Prelims: Environment (Invasive Species)
Mains: General Studies III – Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Why in News
An invasive weed, Cuscuta Dodder native to North America, is slowly choking the Chengalpet forests and Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, threatening the local vegetation, ecology and habitat of migratory birds.
About
Cuscuta Dodder :
- Parasitic Nature: It is a parasitic vine devoid of roots, already infesting acres of trees in reserve forests and beginning to spread within India’s oldest bird sanctuary.
- Originated from Native North America.
Key Facts 🗝️
Other Invasive species :
- Senna spectabilis
- Lantana camara
- Wattle
- Eucalyptus
- Water Hyacinth
- It is holoparasitic plant, it forms a canopy on the host plant and extends thousands of tendrils, eventually forming a dense spectacle before strangling and killing the host.
- It is listed as a ‘declared noxious weed’ in 25 countries, with seeds and plant material restricted from entry. In the United States, it is the only weed seed whose movement is prohibited in every state.
- The seeds of Cuscuta are noted for their durability, surviving up to 50 years in dry storage and at least 10 years in the field. Unlike root parasites, Cuscuta seeds do not require a specific stimulant to induce germination.
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
- Oldest bird sanctuary in India, located in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu.
- It was established in 1798 by the Nawab of Carnatic and officially declared a bird sanctuary in 1930.
- Common birds in the sactuary – painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, cormorants, darters, egrets, herons, ibises, spoonbills
- The Palar River passes near the sanctuary and provides a source of water for the lake.
Source: New Indian Express
UPSC CSE Exams Corner
Prelims: PYQ related to Topic
Q . Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?
(a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
(b) The United Nations Environment Programme
(c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
(d) The World Wide Fund for Nature
Ans : a. The International Union for Conservation of Nature
Prelims: Geography – Minerals
Mains: General Studies I– Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
Recent reference to News
India’s copper import dependency and domestic copper demand
Key Facts 🗝️
- Copper prices are linked to three things : demand/supply scenario, money market and the speculative environment.
- Copper is critical for the clean energy transition and that’s very evident in markets like China and Europe.
- Copper growth in the world is still 3 to 4 percent.
- It has been included in list of critical minerals.
- India imports more than 90% of the Copper.
About
Copper:
- It is non-ferrous metal
- Found in – both ancient and younger rock formations as veins and bedded deposits.
- Ores : Chalcopyrite, copper sulfide, and basic carbonates
- Uses – electrical industry for making wires, electric motors, transformers and generators. Copper is resistant to corrosion and does not rust
- Deposits –
- Singhbhum district in Jharkhand,
- Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh
- Jhunjhunu and Alwar districts in Rajasthan.
- Other producers of copper –
- Agnigundala in Guntur District,
- Andhra Pradesh, Chitradurg
- Hasan districts, Karnataka and South Arcot district, Tamil Nadu.
- Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, followed by Peru. Other copper-producing countries include the USA, Canada, and Australia
Critical minerals
- Minerals that are essential for economic development and national security, the lack of availability of these minerals or concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations may lead to supply chain vulnerabilities and even disruption of supplies.
- Electronics, telecommunications , defense industries rely on these minerals.
- India heavily relies on imports for critical minerals like lithium and nickel, with 100% import reliance for lithium and nickel, and 93% for copper.
Source: IE
UPSC CSE Exam Corner
Prelims: PYQ related to Topic
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 only
Ans : b. 2 and 3 only
Explaination :
- In copper smelting process, first, the carbon (C) combusts with oxygen (O2) in the air to produce carbon monoxide (CO). Second, the carbon monoxide reacts with the ore and removes one of its oxygen atoms, releasing carbon dioxide. Hence, it does not release lethal quantity of CO in the environment.
- Copper smelters emit staggering amounts of toxic pollution i.e., lead, arsenic and selenium. These heavy metals and particulate matter from copper smelters contaminate the environment downwind and downstream.
- Copper smelters are the largest source of sulphur oxides (SOx) and trace elements. Suspended particles have a pollution scope of 2-3 km, while Sulphur dioxide has a range of as much as 15 km.
Mains: PYQ/ Related Question
Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. (150 words)
Prelims: Economy – Banking (UPI), Digital Payments System
Mains: General Studies III – Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Why in News
Prime Minister along with President of Sri Lanka and Prime Minister of Mauritius jointly inaugurated the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
📌 FYI On Prelims:
- List of countries that officially support UPI payment:
- Sri Lanka
- Mauritius
- France
- UAE
- Singapore
- Bhutan
- Nepal
- Bhutan was one of the first countries to adopt UPI payments outside India back in 2021Also Bhutan is also one of the first countries to adopt and issue RuPay bank cards.
- France is one of the first countries in the Europian region to access UPI payments.
- Srilanka and Mauritius are the latest islands to adopt India’s UPI payment system.
About
UPI (Unified Payment Interface)
- UPI is a mobile-first payment system developed in India by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016.
- Unlike most digital payment systems, the amount gets directly debited to the linked bank account.
- can be used on BHIM, a first-party app. It can also be accessed via third-party platforms such as Google Pay, Amazon Pay, PhonePe, BharatPe etc.
- No charge is involved in UPI payment.
- UPI Lite – does not require a PIN or internet to make transactions.
- Use Outside India – YES, one needs to enable international payments on the respective apps.
Key Features:
- Single-Window System: UPI is a single window mobile payment system that eliminates the need to enter bank details or other sensitive information each time a customer initiates a transaction.
- Real-Time Payment: UPI is a real-time payment system designed to enable peer to-peer inter-bank transfers through a single two-click factor authentication process.
- Transaction Types: UPI facilitates both push (pay) and pull (receive) transactions. It even works for over the-counter or barcode payments, as well as for multiple recurring payments such as utility bills, school fees, and other subscriptions.
- Multiple Bank Accounts: You can link multiple bank accounts to the UPI platform, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Enhanced Security: UPI is a secure platform regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), ensuring the safety of your transactions.
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
- It is retail payments and settlement systems in India.
- Initiative of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)
- It is under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
- Incorporated as a “Not for Profit” Company under the provisions of Section 25 of Companies Act 1956 , currently Section 8 of Companies Act 2013.
Source: IE
UPSC CSE Corner
Prelims: PYQ’s/Related Questions
With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: (2018)
- BHIM app allows the user to transfer money to anyone with a UPI-enabled bank account.
- While a chip-pin debit card has four factors of authentication, BHIM app has only two factors of authentication.
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
Ans: a. 1 only
Explaination :
- Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is a payment app that lets you quick transactions using Unified Payments Interface (UPI). You can make direct bank payments to anyone on UPI using their UPI ID or scanning their QR with the BHIM app.
- Statement 2 is not correct: there are three levels of authentication that are required in this app. One is the device ID and mobile number, then the bank account which you are linking to this app, and the finally the UPI Pin which is needed to complete the transaction. There are three factors of authentication versus a normal net banking app or a chip pin debit card which will only have two factors of authentication
Prelims: Sci and tech (concepts), Micellar Water
Mains: General Studies III – Science and Technology– Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
Recent reference to News
Micellar water, a product found in supermarkets, chemists and bathroom cabinets around the world, is commonly used to remove make-up.
About
Micellar water
- These products contain something called micelles – clusters of molecules that are very effective at removing oily substances.
- It is used to remove make up which has combination of oil and water.
- The micelles in micellar water are formed by special molecules known as surfactants (surface active agent). These molecules looked at their hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends helps to cleanse the product
- Eg. When applied to a cotton pad, the hydrophilic heads of the micelles are attracted to the wet surface while the hydrophobic tails bind to contaminants on the skin, effectively removing them.
- Unlike harsh detergents, micellar water contains mild surfactants suitable for skin use.
Source: TH
Prelims: I.R. – Concepts, Weimar Triangle
Mains: General Studies II – Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Why in News
The governments of Poland, France and Germany vowed Monday to make Europe a security and defence power with a greater ability to back Ukraine.
About
Weimar Triangle :
- Established in 1991 in the German city of Weimar, aimed at assisting Poland’s emergence from Communist rule as a platform for political cooperation among the three nations and to identify shared fundamental interests regarding Europe’s future and to extend cross-border cooperation.
- Obj : cooperation and strengthen ties between Germany, France, and Poland. Initially focused on German-Polish reconciliation post-World War II, the group derives its name from the city of Weimar, Germany, where its inaugural meeting occurred.
- In a 10-point declaration, the ministers underscored the major responsibility the three countries shoulder for the European integration process.
Source: TH
Prelims: Polity (schemes), Electoral Bonds.
Mains: General Studies II – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
Why in News ?
In a landmark unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court on Thursday struck down as “unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary” the electoral bonds scheme.
Key Facts
SC says voters’ Right to Information under Art 19(1) about political funding is violated.
About
Why are Electoral Bonds Unconstitutional?
The court has held that the scheme is unconstitutional because:
- It violates right to information: The scheme hides the source of funding of political parties from the public, which is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a).
- It violates the principle of equality: The scheme discriminates between different political parties based on their vote share, giving an unfair advantage to the ruling party and the major opposition parties
- It violates the constitutional scheme of electoral reforms: The scheme goes against the constitutional aim of curbing corruption and criminalization of politics. The scheme is also contrary to the recommendations of various committees and commissions that have called for more transparency and disclosure in political funding.
- Lack of Proportionality between scheme and obj : The restrictions imposed by the electoral bond scheme on the right to information are disproportionate to the objectives of curbing black money in electoral financing and protecting donor privacy.
Electoral Bonds :
- The electoral bonds system was introduced in 2017 by way of a Finance bill and it was implemented in 2018.
- They serve as a means for individuals and entities to make donations to registered political parties while maintaining donor anonymity.
- State Bank of India issues the bonds in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore.
- Payable to the bearer on demand and interest-free.
- Purchased by Indian citizens or entities established in India.
- Can be bought individually or jointly with other individuals.
- Valid for 15 calendar days from the date of issue.
- Only the political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and have secured not less than 1% of the votes polled in the last general election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly, are eligible to receive electoral bonds.
