Daily Prelims Notes 2 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

2 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. IMD: Aug was India’s warmest since 1901
2. Border infra projects top priority, work on 3rd route to Leh in full swing
3. Dhib! As bad press from Bahraich threatens imperiled Indian wolf, the video brings hope for its Arabian cousin
4. Vulture Count 2024: WWF-India launches tracking initiative to take stock of nature’s ‘sanitation workers’
5. Climate change: Zambia to shut down hydropower plant as Kariba dries up
6. De-hyphenating Rice-Wheat: Addressing India’s Divergent Grain Challenges
7. Japan’s Strategic Shift to Heat-Resistant Rice Varieties Amidst Climate Change
8. Paris seeks UNESCO heritage status for its zinc roofers
9. Japan protests after Chinese ship enters its territorial waters
10. How Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France could possibly upend ‘safe harbour’ protection

1. IMD: Aug was India’s warmest since 1901

Sub: Geo

Sec: Climatology

Context:

• The average minimum temperature across India in August was 24.29°C, the highest since records began in 1901. The normal average is 23.68°C.
• Persistent cloudy conditions contributed to this temperature increase.

Details:

• Multiple favourable weather factors at local, regional, and global levels kept the southwest monsoon active, resulting in a 15.3% surplus rainfall for August.
• August experienced six low-pressure systems, one of which developed into a rare cyclone named Asna in the Arabian Sea.
• Central and southern peninsular India also recorded their warmest August since 1901, with minimum temperatures exceeding the long-term average.
• Southern India had a 6.6% surplus in rainfall, and central India had a 165% surplus.

Contributing Factors to Heavy Rainfall:

• The low-pressure systems were responsible for extremely heavy rainfall, especially in Tripura, Rajasthan, and Gujarat in the latter half of the month.
• The Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) also contributed to continuous rainfall, preventing the usual ‘monsoon break’ phase in August.

Overall Monsoon Season Performance:

• By the end of August, the country recorded 749 mm of rain for the southwest monsoon season, a 7% surplus.
• A comparison of August rainfall from 2019 to 2024 shows a concerning trend of high rainfall deficits in the northeast and northwest regions.

Cyclone Asna:

• As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Cyclone Asna has formed over the Kutch coast in Gujarat and adjoining areas of Pakistan.
• This is the first cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea in August since 1976.
• The name Asna, which means “the one to be acknowledged or praised”, has been given by Pakistan.
• Between 1891 and 2023,only three cyclonic storms formed in the Arabian Sea in August (in 1976, 1964, and 1944).

Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO):

• The MJO can be defined as an eastward moving ‘pulse’ of clouds, rainfall, winds and pressure near the equator that typically recurs every 30 to 60 days.
• It’s a traversing phenomenon and is most prominent over the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Phases of Madden-Julian Oscillation:

• The MJO consists of two phases: Strong MJO activity often dissects the planet into halves. One half within the enhanced convective phase and the other half in the suppressed convective phase.
  • Enhanced rainfall (or convective) phase: winds at the surface converge, and the air is pushed up throughout the atmosphere. At the top of the atmosphere, the winds reverse (i.e., diverge). Such rising air motion in the atmosphere tends to increase condensation and rainfall.
  • Suppressed rainfall phase: winds converge at the top of the atmosphere, forcing air to sink and, later, to diverge at the surface. As air sinks from high altitudes, it warms and dries, which suppresses rainfall.
• It is this entire dipole structure, that moves west to east with time in the Tropics, causing more cloudiness, rainfall, and even storminess in the enhanced convective phase, and more sunshine and dryness in the suppressed convective phase.

How Does MJO Affect the Indian Monsoon?

• The journey of MJO goes through eight phases.
• When it is over the Indian Ocean during the Monsoon season, it brings good rainfall over the Indian subcontinent.
• On the other hand, when it witnesses a longer cycle and stays over the Pacific Ocean, MJO brings bad news for the Indian Monsoon.
• It is linked with enhanced and suppressed rainfall activity in the tropics and is very important for the Indian monsoonal rainfall.

Periodicity of MJO:

• If it is nearly 30 days then it brings good rainfall during the Monsoon season.
• If it is above 40 days then MJO doesn’t give good showers and could even lead to a dry Monsoon.
• Shorter the cycle of MJO, the better the Indian Monsoon. Simply because it then visits the Indian Ocean more often during the four-month-long period.
• The presence of MJO over the Pacific Ocean along with an El Nino is detrimental for Monsoon rains.

Source: IE

2. Border infra projects top priority, work on 3rd route to Leh in full swing

Sub: Geo

Sec: Indian Mapping

Context:

• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is focusing on completing full connectivity to the Lipulekh Pass on the Mansarovar Yatra Road in Uttarakhand.
• The current routes to Leh include Srinagar-ZojiLa-Kargil in Jammu and Kashmir, and two routes through Manali-Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh. None of these routes currently offer all-weather connectivity.

India–China Border Roads (ICBR):

• The India–China Border Roads (ICBR) project is a Government of India initiative aimed at developing strategic infrastructure along the Sino-Indian border, including roads, bridges, and tunnels.
• The project primarily responds to Chinese infrastructure development along the India-China borderlands.

Project Phases:

• ICBR-I (Phase-I): Approved in 2005, includes 73 roads covering 3,323 km (2,065 mi).
• ICBR-II (Phase-II): Approved in 2020, includes an additional 104 roads spanning more than 6,700 km (4,200 mi).

Source: IE

3. Dhib! As bad press from Bahraich threatens imperiled Indian wolf, the video brings hope for its Arabian cousin

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Indian Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes):

• Description: The Indian wolf is a subspecies of grey wolf found across Southwest Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is intermediate in size between the Himalayan wolf and the Arabian wolf, lacking the thick winter coat of the former due to its warmer habitat.
• Behavioural Traits: Known for its cunning nature, the Indian wolf travels in smaller packs and is less vocal compared to other gray wolf variants.
• Indian wolves are predominantly nocturnal, hunting from dusk to dawn.
• IUCN Red list: Endangered

Behaviour and Ecology:

• Pack Size and Social Structure:
  • Typically lives in small packs consisting of 6-8 individuals.
  • Exhibits less vocal behaviour, with rare instances of howling.
  • Vocalizations include howls, howl-barks, whimpers, social squeals, and whines.
  • There is a recorded instance of a lone Indian wolf associating with a pair of dholes in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Breeding and Denning:
  • Breeding season occurs from mid-October to late December.
  • Pups are usually whelped in holes or ravines, providing protection and shelter.
• Diet and Prey:
  • Primary prey include antelopes (especially blackbuck), rodents, and hares.
  • In regions like Nannaj and Blackbuck National Park, blackbuck antelope make up to 88% of their biomass consumption.
• Habitat and Range Overlap:
  • Shares its range with various other species, including: Golden jackal, Sloth bear, Leopard, Bengal fox, Brown bear, Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger

Source: DTE

4. Vulture Count 2024: WWF-India launches tracking initiative to take stock of nature’s ‘sanitation workers’

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• WWF-India has launched an initiative focused on counting vultures and raising awareness about the critically endangered bird species.
• The initiative will run from September 7 to October 6, coinciding with International Vulture Awareness Day.
• The first Saturday of September (7 September 2024) marks the International Vulture Awareness Day.

Importance of Vultures:

• Vultures play a crucial role in ecosystems by serving as nature’s clean-up crew, feeding on carrion to prevent the spread of diseases that could affect wildlife, livestock, and humans.
• Their consumption of decomposing animal carcasses aids nutrient cycling and maintains ecological balance.

Threats to Vulture Populations:

• Vulture populations in India have drastically declined due to threats such as ingestion of toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac, habitat loss, electrocution, food scarcity, and human disturbances.

Vulture Count 2024:

• The Vulture Count 2024aims to systematically monitor vulture populations by gathering comprehensive baseline data.
• This data will help track population trends, identify critical habitats, assess the impact of environmental changes, and develop targeted conservation strategies and policies.
• The initiative also seeks to raise public awareness and support for vulture conservation.
• The count will focus on key vulture species, including the white-rumped vulture, red-headed vulture, Indian vulture, bearded vulture, slender-billed vulture, Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon, Egyptian vulture, and cinereous vulture.

Source: DTE

5. Climate change: Zambia to shut down hydropower plant as Kariba dries up

Sub: Geo

Sec: Mapping

Impact of Climate Change on Lake Kariba:

• Water Levels and Hydropower Generation:
  • Climate change-related droughts have caused significant drops in water levels at Lake Kariba, affecting hydropower generation.
  • The lake, shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, is on the Zambezi River, which has suffered from droughts in recent years.
• Other Affected Hydropower Plants in Zambia:
  • Kafue Gorge: Produces 372 MW against an installed capacity of 990 MW.
  • Lower Kafue Gorge: Delivers 179 MW against an installed capacity of 750 MW.
  • Itezhi-Tezhi Power Company: Generates 34 MW against an installed capacity of 120 MW.
  • The remaining power mix includes 9% from coal, 5% from heavy fuel oil, and 3% from solar.

Lake Kariba:

• It is the world’s largest man-made lake and reservoir by volume.
• It lies approximately 1,300 kilometres upstream from the Indian Ocean, along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• The Kariba dam is a double curvature concrete arch dam in the Kariba gorge of the Zambezi river basin between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• The wall spans the Kariba Gorge, forming a boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Lake Kariba and its shores host a diverse array of bird species, such as fish eagles and cormorants, often seen hunting along the shoreline.
• The lake also draws elephants and other big game for hydration, creating spectacular scenes of these animals at the water’s edge and bathing in the shallows.

Zambezi River:

• The Zambezi River is the fourth-longest river in Africa and the longest east-flowing river on the continent.
• It is the largest river flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa.
• The river covers a drainage basin of 1,390,000 km² (540,000 sq mi), which is slightly less than half the size of the Nile’s basin.
• The river has a total length of 2,574 km (1,599 mi).
• Geography:
  • Source: Rises in Zambia.
  • Course: Flows through eastern Angola, along the north-eastern border of Namibia, and the northern border of Botswana. It then flows along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe before crossing Mozambique.
  • Mouth: Empties into the Indian Ocean.
• Notable Features:
  • Victoria Falls: The most famous feature of the Zambezi River.
  • Chavuma Falls: Located at the border between Zambia and Angola.
  • Ngonye Falls: Situated near Sioma in western Zambia.
• Hydroelectric Power:
  • Kariba Dam: Provides power to Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • Cahora Bassa Dam: Located in Mozambique, providing power to Mozambique and South Africa.
  • Other Power Stations in Zambia:
    • Victoria Falls Power Station: Located at Victoria Falls.
    • Zengamina Power Station: Located near Kalene Hill in the Ikelenge District.

Source: DTE

6. De-hyphenating Rice-Wheat: Addressing India’s Divergent Grain Challenges

Sub : Sci 

Sec: Biotech

Why This is in News

India is currently facing distinct challenges with its two major cereals—wheat and rice. While wheat production is grappling with multiple constraints, rice is experiencing a surplus problem. This divergence necessitates a re-evaluation of policies and strategies to address the unique issues facing each grain.

Overview of Wheat and Rice Production

Wheat Production Challenges:

Wheat cultivation is geographically and temporally constrained, primarily occurring in the rabi season across northern, central, and western India.

Major wheat-producing states include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, which account for over 76% of India’s output.

Wheat production is increasingly vulnerable due to shorter, warmer, and less predictable winters, exacerbated by climate change.

Notable temperature spikes in March and unseasonably warm November-December periods have adversely impacted wheat yields over the last three years.

Rice Production Surplus: Rice is cultivated across a wider geographical area and in both kharif and rabi seasons, making it less vulnerable to seasonal fluctuations compared to wheat.

India has seen record rice exports in recent years: 21.21 million tonnes (mt) in 2021-22, 22.35 mt in 2022-23, and 16.36 mt in 2023-24.

Despite high exports, rice stocks in government godowns were at an all-time high of 45.48 mt as of August 1, 2023.

Wheat

• Season: Wheat is a Rabi crop sown between September and December, and harvested between February and May.
• Cultivation Area: India cultivates wheat over approximately 29.8 million hectares.
• Indian Wheat Type: Predominantly soft to medium-hard with medium protein content, similar to U.S. hard white wheat.
• Durum Wheat: Known as pasta or macaroni wheat, is among the highest quality varieties in India.

Adaptability and Climatic Conditions

• Wide Adaptability: Grows in tropical, sub-tropical, temperate zones, and cold regions up to 60°N latitude.
• Climate Tolerance: Withstands severe cold and snow, resuming growth in warm spring weather.
• Altitude Range: Can be cultivated from sea level up to 3,300 meters.
• Ideal Climate: Best grown in regions with cool, moist conditions during growth, followed by warm, dry weather for ripening.
• Germination Temperature: Optimal germination occurs at 20-25°C, though seeds can germinate between 5-35°C.
• Climate Sensitivity: Rain after sowing hinders germination, and high/low temperatures during flowering harm the crop.
• Ripening Temperature: Ideal average temperature for ripening is around 14-15°C.

Indian and Global Wheat Production

• Indian Top Producers: Uttar Pradesh > Madhya Pradesh > Punjab > Haryana > Rajasthan.
• Top Producers: China, the EU, and India produce over 41% of the world’s wheat.
• Leading Exporters: Russia, the United States, Canada, France, and Ukraine are the top five wheat exporters.
• Import Dynamics: Despite large production, China and India are net importers with minimal global wheat exports.
• Ukraine and Russia: Together, they contribute 14% of global wheat production, ranking 4th and 7th respectively.

RICE

• Geographical Range: Rice is cultivated across India from 8° to 35°N latitude, from sea level up to 3,000 meters.
• Climatic Requirements: Rice thrives in hot and humid climates with high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and a reliable water supply.
• Temperature Range: The ideal temperature range for rice throughout its lifecycle is 21°C to 37°C, with a maximum tolerance of 40°C to 42°C.
• Soil Types: Rice is mainly cultivated in two types of soils—uplands and lowlands.
• Upland Cultivation: Methods include broadcasting seeds, sowing behind the plough, or drilling.
• Lowland Cultivation: Involves transplanting in puddled fields or broadcasting sprouted seeds in puddled fields.

Global and Domestic Production

• Global Position: India is the second-largest rice producer globally, after China, and holds a 40% share in global rice exports.
• Basmati Rice: India is the leading exporter of Basmati rice, with major production in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
• Top Producing States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar contribute around 72% of India’s total rice-growing area and over 75% of the country’s rice production.
• Highest Production: West Bengal ranks first in rice production, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, Odisha.

Policy Implications

The combination of rising consumption and production challenges could potentially turn India into a wheat importer in the short term. Long-term strategies should focus on enhancing per-acre yields and developing climate-resilient wheat varieties. The surplus in rice production has led to calls for lifting the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice.

The issues facing wheat and rice in India are distinct and require separate approaches. Wheat production is becoming increasingly volatile due to climate-related factors, while rice faces an overproduction issue. Policymakers need to “de-hyphenate” these cereals, addressing their unique challenges independently to ensure food security and economic stability in the long run.

7. Japan’s Strategic Shift to Heat-Resistant Rice Varieties Amidst Climate Change

Sub : Sci 

Sec: Biotech

Japan is facing a significant rice shortage due to extreme weather conditions, leading to concerns about future food security. The nation is now turning to heat-resistant rice varieties to mitigate the impact of climate change on its staple crop.

Severe Weather Effects on Rice Yields
In 2023, Japan experienced its warmest July on record, with extreme heat and dry conditions. These factors severely impacted rice yields in major growing regions, resulting in the lowest rice inventories in 25 years. The extreme weather not only reduced the quantity of rice produced but also affected the quality of the grains.

Efforts to Develop Heat-Resistant Rice Varieties
Saitama, a prefecture north of Tokyo and one of Japan’s hottest regions, is at the forefront of developing heat-resistant rice. The local government has initiated several projects to create rice varieties that can withstand higher temperatures.

‘Emihokoro’ Rice
Among the new developments is a heat-resistant rice variety named ‘Emihokoro,’ meaning ‘beaming smile.’ This variety is currently being tested in 31 fields across Saitama, with the aim of preventing future rice shortages.

Emihokoro is specifically developed to withstand high temperatures and dry conditions resulting from climate change, making it a heat-resistant variety.

The variety is being tested in Saitama Prefecture, one of the hottest regions in Japan. It is part of a trial program aimed at assessing its performance under extreme weather conditions.

Researchers at the Saitama Agricultural Technology Research Centre are leading the development. They are cross-pollinating seeds from different regions of Japan to enhance the variety’s resilience to heat.

The variety is designed to minimize the appearance of cloudy, white flecks on rice grains, which is a common issue in rice affected by high temperatures.

Saitama Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture is located north of Tokyo in the Kantō region of Japan. It is part of the Greater Tokyo Area, making it a significant hub within the country’s most populous region.

Saitama experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. It is known for being one of the hottest regions in Japan, with particularly high temperatures during the summer months.

The prefecture plays an important role in Japan’s agriculture, with a focus on rice production. However, due to its high temperatures, it is a critical area for testing and developing heat-resistant crops like the Emihokoro rice variety.

Saitama is a major economic center, contributing to various industries including manufacturing, services, and agriculture. Its proximity to Tokyo enhances its role as a key part of the national economy.

The prefecture includes several large cities, including Saitama City, which serves as the prefectural capital.

RICE

Geographical Range: Rice is cultivated across India from 8° to 35°N latitude, from sea level up to 3,000 meters.

Climatic Requirements: Rice thrives in hot and humid climates with high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and a reliable water supply.

Temperature Range: The ideal temperature range for rice throughout its lifecycle is 21°C to 37°C, with a maximum tolerance of 40°C to 42°C.

Soil Types: Rice is mainly cultivated in two types of soils—uplands and lowlands.

Upland Cultivation: Methods include broadcasting seeds, sowing behind the plough, or drilling.

Lowland Cultivation: Involves transplanting in puddled fields or broadcasting sprouted seeds in puddled fields.

Global and Domestic Production

Global Position: India is the second-largest rice producer globally, after China, and holds a 40% share in global rice exports.

Basmati Rice: India is the leading exporter of Basmati rice, with major production in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Top Producing States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar contribute around 72% of India’s total rice-growing area and over 75% of the country’s rice production.

Highest Production: West Bengal ranks first in rice production, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, Odisha.

8. Paris seeks UNESCO heritage status for its zinc roofers

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

• The French Culture Ministry has chosen the zinc roofers as the country’s entry for the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Zinc roofs of Paris:

• Grey zinc roofs are a special feature of the Parisian Architecture.
• Paris has 1,28,000 roofs covering a surface area of 32 million square metres, of which 4 million are of the traditional zinc-covered variety.
• The zinc covering has given the French capital’s skyline a distinctive grey hue.

Background:

• Zinc rooftops were largely installed across Paris during the city’s massive renovation during the 1800s under city planner Baron Haussmann.
• He chose zinc as it was cheap, light, water repellent, and easy to install.

Who are Zinc roofers?

• Zinc roofers are the workers who create and care for the zinc roofs of Paris.
• They have been chosen as the country’s entry for the UNESCO’s list by the French government.

UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage:

• The list covers intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance.
• There are 15 items from India in the list, Garba dance being the latest addition.
• This list is published by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Its members are elected by State parties meeting in the United Nations General Assembly.
• The 19th session of the committee will be held in Asuncion, Paraguay in December 2024.

9. Japan protests after Chinese ship enters its territorial waters

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Japan has voiced protest and concern over the entry of a Chinese naval ship into its territorial waters.

About the incident:

• A Chinese naval vessel was spotted near the southern Kuchinoerabu islandand exiting southwest of Yakushima Island.
• This is the second territorial invasion of Japan by China in a week.
• A few days ago, Japan had accused that a Chinese military aircraft had entered its airspace.

Deteriorating Japan – China relations:

• China and Japan have close economic relations, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
• Japan-China relations are important for the peace and prosperity of the Indo-pacific region.
• However, recently China has been showing aggressive behaviour in its disputes with neighbouring countries including Japan.
• This aggression has led to escalation of tensions in the China – Japan relations.
• It has also caused a wider front of US allies against China.

Areas of Conflict between China and Japan:

• Territorial dispute over Senkaku Islands and China’s expansionist maritime policy.
• Taiwan issue: Japan has expressed concern over China’s Taiwan policy.
• Historical factor: Historical animosity between the two countries still continues to influence relations.
• Increased Japan -US cooperation and Japan’s participation in the QUAD

10. How Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest in France could possibly upend ‘safe harbour’ protection

Sub: Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT

Context:

• Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested by the French police and charged with multiple offences.
• This has raised questions about the safe harbour provision given to social media platforms.

What are the Charges?

• Telegram is alleged to have allowed illicit content linked to drug trafficking, child pornography, violent propaganda, and organised crime.
• Durov himself is not charged with any of these offences, instead charges are on offences related to the app, of enabling users to facilitate illicit activities and for not cooperating with law enforcement.

Implications for social media platforms:

• As of now, heads of technology companies have relatively little liability for the content on their platforms.
• The arrest could pave way for stricter rules on social media responsibility.
• This could also be seen as a warning to platforms that still does not moderate objectionable content.

Safe harbour rules:

• The legal action against Durov violates the protection accorded to social media platforms across jurisdictions under a provision known as “safe harbour”.
• Under this provision, since social media platforms cannot control at the first instance what users post, they should not be held legally liable for any objectionable content that they host, provided they are willing to take down such content when flagged by the government or courts.
• Since social media platforms are generally understood to be crucial tools of free speech, safe harbour is viewed as a basic tenet of enabling freedom of expression on these platforms.
• However, there have been attempts to dilute these rules, primarily by national governments that aim to exert pressure on social media companies over alleged failure to comply with takedown requests.

India’s position:

• Section 79 of India’s Information Technology Act, 2000 classifies social media platforms as intermediaries and broadly shields them from legal action over third-party content, or those made by users.
• Under The Information Technology Rules, 2021, social media companies with more than 5 million Indian users have to appoint a chief compliance officer who can be held criminally liable if the platform does not adhere to a takedown request, or violates other norms.
• However, the government is reconsidering “safe harbour” protections under the new Digital India Bill.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology had issued notices to YouTube, Telegram, and X in 2023, asking them to remove all content related to child sexual abuse from their platforms.