Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What are semiconductors?
Mains level: Current state of semiconductor fabrication and Semiconductor manufacturing process
Why in the news?
The binary revolution (0s and 1s) constantly shape the way we interact with technology and with each other daily and the beating heart of this binary revolution is the semiconductor device.
What are semiconductors?
Semiconductors are materials that possess properties intermediate between those of conductors and insulators. They can conduct electricity under certain conditions but not as effectively as conductors, nor do they block it entirely like insulators.
How are semiconductors made?
- Silicon Wafer Selection: Engineers begin by selecting a silicon wafer as the foundation for the semiconductor.
- Purification of Silicon: Silicon, sourced from sand, undergoes meticulous purification to achieve ultra-pure levels with impurity levels as low as a few parts per billion.
- Photolithography Process: A crucial step where the circuit pattern is carved on the wafer using photolithography. The wafer is coated with a light-sensitive material (photoresist), and a mask with small gaps in the circuit pattern shape is used to shine light onto the wafer, eroding parts of the photoresist to acquire the pattern.
- Chemical and Physical Techniques: After photolithography, engineers use chemical and/or physical techniques to remove uncarved parts of the photoresist, leaving behind the circuit’s structure on the silicon substrate.
- Doping of Semiconductor: Impurities are deliberately added to specific parts of the semiconductor to alter its electrical properties.
- Deposition of Thin Layers: Thin layers of materials such as metals or insulators are deposited onto the wafer’s surface to form electrical connections or insulate components.
- Packaging and Testing: The resulting product undergoes packaging, where individual chips are separated, encapsulated, and tested to ensure functionality and reliability.Finally, the semiconductor chips are integrated into electronic devices.
Need Expertise
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- Need high precision and diverse scientific principle-Each step in semiconductor fabrication demands ultra-high precision and harnesses a blend of diverse scientific principles. For example, to make the most advanced transistors, the photolithography process requires a light source emitting electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of 13.5 nm.
- Specializing in specific domains-The semiconductor manufacturing process is characterised by specialisation, leading to an oligopoly controlled by companies specializing in specific domains. For example ASML, a spin-off of Philips, is in fact the sole provider of photolithography machines for cutting-edge semiconductor technology worldwide
Status of India in fabrication –
-
- Bengaluru serves as a hub for chip design, showcasing India’s leading role in this field.Despite its prowess in chip design, India lacks ownership of the intellectual property rights (IPR) necessary to execute these designs.
- Most IPR for chip designs is retained by parent companies or Arm, limiting India’s autonomy to being a mere user of their products.The situation resembles the McDonald’s business model, where India hosts outlets but lacks ownership of the recipe and supply chain, controlled by a parent company elsewhere.
Significance of semiconductors:
- Ubiquitous Influence: Semiconductors power various technologies beyond smartphones and computers, including smart air-conditioners, space telescopes, and more.
- Critical Solutions for Crises: Semiconductors are crucial for addressing 21st-century challenges like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space exploration, and personalized healthcare, highlighting their significance for human survival and progress.
- Innovation and Job Creation: Semiconductor technology facilities foster innovation, create high-paying jobs, and nurture deep-tech start-ups, contributing to advancements in various fields like materials science, computer engineering, and chip design.
- Geopolitical Significance: Semiconductors have become a focal point of geopolitical interest, with nations competing to establish fabrication facilities and imposing sanctions on others to control access to advanced technology, driving efforts to bolster domestic semiconductor production capabilities.
Challenges related to semiconductor manufacturing in India:
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): India faces limitations due to a lack of ownership of IPR necessary for chip fabrication.
- Technology Transfer: Despite advancements in chip design, India struggles with technology transfer issues.
- Infrastructure: Developing semiconductor manufacturing facilities requires significant investment in infrastructure
- Skilled Workforce: The semiconductor industry demands highly skilled professionals proficient in various aspects of chip design, fabrication, and testing.
- Regulatory Environment: India’s regulatory environment, including policies related to intellectual property, taxation, and investment, may not be conducive to attracting semiconductor manufacturing investments.
Measures to address challenges related to semiconductor manufacturing in India:
- Education and training programs: Offer specialized courses and certifications to equip individuals with the necessary skills for the industry.
- Policy reforms: Implement policy reforms to create a conducive regulatory environment for semiconductor manufacturing sector.
- Diversification of suppliers: Encourage diversification of semiconductor supply chains by supporting domestic suppliers and fostering partnerships with global manufacturers
- Government grants and incentives: Provide financial support and incentives for semiconductor R&D projects
- Strategic partnerships: Forge strategic partnerships with leading semiconductor-producing countries and organizations to leverage their expertise, share best practices, and facilitate technology transfer and knowledge exchange.
Conclusion: Addressing challenges in semiconductor manufacturing in India requires collaborative efforts, investment in infrastructure and education, regulatory reforms, and strategic partnerships. These measures are vital for India to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry.
Mains PYQ-
Q- Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. ( 2020 )
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Provisions of RPA
Mains level: Implication of Section 123(3) of RPA and Suprem court judgement related to it
Why in the news?
Recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Rahul Gandhi for hurting the sentiments of Hindus through his remark on ‘Shakti’.
What does the law say?
- Section 123(3): Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) provides that appeals by a candidate, or any other person with the consent of a candidate, to vote or refrain from voting on the grounds of his religion, race, caste, community or language is a corrupt electoral practice.
- Section 123(3A): It denounces any attempt by a candidate to promote feelings of enmity or hatred among citizens on these grounds during elections.
- Punishment: The RP Act further provides that anyone found guilty of corrupt electoral practice can be debarred from contesting elections for a maximum period of up to six years.
What does the MCC provide?
- The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to regulate the conduct of political parties and their candidates in the run-up to elections. They have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code.
- Candidates cannot promote hatred or difference: It provides that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity that may aggravate existing differences create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes, religious or linguistic communities. It also provides that there shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes
- Candidate cannot use worship place: Mosques, churches, temples, or other places of worship shall not be used as a forum for election propaganda. Though the MCC does not have any statutory backing, it has come to acquire strength in the past three decades because of its strict enforcement by the ECI.
Historical Background:
- Amendment in 1961: Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act) was amended to remove the term “systemic” regarding appeals based on religion, race, caste, or community. This broadened the scope of what constitutes corrupt electoral practice.
- Purpose of the Amendment: The amendment aimed to curb communal, fissiparous, and separatist tendencies in electoral politics by disfavoring even isolated appeals based on religion or narrow communal affiliations.
- Instances of Appeals Based on Religion: Despite legal provisions, there have been numerous instances where political parties and leaders have openly appealed for votes in the name of religion.Bal Thackeray of Shiv Sena was the only notable leader convicted by the Supreme Court for this corrupt electoral practice in 1995.
- Election Commission’s Response: The Election Commission of India (ECI) typically imposes short bans on campaigning for leaders found in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), usually lasting two to three days.
What has the Supreme Court ruled?
- Abhiram Singh versus C. D. Commachen (2017): A seven-judge Bench by a majority of 4:3 held that candidates shall not appeal for votes on the basis of not just his/her religion but also that of the voters.
- Purposive interpretation’ to Section 123(3): The majority view provided a ‘purposive interpretation’ to Section 123(3) rather than just a literal one thereby rendering any appeal in the name of religion of even the voters as a corrupt electoral practice.
- Elections are secular exercise: The elections to Parliament or State legislatures are a secular exercise; constitutional ethos forbids the mixing of religious considerations with the secular functions of the State. Religion should remain a matter of personal faith.
Measures Needed:
- Raise legitimate concerns: Political parties and candidates are likely to raise legitimate concerns of citizens faced by them based on traits having origin in religion, caste, community or language in a democratic election process.
- Addressing Grievances: These concerns should be addressed through appropriate policies without compromising the secular fabric and fraternity of the country.
- Use of Places of Worship: Places of worship have always been used overtly and covertly as a forum for canvass. Religious leaders have thrown their weight behind candidates of various parties. These practices should ideally be avoided to ensure that politics and religion are not mixed up
- Responsibility of Political Leaders: The primary responsibility for avoiding appeals based on religion lies with political party leaders and candidates because campaigning based on religion not only disrupts the secular nature of Indian politics but also constitutes a clear violation of the law.
- Role of Election Commission and Courts: Mechanisms should be devised by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and courts for swift action against those who violate laws regarding appeals based on religion in electoral campaigns.
Conclusion: The legal framework prohibits appeals based on religion in electoral campaigns to maintain the secular nature of elections. The Election Commission enforces the Model Code of Conduct, with penalties for violators, ensuring fair and unbiased electoral practices.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is DEMP and its elements
Mains level: Role of its elements in ensuring transparent and efficient electoral processes
Why in the news?
The conduct of elections has become increasingly complex and multifaceted, requiring meticulous planning and execution to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process
- A cornerstone of this planning process is the District Election Management Plan (DEMP), a comprehensive document that uses statistics and analysis to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
Context:
- What goes into a smooth and efficient electoral process?
- How are electoral booths prepared before polling?
When is the DEMP prepared?
- Preparation of DEMP: As per the Election Commission of India, the DEMP is to be prepared at least six months before the tentative poll day. However, many things become clearer as the election is notified, so it becomes necessary to revise/update the plan occasionally.
- Execution of DEMP: Executing the DEMP requires a collaborative effort involving election officials, administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies etc. Regular interactions with political parties and media are also planned to brief them on electoral rules.
What are the elements of DEMP?
- The foundation of the electoral strategy: The plan starts with a district profile that serves as the foundation of the electoral strategy which includes a political map outlining constituencies, key demographic and infrastructure statistics, and a brief on the district’s administrative setup and socio-economic features.
- Accessibility of polling stations: The plan encompasses detailed strategies for improving the availability and accessibility of polling stations, ensuring that all stations have essential facilities like ramps, electricity, lighting, drinking water, toilets, and internet connectivity.
- Voting for essential service personnel: Special attention is given to voters with disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens through help desks, 24/7 control rooms, home voting options, and advanced postal ballot voting for essential service personnel.
Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plan:
- The Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plan, focuses on increasing electoral participation which involves analyzing voter turnout data to identify polling stations with below-average or significantly low turnout and tailoring activities to address these issues.
- It includes the use of social media, engagement with various community and youth organizations, and organizing events leading up to the poll day to increase awareness and participation.
- Comprehensive Strategy: DEMP outlines a comprehensive strategy for planning, training, welfare, and deployment of election personnel.
- Poll Personnel Database: Emphasizes the importance of creating a database of poll personnel, categorizing them by cadre and group, and assessing their requirements.
- Addressing Personnel Gaps: Strategies are devised to address gaps in personnel needs across various election roles.
- Force Deployment Plan: Detailed planning for force deployment involves coordination with district police. This includes vulnerability mapping of polling stations based on past disturbances and voter turnout.
- Training Programs: Training programs are provided for district-level teams to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and for all election personnel to ensure they possess necessary skills and knowledge.
What about EVMs?
Material management in the Detailed Election Management Plan (DEMP):
- Crucial Component: Material management is identified as a critical aspect of DEMP. It involves procuring 61 essential items, including indelible ink, seals, stamps, stationary, and statutory forms.
- Categorization: Items are categorized based on the level at which they are to be procured, either at the State/U.T. level or the district level.
- Procurement Timelines: Timelines for procurement vary, ranging from two-to-three weeks to four months before the election.Emphasizes the importance of timely acquisition to ensure preparedness for the electoral process.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) management in the Detailed Election Management Plan (DEMP)
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) management is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, with plans necessary for secure storage and availability of EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), including plans for their transportation and maintenance.
Significance of the Detailed Election Management Plan (DEMP):
- Enhanced Voting Experience: DEMP enhances the voting experience by ensuring that the electoral process is organized, accessible, and efficient for all voters, promoting democratic participation and inclusivity.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Using statistics and analysis, the DEMP enables data-driven decisions, highlighting the significance of evidence-based policymaking and strategic planning in effectively addressing challenges.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: The collaborative effort involved in executing the DEMP underscores the importance of engaging stakeholders from various sectors, fostering cooperation and synergy to achieve common goals.
- Transparency and Accountability: The emphasis on transparency in the DEMP promotes accountability in electoral processes, setting a precedent for openness and integrity in governance practices.
- Adaptability and Resilience: The DEMP’s adaptability to changing circumstances and occasional revisions underscores the importance of resilience and flexibility in governance frameworks to address evolving needs and circumstances.
Conclusion: The District Election Management Plan (DEMP) ensures organized, inclusive elections. Challenges include timely preparation, accurate electoral strategy foundation, polling station accessibility, and effective voter education. Overcoming these ensures transparent and efficient electoral processes.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Robusta, Arabica Variety
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- Robusta Coffee farmers in South India are celebrating as their produce fetches an all-time high price.
- The farmgate price of raw Robusta coffee berries reached ₹172 per kilogram (kg) in the Wayanad market, a significant increase from ₹115 per kg last year.
Coffee Cultivation in India
- The coffee cultivation in India began with the planting of 7 seeds of coffee during 1600 AD by saint Baba Budan, in the courtyard of his hermitage in Chikmagalur, Karnataka.
- Commercial plantations of coffee started in the 18th century under British entrepreneurship.
- Today, India is among the top 10 coffee-producing countries, with about 3% of the global output.
Major Varieties Cultivated
|
Characteristics |
Altitude Range |
Flavor Profile |
Popular Varieties |
Regions |
| Arabica Coffee |
Known for mild flavor, aromatic profile, and smooth taste. |
800 – 1600 meters above sea level |
Mild, slightly sweeter, softer taste |
Kents, S.795, Cauvery, Chandragiri |
Coorg (Karnataka), Wayanad (Kerala), Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Chikmagalur (Karnataka) |
| Robusta Coffee |
Characterized by strong and bold flavor, higher caffeine content, and somewhat bitter taste. |
Sea level to about 800 meters |
Strong, bold, somewhat bitter |
S.274, CxR hybrids |
Chikmagalur (Karnataka), Coorg (Karnataka), Wayanad (Kerala), Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh) |
| Liberica and Excelsa |
Less common varieties, with limited plantings in specific regions. |
Variable |
Variable |
Variable |
Limited plantings; sporadic regions |
Agro-climatic conditions needed for Coffee:
- Indian coffee has a unique position as it is shade-grown and grown at elevations, while other major producing countries grow coffee in flat lands.
- It is a tropical plant which is also grown in semi-tropical climate.
- 16° – 28°C temperature, 150-250cm rainfall and well-drained slopes are essential for its growth.
- Low temperature, frost, dry weather for a long time and harsh sunshine are harmful for its plant.
- Coffee plants grow better in the laterite soils of Karnataka in India.
Market Dynamics
- Karnataka is the largest producer accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India.
- It is followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Orissa and the North-eastern areas have a smaller proportion of production.
- Arabica has high market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavor.
- The country exports over 70% of its production. According to The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India is the eighth largest exporter of coffee by volume.
- Indian coffee exports display a seasonality, with exports peaking from March to June.
Coffee Board of India
- The Coffee Board of India is an organization managed by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and was established in 1942.
- It is headquartered in Bangalore.
- The activities of the Board are broadly aimed at:
- Enhancement of production, productivity & quality;
- Export promotion for achieving higher value returns for Indian Coffee and
- Supporting development of Domestic market.
- Until 1995 the Coffee Board marketed the coffee of a pooled supply.
- Later, coffee marketing became a private-sector activity due to the economic liberalisation in India.
- The Board comprises 33 members including the Chairman, who is the Chief Executive and appointed by the Government of India.
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PYQ:
2010: Though coffee and tea both are cultivated on hill slopes, there is some difference between them regarding their cultivation. In this context, consider the following statements:
- Coffee plant requires a hot and humid climate of tropical areas whereas tea can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas.
- Coffee is propagated by seeds but tea is propagated by stem cuttings only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Coffee Cultivation in India, consider the following statements:
- Kerala is the largest producer accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India.
- Robusta coffee has high market value than Arabica due to its mild aromatic flavor.
- Indian coffee exports display a perennial nature.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Corals, Coral bleaching, Gulf of Mannar
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
- Rising sea temperatures have triggered severe bleaching events, leading to significant coral mortality in Gulf of Mannar.
- Annual surveys show a decline in live coral cover from 37% in 2005 to 27.3% in 2021.
Corals in Gulf of Mannar
- The Gulf of Mannar is a large shallow bay forming part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean with an average depth of 5.8 m.
- It lies between the southeastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka, in the Coromandel Coast region.
- A significant portion of the Gulf of Mannar is designated as the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, established to protect its marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.
- The park covers approximately 560 square kilometers and encompasses 21 islands and coral reefs.
- Around 117 hard coral species have been recorded in the Gulf of Mannar.
- Many islands, like Shingle, Krusadai, and Pullivasal, have witnessed substantial losses in coral cover.
- For instance, Shingle Island suffered the most with the loss of 72% of its coral cover.
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About Corals
- Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
- These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
- The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
- In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
- Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
- They are the largest living structures on the planet.
- Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grow when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
- Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.
Types of Coral
Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:
- Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
- Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.
Conditions needed for Corals to Flourish
- Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
- High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degree Celsius.
- Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
- Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
- Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.
How do corals bleach?
- When exposed to conditions like heat stress, pollution, or high levels of ocean acidity, the zooxanthellae start producing reactive oxygen species not beneficial to the corals.
- So, the corals kick out the colour-giving algae from their polyps, exposing their pale white exoskeleton and leading to coral starvation as corals cannot produce their own food.
- Severe bleaching and prolonged stress in the external environment can lead to coral death.
Reasons for the Decline
- Climatic Vagaries: Predicted coral bleaching events pose a dire threat to the already fragile ecosystem of the Gulf of Mannar. The IPCC predicts a decline of 70-90% in global coral reefs with a warming of 1.5°C.
- Ocean Acidification: Increased acidity levels in the ocean due to carbon dioxide absorption exacerbate coral stress and hinder their ability to calcify.
PYQ:
2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Gulf of Kachchh
- Gulf of Mannar
- Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2 and 4 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
2018: Consider the following statements
- Most of the world’s coral reefs are in tropical waters.
- More than one-third of the world’s coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
- Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 1and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Krutrim AI Model
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Krutrim AI is Ola’s homegrown AI assistant, designed to cater to the diverse needs and nuances of Indian consumers, bridging the gap between conventional AI and specific cultural contexts.
Krutrim’s Capabilities
- Multilingual Support: Krutrim boasts the ability to converse in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, Bengali, Gujarati, and Hinglish, catering to the linguistic diversity of India.
- Multi-Functionality: Users can leverage Krutrim for a range of tasks, including writing emails, seeking information, learning new skills, planning travel, discovering recipes, and more.
Technology behind Krutrim AI
- Sophisticated AI Model: Krutrim operates on a sophisticated AI model trained on vast datasets encompassing Indian languages, social contexts, and cultural references.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Utilizes NLP to comprehend human language nuances, including colloquialisms and cultural contexts, enhancing user interactions.
- Machine Learning (ML): ML algorithms enable Krutrim to learn from datasets, continuously improving responses and understanding user intent.
- Deep Learning: Leverages Deep Learning to recognize patterns and analyze complex data, crucial for contextual responses and performance enhancement.
Applications and Benefits for Users
- Enhanced User Experience: Krutrim AI enhances user experiences across various sectors by offering culturally sensitive interactions, personalized learning in education, and automating administrative tasks.
- Support for Content Creators: Content creators can leverage Krutrim for ideation and localization, making content more relatable and engaging.
- Automating Repetitive Tasks: Krutrim’s capabilities extend to automating repetitive administrative tasks across industries, boosting efficiency and productivity.
PYQ:
2018: When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart minor in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a- message to your office accordingly.
In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following term” best applies to the above scenario?
- Border Gateway Protocol
- Internet of Things
- Internet Protocol
- Virtual Private Network
Practice MCQ:
Consider the following statements about the ‘Krutrim AI’:
- It is a homegrown AI assistant developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DACs).
- It can converse in regional languages of India.
Which of the given statements are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: North Atlantic Right Whales
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- North Atlantic right whales face a grave threat due to entanglement in fishing gear, contributing to their critically endangered status.
- Entanglement not only leads to physical harm but also affects reproductive success, exacerbating the species’ decline.
Impact of Entanglement
- Lethal and Sublethal Effects: Entanglement in fishing gear leads to energy expenditure, reduced feeding efficiency, and physical injuries, ultimately impacting whales’ ability to reproduce and survive. Even minor entanglements have devastating consequences on female right whales.
- Reproductive Implications: Females experiencing entanglement events, even classified as “minor,” exhibit reduced breeding rates, with potential long-term consequences for population recovery. Poor health and physical condition further impede breeding success.
About Right Whales
- Right whales are a group of large baleen whales belonging to the family Balaenidae.
- There are three species of right whales:
- North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis),
- North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica), and
- Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis).
- They are distinguished by their geographic distribution and slight differences in physical characteristics.
- Right whales inhabit temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, and Southern Hemisphere.
- They are often found in coastal areas during their feeding and breeding seasons but may migrate over long distances.
- All three species of right whales are listed as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
North Atlantic Right Whales
- It is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List.
- Only around 360 individuals remain, with almost 90% having experienced entanglement at least once.
|
PYQ:
2015: With reference to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and CITES is an international agreement between governments
- IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.
- CITES is legally binding on the States that have joined it, but this Convention does not take the place of national laws.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Practice MCQ:
The North Atlantic Right Whales were recently seen in news for a peculiar behaviour. Identify the correct statement about the North Atlantic Right Whales:
- Entanglement in fishing net has led to permanent loss of breeding capability.
- Extinct due to commercial hunting.
- Generates large amounts of Aspergis, an aromatic substance.
- In-situ breeding was successful.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
SEBI has instructed mutual fund houses to halt new inflows into schemes investing in overseas exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from April 1, 2024.
What are Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)?
- ETFs are marketable securities that track various assets, including indices, commodities, or bonds, and trade on stock exchanges like regular stocks.
- ETFs were started in 2001 in India.
- Types of ETFs: Equity ETFs, bonds ETFs, commodity ETFs, international ETFs, and sectoral/thematic ETFs cater to diverse investment preferences.
Market dynamics of ETFs
- ETFs can be purchased or sold on a stock exchange in the same way that regular stocks can, unlike the mutual funds.
- The traded price of an ETF changes throughout the day like any other stock, as it is bought and sold on the stock exchange.
- The trading value of an ETF is based on the net asset value of the underlying stocks that it represents.
- These funds offer higher liquidity, lower fees, and tax efficiency compared to traditional mutual funds, appealing to individual investors.
Reasons behind SEBI’s Directive
- Cap Proximity: The mutual fund industry has nearly reached 95% of the $1 billion investment limit in overseas ETFs, prompting SEBI’s intervention.
- Temporary Measure: SEBI’s directive aims to temporarily curb inflows into these schemes until the investment limit is revised or additional measures are implemented.
- Existing Caps: Currently, mutual funds are subject to an overall cap of $7 billion for investments in overseas stocks or mutual funds, with a specific limit of $1 billion for ETFs.
PYQ:
2013: The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.
2020: With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?
- It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
- It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.
- It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.
- It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
Practice MCQ:
With reference to the Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), consider the following statements:
- ETFs are marketable securities that track various assets, including indices, commodities, or bonds, and trade on stock exchanges like regular stocks.
- ETFs were started in 2021 in India.
- ETFs can be purchased like the mutual funds.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One
- Two
- Three
- None
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