AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (9^th August 2024)

Pyrocumulonimbus clouds

GS 1: Geography: Wildfires

Why is it in the news?

• The intense wildfires currently wrenching in the United States and Canada are generating ‘Pyrocumulonimbus’ clouds, which can produce thunder and ignite additional fires.

About the news

• Formation Process:
• Pyrocumulonimbus clouds form under specific conditions, primarily driven by extremely intense wildfires or volcanic eruptions.
• These clouds are not a common outcome of every wildfire; rather, they emerge when the fire reaches extraordinarily high temperatures.
• For instance, during the Australian bushfires of 2019-2020, where temperatures soared above 800 degrees Celsius, pyrocumulonimbus clouds were created.
• The process begins with the intense heat from the fire warming the surrounding air, which then rises and carries water vapor, smoke, and ash upwards.
• Evolution into Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds:
• As this hot and buoyant air ascends, it expands and cools, causing the water vapor to condense on the ash particles and form a grey or brown cloud, known as a pyrocumulus cloud, or “fire cloud.”
• If sufficient water vapor is present and the upward air movement intensifies, the pyrocumulus cloud can evolve into a pyrocumulonimbus cloud. These clouds can reach heights of up to 50,000 feet and generate their own thunderstorm systems.
• Effects and Risks:
• Although pyrocumulonimbus clouds can produce lightning, they generally do not produce much rain, which can result in new fires being ignited many kilometres away from the original blaze.
• Additionally, these clouds can generate strong winds, potentially accelerating and complicating the spread of the wildfire.
• Increasing Frequency:
• The frequency of pyrocumulonimbus cloud events has been increasing in recent years. Before 2023, an average of 102 pyrocumulonimbus clouds were recorded globally each year, with approximately 50 of those in Canada.
• However, during the extreme wildfire season of the previous year, Canada alone saw 140 pyrocumulonimbus clouds. The reasons for this rise are not yet fully understood, as the study of these clouds is relatively new.
• Potential Contributing Factors:
• Scientists suggest that climate change may be contributing to the increase. Rising global temperatures are leading to more frequent and intense wildfires, which in turn could be increasing the likelihood of pyrocumulonimbus cloud formation.

Additional Information:

What is a Cloud?

• A cloud is an accumulation of tiny water droplets and ice crystals suspended in the Earth’s atmosphere, formed through the condensation of water vapor.
• Clouds, with their various types each with unique characteristics and altitudes, affect Earth’s climate by reflecting sunlight to cool the planet and trapping heat to warm it.
• Based on their altitude, clouds are classified into different types: high, middle, and low.
• High Clouds:
• Cirrus Clouds: High-level clouds above 20,000 feet, composed mainly of ice crystals. They appear thin, streaky, and white, occasionally showing colours at certain sunlight angles.
• Cirrostratus Clouds: Thin, sheet-like clouds at high altitudes that often cover the sky and create halos around the sun or moon.
• Cirrocumulus Clouds: High-altitude clouds appearing as small, white patches or ripples.
• Middle Clouds:
• Altostratus Clouds: Middle-level clouds between 6,500 and 20,000 feet, composed of liquid water droplets, ice crystals, or both, typically appearing as grey or blue-grey sheets covering the sky.
• Altocumulus Clouds: Mid-level clouds characterized by rounded masses or rolls.
• Low Clouds:
• Stratus: Appears as a thick, grey blanket hanging low in the sky, resembling fog, with a uniform layer. Warm stratus clouds indicate rain, while cold ones suggest snow.
• Cumulus Clouds: Fluffy, white clouds with a flat base and rounded top, formed by rising warm air currents and commonly seen on sunny days. They can develop into cumulonimbus clouds, which are linked to thunderstorms.
• Stratocumulus: Typically arranged in large, dark, rounded masses or globular formations, often appearing in groups, lines, or waves.
• Nimbostratus: Known as ‘rain clouds,’ they are dark, thick, and bring light to moderate precipitation.
• Vertical Clouds:
• Cumulonimbus Clouds: They are dense towering and vertical and their top acquires an ‘Anvil Shape’, extending from lower to higher altitudes, created through thermal convection or frontal lifting, often leading to thunderstorms and heavy rain.

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UPSC Civil Services Prelims PYQ:

Q. Consider the following statements: (2022)

1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.

2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth’s surface and thus cause warming effect.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: D

RBI policy panel kept interest rates unchanged

GS 3: Economy: RBI’s MPC

Why is it in the news?

• The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has kept the Repo rate steady at 6.5% for the ninth consecutive time due to persistent food inflation, which remains a significant threat to retail inflation.

More about the news

• The MPC also maintained its monetary policy stance of ‘withdrawal of accommodation’ during its August 8 meeting which means banks are likely to keep interest rates unchanged, so borrowers will see their equated monthly instalments (EMIs) remain stable.
• The RBI has upheld its FY2025 GDP growth projection at 7.2% and retail inflation forecast at 4.5%, despite ongoing food inflation concerns, reflecting strong economic activity and improving demand.
• Headline inflation rose to 5.1% in June from 4.8% in May, with food inflation contributing significantly at 8.4%.
• The RBI’s goal under the flexible inflation targeting regime is to keep consumer price index (CPI) inflation within the 2-6% range and ideally bring it down to 4% on a durable basis.
• With the Repo rate unchanged, external benchmark lending rates (EBLR) linked to the repo rate will not increase, providing relief to borrowers.
• However, interest rates on loans linked to the marginal cost of fund-based lending rate (MCLR) might still rise, as some banks have yet to fully transmit past rate hikes. The deposit rates may also see a slight increase due to recent trends in credit and deposit growth.

Additional Information:

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Monetary Policy Committee (MPC):

• About: It is established and overseen by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which sets the benchmark interest rate and manages the overall money supply in the country.
• It is different from Fiscal Policy which is managed by the Ministry of Finance that measures the spending and taxation in Indian Economy.
• Legal Framework: Under Section 45ZB of the amended RBI Act, 1934, the Central Government is empowered to constitute a six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
• Governor of the RBI (Ex-officio Chairperson), the Deputy Governor, an Executive Director of the RBI, and three external members nominated by the government.
• The MPC is required to meet at least 3-4 times in a year.
• Objective: To determine the policy rate required to achieve the inflation target ( 4+/- 2%, Urjit Patel Committee).
• Monetary Policy Report: The RBI releases the Monetary Policy Report semi-annually to detail the causes of inflation and provide inflation forecasts for the next 6 to 18 months.

UPSC Civil Services PYQs

Prelims:

Q. Concerning the Indian economy, consider the following: (2015)

1. Bank rate

2. Open market operations

3. Public debt

4. Public revenue

Which of the above is/are component/ components of Monetary Policy?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2, 3 and 4

(c) 1 and 2

(d) 1, 3 and 4

Answer: C

Q. If the RBI decides to adopt an expansionist monetary policy, which of the following would it not do? (2020)

1. Cut and optimize the Statutory Liquidity Ratio

2. Increase the Marginal Standing Facility Rate

3. Cut the Bank Rate and Repo Rate

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Mains:

Q. Do you agree that the Indian economy has recently experienced V-shaped recovery? Give reasons in support of your answer. (2021)

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Contentious amendments to the Waqf Act and its implications 

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Waqf Act

Why is it in the news?

• On August 8, 2024, the Union government introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the 1995 Waqf Act, aiming to reform the regulation of waqf properties in India.
• The proposed Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2024, seeks to enhance the Centre’s control over waqf properties and introduces several contentious changes, including allowing non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards.
• Currently, Waqf Boards manage 8.7 lakh properties across 9.4 lakh acres in India, valued at approximately ₹1.2 lakh crore. Waqf properties, dedicated to religious and charitable purposes under Islamic law, cannot be sold or inherited once designated as waqf.

Key amendments proposed in the Waqf Act (Amendment), 2024: 

• Reformation of Waqf Definition:
• The new Bill proposes changing the definition of ‘waqf’ to require that only property owners who have practiced Islam for at least five years can create waqf properties through formal deeds, thus eliminating the ‘waqf by use’ concept which recognized properties based on usage even without formal documentation.
• Revised Verification Procedures:
• Additionally, the Bill transfers the responsibility for surveying waqf properties from survey commissioners to district collectors or equivalent officers and introduces a centralised registration system.
• Under the new law, disputed properties cannot be recognized as waqf until the district collector submits a final report, which could undermine the authority of Waqf Boards and affect religious freedoms.
• The Bill also empowers the Centre to audit waqf properties at any time, with auditors appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India. It mandates annual audits by Waqf Boards and imposes penalties on mutawallis for failing to maintain proper accounts.
• The proposed law removes the finality of decisions made by waqf tribunals, allowing appeals to High Courts, which experts believe might impact the autonomy of waqf institutions.
• Reorganization of Waqf Boards:
• A particularly contentious aspect of the Bill is its proposal to permit non-Muslims to serve on the Central Waqf Council, State Waqf Boards, and waqf tribunals.
• Sections 9 and 14 of the Waqf Act, 1995 will be amended to alter the Waqf Board’s composition and functioning, incorporating women representatives and also includes appointing non-Muslim Members of Parliament to the Central Waqf Council and mandating the inclusion of non-Muslim members on State Waqf Boards.
• Following its introduction, the Bill was referred to a joint parliamentary panel for further scrutiny. Further, the Union government also reported that approximately 120 petitions challenging various provisions of the 1995 Act are pending in courts across the country.

Criticisms of the Waqf Act, 1995 Amendment:

• Critics argue that altering the composition of Waqf board could compromise the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions and interfere with religious self-governance.
• Experts expressed concerns about ensuring that reforms improve efficiency without infringing on religious freedoms and questioned whether non-Hindus would be allowed on Hindu temple boards in various states.

Additional Information:

Understanding Waqf: Definition and Purpose

• About:
• Under the Waqf Act of 1954, Waqf is the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for religious, pious, or charitable as recognised by Muslim law.
• A Waqf can be established via a deed or instrument, with its proceeds generally supporting educational institutions, graveyards, mosques, and shelters.
• Waqfs can be either public, serving charitable ends, or private, benefiting the property owner’s direct descendants.
• Once a property is designated as a Waqf, it becomes non-transferable and is detained perpetually as a charitable act toward God, essentially transferring ownership to God.
• Regulation:
• Waqfs in India are regulated by the Waqf Act, 1995.
• Management of Waqf:
• To create a Waqf, one must be of sound mind and hold valid property ownership, and while the Waqif (creator of a Waqf) does not need to be Muslim, they must believe in Islamic principles.
• The Waqf is managed by a mutawalli, who supervises its operations.
• A survey commissioner lists all properties declared as Waqf by conducting local investigations, summoning witnesses, and requisitioning public documents.
• Unlike trusts under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, which can serve a variety of purposes and be dissolved by the board, Waqfs are exclusively for religious and charitable purposes and are meant to be perpetual.

What is Waqf Act, 1955?

• The Waqf Act was initially passed by Parliament in 1954, which got repealed, and replaced by a new Waqf Act in 1995, which granted greater powers to Waqf Boards.
• The Waqf Act, 1955 established the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards to enhance the administration of waqf properties, distributing powers between Chief Executive Officers and Waqf Boards.
• In 2013, the Act was further amended to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as ‘Waqf Property.’

Union govt. amends CAA guidelines on documents to prove foreign origin

GS 2: Polity and Governance: CAA

About the news

• The Union Home Ministry has revised the guidelines for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019, particularly concerning the documentation required to prove foreign origin.
• The updated rules now allow the use of any document issued by the State or Union government or quasi-judicial authorities in India, and include a new “etc.” clause, which gives officials discretion in handling cases with incomplete documents.
• Additionally, the amended rules permit local priests or “locally reputed community institutions” to issue certificates verifying an applicant’s faith.
• The CAA aims to grant citizenship to six non-Muslim communities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians) from the three countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, or Pakistan) if they entered India before December 31, 2014.
• Union government officials have been directed to interpret the CAA as a facilitative law, ensuring its spirit is considered in application processing.
• The amendment follows the 2019 change to the Citizenship Act, 1955, which facilitated citizenship through registration and naturalisation for undocumented migrants from these six non-Muslim communities.

Additional Information:

Issues Surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA):

• Conflict with Secular Principles: The CAA is viewed as conflicting with India’s secular Constitution by favouring certain religious groups, thus challenging the principle of equal treatment before the law regardless of religion.
• Concerns of Illegal Migration: Indigenous communities in the northeast fear the CAA could lead to a loss of political, cultural, and land rights, along with increased migration from Bangladesh.
• Against the Right to Equality: Critics argue that the CAA violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution by granting citizenship based on religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion.
• Conflict with Assam Accord: The CAA is seen as conflicting with the 1985 Assam Accord by extending the cut-off date for citizenship to December 31, 2014, whereas the Accord restricts citizenship to migrants arriving before March 25, 1971, thus altering the agreed timeline could lead to legal and political complications.

UPSC Civil Services Prelims PYQ:

Q. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.

2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.

3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 2 and 3

Answer: A

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Why Himalayan towns need a different kind of development?

GS 1: Geography: Development in Himalayan Range

Why is it in the news?

• The Indian Himalayan Range (IHR), covering 11 States and two Union Territories, has seen a substantial urban growth rate of over 40% from 2011 to 2021.
• Towns in this region, including Srinagar, Guwahati, Shillong, and Shimla, face significant challenges in managing civic issues such as sanitation, waste management, and water supply.

More about the news

• Planning institutions often rely on models adapted from the plains, which are unsuitable for the unique conditions of the Himalayas. Additionally, many areas are severely understaffed, with some regions having as few as 15 executive officers for over 40 urban local bodies.
• Urban expansion into rural peripheries, as seen in cities like Srinagar and Guwahati, has led to the encroachment on open spaces, forests, and water bodies.
• For instance, Srinagar has experienced a 75.58% increase in built-up areas and a 25% decrease in water bodies between 2000 and 2020. Furthermore, nearly 90% of liquid waste in these cities is discharged into water bodies without treatment.
• The IHR’s urbanisation is compounded by high-intensity tourism, unsustainable infrastructure, and climatic variations, resulting in water scarcity, deforestation, land degradation, and pollution.
• Tourism, with an anticipated average annual growth rate of 7.9% from 2013 to 2023, often leads to the replacement of eco-friendly infrastructure with poorly designed constructions and inadequate waste management systems, damaging biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• To address these issues, urban planning in IHR cities should involve detailed geological and hydrological mapping, local community participation, and a focus on climate resilience. Consultant-driven planning processes should be replaced by locally tailored, eco-centric designs.
• Moreover, given that IHR cities struggle to generate capital for infrastructure, the Finance Commission should include a dedicated chapter on urban financing for the region, increasing intergovernmental transfers from 0.5% to at least 1% of GDP.
• Hence, sustainable urban development in the IHR requires robust, participatory planning processes that prioritize environmental and community needs.

Additional Information:

Measures to be taken to Promote Sustainable Development in the IHR:

• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Adopt resilient building codes, invest in green infrastructure, and enforce a construction ban in disaster-prone areas as recommended by the Mishra Committee, 1976.
• Integrated Development: Establish a “Himalayan Authority” to coordinate comprehensive development, ensure synergy among states, provide strategic guidance, and monitor the fulfilment of SDGs.
• Enhancing Water Security: Revive deteriorated springs using best practices like Dhara Vikas in Sikkim, promote rainwater harvesting systems in all areas, and follow the NGRBA’s comprehensive approach to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River.
• Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: Promote organic farming to maintain soil health and integrate trees and shrubs into farming systems for enhanced biodiversity and crop yields.
• Sikkim’s status as India’s first fully organic state highlights these practices.
• Advancing Eco-Friendly Tourism:
• Regulate tourist numbers with carrying capacity assessments, develop eco-tourism initiatives for local benefits, promote biodegradable materials, and reduce plastic waste.
• Implement business plans for “Smart Mountain Tourism Destinations” similar to Smart Cities and introduce a ‘Green Cess’ based on eco-certification.
• Enhancing Education and Awareness: Integrate basic knowledge of the Himalayas’ geology and ecology into school curricula to foster a deeper connection and awareness among students which will encourage stricter adherence to environmental protection laws.
• Capacity building: Research needs to be strengthened is in blending traditional knowledge on resource use and management with modern scientific approaches.

UPSC Civil Services PYQ’s

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2020)

             Peak                        Mountains

1. Namcha Barwa          Garhwal Himalayas

2. Nanda Devi              Kumaon Himalayas

3. Nokrek                          Sikkim Himalayas

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3

(d) 3 only

Answer: B

Q. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? (2014)

1. Oak

2. Rhododendron

3. Sandalwood

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Q. When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: (2012)

1. Deep gorges

2. U-turn river courses

3. Parallel mountain ranges

4. Steep gradients causing land sliding

Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 4 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D

Mains:

Q. Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (2021)

Q. How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (2020)

Q. “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.” Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. (2016)

Yunus-led Bangladesh interim govt. sworn in

GS 2: International Relations: India-Bangladesh

About the news

• A 17-member interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on Thursday (8^th August) in Bangladesh, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• The oath-taking ceremony, conducted by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, took place at Bangabhaban, the official presidential residence.
• Yunus, at 84 years old, was appointed Chief Adviser of the interim government, with 13 out of the 16 advisers also being sworn in. Notably, no representatives from Hasina’s Awami League party were present.
• The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including military officers and leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and Jatiya Party, as well as foreign diplomats from the U.K., Japan, China, the Philippines, Iran, Argentina, Qatar, the UAE, and the Netherlands.
• In his first address upon arriving in Dhaka from France, Yunus expressed deep emotion, reflecting on the sacrifices made by students and condemning recent violence against religious minorities.
• He called for national unity and stability, urging citizens to protect the country from further disorder. The immediate focus for the interim government will be restoring order amid ongoing attacks and looting across the country. The Bangladesh Army and other law enforcement agencies have pledged to take decisive action against the violence.
• The U.S. State Department has emphasized that the interim government should uphold democratic principles, rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people.

 PM Modi urges Yunus to ensure protection of minorities

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• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his good wishes to Muhammad Yunus following his appointment as head of Bangladesh’s interim government.
• Modi’s message, sent soon after Yunus took office on August 8, emphasized the need for ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. This message came in response to the governance vacuum created by the dramatic departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively engaged with the post-Hasina administration to safeguard Indian officials and citizens in Bangladesh.
• MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed cautious optimism about the new government, underscoring that protecting all citizens, including minorities, is a fundamental responsibility of any government. Jaiswal reiterated India’s concern over attacks on minorities and emphasized that ensuring the well-being of all citizens should be a priority.
• In light of the unstable situation, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka has suspended visa services and has been operating emergency helplines to assist Indian nationals seeking evacuation.
• Many Indian personnel from various projects, including those working with IRCON Khulna, L&T, and Tata Projects, have been evacuated due to safety concerns. The High Commission is also dealing with a reduced staff following the evacuation of non-essential personnel.

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Antarctica’s deep-winter heatwave

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Antarctica’s heatwave

Why is it in the news?

• For the second time in two years, Antarctica is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave during its winter season.

More about the news

• Since mid-July, ground temperatures have averaged 10 degrees Celsius higher than normal, with some days reaching up to 28 degrees above the usual levels.
• In East Antarctica, which comprises two-thirds of the continent, temperatures are currently between minus 25 degrees and minus 30 degrees Celsius, whereas typical deep-winter temperatures range from minus 50 degrees to minus 60 degrees Celsius.
• These elevated temperatures, though still extremely cold by most standards, are alarmingly high for the continent.
• Scientists attribute the heatwave to the weakening of the polar vortex—a band of cold air and low-pressure systems that usually contains cold air around the poles. This year, large-scale atmospheric waves disturbed the vortex, allowing warmer air to enter Antarctica.
• According to the British Antarctic Survey, such a weakened vortex is a rare phenomenon, occurring only once every two decades on average. Additional contributing factors include a reduction in Antarctic Sea ice, which was at its second-lowest extent in June compared to previous years.
• Sea ice, which reflects sunlight and keeps the air cool, has been diminished, leading to warmer winter conditions.
• Global warming has also significantly impacted Antarctica, with the continent warming at a rate of 0.22 to 0.32 degrees Celsius per decade, nearly twice the global average. This rapid warming contributes to accelerated ice loss, with Antarctica losing 280% more ice mass in the 2000s and 2010s compared to the 1980s and 1990s.
• The 2022 heatwave, which saw temperatures 39 degrees Celsius above normal, caused a significant portion of the ice sheet to collapse. The Antarctic Ice Sheet, which holds more than 60% of the world’s freshwater, has the potential to raise global sea levels significantly. Even a small rise in sea level could displace millions of people living near the coast.
• Furthermore, the melting ice is affecting global ocean circulation, which regulates climate by transporting heat, carbon, nutrients, and freshwater. A 2023 study revealed that melting ice reduces the salinity and density of surface waters, slowing down ocean circulation.
• This disruption will lead to oceans absorbing less heat and CO2, exacerbating global warming and increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.

Indian hockey team wins bronze medal

Miscellaneous

About the news

• India reaffirmed its elite status in hockey by winning the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, securing their second consecutive bronze following Tokyo. In a thrilling match at the Yves du Manoir Stadium, India defeated Spain 2-1.
• Harmanpreet Singh was the standout performer, scoring both of India’s goals with penalty corners in the 30th and 33rd minutes. Despite Spain taking the lead with a penalty stroke by Marc Miralles in the 18th minute, India’s defence and midfield, guided by coach Craig Fulton, ensured a strong comeback.
• The match was also a fitting farewell for P.R. Sreejesh, who ended his illustrious career with a decisive performance in goal. Despite Spain’s late attempts to score, including removing their goalkeeper and earning multiple penalty corners, India’s defense, led by Sreejesh, held firm to secure the bronze medal.Top of Form

Arshad’s 92.97m dethrones Neeraj

Miscellaneous

About the news

• Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan claimed gold at the Stade de France, outthrowing India’s Neeraj Chopra with a new Olympic record of 92.97 meters. Nadeem’s second and final throws of 92.97m and 91.79m respectively, surpassed the previous Olympic record set 16 years ago.
• Neeraj Chopra, despite a strong performance including his best throw of 89.45 meters, had to settle for silver. The competition was intense, with even the fifth-place throw of 87.70 meters by Julius Yego surpassing Tokyo’s gold-winning distance.