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Hrithika Sundar

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Mains Answer Writing Latest Questions

Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 21, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction: Begin by defining quantum dots (QDs). Mention that they are nanoscale semiconductor particles that have unique electronic properties due to their small size, often less than 10 nm. Briefly explain their quantum mechanical properties, such as their ...

upsc: bio-technology
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    Best Answer
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Quantum dots (QDs) are nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique properties that arise from quantum size effects. When these particles are small enough, they restrict the energies at which electrons and holes can exist within them. This results in tunable optical properties, meaningRead more

    Model Answer

    Quantum dots (QDs) are nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique properties that arise from quantum size effects. When these particles are small enough, they restrict the energies at which electrons and holes can exist within them. This results in tunable optical properties, meaning their emission and absorption of light can be controlled by adjusting the particle size. As a result, QDs exhibit high reactivity, high quantum yield, and intermittent light emission (blinking), making them ideal for various applications, especially in biomedicine.

    Biomedical Applications of Quantum Dots

    Quantum dots offer exciting possibilities in the field of biomedicine due to their unique optical and electronic characteristics. Some of the prominent applications include:

    1. Live Cell Imaging

    Due to their small size, quantum dots can easily enter living cells. When excited by light, they emit fluorescence that can be captured using microscopes, allowing for the visualization of intracellular components such as proteins. This makes QDs valuable for monitoring cellular processes in real-time.

    2. Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)

    Quantum dots have narrow emission spectra, which help reduce overlap in fluorescence signals. This enables the use of multiple labels for sorting different cell populations in FACS. Additionally, their higher brightness compared to conventional dyes improves detection accuracy in cell sorting.

    3. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

    QDs can act as photosensitizers in PDT, a cancer treatment that uses light to activate drugs. Their ability to emit in the near-infrared region allows deeper tissue penetration with minimal scattering, making them more effective than traditional photosensitizers.

    4. Traceable Drug Delivery Vehicles

    Quantum dots can also be used to deliver drugs to specific tissues. Their quantum properties make it easy to track their accumulation in targeted areas, ensuring more precise drug delivery.

    5. Biosensors

    Quantum dots, such as Carbon-QDs, have been used in biosensors for applications like measuring blood glucose levels, offering a sensitive and efficient detection method.

    Despite their potential, quantum dots face challenges such as degradation and aggregation during storage, which limits their current use. Ongoing research is essential to address these issues and enhance their effectiveness in biomedicine.

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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) Briefly define what western disturbances are and introduce their significance to the weather in India. Mention how western disturbances are a key feature of India’s winter weather. Key Points for Introduction Western disturbances are extratropical storms originating ...

upsc: climate
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Western disturbances are extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region, which bring sudden winter rains to the north-western parts of the Indian subcontinent. These disturbances travel from west to east, powered by the Westerlies—prevailing winds between 30° and 60° latiRead more

    Model Answer

    Western disturbances are extra-tropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region, which bring sudden winter rains to the north-western parts of the Indian subcontinent. These disturbances travel from west to east, powered by the Westerlies—prevailing winds between 30° and 60° latitudes. The disturbance forms in low-pressure areas over the Mediterranean Sea and moves across Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, before picking up moisture from the Arabian Sea. This moisture contributes to precipitation, especially over the Western Himalayan Region, and further extends to Nepal, Bhutan, and Arunachal Pradesh.

    Impact on Indian Weather

    • Precipitation and Rainfall: Western disturbances contribute to about 5–10% of India’s total annual rainfall. During the winter months (November to March), they bring much-needed rain and snow to the north-western regions of India, which are otherwise dry.
    • Snowfall: Between December and February, these disturbances are the primary source of snowfall in the Himalayas, replenishing regional snowpacks and aiding in the storage of water resources for later use.
    • Monsoon Onset: Western disturbances also influence the seasonal dynamics of the Indian summer monsoon. By modulating the snowpack and albedo (reflectivity) of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau, they impact large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns that affect the onset of the monsoon.
    • Regional Effects: The impact of western disturbances stretches up to regions like Patna, Bihar, where the resulting rain benefits rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, and barley.

    Conclusion

    Western disturbances are essential for India’s winter precipitation, sustaining water supplies, influencing regional crops, and contributing to snowpack formation in the Himalayas. Their role in the broader climate system, especially in light of global warming, underscores the need for careful monitoring to safeguard agricultural productivity.

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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) Briefly introduce what a tsunami is and highlight its devastating impact on coastal areas. Mention the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to tsunami formation and the measures taken to mitigate their effects. Key Points ...

upsc: tsunami
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Tsunamis are large, destructive waves typically triggered by underwater disturbances. The key factors responsible for their formation are: Earthquakes: Most tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, particularly those near tectonic plate boundaries. To generate a tsunami, the earthRead more

    Model Answer

    Tsunamis are large, destructive waves typically triggered by underwater disturbances. The key factors responsible for their formation are:

    1. Earthquakes: Most tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, particularly those near tectonic plate boundaries. To generate a tsunami, the earthquake must be strong (magnitude ≥6.5), occur beneath the ocean, and involve vertical movement of the seafloor. These conditions can displace large volumes of water, creating waves that travel across the ocean.
    2. Landslides: Coastal or underwater landslides can also displace water and generate tsunamis. When the mass of land or sediment rapidly shifts into the ocean, it disturbs the water, sending out waves.
    3. Volcanic Eruptions: Violent volcanic eruptions, although less frequent, can displace enough water to trigger tsunamis, particularly when parts of the volcano collapse into the sea.
    4. Extra-terrestrial Collisions: Though extremely rare, collisions with asteroids or meteors that strike the ocean could displace vast amounts of water and produce a tsunami.

    Measures Taken by India to Mitigate Tsunami Impact

    India has implemented several strategies to minimize the damage caused by tsunamis, focusing on early warning systems and disaster management:

    1. Early Warning System: Managed by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), the system uses real-time data from sensors to monitor seismic and sea-level activity. When tsunami thresholds are reached, alerts are generated and disseminated to relevant authorities for prompt action.
    2. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The NDMA has developed Tsunami Risk Management Guidelines, which outline roles and responsibilities, emergency response protocols, and preparedness measures. These guidelines emphasize awareness, capacity building, and the involvement of local and national agencies in emergency response.
    3. Coastal Protection Infrastructure: Measures like bio-fencing, repairs to coastal defences, and the construction of new sea walls are being implemented to protect vulnerable coastal areas.

    Conclusion

    Together, these steps are designed to reduce the vulnerability of coastal populations and infrastructure to tsunami hazards.

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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) Define air masses and briefly explain their importance in weather and climate systems. Mention how air masses form and influence weather patterns. Key Points for Introduction An air mass is a large body of air that has ...

upsc: climatology
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Air masses are large volumes of air that have a uniform temperature and moisture content, extending from the Earth's surface to the lower stratosphere. They typically cover vast areas, sometimes thousands of kilometers, and can influence weather patterns over large regions. The characteRead more

    Model Answer

    Air masses are large volumes of air that have a uniform temperature and moisture content, extending from the Earth’s surface to the lower stratosphere. They typically cover vast areas, sometimes thousands of kilometers, and can influence weather patterns over large regions. The characteristics of an air mass are determined by the temperature and humidity, which are shaped by the region where the air mass originates.

    Types of Air Masses

    1. Maritime Tropical (mT): Warm and humid, originating over tropical oceans.
    2. Maritime Polar (mP): Cold and humid, forming over the oceans in polar latitudes.
    3. Continental Polar (CP): Cold and dry, originating from land in the polar regions.
    4. Tropical (CT): Hot and dry, originating over land in tropical regions.
    5. Continental Arctic (CA): Extremely cold and dry, originating from the North Pole.
    6. Continental Antarctic (CAA): Extremely cold and dry, originating from the South Pole.

    Significance of Air Masses

    Air masses influence local weather by carrying the temperature and moisture characteristics from their source regions to new areas. Fronts are formed when air masses meet, leading to significant changes in weather patterns. Air masses also modify their weather based on the surface they move over. For example, a continental polar air mass can pick up moisture from warmer waters.

    Air masses contribute to precipitation, drought, and variations in weather. For instance, hot and dry air masses may lead to drought conditions, while moist air masses can cause rain and thunderstorms. Thus, air masses play a crucial role in determining the climate and weather of different regions.

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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) Introduce the importance of the rubber industry in India, particularly its role in the country’s economy and industrial development. Briefly define rubber production and its uses in various sectors like automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture. Key Points ...

upsc: mineral resource
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Rubber production in India is influenced by several key factors, including: Climate and Geography: Rubber requires a tropical, humid climate with more than 200 cm of rainfall and temperatures above 25°C. India’s tropical climate, especially in regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, supportRead more

    Model Answer

    Rubber production in India is influenced by several key factors, including:

    1. Climate and Geography: Rubber requires a tropical, humid climate with more than 200 cm of rainfall and temperatures above 25°C. India’s tropical climate, especially in regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, supports the growth of rubber trees.
    2. Socio-economic Factors: The majority of rubber cultivation in India is carried out by smallholder farmers, accounting for about 91% of the cultivated area and 92% of the total production. These growers are mainly from resource-poor, rural, and tribal communities.
    3. Soil Fertility: Rubber thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with no water stagnation, which is common in the undulating lands of rubber-growing regions.
    4. Skilled Labour: India has a large labor force, both skilled and unskilled, involved in rubber cultivation and processing.
    5. Government Support: The Indian government offers incentives through policies like the Rubber Act, 1947, and the National Rubber Policy of 2019, alongside subsidies and the role of the Rubber Board in supporting the industry.

    Rubber Industry in India

    India is the 6th largest producer of natural rubber globally, with key growing regions in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It is also the 2nd largest consumer of rubber worldwide, producing approximately 694,000 tonnes in 2017-18. However, the industry faces challenges such as declining productivity, rising labor costs, and conflicts with tire companies.

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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing  1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) Introduce glacial lakes and highlight their formation due to glacial melting. Briefly define what a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is and its potential dangers. Key Points for Introduction Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed in ...

upsc: changes in geographical features
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    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed by the melting of glaciers. They typically occur at the foot of a glacier but can also form within, on, or under it. These lakes are commonly found at the edges of glaciers and ice sheets, and they are categorized into two types: ice contact lakeRead more

    Model Answer

    Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed by the melting of glaciers. They typically occur at the foot of a glacier but can also form within, on, or under it. These lakes are commonly found at the edges of glaciers and ice sheets, and they are categorized into two types: ice contact lakes, where glacier ice meets lake water, and distal lakes, located further from the glacier but still influenced by it.

    Factors Contributing to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

    Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) happen when a glacial lake’s dam, often made of moraine or ice, suddenly bursts, releasing large amounts of water downstream. Several factors contribute to the occurrence of GLOFs:

    1. Heavy Rainfall: Excessive rainfall, particularly in mountainous regions, can lead to the overfilling of glacial lakes, causing the moraine dams to breach.
    2. Snowmelt: Global warming accelerates glacier melting, increasing the volume of water in glacial lakes, raising the risk of a breach.
    3. Rapid Slope Movement: Landslides, avalanches, or rockfalls into the lake can exert pressure on the dam, triggering a breach.
    4. Earthquakes: Seismic activity can destabilize slopes, leading to the collapse of moraine dams.
    5. Anthropogenic Activities: Human activities like dam construction or infrastructure development can destabilize slopes, contributing to the risk of GLOFs.

    Conclusion

    These floods can cause catastrophic downstream damage, as seen in the 2013 Kedarnath disaster and Chamoli flash floods in 2021 (Source: NDMA).

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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing  1. Introduction (1-2 sentences) Briefly introduce the concept of the Earth’s heat budget and its significance in maintaining global temperatures. Define what is meant by “heat budget” in the context of Earth’s climate system. Key Points for Introduction Earth’s heat budget ...

upsc: climatology
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Heat Budget of the Earth The heat budget of the Earth refers to the balance between the amount of solar energy the Earth receives and the amount it radiates back into space. This balance is crucial for maintaining the Earth's average temperature. Of the 100 units of solar radiation receRead more

    Model Answer

    Heat Budget of the Earth

    The heat budget of the Earth refers to the balance between the amount of solar energy the Earth receives and the amount it radiates back into space. This balance is crucial for maintaining the Earth’s average temperature. Of the 100 units of solar radiation received from the Sun, 35 units are reflected back into space by Earth’s albedo, and the remaining 65 units are absorbed—14 units by the atmosphere and 51 units by the Earth’s surface. The Earth then radiates 51 units of energy back into space in the form of terrestrial radiation. Of this, 17 units are directly radiated into space, while the remaining 34 units are absorbed by the atmosphere and later radiated back into space. This cycle ensures that the incoming and outgoing radiation balance at 65 units, maintaining a stable temperature.

    Factors Influencing Temperature Distribution

    1. Latitude: The closer a region is to the equator, the more direct sunlight it receives, leading to higher temperatures. Conversely, areas near the poles receive more diffuse sunlight and have lower temperatures.
    2. Altitude: Higher altitudes are cooler because the atmosphere at higher elevations is thinner and less able to absorb and retain heat.
    3. Continentality: Land heats up and cools down more quickly than water. Thus, coastal areas have milder temperatures, while inland areas experience greater temperature fluctuations.
    4. Air-mass and Ocean Currents: Warm air masses and ocean currents raise temperatures, while cold currents and air masses lower them.
    5. Other Factors: Winds, soil type, surface slope, and aspect also play significant roles. For example, dark soils absorb more heat, affecting local temperatures.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the heat budget is essential in grasping Earth’s climate system, although human-induced changes, like global warming, threaten to disrupt this balance.

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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction: Contextualizing India’s Energy Potential India has vast energy resources, including coal, solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass, but it faces significant challenges in fully harnessing these resources to meet the growing energy demand of its population and economy. India’s energy ...

upsc: energy resources
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Key Challenges India Faces in Harnessing Its Energy Potential India has significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar power, due to its vast sunny and semi-arid regions. However, several challenges hinder the country’s ability to fully utilize this potential. High ImportRead more

    Model Answer

    Key Challenges India Faces in Harnessing Its Energy Potential

    India has significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar power, due to its vast sunny and semi-arid regions. However, several challenges hinder the country’s ability to fully utilize this potential.

    1. High Import Dependency: Over 80% of India’s solar photovoltaic modules are imported, primarily from China. Despite policies like Production Linked Incentives (PLIs) and Basic Customs Duty (BCD), local manufacturing has not sufficiently scaled up (Source: 2022 data).
    2. Financing Issues: Maintaining subsidies and tax cuts for solar energy is challenging, especially with stressed finances of state governments and distribution companies (discoms). Achieving cost parity with conventional energy sources like thermal power is also a long-term goal.
    3. Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Losses: T&D losses in India are around 40%, making solar energy generation less feasible due to inefficiencies in the grid system.
    4. Land Acquisition: Acquiring large, open spaces for solar plants remains difficult, with delays and cost overruns in planned projects.

    India’s renewable energy future depends on overcoming these obstacles through improved financing, policy reforms, and enhanced technological cooperation.

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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction: Definition of Land Subsidence Land subsidence refers to the sinking or downward movement of the Earth’s surface, which can occur gradually or suddenly. It often involves the settling or collapse of the ground due to natural or human-induced ...

upsc: physiography of india
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Land Subsidence Land subsidence refers to the gradual sinking or sudden collapse of the earth's surface due to the removal or displacement of subsurface materials. It can occur naturally due to earthquakes, erosion, or sinkholes, or as a result of human activities like groundwater extraRead more

    Model Answer

    Land Subsidence

    Land subsidence refers to the gradual sinking or sudden collapse of the earth’s surface due to the removal or displacement of subsurface materials. It can occur naturally due to earthquakes, erosion, or sinkholes, or as a result of human activities like groundwater extraction, mining, and infrastructure development.

    Factors Contributing to Subsidence in Joshimath, Uttarakhand

    In Joshimath, land subsidence is attributed to both natural and anthropogenic factors:

    • Built on Ancient Landslide Material: Joshimath is situated on loose sand and stone deposits from an ancient landslide, which lack high load-bearing capacity, making the region vulnerable to subsidence under increasing infrastructure and population pressure.
    • Geographic Faults: The region is located along a tectonic fault line where the Indian Plate subducts under the Eurasian Plate, contributing to instability.
    • Extreme Weather: Frequent heavy rainfall causes erosion and exacerbates landslides, as seen during the 2013 and 2021 floods.
    • Hydroelectric Projects: Construction activities, including tunneling for hydropower projects, have disrupted aquifers, contributing to land subsidence.
    • Unplanned Construction: Lack of proper drainage systems and unregulated construction has further aggravated the problem (Source: Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, M.C. Mishra Committee).
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Hrithika Sundar
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Hrithika SundarBegginer
Asked: January 4, 2025In:
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Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Definition of Weathering Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks and minerals into smaller particles or alters their chemical composition due to exposure to atmospheric conditions, biological activity, and water. It is the first step in soil ...

upsc: climatology
  1. Team
    Team Supreme

    Model Answer Weathering Weathering is the process through which rocks break down into smaller fragments due to mechanical disintegration and chemical decomposition. This process is driven by weather and climate elements and plays a crucial role in soil formation, landform creation, and the concentraRead more

    Model Answer

    Weathering

    Weathering is the process through which rocks break down into smaller fragments due to mechanical disintegration and chemical decomposition. This process is driven by weather and climate elements and plays a crucial role in soil formation, landform creation, and the concentration of valuable ores like iron, copper, and manganese.

    Types of Weathering Processes

    Chemical Weathering

    • Carbonation: Carbon dioxide reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissolves rocks like limestone (source: geology studies).
    • Hydration: Minerals absorb water, expand, and eventually fracture the rock.
    • Oxidation and Reduction: Iron-rich rocks oxidize in the presence of oxygen, and reduction occurs when oxygen is absent, typically below the water table.

    Physical Weathering

    • Unloading and Expansion: Removal of overlying rock leads to pressure release, causing rock layers to crack.
    • Freeze-Thaw (Frost Wedging): Repeated freezing and thawing of water in cracks weaken rocks.
    • Salt Weathering: Salts expand in heat, causing rock disintegration.

    Biological Weathering

    • Burrowing and Wedging: Animals like earthworms expose new rock surfaces to weathering.
    • Plant Roots: Roots exert pressure that breaks apart rocks.

    These processes often interact, with one type dominating based on local environmental conditions.

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