RISING EVAPORATIVE DEMAND SPOTLIGHTS INDIA’S DATA AND RESEARCH GAP
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
Recent studies highlight a rise in “evaporative demand” or atmospheric thirst due to global warming. Experts warn that India lacks adequate data and research to track such climate-related stress on crops and ecosystems.
What is Evaporative Demand?
- It is the atmospheric demand for water from the land, plants, and soil if water is fully available.
- A new term called “thirstwaves” has been introduced to describe days of very high evaporative demand.
- It is influenced by weather factors like temperature, humidity, wind, and sunlight.
- Higher demand means faster water loss from soil and crops.
What are Thirstwaves?
- “Thirstwaves” are periods of three or more days with very high evaporative demand.
- The term was coined by researchers in the U.S. to track extreme atmospheric drying.
- These events are becoming longer, stronger, and more frequent during crop seasons.
How it Affects Crops:
- Crops like wheat and rice use more water when evaporative demand rises.
- Even if irrigation is good, crops will lose more water to the atmosphere.
- Leads to stress on plants, affecting yield and increasing water use.
How it is Measured:
- A simplified method uses “standardised short-crop evapotranspiration,” assuming a grass crop with full water access.
- This measure helps farmers know when and how much to irrigate.
- If this value increases, it means weather is hotter, drier, and windier.
Past Trends in India:
- Earlier studies showed that evapotranspiration had decreased in India between 1960–1990.
- But now, future warming is expected to increase evaporative demand, especially in northern and Himalayan regions.
- Some regions are showing more water loss due to increased crop cover or vegetation.
Current Gaps in India’s Data:
- India has very little research or data on extreme thirstwaves.
- Regional impact of evaporative demand on crops is not well understood.
- There’s an urgent need to monitor and study this for better climate response and agricultural planning.
Need for Future Research:
- Scientists stress the importance of identifying crop- and region-specific sensitivities.
- New studies are beginning in South Asia to examine how thirstwaves affect vulnerable countries.
- Findings could help improve water security and disaster readiness.
Conclusion:
With rising global temperatures, managing evaporative demand is becoming crucial for farming and water conservation. India must invest in better data collection and research to prepare for the hidden threat of thirstwaves.
DISCONNECT BETWEEN INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Although India’s retail inflation dropped to 2.8% in May 2025—well within the RBI’s targetunemployment rose during the same period. This gap between inflation control and job creation raises concerns about how economic health is being assessed.
Inflation Falls, Unemployment Rises
- Inflation dropped from 3.2% in April to 2.8% in May 2025.
- Meanwhile, unemployment increased from 5.1% to 5.8% in the same month.
- While lower inflation helps existing consumers, it does not benefit job-seekers directly.
Misleading Celebration of Monetary Policy
- Media credited the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for bringing down inflation.
- However, the current economic slowdown and rise in unemployment suggest deeper issues.
- Many experts ignore employment trends while discussing macroeconomic achievements.
Growth Slowdown and Sectoral Imbalance
- GDP growth declined from 9.2% (2023–24) to 6.5% (2024–25).
- Public Administration maintained growth, but other sectors weakened.
- Agriculture saw faster growth, contributing to more food supply and thus, lower food inflation.
Food Prices as the Key Driver of Inflation Drop
- Food inflation fell sharply from 11% in October 2024 to below 1% in May 2025.
- Higher agricultural growth relative to other sectors reduced the supply-demand gap for food.
- This led to a decline in consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation.
Limits of Monetary Policy in India
- Repo rate remained largely unchanged since June 2022.
- Monetary policy could not have caused such a large fall in food prices or broad economic slowdown.
- Services and informal sectors, not driven by formal credit, were also affected—outside RBI’s control.
Empirical and Econometric Evidence
- Studies show no strong link between interest rate changes and inflation control in India.
- Agricultural supply plays a bigger role in determining inflation trends.
- Targeting inflation by reducing demand can be counterproductive if supply remains tight.
Inflation Expectations and RBI’s Role
- Household inflation expectations stayed high between March 2024 and May 2025.
- RBI’s actions seem to follow inflation trends, not influence them proactively.
Conclusion:
While inflation has declined, the rise in joblessness and fall in growth reflect deeper structural issues. Policymakers must look beyond inflation numbers and focus on employment and sectoral performance for a true picture of the economy.
ISRAEL’S EXPANDING CONFLICTS AND CONTINUED U.S. SUPPORT
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Israel’s military actions have expanded beyond Gaza to other West Asian nations, sparking concerns of a wider regional conflict. Despite global criticism, the U.S. continues to back Israel both militarily and diplomatically.
Background and Context
- The war began after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
- Israel’s operations have since extended beyond Gaza to countries like Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes.
- Food and aid supply into Gaza has drastically reduced.
- In June 2025, food aid dropped from 2 lakh tonnes in February to under 20,000 tonnes.
Scale of Israeli Attacks
- Over 42,000 attacks by Israel since October 2023, with 25,000 on Palestine alone.
- Nearly 60,000 people killed, including over 17,000 children.
- Attacks have now reached Iranian nuclear sites (Natanz, Fordo, Isfahan) in June 2025.
U.S. Support and Global Response
- The U.S. blocked most UN resolutions calling for ceasefires, except Resolution 2735.
- Despite calls for peace, the U.S. approved $12 billion in arms sales to Israel in 2025.
- Public opinion in the U.S. is largely against military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict.
India’s Position
- India supported several UN resolutions seeking a ceasefire earlier.
- However, it abstained from voting on the latest resolution passed in June 2025 — its fourth abstention in three years.
Conclusion:
The West Asian conflict is widening, with high civilian casualties and deepening geopolitical tensions. U.S. backing of Israel continues despite global appeals for restraint, while India’s abstentions indicate a cautious diplomatic stance.
HURDLES IN INDIA-U.S. TRADE TALKS: DAIRY AND AGRICULTURE AT CENTRE
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
India and the U.S. are struggling to finalize a trade agreement before the July 9 deadline due to disagreements over agriculture and dairy. The Indian government is cautious about opening these sensitive sectors to American imports.
Trade Deal Status
- The U.S. is set to reimpose reciprocal tariffs on July 9 if no agreement is reached.
- Talks are ongoing for a “mini deal” and the first phase of a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
- India wants a deal soon but is not under pressure, according to government sources.
Sensitive Sectors: Dairy and Agriculture
- Major roadblocks include market access for U.S. agricultural and dairy products.
- India is being cautious about dairy, due to concerns over rural livelihoods and cultural sensitivity.
- The government is evaluating what can be included in the deal without harming domestic interests.
Impact of Tariff Reversion
- If a deal isn’t signed, tariffs will return to April 2 levels.
- This will affect both sides, but India believes the impact will not be worse than on other nations.
- India remains one of the few countries still negotiating a detailed deal with the U.S.
Geopolitical Concerns: Iran Factor
- Rising tensions in West Asia, especially Iran’s actions in Syria, are being closely monitored.
- India is assessing risks to trade routes, especially via the Strait of Hormuz.
- Alternative shipping paths exist but will increase transport costs and delay deliveries.
Conclusion:
India is negotiating carefully with the U.S., aiming to protect key sectors while advancing trade ties. However, global tensions and sectoral concerns are slowing progress on a final deal.
INCREASED ROLE OF WOMEN IN NAXAL CONFLICT AND SECURITY OPERATIONS IN CHHATTISGARH
TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY: INDIAN EXPRESS
The number of women Maoist cadres killed in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh has increased significantly since 2024. This trend comes amid intensified security action to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.
Rise in Women Maoist Casualties
- In 2024, out of 217 Maoists killed, 74 were women.
- In 2025 (till June 20), of 195 killed, 82 were women.
- This is a notable rise compared to earlier years (e.g., only 5 women killed in 2023).
- Indicates a growing presence of women in combat roles or their use as shields by Maoist groups.
Role of Children and Forced Recruitment
- Maoists are reported to be forming ‘Bal Dastas’ — child groups — in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
- Poor tribal families are coerced into sending their daughters to join the movement.
- These young girls are indoctrinated and forced into risky roles, says the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Gender and Hierarchy within Maoist Groups
- Women are often pushed to frontline duties during encounters.
- Despite claims of equality, leadership roles are dominated by men.
- Many women serve as foot soldiers, exposed to danger and exploitation.
Government and Police Response
- Inspector General (Bastar), P. Sundarraj, said most women were misled or forced to join.
- Security forces are now promoting rehabilitation and voluntary surrender, especially for women.
- Efforts are being made to sensitize operations and offer humane reintegration policies.
Union Government’s Stand on Naxalism
- Home Minister Amit Shah has set a target to end Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
- He praised the security forces and emphasized the importance of development in tribal areas.
- Over 40,000 people have died in Naxal-related violence in the last 35 years.
- Book “Leor Oyna” launched to highlight the suffering of Naxal violence victims and counter pro-Naxalite narratives.
Conclusion:
The rising death toll among women Maoists reflects deeper issues of forced recruitment, gender inequality, and social exploitation. While security action continues, long-term success lies in addressing underdevelopment, ensuring tribal welfare, and promoting peaceful reintegration.
COOLING VS AI: THE REAL ENERGY CHALLENGE AHEAD
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
According to recent data from the IEA and global think tanks, electricity use by cooling systems is expected to surpass that of data centres globally by 2035. This highlights the growing energy burden due to climate change and rising urbanization in developing countries like India.
Global Power Demand Trends
- Both air conditioners and data centres are projected to triple their electricity usage over the next decade.
- Data centres may add 800 TWh of demand by 2035, equivalent to powering 75 million U.S. homes for a year.
- Cooling systems are expected to add 1,200 TWh, which is close to the annual electricity usage of the entire Middle East.
Regional Variations in Demand
- Data centre growth is concentrated in developed countries (U.S., Europe) with stronger grid infrastructure.
- Cooling demand is rising rapidly in developing regions, where infrastructure is weak, and heat-related health risks are high.
Impact on Human Life and Equity
- Cooling system shortfalls in hot, humid regions like South Asia can lead to serious health issues and excess deaths during heatwaves.
- Data centre shortfalls would lead to slower internet performance — a less severe outcome compared to public health emergencies.
India’s Role in Cooling Demand
- India currently has 5% of global air conditioners (~110 million units).
- By 2035, this could rise to 13% (~500 million units); by 2050, over 1.1 billion units.
- This surge is due to India’s growing economy, population, and urban construction boom.
Energy Infrastructure Challenges
- Developed countries build data centres close to power sources, easing transmission.
- In developing nations, cooling units are often installed in new buildings in areas without sufficient power supply.
- This demands both geographical expansion and capacity increase of electricity grids.
Environmental Concerns
- To meet rising demand, many countries like India and Indonesia may increase coal use, worsening pollution.
- However, due to scale, renewables, nuclear, and diversified energy sources will be needed to meet total demand sustainably.
Conclusion
The global energy sector must prepare not just for the AI revolution but also for the urgent and larger demand from cooling systems, especially in emerging economies. India’s energy policy must balance development, health needs, and sustainability.
SARISKA TIGER RESERVE
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
A plan has been proposed to redefine the boundary of the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) of Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan. This move may allow over 50 closed marble and dolomite mines near the area to reopen, following their shutdown by a Supreme Court order in 2023.
Location and Background
- Sariska Tiger Reserve is situated in Rajasthan, within the Aravalli mountain range.
- Declared a wildlife reserve in 1955 and a national park in 1979.
- Previously served as the hunting grounds of the Alwar royal family.
Geography and Habitat
- The landscape includes rocky hills, thorny scrublands, grasslands, and semi-deciduous forests.
- Lies in the Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous and Tropical Thorn Forest zones.
Flora
- Dominated by dhok trees.
- Other plant species include salar, kadaya, kair, ber, banyan, bamboo, and gugal.
Fauna
- Home to a variety of animals such as: Bengal Tiger, leopard, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, and four-horned antelope.
- The reserve is part of the Project Tiger initiative.
AMBUBACHI MELA
TOPIC: (GS2) SOCIETY: INDIAN EXPRESS
Ambubachi Mela is a major annual religious festival held at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, during the monsoon season (June).
- The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a significant centre of Tantrik Shaktism.
- The mela marks the annual menstruation of the Goddess, symbolising the fertility of Mother Earth.
- During the three-day ritual, the temple remains closed as it is believed the deity is undergoing her cycle.
- On the fourth day, the temple reopens, and thousands of devotees gather for blessings.
- The word ‘Ambubachi’ means ‘water flowing’, reflecting the link between monsoon rains and fertility.
- The festival sees a complete halt in farming activities, as the Earth is seen as resting.
- Blood-stained cloth pieces, considered sacred, are given to pilgrims as protective charms.
- The mela blends spiritual belief, nature worship, and ancient traditions related to feminine power.
The post Daily Current Affairs 24-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.