What is the News ?

 The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) releases new Scheme Guidelines for implementing Cabinet-approved Schemes during 15th Finance Commission's balance period (2022-2026).

Facts About:

• The Cabinet approved Continuation of the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) with an outlay of Rs.8139.50 crore for the period from 2022-23 to 2025-26.  
• The scheme is a central sector scheme.It has two components viz. NESIDS-Road and NESIDS-Other Than Road Infrastructure (OTRI).  
• The objective of the NESIDS is to support infrastructure development in identified sectors including connectivity in the North Eastern States.
• The Union Cabinet had also approved continuation of the ‘Schemes of North Eastern Council (NEC)’ for the period from 2022-23 to 2025-26 with a total outlay of Rs.3202.7 crore.
• The MDoNER Schemes help provide gap-filling support to the eight North Eastern States as per their felt needs, by taking up projects – e.g., for developing infrastructure to mitigate connectivity and social sector deficits and enhancing livelihood and employment opportunities in the region.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=195088

What is the News ?

Recently, an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study reported that 17.1% of those hospitalized since September 2020 experience post-Covid conditions. 

Facts About:

What were the main findings of the ICMR study?

• The study, encompassing 14,419 Covid-19 patients hospitalized since September 2020, revealed a 6.5% mortality rate within a year after hospitalization. Around 17.1% experienced post-Covid-19 conditions. It also highlighted the increased mortality risk associated with comorbidities, age, and gender.

How did the study define “post-Covid-19 conditions”?

• The study defined “post-Covid-19 conditions” as the persistence or new onset of fatigue, breathlessness, or cognitive abnormalities, due to the lack of established definitions from organizations like the World Health Organization or the CDC during patient enrollment.

What impact did a single vaccine dose have on mortality?

• The study indicated that a single vaccine dose prior to Covid-19 infection reduced one-year mortality by 60%, emphasizing the importance of vaccination even before exposure.

Who faced a higher risk of mortality according to the study?

• The study revealed that individuals with comorbid conditions were at the highest risk of mortality, being more than 9 times likely to die within a year. Men were 1.3 times more likely to die, while those above 60 years were 2.6 times more likely.

What risk did children face in terms of mortality?

• Children between 0 and 18 years had a 5.6-fold higher risk of death in the year following infection, with a 1.7-fold increase in the immediate four weeks post-hospitalization. Severe comorbidities among admitted children were hypothesized as a reason for the higher odds of death.

Can mild Covid-19 variants lead to long Covid?

• The long Covid might occur even in individuals with mild Covid-19. While symptoms improve with therapy, over-diagnosis of long Covid may be occurring, warranting consideration of alternative causes for reported symptoms.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/explained-the-debate-over-indias-smartphone-manufacturing-dreams/article67220769.ece

What is the News ?

Over the last few months, former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and the Minister of State for Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar have sparred over how well a Central government scheme to boost electronics manufacturing has been faring.

Facts About:

• Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, along with two other economists, had released a brief discussion paper arguing that the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) programme isn’t really pushing India towards becoming a self-sufficient manufacturing powerhouse.
• They argued that the government is using taxpayer money to create an ecosystem of low-level assembly jobs that will still depend heavily on imports.

What is the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Programme? 

• Around five years ago, the Government of India decided it wanted more companies to make things in India.
• Manufacturing is a key ingredient to economic growth and also comes with what economists call a multiplier effect — every job created and every rupee invested in manufacturing has a positive cascading effect on other sectors in the economy.
• To boost manufacturing in India, the Government introduced the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
• Under PLI, the government gives money to foreign or domestic companies that manufacture goods here.
• The annual pay-out is based on a percentage of revenue generated for up to five years.

PLI Programme for Smartphone Manufacturing Industry: 

• The industry that has shown the most enthusiasm for the scheme is smartphone manufacturing.
• Companies like Micromax, Samsung, and Foxconn (which makes phones for Apple) can get up to 6% of their incremental sales income through the PLI programme.
• With the scheme, mobile phone exports jumped from $300 million in FY2018 to an astounding $11 billion in FY23.
  • Imports – while India imported mobile phones worth $3.6 billion in FY2018, it dropped to $1.6 billion in FY23.
• Central government Ministers, including Mr. Chandrasekhar, have regularly cited this data as proof of the PLI’s scheme’s success.

Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan’s Argument: 

• In his paper, the former Central bank governor argued that while imports of fully put-together mobile phones have come down, the imports of mobile phone components — including display screens, cameras, batteries, printed circuit boards — shot up between FY21 and FY23.
  • Incidentally, these are the same two years when mobile phone exports jumped the most.
• He said that manufacturers aren’t really making mobile phones in India in the traditional sense which would involve their supply chain also moving to India and making most of the components here as well.
• All that the companies are doing is importing all of the necessary parts and assembling them in India to create a ‘Made in India’ product.
• Another criticism is that low-level assembly work doesn’t produce well-paying jobs and doesn’t nearly have anywhere the same multiplier effect that actual manufacturing might provide.

Union Government’s Response: 

• Minister of State for Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s argument is two-fold.
• First, he said, Mr. Rajan wrongly assumed that all imports of screens, batteries, etc. are used to make mobile phones.
  • It is possible these items are used also for computer monitors, DSLR cameras, electric vehicles etc.
• He also argued that not all mobile phone production in India is supported by the PLI scheme, only around 22% so far.
• The Minister’s overarching point is that the import dependency isn’t as bad as Mr. Rajan says it is.

Conclusion: 

• Former RBI Governor argued that even if only 60% of imports are used for production, India’s net exports will still be negative.
  • That is, even if only 60% of screens, batteries, etc. are used to make mobile phones, the final import tally would still beat the final export tally.
• The main divide is over whether the PLI programme will be able to create long-lasting jobs and firmly establish India as a manufacturing and supply hub that adds value to the production process.
• The Union Government believes that it will take time for the PLI Scheme’s results to show.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/explained-the-debate-over-indias-smartphone-manufacturing-dreams/article67220769.ece

What is the News ?

Extreme Heat waves are harming marine life in the Mediterranean Sea.

Facts About:

Why are high sea temperatures a problem?

• Lesser dissolution of gases: Gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide dissolve better at colder temperatures, so that means the warmer the water; the less oxygen is available to breathe.
• Higher rate of respiration in marine organism: Higher temperatures also cause an increase in metabolism, which in turn means animals have to breathe even more than usual.
• The rise in temperature accelerates metabolism, and the organisms need more food to maintain this metabolic rate.
• More Algal blooms: They are more common in hotter waters. Such blooms can further deplete oxygen levels and produce toxins harmful for fish, marine mammals and birds.

What species and ecosystems are worst hit by marine heat waves?

• High water temperatures are most harmful for animals living at the bottom of oceans, lakes or rivers.
• These benthic species include corals, mussels, sponges, starfish and plants like sea grasses, and are often attached to rock or solid ground.
• Scientists observed mass deaths of benthic species along thousands of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline between 2015 and 2019.

What does extreme heat in the Mediterranean mean for people?

• Affecting fishing activities in the area: Fishermen are catching fewer familiar species and instead are finding more invasive fish which they have difficulty selling.
• Increase in invasive fishes: Some are even poisonous, like the puffer fish migration is seen in the region.
• Habitat loss: It could also lead to an overall decline in fish populations, while disappearing seagrass.

What is the phenomenon behind heat trap in oceans?

• Ocean Heat Content (OHC): It is the amount of energy absorbed by and stored in the oceans. It is measured in joules.
• When sunlight reaches the earth, oceans absorb this energy and store it as heat.
• While the heat is first absorbed at the surface of the water body, some of it is eventually disbursed throughout.
• Water has a higher heat capacity than air, which means that it can store much larger amounts of heat.
• GHG emissions - These gases trap heat in a blanket around the earth, not allowing it to escape, thus raising the temperature of the earth’s surface and leading to global warming.

Why Mediterranean Sea is significant for global temperatures?

The Mediterranean Sea has significant implications for global temperatures due to its role as a "climate amplifier." This phenomenon is referred to as the "Mediterranean Effect" or "Mediterranean Climate Amplification." Here are the reasons:

• Heat Absorption and Release: The Mediterranean Sea has a lower heat capacity compared to the vast oceans, such as the Atlantic or Pacific.
  • As a result, it heats up and cools down more quickly. During the summer months, the Mediterranean Sea absorbs heat from the sun, leading to warming of the surrounding land areas.
  • In winter, it releases the stored heat, moderating temperatures in nearby regions.
• Warm and Dry Summers: The Mediterranean region experiences warm and dry summers, which are conducive to high evaporation rates from the sea's surface.
  • This process results in the release of latent heat into the atmosphere, contributing to the warming of the air.
• Atmospheric Circulation: The temperature contrast between the relatively warm Mediterranean Sea and the cooler landmasses during summer leads to the development of low-pressure systems over land.
  • This creates a pressure gradient that drives winds from the sea to the land, bringing warm, moist air with it. This warm air can further increase temperatures over land areas.
• Feedback Loops: The warming effect of the Mediterranean Sea can lead to feedback loops. Warmer land areas result in higher evaporation rates, which in turn contribute to the amplification of temperature rise.
  • This cycle of heat absorption, release, and evaporation intensifies the Mediterranean Climate Amplification.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/extreme-heatwaves-mediterranean-sea-8901948/

What is the News ?

In a recent development in Spain, tensioned sail-like vegetated awnings or canopies known as “Greenshades” have been strategically installed on the facades of buildings.

Facts About:

• Vegetated canopies are innovative structures designed to reintroduce greenery into urban landscapes. 
• Inspired by the natural canopies found in forests and diverse plant ecosystems, these canopies play a crucial role in mitigating the urban heat island effect and enhancing the overall environmental quality of urban areas.
• This installation approach not only adds an aesthetic dimension to the urban architecture but also serves as a practical solution for reintroducing green elements in areas where traditional planting is challenging.

Emulating Nature’s Canopies: 

• Mimicking the canopy formations observed in forest ecosystems, these vegetated awnings recreate a semblance of natural green cover. 
• By doing so, they provide shade, reduce direct sunlight exposure, and create a more pleasant atmosphere in commercial streets and public spaces. 
• This is particularly valuable in areas where the presence of trees and vegetation is limited.

Hydroponic Growth System: 

• The vegetation integrated within these awnings grows using a hydroponic growth system. 
• This method utilises a water supply point to provide the plants with the necessary moisture and nutrients. Additionally, a water outlet is incorporated into the design to facilitate efficient drainage. 
• This innovative approach ensures that the greenery thrives even in non-traditional planting environments.

BENEFITS OF VEGETATED CANOPIES

Cooling Effects via Evapotranspiration

• Singular Green’s innovative canopy design efficiently reduces temperatures in both immediate areas and beneath the awnings. 
• Achieved through evapotranspiration, where plants transfer water to the atmosphere, this cooling process enhances comfort.

Air Quality Improvement through Plant Selection

• Carefully chosen plants possess a special ability to absorb gases, including pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. 
• This contributes to better urban air quality and healthier living conditions.

Noise Reduction with Sound Wave Absorption

• Vegetated canopies excel at absorbing sound waves, minimising noise pollution and creating a more serene urban environment. 
• Incorporating sound-absorbing substrates enhances the auditory experience.

Oxygen Generation and Gas Filtration

• Surprisingly, a single square metre of these canopies produces a year’s worth of oxygen for an individual. 
• Moreover, they serve as natural filters, removing harmful gases from the air and thus improving overall air quality.

Efficient Water and Lighting Integration

• Beyond their green benefits, these canopies facilitate centralised water and lighting installations. 
• Integrated lights equipped with motion sensors respond to real-time needs, promoting energy-efficient urban infrastructure.

Promoting Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

• Introducing these canopies into urban spaces fosters biodiversity by creating habitats for diverse wildlife. 
• This initiative aligns with the vision of sustainable, nature-friendly cities, nurturing a harmonious urban ecosystem.

In the face of climate change-induced challenges, our response must be proactive, multifaceted, and holistic. The success of vegetated canopies as a means to combat extreme heat waves demonstrates that nature-inspired solutions have the power to transform urban environments into havens of sustainability, resilience, and well-being. By embracing such strategies and embarking on a collective journey, we can build cities that thrive in harmony with the planet.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/vegetated-canopies-green-spaces-urban-spain-8893918/

What is the News ?

The Prime Minister of the U.K. recently backed plans for new fossil fuel drilling off Britain’s coast.

Facts About:

Evolution of North Sea Drilling

• Origins and Legislation: The North Sea drilling history dates back to the 1958 Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf, which set the stage for exploration in the region.
• Continental Shelf Act: The U.K. Parliament’s enactment of the Continental Shelf Act in 1964 established the country’s jurisdiction over oil and gas resources beneath its seabed.

Milestones and Concerns in Drilling

• Early Exploration and Challenges: British Petroleum (BP) was granted the first exploration license in 1964, leading to natural gas discovery the following year.
• Forties Field Discovery: BP’s breakthrough commercial oil discovery in the Forties Field in 1970 marked a significant milestone.
• Expanding Operations and Safety Revamp: The following years witnessed increased exploration activities and installation of oil platforms. The Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 prompted crucial safety reforms.

Rationale and Concerns

• Government’s Position: In an official statement, the government justified the move as a strategy to enhance Britain’s energy independence.
• Environmental Alarm: However, environmental experts express apprehension, especially given the global push towards averting irreversible climate change.

North Sea Transition Authority and Offshore Licensing

• NTSA’s Role: The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) is responsible for regulating the oil, gas, and carbon storage sectors.
• Offshore Licensing Round: The NTSA is currently conducting the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round, aiming to award more than 100 licenses.
• Timing and Awards: The first licenses are expected to be granted in the autumn, furthering the expansion of drilling operations.

Shaping Geopolitical Energy Dependence

• Energy Security Concerns: The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of domestic oil and gas sources, even as the country aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Strategic Implications: The decision is portrayed as an effort to reduce reliance on oil and gas imports, which could originate from potentially unfavourable sources.

Ecological Concerns and Climate Impact

• Adverse Environmental Effects: Offshore drilling poses risks to workers, marine ecosystems, and climate health. It contributes to ocean warming, rising sea levels, and threatens marine biodiversity.
• Carbon Pollution Impact: Carbon pollution settling into oceans contributes to acidification, endangering coral reefs and shellfish.

Evaluating UK’s Climate Commitments

• Climate Change Committee Report: The Climate Change Committee (CCC) pointed out deficiencies in the U.K.’s preparations for climate change under the National Adaptation Programme.
• Adaptation Implementation: The CCC’s assessment highlighted a lack of substantial implementation of adaptation measures to address climate risks.
• Inconsistent with Paris Agreement: The Climate Action Tracker assesses the U.K.’s climate action as not fully aligned with the Paris Agreement.
• Long-Term Targets: The U.K.’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term targets do not reflect a fair share of global efforts to mitigate climate change.
• Incompatibility with Limits: Licensing new oil and gas extraction plans contradicts the 1.5°C temperature rise limit set by the Paris Agreement.

Conclusion

• The UK’s endorsement of offshore drilling reflects a complex balancing act between energy security, economic considerations, and environmental stewardship.
• As the world grapples with the imperative of combating climate change, the decisions made today hold the potential to shape the course of a sustainable future.

Evolution of North Sea Drilling

• Origins and Legislation: The North Sea drilling history dates back to the 1958 Geneva Convention on the Continental Shelf, which set the stage for exploration in the region.
• Continental Shelf Act: The U.K. Parliament’s enactment of the Continental Shelf Act in 1964 established the country’s jurisdiction over oil and gas resources beneath its seabed.

Milestones and Concerns in Drilling

• Early Exploration and Challenges: British Petroleum (BP) was granted the first exploration license in 1964, leading to natural gas discovery the following year.
• Forties Field Discovery: BP’s breakthrough commercial oil discovery in the Forties Field in 1970 marked a significant milestone.
• Expanding Operations and Safety Revamp: The following years witnessed increased exploration activities and installation of oil platforms. The Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 prompted crucial safety reforms.

Rationale and Concerns

• Government’s Position: In an official statement, the government justified the move as a strategy to enhance Britain’s energy independence.
• Environmental Alarm: However, environmental experts express apprehension, especially given the global push towards averting irreversible climate change.

North Sea Transition Authority and Offshore Licensing

• NTSA’s Role: The North Sea Transition Authority (NTSA) is responsible for regulating the oil, gas, and carbon storage sectors.
• Offshore Licensing Round: The NTSA is currently conducting the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round, aiming to award more than 100 licenses.
• Timing and Awards: The first licenses are expected to be granted in the autumn, furthering the expansion of drilling operations.

Shaping Geopolitical Energy Dependence

• Energy Security Concerns: The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of domestic oil and gas sources, even as the country aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Strategic Implications: The decision is portrayed as an effort to reduce reliance on oil and gas imports, which could originate from potentially unfavourable sources.

Ecological Concerns and Climate Impact

• Adverse Environmental Effects: Offshore drilling poses risks to workers, marine ecosystems, and climate health. It contributes to ocean warming, rising sea levels, and threatens marine biodiversity.
• Carbon Pollution Impact: Carbon pollution settling into oceans contributes to acidification, endangering coral reefs and shellfish.

Evaluating UK’s Climate Commitments

• Climate Change Committee Report: The Climate Change Committee (CCC) pointed out deficiencies in the U.K.’s preparations for climate change under the National Adaptation Programme.
• Adaptation Implementation: The CCC’s assessment highlighted a lack of substantial implementation of adaptation measures to address climate risks.
• Inconsistent with Paris Agreement: The Climate Action Tracker assesses the U.K.’s climate action as not fully aligned with the Paris Agreement.
• Long-Term Targets: The U.K.’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term targets do not reflect a fair share of global efforts to mitigate climate change.
• Incompatibility with Limits: Licensing new oil and gas extraction plans contradicts the 1.5°C temperature rise limit set by the Paris Agreement.

Conclusion

• The UK’s endorsement of offshore drilling reflects a complex balancing act between energy security, economic considerations, and environmental stewardship.
• As the world grapples with the imperative of combating climate change, the decisions made today hold the potential to shape the course of a sustainable future.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/explained-drilling-in-the-north-sea-history-and-environmental-concerns/article67204792.ece