Prelims Focussed Short News

1. Mission Mausam: India’s Weather and Climate Readiness

Introduction:

The Union Cabinet recently approved Mission Mausam, with an allocation of ₹2,000 crores over the next two years (2024-26). The mission is designed to make India “Weather Ready” and “Climate Smart,” focusing on enhancing the country's ability to forecast weather and mitigate climate impacts.

Key Features of Mission Mausam:

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences
• Implementing Agencies:
• India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
• Technological Upgrades:
• 50 Doppler Weather Radars (DWR)
• 60 Radio Sonde/Radio Wind stations
• 10 Wind Profilers, 25 Radiometers, and 1 Urban Testbed.
• High-performance computers (HPC) for better atmospheric modeling.
• Objectives:
• Enhance weather observation and modeling systems.
• Implement next-generation weather and climate prediction technologies.
• Improve forecasting capabilities through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Significance:

The mission will significantly boost India’s capabilities to handle climate risks, improve weather forecasting, and enhance disaster management, making the country better prepared for extreme weather events. The use of cutting-edge technologies will enable more precise forecasts, crucial for sectors like agriculture, aviation, and urban planning.

2. Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM)

Introduction:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Navy, successfully tested the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM). This indigenously developed missile aims to replace older missile systems onboard Indian Navy warships.

Key Details:

• Range: 80 km
• Maximum Altitude: 16 km
• Speed: Mach 4.5
• Guidance Technology: Fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance during mid-course and active radar homing during the terminal phase.
• VLS Configuration: Twin quad-pack canisters can hold up to 40 missiles.

Significance:

The VLSRSAM is designed to neutralize aerial threats, including sea-skimming targets, and provides a crucial upgrade to the Indian Navy's defensive capabilities. It is a major step towards India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in defense production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

3. G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting: Global Cooperation on Agriculture

Introduction:

India participated in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting, held in Cuiabá, Brazil. The meeting focused on enhancing international cooperation in agriculture to address issues such as food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate change adaptation.

Key Focus Areas:

• Sustainability: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• International Trade: Enhancing the role of trade in ensuring global food security.
• Inclusiveness: Supporting family farmers, smallholders, and indigenous communities in building resilient food systems.
• Aquaculture: Promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture integration into global value chains.

Significance:

India’s participation highlights the country’s commitment to global food security and the sustainable development of agriculture. As the world's largest producer of several agricultural commodities, India plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of international agricultural cooperation.

4. Herpetofauna Survey in Grass Hills and Karian Shola National Parks

Introduction:

A preliminary herpetofauna survey was conducted in the Grass Hills National Park and Karian Shola National Park in Tamil Nadu. The survey revealed a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.

Key Findings:

• Grass Hills National Park: Identified 11 reptile species and 12 amphibian species.
• Karian Shola National Park: Identified 9 reptile species and 22 amphibian species.
• Endemic Species: Nearly 85% of the species recorded are endemic to the Western Ghats.
• Notable Species: Critically endangered species like the Anaimalai Flying Frog and newly described species such as the Cnemaspis anaimalaiensis.

Significance:

The findings of the survey underline the ecological significance of the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most biodiversity-rich regions. This highlights the need for conservation efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems, which are home to several endangered species.

5. Poltava, Ukraine: Devastation from Ballistic Missile Strikes

Introduction:

In a recent incident, Russia launched two ballistic missiles that struck the Ukrainian city of Poltava, resulting in the deaths of 49 people and widespread destruction.

Key Details:

• Location: Poltava is located in east-central Ukraine, along the Vorskla River, approximately 300 km east of Kyiv.
• Historical Significance: Poltava was the site of a historic battle in 1709, where Peter the Great defeated Charles XII of Sweden.
• Modern Context: The city suffered severe damage during World War II and has been rebuilt since.

Significance:

The missile attack on Poltava highlights the ongoing devastation caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Such incidents exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and underscore the pressing need for diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict.

Conclusion:

Each of these news items represents significant developments in defense, environmental conservation, global cooperation, and conflict dynamics. From advancing India’s weather forecasting capabilities to boosting its defense self-reliance and addressing critical global agricultural issues, these topics are crucial for understanding India’s current and future challenges. The human and environmental impacts of conflict and the need for preserving biodiversity in ecologically sensitive regions are also highlighted, emphasizing the global interconnectedness of these issues.

Conceptual statement-based MCQs

1. Mission Mausam: India’s Weather and Climate Readiness

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Mission Mausam':

1.     Mission Mausam is aimed at making India 'weather ready' and 'climate smart.'

2.     It involves the installation of advanced Doppler weather radars and AI-driven weather forecasting technologies.

3.     The mission is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

2. Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM)

Q2. Which of the following statements regarding the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) is/are correct?

1.     VLSRSAM has a range of 80 km and is capable of engaging aerial targets at a maximum altitude of 16 km.

2.     The missile employs fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance for mid-course corrections and active radar homing during the terminal phase.

3.     The VLSRSAM is a joint collaboration between DRDO and ISRO to develop a versatile space defense system.

Select the correct answer using the code below:

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

3. G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting:

1.     The meeting focused on promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security.

2.     It emphasized supporting family farmers and smallholders to build resilient food systems.

3.     The meeting was hosted by India as part of its G20 presidency in 2024.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

4. Herpetofauna Survey in Grass Hills and Karian Shola National Parks

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Herpetofauna Survey conducted in Grass Hills and Karian Shola National Parks:

1.     The survey identified several species of reptiles and amphibians, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats.

2.     Grass Hills National Park reported a higher number of amphibian species than Karian Shola National Park.

3.     The survey found that more than 80% of the species recorded are critically endangered.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 only

5. Poltava, Ukraine: Devastation from Ballistic Missile Strikes

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Poltava in Ukraine:

1.     Poltava is located along the Vorskla River, east of Kyiv.

2.     The city is known for its historic significance as the site of a famous battle between Peter the Great and Charles XII of Sweden in 1709.

3.     Poltava was largely unaffected during World War II.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only