QUAD
1. Context
2. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)
- The Quad, short for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic forum comprising four major Indo-Pacific countries: the United States, Japan, India, and Australia.
- The Quad was initiated in 2007 but was relatively dormant for several years before experiencing a revival and increased prominence in recent times.
3. Objectives
- The Quad aims to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Its core objectives include ensuring regional security, stability, and economic prosperity.
- It seeks to uphold the rules-based international order and address common challenges such as maritime security, infrastructure development, economic connectivity, and disaster response.
4. Member Countries
- United States: As a major Pacific power, the U.S. plays a central role in the Quad, emphasizing its commitment to the Indo-Pacific region's security and stability.
- Japan: Japan is a key member, contributing its economic and technological prowess, and advocating for a rules-based international order.
- India: India brings its strategic location and growing influence in the Indo-Pacific to the Quad, strengthening regional security cooperation.
- Australia: Australia is a significant player, contributing to maritime security efforts and championing economic development in the Indo-Pacific.
5. Meetings and Engagement
- The Quad holds regular meetings at various levels, including ministerial meetings and consultations among senior officials.
- It engages in dialogues on a wide range of regional and global issues, from security and defense to infrastructure development and technology cooperation.
Regional Implications:
- The Quad has been viewed as a response to China's rising influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, member countries emphasize that it is not an alliance against any specific country but rather a platform for cooperation on shared interests.
- Some view the Quad as a potential counterbalance to China's assertive behavior in the South China Sea and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure projects.
Expanding Partnerships:
- The Quad has sought to expand its partnerships with other countries in the Indo-Pacific, including Southeast Asian nations. This approach reflects its commitment to inclusivity and regional engagement.
6. Significance of QUAD for India
The Quad holds significant importance for India due to several strategic, economic, and geopolitical reasons:
Countering Regional Challenges:
- The Quad provides India with a platform to collaborate with like-minded countries, such as the United States, Japan, and Australia, to address common regional challenges. These challenges include maritime security, territorial disputes, and economic concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
Strengthening Regional Security:
- As a member of the Quad, India gains access to enhanced security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises. This bolsters its ability to protect its interests and contribute to regional stability in the face of security threats.
Balancing China's Influence:
- India views the Quad as a mechanism to balance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. It helps deter aggressive actions and assertive behavior by China, particularly in areas like the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean region.
Economic Opportunities:
- The Quad promotes economic connectivity and infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific. India can leverage these initiatives to enhance its trade, investment, and connectivity in the region, which is vital for its economic growth.
Strengthening Ties with Key Allies:
- The Quad allows India to deepen its strategic partnerships with key allies, such as the United States and Japan. These relationships have resulted in increased defense cooperation, technology sharing, and economic collaboration.
Regional Leadership Role:
- Participation in the Quad elevates India's status as a regional leader in the Indo-Pacific. It aligns with India's "Act East" policy, reinforcing its commitment to the stability and prosperity of the broader region.
7. Challenges
- China's Territorial Claims: China claims that it has historical ownership over nearly the entire region of the South China Sea, which gives it the right to manufacture islands. However, the International Court of Arbitration rejected the claim in 2016.
- China's Closeness to ASEAN: The ASEAN countries also have a well-knit relationship with China. The Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a recent example of China's increasing influence over ASEAN nations.
- Economic Power of China: Considering the economic might of China and the dependence of QUAD nations like Japan and Australia on China, the QUAD nations can not afford to have strained relations with it.
- Convergence among Quad Nations: The nations in the Quad grouping have different aspirations, and aims at balancing their own interest. Therefore, coherence in the vision of the Quad nation as a grouping is absent.
8. Way forward
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For Prelims: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), South China Sea, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Indo-Pacific region, ASEAN, and Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership (RCEP).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the evolution, objectives, and geopolitical significance of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) in the context of the Indo-Pacific region. Analyze the challenges and opportunities it presents for the member countries, particularly India. (250 words).
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MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE (MPC)
Monetary policy refers to the actions and strategies undertaken by a country's central bank to control and regulate the supply of money, credit availability, and interest rates in an economy. Its primary goal is to achieve specific economic objectives, such as price stability, full employment, and sustainable economic growth.
Central banks use various tools to implement monetary policy, including:
Interest Rates: Adjusting the interest rates at which banks lend to each other (known as the federal funds rate in the United States) influences borrowing and spending in the economy.
Open Market Operations: Buying or selling government securities in the open market to regulate the money supply. When a central bank buys securities, it injects money into the system, and when it sells them, it reduces the money supply.
Reserve Requirements: Mandating the amount of reserves banks must hold, affecting their ability to lend money.
By influencing the availability and cost of money, central banks aim to stabilize prices, control inflation, encourage or discourage borrowing and spending, and promote economic growth. However, the effectiveness of monetary policy can be influenced by various factors such as global economic conditions, fiscal policies, and market expectations.
3.What is the primary objective of the monetary policy?
The primary objective of monetary policy typically revolves around maintaining price stability or controlling inflation within an economy. Central banks often set an inflation target, aiming to keep it at a moderate and steady level. Stable prices help in fostering confidence in the economy, encouraging investment, and ensuring that the value of money remains relatively constant over time.
However, while controlling inflation is often the primary goal, central banks might also consider other objectives, such as:
Full Employment: Some central banks have a secondary objective of supporting maximum employment or reducing unemployment rates.
Economic Growth: Encouraging sustainable economic growth by managing interest rates and credit availability to stimulate or cool down economic activity.
Exchange Rate Stability: In some cases, maintaining stable exchange rates might be an important consideration, especially for countries with open economies heavily reliant on international trade.
These additional objectives can vary depending on the economic conditions, priorities of the government, and the central bank's mandate. Nonetheless, ensuring price stability is typically the fundamental goal of most monetary policies, as it forms the basis for a healthy and growing economy.
4. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
- In line with the amended RBI Act, 1934, Section 45ZB grants authority to the central government to establish a six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) responsible for determining the policy interest rate aimed at achieving the inflation target.
- The inaugural MPC was formed on September 29, 2016. Section 45ZB stipulates that "the Monetary Policy Committee will ascertain the Policy Rate necessary to meet the inflation target" and that "the decisions made by the Monetary Policy Committee will be obligatory for the Bank."
- According to Section 45ZB, the MPC comprises the RBI Governor as the ex officio chairperson, the Deputy Governor overseeing monetary policy, a Bank official nominated by the Central Board, and three individuals appointed by the central government.
- The individuals chosen by the central government must possess "capabilities, ethical standing, expertise, and experience in economics, banking, finance, or monetary policy" (Section 45ZC)
- The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) plays a crucial role in managing inflation through its decisions on the policy interest rate.
- When inflation is too high, the MPC might decide to increase the policy interest rate. This action aims to make borrowing more expensive, which can reduce spending and investment in the economy.
- As a result, it could help decrease demand for goods and services, potentially curbing inflation.
- Conversely, when inflation is too low or the economy needs a boost, the MPC might decrease the policy interest rate.
- This move makes borrowing cheaper, encouraging businesses and individuals to spend and invest more, thus stimulating economic activity and potentially raising inflation closer to the target level.
- The MPC's goal is to use the policy interest rate as a tool to steer inflation toward a target set by the government or central bank.
- By monitoring economic indicators and assessing the current and expected inflation levels, the MPC makes informed decisions to maintain price stability within the economy
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For Prelims: Economic and Social Development
For Mains: General Studies III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in the public interest.
3. The Governor of the RBI draws his natural power from the RBI Act.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
2. Concerning the Indian economy, consider the following: (UPSC 2015)
Which of the above is/are component(s) of Monetary Policy? (a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 1, 3 and 4 Answer: C 3. An increase in Bank Rate generally indicates: (UPSC 2013) (a) Market rate of interest is likely to fall. (b) Central bank is no longer making loans to commercial banks. (c) Central bank is following an easy money policy. (d) Central bank is following a tight money policy. Answer: (d) 4. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? (UPSC 2017) 1. It decides the RBI's benchmark interest rates. 2. It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year. 3. It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 3 only D. 2 and 3 only Answer: A |
GHOL FISH
1. Context
2. About Ghol Fish
- The ghol fish, also known as the black-spotted croaker (Protonibea diacanthus), is a highly valued species native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean.
- While traditionally found closer to the shore, increasing pollution levels have driven these fish to seek deeper waters.
- Ghol fish holds immense economic and medicinal significance. Its air bladder is a prized export commodity from Gujarat, particularly in China and other Asian countries.
- Beyond its economic value, ghol fish is revered for its rich nutrient content and potential health benefits.
- Ghol fish is a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- It is an excellent source of iodine, omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), iron, taurine, magnesium, fluoride, and selenium. These nutrients contribute to a range of health benefits, including:
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Image Source: DeshGujarat
3. Significance of Ghol Fish
- The high content of vitamin A in ghol fish aids in maintaining healthy eyesight.
- The abundance of collagen in ghol fish helps combat wrinkles and preserves skin elasticity.
- Omega-3 fatty acids in ghol fish have been linked to improved IQ in infants, potentially stimulating brain cell growth.
- The rich mineral and vitamin profile of ghol fish makes it an excellent choice for muscle toning. Vitamin C, in particular, is essential for collagen and elastin synthesis, which provides essential nutrients to the muscles.
4. Selection Criteria for State Fish
- The Gujarat government chose the ghol fish due to its rarity in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean.
- The uniqueness and infrequent catches made it a prime candidate. The economic value of the ghol fish played a crucial role in its selection.
- Officials emphasize the need to conserve and prevent over-exploitation of this valuable species.
- The selection of the state fish involves a consultative process with representatives from all districts.
- Ribbon fish, pomfret, and Bombay Duck were among the other species considered for this designation.
5. Commercial Significance of Ghol Fish
- Ghol fish, being an expensive variety, is not widely consumed locally. However, it holds a significant market in China and other countries. Its tastiness and delicacy contribute to its high demand.
- The ghol fish is a 'lottery' for fishermen, with its meat and dried air bladder fetching substantial amounts in the export market. The dried air bladder, in particular, is in demand for its medicinal value.
- A kilogram of ghol can fetch between Rs 5,000 to Rs15,000 in Gujarat. The dried air bladder, the costliest part, can reach amounts as high as Rs25,000 per kilogram in the export market. This economic impact contributes significantly to the fishing industry in Gujarat.
| Gujarat's fish production for the year 2021-22 was estimated at 8.74 lakh tonnes, valued at Rs 11,221 crore. Out of the total production, 2.3 lakh tonnes of fish and fish products, valued at Rs 5,233 crore, were exported. This showcases the economic significance of Gujarat's fisheries on a broader scale. |
6. Conclusion
Designating the ghol fish as the state fish aligns Gujarat with conservation efforts for this unique species. The declaration emphasizes the importance of preventing over-exploitation and ensuring the sustainability of the ghol fish population. With the state taking proactive steps towards conservation, it reflects a commitment to balancing economic interests with environmental responsibility.
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For Prelims: Ghol fish, Gujarat, state fish, Ribbon fish, pomfret, Bombay Duck, omega-3 fatty acids,
For Mains:
1. Evaluate the role of state governments in balancing economic interests with environmental concerns, using the example of the ghol fish as a case study. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in (HSSC Group D 2018) A. Fish B. Walnuts C. Pulses D. Both (1) and (2) Answer: D 2. The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where (UPSC 2013) A. warm and cold atmospheric currents meet
B. rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea
C. warm and cold oceanic currents meet
D. continental shelf is undulating
Answer: C Mains 1. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (UPSC 2018) |
Source: The Indian Express
SPACE WEATHER
With an exponential rise in satellite-based services used for navigation and communications, obtaining forecasts and data on the health of Space weather is of supreme importance.
But what factors drive Space weather? National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) to study one of the important drivers of Space weather – the Earth’s weather
2. What is Space weather?
Similar to how Earth experiences weather patterns, the space encompassing Earth and other planets remains constantly affected by the Sun and its activities, such as solar flares and emissions, as well as the various materials present in the surrounding space. When Earth encounters severe or turbulent weather conditions, space weather can also undergo extreme events. These events directly affect crucial Earth-based installations like satellite communication systems, radio communication, and the orbits or stations of space-based aircraft, thereby disrupting the smooth functioning of navigation systems, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and power grids.
In addition to the influence of solar emissions, space weather is also impacted by conditions originating from terrestrial weather.
3. What is a Gravity wave?
- Gravity waves are not to be confused with gravitational waves, which are ripples in space-time predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity and are caused by the acceleration of massive objects.
- Gravity waves, on the other hand, refer to waves generated in the Earth's atmosphere or any other fluid medium (like oceans) due to the force of gravity attempting to restore equilibrium after it's been disrupted.
- These waves are caused by disturbances such as air moving over mountains, turbulent atmospheric conditions, or even the passage of weather systems.
- They propagate vertically through the atmosphere and can transfer energy and momentum from one location to another.
- Gravity waves are often associated with changes in temperature, wind, and pressure in the atmosphere. While they play a role in redistributing energy in the atmosphere and influencing weather patterns, they are distinct from gravitational waves in physics
- In the atmosphere, there are a wide variety of waves, travelling both horizontally and vertically. Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGW) are one such kind of vertical wave.
- They are mostly generated when there is an extreme weather event or a sudden disturbance leading to a vertical displacement of stable air
- Natural phenomena like thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, regional orography and others have the potential to send out a variety of periodic waves, including AGWs, in the lower levels of the atmosphere
- A stable atmosphere plays an important role in the generation of gravity waves, that is, when the atmosphere is stable, the temperature difference between the rising air and the atmosphere produces a force that pushes this air to its original position. The air will continuously rise and sink, thus creating a wave-like pattern
- AGW is a wave that moves through a stable layer of the atmosphere, wherein the upward-moving region is the most favourable for the formation of cloud patterns or streaks. AGWs continue all the way to Space, where they contribute to the Space weather
4. What is the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE)?
- AWE represents a pioneering NASA initiative designed to explore the connections between terrestrial and space weather phenomena.
- Developed as part of NASA's Heliophysics Explorers Program and funded at $42 million, this mission seeks to investigate how waves in the lower layers of the atmosphere influence the upper atmosphere and, consequently, space weather.
- The AWE mission will be launched and affixed to the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) in Earth's orbit. Its observational position will allow it to observe Earth and capture the colorful luminous bands, known as airglow.
- "AWE has the potential to introduce a novel realm of research, delving into the inquiry of whether space weather is influenced by forces originating from Earth's atmosphere and from bottom-up mechanisms," explained Dibyendu Nandi, a solar physicist and the head of the Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India at IISER, Kolkata.
Onboard AWE is an Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (ATMT), an instrument that will scan or map the mesopause (a region between the mesosphere and thermosphere). Using the four identical telescopes comprising an imaging radiometer, scientists hope to obtain the brightness of light at specific wavelengths.
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Previous Year Questions
1.Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation? (UPSC CSE 2019) (a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected. Answer: (b) 2. India’s first Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) laboratory will be set up in which State? (BPSC 2016) A.Uttar Pradesh B.Maharashtra C.Andhra Pradesh D.Bihar E.None of the above/More than one of the above Answer (B) |
U.K's RWANDA DEAL
1. Context
2. What is the Rwanda deal?
- In April 2022, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), agreement between the United Kingdom and Rwanda. The deal aims to establish a mechanism for transferring asylum seekers deemed ineligible for UK asylum to Rwanda.
- Under the MEDP, Rwanda will receive asylum seekers who arrive in the UK from January 1, 2022 onwards, via "illegal and unlawful cross-border migration." Rwanda will serve as a holding center for these individuals while the Rwandan government processes their asylum and resettlement applications within Rwanda.
- The UK government justifies the deal as a means to combat "people smugglers," who exploit vulnerable migrants by charging exorbitant sums for dangerous boat crossings from France to England. These crossings have resulted in numerous tragic mass drownings.
- Rwanda has agreed to accommodate all asylum seekers except minors and those with criminal records. Migrants in the UK will have five days to appeal the decision to send them to Rwanda. Failure to do so will result in a one-way ticket to Rwanda and a transfer of responsibility to the Rwandan government.
- The MEDP is an open-ended agreement, meaning there is no limit to the number of migrants that can be sent to Rwanda over the five-year duration of the deal. The UK will pay Rwanda £120 million as part of an "economic transformation and integration fund" and will also cover the operational costs for each migrant.
- Currently, the UK spends £4.7 million per day to accommodate approximately 25,000 asylum seekers. In 2021, this amounted to an annual expenditure of £430 million, with projections for a £100 million increase in 2022.
3. Reasons Why the U.K. Chose Rwanda
Rwanda offers three solutions for migrants sent there by the U.K.
- Rwanda facilitates the return of migrants to their home countries.
- Rwanda assists in relocating migrants to a third country if their asylum claims are unsuccessful.
- Rwanda provides decent housing, access to universal health insurance, and the right to work for migrants who choose to settle in the country.
- The U.K. bears the financial responsibility for accommodating and transporting migrants to Rwanda.
- Rwanda was not the initial country considered for this agreement. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair attempted to reach a similar arrangement with Tanzania but was unsuccessful.
- Britain's colonial history aligns with the current scenario of dispersing migrants to certain territories. In the past, the U.K. has relocated refugees to colonized countries under the pretext of development and economic growth.
- The MEDP arrangement mirrors the colonial practice of dispersing refugees to distant locations. This strategy raises concerns about the well-being of migrants and the potential for exploitation.
4. Key Issues in the Supreme Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court's decision to declare the Rwanda deal unlawful was based on two primary considerations:
- The Supreme Court found that the High Court erred in its decision by failing to adequately consider the evidence presented regarding the risk of refoulement for asylum seekers sent to Rwanda.
- Under European Court rulings, the UK, as a removing state, bears the responsibility to protect refugees from refoulement and ensure their access to asylum procedures.
- The High Court, however, placed undue emphasis on Rwanda's assurances and expertise, overlooking the potential risks faced by asylum seekers.
- The Supreme Court concluded that there is substantial evidence to support the claim that asylum seekers face a real risk of ill-treatment if transferred to Rwanda.
- Rwanda's human rights record and its history of non-compliance with assurances were crucial factors in this assessment.
- While Rwanda has become a significant partner for the UK, the court emphasized the importance of upholding human rights standards, particularly in light of Rwanda's past violence and ongoing human rights concerns.
5. Responses to the Rwanda Deal
The Rwanda deal has elicited mixed reactions within the UK, with varying perspectives on its legality, implications for asylum seekers, and potential impact on other EU countries.
- A key factor contributing to the mixed responses is the uncertainty surrounding the legality of the arrangement and the treatment of refugees in Rwanda. Civil society organizations have expressed concerns that the deal lacks the necessary guarantees to ensure the safety and protection of refugees. They argue that the concept of "double voluntarism," where both the UK and Rwanda must agree to create a safe transit or guarantee rights, is unrealistic and unlikely to provide adequate safeguards.
- The UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, maintains a clear stance on the responsibility of countries to protect refugees who enter their territories. The UNHCR asserts that once a refugee enters a country, whether by land or sea, the responsibility for ensuring their safety and well-being falls upon that country. In the context of the Rwanda deal, this implies that the UK cannot absolve itself of this responsibility by transferring refugees to Rwanda.
- The UK government has defended the Rwanda deal, emphasizing its potential to deter irregular migration and reduce the number of people attempting dangerous crossings of the English Channel. They also argue that the deal promotes investment in both refugees and Rwanda's economic development. However, concerns over refoulement and the potential impact on other EU countries persist. There are fears that the deal could encourage other EU nations to adopt similar deportation schemes, potentially leading to a decline in humanitarian standards and increased risks for refugees in third-party countries.
6. Other Countries Sending Asylum Seekers Overseas
The practice of sending asylum seekers overseas is not unique to the United Kingdom. Several other countries, including Australia, Israel, and Denmark, have implemented similar policies.
- Australia has been utilizing offshore detention centers since 2001 to house asylum seekers who arrive by boat without authorization. These centers, located on remote islands in the Pacific Ocean, have been widely criticized for their harsh conditions and negative impact on the mental and physical health of detainees.
- Facing a surge of asylum seekers and illegal immigrants from countries like Sudan and Eritrea, Israel opted to address the issue by making deals with third countries. Those denied asylum were given the choice of returning to their home countries or accepting $3,500 and a plane ticket to one of these third countries. Refusal to comply resulted in the threat of arrest.
- In 2021, Denmark passed a law allowing for the transfer of asylum seekers to processing centers in third countries. While the specific locations of these centers have not been disclosed, concerns have been raised about the potential human rights implications of such a policy.
- The practice of sending asylum seekers overseas raises significant humanitarian and legal concerns. These policies often result in the detention of asylum seekers in harsh conditions, limited access to legal representation, and potential exposure to human rights abuses. Additionally, the transfer of asylum seekers to third countries may undermine their ability to seek asylum in a safe and secure environment.
7. Conclusion
The Rwanda deal has generated a range of perspectives and concerns within the UK. The uncertainty over its legality, the potential impact on refugees, and the broader implications for EU migration policies are key factors contributing to the mixed domestic responses. As the deal continues to be debated and implemented, it is crucial to carefully consider and address the concerns raised by civil society organizations, the UNHCR, and other stakeholders to ensure that the rights and safety of refugees are protected.
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For Prelims: Rwanda Deal, UNHCR, refugees, U.K., Austrila, Denmark, Israel,
For Mains:
1. What are the ethical considerations involved in sending asylum seekers overseas? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) headquarters at (Haryana Police Constable 2021)
A. Geneva, Switzerland B. Delhi, India C. Rome, Italy D. None of the above
Answer: A
2. Amnesty International is (UPSC 2015)
A. an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars
B. global Human Rights Movement
C. a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people
D. Inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions
Answer: B
3. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. Bidibidi is a large refugee settlement in north-western Kenya.
2. Some people who fled from South Sudan civil war live in Bidibidi.
3. Some people who fled from civil war in Somalia live in Dadaab refugee complex in Kenya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 D. 3 only
Answer: C
4. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2016) Community sometimes In the affairs of
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only Answer: C |
UTTARAKSHI TUNNEL
1. Context
2. Causes of the Tunnel Collapse
There are two main possible causes of the tunnel collapse
- A loose patch of rock: The collapsed section of the tunnel is located around 200-300 meters from the mouth of the tunnel. It is possible that there was a loose patch of rock in this area that was not visible during construction. This patch could have consisted of fractured or fragile rock, which would have made it weak.
- Water seepage: Another possibility is that water seeped through a loose patch of rock, eroding the rock particles over time and creating a void on the top of the tunnel. This void would not have been visible during construction.
3. Methods of Tunnel Excavation
There are two main methods of tunnel excavation
- The drill and blast method (DBM) involves drilling holes into the rock and loading them with explosives. When the explosives are detonated, the rock breaks apart.
- Tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) are more expensive than DBM, but it is also much safer. TBMs bore the rock from the front using a rotating head and supported the excavated tunnel behind the machine by installing precast concrete segments.
4. Choice of Excavation Method
- The choice of excavation method depends on the type of terrain. TBMs are not suitable for drilling through very tall mountains.
- Creating a void through a 1,000-meter-tall mountain using a TBM can lead to a rock burst, which occurs when a part of the rock suddenly falls due to high stress.
- TBMs are ideal when the rock cover is up to 400 meters tall. Underground tunnels for the Delhi Metro were dug using a TBM at shallow depth.
- On the other hand, in places like the Himalayas, including Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, DBM is usually used.
5. Challenges of Tunneling in the Himalayas
- The Himalayas are still young (they were formed between 40 million and 50 million years ago) and they are still growing due to the collision between the Indian tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate. This makes them a challenging environment for tunnelling.
- There are some patches where the rock is indeed too fragile for a tunnel. However, in other places, the rock is very good.
- Manoj Garnayak a former project director at L&T and an expert in underground construction has worked in the Himalayan region and built tunnels without facing major issues. He has witnessed very small failures, which were rectified immediately by fixing the crown of the tunnel. So, even though in some places the rock is fractured or fragile, there are technical solutions to fix it.
6. Key Aspects of Tunnel Building
- The first and foremost thing when building a tunnel is to thoroughly investigate the rock through which the tunnel is proposed to be made.
- This is done by sending seismic refraction waves through the rock to check which patches are fragile or solid.
- In India, engineers dig a borehole into the rock to extract a core sample and send it for petrographic analysis (microscopic examination to determine the mineral content, grain size, texture and other features that have a bearing on the mechanical behaviour of the sample).
- Such investigations help determine if the rock can take the load of the overburden when a tunnel is created.
- If the rock layer and its strength are good, it takes the entire load of the overburden by redistribution of the stresses, and it remains stable.
7. Steps to Construct a Stable Tunnel
- Even after excavation and providing support for the tunnel, it is essential to monitor the spot to check how the rock is behaving at various places. Monitoring is done by instruments such as stress meters and deformations meters.
- The supports provided to the tunnel need to be tested for adequacy. Supports can be of various types, including shotcrete (sprayed concrete that works as a membrane to prevent parts of the rock from falling), rock bolt (a long anchor bolt for stabilizing rock excavations), steel ribs or beams, and tunnel pipe umbrella, built by using steel tubes that can hold really fragile rocks.
- It is also important that an independent specialist geologist visits the tunnel for examination and to check for probable failures. They will also determine the rock's stand-up time the duration for which a rock can remain stable without any support. Support is given to the rock within its stand-up time.
- Most importantly, in India, more time needs to be spent on studies before starting the construction. Currently, the design and construction of a tunnel project are done simultaneously.
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For Prelims: Yamunotri National Highway, Indian tectonic plate, the Eurasian tectonic plate, The drill and blast method, Tunnel-boring machines, Himalayas,
For Mains:
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the current practices in India for tunnel construction, and suggest recommendations for improvement. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. The theory of plate tectonics proposes that the earth’s lithosphere is divided into _______ major plates. (SSC JE CE 2021)
A. 5 B. 11 C. 9 D. 7
Answer: D
2. Which one of the following tunneling methods is adopted for the situations where the metro alignment passes under residential buildings or a canal? (UPSC ESE Civil 2021)
A. Earth pressure balance tunneling machine method
B. Tunnel boring machine method
C. Tube tunneling method
D. Driven shield tunneling method
Answer: B
3. The section of the tunnel adopted perfectly in lieu of case of construction and maintenance in hard rock tunnels, where the risk of roof failure or collapse caused by external pressure from water, or from loose or unstable soil conditions on tunnel lining is practically non-existent, is (UPSC ESE Civil 2019)
A. Circular section
B. Segmental roof section
C. Horse-shoe section
D. Egg-shaped section
Answer: B
4. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only.
2. Western Ghats are spread over five States only.
3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: B
5. Read the following statements: (Telangana Police SI Mains 2016)
a) Himalayas are young fold mountains.
b) They are uplifted from Tethys sea.
c) The East-West extent of the Himalayas is about 2500 km.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. a & c 2. b & c 3. a & b 4. a, b & c
Answer: 4
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