Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on inclusive education and influence of La Niña on global weather systems (Week 105)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress.
🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨
Examine the influence of La Niña on global weather systems and its implications for climate forecasting. Why do global climate models sometimes struggle to accurately predict La Niña events?
India's evolving digital infrastructure has played a key role in promoting inclusive education. Critically discuss the opportunities and challenges this transformation presents.
Introduction
— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.
— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.
Body
— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.
— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.
— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.
— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.
— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.
Way forward/ conclusion
— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.
— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.
Self Evaluation
— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.
QUESTION 1: Examine the influence of La Niña on global weather systems and its implications for climate forecasting. Why do global climate models sometimes struggle to accurately predict La Niña events?
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— La Niña means 'Little Girl' in Spanish. La Niña is sometimes known as El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or 'a cold event.' La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. During La Niña, trade winds are stronger than usual, bringing warmer water to Asia. Upwelling occurs off the West Coast of the Americas, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface.
– The chilly waters of the Pacific force the jet stream north. This often causes drought in the southern United States and heavy rains and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. During a La Niña, winter temperatures are lower in the north and warmer in the south. La Niña might lead to a more severe hurricane season.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:
— The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that equatorial sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean were close to or below average last year. During the 'watch' phase of La Niña in November and early December, ENSO conditions were neutral.
— The Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) in the Nino 3.4 zone, one of four key regions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean used to identify the ENSO phase, was -0.3°C.
— Temperature variations from the equatorial Pacific's three-monthly average sea surface temperature are used to calculate the ONI. A La Niña begins when the ONI in this region is -0.5 degrees or lower.
— If ONI readings exceed the threshold, temperatures will swiftly return to normal, resulting in a short and mild La Niña episode. Experts estimate that the weak La Niña will become ENSO-neutral from March to May 2025. This indicates that La Niña will have minimal impact on the Indian winter this year.
Conclusion:
— Weather models perform better when sea surface temperatures shift significantly, such as during a major El Niño or La Niña event.
— This is unlikely to be the case this time, which has likely resulted in weather models failing to accurately predict conditions because they are unable to account for minute temperature differences in their inputs.
(Source: Where is La Niña? And why did global models err in their predictions? by Anjali Marar, oceanservice.noaa.gov)
Points to Ponder
What is the Indian Ocean Dipole? How it can limit El Nino effects
Read about El Nino and La Nina
Related Previous Year Questions
Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (2014)
What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (2024)
QUESTION 2: India's evolving digital infrastructure has played a key role in promoting inclusive education. Critically discuss the opportunities and challenges this transformation presents.
Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.
Introduction:
— Pioneering digital public infrastructure (DPI) trials have enabled India's digital landscape to undergo such a spectacular transition.
— These DPIs are digital channels that allow for the smooth delivery of important services, which benefits society.
Body:
You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:
— The Indian DPI ecosystem, known as the 'India Stack,' has played a critical role in harnessing the power of identities, payments, and data interchange to drive economic growth and build a more equitable digital economy.
— The Right to Education statute applies until the age of 14 or Std VIII, which is the conclusion of the elementary school stage.
— The number of AI-based tutoring systems is expanding.
— Indian DPIs have the potential to close wealth gaps and build a resilient and effective digital economy that benefits individuals and organisations, beginning with empowering small businesses to improve access to healthcare and promoting financial and digital inclusion for citizens from less affluent socioeconomic backgrounds.
— The recently released Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, which surveyed 14-18-year-olds across the country, discovered that nearly 89 per cent of those polled had a smartphone at home. An even higher percentage, 92 per cent, said they could use a smartphone.
Conclusion:
— Although the National Achievement Survey (NAS) and ASER use different metrics and methods for assessing learning, both point to the fact that basic learning levels of elementary school children need significant improvement.
— India has achieved universal elementary education enrollment, and we are on track to attain universal secondary and higher secondary enrollment.
(Source: ASER 2023: Male youth in rural India dominate smartphone ownership, girls lag in digital skills, How smartphones can make education inclusive by Madhav Chavan, ASER 2023 report: On education, let's listen to the teenagers by Rukmini Banerji)
Points to Ponder
National Achievement Survey (NAS)
National Education Policy, 2020
Related Previous Year Questions
Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (2021)
Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 104)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 105)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 104)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 105)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 104)
UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 103)
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Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on inclusive education and influence of La Niña on global weather systems (Week 105)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Examine the influence of La Niña on global weather systems and its implications for climate forecasting. Why do global climate models sometimes struggle to accurately predict La Niña events? India's evolving digital infrastructure has played a key role in promoting inclusive education. Critically discuss the opportunities and challenges this transformation presents. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Examine the influence of La Niña on global weather systems and its implications for climate forecasting. Why do global climate models sometimes struggle to accurately predict La Niña events? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — La Niña means 'Little Girl' in Spanish. La Niña is sometimes known as El Viejo, anti-El Niño, or 'a cold event.' La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. During La Niña, trade winds are stronger than usual, bringing warmer water to Asia. Upwelling occurs off the West Coast of the Americas, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface. – The chilly waters of the Pacific force the jet stream north. This often causes drought in the southern United States and heavy rains and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. During a La Niña, winter temperatures are lower in the north and warmer in the south. La Niña might lead to a more severe hurricane season. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that equatorial sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean were close to or below average last year. During the 'watch' phase of La Niña in November and early December, ENSO conditions were neutral. — The Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) in the Nino 3.4 zone, one of four key regions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean used to identify the ENSO phase, was -0.3°C. — Temperature variations from the equatorial Pacific's three-monthly average sea surface temperature are used to calculate the ONI. A La Niña begins when the ONI in this region is -0.5 degrees or lower. — If ONI readings exceed the threshold, temperatures will swiftly return to normal, resulting in a short and mild La Niña episode. Experts estimate that the weak La Niña will become ENSO-neutral from March to May 2025. This indicates that La Niña will have minimal impact on the Indian winter this year. Conclusion: — Weather models perform better when sea surface temperatures shift significantly, such as during a major El Niño or La Niña event. — This is unlikely to be the case this time, which has likely resulted in weather models failing to accurately predict conditions because they are unable to account for minute temperature differences in their inputs. (Source: Where is La Niña? And why did global models err in their predictions? by Anjali Marar, Points to Ponder What is the Indian Ocean Dipole? How it can limit El Nino effects Read about El Nino and La Nina Related Previous Year Questions Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (2014) What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (2024) QUESTION 2: India's evolving digital infrastructure has played a key role in promoting inclusive education. Critically discuss the opportunities and challenges this transformation presents. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Pioneering digital public infrastructure (DPI) trials have enabled India's digital landscape to undergo such a spectacular transition. — These DPIs are digital channels that allow for the smooth delivery of important services, which benefits society. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Indian DPI ecosystem, known as the 'India Stack,' has played a critical role in harnessing the power of identities, payments, and data interchange to drive economic growth and build a more equitable digital economy. — The Right to Education statute applies until the age of 14 or Std VIII, which is the conclusion of the elementary school stage. — The number of AI-based tutoring systems is expanding. — Indian DPIs have the potential to close wealth gaps and build a resilient and effective digital economy that benefits individuals and organisations, beginning with empowering small businesses to improve access to healthcare and promoting financial and digital inclusion for citizens from less affluent socioeconomic backgrounds. — The recently released Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023, which surveyed 14-18-year-olds across the country, discovered that nearly 89 per cent of those polled had a smartphone at home. An even higher percentage, 92 per cent, said they could use a smartphone. Conclusion: — Although the National Achievement Survey (NAS) and ASER use different metrics and methods for assessing learning, both point to the fact that basic learning levels of elementary school children need significant improvement. — India has achieved universal elementary education enrollment, and we are on track to attain universal secondary and higher secondary enrollment. (Source: ASER 2023: Male youth in rural India dominate smartphone ownership, girls lag in digital skills, How smartphones can make education inclusive by Madhav Chavan, ASER 2023 report: On education, let's listen to the teenagers by Rukmini Banerji) Points to Ponder National Achievement Survey (NAS) National Education Policy, 2020 Related Previous Year Questions Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge systems when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (2021) Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 105) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 105) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 104) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 103) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Monsoon: Gear up to tackle any eventuality, says Chief Secretary
Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand has directed the officers of the respective departments to be fully prepared with appropriate action plans to deal with any disaster, such as cyclones and floods, that may occur during the southwest monsoon. On Thursday, Mr. Vijayanand held a video-conference with various departments and the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, NDRF, and other Central government departments from the Secretariat on monsoon preparedness. Speaking on the occasion, he stated that as the southwest monsoon had already arrived, the departments concerned should be fully prepared with advance action plans to deal with any disasters that might arise due to heavy rains or cyclones in the coming days. There were situations where rivers, streams and canals overflowed. The officials of the State Disaster Management and other departments must assess the potential and coordinate with Vassar Labs in this regard. Similarly, the State Disaster Management and RTGS should work in coordination with ISRO, he said. Mr. Vijayanand said in the event of cyclones, heavy rains and floods, efforts should be made to minimise the loss of property and lives, and establish normal conditions promptly with the respective department-wise action plans. In particular, the Water Resources Department should take flood monitoring measures such as strengthening all flood embankments, keeping the necessary sandbags ready and intensifying patrolling on floodplains. The R&B Department should provide and keep available the necessary earth moving equipment, cranes and power shovels so that traffic could be restored in a timely manner if trees fall on national highways and other major roads and traffic is disrupted. The PR&RD Department should keep standby generators available in all protected fresh water supply schemes and all pipelines should be free from leakages. The Municipal Administration Department should complete the silting work in drains and canals in urban areas promptly. The Energy Department should keep a sufficient number of standby generators, tree cutters and electricity poles ready. He said that the Medical and Health Department should keep adequate medicines available and take steps to raise awareness among the public about appropriate precautionary measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in flooded areas. The Civil Supplies Department should keep adequate stocks of various essential commodities available at the respective MLS points, he said. Mr. Vijayanand told Revenue Principal Secretary Jayalakshmi that the increased compensation (Scale of Finance) G.O. No. 1 and GO No. 13 provided to victims in the event of disasters be circulated to all departments. He suggested that department-wise reviews be conducted once in 15 days on the measures to be taken on issues to effectively deal with disasters.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Domicile rules for Ladakh, G7 Summit and Volcanoes
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for June 4, 2025. If you missed the June 3, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here FRONT PAGE Domicile rules for Ladakh notified by Govt to address job and quota concerns Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance Main Examination: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What's the ongoing story: THE CENTRE has notified a series of regulations aimed at addressing Ladakh's concerns over jobs, quotas and cultural preservation. The new legal framework introduces a domicile-based job reservation system, recognition of local languages, and procedural clarity in civil service recruitment. Key Points to Ponder: • What is domicile? • 'The Centre has notified a series of regulations aimed at addressing Ladakh's concerns over jobs, quotas and cultural preservation'—What are the new regulations? • Why are these regulations significant? • What were the demands in Ladakh? • How are the new regulations different from existing provisions? • How do they compare with Jammu & Kashmir's protections? • What are the limitations of these regulations? Key Takeaways: • As per the new regulations, a person has to be a resident of Ladakh for 15 years to get a domicile certificate and be eligible for jobs, while the ceiling on total quota has been lifted to 85%, excluding reservation for EWS. Since Ladakh is 90% tribal, it would virtually give reservation to all the indigenous Ladakhis. • The regulations, issued come amid demands in Leh and Kargil for tribal autonomy and legal protection following Ladakh's bifurcation from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. However, the regulations do not address another key Ladakh demand, to restrict land ownership by outsiders, which is behind the call for constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. • The most substantive change comes in the form of the Ladakh Civil Services Decentralization and Recruitment (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, which inserts a clear domicile criterion for recruitment into government services in the Union Territory. • Under Section 3A of the amended regulation, a person is considered a domicile of Ladakh if they have resided in the region for 15 years, or studied there for at least seven years and appeared in Class 10 or 12 examinations. Children of Central government employees who have served in Ladakh for at least 10 years are also eligible. • Following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week, a High-Powered Committee (HPC) comprising representatives from both Leh and Kargil had reached a consensus that anyone living in Ladakh for 15 years from 2019 onwards could be considered a domicile of the region. This was a climbdown from the earlier demand that domicile certification require a period of stay of 30 years. Do You Know: • The Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, updates the earlier Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, capping overall reservations at 85%, excluding the EWS quota. It's seen as a way to streamline existing quotas without creating new categories specific to Ladakh's tribal demography. • This 85% cap has also been extended to professional institutions such as engineering and medical colleges in Ladakh, where the quota for SC/STs and OBCs was earlier capped at 50%. • Over 90% of Ladakh's population is ST, with Buddhist and Muslim tribal communities dominating Leh and Kargil, respectively. The 85% reservation allows near-complete representation for tribal and socially backward groups, aligning with Ladakh's demography. • By explicitly excluding EWS from the 85% limit, the regulation safeguards tribal and backward class quotas from being eroded by newer economic reservations, and addresses Ladakh's concerns regarding identity-based protections. • Besides, through the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2025, 'one-third reservation for women' is now mandated in these councils through rotation of constituencies. However, while LAHDCs in Leh and Kargil have played a key role in local governance, their powers remain limited, especially in the absence of Sixth Schedule protection. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍New protections for Ladakh Chill in ties, window closing for Canada invitation to G7 summit Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: With less than two weeks to go for the start of the G7 Summit, being hosted by Canada in Kananaskis in Alberta from June 15-17, India is still to receive an invitation to the gathering. Key Points to Ponder: • What is G7 group? • Who are the members of G7? • Know the name of G7 countries • Map Work-G7 Countries • The G7 countries Global GDP-know the data • How did G7 become G8 and again G7-Reasons • G7, Canada and India-Know in Brief Key Takeaways: • If the invitation window closes, Delhi's absence at the summit will be the first break since 2019. Barring 2020 when the G7 huddle was cancelled by the US, the host country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended every summit since 2019. • The chill in Delhi-Ottawa ties has not gone unnoticed. The two countries downgraded diplomatic ties after Justin Trudeau, the then Canadian Prime Minister, set off a political storm in 2023 when he alleged 'potential' involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of a Canada-based Khalistan separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the charges as 'absurd' and 'motivated'. • Usually, G7 host countries invite some countries as guest countries or outreach partners. Canada has so far invited Ukraine and Australia. It has not released names of other guest countries. • France was the host of the G7 leaders' summit in Biarritz in August 2019 — after Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, this was the first invitation. • Before that, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had attended the G8 summit five times between 2004 and 2014 — the grouping became the G7 in 2014 after Russia's suspension, and subsequent exit, over its annexation of Crimea. • In 2020, US President Donald Trump called the G7 a 'very outdated group' and said he would like to include India, Australia, South Korea and Russia in the grouping of the largest advanced economies. Trump had suggested that the Group of 7 be called 'G10 or G11', and proposed that the grouping meet in September or November 2020. But due to the pandemic and the US elections, that did not happen. • Modi attended the G7 summit in 2021 via virtual mode, and then attended the summits in Germany in 2022, Japan in 2023 and Italy in 2024. Do You Know: • The Group of Seven is an informal group of leading industrialised nations. It consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. • As is customary in recent years, leaders from some non-G-7 countries and international organizations will also participate in some sessions. The leaders discuss a wide range of issues, including economic policy, security, climate change, energy and gender. • The first summit was in 1975, when France hosted what was then a Group of Six meeting to discuss tackling a recession that followed an Arab oil embargo. Canada became the seventh member a year later. Russia joined to form the G-8 in 1998 but was expelled after Moscow's 2014 annexation of Crimea. • Over the years, the G7 has evolved from an economic forum to a platform which aims to address a range of global challenges. While it lacks a permanent administrative structure, the G7 rotates its presidency annually and the presidency serves as a temporary secretariat. • Concluding with a communiqué outlining political commitments, the annual summit influences global governance, agenda-setting and decision-making processes. • In comparison, the G20, which was established in response to the 2008 financial crisis, is seen as a more inclusive forum. The Bruegel analysis argued that the G20's creation proved the G7's inability to handle-modern day crises. But due to its size, the authors claimed that the G20 was 'too big and heterogeneous to make decisions when not mired in deep crisis'. They proposed a reconfigured G7+, which would include a common euro-zone representative and make space for China, India, and Brazil, thereby better reflecting the current global economic landscape in terms of both GDP and population. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Knowledge Nugget: G7 summit in Canada — Historical evolution and importance for UPSC Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: 1. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (2020) (a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey (b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand (c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam (d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea GOVT & POLITICS PM Modi to launch Aravalli Green Project tomorrow Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization. Mains Examination: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. What's the ongoing story: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Centre's Aravalli Green Wall project, on June 5 to mark World Environment Day, to combat desertification and restore degraded land across four states, Environment Ministry sources said Tuesday. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the Aravalli Green Wall project? • Which peak is the highest point of the Aravalli Range? • The Aravalli Range is arguably the oldest geological feature on Earth, having its origin in which era? • The Aravalli Range, is believed to be the oldest range of fold mountains in India-True or False? • What is fold mountain? • What is desertification? • What are the reasons for rising desertification • How Aravalli Green Wall project will combat desertification and restore degraded land? Key Takeaways: • Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will join the PM for planting a tree in Delhi's ridge area, the sources said. The Chief Ministers of Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat will also plant trees in their respective states, sources said. • While the land restoration project was initially launched in 2023, a detailed action plan for the project was launched recently. The project, pegged at Rs 16,053 crore, aims to create a buffer zone of 5 km around the mountain range, covering 6.45 million hectares. • Ministry sources said the project would also contribute in meeting India's key climate goals of creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through improving tree and forest cover. India has also committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Do You Know: • Extending from southwest Gujarat in Champaner to northeast Delhi and Haryana, the 700-km long Aravalli mountain range acts as a natural barrier against incursion of sand and dust from the Thar desert. It supports rivers such as Luni, Banas, Sabarmati among others, as well as keystone wildlife such as tiger, bears, wolves and leopards. However, the range is facing widespread degradation due to deforestation, mining, urbanisation, agriculture practices and development. • The Aravalli Green Wall Project seeks to revive the Aravalli range through various initiatives such as banning single-use plastics, promoting water conservation, and protecting natural resources. It also aims to combat land degradation and desertification by creating green corridors across 29 districts in four states: Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi. The Aravalli hills landscape spans over 6 million hectares. • At the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) held in Riyadh, India introduced the Aravalli Green Wall Project, which was launched in 2019. In March, the Environment Ministry released the project's action plan. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Protect whatever is left of Aravallis, combat illegal mining, environmental group urges Haryana government Garden Reach inks pact with Norway firm, India to build its first polar research vehicle Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Main Examination: General Studies III: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. What's the ongoing story: Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), a Government of India undertaking, signed an MoU with Norwegian firm Kongsberg on Tuesday to co-design and build India's first-ever polar research vehicle (PRV) indigenously. Key Points to Ponder: • What is a polar research vehicle (PRV)? • The polar research vessel being developed through the GRSE-Norwegian collaboration will primarily support missions in which region? • Which Indian research station is located in Antarctica? • What is a key technological requirement for a polar research vessel? • Discuss the strategic and scientific importance of India building its first indigenous polar research vessel. • What are the technological and environmental challenges in constructing and operating a polar research vessel? Key Takeaways: • The MoU was signed in Oslo in the presence of Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who termed it 'a commitment to fostering scientific discovery, advancing India's capabilities in polar and ocean research, and contributing to global efforts to address pressing challenges like climate change.' • 'Let this MoU signing be a beacon of hope and progress, signalling India's unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable development. Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy — a legacy of innovation, exploration and international cooperation that will inspire generations to come,' Sonowal said. • A PRV is a ship which serves a platform for research in the polar regions (areas surrounding the North and South Poles). It can also help scientists undertake research in the ocean realm. Do You Know: • India currently operates three research base stations in the polar regions — Bharati and Maitri in Antarctica, and Himadri in the Arctic region — and had been planning to have its own PRV for a while now. In 2023, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that the country would have its first PRV within five years at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,600 crore. • The PRV will be equipped with the latest scientific equipment, enabling researchers to explore the oceans' depths and study marine ecosystems, Sonowal said. It will be a testament to India's critical shipbuilding capabilities, boosting the Government's 'Make In India' initiative, he added. • Underlining PM Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region – Sonowal said it 'leverages India's vast coastline, strategic location, and maritime heritage to drive economic prosperity, enhance regional security, and ensure sustainable development for all stakeholders'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍India building its largest research vessel to explore deep oceans THE EDITORIAL PAGE The great churn in Asia Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: C. Raja Mohan Writes: For over three decades, India's Asian strategy was premised on great-power harmony, regional stability, economic interdependence and stronger regional institutions. That era may be ending. Delhi must now contend with growing disorder, which demands both stronger national capabilities and enhanced strategic flexibility. Key Points to Ponder: • What is Shangri-La Dialogue? • What is discussed at Shangri-La Dialogue? • India and the Shangri-La Dialogue-Connect the dots • 'Since it was first convened in 2002, the SLD has become the premium forum where defence ministers of Asia gather to publicly articulate their positions on regional security as well as conduct bilateral and minilateral defence diplomacy behind closed doors'-Elaborate • How the changing nature of U.S. engagement in Asia affects India's strategic calculus? Key Takeaways: • Two recent developments to India's east offer insights into the rapidly shifting contours of Asian geopolitics. The first was the annual Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore, where US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined the administration's priorities for Asia. The second was South Korea's presidential election, where the likely victory of left-leaning candidate Lee Jae-myung could reshape not only Korea's political trajectory but also the strategic dynamics of Northeast Asia. • As expected, US-China relations dominated discussions at the SLD. The absence of China's defence minister underscored the current crisis in bilateral ties. • The SLD historically served as a valuable platform for US-China dialogue on regional security. Much of Asia was eager to hear from Hegseth about the Trump administration's strategic intentions. Many countries remain caught in the crossfire of President Donald Trump's trade wars and were watching closely to see if Washington would uphold traditional alliances or, as in Europe, move to dismantle them. • Hegseth, however, steered clear of economics, saying his focus was 'tanks, not tariffs'. He had strong words on China's military capabilities and ambitions of annexing Taiwan. • Asked about NATO's potential role in Asia, Hegseth urged Europe to remain focused on Russia rather than overstretch its resources in the Indo-Pacific. Macron, however, had a different message. Do You Know: • The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) is an annual international security conference held in Singapore. It serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among defense ministers and experts from various countries, focusing on regional and global security issues. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍An arena called Asia THE IDEAS PAGE The Centre, for the states Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. What's the ongoing story: B V R Subrahmanyam and Shashank Shah Writes: In the past 11 years, India has witnessed an era of cooperative and fiscal federalism. The Centre and state governments have worked together on socioeconomic transformation for the achievement of shared goals. Key Points to Ponder: • The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace what? • How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by erstwhile Planning Commission in India? • Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog 2025-know key highlights • Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog 2025-what are the key takeaways? • What is the Governing Council of NITI Aayog? • Who chairs Governing Council of NITI Aayog? • The term 'cooperative federalism' stands for what? • How NITI Aayog has contributed to the deepening of cooperative and competitive federalism in India? Key Takeaways: B V R Subrahmanyam and Shashank Shah Writes: • The transformation of the Planning Commission into the NITI Aayog in 2015 was an important change – it replaced a Centre-to-state one-way flow of policy with a collaborative partnership between the two. For long, knowledge resided where power was wielded. A phygital world is increasing the gap. NITI Aayog plays a vital role in bridging it. Unlike the Planning Commission, it encourages states to take ownership of their development agendas and has become a bridge between the Centre and states. • The Aayog's annual Governing Council Meeting acts as the apex platform for the political leadership of the Centre and states to deliberate on issues of national importance. The annual Chief Secretaries Conference is a platform for the senior-most bureaucrats of the country to discuss challenges and share best practices. Its indices have acted as a catalyst for a competitive federal system, inspiring laggard states to improve their performance. The Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme has been transformative in improving the quality of life of citizens from nearly 350 districts and 500 blocks. It has brought the most backward regions at par with state averages across key socio-economic parameters. • The key to development for states is the availability of sufficient resources. A significant step in this direction was the decision to increase the states' share in the divisible pool of taxes from 32 per cent to 42 per cent. • The Centre's commitment to fiscal federalism has empowered states with more resources in the last decade compared to the previous decade. The ratio of gross transfers (including states' share in central taxes, grants, and loans) to GDP was 5.2 per cent in the decade preceding 2015-16, and has now increased to 6.5 per cent. During this period, grants from the Centre have increased by 234 per cent, and gross loans from the Centre have increased by a massive 992 per cent. Do You Know: • The Governing Council of NITI Aayog comprises the Prime Minister of India; Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories with Legislature; Lt Governors of other UTs; Ex-Officio Members; Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog; Full-time Members, NITI Aayog and Special Invitees. First constituted in February 2015 and reconstituted in February 2021, the Governing Council embodies the objectives of cooperative federalism and presents a platform to discuss inter- sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues to accelerate the implementation of the national development agenda. • So far, nine meetings of the Governing Council, chaired by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, have been held and facilitated shaping India's development agenda collaboratively. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Leverage FTAs, remove obsolete laws, PM tells states in NITI meeting EXPRESS NETWORK India experienced wettest May since 1901: IMD Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. What's the ongoing story: This year, May was not about sweltering heat and extreme temperatures but rain and floods. India experienced the wettest May in 124 years as the country recorded 126.7 mm of rainfall last month, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Key Points to Ponder: • Which weather phenomena is most likely linked to unseasonal or extreme pre-monsoon rainfall in India? • India received the wettest May rainfall since 1901—what are the contributing meteorological factors? • What are the short-term and long-term impacts of unseasonal rainfall on India's agriculture? • Examine the role of IMD in forecasting and managing extreme weather events? • How changing rainfall patterns reflect the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and smart agricultural practices in India. • What policy measures should the government adopt to reduce the vulnerability of marginal farmers to erratic weather events like excessive pre-monsoon rain? Key Takeaways: • May was unusually wet and marked by the early southwest monsoon onset, which brought bountiful rainfall over southern and eastern India regions over the past 10 days. • According to the IMD, there were 1,053 heavy rainfall events (64.4 – 115.5 mm) reported in May concentrated along the west coast, northeast and north India. This was the highest number of heavy rainfall events for the month since 2021. • Central India recorded the highest-ever May rainfall (100.9 mm) since 1901. Over the southern peninsular India, where May rainfall was 199.7 mm, it was the second wettest May in 124 years and the wettest since 2001, the IMD said. • The all-India rainfall of May pushed the pre-monsoon rainfall quota quantitatively to 42 per cent 'above' normal (185.8 mm). • May rainfall topped the charts among the pre-monsoon season with the all-India rainfall settling at 106.4 per cent of the normal. Do You Know: • The pre-monsoon season was dominated by frequent western disturbances (4 each, in March and April and 7 in May), which brought rainfall over north and central India regions. In addition, these wind streams interacted with moisture-laden winds coming in from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, causing widespread rainfall and thunderstorms over the southern peninsular. • Soon after the southwest monsoon onset on May 13 over the south Andaman Sea, the overall rainfall intensity over the country picked up. Multiple, favourable atmospheric and ocean conditions prevailed which also contributed to heightened rainfall over large parts of the country, keeping the all-India rainfall average above normal during May 17 – 31. • The all-India monthly average temperature for May was 1.52 degrees Celsius below normal of 36.60 degrees Celsius. Upon receiving the highest May rainfall in over a century, central India's monthly average maximum temperature saw the sharpest departure from normal (-2.63 degrees Celsius) and it settled at 36.63 degrees Celsius. • Significantly, there was no development of a cyclone over the north Indian Ocean basin (Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea) during May. This is the first time since 2020 when a cyclone activity was missing in the basin in May, which is otherwise prone to peak cyclogenesis in May. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why have rains subsided in Mumbai after a historic early onset? EXPLAINED WHAT CAUSED THE MASSIVE ERUPTION OF ITALY'S MOUNT ETNA Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World. Mains Examination: General Studies I: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. What's the ongoing story: Italy's Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, produced an explosive eruption on Monday morning, sending a huge cloud of ash, smoke and rock fragments several kilometres into the sky. Key Points to Ponder: • Where is Mount Etna? • What kind of eruption did it have? • Volcanoes and Volcanic Landforms-Know in detail • Know the Types of Volcanoes • Plate Tectonics, Volcanoes and Earthquake-connect the dots • How can volcanic eruptions affect the environment and natural ecosystem? Key Takeaways: • Mount Etna, sometimes referred to simply as Etna, is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, lying just off the toe of the Italian 'boot'. Etna's peak is the highest in Italy south of the Alps, and it is the largest of Europe's active volcanoes. • Etna's summit has five craters, which are responsible for most of the volcano's eruptions. 'Flank' eruptions also occur at the 300-odd vents of varying sizes along the slopes of the mountain. • The volcano is in near-constant activity. Since 1600, at least 60 flank eruptions and many more summit eruptions have happened. In recent years, summit eruptions have occurred in 2006, 2007-08, on two occasions in 2012, in 2018, and 2021; flank eruptions have taken place in 2001, 2002-03, 2004-05, and 2008-09. • Etna has been a World Heritage Site since 2013, and according to UNESCO, the volcano's eruptive history can be traced back 500,000 years. At least 2,700 years of this activity have been documented. • Experts suggest that the eruption began with an increase in pressure inside the volcano due to expanding gases, which led to the collapse of the southeast crater, resulting in hot lava flows. • According to Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) Etna Observatory, the volcano was witnessing a 'Strombolian' eruption. This type of eruption is usually characterised as discreet moderately explosive bursts which can eject chunks of rock and cinders that can travel hundreds of metres into the air. It occurs due to the presence of gas in the magma chamber within the volcano. Do You Know: • According to the US Geological Survey: 'Volcanoes are openings, or vents where lava, tephra (small rocks), and steam erupt onto the Earth's surface.' • Volcanoes can be on land and in the ocean. They are formed when material significantly hotter than its surroundings is erupted onto the surface of the Earth. The material could be liquid rock (known as 'magma', when it's underground and 'lava' when it breaks through the surface), ash, and/or gases. • The rise of magma can take place in three different ways, according to NASA. First, when tectonic plates — massive, irregularly shaped slabs of solid rock that carry both continents and oceans and are constantly in motion — move away from each other. 'The magma rises up to fill in the space. When this happens underwater volcanoes can form,' it added. Second, when the plates move towards each other. 'When this happens, part of Earth's crust can be forced deep into its interior. The high heat and pressure cause the crust to melt and rise as magma,' NASA said. Third is how magma rises at the hotspots — hot areas inside of the Earth, where magma gets heated up. As magma gets warmer, it becomes less dense, leading to its rise. • According to the British Geological Survey, the type of volcano depends on the viscosity of the magma, the amount of gas in the magma, the composition of the magma, and the way the magma reaches the surface. • There are two broad types of volcanoes: a stratovolcano and a shield volcano. Stratovolcanoes have steep sides and are more cone-shaped than shield volcanoes have a low profile and resemble a shield lying on the ground. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍WHAT ARE VOLCANOES—AND WHY DO THEY KEEP ERUPTING IN ICELAND? For any queries and feedback, contact Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Priya Kumari Shukla is a Senior Copy Editor in the Indian Express (digital). She contributes to the UPSC Section of Indian Express (digital) and started niche initiatives such as UPSC Key, UPSC Ethics Simplified, and The 360° UPSC Debate. The UPSC Key aims to assist students and aspirants in their preparation for the Civil Services and other competitive examinations. It provides valuable guidance on effective strategies for reading and comprehending newspaper content. The 360° UPSC Debate tackles a topic from all perspectives after sorting through various publications. The chosen framework for the discussion is structured in a manner that encompasses both the arguments in favour and against the topic, ensuring comprehensive coverage of many perspectives. Prior to her involvement with the Indian Express, she had affiliations with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) as well as several coaching and edutech enterprises. In her prior professional experience, she was responsible for creating and refining material in various domains, including article composition and voiceover video production. She has written in-house books on many subjects, including modern India, ancient Indian history, internal security, international relations, and the Indian economy. She has more than eight years of expertise in the field of content writing. Priya holds a Master's degree in Electronic Science from the University of Pune as well as an Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious business schools in India. She is also an alumni of Jamia Milia Islamia University Residential Coaching Academy (RCA). Priya has made diligent efforts to engage in research endeavours, acquiring the necessary skills to effectively examine and synthesise facts and empirical evidence prior to presenting their perspective. Priya demonstrates a strong passion for reading, particularly in the genres of classical Hindi, English, Maithili, and Marathi novels and novellas. Additionally, she possessed the distinction of being a cricket player at the national level. Qualification, Degrees / other achievements: Master's degree in Electronic Science from University of Pune and Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta ... Read More
