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  • Short Selling and Associated Risks

    Why in the News?

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering a proposal to ease restrictions on short selling in most stocks.

    SEBI’s January 2024 proposal to bar short-selling in stocks that are not in the futures and options segment had caused uncertainty.

    What is Short Selling?

    • Definition: Short selling is a strategy where an investor sells a stock first and buys it later, aiming to profit from a price drop.
    • Opposite of Normal Trade: Unlike regular buying (buy low, sell high), short selling works on selling high and buying low.
    • How It Works: You borrow the stock from a broker, sell it at the market price, and later buy it back at a lower price to return it.
    • Example: If a stock is sold at ₹2,100 and later bought at ₹1,900, the profit is ₹200. If the price rises to ₹2,300 instead, the loss is ₹200.

    Types of Short Selling:

    1. Short Selling in the Spot Market (Cash Segment):
    • Shorting is allowed only for intraday trading (buying and selling financial instruments (like stocks) on the same day).
    • You must square off the position (buy back the stock) before 3:30 p.m. on the same day.
    • If not squared off, it leads to short delivery, where the exchange settles the trade through an auction.
    • There may be heavy penalties if the position is not closed on time.
    1. Short Selling in the Futures Market:
    • Here, you can hold your short position overnight or even roll it over to the next month.
    • You must deposit margin money, which is generally higher.
    • Futures shorting is riskier and is mostly used by experienced traders.
    • This type allows more flexibility but involves greater financial commitment.

    Risks Associated with Short Selling:

    • Unlimited Losses: If the stock price rises sharply, losses are unlimited.
    • Short Delivery Risk: Failing to buy back in the spot market can lead to penalties.
    • Liquidity Risk: Hard-to-trade stocks may lead to delayed buybacks and losses.
    • Margin Requirements: High margin costs in futures trading limit retail participation.
    • Market Volatility: Sudden movements may cause unexpected losses.
    • Not for Beginners: Due to complexity and high risk, short selling is unsuitable for new investors.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    Statement I: As regards returns from an investment in a company, generally, bondholders are considered to be relatively at lower risk than stockholders.

    Statement II: Bondholders are lenders to a company whereas stockholders are its owners.

    Statement III: For repayment purpose, bondholders are prioritized over stockholders by a company.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

    (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement I explains Statement II

    (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

    (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

     

  • PLI Scheme for 11 Pharma Products rolled out

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited drug manufacturers to apply for benefits under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

    It has invited fresh applications for 11 unsubscribed or partially subscribed pharmaceutical products, including Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Diclofenac Sodium, to boost domestic production capacity.

    About the PLI Scheme:

    • Launch: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme was launched in March 2020.
    • Objectives: Aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and create employment.
    • Initial Focus: Targeted three sectors — mobile manufacturing, electronic components, and medical devices.
    • Expansion: Later extended to 14 key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT hardware, automobiles, and electronics.
    • Incentive Structure: Offered 1%–4% incentives on incremental sales.
    • Impact: Attracted large-scale investments and enhanced global competitiveness of Indian industries.

    PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals:

    • Target Area: Designed to promote bulk drug and formulation manufacturing in India.
    • Product Focus: Encouraged domestic production of Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
    • Strategic Aim: Aimed to reduce import dependence, particularly on China.
    • Financial Allocation: Total outlay for the pharmaceutical PLI scheme is ₹6,940 crore.

    Tap to read more about various versions of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.

    Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

     

  • India’s first ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale 

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI) to help understand and reduce stigma faced by patients and caregivers from sickle cell disease (SCD).

    What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

    • Nature of Disease: SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen delivery in the body.
    • Complications: These sickle cells can block blood vessels, break easily, and cause anemia, organ damage, and painful episodes.
    • Cause: The disease is inherited, requiring one defective gene from each parent; one gene leads to sickle cell trait.
    • Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, body pain, swollen limbs, frequent infections, and organ damage.
    • Treatment Options: There is no universal cure, but bone marrow transplants and gene therapy offer potential solutions; supportive care helps manage symptoms.

    Note:

    • Anaemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin.
    • All SCD patients have anaemia, but not all anaemia is due to Sickle Cell Disease.

    About the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI):

    • Purpose: The ISSSI is India’s first tool designed to measure stigma faced by sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers.
    • Developing Authority: It was developed by ICMR to understand and address the social impact of SCD in India’s diverse communities.
    • Global Context: This is the fourth stigma scale worldwide and the first validated for Indian conditions.
    • Scientific Validation: The tool was validated in a study published in The Lancet (Regional Health – South-East Asia).
    • Availability: The ISSSI is now approved for use in both clinical and research settings across India.
    • Components: It includes two formats — ISSSI-Pt for patients and ISSSI-Cg for caregivers.
    • Stigma Dimensions: It captures issues related to family expectations, reproductive concerns, social disclosure, illness burden, interpersonal challenges, and negative healthcare experiences.
    • Data Sources: The scale was developed using inputs from 6 culturally diverse districts: Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anuppur, Chhoteudepur, Kandhamal, Mysuru, and Udalguri.

    India’s Strategy: Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)

    • Launch Year: The AMB Mission was launched in 2018 to reduce anemia using a 6x6x6 strategy.
    • Target Groups: It covers six groups — young children, school children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
    • Key Interventions: Actions include iron and folic acid supplements, deworming, nutrition education, digital health tools, IFA-fortified foods, and disease screening (including SCD).
    • Supporting Systems: It is backed by inter-ministerial coordination, state-level units, research centers, the AMB Dashboard, digital tracking, and supply chain support.
    • Reach: The mission aims to impact around 450 million people, focusing on real-time monitoring and last-mile delivery.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. 3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 4. It addresses non-nutritinoal causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three* (d) All four

     

  • Tianwen-2 Mission 

    Why in the News?

    China is set to launch its first asteroid sampling mission, called Tianwen-2, to study and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa.

    If successful, China will join a small group of countries — including the United States and Japan — that have returned asteroid samples to Earth.

    What is the Kamo‘oalewa Asteroid?

    • Kamo‘oalewa was discovered in 2016 using the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii.
    • It is a quasi-satellite of Earth, which means it orbits the Sun but stays close to Earth and is affected by Earth’s gravity.
    • It has a highly elliptical orbit and seems to move ahead of and behind Earth, giving the illusion of orbiting Earth.
    • Kamo‘oalewa has been in this orbit for around 100 years and is expected to remain in it for the next 300 years.

    About the Tianwen-2 Mission:

    • Mission Type: Tianwen-2 is China’s first asteroid sample return mission.
    • Target: It will explore 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, a near-Earth quasi-satellite asteroid.
    • Asteroid Origin: Kamo ‘oalewa may contain lunar fragments ejected during a past collision.
    • Sample Collection:
      • Touch-and-Go Technique: Uses a projectile or gas to loosen and collect surface material.
      • Anchor-and-Attach Technique: Uses robotic arms to anchor and drill for deeper samples.
    • Post-Sample Phase: After sample return, the probe will travel to the main asteroid belt for further exploration.
    • Key Technologies: Equipped with high-resolution cameras, intelligent onboard systems, and precise control to operate in low-gravity conditions.

    Tianwen-1 Mission:

    • Mission Type: Tianwen-1 was China’s first Mars mission, launched in July 2020.
    • Launch Vehicle: It was launched aboard a Long March 5 rocket.
    • Mission Structure: Consisted of an orbiter, lander, and rover — all in one launch.
    • Landing Site: Successfully landed in Utopia Planitia, a northern Martian plain.
    • Scientific Goals:
      • Studied Martian soil, rocks, and geological structure.
      • Analyzed climate, atmosphere, and subsurface water or ice.
    • Unique Feature: Deployed the first ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface.

     

    [UPSC 2014] Consider the following pairs:

    Spacecraft Purpose

    1. Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth.

    2. Messenger : Mapping and investigating.

    3. Voyager 1 and 2 : Exploring the outer solar system.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

     

  • Schistura Densiclava: New Fish Species Discovered in Meghalaya’s Cave

    Why in the News?

    A new species of fish, named Schistura densiclava, has been discovered inside a limestone cave in Meghalaya, even as the cave was already in focus due to a conflict over a Shivalinga-like stone formation.

    About Schistura Densiclava:

    • Discovery Location: Schistura densiclava was discovered in Krem Mawjymbuin, a limestone cave in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya.
    • Research Team: The species was identified by a team led by Kangkan Sarma of Gauhati University’s Zoology Department.
    • Type: It is a troglophile loach, meaning it lives in caves but can also survive in surface streams.
    • Habitat Conditions: Found in a fast-flowing cave stream, 60 meters inside, with low oxygen and 18°C temperature.
    • Family: Belongs to the Nemacheilidae family, which includes small, bottom-dwelling freshwater fishes.

    Key Features:

    • Body Color and Markings: The fish has a pale yellow-green body with 14 to 20 greyish-black bars along its sides.
    • Name Meaning: “Densiclava” is Latin for “thick stripe,” referring to a dark stripe near the dorsal fin.
    • Adaptation Traits: Unlike many cave species, it retains pigmentation and functional eyesight, helping it survive both underground and in surface waters.
    • Sexual Dimorphism:
      • Males are slimmer, have irregular body patterns, and have puffier cheeks.
      • Females are more robust with uniform markings.
    • Genetic Confirmation: DNA testing confirmed that this is a completely new species.
    • Endemism: The fish appears to be endemic to Krem Mawjymbuin, meaning it is found nowhere else.
    [UPSC 2025] Regarding Peacock tarantula (Goody tarantula), consider the following statements:

    I. It is an omnivorous crustacean.

    II. Its natural habitat in India is only limited to some forest areas.

    III. In its natural habitat, it is an arboreal species.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) I only (b) I and III (c) II only (d) II and III

     

  • What is the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case?

    Why in the News?

    The Golaknath case (IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab, 1967) is one of the most important judgments in India’s constitutional history. It was the first time the Supreme Court said that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights.

    About the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case:

    • Case Name: IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) is a landmark case in Indian constitutional history.
    • Background: The Golaknath family from Punjab challenged the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, which declared their land surplus under land ceiling laws.
    • Claim of Violation: They argued the law violated their Fundamental Right to property, protected under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31.
    • Ninth Schedule Issue: The Act was placed under the Ninth Schedule by the 17th Constitutional Amendment, making it immune to judicial review.
    • Main Legal Question: Could Parliament amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368, or are such amendments invalid under Article 13(2)?
    • Arguments: The petitioners claimed Fundamental Rights are sacrosanct, while the government asserted Parliament’s full power to amend the Constitution.
    • Supreme Court Verdict: On February 27, 1967, in a 6:5 majority, the Court held that:
      • Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights.
      • Amendments are “law” and subject to Article 13(2).
      • The ruling would apply only prospectively, not to past amendments.
    • Overruled Judgments: The decision overturned earlier rulings in Sankari Prasad (1951) and Sajjan Singh (1964) that allowed unrestricted amendments.

    Legacy of the Golaknath Case:

    • Judicial Restraint on Parliament: This was the first case to restrict Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights.
    • Judiciary’s Role Strengthened: It reinforced the Supreme Court’s duty to protect civil liberties and limit legislative overreach.
    • Prospective Overruling: Introduced the concept to ensure legal stability without undoing past amendments.
    • Constitutional Values Upheld: Affirmed that the Constitution has core values that must be protected, especially Fundamental Rights.

    Influence on Future Cases:

    • Indira Gandhi Election Case (1975): Built upon the idea that democracy is a basic feature of the Constitution.
    • Minerva Mills Case (1980): Reaffirmed limits on Parliament’s amending power and emphasised judicial review.
    • Foundational Impact: Although later rulings allowed some flexibility, the Golaknath case laid the foundation for the Basic Structure Doctrine.
    • Lasting Message: It ensured that Fundamental Rights remain untouchable, securing the heart of Indian democracy against future misuse.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:

    1.The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

    2.The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court, and no judgment can be made on it.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only *(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • [24th May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A medical oxygen access gap SE Asia must bridge

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.

    Linkage: The role of the state in the public healthcare system and asks for measures to enhance the reach of public healthcare, particularly at the grassroots level. The “medical oxygen access gap” is fundamentally a problem of the public healthcare system’s inability to reach everyone with this essential medicine.

    Mentor’s Comment: Recently, the oxygen shortage has been very serious in South Asia and East Asia-Pacific, where 78% and 74% of people do not have proper access to medical oxygen. Even though oxygen is essential for saving lives and became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic, many low- and middle-income countries still face problems with its high cost, low supply, and poor access. Unlike medicines, there is no replacement for oxygen, which makes this a serious issue of fairness, basic rights, and survival. The WHO and The Lancet have suggested solutions, but progress has been slow. This is not just about fixing systems—it’s about saving lives, and action is urgently needed.

    Today’s editorial talks about the problem of oxygen shortage in Southeast Asia. This topic is useful for GS Paper II (International Relations and Health Sector).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently,’ The Lancet Global Health Commission has pointed out a serious and ongoing medical oxygen crisis, with 5 billion people around the world unable to get safe, good-quality, and affordable medical oxygen.

    What challenges hinder global access to medical oxygen?

    • Lack of Equipment: Many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack basic tools like pulse oximeters and oxygen supply systems. Eg: Only 54% of hospitals in LMICs have pulse oximeters; 58% have access to medical oxygen.
    • High Financial Burden: Expanding oxygen infrastructure requires large investments, which LMICs struggle to afford. Eg: An estimated $6.8 billion is needed globally, with $2.6 billion required in South Asia alone.
    • Shortage of Trained Technicians: Lack of biomedical engineers leads to poor maintenance of oxygen plants and frequent equipment failures. Eg: In rural areas, oxygen concentrators remain unused due to absence of trained personnel.
    • Power Supply Issues: Unreliable electricity hinders oxygen production, especially in remote or rural regions. Eg: Nigeria and Ethiopia adopted solar-powered oxygen systems to address power disruptions.
    • Weak Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Absence of strong regulations affects the quality, storage, and distribution of medical oxygen. Eg: In Bangladesh, a 2021 health system assessment by PATH and USAID found that lack of national oxygen guidelines and standardised protocols led to irregular supply chains and compromised oxygen quality in many public hospitals, especially in rural areas.

    Why is oxygen demand high in South and East Asia?

    • High Population Density: These regions have some of the world’s most densely populated countries, leading to higher disease burden and medical oxygen demand. Eg: India and China together account for over one-third of the global population, increasing strain on healthcare infrastructure during health crises like COVID-19.
    • Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases: High rates of respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) elevate oxygen needs. Eg: According to WHO, India sees over 120,000 pneumonia-related child deaths annually, many requiring oxygen therapy.
    • Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure in Rural Areas: Many remote and underserved areas lack sufficient oxygen production, storage, and delivery systems. Eg: During the second COVID-19 wave in Nepal, rural hospitals reported severe oxygen shortages due to lack of concentrators and cylinders.

    Where has WHO improved oxygen access through cooperation?

    • Bhutan: WHO partnered with Nepal’s National Health Training Center to train biomedical engineers and technicians. Eg: This led to the installation of state-of-the-art PSA oxygen plants in Bhutan, ensuring sustainable operations and maintenance.
    • Nepal: WHO supported capacity-building through regional training programs and technical support. Eg: Trained personnel strengthened Nepal’s oxygen infrastructure, especially during COVID-19.
    • South-East Asia Region (broad cooperation): WHO facilitated intra-regional collaboration to boost oxygen capacity and resource sharing. Eg: Regional cooperation helped countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka improve oxygen planning and emergency response.

    Who is responsible for strengthening oxygen ecosystems?

    • Governments: They must integrate oxygen access into universal health coverage and emergency preparedness plans, while ensuring quality standards and regulatory frameworks. Eg: The Indian government scaled up PSA oxygen plants under the PM CARES Fund during the COVID-19 crisis.
    • Private Sector: Industry must invest in local manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, and cost-effective technologies. Eg: Indian companies like Inox Air Products ramped up production and collaborated with the government to meet surging oxygen demand.
    • Global Health Agencies: Agencies like WHO and UNICEF must provide technical and financial support for infrastructure and workforce training. Eg: WHO supported several LMICs (e.g., Bhutan) in installing and operating oxygen plants through cross-border cooperation.

    What has been done by the Indian government in Southeast Asia? 

    • Oxygen Supply to Bangladesh: In July 2021, India dispatched 200 metric tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) to Bangladesh via the ‘Oxygen Express’ train service. This marked the first international deployment of the Oxygen Express, showcasing India’s commitment to assisting neighboring countries in crisis.
    • Medical Aid to Vietnam: In August 2021, the Indian Navy’s INS Airavat delivered 100 metric tonnes of LMO and 300 oxygen concentrators to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Local Infrastructure: Governments and partners must invest in decentralised oxygen production, solar-powered systems, and skilled workforce development to ensure reliable access, especially in rural and remote areas.
    • Establish Robust Policies & Partnerships: Create strong regulatory frameworks and foster public-private-global collaborations to improve oxygen quality, supply chain efficiency, and emergency preparedness across regions.
  • 🔴[UPSC Webinar] By Archit Dongre, AIR 3 UPSC 2024 || Exclusive In-Depth Prelims 2025 Paper Analysis || Join 25th May, Sunday At 7PM

    🔴[UPSC Webinar] By Archit Dongre, AIR 3 UPSC 2024 || Exclusive In-Depth Prelims 2025 Paper Analysis || Join 25th May, Sunday At 7PM

    Register Now!

    Register for the session to get complete UPSC 2025 Prelims Paper Analysis

    Register Now!

    Read about Archit Dongre, (AIR 3 UPSC 2024) Webinar

    UPSC Prelims 2025 is just around the corner and like every year, it brings a mix of nerves, overthinking, and endless predictions. Everyone’s asking the same questions: Will the paper be factual or conceptual? Will smart elimination be the key this time?

    But instead of getting lost in the noise, it’s more important to focus on what really matters , understanding the paper properly and learning from it the way toppers do.

    That’s where Archit Dongre, AIR 3 in UPSC 2024, steps in. He’ll be going live on 25th May at 7 PM, right after the Prelims, for a session that’s not just about cut offs or answer keys. Archit will break down the Prelims 2025 paper the way a ranker would — helping you figure out what kind of questions mattered, where elimination could be used, and what lessons to take forward.

    Archit will take you through some of the most confusing and debated questions from the Prelims 2025 paper. He’ll show where smart elimination could have helped and what the paper tells us about the kind of thinking UPSC now expects. If you’re starting your journey for UPSC 2026, this session can give you much needed clarity and help you build a plan that actually works from day one.

    Archit isn’t someone who cracked it in one perfect shot. He’s been through the grind, made mistakes, figured out what doesn’t work and still managed to go from AIR 153 to AIR 3 in one year. That kind of jump doesn’t happen by chance it comes with clear thinking, consistent effort, and a system that keeps you grounded.

    Join him live on Sunday, 25th May at 7 PM for a session that could change how you look at this exam whether you just gave Prelims or are preparing for your turn next year.

    Register Now!

    Join us, for a 45 minute live Zoom session on 25th May at 7 PM.

    See you in masterclass

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    It will be a 45 minute webinar, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Archit Sir is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.

    Join us for a Zoom session on 25th May at 7 PM. This session is a must-attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for next year, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.

    See you in the session”

    Register for the session for a complete in-depth UPSC 2025 Prelims Paper Analysis

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    3. Insider tips that only the top IAS and IPS rankers know and apply to get rank.

    By the end, you’ll have razor-sharp clarity and a clear path to crack UPSC with confidence and near-perfect certainty. 

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  • A Good Monsoon

    Why in the News?

    This May has been unusually wet, with India getting 68.4% more rain than normal. Also, there have been no extreme temperatures or major heatwaves across most parts of the country.

    What caused the wet and cool May in India?

    • Above-Normal Rainfall: India received 68.4% more rainfall than usual for May, making it one of the wettest months in recent times. Eg: 27 out of 36 meteorological subdivisions saw over 20% surplus rain.
    • Frequent Moisture-Laden Winds: Western disturbances from the Mediterranean and incursions from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea brought continuous showers. Eg: These weather systems caused intermittent thunderstorms across northern and eastern India.
    • Suppression of Heatwaves: Each thunderstorm cooled temperatures, preventing the buildup of heatwaves. Eg: No major heatwave was reported across central and north India during May.

    Why is the formation of heat lows over northwest India important for the monsoon?

    • Creates Suction for Moist Winds: Heat lows act like a vacuum, pulling moisture-laden southwesterly winds from the Indian Ocean into the Indian subcontinent. Eg: Strong heat lows over Rajasthan help trigger early monsoon onset over central India.
    • Drives Monsoon Circulation: These low-pressure areas initiate and sustain the monsoon trough, which is essential for widespread rainfall. Eg: Absence of heat lows can delay or weaken the monsoon across northwest and central India.
    • Influences Rainfall Intensity and Spread: Proper heat low development ensures uniform and timely rainfall, crucial for agriculture. Eg: Weak heat lows in 2015 contributed to a patchy and deficient monsoon season.

    How do El Niño and IOD affect the monsoon?

    • El Niño Weakens Monsoon Winds: El Niño leads to warmer Pacific Ocean waters, which suppresses the Indian monsoon by weakening the low-pressure system over the subcontinent. Eg: The 2015 El Niño caused a 14% rainfall deficit in India.
    • Positive IOD Strengthens Monsoon: A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) brings warmer waters near Africa and cooler waters near Indonesia, enhancing monsoon winds and rainfall over India. Eg: In 2019, a strong positive IOD offset El Niño’s impact, resulting in above-normal rainfall.

    What would be the impact of monsoon on food inflation? 

    • Good Monsoon Boosts Crop Yields: Adequate rainfall ensures timely sowing and healthy harvests, leading to better food availability and stable prices. Eg: A normal monsoon in 2022 helped moderate cereal price rise.
    • Reduces Dependency on Imports: Sufficient domestic production of staples like wheat and pulses lowers the need for costly imports, helping control food inflation. Eg: In 2024, surplus wheat stock due to good rainfall reduced price pressure.
    • Stabilises Rural Demand and Supply Chains: A healthy monsoon supports rural incomes, improving supply consistency and reducing volatility in food prices. Eg: Strong kharif output in 2021 led to a drop in vegetable prices.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Climate-Responsive Agriculture: Promote drought- and flood-resistant crop varieties and expand irrigation to reduce dependence on erratic monsoons.
    • Enhance Weather Forecasting and Storage Infrastructure: Improve real-time weather alerts and expand warehousing to minimize post-harvest losses and stabilize food prices.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

    Linkage: Understanding the dynamics of food inflation, as required by this question, is essential for appreciating the significant positive economic contribution that a favorable monsoon can make by potentially increasing agricultural output and stabilizing food prices.

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