Current Affairs 8th July 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Arctic Wildfires

Context: Smoke from raging wildfires has darkened Arctic skies for the third time in five years as reported by Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Reasons for Worsening Arctic Wildfires

• Accelerated Arctic Warming: The Arctic is warming about four times faster than the global average, with temperatures now approximately 3 degrees Celsius higher than in 1980.
• Increased Lightning and Thunderstorms: More frequent thunderstorms in the Arctic, a result of differential surface heating and enhanced convection, increase the likelihood of wildfires.
• Changes in the Polar Jet Stream: Higher temperatures have slowed the polar jet stream, causing prolonged periods of warm weather and contributing to heatwaves that ignite more wildfires.

Impact of Arctic Wildfires on Global Warming

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Wildfires release significant amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide by burning vegetation and organic matter.
• Permafrost Thawing: Arctic permafrost, containing about 1,700 billion metric tons of carbon, becomes susceptible to thawing due to wildfires, potentially releasing large quantities of carbon into the atmosphere.

Future Outlook

• Continued rise in temperatures and more frequent lightning and heatwaves are expected to escalate the incidence of Arctic wildfires.

Importance of Putin

Context: Recently, PM Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Significance of Visit

Strategic Aspects

• Defence and Security: The defence sector forms a critical aspect of the India-Russia partnership, with substantial military equipment and technology being sourced from Russia.
  • This includes advanced systems like the S-400 missile defence system, fighter aircraft, and tanks.
• Bilateral Trade: Economic ties have been bolstered, particularly through increased purchases of discounted Russian oil amid global economic strains, pushing bilateral trade to a record $65.70 billion in FY 2023-24.

Diplomatic Dynamics

• Global Positioning: Amidst ongoing global conflicts, particularly the Ukraine war, PM Modi’s visit is viewed as a balancing act in international relations, maintaining strategic ties with Russia while navigating relationships with Western nations.
• Dialogue and Mediation: India’s role in global diplomacy is highlighted by its interactions with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders, aiming to position it as a mediator while advocating for peace and adherence to international laws.

Challenges and Concerns

• International Relations: The visit comes at a time when global alliances are strained due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Modi’s visit is seen as a strategic move to affirm India’s long-standing ties with Russia while managing relations with Western countries.
• Security and Defense: Concerns remain regarding the sharing of critical military technologies between Russia and China, with India needing reassurances from Russia about the exclusivity of their defense cooperation.

Future Outlook

• Ongoing Engagement: The visit underscores an ongoing high-level dialogue that has included numerous telephonic discussions between Modi and Putin, reflecting continuous engagement on bilateral and global issues.
• Defence and Strategic Interests: The defence relationship will be a focal point, especially concerning the implications of Russia’s relationships with other countries like China on India’s strategic interests.

Temperatures and Pollution

Context: Recently, a study was conducted focused on the impact of high temperatures on air pollution levels during the summer in Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Lucknow, and Kolkata.

About the Study

• Conducted by: Climate Trends, a research-based consulting and capacity-building initiative.
• Objective: To understand the correlation between high temperatures and spikes in particulate matter (PM) levels, specifically PM2.5.
• Key Findings:
  • Temperature and PM2.5 Data: The study found that the PM2.5 levels occasionally exceeded the national ambient air quality standards of 25 micrograms per cubic metre in these cities, driven by higher temperatures.
  • Impact of High Temperatures: High temperatures were linked to occasional spikes in PM2.5 levels, surpassing safety thresholds set for air quality.
    • High temperatures enhance the photochemical reactions of pollutants, which can lead to the formation of secondary pollutants.
  • Factors Contributing to Pollution Spikes: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Nitrogen Oxide, primarily emitted from vehicles and industrial activities, react under high temperatures to form secondary pollutants, contributing to the increase in PM2.5 levels.
  • Health Risks: The increased PM2.5 concentrations can exacerbate lung function and irritate airways, leading to significant health issues.

Examples, Case Studies and Data

• Economy (GS 3): India’s private capital expenditure reached a 20-year low in the April-to-June quarter, with just ₹44,300 crore in new investments.
  • Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra had the highest share of informal sector enterprises in both rural and urban areas in 2022-23.

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