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  • Important Judgements In News

    Ram Madhav writes: Don’t rewrite the Constitution

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Indian Constitution

     

    Central idea

    On Constitution Day, voices are emerging to replace India’s Constitution, a unique document created through extensive discussion and amendments.

    Comparative Constitutionalism:

    • The comparison with other countries like France, Nepal, Chile, and Uzbekistan highlights India’s distinct process of constitution-making.
    • Critics label the present Constitution as “colonial,” citing similarities with the Government of India Act 1935, but the historical context and unique influences are acknowledged.

    Historical Influences and Unique Drafting Process:

    • Dr. Rajendra Prasad asserted that India wasn’t bound to adhere strictly to global constitutional categories, emphasizing the influence of India’s historical realities.
    • The Nehru Report’s significance in shaping constitutional ideals, serving as a foundation for future constitutional struggles.

    Challenges and Criticisms:

    • The challenge lies in addressing criticisms of the Constitution being “colonial” and responding to calls for a rewrite, balancing historical influences with contemporary needs.
    • Achieving political consensus, as witnessed in the unique drafting process, is a monumental task, especially considering the diverse opinions and interests.

    Back2Basics: The Government of India Act (1935)

    • Under Lord Linlithgow’s leadership, a committee drafted the Government of India Act 1935, which was passed by the British Parliament and implemented.
    • The Act drew from the Simon Commission Report, Round Table Conferences, White Paper of 1933, and Joint Select Committees’ reports to formulate its provisions.

    Provisions of the GoI Act, 1935:

    • All India Federation: Established an All-India Federation comprising British Indian Provinces and Indian States, although its implementation was hindered by lack of princely state participation.
    • Provincial Autonomy: Introduced provincial autonomy where provinces functioned as autonomous units with responsible governments, though governors retained significant powers.
    • Division of Subjects: Introduced three lists—Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent—to delineate legislative authority between the Centre and provinces, aiming to clarify jurisdictional matters:

     

    Description Example Subjects
    Federal List Subjects of all-India interest requiring uniform treatment across British India. Only the Federal Legislature had the authority to legislate. Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency, Railways, Taxes on Income
    Provincial List Subjects of local interest where Provincial Legislatures had exclusive jurisdiction. Public Health, Police, Local Government, Agriculture, Education
    Concurrent List Subjects of both Provincial and Federal interest, requiring uniformity across the country. Both levels of government could legislate. Criminal Law, Marriage and Divorce, Bankruptcy, Trusts, Trade Unions

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Nehru Report: Draft constitution prepared in 1928 as a response to the challenge posed by Lord Birkenhead, emphasizing fundamental rights and democratic principles.
    • Government of India Act 1935: Considered by some as a “colonial” precursor to the Indian Constitution, but viewed differently by considering historical context.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article navigates the complexities of assessing India’s Constitution, acknowledging historical influences while defending its efficiency in serving the nation.
    • The challenges of potential rewriting are highlighted, emphasizing the need for political consensus and the unique historical context.

    Way Forward:

    • The way forward involves careful consideration of the Constitution’s strengths, historical foundations, and the feasibility of rewriting in the context of contemporary needs.
    • Any potential rewriting should uphold the principles of a “fair measure of general agreement” among India’s diverse population, echoing the spirit of the Nehru Report.

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    At COP 28, a chance to get past fear-mongering

    op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    How Can Climate Action Be Inclusive? | Global Climate Change

    Central idea

    The article emphasizes that climate change action is essential for economic sustainability and counters the notion that it is unaffordable. It highlights the impact of fossil fuels on the cost-of-living crisis and advocates for redirecting funds from fossil fuel subsidies to renewable energy. The author calls for international cooperation at COP28 to triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency, and address climate justice concerns.

    Key Highlights:

    • Global Cost-of-Living Crisis: Inflation’s widespread impact on billions globally, prompting a false narrative of green initiatives against the interests of the poor.
    • Fossil Fuels and Economic Strain: Fossil fuels, a major driver of the cost-of-living crisis, contribute to economic strain, affecting household budgets and impeding growth.
    • Worsening Climate Disasters: Amid rising costs, climate disasters intensify, causing economic damage and affecting millions globally.

    Key Challenges:

    • Fossil Fuel Dependency: Persistent reliance on fossil fuels remains a significant hurdle to addressing the cost-of-living crisis and mitigating climate change.
    • Government Spending on Subsidies: Trillions spent on fossil fuel subsidies divert funds from essential services and hinder investments in renewable energy.

    Key Terms:

    • Cost-of-Living Crisis: Global economic strain exacerbated by inflation.
    • Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Government financial support to the fossil fuel industry.
    • Renewable Energy: Sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
    • Climate Disasters: Increasingly severe climate-related events.
    • Energy Access: Ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy.

    Key Phrases for value addition:

    • “Green versus poor” Narrative: Misleading rhetoric obscuring the need for a sustainable future.
    • “Fossil fuel taps can’t be turned off overnight”: Recognizing the gradual nature of transitioning from fossil fuels.
    • “Global Stocktake on climate action”: Assessment of progress and tools to speed up climate action.
    • “Tripling the world’s renewable energy capacity”: Ambitious goals for renewable energy expansion.
    • “Fear Mongering”: Misleading tactics to discourage climate action.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Impact of Fossil Fuel Prices: Household bills rising up to $1,000 in 2022.
    • Government Spending: Trillions spent globally on fossil fuel subsidies in 2022.

    Key Facts:

    • Climate Predictions: This year projected to be the hottest in 125,000 years.
    • Inflation Impact: Disproportionately affecting the poorest households.
    • Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Diverting funds from essential services and renewable energy projects.

    Key Data:

    • Global Spending on Subsidies: Trillions allocated to fossil fuel subsidies.
    • Climate Impact: Economic damage and lives affected by escalating climate disasters.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article underscores the interconnected challenges of inflation, fossil fuel dependency, and climate change.
    • Governments’ hesitation to phase out subsidies is identified as a critical obstacle.
    • Emphasis on the imperative shift to renewable energy for economic growth and effective climate action.

    Way Forward:

    • Advocacy: Push for responsible phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies.
    • Encouragement: Support governments in investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions.
    • Climate Justice: Back initiatives addressing climate justice and adaptation to climate impacts.

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  • Organic Farming – Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY), NPOF etc.

    Need for climate-smart agriculture in India

    op-ed snap | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Climate change threatens food security of urban poor

    Central idea

    The article underscores the critical challenges of climate change and food insecurity facing humanity. It emphasizes the significance of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic approach, promoting sustainable development, resilience to climate change, and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

    Key Highlights:

    • Global Challenges: Addressing climate change and food insecurity as critical global issues.
    • Impact on Agriculture: Discussing the negative effects of climate change on agriculture, leading to increased challenges for farmers.
    • Holistic Solution: Introducing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic solution to adaptation and mitigation challenges.
    • Emphasizing Importance: Highlighting the importance of CSA in enhancing resilience, improving productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Government Initiatives: Citing Indian government initiatives promoting CSA, such as the National Adaptation Fund and Soil Health Mission.

    Key Challenges:

    • Climate Risks: Analyzing the substantial risks posed by climate change to agricultural productivity, with India potentially facing a 9% decline in crop yield.
    • Need for Reforms: Discussing the need for significant reforms in the agriculture industry to adapt traditional farming practices to climate change.
    • Transformative Approach: Emphasizing the requirement for a radical transformation of the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable development goals.

    Key Terms/Phrases:

    • Holistic Approach: Exploring the concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and its three pillars.
    • Precision Farming: Highlighting the importance of precision farming in optimizing agricultural methods.
    • Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Describing the role of CSA in building resilience against climate change.
    • Agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration: Identifying specific CSA measures for environmental benefits.
    • Paris Agreement: Linking CSA to global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Global Efforts: Noting community-supported agriculture efforts worldwide as examples of CSA in action.
    • Specific Measures: Citing studies from the northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain showcasing the benefits of CSA for wheat production.
    • Government Support: Referring to government initiatives in India, including the Soil Health Card Scheme.
    • International Frameworks: Connecting CSA to international frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • Climate Impact: Highlighting the potential 9% decline in crop yield in India due to climate change.
    • GHG Emissions: Noting agriculture’s significant share (17%) in greenhouse gas emissions in 2018.
    • Economic Autonomy: Pointing out the economic autonomy gained by farmers through CSA implementation.
    • Government Initiatives: Providing data on government spending on initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Urgency of Action: Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on agriculture and the need for a comprehensive approach like CSA.
    • Positive Outcomes: Discussing the positive outcomes of CSA, including economic autonomy for farmers and benefits to biodiversity conservation.
    • Localized Responses: Highlighting the importance of localized responses to climate change and the role of CSA in meeting international obligations.

    Way Forward:

    • Investment in Capacity-Building: Recommending continued investment in capacity-building programs for CSA.
    • Knowledge Dissemination: Emphasizing the importance of providing practical tools and knowledge for the adoption of CSA.
    • Triple Goals: Stating the role of CSA in ensuring food security, empowering farmers, and protecting ecosystems.
    • Unique Juncture in India: Recognizing the unique juncture in India where CSA adoption is essential due to climate vulnerability and agricultural significance.

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Remembering Justice Fathima Beevi: India’s First Woman Supreme Court Judge

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization

    Justice Fathima Beevi

    Central Idea

    • Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India (also the first Muslim woman Judge of SC), passed away at the age of 96 in Kerala’s Kollam.

    Who was Justice Fathima Beevi?

    • Early life: Born in 1927, Justice Beevi was the eldest of eight children and came from a family where her father, Annaveetil Meera Sahib, encouraged his daughters’ education despite societal norms.
    • Decision for Law: Her father persuaded her to pursue law instead of post-graduation in Chemistry, inspired by the story of Anna Chandy, the first woman judicial officer in Travancore.
    • Breaking Barriers: She made history by graduating in law in 1950, becoming the first woman law graduate to receive the gold medal from the Bar Council.

    A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment

    • Pioneering Achievement: Justice Fathima Beevi’s appointment as the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court was a milestone in India’s legal history.
    • Role Model: She became an icon of women’s empowerment, encouraging women to pursue careers in the legal field.
    • Recognition for Kerala: Kerala gained recognition as the state that contributed the first female judge to the country through her appointment.

    A Trailblazing Legal Career

    • Junior Advocate: She began her legal career as a junior advocate at Kollam district court, facing resistance from orthodox elements due to her headscarf.
    • Barrier Breaker: Despite initial challenges, Justice Beevi rose through the ranks, eventually joining the judicial service as a munsiff in 1958.
    • Remarkable Achievements: She continued to break barriers, becoming the district sessions judge in 1974 and getting elected as a munsiff through a competitive exam.

    Political Career

    • Judicial Ascension: Justice Beevi’s journey continued as she was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983, and later elevated to the Supreme Court in 1989.
    • Champion of Equality: In the Supreme Court, she advocated for equality in significant verdicts, including cases related to reservation and constitutional safeguards against arbitrary state authority.
    • Governor of Tamil Nadu: Justice Beevi served as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001, making headlines for her role in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and political developments.

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Places in news: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

    Central Idea

    • The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has made a crucial recommendation to designate the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, as a core critical tiger habitat.

    Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Location: It is situated in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district, Karnataka.
    • Geographic Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a 30.32 sq km expanse and was officially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the State.
    • Unique Geography: The sanctuary includes the backwaters of Nugu dam on its western side and shares borders with Alaganchi State Forest, a part of Bandipur TR, on the southwest side.
    • Flora and Fauna: Despite recovering from past degradation, the flora of Nugu shares similarities with Bandipur. The sanctuary supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, sloth bear, gaur, sambhar, chital, and four-horned antelope.
    • Riverine Wildlife: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to two important riverine wildlife species: the smooth-coated otter and the marsh crocodile, emphasizing its rich biodiversity.

    Conservation Efforts

    • Buffer Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and serves as a buffer area for Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
    • Ecological Significance: This sanctuary offers an inviolate and ideal habitat for tigers and elephants, making it a prime candidate for Core/Critical Tiger Habitat status within Bandipur TR.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    25 years of the International Space Station (ISS)

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    International Space Station

    Central Idea

    • This 20th November marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station (ISS), the largest man-made object in the solar system.
    • Since its launch on November 20, 1998, the ISS has stood as a testament to the power of international cooperation and has space research.

    About the International Space Station (ISS)

    • Orbital Marvel: The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 430 kilometers above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
    • Speed: The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 kilometers per second.
    • Size: Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
    • Living Quarters: The ISS includes 6 sleeping areas, two bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
    • Solar Array and Wiring: Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 kilometers of electrical wiring.

    Inception and Key Milestones

    • Launch of Zarya: The ISS’s journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
    • Unity Node 1: The U.S. added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
    • 42 Assembly Flights: The station evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
    • Continuous Habitation: Since its inception, the ISS has been continuously inhabited, hosting astronauts from various countries for groundbreaking research.

    Key Activities

    • Scientific Research: Astronauts conduct unique experiments, leading to significant discoveries.
    • Spacewalks and Maintenance: Regular spacewalks are essential for station upgrades and repairs.
    • Health Regimen: Astronauts follow strict routines to combat muscle and bone loss in microgravity, providing valuable data for future space missions.

    Scientific Contributions

    • Medical Advances: Research on the ISS has enhanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
    • Drug Development: Space research has expedited drug development processes.
    • Technological Innovations: Innovations in water purification and food production have emerged from ISS experiments.

    Future of the ISS

    • Current Uncertainties: The Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 casts doubt on the ISS’s future.
    • Global Space Ambitions: Countries like Japan, China, and India are aiming for independent space capabilities.
    • Continued Commitment: The US and Europe plan to support the ISS through 2030, with NASA focusing on lunar exploration and ESA developing the Starlab space station.

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    A short treatise on Indian Materialism

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Materialism

    Central Idea

    • This article explores materialism’s origins, its various cultural names, and its ethical implications.

    Introduction to Materialism

    • Philosophy as a Life Theory: Known as ‘Darshan’ in Sanskrit, philosophy seeks to explain the universe and guide human actions with a comprehensive worldview.
    • Materialism – Bhautikvad: This perspective, called ‘Bhautikvad’ in Sanskrit, views everything as fundamentally material, dismissing the supernatural and valuing empirical observation and perception for knowledge.

    Origins of Materialism

    • Ancient Beginnings: Materialism has deep roots and appears in different forms across cultures.
    • Indian Lokāyata: In India, materialism, known as Lokāyata, was championed by thinkers like Brhaspati, Ajita, and Jābāli. It focused on the physical world, rejecting theism.
    • Greek Atomism: Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus adopted materialism, with Democritus introducing the idea of atoms as reality’s basic elements.

    Materialism’s Names in India

    • Lokāyata: Meaning ‘worldly philosophy’, it emphasizes worldly objects and entities.
    • Chárváka: From ‘charv’, meaning ‘to chew’, it highlights materialism’s hedonic aspects.
    • Bhautikvad: From ‘Bhautika’, meaning ‘physical or material’, it underscores the importance of materiality.
    • Jadavāda: Focuses on the ‘jada’ or essence of existence.
    • Dehātmavāda: Highlights the unity of the self (‘atman’) with the body (‘deha’).

    Materialist Ontology

    • Perception as Knowledge Basis: Materialists view perception as the cornerstone of knowledge.
    • Use of Inference: Contrary to some beliefs, materialists did employ logical inference based on perceptual evidence.
    • Disregarding Divine Agency: They dismissed the idea of divine providence and supernatural realms, focusing on the human world.

    Ethics of Materialism

    • Emphasis on Pleasure: Materialism is often linked with enjoying life’s pleasures.
    • Living in the Present: The principle “yāvat jīvēt sukham jīvēt” advocates for a fulfilling present life.
    • Human-Created Values: Materialists view values as human constructs, independent of divine morality.
    • Action and Responsibility: They stress the impact of one’s actions on themselves and the world, highlighting ethical conduct.

    Materialist Views on Heaven and Hell

    • Earthly Heaven and Hell: Materialists redefined heaven and hell in worldly terms.
    • Heaven as Earthly Enjoyment: Heaven was perceived as enjoying life’s luxuries, akin to the gods’ enjoyment in mythological heavens.
    • Hell as Earthly Suffering: Hell was seen as earthly suffering, like diseases and hunger.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Bangladesh

    Bangladesh’s Elections: Concerns for India

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    Bangladesh

    Central Idea

    • In recent months, Western nations, including the US, UK, and EU have been urging Bangladesh to hold free, fair, and participatory elections.
    • These calls have been accompanied by pressure on the Sheikh Hasina government to step down and allow a neutral caretaker administration to oversee the upcoming parliamentary elections in January.
    • While the US has eased its stance under Indian intervention, the EU continues to exert pressure.

    This article explores the intricate dynamics of Bangladesh’s political landscape, the potential consequences of fair elections, and the global interests at stake.

    Fair Elections vs. Radical Islamists

    • Opposition Demands: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) demands elections under a caretaker government, which the government has rejected.
    • Potential Outcome: With the BNP unlikely to participate, the elections may result in a one-sided contest favoring the Awami League, returning Sheikh Hasina to power for the fourth time.
    • Anti-Incumbency: After 15 years in power, the Awami League faces significant anti-incumbency, exacerbated by record-high inflation and economic challenges.
    • Economic Crisis: Falling forex reserves, currency depreciation, and mounting external debt have created a looming debt crisis.
    • Chinese Loans: Much of the infrastructure development relies on high-interest loans from China.

    Authoritarianism and Islamist Influence

    • Authoritarian Practices: The Awami League’s authoritarian measures, including arrests and harassment of opposition leaders, have fueled resentment among the masses.
    • Corruption and Nepotism: Perceived corruption and nepotism within the Awami League have widened the gap between the government and the impoverished population.
    • Islamist Influence: The Awami League’s encouragement of Islamist groups like Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has created a toxic environment within the ruling party.
    • Radicalization: Islamist organizations, through religious schools and mosques, have radicalized a significant portion of the population, especially the youth.
    • Islamist Opposition: The Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat, and Islami Oikyo Jote, now fill the opposition space.
    • Political Analyst’s Perspective: Political analysts argue that the Awami League’s crackdown on the BNP has inadvertently strengthened Islamist parties, which seek to implement strict Sharia laws and turn Bangladesh into an Islamic state.

    Potential Outcomes of Equitable Elections

    • Rise of Jihad: Fair and equitable elections may pave the way for radical Islamist parties to come to power.
    • Jamaat-e-Islami: Despite being banned from contesting elections, Jamaat nominees may run as Independents or on tickets from other parties, potentially leading to their victory.
    • Radicalists Victory: Political observers suggest that non-partisan elections would likely result in Islamist parties sweeping the polls and gaining power.
    • Impact on India: The rise of Islamists in Bangladesh could negatively affect India, potentially aligning Bangladesh with Pakistan and China, and posing a threat to India’s interests.
    • Global Concerns: An Islamist-controlled Bangladesh could become a breeding ground for jihadis and a potential failed state, posing a danger to global security.

    World’s Interest in the Election Process

    • Global Implications: Given the far-reaching consequences of Islamist rule in Bangladesh, the world has a vested interest in allowing the election process to proceed with limited interference.
    • Focus on Future Actions: While the elections may be flawed or unfair, the priority should be to ensure that after returning to power, the Awami League commits to keeping China at bay, curbing Islamist forces, allowing a responsible and secular opposition to thrive, and cleansing the party of Islamist elements.
    • Securing Bangladesh’s Future: Striking a balance between a flawed elections and securing Bangladesh’s democratic and secular future is essential for the world’s stability and security.

    Conclusion

    • The upcoming elections in Bangladesh present a complex dilemma for both the nation and the world.
    • While free and fair elections could bring radical Islamists to power, their absence could lead to continued authoritarianism.
    • Striking the right balance and securing Bangladesh’s future as a democratic and secular nation is paramount to global stability and peace.

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and Indian Ocean Weather Conditions

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Southern Annular Mode

    Central Idea

    • The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a division under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has made a significant discovery regarding the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), a crucial climate pattern.
    • Their research has revealed that SAM plays a pivotal role in influencing sea conditions across the Indian Ocean.

    What is Southern Annular Mode (SAM)?

    Description
    Idea behind
    • Mode of atmospheric variability representing north-south movement of the westerly wind belt around Antarctica.
    • Also known as Antarctic Oscillation (AAO).
    Phases
    1. Positive Phase: Wind belt contracts towards Antarctica.
    2. Negative Phase: Wind belt expands towards the equator.
    Impact on Weather Patterns
    • Influences temperature, rainfall, and storm intensity in the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Causes difference in the zonal mean sea level pressure at 40°S (mid-latitudes) and 65°S (Antarctica).
    Influence on Indian Ocean Affects ocean currents and sea surface temperatures, impacting regional weather and marine life.
    Climate Change Connection Trend towards more positive phases in recent decades, influenced by human-induced climate change.
    Effect on Antarctic Ice Impacts Antarctic ice sheets and sea ice extent through changes in wind patterns.
    Global Climate Interaction Interacts with other climate phenomena like ENSO.
    Predictability and Variability Exhibits seasonal predictability and interannual variability, important for long-term forecasting.
    Marine Ecosystems Affects marine ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, influencing productivity and species distribution.

    Role of Ocean Surface Waves

    • Coastal Processes: Ocean surface waves are key players in shaping coastal processes, impacting shoreline erosion, sediment transport, coastal engineering, and recreational activities.
    • Scientific Approach: The scientific team leveraged 40 years of data (1979 to 2018) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast.

    Positive and Negative SAM Phases

    • Positive SAM Phase: During a positive SAM phase, a cyclic pattern of warm sea surface temperature anomalies emerges, accompanied by strong winds that increase wave activity in the Indian Ocean. A new swell generation region along the east African coast contributes to heightened wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
    • Negative SAM Phase: Conversely, during a negative SAM phase, the eastern tropical southern Indian Ocean becomes the primary region for generating swells, resulting in reduced wave heights in the Arabian Sea.

    Significance of SAM

    • Coastal Planning: Understanding SAM allows for better coastal planning, helping coastal communities prepare for the impact of changing sea conditions.
    • Resource Management: SAM insights can aid in more efficient resource management, optimizing the utilization of marine resources.
    • Disaster Preparedness: Knowledge of SAM patterns can enhance disaster preparedness efforts, enabling timely response to potential ocean-related disasters.
    • Wave Predictions: The research contributes to improving wave predictions, offering advanced forecasting capabilities.
    • Benefiting Stakeholders: Stakeholders in the blue economy, including shipping, maritime boards, and the oil industry, can optimize their multi-million-dollar operations at sea based on SAM insights.

    Implications for Various Sectors

    • Monsoon Season Impact: Typically, inland vessel operations and oil exploration activities face restrictions during the monsoon season.
    • Fair Sea State Windows: Predicting SAM phases through the Ocean Forecasting System can identify “Fair Sea state windows” during monsoons.
    • Impact on Blue Economy: These fair windows can be leveraged by oil and shipping industries, making a significant contribution to blue economy activities along the Indian coast

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    A $5 trillion economy, but for whom?

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Towards $5 Trillion Economy by 2025 – Transforming India

    Central idea

    The article critically examines India’s ambitious pursuit of a $5 trillion GDP by 2028, juxtaposing it with Japan’s economic trajectory. It highlights concerns about wealth disparity, inclusivity in high-tech sectors, and questions the impact on marginalized citizens.

    Key Highlights:

    • Extension of Welfare Scheme: Prime Minister Modi’s announcement to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna by five years.
    • Concerns about Hunger: Raised concerns about persistent hunger despite the ambitious target of achieving a $5 trillion GDP by 2028.
    • Japan’s Economic Challenges: Comparison with Japan’s economic growth and the social challenges faced, including suicide rates and social withdrawal.
    • Reliance on GDP Growth: Emphasis on India’s economic growth relying on capital, productivity, and labor.
    • Wealth Disparity: Identification of significant wealth disparity, with 1% of the population owning a substantial portion of the nation’s wealth.
    • Government’s Economic Tools: Government’s identification of sectors and tools, such as the digital economy, fintech, and climate change initiatives.

    Key Challenges:

    • Impact on Marginalized Citizens: Expressing concerns about the potential adverse impact on marginalized citizens in the race towards a $5 trillion economy.
    • Wealth Inequality: Highlighting the wealth disparity issue, with 1% of the population owning a significant portion of the nation’s wealth.
    • Inclusivity in High-Tech Sectors: Concerns about the ability of a large segment of the population to participate in cutting-edge sectors such as AI, data science, and fintech.
    • Lack of Per Capita Income Estimates: Criticism regarding the absence of estimates on India’s per capita income at the $5 trillion GDP mark.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna: Specific welfare scheme providing free foodgrains.
    • Hikikomori: Term referring to severe social withdrawal in Japan.
    • Kodokushi: Japanese term for lonely deaths.
    • GST (Goods and Services Tax): Mention of the significant contribution from the bottom 50% of the population.
    • Inclusive Growth: Government’s emphasis on growth that includes all segments of society.
    • Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: Part of the identified tools for achieving the $5 trillion goal.
    • Make in India: Mention of one of the identified sectors for economic growth.
    • Start-Up India: Highlighting a sector emphasized for achieving economic targets.
    • Production Linked Incentives: Part of the government’s strategy for economic growth.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Japan’s Societal Challenges: Referring to suicide rates, social withdrawal, and lonely deaths in Japan as examples.
    • Wealth Distribution Statistics: Citing wealth distribution statistics from Oxfam.
    • Minister Chaudhri’s Identification: Referring to the government’s identification of tools and sectors for achieving the $5 trillion goal.
    • Per Capita Income Comparison: Comparing per capita income between Japan, China, and India.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Welfare Scheme Extension: Mentioning the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna.
    • Japan’s Economic History: Referring to Japan’s economic history and challenges post-2008.
    • Wealth Distribution Data: Citing wealth distribution data from Oxfam.
    • GST Contribution: Highlighting the significant contribution of different income groups to GST.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Societal and Economic Impact: Analyzing the potential impact of the $5 trillion goal on marginalized citizens and society.
    • Wealth Disparity and Inclusive Growth: Critical evaluation of wealth distribution and the need for inclusive economic policies.
    • Capability Mismatch: Examining the mismatch between targeted sectors/tools and the capabilities of a significant population segment.
    • Per Capita Income Concerns: Critically assessing the absence of estimates on per capita income and concerns about the inequality index.

    Way Forward:

    • Addressing Wealth Disparity: Emphasizing the need to address wealth disparity through inclusive economic policies.
    • Ensuring Inclusive Growth: Focusing on ensuring that economic growth benefits all segments of the population.
    • Skill Development and Education: Highlighting the importance of skill development and education to enable participation in emerging sectors.
    • Regular Assessment and Recalibration: Emphasizing the need for regular assessment and recalibration of economic goals to align with societal well-being.

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