Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (27-03-2024)
| News at a Glance
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| Art and Culture: Archaeological Survey of India to Delist Some “Lost” Monuments |
| Economy: Employment Scenario in India |
| Science and Technology: More Efficient Use of Phosphorus Could Extend Reserves for Over 500 Years |
| ISRO’s POEM-3 Mission Accomplishes Zero Orbital Debris Mission |
| Ecology and Environment: Forest Fires Singe Telangana Wildlife Sanctuaries |
| Supreme Court Oversees Conservation Efforts for the Great Indian Bustard |
Archaeological Survey of India to Delist Some “Lost” Monuments
Source: The Hindu
Context: First large-scale delisting exercise in several decades by Archaeological Survey of India has raised questions about the significance of delisted monuments and the implications.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance GS 1 (Art and Culture)
Why in news
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently made the decision to delist 18 “centrally protected monuments” due to an assessment that they do not hold national importance.
Centrally Protected Monuments and the Delisting Process
- The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958 regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
- This includes various structures such as temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and historical objects like cannons and mile pillars (“kos minars”).
Delisting Process and Its Implications
- The “delisting” of monuments refers to the removal of specific monuments and archaeological sites from the list of protected sites maintained by the ASI.
- Once delisted, these monuments no longer fall under the purview of the ASI for conservation, protection, and maintenance.
- This effectively means that the monuments will no longer receive special attention or protection from the ASI, and construction-related activities that were previously restricted around the protected site can now be carried out in a regular manner.
“Untraceable” Monuments and Their Loss
- What does it mean when the ASI says a monument is “untraceable”
- When the ASI refers to a monument as “untraceable,” it means that the physical location of the monument cannot be determined or verified.
- This can occur due to various reasons such as loss of physical landmarks, lack of historical records, absence of surviving public memory, destruction or alteration of the monument, and inaccurate records.
- Number of Historical Monuments Lost in This Way
- The Ministry of Culture has reported to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture that 50 of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments were missing.
- Fourteen of these monuments had been lost to rapid urbanization, 12 were submerged by reservoirs/dams, and the Archaeological Survey of India will ‘delist’ some ‘lost’ monuments.
What’s happening, and why
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently made the decision to delist 18 “centrally protected monuments” from its list of protected sites.
- The reason behind this delisting is that the ASI has assessed that these monuments do not have national importance.
What are Centrally protected Monuments
- Centrally protected monuments are historical sites and structures that are more than 100 years old and are considered to be of national importance.
- These monuments include temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and other objects of historical significance such as cannons and mile pillars (“kos minars”).
What exactly does the “delisting” of monuments mean
- The delisting of monuments refers to the removal of specific monuments and archaeological sites from the list of protected sites maintained by the ASI.
- When a monument is delisted, it no longer falls under the purview of the ASI for conservation, protection, and maintenance.
- This means that the monument will no longer receive special attention or protection from the ASI, and construction-related activities that were previously restricted around the protected site can now be carried out in a regular manner.
- The delisting process involves a decision by the Central Government, which issues a gazette notification declaring that the monument has ceased to be of national importance.
What does it mean when the ASI says a monument is “untraceable”
- When the ASI refers to a monument as “untraceable,” it means that the physical location of the monument cannot be determined or verified. There are several reasons why a monument may be considered untraceable:
- Loss of physical landmarks: Over time, the physical markers or features that once identified the monument may have disappeared due to natural disasters, urbanization, encroachments, or neglect.
- Lack of historical records: In some cases, there might be inadequate historical documentation or records available to pinpoint the exact location of the monument.
- No surviving public memory: If there is no local or public knowledge about the existence or location of the monument, it becomes challenging to trace it.
- Destruction or alteration: Some monuments may have been destroyed or significantly altered, making it difficult to recognize or trace their original form.
- Inaccurate records: Historical records or documentation about the monument’s location might be inaccurate or incomplete, leading to difficulties in tracing it.
How many historical monuments have been lost in this way
- According to the Ministry of Culture, 50 out of India’s 3,693 centrally protected monuments were reported as missing. Out of these, 14 monuments were lost due to rapid urbanization, 12 were submerged by reservoirs or dams, and the remaining 24 were untraceable.
- The Ministry also noted that security guards were posted at only 248 of the 3,693 protected monuments.
Was 2022 the first time that the disappearance of these monuments was noticed
- Disappearance of these monuments was not noticed for the first time in 2022.
- According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), no comprehensive physical survey of all monuments had ever been conducted after Independence.
- However, in 2013, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India stated that at least 92 centrally protected monuments across the country had gone missing.
- The ASI has made efforts to identify and trace these missing monuments, and as of now, 42 out of the 92 monuments have been identified.
- The remaining 50 monuments, including the 24 untraceable ones, are still being sought after.
About the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an agency under the Ministry of Culture in the Government of India.
- It is responsible for archaeological studies, excavation, and the preservation of cultural monuments in India.
- The ASI administers more than 3,650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
1. If there is no local or public knowledge about the existence or location of the monument, ASI may consider the monument as untraceable. 2. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is an agency under the Ministry of Finance in the Government of India. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. With reference to the Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with- (UPSC Prelims 2023)
A. archaeological excavations B. establishment of English Press in Colonial India C. establishment of Churches in Princely States D. construction of railways in Colonial India Ans: (A)
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| Ans 1 A
Explanation
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Employment Scenario in India
Source: The Hindu
Context: India Employment Report 2024, highlights concerning trends and challenges facing the India’s workforce.
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 3 (Unemployment, Indian Economy)
Why in news
- A recent report released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD) paints a grim picture of India’s employment landscape, particularly for its youth.
Youth Unemployment
- The India Employment Report 2024 released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD) reveals that India’s youth account for nearly 83% of the unemployed workforce, with the proportion of educated youth in the total unemployed population nearly doubling from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022.
- This surge in unemployment among educated youth underscores the severity of the issue.
Long-term Deterioration
- Labour market indicators such as the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR) exhibited a long-term deterioration between 2000 and 2018.
- However, there was a slight improvement post-2019, coinciding with periods of economic distress.
Paradoxical Improvements
- Despite some improvements in labour market indicators, the fundamental challenges persist, including insufficient growth in non-farm sectors and the ability to absorb workers from agriculture.
- The majority of workers remain engaged in informal work, with a decline in regular employment observed after 2018.
Skills Gap and Gender Disparities
- The report highlights a widening gender gap in the labour market, with low rates of female labour force participation.
- Additionally, it sheds light on the skills gap among the youth, with a significant percentage lacking basic digital literacy skills required for modern jobs.
Social Inequalities
- Despite affirmative action and targeted policies, social inequalities persist, particularly among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- These groups face challenges accessing better jobs and are more likely to be engaged in low-paid informal employment.
Conclusion
- The findings of the report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address India’s employment challenges, including investments in skill development, promoting formal employment, and tackling social inequalities.
- Failure to address these issues could have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic growth and social well-being.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to the India Employment Report 2024:
1. According to the report, India’s youth account for nearly 83% of the unemployed workforce. 2. The proportion of educated youth in the total unemployed population nearly doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. Disguised unemployment generally means (UPSC Prelims 2013)
A. Large number of people remain unemployed B. Alternative employment is not available C. Marginal productivity of labour is zero D. Productivity of workers is low Ans: C
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| Answer 2– C
Explanation –
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More Efficient Use of Phosphorus Could Extend Reserves for Over 500 Years
Source: Down to Earth
Context: A recent study published in Nature Food has highlighted the critical importance of more efficient use of phosphorus in agricultural practices.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Indian Agriculture and Pesticides)
Why in News
- A recent study suggests that by using phosphorus more judiciously, the limited reserves of this vital fertilizer could last for more than 500 years, significantly longer than the current estimate of 77 years.
Concerns About Wastage and Pollution
- The study published in Nature Food raises concerns about the current wastage of phosphorus, with an estimated 10,556 metric tons being wasted annually due to excessive use in farming practices.
- This wastage is dominated by wheat and grasslands in Europe, as well as maize and rice in Asia. The excessive use of phosphorus can lead to its accumulation in the soil, with only a fraction of it being utilized by plants.
- This not only results in wastage but also poses a risk of phosphorus leaching into water, potentially causing eutrophication and degrading water quality.
Global Impact and Policy Implications
- The worldwide population is forecast to reach approximately 10 billion by 2050, requiring an estimated 500 million hectares of arable land to feed this increased population.
- The study emphasizes that unless phosphorus is used more efficiently to increase and maintain crop yields, meeting this demand for food cannot be done more efficiently.
- The study also highlights that about 30 to 40 percent of cultivated soils are excessively high in phosphorus, with European and North American countries having the highest use of phosphorus.
- Furthermore, the study suggests that to use phosphorus efficiently and increase supply, governments need to collaborate to create policies that promote phosphorus use only where needed, including balancing the distribution of phosphorus to meet the needs of crop growth and reducing maintenance subsidies.
- Excessive use of phosphorus is also feared to cause water quality problems.
Research Findings and Recommendations
- The study, conducted by scientists from Lancaster University in the UK as well as AgriResearch and Lincoln University in New Zealand, examined the amount of phosphorus in farming soils around the world to optimize the growth of 28 major food crops.
- The research showed that soils that did not contain enough phosphorus and soils that contained more than required for optimal plant growth.
- The study’s findings shed new light on the amount of phosphorus available in soils and the amounts needed as fertilizers, showing that phosphorus reserves could last up to 531 years if used more efficiently and judiciously.
- Researchers emphasized the need to look for ways to be more efficient and sustainable with the use of phosphorus fertilizers around the world.
- The study also highlighted that approximately 57,000 metric tons of phosphorus would be required annually to compensate for its deficiency in soils and increase crop yields globally.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the study underscores the critical importance of using phosphorus more efficiently to maintain global reserves and meet the food demand of the growing population.
- It also emphasizes the need for collaborative policy efforts to promote judicious phosphorus use and reduce wastage, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. According to a recent study published in Nature Food, more efficient use of phosphorus in agricultural practices could extend the limited reserves of this vital fertilizer to last for more than 500 years.
1. Phosphorus reserves are expected to last for 500 years regardless of agricultural practices. 2. Agricultural practices have no impact on the longevity of phosphorus reserves. 3. Efficient use of phosphorus in agriculture could extend reserves to last for more than 500 years. 4. Global phosphorus reserves will run out within the next 77 years. Which of the following best summarizes the main finding of the study published in Nature Food? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 3 only D. 1,2,3 and 4
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Q. Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide? (UPSC Prelims 2022)
A. Cotton B. Rice C. Sugarcane D. Wheat Answer: B
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| Answer 3 C
Explanation
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ISRO’s POEM-3 Mission Accomplishes Zero Orbital Debris Mission
Source: The Hindu
Context: ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) mission accomplishes Zero Orbital Debris
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Space Technology, Science and Technology)
Why in News
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) mission, which has left practically zero debris in orbit.
Mission highlights
- The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission, which was accomplished on January 1, 2024, saw the successful injection of all satellites into their desired orbits.
- Following this, the terminal stage of the PSLV was transformed into a 3-axis stabilized platform, the POEM-3.
- This platform was then de-orbited from 650 km to 350 km, facilitating its early re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
- The stage was also passivated to remove residual propellants, minimizing any accidental break-up risks.
Experimental Payloads and Objectives
- POEM-3 was configured with a total of 9 different experimental payloads to carry out technology demonstrations and scientific experiments on newly developed indigenous systems.
- Out of these, 6 payloads were delivered by NGEs through IN-SPACe.
- The mission objectives of these payloads were successfully met within a month, showcasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the mission.
What is POEM
- It is a platform that helps perform in-orbit experiments using the final stage of ISRO’s rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
- The PSLV is a four-stage rocket where the first three spent stages fall back into the ocean, and the final stage (PS4) — after launching the satellite into orbit — ends up as space junk.
- In the PSLV-C53 mission undertaken in 2022, the spent final stage was utilized as a “stabilized platform” to perform experiments.
- It was the first time the PS4 stage orbited the earth as a stabilized platform.
- To cut down on space debris, ISRO has been taking steps such as lowering the orbit of defunct satellites and the last stages of the rockets and removing excess fuel.
- It ensures that the mission leaves no debris.
- So far, on three POEM platforms, ISRO has flown a total of 21 experiments.
Has ISRO Repurposed and Used PS4 Rocket Junk Earlier
- ISRO has repurposed and used the PS4 (fourth stage of the PSLV rocket) as an orbital platform in earlier missions.
- The first demonstration of this capability occurred in 2019 with the PSLV-C44 mission, which successfully injected the Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2 satellites into their designated orbits.
- Kalamsat-V2, a student payload, was the first to use PS4 as an orbital platform.
- The fourth stage in that mission was kept alive as an orbital platform for space-based experiments.
- Initially, the fourth stage had Li-Ion batteries, and solar panels were added in later missions. The repurposing and upgrading of the fourth stage involved the stabilization of the orbital platform.
Conclusion
- The successful completion of the POEM-3 mission by ISRO represents a significant step forward in the organization’s efforts to minimize orbital debris and ensure the sustainability of space exploration activities.
- This achievement underscores ISRO’s commitment to advancing space technology and conducting innovative experiments in space.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. With reference to India’s POEM platform, consider the following statements:
1. It is a platform that helps perform in-orbit experiments using the final stage of Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). 2. It was the first time the final stage PS4 stage orbited the earth as a stabilized platform. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2018)
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 2 D. 3 only Ans: A
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| Answer 4 B
Explanation
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Forest Fires Singe Telangana Wildlife Sanctuaries
Source: The Times of India
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 3 ( Wildlife Sanctuaries, Forest Fires, Environment and Ecology)
Context: Telangana is presently grappling with forest fires in Tadvai region of Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
Why in news
- For the last five days, the fires in Eturnagaram sanctuary have been raging, posing a serious risk to wildlife across Tadvai, Lingala, Medaram, Pedda Venkatapur and Shapally.
About Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
- It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1953.
- The sanctuary is located near the border of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
- The perennial river Dayyam Vagu flows through this beautiful sanctuary. This Vagu separates the wildlife sanctuary into two parts.
- The sanctuary is also famous for the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, one of Asia’s largest tribal jahtra, taking place here every two years.
- The River Godavari also passes through the sanctuary.
- Vegetation: The region falls in the tropical dry deciduous type of vegetation.
- Flora: The sanctuary is thus rich in the growth of teak, bamboo and other trees like madhuca and terminalia. Climbers are the unique features which are found in abundance across the length and breadth of this Sanctuary.
- Fauna: The keystone species in the sanctuary are Indian gour and giant squirrel.
- It provides the dwelling ground for Tiger, Leopard, Jackals Sloth Bear, Panther, Wolf, Wild Dogs,Chousingha, Sambar.
Forest Fire
- Also called bush or vegetation fire or wildfire, it can be described as any uncontrolled and non-prescribed combustion or burning of plants in a natural setting such as a forest, grassland, brush land or tundra, which consumes the natural fuels and spreads based on environmental conditions (e.g., wind, topography).
- There are three conditions that need to be present in order for a wildfire to burn: Fuel, Oxygen, and a Heat source.
About Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Sanctuary is an area that is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance.
- The Sanctuary is declared for the purpose of protecting, propagating, or developing wildlife or its environment.
- Certain rights of people living inside the Sanctuary could be permitted.
- Further, during the settlement of claims, before finally notifying the Sanctuary, the Collector may, in consultation with the Chief Wildlife Warden, allow the continuation of any right of any person in or over any land within the limits of the Sanctuary.
- Wildlife sanctuaries of India are classified as IUCN Category IV protected areas.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provided for the declaration of certain areas by the State government as wildlife sanctuaries if the area was thought to be of adequate ecological, geomorphological, and natural significance.
- The oldest bird sanctuary is Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary near Chennai in Tamil Nadu state. It was established in 1796.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary:
1. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1953. 2. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. 3. Dayyam Vagu river flows through Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, dividing it into two parts. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1 , 2 and 3
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Q. Consider the following: (UPSC Prelims 2019)
1. Carbon monoxide 2. Methane 3. Ozone 4. Sulphur dioxide Which of the above are released into atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2, 3 and 4 only C. 1 and 4 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: D
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| Answer 5– D
Explanation · Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1953. so, statement 1 is correct. · The sanctuary is located near the border of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana. so , statement 2 is correct. · The perennial river Dayyam Vagu flows through this beautiful sanctuary. This Vagu separates the wildlife sanctuary into two parts. so , statement 3 is correct. · The sanctuary is also famous for the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, one of Asia’s largest tribal jahtra, taking place here every two years. · The River Godavari also passes through the sanctuary. · Therefore option D is correct answer.
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Supreme Court Oversees Conservation Efforts for the Great Indian Bustard
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 3 (Critically Endangered’ species in India )
Context: The Supreme Court of India has taken significant steps to address the conservation challenges facing the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a critically endangered avian species
Why in news
- Recognizing the urgent need to mitigate threats to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB population, particularly from overhead power lines, the Supreme court has undertaken measures to strike a balance between conservation efforts and renewable energy generation in the regions inhabited by these birds.
Background
- The GIB, classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, faces a grave threat from collisions with overhead power lines, resulting in fatalities.
- In response to a petition filed by former IAS officer M.K. Ranjitsinh in 2019, the Supreme Court initiated proceedings to address the issue.
2021 Judgment
- In April 2021, the court issued a landmark judgment mandating the installation of bird diverters on existing overhead power lines in GIB habitats.
- Additionally, it considered the possibility of undergrounding power lines for future projects, particularly in ‘priority’ areas identified for GIB conservation.
- To oversee the implementation of these directives, the court constituted a three-member committee.
Recent Developments
- In January 2024, concerns were raised by renewable energy companies regarding the practical and financial implications of the court’s decision, prompting further deliberations.
- On March 19, the court entertained proposals from the Attorney General and Additional Solicitor General regarding the formation of a technical committee to provide recommendations on undergrounding power lines.
Formation of a New Committee
- On March 21, acknowledging the complexities of the issue, the Supreme Court established a seven-member committee tasked with proposing conservation measures for the GIB.
- This committee aims to identify areas where power lines can be constructed without jeopardizing GIB habitats, providing a comprehensive approach to balancing conservation and development objectives.
Conclusion
- With the deadline for the committee’s report set for July 31, the Supreme Court has demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding the GIB population while addressing the challenges posed by infrastructure development.
- This proactive approach underscores the importance of judicial intervention in preserving India’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q6. What was mandated by the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment issued in April 2021 regarding the existing overhead power lines in Great Indian Bustard (GIB) habitats?
1. Installation of underground power lines 2. Installation of bird diverters 3. Removal of power lines 4. Expansion of power lines Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? A. 1, 2 and 3 B. 1 , 3 and 4 C. 3 and 4 D. 1 , 2 , 3 and 4
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Q. With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2020)
1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Ans: C
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| Answer 6– C
Explanation
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