Sept. 6, 2024
Heat Wave in North India
Context:
Heat wave in North India claimed the lives of 61 people
Note: The World Bank estimates that 75% of India’s workforce (38 crore people) depend on heat-exposed labour, highlighting the widespread impact of such extreme weather.
Current Situation:
• At least 61 deaths have been reported due to heatstroke across various states.
• Temperatures have risen to as high as 47 degrees Celsius, particularly in Jharsuguda, Odisha.
• The fatalities include 23 poll personnel involved in the final phase of the Lok Sabha election.
State-wise Impact:
• Bihar: 14 heatstroke deaths, including 10 election personnel.
• Uttar Pradesh (Mirzapur): 13 suspected heat stroke deaths, including home guard jawans and other public service workers.
• Rajasthan: 4 confirmed heatstroke deaths.
• Odisha: 26 deaths, with 5 confirmed due to sunstroke; many truck drivers affected.
• Jharkhand: 4 confirmed heatstroke deaths, 1,326 hospitalized with heat-related issues.
Preventive Measures:
• People in severely affected areas like Jharsuguda, Odisha, have been advised to stay indoors during peak heat hours.
• Schools, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centres in Odisha are closed until June 8.
• All district hospitals in Jharkhand have designated air-conditioned rooms and beds for heatstroke patients.
Short-term Measures:
• Implement immediate public health advisories, urging people to stay indoors during peak heat hours.
• Ensure the availability of drinking water, cooling shelters, and emergency medical services.
• Increase public awareness about heatstroke prevention and first aid.
Long-term Strategies:
• Develop and enforce Heat Action Plans (HAP) at national, state, and district levels.
• Invest in urban planning that includes green spaces and heat-resilient infrastructure.
• Promote research on climate change adaptation and resilient agricultural practices.
• Enhance early warning systems and weather forecasting capabilities.
2. GDP growth surges to 8.2% on manufacturing gains
Context:
The National Statistical Office (NSO) released provisional estimates indicating India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 8.2% in FY24, up from 7% in FY23.
Growth Metrics:
• Nominal GDP Growth: Increased by 9.6% in FY24, compared to 14.2% in FY23.
• Real Gross Value Added (GVA): Expanded by 7.2% in FY24, higher than the 6.7% growth in FY23.
Sectoral Contributions:
• Manufacturing: Grew by 9.9% in FY24, recovering from a 2.2% contraction in FY23.
• Mining and Quarrying: Increased by 7.1% in FY24, up from 1.9% in FY23.
Quarterly Performance:
• Q4 Real GDP: Estimated at ₹47.24 lakh crore, a 7.8% increase from ₹43.84 lakh crore in Q4 FY23.
• Q4 Real GVA: Estimated at ₹42.23 lakh crore, a 6.3% increase from ₹39.74 lakh crore in Q4 FY23.
• Q4 Nominal GDP and GVA: Grew by 9.9% and 8% respectively.
Issues
• Divergence in GDP and GVA Growth: Observed in Q3 FY24, continued into Q4 with net taxes growing by 22%, propelling GDP growth.
• Sector-Specific Concerns: Agriculture growth remained muted due to weather-related disruptions. The services sector continued robust growth while manufacturing benefited from lower input costs.