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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 04 DECEMBER 2024

OBCs AND SUBCATEGORIES

1. Context

The National Commission for Backward Classes has considered proposals for inclusion of 365 castes and communities on the Central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the 10 years between March 2014 and November 2024, the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry informed the Lok Sabha
 
2. Who are the Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?
  • Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are marginalized communities and castes in India that are neither Scheduled Castes (SCs) nor Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  • Their social and educational backwardness is often rooted in their caste status.
  • The Indian Constitution, under Articles 15(4) and 16(4), mandates affirmative action for OBCs, allowing the state to make special provisions for their advancement and reserve appointments or posts in their favour.
  • OBCs are generally identified based on their traditional occupations, primarily in agriculture and artisanal crafts.
  • However, there are significant disparities in marginalization levels among various OBC castes. A key distinction is between land-owning OBCs and those who don't own land.
  • The demand for subcategorization of OBCs has grown due to the perception that a few dominant OBC groups have disproportionately benefited from the 27% reservation policy implemented following the Mandal Commission recommendations.

3. Bihar's caste survey

  • Bihar's caste survey revealed that 27% of the population belongs to "backward" castes and 36% to "extremely backward" castes (EBCs).
  • The state has a history of attempts to categorize backward classes, with the Mungeri Lal Commission's recommendations implemented in the 1970s.
  • The Karpoori Thakur Formula divided the 26% reservation among OBCs, economically backward OBCs, women, and the poor from "upper castes."
  • Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has focused on reaching out to EBCs, a significant vote bank.
  • The current OBC reservation is divided among BC-I, BC-II, and OBC Women, but this could change based on the caste survey findings.

4. First OBC Commission 

  • The initial OBC Commission, led by Kaka Kalelkar, was established by the government of Jawaharlal Nehru on January 29, 1953, and it submitted its report on March 30, 1955.
  • To identify socially and educationally backward classes, this commission applied specific criteria, including low social standing within the traditional caste hierarchy of Hindu society, a lack of general educational advancement within the majority of the caste/community, inadequate or nonexistent representation in government positions, and insufficient representation in trade, commerce, and industry.
  • This commission created a list of 2,399 backward castes or communities across the country, with 837 of them categorized as the "most backwards."
  • It also recommended the inclusion of caste enumeration in the 1961 census, along with a 25-40% reservation in various government job tiers and a 70% reservation for technical and professional institution admissions.
  • Unfortunately, the report never underwent parliamentary discussion and remained unimplemented due to the government's perception of impracticality in creating an all-India list.

4.1. Second OBC Commission

  • The second OBC Commission, known as the B.P. Mandal Commission, was appointed in 1979 during Morarji Desai's Janata government.
  • However, its implementation was only officially declared in 1990 under the government of V.P. Singh.
  • The Mandal Commission identified 3,743 castes and communities as OBCs, estimating their population at 52%.
  • It recommended a 27% reservation in government jobs and admissions to all government-run scientific, technical, and professional institutions.
  • The 27% OBC quota did not incorporate subcategories, although one member of the commission, L.R. Naik, dissented and proposed the division of OBCs into intermediate backward classes and depressed backward classes.
  • The Central Government's Official Memorandum regarding the implementation of the Mandal recommendations, issued on September 25, 1991, stipulated that preference should be given to candidates from the economically disadvantaged sections of the SEBCs within the 27% reservation.
  • Nevertheless, the central government consistently implemented the quota by treating the entire OBC population as a single group and excluding the "creamy layer" of affluent candidates, as per criteria established after a Supreme Court ruling.

5. Subcategories in States

Over the years, state governments have devised their own criteria for distributing reservation benefits among various OBC categories, a practice that began well before the implementation of the Mandal recommendations at the national level.

  • In Andhra Pradesh, OBCs are categorized into five subgroups:
(A) Aboriginal tribes, Vimukt Jatis, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes, etc.;
(B) Professional groups like tappers, weavers, carpenters, ironsmiths, goldsmiths, kamsalins, etc.;
(C) SC converts to Christianity and their descendants;
(D) all other OBC castes and communities not covered in the previous three categories;
(E) 14 Muslim OBC castes were identified in 2007.
  • These groups share 29% reservation benefits, divided into 7%, 10%, 1%, 7%, and 4%, respectively. Telangana follows a similar model.
  • In Karnataka, the 207 OBC castes are divided into five sub-groups.
  • Jharkhand has two groups: Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Backward Classes.
  • In West Bengal, the 143 OBC castes are categorized into More Backwards and Backwards.
  • In Maharashtra, the 21% OBC reservation is divided between the Special Backward Category (2%) and Other Backward Classes (19%).
  • In Tamil Nadu, the 50% OBC quota is distributed among Backward Classes (26.5%), Backward Class Muslims (3.5%), and Most Backward Classes/Denotified Community (20%).
  • In Kerala, the 40% OBC reservation is divided into eight subgroups, including Ezhava/Thiyya/Billava (14%) and Muslims (12%).
  • In Uttar Pradesh, Rajnath Singh established a Social Justice Committee to subcategorize SCs and OBCs to provide quotas within quotas.
  • The Hukum Singh Committee categorized Yadavs as 'forwards' among the backward classes and ranked more influential communities like Jats below them, placing Jatavs at the top among SCs.
  • The report faced challenges in the Supreme Court, and the BSP-BJP government led by Mayawati did not proceed with the implementation.

6. UPA’s subcategorisation bid
  • The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government sought to address the issue of subcategorization of OBCs in response to political developments and the BJP's emphasis on OBC identity.
  • In 2015, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) proposed dividing OBCs into three subcategories: Extremely Backward Classes, More Backward Classes, and Backward Classes.
  • However, this recommendation was not implemented, and a new commission under Justice G Rohini was formed in 2017.
  • The Rohini Commission submitted its report in 2023, but its contents are not publicly available.
For Prelims: Rohini Commission, OBC, National Commission for Backward Classes, Hukum Singh Committee, B.P. Mandal Commission,  Kaka Kalelkar Commission, 
For Mains: 
1. "Discuss the significance of caste enumeration and subcategorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the context of India's reservation policies. How does it impact social equity and representation?" (250 Words)
2.  Critically assess the role of the Mandal Commission and subsequent commissions in addressing the issue of OBC reservation and subcategorization. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing subcategorization policies.  (250 Words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions

1. Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: (UPSC 2023)

  1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
  2. The National Human Rights Commission
  3. The National Law Commission
  4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

How many of the above constitutional bodies?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Answer: A

2. The First Backward Classes Commission was chaired by: (Dehli Police Constable 2020) (TNPSC Group 1)

A. V.P. Singh     B. PG Shah        C. Kaka Kalelkar       D. Anup Singh

Answer: C
 
Source: The Indian Express
 

IPCC

 

1. Context

The urgency of climate change has never been more evident. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted the need for significantly stronger commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Current policies, if continued globally, are expected to lead to a temperature rise of up to 3.1°C

2. Synthesis Report

  • The IPCC, an UN-backed scientific body whose periodic assessments of climate science form the basis of global climate action, is set to finalize what is known as the Synthesis Report, incorporating the findings of the five reports that it has released in the sixth assessment cycle since 2018.
  • The Synthesis Report is supposed to be a relatively non-technical summary of the previous reports, aimed largely at policymakers around the world.
  • It is meant to address a wide range of policy-relevant scientific questions related to climate change, but, like all IPCC reports, in a non-prescriptive manner. 
  • This will bring an end to the Sixth Assessment Report, a collective work of thousands of scientists over a period of eight years, starting in February 2015.

3. Significance of the report

  • The Synthesis Report is unlikely to reveal anything new. Climate science is fairly well established, and its impacts are already visible.
  • As part of the sixth assessment cycle, the IPCC published three comprehensive reports- one on scientific evidence for climate change, the other on impacts and vulnerabilities, and the third exploring mitigation options available.
  • Besides these, special reports on the feasibility of keeping global temperature rise within the 1.5-degree celsius limit, and the connections between land, ocean, and cryosphere, were also released.
  • Together, these form the most comprehensive understanding of the earth's climate system, the changes it is undergoing, the repercussions of these changes, and the actions that should be taken to avoid the worst impacts.

4. The upcoming meetings

  • The release of the synthesis report on March 20 would be immediately followed by a ministerial-level meeting in Copenhagen.
  • This will discuss ways to implement the decisions taken at last year's climate meeting in Sharm el-sheikh, especially the one related to the creation of a new fund to help countries hit by climate-related disasters.
  • This meeting is aimed at building the atmosphere for more ambitious agreements at this year's climate conference, scheduled in Dubai towards the end of the year.
  • Later next week, the UN 2023 Water Conference will take place, with climate change as one of the most important agendas.
  • Two G-20 meetings around the climate change theme are also scheduled towards the end of this month, one in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and the other in Gandhinagar, Gujrat.

5. About IPCC

  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change.
  • IPCC was created in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the objective of the IPCC is to provide governments at all levels with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies.
  • IPCC reports are also a key input into international climate change negotiations. The IPCC is an organisation of governments that are members of the United Nations or WMO.
  • The IPCC has currently 195 members. Thousands of people from all over the world contribute to the work of the IPCC.
  • For the assessment reports, experts volunteer their time as IPCC authors to assess the thousands of scientific papers published each year to provide a comprehensive summary of what is known about the drivers of climate change, its impacts, and future risks, and how adaptation and mitigation can reduce those risks.
  • An open and transparent review by experts and governments around the world is an essential part of the IPCC process, to ensure an objective and complete assessment and to reflect a diverse range of views and expertise.
  • Through its assessments, the IPCC identifies the strength of scientific agreement in different areas and indicates where further research is needed. The IPCC does not conduct its own research.

6. Working Groups and Task Force of IPCC

  • The IPCC is divided into three working Groups and a task force.
  • Working group I deals with the physical science basis of climate change, working group II with Climate change impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability, and Working group III with the Mitigation of Climate Change.
  • The main objective of the Taskforce on National greenhouse gas inventories is to develop and refine a methodology for the calculation and reporting of national greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
  • Alongside the working Groups and the Taskforce, other Task Groups may be established by the panel for a set time period to consider a specific topic or question.
  • One example is the decision at the 47th Session of the IPCC in Paris in March 2018 to establish a Task Group to improve gender balance and address gender-related issues within the IPCC.
  • That Task Group completed its work and their work was fundamental to the Panel Adoption and Gender Policy and Implementation Plan.

7. Structure of IPCC

Image Source: IPCC

8. The Reports by IPCC

Since the creation of the IPCC, each Assessment Report has fed directly into international climate policymaking.
  • In 1990, the First IPCC Assessment Report (FAR) underlined the importance of climate change as a challenge with global consequences and requiring international cooperation. It played a decisive role in the creation of the UNFCCC, the key international treaty to reduce global warming and cope with the consequences of climate change.
  • The Second Assessment Report (SAR) 1995 provided important material for governments to draw from in the run-up to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997.
  • The Third Assessment Report (TAR) 2001 focused attention on the impacts of climate change and the need for adaptation.
  • The Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) 2007 laid the groundwork for a post-Kyoto agreement, focusing on limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius.
  • The Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) was finalized between 2013 and 2014. It provided scientific input into the Paris Agreement. 
  • The IPCC is currently in its sixth Assessment cycle where it will prepare three special reports, a Methodology Report, and the Sixth Assessment Report.
  • The First of these Special Reports, Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR15), was requested by world governments under the Paris Agreement.
  • In May 2019, the IPCC finalised the 2019 Refinement an update to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.
  • The Special Report on Climate Change and Land (SRCCL) will be finalized in August 2019 and the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) will be finalized in September 2019.
  • The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) is expected to be finalized in 2022 in time for the first global stocktake the following year.

9. Nobel Prize for IPCC

In 2007, the IPCC and U.S. Vice-President Al Gore were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measure that are needed to counteract such things. The Prize was awarded at the end of the year which saw the IPCC bring out its Fourth Assessment Report (AR4).

Previous year Question

1. 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
Answer: A
 
2. 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
Answer: D

For Prelims & Mains

For Prelims: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Synthesis Report, United Nations (UN), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), G-20 meeting, UN 2023 Water Conference, First IPCC Assessment Report (FAR), Second Assessment Report (SAR) 1995, Third Assessment Report (TAR) 2001, Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) 2007,  Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), Special Report on Climate Change and Land (SRCCL), Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
For Mains: 1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. Discuss?
Source: The Indian Express and IPCC
 

THE PLACES OF WORSHIP ACT

1. Context

A suit filed against the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, in which the trial court issued an ex-parte order permitting a survey of the mosque, triggered violence on November 24, resulting in the death of four persons. The petitioners have alleged that the 16th-century mosque was built at the site of an ancient Hari Har Mandir which was purportedly demolished by Mughal ruler Babur in 1529

2. The Places of Worship Act and its Provisions 

The long title describes it as “An Act to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”
 
Section 3 of the Act bars the conversion, in full or part, of a place of worship of any
religious denomination into a place of worship of a different religious denomination or even a different segment of the same religious denomination.

Section 4(1) declares that the religious character of a place of worship “shall continue to be the same as it existed” on August 15, 1947.
 
Section 4(2) says any suit or legal proceeding with respect to the conversion of the religious character of any place of worship existing on August 15, 1947, pending before any court, shall abate and no fresh suit or legal proceedings shall be instituted.
 
The proviso to this subsection saves suits, appeals and legal proceedings that are pending on the date of commencement of the Act, if they pertain to the conversion of the religious character of a place of worship after the cut-off date.

Section 5 stipulates that the Act shall not apply to the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, and to any suit, appeal or proceeding relating to it.

At least two petitions challenging the Act are pending before the Supreme Court.
 
The law has been challenged on the ground that it bars judicial review, which is a basic feature of the Constitution, imposes an “arbitrary irrational retrospective cutoff date”, and abridges the right to religion of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs.

3. Reasons for bringing of the act

  • The Act was brought by the  Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao at a time when the Ram temple movement was at its peak.
  • The Babri Masjid was still standing, but L K Advani’s rath yatra, his arrest in Bihar and the firing on kar sevaks in Uttar Pradesh had raised communal tensions.
Moving the Bill in Parliament, then Home Minister S B Chavan said: “It is considered necessary to adopt these measures in view of the controversies arising from time to time with regard to conversion of places of worship which tend to vitiate the communal atmosphere Adoption of this Bill will effectively prevent any new controversies from arising in respect of conversion of any place of worship…”

4. Supreme Court verdict

  • The constitutional validity of the 1991 Act was not under challenge, nor had it been examined before the Supreme Court Bench that heard the Ramjanmaboomi-Babri Masjid title suit.
  • Even so, the court, while disagreeing with certain conclusions drawn by the Allahabad High Court about the Act, made specific observations in its support.
  • “In providing a guarantee for the preservation of the religious character of places of public worship as they existed on 15 August 1947 and against the conversion of places of public worship, Parliament determined that independence from colonial rule furnishes a constitutional basis for healing the injustices of the past by providing the confidence to every religious community that their places of worship will be preserved and that their character will not be altered,” the court said.

5. Constitutional obligations

  • The law addresses itself to the State as much as to every citizen of the nation.
  • The State, has by enacting the law, enforced a constitutional commitment and operationalised its constitutional obligations to uphold the equality of all religions and secularism which is a part of the basic features of the Constitution.
  • The Places of Worship Act imposes a non-derogable obligation towards enforcing our commitment to secularism under the Indian Constitution.
  • The law is hence a legislative instrument designed to protect the secular features of the Indian polity, which is one of the basic features of the Constitution.
  • The Places of Worship Act is a legislative intervention which preserves non-retrogression as an essential feature of our secular values.
For Prelims & Mains
 
For Prelims: The Places of Worship Act, secularism, Indian Constitution, Ramjanmaboomi-Babri Masjid title suit, 
For Mains:
1. What is the Places of Worship Act and discuss its constitutional obligations (250 words)
 
Source: The Indian Express
 

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ)

 
 
 
1. Context
The top United Nations court took up the largest case in its history on Monday, hearing the plight of several small island nations helpless in combating the devastating impact of climate change that they feel endangers their very survival. They demand that major polluting nations be held to account.
 
2.Why Israel faced accusations at the World Court?
 
  • South Africa brought a case against Israel to the ICJ on December 29, under UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention. In its application, South Africa argued that Israel, in its ongoing Gaza assault, has transgressed from the provisions of Article 2 of the Convention. This article defines the term “genocide” to mean “acts committed with intent to destroy, wholly or partly, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group”.
  • The ICJ will eventually decide whether Israel is committing genocide or not — this may take years. But first, it will decide whether it has jurisdiction on this matter, and whether the alleged acts fall under the 1948 Convention.
  • South Africa has also sought interim relief for the Palestinians, and asked the ICJ to order Israel to immediately suspend all military operations in Gaza, as an interim measure.
  • The court is likely to rule on this in a matter of weeks. While the court’s rulings are legally binding, it has no way to enforce them. Nonetheless, its opinions carry weight with the UN and other international institutions
3.What is UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention?
 
  • The United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, commonly known as the Genocide Convention, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 9, 1948, and entered into force on January 12, 1951. It was one of the first major international treaties established in the aftermath of World War II, aiming to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.
  • The Genocide Convention defines genocide as certain acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. The acts specified in the convention include killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions leading to the group's physical destruction, imposing measures to prevent births within the group, and forcibly transferring children from the group to another.
  • The convention recognizes genocide as a crime under international law and obligates its signatories to prevent and punish acts of genocide. Signatory states are required to take measures within their jurisdiction to prevent and punish genocide, both in times of peace and during armed conflicts. Additionally, the convention established the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the primary judicial organ for disputes related to its interpretation and application.
  • The Genocide Convention remains a crucial international legal instrument for addressing and preventing the most egregious crimes against humanity. It has played a significant role in shaping the framework for international criminal law and promoting accountability for those responsible for genocide

 

4.What is International Court of Justice?

 

 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in 1945 and began its activities in 1946. The ICJ is located in The Hague, Netherlands.

The main functions of the International Court of Justice include settling legal disputes between states and providing advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council, or other specialized agencies and organs authorized by the UN. It is important to note that the ICJ only deals with legal disputes between states and does not have jurisdiction over individuals or non-state entities.

Key features of the International Court of Justice:

  • Composition: The ICJ consists of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council. These judges serve nine-year terms, and the composition aims to represent a fair geographical distribution.

  • Jurisdiction: The ICJ has two main types of jurisdiction:

    • Contentious Jurisdiction: The ICJ hears cases between states that voluntarily submit their disputes to the Court. Both parties must agree to the Court's jurisdiction.
    • Advisory Jurisdiction: The ICJ provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by UN organs and specialized agencies. These opinions are advisory and not binding.

  • Adjudication: The Court uses a range of legal principles, treaties, and customary international law to make its decisions. The judgments of the ICJ are final and binding on the parties involved in the case.

  • Independence: The ICJ operates independently of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council in its judicial functions. It is intended to function as a separate judicial body.

  • Role in International Law: The ICJ contributes to the development and clarification of international law through its judgments and advisory opinions. Its decisions are considered influential in shaping the principles of international law

 
5.International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice
 
Aspect International Criminal Court (ICC) International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Establishment Established in 2002 by the Rome Statute Established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter
Nature Criminal court with jurisdiction over individuals for serious crimes Principal judicial organ of the United Nations, handles state disputes
Jurisdiction Primarily focuses on individuals for crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression Resolves legal disputes between states, gives advisory opinions
Membership States become members by ratifying the Rome Statute Open to UN member states; states must accept ICJ's jurisdiction
Prosecutorial Authority Independent Prosecutor appointed by the Assembly of States Parties No prosecuting authority; relies on disputing states to present cases
Adjudication Adjudicates cases against individuals for criminal responsibility Adjudicates disputes between states; provides advisory opinions
Composition Judges elected by the Assembly of States Parties 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council
Location The Hague, Netherlands The Hague, Netherlands
Focus Individual criminal responsibility State-to-state disputes, advisory opinions
Binding Decisions Decisions are binding on individuals and states Judgments and opinions are binding only on the parties involved
Role in International Law Enforces and develops international criminal law Contributes to the development of general principles of international law
Relationship with the UN Independent organization but cooperates with the UN Principal judicial organ of the UN
 
 
6. Way forward
 
The ICJ will eventually decide whether Israel is committing genocide or not — this may take years. But first, it will decide whether it has jurisdiction on this matter, and whether the alleged acts fall under the 1948 Convention. South Africa has also sought interim relief for the Palestinians, and asked the ICJ to order Israel to immediately suspend all military operations in Gaza, as an interim measure. The court is likely to rule on this in a matter of weeks. While the court’s rulings are legally binding, it has no way to enforce them. Nonetheless, its opinions carry weight with the UN and other international institutions
 
 
 
 
 
For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.
For Mains: General Studies II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
 
Source: Indianexpress
 

IMD'S COLOUR CODED WEATHER ALERTS

 
 
 
1. Context
 
India experienced its second warmest November in 123 years, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said
 
2. Weather alerts issued by IMD
 
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) frequently releases color-coded alerts to inform the public about impending weather events and their intensity. These alerts are triggered by adverse weather conditions like rain, snowfall, thunderstorms, squalls, hailstorms, dust storms, and extreme temperatures, including heat waves and cold waves. The issuance of these color codes—Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red—depends on specific criteria, primarily the probability of the event and the potential impact. These warnings are typically valid for up to five days
 
3. How are alerts are issued?
 

Alerts are issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) based on the assessment of various weather parameters and the potential impact of upcoming weather events. The process generally involves the following steps:

  • Weather Monitoring and Data Analysis: The IMD continuously monitors weather patterns using satellite imagery, radar data, and ground-based observations. Meteorologists analyze this data to predict the likelihood and severity of different weather events.

  • Forecasting: Based on the analysis, weather models are run to forecast conditions such as rainfall, thunderstorms, snowfall, heatwaves, cold waves, etc. The forecasts are generated for different regions and time periods, typically ranging from a few hours to several days in advance.

  • Risk Assessment: The IMD evaluates the potential impact of the predicted weather event on people, property, and infrastructure. This assessment considers factors like the intensity of the event, the affected area, and the vulnerability of the population.

  • Color-Coded Alerts:

    • Green Alert: No significant weather; no action is required.
    • Yellow Alert: Be aware; indicates weather conditions that could escalate but are not expected to cause significant harm.
    • Orange Alert: Be prepared; indicates potentially dangerous weather that could cause disruption and require precautions.
    • Red Alert: Take action; indicates severe weather that is likely to cause significant damage and pose a high risk to life and property.

  • Dissemination: Once the appropriate alert level is determined, the IMD issues the alert through various channels, including their official website, social media, mobile apps, television, radio, and coordination with local authorities.

 
4. Significance of these alerts
 
The significance of the color-coded alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) lies in their ability to enhance preparedness, minimize risks, and protect lives and property during adverse weather conditions.
 
Here's how these alerts are important:
  • The primary purpose of these alerts is to safeguard the public. By providing early warnings of severe weather conditions, people can take necessary precautions, such as seeking shelter during a storm, avoiding travel during hazardous conditions, or preparing for extreme temperatures
  • These alerts enable government agencies, local authorities, and disaster management teams to prepare for potential emergencies. This may include deploying resources, setting up shelters, issuing evacuation orders, or mobilizing rescue operations in anticipation of the event.
  • Alerts help individuals and businesses make informed decisions. For example, farmers can protect their crops, fishermen can avoid going out to sea, and airlines can reschedule flights, all based on the severity of the alert
  • By alerting businesses and industries to impending weather disruptions, these alerts help minimize economic losses. For instance, construction sites can secure equipment, supply chains can adjust logistics, and events can be rescheduled to avoid damage.
  • Regularly issued alerts foster a culture of awareness and preparedness within communities. People become more attuned to weather patterns and more responsive to warnings, reducing the likelihood of injury or loss.
  • In cases of environmental hazards like floods, landslides, or wildfires, these alerts play a crucial role in preventing further environmental degradation by prompting timely interventions.
  • Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and those with health conditions, are more susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather. Alerts allow caregivers and authorities to take proactive steps to protect these individuals
  • IMD's alerts are also significant for international and regional cooperation, as weather events often transcend borders. Sharing information helps neighboring countries or regions prepare for the potential spread of weather impacts
5. India Meteorological Department (IMD)
 
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national meteorological agency of India, responsible for weather forecasting, monitoring, and issuing warnings related to weather events. Established in 1875, the IMD operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and plays a crucial role in providing meteorological services to various sectors of the Indian economy
 
Key functions of IMD:
 
  • IMD provides short-term and long-term weather forecasts for different regions of India, helping people, businesses, and government agencies plan and prepare for various weather conditions
  • IMD issues color-coded alerts (Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red) to inform the public and authorities about impending severe weather events such as cyclones, heatwaves, cold waves, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms
  • The department monitors the climate of India and conducts research on various climatic patterns and phenomena. It also tracks and analyzes data related to monsoons, droughts, and climate change
  • IMD plays a vital role in tracking cyclones and issuing timely warnings to coastal regions, helping in the evacuation and disaster management processes
  • IMD provides weather-related information and advisories to the agricultural sector, aiding farmers in making informed decisions about sowing, irrigation, and harvesting
  • IMD offers meteorological services to the aviation industry, providing weather forecasts and warnings that are critical for flight safety and operations
  • IMD collaborates with various international meteorological organizations and contributes to global weather and climate studies
 
6. Way forward
 
IMD operates a vast network of observatories, radar stations, and satellite systems to collect and analyze meteorological data. It also uses advanced computer models and technology to improve the accuracy of weather predictions and warnings
 

 

For Prelims: Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic geography of India and the World.

For Mains:  GS-I, Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones. etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes
 
 
Source: Indianexpress
 

UN CONVENTION ON COMBATING DESERTIFICATION (UNCCD)

 
 
1. Context
 
 
According to UNCCD, land degradation is “the reduction or loss of the biological or economic productivity and complexity of rainfed cropland, irrigated cropland, or range, pasture, forest and woodlands resulting from a combination of pressures, including land use and management practices”
 

2. About the UN Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD)

 

The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a global agreement addressing desertification, land degradation, and drought. It was adopted in 1994 and entered into force in 1996. The Convention focuses on the sustainable management and restoration of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas, which are particularly vulnerable to desertification and degradation.

The function of the UNCCD

The primary function of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is to address land degradation and desertification, particularly in drylands (arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas). It focuses on promoting sustainable land management practices to combat land degradation and desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.

  • The UNCCD helps countries develop and implement national action programs tailored to address their specific challenges related to land degradation and desertification.
  • The convention promotes scientific cooperation and knowledge sharing among countries. This facilitates the exchange of best practices in sustainable land management techniques.
  • The UNCCD works to facilitate access to financial resources for affected countries. This allows them to implement the necessary programs and projects to combat land degradation.
  • The UNCCD plays a significant role in raising public awareness about the importance of healthy land**. This fosters a global understanding of the environmental, social, and economic consequences of desertification and land degradation.
 

3. What are COPs?

 

COP stands for Conference of the Parties. It's a supreme decision-making body established by an international treaty, typically focusing on environmental issues.  Review the implementation of the convention or treaty they represent and make decisions necessary to promote its effectiveness. All member states (or "Parties") to the convention come together as representatives at COPs. This allows for a collaborative and inclusive approach to addressing global challenges.

COPs are generally held annually, although the exact schedule can vary depending on the specific treaty. Some well-known COPs include:
  1. COP to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)  is the annual conference where countries discuss and negotiate actions to address climate change. (e.g. COP27 refers to the 27th Conference of the Parties)
  2. COP to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) focuses on issues related to biodiversity and the conservation of biological resources.
  3. COP to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates international trade in endangered species to ensure their survival.

COPs play a critical role in international environmental governance. They provide a platform for countries to:

  • Share best practices and knowledge
  • Address emerging environmental challenges
  • Strengthen international cooperation
  • Make progress towards achieving the goals of the convention

 

4. The causes of extreme weather events

 

Extreme weather events can have various causes, often influenced by natural processes and human activities. The key factors contributing to extreme weather events include

Climate Change

  • Climate change, driven primarily by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, is altering weather patterns worldwide.
  • Rising global temperatures lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires, as well as changes in precipitation patterns, including heavier rainfall and increased frequency of intense storms.

Natural Climate Variability

  • Natural climate cycles, such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), can influence weather patterns on regional and global scales.
  • Variations in ocean temperatures, atmospheric pressure systems, and wind patterns associated with these climate oscillations can lead to extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and hurricanes.
Atmospheric Circulation Patterns
  • Atmospheric circulation patterns, such as jet streams and atmospheric rivers, play a crucial role in shaping weather systems and influencing the distribution of precipitation and temperature.
  • Changes in these circulation patterns, caused by factors like sea surface temperatures, land surface characteristics, and topographic features, can result in prolonged periods of extreme weather, such as droughts or heavy rainfall.

Topography and Geography

  • Local topography and geographic features can contribute to the occurrence of extreme weather events. For example, mountain ranges can enhance orographic lifting, leading to heavy rainfall and flooding on windward slopes and dry conditions on leeward slopes.
  • Coastal regions are susceptible to tropical cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding, particularly in areas prone to sea level rise and land subsidence.

Land Use and Land Cover Changes

  • Human activities such as urbanization, deforestation, and agriculture can alter local weather patterns and exacerbate the risk of extreme weather events.
  • Urban heat island effect, where urban areas experience higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas, can intensify heatwaves and exacerbate air pollution.
  • Deforestation can disrupt local hydrological cycles, leading to changes in precipitation patterns, soil moisture levels, and runoff characteristics, which can increase the likelihood of floods and landslides.

Air Pollution

  • Air pollution, particularly from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and biomass burning, can influence weather and climate by affecting cloud formation, atmospheric stability, and the distribution of heat and moisture.
  • Aerosols and pollutants can interact with clouds and precipitation, altering their properties and influencing precipitation patterns, intensity, and duration.

 

5. The effects of extreme weather events on the Economy

 

Extreme weather events can have significant economic impacts, affecting various sectors of the economy and leading to direct and indirect costs. 

Infrastructure Damage

  • Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and storms can cause extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, and utilities.
  • Repairing and rebuilding infrastructure can entail significant costs for governments, businesses, and households, diverting resources from other priorities and investments.
Crop and Livestock Losses:
  • Droughts, heatwaves, floods, and severe storms can damage crops, reduce yields, and destroy livestock, leading to agricultural losses.
  • Crop failures and livestock losses can result in reduced agricultural output, lower incomes for farmers, higher food prices, and disruptions in supply chains, impacting both agricultural producers and consumers.

Disruption of Business Operations:

  • Extreme weather events can disrupt business operations, leading to production delays, supply chain interruptions, and temporary closures.
  • Businesses may incur additional costs for repairing damaged facilities, replacing equipment, and meeting insurance deductibles, as well as lost revenue from decreased sales and customer demand.

Impact on Tourism and Recreation:

  • Extreme weather events can affect tourism and recreational activities, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters or seasonal weather extremes.
  • Beach closures, damage to tourist attractions, and transportation disruptions can deter visitors, leading to reduced tourism revenues and employment opportunities in affected regions.

Healthcare Costs

  • Extreme heatwaves, wildfires, and air pollution events can increase healthcare costs by exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, heat-related illnesses, and injuries.
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities may experience higher demand for medical services, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations during extreme weather events, straining healthcare resources and budgets.

Insurance and Financial Losses

  • Insurance companies may face significant payouts for property damage, crop losses, business interruptions, and liability claims resulting from extreme weather events.
  • Reinsurance costs may rise in response to increased frequency and severity of weather-related losses, leading to higher premiums for policyholders and reinsurers.

Loss of Life and Human Suffering

  • Extreme weather events can result in loss of life, injuries, displacement, and psychological trauma for affected individuals and communities.
  • Human suffering and loss of productivity can have long-term social and economic consequences, including increased healthcare costs, reduced workforce participation, and loss of human capital.

 

6. Way Forward

 

The international community can work towards achieving the goals of the UNCCD and safeguarding land resources for current and future generations. Collaboration, innovation, and collective action are essential to combat desertification, preserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable development worldwide.

 

For Prelims: UNCCD, Extreme Weather events, Climate change
For Mains: 
1. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) plays a vital role in addressing global environmental challenges. Discuss the key functions of the UNCCD and critically evaluate its effectiveness in achieving its objectives. (250 words)
2. Extreme weather events pose a significant threat to the global economy. Explain how desertification and climate change contribute to the occurrence of extreme weather events. Suggest mitigation strategies to address these challenges. (250 words)
 
 
Previous Year Questions
 
1. What is/are the importance/importances of the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification'? (UPSC 2016)
1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of a major portion of financial resources to these regions.
3. It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating desertification.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
A. 1 only      B. 2 and 3 only   C.  1 and 3 only    D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
 
Mains
1. The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. (UPSC 2020)
2. In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? (UPSC 2016)
Source: The Indian Express
 
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