UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on Geomagnetic storms and objectives and benefits of the Clean Plant Programme (Week 64)

QUESTION 2

Examine the objectives and implementation strategies of the Centre’s Clean Plant Programme. Discuss the potential benefits associated with this initiative.

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

QUESTION 1: What are geomagnetic storms? Discuss the impacts of geomagnetic storms on the infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— A geomagnetic storm is a severe disturbance of the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by a very efficient flow of energy from the solar wind into the space environment around the Earth.

— These storms are caused by variations in the solar wind, which cause significant changes in the currents, plasmas, and fields in Earth’s magnetosphere.

— Solar wind conditions that are useful for causing geomagnetic storms include persistent (for several to several hours) periods of high-speed solar wind, as well as a southern directed solar wind magnetic field (opposite to the direction of Earth’s field) near the dayside of the magnetosphere. This situation is effective in transferring energy from the solar wind to the Earth’s magnetosphere.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

What causes solar flares and auroras?

— Solar flares, also known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), are produced when solar activity on the Sun’s surface peaks. These are caused by an unstable magnetic field at the surface.

— CMEs are graded according to their severity, with G1 being the mildest and G5 being the most severe.

— When charged particles (CMEs) collide with Earth’s atmosphere, they interact with gas, causing the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, to light up the sky.

Impact of geomagnetic storms

— During storms, the ionosphere gets heated and distorted, which can make long-range radio communication that depends on sub-ionospheric reflection difficult or impossible. It can also cause degradation in global positioning system (GPS) communications.

— Satellites can struggle to control their orbits due to ionospheric expansion.

— Additionally, magnetic storms can damage satellite electronics by accumulating and discharging static-electric charges. Astronauts and high-altitude pilots may also experience increased radiation levels.

— Although space currents produce rapid shifts in magnetic fields, very real consequences can still occur on Earth’s surface. This includes blackout-causing voltage surges in power systems.

Conclusion:

— Storms also cause powerful currents in the magnetosphere, changes in the radiation belts, and ionosphere alterations, which include heating of the ionosphere and upper atmosphere region known as the thermosphere.

— During storms, ionosphere currents and energetic particles that precipitate into the ionosphere add energy in the form of heat, increasing the density and distribution of density in the upper atmosphere and exerting additional drag on low-earth orbiting satellites. Local heating causes significant horizontal fluctuations in ionospheric density, which can alter the route of radio signals and cause mistakes in GPS locating information.

(Source: ‘We’re in the middle of an intense geomagnetic storm’: What NASA has to say about solar eruptions triggering colourful auroras, http://www.swpc.noaa.gov, http://www.usgs.gov)

Points to Ponder

What is the difference between aurora borealis and australis?

Different layers of the Atmosphere

Related Previous Year Question

With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy? (2018)

QUESTION 2: Examine the objectives and implementation strategies of the Centre’s Clean Plant Programme. Discuss the potential benefits associated with this initiative.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— The Union Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aimed at increasing the yield and productivity of horticulture crops in India.

— The programme was first announced during the interim budget in 2023. The CPP is also targeted at enhancing the quality of fruit crops across the nation.

— The CPP will have three components — Clean Plant Centres (CPCs), certification and legal framework, and enhanced Infrastructure. “The programme will be implemented by the National Horticulture Board in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.”

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Objectives

— To enhance yield of horticulture crops by providing disease free planting material.

— To protect the ecosystem through proactive virus and disease control measures by establishing Clean Plant Centres (CPCs).

— To enhance stakeholder capacities for the adoption and operation of clean plant production, maintenance, and distribution.

— To improve the knowledge network among research institutes, universities, knowledge centres, national and state agencies for sustainable operation of clean plant centres and nursery certification programs.

How will the CPP work?

— The initiative has three major components aimed at assisting farmers in obtaining virus-free, high-quality planting material (plants used for vegetative propagation) in order to maximise agricultural yields and income prospects. They are:

(i) Development of nine Clean Plant Centers (CPCs)

(ii) Enhancement of infrastructure, including the development of large-scale nurseries to facilitate the efficient multiplication of clean planting material

(iii) Creation of regulatory and certification process to ensure thorough accountability and traceability in the production and sale of planting material.

Benefits of the Clean Plant Programme (CPP)

— It will make high-quality, virus-free planting material accessible, resulting in higher crop yields and better financial prospects.

— The efficient propagation of clean planting material by nurseries will be made possible by streamlined certification procedures and infrastructure assistance, which will promote the nurseries’ growth and sustainability.

— Through the project, consumers will receive superior produce that is virus-free, improving the fruit’s flavour, appearance, and nutritional content.

— India will be able to increase its market share and solidify its position as a top supplier of fruits worldwide by growing its fruit supply and producing fruits free of disease.

— All farmers should have affordable access to clean plant material, irrespective of the size of their landholding or socioeconomic standing.

— Involve female farmers in its conception and execution.

— Develop clean plant types and technologies that are particular to each region of India in order to address the different agro-climatic conditions found there.

Conclusion:

— After China, India is the world’s second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables. The area planted to horticultural crops expanded from 24 million hectares to 28.63 million hectares between 2013–14 and 2023–24, while the amount produced increased from 277.4 million metric tonnes (mt) to 352 million mt.

— The Clean Plant Programme is expected to complement Mission LiFE and One Health while substantially growing India’s horticultural industry. It will lessen reliance on imported planting supplies and encourage environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture methods. This initiative would be essential to making India a prominent fruit exporter worldwide and bringing about revolutionary transformation in the industry.

(Source: How Centre’s Clean Plant Programme plans to boost India’s production of fruits by Harikishan Sharma, pib.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Horticulture production in India

India’s export and import of horticulture

Any government initiative other than CPP

Related Previous Year Questions

Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (2018)

Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables, and food items. How do they eliminate the number of intermediaries? (2018)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 63)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 62)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 62)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 63)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 63)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 62)

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