Model Answer

Introduction

Landslides are among the most destructive natural disasters, causing significant loss of life and extensive property damage globally. They can be triggered by a variety of factors, including human activities and geological conditions.

Causes of Landslides

1. Geological Factors:
   • Geological characteristics such as soil type, rock composition, slope angle, and stability contribute to landslide susceptibility. For instance, in Himachal Pradesh, steep slopes with loose soil and rock are particularly prone to landslides .
2. Natural Factors:
   • Natural triggers include heavy rainfall, snowmelt, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. For example, in Assam, intense rainfall can saturate the soil, leading to instability and subsequent sliding downhill .
3. Human Factors:
   • Human activities such as deforestation, mining, and construction exacerbate landslide risks. In Kerala, deforestation destabilizes slopes, increasing the likelihood of landslides .

Effects of Landslides

1. Loss of Life:
   • Landslides can result in fatalities and serious injuries among populations in affected areas.
2. Damage to Property and Infrastructure:
   • They can cause extensive damage to buildings, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, leading to substantial economic losses .
3. Environmental Damage:
   • Landslides can lead to soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and alterations to local watercourses, causing long-term ecological harm .

National Landslide Risk Management Strategy

1. Hazard Assessment:
   • Conducting hazard assessments to identify landslide-prone areas and evaluate potential impacts on communities and infrastructure is crucial .
2. Risk Mapping:
   • Mapping vulnerable areas helps prioritize them for risk reduction measures, ensuring targeted interventions .
3. Early Warning Systems:
   • Implementing early warning systems with sensors and monitoring devices can alert communities before landslides occur .
4. Land Use Planning:
   • Regulating human activities in high-risk areas through zoning regulations and building codes can mitigate risks .
5. Public Education and Awareness:
   • Campaigns to educate communities about landslide risks and emergency preparedness are essential for enhancing resilience .

Conclusion

Landslides pose significant hazards, but with a robust National Landslide Risk Management Strategy, risks can be effectively reduced. By implementing comprehensive assessments, mapping, early warning systems, land use planning, and public awareness initiatives, we can protect communities from the devastating impacts of landslides.

Model Answer

Introduction

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently released revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs), which provide key recommendations for reducing air pollution and protecting public health.

Key Points of the Revised Guidelines

1. Expanded Pollutant Coverage: The revised AQGs cover six pollutants: particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO). This broader coverage reflects a more comprehensive understanding of air pollution’s health impacts.
2. Stricter Limits: The guidelines introduce stricter limits for air pollutants. For instance, the annual average for PM2.5 should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter, while the 24-hour average should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Similar limits are established for other pollutants, emphasizing the need for improved air quality.

Changes from the 2005 Update

• Time Gap: The previous update of the AQGs was in 2005, making this revision the first in nearly two decades. This gap highlights the need to address emerging scientific evidence and changing global air pollution patterns.
• Inclusion of New Pollutants: The 2021 revision includes guidelines for additional pollutants, such as PM2.5 and PM10, which were not covered in the 2005 update and are known to have severe health effects.

India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and Required Changes

1. Stringent Targets: To align with the revised WHO guidelines, India’s NCAP needs to establish more stringent targets for reducing particulate matter concentrations. The existing targets, aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction by 2024, should be revised to reflect the stricter limits recommended by WHO.
2. Enhanced Implementation: The NCAP should focus on effective implementation of measures to achieve the revised air quality standards, including stricter regulations for industries and the promotion of cleaner technologies.
3. Comprehensive Approach: An integrated approach is necessary, considering regional air pollution patterns and coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies and communities.
4. Public Awareness and Participation: The NCAP should emphasize public engagement to encourage citizen participation in combating air pollution through education and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

To achieve the revised air quality standards recommended by WHO, India’s NCAP must undergo significant changes, adopting more stringent targets and a comprehensive approach to effectively combat air pollution.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Green Grid Initiative, also known as One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG), was jointly announced by India and the UK at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of interconnected electricity grids globally, enhancing energy access for disadvantaged communities through mini-grids and off-grid solutions. The concept of a unified global solar grid was initially proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2018, highlighting the need for sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.

Body

The Green Grid Initiative has several key objectives:

1. Accelerate Decarbonization: The initiative aims to expedite the decarbonization of energy production worldwide. By promoting renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, it seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
2. Interconnected Solar Power Grid: The initiative envisions establishing an international network of interconnected solar power grids. This global grid will ensure a continuous supply of clean energy, allowing countries to access renewable resources efficiently and sustainably.
3. Enhance Investment and Collaboration: The Green Grid Initiative encourages collaboration among countries, pooling skills, technologies, and financial resources. This cooperation will foster research and development centers and promote investment in renewable energy infrastructure globally.

The idea for the OSOWOG initiative was first proposed at the ISA in 2018, laying the groundwork for the Green Grid Initiative. The formal launch at COP26 in 2021 marked a significant step towards promoting renewable energy integration and global energy connectivity.

Conclusion

The Green Grid Initiative, rooted in the concept of a global interconnected solar power grid proposed at the ISA in 2018, gained momentum with its launch at COP26. It reflects the commitment of nations to achieve universal access to renewable energy and combat climate change effectively.

Model Answer

Introduction

The 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura for their groundbreaking invention of Blue Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in the 1990s. This innovation has profoundly transformed various aspects of human life globally, particularly in India.

Body

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Blue LEDs are crucial for creating white LED lights, revolutionizing the approach to lighting. The Indian government’s UJALA scheme has distributed over 360 million LED bulbs nationwide as of 2021. This initiative has led to significant reductions in household electricity costs and national energy consumption.

Catalyst for Digital Revolution

Blue LEDs are integral to the screens of digital devices, such as smartphones and laptops. This technology has fueled digital connectivity, exemplified by the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, which aims to digitally educate 60 million rural households using affordable LED-screen devices.

Medical Applications and Healthcare

Blue LEDs are vital in medical treatments, particularly in phototherapy for neonatal jaundice. Devices like the Brilliance Pro, developed by the Indian company D-Rev, utilize blue LEDs to provide affordable and effective treatment for thousands of infants annually.

Innovations in Agriculture

In controlled-environment agriculture, blue LEDs enhance plant growth. Indian startups like Triton Food Works employ LED lighting in hydroponic farms, enabling year-round production regardless of climatic conditions.

Environmental Sustainability

LED lights contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing energy consumption and extending bulb lifespan, thereby lowering carbon emissions. This aligns with India’s commitment to reduce carbon intensity under the Paris Agreement.

Conclusion

The advent of Blue LEDs has transformed numerous sectors of everyday life in India, from energy conservation and digital literacy to healthcare and sustainable agriculture. This underscores the profound societal changes that innovative scientific research can inspire.

Model Answer

Introduction

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), enacted in 2013, aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s population. This landmark legislation marked a significant shift in India’s approach to food security, transitioning from a welfare-based model to a rights-based framework.

Salient Features of the NFSA

1. Coverage and Entitlement: The Act covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Each individual is entitled to 5 kg of food grains per month, while Antyodaya households receive 35 kg per household per month.
2. Identification of Households: States and Union Territories are responsible for identifying eligible households.
3. Women Empowerment: The eldest woman (aged 18 years or above) in a household is recognized as the head for issuing ration cards.
4. Maternity Benefits: Pregnant women and lactating mothers (PWLM) are entitled to maternity benefits of at least ₹6,000.
5. Nutritional Support: PWLM and children aged 6 months to 14 years are entitled to meals according to prescribed nutritional norms under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) schemes.
6. Grievance Redressal: The Act establishes a dedicated mechanism for grievance redressal at both district and state levels.
7. Transparency and Accountability: Provisions for social audits, vigilance committees, and disclosure of Public Distribution System (PDS) records are included.
8. Food Security Allowance: Beneficiaries are entitled to a food security allowance in case of non-supply of entitled food grains or meals.

Impact on Hunger and Malnutrition

The NFSA has significantly contributed to reducing hunger and malnutrition in India. According to a UN report, the number of undernourished people in India decreased by 60 million between 2006 and 2019. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that undernourishment fell from 22% to 15% during this period. The wide coverage of the Act has enhanced food security among the poor, increasing their resilience against income shocks. Additionally, stunting in children under five years of age has declined from 38% in NFHS-4 to 35% in NFHS-5. The monetary compensation provided to PWLM has improved access to healthier food options, and awareness initiatives have increased exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants from 11.2 million in 2012 to 13.9 million in 2019.

Conclusion

While the NFSA has been a game changer in addressing food security, challenges remain, including high levels of hunger and anemia among women. Moving towards nutritional security is essential, and recommendations from various committees must be implemented for effective execution of the NFSA.