CURRENT AFFAIRS - 16/04/2024

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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16/04/2024

India to get above-normal monsoon rainfall: IMD

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast for the upcoming monsoon season, indicating favorable conditions for above-average rainfall.

The IMD’s prediction suggests a 6% increase in rainfall compared to the annual average of 87 cm from June to September.

Key Highlights

Factors Influencing the Forecast:
- Last year, the presence of El Niño, a warming phenomenon in the Central Pacific, negatively impacted India’s monsoon, resulting in a 6% deficit.
- However, this year, while El Niño persists, it is expected to dissipate by June and transition into La Niña, which typically correlates with surplus rainfall, particularly in the latter half of the monsoon season, namely August and September.
- IMD Director-General MrutunjayMahapatra highlighted this shift in oceanic conditions as a key factor contributing to the favorable monsoon forecast.
Forecast Methodology:
- The IMD employs various methodologies to predict the monsoon.
- One approach involves statistical analysis, leveraging historical data spanning over 150 years.
- By correlating global meteorological parameters such as ocean temperatures and snow cover in Europe with monsoon performance, the IMD can make informed predictions.
- Another method, the dynamical approach, utilizes advanced computer simulations to model weather patterns worldwide.
- By extrapolating current weather conditions into the future, this approach provides additional insights into monsoon dynamics.
- Consistent Outlook:
  - Both statistical and dynamical models employed by the IMD yield consistent outlooks for the upcoming monsoon season.
  - This alignment enhances the confidence in the forecast, indicating a high probability of above-average rainfall across India.
- Probability of Excess Rainfall:
  - Based on current models, there is a 30% probability of monsoon rains exceeding 10%, categorized as ‘excess’ according to IMD standards.
  - This represents a substantial increase compared to the typical likelihood of such ‘excess’ rainfall, which stands at only 17% in any given year.
- Factors Influencing Rainfall:
  - Two main factors contribute to the favorable forecast for plentiful rainfall.
  - Firstly, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), characterized by cooler-than-normal temperatures in the eastern Indian Ocean compared to the western region, enhances rainfall prospects, particularly in southern India.
  - While currently ‘neutral,’ the IOD is projected to become positive by August, further supporting rainfall patterns.
  - Secondly, below-normal snow cover in the northern hemisphere and Eurasia serves as another contributing factor.
  - There is a historical “inverse relationship” between snow levels in these regions and monsoon rainfall.
- Spatial Distribution of Rainfall:
  - Current forecasts suggest that most parts of the country are likely to experience ‘above-normal’ rainfall, with the exception of northwest, east, and northeast India.
  - This spatial distribution indicates varying patterns of rainfall across different regions, with implications for agricultural planning and water resource management.

About the India Meteorological Department (IMD)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national meteorological service of India, established in 1875. It is responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology. The IMD is headquartered in New Delhi and operates hundreds of observation stations across India and Antarctica. It is also one of the six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organisation, responsible for forecasting, naming, and distribution of warnings for tropical cyclones in the Northern Indian Ocean region.

New data law, a barrier to journalistic free speech

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

In August 2023, India implemented its first comprehensive data protection law, known as the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.

The legislation aims to regulate the processing of personal data and safeguard individual privacy rights in the digital realm.

Key Highlights

Key Provisions of the DPDP Act:
- The DPDP Act is centered around the principle of user consent for the processing of personal data.
- It grants individuals certain fundamental rights, including access to and erasure of their data.
- Additionally, the law imposes obligations on companies handling personal data and establishes a mechanism for addressing grievances through a complaints body.
- Impact on Journalistic Free Speech:
  - One notable aspect of the DPDP Act is its potential impact on journalistic freedom of speech.
  - While data protection laws typically exempt journalistic activities from certain privacy obligations, such as obtaining consent before using personal data, the final version of the DPDP Act did not include such exemptions.
  - This omission has raised concerns among journalists and media organizations regarding the implications for their work.
- Illustrative Scenario:
  - To illustrate the potential impact of the DPDP Act on journalistic practices, consider a scenario where a journalist is writing an article about a Member of Parliament (MP) and their performance.
  - The journalist gathers information about the MP’s activities, including meetings held, travel details, financial background, and investments made by their family members.
  - Much of this information qualifies as “personal data” under the DPDP Act.
- Journalistic Challenges under the DPDP Act:
  - Under the DPDP Act, journalists would be required to obtain consent from MPs before using their personal data in stories.
  - Furthermore, even after publication, MPs could exercise their right to erasure and request the removal of such stories.
  - This could pose significant challenges for journalists conducting investigative reporting and holding public officials accountable.
- Impact of DPDP Act on Journalistic Confidentiality:
  - The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act grants the government the authority to request information from any data processor in India.
  - This provision, if broadly interpreted and enforced, could compromise the confidentiality journalists must maintain for their sources and research documents.
  - Such potential implications raise concerns about the ability of journalists to protect their sources and conduct investigative reporting effectively.
- Challenges with Current Consultation Model:
  - The existing consultation process, including invite-only town halls, has been criticized for its lack of openness and inclusivity.
  - The withdrawal of exemptions for journalistic activities was not adequately discussed in these forums, and the government has not provided clarification regarding this decision.
  - Unfortunately, these consultations often fail to facilitate meaningful debate and deliberation on proposed laws and their provisions.
- Legal Solutions for Addressing the Issue:
  - One crucial solution involves establishing an open and transparent consultation process for proposed laws.
  - This would allow for broader participation and feedback from stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in the legislative process.
  - Utilization of Rules under the DPDP Act:
    - Another potential solution lies within the provisions of the DPDP Act itself.
    - The Act grants the central government the authority to exempt specific data processors or classes of data processors from certain provisions of the law.
    - While this provision grants extensive powers to the government, it also presents a swift mechanism for addressing issues such as the lack of exemptions for journalistic activities.
    - To mitigate the impact of the DPDP Act on journalistic freedom, the government could utilize this rule to exempt journalistic entities, including citizen journalists, from any obligations imposed by the law.
    - By doing so, the government can ensure that journalists are not unduly burdened by requirements such as obtaining consent before publishing stories or facing requests for erasure from subjects.

About the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA) in India is a comprehensive legislation that regulates the processing of digital personal data.
Here are the key provisions of the Act:
- Applicability:
  - The Act applies to digital personal data that is processed within India, regardless of whether it was originally collected in digital or non-digital format.
  - It also applies to digital personal data processed outside India if it is in connection with activities related to offering goods or services to individuals in India.
- Data Protection Principles:
  - The Act encapsulates essential principles such as purpose limitation, collection limitation, and data minimization.
  - Personal data should only be processed for a lawful purpose, and only such personal data should be collected which is necessary.
- Consent Requirements:
  - Personal data may only be processed for lawful purposes with the individual’s consent, which must be obtained after providing a notice detailing the data to be collected and the purpose of processing.
  - Individuals have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
  - However, consent is not required for legitimate uses, including specified purposes, government services, medical emergencies, and employment.
  - For individuals under 18 years, consent must be provided by a parent or legal guardian.
- Data Fiduciary Responsibilities:
  - Data fiduciaries are responsible for compliance with the DPDPA, including for processing of personal data undertaken by a data processor on their behalf.
  - They are required to ensure accuracy and completeness of personal data used to make decisions affecting data principals.
- Notification of Personal Data Breach:
  - Personal data breaches need to be intimated by the data fiduciary to the Data Protection Board (DPB) and each affected data principal in such manner.
- Cross-border Transfer of Personal Data:
  - Personal data can be transferred by a data fiduciary to any other country or territory for processing, unless the Central Government restricts such transfer to any notified countries.
  - The DPDPA adopts a blacklisting approach, implying that personal data is freely transferable unless the transfer is restricted.
- Exemptions:
  - Certain rights of data principals and obligations of data fiduciaries do not apply in specific cases, such as prevention of offences and enforcement of legal rights.
  - The central government may exempt certain activities, like processing by government entities for security purposes, through notification.
- Data of Children and Persons with Disability:
  - Verifiable consent of a parent or lawful guardian is required to process personal data of children and persons with disabilities.
  - The Act prohibits tracking or behavioral monitoring of, and targeted advertising directed at, children, and processing of children’s data that is likely to cause any detrimental effect on the well-being of a child
- Data Protection Board of India:
  - The central government will establish the Data Protection Board of India, tasked with monitoring compliance, imposing penalties, addressing data breaches, and hearing grievances.
  - Board members will be appointed for two years and can be re-appointed.
  - Appeals against Board decisions will be heard by TDSAT (Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal).
- Penalties:
  - The Bill specifies penalties for various offences, with fines ranging from Rs 200 crore for non-fulfillment of obligations for children to Rs 250 crore for failure to implement security measures.
  - Penalties will be imposed by the Board after an inquiry.

India’s Arctic imperative

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

In December 2023, four Indian climate scientists embarked on India’s maiden winter expedition to the Arctic, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to polar research.

The expedition took place at Himadri, India’s research station in the International Arctic Research Base at Svalbard, Norway, known for its rigorous acclimatization process and the challenge of enduring polar nights.

Key Highlights

Reasons for India’s Arctic Interest:
- Climate Change Concerns:
  - India’s decision to venture into year-round Arctic missions reflects a growing recognition of the region’s significance amidst alarming scientific data indicating accelerated warming in the Arctic.
  - The connection between melting Arctic sea ice and climatic events in India has spurred policymakers to prioritize Arctic research.
- Economic Opportunities:
  - India is keen on leveraging Arctic Sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, to optimize trade routes.
  - Access to these routes promises cost and time savings for Indian shipping companies, along with enhanced security for goods transportation.
- Geopolitical Considerations:
  - The geopolitical landscape in the Arctic, marked by China’s expanding presence and Russia’s cooperation with China in granting access to the Northern Sea Route, has prompted India to reevaluate its Arctic strategy.
  - Heightened tensions in the region, coupled with India’s strategic interests, necessitate a more proactive stance in Arctic affairs.
- India’s Historical Engagement with the Arctic:
  - India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty.
  - Since then, India has steadily expanded its Arctic research initiatives, culminating in its establishment of a research base in 2008.
  - India’s observer status in the Arctic Council further solidified its presence, leading to the commissioning of key research facilities in Svalbard.
- Historical Collaboration between India and Norway:
  - Since the late 1980s, India and Norway have fostered close ties, collaborating on research initiatives to study changing conditions in the Arctic and Antarctic and their impact on South Asia.
  - Over time, these efforts have intensified, particularly as climate change increasingly affects both the Arctic region and the South Asian monsoon.
  - India’s Policy of Cooperation:
    - India’s current policy emphasizes cooperation with Arctic countries, particularly in areas such as green energy and clean industries, to enhance its status as a ‘responsible stakeholder.’
    - Collaborative efforts with countries like Denmark and Finland have focused on waste management, pollution control, renewable energy, and green technology.
    - A partnership with Norway is seen as potentially transformative for India, enabling greater participation in Arctic Council working groups and addressing various issues such as the blue economy, connectivity, maritime transportation, investment, infrastructure, and responsible resource development.
  - Focus Areas for Partnership:
    - A partnership with Norway is expected to prioritize scientific research, climate protection, and environmental conservation, aligning with two of the six pillars of India’s Arctic Policy.
    - While India may explore economic opportunities in the Arctic, there is a consensus on the importance of adopting sustainable practices, particularly in seabed mining and resource exploitation.
    - Norway’s expertise can assist India in designing a sustainable policy that balances the needs of the scientific community and industry.

About Himadri (research station)

India’s Arctic Research Station, Himadri, is located at Ny-Ålesund in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean.
It is India’s first permanent Arctic research station, inaugurated on the 1st of July, 2008 by the Minister of Earth Sciences.
The station is located at a distance of 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) from the North Pole.
Himadri’s functions include long-term monitoring of the fjord (Kongsfjorden) dynamics, and atmospheric research.
The primary goals of India’s research at the station include research on aerosol radiation, space weather, food-web dynamics, microbial communities, glaciers, sedimentology, and carbon recycling.
- The research base has also devoted time for the research of governance and policy of the Arctic.
- India has prioritized research and study in the fields of genetics, glaciology, geology, pollution in the atmosphere, and space weather among other fields.

About the Artic Council

The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic.
Established in 1996 by the Ottawa Declaration, the Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arctic region.
The Council comprises eight member countries with territory above the Arctic Circle:
- Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Russian Federation, and the United States.
The Arctic Council also includes six Permanent Participants (PP) groups representing the indigenous people of the Arctic, which include Aleut International Association, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich’in Council International, Inuit Circumpolar Council, Russian Arctic Indigenous Peoples of the North, and Saami Council.
The Arctic Council is not a treaty-based international organization but rather an international forum that operates on the basis of consensus, echoing the peaceful and cooperative nature of the Arctic Region.
- The Council focuses its work on matters related to sustainable development, the environment, and scientific cooperation; its mandate explicitly excludes military security.
- Traditionally, the Council is chaired by the foreign minister of the country holding the chairmanship.
- Its day-to-day work is carried out by the eight Senior Arctic Officials (SAO) and six PP representatives, with input from working groups, expert groups, and task forces.
- The Council has conducted some important environmental research, including a valuable 1997 study of pollution in the Arctic region.
The Arctic Council’s decisions are made by consensus of the member countries, and the Council’s secretariat is located in Tromsø, Norway.

What share of global CO2 emissions come from aviation?

(General Studies- Paper III0

Source : The Hindu

Despite being one of the most carbon-intensive activities, aviation contributes only 2.5% of the world’s carbon emissions.

This seemingly low contribution is due to the fact that the majority of the world’s population does not engage in air travel.
Studies indicate that approximately 90% of the global population refrains from flying in most years.
However, as global incomes rise, this trend is expected to change, leading to increased air travel.

Key Highlights

Drivers of Aviation Emissions:
- The shift in aviation emissions over the past fifty years can be attributed to a combination of factors, including increased demand for air travel and technological advancements.
- To calculate carbon emissions from aviation, three key metrics are essential:
  - Aviation Demand: This refers to the volume of passenger and freight kilometers traveled via air transportation.
  - Energy Efficiency: This metric measures the amount of energy consumed per kilometer traveled by aircraft.
  - Carbon Intensity: It indicates the type of fuel used in aviation, which determines the amount of carbon emitted per unit of energy produced.
- Calculation of Aviation Emissions:
  - By multiplying these metrics together, the total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from aviation can be determined.
  - This calculation provides insight into the environmental impact of air travel and helps in assessing strategies to mitigate carbon emissions from the aviation sector.
- Increase in Demand and Efficiency:
  - Between 1990 and 2019, both passenger and freight demand in aviation have soared, approximately quadrupling during this period.
  - This surge reflects an increase in the number of people traveling by air and a rise in the transportation of goods.
  - In 2019 alone, passengers traveled over 8 trillion kilometers, a distance comparable to a light year.
- - Improvement in Energy Efficiency:
    - Concurrently, flying has become more than twice as energy efficient.
    - The energy required to travel one passenger-kilometer decreased significantly from 2.9 megajoules (MJ) in 1990 to 1.3 MJ in 2019.
    - This improvement is attributed to advancements in aircraft design and technology, the introduction of larger planes capable of carrying more passengers, and higher passenger load factors, resulting in fewer empty seats.
  - Stagnation in Carbon Intensity:
    - Despite gains in energy efficiency, the carbon intensity of aviation fuel has remained unchanged over the years.
    - Standard jet fuel used in 1990 is still prevalent today, with biofuels and alternative fuels constituting only a fraction of global demand.
    - Consequently, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted per unit of energy has not improved.
  - Impact on CO2 Emissions:
    - The combination of increased demand and improved energy efficiency has affected CO2 emissions from aviation.
    - While demand has quadrupled, doubling emissions, the gains in efficiency have partially mitigated the impact of increased demand.
    - In 1990, global aviation emitted approximately 0.5 billion tonnes of CO2, a figure that doubled to around 1 billion tonnes by 2019.
- - Long-Term Perspective on Aviation Emissions:
    - Quadrupling of CO2 Emissions:
      - Analyzing data from as far back as the 1940s, it’s evident that global CO2 emissions from aviation have quadrupled since the mid-1960s, indicating a significant increase in emissions over the past several decades.
    - Aviation’s Share of Global CO2 Emissions:
      - In 2019, aviation accounted for approximately 2.5% of CO2 emissions from fossil sources and land use.
      - This share has fluctuated between 2% and 2.5% since the mid-1990s but has shown a marked increase since 2010.
    - Non-CO2 Climate Impacts:
      - Beyond CO2 emissions, aviation has additional climate impacts due to its effect on atmospheric gases and pollutants.
      - These impacts include short-term increases and long-term decreases in ozone and methane, along with emissions of water vapor, soot, sulfur aerosols, and water contrails.
      - While some of these effects lead to warming, others induce a cooling effect, with the overall warming effect being stronger.
  - - Quantifying Aviation’s Overall Climate Impact:
      - Studies have attempted to quantify aviation’s overall contribution to global warming by considering all these impacts.
      - This is measured using “radiative forcing,” which compares incoming energy with the energy radiated back to space.
      - Accounting for these factors, aviation has contributed approximately 3.5% of effective radiative forcing to date and an estimated 4% of global temperature rise since pre-industrial times.
      - Dominance of Non-CO2 Forcings:
        
        Interestingly, while CO2 emissions garner the most attention, they account for less than half of aviation’s overall warming impact.
        
        Two-thirds of this warming come from non-CO2 forcings, with water vapor from aircraft exhausts (contrails) representing the largest share.
      - Challenges in Decarbonizing Aviation:
        
        Aviation poses significant challenges in decarbonization compared to other sectors.
        
        While sectors like electricity, road transport, and heating have viable low-carbon alternatives, aviation lags behind in adopting such solutions.
        
        The industry’s reliance on jet fuel and limited progress in transitioning to low-carbon fuels pose obstacles to reducing emissions.
      - Future Outlook:
        
        As global demand for air travel is expected to grow in the coming decades, the rise in emissions will depend on the industry’s ability to maintain improvements in energy efficiency and transition to low-carbon fuels.
        
        While more efficient aircraft can mitigate some emissions growth, a complete elimination of emissions requires a shift to electrification, biofuels, hydrogen, or a combination thereof.
        
        Until such a transition occurs, aviation’s share of global emissions is likely to increase continually.

Siachen: 40 years of Op Meghdoot

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

Located at an altitude of 15,632 feet, the Siachen Glacier is known as the “land of roses” in the Balti language, but it has gained notoriety as the world’s highest and coldest battlefield.

Extreme weather conditions pose significant challenges, with around 1,150 soldiers having lost their lives, mainly due to the harsh environment.

Key Highlights

Historical Background:
- The conflict over Siachen traces back to the Partition of India and Pakistan.
- While the Line of Control (LoC) was established up to NJ-9842 as per the 1972 Simla Agreement, the status of the glacier remained undefined.
- India claims the area based on agreements such as the Jammu and Kashmir Accession Agreement of 1947 and the Karachi Agreement of 1949, which define the ceasefire line extending “Northwards to the glaciers.”
- Conversely, Pakistan interprets it as extending “North-Eastwards,” seeking control over the region beyond the Saltoro Ridge and Siachen.
- This strategic positioning would provide Pakistan with direct connectivity to China and oversight over the Ladakh region and the Leh-Srinagar highway, posing a significant threat to India’s security.
Occupation and Conflict:
- On April 13, 2024, the Indian Army pre-empted Pakistan and occupied the glacier on the Saltoro Ridge.
- This move marked four decades of Indian presence in the region, aiming to safeguard its territorial claims and prevent Pakistan from gaining strategic advantages.
Background of Operation Meghdoot:
- In the 1970s and 1980s, Pakistan permitted foreign mountaineering expeditions to the Siachen Glacier, advancing its territorial claims through cartographic aggression.
- Intelligence reports in early 1984 suggested Pakistan’s impending military action, prompting India to take preemptive measures.
- Preparation and Execution:
  - Mountaineering expeditions led by Col. Narinder ‘Bull’ Kumar provided crucial reconnaissance data for Operation Meghdoot.
  - On April 13, 1984, India launched the operation, with a platoon from 4 Kumaon, led by Captain Sanjay Kulkarni, planting the Indian flag at Bilafond La.
  - The Ladakh Scouts were also deployed via Cheetah helicopters from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
  - In June 1987, Indian troops captured Quaid post, renamed Bana top in honor of Naib Subedar Bana Singh, who received the ParamVir Chakra for leading the attack.
- Early Operations and Technology:
  - In the initial stages of Operation Meghdoot, operations were particularly demanding due to limited high altitude clothing and equipment.
  - The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role, employing helicopters and transport aircraft.
  - Fighter aircraft, including a detachment of Hunter aircraft, joined the operations from the high altitude airfield at Leh.
- Conflict and Ceasefire:
  - From 1984 to 2003, both sides engaged in regular exchanges of fire.
  - However, in 2003, a ceasefire agreement was reached along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) in Siachen, leading to a cessation of hostilities.
  - While the LoC has witnessed sporadic escalations, the ceasefire along the AGPL has largely held.
- Extreme Conditions on Siachen:
  - Army posts on the Siachen Glacier are situated at heights of 18,000 feet and above, with Bana post being the highest.
  - At these altitudes, soldiers face extreme weather conditions and challenges.
  - Impact of Climate Change:
    - The Siachen Glacier is experiencing the effects of climate change, with the snout receding by over a kilometre since 1984.
    - This poses additional challenges for the troops stationed in the region.
  - Recent Developments and Enhancements:
    - Over the last four decades, significant advancements have been made in technology, facilities, and logistical support on the glacier.
    - Major improvements include habitat upgrades, enhanced communications with the introduction of VSAT technology, improved mobility with All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and ATV bridges, and better medical support.
    - Technological Advancements in the Last Five Years:
      - Recent developments include improved mobile and data connectivity, revolutionizing communication and enhancing situational awareness.
      - The induction of Chinook heavy-lift helicopters and logistic drones has facilitated the supply of essential provisions to cut-off posts during winters.
      - Additionally, new logistics chains ensure the availability of fresh rations and vegetables for forward posts.
    - Preparedness and Well-being of Soldiers:
      - Soldiers are equipped with special clothing, mountaineering equipment, advanced rations, and receive timely weather updates to withstand temperatures as low as -60 degrees Celsius.
      - These enhancements aim to improve the well-being and effectiveness of troops deployed in the challenging terrain of Siachen.
    - Continued Military Support:
      - The Indian Air Force (IAF) utilizes a wide array of aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Chinook, Apache, and various helicopters, to support Operation Meghdoot on the Siachen Glacier.
      - Helicopters, particularly from the 114 helicopter unit and Army aviation, remain crucial for supplying remote posts.
    - Medical Facilities and Support:
      - Medical infrastructure on the glacier includes telemedicine nodes established by ISRO and advanced facilities at Partapur and Base Camp.
      - These facilities boast top medical and surgical specialists, high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) chambers, oxygen generation plants, and life support systems.