Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Red Dwarf Star, Speculoos-3b
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
- Astronomers have identified a new Earth-sized exoplanet, named Speculoos-3b, orbiting an ultracool red dwarf star.
Back2Basics: Red Dwarf Star
- A red dwarf is the most common type of star in the Milky Way galaxy.
- However, due to their low luminosity, individual red dwarfs cannot be easily observed.
- Proxima Centauri, the star nearest to the Sun, is a red dwarf, as are fifty of the sixty nearest stars.
- According to some estimates, red dwarfs make up three-quarters of the fusing stars in the Milky Way.
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About Speculoos-3b
- Speculoos-3b is an Earth-sized exoplanet recently discovered orbiting an ultracool dwarf star.
- It was discovered by a team of astronomers led by Michael Gillon from the University of Liege in Belgium.
- It is located approximately 55 light-years away from Earth.
- Due to its short orbital period, Speculoos-3b receives almost ten times more energy per second than Earth does from the Sun.
SPECULOOS Project
- Project Overview: The discovery was made under the SPECULOOS project, aimed at exploring exoplanets around ultra-cool dwarf stars.
- The SPECULOOS Southern Observatory is a project carried out by the University of Liège (Belgium) and the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge (United Kingdom)
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Astrophysical Significance of the Discovery
- Prevalence of Ultracool Dwarfs: Ultracool dwarf stars, like the host of Speculoos-3b, constitute about 70% of all stars in our galaxy and are known for their longevity, surviving up to 100 billion years.
- Importance for Life’s Potential: The extended lifespan of these stars provides a stable environment that could potentially support the development of life on orbiting planets.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites containing precious metals |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Phtheirospermum Lushaiorum:
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
- A rare hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant has been found in Phawngpui National Park of Mizoram.
- It has been named ‘Phtheirospermum Lushaiorum’ after the Lushai tribe of Mizoram, honoring their commitment to biodiversity conservation.
About Lushai Tribe
-
- Lushai is another tribe under the Kuki-chin group (racially from Mongolia) of tribes.
- They are commonly known as Mizos.
- In Tripura there are 5,384 persons (as per 2011 Census).
- Occupation: They mostly reside in the Jampui Hills area of Tripura and have Jhum Cultivation and hunting of wild animals as their main occupation.
- Culture and belief:
-
- converted to Christianity and still follow Christianity as their religion.
- Their Cheraw Dance (Bamboo Dance) is quiet famous.
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About Phtheirospermum Lushaiorum
- This plant lacks a fully developed root system and taps into the sap of host plants through specialized structures known as haustoria.
- Despite its parasitic nature, it contains chlorophyll and can produce its food, showing some independence from its host.
- It flowers from July to September, with fruit production occurring from August to October.
- The plant grows near a popular trekking route in Phawngpui National Park, facing threats from both anthropogenic activities and natural factors.
Back2Basics: Phawngpui National Park
-
- Also known as Blue Mountain National Park, it is one of the two national parks in Mizoram (the other being Murlen NP).
- Geographical location:
-
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- Close to the border with Burma (Myanmar).
- The park overlooks the Chhimtuipui River, which flows toward Burma.
- The geography of Phawngpui is characterized by its cloud-covered mountain area, which gives it a distinctive blue appearance from a distance.
- Flora and Fauna:
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- Bird species:Blyth’s tragopan, falcons, sunbirds, dark-rumped swifts, and the Mizoram state bird, Mrs. Hume’s pheasant.
- Mammals: Mountain goat, slow loris, tiger, leopard, leopard cat, serow, goral, Asiatic black bear, stump-tailed macaque, and capped langur.
- Flora: Grassy meadows, orchids, rhododendrons, and bamboo groves.
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PYQ:
[2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 meters and has orange-coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
(a) Andaman Islands
(b) Anaimalai Forests
(c) Maikala Hills
(d) Tropical rain forests of Northeast |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: IMEC Project, Various ports mentioned
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
An Indian inter-ministerial delegation visited the UAE to discuss the operational aspects of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), marking a significant step forward since the signing of the agreement.
About IMEC Project
- IMEC is part of the broader Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), which focuses on infrastructure development in economically developing regions.
- The MoU for IMEC was formally endorsed on September 10, 2023, during the 2023 G20 New Delhi summit.
- Signatories to this agreement: India, United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union.
- Aim: To integrate Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, enhancing economic cooperation across these regions.
- Objectives:
- Improve transportation efficiency, lower costs, and promote economic cohesion among participating nations.
- Generate employment opportunities and reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
- Facilitate trade and connectivity, thereby reshaping regional integration among Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Corridor Configuration:
IMEC comprises two primary corridors:
- East Corridor: Linking India to the Arabian Gulf.
- Northern Corridor: Connecting the Gulf region to Europe.
Key ports integral to the project’s success include:
- India: Mundra, Kandla, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Mumbai).
- Middle East: Fujairah (UAE), Jebel Ali (Dubai, UAE), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), and Ras Al Khair (Saudi Arabia).
- Israel: Haifa port.
- Europe: Piraeus (Greece), Messina (Italy), and Marseille (France).
Additionally, it encompasses various infrastructure components such as railway networks, ship-to-rail connections, road transport routes, electricity cables, hydrogen pipelines, and high-speed data cables. |
Significance:
- IMEC, upon completion, will establish a dependable and cost-efficient cross-border ship-to-rail transit network, complementing existing maritime and road transport networks.
- The IMEC Project holds significant promise in redefining regional trade dynamics and fostering sustainable economic growth and cooperation among the involved countries.
PYQ:
[2018] The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (150 Words, 10 Marks)
[2016] ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of:
(a) African Union
(b) Brazil
(c) European Union
(d) China |
Back2Basics: Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII)
- The PGII was first announced in June 2021 during the G7 (or Group of Seven) summit in the UK.
- The G7 countries include the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union (EU).
- US President Joe Biden had called it the Build Back Better World (B3W) framework. However, it did not register much progress.
- In 2022, during the G7 summit in Germany, the PGII was officially launched as a joint initiative to help fund infrastructure projects in developing countries through public and private investments.
- Objective: To mobilise nearly $600 billion from the G7 by 2027 to invest in critical infrastructure.
- It is essentially in response to the infrastructure projects being undertaken and funded by China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at a global level.
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Present Maritime Routes between India and Europe
| Trade Route |
Route |
Issues |
Advantages |
| Suez Canal Route |
Indian Ocean -> Arabian Sea -> Red Sea -> Suez Canal -> Mediterranean Sea -> Europe |
- High traffic causing congestion.
- Potential for piracy, especially near the Horn of Africa.
|
- Most efficient and shortest maritime route.
- Well-established with advanced port facilities.
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| Cape of Good Hope Route |
Indian Ocean -> Arabian Sea -> Indian Ocean (southern tip of Africa) -> Atlantic Ocean -> Europe |
- Longer transit time compared to the Suez Canal.
- Higher fuel costs and longer journey duration.
|
- Avoids congestion and security risks of the Suez Canal.
- Suitable for large vessels unable to transit the Suez Canal.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Endangered Species Day, Species mentioned in the news
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
- National Endangered Species Day is an annual event that strives to raise awareness about the significance of safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.
- This year, National Endangered Species Day was celebrated on May 17.
What is National Endangered Species Day?
- National Endangered Species Day is observed every year on the 3rd Friday of May.
- This day was co-founded in 2006 by the Endangered Species Coalition and David Robinson.
- Robinson defines Endangered Species Day as a “worldwide day of action to rescue species and celebrate conservation triumphs”.
- Theme for 2024: “Celebrate Saving Species”.
- According to the IUCN Red List Analysis 2020, over 500 land animal species will likely go extinct in the next two decades if current trends continue.
Flagship species in India that are Endangered and often seen in the News:
Species
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Conservation Status
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Key Information
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| Asian Elephant
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- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES Appendix I;
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
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- Symbol of Heritage: Plays a key role in forest and grassland ecosystems.
- Threats: Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for tusks.
- Conservation Needs: Sustained efforts are crucial to ensure their survival and maintain biodiversity.
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| Ganges River Dolphin
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- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I;
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
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- Critical Habitat: Found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.
- Challenges: Water extraction, pollution, and river traffic.
- Population Decline: Less than 2,000 individuals remain in India.
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| Bengal Tiger
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- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES Appendix I;
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
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- Iconic Predator: Represents a significant part of India’s wildlife.
- Current Status: Numbers are increasing, but threats like poaching and habitat loss persist.
- Habitat: Found across varied ecosystems, from forests to mangroves.
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| Red Panda
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- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
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- Status: Significant decline due to habitat loss and poaching.
- Habitat Zones: Found in the eastern Himalayas and parts of Northeast India.
- Conservation Importance: Serves as an indicator species for the health of the Himalayan forests.
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| Asiatic Lion
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- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
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- Last Refuge: Exclusively found in Gir National Park, Gujarat.
- Population Challenges: Threats include poaching and accidental deaths from open wells and fences.
- Conservation Strategies: Involves habitat restoration and stricter anti-poaching laws.
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| Nilgiri Tahr
|
- IUCN: Endangered
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
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- Mountain Inhabitant: Lives in the mountainous regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Population Pressure: Climate change and human interference are major threats.
- Survival Strategies: Requires focused conservation to stabilise its declining population.
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| Lion-tailed Macaque
|
- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES Appendix I;
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
|
- Distinct Appearance: Notable for its silver mane, found in the Western Ghats.
- Critical Decline: Population affected by habitat fragmentation and human interaction.
- Behavioural Changes: Adjustments in their natural behaviours due to human activities are concerning.
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| Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
|
- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- CITES Appendix I;
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
|
- IBs are the largest among India’s four bustard species and are considered flagship birds of grasslands.
- Habitat reduced to just 10 per cent.
- Overhead power transmission, poor vision, windmills, noise pollution, landscape changes, and alterations in cultivation patterns pose significant threats to GIBs.
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| Golden Langur
|
- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES Appendix I;
- Schedule I (WPA, 1972)
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- Approximately 7,396 Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) in India as per a census conducted by Assam Forest Department.
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| Hangul (Kashmir Stag)
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- IUCN: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I;
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- Kashmir’s Hangul, a shy and endangered species of deer, has exhibited a robust breeding season, suggesting a hopeful future for its population in the Dachigam National Park.
- The Hanguls population could surpass 300 this spring, marking the first time in over 30 years.
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PYQ:
[20I2] Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)
Mains level: Trades and Relations; Changing Geopolitics of the World;
Why in the News?
It is widely believed that renewing the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program would pave the way for comprehensive U.S.-India trade negotiations, potentially elevating the bilateral trade relationship to new heights.
What is the ‘Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)’ Program about?
-
- The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) is a trade initiative by developed countries to aid developing countries.
- Nearly all developed countries have their versions of the GSP, tailored to their economic and policy goals.
-
-
- It involves reducing tariffs on imports from these countries, aiming to stimulate their economic development. (It is not formally part of the World Trade Organization).
- Origin and its Evolution:
-
- During the 1960s: The idea of the GSP emerged during the 1960s as part of broader efforts within the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to help developing countries gain better access to markets in developed countries.
- During 1968: UNCTAD proposed the GSP as a mechanism to offer non-reciprocal, non-discriminatory tariff preferences to developing countries, aiming to promote their economic growth and industrialization.
- During 1974: The US officially established its GSP program under the Trade Act of 1974. This act authorized the U.S. to provide duty-free treatment for selected products imported from designated beneficiary developing countries (BDCs).
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The Significance of Renewing the GSP:
- US Factor: The GSP program is unique because it requires periodic reauthorization by Congress. This program of the U.S. expired in 2020 and has not yet been renewed, despite bipartisan support.
- For Stability in the Market: Renewal is challenging in a polarized political environment but is crucial for maintaining stable market access for developing countries.
- For Diversification: The GSP supports small businesses and women-owned enterprises, encouraging economic empowerment and diversification away from Chinese imports.
- To bring Reform: It will promote labor and environmental reforms and reduce tariff costs for American businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
Significance of US – India Trade Relationship:
- Broader the Trade agreement: The U.S. and India have a significant trade relationship, with bilateral trade worth around $200 billion. Renewing the GSP could facilitate further negotiations and potentially lead to a broader trade agreement.
- Need for GSP renewal: Before the GSP expired, the U.S. and India were close to a trade deal covering various sectors including medical devices, agriculture, ethanol, and IT products.
- Despite ongoing trade dialogues, the U.S. is currently not negotiating new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), making GSP renewal a key tool for enhancing trade relations.
- A renewed GSP could cover multiple areas such as labour rights, environmental laws, and regulatory practices, fostering a more robust and ambitious trade partnership.
- In the Indo-Pacific region.
- It can significantly boost trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
- It would signal a mutual commitment to deepening their trade relationship and addressing broader economic and regulatory issues.
Way forward:
- Utilize GSP as a Negotiation Tool: Leverage GSP renewal as a platform to initiate broader trade negotiations between the U.S. and India, potentially leading to a more comprehensive trade agreement.
- Focus on Strategic Sectors: Identify and prioritize sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture where both countries have mutual interests and complementary strengths.
Mains PYQ:
Q “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem (UPSC IAS/2019)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nuclear treaties and Co-operations; 123 Agreement;
Mains level: Nuclear Cooperation Agreement; Major powers;
Why in the News?
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will visit Saudi Arabia to discuss a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, aiming to foster Israeli-Saudi normalization.
What is a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement?
- A civil nuclear cooperation agreement, often referred to as a “123 Agreement” after Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1954, sets the terms under which the United States can engage in significant nuclear cooperation with other countries.
- This includes the transfer of nuclear materials, technology, and information. Such agreements are designed to ensure that the cooperation is for peaceful purposes and to prevent nuclear proliferation.
- They require the partner country to adhere to nine nonproliferation criteria, including physical security measures, safeguards, and a commitment not to use the technology for nuclear weapons development. Additionally, these agreements must be reviewed and approved by the U.S. Congress.
Why does Saudi Arabia want a US nuclear cooperation agreement?
Saudi Arabia’s interest in a Nuclear Cooperation Agreement with the U.S. is driven by two primary motivations:
- Energy Diversification and its Vision 2030: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
- Part of this vision includes developing renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy is seen as a key component.
- Strategic Considerations: There is also speculation that Saudi Arabia seeks to develop nuclear expertise as a hedge against Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The Saudi leadership has indicated that if Iran were to develop nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia might consider doing the same.
- This potential for nuclear proliferation is a concern for arms control advocates and some U.S. lawmakers.
How would the US benefit from such a deal?
- Strategic Gains: The agreement could be a component of a broader effort to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, thereby enhancing regional stability and security. This would bolster U.S. efforts to counter Iranian influence in the Middle East and build a coalition of allies in the region.
- Commercial Opportunities: U.S. nuclear companies could secure lucrative contracts to build and operate nuclear power plants in Saudi Arabia. This would provide a significant boost to the U.S. nuclear industry, which faces competition from Russian and Chinese firms.
- Geopolitical Influence: Strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia would reinforce U.S. influence in the Gulf region at a time when China is seeking to expand its presence. This would help maintain the U.S. strategic foothold in one of the world’s most geopolitically significant areas.
What are some likely hurdles to it?
Several challenges could impede the realization of a U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement:
- Gaza Conflict: The ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly the high Palestinian casualties resulting from Israeli military actions, complicates Saudi willingness to normalize relations with Israel.
- Nonproliferation Concerns: There are substantial concerns about the potential for nuclear proliferation. Ensuring that Saudi Arabia complies with stringent nonproliferation standards and does not pursue nuclear weapons capabilities will be a critical and contentious issue.
- Congressional Approval: Any agreement would need to pass through the U.S. Congress, where it could face opposition from lawmakers worried about proliferation risks and regional security dynamics. Congressional scrutiny could delay or block the agreement.
- Need of high Technical and Operational Details: Negotiating the specifics of nuclear technology transfer, including whether Saudi Arabia would be allowed to enrich uranium on its soil, and ensuring robust safeguards to prevent misuse of nuclear materials, are complex issues that require careful handling.
Way Forward:
- Need for Strict Safeguards: Establish stringent nonproliferation safeguards within the agreement, ensuring that Saudi Arabia adheres to international standards and commits to using nuclear technology solely for peaceful purposes.
- Need Regular Inspections: Implement a robust regime of regular inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor Saudi nuclear facilities and ensure compliance with the agreement.
Mains PYQ:
Q In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (15) (UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Land and Property rights in India;
Mains level: Judicial Interventions; Judicial Review;
Why in the News?
To protect the rights of village landowners in Haryana, the Supreme Court has permitted a review of a 2022 judgment by Justices Hemant Gupta and V Ramasubramanian that allowed gram panchayats to acquire ‘shamlat deh’ land.
Context:
What is ‘Shamlat deh’?
- It refers to common land in the village, formed by multiple landowners each contributing an equal portion of their holdings to serve the “common purposes” of the village community. It is kept aside for common use in villages, as part of the Punjab Land Revenue Act of 1887.
- Article 31A was inserted by the First Amendment Act of 1951 in the Indian Constitution. It aimed to protect laws related to agrarian reforms and the acquisition of estates.
- According to the Supreme Court (April 2022), such land should be utilized by panchayats only for the needs of villagers. No part of the land can be re-partitioned amongst the proprietors, and such land would not be available for sale.
- A Bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta reopened the challenge to the 1992 amendment on May 17, 2024, after observing that the 2022 decision disregarded an important and relevant Constitution Bench decision in the case of Bhagat Ram vs State of Punjab (1967).
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Bhagat Ram: Clarifying the Meaning of Land Acquisition under Article 31A:
- In 1967, a five-judge Bench reviewed a land consolidation scheme for the village of Dolike Sunderpur that reserved lands for common purposes and diverted the income to the panchayat.
- Landowners’ Argument: The scheme violated the second provision of Article 31A, which prevents acquiring land below the ceiling limit without compensation at market value.
- State’s Argument: The reservation for the panchayat was not land acquisition since the income would benefit the village.
- Ajit Singh v State of Punjab (1967): Distinguished land acquisition from modification or extinguishment of land rights.
- SC Decision: The panchayat was effectively acquiring land by reserving its income, making the state the beneficiary. The court ruled that the second provision of Article 31A applied. Punjab argued the acquisition predated the 17th amendment, but the SC noted the scheme’s implementation was stayed, hence possession and control had not been transferred.
Does Shamlat Land Belong to the Landowners or the Panchayat?
- In 2003, the Punjab and Haryana High Court reviewed a challenge to the 1992 amendment to the Punjab Act that vested control of ‘shamlat deh’ land in Haryana with the gram panchayat.
- Petitioners’ Argument: The Landowners however argued that the amendment did not allow panchayats to control the land for common purposes without compensation, violating Article 31A.
- High Court Decision: The court distinguished between land reserved for common purposes under the Consolidation Act (vested with the gram panchayat) and land contributed by proprietors but not reserved under the consolidation scheme (which could not vest with the panchayat without compensation).
- The decision relied on the SC’s Bhagat Ram ruling that acquiring land without compensation violates the second proviso of Article 31A.
SC Allows Review of 2022 Judgment:
- The 2022 Supreme Court decision by Justices Gupta and Ramasubramanian overruled the 2003 High Court decision, finding no need for compensation as Article 31 had been omitted. The court ruled that the panchayat merely managed the land on behalf of landholders and that control was vested in the panchayat upon assignment.
- Karnail Singh Review: Justices Gavai and Mehta reopened the challenge, noting the 2022 decision’s cursory reference to Bhagat Ram without addressing why the High Court’s reliance on it was wrong.
- The court found that ignoring a Constitution Bench decision was a manifest error, justifying a review.
- Recalled the 2022 SC decision: The 2022 decision was recalled, and the challenge to the 2003 High Court decision was set to be reheard, starting on August 7, 2024.
Way Forward:
- Need Comprehensive Judicial Reviews: Conduct detailed reviews of prior relevant judgments to provide clear, well-founded reasoning in court decisions.
- Need Clear Compensation Guidelines: Establish explicit guidelines for compensation in land acquisition cases, particularly those involving common land like ‘shamlat deh’, to protect landowners’ rights.
Mains PYQ:
Q The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect from Ist January 2014. What are the key issues which would get addressed with the Act in place? What implications would it have on industrialization and agriculture in India? (UPSC IAS/2014)
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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Glaciers;
Mains level: Climate change; Issue of rise in Temperatures;
Why in the News?
Venezuela has likely become the first country to lose all its glaciers, with its last Humboldt glacier melting faster than anticipated. While scientists projected it to last another decade, its rapid melting exceeded expectations.
Background:
- Venezuela was home to six glaciers about 5,000 meters above sea level in the Andes mountains.
- By 2011, five of them had vanished. Scientists expected the Humboldt glacier to last another decade.
What are glaciers?
- Glaciers are large masses of ice that form on land over long periods through the accumulation and compaction of snow. They flow like slow rivers and typically develop in regions with near-freezing temperatures, significant snowfall, and minimal summer melting.
- According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), they usually exist and form in areas where mean annual temperatures reach near the freezing point; winter precipitation leads to significant snow accumulations; and temperatures throughout the remaining year do not cause the complete loss of the previous winter’s snow accumulation.
Why are Glaciers disappearing?
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution have released large amounts of GHGs like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
- Heat Trapping: The greenhouse gases act as a blanket, trapping heat in the atmosphere. While they allow sunlight to pass through, they prevent the heat from escaping back into space, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
- The global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880 due to the skyrocketing emissions of GHGs in recent decades.
- Consequences of Temperature Rise: The temperature rise has resulted in devastating consequences such as more frequent and intense heatwaves, floods, droughts, and a rise in sea levels.
- Accelerated Melting: Glaciers, like ice cubes exposed to heat, are melting at accelerated rates due to the warmer temperatures caused by global warming.
- Natural Climate Phenomena: Natural climate phenomena like El Nino can exacerbate glacier melting by causing abnormal warming of surface waters, as observed in the case of the Humboldt glacier in Venezuela.
What are the impacts of Glacier Loss?
- Freshwater Source: Glaciers are crucial sources of freshwater, especially during hot and dry periods, providing water for local communities, plants, and animals. Their disappearance would increase dependence on sporadic rainfall for freshwater supply.
- Temperature Regulation: Glacial runoff helps regulate downstream water temperatures, particularly keeping them cooler. This is essential for many aquatic species that require cold water temperatures to survive, impacting the entire ecosystem.
- Ecosystem Impact: Glacier loss directly affects aquatic species, disrupting the food web and potentially leading to declines in biodiversity.
- Contribution to Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, although smaller glaciers like Venezuela’s Humboldt glacier may not substantially impact sea levels.
- Cultural Impact: The loss of glaciers has significant cultural implications, particularly for communities where glaciers are part of their cultural identity. Activities such as mountaineering and tourism, which rely on glaciers, would be affected.
- Tourism and Recreation: Glaciers are often major tourist attractions, drawing visitors for activities like mountaineering and sightseeing. The disappearance of glaciers would impact tourism and recreational activities in affected regions.
Way Forward:
- International Cooperation: Foster collaboration among countries to tackle climate change on a global scale. Support international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, aimed at limiting global warming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Protect and Preserve Glacier Areas: Establish and enforce conservation measures to protect glacier regions from further degradation. This can involve creating protected areas, implementing zoning regulations, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Mains PYQ:
Q Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (UPSC IAS/2014)
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