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2021-10-21 22:28:53 Open / Comment

2021-10-21 22:28:31 Open / Comment

2021-10-21 22:28:09 Open / Comment

2021-10-21 22:27:47 With reference to Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which of the following is/are true?
1. It is low pressure zone where winds from tropics converge.
2. It raises upto 14km in troposphere and reaches land surfaces near equator as Easterlies.
3. It is zone of convergence of easterlies from either side of the equator. Open / Comment

2021-10-21 21:46:44 *Tackling the climate crisis*

Relevance: To understand the climate crisis. 
Synopsis: The climate crisis and the steps needed to be taken in this regard in light of the recent IPCC report. 

Introduction 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has recently published its Sixth Assessment Report. Working Group of the report has strongly expressed demand for climate action. 

Why is there a need for action? 

Globally: According to the IPCC report, the past decade (2011-2020) was warmer by 1.09°C than the period from 1850 to 1900, and the1.5°C global warming threshold is likely to be breached soon. 
India specific crisis– IPCC report warns India against more intense heat waves, heavy monsoons and rise in weather extremes in the future.  
The Global Climate Risk Index (2021) ranked India the seventh-most affected country by weather extremes. 

What are the actions taken by India for ‘mitigation’ of the climate crisis? 

India is targeting 450 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and it has launched mega solar and green hydrogen missions. 
The Shoonya programme by NITI Aayog, which aims to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles. 

What is the need of the hour? 

Initiatives such as National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the ‘National Adaptation Fund’ has been taken among others. 
A breakthrough on adaptation and resilience actions is needed to save developmental gains and adjust to new climate conditions. 
A development-centric approach that aligns climate change, food security, and livelihood perspectives and takes into consideration regional specificities is crucial for reducing poverty and distress migrations. 

What are the steps needed to be taken by India? 

High-quality meteorological data: With improved early warning systems and forecasting, the crisis can be tackled better. Premier research institutes can be roped in to develop regional climate projections for robust risk assessments. 
Well-functioning markets: For sustainable production systems, it is necessary to develop well-functioning markets for environmentally friendly products and disseminate them for the desired behavioural change. 
Private sector participation: For investment in adaptation technologies and for designing and implementing innovative climate services and solutions in areas such as agriculture, health, infrastructure, insurance and risk management. 
There is a need to protect mangroves and forests to address climate-related risks by blending traditional knowledge with scientific evidence and encourage local and non-state actors to actively participate. 
Social protection schemes should be climate-sensitive to enhance the adaptive capacity of rural households. 
Effective feedback mechanisms- for continuous monitoring and evaluation, effective feedback mechanisms must be developed for mid-course correction. 
A more collaborative approach towards climate change adaptation is crucial. Adaptation planning requires governance at different levels to understand, plan, coordinate, integrate and act to reduce vulnerability and exposure.  Open / Comment

2021-10-21 15:35:52 Open / Comment

2021-10-21 15:35:31 Open / Comment

2021-10-21 15:35:08 Open / Comment

2021-10-21 15:34:37 Open / Comment

2021-10-21 15:30:47 *The founder of a Mini India*

Relevance: To understand the contributions of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Synopsis: As India seeks to embark on an inclusive development agenda, it is important to recognize the role of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan.

Introduction

Recently Aligarh Muslim University completed 100 years of its foundation. Its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was born on October 17, 1817. His focus was on utilizing education as a tool to build an inclusive society and a progressive nation.

How did he use education as a tool for empowerment?

He believed that National progress depends on the education and training of the people. So we must create a national system of education to educate our people in science and technology.
He welcomed everyone in his fight against illiteracy. He wanted to unshackle Hindus and Muslims from medieval thinking towards reason and progress.

How does India know that he promoted inter-faith harmony?

He was living in the era of Hindu Muslim tension being promoted by the British. It was an era of transition where Muslims were left behind as they were still struggling with the debate of religion vs science.
But he was a true advocate of Hindu Muslim unity. Sir Syed led this by example. During the Bismillah ceremony of his grandson Ross Masood, Sir Syed placed him in the lap of his friend Raja Jai Kishan Das. When Sir Syed established a madrasa in Ghazipur, he elected Raja Dev Narayan Singh as patron of the school. Sanskrit was one of the five languages taught at this school. The managing committee of MAO College comprised 22 members of whom nine were Hindus.
Sir Syed also laid the foundation of comparative religious studies and revived the spirit of Dara Shikoh’s philosophy — to bring major communities of India together by finding commonalities in their religions. Section 5 (2)(b) of the AMU Act empowers the university to promote the study of religions, civilization and culture of India.
What can people learn from Sir Syed?
When India emphasizes the principles of ‘nation first’ and ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’,. Indians should remember that Sir Syed established AMU with a rational, progressive and scientific mindset. So, the country should also move towards such a mindset. Open / Comment