Discuss the reasons for increasing frequency of Cyclones in the

Arabian Sea, and their possible negative effects.

INTRODUCTION :- facts related to cyclones in Arabian Sea.
1. Cyclone Nisarga will be the first storm to hit Mumbai in 129 years.

2. Cyclone Nisarga is expected to make landfall between Harihareshwar near Alibaug in

Maharashtra and Daman on June 3.

3. Nisarga is the first cyclone to be named from the new list that was released in April
2020. The list of names that came into effect in 2004 ended with Amphan being the
final one.

4. Cyclone Nisarga is also the second cyclone in the Arabian Sea within a week.

5. 'Nisarga', which is currently brewing in the Arabian Sea, means nature and was
termed by India's neighbouring country -- Bangladesh.

6. Nisarga is the second cyclonic storm of the 2020 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.
The first was Cyclone Amphan, which hit West Bengal on May 20.

7. As an Arabian Sea cyclone, Nisarga is pretty rare. The Arabian Sea has a long-term
average of just one cyclone a year.

8. Cyclone Nisarga will be passing extremely close to Mumbai while it makes landfall
and so is expected to have a significant impact on the city.

9. Cyclone Nisarga is expected to cause widespread rainfall over the northern part of
India's west coast.

10. Cyclone Nisarga will bring a 'storm surge', i.e. a temporary rise in sea levels.

11. It is likely to evolve into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, which, roughly stated, is of
strength 2 on a 1-to-5 of strength of cyclones that arise in the Indian Ocean.

BODY :- The basic mechanism of monsoons is the winds getting attracted to the
low pressure areas. In SW Monsoon also, winds get attracted towards intensely
heated lands of Central Asia, Tibet, Indian Subcontinent. Bay of Bengal is said to
be warmer, for the cyclones to happen, but Arabian Sea also witnesses certain low-
pressure areas, and it is very rare for them to turn into cyclones or severe
 cyclones. But last year, Cyclone Vayu, was a severe cyclone, which delayed the
Monsoon. These cyclones,  being very agile low pressure areas when compared to
land, quickly draw the monsoonal winds towards them and sucks out all the
moisture that is present in them. Hence, a cyclone in Arabian Sea, is a severe
threat to the Indian Monsoon.

The India Meteorology Department has issued the preliminary report on Severe Cyclonic
Storm "Nisarga" over Arabian Sea during 1st-4th June, 2020. According to the report, the
salient features of the system are described below:
Brief Life History:
• The severe cyclonic storm, Nisarga originated from a Low Pressure Area which formed
over southeast & adjoining eastcentral Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep area in the early
morning of 31st May 2020.
• It intensified into deep depression over eastcentral Arabian Sea in the early morning and
into cyclonic storm “NISARGA” in the noon of 2nd June.
• Continuing to move northeastwards, it crossed Maharashtra coast close to south of Alibag
as a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) with a maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph
gusting to 130 kmph during 0700-0900 UTC (1230-1430 hrs IST) of 03rd June.
• Continuing to move northeastwards after landfall, it weakened into a cyclonic storm in the
evening over north Madhya Maharashtra and into a deep depression in the mid-night of 2nd
June 2020 over the same region.
• It lay as a low pressure area over southeast Uttar Pradesh and adjoining Bihar in the
afternoon 5th June.
• The last cyclone, which crossed Maharashtra coast was cyclonic storm, Phyan which
crossed coast on 11th Nov., 2009. Prior to the SCS, Nisarga, an SCS crossed Maharashtra
coast on 24th May, 1961. It was also the fourth cyclone crossing Maharashtra coast during
the 1961-2020.
 First information about development of low pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea was
given in the extended range outlook issued on 21st May about 10 days prior to the formation
of low pressure area over the southeast & adjoining eastcentral Arabian Sea and
Lakshadweep area on 31st May.
• First information about development of depression over southeast Arabian Sea was issued
in the tropical weather outlook and national weather forecast bulletin issued at 1200 noon of
29th May about 3 days prior to the formation of depression over southeast & adjoining
eastcentral Arabian Sea on 1st June morning.
Pre-cyclone watch: Considering the expected short life of the system and it’s intensification
into a cyclonic storm with predicted landfall over north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts
on 3rd June the Pre cyclone watch was issued for north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts
in the bulletin issued at 0830 UTC (1400 hrs IST) of 31st May, when the system was a low
pressure area over southeast and adjoining eastcentral Arabian Sea, even before the
development of depression (about 80 hours prior to landfall of SCS NISARGA). This is for
the first time that Pre cyclone watch was issued by IMD in the low pressure area stage.
Usually, the pre cyclone watch is issued from depression/deep depression stage as per the
Standard Operating
Procedure.
• Cyclone Alert: Cyclone alert was issued for north Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts in
the bulletin issued at 1150 hrs IST of 1st June, when the system was a depression over
eastcentral Arabian Sea and neighbourhood (about 50 hours prior to landfall of SCS
NISARGA).
• Cyclone Warning: Cyclone warning was issued for north Maharashtra and south Gujarat
coasts in the bulletin issued at 0900 UTC (1430 hrs IST) of 2nd June, when the system was a
cyclonic storm over eastcentral Arabian Sea (about 24 hours prior to landfall of SCS
NISARGA).
• Post landfall outlook: Post landfall outlook indicating expected severe weather over interior
districts of Maharashtra was given in the bulletin issued at 2150 hrs IST of 2nd June, when
the system was a cyclonic storm over eastcentral Arabian Sea (about 16 hours prior to
landfall of SCS NISARGA).

CONCLUSION :- From the first bulletin issued at 0330 UTC (0855 hrs IST) of 31st
May, indicating that the system would intensify into a cyclonic storm and reach north
Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts by 3rd June, till the bulletins issued on 3rd June, when
actually, the severe cyclonic storm Nisarga crossed north Maharashtra coast close to south of
Alibagh with a maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 130 kmph
between 0700-0900 UTC (Afternoon) of 03rd June, the track, landfall point & time, intensity
and associated adverse weather like heavy rainfall, gale wind and storm surge were well
predicted by IMD.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) and RSMC New Delhi duly acknowledged the
contribution from all the stake holders and disaster management agencies who contributed to
the successful monitoring, prediction and early warning service of SCS NISARGA.

 Describe the physiographic features of the Tibetan plateau. How does the
Tibetan plateau affect the weather pattern in the Indian subcontinent?
Explain. 
Introduction:
The Tibetan Plateau, also known as the Himalayan Plateau in India is a vast elevated plateau
in Central Asia  and East Asia, mostly covers parts of the India, Bhutan and China.
Body:
Physiographic features of the Tibetan plateau:
 Physiography of an area is the outcome of structure, process and the stage of
development.
 The Tibetan Plateau is usually considered the largest and highest area ever to exist
in the history of Earth. The plateau covers an area about half the size of the
contiguous United States and averages more than 5,000 meters (16,400 feet)
above sea level.
  The Tibetan Plateau is extremely important to the world’s water cycle because of
its tremendous number of glaciers. These glaciers contain the largest volume of
ice outside the poles.
 The Tibetan Plateau is surrounded by the massive mountain ranges of High-
mountain Asia. The plateau is bordered to the south by the inner Himalayan
range, to the north by the Kunlun Mountains, which separate it from the Tarim
Basin, and to the northeast by the Qilian Mountains, which separate the plateau
from the Hexi Corridor and Gobi Desert.
 The northern section of the plateau, called Qiangtang, is dotted with many
brackish lakes; its southern section contains the headwaters of the upper Indus and
Brahmaputra rivers.
 To the east and southeast the plateau gives way to the forested gorge and ridge
geography of the mountainous headwaters of the Salween, Mekong, and Yangtze
rivers in northwest Yunnan and western Sichuan (the Hengduan Mountains).
 In the west the curve of the rugged Karakoram range of northern Kashmir
embraces the plateau. The Indus River originates in the western Tibetan Plateau in
the vicinity of Lake Manasarovar.
 Other rivers that have their headwaters in the highlands are the Yangtze River
(Chang Jiang), the Huang He (Yellow River), the Mekong, the Salween, and the
Tarim.
 Grasslands are used for pasturage, and barley is grown on the plateau; forests
grow on the slopes of valleys, particularly in the south.
 The most extensive farming in Tibet takes place on the fertile plains of the
Brahmaputra River and its tributaries.
 Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is the plateau’s major centre of population, economic
activity, culture, and air and land transportation.
Tibetan plateaus effect on weather pattern  in India Subcontinent:
 Monsoons are caused by the different amplitudes of surface temperature seasonal
cycles between land and oceans. This differential warming occurs because heating
rates differ between land and water.
 Tibetan plateau is an important heating surface of the atmosphere.  Approximately
2,400,000 square kilometres (930,000 sq mi) ice sheet covered the plateau.
 Onset of the summer monsoon in the beginning of June is promoted by the
hydrodynamic effect the Himalayas and not by the thermally induced low-
pressure centre over northwest India.
 With a much lower latitude, the ice in Tibet reflects at least four times more
radiation energy per unit area into space than ice at higher latitudes. Solar heating
in late spring heats the Indian subcontinent, making it warmer than the Indian
Ocean. It also warms the Tibetan plateau that acts as an elevated heat source. This
drives southwest monsoon winds towards the Indian landmass.
 The snow-monsoon tele-connection works by altering this temperature gradient.
There is dominant effect of the Himalaya and Tibetan plateau snow on monsoon
is because of albedo, the reflectivity of snow. Increased snow cover over the
Himalaya and Tibetan plateau reflects more solar radiation, resulting in less than
normal warming of the land surface there. Consequently, the temperature gradient
decreases and monsoon winds weaken. This means they bring less moisture to
India and don’t penetrate as far north.
 The Tibetan plateau is the high level source of heat during summer time. During
southwest monsoon, a thermal anticyclone appears over Tibet, which the resultant
 formation of dynamic anti-cyclogensis. On the south side of the anticyclone, the
tropical jet stream is from.
 As a result, there is a sensible heat transfer from the elevated surfaces of the
Himalayas and Tibet to the atmosphere. Besides this, large amounts of latent heat
released by monsoon rains over India are also added to the upper troposphere
anticyclone.
 Thus the presence of Tibet Highland is very important, as it helps for the onset of
monsoon and helps to protect India from the northern cold winds.

Conclusion:
The Tibetan plateau due to its distinct and unique physiographic features plays a vital role on
the weather of Indian subcontinent and also has a geopolitical strategic significance as it is
known as the “Rooftop of the World;” Hence, more study of this plateau can also help to
tackle the emerging challenge of the global warming induced climate change.

How do oceanic currents impact the global weather pattern? Illustrate with
the help of suitable examples.  
Introduction:
The ocean covers 71 percent of the planet and holds 97 percent of its water, making the ocean
a key factor in the storage and transfer of heat energy across the globe. The movement of this
heat through ocean currents affects the regulation of global weather pattern.
Body: 
Ocean currents are located at the ocean surface and in deep water below 300 meters (984
feet). They can move water horizontally and vertically and occur on both local and global
scales.
 The ocean has an interconnected current, or circulation, system powered by wind,
tides, the Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect), the sun (solar energy), and water
density differences.
 The topography and shape of ocean basins and nearby landmasses also influence
ocean currents. These forces and physical characteristics affect the size, shape,
speed, and direction of ocean currents. Figure 1  represents the ocean currents.
Figure 1: Oceanic Currents
 There are 2 types of Ocean Currents: First one’s are Surface Currents also called
Wind-Driven Currents and the second one’s are Deep-water Currents also called
Thermohaline Currents.
 The Surface Currents are a result of the Wind-stress and are modified by Coriolis
force. deep-ocean currents are driven by differences in the water’s density, which
is controlled by temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline).
Impact on global weather pattern:
 Coastal Areas weather: Most of warm currents are found in eastern margin of
continent in lower latitude and influencing the coastal climate such as North
Atlantic drift in eastern USA, Florida current in gulf of Florida etc. So, Coastal
areas will generally have more moderate temperatures than inland areas because
of the heat capacity of the ocean.
 Fishing grounds: Places where cold currents meet warm currents are characterized
by Fog conditions which make navigation difficult. These areas are also
characterized by fishing grounds due to abundance of nutrients to support marine
 life. For instance, In E. Asia meeting of the warm Kuroshio and the cold Oyashio
current provides ideal conditions for rich fishing grounds in Japan.
 Desiccating effects: Cold current brings the temperature down and creates a
desiccating effect and foggy condition in the coastal area through which it passes.
 El-Nino and La-Nino: El-Nino is also caused due to periodic changes in cold
water current replaced by warm water currents off Peruvian coasts which affects
weather pattern of South Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
 Global Thermohaline circulation: Ocean currents act as global conveyor belts
which transfer heat from one part of the earth to another. They regulate the coastal
climate thereby indirectly regulating the vegetation, fauna and the lifestyles of the
people.
 Great ocean conveyor belt: The global conveyor belt includes both surface and
deep ocean currents that circulate the globe in a 1,000-year cycle. The global
conveyor belts circulation is the result of two simultaneous processes: warm
surface currents carrying less dense water away from the Equator toward the
poles, and cold deep ocean currents carrying denser water away from the poles
toward the Equator.
 The ocean’s global circulation system plays a key role in distributing heat energy,
regulating weather and climate, and cycling vital nutrients and gases.
 Desert: Cold current are generally found in the western margin of the continents
in lower latitudes, usually associated with the desert landforms in these latitudes
e.g. California current in western USA, Peru current in western south America etc.
 Temperature and Humidity: Warm current increases the temperature and humidity
of the coastal area through which it passes, such as the Norwegian current which
increase the temperature of the coastal areas of North Sea make the port workable
and climate cool and moist.
Here we have seen the impact of ocean currents on the global weather pattern. However, due
to global warming induced climate change the flow of ocean currents is affected in some
regions. Such as, evidence from Greenland ice cores, showed that the North Atlantic
circulation could come to an abrupt halt within the space of a century or two. Fears arose that
global warming might trigger such a switch, which could wreak serious harm.
Conclusion:
As we know that climate change is the biggest global challenge from the environmental
perspective, the knowledge of Ocean currents and their circulation can help to minimize the
negative effect of climate change and will also help to re-establish the balance of the nature. 

Which parts of the world are most prone to floods? With the help of
suitable examples, explain the most common physiographic features that
cause flooding of a place. 
Introduction:
Floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster and occur when an overflow of water
submerges land that is usually dry. Floods are often caused by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt
or a storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami in coastal areas.
Body: 
The flood prone areas are well scattered in different parts of the country, ranging from the
heavy rainfall areas to the scanty rainfall areas. According to the ‘Coastal city Index’, a
research based in Netherlands and UK, following parts of the world are prone to flood:
 The South Asia including south eastern part of China.
 African continents South eastern part along with the area surrounding the Gulf of
Guinea.
 South eastern part of North American continent and North western as well as
South eastern part of South America.
Physiographic causes of flooding:
 Heavy Rains: The simplest explanation for flooding is heavy rains. Heavy rainfall
can result in water arriving too quickly to infiltrate the soil. This increases surface
run-off, leading water to reach the river channel quicker, resulting in a greater risk
of flooding.
 Prolonged rainfall: Soil becomes saturated after prolonged rainfall. This leads to
an increase in surface run-off as rainfall can no longer infiltrate the soil. This
leads to more water entering the river channel increasing the likelihood of
flooding.
 Lack of Vegetation: Vegetation can help slow runoff and prevent flooding. When
there is a lack of vegetation, however, there is little to stop water from running
off. 
 Relief and Melting Snow and ice: The steeper the slope the more rapid the flow of
water into a river channel, increasing the risk of flooding. A winter of heavy snow
and other precipitation can lead to a spring of flooding. Most mountainous areas
experience relatively consistent snowfall totals from year to year, but an unusually
heavy winter of precipitation can spell bad news for low-lying areas around the
mountains when spring hits.
 Soil type: Very wet, saturated soils, compacted or dry soil can aggravate the
flooding in the surrounding area.
 Geology: Impermeable surfaces such as clay and granite do not allow infiltration
leading to greater surface run-off. The risk of flooding increases as water reaches
the river channel quickly, increasing discharge and the risk of flooding.
Conclusion:
Due to global warming as the sea level is going to rise, it is going to increase the frequency of
floods in the flood prone areas. Hence, it becomes imperative to be prepared, to tackle the
challenge of flooding in near future, as this challenge is going to pose numerous challenges
ranging from increasing intensity of flooding to its wide scale effect on the GDP’s of the
country.

What are shields? How are they formed? Examine the distribution of
shields in the world.  
Introduction:
A shield is a large area of exposed Precambrian crystalline igneous and high-grade
metamorphic rocks that form tectonically stable areas. These rocks are older than 570 million
years and sometimes date back 2 to 3.5 billion years.
Body:
Shields have been little affected by tectonic events following the end of the Precambrian, and
are relatively flat regions where mountain building, faulting, and other tectonic processes are
minor, compared with the activity at their margins and between tectonic plates.
Formation of Shields:
  A shield is that part of the continental crust in which these usually Precambrian
basement rocks crop out extensively at the surface.
 Shields themselves can be very complex: they consist of vast areas of granitic or
granodioritic gneisses, usually of tonalitic composition, and they also contain belts
of sedimentary rocks, often surrounded by low-grade volcano-sedimentary
sequences, or greenstone belts.
 Shield form over the years through processes such as plate tectonics, erosion and
glaciations. Plate tectonics refers to the movement and collision of the Earth’s
outer crust. When these crustal plates collide they may weld together, forming
larger landmasses.
 These rocks are frequently metamorphosed greenschist, amphibolite, and granulite
facies. It is estimated that over 50% of Earth’s shields surface is made up of
gneiss.
Distribution of shields in the world: 
 Shield areas in general are regarded as continental nuclei, the observation often
being made that most continental shields are bordered by belts of folded rocks of
post-Precambrian age. Following figure 1 represents distribution of shields in the
world.
 Shields, occur on each of the continents. One of the best known is the Canadian
Shield, which extends from Lake Superior on the south to the Arctic Islands on
the north, and from western Canada eastward, to include most of Greenland.
 In South America, the principal shield area is called the Amazonian Shield. It
occupies much of the eastern bulge of the continent. Smaller areas of Precambrian
rocks to the north and south of the Amazonian Shield are designated the Guiana
and Platian shields, respectively.

                                    figure 1
 The Baltic, or Fennoscandian, Shield occupies most of Finland and Sweden, as
well as eastern Norway. It is bordered on the west by the Caledonian Belt of
younger, folded rocks.
 The African Shield, sometimes called the Ethiopian Shield, extends eastward to
include western Saudi Arabia and the eastern half of Madagascar.
  The southern two-thirds of peninsular India, most of the western half of Australia,
and the eastern segment of Antarctica are also areas of continental shields. These
areas of Precambrian rocks are termed, appropriately, the Indian Shield, the
Australian Shield, and the Antarctic Shield.
 In Asia the name Angaran Shield is applied to a large stable block bounded by the
Lena and Yenisey rivers on the east and west and by the Arctic Ocean and Lake
Baikal to the north and south.
Based on their location Shields are also known to provide other economic benefits like:
 Dharwad Shield with laterite soil has promoted development of building materials
like bricks.
 Baltic shield: with glacier retreat shield depressions have turned into lakes
supporting inland transport in Sweden and Finland.

Conclusion:
We have seen that based on their location shields have different economic significance. 
Hence, it becomes important to understand more about the characteristics of shields so that
their true potential can be used to achieve sustainable development.

How do geographic features of a place aid to pollution? Explain with the

help of suitable examples. 
Introduction:
Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. Pollution can be
caused by the natural as well as human factors. Geographical features of a place aid pollution
in natural as well as human related ways.
Body: 
Geographical features aid to Pollution:
 Mountains: Mountains stop the horizontal transport of smog, or divert it in
another direction, unless the wind is strong enough to blow over the mountain.
 For instance, Delhi-NCR lies to the north-east of the Thar Desert, to the north-
west of the central plains and to the south-west of the Himalayas.
 As winds arrive from the coasts, bringing with them pollutants picked up along
the way, they get ‘trapped’ right before the Himalayas.
 Wind direction: Winds originating from over the desert landscapes gets trapped
inside two parallel mountainous system. Hence, being not able to pass from one
direction to other it settles down over the region between two mountains hence, it
aids the pollution. 
 The region becomes a “bowl” that collects pollutants, with only a narrow outlet
for it to escape.
 For instance, The air pressure pushes from one direction, and with the inability to
escape quickly in the other, the particulate matter accumulates over the northern
plains i.e. the entire expanse between Punjab in the west to West Bengal in the
east, including Delhi.
 Distant away from coastal regions: The most fundamental parameter that impacts
air quality is the speed and direction of wind. The wind carries the air pollutants
away from it. Winds origination from coastal areas carry  away with them
pollutants. 
  Resulting in freeing the nearby area from pollution.  
 For example, Chennai has the third highest number of automobiles in India, next
only to Delhi-NCR and Bangalore. But being a coastal city Chennai doesn’t
experiences same problem of pollution  as that of the Delhi-NCR.
 Cropping pattern and cycles: Depending on the geographical features farming
practises are established. As we know in the plains of Punjab wheat crop is
harvested during the times of winter. Hence, stubble burning takes place. It
aggravates the pollution in adjoining Northern Indian regions.
 As the Cropping pattern and cycle is based on the geographical features it aids the
pollution. As to intensify the production use of pesticides and fertilizers takes
place.
 Excess amount of pesticide and fertilizer in fresh water gives rise to water
pollution.
 River water  moves slowly in the plain areas hence, it is likely possible that the
pollutants may accumulate in to the water and result in pollution of major rivers.
e.g. Han River in Wuhan.
 Also, many of the industrial areas are also established based on the availability of
the required raw material in the surrounding area and  other factors. As
concentration of the industries takes place in one particular area due to
geographical factors it helps to aggravate the pollution problem.
 For instance, brick kilns industry’s concentration in one particular area can add up
to air pollution.
 Land Pollution: Many of the same pollutants that foul the water also harm the
land. Mining industries located in specific geographic regions due to their need of
raw materials,  sometimes leaves the soil contaminated with dangerous chemicals.
Actions to combat Geographically aided pollution:
 Countries around the world are tackling various forms of  pollution. China, for
example, is making strides in cleaning up smog-choked skies from years of rapid
industrial expansion, partly by closing or cancelling coal-fired power plants.
 Increased use of clean renewable energy: As burning fossil fuels contribute major
chunk of pollution. Shifting to clean and renewable energy sources is the best way
to reduce the intensity of pollution. For example, India is aiming  to produce
175GW of renewable energy by 2022.  
 Introducing the new technological innovations such as smog towers installed in
Delhi-NCR.
 Integrated waste management & circular economy policy can be implemented. 
 Efforts to combat pollution will contribute to SDG 3 (good health and well-
being). SDG target 7.2 on access to clean energy in the home, SDG target 11.6 on
air quality in cities, SDG target 11.2 on access to sustainable transport and SDG
13 (climate action), as well as the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate .
Conclusion:
As we have understood that geographical feature  aids the pollution and pollution is emerged
as one of the major global threats; a proper, clean and planned approach will help to reduce
the impact of pollution and helps to achieve the clean & clear environment for the people.

Discuss the solar potential of South Asia. What have been some of the
major achievements on the solar front in India? Discuss. 
Introduction:
The development of Solar energy technologies is now widely recognized as a crucial
component in providing an integrated solution to rising demand of energy across the world.
In South Asia, a number of developing countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives are
looking into inexhaustible and repeatable alternative energy sources such as solar energy.
Body:
Energy supply and security are major challenges on the road to development in the South
Asian countries. Energy use traces the total amount of energy consumed by the end user. This
includes domestic production as well as imports.
 Per capita electricity consumption of South Asian countries accounts to around
2600 kWh.
 Many South Asian countries depend on a single source to provide more than 50%
of total electricity generation including India (Coal – 67.9%), Nepal (Hydropower
– 99.9%), Bangladesh (Natural gas – 91.5%) and Sri Lanka (Oil – 50.2%).
 In many countries less than 5% of energy consumed comes from renewable
resources. 
 Access to electrical energy varies from 41% in Afghanistan to 100% in Maldives
in 2010.
 Also, world over almost every country is facing the emerging challenges posed by
climate change. Which is catalysed due to heavy reliance on the fossil fuels and
conventional energy sources. 
The South Asian countries have huge potential for solar  energy resources.
 Solar energy has its applications in electricity generation, cooking and water
heating. It helps in less consumption of fuel wood, kerosene and batteries, and
also helps to improve local air quality.
 As we know, Rural areas in many of the South Asian countries rely excessively
on the consumption of wood, kerosene, which affects health of the People and
environment in various ways. Hence, Solar energy has advantage to be applied as
an energy resource in the South Asian countries.
 As per ‘Global Solar Atlas’ South Asian countries have potential to generate
around 32 kWh solar energy  per day for average household  consumption.
 Once adapted on a wide scale it will benefit in various ways such as Illumination
for rural education and access to information and communication technology.
 It will also reap benefits by aiding socio-economic development through
Improved quality of life as well as better health and sanitation through streetlights
and boiled water.
Solar power in India is a fast developing industry. India’s solar installed capacity reached
35.12 GW as of  June 2020. India has the lowest capital cost per MW globally of installing
solar power plants.
 Indian government had an initial target of 20 GW capacity for 2022, which was
achieved four years ahead of schedule.
 In 2015 the target was raised to 100 GW of solar capacity (including 40 GW from
rooftop solar) by 2022, targeting an investment of US$100 billion.
 India has established nearly 42 solar parks to make land available to the promoters
of solar plants.
 India expanded its installed solar power capacity by 233 times from 161 MW to
37,627 MW.
 Rooftop solar power accounts for 2.1 GW, of which 70% is industrial or
commercial. In addition to its large-scale grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV)
initiative, India is developing off-grid solar power for local energy needs.
  Solar products have increasingly helped to meet rural needs; by the end of 2015
just under one million solar lanterns were sold in the country, reducing the need
for kerosene.
 34 solar parks of aggregate capacity of 20,000 MW have been sanctioned for 21
states. INR 356.63 crores has been released to Solar Energy Corporation of India
for the projects.31,472 solar water pumps were installed in 2015-16; this is higher
than total number of pumps installed during the last 24 years since 1991.
 Recently,  Asia’s largest 750-megawatt (MW) Rewa ultra-mega solar power
project is inaugurated in Madhya Pradesh
 The International Solar Alliance (ISA), proposed by India as a founder member, is
headquartered in India. 
However, Solar energies lacuna’s can’t be blindsided, as it requires sizeable amount of land,
and poses environmental hazards if the production process  not handled appropriately.
Conclusion:
Solar energy due to its abundance has an enormous potential for  use and wide scale
applications. Considering this potential and applicability, India has put forward step in the
right direction, which will surely help to realise the concept of “One Sun One World One
Grid” to harness abundant solar power on global scale.
 How has the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the supply and
distribution of oil resources? Examine. 
Introduction:
On the world scale, global oil demand  shrunk by ~15-20 million barrels for day (mbpd) due
to COVID-19 pandemic. India which accounts for, oil imports at 84% and gas imports at
53%, also faced reduction in oil resources demand  nearly by 30% of their respective annual
demands. 
Body: 
The impact of COVID-19, whether due to the wide-spread demand destruction, or the
downward spiral of crude prices, is of enormous concern for all of the oil resource industry
participants. Effect on supply and distribution of oil resources can be observed as follows:
 In an unprecedented event, oil for the first time in history breached the $0 mark.
Hence, cheaper fuel is available to customer in the short run.
 A condition called ‘Super Contango’ spread its dark clouds over the oil resource
industry. A Contango market implies that oil traders believe crude prices will rally
in the future. Thus, spot prices are being offered at super discounts to futures
prices.
 One of the major likely impact is the availability of workforce and resources. As
due to lockdown, workers numbers are reduced due to transportation constraints
and health reasons.
 The primary reason behind this freefall is the lack of fuel demand across the world
followed by a glut in global oil markets leading to an acute dearth of available
storage capacities.
 Like the oil production situation, the major oil refinery companies have not
stopped buying oil from oil producing companies, hence production of refined oil
posed question of consumption.
 With no recovery in sight in the foreseeable future, the key issue of oil storage is
likely to stay.
 Keeping track of logistics, containing the oil spillage, and pilferage from the
containers are exacerbating the problem in this pandemic. 
  The downstream supply chain i.e. distribution chain is hard hit due to COVID-19
pandemic. As there is sudden fall of demand and production lines are producing at
the same rate before COVID-19 situation, transition market space from supply to
demand is creating major bottlenecks in the entire supply demand chain.
 Once the lockdown is lifted the market will see a sudden rise in demand, which
will require robust supply and transportation planning capability, to meet such
demands even the supply is overstocked.
 However, drastic fall in the demand and supply chain of oil has resulted in one
positive aspect by helping to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, in turn
helping the environment in the short run.
Necessary steps to reduce the impact:
 Solutions such as Internet of things enabled remote diagnostics, monitoring tools
can be optimally used in the situation. It will reduce dependency on the physical
presence of workforce.
 Emerging technologies can be used to meet the near-term benefits and long-term
benefits , such as remote container tracking and health monitoring can provide
ready alerts, for oil spillage and pilferage. 
 Robust fleet management can answer the transportation needs.
 Digital solutions can be applied to meet the smart demand supply match, to reach
to end customers based on the probable demand supply match.

Conclusion:
In the backdrop of COVID, when all hands on decks are needed to tackle the “urgent” task of
reviving the economy, the government must not, in the process, lose sight of the
“importance” of creating, if nothing else, the mindset of preparedness to respond to “just in
case outcomes”.

What role do temperate cyclones play in causing precipitation in different

parts of India? Explain. 
Introduction:
The cyclonic system developing in the mid and high latitude i.e. 35° latitude and 65° latitude
in both hemispheres, beyond the tropics is called the Temperate Cyclones or Extra Tropical
Cyclones.
Body:
Due to these cyclones, highly variable and cloudy weather is observed in temperate zone. It is
in these latitude zones that the polar and tropical air masses meet and form polar fronts, most
of these cyclone form wavelike twist i.e. wave cyclone. 
Especially with respect to India, temperate cyclones are observed in the form of disturbances
known as ‘western disturbance’.
 Temperate cyclone is a common weather phenomena in India. Temperate cyclone
is an extra tropical cyclone originating in the Mediterranean region that brings
sudden winter rain to the north western parts of the Indian subcontinent.
 They are the cause of the most winter and pre-monsoon season rainfall across
North-West India (such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh).
 Temperate cyclones, specifically the ones in winter, bring moderate to heavy rain
in low-lying areas and heavy snow to mountainous areas of the Indian
Subcontinent.
  This phenomenon is usually associated with cloudy sky, higher night temperatures
and unusual rain.
 This precipitation during the winter season has great importance in agriculture
particularly for rabi crops including wheat. It is estimated that India gets close to
5-10% of its total annual rainfall from temperate cyclones.
 Also, Saffron cultivation along with  tea cultivation in the foothills of Himalayas
is depending on the western disturbance.
 Over the Indo-Gangetic plains, they occasionally bring cold wave conditions and
dense fog.
 Western disturbances very less likely cause precipitation in the southern i.e.
peninsular part of India.
Conclusion:
Most of the North and North-western India’s Rabi crops yield better results because of the
Temperate cyclones. Temperate cyclones provide the rain for most of the North and North-
western India and fill the vacuum created by South west monsoon and also play a pivotal role
in water need for human consumption and agriculture sector. 

With the help of suitable examples, discuss the endogenous factors that lead
to the formation of volcanoes. 
Introduction:
The horizontal and vertical movements caused by the forces coming from the origin of the
earth is known as endogenic forces. The origin of endogenic force is caused by the
contraction and expansion of rocks due to variation in thermal conditions and temperature
inside the earth. These forces are responsible for creation of many landforms one of such
landform is volcano.      
Body: 
Endogenic factors that lead to formation of volcanoes:
 The ultimate source of energy behind forces that drive endogenic movements is
earth’s internal heat.
 Endogenic movements are divided into diastrophic movements and sudden
movements.
 Plate Tectonics: The majority of volcanoes occur where two lithospheric plates
converge and one overrides the other, forcing it down into the mantle to be
reabsorbed.
 Ocean floor spreading: A major site of active volcanism is along the axis of the
oceanic ridge system, where the plates move apart on both sides of the ridge and
magma wells up from the mantle.
 Weak Earth Surface: Because of high pressure in the earth’s interior, the magma
and gases escape with great velocity as the pressure is released through eruptions
where opportunity is provided by weak zones along the earth’s surface.
 Faults: Whenever extreme pressure builds in the mantle, along fault lines an
eruption is likely to happen next. The earthquakes, for instance, may expose fault
zones through which magma may escape and volcanoes can be formed.
  Magma crystallization: Decreasing temperatures can cause old magma to
crystallize and sink to the bottom of the chamber and this movement can force
fresh liquid magma up and out – similar to dropping a brick in a bucket of water.
 Plate movement: Volcanism may occur because of plate movement over a “hot
spot” from which magmas can penetrate to the surface. e.g. Islands of Hawaii
Conclusion:
Through these endogenic factors volcano formation takes place. Depending on the level of
activity volcanoes are further classified as Active, Dormant and extinct. Apart from playing a
prominent role by giving cooling effect to most part of earth, volcanoes also contribute Ash
and lava which breaks down to form  soil and rocks. 

What do you understand by storm surge? How does a storm storm surge
get formed? Discuss. 

Introduction:
Storm Surge is an abnormal rise of sea level as the tropical cyclone crosses the coast. The
storms produce strong winds that push the water into shore, which might lead to flooding.
Body: 
Storm surge depends on intensity of the cyclone (Maximum winds and lowest pressure
associated with it and Coastal bathymetry (shallower coastline generates surges of greater
heights). Following is the way of formation of cyclone:
 When a cyclone is in deep ocean waters, the circulating wind pushes the ocean
surface to create a vertically circulating column of water, where the surge is
barely visible.
 However, as the storm moves closer to the shore, the water which is being pushed
downwards by the wind cannot move any lower, so the water forces itself from
the sides towards land, causing a storm surge wave.
 Although low pressure also contributes to the surge, its influence is very small,
i.e., around 5%.
 Whenever a cyclone moves near coastal areas, storm surges are the biggest and
most common threat to life and property.
 This phenomenon is commonly found in low-pressure systems, and the severity of
the storm surge wave depends on the tides, shallowness of the water in the area,
and the angle at which the water is to the cyclone.
Following are some factors which determine the intensity of storm surge:
 Strength and Size of the Storm: During a cyclone, the water level rises to form
storm surges, where the strength and speed of the winds are the highest. Usually,
the largest surges occur in the direction of where the wind is blowing. Due to the
rotation of the earth, the surge occurs towards the right side of the cyclone in the
northern hemisphere, and towards the left side in the southern hemisphere.
 Atmospheric Pressure: The force exerted by the atmospheric pressure is a smaller
factor in the formation of a storm surge.
 Bottom Conditions Near Shore: Another minor factor determining the strength of
a surge is whether the coastal slope is steep or shallow, and rough or smooth. A
shallow and smooth ocean floor near the coast can dramatically enhance the speed
and power of the storm surge, while a steep climb with rough obstructions can
slow and sometimes even stop a storm surge. A wider shore will have a higher
surge than a narrower shore.
  Distance from Storm Centre to Shore: For a storm surge to achieve maximum
potency, the distance between the eye of the storm and the shore should neither be
too close nor too far. If the distance is less, the surge cannot gather enough
velocity to gain power. However, if the storm is too far, the surge will lose its
gathered energy by the time it reaches the shore.
 Tides: The gravitational force of the sun and moon cause low and high tides. If the
storm surge occurs during a low tide, the intensity will be significantly reduced.
However, a storm surge during high tide will cause a storm tide capable of heavy
destruction.
 Freshwater: Usually, before a storm reaches land, most coastal areas receive
heavy rainfall, causing water levels to rise. This is especially true in areas that
have a river delta, causing bigger and stronger storm surges.
 Shape and Angle of Coast to the Storm: A shore with a convex shape will have a
lower surge as compared to a concave shore. Also, if the storm is moving parallel
to the shore, it will cause lower and weaker storm surges as compared to a storm
moving perpendicular to the coast.
 Sea Waves: When waves break onto the beach, they may collect into pools,
eventually making it easier for the surge to overcome the friction of the beach,
and move even further inland.
A storm surge should not be misunderstood as seiche, as Storm surge is the unusual rise in
the water levels generated by a storm over and above the predicted astronomical tide. The
term seiche can be defined as a wave on the surface of a lake or landlocked bay; caused by
atmospheric or seismic disturbances.

Conclusion:
Storm surge as high as 15 to 20 ft. may occur when all the factors contributing to storm surge
are maximum. This storm tide inundates low lying coastal areas which have far reaching
consequences apart from flooding.  Hence, necessary precaution if taken will ensure the
minimal loss of environment human life in the surrounding area.

With the help of suitable examples, examine the pattern of losses of ice
bodies in different parts of the world.

Introduction:
As a consequence of industrial revolution and technological developments aftermath the
phenomenon of loss of ice bodies in different parts of the world has gained pace. The impact
that this event is having on earth is really dangerous and is increasing every day.
Body:
Pattern of losses of ice bodies in different parts of the world:
Himalayan Region: Melting of glaciers
 The Himalayas is considered as the Third Pole. Within it, the core area is known
as the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
 According to an international study on the world’s glaciers published in journal
Nature Geo-science, glaciers are melting and receding at an alarming rate in the
Himalayas and glaciers in the HKH might contain 27 per cent less ice than
previously suggested.
Antarctica: Retreating of glaciers
  Antarctica encompasses land, island and oceans south of 60° latitude. This region
stores about 70% of the world’s fresh water in the form of snow and ice.
 The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has confirmed that the region is
one of the fastest warming regions of the planet. Over the past 50 years, it has
warmed over 3°C.
 The annual ice loss in the Antarctic region has increased at least six folds between
1979 and 2017.
 87% of glaciers along the West Coast of the Antarctic Peninsula have retreated in
the last 50 years with most of these showing accelerated retreats in the past 12
years.
Arctic and Antarctic region: Glaciers Melting from the Bottom
 Glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica are losing ice at alarming rates, and warmer
air isn’t the only cause.
 Scientists increasingly agree that warm ocean water is seeping beneath the ice and
melting it from the bottom up.
 Breaking of Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica and several smaller ice shelves in the
Arctic are a result of global warming.
Ice mass loss in the Russian Arctic:
 Ice mass loss in the Russian Arctic has nearly doubled over the last decade
according to Cornell University research published in the journal Remote Sensing
of Environment.
 Glaciers there are shrinking by area and by height. We are seeing an increase in
the recent speed of ice loss, when compared to the long-term ice-loss rate.
South America:
 The 18,000-year-old Chacaltaya glacier in the Bolivian Andes disappeared. 
 In Ecuador, an avalanche at the base of the Cayambe glacier occured. Also, an
avalanche caused serious damage in the area of Pampa Linda.
 These isolated avalanches confirm the trend towards the collapse of the Andean
glaciers.
This kind of varied pattern of loss of ice bodies is being observed over the world. Global
climate change has already brought about immediate observable effects on the planet.
Glaciers have shrunk, ice is melting world wide – especially at the North and the South Poles.
This includes mountain glaciers, ice sheets covering Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic sea
ice. Hence, this issue needs a serious attention to save our planet earth. 
Following necessary steps can be taken to contain the ice bodies loss: 
 In order to stop the temperature from rising, the only solution is to cool the planet
as advised by the scientists. For this, the world not only needs to slow down
greenhouse gas emissions but also reverse them.
 In this direction a step is taken  to prevent the severe effects of climate change, the
UN signed the Paris agreement in 2016, an international treaty designed to keep
the average global temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels until
greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.
 There are 1,98,000 glaciers in the world and India alone has about 9,000 of them.
However, all of these glaciers are mostly unexplored. More detailed research is
required to fully understand the state of glaciers and the risk their loss poses.
Conclusion:
While immediate action is needed to save the earth, it is not too late to do something about it
either. It may be important to revisit the commitments of global climate change before it is
too late, as the changes that have already set in due to climate change might continue to cause
damage for a several decades, even if solid measures are taken to contain the changes.

What is Mascarene High? How does it impact the weather pattern in the
Indian subcontinent? Explain.  

Introduction:
This high-pressure region located between 25°S-35°S and 40°E-90°E near the Mascarene
Islands in the southern Indian Ocean is a source of Southwest monsoon in India. Since, it is a
high pressure are, it is also known as Mascarene high.
Body: 
Normally, the high-pressure region starts forming by mid-April and its strength is an
important factor which determines the intensity of monsoon in India. its impact on the
weather pattern in India is as follows:
 A stronger high pressure will produce stronger winds or monsoon current.
 If there is a delay in the formation of Mascarene High, there is also the possibility
of a delay in the onset of monsoon in India.
 Most research says that its strength is determined by the happenings in the
Antarctic region.
 The position and intensity of this high are considered to be closely linked to the
south summer monsoon activity.
 But overall, this factor is not often held responsible for delays and poor
performance of the monsoon in India. Following figure 1 represents the region of
Mascarene high.

Figure 1
 According to scientists, the broad belt of high pressure around the Mascarene
Islands generates a cross-equatorial flow known as the Somali Jet which brings
heavy rain to India’s west coast. A strong, low level jet usually means a strong
monsoon over peninsular India.
  Winds from Mascarene High head in a north-westerly direction towards the east
coast of Africa (Somalia). Here, the topography of Somalia deflects the winds
towards the east. Also, after crossing the equator, these winds experience the
Coriolis Effect.
 Coriolis Force is a pseudo force which exists only because of the Earth’s
rotational effect. Rotational motion observed in a tropical cyclone is also due to
this force.
 Hence, these monsoon winds get deflected eastwards and now they blow from
south-west to the north-east direction. They split into two branches—the Arabian
Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.
In this way Mascarene high impacts the weather pattern in India by creating a way and safe
passage for the arrival of monsoon winds in India. 
Conclusion:
Since, south west monsoon plays the most prominent role for water availability in India. The
role played by Mascarene high also needs to be understood well by investing more in
research and developments related to the mechanisms along Indian ocean and Mascarene
high.

 Examine the impacts of global sea level rise on the costal flora and fauna. 

Introduction:
As per the fifth assessment report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (UNIPCC), the global sea level is rising at an average rate of 8 mm per year over the
last century. 
Body: 
The  impacts of sea level rise are numerous. The most worrying aspect of the report,
however, is not this increasing figure, but its foresight: “Sea level is rising faster than 50
years ago and is likely to worsen in the future.” Hence, it becomes imperative to understand
its impact on the coastal flora and fauna to tackle it. 
Impacts of global sea level rise on the costal flora and fauna:
 Water is increasingly invading coastal areas, causing soil erosion and threatening
farmland, housing or recreation areas.
 The flooding of wetlands and pollution of aquifers also occur, affecting the flora
and fauna of each place, causing the loss of habitat for fish, birds, plants and many
other species.
 Low-lying islands would be swallowed by the oceans, leading to the
disappearance of large land areas and even some countries.
 As a consequence of loss of habitat, the Earth could witness a dramatic decline in
fish stocks.
 It is also going to impact the breeding season and pattern of the coastal flora and
fauna.
  Most of the oceanic creatures travel long distances to reach for a suitable breeding
ground. Due to sea level rise these breeding grounds may start to disappear and
submerged under the ocean. e.g. Ollive ridley turtles breeding ground off the coast
of Odisha and west Bengal.
 Plantation agriculture across the oceans are going to be hampered. e.g. Coconut
plantation, palm plantation across the oceans.
 Animals are facing the threat of extinction due to melting of ice over the glacial
regions. e.g. Polar bears home in Arctic regions may disappear as a result it might
face extinction due to loss of habitat and no adaptability of body type in melted
glacier region.
 Due to constant rising sea level, many small atolls (circular coral colonies) of
Indian archipelago are sinking. Parali I Island of Lakshadweep has already sunk
and Parali II has sunk almost 80% of its total area.
 Rising sea levels can exacerbate the impacts of coastal hazards such as storm
surge, tsunami, coastal floods, high waves and coastal erosion in the low lying
coastal areas in addition to causing gradual loss of coastal land to sea.
 UNIPCC in its fifth report has stated that sea level in Lakshadweep has risen up to
0.6 m in last 20 years. This will not only cause loss in livelihood to the native
people but also loss of biodiversity as large number of flora and fauna inhibit
these Islands along with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal groups (PVTGs).
 Mangrove forests across the shore which acts a barrier against devastating high
levels of tides also face threat of submergence under coastal water rise. It might
aggravate the tsunami like disasters impact on the coastal population.
 It’s not just about the sea level rise affecting coastal areas flora and fauna, the
rising sea level is going to increase the amount of rainfall over the earth, due to
which the flora and fauna in the forested regions also face threat of extinction due
to tremendous amount of rainfall over the region making plants and animals hard
to survive.
 Rising sea level in coastal regions is also going to hamper the food availability for
the fauna in the nearby areas.
 Also due to impact on the fauna, insects which are necessary for  the pollination
might get extinct. It will in turn affect the life cycle of flora too. 
Ways to tackle impact of sea level rise on the coastal flora and fauna:
 Greenhouse gasses are a major contributor to sea level rise. By reducing the
amount of greenhouse gases produced every year and formulating measures to
contain it will be useful to minimize the sea level rise.
 Protect wetlands: Wetlands act as natural buffers for coastal areas during
rainstorms and hurricanes. They absorb precipitation and storm surge waters. 
 Plant more plants and save trees. Plants clean the air and soak up rain. Reduce
paper use to prevent trees from being cut down.
 Reduce energy use. Reducing  energy usage is good for the environment. 
 Push for a Climate Action Plan. Many cities and states do not have plans to
address climate change, which is the primary cause of current sea level rise.
Hence, preparing a climate action plan for the city to international level will
synchronize the efforts to tackle the sea level rise.
 The Sunrise Movement in USA is pressuring candidates to adopt a Green New
Deal. There are 500 candidates who have vowed not to accept campaign
contributions from the oil industry.
  Also there is need for an international level alliance and agreement like Paris
climate deal that specifically dedicated to look in to matter of sea level rise.
Conclusion:
The threat of sea level rise is near and real. If necessary steps are not taken at this moment
then it might result in the destruction of the not only the coastal environment and surrounding
but the domino like effect will follow which will affect whole the planet earth. Hence, it
become our responsibility to take a step forward to save our mother earth.

What are tides? How do tides form? Explain. What is the significance of
tides for marine ecology? Discuss. 

Introduction:
Tides are the periodic rise and fall of the oceans water level, once or twice a day, caused by
the combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the sun, the moon and the rotation
of the earth.
Body:
Formation of tides:
 Combined effects of the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun and
the rotation of Earth cause occurrence of tides in oceans.
 Hence, the mechanism of tides formation could be understood by understanding
the gravitational force of the Sun and the Moon.
 These bodies experience the gravitational pull over each other depending upon
their mass and the distance between them.
 Since the Sun is far away from the Earth as compared to the Moon. Hence, the
Sun’s gravitational pull is lesser over the Earth than the moon. Thus, the moon
determines the magnitude of the tide.
 It is supposed that only the water bodies are pulled by the gravitational pull,
however, it is not the fact.
 It is both the land and water bodies that get pulled by the gravitation. Since the
relative pull of the land is less in comparison to that of water, the effect of
gravitation on the water bodies is more.
 Following Figure 1 represents mechanism of tide formation.
Figure 1
Significance of tide for marine ecology:
 Marine ecology is the study of living things in the ocean and how they interact
with their environment.
 Sustenance of life: Tides affect various aspects of oceanic life, including the
reproductive activities of fish and ocean plants. Floating plants and animals ride
the tidal currents between the breeding areas and deeper waters.
 Source of habitat and food: Sea creatures like Crabs, mussels, snails, seaweed etc.
inhabit the tidal zone and the most important point to be remembering that
without the regular washing of the tides, these complex and abundant creatures
would die and food resources would diminish.
 Moderate temperature: The tides and tidal currents mix arctic water that can’t
absorb sunlight when compared with warmer tropic water that does. Tides stir the
ocean water that makes habitable climatic condition and help in maintaining  the
temperatures around marine ecological habitat.
 Tides removes pollutants and circulate nutrients required for survival of ocean
plants and animals. e.g. Seawater in and out of tidal bays and estuaries.
 Tides play vital role for the growth and formation of mangroves, its canopy and
formation of zone in the mangrove ecosystem and associated diversity.
 Tides also help to maintain mudflats that provide habitation for flora and fauna.
Conclusion:
In this way tides play an important role by contributing for sustenance of  vital life processes
around the marine ecology and helps to conserve the rich biodiversity of the marine ecology
of planet earth.

What do you understand by Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)? What

were those factors that made India a hotspot for BPOs? What is the future
of BPOs in India? Examine.  

Introduction:
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a method of subcontracting various business-related
operations to third-party vendors. Although BPO originally applied solely to manufacturing
entities, such as soft drink manufacturers that outsourced large segments of their supply
chains, BPO now applies to the outsourcing of services, as well.
Body: 
Many businesses, from small startups to large companies, opt to outsource processes, as new
and innovative services are increasingly available in today’s ever-changing, highly
competitive business climate. The Business Process Outsourcing industry in India caters
mostly to Western operations of multinational corporations. Annual revenues from BPOs are
around $11 billion, around 1% of GDP.
Factors that made India a hotspot for BPOs:
 Availability of Cheap labour:  Initially, India was chosen as an apt alternative to
in-house processing considering many favourable factors including large English-
speaking workforce and availability of tech-savvy manpower.
 Cost advantage: it is the operational cost reduction by outsourcing the business
process services to India that makes the country a suitable destination. Companies
are enjoying as much as 50-60 percent of cost reduction by outsourcing to India.
 Competent Talent Pool: Despite the stiff competition from The Philippines,
Vietnam and other Asian countries, the Indian BPO industry still remains an
attractive destination because of the availability of vast skilled labor and their
proficiency in understanding progressive technology.
 Leveraging Cost-advantage From Tier II Cities: The existence of a large number
of tier II cities in the country is the biggest advantage for the Indian business
process outsourcing companies which find working in such cities to be cost-
effective. Besides, the mounting cost of living in these cities has forced the
companies to begin operations in the rural regions as it seemed to be promising to
significantly reduce the overhead costs in the long run.
 Human Resource Advantage: Though some of the Asian countries are rising to be
at par with India in providing cost-effective BPO services, these countries lack
sufficient human resources to cater to the global market. India, on the other hand,
with its large competent professionals is driving the BPO industry, thereby
proving it to be an ideal destination for outsourcing services.
Future of BPO’s in India:
 The rapidly growing industry requires growth in infrastructure as well. However,
this is an area where India lacks, and this issue need to be addressed to keep up
with the competition.
 Even though India has been established itself as a world leader in the business of
outsourcing, in the near future, there are chances of facing tougher challenges.
South-Asian countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines,
Thailand and others are trying to improve their position so as to become
alternative offshore locations.
 Companies are branching out to Tier II cities where they would be able to take
advantage of low labour costs.
 Other South-Asian countries have been able to challenge the competitiveness of
India by offering cheaper labour in business processing skills. India, on the other
hand is experiencing a rise in the labour costs along with high attrition which is of
course of concern and thereby need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Despite these challenges following Interesting facts about the Indian BPO industry make the
industry more attractive destination for investment:
  The BPO sector in India is estimated to have reached a 54 per cent growth in
revenue.
 The demand for Indian BPO services has been growing at an annual growth rate
of 50%.
 The BPO industry in India has provided jobs for over 74,400 Indians. This
number is continuing to grow on a yearly basis. The Indian BPO sector is soon to
employ over 1.1 million Indians
 Indian BPOs handle 56% of the world’s business process outsourcing. 
 Also Ministry of Electronics and IT has started India BPO promotion scheme and
North East BPO Promotion Scheme, which aims to aims to incentivize
establishment of BPO firms and their extension to Tier II and Tier III cities (as per
census 2011) to provide employment, distributed across various states in
proportion to population of state with financial support in form of Viability Gap
Funding (VGF).
Conclusion:
BPO as its a footloose industry can be set up anywhere, and it has a tremendous potential for
growth and development in the Indian market and hence, if the respective policies and
schemes  implemented in right manner then India can surely emerge as a global leader in the
BPO sector. 

 How do changes in the pattern of the Asian Monsoon affect various parts
of the world? Explain with the help of recent examples. 

Introduction:
The Asian monsoon is one of the most vigorous climatic phenomena on Earth and also one of
the most societal important. The monsoon drives vital seasonal rainstorms that water crops
and forests as well as damaging typhoons and floods
Body: 
In a typical year, 80%–85% of the rain in the affected regions, often totalling 1.5–2.5 meters,
falls during the summer monsoon season. On longer timescales, scientists have often cited the
evolution of this seasonal wind flow over millions of years as one major cause of past
changes in the environments, biosphere, and oceanography of this region, which includes the
Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan. Following changes are
observed in the pattern of the Asian Monsoon:
 The onset of the monsoon has been delayed almost every year since 1976, when
there was a regime shift in climate around the world – from a weak to a strong El
Niño period.
 Monsoons have also been ending sooner – almost a week from the end of
September – so the length of the rainy season has been compressed.
 During the monsoon season, there are usually random “break periods” when there
is hardly any rainfall. These periods are associated with systems moving
northwards from the equatorial region. All available data and models-blended-
with-data (known as reanalysis) indicate that global warming is shortening the
length of the “active periods” when it does rain, while lengthening the break
periods.
Effect of change in pattern of the Asian monsoon on various parts of the world:
  Indian monsoon is considered a ‘textbook phenomenon’ clearly defined which has
not changed much in the preceding century.
 However this process has hit an erratic front, with floods in the northwest and the
northeast and rainfall deficit in southern part of the nation.
 Rainfall extremes have increased threefold over the last few years and now extend
over all of central India – from Gujarat to Odisha.
 Onset of monsoon has delayed every year since 2002 and it also lasts for shorter
duration, compressing the Indian monsoon.
 The interspersed breaks in the monsoon have increased resulting in larger drier
periods in the monsoon itself.
 Rainfall intensity, duration, frequency and spatial distribution have significantly
undergone change in the past decade or two.
 Cycles of droughts and floods have become more common in many parts of India
and their intensity has changed over the time. e.g. Cyclone Amphan.
 Also now cyclones are also started to occur on the western coast of the countries.
e.g. Cyclone Vayu.
 Areas that have traditionally received plenty of rainfall are often remaining dry,
while places that are not expected to get a lot of monsoon rain have sometimes
been getting flooded.
 The intensity and amount of rainfall over the region has increased drastically. For
instance, Typhoon Kammuri in Phillipines and Flooding in parts of China.
 The agricultural cycle of sowing to harvesting is facing tremendous challenge as
unprecedented breaks and excess rainfall in short period of time making difficulty
to set sowing pattern.
 Many of the metro cities are receiving excessive rainfall as compared to their
average normal. e.g. Recent flooding in Mumbai.
 Also some experts opined that Australian bushfires partly due to late monsoon
ending in India.
 The lack of water in other areas has hit water table levels. By 2030, India is
expected to require almost 1.5 trillion m3 of ground water, where the current
supply is only 740 billion m3, putting a huge pressure on the river basins, which
are facing challenges of their own due to fast-disappearing glaciers and reduced
rainfall.
In recent times it is proved that monsoons are (nearly) unpredictable natural disasters. Hence,
following steps are needed to tackle this crisis:
 Need to change crop cycles, credit cycles, create storage infrastructure to deal
with flooding.
 We need to invest in developing the state of the art technology to predict the
accurate data regarding the monsoon cycle.
 Also, we need modification in the approach of handling of disasters by NDRF and
SDRF as the intensity of the rainfall is extreme in some cases.
  Change in the type and variety of crops and change in the kind of inputs used by
farmers to deal with the altered reality is needed of the hour.
Conclusion:
The effect of change of monsoon cycle over different parts of the world is wide scale.
However, adoption of state of the art technology and investing more in research to know how
the change in Asian monsoon will surely help to tackle this challenge successfully and avoid
any loss in future.