December 01st Current Affairs
Table of Contents
Non-Positivist Methodologies in Social Research
Home / Non-Positivist Methodologies in Social Research Shift from Positivism to Non-Positivism As sociologists recognized that social realities cannot be
UPSC Current Affairs – December 3
December 03rd Current Affairs Home / Table of Contents Govt ready to talk about electoral reforms in Parliament, but not
Fact, Value and Objectivity
Home / Fact, Value and Objectivity What is a Fact? A fact is an empirically verifiable observation—something that can be
UPSC Current Affairs – December 2
December 02nd Current Affairs Home / Table of Contents Bioterrorism a serious threat, world not ready: S. Jaishankar Relevance to
Positivism and its Critique
Home / Positivism and its Critique What is Positivism? Positivism is the idea that human behaviour can be studied using
UPSC Current Affairs – December 1st
December 01st Current Affairs Home / Table of Contents Sri Lanka declares state of emergency after floods and mudslides Relevance
Major Theoretical Strands of Research Methodology
Home / Major Theoretical Strands of Research Methodology Research methodology is a broad term that encompasses the entire research process
UPSC Current Affairs – November 25
November 25th Current Affairs Home / Table of Contents Woman from Arunachal Pradesh stopped at China airport; India issues strong
UPSC Current Affairs – November 24
November 24th Current Affairs Home / Table of Contents Justice Surya Kant sworn in as 53rd Chief Justice of India
UPSC Current Affairs – November 21
November 21st Current Affairs Home / Table of Contents What is Cloudflare, and why did half the internet go down
Sri Lanka declares state of emergency after floods and mudslides
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper-I: Geography (Climatology & Disasters)
- Causes of floods & landslides – linkage with heavy monsoon rainfall, tropical depressions, and climate-change-induced extreme weather.
- Vulnerability of South Asian countries to hydro-meteorological disasters and their socio-economic impacts.
GS Paper-II: International Relations
- India–Sri Lanka relations – disasters often activate humanitarian assistance, posing relevance for regional diplomacy and “Neighbourhood First” policy.
- Disaster management cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
GS Paper-III: Disaster Management & Environment
- Disaster response mechanisms – early warning, evacuation, SDRF-like structures in neighbouring countries.
- Climate Change – increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events.
More About the News
- Sri Lanka declared a nationwide state of emergency after severe floods and mudslides triggered by intense rainfall across multiple districts.
- The government imposed emergency measures to accelerate relief, deploy military assistance, restore connectivity, and prevent further loss of life.
- Thousands have been displaced, transportation networks disrupted, and several areas cut off due to landslides.
- Meteorological authorities attribute the extreme event to a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, consistent with recent climate-driven variability in monsoon patterns.
- India has expressed readiness to assist Sri Lanka with relief supplies and rescue support under existing bilateral and regional frameworks.
FLOODS, LANDSLIDES & MUDSLIDES
FLOODS
A flood is an overflow of water that submerges normally dry land, caused by natural or anthropogenic factors.
Types of Floods
- River/Fluvial Floods – Overflowing of river banks after heavy rainfall, snowmelt or dam release.
- Flash Floods – Sudden, high-volume flow, often due to cloudbursts; common in Himalayas.
- Urban Floods – Poor drainage, concretization, encroachment, stormwater choke.
- Coastal Floods – Storm surges, cyclones, sea-level rise.
- Pluvial (Surface Water) Floods – Intense rainfall overwhelming drainage without water bodies overflowing.
- Dam Break Floods – Structural failure/over-topping of dams.
Causes
Natural
Intense / prolonged rainfall
Snowmelt & glacial lake outbursts (GLOFs)
Cyclones & storm surges
Monsoon anomalies (ENSO, IOD, Madden-Julian Oscillation)
Topography (river basins, low-lying areas)
Anthropogenic
Encroachment on floodplains
Deforestation → reduces infiltration
Urbanization → amplifies surface runoff
Siltation of rivers (e.g., Kosi, Brahmaputra)
Dam mismanagement
Poor drainage infrastructure
Impacts
Social
Displacement, mortality, disease outbreaks (cholera, dengue)
Disruption of education, health services
Economic
Crop loss, livestock death, damage to infrastructure
Economic slowdown in affected regions
Environmental
Soil erosion, river course change
Water contamination
Habitat destruction
Mitigation Strategies
Structural
Embankments, levees, floodwalls
Dams, barrages, detention basins
River dredging where viable
Stormwater drainage expansion (smart drains)
Urban rainwater harvesting
Non-Structural
Flood zoning, No-construction zones
Early Warning Systems (EWS) by IMD, CWC
Watershed management & afforestation
Community-based disaster preparedness
Insurance (PMFBY for agriculture)
Real-time flood forecasting using AI, IoT sensors
LANDSLIDES
A landslide is the rapid movement of rock, debris, or earth down a slope, driven by gravity.
Types
- Rockfalls – Detached blocks fall freely.
- Debris Flow – Fast movement of water-laden debris.
- Earth Flow – Slower, viscous movement of fine soils.
- Slumps/Rotational Slides
- Translational Slides
Causes
Natural
Intense rainfall (saturation of soils)
Earthquakes
Volcanoes
Weathering of rocks
Steep slopes (Himalayas & Western Ghats)
Anthropogenic
Road cutting without slope stabilization
Unregulated construction
Quarrying and mining
Deforestation
Hydroelectric projects altering slopes
Vulnerable Regions in India
- Himalayan Region – Young fold mountains, tectonic instability
- Western Ghats – High rainfall, steep terrain
- NE India – Heavy monsoon & seismicity
- Nilgiris
- Konkan & Goa
Impacts
- Loss of life & property
- Disruption of transportation (NH-44, NH-05 etc.)
- River blockages → flash floods as landslide-dammed lakes burst
- Soil loss, habitat fragmentation
- Economic isolation in hill regions
Mitigation Measures
Engineering
Retaining walls
Rock bolting
Slope terracing
Drainage management (perforated pipes)
Geo-textiles & netting
Avalanche/rockfall barriers
Environmental
Afforestation with deep-rooted species
Controlled grazing
Restoration of natural slope vegetation
Planning & Policy
Landslide Zonation Maps (GSI)
Ban on construction in high-risk slopes
Strict quarrying norms
Relocation of vulnerable communities
Technology
- LiDAR, UAV mapping
- IoT-based slope stability sensors
- Satellite monitoring (ISRO’s RISAT, CARTOSAT)
- Machine-learning for predictive modelling
MUDSLIDES
A mudslide is a rapid downhill flow of water-saturated soil, often triggered by heavy rainfall or snowmelt.
Key Features
- Faster and more fluid than typical landslides
- Highly destructive due to viscous flow
- Common in areas with loose, volcanic or clay-rich soil
Impacts
- Sweeping away houses, roads, bridges
- Burial of settlements
- Waterlogging, soil degradation
- Disrupts rivers → secondary flooding
Mitigation
- Contour trenching, check dams
- Maintaining vegetation cover
- Better drainage in hill towns
- EWS using rainfall thresholds
- Land-use controls in mudslide-prone zones
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
NDMA Guidelines
National & State Disaster Management Plans
Floodplain zoning
Landslide risk reduction guidelines
Community-based disaster management
Central Water Commission (CWC)
Flood forecasting & inflow advisory
River basin management
ISRO
Bhuvan portal for disaster mapping
Satellite-based landslide inventory
National Flood Management Programme
Drainage improvement, embankment strengthening
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (LSM)
GSI identifies high-, medium-, low-risk zones
Dam Safety Act, 2021
Ensures dam surveillance, maintenance → prevents dam-induced floods
INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORKS
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–30)
Priority: Understanding risk, governance, investment, preparedness, “Build Back Better”.
UNFCCC & IPCC
Climate change increasing extreme rainfall & slope instability.
Global Flood Awareness System (GLOFAS)
Flood forecasting backed by ECMWF.
Floods, landslides, and mudslides highlight India’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather and fragile ecosystems. Strengthening early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, scientific land-use planning, and community preparedness is essential to reduce disaster risks and enhance long-term environmental security.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Which of the following best explains why the Himalayan region experiences frequent floods, landslides, and mudslides compared to the peninsular region?
1. The Himalayas are tectonically young and structurally unstable.
2. The region receives high-intensity, short-duration rainfall events.
3. The area has shallow, fragile soils with rapid saturation.
4. Large-scale human interventions such as road widening and hydropower tunnelling increase slope vulnerability.
Select the correct answer:
Mains Question
Q. Illegal migration into India is shaped by a complex interplay of geopolitical, socio-economic, and environmental factors. Analyse its implications for national security, demographic balance, and federal governance. Suggest a multi-dimensional policy response.
Fossil evidence of bamboo thorniness during Ice Age found in Manipur
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper-I: Geography (Physical Geography & Indian Geography)
Paleoclimatology: Fossil evidence helps understand vegetation changes during the Ice Age (Pleistocene epoch).
Biogeography of Northeast India: Reveals ancient plant adaptations and environmental evolution in the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot.
GS Paper-III: Environment, Ecology & Biodiversity
Conservation relevance: Insights into ancient bamboo species can guide present-day habitat and species conservation efforts.
More About the News
- Scientists have discovered fossilized bamboo remains in Manipur, providing evidence that certain bamboo species developed thorniness during the Ice Age as a survival adaptation.
- The fossils date back to the Pleistocene epoch, a period marked by colder global temperatures and glaciation cycles.
- Researchers suggest that thorny structures helped bamboo defend itself against grazing herbivores and cope with climatic stress.
- The discovery highlights Manipur’s rich geo-historical record and contributes to broader studies on plant evolution in South and Southeast Asia.
- This finding strengthens regional paleobotanical knowledge and may help reconstruct the paleoenvironment of Northeast India during the Ice Age.
ICE AGE
A prolonged period in Earth’s history when global temperatures drop significantly, leading to the expansion of continental ice sheets, polar ice caps, and mountain glaciers.
Major Ice Ages in Earth’s History
- Huronian (2.4–2.1 billion years ago)
- Cryogenian (720–635 mya) – “Snowball Earth”
- Andean-Saharan (450–420 mya)
- Karoo (360–260 mya)
- Quaternary Ice Age (2.58 mya – present) – We are still in it; current phase is an interglacial (Holocene).
Features of an Ice Age
- Expansion of ice sheets over continents.
- Drop in global sea levels.
- Shift in flora & fauna; extinction events.
- Growth of deserts in some parts due to reduced evaporation.
- Formation of glacial landforms: U-shaped valleys, moraines, eskers, drumlins.
Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)
- Around 20,000 years ago.
- Sea levels ~120 m lower than today.
- Land bridges existed (e.g., connecting Asia–Australia).
- Human migration accelerated.
India During the Last Ice Age
- Himalayas heavily glaciated.
- Thar Desert expanded.
- Peninsular rivers had lower discharge.
- Fossil evidence (e.g., thorny bamboo in Manipur suggests colder climate).
End of Ice Age
- Ended ~11,700 years ago → start of Holocene.
- Warming due to orbital changes + rising CO₂.
- Retreat of glaciers → formation of Ganga plains, new river systems.
Human Impacts
- Hunter-gatherer dispersal.
- Domestication/agriculture began after warming.
- Changes in megafauna (mammoths extinction).
Ice Ages reflect long-term interactions between Earth’s orbital cycles, greenhouse gases, and tectonic forces. Understanding their causes and impacts helps interpret past climate shifts and strengthens our perspective on present and future climate challenges.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Which of the following factors primarily trigger the onset of an Ice Age on Earth?
1. Variations in Earth’s orbital parameters
2. Long-term reduction in atmospheric CO₂ levels
3. Increased volcanic aerosols in the stratosphere
4. Rapid seafloor spreading and plate movements
Select the correct answer:
Mains Question
Q. Discuss the major climatic and ecological changes that occurred during the Ice Ages and explain their significance for the evolution and migration of early humans.
Winter Session: Opposition demands a debate on SIR; no assurance from government
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper-II: Polity & Governance
- Parliamentary Procedure: Demand for debate shows the role of Opposition, government accountability, and the functioning of Sessions.
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR): Linked to verification of electoral rolls—relevant for Election Commission powers, voter registration, and constitutional provisions under Articles 324–329.
- Legislative–Executive relations: Highlights how the government prioritizes business and how Opposition shapes the agenda.
More about the News
- In the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the Opposition demanded a detailed debate on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- The government has not provided assurance for such a discussion, leading to protests and calls for transparency in the verification process.
- Opposition parties argue that SIR may cause fear among vulnerable communities and must be debated to ensure fairness and prevent misuse.
- Treasury benches maintained that the Election Commission of India is independently conducting the exercise as part of its routine electoral roll management.
- The issue is likely to remain politically sensitive, with implications for electoral integrity, citizen documentation, and administrative processes ahead of upcoming elections.
WINTER SESSION
- One of the three parliamentary sessions in India:
- Budget Session (Feb–May)
- Monsoon Session (July–Aug)
- Winter Session (Nov–Dec)
- Usually the shortest session, lasting 3–4 weeks.
- One of the three parliamentary sessions in India:
Constitutional Basis
- Article 85: President summons Parliament on the advice of Council of Ministers.
- Requirement: At least two sessions and six months must not elapse between two sittings.
- No constitutional mandate for three sessions, but follows Westminster tradition.
Purpose & Significance of the Winter Session
- Passing urgent legislation before year-end.
- Discussing major pending bills.
- Taking up key policy debates, especially internal security, economy, and social issues.
- Discussions on supplementary demands for grants, fiscal priorities, and legislative backlogs.
Problems Associated with the Winter Session
Frequent Disruptions
Walkouts, adjournments, protests reduce productivity.
Winter Sessions often see lowest productivity.
Low Duration
Short session → insufficient scrutiny of bills.
Ordinance Route
Government may promulgate ordinances before the session to bypass full scrutiny.
Limited Financial Oversight
Supplementary demands passed hurriedly.
Lack of Adequate Debate
Important debates (internal security, unemployment, federal issues) may not be taken up.
Example scenario: Opposition demands debate on SIR; government may avoid it.
Importance of Winter Session for Governance
- Ensures continuity in legislative business.
- Critical for economy-related laws (GST Council decisions, financial bills).
- Provides platform for addressing national crises:
- Natural disasters
- Internal disturbances
- Border tensions
Parliamentary Reforms Needed
Institutional
Mandatory parliamentary calendar (National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution).
Strengthening DRSCs; making their scrutiny of bills compulsory.
Procedural
Automatic anti-disruption penalties (e.g., deduction of allowances).
Longer Winter Session (4–6 weeks).
More Question Hour and Zero Hour protection.
Technological
E-Parliament dashboards, AI tools for legislative impact assessment.
Real-time transparency on bill status.
Federal
- Pre-session consultation with states on major bills affecting federalism.
- Pre-session consultation with states on major bills affecting federalism.
Criticism
- Seen as increasingly ceremonial and “token” in duration.
- Executive dominance undermines parliamentary deliberation.
- Important bills sometimes passed without proper debate.
The Winter Session remains vital for legislative continuity and democratic accountability. Strengthening debate, reducing disruptions, and institutionalising reforms can enhance its effectiveness, ensuring Parliament functions as a robust forum for national decision-making and public interest.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements: (PYQ 2020)
1. The President of India can summon a session of the Parliament at such place as he/she thinks fit.
2. The Constitution of India provides for three sessions of the Parliament in a year, but it is not mandatory to conduct all three sessions.
3. There is no minimum number of days that the Parliament is required to meet in a year.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains Question
Q. To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (PYQ 2021)
Bangalore shivers on coldest day of the year, internet calls it ‘London weather’
Relevance to UPSC
GS Paper-I: Geography (Climatology & Indian Climate)
Microclimatic variations: Bengaluru’s sudden cold spell showcases local climatic influences such as elevation (900+ m above sea level), wind patterns, and cloud cover.
Western Disturbances & NE monsoon linkages: Cold-wave–like conditions in peninsular India can be associated with upper-air circulations or post-rainfall cooling.
Urban Climate Studies: Highlights the impact of urban heat island (UHI) reduction during cloudy/rainy spells.
GS Paper-III: Environment
Climate Variability: Sudden temperature drops reflect changing regional weather patterns and anomalies possibly linked to climate variability.
Disaster Management (Cold Wave Awareness): Though not a classical “cold wave region,” such events inform preparedness for atypical weather extremes.
More about the News
- Bengaluru recorded its coldest day of the year, prompting residents to compare the weather to ‘London-like’ chilly conditions on social media.
- The cooling followed overnight rain, dense cloud cover, and persistent winds, which reduced daytime heating.
- Meteorologists attribute the unusually low temperatures to a combination of upper-air troughs, moisture incursion, and post-rainfall radiative cooling.
- Several localities saw temperatures drop significantly below normal for this time of year, surprising residents in a city known for its moderate climate.
- The IMD has forecast that the cool conditions may continue for a short period, depending on cloud cover and wind direction.
COLD BREEZE
A cold breeze refers to the movement of colder, denser air from a high-pressure region to a relatively warmer, low-pressure region. It is part of local wind systems or can be influenced by large-scale synoptic weather patterns.
Types of Cold Breezes
Mountain & Valley Breezes
Mountain Breeze: At night, cold air flows down the slopes (katabatic winds).
Valley Breeze: Daytime warm winds rise up the slopes (anabatic winds).
Land Breeze
Nighttime: land cools faster → cold air flows from land to sea.
Katabatic Winds
Extremely cold, dense winds flowing downhill.
Examples: Bora, Mistral, Santa Ana, Antarctic katabatic winds.
Cold Breezes in Indian Context
(A) North India
Winter northerly/northwesterly winds bring cold air from:
Western Himalayas
Snow-covered regions
Afghanistan–Pakistan highlands
Following Western Disturbance, clear skies + cold winds → sharp temperature drop.
(B) South India
Bengaluru, interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu experience cold breezes due to:
Post-rainfall cooling
Elevation (Bengaluru ~900 m)
Northeasterly monsoon winds
“London-like weather” trends often reflect cold breezes with cloud cover.
(C) Coastal India
Nighttime land breezes create pleasant cooling.
Influenced by humidity + sea temperature differentials.
Effects of Cold Breezes
Beneficial
Moderates temperature
Enhances air circulation
Supports winter crops (wheat, mustard)
Adverse
May worsen:
Cold stress in vulnerable populations
Crop damage (frost risk)
Air pollution episodes if accompanied by temperature inversion
Impacts on transport due to fog formation.
Relation to Climate Change
- Climate variability increasing frequency of extreme cold and warm spells.
- Altered jet streams → unusual cold breezes in non-traditional regions.
- Urban microclimates (Urban Heat Island) modify wind patterns.
Cold breezes significantly influence local and regional weather, shaping winter conditions, agriculture, and human comfort. Understanding their causes and impacts enhances climate awareness, supports better forecasting, and strengthens preparedness amid increasing climate variability and changing atmospheric patterns.
Prelims MCQ
Q. Which one of the following best describes a cold breeze?
A cold breeze refers to:
Mains Question
Q. Explain the atmospheric processes that lead to the formation of cold breezes. How do such localized wind systems influence regional weather patterns and human comfort levels?
