Current Affairs of 10th June 2023 For IAS And WBCS Examination
Indian Geography
The Impact of Cyclone on the Monsoon

- Context:
- The impact of global warming on the monsoons can be seen in the onset, withdrawal, seasonal total rainfall, and extremes.
- Global warming affects cyclones across the Indian Ocean, and cyclone’s position influences monsoon commencement.
- Monsoon:
- A monsoon is a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation and associated with annual latitudinal oscillation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
- The International Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a region that circles the Earth and is where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet, forming a large trough of low pressure.
- Seasonal fluctuations in the location of the ITCZ (between the equator and the tropic of cancer) caused by the apparent movement of the sun result in the tropics’ wet and dry seasons.
- Typically, the term monsoon refers to the rainy season of a seasonally changing pattern.
- The southwest (SW) monsoon occurs on the Indian subcontinent when rain-bearing winds blow from the southwest.
- Monsoon Onset:
- The arrival of the monsoon over the Kerala coast marks the beginning of the four-month southwest monsoon season, which provides for more than 70% of India’s annual rainfall.
- Contrary to common belief, the onset does not refer to the first rain of the season, but rather to the fulfillment of particular technical conditions established by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- The IMD forecasts monsoon onset based on substantial changes in atmospheric and ocean circulations in the Indo-Pacific region.The onset is determined by particular criteria such as rainfall consistency, intensity, and wind speed.
- Rainfall: The season begins when at least 60% of the 14 designated meteorological stations in Kerala and Lakshadweep record at least 2.5 mm of rain on two consecutive days after May 10. If specific wind and temperature conditions are met, the onset will be declared on the second day.
- Wind Field:The depth of westerlies within the equator to 10ºN latitude and the 55ºE to 80ºE longitude range should extend up to 600 hectopascal (hPa). At 925 hPa, the zonal wind speed should be around 15-20 knots (28-37 kph) between 5-10ºN latitude and 70-80ºE longitude.
- Heat: The INSAT-derived Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) value should be less than 200 watts per square meter (wm2) in the area between 5ºN and 10ºN latitudes and 70ºE and 75ºE longitudes.
- Factors Influencing South-West Monsoon:
- The differential heating and cooling of land and water results in low pressure over India’s landmass, while the oceans around it experience relatively high pressure.
- The shift of the position of Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in summer, over the Ganga plain(this is the equatorial trough that is ordinarily positioned around 5°N of the equator).
- During the monsoon season, it is also known as the monsoon-trough.
- The presence of a high-pressure area over the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, about near 20°S. The intensity and position of this high-pressure region have an impact on the Indian Monsoon.
- During the summer, the Tibetan plateau becomes extremely hot, resulting in strong vertical air currents and the creation of low pressure across the plateau at roughly 9 km above sea level.
- The existence of the tropical easterly jet stream across the Indian peninsula during summer and the movement of the westerly jet stream to the north of the Himalayas.
- Impact of Delayed Onset:
- Agriculture: The delayed beginning of the monsoon can have an impact on agricultural activity, notably crop sowing.Farmers rely significantly on monsoon rainfall for agricultural development and irrigation.A delay in rainfall might cause sowing to be postponed, reducing crop yields and agricultural output.
- Water Resources: Delayed monsoon start can lead to water scarcity, particularly in areas that rely on rainfall to replenish reservoirs, rivers, and lakes.
- Energy Sector: A delayed monsoon can have an impact on hydropower output, which is dependent on adequate water availability.
- It can have an impact on vegetation growth and distribution, delay the migration of certain species, and disturb biological cycles.
- In afflicted areas, delayed monsoons can also lead to soil erosion, land degradation, and decreasing biodiversity.
- Tropical Cyclones:
- Tropical cyclones are severe storms that occur near the equator over warm ocean waters. They are characterized by powerful winds, torrential rainfall, and a well-defined center known as the eye.
- Positive Impact of Tropical Cyclones on the Monsoon:
- If a cyclone lies further north in the Bay of Bengal, the back winds blowing from the southwest to the northeast can drive the monsoon trough forward, and assist in the monsoon’s onset. For example, Cyclone Mawar pulled winds across the equator into the North Indian Ocean, causing southwesterly winds over parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
- Southwesterly winds associated with tropical cyclones over the Arabian Sea bring a lot of rain to the Indian subcontinent, boosting monsoon rainfall.
- Negative Impact of Tropical Cyclones on the Monsoon:
- Some cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, such as Cyclone Biparjoy, can push the monsoon trough forward or delay its progression, impacting overall monsoon rainfall.
- Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal can cause winds to turn around, preventing monsoon winds from moving northward over the region.
- Unfavourable tropical cyclone activity and its related atmospheric and oceanic consequences can introduce uncertainty in the monsoon season, making it difficult to predict its behaviour accurately.
- The Impact of Global Warming on Cyclone Formation and the Monsoon Season:
- During the pre-monsoon season, both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal warmed by more than 1o C. For example, rapid cyclone strengthening, as seen in Cyclone Amphan in 2020, causing widespread destruction.
- Global warming affects the timing and duration of the monsoon season, leading to altered monsoon onset and withdrawal dates.
- Global warming has an impact on atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, such as the ‘atmospheric bridge’ from the Arctic and the ‘oceanic tunnel’ from the Southern Ocean, which can affect monsoon dynamics.
- Extreme weather events are becoming more common: Severe storms and rainfall events cause flash floods, mudslides, and infrastructure damage.
- The Influence of El Nino Global warming exacerbates El Nino’s impact on the Indian Monsoon, resulting in below-average rainfall.
Indian Economy
Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method

- Context: The Punjab Government has set a target of five lakh acres to be sown this kharif season using the direct seeded rice (DSR) method of paddy cultivation.
- Direct Seeded Rice(DSR):
- Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), often known as the ‘broadcasting seed technique,’ is a water-saving paddy-sowing technology.
- Seeds are drilled directly into the fields using this method. This method conserves groundwater compared to the typical water-intensive method of transplanting rice seedlings from a nursery to waterlogged fields.
- This procedure requires no nursery preparation or transplantation.
- Farmers simply need to level the land and provide one pre-sowing irrigation.
- Benefits
- No significant reduction of yield under optimal conditions;
- Water savings of 12-35% from smart water management strategies;
- Eliminates seedling uprooting and transplanting, which saves time and effort.
- Reduces cultivation time, energy, and costs.
- No plant stress from transplanting;
- Faster maturation of crops;
- Lower GHG emissions;
- Mechanised DSR provides employment opportunities;
- Increases total income by reducing the cost of cultivation;
- Current constraints include:
- higher seed rates,
- seed exposure to birds and pests,
- weed control,
- a higher risk of lodging,
- Risk of poor or non-uniform crop establishment;
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)

- Context: According to the Cooperation Ministry, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) can also be used as drone entrepreneurs for spraying fertilizer and pesticides.
- Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS):
- These are village-level cooperative credit societies that complete a three-tier cooperative credit structure.
- At the state level, these are led by the State Cooperative Banks (SCB).
- Credit is moved from SCBs to district central cooperative banks, or DCCBs, which function at the district level.
- These DCCBs collaborate with PACS, which deals with farmers directly.
- Individual farmers are PACS members, and officers are elected from among them. A village may have several PACS.
- The PACS’s primary function is to give short and medium-term loans to its members.
- The first PACS was formed in 1904.
- Status: According to a report released by the Reserve Bank of India on December 27, 2022, the number of PACS is 1.02 lakh. Only 47,297 of them were profitable at the end of March 2021.
- Functions:
- Providing agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and so on.
- Keeping a steady supply of light agricultural machinery on hand.
- Providing marketing services to boost the sale of their agricultural products.
- Encourage its members to save money.
Sagar Samriddhi

- The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has introduced the “Sagar Samriddhi” online dredging monitoring system.
- Sagar Samriddhi:
- It is an online dredging monitoring system.
- The new approach attempts to tighten the monitoring regime for dredging contracts while also emphasizing dredged material monetisation.
- It is part of the government’s efforts to push the ‘Waste to Wealth’ initiative forward.
- The National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC), the MoPSW’s technology arm, designed this system.
- The new technology significantly improves on the old Draft and Loading Monitor (DLM) method.
- All future monitoring at the country’s major ports will be done through the Sagar Samriddhi monitoring system, which will aid project implementation and reduce expenses.
- The system will assist in visualizing progress on a daily and weekly basis, , monitor dredger performance and downtime monitoring, and keep track of location data.
- Before processing and producing real-time dredging reports, the system will integrate different input reports, such as daily dredging reports and pre- and post-dredging survey data.
- Dredging:Dredging is the process of removing sediments and debris from the bottoms of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other bodies of water. It is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation—the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream—gradually fills channels and harbours.
Science & Technology
Betelgeuse

- Context: Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star 724 lightyears from Earth, is about 50% brighter than usual, prompting astronomers to speculate that the star may explode in a catastrophic supernova within tens of years.
- Betelgeuse:
- Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star that forms the constellation Orion’s left shoulder.
- It is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and one of the largest stars ever discovered.
- The star is about 650 light-years away from Earth.
- It is one of the largest known stars, with a diameter of more than 700 million miles (1.2 billion kilometers) and 764 times as large as the Sun.
- It is known for its periodic dimming and brightening up.
- Supernova:
- A supernova is a name given to the massive star’s cataclysmic explosion.
- They are the largest explosions ever seen in space.
- A supernova can occur in one of two ways:
- Type I supernova: A star accumulates matter from a neighboring star until a runaway nuclear reaction ignites.
- Type II supernova: A star that has depleted its nuclear fuel and collapses due to its own gravity.
- It has the ability to emit more energy in a few seconds than our sun will in billions of years.
- They are also the universe’s principal supplier of heavy materials.
- A supernova will occur once every 50 years on average in a galaxy the size of the Milky Way.
Art & Culture
Bagh Print

- Context: The MP Tourism Board, in collaboration with the district administration of Dhar, has inaugurated a training camp for the production of sustainable bags based on Bagh Print.
- It is the name of a block printing method that is unique to Bagh, a small village in Madhya Pradesh.
- The village and the craft both get their names from the river ‘Baghini,’ which runs through it.
- It was originated in 1962 by a community of Muslim Khatris (converts to Islam under the influence of a Sufi saint) who migrated from Manawar to Bagh.
- Bagh Prints are a unique art form due to the weaving and hand block printing method with geometric shapes, inventive use of red and black natural colors, and taking advantage of the chemical properties of the river.
- Specifications:
- Cotton and silk material are utilized in this printing process, and they are treated with a mixture of corroded iron fillings, alum, and Alizarin.
- Skilled artists designs the pattern .
- They are patterned using eco-friendly and non-hazardous natural colors.
- Following the printing procedure, the printed cloth is repeatedly washed in the flowing waters of the river and then sun-dried for a certain period of time to get a fine shine.
Important One-Liner:
- The first edition of the India, France, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Maritime Partnership Exercise began on June 7, 2023 in the Gulf of Oman, with participation of INS Tarkash, French Ship Surcouf, French Rafale aircraft, and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft .
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made an important step toward improving the trade receivables discounting system (TReDS) by allowing insurance companies to become stakeholders. This initiative aims to improve the cash flows of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) while also encouraging transparency and competitiveness in trade receivable financing.
- Go Digit Life Insurance Limited, a company backed by Canada-based Fairfax Group and already operating in the general insurance sector, has received regulatory approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to commence its life insurance business in India.
- The United States and the United Kingdom recently unveiled the “Atlantic Declaration,” a revolutionary strategic pact. This pact acknowledges their long-standing “special relationship” and proposes a collaborative effort to address the challenges faced by Russia, China, and economic instability.
- The Financial Services Institution Bureau (FSIB) has appointed N Ramaswamy, General Manager, General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), as the next Chairman and MD (CMD) of the company while M Rajeswari Singh, General Manager & Director (GMD), United India Insurance, has been selected as the CMD of National Insurance Company (NIC).
- The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to integrate IICA and RRU’s professional capabilities for capacity building, education, research, and consulting in the areas of internal security, financial crimes, law enforcement, corporate fraud, and other topics relevant to their mandates and objectives. The MoU also provides for the exchange of knowledge and resources between IICA and RRU for the purposes of conducting research, training, and consultancy.
- Microsoft and AirJaldi Networks, a major provider of rural internet connectivity solutions, have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) named ‘Contentful Connectivity.’By cooperating with the private, public, and non-profit sectors, this strategic collaboration intends to promote internet access and meaningful connectivity in rural India. The initiative, which is part of Microsoft’s Airband program, aims to grow AirJaldi Networks while also encouraging broadband uptake, digital transformation, and uplifting undeserved communities.
- India’s internet economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, showing substantial growth from $175 billion in 2022, as per a joint report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company. The report highlights that the expansion of the digital sphere is propelled by increased digital consumption in sectors like e-commerce, online travel, food delivery, and ride-hailing.