Q. Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. 150 words. 10 marks
Approach: it’s a direct question. Introduce with gobal warming in brief and then detail in its impact on coral reefs especialy.
Human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and changing land use have dramatically altered the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.
These changes have resulted in global warming and ocean acidification, both of which pose serious threats to coral reef ecosystems through increased thermal stress and ocean acidity as well as declining carbonate ion concentrations. Observed impacts on coral reefs include increased mass coral bleaching, declining calcification rates, and a range of other changes to subtle yet fundamentally important physiological and ecological processes.
There is little evidence that reef-building corals and other organisms will be able to adapt to these changes leading to the conclusion reef ecosystems will become rare globally by the middle of the current century.
Constraining the growth of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as well as reducing local stresses such as overfishing and declining water quality, however, holds considerable hope for avoiding this gloomy future for coral reefs.
Given the importance of coral reefs to the livelihoods of millions of people, actions such as these must be pursued as a matter of extreme urgency.
Known as rain forests of the oceans, coral reefs are one of the most productive ecosystems on the earth. However, their survival is seriously threatened due to global warming.
How they are impacted:
Coral bleaching- corals are symbiotic associations between the host coral polyp and zooaxanthalle algae. When corals face stress due to rising temperatures, light, or nutrients, they expel the algae and turn white.
Large scale bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia in 2016 is an example of such phenomenon.
Andaman reefs are also reported to be undergone bleaching due to temperature rise.
Infectious diseases- rising sea temperatures also causes diseases among coral systems due to rise of bacteria such as viborio shiloi.
Solar irradiation- global warming results in changes in local weather patterns. With decreased cloud cover, the sunlight penetrates more into water increasing stress among corals.
Ocean Acidification- Due to increased CO2 levels in atmosphere, oceans absorb more CO2. This increases the acidity levels in water and inhibits the corals ability to build calcareous skeletons that are vital for their survival.
Rise of nutrients- Increased temperatures raise the activity of photosynthesis resulting in increased amounts of nutrients in water. This promotes population of organisms that compete with corals for growth.
Natural disasters- Global warming is associated with increases frequency of natural disasters. And this threatens the survival of corals.
Eg. 2004 tsunami resulted in massive loss of coral reefs.
With IPCC predicting a temperature rise of 2.5 c and UN reporting that 70 percent of world’s corals are threatened, its high time we must take steps to protect this vital and sensitive ecosystem.
- Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.(Answer in 150 words)10
Approach:
It is a direct question, the question demands the causes the depletion of mangrove forests along with the importance in maintaining coastal ecology in detail.
Model answer:
More than 35% of the world’s mangroves are already gone. The figure is as high as 50% in countries such as India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, while in the Americas they are being cleared at a rate faster than tropical rainforests.
Threats to mangrove forests and their habitats include:
Clearing: Mangrove forests have often been seen as unproductive and smelly, and so cleared to make room for agricultural land, human settlements and infrastructure (such as harbours), and industrial areas. More recently, clearing for tourist developments, shrimp aquaculture, and salt farms has also taken place. This clearing is a major factor behind mangrove loss around the word.
Overharvesting: Mangrove trees are used for firewood, construction wood, wood chip and pulp production, charcoal production, and animal fodder. While harvesting has taken place for centuries, in some parts of the world it is no longer sustainable, threatening the future of the forests.
River changes: Dams and irrigation reduce the amount of water reaching mangrove forests, changing the salinity level of water in the forest. If salinity becomes too high, the mangroves cannot survive. Freshwater diversions can also lead to mangroves drying out. In addition, increased erosion due to land deforestation can massively increase the amount of sediment in rivers. This can overcome the mangrove forest’s filtering ability, leading to the forest being smothered.
Overfishing: The global overfishing crisis facing the world’s oceans has effects far beyond the directly overfished population. The ecological balance of food chains and mangrove fish communities can also be altered.
Destruction of coral reefs: Coral reefs provide the first barrier against currents and strong waves. When they are destroyed, the stronger-than-normal waves and currents reaching the coast can undermine the fine sediment in which the mangroves grow. This can prevent seedlings from taking root and wash away nutrients essential for mangrove ecosystems.
Pollution: Fertilizers, pesticides, and other toxic man-made chemicals carried by river systems from sources upstream can kill animals living in mangrove forests, while oil pollution can smother mangrove roots and suffocate the trees.
Climate change: Mangrove forests require stable sea levels for long-term survival. They are therefore extremely sensitive to current rising sea levels caused by global warming and climate change.
Importance of mangroves in maintaining coastal ecology
- Ecotone region
The mangroves show edge effect, which means that they have large species diversity in comparison to marine or terrestrial ecosystem. - Coastal shields
The mangroves act as shields and protect the inner coastal areas from destruction caused due to cyclones or storms.
Thus, the mangroves have an important role in sustaining and preserving coastal ecosystem. The threats posed by human activities can upset the natural balance and cause their depletion.
Q. Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India?
Approach:
Define what is regional resource based manufacturing in the introduction part. And then detail it with its impact and how it is promoting employment in India.
Give a brief about its drawbacks and give a conclusion.
Model Answer:
Regional resource based manufacturing means developing industry from locally available resources.
It can promote employment
1)unlike manufacturing utilizing resources outsourced from foreign countries(ex- copper ore imported from Chile) , local resource based manufacturing utilize local resource , hence promoting mining and extraction of local resources.
Copper mining will promote employment of miners and laborers..
2)provide ready market for regional resource..
Ex-millers in Punjab buy rice from local farmers, thereby providing ready market..
3)promote regional specialization of manufactured products while can fetch more in markets.
4)Dairy industry in Gujarat provided employment to lakh of dairy farmers in Gujarat
However overemphasis on regional resource based manufacturing can lead to stagnation in this competitive market.ex- despite in attractiveness of Indian copper ore (due to low copper content) if we still force regional copper upon copper plants, it could reduce their competitiveness..
Nevertheless regional resource based manufacturing is a good way to increase employment and reduce regional imbalance, if developed rationally considering the demand and supply dynamics.
Q. Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India.
Approach:
Model Answer:
the factors influencing the location of industry can be divided into two broad categories i.e.
(I) Geographical factors, and
(II) Non-geographical factors.
- Geographical Factors:
Following are the important geographical factors influencing the location of industries.
- Raw Materials:
The significance of raw materials in manufacturing industry is so fundamental that it needs no emphasising. Indeed, the location of industrial enterprises is sometimes determined simply by location of the raw materials. Modem industry is so complex that a wide range of raw materials is necessary for its growth.
Power:
Regular supply of power is a pre-requisite for the localisation of industries. Coal, mineral oil and hydro-electricity are the three important conventional sources of power. Most of the industries tend to concentrate at the source of power.
The iron and steel industry which mainly depends on large quantities of coking coal as source of power are frequently tied to coal fields. Others like the electro-metallurgical and electro-chemical industries, which are great users of cheap hydro-electric power, are generally found in the areas of hydro-power production, for instance, aluminium industry.
- Labour:
No one can deny that the prior existence of a labour force is attractive to industry unless there are strong reasons to the contrary. Labour supply is important in two respects (a) workers in large numbers are often required; (b) people with skill or technical expertise are needed. Estall and Buchanan showed in 1961 that labour costs can vary between 62 per cent in clothing and related industries to 29 per cent in the chemical industry; in the fabricated metal products industries they work out at 43 per cent.
- Transport:
Transport by land or water is necessary for the assembly of raw materials and for the marketing of the finished products. The development of railways in India, connecting the port towns with hinterland determined the location of many industries around Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. As industrial development also furthers the improvement of transport facilities, it is difficult to estimate how much a particular industry owes to original transport facilities available in a particular area.
- Market:
The entire process of manufacturing is useless until the finished goods reach the market. Nearness to market is essential for quick disposal of manufactured goods. It helps in reducing the transport cost and enables the consumer to get things at cheaper rates.
It is becoming more and more true that industries are seeking locations as near as possible to their markets; it has been remarked that market attractions are now so great that a market location is being increasingly regarded as the normal one, and that a location elsewhere needs very strong justification.
Ready market is most essential for perishable and heavy commodities. Sometimes, there is a considerable material increase in weight, bulk or fragility during the process of manufacture and in such cases industry tends to be market oriented.
- Water:
Water is another important requirement for industries. Many industries are established near rivers, canals and lakes, because of this reason. Iron and steel industry, textile industries and chemical industries require large quantities of water, for their proper functioning.
Significance of water in industry is evident from Table 27.3. Also it requires 36,400 litres of water to produce one kwh of thermal electricity. Further, it is worth noting that water used in industries gets polluted and is therefore not available for any other purpose.
- Site:
Site requirements for industrial development are of considerable significance. Sites, generally, should be flat and well served by adequate transport facilities. Large areas are required to build factories. Now, there is a tendency to set up industries in rural areas because the cost of land has shot up in urban centres.
- Climate:
Climate plays an important role in the establishment of industries at a place. Harsh climate is not much suitable for the establishment of industries. There can be no industrial development in extremely hot, humid, dry or cold climate.
2. Non-Geographical Factors:
Now-a-days alternative raw materials are also being used because of modern scientific and technological developments. Availability of electric power supply over wider areas and the increasing mobility of labour have reduced the influence of geographical factors on the location of industries.
The non-geographical factors are those including economic, political, historical and social factors. These factors influence our modern industries to a great extent. Following are some of the important non- geographical factors influencing the location of industries.
- Capital:
Modem industries are capital-intensive and require huge investments. Capitalists are available in urban centres. Big cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai are big industrial centres, because the big capitalists live in these cities.
- Government Policies:
Government activity in planning the future distribution of industries, for reducing regional disparities, elimination of pollution of air and water and for avoiding their heavy clustering in big cities, has become no less an important locational factor.
- Industrial Inertia:
Industries tend to develop at the place of their original establishment, though the original cause may have disappeared. This phenomenon is referred to as inertia, sometimes as geographical inertia and sometimes industrial inertia. The lock industry at Aligarh is such an example.
- Efficient Organisation:
Efficient and enterprising organisation and management is essential for running modem industry successfully. Bad management sometimes squanders away the capital and puts the industry in financial trouble leading to industrial ruin.
- Banking Facilities:
Establishment of industries involves daily exchange of crores of rupees which is possible through banking facilities only. So the areas with better banking facilities are better suited to the establishment of industries.
- Insurance:
There is a constant fear of damage to machine and man in industries for which insurance facilities are badly needed.
North west India Specific
North western states like Punjab , Haryana and North Rajasthan have extensive network of agro based food processing industries .
Write some food processing industries located there like- Sugarcane, rice mills, flour mills,milk processing and dairy products(draw a diagram for this)
Factors for localization
1) Raw material base-Punjab one of highest in wheat and rice, Rajasthan important area for millet , Haryana for milk and livestock.
2) Robust agri marketing infra…Punjab has close to 30 agro processing clusters(one of highest in India)
3) robust infrastructure.. – extensive network of good roads and internal container depots.
4) Stable adequate and cheap energy.- most NW states are energy surplus
5) Governance-prompt MSP procurement in these areas encourage rice Millers
Support to FPIs in form to tax incentives and subsidies
6) Geographical advantage(plain areas ) and close location to key markets like Delhi
Q. What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
Approach:
The question wants us to write in detail about the uniqueness of Indian culture and its salient characteristics. Here we have to be as exhaustive as possible while confining ourselves to the given word limit.
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates to write at length about the key demand of the question- salient characteristics and uniqueness of Indian culture.
Model Answer:
India is a unique country with a rich ancient history and with one of the oldest yet dynamic culture. It has a distinct identity and although diverse in all respects, there is an underlying unity in Indian culture.
Indian Culture and traditions are something which has now become renowned all across the world. We all refer to India and its culture as something very diverse and unique. But seldom do we give a thought to why things are done in certain specific ways. Indian Culture is full of several unique customs and traditions, which outsiders might find really intriguing. Most of these originate from the Ancient Indian scriptures and texts, which have dictated the way of life in India for thousands of years.
Secular
Indian society has been practicing trends that have not been associated with any particular religion. These practices have been incorporated in other religions as well and have been provided with space to co-exist.
Ex: Festivals like Holi have been celebrated without being restricted to religious practice of any particular community, which is not observed in any other society.
1) Worship of nature(in vedic times) . is integral part even now..
2) varna system.
3) Reverence to women
4) collectivism and pivotal role of family.
Continuity
Indian culture is one of the oldest and continuous form of living that has been practiced from ancient times. The main thing we can observe is that there is no break up in cultural trends. The practices of old times still exists.
Ex: Worship of trees and animals is still followed from the times of Indus Valley Civilization.
Adaptation
Ability to adapt and borrow from other cultures has been observed in Indian society. This has made indian society an amalgamation of major cultures but still holding its core values.
Ex: Cultural practices of Indian society has borrowed heavily from Islamic influence.
Dynamic
Indian society has been successful in adapting to changing trends. This has allowed the society to modernize without having to lose its foundations.
Ex: Modern democratic practices like women rights have been adapted easily when compared to societies of middle-east.
Q. Empowering women is the key to control population growth.” Discuss.
(Answer in 150 words) 10
Approach:
Model Answer:
The goal of family planning programmes is not to hit population targets but to empower women so they can choose the number of children they will have, when, and with whom
Population control through voluntary adoption of family planning is emphasized in India’s family planning policy. The 1981 census figures have not shown an arresting rate of population growth.
The social and attitudinal barriers to promoting the concept of the small family are great where men and women are not exposed to new ideas. The target groups for family planning include the 75% of the population residing in rural areas.
The literacy rate for women in rural areas in 1971 was 18.69. Motivation is difficult unless supported by systematic education.
Women play an important role in the determination of family size. Participation in social and economic activities may help to promote small family size by meeting the necessary conditions of emotional and social fulfillment of women outside the family context.
Adquate education for women in rural as well as urban areas can elucidate alternatives to childbearing and enable women to appreciate the need for and use of contraception.
Employment opportunities enhance women’s familial decision making power through the acquisition of an alternative social and economic role, which may help them to adopt birth control practices, space their children, and limit family size. Motivational schemes may change the attitudes of a small number of families, however, greater gains could be achieved through an investment in women’s education and employment.
Factors that can lead women empowerment to contribute in controlling population growth.
- Education
Education is one of the major part of women empowerment. When women are educated, they are aware of perils of multiple pregnancy. They can also adopt birth control measures in order to control their family. Individual act will thus add on to global population control. - Self-sufficiency
Women who are employed and no longer at the mercy of other family members is better equipped to avoid multiple pregnancy. Since they generate their own income, there is no need to follow husband’s orders. - Independent decision making
Empowered women have the courage to go against family pressure and take own decisions. They are treated equally and their decision on pregnancy is ultimate. They no longer have to accept others decisions on thier family planning. They can have smaller families, which is suitable for effective population control.
Way forward
The measures should focus on how to empower women so that they have major say in family affairs, especially the rural ones.
Thus, the crux of the issue is dependent on the approach to make this belief a reality. The role of NGOs and SHGs in this regard is very important.
Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Model Answer:
The Nationalist Movements in India were organized as mass movements emphasizing and raising questions concerning the interests of the people of India. In most of these movements, people were themselves encouraged to take action. Due to several factors , these movements failed to win independence for India. However, they did promote a sense of nationalism among the people of the country. The failure of these movements affected many people as they withdrew from Government offices, schools, factories and services. Though they did manage to get a few concessions such as those won by the Salt March in 1930, they did not help India much from the point of view of their objective.
Nizamiyat, the local nawabs of Oudh and Bengal and other smaller powers. Each was a strong regional power influenced by its religious and ethnic identity.
However, the East India Company ultimately emerged as the predominant power. One of the results of the social, economic and political changes instituted in the country throughout the greater part of 18th century was the growth of the Indian middle class.
Although from different backgrounds and different parts of India, this middle class and its varied political leaderships contributed to a growing “Indian” identity”.
The realisation and refinement of this concept of national identity fed a rising tide of nationalism in India in the last decades of the 19th century.
The Swadeshi movement which was a part of the Indian freedom struggle was a successful economic strategy to remove the British empire and improve economic conditions in India. The Swadeshi movement soon stimulated local enterprise in many areas. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, V. O. Chidambaram Pillai, Sri Aurobindo, Surendarnath Banerji, Rabindranath Tagore were some of the prominent leaders of this movement.
The period between 1917 and 1947 is considered as Gandhian phase in the history of Indian national movement.
The arrival Gandhi in Indian political scene is characterized by active participation of many sections of population including the masses from hitherto unknown regions. This was in contrast to the domination of educated middle class participation of moderate phase of politics.
Women- Perhaps the most revolutionary of times and refreshing is the participation of women in large scale. They have took part in activities like picketing, boycott, addressing rallies during Non- cooperation movement.
Many women took part in the Dandi March, broke salt laws and courted arrest. Dharasana Satyagraha led by Sarojni Naidu stands as famous example of women’s role in INM.
Peasants- Gandhi, outside of the Congress led activities, have spearheaded protests such as Kheda, Champaran satyagrahas where he addressed peasant issues.
Bardoli satyagraha under Patel was also blessed by Gandhi. These movements created a reliable base for the Congress and these are the areas that saw active peasant participation during Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience movements.
Muslims- Gandhi saw forging Hindu-Muslim unity as one of the important prerequisites for the fight against the British to be successful. He attained this by merging Khilafat movement with Non-Cooperation movement.
Workers- Ahmedabad Satyagraha has led to the formation of Ahmedabad Textile Labour Association.
They have become a crucial force for the freedom movement later. All the major congress led movements saw the participation of working class in form of railway strikes, industry strikes and many.
Tribals- Tribal people have associated themselves in a different way from the mainstream. They have understood Gandhi as they saw him, believing him to be a messiah with magical powers. Nevertheless, Gandhian phase marked with tribal participation by breaking colonial forest laws and resisting British power.
As it is understood from the above, Gandhian phase has saw the enrichment of National movement with wider public participation, which was missing during the moderate and extremist phase of the struggle. The freedom of 1947 proved Gandhi’s trust in masses to be true.
Q. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Approach: introduce with the major events occurred in After 1940s and then in detail about the role of British imperial power in the failure of those programmes and the policies.
Model Answer:
The period in the later phase of Struggle for Independence i.e, in 1940s was full of turmoil both nationally and internationally with the occurrence wide-ranging events that changed the world permanently. The British imperial powers were one of the worst impacted and this had its effect in Indian independence movement too.
Major event from 1940-1947:
The August Offer 1940- announced by the then Viceroy Linlithgow, the offer sought to gain India’s support to the war by proposing- expansion of viceroy’s executive council with mainly Indians, a constituent assembly post-war with mainly Indians.
But made the terms of offer unacceptable to Indians by not allowing full powers in Indian hands and making future constitution dependent on consent of minorities. Mainly, the dominion status offered was rejected by Indian leaders as dead as door nail.
Cripps Mission 1942- Constituted by an uneasy coalition government of conservatives and liberals of the Britain, the mission proposed inflexible offers that are again majorly dissatisfying for the Indians.
The terms- Dominion status, constituent assembly with partly elected and partly nominated members, provision for provinces to have a separate constitution different from that of the Union if they wish to, and defense portfolio remaining in British hands.
These provisions again are objected by Indians. The failure of Cripps mission only proved that the British had sent this mission to pretend they are interested in Indian Independence.
The Cabinet Mission 1946- Aim of the mission was to form an interim government and formation of constituent assembly. The contentious issue of the missions proposal was to have a grouping of provinces that is compulsory. While congress interpreted it to be optional, Muslim League wanted it to be compulsory. This made Congress to reject the offer gain, while Muslim League complicated the situation with announcing “direct action”.
Thus it is seen that failures of British Imperial Powers on the following terms further complicated the process.
British Participation in wars
The British regularly took part in large and small wars that led to diversion in their resources. The world war II acted as a trigger to start collapse of British empire.Due to threat emancipating from Germany, British diverted their attention towards Europe and ignored Indian independence affairs.
Ex: Battle of Britain
Ongoing Economic hardships
The great depression in the 1920’s was a great setback to industrial complex of the British. They suffered from additional hardship due to World War I and were forced to take a back seat in administration of their colonies.
British Failure in controlling the widespread rebellions
The British colonies were undergoing social and economic changes and were demanding for greater role in administration. With British ignoring their plight, widespread rebellions occurred, especially in colonial Africa. This diversion was critical in lengthening Indian independence.
Domestic political instability
The political conditions in Britain was far from good. The labour party was sympathetic towards colonial struggles whereas the Tories were against granting independence. This lack of consensus along with domestic turmoil delayed power transfer significantly.
Q. Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions. (Answer in 250 words) 15
Approach:
Introduce about the American revolution and French Revolution in brief and then Detail about their significance in shaping the modern values of the world.
Model Answer:
American Revolution laid foundation while French Revolution constructed building of modern world (with Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). French Revolution gave inspiration to many movements like India’s Struggle for Freedom 1857-1947 to rise against tyranny and misrule.
The Significance of the American Revolution:
Secularism- American constitution was the first to separate the state and the church at national level. Today, majority of modern democracies have secularism as their defining feature.
Republicanism- American constitution was one of the first to confer adult suffrage, limit the powers of state to constitutional provisions.
Inspiration to all colonies- To fight for democracy has become the rallying cry of all the remaining colonies of the world. Newly independent countries have embraced the ideology of “no representation without taxation”, given by the American revolutionaries.
Women- more liberal conditions for the women, a change in attitude towards women’s role in politics was inspired from American Revolution.
The Significance of the French Revolution:
The Ideology- Ideologies of liberty, equality, and fraternity are inspired from the French revolution, where all citizens promised individual freedoms, equality in status, and brotherhood.
Economic contribution – the revolution abolished the old feudal order, removed all the privileges enjoyed by the church and the feudal lords. Abolished tax collection by private individuals and made tax the privilege of state.
Constitutionalism– Ending the arbitrary royal rule, the revolution paved way for rule by law under a constitutional order.
Thus, the many modern ideals which today’s democracies take for granted are laid down by the American and French revolutions. Indian constitution too incorporated in the preamble, the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity.
The American and French revolution were some of the events that changed the history of the world forever. The role played by the events in shaping the modern world can be felt even to this day.
Q. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Approach:
Introduce with the definition of water stress. Give a brief about how it is caused and then detailing on its variation regionally in India.
Model Answer:
Water stress is a condition where the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality of available water restricts its use. Thus water stress occurs when deterioration of fresh water takes place in terms of quality and quantity.
Parts of India is going through the stress conditions. CWMI report has stated that the country’s water demand would be twice the available supply.
Many major crises involving water scarcity strike when a growing population’s demand for water exceeds the area’s ability to supply that population’s needs.
Increased food production and development programs can also increase the demand for water in a region, which may eventually lead to water stress.
The increased need for agricultural irrigation in order to produce more crops or sustain more livestock, for example, can be major contributors to local water stress.
Factors for water stress:
Overconsumption
Water Quality
Water Scarcity
The variation region-wise:
- The essence of global water scarcity is the geographic and temporal mismatch between freshwater demand and availability.
- The increasing world population, improving living standards, changing consumption patterns, and expansion of irrigated agriculture are the main driving forces for the rising global demand for water.
- Climate change, such as altered weather-patterns (including droughts or floods), deforestation, increased pollution, green house gases, and wasteful use of water can cause insufficient supply.
- At the global level and on an annual basis, enough freshwater is available to meet such demand, but spatial and temporal variations of water demand and availability are large, leading to (physical) water scarcity in several parts of the world during specific times of the year.
- All causes of water scarcity are related to human interference with the water cycle. Scarcity varies over time as a result of natural hydrological variability, but varies even more so as a function of prevailing economic policy, planning and management approaches.
- Scarcity can be expected to intensify with most forms of economic development, but, if correctly identified, many of its causes can be predicted, avoided or mitigated.
The region wise variation
The Himalayas: the main source of water for the Himalayan states are the fresh water springs fed by numerous rivers originating in the mountains. Urbanization and the resultant pollution, lack of traditional water harvesting methods in these once upon a time water-ample regions is adding to the worries.
Western India: Arid and semi-arid climate of Rajasthan and Gujarat due to scanty rainfall create the conditions of water scarcity. In regions of Maharashtra, the reason for water crisis was incorrect cropping pattern.
Growing of water guzzling crops such as sugar cane is making water unavailable for other purposes.
North and Eastern India: Population pressure and mining industries of these regions in polluting the rivers of these regions, thus making drinking water unavailable for many. Eg. River Ganga and Yamuna are seeing pollution in unprecedented levels.
Northeast: Despite being a region of high rainfall, received from both orthographic and monsoon winds, NE is facing water crisis due to anthropogenic reasons such as mining, pollution and lack of water conservation strategies.
South India: Erratic rainfall, pollution of rivers due to heavy development activities, over dependence on ground water, and lack of conservation efforts are resulting in acute shortage of drinking water in many regions.
Eg. Recent water crisis in Chennai.
The reasons for water scarcity and the extent to which they are felt differ from region to region.
However, it is clear that acute shortage of drinking water is felt in both- regions with heavy rainfall and rainfall deficit regions. This calls for urgent actions in a decentralized manner to handle water crisis all over the country.
Q. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Approach: Introduce with the importance of Mountain Ecosystem in brief and then the impacts of depletion of it.
Detail in the suggestion how it can be restored from the negative impacts of development and tourism.
Model Answer:
Mountain Ecosystem services provide diverse goods and services to humanity, both to people living in the mountains and to people living outside mountains. More than half of humankind depends on freshwater that are captured, stored and purified in mountain regions; from an ecological point of view, mountain regions are hotspots of biodiversity; and from a societal point of view, mountains are of global significance as key destinations for tourist and recreation activities. In addition to this mountain have intrinsic spiritual and aesthetic value. Mountain ecosystems play a key role in maintaining hydrological cycle with feedback to regional climate and by modulating the runoffs regime along with this mountain vegetation and soil play a significant role in reducing or mitigating risks from natural hazards. At the same time, mountain ecosystems are sensitive to rapid unplanned development. The main pressure result from changes in land use practices, infrastructures development, unsustainable tourism, fragmentation of habitats, and climate change, and thus affecting the ecosystem services in temporal and spatial scale.
Whereof, ecological restoration is becoming regarded as a major approach for increasing the provision of ecosystem services as well as reversing biodiversity losses. It is now widely recognized that natural conservation and conservation management strategies do not necessarily posses trade-offs between the “environment” and “development”.
Investment in preservation, restoration and sustainable ecosystem use are increasingly seen as a “win-win” situation which generates substantial ecological, social and economic benefit. As ecological restoration can potentially contribute to the improvement of human livelihood and can also enhance biodiversity.
Being ecologically fragile, the region calls for special kind of safeguards in order to preserve their sensitive character at a time of want of rapid development, and the need to face threats of climate change and imminent environmental damage. Steps that can be taken:
Ecologically Sensitive regions: Kasturirangan report has suggested that majority of Western Ghats region be declared as ecologically sensitive region so as to save it from damage of developmental activities.
Ecotourism: Making tourism sustainable by adopting ecotourism model where pressure on natural resources would be the least. Promoting local stays instead of constructing resorts and hotels in sensitive regions. Eg. Odisha’s Mangaljodi model.
This can even promote local employment and entrepreneurship.
Restricting entry to tourists: to have a permit system where only a limited number of tourists are allowed and also for a specified period of time. Eg. Bhutan follows this strategy.
Suitable industries: Industries that cause the least damage to the natural environment can be promoted here.
For example service sector instead of manufacturing sector. North east BPO promotion scheme seeks to achieve the said objective.
Awareness campaigns: By educating the locals about the impact of damage caused by activities such as rampant tourism, irresponsible constructions, and pollution, locals can be actively involved in conservation activities.
The unprecedented floods of Kerala bear testimony to the consequences one suffers if fragile ecosystems such as mountains are not conserved. Thus the above steps must be taken to protect them from damages of development and tourism.
Q. How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Approach:
Introduce with the situation of road ways in India currently if possible with proper data and then detail it with the need of improvement in the infrastructure of transport and how it can contribute to rapid urban development.
Model Answer:
Transport infrastructure is one of the most important factors for a country’s progress. Although India has a large and diverse transport sector with its own share of challenges, they can be overcome by energy-efficient technologies and customer-focussed approach
One cannot overemphasize the importance of transportation than call it the ‘lifeline’ of a nation. It has been proven by so many instances how transport infrastructure has added speed and efficiency to a country’s progress.
Good physical connectivity in the urban and rural areas is essential for economic growth. India, the seventh largest nation with over a billion population, has one of the largest transport sectors. But not one without its own set of challenges.
Reasons how urban mass transport is key to rapid development in India:
Transport can reduce dependence on personal vehicle
In urban settings, large amount of money is spent on transportation in form of personal vehicles or cars on hire. In long term this results in wastage of money. If there is an affordable and convenient urban transport system, there will be no need for personal vehicles. The saved amount can be used for other investments purposes. This in turn contributes towards economic growth.
Health benefits can be improved
In countries such as India, pollution is a major component of health problems. Most of the health problems are encountered by exposure to harmful air during travel. This health problem has potential to cause long time drainage of economic resources. If an efficient transport system is available, there are more chances that commuters will avoid harmful road transport system.
Development of suburban towns and connecting
As observed earlier, our cities have been overflowing due to its inability to support such as large population. Considering the need of such cities, there needs to be another solution which can allow people away from city to travel to and fro from the city easily. By developing a fast urban transport system, towns and cities located on the outskirts can be developed.
Q. How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples.
(Answer in 250 words) 15
Approach: this is direct question. Introduce with what is ocean current In brief and then mention its impacts on marine life.
Model Answer:
Currents are powerful physical forces in the seas. They move water and heat around the globe, and help determine the chemical make-up of the water column. Currents also are a major factor in ocean ecosystems. Two types of current motion, upwelling and downwelling, strongly influence the distribution and abundance of marine life.
Upwelling
Currents play a huge role in marine productivity, through a process called upwelling. Sea life is concentrated in the sunlit waters near the surface, but most organic matter is far below, in deep waters and on the sea floor. When currents upwell, or flow up to the surface from beneath, they sweep vital nutrients back to where they’re needed most.
Nowhere is the link between ocean circulation and productivity more evident than around Antarctica. There, strong currents pump nitrogen and phosphate up from the deep sea to fuel vast blooms of algae and other plants. These plankton are eaten by swarms of shrimp-like crustaceans called krill. Because of upwelling nutrients, krill are abundant enough to feed the largest animals on earth, baleen whales, as well as myriad penguins, seals, and seabirds. In fact, despite the harsh conditions, the biomass of Antarctic krill is thought to be greater than that of any other animal on Earth.
Downwelling
The importance of upwelling to surface organisms is matched by the need of sea bottom life for downwelling, or the sinking of surface water. Surface water can be forced downward by the pressure of the “pile” of water that forms where currents converge or wind drives the sea against a coastline. But for bottom dwellers, the sinking of water caused by density changes is especially noteworthy. The global conveyer belt takes oxygen-rich surface water and flushes it through the deep sea. Without this renewal, the dissolved oxygen in bottom sediments and waters would quickly be used up by the decay of organic matter. Anaerobic bacteria would take over decomposition, leading to a build up of hydrogen sulfide. Few benthic animals would survive such toxic conditions.
In the most extreme cases, a lack of downwelling may lead to mass extinctions. Paleontologists have suggested that 250 million years ago, deep circulation slowed nearly to a stop, and the ocean began to stagnate.
Low oxygen, sulfide and methane-rich waters filled the ocean deeps and then spread onto the continental shelves, wiping out 95% of all marine species in the greatest extinction event in Earth history.
Though the presence of water mass and ocean currents both impact coastal environments- ocean currents produce most dramatic and consistent impacts that touch the lives of people and animals than the water masses would have.
Impacts
Desert formation– cold ocean currents inhibit rains and cause arid conditions creating deserts.
Eg. Atacama desert of South America, Mojave desert of North America.
- Rains- warm ocean currents bring rain to the areas adjacent to it.
Eg British type of climate is due to warm ocean currents.
- They are responsible for moderating effects they have on climate.
Eg. North Atlantic Drift keeps England warmer for its latitude.
- Meeting places of cold and warm ocean currents encourage the growth of plankton and thus promote fish. World’s famous fishing grounds near Japan are due to the meeting of cold and warm ocean currents.
- Piling up of warm water near coasts may result in formation of tropical cyclones Impact of water masses.
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