9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 15th, 2023

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

On the Critical Minerals Sector – Charging growth

Source: This post on the Critical Minerals Sector has been created based on the articles “Charging growth” and “India takes cover as critical mineral imports shoot up” published in “Business Standard” on 15th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Geography – Distribution of key natural resources across the world.

News: The article discusses the critical minerals sector. It highlights recent developments concerning India’s critical minerals sector. It also points to the challenges of this sector.

What are critical minerals?

Critical minerals are those minerals that are at risk of supply shortage, and which may have a large impact on the economy and national security. They have complex global supply chains with a high concentration in the extracting and processing countries, resulting in high supply risks.

These include minerals such as lithium, graphite, potash, silicon, titanium and rare earths (REE).

What are the recent developments in India’s critical minerals sector?

Policy Initiatives:
1. India issued its first critical minerals policy listing 30 minerals important for India’s net-zero transition.
2. 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed in the mining and exploration sector under the automatic route

Exploration and Mining Auction: Government recently initiated the auctioning of 20 blocks of critical minerals, including J&K’s lithium reserves. Also, 125 projects are underway to explore critical minerals.

Geopolitical Initiatives: Recently, India became the first developing country to be inducted into the US-led Mineral Security Partnership (MSP).
More about MSP here.

What are the concerns with the sector?

  1. Scarce supply of minerals.
  2. China’s sole dominance: China is a central player in the global critical mineral supply chains, particularly in processing and refining. It accounts for ~ 60% of worldwide production and 85% of processing capacity.
  3. Geopolitical Risks: Their spread is geographically concentrated, making it vulnerable to geopolitical risks. Geopolitical tensions, conflicts, trade disputes, or sudden policy changes in those regions can impact their supply.
    For instance, approximately 70% of the world’s reserves of cobalt are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  4. Dominance of a few major companies: This leads to oligopolistic (domination by a few large firms) markets.
  5. Not Traded on Exchanges: Unlike oil, most critical materials are not widely traded on exchanges, and this limits opportunities to hedge against price volatility. Exchanges provide a way to hedge against price fluctuations by locking in prices through futures contracts or by buying/selling on the spot market.
  6. Insufficient data: Insufficient data on the consumption, production, and trade of minerals causes uncertainty, price volatility and delays in investments.
  7. Rising Import Bill: Between FY22 and FY23, there has been a 34% rise in imports of critical minerals, totaling nearly Rs. 91,000 crore.

What should India do?

Push for Expansion of MSP: Along with India, more countries in the Global South can be part of the alliance, especially critical mineral-rich African countries.
The MSP can become an international platform that reports on the status and future of critical mineral markets.

Encourage FDI in Domestic Mining: Rising foreign direct investment (FDI) will not just support businesses like battery and EV manufacturing; it will also bring the expertise of international mining firms to aid in exploring critical minerals for the country’s benefit.

 Question for practice:

“Critical Minerals, which have a huge bearing on a country’s economy, security and geopolitics, is a sector fraught with challenges”. Elaborate.

GS PAPER - 2

7-Judge ruling on arbitration -India has a superior chance now to emerge as an arbitration hub

Source: The post 7-Judge ruling on arbitration has been created on the article “India has a superior chance now to emerge as an arbitration hub” published in “Live mints” on 15th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2 – Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

News: The article discusses a recent decision by India’s Supreme Court. It allows arbitration agreements, even if they have stamp duty issues, to be enforced. This ruling is expected to make India a more attractive place for arbitration, speeding up and simplifying dispute resolution.

What is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which a neutral third party resolves a dispute outside of court. The parties to the dispute agree to submit their case to an arbitrator, who will make a binding decision on the matter. Arbitration in India is governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act,1996.

For more information on ADR read here

What are the important judgments related to arbitration?

5-Judge SC Bench in N Global Mercantile (P) Ltd vs IndonUnique Flame Ltd:

Ruling: Arbitration agreements without proper stamp duty were unenforceable.

Impact: Created complications, as courts couldn’t appoint arbitrators until the correct stamp duty was paid.

The Supreme Court’s (SC) Recent 7-Judge Ruling:

Overturned Prior Decision– Allowed unstamped or insufficiently stamped agreements to be enforceable.

Parties can appoint technical experts as arbitrators in complex matters, aiding in cross-border transactions.

Role of Courts as per The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996: a) Minimized Court Supervision- The Act emphasizes reducing the courts’ supervisory role in arbitration, b) Selective Court Involvement – Courts aren’t excluded but their involvement is limited to specific situations, like enforcing arbitration decisions or preventing fraud and policy violations.

What are the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on arbitration?

Increased Enforceability: The recent SC ruling ensures that arbitration agreements are enforceable, even if they are unstamped or insufficiently stamped. This change prevents delays, thereby expediting the arbitration process.

Reduced Judicial Intervention: Courts will no longer assess stamp duty before arbitration, adhering to the principles of minimal court involvement.

Enhanced Arbitration Appeal: This ruling makes India more attractive for arbitration, potentially reducing the preference for international arbitration centers like Singapore or Dubai.

Maintained Revenue Interests: Stamp duty and penalties are still applicable, ensuring revenue department concerns are addressed, but without disrupting the arbitration process.

Long-term Legal Stability: A rare 7-judge bench decision provides lasting predictability in arbitration proceedings.

Way forward

To enhance India’s position as a global arbitration hub, continued support for minimal judicial intervention and respect for arbitral autonomy is crucial. Ensuring efficient arbitration processes that appeal to both domestic and international parties will be vital. Regular updates to legal frameworks to uphold these principles will further strengthen India’s role in global arbitration.

Terminology used

Gift city: GIFT City, short for Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, is a business district in Gujarat, India. It’s designed as a financial and technology hub with advanced infrastructure. GIFT City aims to attract businesses and financial services, competing with leading global financial centers. It offers a favorable environment for finance and tech firms.

For more information read here

Question for practice:

Discuss the implications of India’s Supreme Court recent ruling on arbitration agreements for the country’s position as a global arbitration hub.

Global reaction to the change in J&K’s Status-How the world reacted to Article 370 abrogation, how SC verdict helps India

Source: The post Global reaction to the change in J&K’s status has been created on the article “How the world reacted to Article 370 abrogation, how SC verdict helps India” published in “Indian express” on 15th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- constitutional amendment & International relation- India and its neighborhood- relations.

News: The article discusses the global reaction to both India’s Parliament revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold this constitutional amendment.

Background

In 2019, India’s Parliament annulled the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and enacted the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill. This legislation divided the region into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, which retained its legislature, and Ladakh, which did not.

Recently the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370.which had previously granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Read More About the SC Judgement on abrogation of Article 370

What were the international reactions after India’s Parliament revoked J&K’s special status under Article 370?

Pakistan: Strongly opposed India’s move.

China: Criticized the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory, claiming it affected its sovereignty; expressed concern over regional stability.

Islamic Countries: Mixed reactions; UAE and Saudi Arabia saw it as India’s internal matter, while Turkey and Malaysia criticized the decision.

Western Nations & EU: Expressed concerns over potential instability and human rights issues; emphasized dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Russia: Supported India, viewing the changes as within India’s constitutional framework and a bilateral issue.

What is the Supreme Court’s verdict on this matter?

Read here

What were the international reactions following the Supreme Court’s verdict?

Limited International Reaction: Apart from Pakistan, China, and the OIC, there were no major global reactions to the Supreme Court’s verdict on 370.

Pakistan: Refused to recognize the Indian Constitution’s supremacy over Jammu and Kashmir.

China: Did not acknowledge Ladakh as a Union Territory, asserting a claim on the western section of the China-India border.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Urged reversal of abrogation of 370.

India’s Response: Dismissed OIC’s statements, attributing them to Pakistan’s influence and labeling Pakistan as a promoter of cross-border terrorism.

What diplomatic efforts were made in relation to this change?

UN Security Council Engagement: After India’s outreach to UNSC members, the US, France, and Germany, as part of the UNSC, preferred not to internationalize the issue, supporting a bilateral resolution instead. Poland, holding the UNSC Presidency at the time, also supported this approach.

High-Level Diplomatic Talks:

Government approached France, China, Europe and US to gather support in favor of abrogation. Majority of these countries backed India.

J&K Tours: The Indian government conducted tours of J&K for the international diplomatic community.

What should be done?

Organize free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir as directed by the Supreme Court.

Ensuring the protection of human rights in the region is crucial to maintain international credibility.

India should seek to reduce tensions and explore engagement opportunities with Pakistan.

India must continue its diplomatic efforts to communicate its stance and developments in J&K to the international community.

Question for practice:

Discuss the international reactions to India’s Parliament revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and the Supreme Court’s subsequent verdict on this constitutional change.

GS PAPER - 3

On the Parliament Security Breach

Source: This post on the recent Parliament security breach has been created based on the article “Parliament attacks have exposed shameful lack of security preparedness” published in “Indian Express” on 15th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Internal Security – Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

News: The article discusses the recent Parliament security breach.

What is the security breach incident?

On 13th December, 22 years after the Parliament attacks in 2001, two people managed to breach the entire security apparatus and intruded into the main hall of the Lok Sabha. They released yellow gas from canisters, before being overpowered by MPs.

Entry pass for the visitors’ gallery, signed by an MP from Mysore, was reportedly found on one of the intruders. The intruders managed to hide tear gas canisters in their shoes and enter the building.

The new Parliament building, inaugurated earlier this year, is believed to be more secure than the earlier one. The security breach is clearly a collective failure of intelligence and security agencies responsible for parliament security.

What steps have been taken?

4 people have been arrested so far and a case under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was registered against all of them.

The government has also constituted a high-level inquiry committee to find out what had happened and what went wrong.

What should be done?

  1. Clear responsibility and accountability need to be fixed for the security breach.
  2. An overhaul of the security structure will have to be undertaken.

Question for practice:

A breach of security in places of national importance should be dealt with utmost caution. Discuss in the context of the recent Parliament security breach.

Digitization of land Records

Source: The post digitization of land records has been created on the article “Record digitization will spell landmark progress” published in “Live mints” on 15th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Indian economy- Land reform & GS paper2- governance – e-governance

News: The article discusses India’s project to digitize land records for better infrastructure planning and reduced corruption. It highlights the importance of clear land ownership, the impact on real estate, and the need to modernize land registration from physical to digital formats.

What are the benefits of digital land records?

Ownership and Fewer Disputes: Digital records establish clear land ownership, reducing legal issues and disputes over land.

Efficient Real Estate Market: With clear records, property deals become more transparent, reducing corruption and improving efficiency.

Increased Tax Revenue: Proper land records could lead to higher property tax collections for state governments.

Facilitates Infrastructure Development: Easy access to land data aids in faster planning and execution of infrastructure projects under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

Support for the Poor: Digital records enable the poor to prove land ownership, safeguarding them against exploitation.

What are the challenges related to digital land records?

Partial Success and Ongoing Effort: While land records from 13 major states and four Union territories have been digitized, integration is still pending for states like Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and the UT of Lakshadweep.

Outdated Registration Laws: The process is still bound by the 1908 Registration Act, which depends on physical documents, making modernization challenging.

Transition and Technology Challenges: Moving to a digital system involves overcoming both bureaucratic and technological hurdles, such as implementing unique land parcel ID numbers and adapting to new digital processes.

What government initiatives are in place for the improvement of digital land records?

PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan: This initiative aims to coordinate infrastructure development using digital land records from states and Union territories.

For more information read here

Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme: A government project focusing on updating and digitizing land records across the country. Once this has been done, every plot/parcel of land can get the 14-digit alpha-numeric ULPIN (Unique Land Parcel Identification Number) or Bhu-Aadhaar.

For more information read here

What should be done?

Implement Unique IDs: Assign a 14-digit unique land parcel ID to every land parcel for better tracking and transparency.

Adopt Efficient Digital Systems: Shift from physical to digital registration, leveraging technologies like Aadhaar for improved efficiency.

Question for practice:

Examine the benefits and challenges of India’s digital land records and discuss the government initiatives aimed at improving this system.


Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

COP28 — many a slippery slope ahead  
Keeping it relevant 
Updated Article- COP 28 Outcomes and Shortcomings- Explained Pointwise+ Infographics 
Is India doing enough to tackle climate change? 
7 PM Article - Climate Negotiations and India- Explained Pointwise+Infographic

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Asymmetric Federalism: Why many states in India enjoy special provisions

Source: The post is based on the article “Beyond Jammu and Kashmir: Why many states in India enjoy special provisions” published in “Indian Express” on 15th December 2023

Why in the News?

India’s Constitution is tilted towards the Centre. But certain states enjoy special provisions in the Constitution.

What is India’s Governance Structure?

1) India’s governance structure is quasi-federal, meaning it is a mix of unitary and federal systems. Power distribution leans towards the Centre but states still have varying levels of autonomy.

2) But even in this quasi federal setup, not all states are equal. Some states have special status depending upon factors such as fiscal, political and administrative.

3) However, there is a debate about whether this asymmetry federalism fosters regionalism and separatism affecting national unity.

What are the Special Provisions several states enjoy in the Constitution?

1) Article 370: It gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. However, in 2019, the Parliament passed the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019.The order effectively abrogates the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under the provision of Article 370

2) Article 371: Article 371 till Article 371J is contained in Part XXI of the Constitution. It grants some temporary, transition and special provisions to some states in India. 

Some of its features includes –
a. Setting up of developmental boards for regions– For example, vidarbha and Marathwada in Maharashtra, Kutchh in Gujarat, Hyderabad-Karnataka region.
b. Special responsibility of Governor– For example, in Arunachal Pradesh, the governor has special responsibility towards law and order.
c. Application of Acts of Parliament on certain matters- Acts of Parliament on matters such as religious/social practices, customary law, transfer of land & resources, etc would not apply to the states of Nagaland and Mizoram unless the state Assembly decides to do so.

3) Article 239AA: It was added by 69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991. It prescribes for a unique arrangement for the administration of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It is not a state under the First Schedule to the Constitution yet has the powers to legislate upon subjects in the state and concurrent lists in the Seventh Schedule.

What is Asymmetric Federalism?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus: Polity

Supreme Court Affirms Validity of Arbitration Agreements in Unstamped Contracts

Source- This post is based on the article “Arbitration agreements in unstamped contracts valid, says Constitution Bench” published in “The Hindu” on 13th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently, a seven-judge Constitution Bench ruled that arbitration agreements in unstamped or insufficiently stamped commercial contracts remain valid, enforceable, and existent.

What are the Highlights of the Judgment in simplified terms?

1) The court held that unstamped or insufficiently stamped agreements are not void or unenforceable.

2) The Arbitration Act is independent of the Stamp Act. Even if a document is invalid under the Stamp Act, any arbitration agreement reached over the invalid document is valid.

3) The court applied the “separation presumption” by which an arbitration agreement is presumed to have a separate existence from the contract. This means that the validity of the arbitration agreement is independent of the validity of the underlying contract.

4) The separation presumption applied in this case gave effect to the doctrine of competence-competence. According to this doctrine, the arbitral tribunal has its own  authority/ is competent to decide its own jurisdiction. Thus, an arbitration agreement can be valid if the arbitral authority gives it approval, despite the case being of unstamped or insufficiently stamped commercial contracts.

5) With this, the 7 judge bench has overruled an earlier verdict of the Supreme Court in the N.N. Global case.

Note- In the N. N. Global case, a five-judge bench ruled that an arbitration agreement without proper stamping was deemed void and unenforceable.

What is the Significance of the Judgement?

1) Swift resolution of commercial disputes- Previously, disputes of this nature faced obstacles due to parties failing to pay the necessary stamp duty or inadequately stamping contracts.

2) The ruling provides a significant boost to India’s aspirations of becoming a global arbitration hub.

What is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in which a neutral third party resolves a dispute outside of court. Arbitration in India is governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act,1996.

For more information on Arbitration Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation

Urgent need to control use of e-cigarettes: WHO

Source: The post is based on the article Urgent need to control use of e-cigarettes: WHOpublished in “The Hindu” on 15th December 2023

Why in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report on e-cigarettes titled Electronic Cigarettes: Call to Action.

What are Electronic Cigarettes?

1) E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat up a liquid (e-liquid) to produce an aerosol that the user inhales.

2) This aerosol often contains nicotine, the addictive drug in traditional cigarettes, as well as other chemicals and flavourings.

3) It is also known as vapes, vape pens and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

Click Here to read more

What are the Regulations on the Use of E-cigarettes Worldwide?

1) Thirty-four countries have banned the sale of e-cigarettes, 88 countries have no minimum age at which e-cigarettes can be bought and 74 countries have no regulations in place for these harmful products. 

2) In India, the possession of e-cigarettes and similar devices is a violation of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarette Act, 2019.

What are the Key Highlights from the WHO Report on E-cigarettes?

1) E-cigarettes are often promoted as a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarettes. But they are not shown to be effective for quitting tobacco use at the population level.

2) It has been found that they generate harmful substances that are linked to cancer, heart and lung diseases and brain development issues.

2) Exposure to e-cigarette content on social media also increases the likelihood of use.

3) Studies have shown that young people who use e-cigarettes are almost three times more likely to use cigarettes later in life.

4) Studies have shown that kids aged 13-15 are using e-cigarettes more than adults worldwide. For example, in Canada, e-cigarette use among 16 to 19-year-olds doubled between 2017 and 2022.

5) Hence, WHO has urged countries to implement strict measures to control the use of e-cigarettes.

UPSC Syllabus: Policy

Barracuda: India’s fastest’ solar-electric boat launched

Source: The post is based on the articleBarracuda: India’s fastest’ solar-electric boat launched published in “The Hindu” on 15th December 2023

Why in the News?

India’s fastest solar-electric boat named Barracuda has been launched.

What is Barracuda?

Specifications Details
What is it It is India’s fastest solar-electric boat
Developed jointly by Navalt Solar and Electric Boats and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd 
Named after A swift, long fish named Barracuda
Key Features 1) The boat can attain a top speed of 12 knots and has a range of 7 hours in a single charge.
2) The vessel harnesses twin 50 kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6 kW solar power.
3) It is an eco-friendly vessel.
4) It produces no noise and vibrations.
5) It can accommodate upto 12 passengers and cargo.
Deployed at The boat will be deployed at Mazagon Dock at the Mumbai dock under the name Saur Sakthi.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment and Security

ENACT Partnership + infographic

Source– This post is based on the article “Six countries and UN agency join vital global partnership to advance Nature-based Solutions” published on “IUCN website” on 9th December 2023.

Why in the News?

The ENACT (Enhancing Nature-based Solutions for an Accelerated Climate Transformation) Partnership has welcomed six new countries and UNEP into its collaboration at COP 28.

What is the ENACT Partnership?
ENACT partnership

Aspect Details
What is it? Global initiative aiming to synchronize global endeavors in tackling climate change, land and ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss by employing Nature-based Solutions.
Aim 1) To boost climate resilience for over 1 billion vulnerable people.
2) Safeguard 2.4 billion hectares of healthy ecosystems.
3) Intensify global mitigation efforts by protecting and restoring carbon-rich ecosystems.
Launched at COP27 at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in December 2022
Launched by Germany and Egypt, along with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Other founding members Canada, European Union, Spain, Malawi, Norway, South Korea, Japan and Slovenia.
New partners France, U.S.A. ,Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Pakistan, and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have joined during the COP28
First State of Nature-based Solutions report 1) Deliver a comprehensive quantitative overview of global progress in implementing Nature-based Solutions commitments by state and non-state actors.
2) The initial report, launching in early 2024, will kick start the annual series on ENACT’s NbS Goals.

Note- According to IUCN, Nature-based Solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

Web browsers working

Source- This post is based on the article “How do web browsers work? | Explained” published in “The Hindu” on 11th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Web browsers serve as our digital gateways to the expansive realm of the internet. In this article we delve into the complexity of web browsers, unveiling their working mechanisms.

What are Web browsers?

Web browsers
Source- The Hindu

1) Web browsers are applications for sending and receiving internet messages. Essentially, it fetches information from the internet in various formats and displays it on your device and vice versa.

2) Tim Berners-Lee, the English computer scientist, introduced the World Wide Web along with the first web browser, ‘WorldWideWeb’.

3) Contemporary web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Apple’s Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Google’s Chrome.

How do Web Browsers work?

Web browsers
Source- BrowserStack
Steps Details
Input from the user Users input a website’s address (Uniform Resource Locator, or URL) into the browser’s address bar or click on a link.
Request and response 1) The browser transmits a request to a server, seeking the content of the particular web page you are interested in.
2) The server then formulates a response containing the information (or data) required to construct the web page which then travels back to your computer.
Deconstructing the response 1) The server’s reply consists of multiple files, typically encoded in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, each playing a vital role in the presentation of the final webpage.
2) HTML outlines the structure, CSS enhances the aesthetics, and JavaScript introduces dynamic functionality to the webpage.
Rendering Based on the HTML, CSS and JavaScript, the final webpage is assembled. It is done within a matter of a few seconds.
Managing data 1) Browsers utilize cookies to save information on websites you visit such as login status and preferences.
2) The cache stores frequently accessed files, enhancing page loading speed.
Security 1) Browsers employ encryption protocols like HTTPS to ensure secure data exchange.
2) Browsers also use warning systems to alert you about potentially malicious websites

What are some other Developments regarding the Internet?

1) WEB 3.0- It is a decentralised internet that runs on a public blockchain.

For more information click here to read

2) Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC)- IWBDC is an open challenge competition that seeks to inspire and empower technology enthusiasts, innovators, and developers from all corners of the country to create an indigenous web browser.

– Launched by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY).

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Diel Vertical Migration: A Key Player in Carbon Sequestration

Source– This post is based on the article “What is Diel Vertical Migration and its role in carbon sequestration?” published in “The Hindu” on 6th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Diel Vertical Migration (DVM) has garnered attention in recent news for its involvement in carbon sequestration.

What is Diel Vertical Migration?

Diel Vertical Migrations
Source- Frontiers

1) Diel Vertical Migration (DVM) is the coordinated daily movement of marine organisms (particularly zooplankton) between the ocean’s surface and deeper layers.

2) At sunset, deep-sea organisms ascend from the mesopelagic layer (200-1,000 m deep) to the epipelagic layer (topmost zone from the surface to 200 m), driven by the need for food.

What is the Significance of DVM?

1) This nighttime migration allows deep sea marine organisms to feed on phytoplankton while evading diurnal predators.

2)  It is the largest daily biomass migration on Earth, occurring daily in all oceans.

3) Serves as an Important Carbon Sink– As the mesopelagic creatures feed on surface plankton, they extract carbon from the upper surface and carry it with them when they migrate back to the deeper oceans.
Some of these creatures may get consumed by other predators, passing on the consumed carbon to them. When the predator produces carbon-rich waste, it sinks to the ocean floor and remains trapped for millennia.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

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