Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. “Doppler Weather Radars are not merely observation instruments; they are critical components of India’s multi-hazard early-warning system.” Explain the working of Doppler Weather Radars and examine their significance in the context of Mission Mausam. What challenges must be addressed to ensure effective weather-risk governance in India?
- Q. India’s emergence as an exporter of Hilsa to Bangladesh represents both an opportunity for the Blue Economy and a challenge for sustainable fisheries management. Discuss the factors behind this trade reversal, examine its significance for India and suggest measures for the conservation of this transboundary fish resource.
Q. “Doppler Weather Radars are not merely observation instruments; they are critical components of India’s multi-hazard early-warning system.” Explain the working of Doppler Weather Radars and examine their significance in the context of Mission Mausam. What challenges must be addressed to ensure effective weather-risk governance in India?
Introduction:
India’s growing exposure to cyclones, cloudbursts, thunderstorms, lightning and extreme rainfall requires accurate and location-specific forecasting. The commissioning of India’s 51st Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Sambalpur, Odisha, reflects the expansion of technology-based weather and disaster preparedness.
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Working of Doppler Weather Radar
A DWR transmits short pulses of radio waves into the atmosphere. When these waves strike raindrops, hailstones or ice particles, a part of the energy returns to the radar.
- The return time of the signal determines the target’s distance.
- The strength of the echo indicates the intensity of precipitation.
- The change in the frequency or phase of the reflected wave, based on the Doppler Effect, measures the target’s radial velocity.
- It thus shows whether precipitation is moving towards or away from the radar.
The IMD uses X-band radars for localised thunderstorms, C-band radars for cyclone tracking and S-band radars for deep coastal monitoring.
Significance
DWRs contribute to:
- Nowcasting of rapidly developing weather systems.
- Early warnings for cyclones, lightning and intense rainfall.
- Flood forecasting, evacuation and emergency preparedness.
- Safer aviation, agriculture, fisheries and water-resource management.
- Impact-based forecasts for vulnerable communities.
- Reduced loss of lives, livelihoods and public infrastructure.
Role of Mission Mausam
With an allocation of ₹2,000 crore, Mission Mausam aims to make India “weather-ready” and “climate-smart.” It provides for 40 additional DWRs, next-generation satellites, advanced sensors, high-performance computing, improved Earth-system models and GIS-based decision-support systems.
Challenges
- Radar gaps in mountains, coasts and remote regions.
- Signal obstruction caused by difficult terrain.
- High maintenance and calibration requirements.
- Shortage of skilled technical personnel.
- Weak coordination and last-mile warning delivery.
Way Forward
India must integrate radar, satellite, oceanic and ground observations; prioritise vulnerable regions; develop regional-language, impact-based alerts; and strengthen coordination among the IMD, disaster-management authorities and local bodies.
Conclusion:
DWRs can shift India from reactive relief to anticipatory disaster governance. However, Mission Mausam’s success will depend on converting scientific observations into timely, accessible and actionable warnings for every vulnerable community.
Q. India’s emergence as an exporter of Hilsa to Bangladesh represents both an opportunity for the Blue Economy and a challenge for sustainable fisheries management. Discuss the factors behind this trade reversal, examine its significance for India and suggest measures for the conservation of this transboundary fish resource.
Introduction:
Hilsa, or Ilish, is an economically and culturally important fish shared by India and Bangladesh. It is an anadromous species, migrating from the sea to freshwater rivers for spawning. India’s recent export of nearly 500 tonnes of Hilsa to Bangladesh through the Petrapole Land Port marks a reversal of the traditional Bangladesh-to-India trade flow.
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Factors Behind the Trade Reversal
- Increased Indian supply: A substantial Hilsa catch from the Bharuch region of Gujarat created an exportable surplus.
- Strong Bangladeshi demand: Hilsa remains central to Bangladesh’s food culture despite the country producing nearly 70% of the world’s Hilsa.
- Export restrictions: Bangladesh’s restrictions and limited seasonal export window reduced supplies to India.
- Improved market linkages: Connections among Gujarat suppliers, the Howrah wholesale market and Petrapole enabled reverse trade.
- Changing production patterns: Availability, prices and consumer demand have altered the traditional market structure.
Significance for India
The trade provides new income opportunities for fishers, traders and exporters. It can promote employment in processing, cold storage, transportation and retailing. Better grading, packaging and traceability can support a value-added Hilsa economy. The development also strengthens the Blue Economy and creates opportunities for closer India–Bangladesh commercial and cultural relations.
Challenges
- Overfishing and capture of juvenile Hilsa
- Obstruction of migration by dams and barrages
- Pollution and degradation of breeding habitats
- Climate-induced changes in river flow, temperature and salinity
- Inadequate cold-chain and processing infrastructure
- Unpredictable bilateral trade restrictions
Way Forward
India must adopt science-based catch limits, protect spawning seasons and regulate destructive fishing nets. River connectivity should be maintained through environmental flows and fish passages. PM Matsya Sampada Yojana can strengthen cold-chain, processing and traceability systems. India and Bangladesh should establish joint stock assessments, habitat protection mechanisms and a predictable trade framework.
Conclusion:
Hilsa trade can support livelihoods and regional economic cooperation, but commercial expansion must remain within ecological limits. Treating Hilsa as a shared transboundary resource is essential for combining the Blue Economy with long-term biodiversity conservation.
