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.