Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climate change and associated facts
Mains level: Climate change impact and need of agricultural research and development
Central idea
- Recently the G-7 Summit 2023 held in Japan highlighted the urgent need to address climate change and set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. India has the largest workforce (45.6 per cent in 2021-22) engaged in agriculture amongst G20 countries faces significant challenges. To mitigate the impact and ensure food and nutritional security, policymakers must prioritize agricultural research, development, education, and extension (ARDE).
Facts for prelims
- At the Hiroshima Summit 2023, the G7 nations stressed that the peak for global Green House Gas (GHG) emissions should be reached by 2025.
- They committed to an “Acceleration Agenda” for G7 countries to reach net-zero emissions by around 2040 and urged emerging economies to do so by around 2050.
- China has committed to net zero by 2060 and India by 2070
- World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has forecast that global near-surface temperatures are likely to increase by 1.1°C to 1.8°C annually from 2023 to 2027.
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Importance of ARDE
- ARDE, which stands for Agricultural Research, Development, Education, and Extension, plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, particularly in the context of climate change.
- Climate Resilience: Through research and development efforts, scientists and experts can identify crops and varieties that are more tolerant to changing climatic conditions, such as drought, heatwaves, or extreme rainfall. This enables farmers to adapt and minimize the negative impacts of climate change on crop yields and agricultural productivity.
- Resource Efficiency: By focusing on research and innovation, it aims to optimize the use of key resources like water, soil, and energy. This includes the development of precision farming techniques, efficient irrigation systems, soil management practices, and sustainable pest and disease control methods. Such advancements help conserve resources, reduce input costs, and minimize the environmental footprint of agriculture.
- Enhanced Productivity: This involves developing high-yielding crop varieties, improving agronomic practices, and disseminating knowledge and best practices through education and extension programs. By adopting these advancements, farmers can increase their yields, improve crop quality, and contribute to food security and economic growth.
- Sustainable Agriculture: ARDE focuses on reducing reliance on chemical inputs, minimizing soil degradation, preserving biodiversity, and promoting organic farming. Through research and education, it supports the transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural systems, ensuring the long-term viability of the sector.
- Innovation and Technology Adoption: By investing in research and development, it facilitates the discovery and dissemination of cutting-edge technologies, such as precision agriculture, genetic engineering, biotechnology, and smart farming solutions. These advancements help farmers improve efficiency, reduce losses, and enhance profitability.
- Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building: They focus on disseminating research findings, best practices, and agricultural knowledge to farmers, rural communities, and agricultural stakeholders. By strengthening the knowledge base and building capacity, ARDE empowers farmers with the skills and information necessary to make informed decisions and improve their farming practices.
India’s challenges in adapting to climate change
- Vulnerability to Extreme Weather Events: India is highly susceptible to extreme weather events, including cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These events can cause significant damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods, impacting the overall resilience of communities.
- Water Scarcity and Stress: Climate change exacerbates water scarcity in many regions of India. Changes in rainfall patterns, melting glaciers, and rising temperatures affect water availability for agriculture, domestic use, and industries. This poses challenges for irrigation, drinking water supply, and overall water management.
- Agriculture and Food Security: The agricultural sector is crucial for India’s food security and rural livelihoods. However, climate change poses risks to crop yields, productivity, and quality. Erratic rainfall, increased pests and diseases, and extreme temperature fluctuations can impact crop growth and food production, leading to food security challenges.
- Coastal Vulnerability: India has a long coastline, making it highly vulnerable to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. Coastal regions face threats to infrastructure, settlements, agriculture, and ecosystems. Climate change-induced sea-level rise also increases the risk of saltwater intrusion, affecting freshwater sources and agriculture in coastal areas.
- Health Impacts: Climate change influences the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, as well as heat-related illnesses. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns can affect the distribution of disease vectors and impact public health systems, particularly in vulnerable communities with limited access to healthcare.
- Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Disruption: Climate change poses risks to India’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems. Habitats, wildlife, and fragile ecosystems like coral reefs and mangroves face threats from changing temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and habitat loss. This can disrupt ecological balance and affect natural resources vital for human well-being.
- Infrastructure Resilience: India’s infrastructure systems, including transportation networks, energy grids, and urban settlements, face challenges in adapting to climate change impacts. Infrastructure vulnerabilities can lead to disruptions in services, increased costs for repairs and maintenance, and hindered economic growth.
- Socio-economic Inequalities: Climate change impacts can exacerbate existing socio-economic inequalities in India. Vulnerable communities, such as small farmers, tribal populations, and marginalized groups, are disproportionately affected by climate risks due to their limited resources, lack of access to information, and inadequate adaptive capacities.
Policy Reforms for Climate Resilience
- National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy: Developing a comprehensive national strategy focused on climate change adaptation is essential. This strategy should identify priority sectors, vulnerable regions, and specific adaptation measures.
- Mainstreaming Climate Considerations: Integrating climate change considerations into sectoral policies and plans is vital. This includes incorporating climate resilience into agriculture, water management, urban planning, infrastructure development, and coastal zone management policies.
- Strengthening Institutional Frameworks: Establishing robust institutional frameworks and coordination mechanisms for climate adaptation is necessary. This includes enhancing the capacity of relevant government departments, local authorities, and institutions to implement adaptation measures effectively.
- Building Climate Information Systems: Developing and strengthening climate information systems includes improving meteorological services, climate monitoring networks, early warning systems, and climate data management. Accessible and reliable climate information helps policymakers, communities, and sectors plan and respond to climate risks effectively.
- Promoting Nature-Based Solutions: Encouraging nature-based solutions can enhance climate resilience. This involves conserving and restoring natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and mangroves, which provide crucial ecosystem services. Nature-based solutions contribute to flood control, water regulation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation, thereby improving resilience to climate change.
Addressing Funding and Allocation Imbalance
- Scaling Up Experiments: To address climate change challenges effectively, increased funding allocation for ARDE is essential. While there has been an increase in total expenditure on ARDE, research intensity (ARDE as a percentage of agri-GDP) has declined. It is crucial to allocate more funds to scale up experiments and innovations in sustainable agriculture.
- Sector-wise Allocation: The current allocation of ARDE shows a skewed distribution towards crop husbandry, neglecting sectors like soil, water conservation, forestry, animal husbandry, dairy development, and fisheries. This imbalance needs correction to promote holistic agricultural research and development.
Conclusion
- As global temperatures rise and climate change impacts intensify, addressing remaining gaps in agricultural research and development becomes imperative. Increased investment in ARDE, realignment of expenditures and policies, and a focus on sustainable farming practices are essential to build climate resilience in India’s agriculture sector. By prioritizing these measures, India can secure food and nutritional security while mitigating the challenges posed by climate change.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Menstruation
Mains level: Menstrual health and Hygiene, Importance, challenges and way ahead
Central Idea
- In a recent incident in Maharashtra, a man mistakenly perceived period stains on his sister’s clothes as a sign of a sexual relationship, highlighting the prevalence of misinformation about menstruation in urban India. Despite living in the public domain, girls and women face challenges related to periods due to shame, stigma, and discrimination.
What is Menstruation?
- Menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle.
- It is a normal process for girls and women who have reached puberty.
- Every month, girl or women’s body prepares for pregnancy.
- If no pregnancy occurs, body gets rid of the lining in the uterus.
- The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from inside the uterus.
- The length of a period can be different for each person, but usually lasts for 3-7 days.
Barriers to Menstrual Hygiene in Urban Areas
- Lack of Awareness: Low-income groups in urban areas have limited understanding of periods and menstrual health, leading to poor practices and hygiene management.
- Limited Access to Menstrual Products: While period products are more easily available in urban areas, they are often wrapped in paper or black plastic bags, contributing to the associated shame and stigma.
- Inadequate Toilet Facilities: Low-income slums, pavement dwellers, educational institutions, and workplaces lack easily accessible, safe, clean, and convenient toilet facilities.
- Poor Waste Management: Improper disposal of menstrual waste poses health risks to sanitation workers who are forced to sort through waste without proper protection, undermining their health and dignity.
Did you know?
- The menstrual cycle can be affected by external factors such as stress, changes in temperature and altitude, and even exposure to certain chemicals and toxins.
- This can cause changes in the length of the cycle, the intensity of bleeding, and the severity of symptoms.
- There is also a small percentage of women who experience menorrhagia, which is an excessive bleeding during menstruation. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances, fibroids, endometriosis, and other underlying medical conditions.
Actions for Improvement
- Awareness and Education: Continuous efforts should be made to raise awareness about periods, address harmful social norms, and challenge gender stereotypes related to menstruation.
- Availability of Menstrual Products: Reusable and disposable menstrual products should be made more accessible through retail outlets, government schemes, social enterprises, and NGOs, ensuring people have the freedom to choose the products they prefer.
- Female-Friendly Toilets: Initiatives such as ‘She Toilets’ and ‘Pink Toilets’ that provide safe, private, and clean facilities with essential amenities for managing periods should be expanded.
- Menstrual Waste Management: Innovative solutions like providing dustbins and incinerators in female toilets, along with waste segregation initiatives like the ‘Red Dot Campaign’ and ‘PadCare Labs,’ can contribute to proper waste management.
Way ahead: Addressing Remaining Gaps
- Reaching Marginalized Groups: Efforts should be made to reach people living in unregistered slums, pavements, refugee camps, and other vulnerable conditions in urban areas. Outreach programs, community engagement, and partnerships with local organizations can help provide access to accurate information, menstrual products, and improved facilities.
- Worksites Support: Both formal and informal worksites need to cater to the menstrual needs of women who work. This can include providing clean and private toilet facilities, ensuring access to menstrual products, and promoting supportive workplace policies that address menstrual health needs.
- Innovations in Menstrual Waste Management: Continued support for innovative solutions in menstrual waste management is essential. This includes safe and effective methods for disposal, such as incineration or environmentally friendly alternatives, as well as scalable approaches that can be adopted in different urban contexts.
- Engaging Men and Boys: Promoting gender equality and breaking menstrual taboos require engaging men and boys as allies and advocates. Educating them about menstrual health, addressing gender stereotypes, and fostering supportive attitudes can help create an environment of acceptance and inclusion.
- Research and Data Collection: Robust research and data collection on menstrual health in urban areas are crucial for evidence-based interventions and policy formulation. Collecting data on access to facilities, product usage, hygiene practices, and health outcomes can guide targeted efforts and measure progress.
- Strengthening Partnerships: Collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, private sector entities, and community-based organizations is vital for comprehensive and sustainable interventions.
- Education and Awareness: Continuously raising awareness about menstrual health is pivotal. This includes comprehensive menstrual health education in schools, community workshops, and media campaigns to dispel myths, challenge social norms, and promote positive attitudes towards menstruation.
- Policy Advocacy: Advocating for supportive policies at the local, regional, and national levels can help address systemic gaps. This involves advocating for menstrual health as a public health priority, ensuring budget allocations for menstrual health initiatives, and integrating menstrual health into broader policies related to health, education, sanitation, and gender equality.
Conclusion
- As the world observes Menstrual Hygiene Day (28 May), it is essential to recognize menstrual health as vital to personal health, public health, and human rights for all. Urban India must overcome taboos, improve awareness, enhance access to products and facilities, and promote proper waste management. By addressing these issues, we can empower girls and women to navigate public spaces with dignity and ensure their overall well-being.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: G-7 Hiroshima Summit
Mains level: G-7 Hiroshima Summit, Challenges, approach and way ahead
Central idea
- The G-7 Hiroshima Summit, hosted by Japan, marks a significant event as Japan takes the lead since the 2008 summit. For Japan, the imperative lay in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing partnerships, and addressing security risks in a region crucial for global fortunes.
G7 Summit Hiroshima
- The 49th annual G7 Summit took place in Hiroshima. Japan hosted the summit in its capacity as the President of the G7.
- Prime Minister Kishida’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation was evident through the choice of Hiroshima as the host city.
- Prime Minister Modi attended the summit at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister.
- The participating leaders issued a leaders’ communiqué on the second day of the summit. The communiqué will be adopted officially at the end of the summit on the 21st.
- Current Members: US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan
Challenges Facing Japan
- Russia’s Aggression in Ukraine: Japan is deeply concerned about Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, which poses a threat to regional stability. The conflict, now more than a year old, shows little signs of abating, and Japan is actively monitoring the situation due to its potential impact on its national security strategy.
- China’s Assertive Behavior: Japan is closely watching China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, both militarily and geopolitically. China’s military modernization plans, territorial disputes in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and growing influence pose significant challenges for Japan’s security and regional stability.
- Military Pressures on Taiwan: Japan is alarmed by China’s growing military pressures on Taiwan, which has the potential to escalate tensions and trigger a regional conflict. Ensuring the peace and stability of Taiwan is vital for Japan’s national security interests, given its geographical proximity to the region.
- North Korea’s Nuclear Posturing: The volatile nuclear posturing and nuclear weapons program of North Korea are major concerns for Japan’s security. North Korea’s missile tests and threats of nuclear attacks not only pose a direct threat to Japan but also contribute to regional instability.
- Economic and Technological Resilience: Japan faces challenges in ensuring economic security, particularly in the face of global supply chain instability and the impact of sensitive technologies. Reviving and strengthening its chip industry and advancing collaborations in science and technology are crucial for Japan’s economic and technological resilience.
- Climate Change Impacts: As an island nation, it is particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, such as coastal erosion, increased flooding, and threats to food security.
- Regulation of Sensitive Technologies: Japan faces the complex task of regulating sensitive technologies to ensure national security without stifling innovation and economic growth. Striking a balance between fostering technological advancements and safeguarding against potential risks and misuse is a challenge that Japan must navigate.
Significance of the India-Tokyo Partnership
- Strategic Cooperation: The partnership between New Delhi and Tokyo holds significant strategic importance. As two major democracies in the Indo-Pacific region, their collaboration helps in addressing shared challenges and advancing common interests.
- Bilateral Defense Ties: The defense cooperation between India and Japan has been growing steadily in recent years. Regular joint military exercises, information sharing, and defense technology collaboration strengthen their respective defense capabilities.
- Economic Collaboration: India and Japan have been actively engaged in economic cooperation. Their partnership encompasses various sectors such as infrastructure development, technology, trade, and investment. Joint projects in the Indo-Pacific region promote connectivity, economic growth, and sustainable development.
- Regional Connectivity: The collaboration between India and Japan plays a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity. Initiatives like the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor (IPEC) aim to create infrastructure linkages and promote trade and investment in the region.
- Shared Values and Interests: India and Japan share common values of democracy, rule of law, and respect for international norms. Their partnership is built on a foundation of shared interests, including a free and open Indo-Pacific, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order.
- Counterbalancing China’s Influence: The New Delhi-Tokyo partnership serves as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries share concerns about China’s assertiveness and seek to uphold a rules-based order and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Middle Power Diplomacy: The partnership between India and Japan is an exemplar of middle power diplomacy. By joining forces, they can amplify their respective influence and promote stability and cooperation in the region. Their partnership serves as a model for other middle powers seeking to address global challenges collectively.
Way ahead: Advancing Shinzo Abe’s Legacy
- Strengthening Alliances and Partnerships: Like Shinzo Abe, current Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida can continue to prioritize the strengthening of alliances and partnerships. This includes nurturing relationships with key allies such as the United States, Australia, and India, and expanding cooperation in various areas such as security, trade, and technology.
- Network Building and Diplomatic Partnerships: Prime Minister Kishida can follow Shinzo Abe’s footsteps by actively engaging in network building and developing diplomatic partnerships across the world. This includes reaching out to countries in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond to foster collaboration, enhance understanding, and create a network of like-minded nations.
- Regional Leadership in the Indo-Pacific: Japan has a crucial role to play in shaping the strategic contours of the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Kishida can continue Shinzo Abe’s efforts in reinforcing Japan’s leadership position by actively engaging with regional forums and initiatives such as the Quad (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.), ASEAN, and the Indo-Pacific initiatives.
- Economic Engagement and Trade Initiatives: Shinzo Abe was instrumental in advancing Japan’s economic engagement with the world through initiatives like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Prime Minister Kishida can build upon this legacy by further promoting free trade, pursuing economic cooperation agreements, and supporting initiatives that foster economic growth and innovation.
- Active Engagement in Global Governance: Shinzo Abe played an active role in global governance by advocating for reform in international institutions and promoting Japan’s candidacy for key positions. Prime Minister Kishida can continue this legacy by actively engaging in global forums, working towards international reforms, and contributing to the development of global norms and rules.
Conclusion
- The G-7 Hiroshima Summit provided a platform for Japan to consolidate approaches in addressing pressing global challenges. Additionally, the deepening partnership between India and Japan contributes to middle-power diplomacy, upholding a rules-based order and countering unilateral attempts to alter regional dynamics. The summit reinforced Japan’s position as a crucial security actor and its willingness to actively engage in shaping the global order.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Live Streaming of Court
Central Idea
- The significance of live-streaming court proceedings as an extension of the ‘open justice’ and ‘open courts’ principle remains largely unrealized in India.
- Only nine out of the 25 High Courts in the country have implemented live streaming, while the Supreme Court restricts it to Constitutional cases.
What is live-streaming technology?
- At its core, streaming content is meant to help people attend events, expos, and experiences they cannot attend in person.
- Live streaming technology is how videos are streamed over the internet, live, in real-time, as they are being recorded.
- Live streaming technology is the internet’s response to live television broadcasts, with the most popular being news shows and sports.
Why discuss this?
- The Supreme Court emphasized the need for live streaming in district courts and High Courts as these are the courts where most citizens seek justice.
- Time and resource constraints, as well as the inability to travel long distances, limit public access to court hearings.
- Videoconferencing became essential since the COVID-19 pandemic, as physical hearings were not possible.
Early Adopters
- The Gujarat HC pioneered live streaming in October 2020, streaming proceedings on YouTube as an experiment.
- Other HCs, such as Karnataka and Meghalaya, followed with varying degrees of success.
- The Gujarat HC’s YouTube channel gained 1.24 lakh subscribers and 1.9 crore views.
Existing Restrictions
- Model Rules for Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings: These exclude certain case categories from live streaming, including matrimonial matters, child adoption and custody, sexual offences, child sexual abuse, and juvenile cases.
- Broadcasting rights issue: The Delhi High Court notified rules for live streaming proceedings but imposed restrictions such as a ban on reproducing or transmitting audio-visual recordings.
Significance of live streaming
- Instilling Faith in the Judiciary: Allowing ordinary people to view the workings of the highest court without barriers builds faith in the judiciary.
- Empowering the Masses: Live streaming enables the legal system to empower the masses and develop an informed citizenry.
- Respect for Rule of Law: Understanding the importance of the rule of law and how the judiciary protects the rights of marginalized sections of society.
- Living up to Constitutional Expectations: Live streaming aligns with public interest and the preservation of constitutional Article 19 and 21.
- Increased Transparency: Encourages the principle of open court, reduces reliance on second-hand information, and allows the public’s right to know.
- Elevating Legal Standards: Lawyers become better prepared, refrain from irresponsible remarks, and take justice delivery more seriously.
- Level Playing Field: Provides equal opportunities for younger lawyers to showcase their skills and competence.
- Academic Advancement: Inspires law students and encourages legal research on the functioning of the judiciary and the legal profession.
- Easy Accessibility: Eliminates the need for physical presence, allowing litigants to access proceedings from anywhere.
Issues with such policy
- Contempt of Court: Existing video clips of court proceedings on social media platforms often lack context and sensationalize events, potentially undermining the dignity of the court.
- Disinformation and Sensationalism: There are concerns that misuse or selective use of live streaming content may contribute to the spread of disinformation among the public.
- Unnecessary Activism: Increased visibility through live streaming could lead to justices behaving like politicians, seeking individual exposure rather than focusing solely on justice.
Physical barriers for it
- Internet Connectivity: Issues related to internet connectivity may hinder seamless live streaming, requiring attention for reliable access to court proceedings.
- Adequate Infrastructure: Provision of well-equipped spaces where lawyers can effectively present their cases is crucial for a smooth transition to live-streamed proceedings.
- Awareness and Training: Judges, court staff, and lawyers may lack familiarity with digital technology and its benefits. Efforts should be made to raise awareness and provide comprehensive training to ensure their proficiency.
Global examples
- Several countries, including the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, and China, have implemented live streaming of court proceedings in various formats.
- Live streaming formats include audio recordings (US), video recordings streamed on television (Brazil), video streaming on court websites (UK, Canada), and live streaming from trial courts up to the supreme court (China).
Way Forward
To promote open justice and improve access to justice, the following steps are recommended:
- Implementation of live streaming in all courtrooms of the Supreme Court and across all High Courts and district courts.
- Ensuring adequate infrastructure for videoconferencing and live streaming beyond the pandemic.
- Reviewing and revising restrictions on live streaming to strike a balance between transparency and privacy concerns.
- Conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the availability and benefits of live-streamed court proceedings.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Overturning Circulation
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Recent research indicates that the Antarctic overturning circulation, a global network of ocean currents, is slowing down at a faster rate than previously predicted.
- The overturning circulation is crucial for redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients, and maintaining Earth’s climate stability and deep-ocean oxygen levels.
What is Overturning Circulation?
- The overturning circulation (OC) refers to the large-scale circulation pattern in the global ocean, involving both surface and deep currents.
- It is a network of ocean currents that plays a crucial role in redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients around the globe.
- It is driven by the sinking of dense, cold, oxygen-rich water from the ocean surface to the deep ocean and the rising of less dense water in different regions.
How does it work?
- It operates on a global scale and involves the sinking and rising of water masses driven by density differences.
- Cold, dense water sinks in certain regions, while warmer, less dense water rises in other areas, creating a continuous flow of water.
Key components and processes
- Antarctic Bottom Water: Cold, dense water forms near Antarctica and sinks to the ocean floor, spreading northward along the seafloor.
- North Atlantic Deep Water: Another dense water mass forms in the North Atlantic and sinks to great depths.
- Thermohaline Circulation: Temperature and salinity differences drive the sinking and rising of water masses, influencing the overturning circulation.
- Deep Ocean Currents: Once the dense water sinks, it flows along the deep ocean basins, connecting various regions of the world ocean.
Observing and studying the OC
- Monitoring the overturning circulation is challenging due to its vast scale and complex dynamics.
- Observations include ship-based measurements, moored instruments, floats, satellites, and numerical models.
- Scientists use a combination of measurements and simulations to understand the behavior and changes in the overturning circulation.
Importance of the Overturning Circulation
- Heat redistribution: The overturning circulation helps regulate Earth’s climate by transporting heat from the equator to the poles and vice versa.
- Assist carbon cycle: It plays a vital role in redistributing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, impacting the global carbon cycle.
- Nutrient cycling: The circulation also facilitates the transport of nutrients, affecting marine ecosystems and productivity.
Consequences of a Slowing OC
- Climatic changes: A slowdown in the overturning circulation can have significant consequences for Earth’s climate and marine ecosystems.
- Nutrient disruption: It can disrupt the transport of heat, carbon, and nutrients, leading to changes in regional and global climate patterns.
- De-oxygenation: Reduced oxygen supply to the deep ocean can affect deep-sea marine life and potentially lead to shifts in species distribution.
Impact of Melting Antarctic Ice
- Melting Antarctic ice disrupts the formation of Antarctic bottom water, a key component of the overturning circulation.
- Freshening of surface waters due to melt-water makes them less dense and less likely to sink, slowing down the circulation.
Future Outlook
- Antarctica’s ice loss is expected to continue and accelerate with global warming.
- Anticipated freshening due to increased ice loss will prolong the slowdown and further decrease deep-ocean oxygen levels.
- The consequences of the slowdown extend beyond Antarctica, affecting the global ocean, climate change, and sea level rise.
- Urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to address these issues.
Way forward
- Intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Implement measures to mitigate ice loss from Antarctica and address the freshening of surface waters.
- Promote scientific research and monitoring to understand and respond to the ongoing changes.
- Raise awareness about the importance of the overturning circulation and its impact on climate and marine ecosystems.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Iron fortification
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Iron is an essential mineral for bodily functions, but excessive intake can be harmful.
- Fortification of food with iron is a suggested method for treating iron deficiency anemia.
- Excess consumption of fortified foods or simultaneous consumption of multiple fortified foods can lead to excessive iron intake.
What is Iron Fortification?
- Iron fortification refers to the process of adding iron to food products to increase their iron content.
- It is done using various forms of iron, such as iron salts or iron powders, which are added to the food during processing.
- It is a public health strategy employed to address iron deficiency, particularly in populations where inadequate iron intake is prevalent.
- The goal is to provide a significant portion of the recommended daily iron intake through fortified foods, contributing to the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.
Implications for Iron Overload
- Comorbidities: Iron overload conditions, such as thalassemia, hemochromatosis, and chronic liver disease, have impaired iron excretion mechanisms.
- Blooding events: Iron absorption is balanced by steady and minimal excretion, except during bleeding events.
- Menstrual bleeding: Women can excrete iron through menstrual bleeding, while men are less capable of iron excretion.
- Oxidative stress: Increased iron intake can lead to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and impaired mitochondrial function.
- Heart ailments: High serum ferritin levels (a marker of iron storage) are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as high fasting serum glucose, high total cholesterol, high triglycerides, and hypertension.
- Liver damage: Very high amounts of iron can activate hepatic stellate cells and cause excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the liver. Prolonged liver iron overload can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Challenges and consequences
- Minimal absorption: Only a small percentage of ingested iron from fortified foods is absorbed, with the rest passing through the intestine.
- Digestive issues: Unabsorbed iron can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal lining and disrupt the colonic microbiota, leading to abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal issues.
- Issues with nutrition absorption: Excessive iron in the gastrointestinal tract can impair the absorption of other essential minerals like zinc and copper and potentially result in other deficiencies.
Way Forward
- Implement individualized strategies for iron intake rather than mandatory fortification programs to avoid unsupervised high iron intake across diverse populations.
- Ensure thorough monitoring and detection of adverse events related to iron intake.
- Precision in public health approaches is necessary to prevent the risk of iron overload and potential long-term chronic illnesses associated with excess iron.
- Evaluate the specific dietary iron needs of different population segments to avoid unnecessary excess iron consumption.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Route of Development Project
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Iraq aims to establish itself as a regional transportation hub by enhancing its road and rail infrastructure.
- The ambitious project, known as the “Route of Development,” is estimated to cost $17 billion.
Route of Development Project
- Project Scope: The “Route of Development” will span 1,200 kilometers from the northern border with Turkey to the Gulf in the south.
- Economic Objectives: The project aims to promote a sustainable non-oil economy and strengthen regional connectivity.
- Port Capacity: The commercial port of Al-Faw will undergo expansion to handle cargo for the project.
- Train Stations: Around 15 train stations will be constructed along the route, including major cities like Basra, Baghdad, Mosul, and up to the Turkish border.
Challenges and Priorities
- Infrastructure Condition: Iraq’s infrastructure, including roads, requires reconstruction and maintenance due to the impacts of war, corruption, and sanctions.
- Focus on Electricity: Upgrading the failing electricity infrastructure is a priority for the government.
Geopolitical Position and Economic Benefits
- Strategic Geographical Location: Iraq aims to capitalize on its position by becoming a transportation hub for goods and people between the Gulf, Turkey, and Europe.
- Port Expansion: The commercial port of Al-Faw will serve as a gateway for cargo before transportation through the new road and rail links.
- Train Station Network: The construction of train stations in major cities along the route will facilitate efficient transportation.
- Trade Opportunities: The Gulf presents significant trade prospects, especially in the transport of hydrocarbons.
Challenges and Skepticism
- Viability Concerns: Some experts question the project’s feasibility, highlighting the need for “fluidity” in transportation routes and the preference for direct shipping without intermediate loading and unloading.
- Adaptation to Customer Preferences: Consideration should be given to evolving global transport dynamics and customer preferences.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: JME Report
Mains level: Malnutrition status in India
Central Idea
- According to the Joint Malnutrition Estimates (JME) by UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank, India has shown a reduction in stunting among children under five.
Such reports (including NFHS) are credible sources of information to substantiate your answers in Mains answer writing ….
What is Stunting and Wasting?
| |
Stunting |
Wasting |
| Definition |
Impaired growth and development due to chronic malnutrition. |
Rapid weight loss and muscle wasting in a short period. |
| Measurement |
Height-for-age comparison against standardized growth reference. |
Weight-for-height comparison against standardized growth reference. |
| Causes |
Insufficient intake of essential nutrients, frequent infections, poor maternal health. |
Inadequate caloric intake, poor feeding practices, infectious diseases. |
| Effects |
Irreversible consequences, reduced cognitive development, increased disease vulnerability. |
Increased morbidity and mortality, severe malnutrition. |
| Time Frame |
Long-term condition |
Short-term condition |
| Overall Nutritional Status |
Reflects chronic malnutrition |
Represents acute malnutrition |
| Focus |
Impacts growth and development |
Impacts weight and muscle mass |
Decline in Child Stunting in India
- The prevalence of stunting in India dropped from 41.6% in 2012 to 31.7% in 2022, with 1.6 crore fewer stunted children recorded.
- India’s share of the global burden of stunting declined from 30% to 25% in the past decade.
Concerns over Wasting
- Wasting remains a concern in India, with an overall prevalence of 18.7% in 2022.
- India contributes 49% to the global burden of wasting, reflecting the severity of this malnutrition indicator.
- Two-thirds of wasting cases in India may be attributed to maternal malnutrition, leading to low birth weight for height.
Rise in Obesity
- The prevalence of obesity in India increased marginally from 2.2% in 2012 to 2.8% in 2022.
- India’s obesity classification remains low compared to the global prevalence of 5.6%.
- Obesity contributes to 8.8% of the global burden, with 31.8 lakh obese children in India.
Way Forward
- The JME report highlights the need for accelerated efforts to achieve global nutrition targets.
- India’s progress aligns with the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data, indicating a reduction in stunting.
- More research is needed to understand the complexities of wasting, particularly its links to maternal malnutrition.
- Continued focus on addressing malnutrition, access to health services, and maternal nutrition is crucial for further improvement.
- Learning more about wasting and its determinants will be essential for tailored interventions in India and Asia.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Foucault Pendulum
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Foucault pendulum is a device that proves the Earth’s rotation and has been installed in the new Parliament building in New Delhi.
- It was designed and installed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Kolkata.
Foucault Pendulum: A Unique Invention
- Historical Context: In 1851, the Foucault pendulum experiment conclusively demonstrated the Earth’s rotation, settling debates about the planet’s movement.
- Leon Foucault: The French scientist invented the Foucault pendulum and invited scientists and the public to witness the Earth’s rotation through the experiment.
- Working: The pendulum consists of a heavy iron ball suspended by a steel wire and swings in a plane, mimicking the Earth’s rotation on its axis.
- Exhibition at the Pantheon: The demonstration took place at the Pantheon in Paris, where the ball’s motion represented the Earth’s rotation.
Significance
- Earth’s Rotation as a Scientific Fact: The Foucault pendulum experiment solidified the understanding that the Earth rotates on its axis.
- Supporting Astronomical Studies: The knowledge of the Earth’s rotation is crucial for studying various astronomical phenomena, such as day and night cycles and seasonal changes.
- Continual Scientific Inquiry: The Foucault pendulum experiment encouraged further research into the Earth’s rotation and its implications for our understanding of the universe.
Modern Applications and Further Exploration
- Educational Installations: The inclusion of a Foucault pendulum in the new Parliament building in New Delhi provides an opportunity for public education and scientific engagement.
- Technological Advancements: Advances in technology, such as precision instruments and digital monitoring, can enhance the accuracy and impact of Foucault pendulum installations.
- Continued Research: Ongoing scientific studies and experiments can deepen our understanding of the Earth’s rotation and its relationship to other celestial bodies.
- Space Exploration: Exploring the Earth’s rotation from space can offer unique perspectives and insights into its dynamics.
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