In the ever-evolving world of geography and geospatial knowledge, staying updated with the latest developments is paramount. From geopolitical shifts to environmental transformations, students, researchers, and enthusiasts must have access to a reliable source of current affairs in the field of geography. “KOSMOS – Geography Current Affairs” by Edukemy is a beacon of knowledge, offering a comprehensive look at the most significant events and trends in geography from 24th November to 11th December. Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams, conducting research, or simply keen on expanding your geographical horizons, KOSMOS provides a curated collection of insights, analysis, and information that will keep you informed and engaged in the fascinating world of geography. In this edition of KOSMOS, we will journey through a fortnight of intriguing developments, exploring how geography impacts our world in numerous ways.
FEATURE ARTICLE
CLIMATE IMPACT ON WOMEN IN AGRI FOOD SYSTEMS
Why in news :
A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems highlights the unequal impact of the climate crisis on women engaged in agri-food systems across the globe.
About :
- Agricultural food systems encompass the entire cycle of food production, distribution, and consumption, involving cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and consumption. This complex network includes farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
- Climate change has posed challenges to global agri-food systems, impacting crop yields, food quality, and supply chain stability. These challenges have led to economic disparities and social consequences. The need for resilient and sustainable agri-food systems is crucial to address these multifaceted issues and ensure the stability of the global food supply chain.
ROLE OF WOMEN IN AGRI FOOD SYSTEMS
- Farmers and Producers: According to the Food Agriculture Organisation , women make up nearly 43% of the agricultural labor force at the global level. Eg. In Sub-Saharan Africa, women produce up to 80% of the food, yet they face challenges in accessing resources and credit (World Bank).
- Processing and Distribution: UN Women reported that in Latin America, women-run cooperatives have emerged, enhancing food processing and contribution to economic resilience
- Access to Resources: In Southeast Asia, limited land rights for women impact their ability to adopt sustainable farming practices .
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Women entrepreneurs contribute to agri-food innovation and value addition. Example: Start-ups led by women in Africa are introducing innovative solutions in food processing, reducing post-harvest losses
FRAMEWORK FOR GENDERED AGRI FOOD SYSTEMS
SIGNIFICANCE OF AGRI FOOD SYSTEMS IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
- Food Security and Nutrition: Sustainable farming practices, such as agroecology, enhance soil fertility, increase crop diversity, and contribute to improved nutrition. Initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture, like the UN’s Food Systems Summit, emphasize the importance of achieving food security through resilient and sustainable food systems.
- Economic Growth and Livelihoods: Agriculture employs over 40% of the global workforce. Investments in sustainable agriculture, such as regenerative farming practices, are gaining traction as governments and businesses recognize their potential for both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
- Environmental Sustainability: Agroforestry and precision farming techniques contribute to sustainable land use, reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. The global push for carbon-neutral initiatives highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts.
- Innovation and Technology Adoption: Digital technologies are transforming agri-food systems, improving efficiency and sustainability. Precision agriculture, blockchain in supply chains, and AI-driven farming practices enhance productivity while reducing environmental impact.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE REPORT
- Global Ranking of Climate Change Threats: The study ranks 87 countries based on the climate change threat faced by women in agri-food systems.
- India ranks 12th, with other Asian nations like Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal also facing significant risks.
- Identification of High-Risk Regions: Agri-food systems, encompassing production, post-harvest handling, and distribution, are particularly at risk.
- Within African and Asian regions, central, east and southern Africa and west and south Asia emerge as regions with heightened vulnerability.
- People living in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC) are at heightened risk.
- Climate Agriculture Gender Inequality Hotspots: The research combined insights on climate, gender and agri-food systems to map the regions as ‘climate–agriculture–gender inequality hotspots’.
- The study calculated each country’s risk based on these indicators and plotted the score for each LMIC ( Low Middle Income Country ) country on a color-coded map.
- The hotspot maps can guide gender-responsive climate action, especially in upcoming climate conferences like Climate Conference (COP 28) and climate investments.
- This is particularly relevant in ongoing negotiations around a loss and damage fund and other climate investments.
- Policymaking and Climate Action: The study serves as a crucial entry point for policymaking by illustrating the unequal impact of hazards on women in agriculture.
- Previous studies highlighted that women and girls are more likely to go hungry following natural disasters linked to climate change.
- In India, twice the number of women compared to men reported eating less in response to a drought.
- The hotspot maps can aid decision-makers and investors in targeting finance and investments to areas where women are hardest hit by climate change risks.
CLIMATE – GENDER INEQUALITY – AGRICULTURE HOTSPOTS ACROSS THE GLOBE
| CASE STUDY : CUBA’S AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION PROJECT EMPOWERING WOMEN AND BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMSCuba’s Local Agricultural Innovation Project with a focus on its gender-specific elements was first introduced in Cuba in the early 2000’s as a means of carrying out participatory plant-breeding to facilitate the development and use of locally-adapted seed varieties and help farmers diversify their production. This model facilitates female participation and leadership and how this contributes to positive economic, ecological and sociocultural changes in farming households and communities. Key impacts include increased inclusion of women in developing and implementing farm innovations; increased self-confidence for female farmers and farm-family members; increased productive diversification on family farms; and, increased employment and household income through women-led micro-industry projects and facilitation of commercialization opportunities. |
GENDER DIFFERENTIATED IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WOMEN IN AGRI FOOD SYSTEMS
| IMPACT | REASONS |
| Reduced Food Security & Income | Climate change disrupts agricultural production, reduces crop yields and quality, and increases the risk of pests and diseases. |
| Increased workload | Women farmers also have to adapt to changing weather and rainfall patterns, which may require them to adopt new crops, technologies, or practices, or to migrate to other areas. |
| Reduce Health and Well being | Climate change heightens the vulnerability of women farmers in India, limiting their access to healthcare, sanitation, and hygiene, while simultaneously exacerbating gender-based violence, particularly in conflict and disaster scenarios. |
| Limited Participation & Environment. | Women farmers also have less access to information, education, and training, which limits their awareness and capacity to adapt to climate change. |
INDIA’ S INITIATIVES
| Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana | Aims to empower women by enhancing their participation in agriculture and to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for them. |
| National Policy for Farmers (2007) | Aims for dedicated women centric government efforts. |
| Gender Based Budgeting | 30% of the budget allocation has been earmarked for women beneficiaries in all ongoing schemes/programmes and development activities. |
| Women Self-Help Groups (SHG) | Connect them to micro-credit through capacity building activities. |
| Recognizing the role of women in agriculture | 15th October of every year as Women Farmer’s Day |
WAY FORWARD
- Adaptive Strategies for Women Farmers: To navigate climate-related challenges, women farmers should be encouraged to adopt adaptive strategies, including income diversification and cultivating climate-resilient crops.
- Training, Capacity Building and Weather Information: Providing women farmers with training in climate-resilient farming techniques, such as agroforestry, crop diversification, water-efficient irrigation, and soil conservation practices.
- Financial Inclusion: Providing women with access to microfinance services and insurance products that cover climate-related risks, ensuring they have the financial capacity to adapt and recover from climate shocks. Establishing women’s savings groups that serve as safety nets during times of crop failure or economic stress.
- Access to Resources: Enhancing women’s access to water-saving technologies and efficient irrigation methods to cope with water scarcity caused by climate change.
- Role of Policymakers in Resource Availability: Land tenure reforms that prioritise women’s rights and insurance mechanisms tailored to their needs can bolster resilience against climate-induced risks.
- Social Security: Ensuring adequate social cover for all women who work in agriculture is another indispensable factor in modern sustainable farming.
Where to Use ?
Paper II ( Geography ) : Agriculture
Paper III ( General Studies ) : Inclusive Growth, Gender Budgeting , Agriculture
Source : Frontiers ; Down to Earth ; The Print
NEWS IN BRIEF
E PRIME LAYER
Why in news :
Researchers from Arizona State University and an international team discovered the origin of the previously known E prime layer in the Earth’s interior, which until now remained a mystery.
About :
- Experiments revealed that when water reaches the core-mantle boundary, it reacts with silicon in the core, forming silica.
HOW DID THIS LAYER DEVELOP OVER TIME ?
- Tectonic plates carrying surface water , transported deep into the Earth, initiates significant chemical changes, influencing the core’s structure.
- Subducted water reacts chemically with core materials under high pressure and leads to the formation of a hydrogen-rich, silicon-depleted layer at the outer core, resembling a film-like structure.
- Silica crystals generated by this process ascend and blend into the mantle, impacting the overall composition.
- These modifications could potentially result in reduced density and altered seismic characteristics.
HOW CAN THIS RESEARCH HELP IN UNDERSTANDING EARTH MORE ?
- This enhanced our comprehension of Earth’s internal mechanisms, indicating a broader and more intricate global water cycle
- It would have significant implications for the interconnected geochemical processes linking surface water cycles with the deep metallic core.
| Discontinuities | Transition zone between |
| Conrad Discontinuity | Upper crust and the lower crust |
| Mohorovicic Discontinuity | Crust and Mantle. |
| Repetti Discontinuity | Outer mantle and Inner mantle. |
| Gutenberg Discontinuity | Mantle and Core. |
| Lehmann Discontinuity | Outer core and Inner core. |
Where to use ?
Paper I ( Geography optional ) : Geomorphology , Earth Interior
Source : Hindustan Times
NEWS IN BRIEF
WARM TEMPERATURES FOR PROLONGED PERIODS LED TO PEST ATTACK IN ASSAM
Why in news :
Continuous warm temperatures for prolonged periods may have led to the serious pest infestation in Assam that damaged around 28,000 hectares of paddy crop in at least 15 districts. The crop was nearing maturity and about to be harvested when the pests attacked it.
About :
- The pest (Mythimna separata) is known as the ear head cutting caterpillar feeds on leaves and can cut off panicles from the base of a crop plant
- The pest was first reported as a sporadic pest from Tamil Nadu during 1937 and Kerala and Odisha in 1957.
- The pest multiplies in large numbers and moves in swarms from field to field, like an army, to feed and attack the crops.
- This attack was partly due to continuous warm temperatures for prolonged periods.
- Changes in both temperature and rainfall are the two big drivers of shifts in how and where pests and diseases spread.
- Studies revealed that every small rise in global temperatures will reduce the lifecycle of insects, resulting in a higher population of pests, increasing generations, an extension of geographical range and development season, high risks of invasion by migrant pests and overwintering.
- India is home to 6.83 per cent of the world’s insect species. One degree Celsius rise in temperature would enable them to expand in presence about 200 kilometre northwards and 40 metres upward in terms of altitude.
PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
State is gearing to ensure that affected farmers get benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the national crop insurance policy.
- Launched on 18 February 2026.
- It aims to reduce the premium burden on farmers and ensure early settlement of crop assurance claims for the full insured sum.
- The Scheme covers all Food & Oilseeds crops and Annual Commercial/Horticultural Crops for which past yield data is available and for which a requisite number of crop-cutting experiments (CCEs) are being conducted under the General Crop Estimation Survey (GCES).
OBJECTIVES:
- To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases.
- To stabilize the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming.
- To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
- To ensure the flow of credit to the agriculture sector.
Implementing Agency:
- It will be implemented through a multi-agency framework by selected insurance companies under the overall guidance & control of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW),Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), Government of India (GOI) and the concerned State in coordination with various other agencies; viz Financial Institutions like Commercial Banks, Co-operative Banks, Regional Rural Banks and their regulatory bodies, Government Departments viz. Agriculture, Co-operation, Horticulture, Statistics, Revenue, Information/Science & Technology, Panchayati Raj etc.
Where to use ?
Paper II ( Geography ) : Agriculture and Climate
Paper I ( General Studies ) : Factors influencing Cropping Pattern
Source : Down to Earth
Key terms
- Loss and Damage Fund : It is a financial mechanism designed to address the irreversible consequences of climate change that cannot be avoided or mitigated through adaptation efforts. This fund recognizes and aims to compensate for the real losses incurred by communities, countries, and ecosystems due to the impacts of climate change.
- Agri Food systems: Agrifood systems encompass the primary production of food and non-food agricultural products, as well as in food storage, aggregation, post-harvest handling, transportation, processing, distribution, marketing, disposal and consumption. Within agrifood systems, food systems comprise all food products that originate from crop and livestock production, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, and from other sources such as synthetic biology, and that are intended for human consumption.
- Extended Producer Responsibility : Extended producers’ Responsibilities is a globally recognized policy used as an effective tool to put the onus on the producers for efficient end of life waste management of the plastic, electronic and electrical equipment.The concept of EPR responsibility is based on three foundation principles: Pollution prevention approach , Life cycle thinking and Polluter pay principle.
- E Prime Layer : The E-Prime Layer is a distinct layer at the outermost part of Earth’s core, formed by surface water penetrating deep into the planet over billions of years. This layer is characterized by a hydrogen-rich, silicon-depleted composition, influenced by a chemical reaction with the core’s silicon at the core-mantle boundary.
- Rat Hole mining : It is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, prevalent in Meghalaya.The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal. Once the pits are dug, miners descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. The coal is then manually extracted using primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.
Places in news
Kodungallur
Why in news :
Kolkali is a folk art form performed in the Kodungallur region of Kerala
- It is a historically significant town situated on the banks of river Periyar on the Malabar Coast in Thrissur district of Kerala, India.
- It is renowned for its port and the temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati.
- Kodungallur was the gateway for Christianity and Islam.
- Approx. Thrissur
Udupi
Why in the news :
Recently, an annual buffalo race known as Kambala was held at this place.
- It is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka.
- It is notable for the Krishna Temple and is also known as the temple city.
- Approx. Chikamagalur
Galathea National Park
Why in the news :
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and Ayush visited the site of the proposed International Container Transhipment Port (ICTP), at Galathea Bay.
- It is a national park located in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
- Galathea National Park forms part of Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which also includes the larger Campbell Bay National Park.
- The Galathea River is one of the prominent rivers in the area, originating from Mount Thullier.
- Approx. : Great Nicobar
Tirora
Why in news:
Adani Power Maharashtra Limited (APML), a subsidiary of Adani Group constructed a super-critical technology based thermal power plant at Tiroda, Maharashtra.
- It is a city and municipal council in the Gondia district of Maharashtra, India.
- It is the largest coal based Thermal Power Plant in the state of Maharashtra, India.
- Kawlewada Dam is one of the major attractions in Tirora.
- Approx : Nagpur.
Bongaigaon
Why in news:
Recently , it has faced a pest attack due to warm temperatures for prolonged periods .
- It is a major town in the Indian state of Assam. Its urban area spans across Bongaigaon and Chirang district.
- It has a major petrochemical industry.
- The city is the entry point for the Manas National Park and wildlife sanctuary, a UNESCO listed natural World Heritage Site.
- Approx. : Chiranj
CASE STUDY : PUNSARI VILLAGE , GUJARAT – SMART VILLAGE OF INDIA
- Punsari has been dubbed as a “model village” by the state government .
- Wi-Fi connectivity in the entire village.
- Infrastructure and facilities of schools have improved with furniture, air conditioning, projectors for better teaching and CCTV cameras for surveillance.
- Mid-day meal scheme of the central government was very well regulated and the benets of the scheme were being properly reached out to children. They have been successful in stopping the migration of children to schools in nearby towns. All this has collectively made school dropout rate to 0.
- Mini-buses are used for transportation purpose within the village. A bus facility called the Atal Express has been started for women to collect milk from every house .
- 120 waterproof speakers have been installed which the Sarpanch uses to inform people about new schemes and initiatives.
- Installed a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant in 2010 to supply clean drinking water to the village people .
- Two banks in the village have been successful in opening accounts of every household.
- Every household has a toilet which is fullling the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission
- Village has been successful in making Anganwadis, ATM for cash withdrawal and has even brought in skill development centres, health care centres, and even veterinary centre.
- Door to door waste collection two times in a day.
Where to use ?
Paper II ( General Studies ) : Governance. Inclusive Growth
Paper II ( Geography Optional ) : Multi level planning
Source : Economic Times
MCQs
| Ques : 1 Consider the following locations: Galathea Bay Indira Point Car Nicobar Island Little Andaman Island Barren Island Arrange these locations from North to south and choose the correct order: 1, 4, 5, 3, 2 1, 5, 4, 3, 2 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 5, 4, 3, 1, 2 Ans. D The correct order from North to south is -Barren Island, Little Andaman Island, Car Nicobar Island, Galathea bay, Indira Point. |
| Q. 2 India has recently announced the first Night Sky sanctuary in the South East Asia in which of the following wildlife sanctuary ? Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary. Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary. Ans. A The Government of India, announced the upcoming establishment of South East Asia’s first Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh. It will be located at Hanle village in Eastern Ladakh as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. It is being set up with the help of Indian Institute of Astrophysics Bengaluru, which is affiliated to the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India. Q. 3 Consider the following statements regarding Rat hole mining : This type of mining is economically viable in regions with thick coal seams. Rat coal mining in Meghalaya is in accordance with the provisions mentioned in Sixth schedule of the Constitution . Which of the above mentioned statements is / are correct ? Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. D Statement 1 is incorrect : In Jharkhand, the coal layer is extremely thick, where open-cast mining can be done. But no other method would be economically viable in Meghalaya, where the coal seam is extremely thin. Statement 2 is incorrect : Constitution’s 6th Schedule intends to protect the community’s ownership over its land and autonomy and consent over its nature of use. Rat Coal mining currently underway in Meghalaya was a corruption of this Constitutional Provision. Q.4 : With reference to Global Status on Black soils , consider the following : Globally , black soils have the potential to provide 10% of the total Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) sequestration . Black soils arerich in iron, lime and nitrogen . India has the highest coverage of Black soil in the world . Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? 1 and 2 only 1 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Ans. B Statement 1 is correct: Black soils have the potential to provide 10% of the total Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) sequestration globally if they receive proper attention. Statement 2 is incorrect : Black soils are rich in iron, lime, calcium, potassium, aluminum and magnesium but deficient in nitrogen, phosphorous. Statement 3 is incorrect : They are found in Russia (327 million hectares), Kazakhstan (108 M ha), China (50 M ha), Argentina, Mongolia, Ukraine etc. Ques: 5 With reference to The Global Report on Internal Displacement 2023 (GRID-2023), consider the following statements: 1. Pakistan had the highest number of disaster displacements in the world in 2022. 2. Weather related disasters are largely the result of the effects of La Niña. 3. Internally Displaced and Rehabilitation Agency is the leading source of information and analysis on internal displacement . Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? A. One only B. Two only C. Three only D. None Ans. B Statement 1 is correct : Pakistan had the highest number of disaster displacements in the world in 2022, at 8.16 million.In Pakistan, floods displaced millions, accounting for a quarter of the global disaster displacements. Statement 2 is correct : The increase in disasters, particularly weather-related, is largely the result of the effects of La Niña which continued for a third consecutive year. The “triple-dip” La Niña caused widespread disasters across the world. Statement 3 is incorrect : The IDMC ( Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre ) the world’s leading source of data and analysis on internal displacement. Q. 6 Consider the following statements regarding Ground water extraction and Land subsidence: 1. Kolkata and parts of eastern India experience overexploited groundwater blocks and land subsidence due to rampant mining . 2. More than 80% of the groundwater blocks are over exploited in Delhi. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. D Statement 1 is incorrect : Using data from the Sentinel-1 satellite shows that the National Capital Region (NCR) sank an average of 15 mm per year from 2011-2017. Urbanization and unplanned growth exacerbated groundwater withdrawal and contributed to subsidence in the NCR.Kolkata and parts of eastern India also experience overexploited groundwater blocks and land subsidence. Statement 2 is incorrect : Data from the CGWB reveals alarming levels of groundwater exploitation: • Punjab: 76% of groundwater blocks are ‘over exploited.’ • Chandigarh: 64% of groundwater blocks are ‘over exploited.’ • Delhi: Approximately 50% of groundwater blocks are ‘over exploited.’ Q. 7. Consider the following statements regarding Malnutrition: 1. Severe Acute Malnutrition also known as wasting, is defined by a weight-for-height indicator. 2. Moderate Acute malnutrition is defined by a weight-for-height indicator. Which of the above mentioned statements is / are correct? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. D Statement 1 is incorrect: The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines ‘severe acute malnutrition’ (SAM) by very low weight-for-height or a mid-upper arm circumference less than 115 mm, or by the presence of nutritional oedema (abnormal fluid retention in the tissuesresulting especially from lack of protein in states of starvation or malnutrition) Statement 2 is incorrect : Moderate Acute Malnutrition ( MAM) , also known as wasting, is defined by a weight-for-height indicator between -3 and -2 z-scores (standard deviations) of the international standard or by a mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) between 11 cm and 12.5 cm. Q. 8 With reference to International Day for Biological Diversity, consider the following statements: 1. It’s goal is to deliver research based solutions to harness biodiversity. 2. UN designated the day to commemorate the conference on the Human Environment . Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. B Statement 1 is incorrect : The purpose of IDB is to raise awareness and promote understanding of biodiversity issues. No research based solutions are provided. Statement 2 is incorrect : The UN General Assembly designated 22 May as IDB in December 2000 to commemorate the adoption of the Convention’s text by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on that date in 1992. Q.9 Consider the following statements regarding Greenhouse Gas Watch : 1. It’s mission is to build and support a global community of experts for measuring, accounting , auditing and managing GHG emissions 2. It develops technically rigorous GHG training curricula delivered globally via a “low carbon” e-learning portal. 3. It conducts multiple training programs for leading climate change institutions including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct? A. Only one B. Only two C. Only three D. None Ans. D All statements are incorrect • It will establish internationally coordinated top-down monitoring of greenhouse gas fluxes to support the provision of actionable information to the UNFCCC Parties and other stakeholders. • The GHG watch will fill critical information gaps and provide an integrated and operational framework. The framework will bring all space-based and surface-based observing systems, as well as modeling and data assimilation capabilities, under one roof. ➢ Implementation: o The monitoring infrastructure will build on and expand WMO’s long-standing activities in GHG monitoring, implemented as part of the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) and via its Integrated Global GHG Information System (IG3IS). • The GAW of WMO focuses on building a single coordinated global understanding of atmospheric composition, its change, and helps to improve the understanding of interactions between the atmosphere, the oceans and the biosphere. • IG3IS aims to coordinate an integrated global GHG information system, linking inventory and flux model based information with atmospheric observationsand modelling, to provide the best possible estimates of greenhouse gas emissions at the national and urban scales . ➢ Components: o Surface-based and satellite-based observations o Prior estimates of the GHG emissions based on activity data and process-based models o Global high-resolution Earth System models representing GHG cycles o Data assimilation systems associated with models to generate products of higher accuracy. Q.10 Consider the following statements regarding Overturning Circulation : 1. These are spiralling circulations of swirling water that can travel long distances before dissipating. 2. They are centred around 60 degrees North and South latitudes and Southern Ocean. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. D Both statements are incorrect . • Overturning circulation refers to the global network of ocean currents that redistribute heat, carbon, and nutrients across the world’s oceans. • In Antarctica, it involves the sinking of dense, oxygen-rich water from the surface, its spread along the sea floor, and slow rise in distant regions. ➢ Process: o In polar regions, the surface water cools due to low temperatures and exposure to frigid air masses. o The cooling leads to the formation of sea ice, which extracts freshwater from the surrounding seawater. This process increases the salinity and density of the remaining water. o The high salinity and density cause the surface water to become denser, making it more likely to sink. The sinking of dense water drives the deeper limb of the overturning circulation. It flows towards the equator, while at the same time, warmer surface water from lower latitudes moves towards the poles. o As the deep-water travels, it gradually mixes with surrounding water masses, exchanging heat, carbon, and nutrients. Eventually, the upwelling of this modified water occurs in other regions, completing the overturning circulation. Q.11 Consider the following statements regarding Chilika lake : 1. Major attraction at Chilika lake is Irrawaddy dolphin , often spotted at Satpada island 2. Chilika lake recorded the highest number of bird sightings in India. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. A Statement 1 is correct : In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. • Major attraction at Chilika is Irrawaddy dolphins which are often spotted off Satapada Island. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Tangi range recorded the highest number of bird sightings, followed by Balugaon, Satapada, Chilika and Rambha. Q. 12 Consider the following statements regarding Chytrid infects: 1. Chytrid infects frogs by reproducing in their skin, affecting their ability to balance water and salt levels. 2. Chytrid originated in Asia and has the lowest mortality rate comparison to other fungal disease. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. A Statement 1 is correct and Statement 2 is incorrect • Chytrid infects frogs by reproducing in their skin, affecting their ability to balance water and salt levels, and eventually leading to death if infection levels are high enough. o The high mortality rate and the high number of species affected make chytrid unequivocally the deadliest animal disease known to date. ➢ Origin: o Chytrid originated in Asia and was unwittingly spread to other continents through global travel and trade in amphibians. ➢ Infection: o Chytrid has been devastating frog populations for the past 40 years, wiping out 90 species, including seven in Australia, and causing severe declines in over 500 frog species. o Many species’ immune systems were simply not equipped to defend against the disease, and mass mortalities ensued. • In the 1980s, amphibian biologists began to notice sharp population declines, and in 1998, the chytrid fungal pathogen was finally recognised as the culprit. Q. 13. Consider the following statements regarding Plastics : 1. Primary plastics are designed for commercial use , even in textiles . 2. Secondary plastics formed from the breakdown of larger plastics. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. C Statement 1 is correct : Primary Microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use and microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles. a. E.g. Microbeads found in personal care products, plastic pellets and plastic fibres. Statement 2 is incorrect : Secondary Microplastics are formed from the breakdown of larger plastics such as water bottles. b. This breakdown is caused by exposure to environmental factors, mainly the sun’s radiation and ocean waves. Q14 . With reference to Central Pollution Control Board Guidelines for stone crushing sector : 1. The stone crushers should obtain consent to establish and consent to operate (CTO) from the District Magistrate before starting their operations. 2. Stone crushing unit shall comply with norms prescribed under Air ( Prevention and Control of pollution ) Act , 1981. Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans. D Statement 1 is incorrect: The stone crushers should obtain consent to establish and consent to operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) before starting their operations. • Statement 2 is incorrect: Stone crushing unit shall comply with emission norms prescribed under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 and conditions laid down in CTO by concerned SPCB/PCC. A District Level Committee to be constituted under chairmanship of District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner so that surprise inspections for surveillance of stone crushing units located under their jurisdiction can be carried out on regular basis. Q. 15 : International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) urges immediate global action to honour the Paris Agreement. Which among the following countries are part of it? 1. Pakistan 2. India 3. Myanmar 4. Bangladesh Select the correct code from the following: A. 1, 2 and 3 B. 2,3 and 4 C. 1, 3 and 4 D. 1, 2 , 3 and 4 Ans. D ICIMOD is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre that develops and shares research, information, and innovations to empower people in the eight regional member countries of the HKH – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. |
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