26 July 2023

MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS

Q1. When we talk about marine heat waves, what do we mean? Describe the effects of maritime heat waves on human life and ocean ecosystems.

GS I – Geography-related issues

• A marine heatwave (MHW) is an instance of extreme weather. When the sea surface temperature rises by three or four degrees Celsius for at least five days in a row, it occurs. They can occur in a variety of oceanic regions, and recently, both their frequency and amplitude have increased, having a detrimental impact on ecosystems, maritime industries, and human activities.

Effects of marine heat waves on the ocean’s ecosystem:

• Mass fatalities: Just as they aggravate human health issues and have the potential to kill people on land, marine heatwaves have an effect on the health of marine species. For instance, MHWs along the coast of Western Australia in 2010 and 2011 resulted in a number of “devastating” fish kills, which are defined as the sudden, unexpected death of a great number of fish or other aquatic species during a short period of time and mostly within a certain area.
• Under certain conditions, heat stress can harm marine environments. Fish, whales, and sea turtles are forced to move to the cooler parts of the ocean. Even though these species naturally move to reproduce and search for food, marine heat waves cause them to substantially modify their migration behavior.
• Kelp is a large brown algae that dwells in cool, shallow waters near the beach. Kelp forests are being destroyed. On Kleps, several aquatic species live and eat. Marine heat waves have in the past destroyed kelp forests and significantly altered the coastal ecology.
• Marine heatwaves impact one particular ecosystem in particular—coral reefs—by aggravating instances of coral bleaching. These heat waves could cause coral bleaching, coral disease outbreaks, or algal blooms. Corals are significantly impacted by the water’s temperature where they are found. When the water temperature rises too high, they eject the zooxanthellae algae that dwell in their tissues, turning totally white. For instance, the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean saw a large coral bleaching episode in 2005 as a result of warm water temperatures.
• Increase of invasive alien species: These invaders have the potential to permanently transform habitats, obliterate biodiversity, and drive native plants and animals extinct. Ocean heat waves promote the spread of alien species that can disrupt the marine food webs.
• Deoxygenation and acidification: Marine heat waves typically coexist with ocean stressors such ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and overfishing, which endanger marine ecosystems. In these conditions, MHWs increase the danger of habitat damage as well as deoxygenation and acidification.

Effects of marine heat waves on human life:

• A rise in extreme weather events: Hurricanes and tropical cyclones may become more intense as a result of warmer water temperatures associated with MHWs. As storms move over warm oceans, they absorb more heat and water vapor. Storms that impact the land produce stronger winds, heavier rain, and flooding, all of which worsen human misery.
• Coastal communities may suffer a great financial loss as a result of marine heat waves. MHWs can cause losses in fisheries and aquaculture by eliminating or reducing the productivity of economically important species. For instance, the abalone fishery in Western Australia was impacted by the 2011 marine heatwave. MHWs have also affected lobster and snow crab in the northwest Atlantic and in Western Australia.
• The southwest monsoon, which is the main rain-producing system across the Indian subcontinent, is being affected by the marine heat waves in the Indian Ocean. This could have an adverse effect on the agriculture and food security of the area.
• Markets, job prospects, and food supply may be impacted by reduced fishing and aquaculture as a result of marine heat waves. Furthermore, this might harm regional tourism.
• The oceans are significant because they generate a variety of economic benefits, including food production, tourism, and all the jobs related to those industries. By raising public awareness of the phenomena known as MHWs, establishing marine protected areas, and advancing scientific knowledge of their physical properties and biological consequences, we can improve our ability to predict future events and protect critical marine ecosystems and resources.

Q2. What challenges does India’s MSME sector face most acutely? Which recent government initiatives have supported MSMEs? Discuss.  

GS III – Indian Economy related issues

• For India’s socioeconomic development, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have always been crucial. MSMEs can be found in both urban and rural areas, offer a diverse range of products and services, and create significant employment for a small initial outlay.
• Since the essential support is not provided by the key government agencies, banks, financial institutions, and companies, the MSME sector finds it challenging to expand.
• Lack of appropriate technology, expertise, and money are some of the biggest issues facing this business.
• A weak marketing plan, restrictions on modernisation and expansion, and a shortage of reasonably priced skilled workforce are all challenges with the industry.
• The formal MSME in India must comply with more than 60,000 regulations, which include 3,300 annual filings and 6,000 modifications.

Measures:

• In order to encourage first generation entrepreneurs to seek self-employment, the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) offers credit guarantee funds for third-party guarantee-free / collateral-free loans.
• Atma-nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan: Automatic loans for MSMEs of Rs. 3 lakh crore without collateral.
• In order to improve MSMEs’ access to funding and support services, SIDBI established the Udyami Mitra Portal.
• To monitor how MSMEs are being used for public procurement by Central Public Sector Enterprises.
• Micro and Small Business Owners (MSBEs) across the country would be able to instantly register their claims relating to Central Ministries, Departments, CPSEs, and State Governments’ delayed payments by using the MSME Samadhaan: MSME Delayed Payment Portal.

Conclusion:

• This strategy will help the economy and alleviate the pain the Corona pandemic has caused. Additionally, in order to improve program uptake throughout the sector and maximize the program’s impact, the government and RBI should work together to address the issues brought up by the msme industry.