Heatwaves ahead: A worry not just for economists but politicians as well

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Key Points

Over the past few years, heatwave conditions in India have gotten worse and the weather department has predicted a longer spell of hot days in 2023..

The scorching heatwaves that haunted India for a long period in 2022 are back..

Longer periods of heatwaves during the summer months of this year could have a negative impact on key sectors that contribute to economic growth - a development that could hurt sentiments ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections next year...

A 2022 report prepared by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research indicated that the scorching heatwave impacted crops, fruits, vegetables and animals in the nine states, including agriculture-heavy states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra...

With the 2024 general elections approaching, the government will be hoping for a short spell of heatwaves, but will also need to assess and address the impact of rising temperatures on the economy, particularly on vulnerable populations...

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