Daily Prelims Notes 22 April 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

22 April 2024

1. Centre mulling ST status for 11 Gorkha sub-tribes: Shah

Sub: Geo

Sec: Human geo  

Context:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the government is considering classifying 11 Gorkha sub-tribes as Scheduled Tribes.
• Darjeeling has a longstanding demand for the creation of a separate state called Gorkhaland, a key issue in the area’s politics.

Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF):

• GNLF is a political party in the Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India.
• It was formed in 1980 by Subhash Ghisingh with the objective of demanding a Gorkhaland state within India.

Why is there a demand for separate statehood for Gorkhaland?

• Gorkhaland consists of Nepali-speaking people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and other hilly districts of West Bengal. The people belonging to these areas have ethical, cultural and language differences with the Bengali community of West Bengal.
• The main reason for the separate Gorkhaland movement is due to the differences in ethnicity, culture and language.
• In addition to an identity crisis, there is also an issue of poverty, under-development and politicisation of the issue.

The current procedure and criteria for inclusion under Schedule Tribe (ST) list:

• According to the modalities, for inclusion first framed in 1999, the proposal for inclusion must originate from the respective State or Union Territory government. 
  • Following this, the proposal is sent to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry, which sends it to the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI).
• If the ORGI approves the inclusion, the proposal is forwarded to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
  • the ORGI continues to follow the criteria set out by the Lokur Committee in 1965 to decide whether a community can be included in the ST list.
  • These criteria include indications of primitive traits, distinctive culture, geographical isolation, shyness of contact with the community at large, and backwardness.
• Only after the concurrence of these institutions, will the proposal go forward to the Cabinet to bring in the appropriate amendment to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950. 
• The final decision rests with the President’s office issuing a notification specifying the changes under powers vested in it from Articles 341 and 342.

Benefits of Inclusion in ST List / Constitutional Safeguards:

• Reservation in educational institutions has been provided in Article 15(4) of the constitution while reservation in posts and services has been provided in Article 16(4), 16(4A) and 16(4B) of the Constitution.
• Specific safeguards have been provided in Article 244 read with the provisions contained in the Fifth and Sixth Schedules to the Constitution.
• Article 243D provides reservation of Seats for Scheduled Tribes in Panchayats.
• Article 330 provides reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha.

Source: TH

2. Amid avian flu fears, Kerala’s Alappuzha district reports more bird deaths

Sub: Science and tech

Sec : Health

Context:

• Mass bird deaths in Muttar and Ambalappuzha North, Alappuzha, have raised concerns about a potential avian flu outbreak.

Details:

• Samples from these locations have been sent to the Avian Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Thiruvalla, which suspects avian flu.
• For confirmation, these samples are being forwarded to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal. Results are expected soon.
• After confirming the H5N1 subtype of the Influenza A virus in ducks at Edathua and Cheruthana panchayats, rapid response teams from the Animal Husbandry Department culled 17,480 birds, primarily ducks, within a one-kilometre radius of the identified hotspots.
• Given the rare possibility of avian influenza transmitting to humans, the Health Department has intensified preventive measures and surveillance within a 10-kilometre radius of the affected areas, urging the public to remain cautious.

H5N1 subtype of Avian Influenza A virus:

• Animal influenza A viruses usually infect animals but can infect humans primarily through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments.
• Influenza A viruses are categorized based on their host origin, such as avian influenza, swine influenza, or other animal influenza viruses.
• Human infections with avian influenza can range from mild respiratory issues to severe and fatal diseases. Symptoms can include conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal issues, and neurological symptoms like encephalitis.
• Some cases of A(H5N1) avian influenza have been found in asymptomatic individuals who had contact with infected birds.
• Prevention and cure:
  • Diagnosis of human influenza infection requires laboratory tests, with RT-PCR being a key method as updated periodically by the WHO.
  • Antiviral drugs, particularly neuraminidase inhibitors like oseltamivir and zanamivir, have shown effectiveness in reducing viral replication and improving survival chances.
• Spread across species:
  • The A(H5N1) virus from the Gs/GD lineage, clade 2.3.4.4b of Eurasian origin, has been found in U.S. birds since 2022 and in dairy herds in Texas and Kansas as of late March 2024.
  • The first human case of A(H5N1) in the U.S. in 2024 involved transmission from an infected mammal, marking a rare occurrence of mammal-to-human transmission for this virus subtype.
  • Previous instances of A(H5) virus in humans have seen small clusters, including health workers, with potential limited human-to-human transmission, but no sustained human-to-human transmission has been recorded.

ICAR- National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases:

• Located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• Vision- Mitigating risks of known and unknown emerging infectious diseases in animals including zoonotic infections at the human-animal interface through the forecast, early detection of pathogens, emergency preparedness with diagnostics and vaccines while keeping vigil on changing host-pathogen and environment interactions and creating understanding of potential bio-risks and disease threats among stakeholders.

Source: TH

3. The ‘genomic accordion’ mpox viruses use to evolve, infect humans

Sub: Science and tech

Sec : Health  

Smallpox and its eradication:

• Poxviruses, particularly smallpox, have historically been a major concern, killing over 500 million people in the last century. Smallpox affected people regardless of age, wealth, or status, with a mortality rate of about one-third of those infected.
• The discovery of the vaccine’s effectiveness marked a turning point, leading to a global vaccination campaign that successfully eradicated the disease.
• This achievement highlights the impact of persistent global public health efforts.

Mpox:

• It is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
• The first human case of mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
• There are two known types (clades) of mpox virus — one that originated in Central Africa (Clade I) and one that originated in West Africa (Clade II).
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Transmission: Human-to-human transmission of mpox occurs through direct contact with body fluids, lesions, prolonged face-to-face contact, including sexual contact, and indirect contact with contaminated clothing or bedding.
• Treatment: There are no specific treatments for monkeypox virus infection. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems.
• Global outbreak:
  • Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, gained significant attention during a global outbreak spanning 2022-2023.
  • The virus, initially identified after a spillover event in 1958, was found to have adapted and mutated over time, largely influenced by APOBEC proteins.
  • The spread was primarily due to the highly transmissible IIb clade, which spread through close personal and sexual contact.

Genomic accordions:

• Mpox, part of the DNA-based poxvirus family, has a genome of approximately 197 kilobases (kb) that includes core genes shared among poxviruses and two unique sections of about 6.4 kb each at the genome ends, though their functions are not yet fully understood.
• Researchers believe these sections might affect the virus’s ability to infect different hosts.
• Additionally, the genome features repeating base sequences thought to influence the virus’s evolutionary path.
• Mpox can respond to evolutionary pressures by either expanding its genome through gene duplication and mutation accumulation or contracting by deleting or deactivating gene segments, a process known as genomic accordions.

Study on Mpox outbreak of 2022:

• Conducted by: Icahn School of Medicine in New York along with several Spanish institutions.
• Used advanced genome sequencing to analyze the mpox virus from the 2022 outbreak.
• Key highlights: 
  • Previously underestimated 6.4-kb sections of the virus’s genome—referred to as genomic accordions—significantly influence its transmissibility between humans.
  • Additionally, variations in three specific genes were noted to potentially affect the virus’s evolution.
  • The study also underscored that the 2022 outbreak was predominantly caused by a new lineage within Clade IIb, which was found to be more adept at human-to-human transmission compared to the earlier clades I or IIa.

The outbreak in DR Congo:

• A significant mpox outbreak (2023-24) occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), originating in a mining village and rapidly spreading to various regions.
• This outbreak, characterized by a broader spread and higher mortality, was linked to the mpox Clade I. Unlike previous outbreaks that were sporadic and limited to spillover events, this one propagated through human-to-human contact and predominantly affected young adults instead of children.
• The analysis indicated a specific lineage of Clade I that facilitated human-to-human transmission, with evidence suggesting this lineage may have arisen from a recent zoonotic spillover.

Source: TH

4. Fall in Household Savings: Causes and Implications

Subject: Economy

Sec : National Income  

• Overview:
  • The decline in household savings has sparked debates in India, with the household net financial savings to GDP ratio hitting a four-decade low.
  • Factors contributing to this decline include a significant reduction in net financial savings despite marginal recovery in physical savings.
• Interpreting Lower Financial Savings:
  • Net financial savings of households represent the difference between gross financial savings and borrowing, primarily comprising bank deposits, currency, and financial investments.
  • Factors influencing the reduction in net financial savings include increased borrowing for consumption or tangible investment and higher interest payments.
• Role of Borrowing and Investment:
  • Increased borrowing or depletion of financial savings may finance additional consumption expenditure, stimulating aggregate demand.
  • Higher borrowing for tangible investment can also drive aggregate demand through the investment channel.
  • Rising interest payments contribute to the reduction in net financial savings, primarily due to higher interest rates.
• Implications of Higher Debt Burden:
  • Concerns arise regarding debt repayment and financial fragility, as households’ debt sustainability depends on the difference between interest rates and income growth rates.
  • Higher household debt burdens can lead to reduced consumption expenditure and affect the financial sector’s income if repayment capacity is compromised.
• Macroeconomic Implications:
  • The increasing trend in household liabilities to disposable income and debt to net worth ratios makes households vulnerable.
  • Policies aimed at higher interest rates to counter inflation may exacerbate household debt burdens, potentially affecting consumption and aggregate demand.
  • Trends in household balance sheets suggest a shift towards financial assets, indicating a degree of financialization in the economy, which may render it jobless and fragile.
• Conclusion:
  • The declining trend in household savings poses significant challenges for India’s economic stability and growth, necessitating policy interventions to address underlying causes and mitigate potential risks.

5. Health Insurance for Seniors

Sub: Economy

Sec : National Income  

Ageing India

India’s declining fertility rate and increasing life expectancy means that its population is growing old. At the time of the 2011census, only 8.6% of India’s population was over the age of 60 years. This proportion is, however, expected to increase to 19.5% by 2050, according to the government’s Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), published in 2020. In terms of absolute numbers, the population over the age of 60 years will nearly triple, from 103 million in 2011 to 319 million in 2050.

The ageing population will mean increased expenditure on health and long-term care, labour force shortages, public dissaving, and old-age income insecurity.

• Expansion of Ayushman Bharat:
  • BJP’s manifesto promises to extend Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme to cover senior citizens, ensuring access to free and quality healthcare.
  • Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) will be expanded to include coverage for senior citizens.
• Aging Population and Health Challenges:
  • India’s aging population is growing, leading to increased healthcare needs and expenditures.
  • Senior citizens face higher prevalence of chronic health conditions, driving up healthcare costs.
• Diseases Among the Elderly:
  • Senior citizens are prone to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, bone or joint disease, and cancer.
  • They are also more susceptible to infectious diseases due to weakened immune systems.
• Current Health Insurance Coverage:
  • Only about 20% of India’s population above 60 years is covered under health insurance schemes.
  • Reasons for lack of coverage include low awareness and non-affordability.
• Impact of Ayushman Bharat:
  • AB-PMJAY has significantly reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures for beneficiaries.
  • Government expenditure is highest for key specialties and specific procedures required by the elderly.
• Comparison of Healthcare Costs:
  • In rural areas, patients spend significantly less in government hospitals compared to private facilities for cardiovascular disease and cancer treatment.
  • Urban areas witness a substantial increase in healthcare costs, especially in private hospitals.
• Government Initiatives and Expenditures:
  • Government hospitals offer more affordable healthcare options compared to private hospitals, especially for musculoskeletal issues.
  • Ayushman Bharat has helped alleviate financial burdens on patients, particularly senior citizens, by providing access to essential medical treatments.

Health Insurance

• Definition:
  • Health insurance is a form of coverage that pays for medical expenses incurred by the insured individual.
  • It provides financial protection against various healthcare costs, including hospitalization, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and preventive care.
• Significance:
  • Acts as a mechanism to pool high levels of Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in India, offering greater financial protection against health shocks.
  • Pre-payment through health insurance serves as a crucial tool for risk-pooling, guarding against catastrophic health expenditures.
  • Pre-paid pooled funds can enhance the efficiency of healthcare provision, ensuring better access to essential medical services.
• Issues:
  • Uneven Distribution of Life Status: Disparities in life expectancy across different regions remain a concern, with health problems persisting in various parts of the country.
  • Low Government Expenditure: Inadequate government spending on health restricts the capacity and quality of healthcare services in the public sector, leading to a reliance on costlier private healthcare options.
  • Lack of Coverage: A significant portion of the population, estimated at 30% or 40 crore individuals, lacks financial protection for health expenses.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): Offers a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for both secondary and tertiary care.
  • National Health Authority (NHA): Reconstituted in 2019 to implement Ayushman Bharat, responsible for developing the National Health Claims Exchange (HCX) to ensure interoperability of health claims.

6. Centre’s Plan for Disinvestment in Public Sector Banks (PSBs)

Sub: Economy

Sec : Monetary Polly   

Background:

• The Centre considers disinvesting a minority stake in five PSBs if they fail to comply with the minimum public shareholding (MPS) norm by raising fresh capital from the market within a year.

Minimum Public Shareholding Norm:

• As per SEBI rules, companies are required to maintain an MPS of 25% within three years after listing.

Deadline for PSBs:

• The government set a deadline of August 2024 for five PSBs to meet the MPS norm.

Equity Capital Raising Plans:

• PSBs are urged to work out their equity capital raising plans to meet MPS. Extensions cannot be indefinite as it may send the wrong message to the market.

Possible Extension and Disinvestment:

• The government may extend the timeline for these banks by another year. If any bank doesn’t need capital, the government could sell a minority stake at an appropriate time.

Current Public Holding in PSBs:

• Punjab & Sind Bank: 1.75%
• Indian Overseas Bank: 3.62%
• UCO Bank: 4.61%
• Central Bank of India: 6.92%
• Bank of Maharashtra: 13.54%

Government Stake in PSBs:

• Punjab & Sind Bank: 98.25%
• Indian Overseas Bank: 96.38%
• UCO Bank: 95.39%
• Central Bank of India: 93.08%

Challenges in Diluting Stake:

• Difficult for PSBs to dilute 18-23% stake through Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs) to meet MPS.

Reason for High Government Holding:

• Capital infusion by the government between FY17 and FY22 to help PSBs overcome stress due to rise in NPAs.

Impact of Capital Raising on PSBs:

• Capital raising depends on the banks’ need to grow business and meet capital adequacy norms.

Disinvestment Strategy:

• Disinvestment in PSBs would contribute to the Centre’s non-tax and non-debt receipts.

Recent Capital Raising Efforts by PSBs:

• PSBs have been using the QIP route to raise capital. For example, Union Bank raised Rs 3,000 crore through QIP in March 2024.

Timeline for MPS Compliance:

• The original deadline for achieving 25% MPS was 2013, but it was extended multiple times for state-run companies due to compliance issues.

Centre’s Authority to Exempt from MPS Norm:

• In 2021, the Centre empowered itself to exempt selected public sector companies from the 25% MPS norm.

Reasons for Privatizing Public Sector Banks:

• High NPAs in Public Sector Banks (PSBs):
  • RBI data shows PSBs have significantly higher NPAs compared to private sector banks.
  • Public sector lenders accounted for over 90% of the gross NPAs with banks as of March 2016.
• Poor Lending and Governance:
  • PSBs criticized for poor lending decisions, inadequate risk controls, and bad governance.
• Ineffectiveness of Previous Reform Measures:
  • Years of capital injections and governance reforms have not substantially improved PSBs’ financial position.
• Aligned with Long-Term Goal:
  • Privatization aligns with a long-term project envisioning fewer state-owned banks, either consolidated with strong banks or privatized.
• Reduces Government Burden:
  • Frees the government from continuously providing equity support to banks.
  • Reduces fiscal deficit and promotes long-term financing through revenue receipts.
• Rationalization in Post-COVID Scenario:
  • Post-COVID, banks may report higher NPAs, necessitating further equity injections.
  • Privatization strengthens strong banks and reduces their number.
• Market-Led Solutions in Financial Sector:
  • Privatization reflects a shift towards market-led solutions for financial sector challenges.
  • Encourages innovation, technological advancement, and better services.
• Efficiency and Governance:
  • Private ownership is associated with efficiency, financial prudence, and better governance.
  • Market discipline forces loss-making PSBs to rectify their strategies.
• Improved Financial Performance:
  • Involvement of strong financial institutions as significant shareholders ensures better financial performance.

Factors against Privatization of PSBs:

• Undermining Social Welfare:
  • Private banks may not prioritize services in non-profitable rural or poorer areas.
  • Profit motive may overshadow the goal of serving the public.
• Difficulty in Providing Low-Cost Services:
  • Government may face challenges in providing low-cost financial services to rural and poor sections.
• International Precedent:
  • Success stories in East Asia often involve government-controlled financial systems.
  • Private sector dominance in banking may lead to government bailouts, as seen in Western countries.
• Historical Failure of Private Sector Banks:
  • Past history shows failures in private sector banks, raising concerns about their reliability.
• Impact on Inclusive Banking:
  • Privatization may undermine inclusive banking principles, defeating the purpose of nationalization.
• Duty of Public Sector Banks:
  • PSBs, created with public money, are duty-bound to provide services to all customers, regardless of profitability.

7. Revived from neglect, this tomb of Mughal-era poet, army commander now lights up the night sky

Sub: History

Sec: Arts and culture

Why in news:

• In the 1920s, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) provided masonry support to overhanging sandstone blocks on the facade, preventing it from total collapse.
• As one drives across the Barapullah flyover towards Sarai Kale Khan from JLN stadium, a striking structure on the left catches the eye.
• Built of red sandstone, it is a spitting image of the Humayun’s Tomb — albeit much smaller in size — situated nearby.
• The tomb was very beautifully constructed and decorated with floral designs, but it’s marble and stones have been mercilessly pulled out.
• Even the headstone of the grave was not spared and today  it resembles a skeleton of mortar and brick

About the tomb:

• This is the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khanan, or simply Rahim, the commander-in-chief of Mughal emperor Akbar’s army, one of his Navratnas, and a renowned poet.
• Rahim had built the tomb in memory of his wife Mah Banu, some 40 years before Emperor Shah Jahan built Agra’s Taj Mahal. 
• Rahim Khane Khanam Tomb is located in Nizamuddin East, New Delhi.
• This Tomb belongs to Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan, one of the important ministers who served during the rule of Mughal emperors Akbar and Jahangir.
• After he died in 1627, Rahim was also buried beside his wife, just like Shah Jahan was in the Taj decades later.
• Son of a celebrated commander of the Mughal Army, Bairam Khan, Rahim is now mostly remembered for his couplets (dohe), which cover a range of issues — from the importance of humility to the frailty of human relationships.
• Situated in Nizamuddin East on Mathura Road, the tomb, however, was reduced to ruins over the years — partly due to neglect and partly due to the monument being used as a quarry, its stones plundered to construct other structures, the most prominent being Safdarjung Tomb.
• Asar-ul-Sanadid, published in 1847 by educationist and reformer Sir Sayyid Ahmed Khan, perfectly illustrates the shoddy state of the tomb in the late 19th Century.
• In the 1920s, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) provided masonry support to overhanging sandstone blocks on the facade, preventing it from total collapse.
• A salient aspect of the monument is the finish on its dome — it is only partly covered with marble, with the rest of the surface left as is. This was done on the advice of ASI, which was wary of “retouching history”

About Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan:

• Khanzada Mirza Khan Abdul Rahim (17 December 1556 – 1 October 1627), popularly known as simply Rahim and titled Khan-i-Khanan, was a poet who lived in India during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar.
• Abdul Rahim was born in Delhi and was the son of Bairam Khan.
• He was one of the nine important ministers (dewan) in Akbar’s court, known as the Navaratnas. Rahim was known for his Hindustani dohe and his books on astrology.
• Rahim translated Babar’s memoirs, Baburnama, from the Chagatai language to the Persian language, which was completed in 1589–90.
• He had an excellent command of the Sanskrit language.

8. The story of indelible ink, a lasting symbol of Indian elections, and who makes it

Sub: Polity

Sec :Elections

Context:

• With the first phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections beginning on April 19, the classic symbol of Indian polls is visible everywhere – a left hand with only its index finger extended, marked by a purple-black indelible ink.

More on news:

• Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd,Karnataka Government Undertaking which is the sole manufacturer of the ink in India, said that around 26.5 lakh phials or small bottles (with a capacity of 10 ml each) will be made for this election cycle.
• Devised to prevent a person from casting more than one vote, the ink has been used in Indian elections for a long time. 
• The India-manufactured has also traveled to other parts of the world to be used in other elections.

Concept of the ink:

• Once a voter has her credentials checked at the polling booth, and before she casts her vote by pressing a button on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), the indelible ink is applied on her finger. 
• The Representation of the People Act (RoPA) of 1951 mentions the ink. 
• Section 61 states that rules may be made under the Act ,for the marking with indelible ink of the thumb or any other finger of every elector who applies for a ballot paper or ballot papers for the purpose of voting at a polling station before delivery of such paper or papers to him.
• Until the third general elections in 1962, the mark was made on the base of the forefinger, following which it was made just above the root of the nail on the skin.

Era before EVMs:

• Before EVMs, ballot papers existed at polling stations. 
• They contained the list of contesting candidates alongside their party symbols and names. 
• Voters had to mark their preference on the paper and then drop it in ballot boxes to vote.
• Before being given the ballot paper, a voter’s index finger would be marked with the ink.

What makes the ink indelible?

• Indelible ink contains silver nitrate. 
• It is a colorless compound which becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet light, including sunlight.
• The higher silver nitrate’s concentration, say around 20 percent, the higher will be the ink’s quality.
• For up to 72 hours after application it can remain resistant to soap, liquids, home-cleansing, detergents, etc.
• This water-based ink also contains a solvent like alcohol to allow its faster drying.
• The precise protocol for making this ink including its chemical composition and the quantity of each constituent is, however, not known to many people.

Who makes the indelible ink for Indian elections?

• The indelible ink was first manufactured at the ECI’s request by the government’s Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
• The research work on formulating the ink began in the 1950s by scientists in the erstwhile Chemical Division. 
• It was later patented by the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), New Delhi.
• Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd. has been licensed to manufacture the ink and has been in the business since 1962.
• Earlier called Mysore Lac & Paint Works Ltd, it was established in 1937 by Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, then the Maharaja of Mysore.
• The indelible ink is exported to more than 25 countries that include Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nepal, South Africa and the Maldives.
• The procedure of application can differ in each election. 
• For example, in Cambodia and the Maldives, voters need to dip his/her finger into the ink while in Burkina Faso the ink is applied with a brush, and nozzles are used for its use in Turkey.

9. Day is not far when every person will need to monitor weather info’: IMD general director

Sub: Geo

Sec :Climatology

Context:

• At a time when extreme weather events such as long heat waves and extreme rainfall events are regular occurrences, the role of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is becoming increasingly crucial.

More on news:

• In its 150th year now, the scientific agency is facing challenges in the form of erratic weather events and has had to adapt not only to maintain its accuracy in forecasting but also be accessible and useful for the public.
• It’s the first time in a decade the IMD has forecast ‘above normal’ rainfall.
• Usually, IMD tends to be more conservative in the first long-range forecast.

Does the IMD now have better tools?

• In 2021, IMD adopted the multi-model ensemble forecasts which also included forecasts on spatial distribution, instead of only categorizing monsoon rainfall as normal, above normal or below normal. In this model, monthly forecasts during the June-September monsoon period are provided.
• In sum, IMD provides monsoon forecasts for the entire season.
• The dynamic weather factors such as El Nino, La Nina and their variations over the years, the monsoon’s relationship with the Indian Ocean Dipole, the snow cover in the northern hemisphere, the sea conditions in the Atlantic or Pacific have improved.
• On the basis of these models and constantly improving efficiency, we can say that since 2021, 80% of what we predict on monsoon is correct. 
• Besides monsoon forecasts, specific city-focussed forecasts have augmented the facilities in major cities and towns.
• ‘Har, Har Mausam, Har Ghar Mausam’, which provides citizens weather information at pincode-level or cluster-level.

Is a long-range monsoon forecast still relevant since the accuracy to forecast in a shorter turnaround time has improved?

• Recent studies have pointed out the impact of dry and moist heat stress, which is a risk to everyone.
• IMD has been using broad norms to declare heat waves. 
• Based on terrains, such as hills, coasts and plains, there are different thresholds which form the basis of declaring heat waves.
• For instance, in the plains, if temperature crosses 40 degrees Celsius and above normal by 4-5 degrees for a sustained period, we declare a heat wave.
• But there are limitations in this approach.
• IMD is  taking into account criteria such as warm nights, humidity, winds as well as the historical data of a weather station. 
• For instance, when day temperatures are above 40 degrees Celsius and night temperatures are four-five degrees above normal, we declare it as a warm night and an alert is issued in our bulletins.
• In the case of humidity, one feels more dehydrated and the real-feel of hot weather is different in a humid place compared to a drier place. 
• IMD has  also introduced humidity forecasts. 
• At present, IMD is providing information on humidity for today and the next five days, in pictorial and text forms.
• Through these factors, IMD  makes a composite heat index to indicate what would be the real-feel of the hot conditions.

What is the assessment on the extreme rainfall event in Dubai?

• UAE and Oman experience western disturbances, which develop over the Mediterranean Sea and travel eastwards.
• While moving eastwards, sometimes they move towards the southern latitude. 
• It was an active western disturbance which moved across the Middle East and is now moving across Iran, Afghanistan and now approaching Pakistan and India.
• While the western disturbance was approaching and moving across UAE and Oman, there was an anticyclone and there was moisture incursion over the Arabian Sea.
• This helped in the formation of this kind of rainfall event.
• Rainfall above 20 cm in one day in an arid area like UAE creates problems of its own.
• This kind of phenomenon is not so frequent, it occurs when such weather systems interact with each other.
• The same western disturbance will also cause rains in J&K, Himachal Pradesh and the Indo-Gangetic plains from Thursday.

What is the status of urban flooding mapping?

• Initially, IMD  developed it for Chennai, through the initiative of the principal scientific advisor. 
• Then it was developed  for Mumbai and Kolkata. 
• Coastal cities were addressed first since the flooding is severe and involves multi-hazard events such as rainfall, ingress of seawater, river flooding and waterlogging.
• Now IMD is  looking at 5 cities(Varanasi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar and Pune), which the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is executing in project mode with the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

10. Indian Navy seizes 940 kg of contraband narcotics in Western Arabian Sea

Sub: IR

Sec : MSC

Context:

• Indian Navy’s elite MARCOs commandos, deployed onboard frontline ship INS Talwar, seized the narcotics from a dhow as part of the ‘Operation Crimson Barracuda’.

More on news:

• Indian Navy MARCOs Commandos of INS Talwar deployed in Western Arabian Sea seized 940 Kgs of contraband narcotics from a dhow.

About the mission:

• Indian Naval ship INS Talwar, mission deployed in Western Arabian Sea for maritime security operations, as part of combined task force led operation Crimson Barracuda, successfully apprehended a suspicious “dhow” on April 13.
• Operation Crimson Barracuda serves as a testament to its commitment to promoting a secure and stable maritime environment in the region.

About INS Talwar:

• INS Talwar (F40) is the lead ship of the Talwar-class frigates of the Indian Navy.
• The Talwar-class guided missile frigates are modified Krivak III-class frigates built by Russia.
• Talwar is a multirole frigate and true to her name, has participated in various operations and exercises since her commissioning, including anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.