UKPSC Mains PYQs

The carbon cycle is a natural process that describes the movement of carbon among the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. It operates through several key processes:

1. Photosynthesis: Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter (glucose) using sunlight, releasing oxygen in the process.
2. Respiration: Animals and plants release CO₂ back into the atmosphere through respiration, as they break down organic matter for energy.
3. Decomposition: When organisms die, decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) break down their bodies, releasing carbon back into the soil and atmosphere.
4. Combustion: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) releases stored carbon as CO₂ into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Impact of Deforestation on the Carbon Cycle:

Deforestation significantly disrupts the carbon cycle in several ways:

1. Reduced Carbon Sequestration: Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ during photosynthesis. When forests are cut down, this capacity is diminished, resulting in higher atmospheric CO₂ levels.
2. Carbon Release: The destruction of trees and vegetation releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, exacerbating greenhouse gas concentrations.
3. Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, reducing biodiversity. Healthy ecosystems are essential for maintaining the balance of the carbon cycle.
4. Soil Erosion: Without tree roots to anchor the soil, erosion increases, leading to the loss of carbon-rich soil and further carbon release.

Overall, deforestation accelerates climate change by increasing atmospheric CO₂ levels, thereby disrupting the natural balance of the carbon cycle.

भारत एक समृद्ध देश है, जिसमें अपार प्राकृतिक संसाधन, सांस्कृतिक धरोहर और विविधता है। फिर भी, यहां की अधिकांश जनसंख्या आर्थिक रूप से निर्धन है। इस विषमता के कई कारण हैं:

आर्थिक असमानता: भारत की आर्थिक वृद्धि के बावजूद, इसका लाभ समाज के सभी वर्गों तक नहीं पहुंचा है। अमीर और गरीब के बीच की खाई लगातार बढ़ती जा रही है।

श्रम बाजार की स्थिति: बहुत से लोग असंगठित क्षेत्र में काम करते हैं, जहां आय कम और सुरक्षा की कमी होती है। उचित रोजगार के अवसरों का अभाव भी एक कारण है।

शिक्षा और कौशल विकास: शिक्षा का स्तर और व्यावसायिक प्रशिक्षण की कमी से लोगों को अच्छी नौकरियों के लिए आवश्यक कौशल नहीं मिल पाता। इससे बेरोजगारी और निर्धनता बढ़ती है।

कृषि पर निर्भरता: भारत की बड़ी जनसंख्या कृषि पर निर्भर है, लेकिन खेती की स्थिति कमजोर है। सूखा, बाढ़ और अन्य प्राकृतिक आपदाएँ किसानों को प्रभावित करती हैं, जिससे उनकी आय कम होती है।

जनसंख्या वृद्धि: तेजी से बढ़ती जनसंख्या संसाधनों पर दबाव डालती है, जिससे रोजगार और बुनियादी सुविधाओं की कमी होती है।

राजनीतिक और सामाजिक कारक: भ्रष्टाचार और राजनीतिक अस्थिरता भी विकास में बाधा डालती है, जिससे गरीबों का उत्थान मुश्किल हो जाता है।

इस प्रकार, भारत की समृद्धि के बावजूद, आर्थिक असमानता और सामाजिक चुनौतियों के कारण यहां के निवासी निर्धनता का सामना कर रहे हैं।

India is often described as a rich country due to its vast natural resources, cultural heritage, and significant economic potential. However, a considerable portion of its population lives in poverty. This paradox can be explained through several factors:

1. Economic Inequality: Despite impressive economic growth, wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few. The rich are getting richer while the poor remain marginalized, leading to stark economic disparities.
2. Unorganized Labor Market: A significant portion of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, which often offers low wages, poor working conditions, and little job security. This situation limits their ability to escape poverty.
3. Educational Deficits: Many people lack access to quality education and vocational training, preventing them from acquiring the skills needed for better-paying jobs. This contributes to a cycle of poverty.
4. Agricultural Dependency: A large percentage of the population relies on agriculture for livelihood. However, factors like climate change, inadequate irrigation, and poor infrastructure severely affect agricultural productivity, leading to unstable incomes.
5. Population Pressure: Rapid population growth places immense pressure on resources, infrastructure, and services, exacerbating poverty levels.
6. Political and Social Issues: Corruption, inadequate governance, and social stratification hinder equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

In summary, while India possesses immense wealth and resources, systemic issues such as inequality, lack of education, and political challenges contribute to the persistence of poverty among its citizens. This contradiction highlights the need for inclusive policies and sustainable development to uplift the marginalized sections of society.