Daily Current Affairs 16 March 2024 – IAS Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs 16 March 2024 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

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One Nation One Election High Level Committee Report

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. One Nation One Election High Level Committee Report
3. One Nation One Election
4. Amendments and changes required for implementation

Why in the News?

One Nation One Election Committee Says Over 80% Citizens Support Idea of Holding Simultaneous Polls

News in Brief

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• Out of 21,558 public responses received by the high-level committee on One Nation One Election, more than 80 per cent (17,342) support the idea of holding simultaneous polls in India.
• Only 4,216 responses opposed the idea.
• These responses were received by email, website and by post.
• Suggestions continued to be received and accepted beyond the deadline, highlighting the commitment of the committee to the principles of inclusive and interactive engagement.

Also Read: One Nation One Election

One Nation One Election High Level Committee Report

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• One Nation, One Election, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind
• Key changes in the legal framework recommended
  • A total of 15 Constitution Amendments which include changes in three provisions and new insertions in 12 provisions.
  • Amendments to three statutes that govern Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and all other Union Territories.
  • Presidential notification of an appointed date to tie all elections.
• According to the report, the framework for simultaneous polls could be kicked off as early as June this year.
• Constitutional Amendment Ratification
  • Amendments in Article 324A Constitutional amendments that would sync Assembly elections with Lok Sabha elections the panel has recommended that state ratification is unnecessary.
  • Ratification by states will be required for constitutional amendments for the preparation of a common electoral roll, and syncing municipal and panchayat elections with the general (simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly) elections.
• Municipal and Panchayat elections should be held within 100 days of Lok Sabha and State elections.
• Judicial Review
  • The question of ratification can also be judicially reviewed.
  • Kihoto Hollohan v Zachillhu (February 18, 1992): The Supreme Court struck down a part of the law dealing with the disqualification of lawmakers on the ground that it was not ratified by the states.
• Considering the early dissolution
  • Lok Sabha: Fresh elections should be held for the remaining term of the previous Lok Sabha.
  • States Legislative: Fresh elections should be held, continuing until the end of the full term of Lok Sabha.
• Power of Parliament
  • The Constitution mainly entrusts Parliament, not states, with the power to conduct Assembly elections.
  • States have only residual powers to conduct Assembly elections Under Article 328.
  • Article 327: Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to legislature.
  • Article 329: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters.

One Nation, One Election

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What is One Nation One Election?

• One Nation One Election proposes that simultaneous elections be held in all states and the Lok Sabha in a gap of five years.
• This will involve the restructuring of the Indian election cycle in a manner that elections to the states and the centre synchronise.
• This would mean that the voters will cast their vote for electing members of the LS and the state assemblies on a single day, at the same time (or in a phased manner as the case may be).

Simultaneous Elections In India

• Simultaneous polls to states and Lok Sabha are not a newly conceived norm.
• In fact, simultaneous elections have previously been conducted in India in 1952, 1957, 1962 and 1967.
• Soon after, this norm was discontinued following the dissolution of some Legislative Assemblies between 1968 -69.
• Since then, the Indian Electoral system has held polls to the Centre and states separately.

Advantages of One Nation One Election

• Reduced Electoral Expenditure: Synchronizing elections could potentially reduce the overall cost of conducting elections, as many resources are spent on security, logistics, and campaigning during elections. Fewer elections would mean cost savings.
• Continuous Governance: With synchronized elections, the focus would be on governance for a longer duration rather than on election campaigns. This could lead to more stability and uninterrupted development.
• Reduced Disruption: Frequent elections can disrupt normal life and governance, as politicians and officials are often diverted from their regular duties to participate in election-related activities.
• Voter Fatigue: Frequent elections may lead to voter fatigue and reduced voter turnout. Synchronizing elections might encourage more people to participate.
• Streamlined Administration: Conducting elections simultaneously could streamline the administrative process, as many states and the central government share common resources and personnel for elections.

Challenges and Concerns

• Constitutional and Legal Issues: Implementing ONOE would require significant constitutional changes and legal amendments, as the terms of state legislatures are not uniform. Overcoming these legal hurdles is a major challenge.
• Political Opposition: Some political parties have expressed concerns that ONOE might favour national parties over regional ones, as simultaneous elections could lead to a more presidential-style campaign, which may not be advantageous for smaller parties.
• Logistical Challenges: Coordinating elections across the country, especially in a diverse and populous nation like India, poses logistical challenges, including the availability of security forces and resources.
• Complexity of Election Issues: Combining state and national issues in a single election could make it difficult for voters to make informed choices. State and national issues often require different considerations.
• Loss of Accountability: Critics argue that holding elections at different times allows voters to hold their elected representatives more accountable at various levels of government. Synchronizing elections might reduce this accountability.
• Political Motivations: Some critics suggest that ONOE could be used for political purposes, with the ruling party attempting to capitalize on national sentiment to secure more seats at both the state and national levels.
• Receive ratification from at least 50% of the States which may not be an easy peasy task.

Amendments and changes required for implementation

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• Article 172 and Article 83 deal with the duration of the Houses of Parliament, and guarantee a five-year term to both the elected Lok Sabha and state assemblies, unless they are dissolved sooner.
• Article 85 of the Indian Constitution deals with the powers of the President to summon Parliamentary sessions, not exceeding a gap of more than six months.
• Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, comes into action in case of governance and constitutional failure in a state and deals with the President’ Rule.
• Law Commission headed by Justice B. S. Chauhan reported the simultaneous elections are not feasible within the existing framework of the Constitution.
  • Amendments in the People’s Representation Act, 1951(RPA Act 1951) made for organised conduct and stability in both Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

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Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAK)

Source: PIB
GS II:  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Jan Aushadhi Kendras
3. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme

Why in the News?

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare inaugurated a credit assistance program for Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

News in Brief

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• In this regard, he presided over the exchange of an MoU between Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
• He also launched a website for credit assistance to Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
• IDBI informed that the credit assistance program takes advantage of both GST and the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) of India to provide unsecured working capital loans for small businesses.
• DPI is currently based on the layers of identity (through Aadhar) and payment (through UPI linked with Aadhar).
• Adding a third layer, a credit layer using the other two layers to make credit flow to crores of small businesses who are not able to secure loans from banks and then get exploited by moneylenders.
• It has now been decided to increase its geographical reach by increasing the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to 25,000 in the next 2 years.

Details of Credit Assistance Program

• SIDBI will offer the project loan for a credit limit of up to Rs. 2 lakhs at a very competitive and affordable interest rate, which will work as a working capital and with an easy recovery process.
• The entire ecosystem will be working on a digital mode while ensuring ease of doing business.
• SIDBI proposes to use the GST-Sahay technology platform while disbursing funds to these micro and small enterprises through the 2 MoU and it will be a big boost for the entire scheme.

Jan Aushadhi Kendras

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• They operate under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme
• Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) is a government initiative launched to provide affordable and quality medicines to the public.
• Covering the entire nation with around 11,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
• While individuals have been saving regularly on the cost of medicines it has significantly lowered the out-of-pocket expenditure for all such families.
• These Jan Aushadhi Kendras which are run by private entrepreneurs and with the support of the Government in the form of incentives have been able to provide around 2000 types of medicines and 300 types of surgical devices.
• It is estimated that around 10 to 12 lakh people visit Jan Aushadhi Kendras every day and save their money while buying requisite medicines.
• Indian citizens have saved more than Rs. 28,000 crores over the last 10 years period while buying medicines from Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses, especially the economically weaker sections of society. The scheme was launched on July 1, 2015, by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Key Facts

• Objective: The primary objective of the PMBJP scheme is to promote the use of generic medicines over branded ones, thus reducing out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare.
• Affordability: Under this scheme, generic medicines are made available at significantly lower prices compared to their branded counterparts. The savings to consumers can be substantial, often up to 80% or more.
• Wide Reach: PMBJP operates through a network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) spread across the country. These kinds are dedicated to dispensing generic medicines, making them accessible to people even in remote areas.
• Quality Assurance: The medicines available at Jan Aushadhi Kendras are sourced from WHO-GMP-compliant manufacturers, ensuring that they meet quality standards and are safe for consumption.
• Range of Medicines: The scheme covers a wide range of medicines, including both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, catering to various healthcare needs of the population.

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Global Methane Tracker 2024

Source: PIB
GS III:  Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Global Methane Tracker 2024
3. International Energy Agency (IEA)

Why in the News?

Global Methane Tracker 2024 was released and this year’s update provides our latest estimates of emissions from across the sector

News in Brief

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• Methane is responsible for around 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution.
• Rapid and sustained reductions in methane emissions are key to limiting near-term global warming and improving air quality.
• The energy sector – including oil, natural gas, coal and bioenergy – accounts for over a third of methane emissions from human activity.
• Global Methane Tracker is an indispensable tool in the fight to bring down emissions from across the energy sector.

About Global Methane Tracker 2024

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• The report is released by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
• Drawing on the more recent data and readings from satellites and ground-based measurements.
• The costs and opportunities to reduce these emissions.
• It also tracks current pledges and policies to drive down methane emissions and progress towards these goals.
• For the first time, the Tracker includes the investments needed to deliver emissions reductions and the potential revenue from these measures.

Detailed Report

• Estimate that the production and use of fossil fuels resulted in close to 120 million tonnes (Mt).
  • Around 80 Mt came from countries that are among the top 10 emitters of methane globally.
  • The United States is the largest emitter of methane from oil and gas operations.
  • It is followed by Russia.
  • Norway and the Netherlands have the lowest emissions intensities.

• Emissions have remained around this level since 2019, when they reached a record high.
• The average methane intensity of production globally has declined marginally during this period.
• The energy sector accounts for more than one-third of total methane emissions attributable to human activity.
  • Cutting emissions from fossil fuel operations has the most potential for major reductions.
• Around USD 170 billion in spending is needed to deliver the methane abatement measures deployed by the fossil fuel industry in the NZE Scenario.

International Energy Agency (IEA)

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The International Energy Agency (IEA) is a prominent intergovernmental organization focused on ensuring reliable, affordable, and clean energy for its member countries and the global community. Established in 1974 in response to the oil crisis, the IEA serves as an autonomous entity within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Its primary mission is to promote energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability through energy policy cooperation and analysis.

Key Facts

• Membership: The IEA consists of 30 member countries, including major energy-consuming nations such as the United States, Japan, Germany, and emerging economies like China and India.
• Energy Policy Analysis: It conducts comprehensive research and analysis on various aspects of energy markets, including supply, demand, investment trends, and technological advancements.
• Energy Security: The IEA plays a crucial role in monitoring global energy markets to mitigate supply disruptions and enhance energy security.
• Clean Energy Transition: With a growing focus on climate change mitigation, the IEA provides expertise and guidance on transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Energy Data and Statistics: It maintains extensive databases and produces authoritative publications, such as the World Energy Outlook, providing valuable insights into global energy trends and challenges.

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Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

Source: UN
GS II: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction
3. Way Forward

Why in the News?

United Nations Legal Counsel received Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, to officiate the signature by Canada of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

News in Brief

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• This is the 88th signature of the BBNJ Agreement since it opened for signature on 20 September 2023, and two countries ratified it already.
• The Legal Counsel expressed utmost confidence that the BBNJ Agreement holds the potential to make significant contributions to addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
• Also achieving ocean-related objectives and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

About Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

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• Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) refers to the marine biodiversity found in areas beyond the jurisdiction of any single country.
• These areas, often referred to as the high seas, comprise approximately 64% of the ocean’s surface and 95% of its volume.
• Given their vastness and importance for global biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, the governance of BBNJ has become a pressing issue in international environmental policy.

Key Facts

• Importance of BBNJ:
  • BBNJ areas harbour a significant portion of the world’s marine biodiversity, including unique species and ecosystems.
  • They play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, supporting fisheries, and providing ecosystem services vital for human well-being.
• Challenges in Governance
  • Unlike national waters, which are subject to the jurisdiction of individual countries, BBNJ areas fall outside any single nation’s regulatory authority.
  • This governance gap poses challenges for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
• Current Legal Framework
  • The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a legal framework for the governance of BBNJ areas.
  • However, UNCLOS primarily focuses on the rights and responsibilities of coastal states, leaving a regulatory gap for activities on the high seas.
• Negotiations for a New Treaty
  • Recognizing the need for enhanced governance of BBNJ, the United Nations General Assembly initiated negotiations for a new international legally binding instrument under the UNCLOS framework. These negotiations aim to address issues such as marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of marine resources, capacity-building, and technology transfer.
• Key Stakeholders
  • Stakeholders involved in BBNJ negotiations include governments, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, scientific bodies, and industry representatives.
  • Their participation reflects the diverse interests and perspectives involved in managing BBNJ areas.

Examples

• Overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing are significant threats to biodiversity in BBNJ areas. A new treaty could establish mechanisms for cooperation and regulation to combat these practices.
• Deep-sea mining activities in BBNJ areas raise concerns about their potential environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and disruption of fragile ecosystems. A new treaty could establish guidelines for responsible mining practices to mitigate these risks.

Way Forward

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• Negotiation and Adoption: Continued engagement in negotiations for a new treaty on BBNJ is essential to address governance challenges and ensure the effective management of marine resources.
• Capacity-Building: Capacity-building efforts, particularly in developing countries, are necessary to enhance their participation in BBNJ governance and implementation of conservation measures.
• Scientific Research: Investing in scientific research to improve understanding of BBNJ ecosystems and their vulnerability to human activities is critical for informed decision-making.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Meaningful engagement of all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, industry, and indigenous communities, is essential to develop inclusive and effective governance mechanisms for BBNJ.

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How Big is India’s 2024 Election?

Source: ECI
GS II: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. How Big is India’s 2024 Election?
3. How Indian Government forming?

Why in the News?

Election Commission of India, the country’s independent poll-conducting body announced, Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases from April 19.

• The results will be announced on June 4.

News in Brief

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• The first phase will be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the seventh phase on June 1.
• The election process that started on Saturday will continue for 82 days until results are announced on June 4.
• With the announcement of the schedule, a model code of conduct also kicks in.

How Big is India’s 2024 Election?

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• 96.8 crore electors registered voters
• 10.5 lah polling stations
• 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff
• 55 lakhs EVMs
• 4 lakh vehicles
• 19.47 crore voters between the age group of 20-29 years
• 1.8 crore first-time voters added

• Gender in Election
  • 12 states the ratio of women voters is higher than that of male voters
  • Total electors include 49.7 crore males, 47.1 crore females, 48,000 transgenders
  • 85 lakh 1st-time women voters
  • 82 lakh voters are above 85 years, 2.18 lakh centenarians
• Vote-from-home
  • Election Commission announced facilities for citizens above 85 years old and persons with disabilities for the Lok Sabha elections.
  • This is the first time the poll body providing vote-from-home.
• Multiphased Election
  • Deployment of huge federal security forces required.
  • To check everything from polling-related violence or attempts at rigging
• Election Expense
  • It is expected to be the world’s most expensive election.
  • Spending by political parties and candidates to woo voters will likely cost more than 1.2 trillion rupees ($14.4bn).
  • Twice what was spent in India’s 2019 elections – 600 billion rupees ($7.2bn).
• Extend of Polling booth
  • Election workers travelled 300 miles (482 km) over four days.
  • One million polling stations.
• Political Part
  • India has about 2,660 registered political parties.
  • Seven national parties, 43 state parties and 623 unrecognised political parties participated in the 2024 elections.
• Number of Candidate
  • 8,054 candidates, including 3,461 independents, contested those elections.
  • 543 winning candidates, 397 were from national parties, 136 were from state parties, six were from unrecognised parties and four were independent.

How Indian Government forming?

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• The formation of the Indian government is a complex process rooted in the principles of democracy outlined in the Constitution of India.
• India operates under a parliamentary system of government, which means that the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch.

Detailed overview of how the Indian government is formed

• General Elections: The foundation of the Indian government lies in general elections held at regular intervals. The Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India, is directly elected by the people through universal adult suffrage. Members of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house, are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
• Formation of the Lok Sabha: The Lok Sabha consists of a total of 545 members, out of which 543 are directly elected from single-member constituencies and two are nominated by the President of India from the Anglo-Indian community if it is felt that they are not adequately represented. The political party or coalition that secures a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha forms the government.
• Council of States Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution like the Lok Sabha. It consists of a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 members are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union territories. The remaining 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services. The term of a member of the Rajya Sabha is six years. One-third of its members retire every two years. 
• Appointment of the Prime Minister: The leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha is appointed as the Prime Minister of India by the President. The Prime Minister then selects ministers to form the Council of Ministers.
• Council of Ministers: The Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister, is responsible for administering various government functions. Ministers are appointed to head different ministries, each responsible for specific areas of governance such as finance, defence, external affairs, etc.
• Role of the President: While the President of India is the head of state, their role in the formation of the government is largely ceremonial. The President appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister. The President also has the power to dissolve the Lok Sabha and call for fresh elections.
• Functioning of the Government: The government functions through the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The executive branch implements laws, the legislative branch enacts laws, and the judicial branch interprets laws. The Parliament, comprising the President and the two houses, plays a crucial role in the legislative process.

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New India Literacy Programme (NILP)

Source: PIB
GS II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. How it helps

Why in the News?

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, Government of India, is set to conduct the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) as part of the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram on 17th March 2024, across 23 states.

• Approximately 37 lakh learners will appear for this important nationwide assessment.

News in Brief

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• FLNAT will be held in all districts of each participating State/UT, with the District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and Government/aided schools serving as test centres.
• The assessment comprises three subjects – Reading, Writing, and Numeracy – each carrying 50 marks, totalling 150 marks.
• This test is developed to evaluate the foundational literacy and numeracy skills of registered non-literate learners.
• To date, a total of 36,00,870 learners have been certified.

About Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)

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• On March 19th, 2023, the first Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) was administered in 10 states across the country under Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme)
• To evaluate the reading, writing, and numeracy abilities of learners enrolled in the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
• Volunteer teachers, including students from schools and colleges, assisted in teaching and learning activities.
• Two FLNATs were conducted in 2023 – in March and September.

New India Literacy Programme

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• A new centrally sponsored scheme on Education for All (erstwhile known as Adult Education), “New India Literacy Programme (NILP).
• It has been approved by the Government of India with a financial outlay of Rs.1037.90 crore for implementation during FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27, in alignment with the recommendations of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The scheme is targeted at all non-literates of age 15 years and above.
• The learners will be encouraged to excess the content in local languages in online mode through DIKSHA platform in NCERT.

Components of the Scheme

• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy,
• Critical Life Skills (which include, financial literacy, digital literacy, legal literacy, healthcare and awareness, childcare and education, family welfare, etc.),
• Basic Education (includes preparatory (classes 3 – 5), middle (classes 6- 8), and secondary stage (classes 9-12) equivalency),
• Vocational Skills (Skill development will be a part of the continuous learning process for neo-literates to obtain local employment),
• Continuing Education (This includes engaging holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, and recreation, as well as other topics of interest or use to local learners).
• Formation and involvement of SHGs, Voluntary & User Groups and other community-based organizations may be encouraged.

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Atmospheric Research Testbed

Source: Indian Express
GS III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. How it helps

Why in the News?

The first phase of India’s Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) was inaugurated at Silkheda in Sehore district, located about 50 km northwest of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

News in Brief

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• The monsoon trough over Central India, which comprises of monsoon core zone (MCZ), is one of the important components of the regional climate system.
• Detailed atmospheric measurements in MCZ wherein synoptic-scale disturbances (lows and depressions) often pass during monsoon were overdue.
• Considering this importance, an Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) is established by IITM, MoES at Silkheda (50 km NW of Bhopal) for better understanding of processes governing monsoon convection.

Atmospheric Research Testbed

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• The ART is an open-field, focused observational and analytical research programme at Silkheda.
• ART spread over 100 acres.
• ART has been developed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences for Rs 125 crore.
• The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, is in charge of the operations
• Aim of Atmospheric Research Testbed
  • The facility aims to conduct ground-based observations of weather parameters like temperature, wind speeds, etc.
  • In-situ (on-site) observations of the transient synoptic systems like low-pressure areas and depressions that form in the Bay of Bengal during the southwest monsoon season from June to September.
  • Studying the weather parameters and their associated cloud parameters will be used to generate high volumes of data over a long period.
  • It can then be compared with the existing weather models so that improvements can be made to obtain accurate rainfall predictions.
  • The setup at ART will also be used for calibrating and validating various satellite-based observations, part of weather predictions and forecasting.
• How ART-CI Important? 
  • 45% of India’s labour force is employed in the agriculture sector.
  • Much of Indian agriculture is rain-fed.
  • Agriclture which spans the central India region from Gujarat to West Bengal.
  • Southwest monsoon season accounts for 70 per cent of the country’s annual average rainfall (880mm).
  • Throughout India, the majority of Kharif cultivation is undertaken between July and August, which see an average monthly rainfall of 280.4mm and 254.9mm (1971–2020 average), respectively.
  • Studies have correlated the all-India rainfall performance to the rainfall received over the central India region, highlighting its importance.
• Various Phases of ART
  • The first phase, remote sensing-based and in-situ measurements using 25 meteorological instruments has commenced.
  • Second phase, ART will deploy instruments such as a radar wind profiler and balloon-bound radiosonde, and soil moisture and temperature measuring equipment.

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