24 May to 10 Jun, 2023

Table of contents

1   Feature Article

a  

Global increase in climate related disaster

2   News in Brief

a  

ARAL SEA DISASTER

b  

Solar panels - an eco-disaster waiting to happen

3   Key Terms

a  

Holoplanktonic

b  

Biological pump

c  

Hidden trade offs

d  

Air Sparging

e  

Fugitive Emissions

4   Case Study of The Week

a  

Bhungroo – A water management system

5   Places in the News

a  

Map

6   Fortnightly KOSMOS MCQ Practice

a  

Fortnightly KOSMOS MCQ PRACTICE

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Keywords: Kosmos
News in Brief

ARAL SEA DISASTER


Why in news ? Asia's Aral Sea had already shrunk to a fraction of its 1960 extent (black line). Further irrigation and dry conditions caused the sea's eastern lobe to completely dry up.

Background:

  • Prior to 1960, the Aral Sea was the fourth largest inland water reservoir in the planet, with a surface area of 66,900 square km.
  • 1960 is a key date because it was the last time that the sea’s water level was stable. Since then, production of cotton, famously referred to as “white gold” due to its economic importance in the Central Asia region, increased dramatically, and so did the demand for water.

About:

  • Irrigation accounts for 92 percent of aggregate water withdrawals since 1960. 
  • Shrinking glaciersand snowfields in the Tian Shan mountains and Pamirs are expected to diminish the water inflow into the Aral Sea even further.

Impact on land and climate

  • "Satellite imagery and photography from manned spacecraft indicate that desert is spreading rapidly" in the area.
  • Shrinking Sea has also affected the continental climate of Central Asia.
  • Without the moderating influence of a large body of water, the seasons have become more extreme. Already hot summers have become hotter, dryer and longer; and winters, shorter, more bitter and dry.

Extent of its impact on Health

  • Forty million peoplelive in the Aral Sea basin and are exposed to life-threatening consequences of the sea’s desiccation. 
  • Desiccation of the Aral Sea is the eminent health concern as this can cause  salts, heavy metals, and chemical toxinsin the air and water affect bodies.
  • Contamination from the industrial sector is created through the discharge of poisonous residues into rivers and into the air, leading to severe cases of poisoning and chronic respiratory illnesses
  • A recent studyfound that people living in the areas closest to the Aral Sea have higher rates of cardiovascular diseases as well as psychological disabilities.
  • Data from local oncology dispensaries in the Aral Sea basin between 2004 and 2013 reveal higher rates of malignant neoplasm, which manifest in a multitude of different cancers.
  • Another concern is the transmission of diseases coming from the former island of Vozrozhdeniya, a key site for bioweapon testingby the Soviet Union.
  • Malnutrition and infant mortality were higher in the Aral Sea zone than anywhere else in country

Initiatives taken:

  • USAID launched a Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity 2021-2024 worth $1.35 million focused on small innovative projects across the basin.
  • European Investment Bank announced in 2019 that it was preparing to invest 100 million euroson Aral Sea restoration projects in Uzbekistan, but the project has been delayed and plans for its implementation remain unclear.

Where to use?

Paper I ( Geography optional ) : Evolution of landforms

Keywords: Kosmos
News in Brief

Solar panels - an eco-disaster waiting to happen


Why in news ? While they are being promoted around the world as a crucial weapon in reducing carbon emissions, solar panels have an average lifespan of 25-30 years.Experts say billions of panels will eventually all need to be disposed of and replaced.

Background:

  • The world has installed more than one terawatt of solar capacity. Ordinary solar panels have a capacity of about 400W, so if you count both rooftops and solar farms, there could be as many as 2.5 billion solar panels. Specialist infrastructure to scrap and recycle them is lacking.

Environmental Impacts of Solar Panels

  • Energy Demand- Solar requires a significant amount of energy up front to produce. Mining, manufacturing and transportation all require substantial amounts energy. Quartz must be processed, and cleaned and then manufactured with other components which may come from different facilities (aluminum, copper etc..) to produce a single solar module. 
  • Chemicals – To produce solar-grade silicon, semi-conductor processing typically involves hazardous chemicals.  Depending on the solar panel manufacturer and country of origin, these chemicals may or may not be disposed properly.  
  • Recycling – Although solar panel recycling has not become a major issue yet, it will in the coming decades as solar panels need to be replaced. Countries without robust e-waste disposal means are at a higher risk of recycling related issues.

How much better is solar for the environment?

  • Studies revealed that coal generates a footprint 18 times the size, while natural gas creates an emissions footprint 13 times the size of solar.
  • It’s also worth repeating that solar energy produces zero emissions after production. For that reason alone, studies have revealed solar to be an essential solution to slowing climate change.

Where to use?

Paper II ( Geography optional ) : Renewable resources

Keywords: Kosmos
Key Terms

Holoplanktonic


Holoplanktonic: Holoplankton are organisms that are planktic (they live in the water column and cannot swim against a current) for their entire life cycle. Examples of holoplankton include some diatoms, radiolarians etc

Keywords: Kosmos
Key Terms

Biological pump


Biological pump: The biological pump is the ocean's biologically driven sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere and land runoff to the ocean interior and seafloor sediments. It is the part of the broader oceanic carbon  cycle responsible for the cycling of organic matter formed mainly by phytoplankton during photosynthesis  as well as the cycling of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) formed into shells by certain organisms such as plankton and mollusks.

Keywords: Kosmos
Key Terms

Hidden trade offs


Hidden trade offs : It occurs when a product is marketed as environmentally friendly in one aspect but neglects to mention other negative environmental impacts.For instance, a disposable product might be labeled as biodegradable, but the production process still has a significant carbon footprint.

Keywords: Kosmos
Key Terms

Air Sparging


Air Sparging: An in-situ treatment technology that uses injected air to help remove harmful vapors from polluted soil and groundwater below the water table by injecting air directly into the saturated subsurface to encourage the solvents and gasoline to evaporate faster, which makes them easier to remove with a vacuum.

Keywords: Kosmos
Key Terms

Fugitive Emissions


Fugitive Emissions: Fugitive emissions are accidental emissions of vapours or gases from pressurised apparatus, either due to faulty equipment, leakage or other unforeseen mishaps. It can also occur through evaporation, in such sources as storage tanks or wastewater treatment facilities.

Keywords: Kosmos
Case Study of The Week

Bhungroo – A water management system


  • Bhungroo is a water management system that injects and stores excess rainfall underground and lifts it out for use in dry spells. Adoption of this Technology has decreased salt deposits on soil and increased fresh water supply, saving farmers from drought.
  • It also artificially recharges aquifers , adding rainwater to underground water reservoirs. The non saline rainwater mixed with underground saline water brings down the salinity , making it fit for Agriculture use.
  • It curtails desertification, build resilience to climate change and rejuvenate local biodiversity.
  • Bhungroo has freed women from debt, given them land ownership and helped them participate in local governance as a result of their expertise and influence in agriculture and water;
  • It provides food security and sustainable livelihoods to more than 18,000 marginal farmers (with over 96,000 dependent family members) in India.
  • It is now a fully women-driven process, from selecting the farmers, erecting the technology and operating and maintaining the system.

Where to use?

Paper II ( Geography Optional ) : Drainage and Watershed systems, Regional development Planning

Keywords: Kosmos
Places in the News

Map


  1. Langpin: It is one of the most underdeveloped villages bordering Kamrup district in Assam and West Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. The place is now at the centre of boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states. (Approximate: West Khasi Hills)
  2. Churchandpur: It  is one of the districts in the southwestern corner of the Indian state of Manipur. It is named after the Meitei King Churachand Singh, the Maharaja of Manipur Kingdom. Recently there has been instances of violence after clash between Mietei community and Kuki tribe. (Approx. Dimapur)
  3. Guru Ghasidas National Park : Named after the Satnami reformist hero of the place, Guru Ghasidas, is the result of the carving of Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh in the year of 2000. It is located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh.The park has undulating topography and it falls under the Tropical climate zone. Recently Officials reported that three people have been arrested for allegedly poisoning the big cat for killing a buffalo. ( Approx. Koriya )
  4. Palur canal : Palur canal in Ganjam district connects Chilika lake with  Rushikulya river mouth off Ganjam coast. Recently  scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of eel from Palur canal in Odisha’s Ganjam district. (Approx. Chilika lake )
  5. Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi: It is a district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh and was carved out of Bilaspur district. The district is bordered by Koriya and Korba districts to the east, Bilaspur and Mungeli districts to the south, and Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh to the northwest. The district is predominantly mountainous. Recently tourist  Circuit Map of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district was released. (Approx. Bilaspur)

Keywords: Kosmos
Fortnightly KOSMOS MCQ Practice

Fortnightly KOSMOS MCQ PRACTICE


Q:1 Consider the following statements regarding Storm Surges :

  1. They are immense sea waves which are produced by underwater events such as earthquakes and mudslides.
  2. Storm surge is primarily wind-driven and involves only the upper part of the ocean water.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:2 With reference to Graded Response Action plan , consider the following statements:

  1. This response action plan is explicitly aimed to protect health with majorly focusing on reducing levels of coarse particulate matter ( PM 10 ).
  2. For the implementation of the plan, the Centre has decided to set up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:3 With reference to Permafrost , consider the following statements:

  1. Permafrost soils are rich in organic carbon, which is a by-product of dead plants 
  2. Although the ground is frozen, permafrost regions are not always covered in snow.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:4 Consider the following statements regarding Arsenic contamination :

  1. The concentration of arsenic is higher in cooked rice compared to raw rice.
  2. The WHO’s permissible limit for arsenic content in drinking water is 30 micrograms per litre.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:5 With reference to Aquaponics , consider the following statements:

  1. It involves the growth of plants and fishes in an integrated manner
  2. Plants in it along with fishes are in a symbiotic relationship.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:6 With reference to Sea butterflies, consider the following statements:

  1. They have  frail feet that allow them to glide on solid surfaces  instead of swimming in water.
  2. They are found in all oceans but are more diverse and abundant in colder waters.
  3. They play a crucial role in linkingprimary producers with secondary consumers and higher trophic levels.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct?

  1. 1 and 2
  2. 2 and 3
  3. 1 and 3
  4. All of the above

Q:7 With reference to Hidden trade offs, consider the following statements:

  1. This occurs when a product is marketed asenvironmentally friendly in one aspect but neglects to mention other negative environmental impacts.
  2. It is about making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project .
  3. It refers to ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development .

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2 and 3
  3. Only 3
  4. Only 1 and 3

Q:8 Consider the following:

      Hydroelectric project      :   Rivers

  1. Kiru                                           :   Jhelum
  2. Pakal Dul                        :  Chenab
  3. Ratle                              :  Tawi

Which of the above mentioned pairs are correct ?

  1. One pair
  2. Two pair
  3. Three pairs
  4. All pairs

Q:9 Consider the following :

        Glacial landforms.    :  Definition

  1. Cirque                       :  Trough like U shaped with broad floors and steep sides
  2. Horns                        :  Deep glacial troughs filled with sea water.
  3. Lateral Moraines         :  Formed where two tributary glaciers come together

Which of the above mentioned pairs are correct ?

  1. One pair
  2. Two pairs
  3. Three pairs
  4. None of the pairs

Q:10 With reference to Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report , 2022 consider the following statements :

  1. The 2022 assessment suggests that groundwater extraction is the lowest since 2004.
  2. In this report , ground water contribution to the National Gross Domestic product is also measured for the first time.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:11 Consider the following statements regarding Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022 :

  1. Commercial and Industrial consumersare allowed to purchase green power on a voluntary basis.
  2. Fiscal incentivessuch as grants and investment subsidies to be  implemented to promote renewable heating and cooling.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q: 12 With reference to Greater Flamingos, consider the following statements:

  1. It is a species of flightless bird native to South East Asia .
  2. These species form monogamous pairs.
  3. They get theircharacteristic pink color from their diet of brine shrimps and algae available in the coastal wetlands

Which of the above mentioned statements is / are incorrect?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Only 3
  4. Only 1 and 2

Q:13 Consider the following statements regarding Baobab trees:

  1. They are deciduous trees native to Africabut placed under Biological Diversity Act 2002
  2. These trees produce drupaceous fruits which makes it difficult to produce more number of seeds.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:14 Consider the following statements regarding link between Climate and Covid 19:

  1. Cooler and drier climates have facilitated faster transmission of Covid 19
  2. There is a negative association between temperature and Covid 19.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:15 Consider the following statements regarding Neanderthals:

  1. Neanderthals had a robust build and a stocky physique adapted for survival in colder environments.
  2. They lived in Eurasia and have sophisticated cultures.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

  1. Only 1
  2. Only 2
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Keywords: Kosmos, Questions
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