Thursday, February 20, 2025

National Skill Census

 

Introduction

India is on track to become the world's most populous nation in the working-age group by 2030. This transition offers both immense opportunities and significant challenges. Although India’s overall unemployment rate stands at a low 4.1%, youth unemployment exceeds 12%, highlighting a gap between workforce availability and employability. A National Skill Census can be a pivotal policy tool to bridge this skill gap, align workforce competencies with market needs, and enhance India’s global competitiveness.

Demographic Dividend: India’s Window of Opportunity

India’s working-age population (15-64 years) is expected to peak by 2050. The year 2030 will be critical for optimizing India’s human capital:

  • Growth Potential: A youthful workforce can either catalyze growth or become a liability based on how skill development is integrated into employment policies.

  • Comparative Advantage: Unlike aging economies such as Japan and Western Europe, India has a narrow window to effectively skill and deploy its young population.

The Skill Deficit and the Unemployment Paradox

Despite rapid industrialization and urbanization, India faces a unique employment paradox:

  • Low Unemployment in the Formal Sector: The unemployment rate stands at 4.1% due to informal sector absorption.

  • High Youth Unemployment: Youth unemployment exceeds 12%, reflecting a mismatch between education and job market requirements.

  • Limited Formal Training: Only 4.7% of the workforce has received formal training, compared to China’s 24% and Germany’s 75%.

Key Barriers to Skilling

  1. Outdated Skill Mapping: Current workforce training strategies do not reflect evolving industry demands.

  2. Limited Industry Participation: Private sector collaboration in skill training programs is minimal, leading to a mismatch between supply and demand.

  3. Regional Disparities: States like Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have launched skill mapping initiatives, but many regions lack the necessary infrastructure.

  4. Absence of Long-Term Monitoring: Most initiatives fail to track employability and career progression post-training.

  5. Social Barriers: Women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups face significant hurdles in accessing training opportunities.

Lessons from State-Level Skill Mapping Initiatives

Uttar Pradesh: Migrant Skill Mapping Success

  • Context: During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), Uttar Pradesh mapped the skills of 2.35 million migrant workers, linking them with MSMEs for employment.

  • Impact: 94 categories of laborers were mapped, and 11.5 lakh jobs were facilitated. This structured approach demonstrated how skill mapping could drive employment.

Andhra Pradesh: India’s First Skill Census (2024)

  • Initiative: Andhra Pradesh launched India’s first-ever skill census in October 2024, covering 1,63,421 families in Mangalagiri and Thullur mandals.

  • Digital Tools: The Naipunyam App was developed for real-time data collection, although technical and privacy issues hampered its pilot phase.

  • Outcome: Highlighted the importance of digital tools in skill mapping but also underscored challenges in execution.

MSME Sector: Addressing Skill Gaps

  • Initiative: The “Approaches for MSME Development 2024” scheme aims to train workers to meet the demands of MSMEs.

  • Technological Advancements: The India Skills Report 2024 emphasizes the role of AI and automation in transforming skill requirements.

  • Outcome: MSMEs remain critical employment generators, requiring adaptive skilling programs.

Global Best Practices in Skill Mapping

  1. UK-India Migration and Mobility Partnership (2021-2024)

    • Focus: Linked India’s National Career Service portal with UK job platforms.

    • Outcome: Strengthened international mobility and aligned India’s skill ecosystem with global standards.

  2. India-UAE Skill Standardization

    • Partnership: India collaborated with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources to match Indian workforce skills with UAE job requirements.

    • Outcome: Recognition of Indian workforce certifications in the UAE boosted employment prospects.

  3. Australia’s Job Outlook Model

    • Model: Matches skills with labor market trends using real-time data analytics.

    • Outcome: A dynamic skilling model that India could adapt for predictive workforce planning.

The Need for a National Skill Census

A National Skill Census would provide real-time, data-driven workforce insights, enabling:

  • Bridging Skill Gaps: Aligning training with employer demands.

  • Improving Labor Mobility: Mapping job vacancies to skilled workers.

  • Enhanced Policymaking: Accurate, region-specific workforce data to inform policies.

  • Standardized Certifications: Better global job market recognition.

Challenges in Execution

  • Privacy Concerns: As seen in Andhra Pradesh’s pilot, candidates were reluctant to share OTP-based authentication data.

  • Data Accuracy: Ensuring self-reported skills are verified through standardized testing.

  • Rural Outreach: Creating mobile-based solutions to ensure access in remote regions.

  • Sustainability: Establishing biennial skill census cycles for continuous updates.

Way Forward

  1. Establish a Skill India Commission

    • Create a dedicated Skill India Commission under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to oversee the census and long-term skilling policies.

    • Conduct a biennial skill census to keep data updated.

  2. Strengthen Industry Linkages

    • Collaborate with private sector leaders to create industry-driven skilling programs.

    • Introduce a National Apprenticeship Program to provide graduates with on-the-job training.

  3. Integrate AI for Real-Time Workforce Insights

    • Develop an AI-based labor market analytics tool, similar to Australia’s Job Outlook platform.

    • Use predictive modeling to identify emerging job market trends.

  4. Expand International Skill Recognition

    • Build reciprocal agreements with G20 nations for mutual recognition of Indian workforce certifications.

    • Expand migration-friendly skill programs with countries like the UK, UAE, Germany, and Australia.

Conclusion

India’s demographic dividend is a fleeting opportunity. Without urgent policy interventions, the nation risks high youth unemployment, skill underutilization, and economic stagnation. A National Skill Census is not just a policy choice—it is an economic and social necessity. The time to act is now. Failing to upskill India’s youth today will forfeit the opportunity for demographic advantage.

MCQs for UPSC CSE

  1. Which of the following countries has the highest percentage of formally trained workforce?
    A) India
    B) China
    C) Germany
    D) Japan
    Answer: C) Germany

  2. The National Skill Census aims to achieve which of the following objectives?

    1. Aligning training with employer demands.

    2. Mapping job vacancies to skilled workers.

    3. Enhancing global job market recognition.
      Choose the correct answer:
      A) 1 and 2 only
      B) 2 and 3 only
      C) 1, 2, and 3
      D) 1 only
      Answer: C) 1, 2, and 3

  3. Which state launched India’s first-ever skill census?
    A) Uttar Pradesh
    B) Andhra Pradesh
    C) Gujarat
    D) Maharashtra
    Answer: B) Andhra Pradesh

  4. What is the primary focus of the UK-India Migration and Mobility Partnership?
    A) Strengthening MSME infrastructure
    B) Linking India’s National Career Service portal with UK job platforms
    C) Standardizing skill certification within India
    D) Developing AI-based job portals
    Answer: B) Linking India’s National Career Service portal with UK job platforms

Mains Question

“The lack of a comprehensive skill-mapping system has led to inefficiencies in India’s labor market. Critically analyze the role of a National Skill Census in bridging the skill gap.” (250 words)

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Global Infrastructure Resilience Report


Global Infrastructure Resilience Report


Source: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Context:
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has released its Global Infrastructure Resilience Report, which evaluates the preparedness and resilience of global infrastructure in the face of disasters.

About the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report

The report aims to assess and provide actionable insights on the vulnerabilities of key infrastructure sectors to natural disasters and climate change. It offers practical recommendations for enhancing resilience across nations and sectors.

Key Findings and Summary from the CDRI Report

1. Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI)

  • The GIRI model provides financial risk metrics for major infrastructure sectors such as:
    • Transport
    • Energy
    • Telecommunications
    • Water
    • Health
  • These metrics help policymakers understand the risks and resilience of critical infrastructure.

2. Investment Gap

  • To address global infrastructure deficits and ensure climate change resilience, the report estimates that $9.2 trillion in annual investment is needed by 2050.

3. Climate Risks

  • Infrastructure across the globe is increasingly vulnerable to hazards like:
    • Earthquakes
    • Tsunamis
    • Cyclones
    • Floods
    • Droughts

4. Governance Challenges

  • Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) face weak infrastructure governance, which hampers their ability to implement resilience measures effectively.

Positive Outcomes from the Report

  1. Data-Driven Insights

    • The GIRI model offers the first publicly available global risk assessment of infrastructure resilience.

  2. Economic Case for Resilience

    • Investing in resilient infrastructure reduces asset loss, minimizes service disruptions, and promotes long-term economic growth.

  3. Nature-Based Solutions (NbIS)

    • Nature-Based Solutions are emphasized as sustainable and cost-effective measures to enhance resilience.

  4. Increased Awareness

    • Policymakers and investors are now equipped with critical data to make informed decisions on infrastructure investments.

  5. Global Collaboration

    • The report encourages cooperation among governments, financial institutions, and multilateral agencies to foster disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Challenges Identified

  1. Financial Constraints

    • LMICs lack the necessary funding to invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure.

  2. Slow Policy Implementation

    • Despite global guidelines, many governments fail to incorporate resilience measures into infrastructure planning.

  3. Lack of Data Standardization

    • Inconsistent metrics across countries make it difficult to assess and compare infrastructure risks.

  4. Private Sector Hesitancy

    • Private investors often perceive resilience measures as additional costs rather than opportunities for long-term benefits.

  5. Climate Adaptation Gap

    • Developing countries face significant challenges in transitioning to low-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Way Ahead: Recommendations from the CDRI Report

  1. Scaling Up Investments

    • Both public and private funding must increase to bridge the global infrastructure resilience gap.

  2. Improved Risk Governance

    • Countries should adopt data-driven policies for resilient infrastructure planning and management.

  3. Technology-Driven Solutions

    • Emerging technologies like AI, big data, and remote sensing can help in real-time risk assessments for critical infrastructure.

  4. Enhanced Private Sector Engagement

    • Governments must incentivize private businesses to invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure.

  5. Global Partnerships

    • Strengthening international cooperation can facilitate the sharing of best practices and technical expertise.

Conclusion

The Global Infrastructure Resilience Report emphasizes the urgent need to build resilient infrastructure to combat climate risks and disasters. By promoting global cooperation, leveraging advanced technologies, and increasing investments, nations can ensure a sustainable and disaster-resilient future for generations to come.

MCQs for UPSC CSE on Global Infrastructure Resilience Report

  1. Which of the following sectors are covered under the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI)?

    • A. Transport and Energy
    • B. Health and Telecommunications
    • C. Water
    • D. All of the above
      Answer: D. All of the above

  2. According to the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report, how much annual investment is required by 2050 to address global infrastructure deficits?

    • A. $5 trillion
    • B. $7.5 trillion
    • C. $9.2 trillion
    • D. $12 trillion
      Answer: C. $9.2 trillion

  3. Which natural hazards are identified as major risks to infrastructure in the report?

    • A. Earthquakes and Tsunamis
    • B. Cyclones and Floods
    • C. Droughts
    • D. All of the above
      Answer: D. All of the above

  4. What is a major financial challenge for Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) as per the report?

    • A. Over-regulation of infrastructure projects
    • B. Lack of funding for resilient infrastructure
    • C. Excessive reliance on the private sector
    • D. Rapid policy implementation
      Answer: B. Lack of funding for resilient infrastructure

  5. Which of the following are recommended in the report to enhance resilience?

    • A. Technology-driven solutions
    • B. Scaling up investments
    • C. Nature-Based Solutions (NbIS)
    • D. All of the above
      Answer: D. All of the above

Mains Question for UPSC CSE

Discuss the importance of resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change and natural disasters. Highlight the key findings of the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and suggest measures to bridge the resilience investment gap.

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Caspian Sea – Current Developments

 

Caspian Sea – Current Developments
Image Courtsey: Worldatlas.com

Context

At the Third Economic Forum of Caspian Littoral States' Prime Ministers held in Tehran, Russia is actively taking steps to prevent the Caspian Sea’s water levels from declining. This issue is critical due to the sea's strategic and economic significance in the region.

About the Caspian Sea

Geographical Location

  • The Caspian Sea is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
  • It is bordered by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia.
  • Situated to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the Central Asian steppe, this unique water body holds immense significance.

World’s Largest Inland Water Body

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland water body, spanning approximately 371,000 square kilometers. Its dual identity as both a sea and a lake is due to its enclosed nature and unique salinity.

  • Salinity: The sea has a salinity of 1.2%, making it less saline than ocean water but saltier than typical freshwater lakes.
  • Ancient Origin: It is considered a remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea that existed millions of years ago.

Natural Resource Wealth

  • Oil and Natural Gas: The Caspian region is rich in hydrocarbon resources and contributes significantly to global oil and natural gas production.
  • Biodiversity: The Caspian Sea hosts a diverse ecosystem, including the Caspian Seal, which is unique to this water body.
  • The sea is also known for its sturgeon population, which produces the prized Caspian caviar.

Bordering Countries

  1. Kazakhstan: The largest country in Central Asia with significant oil exploration in the Caspian region.
  2. Turkmenistan: Known for its extensive natural gas reserves along the Caspian coast.
  3. Iran: Shares the southern part of the Caspian Sea, contributing to the sea’s cultural and economic diversity.
  4. Azerbaijan: Home to Baku, the Caspian’s largest city and a major oil and gas hub.
  5. Russia: Plays a dominant role in Caspian geopolitics and trade.

Major Rivers Feeding the Caspian Sea

Several rivers contribute to the Caspian Sea’s water levels. The most significant are:

  1. Volga River:
    • The Volga River, Europe’s longest river, is the largest freshwater contributor to the Caspian Sea.
  2. Ural River: Another important inflow from Kazakhstan.
  3. Kura and Aras Rivers: These flow from the Caucasus region into the sea.
  4. Terek River, Sulak River, Samur River, and Atrek River: These rivers contribute to the sea’s northern and southern regions.

Strategic Significance

  1. Energy Trade Hub: The Caspian Sea region plays a crucial role in transporting oil and gas to Europe and Asia.
  2. Geopolitical Importance: Due to its energy resources and location, the Caspian is a hotbed of regional cooperation and competition.
  3. Fishing and Tourism: The sea’s rich biodiversity supports commercial fishing and emerging tourism industries.

Current Challenges

  1. Declining Water Levels: The Caspian Sea’s water levels are gradually falling due to reduced river inflows and rising temperatures.
  2. Environmental Degradation: Pollution from oil exploration, industrial waste, and untreated sewage threaten marine life.
  3. Border Disputes: The legal status of the Caspian Sea has long been debated among the five littoral states, complicating resource-sharing agreements.

International Cooperation

Efforts are underway to address environmental and economic challenges. At the Third Economic Forum of Caspian Littoral States’ Prime Ministers in Tehran, member countries, including Russia, discussed measures to stabilize water levels and foster regional cooperation.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) for UPSC CSE

  1. Which of the following countries does NOT border the Caspian Sea?
    a) Iran
    b) Kazakhstan
    c) Uzbekistan
    d) Azerbaijan
    Answer: c) Uzbekistan

  2. Which river is the largest freshwater contributor to the Caspian Sea?
    a) Ural River
    b) Terek River
    c) Volga River
    d) Kura River
    Answer: c) Volga River

  3. The Caspian Sea is a remnant of which ancient water body?
    a) Black Sea
    b) Tethys Ocean
    c) Paratethys Sea
    d) Mediterranean Sea
    Answer: c) Paratethys Sea

  4. What is the salinity of the Caspian Sea?
    a) 0.5%
    b) 1.2%
    c) 2.0%
    d) 3.5%
    Answer: b) 1.2%

  5. Baku, the largest city on the Caspian Sea, is the capital of which country?
    a) Iran
    b) Turkmenistan
    c) Azerbaijan
    d) Russia
    Answer: c) Azerbaijan

Mains Question for UPSC CSE

Q: Discuss the strategic significance of the Caspian Sea for the countries bordering it. Highlight the key challenges they face and suggest measures to enhance regional cooperation.

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Vertical Planetary Mixer

 

Vertical Planetary Mixer


Context:
ISRO, in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru, has successfully developed the world’s largest vertical planetary mixer with a 10-tonne capacity. This innovation marks a significant milestone in solid propellant manufacturing for space missions.

What is a Vertical Planetary Mixer?

A vertical planetary mixer is a high-capacity mixing system specifically designed to process solid propellants used in rocket motors. It ensures precise blending of hazardous and sensitive components, which is essential for improving the performance and efficiency of rocket motors.

Key Developer:

  • Developed by Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), ISRO.
  • Collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru.
  • Part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to strengthen India’s self-reliant space technology capabilities.

How Does a Vertical Planetary Mixer Work?

  • Mixing Mechanism: Multiple hydrostatic-driven agitators are used to ensure uniform mixing of all solid propellant components.
  • Control System: Operated remotely using a PLC-based control system connected to SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) stations.
    • SCADA stations monitor and control physical processes in real-time for precision and safety.
    • This remote control feature reduces human intervention, enhancing safety when handling hazardous materials.

Key Features of the Vertical Planetary Mixer

  1. Largest Capacity: Can mix up to 10 tonnes of solid propellant in a single batch, making it the largest of its kind globally.
  2. High Precision: Ensures uniform composition for improved rocket motor performance and reliability.
  3. Safety & Reliability: Designed to handle hazardous materials with strict quality and safety controls.
  4. Automation: Fully automated with remote operation to enhance operational efficiency.
  5. Massive Structure: The mixer weighs 150 tonnes with dimensions of 5.4 meters in length, 3.3 meters in breadth, and 8.7 meters in height.

Significance of the Vertical Planetary Mixer

  1. Enhanced Rocket Motor Production:

    • The mixer significantly improves productivity, quality, and throughput in the manufacturing of solid propulsion systems.
    • Ensures consistency in the solid propellant composition, a critical factor for rocket stability and performance.

  2. Indigenous Capability:

    • Reduces dependency on imported equipment or foreign technology, advancing India’s goals of self-reliance in space technology.
    • Contributes to the larger ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission for technological independence.

  3. Support for Future Space Missions:

    • Strengthens ISRO’s various launch programs, including PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), and upcoming heavy-lift launch vehicles.
    • Facilitates the development of larger rocket motors for future space exploration and satellite launches.

  4. Innovation Through Collaboration:

    • The development of this mixer highlights the role of collaboration between ISRO, academia, and industry in fostering innovation and advancing space manufacturing technologies.

Future Implications

The successful deployment of the vertical planetary mixer opens new avenues for space exploration and propellant development in India. It ensures the production of safer, more efficient propellants and contributes to ISRO’s ambitions of expanding its space exploration and satellite deployment programs.

MCQs for UPSC CSE

  1. Which organization collaborated with ISRO to develop the 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer?
    a) Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
    b) Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI)
    c) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
    d) National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
    Answer: b) Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI)

  2. What is the primary purpose of a vertical planetary mixer in space technology?
    a) Cooling rocket engines
    b) Assembling satellites
    c) Mixing solid propellants for rocket motors
    d) Launching spacecraft
    Answer: c) Mixing solid propellants for rocket motors

  3. What control system is used to operate the vertical planetary mixer?
    a) Manual switches
    b) IoT-based control
    c) PLC-based system with SCADA stations
    d) AI-driven automation
    Answer: c) PLC-based system with SCADA stations

  4. What is the capacity of the vertical planetary mixer developed by ISRO?
    a) 5 tonnes
    b) 7 tonnes
    c) 10 tonnes
    d) 15 tonnes
    Answer: c) 10 tonnes

  5. Which Indian government initiative is aligned with the development of this mixer?
    a) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
    b) Make in India
    c) Atmanirbhar Bharat
    d) Skill India
    Answer: c) Atmanirbhar Bharat

Mains Question (UPSC CSE)

Q: Discuss the significance of ISRO’s development of the 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer in the context of India’s self-reliance in space technology. How can such innovations support future space exploration?

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Humpback Whale

 

Humpback Whale


Context: A 23-year-old Venezuelan kayaker was briefly engulfed by a humpback whale while kayaking in the Strait of Magellan, Chile. The whale mistook the kayak for prey but released the kayaker unharmed within seconds.

What is a Humpback Whale?

The humpback whale (scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the most fascinating creatures in the marine world. Known for their acrobatic breaches, complex vocalizations, and long-distance migrations, these baleen whales are icons of marine biodiversity.

Size and Weight:

  • Humpback whales can grow to lengths of 12–16 meters (39–52 feet) and can weigh up to 36 metric tons.
  • Despite their massive size, these whales are agile and frequently breach (leap) out of the water.

Classification of Whales

Whales are classified into two primary families:

  1. Baleen Whales (Mysticeti):

    • Includes species like humpback whales, blue whales, and grey whales.
    • They possess baleen plates instead of teeth. Baleen plates are comb-like structures that filter food from seawater.
    • Baleen whales primarily feed on plankton and small fish.

  2. Toothed Whales (Odontoceti):

    • Includes sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales (orcas), and dolphins.
    • Toothed whales are predators, using teeth to hunt larger prey such as fish and squid.

Feeding Habits of Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are primarily filter-feeders, consuming krill, plankton, and small fish.

Feeding Technique:

  • They use their baleen plates to trap prey.
  • One of their most unique feeding behaviors is bubble-net feeding, in which the whale blows spirals of bubbles to encircle and trap prey. Once prey is concentrated in the "net," the whale swims upward with its mouth open to consume the trapped prey.

Distribution and Habitat

Humpback whales are cosmopolitan, found in all major oceans across the globe.

  1. Feeding Grounds: Typically located in polar regions, where they consume vast amounts of food to store fat for migration.
  2. Breeding Grounds: Found in tropical and subtropical regions, where humpbacks give birth and nurse their calves.
  3. Migration: Humpbacks are famous for their annual migrations of thousands of kilometers between feeding and breeding zones.

Behavior and Communication

Humpback whales are known for their fascinating behaviors and communication methods.

1. Breaching:
Humpbacks often leap out of the water and land with a splash. This behavior may serve multiple purposes:

  • Communication: Breaches produce loud sounds that may be used to communicate over long distances.
  • Parasite Removal: The force of landing can help dislodge parasites from their skin.

2. Songs:

  • Male humpback whales are known for their long, complex songs that can last for hours.
  • These songs are believed to play a role in mating, helping males attract potential mates.
  • Interestingly, humpback whale songs evolve over time, with different populations exhibiting distinct song patterns each year.

Conservation Status

The humpback whale is listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List due to past hunting and ongoing threats like entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and habitat changes caused by climate change.

Conservation Efforts:

  • International efforts, including the ban on commercial whaling and the establishment of marine protected areas, have contributed to the partial recovery of humpback whale populations.
  • Continued conservation actions are critical to ensuring the species’ survival.

Unique Incident: Kayaker Swallowed by a Whale

The incident involving the Venezuelan kayaker highlights the unpredictability of marine wildlife encounters. Although rare, whales can sometimes mistake small boats or kayaks for prey due to their size and movement. The kayaker’s survival underscores the need for increased awareness and caution when kayaking or boating in whale habitats.

MCQs for UPSC CSE

1. What is the primary purpose of the baleen plates in humpback whales?
A) Communication
B) Breeding
C) Filter-feeding
D) Parasite removal
Answer: C) Filter-feeding

2. What is the scientific name of the humpback whale?
A) Balaenoptera musculus
B) Megaptera novaeangliae
C) Physeter macrocephalus
D) Orcinus orca
Answer: B) Megaptera novaeangliae

3. Which feeding behavior is unique to humpback whales?
A) Echo-location
B) Surface skimming
C) Bubble-net feeding
D) Ambush hunting
Answer: C) Bubble-net feeding

4. Which of the following is a feature of humpback whale songs?
A) Only males sing
B) Songs last for only a few seconds
C) Songs are used for navigation
D) Only calves sing
Answer: A) Only males sing

5. Humpback whales are listed under which category on the IUCN Red List?
A) Endangered
B) Vulnerable
C) Near Threatened
D) Critically Endangered
Answer: B) Vulnerable

Mains Questions

1. Explain the behavioral and ecological significance of humpback whale songs and breaches. How do these behaviors aid in survival and reproduction?

2. Discuss the threats faced by humpback whales and the global conservation measures being taken to protect this species.

This comprehensive post provides insights into the fascinating lives of humpback whales, emphasizing their conservation and unique adaptations. Stay tuned for more marine life updates and conservation stories!

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