Daily Prelims Notes 29 October 2024

October 29, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

29 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Odisha introduces female tiger to check inbreeding in Similipal Reserve

Sub : Env

Sec :Protected Area

Context:

The Odisha government recently translocated a female tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve to improve genetic diversity in its tiger population.

Tiger Translocation Details:

Odisha introduced a female tiger, aged two years and seven months, to Similipal as part of a plan to add two tigresses.
Reason for Translocation:
- Odisha requested the National Tiger Conservation Authority to introduce female tigers from different landscapes into Similipal.
- This is due to inbreeding issues in Similipal’s tiger population, which has led to the emergence of pseudo-melanistic (black-striped) tigers.
Similipal’s Tiger Population:
- The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE-2023-24) reported 30 tigers in Odisha’s forests, with 27 residing in Similipal.
- Similipal has 13 adult pseudo-melanistic tigers (seven females and six males), a unique phenomenon in wild habitats worldwide.

Pseudo-Melanistic Tiger Study:

A study, High Frequency of an Otherwise Rare Phenotype in a Small and Isolated Tiger Population reveals that about 37% of Similipal’s tigers are pseudo-melanistic, with wide, merged stripes.
The study suggests these unique traits are likely due to strong inbreeding and local genetic factors.
Odisha has proposed the world’s first melanistic tiger safari in Similipal’s buffer region to promote conservation and tourism.

Black Tigers or Melanistic Tigers:

Melanism is a genetic condition in which an increased production of melanin, a substance in the skin that produces hair, eye and skin pigmentation, results in black (or nearly black) skin, feathers or hair in an animal.
Many royal Bengal tigers of Similipal belong to a unique lineage with higher-than-normal levels of melanin, which gives them black and yellow interspersed stripes on their coats.
These tigers are not entirely black, and are therefore more accurately described as being pseudo-melanistic.
As per the 2022 cycle of the All-India Tiger Estimation, 16 individuals were recorded at STR, out of which 10 were melanistic.
What Makes Tigers (Pseudo) Melanistic?
- According to research of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NBCS, Bengaluru), a single mutation in the gene Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) causes black tigers’ stripes to enlarge or spread into the yellow background.
- Genetic analyses of other tiger populations in India and computer simulations suggest that the Similipal black tigers may have arisen from a very small founding population of tigers, and are inbred.
- The STR cats live isolated from other tigers, because of which they breed among themselves.

Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR):

Similipal is a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district (adjoining Jharkhand and West Bengal) in the Indian state of Odisha covering 2,750 km2 (1,060 sq mi).
It is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas – Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Simlipal National Park derives its name from the abundance of red silk cotton trees growing in the area.
The park is home to the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur and chausingha, and this protected area is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
The STR is Asia’s second largest biosphere (after the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat), and the country’s only wild habitat for melanistic royal Bengal tigers.

2. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy passes away

Sub : Polity

Sec : Constitution

Context:

Justice K.S. Puttaswamy, a former Karnataka High Court judge and the pivotal petitioner in India’s landmark ‘right to privacy’ case, passed away at 98.

Early Life and Career:

Born: 1926 near Bengaluru.
Education: Studied at Maharaja College, Mysuru, and Government Law College, Bengaluru.
Legal Career: Enrolled as an advocate in 1952, practicing at the then-Mysore High Court (now Karnataka High Court).
Judicial Appointment: Became a judge at the Karnataka High Court on November 28, 1977, and served until retirement in 1986.
Post-Retirement Roles:
- Appointed as the first Vice-Chairman of the Bengaluru bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal.
- Served as chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Backward Classes Commission.

Landmark ‘Right to Privacy’ Case:

Challenge to Aadhaar: In 2012, at the age of 86, Justice Puttaswamy filed a petition challenging the Aadhaar scheme, raising concerns over its implications on individual privacy.
Supreme Court Decision: His petition prompted the Supreme Court to examine whether privacy is a fundamental right under the Indian Constitution.
Historic Verdict: In August 2017, the Supreme Court’s nine-judge bench ruled unanimously in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India that privacy is indeed a fundamental right.
Triple Test: The judgment established that any invasion of privacy must satisfy three requirements:
- Legality (must be backed by law)
- Necessity (legitimate state aim)
- Proportionality (means should be proportional to the objective)

Reflections on the Verdict:

Justice Puttaswamy welcomed the verdict, calling it “correct and beneficial” and noted that the Supreme Court’s decision aligned with his expectations.
He shared that his petition stemmed from concerns that Aadhaar was being implemented without Parliamentary debate, prompting him to act to protect citizens’ rights.

This judgment is particularly significant as it:

Modernized Indian privacy law for the digital age
Protected individual rights against both state and private actors
Influenced the drafting of data protection legislation
Established privacy as an essential component of human dignity

Source: IE

3. Catastrophic warming is still on the cards

Sub : Env

Sec :Climate change

Context:

The United Nations warns that current national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to prevent catastrophic global warming.

Current Emissions Targets:

Insufficient Reductions: Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) submitted by countries aim for only a 2.6% emissions cut from 2019 levels by 2030. Scientists say a 43% reduction is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C, per the Paris Agreement.

Rising Greenhouse Gas Levels:

Record Highs: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported CO2 concentrations reached 420 ppm last year, rising by 11.4% over two decades.
Worrying Trends: Feedback loops, like increased forest fires, are accelerating greenhouse gas levels. Carbon released from Canada’s recent record wildfire season alone surpassed annual emissions of many major countries.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):

NDCs are national climate action plans that countries submit under the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
Requirements:
- Must be submitted every 5 years
- Should be progressively more ambitious
- Must outline domestic mitigation measures

India’s NDCs:

Updated NDCs (2022):
- Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels
- Achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030
- Create additional carbon sink of 5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2030
Key Implementation Strategies:
- Promoting renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)
- Improving energy efficiency
- Developing climate-resilient urban centers
- Enhanced forest conservation
- Sustainable transportation systems
- Waste management initiatives
Major Programs Supporting NDCs:
- National Solar Mission
- National Smart Grid Mission
- National Electric Mobility Mission Plan
- Green India Mission
- Energy Conservation Building Code
Progress and Achievements:
- Already achieved 40% power capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of 2030 target
- Significant expansion in renewable energy capacity
- Implementation of energy efficiency programs
- Progress in afforestation efforts
Challenges:
- Financial resource mobilization
- Technology transfer needs
- Capacity building requirements
- Balancing development with environmental goals
- Infrastructure development needs
International Support:
- Climate finance requirements
- Technology transfer mechanisms
- Capacity building assistance
- International cooperation frameworks

4. Challenges in Fertilizer Imports and the Impact of Global Conflicts on India’s Fertilizer Market

Sub : Eco

Sec :External sector

Overview of the Fertilizer Sector in India

Types of Fertilizers: The three primary fertilizers in India are Urea, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), and Muriate of Potash (MOP).
India’s Position in Global Consumption: India is the second-largest consumer of fertilizers worldwide, following China.
Rising Demand for Urea and DAP:
- Urea and DAP usage has increased, while demand for other fertilizers has been declining, reflecting a shift in consumption patterns.

Breakdown of Key Fertilizer Types

Urea:
- Most Widely Used Fertilizer.
- Urea is highly subsidized.
Production Process:
- Urea is produced from natural gas.
- Methane in natural gas undergoes steam reforming to yield hydrogen.
- Hydrogen is then combined with nitrogen to produce ammonia, which can either be used as a fertilizer directly or converted to urea by reacting with carbon dioxide.
Diammonium Phosphate (DAP):
- Second Most Used Fertilizer in India, following urea.
- Composition: 46% Phosphorus and 18% Nitrogen.
- Phosphorus Source: DAP is the preferred phosphorus-based fertilizer among farmers, just as urea is preferred for nitrogen.
Muriate of Potash (MOP):
- Also known as potassium chloride, MOP contains 60% potash.
- Potash Role: Essential for plant growth and quality, potash aids in protein and sugar production, vital for overall plant health.

Subsidy Mechanism and Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS)

Urea Subsidies: As the most critical fertilizer, urea receives direct subsidies, covering a significant portion of its cost.
Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS):
- DAP and MOP producers and importers benefit from a Nutrient-Based Subsidy.
- The NBS formula provides subsidies based on the ratio of nutrients (N, P, and K), maintaining a 4:2:1 balance to support balanced fertilizer usage.

India’s Challenges in Fertilizer Imports

High Dependency on Imports:
- India meets 20% of its urea, 50-60% of DAP, and 100% of Muriate of Potash (MOP) demand through imports, creating a vulnerability to global market fluctuations.
Financial Strain from Subsidies:
- To mitigate high fertilizer costs, the Indian government has allocated ₹1.79 lakh crore in subsidies for 2023-24.
- Subsidy breakdown includes ₹1,04,063.20 crore for indigenous urea and ₹31,000 crore for imported urea.

Impact of Global Conflicts on India’s Fertilizer Market

Rising Prices of Raw Materials:
- The conflict in Ukraine has caused a spike in the prices of oil and petroleum-based raw materials used in fertilizers, leading to higher production costs globally and impacting Indian imports.
Supply Chain Disruptions:
- India’s primary fertilizer imports are sourced from regions like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Disruptions due to the Ukraine crisis and West Asian tensions affect these supply chains, causing shortages and higher import costs.
Impact on Agricultural Production and Food Security:
- Rising prices and supply chain issues pose risks to India’s food security as fertilizers like DAP and NPK are crucial for winter rabi crops.
Increased Dependence on Government Subsidies:
- With escalating prices, Indian agriculture’s reliance on government subsidies grows, increasing fiscal pressure on the national budget and impacting long-term food security.

Recommendations for India’s Fertilizer Sector

Innovative Fertilizer Use and Sustainable Practices:
- Nano-urea, natural farming, and precision fertilization techniques can help optimize fertilizer use and reduce import requirements.
- Focusing on self-reliance and sustainable agriculture practices will help counter long-term risks from global market disruptions.

5. Roll back nod given to import used medical devices

Sub : Eco

Sec: External Sector

Context:

Key stakeholders from the Indian med-tech industry, including the Association of Indian Medical Devices, the Manufacturers of Imaging, Therapy and Radiology Devices Association, and the Association of Diagnostic Manufacturers of India, have expressed strong opposition to the recent policy allowing the import of refurbished and pre-owned medical devices.

Background:

Recently office memorandums were issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).
These memorandums permit the import of refurbished and pre-owned medical devices.
The policy aims to provide cost-effective medical solutions, particularly in underserved regions, by facilitating access to refurbished medical equipment.

Concerns raised:

Threat to Domestic Manufacturing: It is argued that importing used medical devices undermines progress in domestic manufacturing and represents a significant setback to India’s self-sufficiency in the medical device sector.
Patient Safety risks: The group warns that refurbished medical devices may not meet strict quality standards, raising concerns about patient safety and the reliability of healthcare using these imports.
Impact on Innovation and Investment: Stakeholders contend that allowing refurbished imports undermines India’s ability to produce high-quality medical devices, stifles innovation, deters investment, and could hinder the growth of the domestic med-tech industry.

6. The next Census

Sub : Polity

Sec: Msc

Context:

The Centre is set to conduct the Census, which was postponed in 2021 due to COVID-19. While an official announcement is awaited, sources indicate it may begin next year.
The Census is crucial for delimiting Parliamentary constituencies and implementing women’s reservation in Parliament.
The 128th Constitution Amendment reserves 33% of seats for women but will only take effect after delimitation.

About Census:

The census provides information on size, distribution and socio-economic, demographic and other characteristics of the country’s population.
The Census is listed as item 69 on the Union List, meaning only the Central government can conduct it.
The Census of India Act of 1948 provides a legal basis but lacks stipulations on timing or periodicity. There is no constitutional or legal mandate for conducting a Census every 10 years.
A systematic and modern population census was conducted between 1865 and 1872 in different parts of the country.
However, the first synchronous census in India was held in 1881. Since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once every ten years.
2021 was the first year since 1881 that the decennial Census was not conducted.

Process of conducting Census:

Two-step process:
- House-listing and Numbering: Conducted the year before the Census (April-September).
- Population Enumeration: Takes place in the second to fourth weeks of February in the Census year.
The numbers revealed represent the population of India as of midnight on March 1 in the Census year.
To account for the births and deaths during the enumeration period in February, the enumerators return to the households in the first week of March to make revisions.

Census and Delimitation:

Delimitation, as mandated by the constitution, is supposed to happen after every Census.
The process adjusts the number of constituencies of Parliament and state Assemblies in accordance with the latest population figures, to ensure that the number of people represented by any Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly is roughly the same.

Suspension of Delimitation:

Delimitation exercise has been suspended since 1976 so that states’ family planning programs would not affect their political representation in the Lok Sabha.
As of now, delimitation is suspended till at least 2026. According to the 84th Constitutional Amendment of 2001, the next delimitation can be held only based on the Census conducted after 2026.
Even if the 2021 Census had occurred on time, delimitation could only take place after the 2031 Census. However, if the Census, which takes two years to complete, starts next year, delimitation could occur immediately afterward.
Southern states, which have succeeded in population control, fear losing representation if delimitation is based on current data. Previous delimitation in 2002 only modified existing constituency boundaries without changing their numbers.

Caste Census:

There are calls for the upcoming Census to include caste data, potentially reducing the need for a separate caste census. Caste data collection was last conducted in 1941 and discontinued post-1951, focusing instead on Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

7. All about C295 aircraft, whose manufacturing plant was inaugurated by PM Modi

Sub : Sci

Sec: Defence

Context:

On October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a plant in Vadodara, where Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) will manufacture the C-295 aircrafts for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The facility will be the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.
The C-295 project underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and aligns with the Make in India initiative.

Procurement Details:

In September 2021, India signed a deal worth ₹21,935 crore with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C-295 aircrafts, aiming to replace the IAF’s aging Avro-748 planes, which have been in service since the 1960s.
The first 16 aircraft will be delivered in fly-away condition from Spain, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured in India by TASL.
The first domestically produced aircraft is expected to roll out in September 2026, with all 39 to be delivered by August 2031.
After the completion of the delivery, Airbus Defence and Space will be allowed to sell the aircraft manufactured in India to civil operators and export to countries which are cleared by the Government of India.
Fly-away condition: A term used in aircraft purchase agreements, to refer to an aircraft that is delivered in new condition and in compliance with the purchase agreement.

About C-295 aircraft:

The C-295 aircraft was originally produced by the Spanish manufacturer Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA, which is now part of Airbus. The aircraft is currently manufactured at Airbus’s plant in Spain.
The C-295MW is a versatile transport aircraft with a capacity of 5 to 10 tonnes and a maximum speed of 480 km/h.
The C-295 has demonstrated its versatility by operating in various terrains globally, including Brazilian jungles and Colombian mountains, deserts of Algeria and Jordan and cold climates of Poland and Finland.

Key features:

A rear ramp door for quick troop and cargo deployment.
Capability for short take-off and landing from semi-prepared surfaces.
Cabin dimensions of 12.7 meters, accommodating up to 71 seats.
The aircraft will be fitted with an indigenous electronic warfare suite developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

Operational roles:

Tactical transport of troops and supplies to forward operating airfields.
Short take-off and landing operations from unprepared airstrips.
Casualty and medical evacuation.
Special missions and disaster response.
Maritime patrol duties.

8. Examining the Rising Costs of Elections in India and Potential Reforms

Sub :Polity

Sec: Elections

Why in News

The soaring costs associated with elections have become a subject of concern globally and in India. The Centre for Media Studies (CMS) recently estimated that the expenses incurred by political parties during the 2024 Indian general election reached around ₹1,00,000 crore. With countries like the United States and the United Kingdom also witnessing high election expenditures, there is growing debate on managing costs and curbing unethical practices in the electoral process.

Expenditure Limit:

It is the amount an election candidate can legally spend for their election campaign and has to account for, which includes expenses on public meetings, rallies, advertisements, posters, banners vehicles and advertisements.

The limit prescribed by the ECI is meant for legitimate expenditure because a lot of money in elections is spent for illegitimate purposes.

It has often been argued that these limits are unrealistic as the actual expenditure incurred by the candidate is much higher.

Current Scenario:

At present, under Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.

Candidate Limits: In India, election expenditure limits for candidates are capped by the Election Commission of India (ECI). These limits vary based on constituency size:

Lok Sabha Constituencies: ₹95 lakh in larger states, ₹75 lakh in smaller states.
Legislative Assemblies: ₹40 lakh for larger states, ₹28 lakh for smaller states.

Political Party Spending: Currently, there are no expenditure limits for political parties during elections, which has led to substantial unregulated spending.

Under Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every candidate shall keep a separate and correct account of all expenditure incurred between the date on which he has been nominated and the date of declaration of the result.

All candidates are required to submit their expenditure statement to the ECI within 30 days of the completion of the elections.

An incorrect account or expenditure beyond the cap can lead to disqualification of the candidate by the ECI for up to three years, under Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

It can be noted that there is no cap on a political party’s expenditure, which is often exploited by candidates of the party.

However, all registered political parties have to submit a statement of their election expenditure to the ECI within 90 days of the completion of the elections.

International Standards for Election Financing:

United States: The estimated expenditure for the upcoming U.S. presidential and congressional elections is around $16 billion, with $5.5 billion allocated for the presidential race and $10.5 billion for congressional elections.

United Kingdom: Political parties in the U.K. can spend up to £54,010 per contested constituency, totalling a maximum of £35 million if contesting all constituencies.

Key Challenges of Rising Election Expenditures:

Impact on Democratic Integrity: High election costs often drive a dependency on large donations from organizations and individuals, fostering a relationship between elected officials and major donors. This creates a barrier for average citizens seeking to enter politics, potentially skewing representation.

Excessive Spending in India: Despite legal expenditure limits, candidates frequently surpass these caps, while political parties operate without spending restrictions. Around 35% of expenses were directed toward campaigns and publicity, with an estimated 25% reportedly distributed illegally to voters.

Corruption Cycle: Inflated election spending contributes to corruption, as candidates often seek returns on their investment, creating a cycle where political financing drives governance decisions.

Reforms to Address Election Costs

Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) and Law Commission Report (1999): Both reports proposed state funding for elections, wherein the government would subsidize election expenses for candidates nominated by recognized political parties. Although promising, this proposal faces challenges in terms of feasibility and implementation.

Simultaneous Elections: Conducting simultaneous elections is viewed as a potential solution to curbing costs. However, it raises concerns related to federalism and would require significant constitutional amendments.

Practical Reforms Based on ECI’s Recommendations

The Election Commission’s 2016 report on “Proposed Electoral Reforms” suggests practical steps for equitable election expenditure:

Candidate Funding Limitations: Amend the law to include “financial assistance” from political parties within the candidate’s expenditure limit.
Cap on Political Party Expenditure: Set a cap on political party expenditures, calculated as the candidate’s expenditure limit multiplied by the number of candidates fielded by the party.
Judicial Oversight: Appoint additional judges in High Courts for speedy resolution of election-related cases to act as a deterrent against electoral malpractices.

9. The Need for Regulatory Frameworks for Medicinal Foods in India

Sub :Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

The growing health and wellness industry in India and globally has spotlighted the need for robust regulations around medicinal foods. Recently, a study conducted by researchers from The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru, and the Royal Botanic Gardens in the U.K., funded by the British High Commission, investigated the overlap between food and medicinal plant use. The study underscores the importance of establishing clear regulatory standards for medicinal foods to ensure safety, efficacy, and accessibility.

Medicinal Foods: A Missing Category in Regulatory Frameworks

Researchers are increasingly exploring plant-based compounds for therapeutic uses, as seen with turmeric’s active component, curcumin, which has shown potential in treating inflammation and certain cancers.

Traditional uses of these plants often involve much lower dosages than those administered in clinical trials, raising questions about their safety and efficacy when used in larger, therapeutic doses.

Demand for Nutraceuticals: Nutraceuticals are food ingredients with health benefits beyond basic nutrition, offering potential medicinal benefits.

About Nutraceuticals

It is a broad umbrella term that is used to describe any product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods.

They can be considered non-specific biological therapies used to promote general well-being, control symptoms and prevent malignant processes.

The term “nutraceutical” combines two words – “nutrient” (a nourishing food component) and “pharmaceutical” (a medical drug).

They can be classified on the basis of their natural sources, pharmacological conditions, as well as chemical constitution of the products. Most often they are grouped in the following categories: dietary supplements, functional food, medicinal food, pharmaceuticals.

Regulatory Gaps in Medicinal Food Safety:

Inconsistent Regulations for Food and Drugs: In many countries, including India, food and medicines are regulated by separate bodies: the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) oversees food, while the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) regulates drugs. There is currently no unified framework to handle substances that are both food and medicine, posing potential risks for consumers due to varying regulatory standards for safety and efficacy.

Need for a Dedicated Medicinal Food Category: Given the dual nature of many plants, establishing a new regulatory category for medicinal foods would provide much-needed clarity. The U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, for example, recognizes “border products” that lie between food and medicines, which could serve as a model for India.

Important Medicinal Plants:

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): In Ayurveda, giloy is traditionally used for its stem, but modern applications sometimes incorporate other parts like leaves and roots, potentially altering its medicinal impact.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Only the root is generally used for medicinal purposes, but comprehensive labelling of consumer products is often missing.

Bhringaraj as Medicine and Food: Known for promoting hair health, bhringaraj (Eclipta prostrata) is also consumed as a vegetable in some regions, yet IFCT 2017 does not provide nutritional information for it. This illustrates the need for clearer documentation of medicinal foods within regulatory frameworks.

Way Forward for Regulatory Bodies

India and other nations would benefit from a regulatory framework specifically for medicinal foods, ideally with a central authority overseeing both the food and medicinal uses of plants.

A standardized plant nomenclature system would prevent discrepancies across scientific, commercial, and regulatory domains.

Establishing a coherent regulatory system will protect consumers from potential risks associated with medicinal foods, bolster industry credibility, and promote the use of traditional knowledge.

As the health and wellness industry expands, an efficient regulatory framework will ensure safe and accessible plant-based health products for consumers.

10. Tamil Nadu Declares Heatwave a State-Specific Disaster; Announces ₹4 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Heat-Related Fatalities

Sub :Geo

Sec: Indian Physical

Why in News

In a landmark decision, the Tamil Nadu government has declared heatwaves as a State-specific disaster. This announcement includes a compensation policy providing an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to families of those who succumb to heat-related causes.

Tamil Nadu’s Heatwave Declaration:

Tamil Nadu is one of the first states in India to officially recognize heatwaves as a disaster, enabling state authorities to rapidly deploy relief measures.

Use of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): The SDRF will be utilized to support relief measures aimed at reducing the impact of extreme heat on affected populations.

Compensation Amount: The Tamil Nadu government has pledged ₹4 lakh in ex-gratia compensation for families of individuals who die due to heat-related causes. This includes fatalities among those actively involved in heatwave relief operations.

Families of heatwave victims, particularly from vulnerable groups, are eligible to receive compensation to ease the financial burden due to such unforeseen losses.

What Are Heat Waves?

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively high temperatures, significantly above the average maximum temperature of a region, and is often associated with dry, stagnant atmospheric conditions.

This phenomenon typically affects North-Western parts of India during the summer season, especially from March to June, though heat waves can occasionally extend into July.

The extreme temperatures can lead to physiological stress in humans, posing serious health risks and potentially leading to fatalities.

Criteria for Heat Waves by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD):

Temperature Thresholds for Heat Wave Declaration:

Plains: A heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C.
Hilly Regions: In hilly regions, the threshold is lower, at 30°C.

Departure from Normal Temperature:

Normal Maximum Temperature ≤ 40°C:
- Heat Wave: Departure from normal temperature by 5°C to 6°C.
- Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal temperature by 7°C or more.
Normal Maximum Temperature > 40°C:
- Heat Wave: Departure from normal temperature by 4°C to 5°C.
- Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal temperature by 6°C or more.

Extreme Heat Condition: Regardless of the normal maximum temperature, when the actual maximum temperature reaches 45°C or more, a heat wave is declared.

Increased Intensity and Frequency: With the influence of climate change, peak daily temperatures are rising, resulting in longer, more intense heat waves globally. These elevated temperatures contribute to harsher atmospheric conditions that can exacerbate heat waves, particularly in tropical regions like India.

Heat waves in India are increasing not only in frequency but also in intensity with each passing year. This trend poses heightened risks for human health, often leading to more casualties and a greater strain on healthcare systems.

Causes and Contributing Factors of Heat Waves:

Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities often have higher temperatures due to human activities, concrete structures, and limited vegetation, creating ‘urban heat islands’ that absorb and retain heat.

Climate Change: Rising global temperatures have intensified heat waves, making them more frequent and severe, with longer durations.

Atmospheric Circulation Patterns: Stagnant high-pressure systems can trap warm air over regions, leading to sustained high temperatures.

Measures for Coping with Heat Waves

Public Awareness and Alerts: The IMD issues heat wave warnings to inform the public, enabling timely precautions.

Cooling Centers and Shelters: Designated areas provide air-conditioned spaces, drinking water, and medical aid.

Hydration and Protective Measures: Individuals are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and seek shade or cool areas to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.

Government Initiatives: Authorities implement heat action plans in affected regions, providing resources and medical assistance to prevent heatwave casualties.

11. Cyclical slowdown

Sub: Eco

Sec: National Income

Context: India’s economy has likely entered a cyclical growth slowdown and growth may slip below 6.7% in the face of emerging risks – Nomura economists

Details:

Cyclical and structural slowdowns are terms often used to describe the nature and causes of an economic slowdown. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Cyclical Slowdown

Definition: A cyclical slowdown occurs due to fluctuations in the economy’s business cycle, which has phases of expansion, peak, recession, and recovery.
Cause: It is typically driven by short-term factors like changes in consumer demand, interest rates, inflation, and business investment levels.
Duration: Cyclical slowdowns are usually temporary, as economies move through business cycles over time.
Example: During a recession, consumer spending declines, leading to decreased production and economic growth. However, this trend usually reverses as monetary and fiscal policies are introduced to stimulate demand.

Structural Slowdown

Definition: A structural slowdown is a more prolonged and fundamental decline in economic growth, resulting from deep-rooted changes in the economy.
Cause: It stems from long-term issues such as demographic changes (aging population), low productivity, outdated infrastructure, or shifts in global trade patterns.
Duration: Structural slowdowns are often long-lasting and require significant changes or reforms in economic policy, labour markets, or technology to resolve.
Example: In an economy heavily dependent on a single industry, like manufacturing, a structural slowdown might occur if there’s a global shift toward automation, making labor-intensive manufacturing less competitive.

Key Differences

Nature of Causes: Cyclical slowdowns are due to short-term business cycle factors, while structural slowdowns are due to fundamental issues.
Policy Response: Cyclical slowdowns can often be managed with short-term policies like interest rate adjustments. Structural slowdowns, however, require long-term reforms.
Reversibility: Cyclical slowdowns tend to self-correct, while structural slowdowns require significant economic restructuring for reversal.

In short, a cyclical slowdown is like a temporary dip in economic activity, while a structural slowdown indicates deeper, longer-term challenges that require structural reforms.