Geography: April 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Subansiri Dam Project 

Why in News?

The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric project (SLHEP) on the Assam-Arunachal border was recently hit by a landslide during pre-monsoon rain.

• However, no damage has been caused to the project and it is set to become operational by June 2023.

What is the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project?

• About SLHEP:
  • SLHEP is an under-construction gravity dam (nearly 90% of the work completed) with capacity 2000 MW (8x250 MW).
  • It is the biggest hydroelectric project undertaken in India so far and is a run of river scheme on river Subansiri.
  • A run-of-river dam is one in which the flow of water in the river downstream of the dam is the same as the flow of water upstream of the dam.
  • In other words, the dam doesn't hold back/store water behind it; it runs with the river.
  • The construction of SLHEP is being undertaken by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited.
• About Subansiri River:
  • Subansiri, or “Gold River” is the largest tributary of the Upper Brahmaputra river.
  • It originates from the Tibetan Himalayas and makes its way to India via (Miri Hills) Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Controversy regarding SLHEP: The project had been kept pending due to local agitation over several dam safety and administrative issues involved in the implementation of the project like:
  • SLHEP contravenes the 1980 Brahmaputra Board Act by transferring the work of Water Resources Department of Subansiri Basin from the Brahmaputra Board to the public and private sector.
  • As assessed by IIT-Roorkee, there is also the issue of increased seismic threat levels to the dam.

Avalanche

Why in News?

Recently, a massive Avalanche hit Sikkim's Nathu La.

What is Avalanche?

• About:
  • An avalanche is a sudden, rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope.
  • It can be triggered by various factors such as heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, or human activity.
  • Many regions that are prone to avalanches have specialized teams that monitor and control avalanche risks by using various methods such as explosives, snow barriers, and other safety measures.
• Types:
  • Rock Avalanches (which consist of large segments of shattered rock),
  • Ice Avalanches (which typically occur in the vicinity of a glacier),
  • Debris Avalanches (which contain a variety of unconsolidated materials, such as loose stones and soil).
• Causes:
  • Weather Conditions: Heavy snowfall, rapid temperature changes, strong winds, and rain can all contribute to avalanche conditions.
  • Slope Conditions: The steepness, orientation, and shape of a slope can contribute to the likelihood of an avalanche occurring. Steep slopes with a convex shape are particularly prone to avalanches.
  • Snowpack Conditions: The structure and stability of the snowpack can also contribute to avalanche conditions. Weak layers of snow or ice within the snowpack can cause it to collapse and trigger an avalanche.
  • Human Activity: Skiers, snowmobilers, and other recreational users can trigger avalanches by their movements on the slope.
  • Natural Events: Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and rockfalls can all trigger avalanches.

How are Avalanches different from Landslides?

• Avalanches and landslides are both types of mass movements, but they occur in different environments and involve different materials.
• An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain or slope, while a landslide is a movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope or cliff.
• Avalanches typically occur in mountainous areas that have heavy snowfall and steep slopes. On the other hand, landslides can occur in a wide range of environments and can be triggered by various factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human activity.
• Both avalanches and landslides can be dangerous and potentially deadly, and it is important to take necessary precautions to avoid them.

What are India's Efforts in Managing Disaster?

• Establishment of National Disaster Reaction Force (NDRF):
  • India has increasingly mitigated and responded to all types of disasters, including with the establishment of its NDRF, the world’s largest rapid reaction force dedicated to disaster response.
• India’s Role as a Foreign Disaster Relief:
  • India’s foreign humanitarian assistance has increasingly included its military assets, primarily deploying naval ships or aircraft to deliver relief.
  • In line with its diplomatic policy of “Neighbourhood First,” many of the recipient countries have been in the region of South and Southeast Asia.
• Contribution to Regional Disaster Preparedness:
  • Within the context of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), India has hosted DM Exercises that allow NDRF to demonstrate for counterparts from partner states the techniques developed to respond to various disasters.
• Managing Climate Change related Disaster:
  • India has adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030), and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, all of which make clear the connections among DRR, Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), and sustainable development.

What are the Key Facts of Nathu La?

• Nathu La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, is a mountain pass in the Himalayan peaks situated on the Indo-Tibetan border 14450 ft. above sea level.
• Nathu means 'listening ears', and La means 'pass'.
• It is an open trading border post between India and China.
• The other passes located in the state of Sikkim are Jelep La Pass, Donkia Pass, Chiwabhanjang Pass.

International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

Context

Recently, PM Modi addressed the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

• The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) is CDRI's flagship event bringing together policymakers, researchers and practitioners from across the world to strengthen the global discourse on disaster and climate resilient infrastructure.
• The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) is an annual international conference and platform to continue building an engaged global community for disaster and climate resilient infrastructure.
• Its objective is to promote research and knowledge sharing in the fields of infrastructure risk management, standards, financing, and recovery mechanisms.
• Launched by India, at the 2019 UN Climate Summit, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) includes -Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Bhutan, Chile, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, Netherlands, Peru, Sri Lanka, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
• Six organizations—The World Bank Group, The Asian Development Bank, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), The Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) and Coalition for Climate Resilient Investment (CCRI) are supporting partners.

Theme for 2023 Conference

• The CDRI's theme for this year's conference is related to Delivering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure.

Highlights of PM Modi’s address

• Integrated Response
  • The CDRI arose from a global vision. In a closely connected world, the impact of disasters will not just be local. Disasters in one region can have a big impact on a completely different region. Therefore, our response has to be integrated, not isolated.
• Multistakeholder platform
  • In just a few years, over 40 countries have become part of the CDRI. This conference is becoming an important platform.
  • Advanced economies and developing economies, large and small countries, The Global North and the Global South, are coming together at this forum.
  • It is also encouraging that it is not just governments that are involved. Global institutions, domain experts and the private sector also play a role.
• Inclusive Infrastructure
  • The CDRI's theme for this year's conference is related to Delivering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure is not only about returns but also about reach and resilience.
  • Infrastructure must leave none behind and serve the people even during times of crisis. Further, a holistic view of infrastructure is needed. Social and digital infrastructure are as important as transport infrastructure.
• Importance of Resilience
  • Resilience is about how quickly systems can ensure the return of normal life. Resilience is built in the times between one disaster and another. Studying past disasters and learning lessons from them is the way.
  • This is where the CDRI and this conference play a key role.
• Region-specific disaster management strategy
  • Each nation and region faces disasters of different kinds. Societies evolve local knowledge related to infrastructure that can with-stand disasters.
  • While modernizing infrastructure, such knowledge needs to be used intelligently.
  • Modern technology with local insights can be great for resilience. Further, if documented well, local knowledge may become a global best practice.
• Inclusive intent of CDRI initiatives
  • Some of the initiatives of the CDRI are already showing its inclusive intent.
  • The Infrastructure for Resilient Island States initiative or IRIS benefits many island nations.
  • These islands may be small, but every human living in them matters to us. Just last year, the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund was announced.
  • This 50-million-dollar fund has generated immense interest among developing nations. The commitment of financial resources is key to the success of initiatives.
• Recent Disasters- A reminder
  • Recent disasters have reminded us of the scale of challenges we face. Let me give you a few examples.
  • We had heat waves across India and Europe.
  • Many island nations were harmed by earth-quakes, cyclones and volcanoes. Earth-quakes in Türkiye and Syria caused great loss of lives and property. Thus, there are great expectations from the CDRI.
• G-20 presidency- An opportunity for CDRI
  • This year, India is also bringing the world together through its G20 presidency. As the president of G20, India has already included the CDRI in many working groups. The solutions explored here will receive attention at the highest levels of global policy-making.
  • This is an opportunity for CDRI to contribute to infrastructure resilience, especially against climate risks and disasters.
  • The deliberations at ICDRI 2023 will provide a pathway to achieve the shared vision of a more resilient world.

Internet Connectivity in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Why in News?

• Port Blair has seen significant improvements in Internet Connectivity since August 2020, when the Chennai-Andaman & Nicobar Islands (CANI) cable was inaugurated.
• However, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI) is currently encountering a number of challenges that necessitate the adoption of an objective viewpoint in order to ensure the comprehensive and enduring progress of ANI towards inclusivity and sustainability.

What are the Recent Developments in Internet Connectivity in ANI?

• The undersea cable between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chennai, i.e., CANI, connecting the Union Territory to the global Internet, has seen a reasonable level of interest from telecom operators.
• The Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) provided information that telecom operators have purchased over 70 GBPS of bandwidth for internet connectivity in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI).
• Airtel and BSNL account for the lion’s share of the purchased bandwidth, with 60 GBPS being allocated to the two telcos. Airtel even launched 5G services in Port Blair.

What is the Significance of ANI for India?

• About:
  • The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands at the southeastern edge of the Bay of Bengal.
  • They are part of the union territory of India and are situated approximately 1,400 km from the Indian mainland.
• Significance:
  • Treasure of Tribes: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to 5 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: Great Andamanese, Jarwas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese.
  • Strategic Location: They give India a commanding position over the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and the considerable traffic that flows to and fro between the Indian and Pacific Oceans through the Malacca Strait.
  • Space for Maritime Partners: India's key maritime partners such as the US, Japan, Australia and France acknowledge and recognise the strategic location of the Andaman and Nicobar.
  • These islands not only provide India with a key maritime space but also carry significant potential in shaping the strategic and military dynamics of the Indian Ocean region.
• Recent Developmental Plans for ANI:
  • Japan’s Overseas Development Assistance: Japan approved a USD 265 crore grant aid for ANI development projects in 2021.
  • NITI Aayog’s Project for Great Nicobar: It includes an international container transhipment terminal, an airport, a power plant, and a township.
  • NITI Aayog’s Proposal for Little Andaman: The plan calls for the development of a new greenfield coastal city to compete with Singapore and Hong Kong.

What are the Challenges Related to ANI?

• Unsustainable Development: Andaman and Nicobar have become a major tourist attractions, and this has resulted in many development projects being initiated in this region.
• While at one side it will transform the islands substantially, it would also cause loss of ecological stability.
• Developmental activities are also impacting the coral reefs in the area, which are already under threat from warming oceans, and are of enormous ecological importance.
• Environmentalists have also flagged the loss of mangroves on the island as a result of the development project.
• Geological Volatility: The Andaman and Nicobar island's groups lie in a seismically highly active zone. Due to this, the region is prone to a number of natural disasters.
• For instance, in 2004 an earthquake and accompanying tsunami devastated large parts of the island chain.
• Nicobar and Car Nicobar (northernmost Nicobar Island) lost almost one-fifth of its population and close to 90% of its mangroves.
• Geo-Political Instability: Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of the Indo-Pacific geopolitical theatre, where China is actively trying to expand its influence, potentially posing a threat to India's blue economy and maritime security.
• Encroachment in Tribal Space: While PVTGs are accorded the highest level of protection by local administration, they still face numerous challenges due to encroachment into their areas in the name of development, and lack of effective rehabilitation program.

Way Forward

• Sustainable Island Development Framework: Infrastructure and developmental projects in Andaman and Nicobar will no doubt aid India’s strategic and maritime capabilities, but such development should not come at the cost of the exploitation of the ecosystem that the Andaman and Nicobar offers.
• Prior to any development activity in this region, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment should be made mandatory.
• A Sustainable Island Development framework is not only important for the Andaman and Nicobar but should also be applicable to other Indian islands as well.
• Developing Island Security Model: There is a need for India to invest in capacity building in maritime security and incentivize research, to develop an Island Security Model, and to equip its Navy with the latest technology to track any infiltration attempt.
• Revitalising Linking Projects: There is a need to revitalise the plan of linking the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the mainland through Submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC).
• Submarine Cable will also assist A&N in providing cheaper and better connectivity and all of Digital India's advantages, especially in improving online education, telemedicine, banking and online trading.

Western Disturbance Threatens India's Wheat Crop

Why in News?

Recent inclement weather conditions, including an unusual rise in mercury in February and untimely spells of widespread rain, gusty winds, and hails during March under the influence of western disturbances in key wheat-producing states have left farmers worried about a potential drop in yield, output, and quality of wheat.

What is the Impact of Untimely Rains and Winds on Wheat Crops in India

• Impact of Untimely Rains and Winds:
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the rains, along with stormy winds between 40-50 kilometers per hour, could be detrimental to the crop's health, especially if they occur close to the ripening and harvesting stage. Unfortunately, there have been instances of crop flattening and waterlogging in fields, which could further damage the ready-to-harvest wheat crop.
• Impact on Production:
  • According to the researchers, with the recent untimely rains, India's wheat production in the agriculture year 2022-23 is likely to be 102.9 MT, which is less than the Union government's estimate of 112 MT. However, the Centre remains optimistic that wheat production will be close to 112 MT due to increased acreage and better yield this season, despite a slight production loss due to recent adverse weather conditions.
• Impact on Price and Foodgrain Security:
  • If India's wheat production drops below the government's estimate, it could lead to a hike in the prices of wheat and wheat-based products in the domestic market.
  • Additionally, any decline in wheat production could lead to a potential foodgrain security issue.

What are the Key Points related to Wheat?

• About:
  • This is the second most important cereal crop in India after rice.
  • It is the main food crop, in the north and north-western part of the country.
  • Wheat is a rabi crop that requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening.
  • Success of the Green Revolution contributed to the growth of Rabi crops, especially wheat.
• Temperature:
  • Between 10-15°C (Sowing time) and 21-26°C (Ripening & Harvesting) with bright sunlight.
• Rainfall:
  • Around 75-100 cm.
• Soil Type:
  • Well-drained fertile loamy and clayey loamy (Ganga-Satluj plains and black soil region of the Deccan).
• Top Wheat Producing States:
  • Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat.
• Status of Indian Wheat Production and Export:
  • India is the world's second-biggest wheat producer after China. But it accounts for less than 1% of the global wheat trade. It keeps a lot of it to provide subsidised food for the poor.
  • Its top export markets are Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka - as well as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Government Initiatives:
  • Macro Management Mode of Agriculture, National Food Security Mission and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana are few government initiatives to support wheat cultivation.

El Nino

Why in News?

• Many climate models have forecasted an El Nino in May 2023.
• A record three-year La Nina event ended in March 2023 and currently, the equatorial Pacific Ocean is at normal temperatures, known as the neutral phase.

What do the Climate Models Say About Upcoming El Nino?

• Impact on India:
  • Weak Monsoon for India: The development of an El Nino in May or June 2023 may cause weakening of the southwest monsoon season, which brings around 70% of the total rainfall India receives and on which most of its farmers still depend.
  • However, sub-seasonal factors such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and monsoon low-pressure systems can temporarily enhance rainfall in some parts as witnessed in the year 2015.
  • Hot Temperatures: It may also cause heatwaves and droughts in India and other regions around the world such as South Africa, Australia, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands.
  • Heavier Rainfall in the West: It brings heavy rainfall and flooding to other regions such as California in the United States and could cause bleaching and death of coral reefs.
  • Rising Global Average Temp: The El Nino in 2023 and going into 2024 may push the global average temperature towards 1.5°C warmer than the preindustrial average.
  • The warming of the oceans is also one of the major impacts of an El Nino event.
  • This is when ocean heat content is already at a record high, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
• Previous Such Occurrences – Impacts:
  • In the 2015-2016, there were widespread heatwaves in India that killed around 2,500 people in each of the years.
  • Coral reefs around the world also suffered from bleaching and the sea level rose by 7 millimetres due to thermal expansion.
  • The El Nino, along with global warming, had made 2016 the warmest year on record.
  • El Nino events of 1982-83 and 1997-98 were the most intense of the 20th century.
  • During the 1982-83 event, sea surface temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific were 9-18°C above normal.

How does ENSO Affect India?

• The influence of ENSO on India's climate is most pronounced during the monsoon season. During an El Niño event, India experiences below-average rainfall.
• The El Niño also leads to a rise in temperatures, exacerbating heat waves and causing heat-related health issues.
• On the other hand, during a La Niña event, India experiences above-average rainfall.
• This can lead to flooding and landslides, damaging crops and infrastructure. However, La Niña also brings cooler temperatures, which can provide relief from heat waves.

Protests in Chhattisgarh Over Coal Mining

Why in News?

Recently, the Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) coal mining project in Chhattisgarh has sparked a controversy due to its impact on the environment and local communities.

• AEL has been mining coal in the Parsa East and Kente Basan coal blocks of Chhattisgarh's Surguja district for over a decade now.
• For more than a year now, locals, largely from the Gond tribe, in Hariharpur, Ghatbarra, and Fattepur villages of Chhattisgarh, have been holding a sit-in at the entrance to Hariharpur against mining.

What are the Impacts of the Mining Operations?

• Impact on the Environment:
  • Mining in the region will lead to the loss of about 8 lakh trees of the Sal forests in Hasdeo Aranya. This will end up affecting the catchment of the Hasdeo river.
  • Around the time that mining was beginning, there had been an attempt to save the trees. The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in 2014, stayed the mining licenses, ordering studies on the environmental impact of the mines. However, the Supreme Court set the NGT order aside, and mining began.
• Impact on Locals:
  • The mining project has adversely affected the lives of locals. As the mine has consumed forest land.
  • 'Save Hasdeo Campaign' is also being run to save the forests of Hasdeo.
  • The mines have destroyed grazing land for cattle, affected the groundwater level, and the blasting has loosened the earth around borewells, and tube wells people had been using for minor farming.
  • The stream next to Hariharpur, once used to have water and fish throughout the year, has turned into a muddy stream since the digging has affected the catchment area.

What is Coal?

• About:
  • It is a type of fossil fuel found in the form of sedimentary rocks and is often known as 'Black Gold'.
  • It is a conventional source of energy and is widely available. It is used as a domestic fuel, in industries such as iron and steel, steam engines and to generate electricity. Electricity from coal is called thermal power.
  • The leading coal producers of the world include China, US, Australia, Indonesia, India.

Distribution of Coal in India

• Gondwana Coal Fields (250 million years old):
  • Gondwana coal makes up to 98% of the total reserves and 99 % of the production of coal in India.
  • It forms India’s metallurgical grade as well as superior quality coal and has a high ash content.
  • It is found in Damodar (Jharkhand-West Bengal), Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh-Odisha), Godavari (Maharashtra), and Narmada valleys.
• Tertiary Coal Fields (15 – 60 million years old):
  • Carbon content is very low but is rich in moisture and sulphur.
  • Tertiary coalfields are mainly confined to extra-peninsular regions.
  • Important areas include Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himalayan foothills of Darjeeling in West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.
• Classification:
  • Anthracite (80 - 95% carbon content, found in small quantities in J&K).
  • Bituminous (60 - 80% carbon content and is found in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh).
  • Lignite (40 to 55% carbon content, high moisture content and is found in Rajasthan, Lakhimpur (Assam) and Tamil Nadu).
  • Peat (less than 40% carbon content and it is in the first stage of transformation from organic matter (wood) to coal).
• Coal Reserves:
  • Top States in terms of total coal reserves in India are Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.