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Daily Prelims Notes 16 March 2023

  • March 16, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN
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Daily Prelims Notes

16 March 2023

Table Of Contents

  1. Eurasian otter raises hope for J&K stream
  2. Chenab River
  3. North Atlantic right whale
  4. Bioluminescent nights in Kerala’s Kumbalangi
  5. Governor cannot precipitate the fall of an elected govt.: SC
  6. Foreign lawyers and firms can operate in India, says BCI
  7. Too-Big-To-Fail banks
  8. Pre- Arrest Bail / Anticipatory Bail
  9. Researchers find ‘plastic rocks’ on island off Brazil
  10. Friction over formula: why some States get more from Centre
  11. McMahon Line
  12. Govt tables bill for better functioning of tri-services organizations
  13. Recalibrate BIMSTEC
  14. Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati scheme becomes National Mission on Natural Farming
  15. Over 1000 licences issued to domestic toy manufacturing units by Bureau of Indian Standards: Consumer Affairs Ministry
  16. ‘SUPER DOMINANT’

 

 

1. Eurasian otter raises hope for J&K stream

Subject : Environment

Section: Species in news

Context: The first photographic record of the semi-aquatic carnivorous mammal has indicated that some stretches of the Neeru stream, a tributary of the Chenab River, are still unpolluted.

More on the News:

  • A trio of scientists from the University of Jammu’s Institute of Mountain Environment (IME) at Bhaderwah camera-trapped three Eurasian otters – two adults and one sub-adult – in the Neeru stream of the Chenab catchment.
  • Apart from putting an end to doubts about the animal’s presence in the upper Chenab catchment, their findings have confirmed that some stretches of the Neeru remain unpolluted. The Neeru is a tributary of the Chenab river.

Eurasian otter:

  • Eurasian otter (Lutralutra) is a semi-aquatic mammal found in Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. Mammals of the family Mustelidae with seven genera and 13 species
  • Habitat: Eurasian otters are found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, and lakes, although they may also occur in coastal areas.
    • They are generally found in areas with abundant fish populations.
    • The Eurasian otter covers the largest range of any Palearctic mammal, covering parts of three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • Diet: Eurasian otters are carnivorous and feed primarily on fish, although they may also consume other aquatic prey such as crabs, frogs, and insects. They are active mainly at night and are generally solitary, although family groups may sometimes be observed.
  • Adaptations: Eurasian otters have webbed feet and a sleek, streamlined body that is well adapted for swimming and diving. Their fur is thick and waterproof, providing insulation and protection from the cold water.
  • Conservation status: The Eurasian otter is listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN Red List.
  • Threats: habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and hunting.
  • Ecological role: Eurasian otters play an important ecological role as top predators in freshwater ecosystems. They help regulate fish populations and maintain the health of aquatic habitats.

2. Chenab River

Subject : GEOGRAPHY

Section: Mapping

Details:

River Chenab originates from Lahaul valley of H.P Snow bound mountains and have copious discharge all the year round and flow with steep bed slopes in the mountain reaches with a series of loops and bends, which can be economically harnessed for hydel generation. Total economic potential of Chenab Basin has been estimated to the tune of 3600 MW (firm) & installed capacity of 11,400 MW.

Physiography

Detailed soil survey in the Chenab basin has not been carried out so far. However, in Himachal Pradesh part predominant types of soils found are sub-mountane in Chamba district, and sub-montane, glaciers and eternal snow in Lahul and Spitidistt. In J&K part, predominant soil are brown hill (on sand stones and shales) and sub-montane soils in Doda distt. Adnsub-mountain and mountain meadows in Udhampur district while in Jammu district, brown hill (on sand stones and shales) and alluvial soils are generally found. The Chenab, Indus & Jhelum basin has characterized by a wide variety of soils. The soils of the high Himalayas in the north are subject to continuous erosion and thick silt sediment layers are deposited to form a wide valley plain.

River System

The river Chenab (or Chandra Bhaga) is formed after the two streams the Chandra and the Bhaga merge with each other. The Chandra and the Bhaga originate from the south-west and north-west faces of Barelacha pass respectively in the Himalayan canton of Lahuland Spitivalley in Himachal Pradesh. The Chandra initially flowing southeast for about 88 kms. sweeps round the base of the mid-Himalayas and joins the Bhaga at Tandi, after traversing a total length of about 125 kms. The course of Bhagaupto the confluence is 80 kms only having a steep slope with an average fall of about 24 metres per kilometer. Thereafter the united stream, known as the Chenab or Chandra Bhaga, flows in a north-westerly course for about 46 kms where it receives its first major tributary the Miyar Nalla on the right bank. Then it flows for another 90 km generally in a northerly direction in Himachal Pradesh when it crosses the Pangi valley before entering to Padder area of Doda district of Jammu province in Jammu & Kashmir State. The river flows in a northwest direction in this reach for a distance of 56 km. when it is joined on the right by its biggest tributary, the Marusudar at Bhandalkot. Further Downstream, the river flows in a southerly direction for a distance of 34 km. uptoThathri and then takes a west ward course. In this reach about 17 kms downstream of Thathri, Niru Nallah joins the Chenab on its left bank. The river Chenab thereafter flows generally in a northwest direction for another 41 km. till it receives a tributary Bichleri on the right bank. Afterwards, the river traverses in a westerly direction for a distance of about 50 kms. In this reach a number of small streams join in, namely Chaini, Talsuen, and Ans on the right bank, Yabu Nallah, Mandial and PainthalKhad on the left bank. Downstream of Ans river confluence the river changes its direction and flows in southerly course for about 45 kms. Upto Akhnoor where-after it enters into Sialkot district of Pakistan. Total length of the river from confluence of Chandra &Bhaga to Akhnoor is about 504 km.

The main tributaries in its passage upto Kishtwar are the Thirot, the Sohal, the Bhut nallah, the Liddrari and the Marusudar. The Marusudaris the biggest tributary of the Chenab and meets the Chenab at Bhandalkot. Between Kishtwar and Akhnoor, it receives the waters of the Kalnai, the Neeru, the Raghi, the Bichleri and the Ans. The Tawi and ManawarTawi join Chenab in Pakistan.

In India, the watershed of the Chenab basin covers part of two States viz. Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Upper Chenab catchment lies in Lahoul area and Pangi Tehsil of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh.

Brief description of some of the important tributaries of Chenab :

a) The Miyar Nalla.

The Miyar Nalla rises in Himalayas from its southern near Lopen jot at about 5100m. After traversing of about 35 km in south-east direction, it takes a big loop and turn towards south west direction, After flowing about 60 km it joins the Chenab on its right bank opposite Udaipur. Its total length upto the confluence with Chenab river is tough high mountains on either side.

b) The Bhut Nalla.

The Bhut Nalla is formed by two major streams near Matsel one flowing from north-west and the other from south-east. From Matsel it flows in the direction of south west. After traversing a distance of about 25 km it joins the Chenab on its right bank down stream of Gulabgarh. The total course of the river is through high mountains on either side.

c) The Marusudar.

The Marusudar is the biggest right bank tributary of the Chenab river. It originates from an elevation of about 5175 m. In the beginning two streams namely Batkot and Gumbar merge to form Warwan river, which is known as the Marusudar in the lower reaches. The Marusudar flows almost the north to south direction. Its catchment is almost fan shaped. The upper reaches are covered with glacier and the permanent snow line is considered generally around 4700m. The seasonal snowline is below this and glaciers descend upto an elevation of around 2500m. The entire reach of the Marusudar is through mountainous terrain with steep slopes and sharp bends between very high cliffs.

d) The Ans.

The river is formed by two major streams. One flowing from west to east and the other from south west. The Ans after flowing for a distance of about 20 km in almost southerly direction joins the Chenab in its right bank, up stream of Salal H.E. project.

e) The Niru

The Niru originates near Bhadarwah. It flows in north-west direction and after traversing a distance of about 30 km it joins the Chenab on its left bank near Doda. In this reach, the Niru takes a few sharp bends and also joined by two-three small nallas.

f) The Tawi River.

The Tawi river is a major left bank tributary of the Chenab. It originates from outer Himalaya ranges in Udhampur district at an elevation of about 1220m. Initially it flows in westerly direction for about 16km and then takes a turn towards north west direction and flows for a distance of 27 km upto Sudhmahadev. There after it flows in westerly direction for about 5 km upto Chenani and further down in a westerly course upto Udhampur after which it takes a southerly course for about 24 km. The river finally joins the Chenab a little downstream of the international border in Pakistan. The total length of the river is about 141 km. The river generally flows through steep hills on either side except the lower reach of about 35 km.

3. North Atlantic right whale

Subject : Environment

Section: Species in news

Context: Why Some Anti-Renewable Groups Have Developed Sudden Interest in Whales.

More on the News:

  • Hundreds of dead whales have washed up on the Atlantic coast of the US since 2017, including the critically endangered north Atlantic right whale.
  • Their giant corpses have littered the east coast, from Florida in the south to Maine in the north. Government scientists have linked most cases to entanglements in fishing lines and collisions with ships, though many deaths lack data due to decomposition and time constraints.
  • Fossil-fuel-backed lobby groups have capitalised on the deaths to supercharge their fight against offshore wind farms, according to conservation groups, watchdogs and researchers.
  • Proponents of the theory are often vague on how exactly the developments are killing whales, but generally attribute their deaths to the sonar used during underwater surveys or from loud noises emitted by operational turbines.

North Atlantic right whale:

  • North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is a species of large baleen whale found in the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • Habitat: North Atlantic right whales are found primarily in coastal waters along the eastern coast of North America, from Florida to Canada, as well as in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. They are known for their slow, graceful swimming and distinctive V-shaped blow.
  • Diet: North Atlantic right whales are baleen whales, meaning they feed on small organisms like zooplankton and krill. They use baleen plates in their mouths to filter food from the water as they swim.
  • Conservation status: The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species in the world.It is listed as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN Red Lis
  • Threats: The North Atlantic right whale faces a number of threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and habitat loss due to human activities. Climate change may also be affecting their food sources, leading to declines in populations.
  • Conservation efforts: There are a number of conservation efforts underway to protect the North Atlantic right whale, including regulations to reduce fishing gear entanglement and shipping speed limits in areas where the whales are known to occur.

4. Bioluminescent nights in Kerala’s Kumbalangi

Subject : Environment

Section: Msc

Context: The electric blue luminescence has been drawing people to the shrimp farms of Kumbalangi, a sleepy fishing village in Kochi.

More on the News:

  • In Kochi, approximately 15 kilometres from Ernakulam, has been hosting a natural neon party. The vast stretches of shrimp farms lined along with the backwaters have been shimmering in bioluminescence, a phenomenon that makes it glow in electric blue and fluorescent green sparkles in the night.
  • According to an official in the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi, the phenomenon is caused by dinoflagellate algae, which have luminescent properties.
  • Any movement on the surface of the water — waves, a sudden surge, fish swimming, or a disturbance on the surface of the water can trigger the luminescence.
  • A combination of environmental factors leads to the multiplication of the algae in a particular area. Nutrient-rich water, favorable temperature and salinity causes the algae to multiply at a faster rate. Changes in wind, and current patterns, level of nutrients or any other factors in the water can alter the multiplication of the algae.

Bioluminescence:

  • Bioluminescence is the ability of living organisms to produce and emit light through a chemical reaction within their bodies. This phenomenon is found in a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and animals such as fish, squid, and fireflies.
  • In bioluminescence, an enzyme called luciferase catalyzes the reaction between a molecule called luciferin and oxygen, resulting in the release of light energy.
  • The color and intensity of the light produced can vary depending on the type of luciferin and the organism that produces it.
  • Bioluminescence has evolved in many organisms as a means of communication, defense, and hunting. For example, some deep-sea creatures use bioluminescence to attract mates or prey, while others use it to produce flashes of light to confuse or distract predators.
  • Bioluminescence also has important applications in science and medicine. It is used as a tool for studying cellular processes and for detecting the presence of specific molecules in biological samples. In medical research, bioluminescent molecules are used as tags to track the location and behavior of cells in the body, which can help in the development of new therapies and treatments.

5. Governor cannot precipitate the fall of an elected govt.: SC

Subject : Polity

Section: Federalism

Concept :

  • The Supreme Court has held that Governors could undermine democracy if they use their constitutional office to call for a trust vote, citing dissension within a ruling party, and precipitate the fall of a legitimately established government.
  • The Chief Justice of India (CJI) who led a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has said that calling for a trust vote could lead to the toppling of a functioning government and Governors must refrain from using their offices for effectuating a particular result and precipitate the fall of a government.
  • The CJI further added that the Governor using his/her powers to precipitate the fall of an elected government is a very serious issue for Indian democracy.
  • The Bench was referring to the then Maharashtra Governor whose call for a trust vote in the Assembly, eventually led to the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2022.

Governor and Floor test

  • A floor test is primarily taken to know whether the executive enjoys the confidence of the legislature.
  • This happens both in the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies.
  • It is a constitutional mechanism under which a Chief Minister appointed by the Governor can be asked to prove majority on the floor of the Legislative Assembly of the state.
  • Appointment of Chief Minister:
    • As per the Constitution, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor of the state.
    • When a single party secures the majority of the seats in the house, the Governor appoints the leader of the party as the Chief Minister.
  • Vote of confidence:
    • In case the majority is questioned, the leader of the party which claims majority has to move a vote of confidence and prove majority among those present and voting.
    • The vote is taken through physical voting, or through an electronic ballot.

In case of failing to prove majority:

  • The incumbent Chief Minister:
    • The Chief Minister has to resign if they fail to prove their majority in the house.
  • Forming a government:
    • The legislature is convened, and the Speaker presides over the affairs.
    • The governor then invites the leader of the second largest party to prove his/her majority and form a government.
  • If it is a newly elected government:
    • If it is a newly elected government, the House is presided over by Speaker Pro-tem, chosen by the Governor.
  • Role of Pro-tem Speaker
    • Pro-tem speaker is a temporary speaker.
    • He/she is appointed for a limited time period to conduct the works in Lok Sabha or in state legislatures.
    • When the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies have been elected, but the vote for the speaker and deputy speaker has not taken place, the pro-tem speaker is chosen for the conduct of the house.

Constitutional provisions:

  • Article 175(2) of the Indian Constitution:
    • It gives the Governor the power to summon the members of the House and call for a floor test to prove whether the incumbent government has the majority in the State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).
    • On the central or national level, this power lies with the President.
  • Article 164 of the Indian constitution:
    • It states that, “The council of ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State.”
    • And so, if they do not enjoy the Legislature’s support, the Executive has to step down.
  • R. Bommai case:
    • In this landmark cas, the Supreme Court ruled that the refusal of the Chief Minister to undergo the floor test will be considered as the Government losing the faith of its own legislature.

Composite floor test

  • There is another test, Composite Floor Test, which is conducted only when more than one person stakes claim to form the government.
  • When the majority is not clear, the governor might call for a special session to see who has the majority.
  • How?
    • The majority is counted based on those present and voting.
    • This can also be done through a voice vote where the member can respond orally or through division voting.
    • Some legislators may be absent or choose not to vote.
    • In division vote, voting can be done through electronic gadgets, ballots or slips.
  • The result or the tie:
    • The person who has the majority will form the government.
    • In case of tie, the speaker can also cast his vote.

6. Foreign lawyers and firms can operate in India, says BCI

Subject : Polity

Section: Judiciary

Concept :

  • The Bar Council of India (BCI), which is a statutory body governing legal practice in India, has now opened up law practice in India to foreign lawyers and law firms.
  • The BCI has formulated the “Bar Council of India Rules for Registration of Foreign Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms in India, 2021” which facilitate foreign lawyers and law firms to practise foreign law, diverse international law and international arbitration matters in India in a well-defined, regulated and controlled manner based on the principle of reciprocity.

About the new rules

  • According to the Advocates Act, advocates enrolled with the Bar Council alone are entitled to practise law in India.
  • All others, such as a litigant, can appear only with the permission of the court, authority or person before whom the proceedings are pending.
  • Foreign lawyers and law firms can practice in India :
  • The notification essentially allows foreign lawyers and law firms to register with BCI to practise in India if they are entitled to practise law in their home countries.
  • However, the foreign lawyers or foreign Law Firms have not been permitted to appear before any courts, tribunals or other statutory or regulatory authorities.
  • They are allowed to practise transactional work /corporate work such as joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property matters, drafting of contracts and other related matters on a reciprocal basis.
  • Same restrictions for Indian lawyers working with foreign law firms :
  • Indian lawyers working with foreign law firms will also be subject to the same restriction of engaging only in non-litigious practice.

Significance

  • According to BCI the move would mutually benefit lawyers from India and abroad and the legal fraternity in India would not experience any disadvantage.
  • Further, the latest move is expected to address the concerns over the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country and would help make India a hub for international commercial arbitration.

For Further notes on Bar Council of India, refer – https://optimizeias.com/kerala-bar-council-seeks-lawyer-explanation-on-charge-of-bribing-judges/

7. Too-Big-To-Fail banks

Subject : Economy

Section: Monetary Policy

Concept :

  • The failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in the US has raised questions about the safety of deposits.
  • Such failures are unlikely in the Indian system. Also, RBI has classified SBI, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank as D-SIBs.

Resilience of Indian Banks

  • In banking, confidence is important and no amount of capital will save a bank if the trust is lost.
  • During the 2008 crisis triggered by the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers, domestic banks in India backed by sound regulatory practices showed strength and resilience.
  • A reason why an SVB-like failure is unlikely in India is that domestic banks have a different balance sheet structure.
  • Unlike the US, where a large portion of bank deposits are from corporates, household savings constitute a major part of bank deposits in India, which cannot be withdrawn in bulk quantities.
  • A large chunk of Indian deposits is with public sector banks, and most of the rest is with very strong private sector lenders such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank.
  • Customers need not worry about their savings, as the government and the regulators (SEBI, RBI) have always stepped in when banks have faced difficulties. For example, the rescue of Yes Bank where a lot of liquidity support was provided.

Domestic-Systematically Important Banks

  • A bank is considered a D-SIB if its failure might seriously disrupt the financial system due to the bank’s size, cross-jurisdictional activities, complexity, lack of substitutability and interconnectedness.
  • Under the D-SIB framework announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2014, the central bank was required to –
  • Disclose the names of banks designated as D-SIBs, and
  • Place them in appropriate buckets depending upon their Systemic Importance Scores (SISs).
  • Depending on the bucket in which a D-SIB is placed, an additional common equity requirement [Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1)] is applicable to it.
  • Tier 1 capital (measured by the capital adequacy ratio (CAR)) is the core measure of a bank’s financial strength from a regulator’s point of view.
  • It means that these banks have to earmark additional capital and provisions to safeguard their operations.
  • RBI has classified SBI, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank as D-SIBs.

G-SIBs

  • Similarly, the Basel – Switzerland-based Financial Stability Board (FSB), an initiative of G20 nations, has identified, in consultation with the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS), a list of G-SIBs.
  • There are 30 G-SIBs currently (no Indian bank), including JP Morgan, Citibank, HSBC, Bank of America, Bank of China, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, and Goldman Sachs.

Selection of D-SIBs

  • The RBI follows a two-step process to assess the systemic importance of banks.
  • First, a sample of banks to be assessed for their systemic importance is decided. All banks are not considered, as burdening smaller banks with onerous data requirements on a regular basis may not be prudent.
  • Banks are selected based on an analysis of their size (based on Basel-III Leverage Ratio Exposure Measure) as a percentage of GDP.
  • Banks having a size beyond 2% of GDP will be selected in the sample.
  • Based on a range of indicators, a composite score of systemic importance is computed for each bank.
  • Next, the D-SIBs are segregated into buckets based on their systemic importance scores.
  • A D-SIB in the lower bucket will attract a lower capital charge, and a D-SIB in the higher bucket will attract a higher capital charge.

Additional Common Equity Requirement Applicable to D-SIBs

  • The cost of public sector intervention, and the consequential increase in moral hazard, required that future regulatory policies should aim at reducing the probability of the failure of SIBs.
  • SIBs are perceived as banks that are ‘Too Big To Fail (TBTF)’, due to which these banks enjoy certain advantages in the funding markets.
  • However, this perception creates an expectation of government support at times of distress, which encourages risk-taking, reduces market discipline, and increases the probability of distress in the future.
  • It is therefore felt that SIBs should be subjected to additional policy measures to guard against systemic risks and moral hazard issues.

Why was it Considered Essential to Establish SIBs?

  • During the 2008 crisis, problems faced by certain large and highly interconnected financial institutions hampered the orderly functioning of the global financial system.
  • The failure of a large bank anywhere can have a contagion effect around the world.
  • The impairment or failure of a bank will likely cause damage to the confidence in the banking system as a whole (chain effect) → affecting the domestic real economy → interconnectedness/globalisation → affect global economy.
  • Therefore, government intervention was considered necessary to ensure financial stability in many jurisdictions.
  • In 2010, the FSB recommended that all member countries should put in place a framework to reduce risks attributable to Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFIs) in their jurisdictions.

8. Pre- Arrest Bail / Anticipatory Bail

Subject :Polity

Section: Judiciary

Concept :

  • The Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition filed by the Karnataka Lokayukta challenging a Karnataka High Court order granting pre-arrest bail to BJP MLA MadalVirupakshappa, who is the main accused in an alleged caseof bribe.
  • Bail is the conditional/provisional release of a person held under legal custody (in matters which are yet to be pronounced by the Court), by undertaking a promise to appear in the Court as and when required. It signifies a security/collateral deposited before the Court for release.
  • Though not defined in Indian statutes, the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) differentiates between “bailable” and “non-bailable” offences. It identifies three kinds of bail

Types of Bail in India:

  • Regular Bail: It is a direction given by the Court (any Court within the country) to release a person who is already under arrest and kept in police custody. For such Bail, a person can file an application under Section 437 and 439 of the CrPC.
  • Interim Bail: Bail granted for a temporary and short period by the Court till the application seeking Anticipatory Bail or Regular Bail is pending before a Court.
  • Anticipatory Bail: A direction issued to release a person on Bail even before the person is arrested. In this situation, there is apprehension of arrest and the person is not arrested before the Bail is granted. For such Bail, a person can file an application under Sec. 438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). It is issued only by the Sessions Court and High Court.

Section 438 of the CrPC lays down the provisions on anticipatory Bail:

  • 438(1): When any person anticipates that he/she may get arrested on an accusation of having committed a non-bailable offence, he/she may apply to the High Court or the Court of Session for a direction under this Section. The Court may direct (if it thinks fit) that in the event of such arrests, he/she shall be released on Bail even before an arrest is made without subjecting him/her to further restraints.
  • 438(2): When the High Court or the Session Court makes a direction under Sec. 438(1), it may lay down certain conditions in the light of the facts of the particular case, as it may think fit.

Background

  • Anticipatory Bail became part of the CrPC in 1973 after the 41st Law Commission Report (1969) recommended for the inclusion of such provision.
  • It was included to protect the arbitrary violation of the right to personal liberty of the person.

9. Researchers find ‘plastic rocks’ on island off Brazil

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Msc

Concept :

  • The geology of Brazil’s volcanic Trindade Island has fascinated scientists for years, but the discovery of rocks made from plastic debris in this remote turtle refuge is sparking alarm.
  • Melted plastic has become intertwined with rocks on the island, located 1,140 km from the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, which researchers say is evidence of humans’ growing influence over the earth’s geological cycles.
  • Santos’ team ran chemical tests to find out what kind of plastics are in the rocks called “plastiglomerates” because they are made of a mixture of sedimentary granules and other debris held together by plastics.
  • They found that the pollution coming from fishing nets is the common debris on Trinidade Island’s beaches.

Plastiglomerate

  • Plastiglomerate is a rock made of a mixture of sedimentary grains, and other natural debris (e.g. shells, wood) that is held together by plastic.
  • It has been considered a potential marker of the Anthropocene, an informal epoch of the Quaternary proposed by some social scientists, environmentalists, and geologists.
  • Plastiglomerate could potentially form a marker horizon of human pollution on the geologic record and may survive as future fossils.
  • Plastiglomerate may also conceivably form in plastic-polluted regions affected by lava flows or forest fires.
  • They have been found on the surface as well as beneath the sand.
  • This suggests that plastiglomerates are being actively deposited into the sedimentary record.

Trindade and MartimVaz Archipelago

  • Trindade and MartimVaz is an archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean about 1,100 kilometres (680 miles) east of the coast of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, of which it forms a part.
  • The islands are of volcanic origin and have rugged terrain. They are largely barren, except for the southern part of Trindade.
  • They were discovered in 1502 by Portuguese explorer Estevao da Gama and stayed Portuguese until they became part of Brazil at its independence in 1822.

10. Friction over formula: why some States get more from Centre

Subject : Polity

Section: Federalism

Concept :

  • The Centre’s tax collections are pooled-in from the states and a part of it is transferred to the states based on the formula devised by Finance Commission.

15th Finance Commission

  • The Finance Commission (FC) is a constitutional body, that determines the method and formula for distributing the tax proceeds between the Centre and states, and among the states as per the constitutional arrangement and present requirements.
  • Under Article 280 of the Constitution, the President of India is required to constitute a Finance Commission at an interval of five years or earlier.
  • The 15th Finance Commission was constituted by the President of India in November 2017, under the chairmanship of NK Singh. Its recommendations will cover a period of five years from the year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Vertical Devolution (Devolution of Taxes of the Union to States):

  • It has recommended maintaining the vertical devolution at 41% – the same as in its interim report for 2020-21.
  • It is at the same level of 42% of the divisible pool as recommended by the 14th Finance Commission.
  • It has made the required adjustment of about 1% due to the changed status of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into the new Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Horizontal Devolution (Allocation Between the States):

  • For horizontal devolution, it has suggested 12.5% weightage to demographic performance, 45% to income, 15% each to population and area, 10% to forest and ecology and 2.5% to tax and fiscal efforts.

11. McMahon Line

Subject : International relations

Section: India and Neighbor

Concept :

  • A recent bipartisan Senate resolution in the United States recognizes the McMahon Line as the international boundary between China and Arunachal Pradesh.

About McMahon Line:

  • It is a geographical border between Northeast India and Tibet.
  • It is the boundary between China and India, although its legal status is disputed by the Chinese
  • It was negotiated between Tibet and Great Britain at the end of the Shimla Conference in 1914.
  • It is named after Henry McMahon, who was the foreign secretary of British India and the chief negotiator of the convention at Simla.
  • The length of this boundary is 890 kilometers.
  • It runs from the eastern border of Bhutan along the crest of the Himalayas until it reaches the great bend in the Brahmaputra River, where that river emerges from its Tibetan course into the Assam Valley.
  • Though India considers the McMahon Line as the legal national border, China rejects it,contending that Tibet was not a sovereign state and therefore did not have the power to conclude treaties.

What is The Shimla Treaty of 1914?

  • It was signed in 1914 by delegates from India and Tibetto establish a clear demarcation between the two countries.
  • China was not present in this treaty since Tibet was an autonomous region at the time.
  • According to the treaty the McMahon Line is the clear boundary line between India and China.
  • The British rulers, on behalf of India, considered Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and the southern portion of Tibet to be part of India, which the Tibetans consented to.
  • As a result, Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang region became a part of India.

Line of Actual Control (LAC)

  • LAC is a demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
  • India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km.
  • It is currently the de-facto border between the two countries.
  • The Line of Actual Control (LAC), is divided into three sectors:
  • Western (Ladakh, Kashmir),
  • Middle (Uttarakhand, Himachal) and
  • Eastern (Sikkim, Arunachal): Here, the alignment of the LAC is along the McMahon Line.

12. Govt tables bill for better functioning of tri-services organizations

Subject :Defense

Concept :

  • The government on Wednesday tabled a bill in Lok Sabha to empower commander-in-chiefs or any other officers posted in tri-services organisations with disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in them.
  • This has a direct impact on the command, control and discipline-related issues in the inter-services organisations like the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the Defence Space Agency, and joint training establishment like National Defence Academy, the bill said.

Current Procedure

  • The service personnel of Indian Air Force, Army and Navy are governed by the provisions of the Air Force Act, 1950, the Army Act, 1950 and the Navy Act, 1957 respectively.
  • Only officers of the respective services are empowered to exercise disciplinary powers over the service personnel under the respective service Acts under current norms and regulations.
  • The Commander-in-Chief or Officer-in-Command of inter services organisations are not empowered to exercise disciplinary or administrative powers over the personnel belonging to other services.
  • Salient Features of The Bill
  • It includes empowering the central government to constitute inter-services organisation by notification, which may include a joint services command, comprised of units or service personnel subject to the Air Force Act, 1950, the Army Act, 1950 and the Navy Act, 1957.
  • It also seeks to empower the commander-in-chief, officer-in-command or any other officer, specially empowered by the central government, with all the disciplinary and administrative powers in respect of personnel serving in or attached to their inter-services organisations, irrespective of the service to which they belong, for the maintenance of discipline and proper discharge of their duties, according to the bill.
  • The proposed legislation will also pave the way for various other tangible benefits such as expeditious disposal of cases, saving of time and public money by avoiding multiple proceedings and greater integration and joint man ship among armed forces personnel.
  • The tabling of the bill also comes amid the government’s ambitious theaterisation plan.

Andaman and Nicobar Command

  • The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is India’s only integrated tri-services military command that has been playing a key role in keeping a strict vigil in the Indian Ocean.
  • It was created in 2001 to safeguard India’s strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca by increasing rapid deployment of military assets in the islands.
  • It is commanded by a three star officer from Navy, under whom officers and men from all three services (Navy, Air Force, Army) work.
  • It conducts bi-annual coordinated patrols (CORPATs) with the navies of Thailand and Indonesia, the annual SIMBEX maritime exercise with Singapore, and the biennial Milan multilateral naval exercise.
  • It also patrols India’s exclusive economic zone to suppress gun running, narcotics smuggling, piracy, and poaching, and conducts maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

13. Recalibrate BIMSTEC

Subject: International relations

Section: Groupings

BIMSTEC

  • The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional multilateral organization.
  • Its members lie in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity.
  • Out of the 7 members,
  • Five are from South Asia – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal,and Sri Lanka.
  • Two are from Southeast Asia – Myanmar, Thailand.
  • BIMSTEC not only connects South and Southeast Asia, but also the ecologies of the Great Himalayas and the Bay of Bengal.
  • It mainly aims to create an enabling environment for rapid economic development; accelerate social progress; and promote collaboration on matters of common interest in the region.

Genesis of BIMSTEC

  • This sub-regional organization came into being in 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration.
  • Initially, it was formed with four Member States with the acronym ‘BIST-EC’ (Bangladesh, India, Sri-Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation).
  • It became renamed ‘BIMST-EC’ in 1997, following the inclusion of Myanmar.
  • With the admission of Nepal and Bhutan in 2004, the name of the grouping was changed to ‘Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation’ (BIMSTEC).

14. Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati scheme becomes National Mission on Natural Farming

Subject : Schemes

Context: To promote natural farming across the country, the Centre has launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) by upscaling the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) scheme.

Details:

  • In order to involve more farmers and enhance the reach of natural farming on a larger scale, the Government has formulated National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) by upscaling the Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) to promote natural farming across the country. NMNF will cover 7.5 lakh hectare area by developing 15,000 clusters in the next four years with a total budget outlay of ₹1,584 crore
  • With NMNF, the government proposes to touch one crore farmers along the Ganga belt and in other rainfed parts of the country, he added.
  • Under NMNF, farmers will receive a financial assistance of ₹15,000 per hectare per year for three years for the creation of on-farm input production infrastructure. The operational guidelines state that incentives would be provided to farmers only when they commit to natural farming and have actually taken it up. If a farmer defaults or does not continue with natural farming, subsequent instalments shall not be disbursed.
  • The BPKP, a sub-scheme under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), had provided financial assistance of ₹12,200 per hectare for three years for cluster formation, capacity building and continuous hand-holding. Additionally, an assistance of ₹8,800 per hectare for three years was allowed from PKVY funds for marketing, value addition and publicity of natural farming products.
  • The NMNF guidelines say that farmers willing to implement natural farming on their field will be registered as cluster members — each cluster shall comprise 50 farmers or more with 50-hectare land. Also, each cluster can fall in one village or spread across 2-3 nearby villages under the same gram panchayat.
  • a web portal (naturalfarming.dac.gov.in) has been launched for the promotion of natural farming with information on the implementation framework, resources, implementation progress, farmer’s registration, blog, and so on. The agriculture ministry is undertaking large-scale training of master trainers, ‘champion’ farmers and practising farmers in the techniques of natural farming through the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) and National Centre of Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF), he said. Already 997 training programmes have been conducted, covering 56,952 grampradhans, he added.
  • The Centre intends to set up 15,000 Bhartiya PrakritikKheti Bio-inputs Resources Centres (BRCs) to provide easy access to bio-resources like Jeevamrit, Ghana Jeevamrit and neemastra, wherein cow dung and urine, neem and bioculture play an important role. At a recent meeting with Niti Aayog, representatives of cow shelters wanted their units to be designated as BRCs as they form the backbone of the value chain in the production and distribution of bio fertilisers.
  • These bio-input resource centres would be set up alongside the proposed 15,000 model clusters of natural farming. These BRCs would create a national-level distribution network for micro-fertilisers and pesticides, with each BRC responsible for one cluster under NMNF.

15. Over 1000 licences issued to domestic toy manufacturing units by Bureau of Indian Standards: Consumer Affairs Ministry

Subject: Schemes

Details:

  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has granted 1097 licenses to domestic toy manufacturing units so far. Out of these 1,061 licenses or about 96 per cent have been granted to MSMEs, the Consumer Affairs Ministry informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
  • From January 1, 2021, toys came under the ambit of compulsory BIS certification according to the Toys (Quality Control) Order 2020 issued by the Department of Promotion of Industry and the Internal Trade(DPIIT). Further, DPIIT, under the Toys (Quality Control) Second Amendment Order, 2020 has exempted certain categories such as toys manufactured and sold by artisans and toys sold by registered proprietor and authorised user of a products registered as Geographical Indication by the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
  • Bureau of Indian Standards is also considering bringing sports goods under the Quality Control Order. The goods include shuttlecocks, rings used in gymnastics, putting shots, barbell set, soft balls and steeplechase hurdles. It added that these are “under consideration for issue of Quality Control Orders”
  • The Ministry said Indian Standards for these goods have been revised in 2022 and are currently under a voluntary BIS Certification

BIS:

Concept:

  • It is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
  • It works under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
  • The Minister in charge of the Ministry or Department having administrative control of the BIS is the ex-officio President of the BIS.
  • It is one of the founder member of International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
  • It seeks to provide safe reliable quality goods, minimizing health hazards to consumers, promoting exports and imports substitute, control over proliferation of varieties etc. through standardization, certification and testing.
  • BIS has its Headquarters at New Delhi and its 05 Regional Offices (ROs) are at Kolkata (Eastern), Chennai (Southern), Mumbai (Western), Chandigarh (Northern) and Delhi (Central).

16. ‘SUPER DOMINANT’

Subject: Economy

Section: Msc

Context: Referring to the parameters for assessing dominance, the ASG argued that Google qualified to be “Super Dominant” instead of being a mere “dominant” undertaking

Concept:

  • Section 4 of the Competition Act prohibits abuse of the dominant position of an enterprise in the market.
  • Dominant position means a position of strength, enjoyed by an enterprise in the relevant market in India which enables it to:
    • Operate independently of competitive forces in relevant market
    • Affect competitors, consumers or relevant market in its favour
  • Section 4(2) of Act prevents following acts resulting in abuse of dominant position:
    • directly or indirectly imposes unfair or discriminatory conditions or prices in the purchase or sale of goods or services;
    • restricts or limits production of goods or services in the market; etc.
    • if any enterprise indulges in a practice resulting in denial of market access in any manner.
  • Factors to determine the dominant position–Section 19(4) of the Act gives a detailed list of elements that the Commission will consider while asking into any claim of abuse of dominance.
    • a market share.
    • the size and assets of the undertaking.
    • size and significance of contenders or competitors.
    • the financial intensity of the undertaking.
    • a vertical combination or integration.
    • a reliance on customers on the undertaking or undertaking.
    • degree of section and exit barriers in the market.
    • countervailing purchasing power.
    • market structure and size of the market.
    • a source of dominant position viz. regardless of whether acquired because of resolution or statute and so on.
    • social expenses and commitments and commitment of big business getting a charge out of the prevailing situation to financial improvement.
  • The Competition Commission of India is additionally approved to consider whatever other factors which it might think about applicability for the assurance of dominance.
  • Powers on CCI –when the abuse of dominant position has been built up, the competition specialists can take certain measures for the same:
    • A restraining order.
    • The penalty which might be 10% of yearly turnover.
    • Direct the enterprise to make a move which the authority regards fit.
    • Give any other request which it might think fit.
    • Divide the prevailing endeavor.
  • In the instance of allure to the Competition Appellate Tribunal, the Tribunal may arrange for payment to the party bearing misfortune.
  • Under Section 27 of the Competition Act, the CCI has power to impose such a penalty, as it may deem fit, which shall be not more than 10% of the average of the turnover for the last three preceding financial years, upon each of such person or enterprises which are parties to such agreements or abuse.
  • The Supreme Court in 2014 had ruled that the penalty should be imposed not on the “total/ entire turnover of the offending company” but on “relevant turnover.”
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