The Hindu Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Current status of spice exports

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy

Revision Notes

Question : Discuss the recent spice product recalls in Hong Kong and Singapore due to Ethylene Oxide (ETO) levels. What implications do these recalls have on Indian spice exports?

 

Context:

• Recent spice product recalls in Hong Kong and Singapore due to alleged Ethylene Oxide (ETO) (sterilizing agent) levels exceeding regulations.

ETO Usage in India:

• India uses ETO for sterilization (not as a pesticide) to reduce microbial load in processed spices.
• High microbial levels likely due to contamination at mandis (auction yards).

Indian Spice Exports (2023-2024):

• $4.4 billion (14 lakh tonnes), a 12.3% increase from 2022-2023.
• Top exported spices: chilli, spice oils, curry powder, cumin, mint, cardamom, pepper.
• Top produced spices: garlic, ginger, chilli.
• Key export markets: China, Bangladesh, West Asia, USA.

Indian Response:

• Measures initiated to ensure compliance with importing countries’ food safety standards.

 Limited Impact:

• Recall, not ban, in Singapore and Hong Kong.
• Exports to these countries likely to resume soon.
• India dominates global spice production (70% share).

Varied Standards:

• Different countries have different ETO and MRL (pesticide residue) limits.
• EU: Strictest norms; Japan prefers organic products.

Farmer & Crop Impact:

• Issue unlikely to affect most chilli growers (don’t export directly).
• Cardamom & black pepper benefit from intercropping with regulated crops.

Spice Mix & Paste Manufacturers:

• Source genuine Indian spices instead of imported ones.
• Be cautious when importing spices and exporting value-added products.

Sterilization Methods:

• ETO: Permitted by US, cheaper (₹5/kg).
• Steaming: Preferred by EU, costlier (₹20-25/kg).

Government Response:

• Spices Board issued protocols to prevent ETO contamination.
• Mandatory ETO testing for exports to Singapore and Hong Kong.
• Advocating for standardized ETO limits internationally.

 

 

 

The Hindu Editorial Summary

Editorial Topic : Heatwaves: Slower, Longer, More Brutal

 GS-1 Mains Exam : Geography

Revision Notes

 

Context:

• Heatwaves in India and around the world are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to human and animal life.

New Study Findings (Science Advances, 2024):

• Analyzed temperature data (1979-2020).
• Key observations:
  • Heatwaves slow down by nearly 8 km/day each decade.
  • Heatwaves last 4 days longer on average.
  • Frequency of heatwaves increased (75 events in 1979-1983 vs. 98 events in 2016-2020).
  • North America and Eurasia most affected.

Why are heatwaves changing?

• Thermodynamics: Rising global temperatures lead to hotter heatwaves.
• Dynamics: Atmospheric circulation patterns influence heatwave behavior.

Focus of the Study:

• This study goes beyond frequency and intensity to examine heatwave movement.
• Researchers tracked massive hot air masses (>1 million sq km, lasting >3 days).

Slower Movement, Longer Duration:

• A weaker jet stream (fast, high-altitude air current) is linked to slower heatwave movement.
• Jet stream weakness caused by:
  • Human activity and greenhouse gas emissions (dominant role)
  • Natural climate variability

Impacts:

• Increased risk of wildfires, damaged crops, and health problems.
• More persistent hot weather due to slower-moving heatwaves.

The Way Forward:

• Strategies to mitigate heatwaves in urban areas:
  • Planting more trees
  • Increasing green infrastructure

Overall Significance:

• This study adds to the evidence of climate change’s impact on extreme weather events.
• Changing heatwave behavior threatens our daily lives, health, and environment.