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

 

 

UNIFORM CIVIL CODE (UCC)

 

 

1. Context

 

Last week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the BJP would implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in West Bengal within six months if the party won the upcoming Assembly election in the state.

 

2. 22nd law commission on UCC

• Underlining that the Uniform Civil Code is “neither necessary nor desirable at this stage”, the 21st Law Commission of India, in 2018, argued for reform of family laws of every religion through amendments and codification of certain aspects so as to make them gender-just
• In its ‘Consultation Paper on Family Law Reforms’, the Law Commission took a stand in favour of “equality ‘within communities’ between men and women” (personal law reform), “rather than ‘equality between’ communities” (UCC)
• According to the 22nd Law Commission Cultural diversity cannot be compromised to the extent that our urge for uniformity itself becomes a reason for threat to the territorial integrity of the nation
• women must be guaranteed their freedom of faith without any compromise on their right to equality

 

3. What is the Uniform Civil Code

• A UCC would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities, in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc
• Currently, Indian personal law is fairly complex, with each religion adhering to its own specific laws
• Separate laws govern Hindus including Sikhs, Jains and Buddhist, Muslims, Christians, and followers of other religions
• Moreover, there is diversity even within communities. All Hindus of the country are not governed by one law, nor are all Muslims or all Christians
• For instance, in the Northeast, there are more than 200 tribes with their own varied customary laws
• The Constitution itself protects local customs in Nagaland. Similar protections are enjoyed by Meghalaya and Mizoram. Even reformed Hindu law, in spite of codification, protects customary practices
• The exception to this rule is the state of Goa, where all religions have a common law regarding marriages, divorces, and adoption

4. Constitution on UCC

• Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a UCC for citizens throughout the territory of India
• Article 44 is among the Directive Principles of State Policy. Directive Principles are not enforceable by court, but are supposed to inform and guide governance
• However, in some senses, Article 44 is unique in this manner. While Article 44 uses the words “state shall endeavour”, other Articles in the ‘Directive Principles’ chapter use words such as “in particular strive”; “shall in particular direct its policy”; “shall be obligation of the state
• The phrase “by suitable legislation” is absent in Article 44. All this implies that the duty of the state is greater in other directive principles than in Article 44

5. Uniform Code for Personal Law

Article 25 lays down an individual’s fundamental right to religion; Article 26(b) upholds the right of each religious denomination or any section thereof to “manage its own affairs in matters of religion”

Article 29 defines the right to conserve distinctive culture

An individual’s freedom of religion under Article 25 is subject to “public order, health, morality” and other provisions relating to fundamental rights, but a group’s freedom under Article 26 has not been subjected to other fundamental rights

6. Way forward

Over the next 30 days, the Law Commission will receive views of the public and stakeholders

The notice said the stakeholders concerned are at liberty to make submissions in the form of consultation/discussion/working papers on any of the issues pertaining to the UCC to the Member Secretary, Law Commission of India

After reviewing the submissions, the Law Commission will again make observations/recommendations regarding a UCC, which may or may not differ from the previous Commission’s observations

 

 

For Prelims: Unifrom Civil Code (UCC), DPSP, Fundamental rights, Law Commission For Mains: 1. What is the Uniform Civil Code? What are the challenges in implementing a Uniform Civil Code in a diverse country like India?

 

Previous Year Questions Q1. Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India: (2012) Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code Organising village Panchayats Promoting cottage industries in rural areas Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer (b) 2. A legislation that confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of the application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India? (a) Article 14 (b) Article 28 (c) Article 32 (d) Article 44 Answer (a) Mains 1.Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (2015)

Source: indianexpress

 

 

AMBEDKAR JAYANTHI

 

1. Context

136th Birth Anniversary of Baba Saheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Celebrated at Prerna Sthal, Parliament House Premises

2. About Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

• Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, is widely revered as one of the architects of the Indian Constitution.
• A man of immense stature and many facets, he was also a renowned political leader, eminent jurist, Buddhist activist, philosopher, anthropologist, historian, orator, writer, economist, scholar, and editor.
• Dr. Ambedkar fought to eradicate social evils like untouchability and for the rights of the Dalits and other socially backward classes throughout his life.
• Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as India's first Law Minister in the Cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor in 1990. The birthday of this great individual is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti. 
• He was born on April 14, 1891, at Mhow near Indore in the then Central Province, now Madhya Pradesh.
• For the first time, activist Janardan Sadashiv Ranapisay celebrated Ambedkar’s birthday publicly on 14 April 1928 in Pune.
• Since then, this day is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti or Bhim Jayanti. From a humble origin, Dr. Ambedkar went on to become one of the foremost legal minds in the country.
  On March 31, 2021, the Government of India decided to declare April 14 as a public holiday on account of the birthday of Dr. BR Ambedkar.

3. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Emancipator of Dalits

• After returning to India from his studies abroad, Bhimrao Ambedkar observed that caste discrimination was almost fragmenting the Nation. He favored the concept of providing reservations for Dalits and other religious communities.
• With the aim of reaching out to people and making them understand the drawbacks of the prevailing social evils, he launched a newspaper called "Mooknayaka" (leader of the silent).
• In 1923, he set up the 'Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (Outcastes Welfare Association), for spreading education and culture amongst the downtrodden, improve their economic status and raise matters concerning their problems in the proper forums to focus attention on them and find solutions to the same.
• In 1927, he led the Mahad March at the Chowdar Tank. This marked the beginning of the anti-caste and anti-priest movement. 
• The temple entry movement launched by Dr. Ambedkar in 1930 at Kalaram temple, Nasik is another landmark in the struggle for human rights and social justice.
• Following the British Government’s announcement of the ‘Communal Award’ granting the ‘depressed classes’ the right to separate electorates, in September 1932, Dr. Ambedkar and Gandhiji reached an understanding, which became the famous Poona Pact.
• According to this Pact, the provision for separate electorates was dispensed with, and reservations were provided for untouchables in Government jobs and legislative assemblies. 
• The Pact carved out a clear and definite position for the downtrodden on the political scene of the country.
• It opened up opportunities for education and government service for them and also gave them the right to vote.
• Dr. Ambedkar attended all three Round Table Conferences in London and each, time emphatically projected his views in the interests of the 'untouchable'.
• He exhorted the downtrodden sections to raise their living standards and acquire as much political power as possible.

4. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as a National Builder

• Babasaheb underlined the importance of creating not just a political democracy, but also a social and economic one.
• His doctoral thesis inspired the setting up of the Finance Commission of India and his works acted as a beacon in framing guidelines for the RBI Act, of 1934.
• He was one of the founders of Employment Exchanges in our country.
• He played a vital role in the establishment of the National Power Grid System, Central Water Irrigation, Navigation Commission, Damodar Valley Project, Hirakud Dam Project, and Son River Project. 

5. Established the Finance Commission of India

• In 1951, Ambedkar established the Finance Commission of India.
• He opposed income tax for low-income groups. He contributed to Land Revenue Tax and excise duty policies to stabilize the economy.
• He played an important role in land reform and the state's economic development. He emphasized equal rights for women for economic development.
• He laid the foundation of industrial relations after Indian independence.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), was based on the ideas that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar presented to the Hilton Young Commission
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was trained as an economist and was a professional economist until 1921 when he became a political leader. He wrote three scholarly books on economics:

• Administration and Finance of the East India Company
• The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India
• The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution. 

6. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as an Architect of the Indian Constitution

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was elected as the Chairman of the drafting committee of the Constitution. His statesmanship is visible in every article of the Indian Constitution.
• At the beginning of 1948, Dr. Ambedkar completed the draft of the Constitution and presented it to the Constituent Assembly.
• In November 1949, this draft was adopted with very few amendments.
• Many provisions have been made in the constitution to ensure social justice for scheduled castes, Scheduled tribes, and backward classes.
• Dr. Ambedkar thought that traditional religious values should be given up and new ideas adopted. He laid special emphasis on dignity, unity, freedom, and rights for all citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

First Law Minister of Independent India

In 1947, when India became independent, he became the first Law Minister of Independent India. 

 

7. Contribution to the Upliftment of Women

• Dr. Ambedkar stressed the importance of economic and social justice for women.
• His ideas are crystallized in his article titled "Castes in India- Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development" in which he argues that both child marriage and Sati had roots in an ancient practice of endogamy or marriage in the same caste.
• The article is one of the earliest feminist works in India.
• He strongly advocated for family planning measures for women in the Bombay Legislative Assembly.
• Dr. Ambedkar created awareness among poor, illiterate women and inspired them to fight against unjust and social practices like child marriage and the devadasi system.
• He dedicated his efforts to the adequate inclusion of women's rights in the political vocabulary and constitution of India.

8. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his relationship with Buddhism

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar converted to Buddhism after attending a convention of Buddhist scholars in Sri Lanka.
• On 24 May 1956, on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, he declared in Bombay, that he would adopt Buddhism in October.
• On October 14, 1956, he embraced Buddhism along with many of his followers. 
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar founded the Bharatiya Bauddha Mahasabha (Buddhist Society of India) in 1955 and completed his final work 'The Buddha and His Dhamma' in 1956. The book was however published posthumously.

For Mains: 1. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice. Highlight Ambedkar's contributions towards creating a democratic and inclusive India, where all citizens have equal rights and opportunities. (250 Words).

Previous year Question

1. Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar? (UPSC 2012) 1. The Peasants and workers party of India 2. All India Scheduled Castes Federation 3. The Independent Labour Party Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B

 

Source: The Indian Express

 

 

FOOD INFLATION

 

1. Context

 

While global food inflation remained relatively stable in March, based on the monthly movement of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index, pressures are expected to build in April and intensify further in May

 

2. What is Food inflation?

 

Food inflation refers to the rise in the prices of food items over a period of time. This increase in prices can occur due to various factors and has significant implications for both consumers and the economy as a whole.

Food inflation is usually measured using food price indices, which track the changes in prices of a basket of food items over time. In India, for example, food inflation is a significant component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

 

Causes of Food Inflation:

Supply-Side Factors:

• Poor Harvests: Bad weather conditions such as droughts, floods, or other natural disasters can lead to crop failures, reducing the supply of food items and driving up prices.
• Input Costs: Rising costs of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and fuel can increase the cost of food production, which is then passed on to consumers.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Issues in transportation, storage, or distribution can reduce the availability of food in markets, leading to price increases

Demand-Side Factors:

• Population Growth: An increasing population leads to higher demand for food, which can drive up prices if the supply doesn't keep pace.
• Income Growth: As incomes rise, especially in developing countries, there is often a shift towards more expensive, protein-rich foods, which can lead to higher demand and prices

 

3. What is the consumer food price index (CFPI)?

 

• The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) is a specific measure used to track the changes in the prices of food items consumed by households over time. It is a subset of the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI) and is particularly focused on food-related inflation
• The CFPI is designed to measure the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of food items. This index helps in understanding food inflation specifically, as opposed to general inflation
• The CFPI is calculated based on the prices of these food items collected from various regions and markets. The prices are then averaged and compared to a base year to determine the percentage change, which reflects food inflation.
• The weights assigned to different food categories in the CFPI are based on their importance in the average consumer’s food consumption basket
• Like the CPI, the CFPI is anchored to a base year, which is periodically updated to reflect changes in consumption patterns and economic conditions. The base year serves as a reference point for measuring price changes

 

Components: The CFPI includes various categories of food items, such as: Cereals and Products Vegetables Fruits Milk and Milk Products Meat and Fish Oils and Fats Sugar and Confectionery Spices Other Food Products In India, the CFPI is released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) as part of the monthly CPI data. It plays a significant role in understanding the dynamics of food inflation in the country, given the large population and significant share of food in household consumption

 

 

4. How is food inflation impacting the overall health of the economy?

 

Food inflation has a broad impact on the overall health of an economy, influencing both macroeconomic stability and the well-being of individuals. Here’s a detailed analysis of how food inflation affects different aspects of the economy:

Impact on Consumers and Households:

• As food prices rise, households have to spend a larger share of their income on food, leaving less for other essential goods and services. This reduction in purchasing power particularly affects low-income households, leading to decreased overall consumption.
•  Higher food prices can push more people into poverty, especially in developing countries where food constitutes a significant portion of household expenditures. This can exacerbate income inequality and social unrest.
•  Persistent food inflation can lead to malnutrition and food insecurity, as people may be forced to opt for cheaper, less nutritious food. This has long-term health implications, particularly for children, potentially leading to increased healthcare costs and lower productivity in the future.

Impact on Inflation and Monetary Policy:

• Food inflation is a key driver of overall inflation, particularly in economies where food prices have a significant weight in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). High food inflation can lead to higher headline inflation, affecting economic stability.
•  Central banks may respond to rising food inflation by tightening monetary policy (e.g., raising interest rates) to control inflation. While this can help curb inflation, it can also slow down economic growth by increasing borrowing costs and reducing investment.

Impact on Economic Growth:

• As more household income is diverted towards food, there is less spending on other goods and services, which can dampen overall economic growth. This reduction in demand can particularly hurt sectors like retail, entertainment, and durable goods.
• High food prices can lead to increased wage demands as workers seek to maintain their purchasing power. This can raise production costs across various sectors, potentially leading to reduced profitability and lower investment.
• While food inflation might benefit farmers in the short term through higher prices for their produce, it can also lead to higher input costs (e.g., for seeds, fertilizers, and transportation). Additionally, if inflation is driven by supply-side constraints like poor harvests, the overall output of the agricultural sector may decline, harming rural economies.

Impact on Government Fiscal Policy:

• To shield consumers from the effects of rising food prices, governments may increase subsidies on essential food items. While this can provide short-term relief, it can strain public finances and lead to higher fiscal deficits.
• Governments might need to increase spending on social welfare programs, such as food distribution schemes or direct cash transfers, to support vulnerable populations. This can further pressure government budgets.
• Persistent food inflation can lead to public discontent, protests, and political instability, especially in countries where food security is a major issue. Governments may face pressure to intervene in markets, which can sometimes lead to distortions and long-term inefficiencies.

Global Impact:

• Countries that rely heavily on food imports may experience worsening trade balances as food prices rise. This can lead to a depreciation of the national currency, further exacerbating inflation and reducing competitiveness in global markets.
• In an interconnected global economy, food inflation in one country can spill over into others, particularly in regions that share trade links or common agricultural markets.

 

5. Way Forward

 

Food inflation is the result of a interplay of supply and demand factors, global influences, and government policies. While some causes, like poor harvests or global price fluctuations, may be temporary, others, such as climate change and structural inefficiencies, are more persistent and challenging to address. Effective management of food inflation requires a multi-faceted approach, involving improvements in agricultural productivity, better supply chain management, and thoughtful government interventions

 

 

 

For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance   For Mains: GS III - Indian Economy

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020) The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only  (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (a)   The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). This statement is correct. The CPI gives a higher weight to food items because it reflects the consumption patterns of households. In contrast, the WPI gives more weight to manufactured goods and is more focused on wholesale prices rather than retail prices. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. This statement is correct. The WPI mainly tracks the prices of goods and does not include services. In contrast, the CPI includes both goods and services, making it a broader measure of inflation. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates. This statement is incorrect. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses the CPI as the primary measure of inflation for monetary policy decisions, not the WPI. Mains 1.There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine. (2014)

Source: Indianexpress

 

 

SOUTHWEST MONSOON

 

 

1. Context

 

South West Monsoon rainfall to be below normal or deficient in 2026 The major reason for this prediction is the expected El Niño conditions in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean by the second half of SWM

 

2. What is the southwest monsoon?

 

• The southwest monsoon is a seasonal weather pattern that brings significant rainfall to large parts of South Asia, particularly India, between June and September
• The southwest monsoon typically begins in early June and lasts until late September. It starts with the arrival of the monsoon winds in the southern part of India, usually marked by the onset over the state of Kerala

• The southwest monsoon brings about 70-90% of India’s annual rainfall. The distribution of rainfall varies, with some regions receiving heavy rains, while others may experience scanty showers.
• The Western Ghats, the northeastern states, and the Himalayan foothills typically receive very heavy rainfall.
• The monsoon is critical for the Kharif crop season in India, which includes crops like rice, maize, pulses, and cotton. Adequate and timely monsoon rains are essential for a good harvest
• The monsoon starts retreating from northwestern India in early September and completely withdraws from the Indian subcontinent by mid-October. This phase is also known as the retreating or northeast monsoon

Mechanism:

• High-Pressure Area: During the summer, intense heating of the landmass in the Indian subcontinent creates a low-pressure area over northern India and the Tibetan Plateau.
• Low-Pressure Area: The Indian Ocean remains relatively cooler, creating a high-pressure area.
• Wind Movement: Air moves from the high-pressure area over the ocean to the low-pressure area over the land, carrying moisture from the ocean and resulting in rainfall.

The monsoon trough is an elongated area of low pressure extending from the heat low over Pakistan and northwestern India to the Bay of Bengal. It influences the distribution and intensity of the monsoon rains.

 

3. What are easterly and westerly winds?

 

Easterly Winds

 

• Easterly and westerly winds refer to the direction from which the winds originate
• Easterly winds are winds that blow from the east towards the west
• Easterly winds can affect weather patterns, including the development of tropical storms and cyclones. For instance, easterly waves in the tropics can lead to the formation of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans

Characteristics:

• Trade Winds: One of the most well-known examples of easterly winds are the trade winds. These winds blow from the east towards the west in the tropics, from the subtropical high-pressure areas toward the equatorial low-pressure areas.
• Tropical Regions: In the tropical regions, particularly between 30 degrees north and south of the equator, easterly winds are prevalent. These are crucial for the weather patterns and climatic conditions in these regions.
• Monsoon Winds: During certain seasons, such as the northeast monsoon in India, easterly winds play a significant role. These winds bring dry air from the land towards the ocean during the winter months.

Westerly Winds

 

• Westerly winds are winds that blow from the west towards the east

• Westerly winds play a significant role in the weather of temperate regions, influencing the climate and the movement of storm systems.
• They are also responsible for carrying warm and moist air from the oceans inland, affecting precipitation patterns in coastal and inland regions.
• The westerlies can affect transoceanic travel and weather prediction due to their influence on the movement of high and low-pressure systems

Characteristics:

• Prevailing Westerlies: These winds are predominant in the mid-latitudes (between 30 and 60 degrees north and south of the equator). They blow from the subtropical high-pressure belts towards the poles.
• Jet Streams: High-altitude westerly winds known as jet streams are important in influencing weather patterns and the movement of weather systems across the globe. They are fast flowing and occur in the upper levels of the atmosphere.
• Polar Front: In the mid-latitudes, the westerlies interact with polar easterlies near the polar front, leading to the development of extratropical cyclones and storms

 

 

4.How does monsoon occur in India?

Monsoons in India occur due to seasonal changes in wind patterns and temperature differences between land and sea.

Here's a concise explanation of the process:

• Differential heating: During summer, the Indian landmass heats up more quickly than the surrounding Indian Ocean.
• Low pressure system: The heated land creates a low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent.
• Wind direction shift: This low pressure draws in moisture-laden winds from the cooler Indian Ocean towards the land.
• Orographic lift: As these winds encounter geographical features like the Western Ghats or the Himalayas, they are forced to rise.
• Condensation and precipitation: The rising air cools, causing water vapor to condense and form clouds, leading to heavy rainfall.
• Duration: This pattern typically lasts from June to September, bringing the majority of India's annual rainfall.

 

5.What are the conditions that determine the onset of monsoon?

 

• The primary driver is the temperature difference between the land and the surrounding sea. During summer, the land heats up faster than the ocean, creating a low-pressure area over the land and a high-pressure area over the ocean. This pressure difference leads to the movement of moist air from the ocean to the land
• Warm sea surface temperatures are crucial as they increase the evaporation rate, contributing to the formation of moist air masses that drive the monsoon rains.
• The monsoon winds, which are part of the larger atmospheric circulation, shift according to the seasonal temperature differences. The southwest monsoon, for instance, is driven by the southwest winds that carry moisture from the Indian Ocean to the Indian subcontinent.
• The geographical features, such as mountain ranges, play a significant role. For example, the Western Ghats in India force moist air to rise, cool, and condense, leading to heavy rainfall on the windward side
• The movement and strength of the high-pressure systems over the oceans and low-pressure systems over the land influence the intensity and timing of the monsoon.
• Phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña can affect the strength and timing of the monsoon. For example, El Niño can lead to weaker monsoons due to altered wind patterns and sea surface temperatures

6.What is the impact of La-Nina and El Nino on monsoon?

 

La Niña and El Niño, both phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, have significant impacts on the monsoon patterns around the world.

 

Here’s how each affects the monsoon:

El Niño

• El Niño is generally associated with a weaker Indian monsoon. The warming of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean during El Niño tends to disrupt the normal atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to reduced rainfall over the Indian subcontinent.
• The onset of the monsoon can be delayed, and the overall intensity of the rainfall during the monsoon season might be lower than usual
•  El Niño often brings drier conditions to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, leading to droughts and reduced rainfall
• Eastern and southern Africa may experience drier conditions as well

La Niña

• La Niña, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, is typically associated with a stronger Indian monsoon. It often leads to increased rainfall over the Indian subcontinent
• The enhanced monsoon can lead to heavier rains and potentially more frequent and intense flooding
• La Niña tends to bring wetter conditions to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, potentially causing heavy rains and flooding
• La Niña can lead to wetter conditions in parts of northern South America

 

7.Way Forward

 

The intermittent development of a wind shear zone — where winds move with different velocities and directions — along latitudes 20 ° N between central and peninsular India

 

 

 

For Prelims: Indian and World Geography For Mains: GS-I, GS-III: Important Geophysical phenomena and environment

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2012)   1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India. 2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west.   Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor Answer (C) The duration of the monsoon indeed decreases from southern India to northern India. The southern part of India experiences the monsoon earlier and for a longer duration compared to the northern part. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west. The eastern part of the northern plains receives more rainfall compared to the western part, largely due to the influence of the Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon.

 

 

Source: The Hindu