Welcome to the latest edition of UPSC Geography Current Affairs, dated 10th August 2023. In this rapidly changing world, understanding the dynamic interplay between geography and current events is essential for anyone preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. Geography plays a pivotal role in shaping our world, influencing political decisions, economic activities, and social dynamics. This edition delves into the most relevant and up-to-date geographical aspects of current affairs, shedding light on the critical issues that candidates must be well-versed in for their UPSC preparations. Join us as we explore the geographical dimensions of today’s most pressing global and national issues, offering valuable insights and analysis to assist you in your quest for success in the UPSC examinations.
BLACK CARBON FOOTPRINT OF HUMAN PRESENCE IN ANTARCTICA
Why in news? :
Black carbon (BC) from fossil fuel and biomass combustion darkens the snow and makes it melt sooner. The BC footprint of research activities and tourism in Antarctica has likely increased as human presence in the continent has surged in recent decades.
About :
Introduction:
In an era where environmental consciousness is of paramount importance, the black carbon footprint emerges as a complex and multi-dimensional challenge. Black carbon, commonly referred to as soot, is a fine particulate matter produced from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass, and other organic materials. It is a significant contributor to global warming, air pollution, and adverse health effects.
Natural causes of Black Carbon :
- Wildfires: Wildfires inject large amounts of black carbon (BC) particles into the atmosphere, which can reach the lowermost stratosphere (LMS) and cause strong radiative forcing. Black Carbon Emissions from the Siberian Fires in 2019 impacting the entire Arctic region.
- Volcanic Eruptions: Black carbon emissions due to volcanic eruption of Mount St. Helens in the United States in 1980 dispersed over long distances by wind patterns.
- Biomass Burning: Natural events like lightning strikes can ignite biomass, such as forests or grasslands, leading to the release of black carbon and other smoke particles. Eg Amazon rain forest fires in South America.
- Vegetation Decay: Black carbon emissions due to vegetation decay is found in peatlands. A notable example is the draining and degradation of peatlands in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia
- Dust Storms: Wind-blown dust particles can mix with soot and become black carbon aerosols. One notable example is the “Asian Dust” phenomenon, also known as the “Yellow Dust” or “Yellow Sand,” which occurs in East Asia.
Anthropogenic causes of Black Carbon:
- Fossil Fuel Combustion: According to the USA, fossil fuel combustion accounted for approximately 25% of the black carbon emissions in the country.
- Transportation: In 2016, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi conducted a study and found that transportation was a major source of black carbon emissions in Delhi.
- Waste Incineration: Burning of waste in open dumps or poorly controlled incineration facilities can emit black carbon and other pollutants.
- Residential Energy Use: In the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand and Himachal, many households rely on traditional cooking stoves that burn solid fuels like wood, agricultural residues, and dung for their daily cooking needs, significantly contributing in black carbon emissions.
- Deforestation and Land Use Changes: Researchers from the Woods Hole Research Center and the University of California, Irvine, found that deforestation and associated land use changes were responsible for significant black carbon emissions in the Amazon basin.
Significant Impacts of Black Carbon:
- Human Health : Black carbon is a major component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Inhalation of PM2.5 can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
- Climate Change: Black absorbs sunlight and contributes to regional and global warming, influencing the Earth’s energy balance and climate patterns. As black carbon settles on the Himalayan glaciers, it accelerates their melting rates.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Black carbon in the atmosphere can reduce sunlight reaching crops, leading to lower photosynthesis rates and potentially reducing crop yields. Crops like rice, wheat, and maize can be particularly affected, impacting food production and availability. Black carbon can alter regional weather patterns, including the timing and intensity of monsoon rains.
- Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Black carbon deposition in Arctic soils affects the temperature and moisture regimes of the soil. This, in turn, can alter the microbial communities living in the soil, which play critical roles in nutrient cycling.
- Tourism and Industry : Poor air quality resulting from black carbon emissions can deter tourists from visiting certain areas, impacting local tourism-based economies. Study finds an increased concentration of black carbon in Gangotri region during tourist seasons.
| CASE STUDY : ARCTIC BLACK CARBON The Arctic has become a hotspot for black carbon research as it is playing a crucial role in warming and the strong heating effect . The presence of black carbon on ice and snow surfaces reduces their albedo, causing them to absorb more sunlight. This process, known as “Arctic Amplification,” accelerates ice melt, leading to the shrinking of Arctic sea ice and glaciers.Study found a direct correlation between black carbon deposition and glacier retreat rates . Black carbon can darken the surface of permafrost, increasing heat absorption and accelerating permafrost thaw. Thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gasses, further contributing to global warming. Reduced sea ice and changes in sea ice dynamics can also affect the timing and availability of food for Arctic marine animals. Black carbon aerosols can alter atmospheric circulation patterns and contribute to shifts in weather patterns with implications for local communities dependent on traditional activities like hunting and fishing. |
How Black Carbon Disturbs the Heat Budget of the Earth ?
- Absorption of Solar radiation: Black carbon particles when released into the atmosphere, intercept solar radiation and convert it into heat. This process reduces the albedo , warms the surrounding air and contributes to the overall heating of the atmosphere.
- Disruption of Atmospheric Stability: Black carbon in the atmosphere can alter the vertical temperature profile, reducing the stability of the atmosphere. This can impact cloud formation and weather systems, leading to changes in precipitation patterns and atmospheric circulation.
- Affecting Clouds: Black carbon particles can act as cloud condensation nuclei, influencing the formation and properties of clouds. This can lead to changes in cloud behavior, potentially affecting cloud cover and cloud lifetimes, and ultimately impacting the Earth’s energy balance.
- Affecting Ocean Circulation : Melting of ice due to black carbon deposition can lead to changes in ocean circulation patterns. As fresh meltwater enters the ocean, it can disrupt the balance of salinity and density, affecting ocean currents and heat distribution.
- Ocean Warming: Black carbon contributes to the heating of the atmosphere when it absorbs sunlight. As the atmosphere warms, it can transfer some of this heat to the ocean through increased evaporation and ocean-atmosphere heat exchange.
Activities undertaken by selected GEF( Global Environment Facility ) Implementing Agencies and other international organizations towards mitigating Black Carbon.
| GEF Implementing Agency | Activity |
| World Bank | • Engaged in reducing BC emissions from the brick sector in South Asia• Assessed potential BC mitigation approaches to reduce impacts on cryosphere regions |
| United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) | • Hosts the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles. Co-sponsored Integrated Assessment of Black Carbon and Tropospheric Ozone |
| United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) | Partner of the Global Alliance for Clean Cook-stoves. |
SOLUTIONS TO MITIGATE THE EMISSIONS OF BLACK CARBON
- Cleaner Energy Sources: Transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, such as renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric) and natural gas, can significantly reduce black carbon emissions from power generation, industrial processes, and residential heating. India’s initiative to switch from BS IV to BS VI engine vehicles is commendable .
- Improved Cooking Technologies: Promoting the use of improved cookstoves and clean fuels (e.g., LPG, biogas) for cooking can help reduce black carbon emissions from traditional biomass burning in households. The Government of India introduced PMUY ( Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana ) offers BPL households a cash contribution of Rs 1600 for each LPG connection.
- Advanced Emission Control Technologies: Installing and maintaining advanced emission control devices, such as particulate filters and scrubbers, can help capture black carbon and other pollutants from exhaust gases. WAYU (Wind Augmentation PurifYing Unit) was developed to address air pollution at traffic intersections and dense traffic zones.
- International Cooperation: Addressing black carbon emissions requires collaboration between countries, especially for transboundary pollution. International agreements and partnerships can support collective efforts to mitigate black carbon emissions.
Conclusion
- The measures to prevent black carbon emissions can reduce near-term warming of the climate, increase crop yields and prevent premature deaths.
- Black carbon’s short atmospheric lifetime, combined with its strong warming potential, means that targeted strategies to reduce emissions can provide climate and health benefits within a relatively short period of time.
Where to use ?
Paper 1 ( Geography Optional ) : Global Climatic change, Role and response of man in climatic changes
Source : Nature
NEWS IN BRIEF
Underground Climate Change Is Weakening Buildings in Slow Motion
Why in news ? :
Hotspots beneath cities deform the ground, causing important infrastructure to crack under stress.
About :
- Urban areas absorb heat during the day, making some urban areas up to six degrees Fahrenheit hotter than rural ones. The“urban heat islands” are developing underground as the city heat diffuses downward, beneath the surface.
- According to a new study of downtown Chicago, underground hotspots may threaten the very same structures that emit the heat in the first place. Such temperature changes make the ground around them expand and contract enough to cause potential damage.
- Subsurface temperatures rise because of climate change and underground urban development, causing the potential implications for underground ecosystems. For example, if groundwater gets too warm, it could kill or drive away animals, trigger chemical changes in the water and become a breeding ground for microbes.
- Underground hotspots could affect urban infrastructure because materials expand and contract with temperature change. It is suspected that heat seeping from basements and tunnels could be contributing to wear and tear on various structures.
- Chicago’s overall ground temperatures is rising by 0.25 degree F each year. Many cities near oceans and rivers—London, for example, are built on a layer of clay. In contrast, cities built largely on harder rocks (such as New York City), would not be as impacted by this effect.
- Similar to climate change above the surface, these underground changes occur over long periods of time to develop.
- According to researchers , this energy could also be harnessed: Subway tunnels and basements could be retrofitted with geothermal technologies to recapture the heat. For example, water pipes could be installed to run through underground hotspots and pick up some of the thermal energy. However, it requires a high upfront cost.
Where to use ?
Paper 1( Geography Optional ) : Physical Condition of earth interior , Urban Heat Island effect
Source: Scientific American ; North Western
News in Brief
Major ocean current system may collapse as early as 2025 with 95% certainty
Why in news ?
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation has been weakening – and new predictions suggest it could totally switch off between 2025 and 2095.
About:
- A major system of ocean currents that ferries heat from the tropics to the North Atlantic could shut down far sooner than expected, according to new predictions.
- The system, known as the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) had previously been measured to be dramatically weakening in conjunction with rising ocean temperatures.
- Shutting down the AMOC can disturb the heat and precipitation at Global level.
- This detailed analysis by researchers suggested significant warning signs of the AMOC shutting down between 2025 and 2095, with a staggering certainty of 95%. More specifically, the most likely time for this collapse would be around 2057.
- The AMOC, which includes the Gulf Stream as part of its system, is our planet’s main mode of transporting heat away from the tropics. Without it, the tropics would rapidly increase in temperature while vital tropical rains get disrupted. Such rains are essential for the environments of South America, western Africa as well as in India and other regions of south Asia.
- Meanwhile, northern and western Europe would lose their source of warm water from the tropics, leading to more storms and severely cold winters in these areas. The loss of the Gulf Stream in particular would also result in rising sea levels on the US’ eastern seaboard.
- In recent years, earth has already seen the dangers of human-induced climate warming in form of heatwaves, especially in northern hemisphere. And although the loss of the AMOC may see northern and western Europe cool, “this shutdown will contribute to an increased warming of the tropics.
Where to use ?
Paper I ( Geography optional ) : Ocean Currents , Global climatic change
Source : USA Today
Case study :
Nature-Based Solution in Agriculture for Sustainable Water Management: The Lake Karla in Central Greece
- Karla was a natural lake until 1962, when it was drained, and was considered an important ecosystem in the Mediterranean region as it served as a “hot spot” of biodiversity
- Using Nature-Based Solution (NBS) , the ‘Karla’ reservoir in Central Greece, is now restored with the purpose to maximize the efficiency of water provision in agriculture and biodiversity enhancement.
- The reconstructed Lake Karla now can serve as a multi-purpose project to combat water scarcity, achieving a twofold crop yield production and respective agricultural income in the surrounding area, securing the coverage of the water supply needs of the closest city, improving the status of groundwater resources, developing a natural shelter for biodiversity and emerging recreation and touristic opportunities.
- At the same time, its construction and operation costs has been recovered, and the governance plan ensuring the viability of the whole project inspiring similar multi-purpose water retention projects for investment in agriculture and the environment not only in southern Europe but also in other water scarce regions.
Where to use ?
Paper I ( Geography optional ) : Sustainable development
Source : Research Gate
Key terms
- Piedmont plateaus : The plateaus that are situated at the foot of the mountains and are bounded on other sides by a plain or an ocean are called the piedmont plateau. Eg Malwa plateau in India.
- Meta Population management : It consists of a group of spatially separated populations of the same species which interact at some level. Although individual populations have finite life-spans, the metapopulation as a whole is often stable because immigrants from one population are likely to re-colonize habitat which has been left open by the extinction of another population.
- Hemipteran : It is an order of insects, commonly called true bugs having biting or sucking mouthparts and two pairs of wings. Hemipterans include the leafhoppers, treehoppers, cicadas, aphids, scales, and true bugs.
- Snowball earth glaciation : The glaciation were a series of ice ages during the Neoproterozoic era of geologic time, mainly confined to the Cryogenian period, but perhaps also into the Ediacaran period, too. Snowball Earths arose as incoming sunlight is reduced, ice expands from the poles to the equator.
- Amphidromic point : Amphidromic points are places where the tidal range (difference in height between high and low tide) is zero compared with other areas in the basin.
Places in news :
- Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR): It is the fifth Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu, and 51th tiger reserve of India. It has a mix of tropical evergreen forests and semi-evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests and moist mixed deciduous forests, grassland. It functions as a connecting link between Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve and Tamil Nadu’s Southern Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Recently 12 illegal, unauthorised or unrecognised resorts were identified by state forest department of Tamilnadu around SMTR. ( Approx. Virudunagar )
- Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a protected area located on south bank of the Brahmaputra River in Sonitpur district of Assam. It forms an integral part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori eco-system and is a notified buffer of the Kaziranga Tiger reserve. Recently one dead and several injured over clash between forest team, illegal encroachers at Bura Chapori wildlife sanctuary ( Approx. Sonitpur )
- Chamarajanagara : It is the southernmost district in the state of Karnataka, India. It was carved out of the original Mysore District in 1998. The district borders the state of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The main tourist attractions are Sri Chamarajeshwara temple and Biligiriranga Hills. Recently , it was in news that it is the only district in India which has three Tiger Reserves-Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Biligiri ranganabetta Tiger Reserve (BRT) and Malai Mahadeshwara Tiger Reserve. ( Approx. Mysore )
- Koli hills : It is a small mountain range located in central Tamil Nadu and spread over the Namakkal district and Tiruchirapalli district of India. Recently , it was in news that, Koli hills hydroelectricity plant is to be commissioned soon. ( Approx. Namakkal )
- Charmadi Ghat : It is a ghat in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada and Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru. The Ghat starts from Charmadi village and ends at Kottigehara. . In the Charmadi ghat, there is a waterfall named Bandaje Arb. Recently Cops were deployed on Charmadi Ghat to stop tourists from risking their lives for selfies. ( Approx. Belthangady )
| Question: 1 Recently Delhi has witnessed water logging crisis due to rising water levels of Yamuna river. Consider the following pair of dams and states on the river Yamuna: Dam. : State Lakhwar Vyasi : Haryana Tajewala. : Uttarakhand Dakpatthar. : Himachal Pradesh Which of the pairs given above is/ are correctly matched ? One pair Two pairs Three pairs None Ans. D Important dams of River Yamuna are Lakhwar Vyasi dam : Lakhwar-Vyasi Dam project on Yamuna River, includes under-construction Lakhwar Dam and Power Station, Vyasi Dam, Hathiari Power Station and Katapathar Barrage, near the Lakhwar town in Kalsi block of Dehradun district of Uttarakhand in India. Tajewala Barrage: It is a now decommissioned but existing old barrage across the Yamuna River, located in Yamuna Nagar District, in the state of Haryana, India. Dakpathar Barrage: It is a concrete barrage across the Yamuna River adjacent to Dakpathar in Uttarakhand, India. Question : 2 World Snake Day on 16 July Consider the following statements regarding Snakes : Snakes are “solar-powered” and rely fully on external heat or light sources. Snakes living in colder regions are not viviparous Snakes do have nostrils, but they don’t use them to smell. Which of the statements given above are correct ? Only 1 Only 1 and 2 Only 1 and 3 Only 2 and 3 Ans. C Statement 1 is correct : Snakes are solar powered because they rely on external heat and light. They are technically labelled cold blooded but the right term, ought to use is ectothermic. This means that their body temperature is variable and it is regulated by external sources. Statement 2 is incorrect: Snakes do have nostrils but smell is not what it is used for. These reptiles smell through their tongues. They use what is called Jacobsen’s organ in the roof of the mouth. Statement 3 is correct : Mammals lay eggs but in snakes, only 70% of them do and other snake species do not. The snakes that live in colder regions give live birth because the eggs will not survive in that weather. Question : 3 Recently, NITI Aayog has released the Report “National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023”, claiming that a significant number of people have come out of multidimensional poverty in India. Consider the following : Maternal health Bank accounts Adolescent mortality Flooring On how many of the above indicators does NITI Aayog focus on for Multidimensional Poverty Index? Only one Only two Only three All four Ans. C The MPI seeks to measure Poverty across its multiple dimensions and in effect complements existing poverty statistics based on per capita consumption expenditure. It has three equally weighted dimensions – Health, Education, and Standard of living.These three dimensions are represented by 12 indicators such as nutrition, child and adolescent mortality, maternal health, years of schooling, school attendance, cooking fuel, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, housing, assets, and bank accounts. Question: 4 New study discovers 62 desiccation-tolerant vascular plant species in India’s Western Ghats, with potential applications in agriculture & conservation. These species of plants can withstand harsh environments. Which among the following statements is incorrect regarding “Desiccation Tolerant “ ( DT ) species , mentioned recently in news? They can be found in both tropical and temperate regions. In India, these are primarily found in forest rock outcrops and partially shaded tree trunks. These species showed colour variations and morphological characteristics There is a fast germination of seeds in these species. Ans. D Statement 1 is correct : DT plants can be found in both tropical and temperate regions.They can quickly regenerate when water supplies are restored and are frequently found on rocky outcrops in the tropics Statement 2 is correct : Indian desiccation tolerant plants are primarily found in forest rock outcrops and partially shaded tree trunks. Ferricretes (a hard, erosion-resistant layer of sedimentary rock) and basaltic plateaus (plateaus produced by volcanic activity) seemed to be the preferred habitats. Statement 3 is correct : The DT species showed colour variations and morphological characteristics. A . Tripogon species changed colours from greyish in dry conditions to green in hydrated situations. B. In Oropetium thomaeum, the leaf cloud transformed from green to dark purple or orange in the hydrated phase and ranged from brownish to ash in the desiccation phase. C. Ferns (fronds) displayed a variety of characteristics, including curling inwards towards the costa, exposing spores at the start of the dry season and during brief dry spells. Statement 4 is incorrect : Germination of seeds is slow in Desiccation tolerance species. Question: 5 Consider the following statements regarding Cicadas: They are certain type of insects responsible for Chagas’ disease. They are mostlyherbivorous and feed on plant sap using their piercing and sucking mouthparts. The declining presence of cicadas in homesteads may indicate the deterioration of soil quality and vegetation. Which of the statements given above are correct ? Only 1 and 2 Only 2 and 3 Only 1 and 3 All of the above Ans. B Statement 1 is incorrect : Cicadas are insects that belong to the orderHemiptera and the superfamily Cicadoidea. Hemipteran insects, also called true bugs, have mouthparts used for piercing and sucking and have two pairs of wings Statement 2 is correct : Cicadas are mostlyherbivorous and feed on plant sap using their piercing and sucking mouthparts.They have complex life cycles that involve long periods of underground development and short periods of adult emergence. Statement 3 is correct : Their distribution extends acrosstropical evergreen forests from Goa to Kanyakumari in South India.This discovery supports a high degree of endemism among cicadas.The declining presence of cicadas in homesteads may indicate the deterioration of soil quality and vegetation |
| Question: 6 Which among the following statements is incorrect about Gambusia fishes ? The fish is a native to the southeastern United States. It is widely used as a biological agent to control mosquito larvae. These fishes hijack the food web causing imbalance in the food ecosystem . They are found in deep waters in the mid of water bodies. Ans. D This fish species shows a high breeding capacity for instance 900 and 1200 offspring could be produced during the lifespan of a single female Gambusia. The fish is also known as mosquitofish or gambezi. It is used as a biological agent for controlling mosquito larvae across the world. It is considered one of the most widespread freshwater fish in the world. They are commonly found in shallow waters which are protected from larger fishes. The Gambusia fish, native to the southeastern United States,can consume 100 to 300 mosquito larvae per day. |
| Question: 7 With reference to Hoolock Gibbon , consider the following statements: Western Hoolock Gibbon and Eastern Hoolock Gibbon, both are found in India. Both Western and Eastern Hoolock Gibbon are protected under the Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act of 1972 and included in Schedule 1. Which of the statements given above are correct ? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C Both statements are correct. Gibbons are the smallest and fastest of all apes. The hoolock gibbon is one of 20 species of apes and is the only ape found in India. Habitat: They live intropical and subtropical forests in the southeastern part of Asia. Population: The estimated population of hoolock gibbons is 12,000. Threats: Felling of trees for infrastructure projects. The Hoolock Gibbon is categorized into two types: Both species are protected under the Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act of 1972 and included in Schedule |
| Western Hoolock Gibbon | Eastern Hoolock Gibbon |
| It inhabits all the states of the north-east, restricted between the south of the Brahmaputra river and east of the Dibang river. And outside India, it is found in eastern Bangladesh and north-west Myanmar.Majority of Gibbons found in India belong to Western species.Conservation Status: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Endangered | It inhabits specific pockets of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India, and in southern China and north-east Myanmar outside India.Conservation Status: IUCN Red List:Vulnerable |
| Question:8 Recently, the use of collars in the cheetah reintroduction project in Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was in news. With reference to collars, consider the following statements: Electric collars are used to train livestock and other animals to avoid crossing designated boundaries. Cheetahs are vulnerable to local pathogens due to the use of radio collars. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C Both statements are correct . Radio collars are like tracking collars which utilizes radio signals for monitoring animals. They are commonly used in wildlife research to gather information about animal movements, home ranges, and social interactions. Radio collars can provide valuable insights into the behaviour and ecology of animals in the wild. The Problem with Collars Carrying a device on the body for an extended period can have adverse effects. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research highlighted the higher presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the wrists of watch wearers, which can lead to sepsis or death. Similarly, domestic dogs often develop acute moist dermatitis or hot spots under collars, worsened by tick or flea bites. Moreover, tight-fitting collars can cause pressure necrosis and hair loss around the neck, resembling bedsores Factors Influencing Vulnerability of Cheetahs in Kuno Cheetahs possess a furrier winter coat compared to tigers or leopards, which retains more water and takes longer to dry. This prolonged moisture exposure weakens the skin over time. A study criticized the 3% collar weight rule for not considering animal athleticism. Accelerometer-based research revealed that collars exert forces on cheetahs during movement equivalent to up to 18 times the collar’s weight. This weight burden, particularly on a wet coat, may have adverse effects on cheetahs during high-speed sprints. Cheetahs may be vulnerable to local pathogens to which Indian tigers and leopards are immune. Question:9 Consider the following statements: The most abundant tree species are Sundri and Gewa On the east of it , it is bordered by Baleshwar river. WWF India conducted environment education activities through initiatives such as Nature Clubs of India. The above statements are related to which among the following: Kaziranga National Park Sunderban mangroves Manas national Park Nokrek National Park Ans. B The Sundarbans mangrove forest covers an area of about 10,000 km2 (3,900 sq mi), of which forests in Bangladesh’s Khulna Division extend over 6,517 km2 (2,516 sq mi) and in West Bengal, they extend over 3,483 km2 (1,345 sq mi) across the South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts. The most abundant tree species are sundri (Heritiera fomes) and gewa To the south the forest meets the Bay of Bengal; to the east it is bordered by the Baleswar River and to the north there is a sharp interface with intensively cultivated land. History of WWF-India in Sundarbans 1973: Involved in the Sundarbans since the inception of Project Tiger. Assisted the Sundarbans Forest Department in the first tranquilization of a stray tiger in 1974. 1976: Conducted Environment Education activities through initiatives such as Nature Clubs of India. Supported the Forest Directorate with equipment and training, as well as community engagement to reduce dependence on forest resources. Question:10 With reference to ‘ fly ash’ produced by the power plants using coal as fuel, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction. 2. Fly ash can be used as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete. 3. Fly ash is made up of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide only, and does not contain any toxic elements. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 3 only Ans. A Statement 1 and 3 are correct. Fly ash can be used in the production of bricks for building construction and as a replacement for some of the Portland cement contents of concrete.Fly ash is made up of aluminium silicate, silicon dioxide, calcium oxide. Fly ash particles are oxide rich and consist of silica, almina, oxides of iron, calcium and magnesium and toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cobalt and copper. Statement 3 is false as it says Fly ash is made up of only two components namely: silicon dioxide and calcium oxide. Question:11 Consider the following statements regarding Tiger Orchids : It flowers inalternate years and remains in bloom for about a month. The species is originally from Uttarakhand. It was listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s tallest orchid. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? 1 and 2 2 and 3 1 and 3 All of the above Ans. C Statement 1 is correct : Scientific Name: Grammatophyllum speciosum Characteristics: It has large and resplendent flowers which resemble the tiger skin. It flowers in alternate years and remains in bloom for about a month. Statement 2 is incorrect : These epiphytic plants are not native to India,and are endemic to southeast Asia i.e.Indonesia and Philippines. Statement 3 is correct : The plant was listed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s tallest orchid. Question:12 Consider the following pairs: Parks / Sanctuaries. : State Srivilliputhur Tiger Reserve : Tamil Nadu Bura Chapori Sanctuary : Assam Mukurthi National Park. : Karnataka Which of the above pairs are correctly matched ? One pair Two pairs Three pairs None of the pairs Ans. B Pair 1 is correctly matched : Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR), was established in 2021. It is the fifth Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu and 51st tiger reserve in India.It provides protection to Megamalai, the Vaigai’s primary catchment, in turn helping water levels to rise in the river. Pair 2 is correctly matched : Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, is a part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem.This sanctuary is home to the Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros,tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, and elephants. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched : Mukurthi National Park (MNP) is located in the northwest corner of Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats.It is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site) along with Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Silent Valley. Question:13 With reference to Little Rann of Kutch, consider the following statements: Little Rann of Kutch is bordered by Rajasthan on one side and Pakistan on the other. The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the a species known as Ghudkhur. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. B Statement 1 is incorrect: The Rann of Kutch is located mostly in the Indian state of Gujarat, specifically Kutch district, for which it is named. Statement 2 is correct : Little Rann of Kutch is home of Indian wild ass known as Ghudkhur. |
| Question:14 Ludwigia peruviana, recently in news is associated with which among the following : It is white chemical used to increase the moisture retention of soil. A beautiful aquatic plant endangered the biodiversity of wetlands in India. It has contributed to the collapse of local fisheries in river Hooghly. It poses a significant threat to elephant habitats, disrupting the growth of essential food sources for elephants Ans. D Ludwigia Peruviana grows relatively tall, reaching a height of about 12 feet. As an aquatic plant, it thrives in wetlands and water bodies. It grows faster than many other harmful weeds, and the pre-monsoon temperature and monsoon rains contribute to its rapid growth and spread. Impact on Elephants and Wildlife and Biodiversity:The invasion of Ludwigia Peruviana poses a significant threat to elephant habitats, disrupting the growth of essential food sources for elephants and other plant-eating animals. The spread of this invasive weed also impacts the overall biodiversity of invaded areas, leading to the loss of native plant species and potentially forcing wildlife to move to other areas, resulting in negative interactions with humans. Question:15 With reference to Silver cockscomb , consider the the following statements: It is a troublesome weed with high antibacterial activity and high nutrient content. This weed, prevalent inregions of Southeast Asia and Latin America. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C Both statements are correct. Silver cockscomb, also known as lagos spinach, is a troublesome weed that can spread rapidly and hinder the growth of other crops. However, the Soliga tribe in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagara district considers it a nutritious leafy green vegetable, using it in traditional dishes like massanne and ullsoppu sambar. Scientific studies have shown that silver cockscomb has beneficial properties, including antibacterial activity, high nutrient content (vitamin E, calcium, and iron), and lower levels of harmful substances like oxalic acid and phytic acid. This weed, prevalent in regions like South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of the US and Australia, has been used by communities worldwide for medicinal purposes and as a wild vegetable and fodder.By documenting and exploring traditional knowledge, silver cockscomb could potentially be recognized as a valuable superfood. |
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
