GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The Indian Ocean's unique climatic and oceanographic features, along with its role in cyclogenesis, have recently gained attention due to the rare August cyclone named ‘Asna’. This cyclone is noteworthy as it marks the first instance of a North Indian Ocean cyclone in August since 1981, reflecting unusual patterns in cyclogenesis and monsoonal behavior.

Monsoonal Circulation in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean plays a crucial role in the summer monsoon, which is vital for replenishing water resources across the Indian subcontinent. Below is how the monsoonal circulation operates:

• Evaporation and Moisture Supply: The North Indian Ocean contributes significantly to the monsoon by supplying moisture. Warm sea surfaces in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal facilitate high evaporation rates, which are crucial for generating the moisture needed for the monsoon rains.
• Cyclogenesis: Cyclones, which are intense weather systems, form in warm tropical waters where high evaporation rates provide the necessary energy. The North Indian Ocean is unique due to its seasonal cyclogenesis patterns: cyclones typically form during the-
  • pre-monsoon (April to June)
  • post-monsoon (October to December) periods
• Regional Variations: The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal exhibit different cyclogenesis patterns.
  • The Arabian Sea, though warm, shows relatively less cyclonic activity due to cooler temperatures, weaker convective activity, and stronger wind shear during the monsoon.
  • In contrast, the Bay of Bengal is more active with numerous cyclones due to favorable conditions for convection and cyclogenesis.

Why the Pattern is Changing Now?

Recent changes in cyclone patterns and monsoonal behavior can be attributed to several factors:

• Climate Change: The Indian Ocean is warming rapidly, driven by increased heat inflows from the Pacific and Southern Oceans. This warming trend is altering traditional cyclone patterns and affecting the monsoon. Elevated sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Indian Ocean enhance cyclogenesis but can also lead to more unpredictable weather patterns.
• Atmospheric Changes: Changes in atmospheric circulation, including variations in wind patterns and humidity levels, influence cyclone formation. The Indian Ocean's rapid warming is impacting global atmospheric circulation, affecting weather patterns across the region.
• Oceanic Inputs: The Indian Ocean is influenced by ‘oceanic tunnels’—warm water inflows from the Pacific and cooler waters from the Southern Ocean. These inputs contribute to regional sea surface temperature variations and influence cyclonic activity.

What is Surprising: The August Cyclone 'Asna'?

• Rare Timing: The formation of cyclone ‘Asna’ in August is unusual. Historically, the North Indian Ocean typically experiences cyclones during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The emergence of a cyclone in August signifies a deviation from these established patterns.
• Land-to-Ocean Transition: ‘Asna’ began as a powerful land-born depression that intensified over the Arabian Sea. This transition from a land-based system to an oceanic cyclone is rare and underscores the changing dynamics of cyclogenesis in the Indian Ocean.
• Implications of Warming: The unusual growth of ‘Asna’ over the Arabian Sea, which was energized by warm waters, highlights the broader impacts of climate change. The warming of the Arabian Sea and shifts in atmospheric conditions have allowed for unexpected cyclone developments and intensified weather events.

In recent years, the Indian monsoon, once celebrated as a life-giving force for the subcontinent, has increasingly become a symbol of climatic unpredictability. The erratic nature of the monsoon, which brings both severe floods and debilitating droughts, has raised urgent questions about the underlying causes. A recent study sheds light on an unexpected factor influencing these shifts: Arctic sea ice.

What is the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall?

• The Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) is a crucial weather phenomenon that shapes the climate of the Indian subcontinent from July to September, with peak rains typically in July and August.
• During the summer, the landmass of Central Asia and India heats up faster than the surrounding oceans. This differential heating creates a low-pressure zone at the Tropic of Cancer, known as the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).
• Trade winds from the southeast are deflected towards the Indian subcontinent due to the Coriolis effect and the low pressure.
• As these winds move over the Arabian Sea, they gather moisture and bring rainfall to India.
• The southwest monsoon splits into two branches:
  • one affecting the west coast from the Arabian Sea
  • the other traveling towards the Bay of Bengal to bring rain to the eastern and northeastern regions
• The two branches converge over Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, with the Arabian Sea branch moving inward and the Bay of Bengal branch following the Himalayas.

How Does Arctic Sea Ice Influence the Indian Monsoon?

• Recent research highlights that Arctic sea ice levels play a significant role in determining the behavior of the Indian monsoon.
• Key Findings from the Study:
  • Decline in central Arctic Sea ice correlates with reduced rainfall in western and peninsular India but increased rainfall in central and northern India.

It affects atmospheric circulation patterns, which in turn impact monsoon distribution.

• Decrease in Sea Ice in the Barents-Kara Sea Region leads to a delayed monsoon onset and greater unpredictability in rainfall patterns.
  • It creates high-pressure conditions over southwest China and affect atmospheric stability over the Indian subcontinent, leading to increased rainfall in northeastern India and drier conditions in central and northwest India.

India and the United Arab Emirates inked four major pacts that will facilitate crude oil storage, long-term supply of LNG and cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan focusing on boosting overall strategic ties.

Breakdown of the key deals

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have recently signed four significant agreements to strengthen their strategic partnership. Here’s a breakdown of the key deals:

• Long-Term LNG Supply Agreement: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) will supply 1 million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually to Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL).
  • Context: This is the third such LNG contract signed in over a year, with IOCL and GAIL previously securing similar agreements for 1.2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) and 0.5 MMTPA, respectively.
• Crude Oil Storage and Management: ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore additional opportunities for crude oil storage in India. This includes renewing their existing storage agreement.
  • Background: ADNOC has been storing crude in ISPRL’s Mangalore cavern since 2018, with a total of 5.86 million barrels stored. This helps India manage energy security during global supply disruptions.
• Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) have agreed to enhance cooperation in nuclear power. This includes operating and maintaining nuclear plants, sourcing nuclear materials from India, and exploring investment opportunities.
  • This agreement builds on recent advancements, such as the completion of the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, which will generate 40 terawatt-hours of electricity annually once fully operational.
• Production Concession Agreement: A concession agreement for Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1 was signed between ADNOC and Urja Bharat, a joint venture of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and Bharat Petro Resources Ltd. This allows Urja Bharat to bring crude oil to India, supporting the country’s energy security.
  • This is the first such agreement involving an Indian company operating in the UAE.
• Food Park Development: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Gujarat government and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ) will set up a food and agriculture park in Gundanpara, Ahmedabad. The project is expected to start by the second quarter of 2025.

The "India Status Report on Road Safety 2024," prepared by the TRIP Centre at IIT Delhi, highlights the ongoing challenges India faces in improving road safety. Despite advancements in other sectors, the report reveals a troubling picture of road traffic fatalities and injuries.

What does the Report reveal?

• High Fatality Rates: Road traffic injuries are a major public health issue in India. In 2021, they were the 13th leading cause of death and the 12th leading cause of health loss. In states like Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, road traffic injuries are among the top 10 causes of health loss.
• Disparities across States: There is a significant variation in road safety across India. Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh have some of the highest road traffic death rates, while West Bengal and Bihar report much lower rates. Six states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu—account for nearly half of all traffic fatalities.
• Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized two-wheeler riders are the most common victims of road accidents. Trucks are frequently involved in fatal crashes. Despite the potential for helmets to reduce fatalities and injuries, less than 50% of motorized two-wheeler riders wear them in most states.
• Comparing globally: In 1990, an Indian was 40% more likely to die in a road accident than someone in countries like Sweden. By 2021, this disparity had increased to 600%.

What makes India’s roads unsafe?

• Accidents and deaths on Indian roads are mainly due tofaulty road engineering, defective detailed project reports and the bad design of junctions coupled with inadequate signage and road markings.
• India’s current road safety data systems are insufficient for effective policymaking.
• Absence of a national crash-level database: Road safety statistics are compiled from police station records and aggregated at various levels before being published. This system allows only basic analyses and often contains inaccuracies.
• Many states lack comprehensive road safety measures. Basic elements like traffic calming, proper markings, and signage are insufficient. Helmet usage in rural areas is particularly low, and trauma care facilities are inadequate.
• In India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the National Highways Authority of India are responsible for setting safety standards and those assessing compliance. Legislative loopholes enable design failures to slip through the cracks because there are no independent audits.
  • The 2007 Sundar Committee on Road Safetyhas recommended separating the entities responsible for setting safety standards and those assessing compliance.
• Road Infrastructure heavily favours motorised vehicles over non-motorised transport. Pedestrians are relegated to the periphery of road networks or forced to compete for space with motor vehicles, which puts them at grave risk of injuries or fatalities.

What needs to be done?

• Scale Up Road Safety Interventions: There is need to prioritize and expand road safety measures across states.
• Establish a National Database: Government must create a comprehensive national database for fatal crashes, which should be publicly accessible. This would improve the understanding of road safety risks and the effectiveness of interventions.
• Implement Targeted Strategies: There is need to develop tailored strategies to address the unique road safety challenges faced by different states, focusing on areas such as helmet usage, traffic management, and trauma care.

The recent decision to revive District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme highlights the importance of localized weather advisories for India’s farming community.

What Are Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs)?

• DAMUs were set up in 2018 by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• Their primary goal was to provide localized agricultural advisories using detailed weather data.
• These units were housed within Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and staffed by experts trained in both meteorology and agriculture.
• Key Functions of DAMUs:
  • Weather Data Utilization: DAMUs used weather data, such as rainfall, temperature, and wind speed, to create actionable advisories for farmers.
  • Timely Advisories: These advisories, including guidance on sowing, harvesting, irrigation, and pest management, were communicated twice a week in local languages. They were disseminated via text messages, WhatsApp, newspapers, and direct interactions.
  • Early Warnings: DAMUs also provided early warnings for extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rainfall, helping farmers to prepare and adapt.
• DAMUs were shut down in March following an order by the IMD, which was influenced by NITI Aayog’s recommendations.

Cochin Shipyard Limited has launched two new Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Crafts, Malpe and Mulki. These ships are the fourth and fifth in the Eight ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) project, signed between the Defence Ministry and CSL in 2019. 

About the Vessels

• The vessels are 78.0 m long, 11.36 m wide with a draught of about 2.7 m.
• The displacement is about 900 tonnes, with a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of 1800 nautical miles.
• The ships are designed to fit indigenously developed, state-of-the-art SONARS, for underwater surveillance.
• Concurrent launching of the two ships is yet another milestone achievement for CSL.
• The ships are equipped with advanced, indigenously developed underwater sensors.
• Designed for anti-submarine warfare, they will also engage in Low Intensity Maritime Operations and Mine Laying Operations.

A confirmed case of Mpox virus (West African clade 2) has been reported in an isolated patient in India.

About Mpox Virus

• Mpox is a zoonotic virusthat causes flu-like symptoms and a rash with painful lesions. 
• Mpox is an infectious disease caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as that which causes smallpox.
• There are two distinct lineages of mpox: clade I and clade II.
• Symptoms: Rash, lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.
• Spread: It is spread through close contact with people who have the illness.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently declared the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Mpox Virus Clades:

A recent cyber fraud incident has highlighted the dangers of whale phishing attacks. The HR manager of a US-based IT company was deceived into purchasing Apple gift cards worth Rs 10 lakh. The scam was orchestrated by cybercriminals posing as the company’s CEO.

What is Whale Phishing?

• Whale phishing, or whaling, is a type of phishing attack targeting high-profile individuals. The term "whale" refers to these prominent targets due to their significant potential for financial gain.
• Attack Characteristics:
  • Personalized Attacks: Scammers create convincing and tailored messages or emails, often based on detailed research about the target’s role and business operations.
  • Impersonation: Attackers pose as trusted figures within the organization to increase the credibility of their requests.
  • Urgency and Pressure: The scam typically involves urgent and high-pressure tactics to force the target into making quick decisions.

Helium plays a crucial role in the operation of spacecraft and rockets, but its unique properties also introduce specific challenges. Recent issues with helium leaks in missions by NASA, Boeing, ISRO, and ESA highlight the importance of understanding why helium is used and what makes it so tricky to handle.

Why Helium?

• Inert Properties: Helium is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with other substances or combust. This makes it an ideal choice for use in rocket and spacecraft systems, where the risk of chemical reactions and explosions needs to be minimized.
• Lightweight and Efficient: With an atomic number of 2, helium is the second lightest element after hydrogen. Using helium helps reduce the overall weight of rockets and spacecraft, which is crucial for achieving the high speeds and altitudes required to reach and maintain orbit.
• Low Boiling Point: Helium has a very low boiling point of -268.9°C, allowing it to remain in gaseous form even in the extremely cold temperatures of space. This property is essential for rockets that store their fuels at cryogenic temperatures.
• Non-Toxic but Non-Breathable: While helium is non-toxic, it cannot be breathed on its own because it displaces oxygen. This is an important consideration for astronauts and ground personnel who may be exposed to it during handling.
• Usage in Rockets and Spacecraft
  • Helium is used to pressurize fuel tanks. As rocket fuel and oxidizers are consumed during engine operation, helium fills the resulting empty space in the tanks, ensuring a continuous flow of fuel to the engines.
  • Helium is also employed in cooling systems to manage the extreme temperatures of rocket components. Its low boiling point makes it effective at cooling systems that operate in very cold conditions.
• Why are Helium Leaks a Concern? Helium atoms are small and light, which makes them prone to escaping through tiny gaps or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems. This can lead to leaks, which are challenging to contain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Brunei and Singapore reflect India's renewed emphasis on its “Act East” policy. This strategic move aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia amidst declining trade with some countries and evolving regional dynamics. Modi's visits highlight India’s intent to re-engage with ASEAN nations and enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

Significance of Recent Visits

• Brunei Visit: Prime Minister Modi's visit to Brunei, the first by an Indian Prime Minister, aimed to revitalize ties with a strategically located ASEAN member. Despite discussions on defence, geo-strategic issues, and space cooperation, trade and investment collaborations remain to be seen, especially as India’s oil imports have shifted to Russia.
• Singapore Visit: In Singapore, the focus was on bolstering semiconductor cooperation, with Singapore being a key player in the electronics supply chain. This collaboration seeks to leverage Singapore’s technical expertise and investment capabilities to address challenges in chip manufacturing and rare earths, potentially countering U.S.-China tensions.
• Future Engagements: Modi is also scheduled to visit Laos, the Philippines, and Indonesia, and is hosting the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Malaysia. These visits underscore India's strategic intent to forge and strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and cooperation.

Strategic and Policy Implications

• Challenges in ASEAN Trade: India’s trade with ASEAN has doubled over the past decade, but trade with Brunei has declined. India's withdrawal from the ASEAN-led RCEP in 2019 remains a significant issue, cutting it off from a major regional free trade agreement. There is a need to update bilateral trade agreements like the AITIGA and CECA with Singapore to address this gap.
• Geopolitical Coordination: India's commitment to “ASEAN centrality” is acknowledged, but more consistent engagement is required on geopolitical issues such as Myanmar, the South China Sea, and Quad dynamics. This involves coordinating closely with ASEAN nations to align on strategic and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Historical and Modern Ties: India’s historical connections with Southeast Asia date back over a millennium, but modern relations require periodic reassessment and strengthening. The shift from the “Look East” policy (1992) to the “Act East” policy (2014) signifies an evolving approach to regional diplomacy and strategic partnerships.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visits to Brunei and Singapore on India's "Act East" policy. Discuss the implications of these visits for India's trade and strategic relations with Southeast Asia, considering the challenges posed by India's exit from the RCEP and the need for updated bilateral agreements with ASEAN nations.

The critique of recent Indian public health policies has intensified, focusing on the perceived inadequacy of the Union Budget’s allocation to the public health sector and the inefficacy of policies in addressing the felt needs of various social strata. The critique emphasizes the shift from strengthening public health infrastructure to promoting private sector benefits through health insurance schemes.

Felt Needs in Public Health

• Diseases of Poverty: Public health needs include diseases prevalent among the poor, such as tuberculosis, malaria, and undernutrition. Addressing these requires fundamental improvements in livelihood and access to basic health services, which are seen as non-negotiable rights.
• Middle-Class Health Issues: Middle-class and higher-income groups face health problems related to environmental pollution and poor infrastructure, including air and water quality issues, and traffic accidents. These issues often arise from inadequate urban planning and regulatory failures.
• Curative Care Needs: Curative care needs are categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. Primary care is crucial for the poor, while secondary care has historically been neglected. Tertiary care, notably through schemes like PMJAY, focuses on high-cost treatments for those unable to afford them.

Historical Perspective of Public Health Policies

• National Health Mission (NHM): Initiated in 2013, NHM aimed to strengthen public sector health care by reinforcing primary health care institutions. It marked a shift from the commercialization approach of the National Health Policy of 2002, focusing on improving public sector health infrastructure.
• Public Sector Health Infrastructure: The NHM led to significant infrastructure improvements, with 1,53,655 sub-centres, 25,308 primary health centres (PHCs), and 5,396 community health centres (CHCs) reported by 2015. This was intended to enhance accessibility and quality of public health services.
• Shift to Health Insurance Schemes: Recent policies, particularly since 2018, have shifted focus to publicly funded health insurance schemes like PMJAY. This shift has been criticized for diverting attention from strengthening secondary and tertiary public health care and benefiting the private sector instead.

Critique of Current Public Health Policies

• Privatization of Health Care: Health insurance schemes under PMJAY have led to the outsourcing of secondary and tertiary care to private providers. This has been criticized as acknowledging the failure of public sector health care while burdening the uninsured with commercial medical expenses.
• Transformation of Health Centres: The conversion of sub-centres and PHCs into Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) has led to a misalignment of their original mandate. The focus on curative care at these centres risks undermining their role in preventive and primary health care.
• Name Change Controversy: Recent renaming of HWCs to 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir' has faced criticism for lacking clear justification and potential cultural insensitivity. This change raises questions about the appropriateness of the new nomenclature for secular health institutions.

Practice Question

Q: Public health challenges are diverse in a country such as India. Discuss how the inadequacy of addressing day-to-day livelihoods impacts the effectiveness of prevention programs and health promotion activities.

The recent scientific report published in Nature journal highlights the significant impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on reducing infant and child mortality rates. Coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the SBM, the report underscores the program’s success in improving public health and sanitation in India.

The Mission

• Initiation and Objectives: Launched on October 2, 2014, the SBM aimed to eliminate open defecation by October 2, 2019, aligning with Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. The mission focused on changing the sanitation habits of 550 million Indians by providing over 100 million household toilets.
• Program Implementation: Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, SBM became a mass movement, with significant public involvement. The campaign employed various platforms, including the “Mann Ki Baat” radio address, to engage communities in making their villages open defecation free (ODF), culminating in nationwide ODF status by October 2, 2019.
• Achievements and Impact: The SBM led to substantial health improvements, as validated by a Nature report indicating a reduction in infant and child mortality by 60,000–70,000 lives annually. Additionally, the program provided economic benefits, saving approximately Rs 50,000 per household annually due to reduced medical expenses and increased time savings.

Lessons and Global Influence

• Key Lessons from SBM: The SBM experience has provided global lessons encapsulated in the "four Ps": political leadership, public financing, partnerships, and people’s participation. These principles were highlighted at the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention and are now applied in global sanitation efforts.
• International Recognition: The SBM’s success was recognized globally, influencing sanitation programs in other countries. For instance, the Clean Nigeria Campaign was inspired by India’s SBM, demonstrating the international impact of India’s approach to sanitation.
• Economic and Health Benefits: Apart from health benefits, SBM also had economic advantages. A UNICEF study estimated significant savings for households in ODF villages, reflecting the broader economic impact of improved sanitation on public health and economic stability.

Broader Context and Other Initiatives

• Broader Government Initiatives: The SBM is part of a suite of government initiatives aimed at improving quality of life, including Ujjwala (cooking gas), Jan Dhan (bank accounts), Awas Yojana (housing), Ayushman Bharat (medical insurance), and Jal Jeevan Mission (water supply).
• Transformational Leadership: Prime Minister Modi’s bold vision and leadership have been crucial in the successful implementation of these programs. His approach to addressing large-scale developmental challenges has set a precedent for similar initiatives.
• Ongoing Efforts and Future Directions: The SBM continues to focus on sustaining its achievements and addressing new challenges. The success of SBM underscores the need for ongoing commitment to public health and sanitation, integrating lessons learned into future policies and programs.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) on public health and sanitation in India. Discuss the key lessons derived from SBM that have influenced global sanitation practices and assess the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in the success of SBM and other national initiatives.