Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (21-10-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar is new NCW chief |
| How will a classical status help language? |
| International Relations: UNIFIL: Peacekeepers under attack |
| Quad partners take part in back-to-back naval war games |
| Economy: What are the stress factors for Indian Railways? |
| Environment and Ecology: Plankton balloon to six times their size to reach ocean surface |
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar is new NCW chief
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/vijaya-kishore-rahatkar-is-new-ncw-chief-9629074/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance, Appointments
Context: Appointment of Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar as Chairperson of NCW.
Why in News
- The Centre has appointed Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar as the chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Appointment of Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar as Chairperson of NCW
- Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
- She succeeds Rekha Sharma, whose tenure ended in August after serving two consecutive terms.
- Rahatkar becomes the ninth chairperson of the NCW and will serve for a three-year term or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
Background and Experience
- Rahatkar has an extensive background in public service and women’s rights advocacy.
- She served as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women from 2016 to 2021 and held the position of Mayor of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) from 2007 to 2010.
- She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in physics and a Master’s degree in history from the University of Pune.
Key Initiatives
During her term at the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, Rahatkar spearheaded several significant initiatives aimed at supporting women, including:
- Sakshama: A support initiative for acid attack survivors.
- Prajwala: A program that linked self-help groups with Central government schemes to enhance financial empowerment for women.
- Suhita: A 24×7 helpline service dedicated to assisting women.
National Commission for Women (NCW)
- The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body established in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
- It was set up to represent and protect the rights of women in India, ensuring that their issues are given proper attention by the government and society.
- The NCW was created with the following primary objectives:
- Safeguarding Women’s Rights: To promote and protect the constitutional and legal rights of women.
- Policy and Legislative Recommendations: To review existing laws and suggest amendments to improve the status of women in India.
- Addressing Grievances: To address and take action on complaints related to women’s rights violations, including harassment, discrimination, and violence.
- Empowerment Initiatives: To work on initiatives that support the empowerment of women, particularly in areas like health, education, and employment.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. With reference to the National Commission for Women (NCW) in India, consider the following statements:
1. The NCW was established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1992. 2. The primary objective of the NCW is to safeguard and promote the constitutional and legal rights of women. 3. The NCW has the authority to review the functioning of institutions like jails and remand homes in relation to women’s welfare. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following organization/bodies in India: (2023)
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The National Law Commission 4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission How many of the above are constitutional bodies? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Answer: (a)
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| Answer 1– B
Explanation – · Statement 1 is Incorrect: The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, not 1992. The commission came into existence in January 1992, but the Act was passed in 1990. · Statement 2 is correct: The NCW’s main role is to protect and promote the rights of women as provided in the Constitution and in other laws. It works to ensure that women’s rights are safeguarded and gender justice is achieved. · Statement 3 is correct: The NCW has the power to inspect institutions like jails, remand homes, and other places where women are housed to ensure that their conditions align with women’s welfare and their rights are protected.
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How will a classical status help languages?
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- Polity and Governance
Context: Classical Languages
Why in News
- The Union Cabinet approved classical status for five more languages earlier this month — Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit — by tweaking the criteria for the declaration.
Overview
- In October 2024, the Union Cabinet of India approved classical status for five more languages: Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit.
- This decision followed a revision of the criteria for declaring a language as classical, leading to its recognition not only for its cultural significance but also for its rich literary heritage and historical continuity.
- This move has sparked scholarly interest and is expected to enhance efforts in historic research, literary translations, and the promotion of these languages.
- Beyond the political context, it provides these languages with special recognition, ensuring their preservation and development.
What Defines a Classical Language?
- Globally, classical languages are those that have an ancient and independent literary tradition.
- They are often marked by a body of written literature considered classical and significant to the culture it represents.
- Typically, classical languages are distinct from modern languages or no longer in use as spoken languages, such as Latin and Sanskrit.
- In India, the classical status is given to languages that meet specific criteria set by the government.
Criteria for Declaring a Classical Language
When the classical language status was introduced by the government in 2004, three key criteria were outlined:
- Ancient Origin: The language’s earliest texts or recorded history must date back over 1,000 years.
- Heritage Literature: The language must have a body of ancient literature regarded as valuable by successive generations of speakers.
- Original Literary Tradition: The language’s literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
- In 2005, these criteria were further revised to extend the historical requirement to 1,500-2,000 years and allowed for discontinuity between the classical language and its modern forms or derivatives.
Recent Changes in Criteria
Under these norms, Tamil was the first language declared classical in 2004, followed by Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia by 2014.
The Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC), which oversees the declaration of classical languages, amended the criteria in July 2024. Key changes included:
- Removal of the requirement that the language’s literary tradition must be “original” and not borrowed.
- Inclusion of a provision that classical language must have “knowledge texts” (such as prose texts), epigraphical and inscriptional evidence, in addition to poetry.
- The classical language “could be” distinct from its modern form but does not necessarily have to be.
These revisions allowed languages like Marathi, Bengali, and Assamese to qualify, despite being modern languages still in use.
Background and Process for Recognition of New Classical Languages
Marathi
- The push for Marathi’s classical language status began in 2012, with the formation of the Pathare Committee to compile evidence from ancient documents.
- The proposal, submitted in 2013, was pursued by both State and Central governments.
- Over the next decade, the demand gained widespread public support, with a mass movement involving postcards to the President and questions raised in Parliament.
- Marathi has a 2,000-year literary history and traces its roots to Maharashtri Prakrit, which was a significant vernacular in ancient India.
- The government eventually granted the status in 2024, after several amendments to the criteria.
Bengali
- Bengali’s claim to classical status is supported by a rich literary history that dates back to the 3rd or 4th century BCE, with concrete evidence presented in a four-volume report submitted by the West Bengal government in early 2024.
- Bengali, the language of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, has a deep literary tradition and is vital to the cultural identity of millions.
Assamese
- Assam’s proposal, submitted in March 2021, showcased stone inscriptions from the 3rd century AD, copper plates, and ancient manuscripts.
- The language has a strong historical and literary background, despite challenges faced during colonial times when there were attempts to erase Assamese from formal use.
Pali and Prakrit
- These languages were widely spoken by the masses in ancient India and are crucial to the histories of Jainism and Theravada Buddhism.
- Pali was the language of Buddhist texts, and Prakrit was used in both Jain scriptures and daily communication in ancient India.
Benefits of Classical Language Status
The newly declared classical languages stand to benefit from:
- Central Grants for Research and Development: These grants will be used for language development, historical research, translation of ancient texts, and promotion of these languages at the national and international levels.
- University Support: Like the support provided to universities for Sanskrit and Tamil, there will be funding for university chairs and centers of excellence dedicated to promoting these classical languages. This includes Marathi language teaching outside Maharashtra, Bengali dialect preservation, and more.
- Literary Preservation and Promotion: The classical language status encourages the preservation of old manuscripts, stone inscriptions, and oral traditions. Scholars will have access to central funds for translation, deciphering ancient texts, and preserving the heritage of these languages.
Future of the Newly Declared Classical Languages
Scholars and academicians believe the recognition of these languages as classical will help ensure their longevity and relevance in modern times. Some of the expected impacts include:
- Revitalization of Literary Traditions: The recognition will spur efforts to translate and preserve ancient works in these languages, some of which have been neglected or overlooked in modern times.
- Educational Initiatives: With the provision of central grants, universities and institutions will be better equipped to promote the study and teaching of these languages, both in their classical and modern forms.
- Cultural Pride: The acknowledgment of these languages as classical will boost cultural pride and motivate efforts to preserve their heritage. For instance, Assam plans to celebrate the status of Assamese with a week-long cultural program in November 2024.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Which of the following languages were recently granted classical language status by the Union Cabinet in 2024?
1. Marathi 2. Bengali 3. Assamese 4. Pali 5. Prakrit Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2, and 3 only |
Q. Which one of the following was given classical language status recently? (2015)
(a) Odia (b) Konkani (c) Bhojpuri (d) Assamese Ans: (a)
|
| Answer 2 – C
Explanation – · Marathi: The proposal for Marathi’s classical status had been pending since 2013. It has a rich literary tradition with over 2,000 years of history and has now been recognized. · Bengali: Bengali has written records dating as far back as the 3rd or 4th century BCE. Its literary significance, including contributions like those of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, played a role in its recognition. · Assamese: Assamese has inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century AD. The language also has a rich literary and cultural heritage. · Pali and Prakrit: These ancient vernacular languages were used extensively in Jainism and Buddhism. Pali, in particular, was used in Theravada Buddhist texts, and Prakrit was widely spoken by the masses in ancient India. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |
UNIFIL: Peacekeepers under attack
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/unifil-peacekeepers-under-attack/article68773775.ece
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
Why in News
- As of October 2024, there have been multiple incidents involving Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) entering UNIFIL-monitored areas.
UNIFIL’s Role and History:
- Establishment and Purpose: UNIFIL was established by the UN Security Council in 1978 after Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon, aimed at pushing back the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
- UNIFIL’s mission was to ensure the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, maintain peace and security in the region, and assist the Lebanese government in regaining control over southern Lebanon.
- Troop Strength and Contributors: Currently, UNIFIL consists of 9,532 troops from 34 countries. The largest contributors are Indonesia (1,215 personnel), Italy, India, Nepal, and Ghana.
- UNIFIL operates across 29 locations in southern Lebanon, particularly between the Litani River and the Blue Line, a UN-mapped border area between Israel and Lebanon.
Israel-Lebanon Conflict and Hezbollah:
- Conflict Background: In 1982, Israel again invaded Lebanon, which resulted in the PLO’s exit. Hezbollah emerged as a resistance force during the occupation, leading to frequent clashes between Hezbollah and the IDF.
- In 2000, Israel withdrew from Lebanon, after which UNIFIL was reconfigured and redeployed.
- 2006 Conflict and Expanded Mandate: A major conflict in 2006 between Hezbollah and the IDF further escalated tensions.
- After an UN-brokered ceasefire, UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded to include monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting the Lebanese Army, and ensuring that the area remained free of armed groups except for Lebanese forces and UNIFIL itself.
Recent Escalations:
- Conflict Between IDF and Hezbollah: Recently, the IDF escalated its actions against Hezbollah, especially after the killing of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and other top commanders in September. This led to heightened tensions along the Blue Line.
- UNIFIL Under Fire: UNIFIL first came under fire on October 10, 2024, when Israeli forces targeted three UNIFIL positions, including its main base in Naqoura.
- Recently, Israeli Merkava tanks entered a UNIFIL position, damaging the premises and injuring five peacekeepers. UNIFIL has accused the IDF of deliberately targeting peacekeepers.
UNIFIL’s Response and UN’s Position:
- UNIFIL’s Assertion: Despite the attacks, UNIFIL has affirmed its intention to stay, emphasizing that its presence in Lebanon is mandated by the UN Security Council. The force continues to carry out its peacekeeping duties, even as it faces direct threats from the conflict.
- UN Secretary-General’s Statement: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has backed UNIFIL, stating that the “UN flag continues to fly” in southern Lebanon. He highlighted the importance of UNIFIL’s mission and the obligation of all parties to ensure the safety of peacekeepers.
India’s Position:
- Safety of Peacekeepers: India, which contributes troops to UNIFIL, expressed concern for the safety of its peacekeepers but stopped short of directly condemning the IDF’s actions.
- The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that no Indian troops were stationed near the Blue Line, the main area of conflict between the IDF and Hezbollah.
Conclusion:
- The situation remains volatile as UNIFIL continues its mission under challenging circumstances.
- The attacks on UN peacekeepers highlight the complexities of the Israel-Lebanon conflict and the risks faced by international forces attempting to maintain peace in the region.
- Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that UNIFIL should “temporarily get out of harm’s way,” UNIFIL has made it clear that it intends to stay and fulfill its mandate.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL):
1. UNIFIL was established in 1978 by the UN Security Council to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. 2. UNIFIL’s current mandate includes supporting the Lebanese Army and maintaining peace and security along the Blue Line. 3. India is the largest contributor of troops to UNIFIL. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
Q. With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (2022)
1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention. 2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. 3. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: d |
| Answer 3 A
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 to monitor the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Its initial mission followed Israel’s invasion and aimed to ensure the peaceful withdrawal and restoration of international peace and security in the area. · Statement 2 is correct. UNIFIL’s current mandate includes supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, maintaining peace, and ensuring the cessation of hostilities along the Blue Line, which serves as the border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel. It also assists in stabilizing the region and enabling humanitarian access. · Statement 3 is incorrect. While India contributes troops to UNIFIL, Indonesia is the largest contributor in terms of troop numbers. Indonesia’s significant contribution highlights its role in the peacekeeping operations, alongside other contributing nations that aim to maintain stability in southern Lebanon. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The first two statements correctly describe UNIFIL’s purpose and mandate, while the third misidentifies the largest troop-contributing country. |
Quad partners take part in back-to-back naval war games
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: QUAD
Why in News
- The Quad group of countries — India, Australia, Japan and the U.S. — held back-to-back naval war games, deepening interoperability and honing, in particular, their anti-submarine warfare skills.
Overview
- The Quad, consisting of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, represents a strategic alliance that focuses on enhancing security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- One of the key components of their collaboration is conducting joint military exercises, particularly naval drills, which aim to improve interoperability, strengthen partnerships, and address common security challenges.
Exercise Malabar 2024
Dates and Location:
- Duration: October 8 to October 18, 2024
- Location: Off the coast of Visakhapatnam, India
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Operations: The Indian Navy described Exercise Malabar 2024 as the “most comprehensive” iteration to date, indicating a significant evolution in its complexity and scope. It included both a Harbour Phase (shore-based activities) and a Sea Phase (live naval operations) in the Bay of Bengal.
- Focus Areas: The exercise concentrated on anti-submarine warfare and undersea domain awareness, reflecting the Quad partners’ concerns over the increasing capabilities and presence of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Operational Scenarios: Units engaged in a variety of advanced exercises, including:
- Surface weapon firings
- Anti-air defense drills
- Anti-submarine warfare exercises
- Ship-borne helicopter operations
- Seamanship evolutions such as refueling operations and maritime interdiction exercises.
- Participation:
- India: Deployed a range of naval assets to showcase its operational capabilities.
- Australia: Contributed HMAS Stuart, an Anzac Class Frigate, along with its MH-60R helicopter and P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
- Japan: Sent the JS Ariake, a Murasame-class destroyer.
- United States: Fielded USS Dewey, an Arleigh Burke-Class destroyer, with accompanying aircraft.
- Strategic Intent: The Indian Navy highlighted that the exercise underscored the commitment of the Quad nations to enhancing collaboration in the maritime domain, especially in light of evolving maritime security challenges.
Exercise Kakadu
- Duration: September 9 to September 20, 2024
- Location: North Australian exercise area
Key Features:
- Scale and Participation: Exercise Kakadu is the flagship maritime exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy, involving nearly 3,000 personnel from 30 nations, including ships and aircraft from multiple countries. This demonstrates a broad commitment to regional maritime security and international partnerships.
- Operational Focus: The exercise showcased a range of naval activities, from traditional warfighting tactics to humanitarian operations. This reflects the increasing complexity of naval operations and the importance of flexibility in modern naval warfare.
- Technological Showcase: Captain David Tietzel emphasized the goal of demonstrating operational excellence, showcasing new technologies, and adapting to evolving tactics in maritime operations.
- Indian Contribution: The Indian Navy deployed a P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft during Kakadu, emphasizing its role in multinational maritime exercises and showcasing its capabilities in reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare.
Strategic Implications
- Enhanced Interoperability: Both exercises aimed at enhancing the interoperability of the naval forces of the Quad countries, allowing them to operate seamlessly together in various scenarios. This is crucial for collective security in the Indo-Pacific region, especially amidst rising tensions.
- Focus on Maritime Security: The focus on anti-submarine warfare indicates a shared concern over the growing capabilities of regional adversaries, particularly China. The exercises serve as a deterrent and a demonstration of resolve to maintain security in the Indian Ocean and surrounding waters.
- Strengthening Partnerships: These exercises not only strengthen military ties among the Quad countries but also signal to other nations the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing regional security challenges.
- Response to Global Challenges: In light of increasingly complex maritime security challenges, these exercises reflect the Quad’s commitment to not only ensuring regional stability but also to fostering international partnerships that enhance maritime security.
Conclusion
- The recent naval exercises, Exercise Malabar 2024 and Exercise Kakadu, underscore the Quad nations’ commitment to enhancing maritime security and interoperability amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
- By engaging in these comprehensive and advanced naval operations, the Quad countries are better positioned to address shared challenges and strengthen their strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||
Q4. Match the following naval exercises with their respective participants:
Which of the options given above is/are correct? A) A – 1, B – 2, C – 3 |
Q. With reference to the ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’, consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: d
|
| Answer 4 B
Explanation · Exercise Malabar: Participants include the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. · Exercise Kakadu: Participants include the United States, Australia, and multiple other countries. · Exercise RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise): A large multinational naval exercise that includes participants from various countries, primarily focusing on naval warfare and disaster response training. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
What are the Stress factors for Indian Railways?
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 – Economy
Context: ‘Kavach’ system.
Why in news
- The recent incidents involving the Indian Railways highlight ongoing safety concerns and operational challenges within this crucial transportation network.
Recent Incidents and Safety Concerns
- Accidents: On October 17, eight coaches of the Agartala-Lokmanya Tilak Express derailed in Assam, but fortunately, there were no casualties. Similarly, a passenger train rear-ended a stationary goods train near Chennai on October 11, also with no injuries reported. However, these incidents are part of a broader pattern of railway accidents in India.
- Historical Context: Railway accidents have significantly decreased over the decades, from 1,390 per year in the 1960s to about 80 per year in the last decade. Yet, there were still 34 consequential accidents in 2021-2022, 48 in 2022-2023, and 40 in 2023-2024. Consequential accidents are defined as those that cause injuries or fatalities, damage infrastructure, or disrupt service.
- Causes of Accidents: Data shows that approximately 55.8% of train accidents are attributed to the failure of railway staff, with 28.4% due to failures by non-staff individuals and 6.2% resulting from equipment failures. The signalling system has been blamed in key incidents like the Balasore and Kavaraipettai accidents.
The ‘Kavach’ System
- Overview: ‘Kavach’ is an automatic train protection system designed to prevent collisions. It uses devices to track the relative positions of trains, triggering alarms and automated braking when necessary.
- Implementation Status: As of February 2024, ‘Kavach’ has been installed on 1,465 route kilometers, which is about 2% of the total route length. Following the Balasore accident, there was a commitment from Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to expedite its implementation, emphasizing that the cost of installation is a small fraction of the Railways’ annual capital expenditure.
- Challenges: Despite its potential, ‘Kavach’ may not have been effective in certain accidents, such as Kavaraipettai, due to operational constraints. The system’s efficacy can be limited by factors such as signal spacing and train intervals.
Financial and Operational Issues
- Operating Ratio: The operating ratio (OR) for the Railways is a critical measure of financial health, indicating how much is spent to earn ₹100. The OR is projected to be ₹98.2 in 2024-2025, reflecting a slight improvement but still indicating a high level of expenditure relative to income.
- Revenue Sources: The Indian Railways relies heavily on freight services, which contribute 65% of its revenue. However, the growth rate of freight revenue has outpaced passenger revenue. Additionally, nearly 30% of the railway network is over-utilized, leading to inefficiencies and slower freight movement.
- Passenger Services: Passenger services have historically operated at a loss, with significant deficits reported in recent years. To counteract these losses, the Railways has introduced more premium AC coaches while phasing out lower-cost options.
Safety and Operational Strain
- Competing Priorities: The Indian Railways faces a dilemma between providing affordable travel options for the public and achieving financial sustainability. Rising operational costs, including wages and fuel, alongside high network congestion, have put immense pressure on its operations.
- Work Conditions: Staff, especially locomotive pilots, often work under stressful conditions, including long shifts and demanding operational procedures, which can contribute to safety risks.
- Infrastructure Needs: Maintaining and upgrading infrastructure is crucial for safety and efficiency. However, budget constraints have led to reduced capital outlay for essential maintenance and infrastructure renewal.
Conclusion
- The Indian Railways is at a critical juncture, balancing the need for improved safety measures, efficient operations, and financial sustainability.
- While advancements like the ‘Kavach’ system show promise, systemic challenges, historical patterns of accidents, and financial pressures complicate the landscape.
- Continuous investment in safety, infrastructure, and technology will be essential to address these challenges effectively.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Which of the following statements regarding the ‘Kavach’ system in Indian Railways is/are correct?
Options A) 1 only
|
Q. In India, the term “Public Key Infrastructure” is used in the context of (2020)
(a) Digital security infrastructure Ans: a |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: The ‘Kavach’ system is indeed designed to enhance safety by preventing collisions through advanced tracking and automated responses. · Statement 2 is incorrect: As of February 2024, the ‘Kavach’ system has been implemented on only 2% of the total route length, not 50%, indicating that its deployment is still in the early stages. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Plankton balloon to six times their size to reach ocean surface
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3-Enviornment and Ecology
Context: Phytoplankton
Why in news
- In a paper published in the journal Current Biology, researchers describe a species of bioluminescent phytoplankton, called Pyrocystis noctiluca.
Overview
- A recent study published in the journal Current Biology reveals that the bioluminescent phytoplankton Pyrocystis noctiluca can inflate up to six times their original size, enabling them to float to the surface and escape the downward pull of gravity.
- Researchers liken this behavior to mini-submarines that can adjust their density, allowing the phytoplankton to move up or down in the water column at will.
About Pyrocystis noctiluca:
- Pyrocystis noctiluca is a species of bioluminescent phytoplankton found in oceans.
- How Inflation occurs: The inflation occurs as part of the phytoplankton’s cell cycle. When a phytoplankton cell divides into two daughter cells, a structure called a vacuole fills with freshwater, causing the cells to expand.
- This process reduces the cells’ density, allowing them to rise toward the ocean surface, where they can photosynthesize and gather sunlight.
- The inflation is part of its cell cycle, occurring after cell division. The organism is 5%-10% heavier than seawater, making buoyancy control essential for survival.
- It plays a key role in marine ecosystems as part of the food chain and carbon cycle. This species contributes to carbon sequestration by absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere.
About Phytoplankton:
- Phytoplankton are the autotrophic (self-feeding) components of the plankton community and a key part of ocean and freshwater ecosystems.
- Phytoplankton are microscopic, single-celled organisms that inhabit the surface of oceans, where they play a critical role in the global ecosystem by photosynthesizing sunlight.
- Phytoplankton obtain their energy through photosynthesis, as do trees and other plants on land. This means phytoplankton must have light from the sun, so they live in the well-lit surface layers (euphotic zone) of oceans and lakes.
- In comparison with terrestrial plants, phytoplankton are distributed over a larger surface area, are exposed to less seasonal variation and have markedly faster turnover rates than trees.
- Phytoplankton form the base of marine and freshwater food webs and are key players in the global carbon cycle.
- They account for about half of global photosynthetic activity and at least half of the oxygen production, despite amounting to only about 1% of the global plant biomass.
- Phytoplankton are very diverse, varying from photosynthesizing bacteria to plant-like algae to armour-plated coccolithophores.
- Important groups of phytoplankton include the diatoms, cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates, although many other groups are represented.
Significance of Phytoplankton’s:
- They contribute more than half of the oxygen in the environment.
- They reduce global warming by absorbing human-induced carbon dioxide.
- They also serve as the base of the ocean food chain.
- They are important bioindicators regulating life in oceans. Their abundance determines the overall health of the ocean ecosystem.
- The productive fisheries in the world’s ocean are driven by Phytoplankton blooms.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q6. Which of the following statements regarding the bioluminescent phytoplankton Pyrocystis noctiluca and phytoplankton in general is/are correct?
Options A) 1 only |
Q. Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi? (2022)
a. Ant b. Cockroach c. Crab d. Spider Ans: a |
| Answer A
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: Pyrocystis noctiluca can indeed inflate by filling vacuoles with freshwater, enabling it to rise toward the surface for photosynthesis. · Statement 2 is incorrect: Phytoplankton inhabit the well-lit surface layers of oceans and are crucial for global oxygen production, contributing more than half of the oxygen in the environment. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |