CONTENTS

1. Heatwaves
2. CDP-SURAKSHA Platform

Heatwaves

Context:

Recently, Prime Minister  chaired a meeting to review preparedness for the ensuing heat wave season.

Relevance:

GS  III- Environment (Climate change)

Dimensions of the Article:

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1. Criteria for Heat Waves
2. Health Impacts

About Heat Wave

• A heat wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western and South Central parts of India.
• Heat waves typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July.
• Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more intense heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent globally due to climate change.

Criteria for Heat Waves

• The heat wave is considered when the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C for Plains and at least 30°C for Hilly regions.
• If the normal maximum temperature of a station is less than or equal to 40°C, then an increase of 5°C to 6°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition.
• Further, an increase of 7°C or more from the normal temperature is considered as severe heat wave condition.
• If the normal maximum temperature of a station is more than 40°C, then an increase of 4°C to 5°C from the normal temperature is considered to be heat wave condition. Further, an increase of 6°C or more is considered as severe heat wave condition.
• Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45°C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared.

Health Impacts

• The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke.
• It also causes heat cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating.
• The extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.

CDP-SURAKSHA Platform

Context:

The Government of India has come up with a new digital platform called CDP-SURAKSHA to disburse subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

CDP-SURAKSHA Platform

• Full Form: System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance (SURAKSHA).
• Objective: Instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers directly into their bank accounts using the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Features:

• Database integration with PM-KISAN.
• Cloud-based server space provided by NIC.
• UIDAI validation for authentication.
• Integration with e-RUPI.
• Local Government Directory (LGD) for administrative purposes.
• Content Management System for data and information.
• Geotagging to track the location of beneficiaries and vendors.
• Geo-fencing to set geographical boundaries.

Working:

1. Access: The platform is accessible to farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDA), and officials of the National Horticulture Board (NHB).
2. Order Placement: Farmers can log in using their mobile number and place orders for planting material like seeds, seedlings, and plants.
3. Cost Sharing: After placing the order, farmers are prompted to contribute their share of the cost. The government’s subsidy amount is automatically displayed.
4. e-RUPI Voucher: Upon the farmer’s payment, an e-RUPI voucher is generated, which is received by the vendor supplying the planting material.
5. Verification: Farmers must verify the receipt of the ordered planting material with geo-tagged photos and videos of their fields.
6. Payment Release: Once verified, the IA releases the payment to the vendor.
7. Invoice Upload: Vendors upload an invoice of the payment on the platform. The IA compiles all necessary documents and forwards them to the CDA for subsidy release.

e-RUPI:

• Definition: A one-time payment mechanism developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Redemption: Can be redeemed without a card, digital payments app, or internet banking access at merchants accepting e-RUPI.
• Distribution: Can be shared with beneficiaries for specific purposes or activities via SMS or QR code.