Pacific Ocean’s ‘Victoria Mode’ causes India's steppe zone shifts, risking food safety and displacement
GS1History · Society · Geography· Physical geography (landforms, oceans, climate)· Prelims + Mains·
Climate change and geographical shifts: a GS1 Geography and GS3 Food Security case study.
Why in news
Scientists at IMD and IITM published a study in MAUSAM attributing climatic shifts in India's steppe zones to the Pacific Ocean’s ‘Victoria Mode,’ warning of food safety risks and population displacement.
Background
The study published on October 24, 2026, shows North-West India's steppe zone expanded from 25.7% to 33.1%. Conversely, the peninsular India steppe zone decreased from 30.3% to 16.4% due to the Victoria Mode.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) conducted the study.
- FactNorth-West India's steppe zone grew from 25.7% to 33.1%.
- FactPeninsular India's steppe zone fell from 30.3% to 16.4%.
- PlaceThe climatic shifts are linked to the Pacific Ocean’s ‘Victoria Mode’.
Prelims practice question
Which institution, along with IITM, conducted the study on the Pacific Ocean’s Victoria Mode and its impact on India's steppe zones?
- (a)RBI
- (b)NITI Aayog
- (c)IMD
- (d)ISRO
Show answer
Answer: (c) IMD — The study was conducted by scientists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
For Mains
Q. Discuss how shifting climatic patterns and steppe zone expansions in India pose significant challenges to food security and internal migration patterns.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Agricultural volatility: Reduced moisture in peninsular regions impacting traditional cropping patterns
- Migration pressure: Climate-induced displacement from aridifying zones to urban centers
- Food safety risks: Changes in soil moisture and temperature affecting crop quality and storage
Keywords: Victoria Mode · Steppe Zone · Climatic Shifts · Food Security · Population Displacement
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.