UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 28th November 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Governance

PAN 2.0

Source: PIB

Why in news?

The Cabinet has given its approval for the PAN 2.0 Project initiated by the Income Tax Department (ITD), which is estimated to cost Rs 1,435 crore. This project is designed to enhance and modernize the processes related to the issuance and management of PAN (Permanent Account Number) and TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number), making them more efficient and user-friendly.

Objective of the PAN 2.0 Project

• The PAN 2.0 initiative represents an e-Governance project aimed at re-engineering the business operations involved in taxpayer registration services.
• It will completely upgrade the current PAN system, revamp the IT infrastructure, and establish PAN as a universal business identifier across various digital systems of designated government bodies.

Differences Between PAN 2.0 and the Existing Setup

• Integration of Platforms: Currently, PAN-related services are divided across three platforms: the e-Filing Portal, UTIITSL Portal, and Protean e-Gov Portal. PAN 2.0 will combine all these services into a single, unified platform. This new system will comprehensively manage all PAN and TAN-related issues, including applications, updates, corrections, Aadhaar-PAN linking, re-issuance requests, and online PAN validation.
• Technology Utilization: The project emphasizes a fully online and paperless process, contrasting with the existing methods that may involve physical paperwork.
• Taxpayer Facilitation: The allotment, updating, and correction of PAN will be conducted at no cost. The e-PAN will be sent directly to the registered email address. For those requesting a physical PAN card, a request along with a prescribed fee will be necessary.

Understanding PAN and TAN

• PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric code that allows the Income Tax Department to connect all financial transactions of an individual with the department. These transactions include tax payments, TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) credits, income tax returns, and other specified transactions.
• Once issued, PAN remains unchanged for the lifetime of the individual and must be quoted when filing income tax returns.
• TAN, which stands for Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number, is also a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department. It is mandatory for individuals responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source to obtain a TAN.
• TAN must be referenced in TDS/TCS return filings and on any TDS/TCS payment challans or certificates.

GS3/Environment

OPHIOPHAGUS KAALINGA

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

The king cobra, referred to as 'Kaalinga Sarpa' in local dialects, is scientifically known as Ophiophagus Kaalinga. This species is particularly noted for its presence in the Western Ghats and has garnered attention due to significant research that has reclassified it from a single species to four distinct species, one of which is Ophiophagus Kaalinga. The term 'Kaalinga' is deeply embedded in the cultural context of Karnataka, India.

• The king cobra, Ophiophagus Kaalinga, is a species endemic to the Western Ghats region of southwestern India.
• Its distribution includes states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra.
• The habitat of this snake ranges from the Ashambu hills near Kanyakumari, covering various mountain ranges like the Agasthyamalai and Cardamom hills.
• This species typically inhabits elevations between 100 meters to 1800 meters above sea level.
• Ophiophagus Kaalinga prefers mid-elevation rainforests, particularly thriving in altitudes of 500 to 900 meters, but is also found in lower foothills and montane forests.
• The name 'kaalinga' in Kannada translates to 'dark' or 'black', reflecting its characteristics in local culture.
• This species is classified as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, highlighting concerns about its conservation status.
• An interesting fact about king cobras is that they are unique among snakes as they build nests and the females protect their eggs fiercely.

GS2/Polity

Carmakers Face Penalty for Non-Compliance with CAFE Norms

Source:Economic Times

Why in News?

The Centre has identified eight automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, and Honda, for exceeding mandated fleet emission levels during the financial year 2022-23. Non-compliance with Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms has led to an estimated penalty of ₹7,300 crore, with Hyundai alone facing over ₹2,800 crore in fines.

What are CAFE Norms?

• Introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2017 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• Aimed at regulating fuel consumption and carbon emissions for passenger vehicles.
• Objective is to reduce oil dependency and curb air pollution.
• Applies to vehicles weighing under 3,500 kg, including those powered by petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs).
• Implementation occurred in two phases:
  • Stage I standards effective from 2017-18.
  • Stage II standards came into force in 2022-23.

Penalty on Automakers for Violating CAFE Norms

• Compliance Criteria for FY23:
  • Fuel consumption must be ≤ 4.78 litres per 100 km.
  • Carbon emissions must be ≤ 113 grams of CO2 per km.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  • The financial year 2022-23 saw tighter CAFE norms leading to significant penalties for non-compliance.
  • Penalties represent a substantial proportion of some automakers' profits.
  • Example: Hyundai's fine is nearly 60% of its FY23 earnings.
• Stricter Penalty Norms:
  • In December 2022, amendments to the Energy Conservation Act enforced stricter penalties:
    • ₹25,000 per vehicle for a shortfall below 0.2 litres per 100 km.
    • ₹50,000 per vehicle for exceeding the threshold.
    • Base penalty set at ₹10 lakh.
• Carmakers’ Contentions:
  • Automakers argue that the stricter penalty norms were only effective from January 1, 2023, and applying them retroactively for cars sold throughout FY23 is unfair.
• Government’s Counter:
  • In FY23, 18 manufacturers’ models were tested in accredited laboratories to simulate real-world driving conditions.
  • While all 19 automakers complied in FY22, data for FY23 indicates non-compliance for eight carmakers.

Conclusion

• The penalties for non-compliance with CAFE norms highlight the government's commitment to enforcing stricter emission standards.
• Ongoing discussions and delayed compliance reports reflect the challenges of balancing regulatory enforcement with industry concerns.

GS2/Polity

Jarawa Tribe

Source:The Tribune

Why in news?

For the first time in the history of India's election process, 19 members from the Jarawa Tribe in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been included in India's electoral roll.

About Jarawa Tribe:

• The Jarawas are an indigenous tribe residing in the Andaman Islands.
• They are recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• They inhabit regions of the Middle Andaman and South Andaman Islands, characterized by dense forests, mangroves, and beautiful beaches that create a rich habitat.
• Historically, they are considered descendants of the now-extinct Jangil tribe.
• There are theories suggesting that the Jarawas' ancestors may have been among the first humans to migrate successfully from Africa.
• Traditionally, the Jarawas have lived as hunter-forager-fishermen, known for their warrior spirit in fiercely protecting their territory.
• They are noted for their strong physical build and exceptional nutritional health.
• Their traditional attire is minimal and functional, well-suited to the tropical climate of the Andaman Islands.
• Since the British established a colonial presence in the Andaman Islands in 1789, the Jarawa population saw a significant decline.
• Despite this, the Jarawas managed to endure both the British colonial impact and the events of World War II.
• Over time, interactions between the Jarawas and outsiders increased, particularly after 1997, when they began to engage with settled communities for trade and medical aid, as well as sending their children to school.
• Currently, the tribe's population is estimated to range between 250 to 400 individuals.

GS2/Governance

First phase of One Nation One Subscription approved

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has allocated ₹6,000 crore for the 'One Nation One Subscription' initiative. This program aims to centralize journal subscriptions for approximately 6,300 government-run higher education institutions (HEIs), providing equitable access to 13,000 scholarly journals through a unified platform. It seeks to enhance academic resource availability across India.

Library Consortia System

HEIs access journals through 10 library consortia managed by various ministries. Library consortia are collaborations among libraries to share resources and meet common needs.

• For example, INFLIBNET Centre in Gandhinagar, under the Ministry of Education, manages the UGC-Infonet Digital Library Consortium. This consortium provides access to selected scholarly electronic journals and databases across disciplines.

Individual Subscriptions

HEIs also subscribe to journals independently, supplementing consortium-based access.

Access Statistics

Currently, around 2,500 HEIs have access to approximately 8,100 journals through consortia and individual subscriptions.

What is One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative?

Background

• Prime Minister Modi's 2022 Independence Day address emphasized the importance of research and development for India’s progress, calling for “Jai Anusandhan” to drive innovation and scientific exploration. 
• Aligned with this vision, the National Education Policy (2020) highlights research as a key driver for educational and national excellence. 
• The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) underscores the government's commitment to fostering a strong research culture. 
• Building on these initiatives, the Union Cabinet has approved the ONOS scheme, granting nationwide access to international research articles and scholarly journals. 

Objective

The ONOS scheme aims to streamline and centralize journal access for all state and central government HEIs, replacing the fragmented system currently in place.

Implementation Timeline

The platform will go live on January 1, 2025, consolidating access to thousands of journals under a single system.

Key Features:

• Access to 13,000 Journals:Journals from 30 international publishers, including Elsevier Science Direct, Springer Nature, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, IEEE, and more, will be available.
• Unified Registration:HEIs will need to register on the platform to access the journals.
• Implementing Agency:Information and Library Network Centre (INFLIBNET) Centre has been designated as the implementing authority.
• Funding and Pricing:The central government has allocated funds for the initiative covering three years (2025–2027). A single subscription price was negotiated with each publisher for all institutions.
• Additional Subscriptions: HEIs seeking access to journals beyond the 13,000 available can continue subscribing to them individually.
• Dedicated portal: A dedicated portal, “One Nation One Subscription,” will serve as the gateway for institutions to access these resources.

Role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

• The access and usage of subscriptions will be regularly monitored by the ANRF.
• It will also contribute to the expansion of publications by Indian authors in participating journals.

Plans for future expansion

• The first phase included all 6,300 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and research institutes under both central and state governments.
• In the second phase, the government plans to expand this to the remaining higher education institutions in the country, both public and private.
• Phase 3 will expand the access of ONOS to the entire country.

Benefits of the ONOS Scheme

• Broader Access to Scholarly Resources:Expands access to top-tier scholarly journals for 1.8 crore students, faculty, and researchers across approximately 6,300 government HEIs, including those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Extending benefits to students residing in tier-2 and tier-3 cities will help in reducing the knowledge gap between urban and rural students.
• Elimination of Resource Duplication: Avoids overlapping subscriptions across various library consortia and institutions, reducing excess expenditure on duplicate resources.
• Enhanced Bargaining Power:Consolidates subscriptions under one platform, allowing the government to negotiate better deals with publishers. For example, negotiations reduced the initial cost of ₹4,000 crore per year for 13,000 journals to ₹1,800 crore annually.
• Data-Driven Utilization and Planning: Enables the Centre to monitor journal usage across HEIs, aiding long-term planning and promoting better utilization of resources in inactive institutions.
• Alignment with national goals:The scheme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), and the government's Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

GS3/Economy

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)

Source:PIB

Why in news?

The Minister of State for Communications has provided crucial information about the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).

About

• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) is a division of India Post, operating under the Ministry of Communications.
• IPPB was launched in 2018 as a payments bank.

Vision and Principles

• Objective: The primary goal is to enhance financial inclusion by offering accessible and affordable financial services.
• Customer-Centric Approach: IPPB emphasizes secure and cost-effective banking solutions, especially targeting rural and underserved areas.

Empowerment Initiatives by IPPB

• Financial Inclusion: IPPB provides a variety of services, including savings accounts, current accounts, money transfers, bill payments, and insurance options.
• Aadhaar-Linked Services: The bank utilizes the Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS) to facilitate easy and secure transactions.
• Doorstep Banking: Banking services are delivered through a network of 3 lakh postmen and Grameen Dak Sewaks, ensuring accessibility.
• Rapid Expansion: As of March 2024, IPPB has grown its customer base to over 9 crore, reaching 4 crore customers by December 2020 and surpassing 8 crore by January 2022.

Back2Basics: Payments Bank

• A payments bank functions similarly to a traditional bank but does not engage in credit risk.
• Established based on the recommendations from the Nachiket Mor Committee.
• Objective: The aim is to foster financial inclusion, particularly in areas with limited banking access, aiding migrant workers, low-income households, and small entrepreneurs.
• Payments banks are registered as public limited companies under the Companies Act, 2013.
• They are licensed in accordance with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• Governed by several acts including the Banking Regulation Act, RBI Act, 1934, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.

Services Offered:

• The minimum paid-up equity capital required is Rs. 100 crores.
• Payments banks can accept deposits up to Rs. 2,00,000 in savings and current accounts.
• 75% of the deposits must be invested in government securities (SLR), while the remaining 25% can be placed as time deposits with other scheduled commercial banks.
• They provide remittance services, mobile payments, ATM/debit cards, net banking, and third-party fund transfers.
• Payments banks also act as banking correspondents (BC) for offering credit and other services.

Limitations:

• Payments banks cannot issue loans or credit cards.
• They are prohibited from accepting time deposits or NRI deposits.
• Payments banks cannot establish subsidiaries for non-banking financial activities.

GS3/Environment

Schooling in India in Times of Poor Air Quality

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

In November 2024, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) required schools in Delhi to transition from physical classes to online learning due to extreme air pollution levels. This decision stems from health concerns related to poor Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, prompting important discussions about the scientific basis, feasibility, and implications of such actions. Although addressing pollution is crucial, the link between school closures and air quality raises significant concerns about educational practices, children's rights, and public health considerations.

The Impact of Poor Air Quality and Limitations of the Current Approach

• The Continuum of Health Risks
  • The negative effects of air pollution are not confined to AQI levels exceeding 400, which are classified as 'severe.'
  • Even moderate pollution levels (AQI 51-100) can harm vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with existing health issues.
  • Focusing solely on 'severe' AQI readings may normalize the health implications of prolonged exposure to AQI levels between 51 and 399.
  • Such exposure can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, as well as developmental delays in children.
• Children: The Most Vulnerable Group
  • Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution due to their developing respiratory systems and higher metabolic rates.
  • Children breathe more air compared to their body weight than adults, increasing their pollutant exposure.
  • It is vital to protect children from poor air quality, but merely closing schools does not suffice, as many live in poorly ventilated homes.
  • For these children, schools with air purifiers can provide a much safer environment.
• Socioeconomic Disparities in Exposure
  • Underprivileged children often suffer the most from air pollution.
  • They tend to reside in densely populated areas with high pollution and typically have limited access to clean indoor air.
  • While wealthier families can invest in air purifiers and other protective measures, disadvantaged families often depend on schools for a safer environment.
  • Consequently, school closures during high pollution days disproportionately impact these vulnerable children, worsening health and educational inequalities.
• The Limitations of the Current Approach
  • The current strategy of GRAP, including school closures during severe pollution, is reactive rather than proactive.
  • While the goal is to protect children from extreme pollution, the policy fails to consider that poor air quality is a persistent issue.
  • By only addressing extreme AQI levels, policymakers neglect the chronic exposure that affects children throughout the year.
  • This limited approach leads to minimal health benefits while causing significant disruptions to education and exacerbating societal inequities.

GRAP Policy and Its Broader Implications

• Disproportionate Impact on the Vulnerable
  • Severe pollution disrupts educational access, especially for low-income children who lack the technology for online learning.
  • For many, schools are not just educational institutions but also provide essential services, such as mid-day meals and a safe environment.
  • Transitioning to online classes removes these supports, further deepening existing inequalities in health and education.
• Education as a Collateral Victim
  • India faced significant learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic due to extended school closures.
  • Repeating such closures for pollution-related issues indicates a lack of learning from previous challenges.
  • Education is a fundamental right and should not be compromised due to environmental issues.
  • Policies must be designed to allow children to continue their education safely, irrespective of external conditions.
• The Problem with Temporary Fixes
  • Closing schools in response to pollution highlights a reactive policy that tackles symptoms rather than the underlying causes.
  • While GRAP aims to reduce immediate health risks, it does not offer long-term solutions to air pollution.
  • Temporary school closures may provide short-term relief from exposure but do not address the ongoing pollution issue.
  • This can create a misleading sense of progress, distracting from the necessary systemic reforms to combat pollution effectively.

Long-Term Implications for Society

• The treatment of children is a reflection of society's values and priorities.
• School closures during pollution episodes disrupt education and imply that children's development is secondary to immediate policy objectives.
• Nelson Mandela emphasized that a society's soul is revealed by how it treats its children, pointing to the moral obligations involved.
• Neglecting to invest in solutions that protect both education and health risks producing a generation ill-equipped to confront future challenges, including environmental degradation.

Effectiveness of Online Learning and Masks for Children

• Shifting Schools to Online: A Flawed Substitute
  • Schools serve as more than educational spaces; they facilitate social growth, extracurricular activities, and essential life skills.
  • While online education is necessary in emergencies, it is an inadequate replacement for in-person learning, especially for younger children.
  • Extended screen time can negatively impact children's cognitive and physical development, and missing mid-day meals harms their nutrition.
• Questions on the Role of Masks
  • The recommendation for children to wear masks during high pollution raises important questions.
  • Evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic suggested masks were not universally needed for children under five and were only suggested, not required, for those aged six to eleven.
  • In classrooms with effective air purifiers, masks provide minimal additional benefit.
  • Schools should adopt personalized mask policies, focusing on children with pre-existing health issues instead of blanket rules.
  • General advisories may lack scientific support and could lead to unnecessary discomfort and stigma among students.

Way Forward: A Science-Based and People-Centric Approach

• To address the issue comprehensively, schools should remain open with necessary precautions in place.
• Outdoor activities can be put on hold, and classrooms should be equipped with air purifiers to maintain clean air.
• Mask policies should be tailored to individual needs, prioritizing children with respiratory issues or other vulnerabilities.
• Hybrid learning models should not replace the importance of physical schooling.
• Innovative strategies must be developed to keep learning engaging, interactive, and inclusive.

Conclusion

• Transitioning to online learning in response to poor air quality is an ineffective and reactive measure that overlooks scientific insights and socioeconomic realities.
• A more thoughtful, evidence-based approach is crucial, one that protects both children's education and health without worsening existing inequalities.
• By recognizing schools as vital spaces for development, society can fulfill its responsibility to support its youngest and most vulnerable members.

GS3/Science and Technology

Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology

Source: MSN

Why in news?

Recently, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has acknowledged Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) technology as part of the Hydro Category, aiming to stimulate innovations and explore alternative technologies.

About Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology:

• This technology harnesses the kinetic energy from moving water to generate electricity, in contrast to traditional systems that rely on potential energy created by dams, diversion weirs, or barrages to create the necessary water head.

Advantages

• This innovative approach aids the power sector in fulfilling the increasing demand for base-load, 24/7 renewable energy, particularly in regions with limited access to the electrical grid.
• Surface Hydrokinetic turbines are simple to set up and are cost-efficient compared to conventional methods.
• It offers a mutually beneficial scenario for both renewable energy purchasers and producers.
• The implementation of SHKT technology would represent a major milestone in utilizing India's extensive water infrastructure, such as canals and hydropower tailrace channels, for sustainable energy generation.
• This technology possesses substantial potential for large-scale energy production, creating numerous opportunities for harnessing renewable energy, which contributes to the overall development of the power sector.

GS2/International Relations

Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal

Source:BBC

Why in news?

Israel and Lebanon have recently agreed to a ceasefire following the approval of a US-supported proposal by Israel’s security cabinet. This agreement aims to resolve the 13-month-long conflict that intensified in September.

• This ceasefire arrangement is based on the framework of UNSC Resolution 1701, which was originally established to address the situation during the 2006 conflict.

UNSC Resolution 1701

Adopted on August 11, 2006, UNSC Resolution 1701 seeks to halt hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, establish a buffer zone, and work towards a lasting ceasefire. The resolution also aims to ensure the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

Historical Context

• The resolution was a response to Hezbollah's attack in July 2006, which resulted in the death of three Israeli soldiers and the abduction of two others.
• The conflict that followed lasted over a month, leading to significant casualties, with over 1,000 Lebanese and 170 Israelis losing their lives.

Key Provisions

• Disarmament and Sovereignty
  • Full disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon to ensure that the Lebanese State maintains control over weapons and authority.
  • Foreign forces are prohibited from being present in Lebanon unless authorized by the government.
• Arms Control
  • No arms sales or supplies to Lebanon are permitted without governmental approval.
• Landmine Information
  • Israel is required to provide the UN with maps detailing the locations of landmines in Lebanon.
• Buffer Zone and Ceasefire
  • Both parties must respect the Blue Line, with the creation of a demilitarized zone free of armed personnel and weapons, except for the Lebanese authorities and UNIFIL forces.
• UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) Mandate:
  • The resolution authorizes up to 15,000 UN peacekeepers to monitor the cessation of hostilities, assist Lebanese troops in securing the buffer zone, and ensure the safe return of displaced persons.
• Cessation of Hostilities
  • A framework for a 60-day cessation of hostilities has been established to promote a lasting truce between Israel and Hezbollah.
• Withdrawal of Forces
  • Forces are required to withdraw approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Israel-Lebanon border.
  • Israel is committed to withdrawing its ground forces from Lebanese territory.

Basis of the Deal

The ceasefire agreement is fundamentally based on the principles outlined in UNSC Resolution 1701, which effectively concluded the 2006 war. Negotiations have centered on how to enforce this resolution moving forward.

Enhanced Monitoring and Supervision

• Lebanon will enhance its oversight over Hezbollah's activities south of the Litani River to prevent any regrouping of the group.
• Monitoring responsibilities are to be shared among:
  • United Nations peacekeeping troops.
  • The Lebanese military.
  • A multinational committee, now including representatives from the U.S. and France, alongside Lebanon, Israel, and UNIFIL.

Israel’s Conditional Stance

• Israel has indicated that it may resume military operations if the ceasefire agreement is violated.
• The current agreement does not require the complete disarmament of Hezbollah in northern Lebanon.

Focus on Iran

• Israel aims to redirect its focus towards countering Iranian influence in the region.
• The ceasefire allows Israeli forces to regroup and replenish their resources following ongoing conflicts.

Separation of Fronts

• By ceasing hostilities with Hezbollah, Israel seeks to isolate the theaters of conflict involving Hamas and Hezbollah.
• Hezbollah has opened a secondary front in support of Hamas amid ongoing tensions, particularly after Hamas's recent attacks and Israel's retaliatory actions in Gaza.

Additional Factors Influencing the Decision

• Civil-Military Dynamics in Israel
  • Key figures, including the former Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of Staff, have advocated for a ceasefire, raising questions about the government's military objectives.
• Strategic Challenges in Lebanon
  • A prolonged military presence in Lebanon could strain the Israeli Defense Forces and bolster Hezbollah’s domestic support.
• Hezbollah's Resilience
  • Despite suffering heavy losses, Hezbollah has demonstrated its ability to launch attacks, including firing 250 rockets just two days prior to the ceasefire agreement.
• Israel's symbolic success in reaching the Litani River was followed by the decision to cease hostilities to avoid an extended and costly conflict.

GS1/Geography

CYCLONE DEVELOPING IN BAY OF BENGAL, HEADING TOWARDS TAMIL NADU

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently reported the strengthening of a deep depression into a cyclone, with predictions indicating that it may impact the Tamil Nadu coastline. The Indian subcontinent, surrounded by water on three sides, experiences cyclonic activity along its eastern and western shores each year.

The cyclone will be named Fengal, following a naming convention proposed by Saudi Arabia. This marks the second cyclone in the post-monsoon season to affect the Indian coast, following Cyclone Dana, which struck Odisha as a severe storm in late October.

On average, approximately five cyclones form in the North Indian Ocean basin—encompassing both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea—each year. Typically, four of these cyclones develop in the Bay of Bengal, while one occurs in the Arabian Sea. The months most conducive to cyclone formation in this region are the pre-monsoon season (April to June) and the post-monsoon season (October to December).

About Tropical Cyclones

• A "Cyclonic Storm" or "Cyclone" refers to a powerful vortex in the atmosphere characterized by strong winds rotating around it. In the Northern Hemisphere, this rotation is counterclockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is clockwise.
• Tropical cyclones are those that form between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer, and they are some of the most destructive storms on the planet.
• These storms are known by different names in various parts of the world: "Hurricanes" in the Atlantic, "Typhoons" in the Pacific, "Willy-Willies" in Australian waters, and simply "Cyclones" in the North Indian Ocean (NIO).

Structure of a Tropical Cyclone

• Eye: The calm and cloud-free center of the cyclone.
• Eye Wall: The area surrounding the eye, where the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall occur.
• Rain Bands: Spiral bands of thunderstorms that extend outward from the cyclone's center.
• Favorable Conditions for Cyclone Formation
• Warm Ocean Waters: Sea surface temperatures exceeding 26.5°C provide essential energy for cyclone development.
• Coriolis Effect: This effect facilitates the rotation necessary for cyclone formation; it is minimal at the equator.
• Low Wind Shear: A stable atmospheric condition that allows for the vertical development of storm clouds.
• Pre-existing Disturbance: The presence of an initial low-pressure area is crucial for cyclone initiation.

Cyclone Formation Process (Cyclogenesis)

• The process begins as warm ocean waters heat the air above, causing it to rise and create a low-pressure zone.
• This rising moist air from surrounding areas cools and condenses, releasing latent heat, which fuels further development.
• The Coriolis effect plays a vital role in initiating the cyclone's rotation, leading to the formation of a spiral system.
• As the cyclone continues to absorb heat and moisture, it intensifies and gains strength.