2. Consumer Price Index

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the change in prices of a basket of goods and services that are commonly purchased by consumers. It is the most commonly used measure of inflation.
• The CPI is calculated by comparing the prices of the goods and services in the basket in a particular period to those of the same in a base period.
• The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the CPI inflation rate.
• The CPI is calculated for eight different categories of goods and services Food and beverages, Housing, Clothing and footwear, Transport, Health, Education, Communication, Recreation and Miscellaneous goods and services.
• The weights of each category in the CPI are determined by the expenditure patterns of urban households. For example, food and beverages have the highest weight in the CPI, followed by housing and transport.
• The CPI inflation rate is an important indicator of the cost of living.
• It is used by the government to set monetary policy and by businesses to make pricing decisions.

3. Wholesale Price Index

• The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) is a measure of the change in prices of goods and services at the wholesale level.
• It is calculated by comparing the prices of a basket of goods and services in a particular period to those of the same in a base period.
• The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the WPI inflation rate.
• The WPI is calculated for 67 groups of commodities, which are further divided into 225 subgroups.
• The weights of each group and subgroup in the WPI are determined by the value of the goods and services produced in each group and subgroup.
• The WPI inflation rate is an important indicator of inflation at the wholesale level.
• It is used by businesses to make pricing decisions and by the government to set monetary policy.

4. Findings of the Report

4.1. Food inflation

• Food inflation in India remained high in August, at 9.94%. This was driven by rising prices of essential food items, such as cereals, pulses, vegetables, and oils.
• Eleven of the 12 items on the heavyweight food and beverages group of the CPI logged price increases, with oils and fats, the sole item logging a year-on-year decline in prices, posting its first sequential increase in nine months.
• Vegetables provided some relief, with tomatoes leading an appreciable month-on-month deflation of 5.88% in the 19-member basket.
• However, the cooking staples of potatoes and onions were among the seven items that continued to log sequential inflation (2.3% and 12.3%, respectively).

4.2. Monsoon deficit and rising crude oil prices

• The near-term inflation outlook is also made more uncertain by other factors, including a distinct deficit in monsoon rainfall.
• Besides the overall 10% shortfall, sharp regional and temporal anomalies in rain distribution have impacted either the sowing or the quality of produce of several farm items.
• Kharif's sowing of pulses had, as of September 8, recorded an 8.6% shortfall compared with the year-earlier period.
• Another inflation driver, crude oil, has also seen a steady rise in prices as the output cuts by major oil producers of the OPEC+ grouping start to bite.
• The price of India's crude basket had, as of September 12, climbed 7.2% from the average in August to $92.65/barrel, according to official data.

• For the RBI, the latest inflation data further roils its interest rate calculus.
• Unless CPI inflation decelerates by an incredible 250 basis points in September to a 4.33% pace, price gains are certain to substantially overshoot the monetary authority's 6.2% forecast for the July-September quarter, leaving it with few real options to achieve its medium-term price stability goal of 4% inflation.
• As the RBI has been at pains to stress, failure to anchor inflation expectations risks hurting growth.

5. About the sticky Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• The sticky Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a subset of the CPI that includes goods and services that change prices relatively infrequently.
• These goods and services are thought to incorporate expectations about future inflation to a greater degree than prices that change more frequently.
• Some of the items included in the sticky CPI are Rent, Housing costs, Utilities, Education, Healthcare, Transportation, Household furnishings and appliances, Personal insurance, Recreation, and Miscellaneous goods and services. 
• The sticky CPI is often used by economists to measure inflation expectations.
• This is because prices of sticky goods and services are less likely to be affected by short-term changes in supply and demand, and are therefore more likely to reflect changes in inflation expectations.
• The sticky CPI is also used by central banks to set monetary policy.
• This is because the central bank wants to make sure that inflation expectations are anchored at a low level.
• If inflation expectations start to rise, the central bank may raise interest rates to bring them back down.

6. How India’s retail inflation is measured?

• India's retail inflation is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a basket of goods and services commonly purchased by urban households.
• The CPI is calculated by the National Statistical Office (NSO) every month.
• The CPI is calculated by comparing the prices of the goods and services in the basket in a particular month to those of the same in a base month.
• The base month is usually the previous year's corresponding month. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the CPI inflation rate.
• The CPI is calculated for eight different categories of goods and services, Food and beverages, Housing, Clothing and footwear, Transport, Health, Education, Communication, Recreation and Miscellaneous goods and services.
• The weights of each category in the CPI are determined by the expenditure patterns of urban households. For example, food and beverages have the highest weight in the CPI, followed by housing and transport.
• The CPI inflation rate is an important indicator of the cost of living in India.
• It is used by the government to set monetary policy and by businesses to make pricing decisions.

7. Calculation of Inflation

• Inflation is the rate at which the prices of goods and services increase over time.
• It is calculated by comparing the prices of a basket of goods and services in a particular period to the prices of the same basket of goods and services in a base period.
• The base period is usually the previous year's corresponding period. The difference in prices is expressed as a percentage, and this is the inflation rate.

There are two main ways to calculate inflation

The PPI is calculated by the following formula:

PPI = (Cost of a basket of goods and services at the wholesale level in the current period / Cost of a basket of goods and services at the wholesale level in the base period) * 100

 

Source: The Hindu

 

MULLAPERIYAR DAM

 

 

 

1. Context

 The Supreme Court directed that the maximum water level in Mullaperiyar dam should be 139.50 ft until November 10. The dam is at the centre of a decades-old dispute: for Kerala, where it is situated, the dam presents a threat to lakhs living downstream; and for Tamil Nadu, which controls the dam, the water it provides is the lifeline of people in five districts

 

2. New Guidelines 

• The CWC (Central Water Commission) implemented a set of guidelines for dam construction following Kerala's preparation of the DPR (Detailed Project Report) in 2011. Those informed about the situation mentioned that the costs for various project components have increased since the last DPR, hence the need for a revision.
• Recently, the State government approached the CWC to expedite approval for a new dam's construction. Additionally, the State expressed its readiness to supply water to Tamil Nadu from this new dam.
• Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been embroiled in a prolonged legal dispute regarding the stability and other related aspects of the current dam. Kerala has been advocating for a new dam primarily on safety grounds.
• Both states witnessed significant protests after Kerala raised safety concerns and called for the decommissioning the existing dam

 

3. What do we Know about the Mullaperiyar Dam?

 

The Mullaperiyar Dam is located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, but it's owned and operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Here are some key points about the dam:

• Situated in the Western Ghats, the Mullaperiyar Dam is built across the Periyar River in the state of Kerala
• Although the dam is located in Kerala, it is owned, maintained, and operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu based on a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886
• The primary purpose of the dam is to divert water from the Periyar River's catchment area to the Vaigai River basin in Tamil Nadu for irrigation and drinking water purposes
• The dam has been a subject of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu due to concerns over its structural integrity. Kerala has raised concerns about the dam's safety due to its age and the potential risk to downstream areas in case of a dam failure. Tamil Nadu contends that the dam is safe and necessary for meeting its water needs
• The two states have engaged in a prolonged legal battle over the Mullaperiyar Dam's safety and the need for a new dam. Kerala has called for decommissioning the existing dam and constructing a new one, while Tamil Nadu has insisted on raising the dam's water level, citing its necessity for irrigation
• The issue has reached the Supreme Court of India multiple times, and the court has issued various directives regarding the water level and safety measures to address concerns from both states

4.What is the Dispute regarding Mullaperiyar dam?

 

 

The dispute surrounding the Mullaperiyar Dam primarily revolves around several key issues:

 

• Kerala has raised serious concerns about the dam's structural integrity due to its age and the potential risks associated with a dam failure. There have been apprehensions that the dam, which is over a century old, might not withstand a major earthquake or natural calamity, posing a threat to the downstream areas in Kerala
• Tamil Nadu, which owns and operates the dam, asserts its rights to receive a certain amount of water from the Periyar River through the dam for irrigation purposes in the Vaigai River basin. There have been disagreements between the two states regarding the permissible water level in the dam and the quantity of water to be released to Tamil Nadu
• The disagreement between Kerala and Tamil Nadu has escalated into a legal battle that has been ongoing for decades. Both states have filed numerous cases and counter-cases in courts, including the Supreme Court of India, seeking decisions on issues related to the dam's safety, water sharing, and the need for a new dam
• The Mullaperiyar Dam issue has significant political implications for both states. It has been a point of contention in the political landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with each state advocating for its respective stance on the dam's safety and water-sharing agreements

 

Periyar river   Originating in the Western Ghats of Kerala, the Periyar River is one of the longest rivers in the state, flowing through parts of Tamil Nadu before draining into the Arabian Sea The river plays a vital role in sustaining the biodiversity of the region, notably within the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is known for its rich flora and fauna, including diverse species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The Periyar River is harnessed for hydroelectric power generation through the Idukki and Idamalayar dams. These dams contribute significantly to the power supply in Kerala It serves as a crucial water source for both irrigation and drinking purposes in the regions through which it flows, supporting agricultural activities and serving as a primary water source for local communities The river is associated with the Mullaperiyar Dam, which has been a subject of dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu due to concerns over its structural safety and disagreements regarding water-sharing agreements The Periyar River has historical and cultural significance, with various communities relying on it for their livelihoods and traditions. It is integral to the socio-economic fabric of the regions it traverses

 

 

5. What is the Dam Safety Act?

 

• The Dam Safety Act, introduced to the Rajya Sabha in December 2021, aimed to address issues of inadequate monitoring and maintenance that have led to dam-related disasters.
• This legislation outlined specific duties and required the establishment of both national and state-level bodies to enforce its provisions.
• It proposed the creation of a National Committee on Dam Safety responsible for overseeing policies and regulations, a National Dam Safety Authority tasked with implementation and the resolution of state-level disputes, designating the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to lead national dam safety protocols, and the formation of State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSO)
• The Dam Safety Act (DSA) 2021 was enacted by the Union Government of India to prevent dam failure-related disasters. The act focuses on the proper surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams. It also establishes an institutional mechanism to ensure their safe functioning
• The act was notified by the Government of India on December 14, 2021, and came into effect on December 30, 2021.
• The act provides for institutional mechanisms for surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of the specified dams. The Central Water Commission (CWC) provides technical expertise and guidance on all matters related to dams.
• Failure to comply with any provision of the act is punishable with imprisonment and/or fines. If such obstruction or refusal to comply with directions results in loss of lives or imminent danger thereof, the entity shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years

 

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (UPSC CSE 2010)      Dam/Lake       River (a) Govind Sagar :   Satluj (b) Kolleru Lake   :   Krishna (c) Ukai Reservoir:   Tapi (d) Wular Lake :       Jhelum Answer: (b) 2.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2009) There are no east flowing rivers in Kerala. There are no west flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh. 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)

 

 

Source: The Hindu

COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM (CAS)

 

 

 

1. Context

 

Most collision avoidance systems require two pieces of information: the locations of all the other vehicles and the location of this vehicle relative to those vehicles

 

2. What is a Collision Avoidance System(CAS)?

 

• A collision avoidance system (CAS) is a safety technology designed to prevent or reduce the severity of collisions in vehicles, aircraft, or other moving objects. It uses sensors such as radar, lidar, cameras, or ultrasonic sensors to detect potential obstacles or hazards in the path of the vehicle or object.
• When a possible collision is identified, the system can take various actions, including alerting the driver or operator, automatically applying the brakes, steering to avoid the obstacle, or taking other evasive measures.
• These systems are commonly found in modern automobiles as part of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and in aviation, where they help prevent mid-air collisions between aircraft.
• The goal of a collision avoidance system is to enhance safety by reducing human error and reacting faster than a human could in dangerous situations

3. Does CAS help land-based vehicles?

 

• Vehicular traffic is an essential part of modern life, leading to the creation of numerous transportation options and their deployment in various environments. Today, we experience traffic not only on roads but also in the air, across water bodies, and even in space—a questionable indicator of progress.
• Since it is not feasible to significantly reduce this traffic, collision avoidance systems (CAS) have been developed as a safety measure.
• Consider two cars, referred to as the Front Car and the Back Car, both equipped with CAS devices. Typically, the Back Car monitors the speed of the Front Car, the distance between them, and its own speed.
• If the gap between the two cars is predicted to decrease to a certain threshold within a specified time, the CAS may automatically engage the emergency brakes—such as those required in the European Union—without the driver's intervention.
• To accomplish this, the CAS must be connected to the Back Car's braking system and capable of overriding the driver’s commands. It also needs to be linked to the car's speedometer and equipped with sensing technology like radar, lidar, or cameras with object recognition to track the Front Car

 

4. What is 'Kavach' System?

 

• A recent series of train accidents in India has drawn attention to the slow rollout of ‘Kavach,’ the indigenous collision avoidance system (CAS) for Indian Railways. While Kavach shares the same basic functions as CAS in automobiles, the railway system's complexity makes its implementation more challenging.
• Kavach consists of three key components: onboard systems, trackside infrastructure, and communication networks. These can be reclassified into three categories for clarity: computers, communications, and control.
• Computers: There is a computer onboard each train, as well as two additional computers for station masters. One of these, known as the master computer, gathers and processes data from signals and interlocking points and sends its output to the locomotive computer. The other computer, the remote interface unit, also collects and processes information from various points on the railway network but transmits its data to the master computer rather than directly to the locomotive computer.
• The locomotive computer receives data from two additional sources: (i) two Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) readers mounted underneath the train, which scan RFID cards embedded in the tracks at fixed intervals to determine the train's location and track ID, and send this information to the onboard computer; (ii) communication between onboard computers of nearby locomotives.
• Combined, this system enables communication between stations and train pilots, aids pilots in decision-making (even without visually spotting another train), regulates speed, issues alerts in areas with low visibility, and automatically applies emergency brakes when a collision is anticipated.
• Communication: The remote interface unit transmits data to the master computer through fiber-optic cables. The master computer communicates with the locomotive computer via ultra-high frequency radio. The onboard computer uses GSM-Railway to interact with the overall network management system, which powers the Kavach CAS, and authenticates communications with nearby master computers and locomotive computers.
• Control: Similar to cars, the onboard computer is linked to various parts of the locomotive, including the braking system and an alarm system to alert pilots. While operating the train, pilots use a specialized interface, such as a digital screen, to receive information from the computer and provide inputs. The station master has a similar interface with the capability to send emergency messages as needed

 

5. Does CAS help in ships and aircraft?

 

• The Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) for aircraft also operates on a computer-communication-control framework similar to that used in trains. A crucial component of this system is the transponder, a device that responds when it receives a radio-frequency signal. By utilizing the transponders of other nearby aircraft, the host aircraft can generate a 3D view of the surrounding air traffic.
• A key feature of aircraft CAS is the alert system. If another aircraft is detected to be on a potential collision course within 48 seconds, the system issues a traffic advisory, prompting the pilots to visually locate the other aircraft.
• If the potential collision is less than 30 seconds away, the system escalates the alert, requiring the pilots to take action: they must report the situation to air traffic control and, if necessary, maneuver the aircraft to avoid the collision, even if this contradicts air traffic control’s instructions. Once the danger has passed, the pilots are expected to return the aircraft to its original course.
• Additionally, aircraft may be equipped with radar altimeters to measure the distance to the ground, as well as systems to alert pilots to tall obstacles like towers and antennas.
• Similar to aircraft and cars, ships use a combination of visual sightings and radar to avoid collisions. This process is supported by additional systems such as AIS (Automatic Identification System) and LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking). AIS involves land-based stations tracking data from transceivers on ships to determine their location, speed, and direction, and then transmitting this information back to the vessels.
• LRIT requires ships on international voyages to report their location, local time, and onboard equipment status every six hours to the authorities of the country under whose flag they are sailing.
• This data is then shared with other contracting governments and operators of search-and-rescue missions via the International LRIT Data Exchange, as mandated by the International Maritime Organization

6. Sattelites and CAS

 

• An alternative to the transponder-based system for aircraft is the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system. This technology gathers and processes information broadcasted by each aircraft through satellites to determine the relative position, heading, and speed of multiple aircraft. Similarly, ships can benefit from satellite-assisted Automatic Identification Systems (S-AIS) to track vessels that are out of range of land-based AIS stations.
• The introduction of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) revolutionized navigation and collision avoidance globally, with some countries enhancing it with their own systems to meet specific national requirements. For instance, India plans to use its NavIC satellite constellation to support road and railway traffic management.
• In the Front Car + Back Car scenario, if the country has a GPS-tagged database of traffic elements like stop signs, turns, signals, and intersections, the CAS in the vehicles can be supplemented with GPS data.
• Although civilian GPS accuracy is limited to about 10 meters, which is insufficient for collision avoidance systems, this limitation can be mitigated with differential GPS technology, which can enhance the accuracy to less than a meter

 

 

For Prelims: Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, KAVACH System, Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Safety Integrity Level-­4 (SIL-­4) standards, Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD), Traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). For Mains: 1. The Indigenous train collision avoidance system also known as the automatic train protection system or Kavach, is to help the railways to achieve the goal of Zero Accidents. Comment.

 

Previous Year Questions 1.Consider the following communication technologies: (UPSC CSE 2022) Closed-circuit Television Radio Frequency Identification Wireless Local Area Network Which of the above are considered Short-Range devices/technologies? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (d) 2.“Kavach” system introduced by Indian Railways is a/an ______(SSC CHSL Tier I 2023) A.Insurance scheme for passengers B.Automatic crossing system C.Automatic Train Protection System D.System to increase the speed of the trains Answer (C)

Source: The Hindu