Daily current affairs 1st February 2024

1. Daily Current Affairs 1st Feb 2024
1. Northwest India experienced 2nd driest January since 1901 : IMD
Northwestern regions of India experienced the second driest January since 1901, India
Meteorological Department (IMD) said. In January, the rainfall deficit was 91 per cent. During
December and January, the region (Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand,
Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory) received only 7.8 mm rainfall.
● The complete absence of snowfall, particularly over the higher reaches of Jammu and
Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and neighbouring hilly terrains, has been a
matter of great concern. It was only on Wednesday that a fresh western disturbance system
brought the season’s first snow over some areas in the extreme northern regions like Ladakh,
Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
● The December rainfall recorded over northwest India was 6.6 mm against the normal of
18.9mm (-65 per cent) and January reported 1.2 mm against normal of 32.5 mm rainfall (till
January 30, -96 per cent).
Prelims: Western disturbances. EL-NINO and LA-NINA
Western Disturbances in India
A Western Disturbance is an additional type of cyclone that originates in the Mediterranean and
moves westward, reaching as far as northern Bangladesh and southeastern Nepal. It brings abrupt
winter rainfall to the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent. In this article we will learn about the
Western Disturbances in India and its effects on the Climate of India.
These cyclones are driven by westerly winds and occur outside the monsoon season. Unlike tropical
cyclones, which draw moisture from the lower atmosphere, extra-tropical storms are a global
phenomenon, and their moisture often comes from the upper atmosphere. These storms derive their
moisture from sources like the Mediterranean Sea, the Caspian Sea, and the Black Sea.
When these storm systems encounter the Himalayas in the Indian subcontinent, some of the
moisture can occasionally be released as rain. During wintertime, there is an increase in the
frequency and intensity of Western disturbances.
What are Western Disturbances in India?
Western Disturbances, also known as Extra-Tropical Cyclones or Mid-Latitude Cyclones, are
low-pressure systems that originate in the Mediterranean region and move eastwards across central
Asia. As they traverse, they bring significant changes to the weather in India, particularly in the

2. northern and northwestern regions. These disturbances typically occur during the winter months,
from November to April, with their frequency peaking in January and February.
Characteristics of Western Disturbances in India
Western Disturbances exhibit several distinct characteristics that set them apart from other weather
systems:
● Frontal Systems: WDs are associated with the merging of polar and subtropical air masses,
resulting in the formation of a frontal boundary. The interaction between these air masses
leads to cloud formation and precipitation.
● Rain and Snowfall: As Western Disturbances advance, they bring rainfall to the plains and
snowfall to the higher altitudes of the Himalayan region. These precipitation events are crucial
for replenishing water sources and maintaining ecological balance.
● Temperature Fluctuations: Before and after the passage of a Western Disturbance, there are
often noticeable temperature fluctuations. Warm air ahead of the system is replaced by colder
air from the north, leading to a drop in temperatures.
Western Disturbances in India: Impact on Indian Weather
Western Disturbances in India have a profound impact on India’s weather patterns and climate:
● Winter Precipitation: WDs are the primary source of winter rainfall in northwestern India,
including states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of
Rajasthan. This precipitation is vital for the growth of Rabi crops, which are sown in winter.
● Snowfall in the Himalayas: The Himalayan region experiences heavy snowfall due to the
influence of Western Disturbances. This snow serves as a crucial water resource, feeding
numerous rivers and ensuring a steady flow even during the summer months.
● Disruption of Normal Life: While WDs bring much-needed precipitation, they can also cause
disruptions in daily life. Heavy snowfall in the hilly regions may lead to road closures, power
outages, and difficulty in transportation.
Significance of Western Disturbances in India
The western disturbances significantly impact the winter weather in regions up to Patna (Bihar),
occasionally resulting in beneficial rainfall for the existing rabi crops like wheat, barley, mustard,
gram, and lentils.
During winter in the Indian Subcontinent, the mountains experience considerable snowfall, while
low-lying areas receive moderate to heavy rain primarily due to western disturbances. These
disturbances play a major role in bringing post-monsoon and winter precipitation, especially in
northwest India. Precipitation during the winter months is crucial for the success of rabi crops.

3. Importance for Agriculture and Water Management
The agricultural sector in northwestern India heavily relies on the winter rainfall brought by Western
Disturbances. Farmers plan their Rabi crop cultivation based on the expected precipitation.
Additionally, the snowfall in the Himalayas ensures a steady flow of water in rivers, supporting
irrigation and hydropower generation during the dry seasons.
Wheat, being one of the most important crops, plays a significant role in India’s food security.
Typically, four to five western disturbances occur during the winter, each bringing variations in rainfall
distribution and volume. Key indicators of Western Disturbances include cloudy skies, warmer
nighttime temperatures, and unexpected rain.

4. EL-NINO and LA-NINA:
What are the Normal Climatic Conditions?
● Weather depends a lot on ocean temperatures and where the ocean is warm, more clouds
form and more rainfall in that part of the world.
● In the Pacific Ocean, near the equator, the Sun makes the water especially warm on the
surface.
● Normally, a surface low pressure system forms in northern Australia and Indonesia and a
high-pressure system develops off the coast of Peru.
● As a result, the trade winds blow strongly from east to west over the Pacific Ocean,
transporting warm surface waters westward.
● This leads to convective storms (thunderstorms) to Indonesia and coastal Australia.
What is El Nino and La Nina?
● El Nino and La Nina are two opposing climate trends that deviate from the normal conditions
and normally run nine to twelve months, but can often extend.
● These events occur every two to seven years on average (El Nino is more frequent than La
Nina), but not on a regular basis and together are referred to as the El Nino-Southern
Oscillation (ENSO) cycle by scientists.
● El Nino is typically known as the warm phase (a band of warmer water spreading from west to
east in the equatorial Pacific Ocean) and La Nina is identified as the cold phase (a band of
cooler water spreads east-west) of ENSO.
● Both El Nino and La Nina can have global effects on weather, wildfires, ecosystems and
economics.
El Nino and La Nina Effect

5. Ten of India’s 13 droughts since 1950 have occurred in El Nino years, and one has occurred in a La
Nina year. This is due to the fact that an El Nino typically results in India receiving less rain than
average. Because Indian agriculture depends so heavily on the monsoons, lower rainfall during the
monsoons typically results in below-average crop production.
Effect of El Nino
Convection over warmer surface water increases the likelihood of precipitation. South American
rainfall has increased, causing erosion and coastal flooding.
Regions hit by tragedies caused by nature, such as flooding and drought, are more vulnerable to the
spread of diseases.
Many areas contend that increased disease transmission is a result of El Nino flooding. Respiratory
issues are brought on by cholera, dengue fever, malaria, and other illnesses.
Dryness is a result of El Nino in Australia and Indonesia. Water shortages result from reservoirs
drying up and rivers not carrying enough water, endangering agricultural activity since we need water
to irrigate land.
The El Nino influence has reduced the frequency of hurricanes in the Atlantic.
Effect of La Nina
It causes severe monsoons in Southeast Asia and India.
It causes a condition in Peru and Ecuador that resembles a drought.
It brings about chilly, wet winters in Southeast Africa and wet weather in Eastern Australia.
It causes winter droughts in the Southern United States.
It makes the winters in the northwest United States and western Canada extremely chilly.
In Australia, it leads to significant flooding.
The Western Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and the area off the coast of Somalia see high temperatures
as a result.
It leads India to experience intense monsoon rains.
2. Fiscal Deficit at 55% of Full-Year Target in December 2023
● India's fiscal deficit reached 55% of the annual budget target, according to data released by
the Controller General of Accounts (CGA). This translates to Rs. 9.82 lakh crore.
● Comparison: This represents a positive improvement compared to the same period last year,
when the deficit stood at 59.8% of the budget estimate.
● Target and Goal: The government aims to bring the fiscal deficit down to 5.9% of GDP for the
entire 2023-24 financial year, which translates to Rs. 17.86 lakh crore.
● Revenue: The government's total revenue as of December 2023 was Rs. 20.71 lakh crore,
exceeding 76% of the full-year target. This includes tax revenue, non-tax revenue, and
non-debt capital receipts.
● Significance: This news suggests the government is on track to meet its fiscal deficit target,
potentially indicating improved fiscal management. However, it's crucial to monitor
performance throughout the year and consider external factors that could impact the deficit.
Prelims: Fiscal Deficit and Current Account Deficit: The Twin Deficits

6. What is Fiscal Deficit?
The fiscal deficit is the difference between the government’s total expenditure and its total receipts
(excluding borrowing). Fiscal deficit in layman’s terms corresponds to the borrowings and liabilities of
the government. As per the technical definition
Fiscal Deficit = Budgetary Deficit + Borrowings and Other Liabilities of the government.
● Note: Deficit differs from debt, which is an accumulation of yearly deficits. The elements of the
fiscal deficit are revenue deficit and capital expenditure.
● Note: Revenue deficit is the difference between the government’s revenue expenditure and
total revenue receipts.
Yes, there is a gap between income and expenditure – But how to fill the gap?
The fiscal deficit can be financed by borrowing from the Reserve Bank of India (which is also called
deficit financing or money creation) and market borrowing (from the money market, that is mainly
from banks).
But uncontrolled borrowing is not good for the economy, as a greater portion of the government's
revenue will in future be used to pay back the interest of loans and the money available for social
sector initiatives will reduce. Besides, the fiscal deficits accumulate over years resulting in big debts
and debt traps.
While steps taken by the government to bring the 2012/13 fiscal deficit within a targeted 5.3 percent
of GDP have reduced near term risks, cuts in politically sensitive subsidies were needed for
sustainable fiscal consolidation. RBI expects the government to control its unproductive expenditure
to bridge the gap.
What is Current Account Deficit (CAD)?
Current Account is the sum of the balance of trade (exports minus imports of goods and services),
net factor income (such as interest and dividends) and net transfer payments (such as foreign aid).
Current Account= Trade balance+Net factor income+Net transfer payments
Twin Deficit Problem
● Current Account Deficit and Fiscal Deficit, both of which occur when a country’s spending
exceeds its income, are referred to as twin deficit problems because they frequently reinforce
one another. For example, a high fiscal deficit causes a higher current account deficit, and vice
versa.
Impact of twin deficit problem
● The twin deficit issue, particularly the expanding current account deficit, could amplify the
impact of more expensive imports and devalue the rupee, further escalating external
imbalances.