4. The key takeaways from the verdict

• All five judges, including the CJI, unanimously agreed that there is no fundamental right to marry under the Constitution.
• The judges unanimously concurred that it is not possible to modify the Special Marriage Act, 1954, using gender-neutral language to permit same-sex marriage. The petitioners sought to interpret the term "marriage" as between "spouses" instead of "man and woman" or to strike down gender-restrictive provisions of the Act.
• CJI Chandrachud expressed that striking down provisions of the Special Marriage Act or interpreting it in a gender-neutral way would jeopardize the legal framework for interfaith and inter-caste couples. He argued that this would constitute "judicial lawmaking" and violate the doctrine of separation of powers.
• While CJI Chandrachud and Justice Kaul advocated for civil unions for same-sex couples, they were in the minority. A civil union grants legal recognition to same-sex couples, offering them specific rights and responsibilities akin to marriage. However, it does not have the same status in personal law.
• The minority view, articulated by CJI Chandrachud and supported by Justice Kaul, emphasized that the right to form unions stems from fundamental rights like freedom of speech and expression, as well as the right to life. They asserted that same-sex couples in civil unions should be entitled to a range of rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples.
•  All five judges acknowledged the government's commitment to forming a high-level Cabinet committee to explore the rights that can be granted to non-heterosexual couples. This includes issues such as joint bank accounts, spousal beneficiary rights for provident funds, pensions, inheritance, and the ability to make medical decisions for one another.
• The minority view, represented by CJI Chandrachud and Justice Kaul, struck down specific guidelines set by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) that prohibited same-sex or unmarried couples from jointly adopting a child.

GENOME MAPPING

1. Context

2. Human Genome Project (HGP)

• One of the most comprehensive genome mapping projects in the world is the Human Genome Project (HGP), which began in 1990 and reached completion in 2003.
• The international project, which was coordinated by the National Institutes of Health and the US Department of Energy, was undertaken with the aim of sequencing the human genome and identifying the genes that contain it.
• The project was able to identify the locations of many human genes and provide information about their structure and organization.

3. Genome Mapping

• Gene mapping refers to the technique used to identify a gene's location and distance between genes.
• The distances between various sites inside a gene can also be described through gene mapping.
• Placing several molecular markers at specific locations on the genome is the fundamental element of all genome mapping.
• There are many types of molecular markers. When creating genome maps, genes can be observed as a particular class of genetic markers mapped similarly to other markers.

4. Types of Gene Mapping

• Genetic linkage maps and physical maps are the two main categories of "Maps" used in gene mapping.
• Both maps consist of genetic markers and gene loci. While physical maps involve actual physical distances, often measured in a number of base pairs, distances of genetic maps are based on genetic linkage information.
• There are many gene mapping methods, including comparative, physical, and genetic-linkage mapping. However, physical, and genetic-linkage mapping are more common.

5. What does genome mapping tell us?

• According to the Human Genome Project, there are estimated to be over 20,500 human genes.
• Genome refers to an organism's complete set of DNA, which includes all its genes, and mapping these genes simply means finding out the location of these genes in a chromosome.
• In humans, each cell consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46 chromosomes, which means that for 23 pairs of chromosomes in each cell, there are roughly 20,500 genes located on them.
• Some of the genes are lined up in a row on each chromosome, while others are lined up quite close to one another and this arrangement might affect the way they are inherited.
• For Example, if the genes are placed sufficiently close together, there is a probability that they get inherited as a pair.
• Genome mapping, therefore, essentially means figuring out the location of a specific gene on a particular region of the chromosome and also determining the location of relative distances between other genes on that chromosome.
• Significantly, genome mapping enables scientists to gather evidence if a disease transmitted from the parent to the child is linked to one or more genes.
• Furthermore, mapping also helps in determining the particular chromosome which contains that gene and the location of that gene in the chromosome.
• According to the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), genome maps have been used to find out genes that are responsible for relatively rare, single-gene inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
• Genetic maps may also point out scientists to the genes that play a role in more common disorders and diseases such as asthma, cancer, and heart disease among others.

6. Why it is more important?

• A complete human genome makes it easier to study genetic variation between individuals or between populations.
• A genome refers to all of the genetic material in an organism, and the human genome is mostly the same in all people, but a very small part of the DNA does vary between one individual and another.
• By constructing a complete human genome, scientists can use it for reference while studying the genome of various individuals, which would help them understand which variations, if any, might be responsible for the disease.

7. What was missing?

• The genetic sequence made available in 2003 from the Human Genome Project, an international collaboration between 1990 and 2003, contained information from a region of the human genome known as the euchromatin.
• Here, the chromosome is rich in genes, and the DNA encodes for protein. The 8% that was left out was in the area called heterochromatin. This is a smaller portion of the genome and does not produce protein. 
• There were at least two key reasons why heterochromatin was given lower priority. This part of the genome was thought to be “junk DNA” because it had no clear function.
• Besides, the euchromatin contained more genes that were simpler to sequence with the tools available at the time.
• Now, the fully sequenced genome is the result of the efforts of a global collaboration called the Telomere-2- Telomere (T2T) project.
• The invention of new methods of DNA sequencing and computational analysis helped complete the reading of the remaining 8% of the genome. 

8. What is in the 8%?

• The new reference genome, called T2TCHM13, includes highly repetitive DNA sequences found in and around the telomeres (structures at the ends of chromosomes) and the centromeres (at the middle section of each chromosome).
• The new sequence also reveals long stretches of DNA that are duplicated in the genome and are known to play important roles in evolution and disease.
• The fact that the sequences are repetitive is enlightening. The findings have revealed a large number of genetic variations, and these variations appear in large part within these repeated sequences.
• A significant amount of human genetic material turns out to be long, repetitive sections that occur over and over.
• Although every human has some repeats, not everyone has the same number of them. And the difference in the number of repeats is where most of the human genetic variation is found,” the University of Connecticut said in a press release.
• Many of the newly revealed regions have important functions in the genome even if they do not include active genes. 

Previous year Question

1. With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? (UPSC 2017) 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: D

 

Source: The Indian Express

 

MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE

1. Context

It is a strategic imperative and in enlightened consumer self-interest to make our farmers farm today, tomorrow and beyond. The world cannot feed us; only we can, Should there be a minimum support price (MSP) guarantee, legal or otherwise, for crops produced by farmers? Two decades or less from now, we wouldn’t be debating this at all!

2. What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

• MSP is the minimum price a farmer must pay for their food grains as guaranteed by the government. They are recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
• The CACP submits its recommendations to the government in the form of Price Policy Reports every year.
• After considering the report and views of the state governments and also keeping in view the overall demand and supply situation in the country, the central government takes the final decision.
• The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal agency for procurement along with State agencies, at the beginning of the sowing season.

The minimum support price (MSP) is set for 23 crops every year. They include:

• 7 cereals (paddy, wheat, maize, bajra, jowar, ragi, and barley)
• 5 pulses (chana, tur/arhar, moong, urad, and Masur)
• 7 oilseeds (rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, soya bean, sunflower, sesamum, safflower, and Enigerseed) and
• 4 commercial crops (sugarcane, cotton, copra, and raw jute).

3. How MSP is Calculated?

• MSP, presently, is based on a formula of 1.5 times the production costs.
• The CACP projects three kinds of production costs for every crop, both at state and all-India average levels.
• A2 covers all paid-out costs directly incurred by the farmer — in cash and kind — on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, hired labour, leased-in land, fuel, irrigation, etc.
• A2+FL includes A2 plus an imputed value of unpaid family labour.
• C2: Estimated land rent and the cost of interest on the money taken for farming are added to A2 and FL.
• Farm unions are demanding that a comprehensive cost calculation (C2) must also include capital assets and the rentals and interest forgone on owned land, as recommended by the National Commission for Farmers.

4. The issue with the calculation of MSP

• To calculate MSP, the government uses A2+FL cost. The criticism of A2+FL is that it doesn’t cover all costs and that a more representative measure, C2, needs to be used.
• For example, in the 2017-18 rabi season, CACP data shows that C2 for wheat was 54% higher than A2+FL.
• The Swaminathan Commission also stated that the MSP should be based on the comprehensive cost of production, which is the C2 method.

5. Key Points about the Farmer's Demand

• After the recent decision to repeal three contentious farm laws, protesting farmer unions are now pressing for their demand of the legalization of the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• They want a legal guarantee for the MSP, which at present is just an indicative or a desired price.
• Legalising MSPs would put the government under a legal obligation to buy every grain of the crops for which MSPs have been announced.
• At present, the PM has announced the formation of a committee to make MSP more transparent, as well as to change crop patterns and to promote zero-budget agriculture which would reduce the cost of production.
• The entire issue of enforcing MSP legally is a tricky, complicated, and multidimensional one, involving lots of factors.
• Core demand: MSP based on a C2+50% formula should be made a legal entitlement for all agricultural produce. This would mean a 34% increase in the latest MSP for paddy and a 13% increase for wheat. MSP should also be extended to fruit and vegetable farmers who have been excluded from benefits so far.

6. The rationale behind the demand for legislation of MSP

• Farmers receive less than MSP: In most crops grown across much of India, the prices received by farmers, especially during harvest time, are well below the officially declared MSPs. And since MSPs have no statutory backing, they cannot demand these as a matter of right.
• Limited procurement by the Govt: Also, the actual procurement at MSP by the Govt. is confined to only about a third of wheat and rice crops (of which half is bought in Punjab and Haryana alone), and 10%-20% of select pulses and oilseeds. According to the Shanta Kumar Committee’s 2015 report, only 6% of the farm households sell wheat and rice to the government at the MSP rates.

7. Challenges associated with MSP

• Protest by Farmers: Farm unions have been protesting for more than six months on Delhi's outskirts, demanding legislation to guarantee MSP for all farmers for all crops and a repeal of three contentious farm reform laws.
• MSP and Inflation: When announcing the MSP, inflation should be taken into account. But often the price is not increased up to the mark. For example, this time MSP for Maize has not even considered inflation then how it will benefit farmers! Also, frequent increases in the MSPs can lead to inflation too.
• High Input Costs: The input costs have been rising faster than sale prices, squeezing the meagre income of the small farmers and driving them into debt.
• Lack of Mechanism: No mechanism guarantees that every farmer can get at least the MSP as the floor price in the market. So proper mechanisms need to be fixed for all times to come.
• Restriction in Europe: Even after producing surplus grains, every year a huge portion of these grains gets rotten. This is due to the restrictions under WTO norms, that grain stocks with the FCI (being heavily subsidized due to MSP) cannot be exported.

 

For Prelims: Minimum Support Price, Rabi Crops, WTO, Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, Food Corporation of India For Mains: 1. Explain the concept of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India. How is MSP determined, and what is its role in ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce? (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. In the case of all cereals, pulses, and oil seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India. 2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2   Answer: D   2. Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past? (UPSC CSE, 2020) (1) Minimum Support Price (2) Government’s trading (3) Government’s stockpiling (4) Consumer subsidies Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4   Answer: D   3. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (UPSC GS1, 2020) (1) Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops (2) Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (3) Social Capital development (4) Free electricity supply to farmers (5) Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system (6) Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 2, 3 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6   Answer: C   4. The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the (UPSC CSE, 2015) (a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture (d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee   Answer: A

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

EL NINO AND LA NINA

 

 

1. Context

La Niña conditions have finally surfaced in the Pacific Ocean, the US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared on Thursday (January 9).

 

2.What are El Niño and La Nina?

 

• El Niño and La Niña, translating to “little boy” and “little girl” in Spanish, are climatic events arising from interactions between the ocean and atmosphere. They influence water temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, thereby affecting global weather patterns.
• The Earth's rotation from east to west causes winds between 30 degrees north and south of the equator to tilt in their paths. This results in winds flowing southwest in the northern hemisphere and northwest in the southern hemisphere, a phenomenon known as the Coriolis Effect.
• Consequently, trade winds blow westward on either side of the equator. Typically, these winds move west from South America towards Asia, leading to upwelling, where cold water from beneath the ocean surface rises, replacing warmer surface waters.
• Occasionally, weakened trade winds shift back towards South America, preventing upwelling. This leads to warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific Ocean, marking the onset of El Niño conditions.
• In contrast, during La Niña, stronger trade winds push warm water towards Asia, enhancing upwelling and bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to South America.
• Thus, El Niño and La Niña represent opposite phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which also includes a neutral phase.
• El Niño events are more common than La Niña ones, occurring every two to seven years when neutral ENSO conditions are disrupted by either phase. Recently, La Niña conditions were observed from 2020 to 2023

3.How could the incoming La Nina impact global weather?

 

• Due to ENSO and the associated changes in ocean temperatures, air circulation in the region is also influenced. This, in turn, affects precipitation levels in nearby areas and has an impact on the Indian monsoon.
• The current El Niño event, which started last June, has weakened considerably. It is anticipated that by June, neutral ENSO conditions will be in place. Following this, La Niña conditions are expected to develop, potentially starting to have an impact by August

4.La Nina’s impact on the world

• Like India, countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and their neighbors experience abundant rainfall during a La Niña year. This year, Indonesia has already experienced flooding.
• Conversely, droughts are common in the southern parts of North America, where winters tend to be warmer than usual.
• Canada and the northwestern coast of the United States face heavy rainfall and flooding. Southern Africa experiences above-average rainfall, while the eastern regions of the continent receive below-average rainfall.
• ENSO significantly influences hurricane activity over the Atlantic Ocean, with La Niña years typically seeing an increase in hurricanes. For example, in the La Niña year of 2021, the Atlantic Ocean saw a record 30 hurricanes

5.Is climate change affecting ENSO?

• In India, El Niño is known to reduce southwest monsoon rainfall, leading to higher temperatures and more intense heatwaves, as seen this summer.
• Historically, monsoon seasons following an El Niño, such as in 1982-1983 and 1987-1988, saw abundant rainfall in 1983 and 1988. A similar pattern may occur this year.
• From 2020 to 2023, the longest La Niña event of the century took place. This was followed by ENSO neutral conditions, which transitioned to El Niño by June 2023.
• However, El Niño has been weakening since last December. According to Rajeevan, this rapid shift to La Niña is a natural occurrence and has happened many times in the past.
• Scientists suggest that climate change will impact the ENSO cycle. Various studies indicate that global warming may alter the average oceanic conditions in the Pacific Ocean, leading to more frequent El Niño events.
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also predicts that climate change will likely affect the intensity and frequency of extreme weather and climate events associated with El Niño and La Niña

 

For Prelims: Indian and World Geography  For Mains: GS-I, GS-III: Important Geophysical phenomena and environment

 

 

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM (WEF)

 

 

1. Context

 

55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, set to take place from January 20-24, 2025, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, will shine a spotlight on India's remarkable progress

 

2.World Economic Forum

 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization that was founded in 1971. It is a Swiss nonprofit foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland. The WEF is best known for its annual meeting in Davos, a mountain resort in Switzerland, which brings together political leaders, business executives, academics, and other influential figures from around the world to discuss and collaborate on global issues

The World Economic Forum (WEF) was founded by Professor Klaus Schwab. He established the organization in 1971, and the first meeting of the WEF took place in Davos, Switzerland, in that same year. Klaus Schwab, a German economist and engineer, envisioned the WEF as a platform where business leaders, politicians, academics, and other stakeholders could come together to discuss and collaborate on global economic issues.

Over the years, the World Economic Forum has grown into a prominent international organization, hosting annual meetings in Davos that attract a diverse group of participants from various sectors. The WEF has played a significant role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among leaders to address global challenges and shape economic policies

3. What is the Purpose of the World Economic Forum (WEF)?

 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has several key purposes, and its mission is to improve the state of the world. The organization aims to achieve this mission through various activities and initiatives:

• The WEF provides a platform for leaders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to engage in open and constructive dialogue. The goal is to foster a shared understanding of global challenges and to encourage collaboration in finding innovative solutions
• The WEF seeks to promote cooperation and collaboration among different stakeholders, including governments, businesses, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, to address global challenges. These challenges include economic issues, social inequality, environmental sustainability, and technological disruptions
• Through its meetings, reports, and initiatives, the WEF aims to shape global agendas by identifying key issues and trends that impact the world economy and society. The organization strives to provide insights and recommendations to inform decision-makers and influence policy development
• The WEF is committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth. It addresses issues related to social inclusion, gender equality, and environmental stewardship, advocating for policies that benefit a broad spectrum of society
• The WEF emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. It believes that effective solutions to global challenges often require coordinated efforts and partnerships between governments and businesses
• The WEF serves as a hub for thought leadership, bringing together experts and leaders to share ideas and insights on a wide range of topics. It contributes to shaping intellectual discourse on economic, social, and technological issues
• In addition to its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the WEF organizes regional meetings and initiatives to address specific challenges and opportunities in different parts of the world. This regional engagement helps tailor solutions to local contexts
• The WEF produces reports, research papers, and publications that provide in-depth analysis of global trends and challenges. These publications contribute to the understanding of complex issues and inform discussions among policymakers and business leaders

4.World Economic Forum and India

 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) engages with India through various initiatives, events, and partnerships to address economic, social, and environmental challenges.

 

Here are some aspects of the relationship between the World Economic Forum and India:

• The WEF organizes the annual India Economic Summit, which brings together leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to discuss and collaborate on key issues facing India. The summit focuses on topics such as economic growth, innovation, sustainability, and social development
• The WEF holds regional meetings around the world, and India has been a host for some of these events. These regional meetings provide a platform for addressing specific challenges and opportunities in the Indian context
• The WEF emphasizes public-private cooperation, and it works with Indian leaders and businesses to foster collaboration between the government and private sector. This collaboration aims to address challenges and promote inclusive economic growth
• The WEF publishes the Global Competitiveness Report, which assesses the competitiveness of countries based on various factors. India's performance in these reports is closely watched by policymakers and businesses to understand the country's economic strengths and areas that need improvement
• The WEF engages in various initiatives and partnerships in India. For example, it has been involved in projects related to sustainable development, digital transformation, and healthcare. These initiatives often involve collaboration between different stakeholders to find innovative solutions to complex issues
• The WEF explores the impact of emerging technologies on the global economy, and India, being a major player in the technology and innovation space, is often a focus of discussions. The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the implications of technology on industries and society are common themes in WEF discussions
• Given India's diverse population and socio-economic challenges, the WEF emphasizes the importance of inclusive growth. Discussions often revolve around strategies and policies that can ensure that economic development benefits a broad spectrum of society
• The WEF produces reports and insights specific to India, providing analysis and recommendations on issues ranging from economic development to social inclusion. These reports contribute to informed decision-making by policymakers and business leaders in the country

5.Reports released by World Economic Forum

 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) regularly releases reports on various global issues, providing insights, analysis, and recommendations for policymakers, business leaders, and the public.

 

Some of the notable reports released by the WEF include:

 

• Global Competitiveness Report: The WEF's Global Competitiveness Report assesses the competitiveness of countries based on a range of factors, including infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, health, education, innovation, and more. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the global economic landscape.

• Global Risks Report: The Global Risks Report, published annually by the WEF, identifies and analyzes the most significant risks facing the world. It covers economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal, and technological risks, highlighting potential challenges that may impact global stability.

• Global Gender Gap Report: This report assesses gender disparities in various countries, focusing on economic participation, educational attainment, health outcomes, and political empowerment. It aims to raise awareness about gender inequality and provide a basis for addressing these disparities.

• The Future of Jobs Report: The WEF's Future of Jobs Report explores the impact of technological developments, automation, and other trends on the global job market. It examines the skills required for the future and the potential transformations in industries and occupations.

• Global Information Technology Report: This report assesses the state of information and communication technology (ICT) around the world. It examines the readiness of countries to adopt and benefit from ICT, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth and social development.

• Global Enabling Trade Report: Focusing on trade and its facilitation, this report assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of trade policies and infrastructure in various countries. It aims to identify areas for improvement to promote smoother international trade.

• The Human Capital Report: This report evaluates countries based on their investments in human capital, including education and healthcare. It highlights the importance of human capital development for economic growth and competitiveness.

• Inclusive Development Index: The Inclusive Development Index assesses the inclusiveness of economic growth by considering factors such as income inequality, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. It provides insights into how well countries are translating economic growth into improved well-being for their citizens

6. Way forward

 

WEF has made significant contributions to global dialogue and collaboration, it has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that it is an exclusive gathering of elites, and concerns have been raised about the influence of corporate interests. Despite these criticisms, the WEF remains a prominent international organization committed to addressing global issues through dialogue and collaboration.

 

For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance For Mains: General Studies II:Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the (UPSC CSE 2019) A.International Monetary Fund B.United Nations Conference on Trade and Development C.World Economic Forum D.World Bank   Answer (C)

Source: indianexpress

 

GROUNDWATER

1. Context

Government initiatives such as JalShaktiAbhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, the National Aquifer Mapping Program, and many others are driving transformative changes in water management

2. Groundwater Extraction in India

• Groundwater extraction in India is a significant issue due to the high dependence on groundwater for agriculture, industry, and domestic purposes.
• India is the largest user of groundwater globally, accounting for about 25% of the total global groundwater extraction.
• Excessive groundwater pumping has led to a decline in water tables in many parts of the country, causing issues like water scarcity and depletion of aquifers.
• Agriculture accounts for the majority of groundwater usage in India, with farmers relying on tube wells and bore wells for irrigation.
• Rapid urbanization and industrialization have also contributed to increased groundwater extraction.
• Unregulated and unsustainable groundwater extraction practices have resulted in the depletion of groundwater resources and the intrusion of saline water in coastal areas.
• The government has implemented measures to regulate groundwater usage, such as promoting rainwater harvesting, encouraging efficient irrigation practices, and implementing groundwater management plans.
• The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) monitors and regulates groundwater extraction in over-exploited areas.
• Sustainable management of groundwater resources is crucial for ensuring long-term water security in India.

3. Polar Motion and Shifting Axis

• Earth's axis and poles naturally shift due to changes in mass distribution, known as "polar motion."
• Rocks circulating in Earth's mantle and other factors cause the planet's mass to shift, leading to a change in the position of the rotational axis.
• The shift of the axis can vary by several meters in a year, according to recent research.
• Human activities, including climate change, also impact polar motion.
• Climate-driven changes in water mass distribution, such as melting glaciers and ice in Greenland, can cause the axis to drift.
• Studies have shown that climate change has been causing the rotational axis to shift more than usual since the 1990s.

4. Factors Affecting Earth's Axis

• Researchers, led by Ki-Weon Seo, used 17 years of observational data and a computer model to investigate the factors influencing Earth's rotation of the axis.
• Initially, their predictions did not match the observed level of shift in previous years.
• The team considered various data, including atmospheric pressure, ocean bottom pressure, reservoirs, polar ice, glaciers, wind, currents, and groundwater.
• When groundwater effects were included, the estimated spin axis variations aligned well with observations.
• The study found that the redistribution of groundwater had the largest impact on the drift of the rotational pole.
• Groundwater extraction in North America and northwestern India, located at Earth's mid-latitudes, significantly influenced polar motion compared to extraction at the poles or equator.

5. Impact of Groundwater Extraction

• Ki-Weon Seo explained that mass changes at the equator or poles do not affect the rotational pole; instead, the rotational pole change is linked to the moment of inertia of the Earth, which is sensitive to midlatitude mass change.
• Groundwater extraction for irrigation and freshwater demands plays a significant role.
• Seo and his team confirmed that groundwater extraction contributes to global sea level rise.
• Their calculations aligned with previous research, which estimated that groundwater extraction raised global sea levels by 6.24mm between 1993 and 2010.
• The water extracted from the ground eventually finds its way into the oceans, impacting sea levels.

For Prelims: Groundwater extraction, Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), Rapid urbanization, Polar motion, Earth's axis, Global sea level. For Mains: 1. Discuss the challenges and consequences of groundwater extraction in India. What are the key factors contributing to excessive groundwater pumping, and how does it impact water security and sustainability? (250 words).

 

Previous Year Questions 1. With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements : (UPSC 2021) 1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater. 2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: B   2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020) 1. 36% of India's districts are classified as "overexploited" or "critical" by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). 2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act. 3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1 and 3 only Answer: B   3. Consider the following statements: 1. On the planet Earth, the freshwater available for use amounts to less than 1% of the total water found. 2. Of the total freshwater found on the planet Earth 95% is bound up in polar ice caps and glaciers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: A

Source: The Indian Express