CYCLONES
1. Context
The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal on Sunday intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Michaung’ and is likely to cross the South Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5 with a maximum sustained wind speed of 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph, the IMD said in a bulletin
2. What is a Cyclone
- A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters. Essentially, it is a system of high-speed winds rotating around a low-pressure area, with the winds blowing counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
- According to the World Meteorological Organization, “Tropical cyclones are one of the biggest threats to life and property even in the formative stages of their development.
- Cyclonic winds move across nearly all regions of the Earth except the equatorial belt and are generally associated with rain or snow
- They include several different hazards that can individually cause significant impacts on life and property, such as storm surge, flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and lighting.
- Combined, these hazards interact with one another and substantially increase the potential for loss of life and material damage.”
- Cyclones occur chiefly in the middle and high latitude belts of both hemispheres. In the Southern Hemisphere, where most of the terrestrial surface is covered by the oceans, cyclones are distributed in a relatively uniform manner through various longitudes
- Characteristically, they form in latitudes 30° to 40° S and move in a generally southeasterly direction, reaching maturity in latitudes around 60°.
- Cyclones that form closer to the Equator (i.e., at latitudes 10° to 25° north and south over the oceans) differ somewhat in character from the extratropical variety. Such wind systems, known as tropical cyclones, are much smaller in diameter.
- Whereas extratropical cyclones range from nearly 1,000 to 4,000 km (620 to 2,500 miles) across, tropical cyclones typically measure only about 100 to over 1,000 km in diameter.
PC: Brittanica
3. Types of cyclones
3.1.Tropical Cyclones
Cyclones developed in the tropics region (the majority confined to 100– 300 N and S of the equator) are called tropical cyclones.
- tropical cyclones have a thermal origin, and they develop over tropical seas during certain seasons. Pre-existing low pressure, large sea surface with a temperature higher than 27° C, and the presence of the Coriolis force are a must for tropical cyclone formation.
- At these locations, the local convectional currents acquire a whirling motion because of the Coriolis force generated by the earth’s rotation. After developing, these cyclones advance till they find a weak spot in the trade wind belt.
- Tropical cyclones always originate in large water bodies.
3.2.Temperate Cyclone
Temperate cyclones (Mid-Latitude cyclones), also known as Extratropical cyclones, are active over the mid-latitudinal regions between 35° latitude and 65° latitude in both hemispheres.
- They have a dynamic origin and cyclone formation is due to frontogenesis (interaction of cold and warm fronts). When the warm-humid air masses from the tropics meet the dry-cold air masses from the poles and thus a polar front is formed as a surface of discontinuity. The cold air pushes the warm air upwards from underneath. Thus, a void is created because of the lessening of pressure. The surrounding air rushed in to occupy this void and coupled with the earth’s rotation, a temperate cyclone is formed.
- Temperate cyclones can originate on both landmass or water.
4. How are cyclones named?
Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs). There are six RSMCs in the world, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and five TCWCs.
As an RSMC, the IMD names the cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, after following a standard procedure. The IMD is also mandated to issue advisories to 12 other countries in the region on the development of cyclones and storms.
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For Prelims: Cycles, types of cyclones, reasons for cyclones For Mains: General Studies I: Origin and whether conditions of temperate and tropical cyclones |
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Previous Year Questions
1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020)
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 and 3 Only
C. 2 Only
D. 1 and 3 Only
Answer (C)
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Source: indianexpress
PANGENOME MAP
1. Context
In the last decade, genomics has undergone a revolutionary shift with the advent of technologies that have significantly improved throughput and reduced the cost of whole-genome sequencing, giving rise to population-scale genome-sequencing programmes – where scientists decipher the complete genetic makeup of large populations, offering unprecedented insights into the intricate view and tapestry of human diversity
2. What is a Genome?
- The genome is the blueprint of life, a collection of all the genes and the regions between the genes contained in our 23 pairs of chromosomes.
- Each chromosome is a contagious stretch of a DNA string. In other words, our genome consists of 23 different strings, each composed of millions of individual building blocks called nucleotides and bases.
- The four types of building blocks (A, T, G, and C) are arranged and repeated millions of times in different combinations to make all of our 23 chromosomes.
3. Genome Sequencing
- Genome sequencing is the method used to determine the precise order of the four letters and how they are arranged in chromosomes.
- Sequencing individual genomes helps us understand human diversity at the genetic level and how prone we are to certain diseases.
- The genome is an identity card like Aadhaar. As each of our Aadhar cards is unique, so is our genome.
- As sequencing individual genomes of all humans is expensive, we do not yet have all our genome identity cards.
- To circumvent this, one can have a collective identity card. For example, we can have a single genome identity card for everyone living in a region.
4. What is a reference Genome?
- Genomes are newly sequenced and compared to a reference map called a reference genome.
- This helps us to understand the regions of differences between the newly sequenced genome and the reference genome.
- One of this century's scientific breakthroughs was making the first reference genome in 2001.
- It helped scientists discover thousands of genes linked to various diseases; better understand diseases like cancer at the genetic level; and design novel diagnostic tests.
- Although a remarkable feat, the reference genome of 2001 was 92% complete and contained many gaps and errors.
- Additionally, it was not representative of all human beings as it was built using mostly the genome of a single individual or mixed African and European ancestry.
- Since then, the reference genome map has been refined and improved to have complete end-to-end sequences of all 23 human chromosomes.
5. What is a pangenome map?
- Unlike the earlier reference genome, which is a linear sequence, the pangenome is a graph.
- The graph of each chromosome is like a bamboo stem with nodes where a stretch of the sequence of all 47 individuals converges (similar), and internodes of varying lengths represent genetic variations among individuals from different ancestries.
- To create complete and contiguous chromosome maps in the pangenome project, the researchers used long-read DNA sequencing technologies, which produce strings of contiguous DNA strands of tens of thousands of nucleotides long.
- Using longer reads helps assemble the sequence with minimum errors and read through the repetitive regions of the chromosomes which are hard to sequence with short read technologies used earlier.
6. Why is a Pangenome map Important?
- Although any two humans are more than 99% similar in their DNA, there is still about a 0.4% difference between any two individuals.
- This may be a small percentage, but considering that the human genome consists of 3.2 billion individual nucleotides, the difference between any two individuals is a whopping 12.8 million nucleotides.
- A complete and error-free human pangenome map will help us understand those differences and explain human diversity better. It will also help us understand genetic variants in some populations, which result in underlying health conditions.
- The Pangenome reference map has added nearly 119 million new letters to the existing genome map and has already aided the discovery of 150 new genes linked to autism.
- Although the project is a leap forward, genomes from many populations are still not a part of it.
- For example, genomes from more people from Africa, the Indian subcontinent, indigenous groups in Asia and Oceania and West Asian regions are not represented in the current version of the Pangenome map.
- Even though the current map does not contain genome sequences from Indians, it will help map Indian genomes better against the error-free and complete reference genomes known so far.
- Future pangenome maps that include high-quality genomes from Indians, including from many endogamous and isolated populations within the country, will shed light on disease prevalence, help discover new genes for rare diseases, design better diagnostic methods, and help discover novel drugs against those diseases.
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For Prelims: Genes, Genome Sequencing, Chromosome, DNA String, Building blocks (A, T, G, and C), Reference Genome, Pangenome, Pangenome Map, West Asian regions, Asain Continent.
For Mains: 1. What is genome sequencing and why is it important? Why is the reference genome map considered one of the most important scientific breakthroughs? (250 Words)
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Previous year Question
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1. With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? (UPSC 2017)
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only Answer: D 2. What is the Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in the news? (UPSC 2019) A. A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing Answer: A |
Source: The Hindu
KAMBALA FESTIVAL
1. Context
Bengaluru held its first Kambala race with 159 pairs of buffaloes and jockeys racing through specially made slush tracks in the city’s Palace Grounds.
2. Kambala festival
The Kambala festival is an annual traditional buffalo race that takes place in the state of Karnataka, India. It's a centuries-old rural sport primarily conducted in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
Key aspects of the Kambala festival:
- Kambala involves racing pairs of water buffaloes, usually guided by a handler or farmer who runs alongside the animals. The race takes place in slushy, paddy fields, and the buffaloes are driven by a whip-wielding participant
- Historically, Kambala was a sport conducted to appease the gods for a good harvest and to entertain rural communities during the farming off-season. It's deeply rooted in local tradition and cultural practices
- The festival is accompanied by a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, local food stalls, and a sense of community celebration. Villagers gather to witness and cheer on the participating buffaloes and their handlers
3. Setup and Race of Kambala
- The Kambala race takes place on dual muddy tracks filled with water, where pairs of buffaloes, meticulously cared for by their owners and farmers, race while harnessed together with ploughs and ropes.
- These prized buffaloes, well-nourished and tended to, can cover a 140-meter track in under 12 seconds. To ensure the welfare of these animals, the Indian Supreme Court has established guidelines prohibiting any mistreatment or harm.
- Guided by a jockey, referred to as the Kambala runner, this daring individual maneuvers alongside the massive buffaloes on a wooden plank known as "halage," attached to the contraption holding the two animals, called "Negilu."
- Controlling them with a whip or ropes, the runner not only commands the race but also engages spectators by splashing water as high as possible. Like a racing crew at an automotive event, the Kambala venue accommodates numerous buffaloes and their caretakers.
- During the day-long race, two teams of buffaloes, accompanied by their jockeys, dash toward the finish line on the parallel tracks, vying for a spot in subsequent rounds. Prizes are awarded not only for crossing the finish line first but also for splashing water to reach a set target (referred to as "kolu").
- Kambala events kick off after the paddy harvest, typically in October, continuing across Tulu Nadu (the Tulu-speaking regions in South Canara districts) from November to March.
4. Jallikattu
Similar festival like Kambala in Sothern India is Jallikattu festival
- Jallikattu is a traditional bull-taming sport practiced in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, particularly during the Pongal festival, a harvest festival celebrated in January. It's a centuries-old tradition deeply ingrained in Tamil culture and has garnered both support for its cultural significance and criticism for its treatment of animals
- In Jallikattu, a ferocious bull is released into a crowd of participants. The objective for the participants is to grab hold of the bull's hump and try to control it while it runs through a designated area. The participants attempt to tame the bull without causing harm to the animal.
- allikattu is considered a symbol of valor, courage, and Tamil pride. It's seen as an age-old tradition that showcases the bravery of the participants and the robustness of the bulls, and it holds a significant place in Tamil Nadu's cultural heritage
5. Way forward
The Kambala festival remains a significant cultural event in rural Karnataka, reflecting the traditions, heritage, and community spirit of the region while adapting to contemporary sensitivities regarding animal welfare
Source: Indianexpress
RECREMANILISING ADULTERY
1. Context
Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, examining the three new criminal law Bills set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, recommended the criminalisation of adultery but on gender-neutral lines. This follows almost five years after a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court unanimously decriminalised adultery in 2018 on several grounds including discrimination.
2. Parliamentary Panel on Adultery
- Introduced on August 11 in the Lok Sabha to revamp colonial-era criminal laws, the Bills underwent scrutiny by a 31-member Parliamentary Standing Committee, led by BJP MP Brij Lal. After consulting experts, the Committee, in a November 7 report, faced Opposition MPs' dissent, highlighting errors and suggesting over 50 changes. The dissent notes emphasized the lack of diverse expert opinions, questioned the rushed introduction, and criticized the new legislation as a 'copy-paste' of existing laws.
- The Committee recommended the gender-neutral criminalization of adultery to protect the sanctity of marriage, arguing for its reinstatement as a criminal offence. Opposition MPs, in disagreement, deemed it outdated to elevate marriage to a sacrament, asserting that the State shouldn't intrude into private lives.
- In a 350-page report, the Committee proposed making adultery a gender-neutral offence, considering marriage sacred and aiming to rectify the previous Section 497's gender bias. Dissenting, Congress MP P. Chidambaram opposed State interference in private lives, arguing that adultery should not be a crime, emphasizing the compact between consenting adults, and stating that the State has no role in punishing alleged wrongdoers.
3. History of Adultery in Indian Law
Adultery was introduced as a criminal offence in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) when it was enacted in 1860, reflecting the prevailing social and religious norms of the time.
- Hindu Marriage: In the absence of divorce laws for Hindus, adultery was seen as a violation of the sanctity of marriage, which was considered a sacrament.
- Lord Macaulay's Perspective: Lord Macaulay, involved in drafting the IPC, believed that adultery should not be a criminal offence but should be addressed through civil remedies. He argued that the law should not punish acts based solely on morality.
- Court Commissioners' Review: The Court Commissioners, tasked with reviewing the IPC, felt that adultery should be criminalized, but only the male offender was held liable, considering the prevalent societal views and the need to protect women.
- Law Commission's Deliberations: The Law Commission of India in 1971 discussed the need for criminalizing adultery. While some members favoured repealing the provision, others believed it was premature. However, a notable dissent by Anna Chandy advocated for removing adultery as an offence, considering the evolving status of women.
- Malimath Committee's Recommendation: The Malimath Committee in 2003 proposed retaining adultery as a gender-neutral offence, emphasizing the need to treat both spouses equally in cases of marital infidelity.
4. Supreme Court's Landmark Decision on Adultery
- In the 2018 case of Joseph Shine v. Union of India, a five-judge Constitution Bench, led by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra, declared adultery non-criminal under the IPC while affirming its status as a civil wrong and valid grounds for divorce. A subsequent five-judge Bench in 2020, led by former CJI Sharad A. Bobde, dismissed review petitions, deeming them lacking in merit.
- Initiated in 2017 by non-resident Indian Joseph Shine through a PIL under Article 32, the case challenged the constitutionality of adultery under Section 497 of the IPC and Section 198(2) of the Cr.P.C. This provision penalized a man for engaging in extramarital relations, with exemptions for the wife's consent. Notably, only the husband could file a complaint under Section 198(2) of the CrPC.
- In September 2018, the Bench delivered a unanimous ruling through four concurring judgments. Former CJI Dipak Misra, highlighting the privacy aspect, emphasized that treating adultery as a crime intrudes into extreme marital privacy, advocating its retention as a ground for divorce.
- Justice R.F. Nariman criticized Section 497 for making the husband the 'licensor' of his wife's sexual choices, not aligning with contemporary constitutional morality. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud argued that criminalizing adultery subjugates women, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy in making sexual choices.
- Justice Indu Malhotra asserted the need to protect individual autonomy concerning sexuality in the private sphere, stating adultery, while a moral wrong within the family, doesn't harm society at large to warrant criminalization.
5. Criticism
- Legal experts argued against criminalization, highlighting the intrusion into private matters. Personal choices in a liberal society should be protected by the law, and criminalizing adultery might not command respect for the rule of law.
- Advocate Bharat Chugh suggested exploring tort or civil wrong remedies for adultery, akin to some countries, allowing individuals to sue for damages. However, he acknowledged the absence of a precedent or judgment in India supporting this perspective.
- Mr Sankaranarayan argues that the law's Victorian roots underscore an undue emphasis on marriage, suggesting it should be reconsidered as it has no place in criminal law. He makes an exception for dowry cases, acknowledging its limited scope.
- He highlights legal contradictions, citing the example of marital rape being exempt from prosecution, questioning the inconsistency when individuals living together face legal consequences for infidelity.
- Mr. Kirpal points out the paradox in recent recommendations, noting the Supreme Court's judgment in Supriyo, which seemingly devalues the right to marriage. If marriage is not deemed a fundamental right, restricting the sexual autonomy of individuals to protect marriage's sanctity appears illogical, he argues.
6. Challenges in Gender Neutrality
- The re-introduction of adultery in the IPC raises concerns about its dual problematic aspects, according to Mr Sankaranarayan.
- Criminalizing adultery based on the institution of marriage and treating women as property represents two-fold issues.
- While making it gender-neutral eliminates the second aspect, addressing "the patriarchy bit," the first issue persists.
- Mr. Kirpal notes that a gender-neutral provision would apply to all relationships recognized as marriage, encompassing heterosexual marriages between transpeople, as envisioned in the Supriyo v. Union of India judgment.
7. Impact on the LGBTQ Community
- For the LGBTQ community unless their relationships are legally recognized as marriage, prosecution is not possible. Once recognition occurs, legal consequences may follow.
- The decision to reintroduce adultery as a criminal offence prompts questions about its timing, especially after the Supreme Court's 2018 decision and the recent judgment on same-sex marriage.
- It reflects a specific mindset within the Parliament, aiming to control choices related to bodily autonomy.
- Section 377 of the IPC emphasises that societal disapproval alone shouldn't lead to automatic criminalization.
8. Legislative Overruling of Judicial Pronouncements
- While a Supreme Court ruling sets a precedent for lower courts, Parliament can overrule judicial decisions.
- However, legislative actions are valid only if they alter the legal basis of the judgment. The Supreme Court, in Madras Bar Association v. Union of India (2021), clarified that validating legislation must remove the basis of the judgment's defect.
- The court cautioned against merely validating acts without addressing the defects in previous legislation, as it would be considered ultra vires.
- In NHPC Ltd. v. State of Himachal Pradesh Secretary, a division bench reiterated that the legislature can rectify defects in earlier legislation as pointed out by a constitutional court.
- However, it emphasized that validating acts without curing defects renders subsequent legislation ultra vires.
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For Prelims: Parliamentary Standing Committee, adultery, Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the Indian Evidence Act, NHPC Ltd. v. State of Himachal Pradesh, Madras Bar Association v. Union of India, LGBTQ community, Supriyo v. Union of India, Article 32
For Mains:
1. Discuss the implications of the Parliamentary Standing Committee's recommendation to criminalize adultery on gender equality and individual autonomy. (250 Words)
2. Critically analyze the concept of 'sanctity of marriage' and its relevance in the context of criminalizing adultery. (250 Words)
3. Discuss the role of the state in regulating personal morality and the boundaries of individual freedom. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statements: The Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (UPSC 2013)
1. consists of not more than 25 members of the Lok Sabha.
2. scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of the Government.
3. examines the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 and 3 Only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
2. Which one of the following statements about 'Privilege Committee' is not correct? (MPSC 2020)
A. Rule No. 222 of the Lok Sabha and 187 of the Rajya Sabha governs privilege. '
B. In the Lok Sabha, the Speaker nominates a Committee of Privileges consisting of 15 members.
C. In the Rajya Sabha, the Deputy Chairperson heads the Committee of Privileges, that consists of 15 members.
D. None of the above
3. Which of the following statements with regard to the privileges of the Members of the Parliament are correct? (CDS GK 2020)
1. Privileges would not be fettered by the Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India.
2. Privileges must be read subject to the Articles 20-22 and Article 32 of the Constitution of India.
3. Immunity is available in relation to both civil and criminal prosecution.
4. Immunity is available in relation to freedom of speech even in his /her private or personal capacity.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1, 2 and 4 B. 1 and 2 only C. 2 and 3 D. 1 and 4 only
4. The Supreme Court of India decriminalised adultery, striking down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, in the case of ___________. (UP Police SI 2021)
A. Nitin Walia v. Union of India B. Nandini Sundar v. State of Chhattisgarh
C. Joseph Shine v. Union of India D. Fazal Rab Choudhary v. State of Bihar
5. Considering the following statements in view of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872: (Rajasthan Police Constable 2022)
1. A map or plan is a document.
2. An inscription written on a metal plate or stone is a document.
3. A caricature is a document.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 1-B, 2-C, 3-B, 4-C, 5-D
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Source: The Hindu
INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION (IORA)
1. Context
China held a meeting this week with 19 countries from the Indian Ocean region in which India was conspicuously absent.
The China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), an organisation connected with the Chinese Foreign Ministry held a meeting of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation on November 21 2023, in which 19 countries took part, according to a press release issued by the organisation
2. Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA)
- The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an international organization consisting of countries that have coastlines along the Indian Ocean. Its primary aim is to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region. The organization was established in 1997 and is headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius.
- The Indian Ocean Rim Association includes 23 countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, Australia and littoral states situated in and around the Indian Ocean.
- The grouping, whose apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers that meet once a year, moves by rotation through members every two years
- Sri Lanka took charge as Chair this year from Bangladesh, and India is Vice-Chair, meaning that the troika of IORA is within the South Asian region
- IORA’s membership includes 23 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, the Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the UAE and Yemen. It also has 11 dialogue partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Türkiye, the U.K. and the U.S.
- While the IORA was formed in 1997 (then called the Indian Ocean Region-Association for Regional Cooperation) in Mauritius, its genesis came from a speech Nelson Mandela gave in Delhi in 1995
3. Significance of Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA)
A third of the world’s population (2.6 billion people) live in the region, and 80% of global oil trade, 50% of the world’s containerised cargo and 33% of its bulk cargo passes through it. The region produces a combined total of $1 trillion in goods and services and intra-IORA trade is billed at around $800 billion
India’s other regional organisations, like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), face their own challenges. While the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), has made progress, it remains U.S.-led, along with military allies Australia and Japan.
Meanwhile, China is actively trying to rope in India’s neighbours with groupings like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Centre, which exclude India
IORA, however, remains a “safe space” for India and other countries of the region that wish to keep out the constant challenge of big-power rivalries
ORA membership is based on consensus, and Pakistan has not been admitted to the grouping since it first applied in 2001, on the basis that it has not extended MFN (most favoured nation) status to India, making the IORA a less contentious space for India as well, compared to groupings like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) holds significant importance for the countries in the Indian Ocean region and the global community for several reasons:
-
Economic Significance:
- The Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's most important shipping lanes, making it a critical hub for global trade. Many of the world's busiest and most strategically significant maritime trade routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, are situated in this region.
- IORA fosters economic cooperation and trade among member countries, aiming to boost economic growth, investment, and regional integration. This is vital for the prosperity of the region and its ability to engage in international trade.
-
Strategic Significance:
- The Indian Ocean region holds strategic significance for global powers due to its geopolitical location. It connects the major economies of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Ensuring the safety and security of the Indian Ocean is crucial for global stability and trade. IORA plays a role in addressing issues related to maritime security, piracy, and regional stability.
-
Resource Management:
- The Indian Ocean region is rich in marine resources, including fisheries and hydrocarbons. Cooperative management of these resources is vital to ensure their sustainability and to prevent conflicts over resource use.
-
Climate Resilience:
- The region is prone to various climate-related challenges, including cyclones, tsunamis, and rising sea levels. IORA facilitates cooperation in disaster risk management and climate resilience efforts.
-
Cultural Exchange:
- The diverse member countries of IORA represent a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Promoting cultural exchange and understanding through IORA fosters people-to-people connections, which can contribute to global harmony.
4.Way forward
IORA’s seven priority areas are maritime safety and security; trade and investment facilitation; fisheries management; disaster risk management; academic, science and technology; tourism and cultural exchanges; and gender empowerment
The IORA also runs a special fund in addition, disbursing $80,000-$150,000 for project grants to members, and has a particular focus on climate change. It is clear that strategic issues and the importance of keeping a free and open sea lane, guarding against piracy, have become an integral part of the discussions
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Previous Year Questions
1.With reference to 'Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)', consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2015)
1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (D)
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Source: The Hindu
LOSS AND DAMAGE FUND
1. Context
At the commencement of the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, the formal launch of a fund to address loss and damage caused by climate change in vulnerable countries was announced. The initial funding for this endeavour is approximately $475 million, with contributions from various nations. The host country, UAE, pledged $100 million, the European Union committed $275 million, the US contributed $17.5 million, and Japan pledged $10 million.
The establishment of the loss and damage fund was initially disclosed during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, last year. However, it took until a few weeks before COP28 for both affluent and less affluent nations to resolve some of their differences and reach a consensus on crucial aspects of the fund.
2. What is the loss and damage fund?
- The loss and damage fund, established during the COP28 climate conference, serves as a financial lifeline for countries bearing the brunt of climate change.
- This fund is intended to compensate developing nations, with minimal carbon footprints, for the devastating consequences of climate change, a crisis primarily driven by the industrial activities of wealthy nations.
- Rising sea levels, floods, droughts, and intense cyclones are just a few of the climate-induced disasters that have ravaged these vulnerable nations, disrupting lives, livelihoods, biodiversity, and cultural traditions.
- While the concept of loss and damage has yet to be formally defined within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it broadly encompasses both economic and non-economic impacts.
- Economic loss and damage refers to quantifiable losses, such as the costs of rebuilding flood-damaged infrastructure or the revenue lost due to drought-stricken crops.
- Non-economic loss and damage encompasses intangible impacts like trauma from natural disasters, community disintegration from displacement, and biodiversity loss.
- The loss and damage fund represents a crucial step in addressing the inequities and injustices exacerbated by climate change.
- By providing financial assistance, this fund can help vulnerable nations rebuild, adapt, and strengthen their resilience in the face of a rapidly changing climate.
3. Damage Caused by Industrialisation
- The Industrial Revolution, which began in 1850, marked a turning point in human history, leading to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions and disrupting Earth's natural mechanisms for regulating these emissions.
- Today, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union are collectively responsible for half of all historical emissions, a staggering figure.
- When we include Russia, Canada, Japan, and Australia, this figure jumps to 65%, indicating that two-thirds of all historical emissions can be attributed to these developed nations. In contrast, India's contribution to historical emissions stands at a mere 4%.
- China, the world's largest emitter in recent decades, has been responsible for an astounding 30% of global emissions annually. This substantial contribution is primarily driven by its rapid industrialization and reliance on fossil fuels.
- Greenhouse gases, including methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour, and carbon dioxide (CO2), have been accumulating in Earth's atmosphere at an alarming rate.
- CO2, the primary culprit behind global warming, has been released in massive quantities, trapping heat and causing the planet to warm at an unprecedented pace.
- Carbon particles, another byproduct of industrial activities, also contribute to global warming by lingering in the atmosphere for extended periods, sometimes millennia, and absorbing sunlight.
4. The Mounting Costs and Damages of Climate Change
- Climate change has wreaked havoc on vulnerable nations worldwide, causing widespread loss and damage. Research indicates that over the past two decades, 55 vulnerable countries have collectively incurred $525 billion in losses due to climate-induced disasters. This staggering figure is projected to escalate to $580 billion annually by 2030.
- The impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed, with developing nations and marginalized communities bearing the brunt of the crisis. As global temperatures continue to rise, so will the severity and frequency of climate-related events, leading to a surge in loss and damage.
- According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the escalating climate crisis will disproportionately affect developing countries, particularly the most vulnerable and impoverished populations. These communities are often less equipped to adapt and recover from climate disasters, exacerbating the impact of loss and damage.
- The consequences of climate change extend beyond economic losses, affecting ecosystems, infrastructure, and cultural heritage. The loss of biodiversity, damage to critical infrastructure, and disruption of traditional livelihoods further compound the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
5. How big is the fund and how will it operate?
- Developed countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, will be the primary contributors to the loss and damage fund.
- Some developing countries may also contribute to the fund. The exact size of the fund has not been determined, but it is estimated that it will need to be several trillion dollars to adequately address the needs of vulnerable countries.
- The World Bank has been initially selected to oversee the loss and damage fund.
- This decision was controversial, as some developing countries were concerned that the World Bank would give developed countries too much control over the fund's finances. However, developing countries have now agreed to this arrangement.
6. The Way Forward
The loss and damage fund is a critical step forward in addressing the climate crisis. It will provide much-needed financial assistance to developing countries that are already facing the devastating impacts of climate change. The fund will also help to build resilience to future climate shocks and stresses.
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For Prelims: Loss and damage fund, COP 28, Climate Change, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Industrial Revolution, Greenhouse gases, Global Warming, World Bank
For Mains:
1. Evaluate the significance of the loss and damage fund in addressing the climate crisis and providing financial assistance to vulnerable nations. (250 Words)
2. Discuss the potential role of non-state actors, such as civil society organizations and the private sector, in supporting the implementation of the loss and damage fund. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. Consider the following statements with reference to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): (RBI Grade B 2022) 1. OECD is an official Permanent observer to the United Nations and is referred to as a think-tank or as a monitoring group.
2. India is not a member of OECD.
3. OECD is funded by its member countries.
Which of the statement given above is/ are correct? A.1 only B.1 and 2 only C.2 and 3 only D.1, 2 and 3 E.2 only 2. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substance? (UPSC CSE 2015) A.Bretton woods conference
B. Montreal Protocol
C. Kyoto Protocol
D. Nagoya Protocol
3. Headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization is located in (NDA 2017)
A. Washington B. Geneva C. Moscow D. London
4. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017
2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
5. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)
1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in the Eastern Pacific ocean.
2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
6. La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? (UPSC 2011)
1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
2. El Nino has an adverse effect on the south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on the monsoon climate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
7. Consider the following statements: (MPSC 2017)
a. La Nina is a little girl.
b. During the time of La Nina cold water in the ocean rises to the surface.
c. La Nina strengthens the Indian monsoon.
d. During the time of El Nino, trade winds weaken, and warm water moves east in the ocean.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. Only a and b B. a, b and c C. Only b and c D. All of the above
8. Which of the following statements regarding 'Green Climate Fund' is/are correct? (UPSC 2015)
1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.
2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECS, Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
9. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research program.
2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centers.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
10. The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? (UPSC 2012)
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
11. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. Most of the world's coral reefs are in tropical waters.
2. More than one-third of the world's coral reefs are located in territories of Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
3. Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
12. With reference to the 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting the Indian monsoon which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between the tropical Western Indian Ocean and the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an EI Nino's impact on the monsoon.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
13. With reference to the 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
14. The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. IPCC stands for: (RRB NTPC CBT 2 2022)
A. Intergovernmental Provision on Climate Change
B. International Panel on Climate Change
C. International Provision on Climate Change
D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
15. Which one of the following is not a sub-index of the World Bank's 'Ease of Doing Business Index? (UPSC 2019)
A. Maintenance of law and order
B. Paying taxes
C. Registering property
D. Dealing with construction permits
16. Which one of the following issues the 'Global Economic Prospects report periodically? (UPSC 2015)
A. The Asian Development Bank
B. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
C. The US Federal Reserve Bank
D. The World Bank
17. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty drawn at (UPSC 2010)
A. United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972
B. UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992
B. World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, 2002
D. UN Climate Change Conference Copenhagen, 2009
18. Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of the Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century? (UPSC 2020)
A. Indian handicrafts were ruined.
B. Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
C. Railway lines were laid in many parts of the country.
D. Heavy duties were imposed on the imports of British manufactures.
Answer: 1-D, 2-B, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B, 6-D, 7- D, 8-A, 9-D, 10-A, 11-D, 12-B, 13-A, 14-D, 15-A, 16-D, 17-B, 18-A
Mains
1. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC 2021)
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Source: The Indian Express
