Current Affairs 18 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. Resilience of Historical Fort vs Recent Collapse: Sindhudurg’s Tale of Timelessness
2. Investing in Precision Agriculture: Launch of Smart Precision Horticulture
3. The Case of Manipur’s Unrest: Use of Emergency Provisions
4. New Structure for Start-up India Initiative
5. Nipah Virus
6. Cellulitis Disease

Resilience of Historical Fort vs Recent Collapse: Sindhudurg’s Tale of Timelessness

Context:

In a striking contrast of durability and historical craftsmanship, the recently unveiled 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Malvan, Sindhudurg district, collapsed within a year of its installation. This event sharply contrasts with the enduring Sindhudurg Fort, constructed by Shivaji Maharaj 357 years ago. Unlike the modern installation, Sindhudurg Fort has withstood the test of time, underscoring its significant role in historical military operations, including the Surat raids which also helped finance its construction. This juxtaposition highlights the lasting legacy of traditional engineering and strategic planning from centuries past.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Facts about the Sindhudurg Fort
2. Overview of the Surat Raids by Shivaji Maharaj
3. About Chhatrapati Shivaji 

Key Facts about the Sindhudurg Fort

• Construction Timeline: Began on 25th November 1664, completed on 29th March 1667.
• Location: Situated on the island of Kurte in the Arabian Sea, meticulously selected by Shivaji Maharaj and Hiroji Indulkar.
• Cost: Estimated construction cost was one crore hons, a significant gold currency during Shivaji’s reign.
• Strategic Vision: Aimed to establish maritime control and bolster economic stability through a formidable navy.
• Defense Strategy: Positioned to control maritime access and protect against colonial forces such as the Siddis and Portuguese.
• Architectural Features: The fort is renowned for its serpentine wall stretching four kilometers, standing ten meters high with 45 stairways, and equipped with extensive military facilities.
• Iconic Features: Features a south-facing statue of Hanuman at the entrance, supported by additional fortifications such as Padmagad, Sarjekot, and Rajkot.
• Current Status: Sindhudurg Fort stands as a resilient symbol of Maratha naval prowess and strategic acumen, preserved as a historic landmark.

Overview of the Surat Raids by Shivaji Maharaj

• Strategic Relevance of Surat: Known as the preeminent commercial hub of the Mughal Empire, located along the Tapi river.
• Economic Significance: Central trade hub for Mughal commerce with Europeans, Iranians, Arabs, and a transit point for pilgrims heading to Mecca.
• Objective: The raids targeted Surat to disrupt Mughal economic foundations and assert Maratha dominance.
• First Raid (January 1664): Swiftly executed, catching Mughal defenses unprepared, leading to substantial plunder.
• Impact of the First Raid: Triggered a strategic shift of English trading operations from Surat to Bombay. The Portuguese transferred control of Bombay to the English shortly after.
• Second Raid (October 1670): Another lucrative raid, extracting wealth valued approximately at Rs 6.6 million, focusing primarily on the extraction of valuable resources while sparing European merchants.
• Strategic Outcomes: These raids were critical in undermining Mughal economic stability and demonstrated the strategic and military capabilities of the Marathas, with Shivaji Maharaj taking measures to minimize civilian impact and focusing on weakening Mughal authority.

About Chhatrapati Shivaji 

• Born on February 19, 1630, at Shivneri Fort in Pune.
• He was born to Shahaji Bhonsle, a Maratha general who ruled the Bijapur Sultanate’s jagirs of Pune and Supe.  Shivaji’s mother was Jijabai, a devout woman who had a strong religious influence on him.
• Shivaji’s name was derived from the name of a provincial deity, Goddess Shivai.
• He created the Maratha Empire by carving out an enclave from the crumbling Adilshahi sultanate of Bijapur.
• He was formally crowned Chhatrapati (Monarch) of his dominion in Raigad in 1674.
• Religious tolerance and functional integration of the Brahmans, Marathas, and Prabhus ensured the kingdom’s security.
• With the support of a disciplined military and well-structured administrative organisations, he constructed a competent and progressive civil rule.
• He had a ministerial council (Asht Pradhan) to advise him on state problems, but he was not bound by it. He had the authority to appoint or fire them.
• He pioneered non-conventional methods (guerrilla warfare) and used strategic elements such as terrain, speed, and surprise to innovate military tactics.
• To defeat his larger and more powerful opponents, he concentrated on pinpoint attacks.
• Although the courageous warrior died in 1680, he is remembered for his bravery and intelligence.

Shivaji and the Mughals

• Shivaji’s meteoric rise posed challenges to the suzerainty of the Mughals.
• His first direct encounter with the Mughals was during Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns of the 1650s.
• As Aurangzeb went North to fight for the Mughal throne, Shivaji was able to seize further territory.
• His tactics against the Mughals were adapted to the specific nature of his force and the flabby Mughal armies. Using swift cavalry attacks, he would raid and pillage Mughal strongholds.
• While on the rare occasion he would engage in battle to actually capture and hold Mughal positions, most often, he would simply cause much menace, raid the treasury, and leave with the Mughals in terror and disarray.
• Famously, in 1664, he attacked the port of Surat (now in Gujarat) and plundered one of the richest and busiest commercial towns of Mughal India while the local governor hid in a nearby fort.
• As the legend of Shivaji and the physical sphere of his influence grew, Aurangzeb sent a 100,000-strong, well-equipped army under Raja Jai Singh I to subdue him in 1665.
• After putting up a valiant fight, Shivaji was besieged in the Purandar hill fort.

-Source: Indian Express

Investing in Precision Agriculture: Launch of Smart Precision Horticulture

Context:

The Indian Government is set to allocate Rs 6,000 crore to advance precision farming, launching the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). This strategic move aims to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the horticulture sector by integrating modern farming techniques that optimize resource usage and improve crop yields, thereby bolstering India’s agricultural framework.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Proposed Precision Farming Scheme
2. Precision Farming
3. Precision Farming in India

Proposed Precision Farming Scheme

• Objective: To promote precision farming through the utilization of advanced technologies.
• Budget Allocation: The Indian government plans to allocate Rs 6,000 crore to support this initiative.
• Technological Integration:
  • Utilization of IoT, AI, drones, and data analytics to boost productivity.
  • Focus on enhancing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts.
• Program Development:
  • Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), the Smart Precision Horticulture Programme is being developed.
• Coverage:
  • The program aims to encompass 15,000 acres over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29).
  • It targets benefiting approximately 60,000 farmers.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Role:
  • Provides financial support for infrastructure projects tailored to smart and precision agriculture.
  • Loans with a 3% interest subvention are available to individual farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Technological Practices Under the Scheme:
  • Farm and harvest automation.
  • Deployment of drones and specialized field sensors.
  • Integration of blockchain and AI technologies.
  • Employment of remote sensing and Internet of Things (IoT).
• International Collaborations:
  • Collaborative efforts with countries like the Netherlands and Israel to import advanced farming solutions.
  • Plans to establish 100 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) within five years, with 32 Indo-Israel CoEs already operational across 14 states.

Precision Farming

• Precision farming is an advanced agriculture practice leveraging GPS, sensors, data analytics, drones, and remote sensing to enhance crop production accuracy.
• Goal: Optimize resource usage (water, fertilizers, pesticides) based on specific site conditions to boost yield, reduce waste, and lessen environmental impact.

Benefits:

• Tailored Resource Management: Allows farmers to customize inputs based on crop needs, improving yield and efficiency.
• Resource Conservation: Ensures judicious use of resources, reducing production costs and environmental footprint.
• Sustainable Practices: Minimizes chemical use, reducing soil and water contamination and promoting eco-friendly farming.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Enables informed decision-making through real-time data, mitigating risks from weather variability and crop diseases.

Challenges:

• High Costs: Significant investment required in technology and infrastructure, posing a barrier for small-scale farmers.
• Skill Gaps: Farmers need training to effectively use and interpret data from precision farming tools.
• Connectivity Issues: Limited internet access, particularly in rural areas, hampers the adoption of precision farming.
• Data Handling: Managing and interpreting large data volumes requires specialized skills and software.

Precision Farming in India

• Current State: While globally integrated, precision farming in India is mainly developed for nutrient-use and water-use efficiency but is not yet a staple in mainstream farming.

Government Initiatives:

• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Focus on enhancing water-use efficiency and soil health.
• Digital Infrastructure: Introduction of a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to provide farmers with essential technology and information.
• Precision Farming Development Centres: 22 centers established across India to promote and develop precision farming technologies.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Supports infrastructure development for precision farming, with additional AI and machine learning projects under the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture.

Coverage:

• Limited Adoption: Primarily in states like Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, mostly in large commercial farms with better irrigation facilities.

Local Challenges:

• Fragmented Land Holdings: Small farm sizes complicate the implementation of advanced farming technologies.
• Economic and Educational Barriers: Many small farmers lack the funds and knowledge necessary to adopt high-tech solutions.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: A substantial digital divide limits the effectiveness of precision farming tools in rural areas.

-Source: Indian Express

The Case of Manipur’s Unrest: Use of Emergency Provisions

Context:

Recent disturbances in Manipur have once again brought to the forefront the critical discussions surrounding Centre-State relations, specifically in the context of the Central government’s involvement in managing internal state crises. This resurgence of violence underscores the operational challenges and the importance of emergency provisions designed to address such exigencies effectively.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is an Emergency?
2. Types of Emergency in the Indian Constitution
3. How Many Times Emergency was Imposed in India?

What is an Emergency?

• Definition: An emergency refers to legal provisions within a nation’s constitution or laws that allow the government to act swiftly in response to extraordinary circumstances like war, rebellion, or crises threatening the nation’s stability, security, sovereignty, or democracy.
• Articles: These provisions are detailed in Articles 352 to 360 under Part XVIII of the Constitution.
• Inspiration: The emergency clauses in the Indian Constitution are influenced by the Weimar Constitution of Germany.
• Significance: These provisions grant the executive branch temporary powers to bypass standard legislative procedures, restrict certain rights and freedoms, and implement policies that would usually be outside its jurisdiction under normal circumstances.

Types of Emergency in the Indian Constitution

National Emergency (Article 352):

• Conditions: Under Article 352, the President can declare a state of emergency if the nation’s security is threatened by war, external aggression (External Emergency), or armed rebellion (Internal Emergency). The term ‘armed rebellion’ was introduced by the 44th amendment, replacing ‘internal disturbance’.
• Powers: The declaration allows the executive to suspend fundamental rights (except Articles 20 and 21) and take necessary actions to manage the crisis.
• Approval: The proclamation must be approved by both houses of Parliament within one month. If issued when the Lok Sabha is dissolved, it survives until 30 days after the first sitting of the reconstituted Lok Sabha, with Rajya Sabha’s approval.
• Duration: Once approved, the emergency can last for six months and be extended indefinitely with six-monthly parliamentary approvals by a special majority.
• Revocation: The President can revoke the emergency without parliamentary approval, but it must be revoked if the Lok Sabha passes a resolution by a simple majority.
• Scope: The proclamation can apply to the entire country or a specific part, as allowed by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.

State Emergency or President Rule (Article 356):

• Imposition Examples:
  • Maharashtra (2019): Imposed for a short period due to political uncertainty post-assembly elections.
  • Uttarakhand (2020): Imposed briefly due to a political crisis involving a floor test.
  • Uttar Pradesh (1991-1992): Following the assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and ensuing instability.
  • Punjab (1987-1992): Due to heightened militancy and internal disturbances.
• Judicial Review: The Supreme Court, in cases like S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994) and Rameshwar Prasad vs Union of India (2006), has set guidelines for the use of Article 356, establishing that imposing President’s Rule is subject to judicial review. The President’s satisfaction must be based on relevant material, and the State Legislative Assembly should only be dissolved after Parliament’s approval.

Financial Emergency (Article 360):

• Conditions: The President can declare a financial emergency if the financial stability or credit of India or any part is threatened.
• Powers: During such an emergency, the President can reduce the salaries and allowances of all or any class of persons in civil services, including judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. The central government also gains control over state financial resources.
• Approval: The proclamation must be approved by both houses of Parliament within two months. If not approved, it ceases to have effect. The President can revoke or vary the proclamation at any time.
• History: Unlike national and state emergencies, a financial emergency has never been proclaimed in India.

How Many Times Emergency was Imposed in India?

• Occurrences: National Emergency has been proclaimed 3 times in India:
  • Indo-China War (1962): Declared due to “external aggression” during the Sino-Indian War.
  • Indo-Pak War (1971): Imposed on grounds of “external aggression” during the Indo-Pakistani War.
  • 1975-1977: The most controversial, declared due to “internal disturbance” amidst political unrest, leading to significant suspension of civil liberties.

-Source: The Hindu

New Structure for Start-up India Initiative

Context:

The Indian Government has announced a significant structural shift for its flagship Start-up India initiative. The program, initially managed under Invest India, will now be transitioned to a newly established non-profit entity. This change aims to streamline processes and enhance strategic alignments. Additionally, this new non-profit will also encompass the National Start-up Advisory Council, facilitating more integrated and focused support for India’s burgeoning start-up ecosystem.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Invest India
2. National Start-up Advisory Council (NSAC)

Invest India

Invest India acts as India’s official National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency. Established as a non-profit under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, its primary role is to facilitate and empower investors navigating the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Functions and Offerings:

• Sector-Specific Support: It focuses on targeted investor engagement and partnership development, fostering sustainable investments across various sectors.
• Comprehensive Assistance: From pre-investment to after-care, Invest India provides thorough support including market entry strategies, detailed industry analysis, and assistance with location and partner finding.
• Policy Advocacy: The agency plays a crucial role in representing investor interests with policymakers to enhance the business environment in India.
• Global and Local Partnerships: Collaborates with both global investment promotion bodies and multilateral organizations to bolster investment opportunities.

Headquarters:

New Delhi, India

National Start-up Advisory Council (NSAC)

The National Start-up Advisory Council, established by the DPIIT, serves to guide the Indian Government on crafting a robust ecosystem for startups, focusing on innovation and large-scale job creation.

Objectives and Structure:

• Advisory Role: NSAC provides strategic recommendations on nurturing startup innovation, aiming to propel sustainable economic growth and job creation.
• Leadership: Chaired by the Minister for Commerce & Industry, it includes ex-officio members from relevant ministries and departments and non-official members comprising founders and veterans of successful Indian startups.
• Strategic Integration: The council embodies a collaborative platform for all principal stakeholders of the startup ecosystem, enhancing policy coherence and effective strategy implementation.

-Source: The Hindu

Nipah Virus

Context:

In response to the recent Nipah virus death in Malappuram district of Kerala, the state government has imposed strict containment measures in affected areas. 

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Nipah virus
2. Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Nipah Virus Infection
3. Nipah Virus Spread and Past Outbreaks

Nipah Virus

Nipah virus is classified as a zoonotic disease, indicating that it is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or via the consumption of contaminated food.

Origin and Early Outbreak

• The virus was first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore, with its primary impact observed in pigs and individuals closely associated with them.
• The name “Nipah” is derived from the Malaysian village of Sungai Nipah, where this outbreak initially occurred. Since 1999, no new outbreaks have been reported in Malaysia.

Family and Natural Hosts

• Nipah virus belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and shares a close relationship with the Hendra virus.
• The Paramyxoviridae family comprises a group of single-stranded RNA viruses responsible for causing infections in vertebrates.
• Fruit bats are the natural hosts for the Nipah virus, interestingly, these bats do not exhibit apparent signs of the disease themselves.

Transmission to Humans

• The primary mode of transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animals, especially fruit bats, commonly known as flying foxes.
• Fruit bats are recognized as the principal carriers of the virus and can transmit it to other animals like pigs, dogs, cats, goats, horses, and sheep.
• The transmission from animals to humans is primarily facilitated through the consumption of contaminated food.
• Importantly, human-to-human transmission is also possible, primarily through close contact with the bodily fluids of individuals who are already infected.

Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Nipah Virus Infection

Signs and Symptoms:

• Human infections caused by the Nipah virus can manifest across a wide spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic cases to more severe conditions, including acute respiratory infections and fatal encephalitis.
• Initial symptoms typically include fever, headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), vomiting, and a sore throat.
• The incubation period, which is the time from infection to the onset of symptoms, is estimated to span 4 to 14 days.

Diagnosis:

• Early signs and symptoms of Nipah virus infection are often nonspecific, and healthcare professionals may not initially suspect this disease.
• The diagnosis of Nipah virus infection can be established by considering clinical history during both the acute and convalescent phases of the illness.
• Diagnostic tests employed include the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on bodily fluids and the detection of antibodies through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Treatment:

• As of now, there are no specific drugs or vaccines designed to target Nipah virus infection, although it has been recognized as a priority disease by the WHO Research and Development Blueprint.
• Management of Nipah virus infection primarily relies on intensive supportive care, particularly for individuals experiencing severe respiratory and neurologic complications.

Nipah Virus Spread and Past Outbreaks

Spread Rate:

• The Nipah virus is known for spreading at a slower pace compared to highly contagious viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). However, its potential to cause fatalities is a major concern.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the global case fatality rate of Nipah virus infection ranges from 40% to 75%.
• It’s worth noting that, to date, all outbreaks of the Nipah virus have been localized and contained relatively quickly.
• One key reason for the relatively swift containment of Nipah virus outbreaks is that it is not highly infectious, and human-to-human transmission is not easily facilitated.
• Furthermore, the virus’s high mortality rates contribute to lower transmission because it often leads to severe illness and death before extensive transmission can occur.

Past Outbreaks:

Nipah virus outbreaks have been documented in various locations over the years. Notable instances include:

• Malaysia and Singapore: The virus was first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore. The outbreak was primarily associated with pigs and individuals working closely with them.
• Bangladesh (2001): Nipah virus was recognized in Bangladesh in 2001, and it has led to nearly annual outbreaks in the country since then.
• Eastern India: Periodic cases of the disease have also been identified in eastern India.
• Other Countries: Evidence of the virus has been found in the known natural reservoir, fruit bats, as well as several other bat species in multiple countries, including Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Thailand.

-Source: Indian Express

Cellulitis Disease

Context

Cellulitis disease, which used to affect a few people during the rainy season, is now widespread in the erstwhile Karimnagar district, Telangana

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Cellulitis Disease

Cellulitis Disease

• Cellulitis is a severe bacterial skin infection.
• Common Sites: Typically occurs in the lower extremities (legs, feet, toes) but can affect any body part including the face, arms, hands, and fingers.
• Etiology: Often follows a breach in skin integrity due to injury or surgery, facilitating entry for bacteria such as streptococcus or staphylococcus.

Symptoms of Cellulitis

• Appearance: The infected area becomes swollen, inflamed, warm, and painful.
• Additional Symptoms: May include blisters, skin dimpling, fatigue, chills, fever, and nausea.
• Complications: Without treatment, it may spread to lymph nodes and the bloodstream, posing severe health risks.

Transmission and Treatment

• Contagiousness: Generally not contagious but can be contracted through direct contact with an open wound of an infected person.
• Management: Primarily involves antibiotic therapy to combat the infection.

-Source: Indian Express