Context: 

• The 2023 winter season in Antarctica ended with a historic low in sea ice coverage, coinciding with the early emergence of the ozone hole over the continent. 

More about the news: 

• Melting of Sea ice: Antarctica, whose temperature can go as low as -98°C, sees the melting of the sea ice cover every summer season between December and February before returning to its original state during the winters.
  •  Data from NASA Earth Observatory in the US revealed that the sea ice extent in July had reached lowest at approximately 13.5 million square kilometers since 1978. 
  • By August, an area of sea ice equivalent in size to Greenland had failed to regenerate.
• Five-sigma event: Scientists have described this as a five-sigma event, implying that, without climate changes, such a minimal sea ice cover would typically occur once in 7.5 million years. 
• Changes in the polar vortex(PV) location: PV is a region of low pressure and cold air that encircles both Earth’s poles.
  • It has shifted to allow for a greater southward flow over the Antarctic sea ice. As a result, more sea ice is being pushed towards the southern reaches of the continent.
  • PV speeds up the mechanism by which the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)present in the stratosphere destroy ozone.

Shrinking sea ice: 

• Antarctic sea ice is marked by reduced overall sea ice extent and shorter durations of sea ice presence reflecting impact of climate change and anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
• As reported by NASA Earth Observatory, record-low extents in Antarctica sea ice was observed in 2017, 2022, and now in 2023.

Challenges with melting of sea ice:

• Rise in extreme events: Increasing temperatures is leading to a recurring series of extreme events impacting its atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and biosphere.
  • Heatwave: In March 2022, east Antarctica experienced an unprecedented heatwave with temperature reaching 38.5°C and subsequent melting event. 
    • This extreme heat event was linked to an atmospheric river that transported warm and moisture-laden air from Australia deep into the heart of the continent.
    • In February 2020, Antarctica’s mainland recorded its highest temperature of 18.3°C at the Esperanza station. 
  • Cyclonic events: These were witnessed on account of calving of an iceberg on the Brunt Ice Shelf.

• Impact on marine ecosystem:

• • Absorption capacity of oceans: The reduction in sea ice leads to greater absorption of the sun’s energy by the oceans, accelerating the melting of sea ice, creating a self-reinforcing feedback loop.
  • Impact on Antarctic bottom water: It plays a vital role in regulating the ocean’s capacity to store heat and capture carbon.
  • Reduced production of Antarctic bottom water:  It results in reduced production of Antarctic bottom water, a critical component of the meridional overturning circulation.
  • As per the study published in the journal Nature Climate Change,  the bottom waters in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica have shrunk by 20 per cent over the past 30 years, while shallower waters warmed at a rate five times higher than the rest of the global ocean.
• Impact on atmospheric determinants: 
  • Gaseous exchange: Disruption of the sea ice melt and growth cycle impacts the exchange of gasses and other materials between the ocean and atmosphere. 
    • For instance, ocean water absorbs more carbon dioxide than sea ice, which stores the compound in the form of a salty brine solution.
  • Impact on cloud formation: Aerosol production gets affected by the low sea ice cover, leading to less cloud cover over the Southern Ocean.
    • This leads to more striking of the sun’s energy to the Earth and further warming.
• Impact on Antarctic biosphere: 
  • Impact on local ecology: As per a research paper published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment, out of five emperor penguin colonies studied in Antarctica, four showed complete failure of breeding in the season.
    • Between 2018 and 2022, approximately 42 percent of emperor penguin colonies experienced total or partial breeding failure due to fast ice breakup in at least one year. 
  • Impact on primary producers: Krill, zooplankton and phytoplankton get affected by low sea ice extent having a knock-on effect on other organisms dependent on them.

Expansion of Ozone hole in Antarctica: The ozone hole formation over Antarctica starts at the end of September, reaches its peak size in October, and then gradually closes in November or December. 

• However, this year, the ozone hole began forming in August, raising concerns about the potential for a larger-than-average hole.

• On September 1, the ozone hole over Antarctica measured 19.67 million square kilometers, as reported on NASA’s ozone hole webpage.

Reason behind early eruption of Antarctic ozone hole: 

• Volcanic eruption: It can be attributed to the eruption of the Hunga-Tonga volcano in January 2022.
  • The volcanic eruption released water vapor estimated at around 50 million tonnes into the stratosphere which eventually reached the Antarctic stratosphere.
• Polar stratospheric clouds(PSC): The increased water vapor in the stratosphere promoted the formation of PSC where chlorofluorocarbons can react and accelerate ozone depletion.
  • The presence of water vapor contributes to cooling the Antarctic stratosphere, enhancing the formation of these PSCs resulting in a stronger polar vortex.

Success of Montreal Protocol in recovery of ozone hole:

• Recovery of ozone hole:  It has been gradually recovering since the 1987 Montreal Protocol led to the phasing out of ODS like chlorofluorocarbons.
  • In October 2022, the World Meteorological Organization predicted that the entire world, except for the poles, would recover from the ozone hole by 2040.
  •  Full recovery at the poles is expected by 2066.
• Despite the ongoing recovery, the past three years have seen the presence of robust and enduring Antarctic stratospheric polar vortices, with ozone holes that have been among the largest and most persistent on record.

Way Forward: 

• Reducing emissions from feedstocks: Feedstocks refers to substances that undergo a chemical transformation during the process of making other chemicals. 
  • The production, use and disposal of feedstocks results in harmful emissions, but ODS and HFC production for feedstock use is exempt from Montreal Protocol controls. 
  • It is therefore imperative that Parties agree measures to reduce industrial emissions from the production and use of feedstocks.
• Global framework for destroying ODS and HFCs banks:  The stores of ODS and HFCs contained in existing equipment (fridges, air-conditioning units, etc) are known as banks.
  • Currently, banks are releasing about 150 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions every year. 
  • Emissions from banks of ozone-destroying CFCs alone could potentially delay Antarctic ozone hole recovery by about six years.
• Strengthening MRV+E: Monitoring, reporting, verification and enforcement (MRV+E) are at the core of Montreal Protocol’s success.
  • CFC-11 is being illegally produced and used in eastern China (potentially delaying polar ozone recovery by up to three years).
• Curbing N2O emissions:In the past four decades, anthropogenic (human-caused) N2O emissions have increased by 30 per cent. These undermine both the recovery of the ozone layer, and global efforts to limit warming. 
• Attaining paris agreement goals: Achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target outlined in the Paris climate agreement would lead to a reduction in melting of Antarctic ice.
• Global agreement: The effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol provides a lesson for establishing a worldwide treaty framework for addressing concerns related to climate change.

News Source: DTE

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Context: 

Electricity consumption is Important indicator of Economic growth, to some extent enhancing the production of capital, labor and technology; economic growth can in turn increase the demand for electricity consumption, which indicates the inherent relationship between them. 

More on News:

• The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) projects India’s electricity demand to increase 1.8 times between 2021-22 and 2031-32. At this rate, India’s annual per capita electricity consumption will be about 1,700-1,800 units in 2031-32.  
• As of 2017, India’s per capita electricity consumption was significantly lower than most developed countries.
• Under the Paris agreement, India updated NDC to achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. 

Power Sector at a Glance ALL INDIA:

• Total Installed Capacity 4,17,668 MW.(As on 31.05.2023 Source-CEA)
• Installed GENERATION CAPACITY(FUELWISE) Fossil Fuel -2,37,269MW (56.8%) in which Coal and Lignite has largest share 50.7%,
• India’s journey towards a greener future has gained global recognition.Today, India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, with 43% of its total installed electricity capacity (175GW) coming from non-fossil energy sources.(Solar 16.1% and Wind-10.3%).

Challenges In Power Sector:

• Policy and Regulation of sector
  • Electricity is listed in a ‘concurrent list’ in seven schedules, therefore there is lack of coordination and cooperation between center and states.
  • Government subsidy and cross-subsidy from industrial and commercial consumers attempt to keep electricity affordable for residential and agricultural consumers.  
  • For example, in 2019-20, while 21% of the total electricity supply was sold to agricultural consumers, their share in the total revenue was only 2%.
• Generation:
  • India missed capacity addition targets for almost all major energy sources for the 2017-22 period (up to March 2022).  
  • In spite of the renewables push, coal still accounts for about 50% of India’s installed power capacity. That means a simultaneous demand and supply shock due to shortage of coal and critical challenges in the coal sector.
  • CEA identified land acquisition, fund constraints with contractors, and contractual disputes as some key issues leading to delays.  
  • No nuclear generation capacity was added during the last five years.
• Transmission: The country’s weak transmission grid remains a serious hurdle.
  • Every year, hundreds of renewable energy projects are forced to halt in the advanced planning phases due to transmission line upgrade delays and associated costs
    • For example: A planned approach to build huge solar plants in Leh was recently cancelled due to a lack of transmission infrastructure.
  • Transmission lines overloading :Due to higher loads during peak hours, transmission lines frequently experience issues. 
• Distribution: Discoms are the weakest link in India’s Power sector. 
  • Discoms continue to register financial losses, technical and commercial losses remain high. (Refer-Image).
  • Although private participation is permitted, their presence among discoms is limited. (State owned DISCOMS-93% share).
• Climate Finance and decarbonization:
  • India’s pledge at the COP-26 summit to have 500 GW of non-fossil generation capacity by 2030.  These will require investments of about Rs 32 lakh crore. 
• Underutilization of Renewable Energy Potential:
  • The National Electricity Plan (NEP) projects a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% in energy demand from FY22 to FY27.
  • To achieve sustainable growth, the revised energy mix places greater reliance on solar energy. 
  • The report estimates that the pace of solar installations will need to double to over 30 GW per year to meet the NEP targets.

Way forward:

• Regulation and Policy:
  • The state governments should promote autonomy, competence, and transparency of the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC).

• • Subsidy Structure: Many states provide subsidised and sometimes free electricity for agriculture. The status quo with subsidies that are financed using deficits and debt need reforms. 
• Decentralized Power Generation:
  • The transition from centralised power plants to decentralised power plants, which means that energy is now created, stored, and delivered.
  • Separation of Feeders: Some states, with large agricultural consumer bases such as Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, have reduced leakages by separating feeders for agricultural use from non-agricultural use. 

• Reforms In Coal Sector: Increase Production and competition leveraging producing mines to enable more world-scale operation.
• Privatization of Discoms: 
  • In Delhi, after power distribution was taken over by three private licensees, the Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses have come down from about 55 percent in 2002 to about 9 percent in 2019. 
  • Make a suitable case for privatization to enhance efficiency and reduce financial losses.
  • Other reforms include Reducing power procurement costs, Billing efficiency, Collection efficiency and Agricultural demand management.
• Renewable Energy Integration Reforms:
  • There is news to show urgency of timely completion of tendering processes, risk mitigation during execution, and strengthening the domestic solar supply chain to successfully reach the capacity targets.
• Technology Upgradation:
  • Intelligent metering and a digital network infrastructure allow consumers and utility companies to monitor and better control allowing for more efficient consumption and cost management.

Source: Business Standard

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Context: 

During the G77 meeting in Havana (Cuba), India has suggested that the Group of 77 or G77 that comprises the Global South should not get distracted by bilateral issues.

India’s Recommendations for the Group of 77 (G77):

• Focus on Economic and Developmental Challenges: India advises G77 to prioritize addressing economic and developmental challenges at the UN, steering clear of bilateral distractions.
• Transparent Working Methods for G77 countries: Emphasizing the need for credible, consultative, and transparent working methods, India urges codification to eliminate ambiguities.
• Consider a New Name for G77: With nearly double the original member states since 1964, India proposes that G77 considers a name change to better reflect its numerical strength.
• Consensus as Priority: India underscores the importance of upholding the consensus principle and recommends that Chair’s rulings should be the exception, not the norm.
• India’s G20 Presidency: India highlights its role in addressing Global South concerns during its G20 Presidency, fostering unity among developing nations.
• Representation of the Developing World: PM Modi’s commitment has led to increased representation of the developing world on global platforms, particularly Africa’s inclusion.
• Multilateralism Reform: India believes that multilateralism can be reformed with political will, exemplified by strengthening the Global South’s voice and representation.

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Context: 

Over the past three decades, India’s annual Basmati rice exports have surged from 0.3-0.35 million tonnes valued at $200-250 million to 4.5-4.6 million tonnes worth $4.7-4.8 billion.

Three Basmati Rice Revolutions in India:

• Until the late 1980s, traditional basmati rice varieties in India had tall plants (150 – 160 cm) that were prone to bending when laden with grains. 
• Basmati Rice yielded only about 10 quintals of paddy per acre over 155-160 days. 
• Some of these traditional varieties of Basmati Rice included Taraori and Dehraduni.

What are the benefits of the Basmati crop?

News Source: The Indian Express

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Context: 

In commemoration of ‘Vishwakarma Jayanti’, the Prime Minister launched the ‘PM Vishwakarma Yojana’ scheme for the benefit of traditional artisans.

More on News about Vishwakarma Yojana:

• The PM has also inaugurated the first phase of the ₹5,400 crore state-of-the-art India International Convention and Expo Centre, named ‘Yashobhoomi’, at Dwarka in New Delhi.

About PM Vishwakarma Yojana:

• Vishwakarma Yojana will provide Skill Upgradation, Toolkit Incentive, Incentive for Digital Transactions and Marketing Support to artisans.
• Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
• Financial Outlay: Rs.13,000 crore
• Duration: Five years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28)
• Key Features of the Scheme: PM Vishwakarma Yojana 
  • PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card: Artisans and craftspeople will receive formal recognition through a PM Vishwakarma certificate and an ID card, acknowledging their skills and contributions.
  • In the first year, five lakh families will be covered and a total of 30 lakh families will be covered over five years from FY24 to FY28.
  • The beneficiaries will be given a toolkit incentive of ₹15,000.
  • Credit Support under Vishwakarma Yojana: It provides guarantee-free loans of up to Rs 3 lakh.
    • First Tranche: Up to Rs. 1 lakh credit support.
    • Second Tranche: Rs. 2 lakh in credit support.
  • Concessional Interest: 5%
  • Eighteen traditional trades are to be covered in the first instance under PM Vishwakarma.
• Significance of Vishwakarma Yojana: 
  • To strengthen and nurture the Guru-Shishya parampara or family-based practice of traditional skills by Vishwakarmas working with their hands and tools. 
  • To improve the quality as well as the reach of products and services of artisans and craftspeople and to ensure that they are integrated with the domestic and global value chains.

News Source: The Indian Express

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Context: Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan, the university town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

More on News about Shantiniketan:

• This was announced by the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

• Santiniketan becomes the 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and the third in West Bengal, after the Sundarbans National Park and the Darjeeling Mountain Railways. 
• Last year, the state’s Durga Puja got space in “Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity” under UNESCO.
• Santiniketan in West Bengal has been recommended for inscription to the World Heritage List by ICOMOS, the advisory body to UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

About Santiniketan:

• Santiniketan, means  “abode of peace” in Bengali, was originally an ashram built by Debendranath Tagore.
• Initially established as a school, known as Brahmachary Ashram.
• Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore later transformed Santiniketan into a university town
• A ‘world university’ was established at Santiniketan in 1921, recognising the unity of humanity or “Visva Bharati”.
• ​​Santiniketan includes the entire Visva-Bharati University Campus, the core ashram area and the Uttarayan complex.
• The core ashram area includes inside Santiniketan: 
  1. Patha Bhavana (the first school set up by Tagore in 1901)
  2. Upasana Griha (prayer hall, locally known as the glass temple)
  3. Kala Bhavana (institute of fine arts)
  4. Sangit Bhavana (institute of music)
  5. Santiniketan Griha (the first house bought by Tagore’s father Debendranath).
  6. The Uttarayan complex includes five houses of Tagore and a museum.

News Source: The Indian Express

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