CURRENT AFFAIRS - 19/03/2024

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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19/03/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19/03/2024

Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) highlights the alarming prevalence of violence against women in India.

Approximately 30% of women aged 18-49 report experiencing physical violence starting as early as age 15, while 6% have endured sexual violence.
These statistics underscore a concerning societal issue that demands attention and action.

Key Highlights

Interconnectedness of Violence, Homelessness, and Mental Health:
- Research indicates a complex interplay between violence against women, homelessness, and mental health.
- The Banyan, an organization working with homeless women with mental health issues, has observed a recurrent pattern wherein these factors exacerbate one another.
- Violence and mental health conditions often have a mutually reinforcing relationship, significantly increasing the risk of homelessness.
Findings from The Banyan’s Research:
- A study conducted at The Banyan involving 346 women accessing outpatient services revealed that relational disruptions, frequently linked to violence, were predictive of homelessness.
- This correlation persisted even when women sought mental health care, indicating the pervasive influence of violence in driving homelessness among this demographic.
- Similar findings have been documented in global studies, suggesting a universal phenomenon.
- Qualitative research conducted at The Banyan challenged conventional conceptualizations of trauma outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
- Experiences recounted by women with histories of homelessness often deviated from established frameworks, highlighting the inadequacy of traditional diagnostic models in capturing the full scope of trauma stemming from violence, alienation, shame, and poverty.
Narratives of Trauma and Homelessness:
- In-depth interviews with women living with mental health conditions shed light on their pathways into homelessness.
- For many, homelessness was not merely a consequence of limited access to care but also served as a means of escaping recurrent cycles of violence.
- Accounts frequently referenced traumatic experiences such as child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence, underscoring the profound impact of interpersonal violence on mental health and housing instability.
- Within a complex matrix of structural barriers like poverty and caste, violence often serves as a catalyst for individuals, particularly women, to detach from conventional relational bonds and notions of home.
Historical Stigma and Labeling of Madness:
- Throughout history, the label of madness has been used to discredit and silence women who defy societal norms, including intellectual curiosity and assertiveness.
- In contemporary patriarchal societies, the construct of womanhood is often confined within reproductive roles, leading to the normalization and justification of violence against women.
- Madness as Resistance and Escape:
  - Some women view their madness as a form of resistance against societal constraints, embracing identities and behaviors that challenge patriarchal norms.
  - Others find solace or empowerment in beliefs and rituals that offer them a sense of purpose or cultural capital, while some experience madness as an inward journey, exploring alternate realities free from social constraints.
- Narrow Discourse on Women’s Mental Health:
  - Mainstream discourse on women’s mental health often focuses narrowly on conditions like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, neglecting the complex interplay between violence, societal norms, and mental health.
  - This reductionist approach overlooks the multifaceted experiences of madness among women impacted by violence.
  - The dominance of a biomedical lens in mental health care perpetuates biases and neglects the role of violence in shaping mental health outcomes.
- Comprehensive Solutions to Address Violence Against Women:
  - There’s an urgent call for comprehensive solutions that systematically unpack and address the multitude of factors contributing to violence against women.
  - This involves recognizing and compensating women for their unpaid household labor, creating spaces for supportive networks outside of traditional family structures, and ensuring access to economic resources like basic income, housing, and land ownership to reduce vulnerability to homelessness.
  - Additionally, embedding curricula in education systems to challenge harmful gender norms can foster a generation that values egalitarianism and rejects violence against women.
  - Biological Factors in Behavior and Choices:
    - Biologist Robert Sapolsky highlights the role of biological factors, such as genetics and childhood adversity, in shaping human inclinations and choices.
    - His work underscores the need for policies and interventions that address childhood adversity, including abuse, neglect, and poverty, to mitigate the long-term effects on brain development and behavior.
  - Multifaceted Approach to Homelessness and Mental Health:
    - While the reciprocal relationship between homelessness and mental illness is acknowledged globally, there’s a need for a closer examination of the nuances, particularly regarding violence against women.
    - Rather than merely addressing surface-level causes, a comprehensive approach involves delving into the complex factors surrounding mental health.
    - This journey requires collaboration among diverse professionals, innovative research methods, and meaningful engagement with individuals with lived experiences.
    - Prioritizing a range of robust responses tailored to the needs of high-priority groups, such as homeless women, is essential.
    - It’s crucial to acknowledge that no single narrative can provide a complete response to the issue.
    - Instead, there’s a need for greater exploration of phenomena, consideration of intersectionality and power dynamics, and utilization of feminist standpoint theory to advance scientific understanding and knowledge acquisition.

VSSC, ISRO develop multi-purpose app SAKHI to assist Gaganyaan crew

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), part of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has developed a groundbreaking multi-purpose app called the Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI).

This app is designed to assist astronauts during the Gaganyaan space flight mission by providing essential technical information, facilitating communication, and monitoring their health and well-being.

Key Highlights

Functionality and Features:
- SAKHI serves as an indispensable tool for astronauts, offering a wide range of functionalities crucial for mission success.
- It allows astronauts to access vital technical information and training manuals instantly, eliminating the need to carry bulky documents onboard.
- The app is designed to be easily accessible, kept strapped to their space suits for quick retrieval.
- Health Monitoring and Communication:
  - One of the key features of SAKHI is its ability to monitor the health of astronauts in real-time.
  - It provides essential data on parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, offering valuable insights into the crew’s physical condition throughout the mission.
  - Additionally, SAKHI ensures seamless communication between the crew, onboard computer systems, and ground-based stations, guaranteeing a reliable link throughout the mission.
- Dietary and Hydration Management:
  - SAKHI also assists astronauts in managing their dietary and hydration schedules, as well as sleep patterns.
  - It serves as a reminder for astronauts to stay hydrated and adhere to their dietary requirements, crucial for maintaining their health and performance during the mission.
- Development and Implementation:
  - The VSSC has successfully tested an engineering model of the hand-held smart device featuring SAKHI, with the development of a flight model currently underway.
  - The app is expected to play a vital role in the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, scheduled for launch in 2025.

About the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is a space research center under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), focusing on the development of rocket and space vehicles for India’s satellite program.
Established in 1963, VSSC is located in Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
Initially known as the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), it was later renamed in honor of Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of the Indian space program.
The center is a key facility within ISRO, specializing in the design and development of satellite launch vehicles and associated technologies.
- It has been pivotal in the development of sounding rockets, launchers like Rohini and Menaka, as well as families of launch vehicles including SLV, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV Mk III.
- The center also plays a crucial role in human resource development, budget management, and other administrative functions.

About Gaganyaan Mission

The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s first human spaceflight program developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
This ambitious mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space, making India the fourth nation to launch its own crewed spacecraft, following the Soviet Union (later Russia), the United States, and China.
The Gaganyaan spacecraft consists of two main parts: the crew module (CM) and the service module (SM), which together form the orbital module.
The CM is designed to carry up to three astronauts and will separate from the SM upon reentry, splashing down in the ocean.
The spacecraft will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota atop the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HRLV), a modified version of India’s powerful rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3).

The MIRV leap that fires up India’s nuclear deterrence

(General Studies- Paper III0

Source : The Hindu

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a significant ballistic missile test dubbed “Divyastra,” featuring the Agni-5 missile.

With a remarkable range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, the Agni-5 stands as India’s longest-range missile to date.
However, its strategic significance lies not only in its impressive range but also in its enhanced potency, particularly due to its integration with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs).

Key Highlights

Potency of India’s Nuclear Deterrent:
- The integration of MIRVs into the Agni-5 marks a pivotal moment for India’s nuclear deterrent capabilities.
- MIRV technology allows missiles to simultaneously target multiple locations, thereby increasing their effectiveness and bypassing ballistic missile defenses.
- This advancement elevates India’s nuclear deterrent to a new level, enhancing its ability to respond effectively to potential threats.
Comparison with China:
- While MIRV technology is not novel, its introduction into India’s arsenal places it in a select group of countries possessing MIRV-capable ballistic missiles.
- Notably, China, a key regional rival, has already developed MIRV-capable projectiles.
- China’s ongoing efforts to bolster its ballistic missile defenses, such as the HQ-19 interceptors, pose a potential challenge to India’s earlier missile variants.
- However, the integration of MIRVs into the Agni-5 restores balance to the Sino-Indian nuclear deterrent relationship.
- MIRV-tipped missiles are essential for their ability to strike multiple targets simultaneously and evade missile defenses effectively.
- As China continues to enhance its ballistic missile defenses, India’s adoption of MIRV technology becomes crucial for maintaining its nuclear striking power and deterrence capability.
Technical Challenges in MIRV Development:
- Developing MIRV-capable ballistic missiles entails meeting stringent technical criteria, including miniaturizing nuclear warheads, ensuring low mass of the receptacle carrying the warhead, precise configuration of re-entry vehicles, and maneuverability during separation from the Post Boost Vehicle (PBV).
- Additionally, guidance and accuracy are crucial for spin-stabilized re-entry vehicles during atmospheric re-entry.
India’s Achievement Against Odds:
- India’s recent test of the Agni-5 demonstrates its success in overcoming formidable challenges in MIRV development.
- Limited nuclear testing compromised the miniaturization of warheads and MIRV capabilities.
- Despite these obstacles, organizations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), and Advanced Systems Limited (ASL) have made significant strides in MIRV technology.
- The Atomic Energy Commission of India, especially the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), has played a crucial role in designing compact nuclear warheads for MIRV capability.
- Future projects may include testing long-range Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM), further bolstering India’s nuclear deterrence vis-à-vis China.
Strategic Implications and Conclusion:
- The successful test of the Agni-5 MIRV missile signifies a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a credible nuclear and missile power.
- It sends a clear message to China that India is prepared to counter its advancements in missile technology.
- India’s achievement in MIRV development enhances its strategic position and underscores its commitment to maintaining a robust nuclear deterrence capability.

What is nuclear deterrence?

Nuclear deterrence is a strategic concept based on the idea that possessing nuclear weapons can prevent adversaries from initiating a nuclear attack or any other significant aggression due to the fear of retaliation.
The fundamental principle behind nuclear deterrence is the belief that the prospect of massive destruction and loss of life resulting from a nuclear exchange acts as a powerful deterrent against aggression.

About the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) stands as India’s premier nuclear research facility, situated in Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Established by HomiJehangirBhabha as the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) in January 1954, BARC was envisioned as a multidisciplinary research program critical for India’s nuclear aspirations.
It operates under the purview of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India.
Multidisciplinary Research Mandate:
- BARC is renowned for its multi-disciplinary research endeavors, boasting extensive infrastructure for advanced research and development spanning various domains.
- These include nuclear science, chemical engineering, material sciences, metallurgy, electronic instrumentation, biology, medicine, supercomputing, high-energy physics, plasma physics, and associated areas crucial for India’s nuclear program and related sectors.
Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Energy:
- At its core, BARC is dedicated to fostering peaceful applications of nuclear energy.
- It oversees all facets of nuclear power generation, from theoretical reactor design to computer modeling, simulation, risk analysis, and the development and testing of new reactor fuel and materials.
- Additionally, BARC conducts research on spent fuel processing and the safe disposal of nuclear waste, ensuring the sustainability and safety of nuclear energy utilization.
Facilities:
- BARC operates several research reactors, including the Dhruva reactor and the CIRUS reactor, which are used for various research and production purposes.
- It also houses facilities for nuclear fuel fabrication, radioisotope production, radiation therapy, and nuclear analytical techniques.

About the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India’s premier agency for military research and development, operating under the Department of Defence Research and Development within the Ministry of Defence.
Established in 1958 through the merger of various defense research entities, including the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production.
In 1979, the Defence Research & Development Service (DRDS) was formed as a Group ‘A’ service directly under the Ministry of Defence.Mandate:
- The primary objective of DRDO is to design, develop, and produce state-of-the-art military technology to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities across various domains such as land, air, sea, and space.
Research and Development Areas:
- DRDO is involved in a wide range of research and development activities, including missile systems, radar systems, electronic warfare systems, communication systems, armaments, aerospace technologies, naval systems, and more.

All eyes are now on the Indian Ocean region

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

Since October 2023, the Indian government has redirected its policy attention from the broader Indo-Pacific region to the Indian Ocean.

While the Indo-Pacific strategy encompasses both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, recent developments have underscored the importance of focusing on immediate regional concerns.

Key Highlights

Concerns with the Maldives:
- The Maldives, under President Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership, appears to be moving towards closer ties with China, despite India’s diplomatic efforts and patience.
- This shift has raised concerns in New Delhi about the Maldives’ increasing alignment with Beijing, potentially impacting regional dynamics.
- Contrasting Approaches of Sri Lanka:
  - In contrast to the Maldives, Sri Lanka has demonstrated greater sensitivity to India’s security concerns by imposing restrictions on foreign research ships, including Chinese vessels, in its ports.
  - This move reflects Sri Lanka’s recognition of India’s security interests and signals cooperation in addressing regional challenges.
- Success of India’s SAGAR Policy:
  - India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy has yielded positive outcomes, as evidenced by the recent inauguration of new infrastructure in the Agaléga Islands, Mauritius.
  - This initiative aims to enhance Mauritius’s capabilities in safeguarding its Extended Economic Zone, contributing to regional security efforts.
- Emerging Geostrategic Dynamics:
  - Both the Western Indian Ocean, characterized by island nations, and the Northern Indian Ocean, spanning from the Arabian Sea to the Suez, have become active geopolitical theaters.
  - Developments such as the regionalization of the Israel-Hamas conflict and attacks on international shipping by Houthi rebels highlight the evolving security landscape.
- China’s Growing Influence:
  - China’s expanding naval presence in the Indian Ocean region aims to assert dominance and challenge India’s security interests.
  - Beijing’s strategic partnerships with countries like the Maldives, coupled with its pursuit of naval bases in key locations, pose significant challenges to India’s regional security posture.
- India’s Response to Emerging Challenges:
  - India’s defense secretary recently emphasized India’s resolute response to challenges posed by a determined adversary, particularly highlighting the evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
  - Cooperation with the United States is crucial in addressing strategic competition with China, with a specific focus on enhancing underwater domain awareness to counter emerging threats.
  - While the United States is recognized as a key stakeholder in the Indo-Pacific, the stance of other nations like the United Kingdom, European Union, France, and Germany regarding Indian Ocean rivalries with China is of interest.
  - Despite concerns over Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea, these European nations exhibit a degree of ambiguity in interpreting China’s behavior in the Indian Ocean due to their geographic distance from the region.
  - India must continue efforts to persuade its strategic partners to reevaluate their Asia strategy, emphasizing the growing significance of the Indian Ocean region and the need to address China’s assertiveness in the area.
  - However, their preoccupation with conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Gaza may hinder a comprehensive reexamination of their approach towards China’s activities in the Indian Ocean.
- Reassessment of Regional Mechanisms:
  - India should conduct a critical assessment of existing regional mechanisms like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).
  - While IORA’s effectiveness has diminished, the CSC faces the risk of losing a key member, the Maldives, to deeper partnership with China.
  - New Delhi may propose the establishment of a new mechanism, such as the ‘Indian Ocean Cooperation Organisation,’ comprising key regional players to bolster maritime security and promote the Blue Economy.
- Strengthening India’s Naval Power:
  - Recognizing India’s strategic aspirations, efforts should be made to allocate additional budgetary resources to the Indian Navy, enhancing its capabilities to become the third or fourth strongest naval force globally.
  - As India aims to become the third-largest economy, aligning naval strength with economic stature is imperative for safeguarding maritime interests and ensuring regional security.

What is India’s SAGAR Policy?

India’s SAGAR Policy, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region, is a strategic vision and geopolitical framework developed by the Government of India for the Indian Ocean region.
This policy aims to enhance regional peace, prosperity, and progress by focusing on security and growth for all nations in the region.
SAGAR encompasses various dimensions of Indian engagement, including safeguarding continental and maritime interests, building capacity of partner countries through economic and security cooperation, promoting collective action in regional institutions, enhancing collaboration for sustainable development, and facilitating maritime engagement and regional connectivity projects.

About the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)

Establishment and Evolution:
- Founded as the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative (IORI) in March 1995 in Mauritius.
- Formalized as the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC) in March 1997 through the Charter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
- Later renamed as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Membership and Structure:
- Consists of 23 member states bordering the Indian Ocean.
- Tripartite forum bringing together representatives of Government, Business, and Academia.
- Coordinating Secretariat located in Ebene, Mauritius.
Historical Background:
- Originated during a visit of former South African Foreign Minister, Pik Botha, to India in November 1993.
- Formalized during the presidential visit of Nelson Mandela to India in January 1995.
- Formed by South Africa, India, Mauritius, and Australia initially.
Key Bodies and Meetings:
- Apex body: Council of (Foreign) Ministers (COM).
- Preceded by meetings of Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group (IORAG), Indian Ocean Rim Business Forum (IORBF), Working Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI), and Committee of Senior Officials (CSO).
Objectives of IORA:
- Promote sustainable growth and balanced development.
- Focus on economic cooperation for mutual benefits.
- Facilitate freer flow of goods, services, investment, and technology within the Indian Ocean rim.
Priority Areas:
- Maritime security.
- Trade and investment facilitation.
- Fisheries management.
- Disaster risk reduction.
- Academic and scientific cooperation.
- Tourism promotion and cultural exchanges.

About the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is a maritime security grouping formed in 2011, consisting of India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Mauritius.
Initially established through trilateral meetings involving India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, the CSC aims to address critical security challenges and promote cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
The recent NSA meeting in December 2023, presided over by India’s National Security Adviser AjitDoval, reflects the CSC’s commitment to fostering a secure and stable Indian Ocean region.
Its agenda encompasses five significant pillars, including maritime safety and security, countering terrorism and radicalization, combating trafficking and transnational organized crime, cybersecurity and protection of critical infrastructure and technology, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The CSC has evolved and expanded over the years, re-establishing in 2020 and including Mauritius as a member, with Bangladesh and Seychelles participating as observers, potentially joining as full members.

On FTAs with European countries

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) marks a significant milestone in India’s Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), representing deeper economic engagement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, including Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

This agreement signals a westward tilt in India’s FTA strategy, being the first FTA with any European country and the western world.

Key Highlights

Implications of TEPA:
- The successful conclusion of TEPA holds substantial significance, demonstrating India’s commitment to trade liberalization amidst global trends of rising protectionism.
- For India’s trading partners, TEPA offers an attractive opportunity to access a large market by overcoming India’s historically high tariff barriers.
- The negotiations, initiated nearly 15 years ago, were swiftly concluded in recent months, following similar agreements with Australia and the UAE, indicating India’s proactive approach towards enhancing trade relations.
Key Features of TEPA:
- Investment Targets:
  - TEPA sets ambitious targets, aiming for a $100 billion investment into India from EFTA countries, with the potential creation of one million jobs over a 15-year period.
  - Notably, the agreement allows India to withdraw tariff concessions if the expected investment fails to materialize.
  - However, realization of these targets hinges on specific conditions, including India’s sustained economic growth of 9.5% and an annual return on EFTA investments in India exceeding 16% over the specified timeframe.
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
  - The investment chapter of TEPA does not include a dispute resolution mechanism, emphasizing positive intent and relying on the responsiveness of the private sector to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the agreement.
- Potential Outcomes:
  - While TEPA signifies a significant step towards deeper economic ties between India and EFTA countries, its ultimate benefits will depend on the private sector’s willingness to invest and engage in trade activities facilitated by the agreement.
  - Furthermore, the agreement provides provisions for adjustments in tariff concessions if agreed investment targets are not met, reflecting a pragmatic approach to safeguarding India’s economic interests.
- Trade in Goods:
  - The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) offer significant benefits in trade of goods, particularly favoring EFTA countries with increased access to the Indian market through tariff concessions.
  - Over the span of seven to 10 years, India is mandated to eliminate tariffs on most products, including seafood such as tuna and salmon, fruits like olives and avocados, coffee capsules, oils such as cod liver and olive oil, and various sweets and processed foods like chocolate and biscuits.
  - Additionally, tariff reductions will apply to smartphones, bicycle parts, medical equipment, clocks, watches, medicines, textiles, apparels, iron and steel products, and machinery.
  - Notably, tariffs on cut and polished diamonds will be reduced from 5% to 2.5% within five years.
  - However, certain sensitive products like gold, dairy, soya, coal, and select agricultural items have been excluded from India’s tariff concessions.
- Trade in Services:
  - TEPA also encompasses liberalization commitments in trade of services between India and EFTA members.
  - Norway has committed to allowing access for yoga instructors and practitioners of traditional medicine from India, subject to compliance with its legal framework.
  - Moreover, Norway and Switzerland have agreed to facilitate highly skilled Indian professionals moving as intra-corporate transferees, provided they obtain work permits within four and three years respectively.
- Regulatory Framework and Recognition of Qualifications:
  - Despite commitments to liberalization, regulatory requirements in each country may impact the actual delivery of services.
  - A separate annex in TEPA outlines the framework for easing the recognition of qualifications of service suppliers, potentially allowing equivalence through additional academic or training requirements.
  - Annexes on financial services and telecom services aim to streamline disciplines for easier service provision.
- Inclusion of Juridical Persons and Risk Management:
  - A notable departure from previous FTAs is the extension of trade in services benefits to any corporate entity incorporated in an EFTA member, regardless of where its operations are based.
  - This provision could potentially lead to free riders benefiting from TEPA.
  - However, the investment chapter mitigates this risk by limiting benefits to entities with substantial business activities within EFTA.
- Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD):
  - The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) introduces a pioneering chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD), marking a departure from India’s previous FTAs.
  - This chapter encompasses commitments on environmental and labor aspects, referencing multilateral agreements and conventions such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and labor conventions under the International Labour Organization (ILO).
  - While India has historically been cautious about linking environmental and labor issues within FTAs due to concerns about potential protectionism, the TSD chapter acknowledges the differential obligations for developed and developing countries and emphasizes a balanced approach.
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR):
  - The TEPA addresses concerns from EFTA countries regarding intellectual property rights (IPR), particularly concerning pharmaceutical and high-technology multinational corporations (MNCs).
  - For instance, India’s Patents Act allows for pre-grant opposition of patent applications, but the TEPA requires swift rejection of “prima facie unfounded” oppositions, potentially exposing India’s regulatory processes to external scrutiny.
  - Additionally, while India’s law mandates annual statements on patent workings, the TEPA proposes extending the periodicity to three years, with annual statements only required in specific cases, prompting a reevaluation of India’s existing statutory requirements.
- Implementation and Impact:
  - The TEPA navigates uncharted territory and its implementation over time will gauge its impact.
  - India will need to ensure that scrutiny of its implementation of environmental and labor obligations under the TSD chapter respects the balance inherent in multilateral conventions.
  - Similarly, amendments to India’s patent rules following TEPA signing highlight the need for FTA commitments to align with domestic regulations to avoid potential conflicts.
  - Ultimately, the TEPA’s success hinges on effective implementation and management of the diverse provisions it introduces.

Spring season ‘disappearing’ in many States, shows study

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

A 50-year analysis of meteorological records conducted by researchers from the agency Climate Trends suggests a gradual withdrawal of spring across Indian states.

Spring is typically characterized by relatively benign weather between the winter of January and the scorching summers of April.
The study focused on the period from 1970 to the present, during which the impact of global warming has been empirically observed and consistent data exists.

Key Highlights

Findings:
- Researchers calculated the monthly average temperature for 33 Indian States and Union Territories.
- They observed a ‘net warming’ during winter in every region analyzed, with Manipur experiencing the largest change since 1970 (2.3°C) and Delhi the smallest (0.2°C).
- Winter was identified as the fastest warming season in 12 out of the 34 regions considered, second only to autumn, which was the fastest warming season in 13 regions.
- Regional Variations:
  - Significant differences were observed in the pattern of temperature changes during winter.
  - Southern parts of the country experienced strong warming in December and January, along with Sikkim and Manipur recording the largest changes in temperature during these months.
  - Conversely, the northern part of the country exhibited weaker warming and even cooling during December and January, with Delhi, Ladakh, and Uttar Pradesh recording the lowest rates of warming.
- Seasonal Changes:
  - The pattern of temperature changes dramatically shifted between January and February.
  - While all regions experienced warming in February, the warming was particularly pronounced in regions that showed cooling or low warming in the previous months.
  - Jammu and Kashmir had the highest warming rate (3.1°C) in February, while Telangana had the lowest (0.4°C).
- Potential for Abrupt Transitions:
  - In northern India, a stark contrast between January and February trends has emerged, indicating the potential for abrupt transitions from cool winter-like temperatures to significantly warmer conditions traditionally observed in March.
  - While January exhibited cooling or slight warming trends, February showed strong warming trends, suggesting a notable shift in seasonal temperatures.
- Regional Variation in Warming Rates:
  - Rajasthan experienced the largest jump in warming rates, with February temperatures being 2.6°C higher than January.
  - Additionally, nine states and territories, including Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, exhibited a January-February temperature difference of more than 2°C.
  - This trend supports reports indicating the disappearance of spring-like conditions in various parts of India.
- Meteorological Explanations:
  - Meteorologists attribute the warming of winter in southern India and the lack of rainfall in the north during winter to anomalies in the pattern of Western Disturbances and the jet stream.
  - The jet stream, originating from the Mediterranean region, typically brings moisture to northern India during winter.
  - However, alterations in these wind patterns have led to deviations from traditional weather patterns, contributing to the observed changes in seasonal temperatures across different regions of India.

What is Western Disturbances and the jet stream?

Western Disturbances:
- Western Disturbances (WDs) are extratropical weather systems that originate over the Mediterranean Sea and travel eastward across the Middle East and Central Asia before affecting the Indian subcontinent.
- Characteristics:
  - WDs are typically associated with the movement of upper-level troughs or cyclonic circulations in the westerly flow of the atmosphere.
  - They bring moisture and precipitation to regions they pass over.
- Impact:
  - WDs often bring rain or snow to parts of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and adjacent countries during the winter months (December to February).
  - They play a crucial role in replenishing water resources, particularly in regions dependent on winter precipitation for agriculture and water supply.
- Effect on Weather:
  - WDs can lead to changes in temperature, wind patterns, and atmospheric conditions over the affectedareas.
  - They are also associated with the formation of winter storms and sometimes contribute to the development of cyclonic systems over the northern Indian Ocean.
- Jet Stream:
  - The Jet Stream is a fast-flowing, narrow air current found in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically located between the troposphere and the stratosphere.
  - It forms at the boundaries between air masses with significant temperature contrasts.
  - Characteristics:
    - The Jet Stream is driven by the temperature gradient between polar and equatorial regions.
    - It meanders in a wavy pattern around the globe, with a west-to-east flow in the Northern Hemisphere and an east-to-west flow in the Southern Hemisphere.
  - Types:
    - There are two main types of Jet Streams: the Polar Jet Stream and the Subtropical Jet Stream.
    - The Polar Jet Stream is stronger and located at higher latitudes, while the Subtropical Jet Stream is weaker and found closer to the equator.
  - Impact:
    - The Jet Stream plays a significant role in shaping weather patterns and steering the movement of weather systems, including WDs.
    - It influences the formation and movement of cyclones, the development of storms, and the distribution of precipitation.