π IMD Warns of Warmer February Impacting Crops
β Higher temperatures + below-normal rainfall in North India
β Wheat, fruits, & vegetables at risk due to early flowering & poor yield
β Majorly affected states: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
β Mustard & chickpea may mature early, impacting production
β Apple & stone fruits may see lower quality due to temperature spikes
β UP & MP less affected, as rainfall may moderate temperatures
β Higher temperatures + below-normal rainfall in North India
β Wheat, fruits, & vegetables at risk due to early flowering & poor yield
β Majorly affected states: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
β Mustard & chickpea may mature early, impacting production
β Apple & stone fruits may see lower quality due to temperature spikes
β UP & MP less affected, as rainfall may moderate temperatures
π5
ππΎ Agriculture & Allied Sectors Show Strong Growth
β 5% Annual Growth β The agriculture sector maintained resilience, averaging 5% annual growth (2016-17 to 2022-23) despite challenges.
β GVA Boost β Agricultureβs Gross Value Added (GVA) share rose from 24.38% (2014-15) to 30.23% (2022-23), contributing 1% to overall GVA.
β Fisheries & Livestock Surge β Fisheries CAGR: 13.67%, Livestock CAGR: 12.99%, showing rapid expansion.
β Oilseeds Concern β Slower growth at 1.9%, increasing dependence on imports for edible oil.
β Irrigation Gains β Irrigated area expanded (49.3% β 55%), but Jharkhand & Assam lag below 20%.
β Agricultural Income Growth β 5.23% annual rise in farm income over the past decade.
π Despite climate challenges, Indiaβs agri-sector is growing steadily with targeted interventions!
β 5% Annual Growth β The agriculture sector maintained resilience, averaging 5% annual growth (2016-17 to 2022-23) despite challenges.
β GVA Boost β Agricultureβs Gross Value Added (GVA) share rose from 24.38% (2014-15) to 30.23% (2022-23), contributing 1% to overall GVA.
β Fisheries & Livestock Surge β Fisheries CAGR: 13.67%, Livestock CAGR: 12.99%, showing rapid expansion.
β Oilseeds Concern β Slower growth at 1.9%, increasing dependence on imports for edible oil.
β Irrigation Gains β Irrigated area expanded (49.3% β 55%), but Jharkhand & Assam lag below 20%.
β Agricultural Income Growth β 5.23% annual rise in farm income over the past decade.
π Despite climate challenges, Indiaβs agri-sector is growing steadily with targeted interventions!
π10β€2
π Greenlandβs Ice Loss: A Climate Warning
π Key Findings
β Over 1,000 gigatons of ice (20% of Greenlandβs edges) lost in the past 40 years.
β Global Warming Impact: Greenland glaciers are highly sensitive to warming, with significant retreat since 1985.
β Sea Level Rise: Melting ice contributed 20%+ to global sea level rise since 2002.
π About Greenland
β Largest Island: Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Canada, Iceland, and Norway.
β Capital: Nuuk
β Highest Point: Gunnbjornβs Fjeld
β Physical Features:
Vast tundra and immense glaciers like Peterman Glacier.
Greenland Ice Sheet: Covers over 80% of the land, second-largest after Antarctica.
β Unique Geography:
Sun doesnβt set from May 25 to July 25.
Greenland Sea: Borders Arctic Ocean and Norwegian Sea.
β National Park: Northeast Greenland National Park is the worldβs largest.
π‘ Climate Relevance
β Greenlandβs ice loss highlights the intensifying impact of global warming on sea levels and global ecosystems.
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π Key Findings
β Over 1,000 gigatons of ice (20% of Greenlandβs edges) lost in the past 40 years.
β Global Warming Impact: Greenland glaciers are highly sensitive to warming, with significant retreat since 1985.
β Sea Level Rise: Melting ice contributed 20%+ to global sea level rise since 2002.
π About Greenland
β Largest Island: Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, bordered by Canada, Iceland, and Norway.
β Capital: Nuuk
β Highest Point: Gunnbjornβs Fjeld
β Physical Features:
Vast tundra and immense glaciers like Peterman Glacier.
Greenland Ice Sheet: Covers over 80% of the land, second-largest after Antarctica.
β Unique Geography:
Sun doesnβt set from May 25 to July 25.
Greenland Sea: Borders Arctic Ocean and Norwegian Sea.
β National Park: Northeast Greenland National Park is the worldβs largest.
π‘ Climate Relevance
β Greenlandβs ice loss highlights the intensifying impact of global warming on sea levels and global ecosystems.
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π10π2β€1
Point Nemo
β Point Nemo, located in the South Pacific and also known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, is one of the most remote places on Earth, situated approximately 2,688 kilometers from the nearest landmass.
β Due to its extreme isolation, the closest human presence is often aboard the International Space Station (ISS) orbiting above.
β Additionally, Point Nemo serves as a spacecraft cemetery, where space agencies deliberately direct decommissioned satellites and space stations to safely re-enter Earthβs atmosphere and fall into the ocean, minimizing risks to populated areas.
πNavika Sagar Parikrama II
β Covering more than 21,600 nautical miles (approx 40,000 km), it will unfold in five legs with stopovers at four ports for replenishment and maintenance.
β The five legs are:
1. Goa to Fremantle, Australia
2. Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand
3. Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland
4. Port Stanley to Cape Town, S Africa
5. Cape Town to Goa.
β Point Nemo, located in the South Pacific and also known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, is one of the most remote places on Earth, situated approximately 2,688 kilometers from the nearest landmass.
β Due to its extreme isolation, the closest human presence is often aboard the International Space Station (ISS) orbiting above.
β Additionally, Point Nemo serves as a spacecraft cemetery, where space agencies deliberately direct decommissioned satellites and space stations to safely re-enter Earthβs atmosphere and fall into the ocean, minimizing risks to populated areas.
πNavika Sagar Parikrama II
β Covering more than 21,600 nautical miles (approx 40,000 km), it will unfold in five legs with stopovers at four ports for replenishment and maintenance.
β The five legs are:
1. Goa to Fremantle, Australia
2. Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand
3. Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland
4. Port Stanley to Cape Town, S Africa
5. Cape Town to Goa.
π13
Mount Harriet: Biodiversity and Significance π³πΎ
β Forests: Known for evergreen primary forests and mixed deciduous forests, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
β Wildlife: Home to unique species like:
- Andaman wild pigs π (Endangered)
- Saltwater crocodiles π
- Turtles π’
- Robber crabs π¦
β Geographical Importance:
- Mount Harriet is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
π A vital ecological zone with unique flora and fauna, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.
β Forests: Known for evergreen primary forests and mixed deciduous forests, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
β Wildlife: Home to unique species like:
- Andaman wild pigs π (Endangered)
- Saltwater crocodiles π
- Turtles π’
- Robber crabs π¦
β Geographical Importance:
- Mount Harriet is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
π A vital ecological zone with unique flora and fauna, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.
π25β€5
π Scarborough Shoal: A Key Flashpoint in the South China Sea
π What is it?
A coral atoll in the South China Sea, disputed between China & the Philippines. Also known as Scarborough Reef (Huangyan Dao).
π Why is it Important?
β Strategic Location β Near key shipping lanes, close to Philippines, Vietnam, and China
β Rich Marine Life β A crucial fishing ground
β Military Significance β Ideal for military outposts
π The Dispute
β Chinaβs Claim β Part of its Nine-Dash Line, covering most of the South China Sea
β Philippinesβ Claim β Took the dispute to international arbitration
β Chinaβs Control β Since 2012, with a constant coast guard presence
π International Response
β 2016 Tribunal Ruling β Rejected Chinaβs claim
β Philippinesβ Demand β Calls for international scrutiny of the shoal.
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π What is it?
A coral atoll in the South China Sea, disputed between China & the Philippines. Also known as Scarborough Reef (Huangyan Dao).
π Why is it Important?
β Strategic Location β Near key shipping lanes, close to Philippines, Vietnam, and China
β Rich Marine Life β A crucial fishing ground
β Military Significance β Ideal for military outposts
π The Dispute
β Chinaβs Claim β Part of its Nine-Dash Line, covering most of the South China Sea
β Philippinesβ Claim β Took the dispute to international arbitration
β Chinaβs Control β Since 2012, with a constant coast guard presence
π International Response
β 2016 Tribunal Ruling β Rejected Chinaβs claim
β Philippinesβ Demand β Calls for international scrutiny of the shoal.
#Places_in_news
Join @Mapping_prelims_mains
π9β€1
Kanha Tiger Reserve:
β Kanha Tiger Reserve, also called Kanha National Park, is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.
β It is the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh.
β It lies within a series of plateaus in the Maikal hills, east of the Satpura range.
β It was created on June 1, 1955, and in 1973, it was made the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
β It sprawls over an area of 940 sq.km.
β It is characterized mainly by forested shallow undulations, hills with varying degrees of slopes, plateaus and valleys.
β The forest depicted in the famous novel by Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book, is thought by some to be based on jungles, including this reserve.
β The region is known for some of the ancient tribal communities, like the Gond and Baiga, which still inhabit the region.
β It is also the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, "Bhoorsingh the Barasingha".
β Flora: It is primarily a moist Sal and moist mixed deciduous forest where Bamboo, Tendu, Sal, Jamun, Arjun, and Lendia flourish.
β Fauna: It has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, and Indian wild dog.
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#Tiger_Reserve_series
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β Kanha Tiger Reserve, also called Kanha National Park, is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh.
β It is the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh.
β It lies within a series of plateaus in the Maikal hills, east of the Satpura range.
β It was created on June 1, 1955, and in 1973, it was made the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
β It sprawls over an area of 940 sq.km.
β It is characterized mainly by forested shallow undulations, hills with varying degrees of slopes, plateaus and valleys.
β The forest depicted in the famous novel by Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book, is thought by some to be based on jungles, including this reserve.
β The region is known for some of the ancient tribal communities, like the Gond and Baiga, which still inhabit the region.
β It is also the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, "Bhoorsingh the Barasingha".
β Flora: It is primarily a moist Sal and moist mixed deciduous forest where Bamboo, Tendu, Sal, Jamun, Arjun, and Lendia flourish.
β Fauna: It has a significant population of Royal Bengal Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, and Indian wild dog.
#National_park_series
#Tiger_Reserve_series
#Places_in_news
Join @mapping_prelims_mains
@upsc_4_environment
π9
Teesta River:
β Origin: The Teesta River originates from Tso Lhamo Lake in the Himalayas, near the Pahurni and Khangse glaciers in Sikkim.
β States it pass through: Sikkim and West Bengal.
Tributaries:
β Left-bank Tributaries: Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu.
β Right-bank Tributaries: Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Rangit River.
β End Point: The river merges with the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) in Bangladesh.
β Unique Features
Vital for Agriculture & Hydropower: Teestaβs waters are crucial for irrigation and hydroelectric projects in India and Bangladesh.
β Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risks: The river is vulnerable to flash floods from glacial lakes, as seen in the 2023 Sikkim disaster.
β Disputed Water Sharing: India and Bangladesh have long debated the Teesta water-sharing treaty, affecting bilateral relations
#River_Series
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β Origin: The Teesta River originates from Tso Lhamo Lake in the Himalayas, near the Pahurni and Khangse glaciers in Sikkim.
β States it pass through: Sikkim and West Bengal.
Tributaries:
β Left-bank Tributaries: Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu.
β Right-bank Tributaries: Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Rangit River.
β End Point: The river merges with the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) in Bangladesh.
β Unique Features
Vital for Agriculture & Hydropower: Teestaβs waters are crucial for irrigation and hydroelectric projects in India and Bangladesh.
β Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risks: The river is vulnerable to flash floods from glacial lakes, as seen in the 2023 Sikkim disaster.
β Disputed Water Sharing: India and Bangladesh have long debated the Teesta water-sharing treaty, affecting bilateral relations
#River_Series
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π8β€1
π Places in News: Toshka Lakes, Egypt πͺπ¬π
π Formation & Fluctuations
β Formed in 1998 due to Ethiopian flash floods, later dried up by 2018.
β Refilled (2020-22) after heavy rains in Sudan & South Sudan.
β Expansion ongoing, with new lakes emerging in the region.
π Flooding Impact
β Disrupts agriculture & livestock, affecting local communities.
β Causes displacement and increases overflow from Lake Nasser.
π Toshka Lakes Project
β Designed for irrigation, regional settlement, and to protect the Aswan High Dam.
#places_in_news
π Formation & Fluctuations
β Formed in 1998 due to Ethiopian flash floods, later dried up by 2018.
β Refilled (2020-22) after heavy rains in Sudan & South Sudan.
β Expansion ongoing, with new lakes emerging in the region.
π Flooding Impact
β Disrupts agriculture & livestock, affecting local communities.
β Causes displacement and increases overflow from Lake Nasser.
π Toshka Lakes Project
β Designed for irrigation, regional settlement, and to protect the Aswan High Dam.
#places_in_news
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202324_prelim_qualify.pdf
9.8 MB
Opsc prelims result
π Blood Minerals: Conflict and Exploitation
π Context
β The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has raised concerns against Apple Inc. for using blood minerals extracted from conflict zones in the eastern region of the country.
π About Blood Minerals
β Definition: Mined in conflict zones, proceeds from these minerals often fund armed conflicts.
β Human Rights Issues: Linked to forced labor, child soldiers, and violence against civilians.
β Minerals in DRC: Includes 3TGβTantalum, Tin, Tungsten, and Gold.
π Conflict in DRC
β Origins: The conflict dates back to the 1990s, worsened by the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
β Rebel Groups: Key groups include Tutsi-led M23, CODECO, and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
π About DRC
β Geography: Second-largest country in Africa by area.
Home to the second-largest rainforest after the Amazon.
β Independence: Gained from Belgium.
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π Context
β The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has raised concerns against Apple Inc. for using blood minerals extracted from conflict zones in the eastern region of the country.
π About Blood Minerals
β Definition: Mined in conflict zones, proceeds from these minerals often fund armed conflicts.
β Human Rights Issues: Linked to forced labor, child soldiers, and violence against civilians.
β Minerals in DRC: Includes 3TGβTantalum, Tin, Tungsten, and Gold.
π Conflict in DRC
β Origins: The conflict dates back to the 1990s, worsened by the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
β Rebel Groups: Key groups include Tutsi-led M23, CODECO, and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
π About DRC
β Geography: Second-largest country in Africa by area.
Home to the second-largest rainforest after the Amazon.
β Independence: Gained from Belgium.
#Places_in_news
Join @Mapping_prelims_mains
π18π₯1