Current Affairs 12 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. India Names Underwater Structures in the Indian Ocean
2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
3. Great Barrier Reef
4. Clean Plant Programme
5. Allegations of Conflict of Interest at SEBI Amid Adani Investigation
6. Ceropegia Shivrayiana
7. Hoverflies

India Names Underwater Structures in the Indian Ocean

Context:

India has recently named three significant underwater structures in the Indian Ocean as Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru. These names reflect the nation’s expanding role in marine science and its dedication to exploring and understanding this crucial body of water. The proposal for these names came from India and received approval from the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), highlighting a collaborative effort in maritime naming and research. This move underscores India’s strategic interest and active participation in oceanographic studies.

Relevance:

GS I: Geography

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Underwater Structures Related to the Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme:
2. Historical Figures – Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya:
3. International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
4. UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

Underwater Structures Related to the Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme:

• Initiation and Oversight: Launched in 2004, this research is coordinated by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
• Research Focus: It investigates bio-geochemistry, biodiversity, and hydrodynamics among other oceanic phenomena.
• Structure Names: A total of seven underwater structures, including recent additions in the Indian Ocean, bear names predominantly derived from notable Indian scientists or other names suggested by India.

Previously Identified Structures:

• Raman Ridge: Identified in 1951 by a US oil vessel and recognized in 1992, this ridge honors Physicist and Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman.
• Panikkar Seamount: Discovered by the research vessel Sagar Kanya in 1992 and named in 1993, this feature is dedicated to NK Panikkar, a distinguished oceanographer.
• Sagar Kanya Seamount: Named following its discovery during the 22nd cruise of the research vessel Sagar Kanya in 1986.
• DN Wadia Guyot: Named in 1993 after geologist DN Wadia following its discovery in 1992.

Recently Designated Structures:

• Ashoka Seamount: Found in 2012 and mapped as an oval structure covering about 180 sq km, this was identified with assistance from the Russian vessel Akademik Nikolay Strakhov.
• Kalpataru Ridge: Discovered in 2012, this ridge spans approximately 430 sq km and is recognized for its potential contribution to marine biodiversity.
• Chandragupt Ridge: A long structure covering 675 sq km, discovered in 2020 by the Indian research vessel MGS Sagar.

Historical Figures – Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya:

• Chandragupta Maurya (350–295 BCE): Founder of the Maurya dynasty, he established a vast empire based in Magadha, utilizing strategic guidance from his advisor Chanakya (Kautilya) to overthrow the Nandas. Later, he renounced his throne to follow Jain teachings under Bhadrabahu.
• Ashoka: Known as the third monarch of the Mauryan dynasty, ruling around 269 BC, Ashoka is celebrated for his propagation of Dhamma and the expansion of Buddhism. His reign is distinctly marked by his edicts engraved on rocks and pillars, identifying him as Priyadasi and Devanampiya.

International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

• Established in 1921, the IHO serves as an intergovernmental body focusing on improving navigation safety and marine environmental protection.
• India is an active member of the IHO, contributing to its various initiatives.
• Primary Objectives:
  • Coordination: Oversees the activities of national hydrographic offices to ensure coherence and cooperation.
  • Standardization: Aims for the highest uniformity in nautical charts and documents.
  • Methodological Advancements: Promotes the use of reliable and efficient methods in hydrographic surveys.
  • Scientific Progression: Advances the field of hydrography and descriptive oceanography techniques.

UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

• The IOC enhances global cooperation in marine sciences and supports developments in ocean observation, science, tsunami warnings, and promotes ocean literacy.
• With 150 member states including India (a member since 1946), the IOC plays a crucial role in forwarding UNESCO’s mission to foster science and its applications towards societal benefits.
• Coordinates the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), also known as the “Ocean Decade,” aiming to bolster ocean science and sustainability.

-Source: Indian Express

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Context:

According to the Ministry of Rural Development, work demand under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) fell sharply in July 2024.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Implications of Reduced Demand for MGNREGS Work
2. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

Implications of Reduced Demand for MGNREGS Work

• Overview of Trends: In July 2024, about 22.80 million individuals registered for work under MGNREGS, marking a 21.6% decrease from July 2023. This group represented 18.90 million households, showing a 19.5% annual reduction and a 28.4% drop from the previous month, June 2024.
• Geographical Variation: Notably, states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana observed lower work demand submissions in July 2024.
• Economic Growth Influence: A decline in MGNREGS work demand typically indicates improved employment opportunities elsewhere, correlating with robust economic performance. FY 2023-24 recorded a higher-than-expected economic growth of 8.2%.
• Global Economic Position: The IMF forecasts India to be the fastest-growing significant economy with projected growth rates of 7% for FY 2024-25 and 6.5% for 2025-26, surpassing global averages.
• Agricultural Factors: The monsoon season generally prompts a mass migration of rural workers back to agricultural activities, thus decreasing reliance on MGNREGS during good rainfall periods. In July 2024, abundant rains compensated for a prior 11% rainfall deficit experienced in June, further reducing the demand for MGNREGS-driven employment.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, MGNREGA, is an Indian labour law and social security measure that aims to guarantee the ‘right to work’. This act was passed in September 2005.
• It aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• It covers all districts of India except the ones with 100% urban population.
• MGNREGA is to be implemented mainly by gram panchayats (GPs). The involvement of contractors is banned.
• Apart from providing economic security and creating rural assets, NREGA can help in protecting the environment, empowering rural women, reducing rural-urban migration and fostering social equity, among others.

How MGNREGA came to be?

• In 1991, the P.V Narashima Rao government proposed a pilot scheme for generating employment in rural areas with the following goals:
  • Employment Generation for agricultural labour during the lean season.
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Enhanced Food Security
• This scheme was called the Employment Assurance Scheme which later evolved into the MGNREGA after the merger with the Food for Work Programme in the early 2000s.

Features of MGNREGA

• It gives a significant amount of control to the Gram Panchayats for managing public works, strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Gram Sabhas are free to accept or reject recommendations from Intermediate and District Panchayats.
• It incorporates accountability in its operational guidelines and ensures compliance and transparency at all levels.

Objectives of MGNREGA

• Provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural unskilled labour
• Increase economic security
• Decrease migration of labour from rural to urban areas.

-Source: Economic Times

Great Barrier Reef

Context:

Ocean temperatures in the Great Barrier Reef hit their highest level in 400 years over the past decade. The reef suffered mass coral bleaching events between 2016 and 2024.

Relevance:

Environment and Ecology (Conservation of Environment and Ecology, Environmental Pollution and Degradation)

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Research Findings on Coral Reefs

1. Great Barrier Reef
2. About Coral Reefs

Research Findings on Coral Reefs:

• Extent of Bleaching: Aerial assessments identified significant bleaching across two-thirds of over 300 reefs surveyed along Australia’s northeast coast, particularly in shallow water regions.
• Global Threat to Coral Reefs: Even with adherence to the Paris Agreement’s objectives, an estimated 70% to 90% of coral reefs worldwide remain at risk.
• Adaptation and Loss: Over the last 25 years, coral reefs have adapted to increasing temperatures by evolving more heat-resistant varieties. Despite these adaptations, there’s a looming threat of substantial decreases in both the diversity and the spatial extent of these crucial marine ecosystems.

Great Barrier Reef

• The Great Barrier Reef, located in the Coral Sea (North-East Coast), off the coast of Queensland, Australia, is the world’s most extensive and spectacular coral reef ecosystem composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands.
• This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps which are tiny, soft-bodied organisms and their base which is a hard, protective limestone skeleton called a calicle, forms the structure of coral reefs.
• It was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

About Coral Reefs

• Indonesia has the largest coral reef area in the world and the Great Barrier Reef of the Queensland coast of Australia is the largest aggregation of coral reefs.
• India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Chagos have the maximum coral reefs in South Asia.
• Coral Reefs protect humanity from natural calamities acting as a barrier, provide revenue and employment through tourism and recreation and also provide habitats for fishes, starfish and sea anemones.
• Coral blocks are used for buildings and road construction, the lime supplied by corals is used in cement industries and coral reefs may also be used in jewellery.
• India has four coral reef areas:
  • Gulf of Mannar,
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands,
  • Lakshadweep islands
  • Gulf of Kutch.

Risks and threats to coral reefs

• Due to anthropogenic activities such as coastal development, destructive fishing methods and pollution from domestic and industrial sewage.
• Due to increased sedimentation, over-exploitation and recurring cyclones.
• Coral diseases such as black band and white band due to infectious microorganisms introduced by the human population that live on the coastal regions.

-Source: The Hindu

Clean Plant Programme

Context:

The Cabinet has approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP), with an outlay of Rs 1,766 crore, under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Clean Plant Programme for Enhancing Horticulture
2. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
3. The Horticulture Sector in India: An Overview

Clean Plant Programme for Enhancing Horticulture

• Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Union Cabinet sanctioned the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) with a financial commitment of Rs 1,766 crore. This initiative is designed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to significantly advance the quality and productivity of India’s fruit crops.
• The programme was initially disclosed during the budget presentation by the Finance Minister in February 2023, highlighting its focus on addressing viral infections in horticultural crops to improve both yield and quality.
• Implementation Strategy: The National Horticulture Board, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), will oversee the execution of the CPP.
• Primary Components:
  • Development of nine state-of-the-art Clean Plant Centres (CPCs) throughout India, featuring sophisticated diagnostic and tissue culture laboratories.
  • Establishment of a stringent certification system as per the Seeds Act 1966.

Additional Features:

• The CPP will extend substantial infrastructure support to large-scale nurseries to promote the efficient propagation of disease-free planting materials.
• Ensuring equitable access to these clean plant materials for all farmers, irrespective of their farm size or economic background, is a priority.
• The initiative will include active participation from women farmers in both planning and execution phases.

Anticipated Benefits:

• Farmers, nurseries, and consumers are expected to benefit significantly from the program, potentially boosting India’s agricultural exports.
• The availability of virus-free, superior-quality planting materials is projected to enhance farm yields and increase agricultural income.
• The CPP aims to reinforce India’s stature as a prominent fruit exporter globally, building on a decade of substantial growth in horticultural exports, which now exceed Rs 50,000 crore.
• This programme is aligned with the Mission LiFE and One Health initiatives, advocating for sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices while diminishing reliance on imported planting resources.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

• Framework and Coverage:
  • Initiated in 2014-15, MIDH is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at fostering comprehensive growth in the horticulture sector.
  • It encompasses a wide array of horticultural commodities including fruits, vegetables, root and tuber crops, as well as non-traditional categories such as mushrooms, spices, flowers, and certain cash crops like coconut, cashew, and cocoa.
• Support and Collaboration:
  • MIDH offers technical guidance and administrative assistance to State Governments and State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) specifically for projects like the Saffron Mission and integrates with broader agricultural initiatives like the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• Goals and Objectives:
  • The mission is dedicated to improving crop yields and quality through superior planting materials and advanced resource management techniques.
  • It aims to mitigate post-harvest losses by enhancing infrastructure for storage, processing, and marketing to secure better returns for farmers.
  • MIDH promotes sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming and integrated pest management, to foster eco-friendly farming.
  • The initiative includes extensive training and support for farmers to upgrade horticultural practices and boost economic outcomes.
  • It seeks to reinforce the agricultural supply chain to ensure more robust market access both domestically and internationally.

The Horticulture Sector in India: An Overview

• Scope and Contribution:
  • Horticulture in India encompasses the cultivation of a vast array of produce including fruits, vegetables, spices, and ornamental as well as medicinal and aromatic plants.
  • This sector contributes approximately 33% to the Agricultural Gross Value Added (AGVA) of the Indian economy, making India the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, next to China.

Production Insights for 2023-24:

• The total horticultural output for the year is projected at 352.23 million tonnes, marking a slight decline of 0.91% from the previous year.
• Despite the overall decrease, there has been notable production growth in specific categories such as fruits, honey, flowers, and other plantation crops.
• Detailed figures include:
  • Fruits: Estimated production of 112.63 million tonnes with increases observed in bananas, lime/lemon, mango, guava, and grapes.
  • Vegetables: Production tallied at 204.96 million tonnes.
  • Tomatoes: Recorded a production of 208.19 lakh tonnes, up by 1.93% from the previous year.

-Source: Indian Express

Allegations of Conflict of Interest at SEBI Amid Adani Investigation

Context:

Hindenburg Research has raised allegations suggesting that the chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Madhabi Puri Buch, held stakes in offshore companies allegedly involved in the Adani money syphoning scandal. This revelation comes at a time when Buch is tasked with investigating claims of malfeasance and stock price manipulation within the Adani group, initially flagged by Hindenburg Research 18 months ago. These developments have sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest at the helm of India’s securities regulator, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing investigation into the Adani group.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Hindenburg Research
2. 2023 Hindenburg Research Report on Adani Group
3. SEBI’s Scrutiny of Adani Group
4. Hindenburg Research’s Observations on SEBI
5. Conflict of Interest Discussion

Hindenburg Research

• Nature and Origin:
  • Hindenburg Research is an investment research entity based in the U.S., established by Nathan Anderson in 2017.
  • The organization draws its name from the infamous 1937 Hindenburg disaster, symbolizing its focus on uncovering man-made financial disasters.
  • It specializes in forensic financial analysis, investigating accounting discrepancies, unethical business operations, and non-disclosed financial activities.
• Notable Investigations:
  • Their scrutiny into Nikola, an electric vehicle manufacturer, resulted in a legal consequence where a U.S. jury imposed a $125 million fine on the company for misleading practices.

2023 Hindenburg Research Report on Adani Group

• Key Allegations:
  • The report accuses Gautam Adani of inflating stock prices across seven listed companies, adding $100 billion to the group’s market valuation since 2020.
  • It claims Gautam Adani’s brother, Rajesh Adani, despite previous arrests for forgery and tax fraud, ascended to the position of managing director.
  • Allegations extend to another brother, Vinod Ambani, purportedly managing 37 shell companies integral to alleged money laundering operations.

SEBI’s Scrutiny of Adani Group

• Progress and Controversy:
  • SEBI’s probes into Adani Group’s financial dealings have been inconclusive.
  • Reports emerged of Hindenburg Research sharing its findings with a New York-based hedge fund manager, which SEBI critiqued as potentially stifling legitimate queries about corruption. Hindenburg denied these allegations, asserting their independence.
• Supreme Court’s Stance:
  • India’s Supreme Court declared that it wouldn’t interfere with SEBI’s jurisdiction concerning the Hindenburg allegations against Adani.

Hindenburg Research’s Observations on SEBI

• Accusations Against SEBI Leadership:
  • The report implicates SEBI Chief Madhabi Buch and her spouse, suggesting prior investments in offshore entities connected to Vinod Ambani, hinting at potential conflicts of interest that may affect impartial regulatory actions.
  • Both Madhabi Buch and her husband countered these claims, maintaining their innocence and ethical integrity.

Conflict of Interest Discussion

• Government and Public Response:
  • Opposition demands underscore the urgency for the government to eradicate all potential conflicts of interest within SEBI’s operations concerning the Adani case.
  • Conflicts of interest are flagged when personal benefits potentially skew professional judgment or decision-making.
• Strategies for Managing Conflicts of Interest:
  • Proactive establishment of processes to handle potential conflicts, transparent disclosure, and comprehensive training for directors are advocated to maintain ethical governance.
  • According to the Companies Act 2013, directors are obliged to avoid any situation that might lead to a direct or indirect conflict of interest, ensuring integrity and accountability in corporate governance.

-Source: The Hindu

Ceropegia Shivrayiana

Context:

Recently, a new flowering plant species from the ‘ceropegia’ genus has been discovered inside the Vishalgad premises in Maharashtra and named it as Ceropegia Shivrayiana.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Ceropegia Shivrayiana Overview

• Named in honor of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this flowering plant species was found at the historic Vishalgad Fort.
• The plant features distinctive tubular flowers designed to attract moths for pollination.
• Thrives in rocky terrains and can grow in soils with low nutritional content.
• Part of the Asclepiadaceae family, which includes several medicinal plants with notable ecological benefits.
• Conservation Status: Threatened by habitat loss, making its conservation critical.

Vishalgad Fort Insights

• Located in Vishalgad village, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, this fort was a strategic asset of the Maratha Empire.
• Locally known as Khelna or Khilna, originally named Khilgil.
• Built in 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh, it has been ruled by Seuna Yadavas, Allauddin Khilji of the Vijayanagar Empire, and later by the Adil Shahi dynasty.
• Captured by Shivaji in 1659, who renamed it ‘Vishalgad’.
• Notable Structures: Includes the revered Dargah of Hazrat Sayed Malik Rehan Meera Saheb and significant temples such as Amruteshwar Temple, Shri Nrusinha Temple, and Sati’s Vrindavan, making it a site of both historical and spiritual interest.

-Source: Times of India

Hoverflies

Context:

Three Kashmiri scientists recently discovered a new species of hoverfly that mimics the wasp in the high-altitude alpine forests.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Hoverflies

• Hoverflies, also known as ‘flower flies’ or ‘syrphid flies’, belong to a family comprising about 6,000 species within the Diptera order.
• These insects are known for their ability to hover around flowers, which is a trait reflected in their common names.
• Hoverflies are ubiquitous, inhabiting diverse environments from temperate to tropical regions.
• Despite their yellow markings that mimic wasps or bees, hoverflies are harmless as they do not bite or sting. They are uniquely identified by a single pair of wings.
• They possess a spurious vein that runs parallel to the fourth longitudinal wing vein, varying in size from small and elongated to large, hairy forms.
• Hoverflies typically exhibit a fly-like head structure, equipped with short antennae and pronounced bulbous eyes.

Ecological Role of Hoverflies

• Pollination: Adult hoverflies contribute significantly to pollination through their consumption of nectar and pollen across various habitats.
• Pest Control: Hoverfly larvae play a crucial role in managing pest populations by preying on aphids, mites, and other small insects, which are known for their destructive impact on vegetation.
• Nutrient Cycling: Some hoverflies are also noted for their efficiency in recycling nutrients, further underscoring their ecological importance.

-Source: The Hindu