CYCLONE'S EFFECT ON MONSOON

1. Context

2. Formation of a cyclone

• We are seeing cyclone formations in the premonsoon cyclones season, closer to the monsoon onset, arguably due to the influence of a warmer Arctic Ocean on the winds over the Arabian Sea.
• The monsoon is of course also affected by the three tropical oceans- Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans- Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific the 'atmospheric bridge from the Arctic; and the oceanic tunnel as well as the atmospheric bridge from the Southern Ocean (a.k.a. the Antarctic Ocean).
• A 'bridge refers to two faraway regions interacting in the atmosphere while a 'tunnel' refers to two remote oceanic regions connecting within the ocean.

3. Global warming and Monsoon

• A drastic change in the monsoon rainfall intensity, duration, frequency, and spatial distribution can be attributed to Climate Change. However, it is too soon to conclude.
• If all this is in response to global warming then it can be permanent and might accelerate. If not then the monsoon system will revert to a more normal state.
• More data and reanalysis are needed to get a clear picture of the complete separation of the global warming impact from natural climate variability (Such as El Nino).

4. Why does a cyclone’s position matter?

• Some cyclones in the North Indian Ocean have had both positive and negative impacts on the onset of the Monsoon.
• Since the circulation of winds around the cyclones is in the anticlockwise direction, the location of the cyclone is critical as far as the cyclone's impact on the transition of the monsoon trough is concerned. (The monsoon trough is a low-pressure region that is a characteristic feature of the monsoons).
• For example, if a cyclone lies further north in the Bay of Bengal, the backwinds blowing from the southwest to the northeast can pull the monsoon trough forward, and assist in the monsoon's onset.
• Earlier this year, the Bay of Bengal had Cyclone Mocha develop in the first half of May and intensify briefly into a 'super cyclonic storm', before weakening rapidly upon landfall.
• Mocha's northwest-to-east trajectory over the Bay was the result of unusual anticyclones (which rotate clockwise) that have been parked over the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal since March.
• Mocha dissipated on May 15 and the backwinds helped the monsoon set in on time over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• One severe consequence of the anomalous anticyclones since March is that both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal have warmed by more than 1 degree Celsius in the premonsoon season.
• The late-season cyclone Biparjoy is still chugging along in the warm Arabian Sea and may well rapidly intensify i.e., have its wind speeds increase by 55 kmph within 24 hours before making landfall.

5. Impact of Monsoon on India

5.1 Positive

• About 64% of people in India depend on agriculture for their livelihood and agriculture itself is based on monsoon.
• The agricultural prosperity of India depends very much on timely and adequately distributed rainfall. If it fails, agriculture is adversely affected particularly in those regions where means of irrigation are not developed.
• Regional variations in monsoon climate help in growing various types of crops.
• Regional monsoon variation in India is reflected in the vast variety of food, clothes, and house types.
• Monsoon rain help recharge dams and reservoirs, which is further used for the generation of hydroelectric power.
• Winter rainfall by temperate cyclones in north India is highly beneficial for Rabi crops.

5.2 Negative

• The variability of rainfall brings droughts or floods every year in some parts of the country.
• Sudden monsoon burst creates a problem of soil erosion over large areas in India.
• In hilly areas sudden rainfall brings landslides which damage natural and physical infrastructure subsequently disrupting human life economically as well as socially.

6. Cyclones: Mawar, Biparjoy, and Guchol 

• Cyclone Biparjoy is not interacting much with the monsoon trough at this time. However, its late birth, as well as the late onset of the monsoon, are both closely related to typhoons in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
• On May 19, Typhoon Mawar was born and dissipated by June 3. Mawar qualified as a 'Super Typhoon' and is thus far the strongest typhoon to have taken shape in May. It is also the strongest cyclone of 2023 so far. 
• Tropical storm Guchol is now active just to the east of the Phillippines and is likely to continue northwest before veering off to the northeast. These powerful typhoons are thirsty beasts and demand moisture from far and wind.
• Mawar pulled winds across the equator into the North Indian Ocean, setting up southwesterly winds over parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Southwesterly means blowing from the southwest.
• Southwesterly winds over the Arabian Sea are welcome news they bring large quantities of moisture onto the Indian subcontinent.
• On the other hand, southwesterly winds over the Bay of Bengal are bad news for the monsoon.
• The monsoon winds over the southern Bay of Bengal sweep in from the southwest and west, but they turn around and head northwest towards India from the Southwest.
• Winds were southwesterly over the entire bay when Mawar was active. This continues to be the case now due to Guchol, which has become a severe tropical storm now.
• Winds have been blowing strongly northeastward over the Bay, a key reason why the monsoon trough has been struggling to reach Kerala.

Previous year Questions

ARCTIC SEA ICE

 

1. Context

Unpredictable, erratic rainfall has become the norm for the Indian monsoon. New research reveals that less sea ice in the central Arctic leads to lower rain in western and peninsular India but more rain in central and northern India

Image source: Nature

2. Why is the Arctic sea ice important?

• The massive sheets of ice that pad the Arctic region plays a major role in influencing global climate and the rise and fall in Arctic sea temperatures.
• During winter, the sea ice envelops most of the Arctic Ocean and in summer, a portion of it melts due to being exposed to longer periods of sunlight and elevated temperatures.
• Sea ice normally melts and is at its thinnest and most sparse in mid-­September, when the area covered by ice is roughly half the size of the winter maximum.
• With the onset of winter and dipping temperatures, the ice begins to expand and thicken, all the way until March when it reaches its zenith.

3. The United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA) explains the importance of sea ice

• Sea ice is light-colored, reflecting more sunlight to space than liquid water, thus playing a vital role in keeping polar regions cool and maintaining the earth's energy balance.
• Sea ice also keeps the air cool by forming a barrier between the cold air above and the relatively warmer water below.
• As the amount of sea ice decreases, the Arctic region's cooling effect is reduced, and this may initiate a feedback loop whereby ocean warming caused by more absorption of solar energy leads to an even greater loss of sea ice and further warming.
• Changes in sea ice can affect biodiversity and impact mammals such as polar bears and walruses, which rely on the presence of sea ice for hunting, breeding, and migrating. The reduction in ice cover also affects the traditional subsistence hunting lifestyle of indigenous Arctic populations such as Yup'ik, Inupiat, and Inuit.
• On the other hand, reduced ice can present commercial and economic opportunities by opening shipping lanes and increasing access to natural resources in the Arctic region.
• This has already provoked global competition with several countries, including India, vying for greater influence in groups such as the Arctic Council that governs access to Arctic resources.

4. What does the new study say?

• The world will see its first 'sea-ice-free summer' before 2050.
• The global emissions will drive temperatures to beyond 4.5°C making the Arctic ice-free by 2081-2100.
• There is no scenario under which the Arctic sea ice can be saved in summer.
• Moreover, if drastic reductions in emissions are not undertaken, we could very well be seeing the first such summer in the 2030s.

5. What’s the basis for this study’s conclusions? 

• The researchers first estimated how much of the ice melting was due to human instigated, or anthropogenic factors and they found that this was as much as 90%, and the rest of it was caused by natural variability.
• They established that the climate models, which even the IPCC relied on, underestimated the rapidity of melting.
• When they corrected for this, it turned out that there were also likely to be ice-free Augusts and Octobers by 2080 in the emission scenarios where the temperature rose above 4.5°C. 

6. Consequences

• The diminished sea ice while warming the Arctic also leads to a weakening of the polar jet streams, which are currents of air that form when warm and cold air meet.
• This weakening has been linked to rising temperatures and heatwaves in Europe as well as unseasonal showers in northwest India.
• While the ice-free summer may be inevitable, reducing carbon emissions might mean being better able to adapt to climate 'tipping points'.

For Prelims: Arctic Sea, the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Arctic Council, Intercontinental Panel on climate change (IPCC), Global emissions, and Tipping points.

 

 

Previous year Questions 1. Which one of the following statements best describes the 'Polar Code'? (UPSC 2022) A. It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters. B. It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region. C. It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and the South Pole. D. It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council. Answer: A   2. Which of the following statements is correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'? (UPSC 2019) 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits. 2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor. 3. Methane in the atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: D

Source: The Hindu

 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (ASI)

 

 

 

1. Context

 

Quoting the examples of Fatehpur Sikri in Agra and Atala Masjid in Jaunpur, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) told a Parliamentary panel that having protected monuments which are also notified as Waqf property gives rise to conflicts and administrative issues. The ASI made this argument during its submission to a joint committee holding consultations on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

 

 

2. What is a national monument?

A national monument is a protected area or site that has been designated by a government or other authority as having national significance. These monuments can be natural, cultural, or historical landmarks and are usually protected from development or other activities that could damage or destroy them. National monuments are often open to the public and may have visitor centers, trails, and other facilities to help people learn about and appreciate them. They are typically managed by government agencies or non-profit organizations that work to preserve and protect them for future generations.

 

3. About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• The ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, when he realised the need for a permanent body to oversee archaeological excavations and conservation.
• But while the body remained largely dysfunctional in the 19th century owing to fund crunch, in the decades preceding Independence, it became very active.
• A bulk of the protected monuments were taken under the ASI’s wings during the 1920s and30s, up till the 50s.
• But in the decades after independence, the focus of successive governments was on health, education and infrastructure, rather than protecting heritage.
• Even within the scope of heritage, the aim was to uncover more monuments and sites, instead of conservation.

Powers

• The ASI operates under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, which empowers it to protect and manage monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
•  The ASI formulates and enforces regulations related to archaeological activities, including excavations, conservation, and publication of findings.
• The ASI issues licenses for excavations, export of antiquities, and trade in archaeological objects.

Functions

• The ASI undertakes conservation and restoration of protected monuments and sites. This includes structural repairs, chemical preservation, and environmental management.
• The ASI conducts archaeological excavations to uncover historical remains, understand past civilizations, and enrich our knowledge of history.
• The ASI conducts research on various aspects of archaeology and publishes findings in reports, journals, and books.
• The ASI studies ancient inscriptions and coins to understand language, history, and economic systems.
• The ASI manages site museums at various monuments and archaeological sites to showcase artifacts and educate the public.
• The ASI conducts educational programs and outreach activities to raise public awareness about India's cultural heritage.

Role

• The ASI plays a vital role in preserving India's rich cultural heritage for future generations. It safeguards monuments and sites that represent diverse periods and cultures, fostering national identity and pride.
• By protecting and promoting historical sites, the ASI contributes significantly to India's tourism industry. Well-maintained monuments attract visitors, generating revenue and local economic benefits.
• The ASI's research activities contribute to our understanding of India's history, culture, and society. This knowledge enriches academic fields and informs public discourse.

Mandate

• To protect and preserve monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
• To conduct research and excavations to understand India's past.
• To educate the public about India's cultural heritage.
• To promote tourism by developing and maintaining historical sites.

 

Significance

• The ASI is responsible for protecting and preserving India's archaeological sites, monuments, and artifacts. This includes conducting conservation and restoration work to ensure that these cultural treasures are maintained for future generations.
• India is home to numerous world-renowned archaeological sites and monuments, such as the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, and Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The ASI's efforts to preserve and promote these sites contribute to the country's tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.
• India's rich cultural heritage is an integral part of its identity. The ASI's work helps to preserve and promote this heritage, fostering a sense of pride and connection among the country's citizens.
• The ASI conducts research and documentation on India's archaeological heritage, contributing to the understanding of the country's history and culture. It also plays a role in educating the public about India's archaeological sites and artifacts through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs.
• The ASI enforces laws and regulations related to the protection and preservation of India's cultural heritage. This includes the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, which provides legal protection to ancient monuments and archaeological sites in India.

 

4. The Way Forward

The Archaeological Survey of India plays an indispensable role in safeguarding and interpreting India's rich cultural heritage. Their efforts not only preserve the past but also contribute to academic knowledge, national identity, and economic development. As India navigates the future, the ASI's work remains vital in ensuring that its cultural legacy continues to inspire and educate generations to come.

 

For Prelims: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, ASI,  For Mains:  1. Critically evaluate the role of ASI in fostering national identity and pride in India. How does their work contribute to social cohesion and understanding of diverse historical periods and cultures? (250 Words) 2. Evaluate the potential conflicts between preservation of cultural heritage and development projects. Suggest strategies for achieving a sustainable balance between economic progress and protection of historical sites. (250 Words)

 

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 1.The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (GS 1, 2020) 2. Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (GS 1, 2019)

 Source: The Indian Express