RARE DISEASES

1. Context

2. What are Rare Diseases?

• Rare diseases as the name suggests are conditions that affect very few people.
• The World Health Organisation defines it as any debilitating lifelong disease or disorder with a prevalence of ten or fewer per 10,000 population.
• other countries follow standards ranging between 1 and 10 cases per 10,000 to define a condition as a rare disease.
• There are about 7,000 to 8,000 conditions globally that have been defined as rare diseases.
• The landscape of rare diseases keeps changing, with newer conditions being identified and reported constantly.
• With limited experience with these diseases, they are extremely difficult to diagnose and more difficult to test for.
• A report quoted by the country’s National Rare Disease Policy 2021 says that in the United States, a person with rare disease gets diagnosed on average after 7.6 years and in the United Kingdom after 5.6 years.
• The patients have to visit as many as eight physicians, including four specialists, to get a diagnosis.
• Two to three misdiagnoses are also typical before getting the final diagnosis, as per the study.
• Even after one gets a diagnosis, most rare diseases do not have a specific treatment and, the ones that do can be prohibitively expensive.

3. What are the drugs that have been exempted from customs duty?

• Lysosomal storage disorder (a group of metabolic disorders that lead to a buildup of toxic materials in the cells).
• Maple syrup urine disease (a hereditary condition where the body cannot process the building blocks of proteins resulting in the buildup of harmful substances in blood and urine).
• Severe food protein allergy, Wilson’s disease (a disorder that results in the body accumulating copper) among others.
• These medicines usually attract a basic customs duty of 10 percent, with some vaccines or medicines attracting a lower 5 percent or nil as previously notified.
• Medicines for the treatment of spinal muscular athrophy and duchenne muscular dystrophy were already exempt from customs.
• This will be a huge relief for people living with rare diseases because many of the medicines and food products are not available in India and have to be imported.
• The cost of medicines is also usually very high, going up with the increasing age and weight of the person. And, the medicines for many of the conditions have to be taken for life. 

4. How can one avail of the exemption?

• To avail of the benefits, people importing it have to get a certificate from the central director general, deputy director general, or assistant director general of health services, director general of state health services, or district medical officer or civil surgeon.
• The certificate has to be provided to the deputy commissioner of customs or assistant commissioner of customs at the time of clearance. (or)
• The person will have to give the undertaking to furnish the certificate in a specified period, failing which the customs duty will have to be paid. 

5. Why are drugs for rare diseases so expensive?

• Even though there have been developments in the treatment of rare diseases in recent years, almost 95 percent of the conditions do not have specific treatment.
• With a very small number of people suffering from each of the 7,000- 8,000 rare conditions, they do not make a good market for drugs.
• This is the reason most pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to spend on research for treatments of the disease.
• This is the reason the medicine for rare conditions that do exist are known as “orphan drugs” and are prohibitively priced to recoup the cost of research and development.
• As per the National Rare Disease Policy, treatment for some rare diseases can vary from Rs 10 lakh to 1 crore per year for a child weighing 10 kg.
• The treatment has to be continued lifelong, with the costs going up along with the age and weight of the person.
• At present, very few pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing drugs for rare diseases globally and there are no domestic manufacturers in India.

6. Situation in India

• Data on how many people suffer from conditions that are considered to be rare diseases globally is not available in India.
• There is no epidemiological data on the incidence, but cases reported from tertiary care hospitals do get recorded in the national portal that was set up by the Indian Council of Medical Research after the rare disease policy came out.
• As per data submitted to the parliament in December 2021, at least 4,001 rare disease cases were recorded on the portal.

• Primary immunodeficiency disorder (a genetic condition that impairs the immune system)
• Lysosomal storage disorders (a group of metabolic disorders that lead to a buildup of toxic materials in the cells)
• Small molecule inborn errors of metabolism (a large group of genetic conditions, where the genetic code for metabolic enzymes are defective)
• Cystic fibrosis (a condition that severely damages the lung leading to the need for a transplant)
• Osteogenesis imperfect (a condition where bones fracture easily) and
• Certain forms of muscular dystrophies and spinal muscular atrophy. 

7. Government Provision for financial support

• Other than relief from customs duty, the government also has provision for providing financial support up to R50 lakh for the treatment of any kind of rare disease at the Centres of Excellence.
• Earlier, financial aid of up to R20 lakh was provided to those with Group 1 rare diseases where one-time curative treatments exist.

For Prelims & Mains

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

 

 

1. Context

Real GDP growth has clocked 8.2 per cent in the second quarter, following a print of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter. This number seems all the more heartening as it has come in the wake of the imposition of US tariffs and huge geopolitical uncertaintie

 

2. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

 

Gross domestic product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period. It is often used as a measure of a country's economic health

GDP provides insight into the overall economic health of a nation and is often used for comparing the economic output of different countries.

There are three primary ways to calculate GDP:

1. Production Approach (GDP by Production): This approach calculates GDP by adding up the value-added at each stage of production. It involves summing up the value of all final goods and services produced in an economy.

2. Income Approach (GDP by Income): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the incomes earned in an economy, including wages, rents, interests, and profits. The idea is that all the income generated in an economy must ultimately be spent on purchasing goods and services.

3. Expenditure Approach (GDP by Expenditure): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the expenditures made on final goods and services. It includes consumption by households, investments by businesses, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports).

3. Measuring GDP

GDP can be measured in three different ways:

1. Nominal GDP: This is the raw GDP figure without adjusting for inflation. It reflects the total value of goods and services produced at current prices.

2. Real GDP: Real GDP adjusts the nominal GDP for inflation, allowing for a more accurate comparison of economic performance over time. It represents the value of goods and services produced using constant prices from a specific base year.

3. GDP per capita: This is the GDP divided by the population of a country. It provides a per-person measure of economic output and can be useful for comparing the relative economic well-being of different countries.

The GDP growth rate is the percentage change in the GDP from one year to the next. A positive GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is growing, while a negative GDP growth rate indicates that the economy is shrinking

The GDP is a useful measure of economic health, but it has some limitations. For example, it does not take into account the distribution of income in an economy. It also does not take into account the quality of goods and services produced.

Despite its limitations, the GDP is a widely used measure of economic health. It is used by economists, policymakers, and businesses to track the performance of an economy and to make decisions about economic policy

4. Gross Value Added (GVA)

 

Gross Value Added (GVA) is a closely related concept to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is used to measure the economic value generated by various economic activities within a country. GVA represents the value of goods and services produced in an economy minus the value of inputs (such as raw materials and intermediate goods) used in production. It's a way to measure the contribution of each individual sector or industry to the overall economy.

GVA can be calculated using the production approach, similar to one of the methods used to calculate GDP. The formula for calculating GVA is as follows:

GVA = Output Value - Intermediate Consumption

Where:

• Output Value: The total value of goods and services produced by an industry or sector.
• Intermediate Consumption: The value of inputs used in the production process, including raw materials, energy, and other intermediate goods.

5. GDP vs GNP

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP) are both important economic indicators used to measure the size and health of an economy, but they focus on slightly different aspects of economic activity and include different factors. Here are the key differences between GDP and GNP:

1. Definition and Scope:

   • GDP: GDP measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders, regardless of whether the production is done by domestic or foreign entities. It only considers economic activities that take place within the country.
   • GNP: GNP measures the total value of all goods and services produced by a country's residents, whether they are located within the country's borders or abroad. It takes into account the production of residents, both domestically and internationally.

2. Foreign Income and Payments:

   • GDP: GDP does not consider the income earned by residents of a country from their economic activities abroad, nor does it account for payments made to foreigners working within the country.
   • GNP: GNP includes the income earned by a country's residents from their investments and activities abroad, minus the income earned by foreign residents from their investments within the country.

3. Net Factor Income from Abroad:

   • GDP: GDP does not account for net factor income from abroad, which is the difference between income earned by domestic residents abroad and income earned by foreign residents domestically.
   • GNP: GNP includes net factor income from abroad as part of its calculation.

4. Foreign Direct Investment:

   • GDP: GDP does not directly consider foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into or out of a country.
   • GNP: GNP considers the impact of FDI on the income of a country's residents, both from investments made within the country and from investments made by residents abroad.

5. Measurement Approach:

   • GDP: GDP can be calculated using three different approaches: production, income, and expenditure approaches.
   • GNP: GNP is primarily calculated using the income approach, as it focuses on the income earned by residents from their economic activities.

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: GDP, GVA, FDI, GNP For Mains: 1.Discuss the recent trends and challenges in India's GDP growth 2.Examine the role of the service sector in India's GDP growth 3.Compare and contrast the growth trajectories of India's GDP and GNP

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE, 2015) 1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade. 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 (b) 2.A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following? (UPSC CSE, 2015) 1. Slowing economic growth rate 2. Less equitable distribution of national income 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 Answer (a) Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (UPSC CSE GS3, 2020) Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (UPSC CSE GS3, 2021)

 

Source: indianexpress

 

INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION (IIP)

 

1. Context

Data on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation showed that growth in the index was last lower than the latest figures in August 2024, when it had come in at 0%.

2. About the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)

• The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is a macroeconomic indicator that measures the changes in the volume of production of a basket of industrial goods over some time.
• It is a composite index that reflects the performance of the industrial sector of an economy.
• The IIP is compiled and released by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) in India.
• The IIP is calculated using a Laspeyres index formula, which means that the weights assigned to different industries are based on their relative importance in a base year. The current base year for the IIP is 2011-12.
• The eight core sector industries represent about 40% of the weight of items that are included in the IIP.
• The eight core industries are Refinery Products, Electricity, Steel, Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Cement and Fertilizers.
• It covers 407 item groups included into 3 categories viz. Manufacturing, Mining and Electricity.
• The IIP is a useful tool for assessing the health of the industrial sector and the overall economy.
• It is used by policymakers, businesses, and investors to track trends in industrial production and make informed decisions.

3. Significance of IIP

The IIP is a significant economic indicator that provides insights into the following aspects

• The IIP reflects the growth or decline of the industrial sector, which is a major contributor to overall economic growth.
• The IIP measures the level of industrial activity, indicating the production volume of various industries.
• The IIP serves as a guide for policymakers to assess the effectiveness of economic policies and make informed decisions.
• Businesses use the IIP to assess market conditions, make production plans, and evaluate investment opportunities.
• The IIP influences investor sentiment as it reflects the overall health of the industrial sector.

4. Service Sector and IIP

• The IIP does not include the service sector. It focuses on the production of goods in the industrial sector, such as manufacturing, mining, and electricity.
• The service sector is measured by a separate index, the Index of Services Production (ISP).
• The IIP data is released monthly by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) in India.
• The data is released with a lag of six weeks, allowing for the collection and compilation of information from various industries.

5. Users of IIP Data

The IIP data is used by a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Government agencies and central banks use the IIP to assess economic conditions and formulate policies.
• Companies use the IIP to evaluate market trends, make production decisions, and assess investment opportunities.
• Investors use the IIP to gauge the health of the industrial sector and make investment decisions.
• Economic analysts and researchers use the IIP to study economic trends and develop forecasts.
• The IIP is widely reported in the media and is of interest to the general public as an indicator of economic performance.

6. Manufacturing Drives Industrial Production Growth

• Factory output gained on the back of a 9.3 per cent increase in manufacturing, which accounts for 77.6 per cent of the weight of the IIP (Index of Industrial Production).
• Manufacturing output had grown by 5 per cent in July and had contracted by 0.5 per cent in August 2022.
• In absolute terms, it improved to 143.5 in August from 141.8 in July and 131.3 in the year-ago period.
• As per the IIP data, seven of the 23 sectors in manufacturing registered a contraction in August, with furniture, apparel, and computer and electronics among the significant non-performers.
• Among the performing sectors, fabricated metal products, electrical equipment and basic metals fared better.
• Garments and chemicals witnessed negative growth. This can be attributed to lower growth in exports as these two are export-dependent.
• The electronics industry also witnessed negative growth, which again can be linked to existing high stocks and lower export demand.
• In terms of the use-based industries, consumer durables output returned to positive territory for the second time this fiscal with 5.7 per cent growth in August, reflecting a pickup in consumption demand.
• However, it came on the back of a 4.4 per cent contraction in consumer durables output in the year-ago period.
• Primary, infrastructure/ construction, and capital goods recorded double-digit growth rates in August at 12.4 per cent, 14.9 per cent and 12.6 per cent, respectively.

 

For Prelims: The Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Central Statistical Organisation,  For Mains:  1. Discuss the significance of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) as an economic indicator and its role in assessing the health of the industrial sector and the overall economy. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. In India, in the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eight Core Industries have a combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries? (UPSC CSE 2012) 1. Cement 2. Fertilizers 3. Natural gas 4. Refinery products 5. Textiles Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A. 1 and 5 only       B. 2, 3 and 4 only           C. 1, 2, 3 and 4 only         D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5   Answer: C

 

 

Source: indianexpress

 

THREE LANGUAGE POLICY

 

 

1. Context

 

The committee constituted to study the implementation of the three-language policy in Maharashtra schools will submit its final report to the State government on December 20. The panel held its last public consultation in Mumbai on Friday. Students, experts and political activists expressed their opinions during the consultation, which saw some heated arguments

 

2. What is a three language policy?

 

• The NEP 2020 continues with the three-language formula, originally introduced in the 1968 NEP. However, a key distinction is that while the earlier policy mandated Hindi as a compulsory language nationwide, NEP 2020 adopts a more flexible approach.
• Under the 1968 policy, Hindi-speaking states were required to teach Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language—preferably one from southern India—whereas non-Hindi-speaking states had to include their regional language, Hindi, and English in their curriculum.
• In contrast, the NEP 2020 does not impose any particular language on states. Instead, it allows states, regions, and students to choose their three languages, provided that at least two of them are Indian languages.
• This implies that while students must learn their state’s language, the additional Indian language does not have to be Hindi. The policy also highlights the importance of bilingual education, particularly in the home language or mother tongue alongside English.
• Additionally, Sanskrit is given notable emphasis as an optional choice within the three-language framework

3.Significance of the Three-Language Formula

 

The Three-Language Formula is an educational policy in India designed to promote multilingualism and linguistic harmony in a country with immense linguistic diversity. It was first proposed by the Kothari Commission in 1968 and has since been adopted by many states, with variations based on regional needs. The formula aims to balance the learning of regional, national, and international languages to foster unity, cultural preservation, and global competitiveness.

Key Objectives of the Three-Language Formula:

• Promote National Integration:

  • By encouraging the study of Hindi (the official language of the Union) and English (an associate official language), the formula seeks to bridge communication gaps between states and promote national unity.

  • It also respects regional languages, ensuring that local cultures and identities are preserved.

• Preserve Linguistic Diversity:

  • India is home to hundreds of languages and dialects. The formula ensures that students learn their mother tongue or regional language, helping to sustain linguistic heritage.

• Enhance Global Competence:

  • The inclusion of English, a global lingua franca, prepares students for higher education and professional opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

• Facilitate Communication:

  • The formula aims to equip students with proficiency in multiple languages, enabling them to communicate effectively across different regions and cultures within India.

Structure of the Three-Language Formula:

• First Language: The mother tongue or regional language of the state.

• Second Language: Hindi (in non-Hindi-speaking states) or another Indian language (in Hindi-speaking states).

• Third Language: English or a modern Indian language (depending on the state's policy)

 

 

4. Challenges

 

• Tamil Nadu has historically opposed the imposition of Hindi. In 1937, when the C. Rajagopalachari-led government in Madras sought to make Hindi a compulsory subject in secondary schools, the Justice Party strongly resisted the move.
• During the protests, two young activists, Thalamuthu and Natarajan, lost their lives and became symbols of the anti-Hindi movement. Following widespread opposition, Rajaji resigned, and the British administration repealed the order.
• In 1965, as the deadline for making Hindi the sole official language of India approached, large-scale protests erupted in Tamil Nadu, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 people due to police action or self-immolation.
• The issue resurfaced when Parliament passed the Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 1967, and the Official Language Resolution, 1968, which mandated Hindi instruction under the three-language formula.
• In response, the C.N. Annadurai-led DMK government passed a resolution in January 1968, advocating for the abolition of the three-language policy and the removal of Hindi from Tamil Nadu's school curriculum.
• Since then, the state has consistently adhered to a two-language system, offering instruction only in Tamil and English. Both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK have steadfastly resisted any attempts to modify this approach. In 2019, widespread opposition led the Kasturirangan Committee to drop the mandatory Hindi clause from the draft National Education Policy (NEP

 

5.Why is the three-language policy seen as an attempt to impose Hindi?

 

 

• Political parties and activists in Tamil Nadu perceive the three-language policy as a covert attempt to introduce Hindi under the guise of linguistic diversity. They argue that, in reality, implementing this policy would inevitably result in Hindi being taught, as there are limited resources available for recruiting teachers and developing learning materials for other languages.
• Additionally, the Union Government and key BJP leaders have consistently advocated for the expansion of Hindi. In 2019, the Union Budget allocated ₹50 crore for hiring Hindi teachers in non-Hindi-speaking states.
• Critics argue that the Centre’s actions contradict its stated commitment to promoting regional languages, pointing to the insufficient recruitment of regional language teachers in Kendriya Vidyalayas and the lack of efforts to introduce South Indian languages in schools north of the Vindhyas

 

6. Way Forward

 

The most effective way forward is through meaningful dialogue and a balanced compromise between the Centre and the State, particularly on education—a subject that was moved to the Concurrent List during the Emergency. Tamil Nadu, which has adhered to its two-language policy for decades, has consistently achieved higher performance than many other states in crucial areas like Gross Enrolment Ratio and reducing school dropout rates. Disputes over introducing a third language should not be allowed to hinder funding for Samagra Shiksha, a comprehensive education programme

 

 

 

For Prelims: NEP 2020, National Curriculum Framework, Sustainable Development Goals, University Grants Commission, Kothari Commission, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan,  For Mains:  1. Discuss the key provisions and objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. How does it aim to transform the Indian education system, and what are its implications for inclusive development? (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018) 1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the State Council of Teacher Education concerned. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2         (b) 2 only            (c) 1 and 3            (d) 3 only Answer: B   2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2016) 1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the 'Club of Rome'. 2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030. 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: B   3. The objective(s) of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan is/are: (UKSSSC Forest Guard 2021)  A. To provide quality based education to all children from 14 to 18 years B. Universal standstill till the year 2020 C. To provide residential school for the students of remote areas D. All of the above   Answer: D

 

Source: The Hindu

 

PARIS AGREEMENT

1. Context

In a demonstration of the new-found assertiveness of the developing countries after having obtained a reasonably satisfactory outcome at the COP30 climate meeting in Belem, Brazil, India told the developed nations that their agenda on climate change could not be imposed on rest of the world, and that attempts to “overturn the architecture of the Paris Agreement” would not be allowed to succeed.

2. What is Paris Agreement?

• Paris Agreement is a multinational agreement that was signed as part of the UNFCCC with the intention of reducing and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
• 196 nations ratified the climate change agreement at the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris in December 2015. It is an international agreement that is binding on all parties involved.
• Achieving the long-term temperature goal was the purpose of the Paris Climate Accord. To attain a world without greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of the century, nations strive to peak global greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.
• The Paris Climate Accord's major objective is to keep global warming well below 2° Celsius and ideally below 1.5° Celsius in comparison to pre-industrial levels.
• The Paris Agreement is a watershed moment in the multilateral climate change process because it brings all nations together for the first time in a binding agreement to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.

3. COP21

• To keep the rise in the average world temperature to well under 2°C above pre-industrial levels. To continue making efforts to keep global warming to 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels, knowing that doing so would greatly lessen the dangers and effects of climate change.
• The Agreement also mentions achieving the global peaking of emissions by the middle of the century while taking into account the fact that developing nation Parties will have a longer peaking period.

4. What are NDCs

• At the Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which took place in Paris in December 2015, nations from all over the world pledged to establish a new global climate agreement by that time.
• In advance of a new international agreement, nations have committed to publicly state their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions or the climate activities they plan to take after 2020.
• The 2015 agreement's ambitious goals and whether the world is put on a course toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future will be largely determined by the INDCs.
• The Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) of India has also been submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
• Countries communicate actions they will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement's goals in their NDCs.
• Countries also communicate actions they will take to build resilience to adapt to the effects of rising temperatures in their NDCs.

Image Source: The Hindu

5. Highlights of the report on the performance of the Paris Agreement

• After the signing of the Agreement, the last eight years (2015-2022) have consecutively been the warmest years on record globally.
• The situation could have been far worse if the La Nina weather event had not occurred in the past three years, which has a cooling effect on the weather system.
• Globally updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius have failed even to achieve a 2-degree Celsius target.
• The Paris Agreement has not been able to equitably phase out fossil fuels predominantly responsible for the climate crisis.
• Neither the NDCs nor the disaster risk reduction and climate risk management plans are in place to combat climate-induced extreme weather phenomena.

6. A series of climate records fell over in 2022, the report showed. 

• Global mean temperature rising: The global mean temperature in 2022 was 1.15°C, ranging from 1.02°C to 1.28°C above the 1850–1900 average. This was the highest on record for the past eight years. The value is about 0.2°C higher than the statistic before 2015. The pre-industrialisation era is considered a benchmark as there was no significant anthropogenic emission at the time.
• Record melting of Antarctica ice: Sea ice in Antarctica dropped to an all-time low, 1.92 million square kilometres, on February 25, 2022. This was almost a million sq km below the mean of the last three decades till 2020. 
• Greenhouse gases surged: The levels of three major greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide — continued to increase in 2022. The data shows that growth rates of all three gases have increased around 20 per cent compared to 2011-15 levels.
• Sea level rise doubled: Global mean sea level continued to rise in 2022. It has doubled to 4.62 millimetres per year during 2013–2022 from 2.27 mm recorded in the first decade of the satellite record (1993–2002). The rate of increase quickened after 2015. Ocean heat content, which measures this gain in energy, reached a new observed record.
• Record thinning of glaciers: Long-term observational data is available for glaciers, which were found to have thinned over 1.3 metres between October 2021 and October 2022. The loss is much larger than before. The cumulative thickness loss since 1970 amounts to almost 30 metres.
• More than half of the oceans saw marine heatwaves in 2022:  Despite continuing La Nina conditions, 58 per cent of the ocean surface experienced at least one marine heatwave during 2022. 
• Heatwaves killed 15,000 in Europe: Record-breaking heatwaves affected China and Europe during the summer, with excess deaths associated with the heat in Europe exceeding 15000. Casualties were reported across Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Portugal.
• 1,600 suffered deaths from weather extremes in India: India suffered from significant flooding at various stages during monsoon, particularly in the northeast in June, with over 700 deaths reported from flooding and landslides and a further 900 from lightning.

For Prelims: Paris Agreement, Conference of the Parties (COP 21), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), UNFCCC, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). For 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)

 

Previous year Question 1. 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 for global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries 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 Answer: B   2. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of ( UPSC 2016) A. pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East B. plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change C. capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank D. plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals Answer: B

Source: Down to Earth