[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 12 August 2023

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

1. What are the various factors that affect the formation of Savanna type of climate? Examine the various threats to Savanna biomes.

Reference: Insights on India

Introduction

Savanna regions have two distinct seasons – a wet season and a dry season. There is very little rain in the dry season. In the wet season vegetation grows, including lush green grasses and wooded areas. As you move further away from the equator and its heavy rainfall, the grassland becomes drier and drier – particularly in the dry season.

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Savanna biomes

Savannas – also known as tropical grasslands – are found to the north and south of tropical rainforest biomes. The largest expanses of savanna are in Africa, where much of the central part of the continent, for example Kenya and Tanzania, consists of tropical grassland. Savanna grasslands can also be found in Brazil in South America.

Various factors that affect the formation of Savanna type of climate

Various threats to Savanna biomes

Conclusion

While forests are undoubtedly great carbon sinks, grasslands are not all that far behind. Studies reveal that restoring grasslands is an immensely effective and economical way to combat climate change, as these landscapes store large amounts of carbon below ground. When a nuanced and informed understanding of the importance of grasslands filters into conservation and climate change policies, it will be win-win for pastoralists, grassland biodiversity, and the planet.

2. The continental shelf of the Indian Ocean holds significant economic potential due to the presence of various resources that can be exploited for both commercial and strategic purposes. Examine.

Reference: Insights on India

Introduction

Continental shelf, a broad, relatively shallow submarine terrace of continental crust forming the edge of a continental landmass. The geology of continental shelves is often similar to that of the adjacent exposed portion of the continent, and most shelves have a gently rolling topography called ridge and swale. Continental shelves make up about 8 percent of the entire area covered by oceans.

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Economic significance of the resources in the continental shelf of the Indian Ocean

Biotic Resources: The Biotic Resources include fish, crustaceans’ molluscs, sea weeds and other edible form of marine life.

Mineral Resources:

Energy Resources:

Tourism:

Conclusion

The Continental Shelf of the Indian Ocean is economically very significant for people. Indian Ocean is an “ocean of economic opportunities” for India. The security threats posed by State and non-state actors are impeding the progress. The Government initiatives like SAGAR, IORA, Sagarmala etc. should ensure that the fruits of Blue Economy is well reaped.

Value addition

Factors that make continental shelves one of the highly productive ecosystems:

3. The relationship between laws for criminal contempt of the court and the freedom of speech guaranteed under the Indian Constitution is a complex and debated issue. Comment your opinion on the issue.

Reference: Indian Express

Introduction

Last week, political commentator and publisher Badri Seshadri was arrested from his home in Chennai in the early hours of Saturday. The reason for the police from Perambalur district to travel nearly 300 km to make this speedy arrest was comments made by Seshadri during an interview on a YouTube channel criticising the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of India on the Manipur issue.

He was booked for promoting enmity, wanton provocation with intent to cause a riot, etc., based on the complaint of a local lawyer. Needless to say, the state’s action came in for criticism from a wide section of society, especially from writers and journalists of all political leanings.

In this background, it is necessary to revisit criminal contempt, and role of judiciary and executive that implement the law.

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Criminal contempt: A special law is asynchronous with freedom of speech

Way forward

Conclusion

Besides needing to revisit the need for a law on criminal contempt, even the test for contempt needs to be evaluated. If such a test ought to exist at all, it should be whether the contemptuous remarks in question actually obstruct the Court from functioning. It should not be allowed to be used as a means to prevent any and all criticism of an institution.

4. Superconductivity has the potential to revolutionize multiple areas of science and technology by offering unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and performance. Discuss.

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Introduction

Superconductivity is a state in which a material shows absolutely zero electrical resistance. While resistance is a property that restricts the flow of electricity, superconductivity allows unhindered flow Materials are said to be exhibiting superconductivity when they exhibit the following two characteristics after being cooled below their critical temperature: zero electrical resistance and expulsion of magnetic fields (Meissner effect). All the electrons align themselves in a particular direction, and move without any obstruction in a “coherent” manner. Because of zero resistance, superconducting materials can save huge amounts of energy, and be used to make highly efficient electrical appliances. IISc researchers have reported superconductivity at room temperature. Their finding, now under review, will be a breakthrough if verified.

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Background

In last week of July, researchers in South Korea said they had discovered that a material called LK-99 is a room-temperature superconductor. Scientists have been looking for such materials for several decades now for their ability to transport heavy currents without any loss – a property that could revolutionise a variety of industrial and medical applications.

Applications

Conclusion

Technical barriers have till now hindered the large scale usage of superconductivity phenomenon. With the new discovery, the true potential of super-conductivity can be reached out for socio-economic development of the country.

5. Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their dependence on specific environmental conditions. Analyse.

Reference: Down to Earth

Introduction

A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, whose polyps cluster in groups. Most reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny water.

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Coral Reefs: Rainforests of the ocean

They occupy less than 0.1% of the world’s ocean area, yet they provide a home for at least 25% of all marine species. And the variety of species living on coral reefs is greater than almost anywhere else in the world. Scientists estimate that more than one million species of plants and animals are associated with coral reef ecosystems.

Coral reefs in India:

Threats faced and deleterious effect

Need of the hour

Conclusion

Monitoring, research, and restoration all are essential to safeguard coral reefs. However, to ultimately protect coral reefs, legal mechanisms are necessary. Legal mechanism involves the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). Because MPAs have the added force of law behind them, a protected marine enclosure—such as a coral reef system—may stand a better chance for survival.

6. The Indian monsoon is crucial to the country’s well-being, impacting agriculture, economy, water resources, and livelihoods. Variations in the monsoon are influenced by a multitude of factors, both regional and global, making its prediction and management a challenging endeavour. Analyse.

Reference: Insights on India

Introduction

Monsoons are seasonal winds which reverse their direction with the change of season. The monsoon is a double system of seasonal winds. They flow from sea to land during the summer and from land to sea during winter. Monsoons are peculiar to Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, parts of Central Western Africa etc. Indian Monsoons are Convection cells on a very large scale. They are periodic or secondary winds which seasonal reversal in wind direction.

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Seasonal variation in the India monsoons

Significance of Monsoon on Indian economy:

Effects of poor monsoon on Indian economy:

Way forward:

7. Addressing the digital divide, promoting digital literacy, ensuring data privacy, and fostering innovation are among the key areas that require attention to ensure a more inclusive, secure, and technologically advanced future for India. Analyse.

Reference: Live Mint

Introduction

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not. Promoting digital literacy is essential to empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape. Digital literacy encompasses not only the ability to use digital tools but also critical thinking, evaluating online information, and understanding online safety.

With the increasing digitization of personal and sensitive information, data privacy has become a paramount concern. Robust data protection regulations and practices are necessary to ensure that individuals’ personal data is collected, stored, and used responsibly. Strengthening data privacy laws and enforcement mechanisms is essential to build trust in digital services and prevent misuse of personal information.

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Background: Digital Penetration in India

Context for India

Measures needed for India

Conclusion

Overall, India’s progress in developing its Digital Public Infrastructure has laid a strong foundation for a digital economy. However, to realize the vision of inclusive and sustainable growth, continuous efforts are needed to address challenges related to data privacy, security, and digital literacy. Additionally, adapting to emerging technologies and fostering innovation will be crucial for India to maintain its momentum towards becoming a digital-first nation.

8. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has played a crucial part in providing a safety net for healthcare expenses and promoting financial inclusivity. However, it also highlights challenges such as uneven access to healthcare services, gaps in quality assurance, and limitations in addressing non-communicable diseases. Critically examine.

Reference: Indian Express

Introduction

The Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission touted as “India’s largest scheme to scale-up health infrastructure” was launched by Prime Minister recently. It is aimed at ensuring a robust public health infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, capable of responding to public health emergencies or disease outbreak.

Healthcare provisions in India is grossly inadequate and access to healthcare is highly inequitable. Lack of efficient public healthcare and burden of out-of-pocket health expenditures reduces people’s capacity or disables them from investing in the human capital of their children.

In India, a large portion of the population is below the poverty line, therefore, they do not have easy access to primary health and education. There is growing inequality across social groups and income groups which translates itself into poor socio-economic mobility.

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PM-JAY: Features and Significance

Challenges in healthcare

Conclusion

Making good use of technology and innovation can further reduce the overall cost of healthcare. AI-powered mobile applications can provide high-quality, low-cost, patient-centric, smart wellness solutions. The scalable and inter-operable IT platform for the Ayushman Bharat is a positive step in this direction.

9. Given the significance of semiconductors, India’s strategic interests align with developing a strong domestic semiconductor industry. India should have a comprehensive strategy to address its semiconductor needs, promote innovation, and strengthen national security. Discuss.

Reference: The Hindu

Introduction

Semiconductor chips are the basic building blocks that serve as the heart and brain of all modern electronics and information and communications technology products. These chips are now an integral part of contemporary automobiles, household gadgets and essential medical devices such as ECG machines.

Semiconductor shortage is turning into an acute issue. Due to it, the growth prospects of the auto industry are once again in jeopardy. This issue also offers immense opportunity for India to foray in to Integrated Circuits and Chip design.

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Strengths of semiconductor industry of India

Challenges

Way Forward

Conclusion

The program will usher in a new era in electronics manufacturing by providing a globally competitive incentive package to companies in semiconductors and display manufacturing as well as design. The program will promote higher domestic value addition in electronics manufacturing and will contribute significantly to achieving a USD 1 Trillion digital economy and a USD 5 Trillion GDP by 2025. This shall pave the way for India’s technological leadership in these areas of strategic importance and economic self-reliance.

Value addition

Government initiatives in this regard

The Union Cabinet’s decision to set aside ₹76,000 crore for supporting the development of a ‘semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem’ is a belated but welcome acknowledgment of the strategic significance of integrated circuits, or chips, to a modern economy.

10. The increasing frequency of forest fires across the world can be attributed to a combination of natural and human factors, with climate change playing a significant role in it. Examine.

Reference: Down to Earth

Introduction

Forest fires are considered as one of the most widespread hazards in a forested landscape. They have a serious threat to forest and its flora and fauna. Forest fires essentially are ‘quasi-natural’, which means that they are not entirely caused by natural reasons (like volcanoes, earthquakes and tropical storms), but are caused by human activities as well. In India’s case, a combination of hot weather, oxygen and dry vegetation is a potent recipe for forest fires.

A forest department probe into the bushfires that impacted an area of about 4 sq km in Goa in the first half of March is learnt to have concluded that the fires were largely triggered by natural causes, confirming the central government’s submission to Parliament last month that a “prolonged dry spell, unprecedented high temperatures, and low humidity” caused “sporadic” fire incidents in the state.

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Reasons for Increasing frequency of forest fires

the role of climate change in exacerbating the forest fire risk

Measures to control forest fires

Conclusion

It is important to prevent the lungs of the nation from ravages of fire. With climate change and global warming on the rise, India must prevent human-made disaster to ensure our carbon sinks are protected.

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