From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm
Mains level: What are hurricanes and how do they form?
Why in the news?
Due to Hurricane Beryl sweeping through the Windward Islands, the Indian Men’s cricket team, victorious in the T20 World Cup, finds itself stranded in Barbados.
What do we know about Hurricane Beryl?
Early Category 4 Storm: Hurricane Beryl is the earliest category 4 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, sustaining winds of at least 130 miles per hour (209 kilometres per hour).
Location and Impact: It is currently affecting the Windward Islands in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles, including Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Forecast: The National Hurricane Centre has issued warnings for life-threatening winds and storm surges in the affected islands, with the potential for violent winds and flash flooding.
Preparations: Local authorities in Barbados have suspended school classes and taken other precautions, such as shutting down the water supply, in anticipation of the hurricane’s impact.
Historical Context: Hurricane Beryl is noted as the strongest storm to impact the Windward Islands since Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.
What are hurricanes and how do they form?
Formation: Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator where warm, moist air rises from the ocean’s surface, creating low air pressure.
Fuel: They are fueled by the heat and moisture evaporating from the ocean, forming clouds and spinning due to the Earth’s rotation.
Eye Formation: As the storm system intensifies, an eye forms at its centre, with storms rotating counterclockwise north of the equator and clockwise south of it.
Impact of Warming World: Warmer sea surface temperatures due to climate change may lead to slower decay of hurricanes upon landfall, potentially increasing their severity.
Are hurricanes becoming more severe now?
Research Findings: Studies suggest that warmer sea surface temperatures contribute to the slower decay of hurricanes, potentially prolonging their destructive impacts inland.
Record-Breaking Seasons: The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season has seen a record number of named storms, indicating a trend towards more frequent and intense hurricane activity.
What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?
No Fundamental Difference: Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are all types of tropical cyclones, named differently based on their location:
Hurricanes: Form over the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Typhoons: Form in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
Cyclones: Form in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Naming Conventions: The different names signify regional differences but refer to the same meteorological phenomenon of tropical cyclones.
Way forward:
Implementation of Advanced Forecasting Technologies: Invest in state-of-the-art meteorological tools and satellite technology to enhance the accuracy and lead time of hurricane forecasts.
Community Preparedness Programs: Establish comprehensive community outreach programs to educate residents about hurricane risks, evacuation procedures, and emergency shelter locations.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC IAS/2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Finance Commission
Mains level: Role of Finance Commission
Why in the news?
The 16th Finance Commission, under Article 280, focuses on devolving funds. Amendments like 73rd and 74th mandate it to bolster state funds for panchayats and municipalities.
About 16th Finance Commission
The 16th Finance Commission of India was constituted on December 31, 2023, with Dr. Arvind Panagariya as its Chairman.
The President of India appointed the Commission in pursuance of Article 280(1) of the Constitution
How do other countries devolve funds to their local governments?
International Comparison: Countries like South Africa, Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil allocate significantly higher percentages of their GDP (1.6% to 5.1%) to urban local bodies compared to India’s 0.5%.
Importance of Intergovernmental Transfers (IGTs): IGTs make up about 40% of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) revenue in India but suffer from unpredictability, lack of earmarking for vulnerable groups, and horizontal equity.
Financial Health of ULBs: Despite efforts by multiple Finance Commissions, financial devolution to cities in India remains inadequate, affecting city productivity and quality of life.
Why is the Census significant?
Data Dependence: The absence of the 2021 Census data makes it challenging to accurately assess urban growth and demographic changes crucial for evidence-based fiscal devolution.
Urban Dynamics: India has approximately 4,000 statutory towns, an equal number of Census towns, and a large number of effectively urban villages, which need accurate enumeration for effective planning and resource allocation.
Migration Impact: The Census data is essential to capture the significant migration to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, impacting their infrastructure and service needs.
What about cities and the Taxation system?
Impact of GST: The introduction of GST has reduced ULBs’ tax revenue (excluding property tax) significantly, impacting their financial autonomy.
Low IGTs: Intergovernmental transfers from States to ULBs in India are minimal (around 0.5% of GDP), much lower than other developing nations, exacerbating fiscal challenges.
Constitutional Provisions: Despite the 74th constitutional amendment aimed at empowering ULBs, progress has been limited over three decades, hampering urban development.
Parallel Agencies: The growth of parallel agencies and schemes like MP/MLA Local Area Development Schemes distort the federal structure and weaken ULBs’ financial and operational autonomy.
Way forward:
Enhanced Intergovernmental Transfers (IGTs): Increase IGTs from States to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to at least 2% of GDP, ensuring predictability and earmarking for vulnerable groups.
Reform in Urban Governance and Fiscal Autonomy: Strengthen constitutional provisions to empower ULBs further, reducing dependence on parallel agencies like MP/MLA Local Area Development Schemes.
Mains PYQ:
Q How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Varying rights and status of LGBTQIA+ communities across the world
Why in the news?
Every June, Pride Month is celebrated globally to honour the contributions of LGBTQIA+ community members and to promote love, diversity, and acceptance.
Varying rights and status of LGBTQIA+ communities across the world:
Legalization and Criminalization of Same-Sex Acts: The legal status of same-sex acts varies significantly while 37 countries have fully legalized same-sex marriage, 59 countries still penalize any expression of queerness, with severe punishments in some regions.
Marriage Rights: Same-sex marriage is legal in 37 countries, banned in 79 countries, and in some places, same-sex couples can only opt for civil unions, leaving their status partially recognized.
Employee Protections: Legal protections for queer employees are inconsistent. While 27 countries offer legal aid based on sexual orientation, 90 countries lack any legal protections for queer employees. India and three other countries provide legal aid based on gender identity, including transgender persons.
Adoption Rights: Adoption rights for same-sex couples also vary. In 39 countries, same-sex parents can adopt children, while 45 countries ban this practice. In 100 countries, single parents can adopt under certain conditions, similar to India’s laws.
Social and Legal Challenges: Despite legal advancements in some areas, LGBTQIA+ individuals globally continue to face significant social and legal challenges, including discrimination, harassment, and exclusion, with varying levels of legal aid and recognition depending on the country.
Indian Scenario
Decriminalization of Homosexuality: In 2018, the Supreme Court of India partially struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, decriminalizing homosexuality. Same-sex couples have the right to cohabitation but not to legal marriage or unions.
Discrimination and Harassment: Queer individuals in India still face significant discrimination, harassment, and exclusion.
Legal Protections for Transgender and Intersex Individuals: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, prohibits unfair treatment in employment, education, healthcare, public facilities, and residence. Legal recourse is available for discrimination based on gender identity but not sexual orientation.
Adoption Rights: Same-sex couples cannot be recognized as co-parents to an adopted child. Single prospective adoptive parents, regardless of marital status, are allowed to adopt under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Way forward:
Expand Legal Recognition: Countries should work towards fully recognizing same-sex marriages and providing comprehensive legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Education and Awareness: Implement nationwide educational programs to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues, combat stereotypes, and promote understanding and acceptance. This can involve incorporating LGBTQIA+ history and rights into school curriculums and conducting public awareness campaigns.
Economic Opportunities: Ensure equal opportunities in the workplace by promoting diversity and inclusion policies, providing sensitivity training for employers, and supporting LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. Governments and organizations can offer grants, mentorship programs, and other resources to empower LGBTQIA+ individuals economically.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (UPSC 2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Nexus; Fast Payments Systems (FPSs);
Mains level: Significance of Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) via Project Nexus
Why in the news?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has become a part of Project Nexus, a global initiative aimed at facilitating instant cross-border retail payments by connecting domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs).
What is Project Nexus?
Project Nexus is conceptualized by the Innovation Hub of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
It is the first BIS Innovation Hub project in the payments area moving towards live implementation.
Aim: To enhance cross-border payments by connecting multiple domestic instant payment systems (IPS) globally.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined Project Nexus, aiming to interlink India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
The platform is designed to be extended to more countries in the future.
About Fast Payments Systems (FPSs):
Fast payment systems (FPSs) are real-time payment systems that enable the immediate transfer of funds between accounts. Some key points about FPSs:
FPSs allow for the fast, secure, and low-cost processing of retail transactions, ensuring funds are immediately available to the recipient.
FPSs are becoming increasingly popular globally, with over 100 jurisdictions now having access to fast payment systems. They foster competition among payment service providers and serve as a gateway to additional financial services.
The design of FPSs is important, as they have public good characteristics. Factors that contribute to greater adoption of FPSs include central bank involvement, inclusion of non-bank providers, more use cases, and more cross-border connections.
The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, of 2007 regulates and supervises payment systems in India. It designates the Reserve Bank of India has the authority for that purpose and all related matters.
What are the benefits of the platform?
Standardization: Project Nexus standardizes the way IPS connect to each other, simplifying the process.
Single Connection: Payment system operators can connect to the Nexus platform once, allowing them to reach all other countries on the network without building custom connections for each.
Instant Payments: Enables cross-border payments from sender to recipient within 60 seconds in most cases.
Cost Efficiency: Provides near-zero cost for sending and receiving payments.
Growth Acceleration: Significantly accelerates the growth of instant cross-border payments by leveraging existing instant payment systems.
Way forward:
Expand Membership: Actively encourage more countries to join Project Nexus, thereby increasing the global reach and impact of the platform. (Indonesia is joining in the near future)
Enhance Technological Infrastructure: Invest in robust and scalable technological infrastructure to support seamless integration and interoperability among different FPSs.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Megafauna, Archaeological evidence of Ostrichs in India
PC: India Today
Why in the News?
Archaeologists have discovered a 41,000-year-old ostrich nest in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh.
Prehistoric Ostrich Nest: Details of the Discovery
The nest, identified as the world’s oldest known ostrich nest, measures 9-10 feet in width.
The nest was once home to 9-11 eggs but was capable of holding 30-40 eggs at a time.
Ostriches are mega omnivores, weighing between 90 and 140 kg and standing seven to nine feet tall.
What are Megafauna?
Megafauna generally refers to animals weighing more than 50 kg, though scientific definitions vary.
The term was first used by Alfred Russel Wallace in his 1876 book, “The Geographical Distribution of Animals.”
Megafauna can be classified into:
Megaherbivores (plant-eaters),
Megacarnivores (meat-eaters), and
Megaomnivores (who eat both plants and meat).
Historical Evidence of Megafauna
Early Documentation: Richard Lydekker in 1884 presented the earliest documented evidence of ostriches in the subcontinent, identifying the extinct Struthio asiaticus in the Dhok Pathan deposits in Upper Siwalik Hills, present-day Pakistan.
Discoveries in Maharashtra: Archaeologist S A Sali in 1989 reported ostrich eggshell beads and engraved pieces dating back to 50,000–40,000 years ago at Patne, Maharashtra.
CCMB Research in 2017: Researchers at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad established the presence of ostriches in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat 25,000 years ago.
Broader Implications and Studies
Biogeographical Dispersion: The presence of ostriches in India is attributed to bio-geographical dispersion from the continental drifting of Gondwanaland.
Late Quaternary Extinctions: The study, titled ‘Late Quaternary extinctions in the Indian Subcontinent,’ established that the disappearance of large animals began around 30,000 years ago, coinciding with the arrival of humans.
Co-Evolution Hypothesis: The study supports the hypothesis that fauna and their resilience to extinction resulted from coevolution with hominins, with geographic isolation and abiotic factors accelerating extinction.
PYQ:
[2018] The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of:
(a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.
(b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.
(c) Large-scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.
(d) Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
India wants, South Korea to eliminate tariffs on items such as varieties of meat, milk, fruits, fish, stones, yarn, and petroleum products.
These items were previously exempted or protected against steep cuts in the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
What is CEPA?
Details
Definition
A CEPA is a broad trade agreement that encompasses trade in goods and services, investments, intellectual property rights, and economic cooperation.
Key Components
Trade in Goods: Reduction/elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
Trade in Services: Liberalization of service sectors.
Investment: Protection and promotion of investments.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Strengthening protection of IPR.
Economic Cooperation: Collaboration on economic and technical aspects.
Dispute Resolution: Mechanisms for resolving disputes.
Objectives
Enhance bilateral trade.
Promote investment.
Foster economic integration.
Encourage innovation and economic growth.
Examples
India-Japan CEPA: Signed in 2011, focuses on tariff reduction, service trade liberalization, and investment promotion.
India-Mauritius CECPA: Effective from April 2021, includes provisions on trade in goods, services, and investment.
India-UAE CEPA: Entered into force on May 1, 2022
Significance for India
Economic Growth: Provides new markets for Indian goods and services.
Job Creation: Increased trade and investment can create jobs.
Technological Advancements: Access to new technologies and best practices.
Strategic Partnerships: Strengthens economic and strategic ties.
Challenges
Implementation Issues: Requires robust legal and institutional frameworks.
Domestic Industry Impact: Concerns about increased competition.
Regulatory Harmonization: Differences in regulatory standards can pose challenges.
India-South Korea CEPA: A quick recap
The India-South Korea CEPA was signed in August 2009 and implemented in January 2010.
It covers trade in goods, investments, services, and bilateral cooperation.
Tariff Concessions:
India offered tariff elimination or concessions on 83.8% of tariff lines from South Korea.
While South Korea offered concessions on 93.2% of tariff lines.
Upcoming Negotiations
Trade Deficit Focus: Narrowing the trade deficit with South Korea is high on India’s agenda.
Stakeholder Involvement: Indian industry stakeholders have been provided with a draft request list and asked to suggest more items for tariff cuts or propose deletions if needed.
Standards and Technical Barriers: The Department of Commerce has requested the industry to share issues related to SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) and TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) standards faced while exporting to South Korea.
Back2Basics:
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures:
SPS measures are protocols implemented by countries to protect human, animal, and plant life from diseases, pests, and contaminants.
These measures are primarily focused on ensuring the safety of food products and preventing the spread of diseases and pests across borders.
SPS measures must be based onscientific evidence and risk assessments to ensure they are appropriate and effective.
Examples: quarantine requirements for imported plants and animals, limits on pesticide residues in food, and import bans from regions affected by specific diseases.
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT):
TBT are regulations and standards related to product safety, quality, and environmental impact.
They aim to protect human health and safety, animal and plant life, the environment, and to prevent deceptive practices.
These measures should not create unnecessary obstacles to international trade and must be transparent and non-discriminatory.
Examples: Labeling requirements for food products, safety standards for electrical appliances, and environmental regulations for vehicle emissions.
Major Issue: Trade Deficit Concerns
Trade Deficit Focus: Reducing the trade deficit with South Korea is a key discussion point for India.
Before CEPA (2007-09), India’s average exports to South Korea were $3.4 billion, with imports at $7.3 billion, leading to an average trade deficit of $4 billion.
Trade Statistics: In 2023-24, India’s imports from South Korea were $21.13 billion, while exports were only $6.41 billion.
Post-CEPA Data: After CEPA (2022-24), average exports increased to $7.1 billion, and imports surged to $19.9 billion, resulting in an average trade deficit of $12.8 billion.
GTRI Analysis: The Global Trade and Research Initiative (GTRI) report indicates a 220% increase in the trade deficit from the pre-CEPA period to the post-CEPA period.
PYQ:
[2015] The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the:
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fauna of India Checklist Portal, ZSI
Why in the News?
The Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched a portal documenting all animal species in India.
The Portal was launched on the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata.
Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India
The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale, in 1916.
It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India based in Kolkata.
It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.
About the Fauna of India Checklist Portal
The portal consists of records of more than 100,000 animal species, prepared by over 150 scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) over two years.
This checklist is the first comprehensive document on faunal species in India, covering 121 checklists of all known taxa across 36 phyla, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
It is a compilation of all animal species recorded in India since the 1750s, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
It provides essential data for conservation and management efforts, forming the basis for all biological sciences.
Significance of Portal:
With this, India has become the first country to prepare a checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species, positioning itself as a global leader in biodiversity conservation.
The comprehensive documentation of India’s fauna aligns with Mission LiFE by providing crucial data for biodiversity conservation.
Details from the ZSI Report
A 2023 ZSI report highlights that India is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse nations, hosting around 7-8% of the world’s documented species and containing four of the 34 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots.
The report lists 641 discoveries made by scientists and experts from India during 2023 with Kerala topping the list, followed by West Bengal.
It includes 442 new species globally and 199 newly recorded species in India.
Significant Discoveries in 2023
New Species: The 2023 findings include 112 hymenopterans, 86 arachnids, 47 new fishes, 20 reptiles, and two mammals.
New Mammals: An ibex species found in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, named Capra himalayensis, and a new bat species, Miniopterus srinii, was discovered in Kodagu district, Karnataka.
State Rankings: Kerala recorded the highest number of new discoveries with 101, followed by West Bengal with 72, Tamil Nadu with 62, and Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka with 45 each.
About Mission LiFE
Mission LiFE, or Lifestyle for Environment, is a global mass movement initiated by India to encourage individual and community action towards environmental protection and preservation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UCCN, Indian cities recognized by UCCN
Why in the News?
“Kozhikode” was awarded the title of ‘City of Literature’ at the 16th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in Braga, Portugal.
The theme of this year’s UCCN conference is ‘Bringing youth to the table for the next decade’.
About UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Purpose
To promote cooperation among cities for cultural and creative industry development
Initiation
Established by UNESCO in 2004
Seven Categories/Criteria
Sector-Specific Excellence: Prominence in one of the seven creative fields: Craft and Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature, or Music.
Commitment to Creativity: Long-term dedication to creativity and culture as key drivers for urban development.
Supportive Infrastructure: Established cultural institutions, educational programs, and events promoting creativity.
Alignment with SDG 11: Initiatives supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Inclusivity: Ensuring creative activities are inclusive and accessible to all societal segments.
Member Cities
Over 250 cities from around the world
Objectives
Foster innovation, cultural diversity, and sustainable urban development
Activities
Collaborative projects, cultural events, and initiatives
Selection Process
Cities apply and are designated by UNESCO based on criteria related to creativity
Network Coordination
UNESCO provides coordination and support
Impact
Enhances cities’ cultural identity, economy, and international visibility
Other Indian Cities in UCCN
Gwalior – Music Category (2023)
Srinagar– Crafts and Folk Arts (2022)
Jaipur– Crafts and Folk Arts (2015)
Varanasi– Creative City of Music (2015)
Chennai– Creative City of Music (2017)
Mumbai– Film (2019)
Hyderabad– Gastronomy/Food (2019)
Reasons for Kozhikode’s Selection
Rich Literary Tradition: Kozhikode has a deep and rich literary heritage that spans centuries, contributing significantly to the cultural and intellectual life of the region.
Prominent Literary Figures: The city has been home to many renowned authors, poets, and scholars who have significantly contributed to Malayalam literature.
Cultural Festivals and Events: Kozhikode hosts various literary festivals, book fairs, and cultural events that promote literature and reading among the community.
Educational Institutions: The presence of several prestigious educational institutions that emphasise literature and the arts played a crucial role in its selection.
Community Engagement: Active involvement of local communities in promoting and preserving literary culture through libraries, reading clubs, and literary societies.
Literary Infrastructure: Well-established libraries, publishing houses, and bookshops that support and nurture the scholarly ecosystem.
Historic Contributions of Kozhikode
Malayalam Literature: Kozhikode has been a centre for Malayalam literature and scholarly activities. It has produced notable literary figures and is a hub for literary festivals and cultural events.
Astronomy and Mathematics: The region, under the patronage of the Zamorins, was a centre for advancements in astronomy and mathematics, contributing significantly to the fields through scholars like the 14th-century mathematician and astronomer Madhava of Sangamagrama.
