Current Affairs 23 July 2024

CONTENTS

1. Central Government Plans Rs 50,000 Crore Scheme for Agricultural Reforms
2. National Flag Day
3. Surge in Domestic Patent Applications in FY24
4. Brown Dwarfs
5. Periyar E.V. Ramasamy
6. Mashco Piro Tribe
7. Rogue waves

Madhya Pradesh’s Requirement for CBI Consent

Context:

The Government of Madhya Pradesh has announced that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will now require written consent from the state government to initiate any inquiry against state officials. This decision follows a trend where several states have withdrawn general consent for CBI investigations, sparking discussions on the necessity of new legislation to clearly define the CBI’s status, functions, and powers.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Madhya Pradesh’s Mandate for Prior Consent for CBI Inquiries
2. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
3. Functions of CBI
4. Challenges of CBI

Madhya Pradesh’s Mandate for Prior Consent for CBI Inquiries

Background

• Changes in Law: Madhya Pradesh’s decision aligns with the amendments in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and reflects recent consultations with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988: This section mandates that no inquiry or investigation into offenses committed by public servants can be initiated without prior approval from the appropriate authority.

Current Policy

• Requirement for Prior Consent: Madhya Pradesh now requires written consent from the state government for the CBI to conduct inquiries or investigations into state officials.
• Continuing General Consent: Previous general consents for other offenses and case-by-case consents given by the state government will still be applicable.

Implications of the Decision

• Impact on Investigation Efficiency:
  • Slowing of Process: The requirement for prior written consent could delay the initiation of CBI inquiries against state officials.
  • Administrative Burden: It may increase the workload for both the state government and the CBI, potentially affecting the efficiency of investigations into corruption.
• Broader Trend:
  • Control over Central Agencies: This decision is part of a larger trend where states are asserting greater control over central investigative agencies, which affects the dynamics of federal governance in India.

Context of Similar Decisions

• Other States: States like Meghalaya, Mizoram, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Kerala, and Punjab have also withdrawn general consent for CBI investigations, indicating a shift in how states are interacting with central investigative bodies.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was set up in 1963 after the recommendation of Santhanam committee under Ministry of Home affairs and was later transferred to the Ministry of Personnel and now it enjoys the status of an attached office.
• Now, the CBI comes under the administrative control of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
• The CBI derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, however, it is NOT a Statutory Body.
• CBI is the apex anti-corruption body in the country – Along with being the main investigating agency of the Central Government it also provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.
• The CBI is required to obtain the prior approval of the Central Government before conducting any inquiry or investigation.
• The CBI is also the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigations on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
• The CBI’s conviction rate is as high as 65 to 70% and it is comparable to the best investigation agencies in the world.
• The CBI is headed by a Director and he is assisted by a special director or an additional director. It has joint directors, deputy inspector generals, superintendents of police.

CBI has following divisions

• Anti-Corruption Division
• Economic Offences Division
• Special Crimes Division
• Policy and International Police Cooperation Division
• Administration Division
• Directorate of Prosecution
• Central Forensic Science Laboratory

How does the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) function in India?

Provision of Prior Permission:

• The CBI is required to obtain prior approval from the Central Government before conducting an inquiry or investigation into an offense committed by officers of the rank of joint secretary and above in the Central Government and its authorities.
• The Supreme Court, in 2014, declared Section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, which provided protection to joint secretary and above officers from facing preliminary inquiries by the CBI in corruption cases, as invalid and violative of Article 14.

General Consent Principle for CBI:

• The state government can grant consent to the CBI on a case-specific basis or through a “general” consent.
• General consent is usually given by states to facilitate seamless investigation of corruption cases involving central government employees within their states.
• This consent is considered implicit, allowing the CBI to initiate investigations assuming consent has already been given.
• Without general consent, the CBI would need to seek permission from the state government for each individual case, even for minor actions.

Challenges of CBI

• The CBI has been dubbed a “caged parrot speaking in its master’s voice” by the Supreme Court of India due to excessive political influence in its operations. It has frequently been utilised by the government to conceal misdeeds, keep coalition allies in line, and keep political opponents at away. It has been accused of massive delays in concluding investigations, such as in its investigation into high-ranking Jain dignitaries in the Jain hawala diaries case [in the 1990s].
• Loss of Credibility: Improving the agency’s image has been one of the most difficult challenges so far, as the agency has been chastised for its mishandling of several high-profile cases, including the Bofors scandal, the Hawala scandal, the Sant Singh Chatwal case, the Bhopal gas tragedy, and the 2008 Noida double murder case (Aarushi Talwar).
• Lack of Accountability: CBI is exempt from the Right to Information Act, which means it is not accountable to the public.
• Acute staff shortage: One of the key causes of the shortfall is the government’s mishandling of the CBI’s employees, which includes an inefficient and inexplicably biassed recruitment policy that was utilised to bring in favoured officials, possibly to the organization’s damage.
• Limited Authority: Members of the CBI’s investigative powers and jurisdiction are subject to the consent of the State Government, restricting the scope of the CBI’s inquiry.
• Restricted Access: Obtaining prior authorisation from the Central Government to initiate an inquiry or probe into Central Government workers at the level of Joint Secretary and above is a major impediment to tackling corruption at the highest levels of government.

-Source: The Hindu

Central Government Plans Rs 50,000 Crore Scheme for Agricultural Reforms

Context:

The Central Government is contemplating a new scheme with an allocation of Rs 50,000 crore aimed at incentivizing states to implement agricultural reforms.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Problems Faced by the Agriculture Sector in India
2. NITI Aayog’s Proposal on Agricultural Reforms

Problems Faced by the Agriculture Sector in India

• Financial Constraints
  • Limited Access to Loans: Small farmers struggle to secure affordable loans, affecting their ability to invest in modern equipment, quality seeds, and fertilizers. This limits their productivity and growth potential.
• Fragmented Land Holdings
  • Small, Fragmented Plots: Many farmers own small and fragmented plots, which complicates the use of modern farming techniques and reduces overall productivity.
• Traditional Farming Methods
  • Resistance to Change: Many farmers rely on traditional methods due to limited access to information and resistance to change, which hinders the adoption of advanced agricultural techniques.
• Dependency on Monsoon
  • Vulnerability to Weather: The agriculture sector’s dependence on monsoon rains makes it highly vulnerable to droughts and inconsistent rainfall patterns.
• Irrigation and Water Management
  • Limited Access: Effective irrigation and water management are crucial, especially in regions with scarce water resources. Lack of infrastructure in this area affects crop yields.
• Soil Degradation
  • Chemical Use and Poor Practices: The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, coupled with poor land use practices, degrades soil quality, leading to reduced fertility and lower productivity.
• Post-Harvest Losses
  • Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate storage, cold chain facilities, poor rural roads, and limited market access contribute to post-harvest losses and higher production costs, affecting farmers’ ability to receive fair prices for their produce.
• Price Instability
  • Weak Market Links: Farmers face unstable prices due to weak market connections and a lack of price information, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation and uncertain returns.
• Climate and Weather Risks
  • Unpredictable Conditions: Climate change, unpredictable weather, and natural disasters like floods and droughts cause significant crop losses and increase risks for farmers.
• Limited Technological Access
  • Need for Innovation: Farmers often lack access to modern technologies and research, which impedes the adoption of innovative practices. Better knowledge, training, and affordable technology solutions are needed.
• Policy Exclusion
  • Lack of Representation: Farmers frequently lack a voice in policy-making, leading to reforms and initiatives that may not adequately address their specific challenges.

NITI Aayog’s Proposal on Agricultural Reforms

Overview

• New Scheme Proposal: Nearly three years after repealing its three farm laws, the Union government is planning a new scheme with a budget of Rs 50,000 crore to encourage states to implement agricultural reforms.
• Objective: The scheme aims to provide central funding for states to implement reforms in agriculture marketing, contract farming, and land leasing.

Historical Context

• Presentation to Prime Minister’s Office: NITI Aayog officials presented the scheme idea to the Prime Minister’s Office following the NDA’s third term win in the Lok Sabha elections.
• “India’s Amrit Kaal”: The scheme is part of broader efforts during India’s ‘Amrit Kaal’ (2022-2047) to implement significant farm sector reforms.

Reforms Under Consideration

• Seed Bill: Passing the long-pending Seed Bill.
• Public Investment: Increasing public investment in agriculture to 5% of Agriculture Gross Value Addition (GVA).
• Performance-Based Incentives: Revisiting performance-based incentives for states that implement agricultural reforms, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.

Key Areas for Incentives (15th Finance Commission’s 2021-26 Report)

• Land Lease Reforms
• Sustainable Water Use in Agriculture
• Export Promotion
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Contribution
• Proposed Budget: Rs 45,000 crore for states undertaking these reforms.

Implementation Strategy

• Model Acts: States could receive financial rewards for adopting the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Act (2017), the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming Act (2018), and the Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act (2016).
• Expansion: The central government is considering the Commission’s recommendations while formulating and implementing existing and new Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector Schemes.

-Source: The Hindu

National Flag Day

Context:

India’s National Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian national flag on 22nd July 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, a few days before the country attained Independence from the British on 15th August 1947. 

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. National Flag Day
2. Major Laws Governing the National Flag

National Flag Day

Historical Context

• Adoption Date: The Indian National Flag was adopted on 22nd July 1947 by the Constituent Assembly of India, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
• Symbolism: The flag symbolizes national pride, unity, and the struggle for freedom, serving as a tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

Resolution and Design

• Resolution Moved by: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Flag Description:
  • Colors: Horizontal tricolor of deep saffron (Kesari), white, and dark green in equal proportion.
  • Central Emblem: A navy blue Ashoka Chakra (wheel) in the center of the white band, representing the Charkha. The design of the Wheel is based on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Asoka.
  • Dimensions: The diameter of the Wheel is approximately the width of the white band, and the ratio of the width to length of the flag is 2:3.
• Significance: The adoption marked the end of British rule and affirmed India’s commitment to freedom and future prosperity.

Major Laws Governing the National Flag

1. Flag Code of India, 2002

• General Provisions:
  • Position of Honour: The National Flag should occupy the position of honor and be distinctly placed.
  • Condition of the Flag: A damaged or disheveled flag must not be displayed and should be disposed of privately by either burying or burning, maintaining dignity.
  • Flying Restrictions:
    • The Flag should not be flown from a masthead simultaneously with other flags.
    • It should not be flown on vehicles except those of dignitaries like the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Governors.
    • No other flag or bunting should be placed higher than or side by side with the National Flag.
  • Display Permissions: The National Flag can be hoisted/displayed by the public, private organizations, or educational institutions on all days and occasions, consistent with its dignity and honor.
• Recent Amendments:
  • 2021: Allowed polyester or machine-made flags.
  • 2022: Permitted the flag to be flown both day and night.

2. Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

• Offenses:
  • Disrespect or contempt towards the National Flag or Constitution through actions like burning, mutilating, defacing, destroying, or any other act, including spoken or written words.
• Penalties:
  • Punishment with up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Additional Information

• Flag Specifications: The National Flag shall be rectangular, and the ratio of length to height (width) shall be 3:2. The size of the flag can vary but must adhere to this ratio.

-Source: Indian Express

Surge in Domestic Patent Applications in FY24

Context:

For the first time, domestic patent applications in FY24 have exceeded those from foreign applicants, driven by a surge in fields such as computer science, IT, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, foreign entities still hold a significant share of the patents awarded in India, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all approved applications.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is a Patent?
2. Domestic Patent Applications in India
3. Foreign Patents in India
4. Government Initiatives to Boost the Intellectual Property (IP) Ecosystem

What is a Patent?

• Definition: A patent is an exclusive right granted by the government to an inventor for a novel, non-obvious, useful industrial product or process.
• Criteria for Patenting:
  • Novelty: The invention must be new and not previously disclosed.
  • Non-obviousness: The invention must not be obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field.
  • Utility: The invention must be useful and have practical application.
  • Patentable Subject Matter: It must fall within the categories defined by national law.
• Protection Duration: Patents provide legal protection for up to 20 years from the filing date.
• Administration: In India, the Indian Patents Act 1970 outlines what is patentable. The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM) is responsible for overseeing the patent system.

Domestic Patent Applications in India

• Trend: There has been a steady increase in domestic patent applications, with residents’ share rising from 34% in FY19 to 53% in FY24.
• Challenges:
  • Approval Delays: High application numbers have not always translated into approvals due to the quality of applications and procedural delays.
  • Examiner Shortage: India has a lower number of patent examiners (597) compared to countries like Germany (821) and the US (over 8,000), impacting the efficiency of the patent approval process.
  • Time Lag: Patents often involve a time lag due to procedural requirements.

Foreign Patents in India

• High Foreign Patent Approvals:
  • Statistics: In 2022, 74.46% of patents approved in India were for non-resident entities, one of the highest globally. In comparison, China’s figure was 12.87%.
  • Leading Entities: Global IT giants like Qualcomm, Samsung, Huawei, and Apple dominate the foreign patent approvals in India.
• Reasons for High Foreign Patents:
  • R&D Inefficiencies: The disparity reflects inefficiencies in India’s R&D capabilities, with lower private and stagnant government investment.
  • International Agreements: The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and Paris Convention facilitate patent filings by foreign entities, with PCT being a significant source.

India and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

• Ratification: India ratified the PCT in 1998, allowing for easier patent filings across multiple countries.
• PCT Members: Around 142 countries are PCT members, simplifying the process for multinational companies to secure patents internationally.

India’s R&D Spending and its Impact

• Stagnation: R&D spending as a percentage of GDP in India has decreased from 0.83% in 2008 to 0.65% in 2022, compared to a global average of 2.62%.
• Consequences:
  • Dependence on Imports: Limited R&D spending leads to reliance on imported machinery, parts, and foreign technicians.
  • Trade Deficit: India has a trade deficit with many top trade partners, with imports from China alone exceeding $100 billion in FY24.

Government Initiatives to Boost the Intellectual Property (IP) Ecosystem

• Scheme for Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP):
  • Objective: To support startups by providing access to IP services and resources for protection and commercialization.
• National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy:
  • Launch: Introduced in 2016 by the DPIIT.
  • Goal: To promote innovation and creativity in India.
• Draft Model Guidelines for Academic Institutions:
  • Purpose: To establish fair and transparent processes for IP ownership and revenue sharing in academic institutions.
• National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM):
  • Aim: To educate 1 million students about intellectual property and their rights.

-Source: Indian Express

Brown Dwarfs

Context:

Researchers have used James Webb Space Telescope observations to conduct detailed examinations of the atmospheric conditions on pairs of brown dwarfs.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Brown Dwarfs
2. What is NASA’s James Webb Telescope?

Brown Dwarfs

Definition and Characteristics:

• Size Range: Brown dwarfs are celestial bodies that fall between the size of giant planets (like Jupiter) and small stars.
• Composition: They accumulate material similar to stars but do not reach the mass required to sustain nuclear fusion in their cores.
• Atmosphere: Their atmospheres can contain clouds made of hot silicate particles rather than water clouds found on Earth, due to their higher temperatures.
• Elemental Composition: They retain lighter elements like hydrogen and helium more effectively than planets, resulting in a relatively low metal content.

Why They Are Not Stars:

• Insufficient Mass: Brown dwarfs do not have enough mass to achieve the high pressures and temperatures needed to initiate nuclear fusion in their cores.
• “Failed Stars”: Due to their inability to sustain nuclear fusion, they are often referred to as “failed stars.”

Comparison with Planets and Stars:

• Similar to Stars: Brown dwarfs accumulate material in a manner similar to stars, with a dense core surrounded by a gaseous atmosphere.
• Unlike Planets: Unlike planets, brown dwarfs hold onto their lighter elements more effectively and have a more substantial mass, but they do not shine like stars due to the lack of nuclear fusion.

Significance:

• Astrophysical Research: Brown dwarfs bridge the gap between stars and planets and help scientists understand the processes of stellar formation and evolution.
• Observational Studies: They are studied using various telescopes to understand their atmospheric composition, temperature, and other physical characteristics.

What is NASA’s James Webb Telescope?

• The telescope has been in the works for years. NASA led its development with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency.
• It was launched aboard a rocket on December 25, 2021, and is currently at a point in space known as the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, approximately 1.5 million km beyond Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
  • Lagrange Point 2 is one of the five points in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun system.
• Named after Italian-French mathematician Josephy-Louis Lagrange, the points are in any revolving two-body system like Earth and Sun, marking where the gravitational forces of the two large bodies cancel each other out.
• Objects placed at these positions are relatively stable and require minimal external energy or fuel to keep themselves there, and so many instruments are positioned here.
• L2 is a position directly behind Earth in the line joining the Sun and the Earth. It would be shielded from the Sun by the Earth as it goes around the Sun, in sync with the Earth.

What is the mission of the James Webb Space Telescope?

NASA says the James Webb Space Telescope will be “a giant leap forward in our quest to understand the Universe and our origins”, as it will examine every phase of cosmic history: from the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets to the evolution of our own Solar System.

The science goals for the Webb can be grouped into four themes.

• To look back around 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe.
• To compare the faintest, earliest galaxies to today’s grand spirals and understand how galaxies assemble over billions of years.
• To see where stars and planetary systems are being born.
• To observe the atmospheres of extrasolar planets (beyond our solar system), and perhaps find the building blocks of life elsewhere in the universe. The telescope will also study objects within our own Solar System.

-Source: Indian Express

Periyar E.V. Ramasamy

Context:

Periyar Vision OTT platform was recently launched by Dravidar Kazhagam, a social organisation founded by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Periyar E.V. Ramasamy

Biographical Overview:

• Full Name: Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy
• Birth: 17 September 1879
• Death: 24 December 1973
• Nickname: Periyar or Thanthai Periyar (Father of the Dravidian Movement)

Major Contributions:

Self-Respect Movement:

• Objective: Aimed at fostering pride and self-respect among lower castes and challenging the dominance of the Brahminical social order.
• Focus: Addressed issues of caste discrimination, gender inequality, and religious orthodoxy.

Dravidar Kazhagam:

• Formation: In 1944, Periyar renamed the Justice Party to Dravidar Kazhagam.
• Goals: Advocated for the rights of Dravidians, the eradication of caste, and the promotion of rationalism.

Political and Social Activism:

• Early Affiliation: Joined the Indian National Congress in 1919 but resigned in 1925 due to dissatisfaction with its Brahmin-centric approach.
• Vaikom Satyagraha (1924): Led a non-violent agitation demanding the entry of Dalits into temples in Kerala, which significantly enhanced his reputation as a leader of lower castes.

Influences and Ideologies:

• International Influence: His tours of British Malaya, Europe, and the Soviet Union (1929-1932) had a significant impact on his ideas and approaches.
• Rationalism and Self-Respect: Promoted rationalism, women’s rights, and the eradication of caste-based discrimination.
• Independent Dravida Nadu: Advocated for an independent Dravida Nadu, reflecting his commitment to Dravidian identity and autonomy.

Religious and Philosophical Views:

• Opposition to Indo-Aryan Imposition: Criticized the imposition of Indo-Aryan cultural and religious norms on South India.
• Influence of Thiruvalluvar: Despite his criticisms of Brahminism and caste, Periyar respected the Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar and adhered to the idea of a single, formless God.

Legacy:

• Social Reforms: Periyar’s activism laid the foundation for social reforms in Tamil Nadu and contributed to the broader Dravidian movement, influencing the political and social landscape of South India.
• Enduring Impact: His ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions on caste, gender equality, and rationalism.

-Source: Indian Express

Mashco Piro Tribe

Context:

Recently, the previously uncontacted Mashco Piro tribe emerged in Peru due to encroachment and a search for food and safety. 

Relevance:

GS II: Tribes

Mashco Piro Tribe

Overview:

• Size: The Mashco Piro is the largest uncontacted tribe globally, with an estimated population of over 750 members.
• Location: They traditionally inhabit the Amazon rainforest, a region known for its vast biodiversity.
• Isolation: The Mashco Piro have lived in isolation for much of their history, maintaining minimal contact with the outside world.

Interactions and Risks:

• Limited Contact: The tribe occasionally interacts with the Yine community, with whom they share ancestry and language.
• Health Risks: These interactions are risky due to the Mashco Piro’s lack of immunity to common diseases, which can have devastating effects on their population.

Historical Context:

• 1880s Rubber Boom: During this period, rubber barons invaded the Mashco Piro’s territory, leading to significant exploitation, violence, and atrocities against the tribe.

Protection Efforts:

• 2002 Reserve: Perú established the Madre de Dios Territorial Reserve to protect the Mashco Piro’s land and way of life. However, the reserve only covers about one-third of the area initially proposed for their protection.

Perú

Geography:

• Location: Western South America, bordered by Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and the Pacific Ocean.
• Diverse Habitats: Includes the Andes mountains and the Amazon Basin rainforest, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
• Climate Influences: Affected by its tropical latitude and two significant ocean currents: the Humboldt and El Niño.

Economic Resources:

• Major Producer: Perú is a leading producer of several minerals and metals, including:
  • Lithium
  • Lead
  • Zinc
  • Gold
  • Copper
  • Silver

-Source: Indian Express

Rogue Waves

Context:

Researchers have developed a new tool that can be used to predict the emergence of unusually large and unpredictable waves at sea—known as rogue waves.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Rogue Waves

Overview:

• Alternate Names: Freak waves.
• Characteristics: Rare, large, and spontaneous ocean surface waves that exceed the maximum expected height for a given sea state.
• Appearance: Rogue waves often appear as towering “walls of water” with steep sides and unusually deep troughs. They can be much higher than the surrounding waves, sometimes more than twice the height of nearby waves.

Formation:

• Coincidental Stacking: Created by the alignment of multiple wind-driven wave crests converging at a single point.
• Wave Combination: May also form from a combination of different wave patterns merging together.

Behavior and Movement:

• Direction: They can move in the same direction, opposite direction, or at oblique angles to the prevailing wind and wave motion.
• Unpredictability: Highly unpredictable, often appearing unexpectedly and from directions other than the prevailing wind and wave patterns.

Geographical Observations:

• Global Occurrence: Observed worldwide, including the Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and some parts of the Indian Ocean.
• Near-Shore Effects: Rogue waves are not restricted to the open ocean; they can also occur near coastal areas, causing significant damage to coastal structures and posing risks to small boats.

Impacts:

• Hazards to Ships: They can be extremely dangerous, potentially capsizing vessels or throwing crew members overboard.
• Damage to Infrastructure: Powerful enough to cause damage to oil-drilling platforms and lighthouses.

-Source: The Hindu