09 Oct 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

09 Oct 2023 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
GOVERNANCE
1. How the Digital India Act will shape the future of the country’s cyber landscape
C. GS 3 Related
ENVIRONMENT AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
1. What caused the flood in Sikkim?
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Toofan Al-Aqsa jolts West Asian geostrategic architecture
F. Prelims Facts
1. Students can choose to take Board exams once or twice a year
2. ISRO performs trajectory correction for Aditya-L1
G. Tidbits
1. Indian Air Force unveils new Ensign as it marks its 91st anniversary
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

C. GS 3 Related

Category: ENVIRONMENT AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. What caused the flood in Sikkim?

Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; Disaster Management.

Mains:  Himalayan region and its fragility and cause and consequences of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

Prelims: About Glacier Lake Outburst Flood

Context

A massive flood triggered by a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) struck Sikkim, India, on October 4 2023, causing significant damage to infrastructure and raising concerns about future risks.

Introduction

• A massive flood occurred in Sikkim on October 4 caused significant destruction, including the Chungthang dam and several hydropower projects along the Teesta River.

What is a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?

• GLOF, or Glacier Lake Outburst Flood, is a natural disaster where large lakes formed by the melting of glaciers suddenly break free of their natural dams made of rock, sediment, and debris.
• Such events have been associated with major disasters in the Himalayan region.

The South Lhonak Glacier

• The South Lhonak glacier in north Sikkim is one of the fastest retreating glaciers.
• It receded nearly two km from 1962 to 2008 and further retreated by approximately 400 metres from 2008 to 2019.

Trigger for Sikkim’s GLOF

• The exact trigger for the Sikkim GLOF event is uncertain.
• Satellite imagery suggested that a significant portion of the glacier-fed lake drained out, but the depth of the lake made it challenging to estimate the volume of water.
• Water-monitoring data from the Central Water Commission (CWC) reported a surge in water levels and flow speed.
• Speculations include heavy rainfall and a series of earthquakes in Nepal as potential triggers, but definitive proof is lacking due to the remote and inaccessible terrain.

Resulting Damage

• The Chungthang dam, critical for the Teesta 3 hydropower project, was destroyed.
• Several other hydropower projects, including those operated by the National Hydropower Corporation (NHPC), were affected.
• Bridges were submerged or washed out, disrupting communication.
• Water pipelines, sewage lines, and hundreds of houses were destroyed in the affected districts.

Future Risks and Challenges

• Studies have warned of increasing GLOF risks from the Himalayas due to rising temperatures and climate change.
• The fragile Himalayan ecosystem is vulnerable to disruptions from hydropower and dam projects.
• Early warning systems, coordinated approaches, and monitoring of glacier lakes are necessary to mitigate future GLOF risks.

Nut Graf: The Sikkim GLOF event resulted from the sudden release of water from a glacier-fed lake, destroying critical infrastructure, including the Chungthang dam and hydropower projects, highlighting the growing threat of such disasters in the Himalayan region.

D. GS 4 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

F. Prelims Facts

1. Students can choose to take Board exams once or twice a year

Syllabus: GS 2- Governance

Prelims: New Curriculum Framework (NCF)

Introduction

• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has introduced the option for students to appear for Class 10 and 12 Board examinations once or twice a year.

New Curriculum Framework (NCF)

• The Union Ministry of Education introduced the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) in August 2023, which includes the provision for Board exams to be held at least twice a year.
• The goal is to provide students with more time and opportunities to excel in their exams and choose their best score.

Making Board Exams “Low Stakes”

• This initiative aligns with the objectives of the new National Education Policy (NEP) to make Board exams “low stakes.”
• Students will have the option to appear for exams twice a year, similar to the engineering entrance exam JEE (Joint Entrance Examination).
• The best score will be retained, but participation in biannual exams is entirely optional, with no compulsion.

Reducing Student Stress

• The move is designed to reduce the stress and anxiety that students often experience due to the pressure of a single opportunity.
• If students feel adequately prepared and satisfied with their score in one set of exams, they can choose not to appear for the next exams.
• The goal is to offer flexibility and choice to students while reducing academic stress.

Addressing “Dummy Schools”

• The issue of “dummy schools” is also acknowledged, where NEET and JEE aspirants enrol in schools in their home states but do not attend classes, opting for coaching in places like Kota.
• This practice is not conducive to regular school attendance and learning.

Conclusion

• The introduction of biannual Board exams with the option to choose the best score is a student-centric approach aimed at reducing stress and providing more opportunities for success.
• While the initiative is not mandatory, it offers greater flexibility in the examination system, aligning with the principles of the NEP.

2. ISRO performs trajectory correction for Aditya-L1

Syllabus: GS 3- Science and Technology

Prelims: Aditya-L1 Mission

Introduction

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a trajectory correction manoeuvre on the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, which is en route to the Sun-Earth L1 (Lagrangian-1) point. 
• The manoeuvre, performed on October 6, 2023, was successful, and the spacecraft remains in good condition.

Key Points

• Aditya-L1 is a solar observatory mission, marking India’s first mission of this kind.
• The spacecraft was launched on September 2, 2023, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• The trajectory correction manoeuvre (TCM) was necessary to adjust the spacecraft’s path after the Trans-Lagrangian Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) manoeuvre performed on September 19, 2023.
• The initiation of the TL1I manoeuvre signalled the commencement of Aditya-L1’s 110-day voyage toward the L1 point, situated approximately 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth, positioned between the Sun and our planet.
• The spacecraft is equipped with a magnetometer payload developed at the Laboratory for Electro Optics Systems, Bengaluru, capable of measuring interplanetary magnetic fields at the L1 point.
• Aditya-L1 is expected to reach the L1 point by January, where it will conduct observations related to the Sun and solar phenomena.

G. Tidbits

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Asiatic wild dog (dhole):

1. It is a canid native to Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia.
2. Dholes live in small family units with rigid dominance hierarchies.
3. It is listed as “Vulnerable” in the IUCN Red List.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: The dhole is indeed a canid native to the Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia, but it lives in large clans without rigid dominance hierarchies, and it is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

 

Q2. With reference to Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which of the following statements 
is/are incorrect?

1. GLOFs occur when large lakes formed from melting glaciers break free of their natural dams.
2. It can be triggered by heavy rain or earthquakes.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: Both statements are correct. GLOFs occur when large lakes formed from melting glaciers break free of their natural dams called moraines.

Q3. Consider the following statements, with reference to the new Ensign of the Indian Air Force (IAF):

1. The IAF Crest features the Ashoka lion, the national symbol, along with the words Satyameva Jayate in Devanagari.
2. Below the Ashoka lion, there is a depiction of a Himalayan eagle with its wings spread, symbolising the fighting qualities of the IAF.
3. A light blue ring encircles the Himalayan eagle with the words ‘Bharatiya Vayu Sena.’

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: All three statements are correct.

Q4 .With reference to the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) for Board examinations, which of the 
following statements is/are incorrect?

1. Board examinations will be held at least twice a year to ensure students have enough time and opportunity to perform well.
2. Students will not have the option to retain the best score.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: The NCF allows students to choose to appear for Class 10 and 12 Board examinations once or twice every year and provides the option to retain the best score, reducing stress.

 

Q5. With reference to Lagrange Points, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. They are specific spots in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system produce regions of attraction and repulsion.
2. Spacecraft can use Lagrange Points as fixed positions with minimal fuel consumption.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: Lagrange Points are positions in space where the combined gravitational forces of celestial bodies, like the Sun and Earth, create stable positions. These points serve as fuel-efficient “parking spots” for spacecraft to maintain a fixed position”.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Discuss how does the Digital India Act 2023 represents a significant step towards establishing a future-ready legal framework for the country’s digital ecosystem? (250 words, 15 marks) [GS- II: Governance]
2. “The Himalayan ecosystem is the most fragile in the world and any disruption in the way we are managing these resources will have a problematic outcome for the people of the region” Comment? (250 words, 15 marks) [GS- III: Environment and Disaster Management]