26 April 2024

Statecraft IAS www.statecraft.in

1. Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) Meeting in Ottawa
2. Madras High Court Ruling on Waqf Properties
3. Concerns Over Settlement of Claims in Pulicat Wetland
4. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
5. Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Atacama Desert
7. The Ross Ice Shelf
8. Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024
9. The Climate Situation in Asia: 2023
10. Indian Ocean Current Dynamics: Insights from Recent Research

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) Meeting in Ottawa

Context;

The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) is currently underway in Ottawa, Canada, with the objective of finalizing a global agreement on plastic pollution by November of this year.

Understanding the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC);

• The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is a specialized body tasked with developing a legally binding international instrument aimed at addressing plastic pollution by 2025, as mandated by United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 5/14.
• Its inception dates back to November 2022 in Punta del Este, Uruguay (INC-1), followed by subsequent meetings in Paris, France (INC-2), and Nairobi, Kenya (INC-3).
• The committee is set to conclude its work by the end of 2024.

Key Points from INC-4

Building upon the foundation laid in previous sessions (INC-1, INC-2, INC-3), discussions in INC-4 primarily revolve around strategies to reduce unnecessary plastic usage while ensuring its continued utilization in vital areas such as renewable energy.

Future Prospects

Anticipating the forthcoming INC-5 in Busan, South Korea, which aims to finalize all remaining aspects of the agreement, paving the way for the endorsement of the agreement by leaders representing various nations.

Madras High Court Ruling on Waqf Properties

Introduction;

The recent ruling by the Madras High Court regarding Waqf properties in Tamil Nadu has significant implications for property management and legal authority.

Madras HC Verdict;

The Madras High Court’s decision declares the Tamil Nadu Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Act of 2010 unconstitutional, highlighting its conflict with the Central legislation, the Waqf Act of 1995.

Key Points of the Verdict;

The court emphasized that Parliament’s 2013 amendment to the Waqf Act supersedes the state legislation, providing a comprehensive framework for possession recovery.

Arguments Presented by Tamil Nadu;

Legal arguments put forth by Tamil Nadu focused on the interpretation of legislative authority, asserting that the 2010 amendment operated within the Concurrent List and required Presidential assent.

Challenges to Coexistence of State and Central Laws;

Debates arose regarding the coexistence of state and central laws, with Tamil Nadu advocating for the supremacy of Parliament’s 2013 amendment over the state’s legislation.

Justification for the 2010 Amendment;

Tamil Nadu’s enactment of the 2010 amendment was based on recommendations from the Sachar Committee, formed to study the social, economic, and educational status of Muslims.

Insights from the Sachar Committee;

Established in March 2005, the Sachar Committee, chaired by former Chief Justice Rajinder Sachar, provided foundational insights into the conditions of Muslims in India, influencing subsequent legislative actions.

Concerns Over Settlement of Claims in Pulicat Wetland

Overview;

The recent settlement of claims for local communities residing within the Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary boundary has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the potential denotification of a substantial portion of the sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for industrial park development.

Pulicat Wetland and Birds Sanctuary;

Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary stands as the second-largest bird sanctuary in India, spanning across the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh and the Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.

Geographical Features;

The sanctuary, covering an extensive area of 759 square kilometers, is situated along the Bay of Bengal coast and is bordered by the Arani River to the south, the Kalangi River to the northwest, and the Swarnamukhi River to the north.

Unique Characteristics;

• Pulicat Lake, running parallel to the Bay of Bengal, forms a distinctive lagoon with its sandbar.
• Sriharikota, known as India’s primary rocket launch pad and home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, acts as a natural barrier, separating the lake from the Bay of Bengal.

Communities and Livelihoods;

Within its boundaries, the sanctuary encompasses 16 island villages and 30 villages adjacent to the lake, whose inhabitants rely on its resources for their livelihoods.

Biodiversity;

• During the winter season, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary becomes a vital habitat for numerous migratory bird species, including gulls, terns, plovers, shanks, curlews, and storks.
• Additionally, it supports a diverse range of resident bird species such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, and ducks.

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

Introduction;

The accurate forecasting of specific oceanographic parameters holds immense economic significance, as highlighted in a recent study conducted by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).

About INCOIS;

• Established in 1999 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), INCOIS operates as a unit of the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO).
• Its core mandate is to furnish top-tier ocean information and advisory services to various stakeholders, including society, industry, government agencies, and the scientific community, through sustained ocean observations and continual enhancements via systematic and focused research endeavors.

Activities

INCOIS undertakes a range of activities to fulfill its mandate:

1. Tsunami Early Warning:

• INCOIS operates the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), offering round-the-clock monitoring and warning services for coastal populations concerning tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves.
• The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO has designated ITEWC as a Regional Tsunami Service Provider (RTSP) for countries along the Indian Ocean Rim.

2. Advisories for Fisherfolk:

Daily advisories are provided to fisherfolk to aid in locating areas with abundant fish, thus optimizing fuel and time expenditure.

3. Ocean State Forecasts:

Short-term forecasts (3-7 days) of oceanic conditions such as waves, currents, and sea surface temperature are issued daily to various stakeholders including fisherfolk, shipping industry, oil and natural gas sector, Navy, and Coast Guard.

4. Ocean Observing Systems:

INCOIS deploys and maintains a suite of Ocean Observing Systems in the Indian Ocean to gather data on diverse oceanic parameters.

5. Data Management:

• The organization conducts rigorous quality checks and archives observational, satellite, and other oceanic data at the ESSO-INCOIS Data Centre, making it accessible to students, researchers, and other users.
• It has been designated as the National Oceanographic Data Centre by the International Oceanographic Data Exchange Programme (IODE) of the IOC.

6. Global Ocean Analysis:

INCOIS generates Global Ocean Analysis data using mathematical models and observations, aiding in the prediction of the monsoon and enhancing the understanding of oceanic processes.

7. Seismic and GNSS Network:

INCOIS established the Indian Seismic and GNSS Network (ISGN) to integrate Seismic and GNSS stations, providing high-quality data for research and operational purposes.

8. International Engagement:

As a permanent member of the Indian delegation to the IOC and a founding member of IOGOOS and POGO, INCOIS actively contributes to capacity building and international collaboration in oceanographic research. It also hosts the IOGOOS secretariat and the SIBER International Programme Office.

International Collaboration;

Through the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES), INCOIS extends ocean information and forecasts to member countries, fostering regional cooperation in disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.

Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

Introduction;

Recently, a tiger sighting was captured on a camera trap within the confines of Kalesar National Park, situated in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, marking a

significant wildlife encounter.

About Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary

Location:

Nestled in the eastern region of Yamunanagar district in Haryana, Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls across an expansive area of 11,000 acres, nestled amidst the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is bordered by the Yamuna River to its east.

Topography:

• The sanctuary’s terrain exhibits a diverse landscape, ranging from plains to hills ascending to an elevation of 700 meters.
• It is adorned with narrow valleys locally referred to as ‘khols,’ which are interspersed with seasonal rivulets known as ‘soats,’ remaining dry for the most part of the year.

Historical and Architectural Significance:

• Within its precincts lies the historic Kalesar Fort, purportedly erected during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
• Additionally, the sanctuary is renowned for its Dak bungalows, administrative architectural structures dating back to the colonial era.

Flora:

The sanctuary boasts a rich array of flora, dominated by species such as sal, khair, shisam, tun, sain, and amla, contributing to its lush vegetation.

Fauna:

• Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary harbors a diverse range of fauna, including leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, hyenas, jackals, Indian porcupines, Indian pangolins, and langurs.
• Moreover, the sanctuary serves as a habitat for numerous avian species, including the red junglefowl, grey partridge, Indian peafowl, and white-throated kingfisher.

Atacama Desert

Introduction;

Recent research has unveiled the existence of thriving microbes residing 13 feet below the sun-scorched surface of Chile’s Atacama Desert, representing the deepest exploration into microbial life within the region to date.

About the Atacama Desert;

1.Location and Boundaries:

• Situated in northern Chile, the Atacama Desert is flanked by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
• It stretches uninterrupted for nearly 1,000 kilometers along the narrow coastal strip of Chile’s northern third, sharing borders with Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia.

2.Environmental Extremes:

Renowned as the driest desert globally, the Atacama Desert boasts an unparalleled combination of environmental extremes, including extreme aridity, the highest levels of UV radiation on Earth, and soils characterized by high salinity and oxidation.

3.Geological Features:

Originally part of the Pacific Ocean seabed, the desert terrain is characterized by extensive salt deposits known as playas, which can reach thicknesses of up to 1.6 feet. Additionally, the region is home to 12 volcanoes, primarily situated in the western fringes of the Andes.

4.Climate:

• With an average annual rainfall of merely 1 millimeter, some areas within the desert have never experienced rainfall.
• This aridity is attributed to the geographical barriers posed by the Andes, obstructing the influx of humid air from the Amazon, and the Coastal Mountain range.
• Cold water upwelling from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the west contributes to atmospheric conditions that deter seawater evaporation and cloud formation, further limiting rainfall.
• Despite the harsh conditions, temperatures remain relatively moderate, averaging around 63 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) throughout the year.

5.Natural Resources:

• The Atacama Desert is home to the largest natural reservoir of Sodium Nitrate, a valuable resource utilized in the production of fertilizers and explosives.
• Moreover, the soil composition in this region closely resembles that of Mars, leading NASA to employ the desert as a testing ground for instruments intended for missions to the red planet.

Cultural and Astronomical Significance:

• The desert is renowned for the discovery of the Chinchorro Mummies, the oldest artificially mummified human remains.
• Additionally, it stands as one of the few locations worldwide boasting over 300 days of clear skies annually, free from light pollution, making it an ideal site for astronomical observation.

The Ross Ice Shelf

Context;

Researchers have recently made a striking discovery within Antarctica: the immense Ross Ice Shelf, comparable in size to France, exhibits periodic movements, advancing several centimeters once or twice daily.

About the Ross Ice Shelf

Location and Size;

As the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, the Ross Ice Shelf extends from the continent’s coastline into the Ross Sea, covering approximately 487,000 square kilometers, equivalent to the area of France.

Composition and Thickness;

While only a fraction of its mass is visible, the Ross Ice Shelf comprises several hundred meters of ice, with thickness varying from about 100 meters to several hundred meters, thickest where anchored against the continent.

Formation and Dynamics;

Formed through the gradual accumulation and compaction of snow, the Ross Ice Shelf continually grows from a steady influx of ice fed by glaciers draining both the East and West Antarctic Ice Sheets. This perpetual cycle of growth and retreat involves basal melting and ice calving.

Role in Antarctic Stability;

Acting as a crucial buttress, the Ross Ice Shelf plays a pivotal role in stabilizing the Antarctic ice sheet, providing support for the movement of ice across the continent’s surface.

Key Facts about the Ross Sea

Location and Size;

Positioned as a vast bay just 320 kilometers from the South Pole, the Ross Sea spans approximately 960,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest polar marine ecosystems globally.

Geographical Features;

The remote Ross Sea lies south and slightly east of New Zealand, with a significant portion of its expanse covered by the expansive Ross Ice Shelf.

Oceanographic Characteristics;

Characterized by its relatively shallow depth, the Ross Sea experiences the influence of the coastal East-Wind Drift, leading to a substantial clockwise gyre and facilitating deep water upwelling.

Protected Area and Biodiversity;

Designated as the first protected area in Antarctica, the Ross Sea harbors a diverse array of wildlife, including a substantial population of penguins and various whale species, contributing to its status as the largest polar marine ecosystem worldwide.

Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024

Overview;

The 2024 Global Report on Food Crisis (GRFC) recently released sheds light on the alarming prevalence of acute food insecurity affecting millions worldwide.

About Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2024;

Produced annually by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) and launched by the Global Network Against Food Crises, the GRFC represents a collaborative endeavor aimed at addressing food crises through data-driven insights and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Key Findings from GRFC 2024;

1.Persistent Crisis: Analysis of data from 2023 reveals a distressing trend, with approximately 282 million individuals across 59 countries facing acute food insecurity, marking the fifth consecutive year of escalating crises.

2.Drivers of Crisis: The report identifies conflicts, extreme weather events, and economic shocks as the primary drivers exacerbating food crises globally.

3.Conflict and Insecurity: Conflict emerged as the leading driver of food insecurity in 20 countries, directly impacting 135 million people. Notably, areas such as the Gaza Strip and Sudan experienced severe crises, with Sudan facing one of the most dire situations globally.

4.Weather Extremes: Extreme weather events were the principal driver in 18 countries, affecting over 72 million individuals with acute food insecurity.

5.Affected Countries: The report highlights the top ten countries grappling with severe food crises in 2023, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Yemen, the Syrian Arab Republic, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar.

6.Positive Developments: Despite challenges, progress was observed in 17 countries, offering glimmers of hope amid ongoing crises. Notable improvements were seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.

Implications and Response;

• The findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the root causes of food insecurity and mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations worldwide.
• Collaborative initiatives involving governments, international organizations, and civil society are essential for effective crisis response and long-term food security solutions.

The Climate Situation in Asia: 2023

Context;

Recent reports highlight the failure of developed nations to adequately address the escalating impacts of global climate change, particularly evident in Asia, labeled by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as the world’s ‘disaster capital’.

Climate Impact in Asia;

In 2023, Asia bore the brunt of the highest number of disasters globally, with floods and storms inflicting significant casualties and economic losses.

Intensified Heatwaves;

Eastern and northern India experienced unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to record levels, exacerbating the region’s vulnerability to climate-related risks.

Sea Level Rise and Temperature Trend;

• Sea level rise in the Bay of Bengal surpassed the global average by nearly 30%, posing substantial threats to coastal communities.
• Moreover, eastern and northern India witnessed the most substantial temperature increases in the region.

Accelerating Climate Trends;

Long-term warming trends are accelerating across Asia, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves, glacier melting, and jeopardizing water security. Record-high sea surface temperatures and ocean heat further exacerbate climate impacts.

Impacts on Glaciers and High Mountain Asia;

Glaciers across the High Mountain Asia region, including the Tibetan Plateau, are rapidly receding due to unprecedented temperatures and dry conditions, triggering glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and resulting in fatalities in regions such as Sikkim and northern West Bengal.

Ocean Warming and Marine Heatwaves;

• Elevated greenhouse gas emissions have induced significant ocean warming, contributing to global sea-level rise and disrupting ocean currents.
• Prolonged marine heatwaves, notably in the Arctic Ocean, Eastern Arabian Sea, and Northern Pacific, have severely impacted marine ecosystems.

Precipitation Patterns and Flood Events;

• Below-normal precipitation levels across many Asian regions have led to drought conditions.
• Paradoxically, despite reduced rainfall overall, floods and storms remained the leading causes of fatalities and economic losses in 2023, affecting millions.

Regional Impacts and Heatwave Fatalities

• India grappled with severe heatwaves in April and June, resulting in numerous heatstroke fatalities.
• Particularly, regions like West Bengal and northern states experienced a significant surge in average temperatures compared to the 1991-2021 average.
• Additionally, the heightened sea level rise in the Bay of Bengal poses grave risks to coastal areas like the Sundarbans in West Bengal.

Indian Ocean Current Dynamics: Insights from Recent Research

Context;

Recent findings from scientists at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) provide new perspectives on the role of bathymetry in shaping Indian Ocean currents, offering valuable insights into ocean circulation dynamics.

Key Insights;

Examining the Impact of Underwater Topography: The study highlights the significant influence of bathymetry, the study of ocean floor depth, on Indian Ocean currents, revealing deep-swirling patterns that contrast with surface currents.

Opposing Currents;

Deep-Swirling Patterns: Contrary to surface currents, deep-swirling patterns have been identified beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean, particularly around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Maldives, showcasing a complex interplay between ocean depths and surface flows.

Influence of Landmasses;

Boundary Currents and Equatorial Under Current (EUC): The presence of boundary currents along the coasts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with the role of the Maldives Islands in extending the Equatorial Under Current (EUC), underscores the significant influence of landmasses on regional ocean currents.

Understanding Ocean Currents;

Surface Currents: Driven by global wind systems and solar energy, surface currents play a vital role in redistributing heat across the globe. Notable examples include the Gulf Stream, facilitating the transport of warm water from the tropics to polar regions.

Deep Currents: Also known as thermohaline circulation, deep currents arise from variations in water density. These currents, initiated by sinking cold, dense water at polar regions, contribute to a slow, global-scale circulation pattern known as the “ocean conveyor belt.”