Q1. What do you know about the theory of evolution? Explain how the theories of evolution helped our modern day knowledge of Life on Earth.(250 words).
Topic- General Science:
Introduction:
Darwin Day, celebrated on February 12, commemorates the birth of naturalist Charles Darwin and his groundbreaking work on evolution by natural selection. Darwin’s book, “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection,” published in 1859, revolutionized our understanding of life on Earth.
Body :
- Evolution and Genetic Variations
- Evolution as a Universal Mechanism
- Human Evolution and Genetic Variation
Conclusion :
Understanding human evolution and genetic diversity reinforces the need for respect and appreciation of the diverse genetics, languages, histories, and cultures that make up our global society.
UPSC Syllabus General Science:
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (Answer in 250 words)
(UPSC Main 2021)
Introduction
Darwin Day, celebrated on February 12, commemorates the birth of naturalist Charles Darwin and his groundbreaking work on evolution by natural selection. Darwin’s book, “On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection,” published in 1859, revolutionized our understanding of life on Earth.
Body Status :
Evolution and Genetic Variations
- Alongside Alfred Russell Wallace, who independently wrote on the same subject, Charles Darwin’s theories have shaped our comprehension of evolution and its role in the development of new forms of life.
- Darwin and Wallace proposed that genetic diversity within a population enables adaptation to a changing environment.
- This process, known as natural selection, occurs when individuals with advantageous genetic variations have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
- Over time, this leads to an increased proportion of individuals carrying those variations in subsequent generations.
- The generation of new genetic variations is a separate process from adaptation.
- While certain environmental factors, such as radiation, can enhance the rate of genetic variation, these variations are not specifically developed to aid survival in any particular environment.
- The occurrence of specific genetic variations that contribute to adaptation is a chance event.
- However, populations with greater genetic diversity have a higher likelihood of producing individuals that can adapt to new environments.
Evolution as a Universal Mechanism
- Evolutionary processes have been operating on Earth for approximately 3.5 billion years, resulting in the incredible biodiversity we observe today. A deeper understanding ofevolution has revealed that fundamental mechanisms of life are similar across all known living forms.
- This realization has encouraged scientists to study life collaboratively using model organisms such as E. coli and Drosophila, leading to faster and more efficient scientific discoveries.
- Scientists have also discovered that patterns of genetic inheritance are similar across all organisms, from microorganisms to humans.
- The discovery of DNA and its structure, as well as the mechanisms by which genetic information is coded and decoded, has provided valuable insights into the human body, its physiology, and diseases.
- This knowledge has allowed scientists to study and develop treatments without conducting experiments on humans.
Human Evolution and Genetic Variation
- Human evolution can be traced back to a common ancestral great ape species, from which both humans and chimpanzees diverged. Multiple human species coexisted on Earth, with Neanderthals being one of the earlier species encountered by modern humans
- Evidence of interbreeding between these groups can be found in our genomes. Like other forms of life, humans have continuously evolved through the generation of new genetic variations and their contribution to adaptation to new environments.
- New genetic variations arise in humans naturally, resulting in each individual being genetically distinct from others.
- This genetic diversity emphasizes the importance of equal status and rights for individuals regardless of gender, location, language, complexion, or sexual orientation.
- It highlights the fact that no individual or group can be considered superior to others.
Conclusion
Understanding human evolution and genetic diversity reinforces the need for respect and appreciation of the diverse genetics, languages, histories, and cultures that make up our global society.
Q2. What are the changes in the new Water Act? Will the amendments weaken the laws that protect rivers and water bodies from industrial pollution? (150 words).
Topic- Water Pollution
Introduction
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, recently passed in the Lok Sabha, brings significant changes to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. This legislation, aimed at addressing the evolving challenges in water management, has sparked debates regarding its potential impact on environmental protection.
Body
- Statistics
- Water Act of 1974
- Provisions of the amendment
- Evaluation of the amendment
Conclusion
The amendments to the Water Act reflect the government’s attempt to streamline regulatory processes and enhance business facilitation. However, the debate over the potential dilution of environmental protections underscores the need for a balanced approach that ensures sustainable development while safeguarding natural resources.
UPSC Syllabus Water Pollution:
Why was this question asked?
Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (UPSC Main 2023)
Introduction:
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, recently passed in the Lok Sabha, brings significant changes to the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. This legislation, aimed at addressing the evolving challenges in water management, has sparked debates regarding its potential impact on environmental protection.
Body Status
Statistics
- India is the largest user of groundwater in the world which is about 25% of the global groundwater extraction.
- 90% of the annual ground water extraction is primarily for agricultural activities.
- 10% of the extraction is for drinking and domestic as well as industrial uses.
- Industrial use is estimated to account for only 5% of the annual ground water extraction in the country.
- Central Ground Water Authority was constituted under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 in 1997
Water Act of 1974
- The original Water Act of 1974 established institutional structures such as the Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB) to monitor and prevent water contamination.
Provisions of the amendments
- The recent amendments primarily focus on modifying penalties and regulatory mechanisms. Notably, the amended Act removes imprisonment provisions for certain violations, replacing them with fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh.
- Additionally, it grants the Centre authority to exempt specific industrial plants from obtaining SPCB consent for discharging sewage, subject to CPCB consultation.
Evaluation of the amendment
- While proponents argue that these changes promote ease of doing business and address outdated regulations, critics express concerns about potential weakening of laws safeguarding rivers and water bodies.
- The fear of imprisonment, they contend, serves as a crucial deterrent for industries to comply with stringent environmental norms.
- Moreover, empowering the Centre to issue guidelines for consent and penalizing tampering with monitoring devices raise questions about centralized control and enforcement consistency across states.
Conclusion
The amendments to the Water Act reflect the government’s attempt to streamline regulatory processes and enhance business facilitation. However, the debate over the potential dilution of environmental protections underscores the need for a balanced approach that ensures sustainable development while safeguarding natural resources.