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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 04/05/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 04/05/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 04/05/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 04/05/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 04/05/2024

Swell waves likely to strike coastal areas over weekend: INCOIS

(General Studies- Paper I)

Source : The Hindu

INCOIS, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, has issued a caution to several coastal states in India regarding potential hazards associated with high-period swell waves approaching from the southern Indian Ocean.

Key Highlights

  • Cautioned States
    • The states advised to exercise caution include Goa, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshwadeep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
    • These regions are likely to experience rough sea conditions and are urged to suspend operational and recreational activities near beaches and in nearshore regions on May 4 and 5.
  • Reason for Caution
    • The caution is due to the propagation of high energy swell waves, which originated approximately 10,000 km away from the Indian coast in the southern Atlantic Ocean on April 26.
    • These waves gradually moved towards the southern Indian Ocean around April 28, leading to high period swells that are expected to reach the southern tip of India by the early hours of May 4.
  • Potential Hazards
    • The combination of long-period swells and high tide conditions could result in coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas of the mentioned states.
    • The public, especially fishermen and coastal populations, are advised to remain vigilant against possible surges and gushing of seawater in nearshore and beach regions.
  • Safety Measures
    • Small vessels are advised to avoid plying nearshore, and boats should anchor at a safe distance from each other to prevent collision and damage.
    • INCOIS, operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, utilizes Ocean State Forecast (OSF) Services to provide information on wave height, direction, period, sea surface currents, temperature, etc.
    • This service is based on a multi-model operational forecasting system incorporating real-time data from buoys deployed in coastal and open ocean waters, even in the deep southern Indian Ocean.

About INCOIS

  • INCOIS, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
  • It was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Hyderabad.
  • The primary objectives of INCOIS are to continuously observe the ocean and conduct targeted research to provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services to society, businesses, government agencies, and the scientific community.
  • Some of the key services provided by INCOIS include:
    • Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisories: INCOIS provides information on potential fishing zones to help fishermen locate areas with high fish concentration.
    • Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS): INCOIS operates a robust tsunami early warning system to detect tsunamis and issue timely alerts to coastal communities.
    • Ocean State Forecast (OSF): INCOIS generates and disseminates ocean state forecasts, including information on waves, currents, sea surface temperature, and other parameters, to support various marine activities.
    • Ocean Observation Group (OOG): INCOIS coordinates a network of ocean observation platforms to monitor the Indian Ocean and provide data for research and operational services.

What are Swell waves?

  • Swell waves are long-period waves that travel across large bodies of water, such as oceans, in a consistent and organized manner.
  • Unlike wind-generated waves, which are typically short-lived and chaotic, swell waves are characterized by their regularity, uniformity, and long wavelengths.
  • Swell waves are generated by distant weather systems, such as storms or strong winds, which create energy that is transferred to the water surface.
  • As this energy propagates across the ocean, it forms a train of swell waves that can travel thousands of kilometers without significant loss of energy.
  • Swell waves can maintain their shape and energy for days or even weeks, making them a key feature of oceanic wave patterns.
  • They can propagate in directions different from the wind and have wavelengths that can exceed 150 meters, occasionally reaching lengths longer than 700 meters during severe storms.

This is the year to get the SDG goals back on track

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The United Nations held a summit in New York on September 18-19 to assess progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • The Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015, outlines 17 SDGs with 169 specific targets to be achieved by 2030.
  • While the program is non-binding internationally, all countries have committed to working towards these goals as transitioning to sustainable development is considered a shared global endeavor.

Key Highlights

  • Slow Progress and Concerns
    • Reports indicate that progress towards the SDGs is off track.
    • Despite some improvements between 2015 and 2019, the progress has been grossly insufficient to achieve the goals.
    • The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises have significantly hindered progress.
    • Furthermore, there is little attention towards goals related to the environment and biodiversity, such as responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, and life on land.
    • This lack of focus raises concerns about the integrated and indivisible nature of the SDGs.
    • Balancing human well-being and a healthy environment remains a distant target, and the current trend threatens to accelerate environmental degradation, undermining the purpose of transitioning towards sustainability.
  • UN SDG Report 2023 and Key Areas for Action
    • The UN SDG Report 2023 identified five key areas for urgent action.
    • Firstly, governments are called upon to commit to seven years of accelerated, sustained, and transformative actions to deliver on the promises of the SDGs.
    • Secondly, there is a need for concrete, integrated, and targeted government policies and actions to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and end the war on nature, with a focus on advancing the rights of women and girls and empowering the most vulnerable.
    • Thirdly, national and subnational capacity, accountability, and public institutions must be strengthened to deliver accelerated progress.
    • Fourthly, the international community must recommit to delivering and mobilizing resources to assist developing nations.
    • Finally, there is a need for continued strengthening of the UN development system.
  • Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
    • A team of 64 scholars conducted an analysis of 3,000 studies, primarily peer-reviewed published articles from around the world, to assess the political impact of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Their focus was on how these goals influence national and global governance in addressing crucial challenges such as poverty eradication, social justice, and environmental protection.
    • The results of this analysis, published in the September 2022 issue of the journal Nature Sustainability, under the leadership of Professor Frank Biermann of the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development at Utrecht University, Netherlands, are significant and merit broad deliberation, particularly in the context of implementing the Agenda 2030.
    • Dimensions Examined
      • The authors examined the impact of SDGs across five dimensions: global governance, domestic political systems, the integration and coherence of institutions and policies, the inclusiveness of governance from local to global levels, and the protection of ecological integrity.
    • Findings
      • Their findings suggest that, thus far, the SDGs have primarily had discursive effects, meaning they have stimulated discussion and debate.
      • Additionally, there have been some isolated normative and institutional reforms resulting from the SDGs.
      • However, these effects are often diffuse, and there is little evidence to suggest that global goal setting directly leads to political impacts at the national and local levels.
      • Overall, the assessment indicates that while there have been some limited effects of the SDGs, they have not proven to be a transformative force in and of themselves.
    • UN Report ‘Future is Now’ (2019)
      • The UN report ‘Future is Now’ (2019) underscores the need for a systemic approach to realize the transformative potential of the 2030 Agenda.
      • It emphasizes the importance of identifying and managing trade-offs while maximizing co-benefits, wherein activities addressing one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) also contribute to others simultaneously.
      • The report advocates for adopting locally best suited entry points based on regional and national priorities and leveraging four key levers:
        • governance, economy and finance, individual and collective action, and science and technology to propel actions along these entry points.
      • Integrated Pathways to Sustainable Development
        • The report calls for collaboration among actors from various sectors to design and rapidly implement integrated pathways to sustainable development tailored to the specific needs and priorities of each country.
        • By fostering partnerships and innovative collaborations, countries can contribute to global transformation towards sustainability.
      • Significance of 2024 Election Year
        • The year 2024 marks a significant election year across the globe, with at least 64 countries, both developed and developing, accounting for 49% of the world population, set to hold elections.
        • Against this backdrop, it becomes imperative for newly elected governments to reflect on sustainability issues and align their national policies accordingly.
        • This presents an opportunity for governments to prioritize sustainable development goals and integrate them into their governance agendas, thereby contributing to global efforts towards sustainability.

About the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
  • These goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.
  • The SDGs are a successor to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were completed in 2015.
  • The SDGs are designed to be more comprehensive and inclusive, addressing a broader range of global challenges, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
  • The 17 SDGs are interconnected and are meant to be achieved together. They are:
    1. No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
    2. Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
    3. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
    4. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
    5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
    6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
    7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
    8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
    9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
    10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce income and social inequalities within and among countries.
    11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
    12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns and achieve the efficient use of natural resources.
    13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
    14. Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
    15. Life On Land: Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, forests, wetlands, rivers, and other ecosystems.
    16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
    17. Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.

India press freedom score fell over the last year: RSF

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), India’s score in the World Press Freedom Index has fallen over the past year, dropping from 36.62 to 31.28.

  • The annual index, which evaluates the freedom enjoyed by journalists in 180 jurisdictions, witnessed India’s rank slightly improve from 161 in 2023 to 159 in 2024.
  • However, this improvement is attributed to other countries slipping in their rankings.
  • The Indian government has historically dismissed international rankings of press freedom in the country as propaganda.

Key Highlights

  • Global Context and Rankings
    • Norway and Denmark secured the top spots in the RSF table for press freedom, while Eritrea ranked at the bottom, with Syria just above it.
    • RSF highlighted the concerning trend of press freedoms being threatened globally, with an average decrease of 7.6 points.
    • Categories Covered in Questionnaire
      • The press freedom questionnaire used by RSF covers five categories: political context, legal framework, economic context, sociocultural context, and security.
      • India’s scores dropped in all categories except for the security indicator.

About Reporters without Borders (RSF)

  • Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is an international non-profit and non-governmental organization founded in France in 1985 to advocate for press freedom worldwide.
  • Also known as Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF), it is headquartered in Paris and operates with the belief that everyone should have access to news and information, in line with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • RSF has consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the International Organisation of the Francophonie.

Organ donation hit by poor identification of brain death cases

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The Union Health Ministry has highlighted poor identification and certification of brain stem death or brain death cases as a significant factor contributing to low organ donation rates in India, despite the presence of numerous potential cases.

  • The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) expressed concern over the country’s organ donation rate remaining below one donor per million population annually.

Key Highlights

  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Organ Donation
    • Under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, the DGHS issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address this issue.
    • Hospitals are instructed to identify potential brain death cases admitted in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and ascertain whether the individual had pledged for organ donation.
    • If not, hospital authorities are mandated to inform family members about the opportunity to donate organs before the heart stops.
    • Certification and Monitoring
      • Doctors on duty, along with transplant coordinators, are tasked with making necessary inquiries after brain death cases are certified by the competent authority.
      • Hospitals are directed to facilitate and monitor the certification of brain death cases to ensure compliance with the THOTA Act and Rules.
      • Additionally, ‘Required Request Display Boards’ should be installed at strategic locations in hospitals to inform the public about the possibility of organ donation in case of brain death or cardiac arrest.
    • Data Collection and Analysis
      • The DGHS has provided a proforma for collecting relevant information from hospitals to analyze data and take corrective actions to maximize organ donation from potential donors.
      • Organ transplant authorities in every State/Union Territory are required to furnish data related to the number of patients who expired in the ICU, along with the cause of death.
      • National Reporting and Updates
        • To augment organ donation rates and achieve self-sufficiency in deceased organ donation, authorities are instructed to update the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) monthly.
        • This update should include details such as the number of brain death cases identified and certified, the number of cases where family consent for organ donation was obtained, and the number of organs donated and utilized.
      • Organ Donation Statistics
        • According to transplant data, a total of 16,041 organs were donated in 2022, with kidneys being the most commonly donated organ.
        • Delhi reported the highest number of donations with 3,818, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala, which reported 2,245, 1,525, and 1,472 donations, respectively.

About Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)

  • The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) is an attached organization of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
  • It serves as a repository of technical knowledge concerning public health, medical education, and healthcare.
  • The DGHS is headed by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), who is a Secretary-level officer of the Central Health Services.
  • The DGHS provides technical advice on all medical and public health matters to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • Note: NOTTO is a national-level organization set up under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
    • NOTTO was established to coordinate and promote organ and tissue donation and transplantation activities across India.

The paradox of India’s global rise, its regional decline

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

India experiences a perplexing paradox in its foreign policy, where its global rise contrasts starkly with its declining regional influence.

  • While India’s ascent on the global stage is marked by robust economic growth, military capabilities, and active participation in key international forums, its diminishing relative power vis-à-vis China and loss of primacy in South Asia contribute to its waning regional influence.

Key Highlights

  • Factors Contributing to Global Rise
    • India’s aggregate power has witnessed growth over the past two decades, evident in its economic prowess, military strength, and youthful demographic.
    • Participation in global institutions like the G-20 and G-7 meetings as an invitee, along with active involvement in multilateral groups such as the Quad, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, underscores its geopolitical significance globally.
    • The growing international focus on the Indo-Pacific, where India holds a central position, further enhances its global prominence.
  • Extraneous Factors Affecting Regional Influence
    • Despite its global ascent, India faces a decline in influence within South Asia, especially when compared to its Cold War-era dominance or China’s present-day influence.
    • Factors contributing to this decline include the American withdrawal from the region and China’s subsequent power consolidation, which disadvantage India regionally.
    • However, these same dynamics contribute to the United States and its allies’ eagerness to accommodate India’s global interests, particularly in countering China.
  • Balancing Acts of Smaller Powers
    • India’s regional decline is not absolute but comparative, influenced by the geopolitical choices made by smaller powers in the region.
    • While India’s focus on the great power balance in the Indo-Pacific enhances its global standing, it may stretch India’s capacity to engage effectively in its continental neighborhood.
    • Overlooking the balancing acts of smaller regional powers in favor of focusing solely on great power dynamics could prove counterproductive in addressing India’s regional challenges.
  • China’s Rise and India’s Regional Decline
    • The rise of China stands as the primary explanation for India’s regional decline, despite India’s increased power and influence globally.
    • While India is currently at its most powerful in nearly two centuries, it finds itself comparatively weaker than ever before vis-à-vis China.
    • China’s emergence as a superpower neighboring India has introduced intense geopolitical competition for influence in South Asia, challenging India’s longstanding position in the region.
    • Shifting Regional Dynamics
      • China’s presence in South Asia, coupled with the United States’ withdrawal from the region and India’s strategic pivot to the Indo-Pacific, has shifted the balance of power in the region in Beijing’s favor.
      • This new power equation has prompted India’s smaller neighbors to adopt various strategies, including balancing, bargaining, hedging, and bandwagoning.
      • Some of these neighbors view China as a useful hedge against India, further complicating India’s regional standing.
    • Need for Strategic Response
      • To address this challenge, India must reassess its traditional conceptions of the region and modernize its approach to maintain primacy in South Asia.
      • Denying the existence of the problem will only exacerbate the situation.
      • Instead, India should leverage its strengths and adopt proactive and imaginative policy measures to counter the China challenge in the region.
      • India must acknowledge the fundamental changes that have occurred in the region, including shifts in geopolitics and the dynamics of neighboring countries.
      • Rather than attempting to match China’s might in every aspect, India should focus on its unique strengths and tailor its engagement with the region accordingly.
      • Embracing Traditional Strengths
        • One approach for India is to reclaim its historical and cultural ties, such as its Buddhist heritage, as a means of strengthening its regional influence.
        • By emphasizing its traditional strengths and adapting to the changed realities of South Asia, India can navigate the complexities of China’s rise and maintain its significance in the region.
      • Leveraging Maritime Advantage for Continental Challenges
        • India’s continental strategy faces significant challenges, while its maritime domain offers abundant opportunities for trade enhancement, participation in minilaterals, and forming issue-based coalitions.
        • New Delhi must utilize its maritime advantages to address the limitations in its continental approach.
      • Engaging South Asian Neighbors in Indo-Pacific Strategy
        • India should involve its smaller South Asian neighbors in Indo-Pacific strategic discussions, leveraging their maritime capabilities despite their limited participation in the Indo-Pacific project.
        • By engaging countries like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh, India and its partners can counterbalance China’s regional grand strategy and strengthen the Indo-Pacific framework.
      • Utilizing Soft Power
        • New Delhi should creatively utilize its soft power to maintain influence in the region.
        • Encouraging informal contacts between political and civil society actors in India and other South Asian countries can foster stronger ties and facilitate conflict management processes, particularly in situations where direct state involvement is challenging, as seen in Myanmar.
      • Implications for India’s Global Aspirations
        • The dichotomy between India’s global rise and regional decline raises significant questions about its ability to fulfill its global aspirations.
        • Maintaining primacy in its periphery is crucial for India’s credibility as a pivotal power in international politics, highlighting the importance of addressing regional challenges effectively.

What is Eta Aquariid meteor shower?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, active since April 15, is set to peak on May 5 and 6.

  • Comprising burning space debris moving at incredibly high speeds, these showers are best visible to countries in the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Indonesia and Australia.

Key Highlights

  • What Are Comets?
    • Comets are frozen remnants from the formation of the solar system around 4.6 billion years ago.
    • They consist of dust, rock, and ice, orbiting the Sun in highly elliptical paths, which can take hundreds of thousands of years to complete.
    • Currently, there are 3,910 known comets, with many more theorized to exist in the Kuiper Belt and the Oort cloud.
    • Characteristics of Comets
      • Comets vary in size but typically measure around 10 kilometers wide.
      • As they approach the Sun, they heat up, releasing gases and dust into a glowing head, which can sometimes be larger than a planet.
      • This material forms a tail that extends millions of miles.
    • Relationship Between Comets and Meteor Showers
      • Meteor showers result from Earth passing through clouds of dust left behind in a comet’s orbital path.
      • These showers occur as the debris interacts with Earth’s atmosphere, causing small and large meteor tails to light up the sky.
      • While most meteors burn up completely upon entering the atmosphere, occasionally, larger meteors survive to hit the ground, known as meteorites.
      • Halley’s Comet and the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower
        • The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is associated with Halley’s Comet, which orbits the Sun approximately every 76 years.
        • First observed in 240 BCE, it was not until 1705 that astronomer Edmond Halley realized its periodic appearances were reappearances of the same comet.
        • Last seen in 1986, Halley’s Comet is due to return to the inner solar system in 2061.
        • The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, along with the Orionids, is caused by debris from Halley’s Comet.
      • Unique Characteristics of the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower
        • The Eta Aquariid meteor shower stands out for its rapid speed, resulting in long, glowing tails that can last for several minutes.
        • This unique feature adds to the spectacle of the shower.
        • NASA reports that observers in the Southern Hemisphere can witness about 30 to 40 Eta Aquarid meteors per hour during the peak, while those in the Northern Hemisphere may see only about 10 meteors per hour.
        • This difference in visibility is attributed to the location of the radiant, the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to originate.
      • Earthgrazers and High Visibility in the Southern Hemisphere
        • In the Northern Hemisphere, Eta Aquarid meteors often manifest as ‘Earthgrazers,’ appearing as long meteors skimming the Earth’s surface.
        • Conversely, observers in the Southern Hemisphere have the advantage of seeing the meteors higher up in the sky, enhancing visibility.
        • Originating from the Aquarius Constellation
          • The meteor shower appears to emanate from the Aquarius constellation, hence its name ‘Eta Aquariid.’
          • Observers can look towards this constellation to catch a glimpse of the shower.
        • Ideal Viewing Conditions
          • To observe the Eta Aquariid meteor shower, a clear night sky with minimal light pollution is essential.
          • Light pollution from sources such as the Moon or artificial lighting from buildings and streetlights can hinder visibility.
        • Use of Telescopes
          • While the meteor shower is visible to the naked eye, using a basic telescope can significantly enhance the viewing experience.
          • Telescopes can help observers capture more details of the night-time spectacle, providing a closer look at the meteor shower.

Long, dry spell

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : The Indian Express

Water levels in 150 major reservoirs across the country stand at 28.2% of their full storage capacity, totaling 50.43 billion cubic meters (BCM).

  • This is below the levels observed both a year ago (62.21 BCM) and the 10-year average for this time (52.73 BCM).
  • Southern states are particularly affected, with reservoirs at just 15.7% capacity.

Key Highlights

  • Implications for Agriculture and Economy
    • Importance of Monsoon
      • While attention is currently on elections, focus will soon shift to the monsoon, crucial for India’s economy.
      • Two consecutive bad monsoons can significantly impact agricultural production and economic growth.
    • Impact of Previous Monsoons
      • The previous year’s southwest monsoon, along with post-monsoon and winter rains affected by El Niño, have already impacted agricultural production.
      • Government agencies procured only 47 million tonnes of rice during October-April 2023-24, down 5.7% from the corresponding period in 2022-23. Wheat procurement has also been sluggish.
    • Effects on Crop Yield and Prices
      • El Niño has not only affected rainfall but also temperatures, impacting crop yields.
      • For instance, wheat yields in central India suffered due to warm temperatures in November-December.
      • Retail prices of essential commodities like pulses, sugar, potato, onion, and tomato are significantly higher compared to last year, indicating poor crop yields.
    • Outlook for the Monsoon
      • Transition from El Niño
        • El Niño is expected to weaken to a “neutral” phase by June, with the possibility of developing into a La Niña during the second half of the monsoon season.
        • La Niña is associated with surplus rainfall in India, contributing to a forecast of an “above-normal” monsoon by the Meteorological Department.
      • Challenges for the Government
        • The incoming government post-elections may face challenges managing food inflation in case of an unfavorable monsoon.
        • It’s essential to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best, emphasizing the importance of effective contingency planning.

About El Niño and La Niña

  • El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a natural climate phenomenon characterized by variations in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and atmospheric pressure patterns in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
  • These phenomena have widespread impacts on weather patterns, ocean currents, and ecosystems around the world.
  • El Niño:
    • El Niño refers to the warm phase of ENSO, characterized by anomalously high sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
    • During El Niño events, the typical trade winds that blow from east to west across the equatorial Pacific weaken or even reverse direction.
    • This weakening of the trade winds reduces the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water along the coast of South America.
    • El Niño events are associated with increased rainfall and flooding in some regions (such as the western coast of South America and parts of North America), droughts in others (such as Australia and parts of Asia), and altered storm tracks.
    • El Niño events typically occur every 2-7 years and can last for several months to over a year.
  • La Niña:
    • La Niña is the cold phase of ENSO, characterized by anomalously low sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
    • During La Niña events, the trade winds in the tropical Pacific Ocean strengthen, leading to enhanced upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water along the coast of South America.
    • La Niña events are associated with increased rainfall in some regions (such as the western Pacific and parts of South America), droughts in others (such as the southwestern United States), and enhanced tropical cyclone activity in the Pacific.
    • La Niña events typically occur less frequently than El Niño events but can also last for several months to over a year.