue to retreat, the formation of glacial lakes and the associated risk of GLOFs is expected to rise. 
      • This increase in glacial lakes further complicates water management and disaster risk reduction efforts in the region​​.

     

    Strategic Recommendations:

    • Enhanced Monitoring and Data Collection: Establish more extensive observation networks to better track snow cover and glacier dynamics. 
      • Implement long-term snow course monitoring to provide more accurate data on snow water equivalents in high mountain areas​​.
    • Climate Adaptation and Mitigation: Strengthen international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby mitigating future cryospheric changes. 
      • Develop adaptive water management strategies that account for the anticipated reductions in snowmelt and glacial runoff​​.
    • Risk Reduction for High-Mountain Hazards: Enhance the capacity for predicting and managing risks associated with glacial lake outburst floods. 
      • Promote the development of early warning systems and infrastructure improvements to mitigate the impacts of GLOFs​​.
    • Proactive Drought Management: The report urges governments to activate drought management strategies and update water management plans to address possible water shortages, especially in early summer.
    • Rainwater Harvesting: Emphasises the importance of collecting rainwater for irrigation and other uses to mitigate the effects of reduced snowmelt.
    • International Cooperation: Calls for collaboration among countries sharing transboundary rivers to update water management laws, ensuring long-term resilience to climate change.

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    Hindu Kush Himalaya

    • The HKH region is also known as the greater Himalayan region or “the roof of the World.”
    • Geographic Extent: Stretches over 3,500 kilometres.
      • Freshwater towers in South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia.
        • Source of ten major Asian river systems.
    • Spans across eight countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
    • Significance: Referred as the “Third Pole,” is home to the largest volume of ice outside the polar regions.

    [/stextbox]

     

    Way Forward:

    • The significant reduction in snow persistence in the HKH region serves as a wake-up call for researchers, policymakers, and communities.
    • With snow levels almost a fifth below normal, there is an urgent need to adopt proactive measures to manage water resources and ensure the region’s resilience to climate change.
    • The findings highlight the critical importance of updating drought management plans, enhancing rainwater harvesting efforts, and fostering international cooperation to safeguard water security for millions of people.

     

    Conclusion

    The report underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the challenges posed by reduced snow persistence in the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra basins. Through enhanced monitoring, international cooperation, and adaptive management strategies, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of these changes on water security and regional stability​​.

  • Places in News: Kuwait

    Context:

    The mortal remains of 45 Indian migrant workers who died in a fire in Kuwait were brought back by an Indian Air Force aircraft.

    map of kuwait.

    About Kuwait: 

    • Location: Northwestern corner of the Persian Gulf, Arabian Peninsula.
    • Neighbouring Countries: Iraq (west and north), Saudi Arabia (south), Persian Gulf (east).
    • Capital: Kuwait City.
    • Landscape: Predominantly desert except Al-Jahrāʾ Oasis at the western end of Kuwait Bay and a few fertile patches in southeastern and coastal areas.
      • Most parts of Kuwait are covered by the Arabian Desert.
    • It has no permanent surface water, either in the form of standing bodies such as lakes or in the form of flows such as perennial rivers. 
    • Its territory includes nine offshore islands, the largest of which are the uninhabited Būbiyān and Al-Warbah. 
    • The island of Failaka, located near the entrance of Kuwait Bay, has been populated since prehistoric times.

  • Places in News: Italy

    Context:

    On June 14, 2024, the Indian Prime Minister attended the G7 summit in Italy’s Apulia region and held bilateral meetings with world leaders such as the British Prime Minister, French President, and Pope Francis

     

    More on News:

    • At the G-7 Summit, the Prime Minister called for ending technology monopolies and promoting creativity for an inclusive society.
    • Invited leaders from 11 developing countries in Africa, South America, and the Indo-Pacific region to attend the G7 Summit, alongside India.

    italy

    About Italy:

    • Official Name: Italian Republic
    • Capital: Rome
    • Official Language: Italian
    • Currency: Euro (€)
    • Location: Southern Europe, bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and the Mediterranean Sea.
    • Geography: Shaped like a boot, Islands like Sicily and Sardinia are also part of the country.
    • Major Mountain Ranges: Alps, Apennines.
    • Major Rivers: Po, Adige, Arno, Tiber.
    • Major Cities: Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Venice, Florence.
    • Historical and Cultural Significance
      • Birthplace of the Roman Empire, a major center of ancient civilisation.
      • Renaissance: It was the cradle of the Renaissance, with cities such as Florence being cultural and artistic centres.
    • Climate: Temperate  Mediterranean.
    • Economy: Developed, high-income.
    • Industries: Known for automotive (Fiat, Ferrari), fashion (Gucci, Prada), and food (olive oil, wine, cheese).
    • Tourism: One of the world’s top tourist destinations, famous for its art, history, cuisine, and landscapes.
    • Culture and Society
      • Art and Architecture: Home to artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and architects like Palladio.
      • Cuisine: Renowned worldwide, featuring dishes like pasta, pizza, risotto, and regional specialties.
      • Fashion: Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals, hosting major events like Milan Fashion Week.
    • Key Landmarks
      • Colosseum: Ancient amphitheater in Rome.
      • Leaning Tower of Pisa: Iconic tilted bell tower.
      • Vatican City: Independent city-state, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
    • Sports: Football (soccer) is highly popular but other sports include basketball, volleyball, tennis, and cycling. 
      • Italy has won the FIFA World Cup four times.
    • Language: UNESCO reports 30 dialects and minority languages spoken in Italy, ranging from Venetian in the northeast to Tuscan, Ligurian, and Sicilian in the center.

  • Women’s Participation in Science And Technology

    Context:

    300 women scientists will receive research grants for three years under the CSIR-ASPIRE scheme.

     

    More in news:

    • A Special Call for Research Grants for Women Scientists (ASPIRE) scheme received approximately 3,000 proposals, indicating the government’s efforts to support women scientists.
    • It emphasised that innovations in science and technology should empower citizens, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision to promote ease of living.
    • The scheme is a testament to the government’s efforts to support women scientists.

     

    Key Points of Scheme:

    • It is a research grant program initiated by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to support women scientists in India. 
    • launched on the occasion of International Women’s Day last year (8 March)..
    • Aim: to empower women in science and technology by providing them with research grants for two or three years..
    • This is part of the broader vision to place Nari Shakti at the forefront of India’s development, moving towards Amrit Kal.
      • Only women scientists across India are eligible to apply.
    • Research grants are available for R&D in major disciplines including Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, and inter/trans-disciplinary sciences.

    council of scientific and industrial research

    Other Initiatives Supporting Women in Science and Technology:

    • IMPRINT:
      • Launched in November , 2015, IMPacting Research INnovation and Technology (IMPRINT) aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and technological innovations for societal benefit.
    • WISE-KIRAN:
      • The Department of Science and Technology administers the ‘Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN)’ scheme, featuring the ‘Women Scientist Scheme‘ for women returning to work after career breaks.
      • It also includes the ‘Consolidation of University Research through Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE)‘ program, aimed at developing infrastructure and research facilities in women’s universities.
    • GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions):
      • GATI aims to address gender inequality and promote gender-sensitive approaches within institutions.
    • SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research):
      • This program provides grants and fellowships to increase the participation of women scientists in research activities.
    • Vigyan Jyoti Programme:
      • Encourages high school girls, particularly in rural areas, to pursue STEM education.
    • Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs):
      • Increased female enrolment by introducing additional seats to promote gender diversity.
    • AICTE Schemes:
      • Includes the Pragati Scholarship and TechSaksham Programme aimed at enhancing employability among women in technical education.
    • These initiatives collectively aim to empower women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and promote their active participation in research and innovation in India.

     

    Challenges in Women Participation:

    • Cultural Perceptions:Science is often perceived as masculine, and early gender role socialisation deters girls from pursuing education and careers. 
    • Retention Challenges: To retain women in careers, supportive workplace environments, equal professional opportunities, and policies that accommodate caregiving responsibilities are essential beyond addressing entry barriers.
    • Policy and Institutional Support: continued efforts are necessary across educational institutions and workplaces to sustain and expand participation.
    • Data and Monitoring: Improving the collection and analysis of gender-disaggregated data on women is crucial for evidence-based policy-making and assessing the impact of interventions.

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    Women’s Participation:

    • STEM:
      • STEM is an educational program developed to prepare primary and secondary students for college, graduate study and careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
        • It aims to foster inquiring minds, logical reasoning and collaboration skills.
      • According to the study conducted by UNESCO only 35% of STEM students in higher education in India are women.
      • Despite high graduation rates, women’s participation in India’s STEM workforce remains low, with many dropping out after education.
        • According to a report by the National Science Foundation, women make up only 14% of the total workforce in STEM fields in India.
    • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR):
      • Women’s involvement in IPR, including patenting and trademarking, is increasing, with 40% of registered agents being women.
    • Women-led Startups in India:
      • There’s been a notable increase in women-led startups in India, with 15% of unicorns founded by women.
      • Initiatives like ASCEND Startup Workshop Series and Women for Startups Workshops support women entrepreneurs with essential skills and resources.

    [/stextbox]

     

  • Places in News: Hungary

    Context:

    The European Court of Justice ordered Hungary to pay a fine of 200 million euros and a further 1 million euros per day of delay for failing to comply with the bloc’s asylum rules.

    map of hungary

    About Hungary 

    • Capital: Budapest. 
    • It is a landlocked country of central Europe.
    • Hungarians know their country as Magyarország i.e the “Land of Magyars,” 
    • Bordering countries: 
      • North: Slovakia
      • Northeast: Ukraine
      • East: Romania
      • South: Serbia (specifically the Vojvodina region) and Croatia
      • Southwest: Slovenia
      • West: Austria
    • Rivers in Hungary: 
      •  Danube is the longest river in the country, its tributaries include the Rába and Dráva rivers. 
      •  Tisza is another river characterised by large meanders and oxbow lakes.
    • Lakes in Hungary: 
      • Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in central Europe.
      • Neusiedler Lake, called Lake Fertő in Hungary, was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2001.
      • Lake Velence
    • Climate and Vegetation: 
      • It has a moderately dry continental climate due to its location within the Carpathian Basin.
      • No part of the country has sufficient elevation to support natural coniferous forest. 
    • It has been a European Union (EU) Member since 1 May 2004. 
    • It has also been a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member since 1999.

  • Rotation of Earth’s Inner Core Has Slowed

    Context:

    Research published in Nature from the University of Southern California reveals that Earth’s inner core is backtracking.

     

    More on News

    • A USC study shows that the inner core began to slow down around 2010 moving slower than Earth’s surface.
      • Confirming a two-decade-long debate over its speed, which some researchers suggest is faster than the planet’s surface.
    • The latest study provides the most convincing resolution of the inner core’s slowdown based on two dozen more observations signalling the same pattern.

    the slowing of earth's inner core

    Key Highlights:

    • The Earth’s inner core, a solid iron-nickel sphere roughly the size of the moon, has been a subject of scientific debate for decades. 
    • Backtracking and Slowing Down: For the first time in approximately 40 years, it is moving slightly slower than the Earth’s mantle.
    • Causes: it is attributed to the churning of the liquid iron outer core, which generates Earth’s magnetic field, and gravitational tugs from dense regions of the overlying rocky mantle.
    • Seismic Evidence: Scientists cannot directly observe the inner core lies more than 3,000 miles beneath our feet. Instead, they rely on seismic waves from earthquakes to infer its movement.
      • USC researchers analysed seismic data from 121 repeating earthquakes  in the South Sandwich Islands between 1991 and 2023.
      • Also from twin Soviet nuclear tests (1971-1974) and other nuclear tests by repeated French and American tests from other studies.
    • A New Approach:
      • USC scientists used waveforms from repeating earthquakes to create renderings of the inner core’s movement.
      • Repeating earthquakes occur at the same location, producing identical seismograms.
      • By analysing data from these events, the researchers gained insights into the inner core’s behaviour.
    • Impact on Length of Day: Changes in inner core motion can cause the length of the day to vary by a fraction of a second, although this change is extremely subtle and nearly unnoticeable among other natural variations.