UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 31st August 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Pacific Decadal Oscillation

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

A recent study revealed that a cyclical event called the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which repeats every 20-30 years, could make cyclones that originate near the Equator more frequent in the coming years.

About Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO):

• It is a long-term ocean fluctuation in the Pacific Ocean.
• The term PDO was coined in about 1996 by Steven Hare at the University of Washington.
• It can be known only after several years of measuring ocean temperatures and their interaction with the atmosphere.
• The PDO waxes and wanes approximately every 20 to 30 years.
• From ocean surface topography data, together with other ocean and atmospheric data, scientists can determine whether we are in a ‘cool’ phase or a ‘warm’ phase.
  • Cool phase: It is characterised by a cool wedge of lower-than-normal sea-surface heights/ocean temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific and a warm horseshoe pattern of higher-than-normal sea-surface heights connecting the north, west and southern Pacific.
  • Warm' or 'positive' phase: In this, the west Pacific Ocean becomes cool, and the wedge in the east warms. 

How does this affect climate?

• The change in location of the cold and warm water masses alters the path of the jet stream.
• The jet stream in the northern hemisphere delivers storms across the United States.

Source: The Hindu

Key Facts about Gabon

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

Recently, mutinous soldiers claimed to have seized power in Gabon hours after saying they had placed the country’s newly re-elected president under house arrest.

About Gabon:

• The Republic of Gabon is located at the Equator in West-Central Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean.
• Bordering countries: It is bordered by Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon to the north and the Republic of the Congo to the east and south.
• A former French colony, Gabon retains strong ties to France and to the French language and culture.
• Independence: Gabon gained independence from France on August 17, 1960.
• Government: It is a presidential republic where the president is both the head of state and the head of government of the country. 
• Capital: Libreville
• Language: Spoken languages are French (official) and a variety of Bantu languages.
• Currency: The currency of Gabon is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), a currency used by five other African nations.
• Religion:
  • A large majority of Gabon’s population is Christian.
  • A small segment of the country’s population is Muslim. 
  • Adherents of traditional religions also account for a small segment of the population.
• Climate: It has an equatorial climate, with year-round high temperatures and humidity.
• Gabon's largest river is the Ogooué. 
• About three-fourths of the country is covered by a dense equatorial rainforest containing more than 3,000 species of vegetation.
• It is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Source: The Tribune

Equatorial Origin Cyclones and Pacific Decadal Oscillation

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

Equatorial-origin cyclones have been unusually subdued in recent decades. 

• However, as per a study published in the journal Nature Communications, the combination of global warming and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) could make such cyclones more frequent in the coming years. 

What are Equatorial-Origin or Low Latitude Cyclones?

• Equatorial origin or Low Latitudes Cyclones (LLCs) originate between 5°N and 11°N. These cyclones are much smaller in size than those in higher latitudes but intensify more rapidly.
• Cyclones forming near the equator (low-latitude) is usually rare but when the waters are warm, they can gain more moisture and rise in intensity. 
• Majority of cyclones originate in the Western Pacific Ocean.
• The last major cyclone of this kind in the Indian neighbourhood was the 2017 Cyclone Ockhi which travelled >2000 km and devastated Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
• The north Indian Ocean (NIO) in the post-monsoon season (Oct-Nov-Dec) is a hotbed for LLCs that constitute about 60% of all Tropical Cyclones formed in the NIO (since 1951) but has received relatively less attention.   

What is Pacific Decadal Oscillation?

• About: 
  • The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a long-term ocean fluctuation of the Pacific Ocean. It is a cyclical event that repeats every 20-30 years and just like ENSO, has a ‘cool’ and ‘warm’ phase. 
  • Positive (warm) PDO =  cooler west Pacific Ocean and warmer eastern side (vice versa for negative PDO).  
  • The term PDO was coined in about 1996 by Steven Hare. 
• Impact of PDO:
  • On Global Climate: PDO phase can have significant implications for the global climate, affecting Pacific and Atlantic hurricane activity, droughts and flooding around the Pacific basin, the productivity of marine ecosystems, and global land temperature patterns.
  • On Cyclones: A warmer (positive-phased) PDO implies fewer equatorial-origin cyclones. 
  • In 2019, the PDO entered a cooler, negative phase and which if continues, could mean more such cyclones in post-monsoon months. 
• ENSO and PDO: 
  • ENSO with a positive PDO is generally not good, however, ENSO with a negative PDO brings more rain to India. 
  • If both ENSO and the PDO are in the same phase, it is believed that El Niño/La Nina impacts may be magnified. 
• PDO vs ENSO: 
  • El Nino or La Nina events repeat in the Pacific over 2-7 years, however, PDO has a signature for a longer time (on the decadal scale). 
  • A ‘positive’ or ‘warmer phase’ of a PDO can be known only after several years of measuring ocean temperatures and their interaction with the atmosphere (stage of an ENSO can be determined any year). 

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Karnataka complies with Cauvery Water Directive

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

Karnataka has initiated the release of water from its reservoirs to Tamil Nadu, following the directives of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

• The outflow from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Reservoir across the Cauvery River in Mandya district has been escalated.

Increased Outflow Details

• The current outflow rate into the river is 4,398 cubic feet per second (cusecs), whereas the inflow stands at 2,300 cusecs as of Wednesday.
• The outflow rate was 2,292 cusecs on Tuesday at 8 p.m. but was increased after 11 p.m.
• The Kabini Reservoir in Mysuru district also contributes to the outflow, currently standing at 2,000 cusecs.
• Cumulatively, both reservoirs will release around 6,398 cusecs of water.

Cauvery Water Sharing Dispute: Historical Background

• 1892 Onset: The water dispute originates from 1892 between British-ruled Madras Presidency and the princely state of Mysore (now Karnataka).
• 1924 Agreement: A 50-year agreement mediated by the British aimed to ease tensions but set the stage for future conflicts.
• Post-Independence Battles: Karnataka’s dam constructions in the 1960s-80s triggered Tamil Nadu’s Supreme Court appeal, leading to the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT).
• Interim Measures: The Cauvery River Authority (CRA) implemented interim orders in 1998. Contentious issues persisted despite CWDT’s 2013 award.
• Final Award: CWDT’s 2013 award allocated water quantities for Tamil Nadu (419 TMC), Karnataka (270 TMC), Kerala (30 TMC), and Puducherry (7 TMC).

Water Sharing Criteria

• Monthly Schedule: Karnataka, the upper riparian state, must provide Tamil Nadu a specified monthly water quantity.
• Annual Allocation: In a “normal” year, Karnataka provides 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu, with 123.14 TMC during the southwest monsoon.
• Challenges: Monsoon disagreements arise due to varying rainfall during this period.

Constitutional Provisions for Water Sharing

• Article 262: Empowers Parliament to address inter-State river disputes; IRWD Act, 1956 enacted under this article.
• Seventh Schedule: Defines legislative authority over water resources in Entry 17 (State List) and Entry 56 (Union List).

Resolving Cauvery Water Sharing

(A) Supreme Court’s 2018 Verdict:

• Cauvery as National Asset: The Supreme Court declared Cauvery a “national asset,” upholding inter-State river water equality.
• Allocation Adjustments: The Court noted deficiencies in CWDT’s assessment, resulting in marginal relief for Karnataka and reduced allocation for Tamil Nadu.
• Formation of CMB: The Court directed the establishment of the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) for effective implementation.

(B) Cauvery Water Management Scheme:

• CWMA Establishment: Formed to regulate water releases with CWRC’s assistance.
• Permanent and Technical Bodies: CWMA oversees regulation, while CWRC ensures data collection and award implementation.

Current Status and Future Implications:

• Ongoing Challenge: The Cauvery water dispute remains a historical and legal challenge.
• Resource Management: CWMA and CWRC aim to address the dispute through effective water management.
• Continued Struggle: The dispute underscores the complexity of water sharing in a federal system and the need for equitable solutions.

Tamil Nadu’s Contention

• CWMA’s Decision: CWMA sought 10,000 cusecs for 15 days from Karnataka, but Karnataka proposed 8,000 cusecs up to August 22.
• Previous Agreement: Karnataka’s refusal to adhere to the earlier agreement of 15,000 cusecs for 15 days at the CWRC meeting angered Tamil Nadu.
• Distress-sharing Formula: Tamil Nadu supports distress-sharing, but Karnataka hasn’t embraced it.

Karnataka’s Perspective

• Rainfall Deficit: Karnataka claims lower rainfall in Cauvery’s catchment areas, including Kerala, leading to reduced inflow.
• Challenging Situation: Karnataka cites reduced reservoir inflow as the reason for not releasing water this year.
• Lack of Consistency: Despite endorsing distress-sharing, Karnataka declined to accept the formula.

Future Scenario

• Tamil Nadu’s Concerns: Mettur reservoir’s critically low storage affects farmers and upcoming kuruvai crop.
• Water Shortage: Current water availability may last only 10 days, considering dead storage and drinking water needs.
• Awaiting Supreme Court: The case’s outcome depends on the Supreme Court’s interpretation and decision.
• Need for Resolution: The need for a mutually acceptable distress-sharing formula is evident.

Ongoing Challenges and Factors Prolonging the Dispute:

• Erratic Water Levels: Flood-drought cycles, pollution, and groundwater depletion cause unpredictable water levels.
• Idealistic Calculations: SC’s verdict relies on favorable conditions often misaligned with reality.
• Dependency and Population: Both states heavily rely on the river, causing conflicting urban and agricultural water needs.
• Inefficient Water Use: Inefficient irrigation methods lead to low crop productivity per unit of water used.
• Hydropolitics and Delays: Water disputes are used for political mobilization. Prolonged tribunal processes contribute to delays.

Source: The Hindu

Maritime Security in Pacific region: US ink new pact with Palau

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

The United States has signed a new agreement with Palau, which gives American ships the authorisation to unilaterally enforce maritime regulations in the tiny Pacific Island nation’s exclusive economic zone.

• The agreement comes as both the U.S. and China are seeking to expand their influence in the Pacific, and follows pleas from Palau’s president for Washington’s help to deter Beijing’s “unwanted activities” in its coastal waters.

Where is Palau Located?

• Palau (officially the Republic of Palau with capital Ngerulmud) is an island country in the Micronesia sub-region of Oceania in the western Pacific.
• The republic consists of approximately 340 islands and has a total area of 466 sq kms, making it one of the smallest countries in the world.
• Having voted in a referendum against joining the Federated States of Micronesia in 1978, the islands gained full sovereignty in 1994 under a Compact of Free Association with the United States.
• Politically, Palau is a presidential republic in free association with the United States, which provides defense, funding, and access to social services.

Role Played by the US in the Maritime Security of the Pacific Region:

• The US is an Indo-Pacific power. The region stretches from the USA's Pacific coastline to the Indian Ocean.
  • The region is home to more than half of the world’s people, nearly two-thirds of the world’s economy, and 7 of the world’s largest militaries.
• The 2nd World War reminded the US that its country could only be secure if Asia was secure as well.
• So, in the post-war era, the US solidified its ties with the region, through ironclad treaty alliances with Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Philippines, and Thailand.
  • This laid the foundation of security that allowed regional democracies to flourish through close trade and investment relationships with the US.
  • The passage of time has underscored the strategic necessity of the US’ consistent role.
• At the end of the Cold War, the US considered but rejected the idea of withdrawing its military presence, understanding that the region held strategic value that would only grow in the 21st century.
• Since then, administrations in the US have shared a commitment to the region.

Challenges faced by the US’ Maritime Security Goals in the Pacific Region:

• In a quickly changing strategic landscape, American interests can only be advanced by anchoring itself in the region and strengthening the region itself, alongside its closest allies and partners.
• This intensifying American focus is due in part to the fact that the Indo-Pacific faces mounting challenges, particularly from China (PRC).
• The PRC is combining its economic, diplomatic, military, and technological might as it pursues a sphere of influence in the Indo-Pacific and seeks to become the world’s most influential power.
• The PRC’s coercion and aggression spans the globe, but it is most acute in the Indo-Pacific.
• From the conflict along the Line of Actual Control with India to the growing pressure on Taiwan and bullying of neighbors in the East and South China Seas, US’ allies bear much of the cost of the PRC’s harmful behavior.
• In the process, the PRC is also undermining human rights and international law, including freedom of navigation, as well as other principles that have brought stability and prosperity to the Indo-Pacific

About the Maritime Security Agreement signed by US with Palau:

• In the agreement, the US Coast Guard ships can enforce regulations inside Palau’s exclusive economic zone on behalf of the nation without a Palauan officer present.
• This agreement helps Palau monitorits exclusive economic zone, protect against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and deter uninvited vessels from conducting questionable maneuvers within its water.
• The partnership will help toward achieving the common goal of peace and prosperity in the region.

Significance of the Agreement between US and Palau:

• Palau is one of the few countries that recognises Taiwan and maintains diplomatic relations with the island.
• Elsewhere in the Pacific, the government of the Solomon Islands was persuaded to switch its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan to China in 2019.
• Since then, the Solomons signed a secretive security pact with China that has given rise to concerns it could give Beijing a military foothold in the South Pacific.
  • The US has countered with diplomatic moves of its own, including opening an embassy in the Solomon Islands.
• The agreement with Palau is similar to one concluded with the Federated States of Micronesia at the end of 2022. The US also signed a bilateral defense agreement with Papua New Guinea.
• The agreements show the US’ ongoing investment in protecting shared resources and an interest in maritime safety and security.
• This unity of effort with Pacific Island countries, including Palau, amplifies the US' collective ability to protect resources and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations who observe the rule of law.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

Understanding curbs on Rice Exports

Subject: Economics

Why in News?

In a move to check domestic rice prices and ensure domestic food security, the Union government has imposed certain restrictions on rice exports.

Rice Production in the Current Season:

• According to the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, during the Rabi season 2022-2023, rice production was 13.8% less, at 158.95 lakh tonnes against 184.71 lakh tonnes during Rabi 2021-2022.
• Kharif sowing data show that rice is sown on 384.05 lakh hectares this year as on August 25 compared with 367.83 lakh hectares during the same period last year.
• Trade and rice millers say that new season crop arrivals will start after the first week of September and that El Nino effects are likely to impact arrivals to some extent.
• Paddy prices that were ₹27 a kg last year this month are at ₹33 a kg now.

India’s Rice Exports:

• India is the largest rice exporter globally with a 45% share in the world rice market.
• Overall rice exports in April-May of 2023 were 21.1% higher compared with the same period last financial year.
• In May alone, export of Basmati rice was 10.86% higher than its exports in May 2022.
• The shipment of non-Basmati rice has been on the rise for the last three years and the export of Basmati rice in 2022-2023 was higher than the previous year.
• The data shared by the government says that till August 17 this year, total rice exports (except broken rice) were 15% more at 7.3 million tonnes as against the 6.3 million tonnes during the corresponding period last year.
• Thailand expects nearly 25% lower production in 2023-2024; Myanmar has stopped raw rice exports; and it is said to be low in Iraq and Iran as well.

What can Indian Farmers/Consumers Expect?

• The government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice, and the paddy procured now by rice millers are at a price higher than the MSP.
  • Hence, the prices will not decline for farmers.
• The restrictions on exports will ensure that there is no steep climb in rice prices in the market.
• For domestic consumers, though there is a slight increase in rice prices at present, in the long run, availability is secured and prices are not expected to spiral.

Steps Taken by the Union Government:

• To check domestic rice prices and ensure domestic food security, the Union government has prohibited the export of white (non-basmati) rice, levied a 20% export duty on par-boiled rice till October 15.
• The government has also permitted the export of Basmati rice for contracts with value of $1,200 a tonne or above.
• The export of broken rice has been prohibited since last September.
• However, it is allowed on the basis of permission granted by the government to other countries to meet their food security needs and based on the request of their government.

What are Rice Exporters Saying?

• Prices of Indian par-boiled rice in the international market is competitive even with the levy of a 20% duty.
• When the global rice market is bullish, it will absorb volume in high prices too. Overall, the international demand is very high.
• Also, countries such as Indonesia, which are rice exporters, are looking at imports (raw rice) now.
• As per the rice exporters, the government should look at classifying rice as common rice and speciality rice for export policy decisions rather than classifying as Basmati and non-Basmati.
• As many as 12 varieties of rice have Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and these should be insulated from general market interventions.
• In the case of Basmati rice, the government should have permitted exports to continue or fixed the minimum value for exports at $900 a tonne.
  • Basmati is a speciality rice and new crop arrivals will start soon and there is no need for restrictions.
• Since Indian rice quality and the consistency in supply is good, export demand is only going to increase further.

Source: The Hindu

Unveiling the Sun’s Secrets: ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a pioneering venture—the Aditya-L1 mission.

• This mission marks India’s first endeavour into space-based solar observation, with the launch scheduled for September 2 from Sriharikota.

Aditya-L1 Mission

• ISRO introduces the Aditya-L1 mission, a novel space-based observatory designated for studying the Sun.
• The spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) in the Sun-Earth system, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth.
• The L1 point’s strategic location enables continuous solar observation devoid of eclipses, furnishing invaluable insights into solar activities and their real-time effects on space weather.
• Once Aditya exits Earth’s sphere of influence, it will head towards the Lagrange point L1, a distance of 1.5 million km.

Significance of Lagrange Point 1

• Lagrange points are equilibrium positions where gravitational forces counteract centripetal forces, offering a stable environment for satellites.
• The spacecraft will be positioned around L1, affording an unobstructed view of the Sun for unhindered observation.
• Different Lagrange points offer unique advantages, such as L1’s consistent view of the Sun, as demonstrated by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO).

Aditya-L1’s Scientific Endeavors

• Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to investigate the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona using a range of detectors.
• The payloads encompass instruments like Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), and more.
• Payloads examining solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium contribute to a better understanding of phenomena like coronal heating, mass ejections, and space weather.

Significance of Solar Study

• Solar Influence on the System: The Sun significantly shapes planetary evolution and weather, extending its impact to satellites, electronics, power systems, and even Earth’s climate.
• Predicting Solar Storms: Continuous solar observations are essential for tracking Earth-bound solar storms and predicting their potential impacts.
• Gateway through L1: All solar storms heading towards Earth pass through L1, making it a crucial point for monitoring.

Key Feature: Mighty LAM Engine

• The Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engine, developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), is vital to the Aditya-L1 mission’s success.
• LAM has played pivotal roles in missions like Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Chandrayaan-3.
• LAM engines facilitate satellite and spacecraft orbital adjustments, conserving fuel and ensuring optimal positioning.

Source: Indian Express