INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
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India-ASEAN and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Indus Water Treaty, East Asia Summit , India Meteorological Department (IMD) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for November 13, 2025 |
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The Indo-Pacific region has become a central arena in global geopolitics and strategic affairs. India continues to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific, guided by international law and mutual respect.
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As a prominent stakeholder in this evolving landscape, India’s approach focuses on partnership and collaboration with regional nations to strengthen maritime security, uphold freedom of navigation, and promote a rules-based global order.
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Geographically, the Indo-Pacific covers the combined expanse of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the nations that border them as well as their vital sea lanes and marine resources.
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In the early 1990s, India’s shift toward neoliberal economic reforms coincided with a new foreign policy orientation that leaned toward engagement with the West and the United States. Within this context, the ‘Look East Policy’, launched in 1992, marked a turning point in India’s external relations.
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The primary objective of the ‘Look East Policy’ was to enhance ties with Southeast Asian nations and position India as a strategic counterbalance to China, which many regional countries viewed with apprehension. Initially focused on trade and economic integration, the policy gradually acquired a strategic and security dimension due to China’s growing influence.
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In pursuit of this vision, India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992, attained full dialogue partner status in 1996, and joined the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) the same year. India later expanded its engagement by participating in the East Asia Summit (EAS) from 2005 and became a dialogue partner in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in 2010.
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ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is a regional organization comprising 11 member states — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste (East Timor), its newest entrant.
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Recent discussions at the ADMM-Plus meeting gained significance amid rising concerns about China’s assertive actions in the region.
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The ADMM-Plus serves as a crucial platform bringing together ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners — Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States — to enhance cooperation in defence and regional security.
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In his remarks at the conclave, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that inclusive security entails allowing all nations—big or small—an equal voice in shaping regional frameworks and sharing in the resulting benefits.
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He further noted that sustainability in security requires developing resilient and adaptable systems that can respond to emerging challenges and are built on long-term partnerships rather than temporary alignments.
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Emphasizing the importance of ADMM-Plus within India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and broader Indo-Pacific strategy, Singh reiterated that India’s defence cooperation with ASEAN and its partner countries is aimed at strengthening regional peace, stability, and collective capacity-building
- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization established to promote political, economic, and social cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.
- It was founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, through the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration), signed by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand — the five founding members.
- Over time, the grouping expanded to include Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and most recently, Timor-Leste (East Timor), bringing the total membership to 11 nations.
- ASEAN’s primary objective is to enhance regional stability and economic growth by fostering collaboration and mutual assistance among its members. It seeks to create a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia, free from external interference and internal conflict. The organization encourages dialogue, consensus-building, and peaceful resolution of disputes, making it a cornerstone of regional diplomacy in Asia.
- Economically, ASEAN works to build a single market and production base through initiatives such as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which aims to ensure free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor across member states.
- It also partners with major global economies—including India, China, Japan, the United States, Australia, and the European Union—through dialogue mechanisms and trade agreements.
- Institutionally, ASEAN operates through summits, ministerial meetings, and various specialized bodies. The ASEAN Secretariat, headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, coordinates the group’s activities and policies. Decision-making within ASEAN is guided by the principles of non-interference, consensus, and respect for sovereignty, which have helped maintain harmony despite the diversity among member nations.
- In recent years, ASEAN has played an increasingly important role in regional security and strategic affairs, particularly through forums like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
- These platforms enable ASEAN to act as a central hub for dialogue between Southeast Asian nations and major powers, making it a vital player in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region
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Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
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Answer (B)
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- A solar storm, also known as a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), refers to the release of highly magnetized plasma and charged particles from the Sun’s outer layers. These energetic particles can travel at speeds of several million kilometers per hour and typically take anywhere from 13 hours to five days to reach Earth.
- Although Earth’s atmosphere shields humans from the direct impact of these particles, they can still interact with the planet’s magnetic field, producing strong electric currents on the surface that may disrupt satellite operations, power grids, and communication systems.
- The first documented solar storm occurred in 1859, reaching Earth in about 17 hours. Known as the Carrington Event, it severely disrupted telegraph systems and even caused electric shocks to operators.
- Recently, the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) aboard India’s Aditya-L1 mission successfully captured a solar flare “kernel” from the lower layers of the Sun’s atmosphere — the photosphere and chromosphere — offering valuable insights into solar activity.
- On the Moon, the exosphere — a very thin outer layer — consists of molecules released through solar radiation, solar wind, and meteorite impacts. During a CME, when the Sun ejects a burst of plasma, more molecules are knocked off the lunar surface, increasing the density of its exosphere. Because the Moon lacks a protective magnetic field, it is far more vulnerable to such solar activity.
- This phenomenon was recorded by Chandrayaan-2’s CHACE-2 instrument during a series of intense CMEs in May 2024, which caused a noticeable rise in total pressure within the Moon’s sunlit exosphere.
- The discovery is crucial for advancing knowledge of the Moon’s exosphere and space weather, supporting India’s long-term goal of sending humans to the Moon by 2040, and aiding in the design of lunar habitats capable of withstanding extreme solar conditions that can damage satellites and other space assets
Chandrayaan-1 (2008) – India’s First Lunar Mission
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Launch date: October 22, 2008
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Objective: To conduct a detailed chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.
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Key Achievements:
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Discovered water molecules on the lunar surface — one of the most significant findings in modern lunar science.
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Helped create a 3D atlas of the Moon’s surface.
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Demonstrated India’s ability to place a spacecraft in lunar orbit.
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Outcome: The mission was officially declared over in August 2009, after losing communication with the orbiter, but it had already achieved 95% of its objectives.
Chandrayaan-2 (2019) – India’s Second Lunar Mission
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Launch date: July 22, 2019
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Components:
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Orbiter – continues to operate successfully around the Moon.
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Vikram Lander – attempted a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole but lost communication during descent.
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Pragyan Rover – housed within the lander.
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Objectives:
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To explore the south polar region, search for water ice, and study lunar topography, exosphere, and elemental composition.
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Key Achievements:
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The orbiter remains active, sending valuable data on the Moon’s exosphere, minerals, and solar interactions.
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Instruments like CHACE-2 have provided insights into lunar atmosphere changes during solar events such as CMEs (Coronal Mass Ejections)
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Chandrayaan-3 (2023) – India’s Successful Soft Landing
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Launch date: July 14, 2023
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Landing date: August 23, 2023
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Objective: To demonstrate India’s ability to achieve a soft landing and deploy a rover on the lunar surface.
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Components:
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Vikram Lander (Chandrayaan-3 version)
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Pragyan Rover
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Key Achievements:
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India became the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.
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The lander and rover conducted experiments on soil composition, thermal properties, and seismic activity.
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The mission established India as the fourth nation (after the USA, USSR, and China) to achieve a successful lunar landing
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1.“The Chandrayaan missions mark India’s progressive journey from lunar observation to surface exploration and scientific innovation. Discuss the scientific and strategic significance of India’s Chandrayaan programme in the context of future space exploration goals.”
(Answer in 250 words)
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Note: This is a reference answer structure and a model answer
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Prelims
1.If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?( UPSC CSE 2022)
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
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Answer (c)
A major solar storm (solar flare or coronal mass ejection) releases huge amounts of charged particles and magnetic energy from the Sun. When these reach Earth, they can interact with the magnetosphere and ionosphere, causing several technological and atmospheric effects. Let’s examine each statement carefully:
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The Indus conundrum: when water is both a lifeline and a faultline
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International water treaties
Context:
Is it possible to halt or divert rivers? Rivers are the proverbial natural arteries of ecological systems. They are also worshipped, navigated and dammed. From the ancient ecosystems of Egypt to the sinking cities of Shanghai, rivers are valued differently. No wonder, some of our major river systems are also drying, and ultimately dying. Despite such ambiguity, rivers have remained intertwined with humanity
Read about:
Indus Water Treaty
Key takeaways:
- The Indus River, one of the longest rivers in Asia and the lifeline of Pakistan, originates in the Tibetan Plateau, near the Mansarovar Lake region close to Mount Kailash. From its source, it flows northwest through the Ladakh region of India, cutting through deep gorges and valleys in the Zaskar and Ladakh ranges.
- It then enters Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan, where it is joined by several tributaries such as the Shyok, Gilgit, Zanskar, and Hunza rivers. After traversing the high mountain terrains, the river bends southward near Nanga Parbat — one of the steepest relief zones in the world — and enters the Punjab plains of Pakistan.
- As the Indus flows further south, it is joined by its major western tributaries — the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers — which collectively form the Indus River System.
- The river then meanders through the arid region of Sindh, where it sustains agriculture through extensive canal irrigation networks, before finally emptying into the Arabian Sea near Karachi, forming a fertile delta.
- The significance of the Indus River is both historical and geographical. It was the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE), one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, which flourished along its banks due to the availability of water for agriculture and transportation.
- Even today, the Indus remains crucial for the economies of both India and Pakistan, supporting millions through agriculture, fisheries, and hydroelectric projects.
- It also plays a strategic role in the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) between India and Pakistan, which governs the sharing of its tributaries and remains a cornerstone of transboundary water cooperation in South Asia
Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
- The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, is one of the most enduring and successful water-sharing agreements in the world. It was brokered by the World Bank after years of negotiations to resolve water disputes that arose following the partition of British India in 1947.
- The treaty provides a framework for the equitable sharing and management of the waters of the Indus River System, which comprises six major rivers — the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
- Under the terms of the treaty, the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — were allocated to India, while the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — were reserved for Pakistan.
- Although Pakistan was granted the right to use the western rivers extensively, India retained limited rights to utilize their waters for non-consumptive purposes such as hydroelectric generation, irrigation of small areas, and domestic use.
- This division was designed to ensure that both countries could meet their developmental and agricultural needs while minimizing the scope for direct conflict.
- To facilitate implementation, the treaty established a Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), consisting of one commissioner from each country. The PIC serves as a regular communication channel for data sharing, inspection of projects, and dispute resolution.
- In case of disagreements, the treaty provides a three-tiered mechanism — first, bilateral discussions through the commission; second, mediation by a neutral expert appointed by the World Bank; and third, reference to a Court of Arbitration if the dispute remains unresolved.
- Over the decades, the IWT has survived multiple wars and periods of strained relations, highlighting its resilience and diplomatic importance. However, in recent years, tensions have resurfaced over India’s hydroelectric projects on western rivers — such as the Kishanganga and Ratle — which Pakistan claims violate the treaty’s provisions. India, on the other hand, maintains that these projects are run-of-the-river in nature and fully compliant with the treaty
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.“The Indus Waters Treaty has withstood the test of time, yet it faces new challenges in the context of changing geopolitics and climate realities.”
Examine the significance of the treaty and discuss the emerging concerns in its implementation.
(Answer in 250 words)
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Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
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(a) Chenab
(b) Jhelum
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutle
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Answer (b)
The Indus River System in India and Pakistan consists of six major rivers — Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. Let’s look at their flow pattern:
Finally, the Chenab River flows westward and joins the Indus River directly near Mithankot in Pakistan |
- On August 8, 1967, the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand gathered in Bangkok to promote regional cooperation.
- Thailand played a mediating role in easing tensions among its neighbours, and this meeting culminated in the signing of the ASEAN Declaration, marking the birth of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- The Declaration emphasized the shared goal of strengthening collaboration in economic, social, cultural, technical, educational, and other fields. Over the years, ASEAN expanded with the inclusion of Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Cambodia, and most recently, East Timor became its newest member on October 26.
- ASEAN forms a crucial pillar of India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to deepen engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. This policy evolved from the earlier Look East Policy launched in the 1990s, reflecting India’s commitment to regional integration and strategic cooperation.
- In 2005, the East Asia Summit (EAS) was established, initially comprising 16 members — the ten ASEAN nations along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.
- Subsequently, the United States and Russia joined the grouping. The EAS, held annually, brings together the Heads of State or Government of member countries to discuss regional and global issues.
- During recent discussions, India raised concerns over the U.S. decision to impose a 25% tariff on its imports in response to oil purchases from Russia, while no such measures were taken against Europe or China.
- On global conflicts, India expressed support for the Gaza peace initiative and called for an early resolution of the Ukraine crisis, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming this stance in his conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on October 9
- The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a premier forum in the Asia-Pacific region that brings together leaders from across East and Southeast Asia, along with key global partners, to discuss issues of strategic, political, and economic importance.
- It was established in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as an extension of the ASEAN framework, with the aim of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
- The founding members included the ten ASEAN countries — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Cambodia — along with six dialogue partners: India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Later, the United States and Russia joined the forum, expanding its membership to 18 countries.
- The EAS serves as a platform for annual meetings of Heads of State or Government, where leaders deliberate on a wide range of topics such as regional security, economic cooperation, connectivity, maritime security, energy, environment, and counter-terrorism. It functions as part of the ASEAN-led architecture, which means ASEAN remains at its core, guiding its agenda and priorities.
- India actively participates in the EAS, viewing it as a key element of its “Act East Policy” and Indo-Pacific strategy. Through the EAS, India engages with major regional players to promote rules-based international order, freedom of navigation, and inclusive economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
- In essence, the East Asia Summit represents a vital platform for strategic dialogue and cooperation among the world’s most influential countries in the Asia-Pacific, aimed at ensuring regional stability and sustainable development
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Note: This is for reference Only - Reference Mains Structure and Reference midel Answer Only
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1.Consider the following countries: (UPSC CSE 2018)
1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA
Which of the above are among the free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6
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Answer (c)
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has established Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the following six countries/regions, collectively known as the ASEAN+6 group:
Among the options provided, Australia (1), China (3), India (4), and Japan (5) are ASEAN’s free trade partners |
Has cloud seeding been effective?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science and technology, Environment and ecology
Context:
For the first time in nearly 50 years, Delhi conducted two cloud seeding trials with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) last week. The aim was to induce rain over Delhi to settle the build of smog and particulate matter that had deteriorated the air quality
Read about:
What is Cloud Seeding?
India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Key takeaways:
What is Cloud Seeding?
- Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique in which a mixture of salts or other chemicals is dispersed into clouds to induce rainfall. This is typically done using aircraft equipped with flares that release substances such as silver iodide or calcium chloride.
- These particles encourage condensation by helping ice crystals or water vapour form water droplets within the cloud. When enough droplets combine, they fall as rain.
Historical Background
- The concept of cloud seeding dates back over 75 years. In the 1940s, General Electric scientists William Schaefer and Bernard Vonnegut discovered that dry ice could help form ice crystals in a laboratory setting.
- Encouraged by these results, they tested the technique on real clouds and reportedly produced snowfall over Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in the U.S. This led to Project Cirrus, one of the first organized weather modification programs.
- During the 1950s and 1960s, several countries began experimenting with this method. The Soviet Union used it to ensure clear skies for parades, while China famously employed cloud seeding to improve weather during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the U.S., Project Skywater used aircraft to disperse silver iodide over the Rocky Mountains to increase precipitation.
India’s Experience
- India began its experiments in 1952 under S.K. Banerji, the first Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Early trials in Kolkata involved releasing silver iodide and salt via hydrogen balloons and ground-based rockets. Although rainfall was observed after seeding, it was difficult to confirm whether it was a direct result of the process.
- By the 1970s, Indian researchers started using aircraft-based seeding, enabling more precise targeting of clouds. Several states later adopted cloud seeding to combat droughts, but results were inconsistent.
- The absence of a clear relationship between the amount of salt dispersed and rainfall achieved, coupled with high operational costs, made the process economically uncertain.
The CAIPEEX Initiative
- The Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX), launched in 2009 by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, marked India’s first systematic study of cloud seeding.
- Conducted over Solapur, Maharashtra, a drought-prone region, the project examined the internal structure of clouds using radars and sensors before seeding.
- Between 2017 and 2019, aircraft released calcium chloride into select clouds while leaving others unseeded. Findings showed that seeded clouds produced 46% more rainfall and yielded about 867 million litres of additional water. Over a 100 sq. km downwind area, rainfall increased by around 18%, suggesting tangible benefits under suitable atmospheric conditions.
Recent Efforts in Delhi
- In October 2023, the IIT Kanpur team conducted two cloud seeding flights over Delhi using its aircraft. The results were largely unsuccessful, with only light drizzle reported in some areas and minor improvement in air quality.
- The failure was attributed to poor cloud conditions, as Delhi’s post-monsoon atmosphere lacks the moisture-laden clouds necessary for effective seeding.
- Despite multiple proposals over the years, scientists have cautioned against large-scale cloud seeding during winter months, citing unfavourable atmospheric parameters. Nevertheless, IIT Kanpur intends to continue small-scale trials to further assess its potential.
Follow Up Question
Mains
1.Examine the scientific principle, historical evolution, and recent experiences of cloud seeding in India. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of adopting this technique as a sustainable solution for India’s water scarcity problems. (Word Limit: 250)
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Note: This is a refrence approach to the Question and Model Answer Only
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(a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions
(b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
(c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
(d) Reducing the global warming
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Answer (d)
Both cirrus cloud thinning and sulphate aerosol injection are techniques proposed under the concept of geoengineering, specifically solar radiation management (SRM), aimed at reducing global warming by controlling the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.
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