Detailed Definitions and Explanations of Key Terms for UPSC Mains and Prelims
1. Yarlung Tsangpo
Definition: The Yarlung Tsangpo is the upper course of the Brahmaputra River, originating in western Tibet near Mount Kailash and flowing eastward across southern Tibet. Upon entering Arunachal Pradesh in India, it is known as the Siang or Dihang, and later becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam.
Current Relevance: China is constructing the Medog Hydropower Station on this river, raising concerns in India and Bangladesh over potential impacts on downstream water flow and ecosystem stability.
Interdisciplinary Links:
Geography: River systems and transboundary rivers
Environment: Impact of upstream infrastructure on downstream ecology
Polity & IR: India-China water diplomacy
2. Indigenous Rights
Definition: These are the collective and individual rights of indigenous peoples, particularly regarding land, culture, language, religion, and traditional knowledge systems.
Legal References:
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
PESA Act (1996): Empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas
Example: The proposed SUMP Project in Arunachal Pradesh threatens the rights and habitats of the Adi tribe, an indigenous community in the region.
Ethics Angle: Issues of justice, human dignity, and inclusivity.
3. SUMP Project (Siang Upper Multipurpose Project)
Definition: A proposed hydropower and flood control project in Arunachal Pradesh with a capacity of 11,500 MW.
Controversy:
Potential displacement of over 1.5 lakh Adi tribals
Submergence of 27 villages
Environmental and cultural consequences
Polity Link: Tension between national strategic interests and local governance rights (PESA, Forest Rights Act).
4. Medog Hydropower Station
Definition: A large hydropower project being constructed by China on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet's Medog County.
Concerns:
Expected capacity: 60,000 MW
Strategic, environmental and diplomatic implications
Potential for weaponisation of water in regional geopolitics
Strategic Angle: Part of China’s South-North Water Transfer initiative
5. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Definition: A formal study to predict the environmental consequences of a proposed project or development before it is carried out.
Legal Basis in India:
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
EIA Notification, 2006 (MoEFCC)
Ethical Relevance: Balancing development and sustainability; intergenerational equity
Example: EIA for the SUMP project criticized for lack of proper public consultation.
6. Participatory Governance
Definition: A model of governance where citizens, especially marginalized groups, actively participate in decision-making processes.
Constitutional Backing:
73rd and 74th Amendments: Empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions
PESA Act, 1996: Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas
Example: Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) protesting the SUMP project for lack of consultation
Ethics: Transparency, accountability, inclusivity
7. Cultural Displacement
Definition: Loss of cultural identity, heritage, or practices due to external development projects, migration, or forced displacement.
Example: The SUMP project endangers Adi tribal cultural sites, traditions, and communal structures.
Ethical Angle: Right to cultural integrity, minority rights, human dignity
8. Ecological Fragility
Definition: A condition in which ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to disruption due to human or natural factors.
Example:
Eastern Himalayas (Arunachal Pradesh) are seismically active and ecologically fragile
Dams and infrastructure can lead to landslides, habitat loss, biodiversity threat
Environment GS-3 Link: Biodiversity, conservation, sustainable development
9. Seismic Zones
Definition: Geographic areas classified according to the severity of seismic activity (earthquakes).
India's Zonation:
Zone V: Very High Risk (e.g., parts of Northeast India including Arunachal Pradesh)
Zone IV: High Risk
Relevance: Large dam projects in Zone V areas (like SUMP) increase risk of structural failure, landslides, and human disasters
10. River Diplomacy
Definition: The use of negotiation, dialogue, and treaties to manage shared river systems among nations.
Example:
India-China over Brahmaputra/Yarlung Tsangpo
Indus Water Treaty (India-Pakistan)
Polity Link: International relations, water governance Geography Link: River basins, upstream-downstream dynamics
11. Transboundary Rivers
Definition: Rivers that cross one or more international borders
India's Examples:
Brahmaputra (India-China-Bangladesh)
Indus (India-Pakistan)
Ganga (India-Nepal-Bangladesh)
Legal Angle:
No comprehensive water-sharing treaty with China over Yarlung Tsangpo
GS-2 Link: Bilateral relations and international water law
12. Strategic Infrastructure
Definition: Infrastructure critical for national security, economic stability, and disaster resilience.
Examples:
Border roads in Northeast India
Dams for water security against hostile neighbours (e.g., SUMP against Medog project)
Ethics Link: Balancing national security vs. human rights and environmental sustainability Polity: Role of central vs. state governments in strategic decisions
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