Current Affairs 17 February 2024

CONTENTS

1. ‘Delhi Chalo’ Protest: Farmers Demand MSP Legal Guarantees
2. Marine Heatwave
3. Sustainable Fashion: Creating a Responsible Wardrobe
4. Kosovo Attains Visa-Free Access to Schengen Zone
5. Golden-backed Frog and Bonnet Mushroom
6. Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR)

‘Delhi Chalo’ Protest: Farmers Demand MSP Legal Guarantees

Context:

Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are en route to Delhi in the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest, advocating for legal assurances for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Demands of Farmers
2. Challenges with the Legalization of MSP
3. Concerns of Farmers Related to WTO and FTAs
4. Current State of MSP and Farmers’ Demands
5. What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

Key Demands of Farmers:

MSP Legal Guarantee:

• Law ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.
• Determination of crop prices based on the Dr M S Swaminathan Commission’s report.

Swaminathan Commission’s Recommendations:

• MSP to be at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of production (C2+ 50% formula).
• Inclusion of imputed cost of capital and rent on land (C2) to provide farmers with 50% returns.
• Imputed cost accounts for the opportunity cost of resources like land, labour, and capital.

Additional Demands:

• Full debt waiver for farmers and labourers.
• Implementation of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, with written consent from farmers and compensation at four times the collector rate.
• Punishment for perpetrators of the October 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri killings.
• India’s withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and freezing of all free trade agreements (FTAs).
• Pensions for farmers and farm labourers.
• Compensation for farmers who died during the Delhi protest in 2020, with job offers for family members.
• Scrapping of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020.
• Increase in MGNREGA employment to 200 days per year, daily wage of Rs 700, and linking the scheme with farming.
• Strict penalties on companies producing fake seeds, pesticides, fertilisers, and improvements in seed quality.
• Establishment of a national commission for spices such as chilli and turmeric.
• Ensure the rights of indigenous peoples over water, forests, and land.

Government’s Response:

Post Farm Laws Repeal:

• Repeal of three farm laws in November 2021.
• Formation of a committee on MSP to discuss, promote zero-budget natural farming, and decide cropping patterns (July 2022).

Recent Meeting Commitments:

• Recent meeting commitments include the creation of a new committee with representatives from agriculture, rural, and animal husbandry ministries.
• Addressing farmers’ demands for MSP for all crops.
• Assurance of regular meetings and adherence to a specified timeframe.

Challenges with the Legalization of MSP:

• Overproduction Concerns:
  • Mandating government procurement at MSP may lead to overproduction, causing resource wastage and storage challenges.
• Cropping Pattern Distortions:
  • Risk of distorting cropping patterns as farmers prioritize MSP-supported crops, impacting biodiversity and soil health.
• Storage and Resource Issues:
  • Government may face challenges in storing and selling large quantities of procured produce.
• Disparities Among Farmers:
  • Potential disparities between farmers growing supported crops and those cultivating unsupported ones.
  • Farmers of unsupported crops may face disadvantages in market access and government support.
• Resistance from Private Traders:
  • Legal assurance of MSP may face resistance from private traders who benefit from lower prices during peak harvest times.
• Financial Strain on Government:
  • Government could experience financial strain due to the obligation to procure all crops at MSP.
  • Possibility of payment arrears and fiscal challenges.
• Societal Implications:
  • Distorted cropping patterns and excessive procurement may have broader societal implications.
  • Impact on food security, environmental sustainability, and overall economic stability.

Concerns of Farmers Related to WTO and FTAs:

• Increased Competition and Price Undercut:
  • Farmers worry that FTAs and WTO regulations may bring in cheaper agricultural imports, undercutting domestic prices and harming local producers.
• Favoritism Towards Large-scale Agribusinesses:
  • Perception that these agreements favor multinational corporations and large-scale agribusinesses over small and medium-sized farmers.
• Influx of Subsidized Imports:
  • Concerns about the influx of subsidized agricultural products from other countries, flooding the domestic market and depressing prices for local crops.
• Impact on Competitiveness and Livelihoods:
  • Difficulty for Indian farmers to compete and sustain their livelihoods in the face of increased competition and lower prices.
• Regulatory Burden on Traditional Farming:
  • International trade agreements impose regulations or standards on agricultural practices, perceived as burdensome or incompatible with traditional farming methods.
• Pesticide Use, GMOs, and Environmental Standards:
  • Regulations related to pesticide use, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or environmental standards are seen as challenging for Indian farmers.
• Withdrawal for Sovereignty and Control:
  • Some farmers see withdrawal from WTO and freezing of free trade agreements as a means to regain sovereignty and control over India’s agricultural policies.
• Limiting Government Policy Flexibility:
  • Farmers argue that such agreements limit the government’s ability to implement policies prioritizing small-scale farmers and ensuring food security.

Current State of MSP and Farmers’ Demands:

MSP for Wheat (Rabi Marketing Season 2024-25):

• Government-set MSP: Rs 2,275 per quintal.
• Farmers’ demand: C2 plus 50% as per Dr M S Swaminathan Commission’s report.

MSP Calculation Methodology:

• Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) recommends MSP based on the A2+FL formula, considering only paid-out costs and imputed value of family labour.
• Contrasts with C2 formula, which includes additional factors like rental value of owned land and interest on fixed capital.

Return Over Cost of Production for Wheat (Punjab):

• Cost of production (C2) for wheat in Punjab: Rs 1,503 per quintal.
• MSP: Rs 2,275 per quintal.
• Farmers receive Rs 772 per quintal more than the cost of production, indicating a return of 51.36% over C2.

Return Over Cost of Production for Paddy (Punjab):

• Return for Punjab farmers over C2 for paddy: 49%.
• Return over A2+FL for paddy: 152%.

Discrepancy in MSP Calculation and Farmer Demands:

• Farmers demand MSP based on C2 plus 50%, while the government calculates MSP using the A2+FL formula, potentially resulting in lower returns for farmers.

Concerns Regarding MSP Formulas:

• Differences in MSP calculation methodologies lead to concerns about the adequacy of returns for farmers and the need for aligning MSP with C2 plus 50%.

What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

• Minimum Support Price is the price at which government purchases crops from the farmers, whatever may be the price for the crops.
• MSPs have no statutory backing — a farmer cannot demand MSP as a matter of right.

• Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) in the Ministry of Agriculture recommends MSPs for 23 crops.
• CACP consider various factors while recommending the MSP for a commodity like cost of cultivation, supply and demand situation for the commodity; market price trends (domestic and global) and parity vis-à-vis other crops etc.
• MSP seeks to:
  • Assured Value: To give guaranteed prices and assured market to the farmers and save them from the price fluctuations (National or International).
  • Improving Productivity: By encouraging higher investment and adoption of modern technologies in agricultural activities.
  • Consumer Interest: To safeguard the interests of consumers by making available supplies at reasonable prices.

While recommending MSPs, the CACP looks at the following factors:

•  the demand and supply of a commodity;
•  its cost of production;
•  the market price trends (both domestic and international);
• inter-crop price parity;
• the terms of trade between agriculture and non-agriculture (that is, the ratio of prices of farm inputs and farm outputs);
• a minimum of 50 per cent as the margin over the cost of production; and
• the likely implications of an MSP on consumers of that product.

Crops covered

Crops covered by MSPs include:

• 7 types of cereals (paddy, wheat, maize, bajra, jowar, ragi and barley),
•  5 types of pulses (chana, arhar/tur, urad, moong and masur),
• 7 oilseeds (rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, soyabean, sunflower, sesamum, safflower, nigerseed),
• 4 commercial crops (cotton, sugarcane, copra, raw jute)

Why is there a need for MSP?

• The MSP is a minimum price guarantee that acts as a safety net or insurance for farmers when they sell particular crops.
• The guaranteed price and assured market are expected to encourage higher investment and in adoption of modern technologies in agricultural activities.
• With globalization resulting in freer trade in agricultural commodities, it is very important to protect farmers from the unwarranted fluctuation in prices.

What are the issues related to MSP?

• Low accessibility and awareness of the MSP regime: A survey highlighted that, 81% of the cultivators were aware of MSP fixed by the Government for different crops and out of them only 10% knew about MSP before the sowing season.
• Arrears in payments: More than 50% of the farmers receive their payments of MSP after one week.
• Poor marketing arrangements: Almost 67% of the farmers sell their produce at MSP rate through their own arrangement and 21% through brokers.
• According to NITI Aayog report on MSP, 21% of the farmers of the sample States expressed their satisfaction about MSP declared by the Government whereas 79% expressed their dissatisfaction due to various reasons. Although, majority of the farmers of the sample States were dissatisfied on MSP rates, still 94% of them desired that the MSP rates should be continued.

-Source: Indian Express

Marine Heatwave

Context:

A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications reveals the occurrence of unprecedented Marine Heatwave (MHW) events in the Arctic Ocean since 2007. Titled ‘Arctic marine heatwaves forced by greenhouse gases and triggered by abrupt sea-ice melt,’ the research highlights 11 MHW events between 2007 and 2021, coinciding with significant declines in Arctic sea ice.

Relevance:

GS I: Geography

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of the Study on Arctic Marine Heatwaves (MHWs):
2. Marine Heatwave
3. Impact of Marine Heatwave on Rainfall in Northwest India
4. Impacts of Marine Heatwaves

Key Highlights of the Study on Arctic Marine Heatwaves (MHWs):

Arctic MHW Occurrences (2007-2021):

• 11 MHW events observed in the Arctic during this period.
• Characterized by prolonged high Sea Surface Temperatures (SST).
• Coincide with significant declines in Arctic Sea ice.

Arctic MHWs in 2022:

• Severe and extreme marine heatwaves occurred in the Laptev and Beaufort seas from spring to autumn.
• Reported in the State of the Global Climate 2022 report.

Changes in Arctic Sea Ice Cover:

• Perennial sea ice cover over the Arctic Ocean has significantly decreased since the mid-1990s.
• Shift from thicker and deformed ice cover to thinner and more uniform ice since 2007.
• Thinner ice is less durable, leading to faster melting and increased solar radiation absorption.

Arctic MHW Regions:

• Primarily observed in marginal seas, including Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi seas.
• Shallow mixed-layer depths and predominantly first-year ice cover contribute to MHW development.
• Abrupt sea ice retreat could trigger MHW events.

Role of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Forcing:

• GHGs identified as a sufficient cause for moderate marine heatwaves.
• 66-99% probability that GHGs contribute to MHW occurrences exceeding 1.5°C.

Long-Term Warming Trend in Arctic:

• Pronounced warming trend observed in the Arctic.
• SST increasing at a rate of 1.2°C per decade (1996-2021).
• Increased frequency of extreme SST events in eastern Arctic marginal seas over the last two decades.

Consequences and Impacts:

• Warns of dramatic consequences, including impacts on food chains, fish stocks, and overall biodiversity.
• Emphasizes the need to address the consequences of Marine Heatwaves in the Arctic.

Methodology – Extreme Event Attribution (EEA):

• Study employs EEA technique to assess the role of GHG forcing in Arctic MHWs.
• EEA determines the influence of human-induced climate change on the likelihood and severity of specific extreme weather events.

Marine Heatwave:

• Marine heatwaves are prolonged periods of abnormally high Sea Surface Temperature (SST).
• These events can lead to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction, and loss of kelp forests, impacting the fisheries sector negatively.
• Common drivers of marine heatwaves include ocean currents that accumulate warm water and air-sea heat flux, which is warming from the atmosphere through the ocean surface.
• Winds can amplify or dampen the warming effects of a marine heatwave, and climate modes like El Niño can influence the occurrence of these events in specific regions.

Impact of Marine Heatwave on Rainfall in Northwest India:

• The marine heatwave in the Bay of Bengal elevated sea surface temperatures, resulting in increased evaporation rates and a higher supply of moisture in the atmosphere.
• This surplus moisture contributed to above-average rainfall in northwest India.
• The marine heatwave likely influenced the formation and behavior of low-pressure systems called depressions in the Bay of Bengal.
• These depressions play a significant role in monsoon and rainfall patterns.
• The marine heatwave, along with changing timescales of depressions, affected the path and trajectory of these weather systems.
• Depressions were more inclined to move towards northwest India rather than north-central India, leading to a concentration of rainfall in the northwest region and resulting in above-average rainfall in that area.

Impacts of Marine Heatwaves:

• Ecosystem Structure: Marine heatwaves can alter ecosystem structure by favoring certain species while suppressing others.
• Mass Mortality: Marine heatwaves have been associated with mass mortality events in marine invertebrates, leading to significant ecological disruptions.
• Behavioral Changes: Species may be forced to change their behavior in response to marine heatwaves, putting them at increased risk of harm.
• Habitat Range Shifts: Marine heatwaves can cause shifts in the habitat ranges of species, resulting in changes to ecosystem dynamics. For example, the expansion of spiny sea urchins into new areas can negatively impact kelp forests.
• Economic Losses: Marine heatwaves can have significant economic impacts, particularly on fisheries and aquaculture industries.
• Biodiversity Loss: Marine heatwaves can lead to drastic declines in biodiversity, affecting the overall health and functioning of marine ecosystems.
• Corals and Bleaching: Marine heatwaves can cause widespread coral bleaching, leading to coral mortality and ecosystem degradation.
• Interaction with Other Stressors: Marine heatwaves often occur alongside other stressors such as ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and overfishing. These combined stressors can further damage habitats and increase the risks of deoxygenation and acidification in affected areas.

-Source: Down To Earth

Sustainable Fashion: Creating a Responsible Wardrobe

Context:

An overwhelming majority of clothes and fashion items now claim to be made from “recycled materials.” However, concerns are rising about the effectiveness and sustainability of this approach.

Relevance:

GS III: Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is Sustainable Fashion?
2. Challenges to Achieving Sustainable Fashion
3. Solutions for Achieving Sustainable Fashion

What is Sustainable Fashion?

• Sustainable fashion revolves around producing clothing with minimal environmental impact and a commitment to social responsibility.
• It seeks to create fashion items that are environmentally friendly, socially conscious, and economically sustainable.
• Key focus areas include eco-friendly materials, ethical production processes, and reducing the overall ecological footprint.

Significance of Sustainable Fashion:

Environmental Impact Reduction:

• Aims to minimize carbon emissions, water consumption, and waste generation associated with traditional fashion production.
• Prioritizes the use of renewable materials, reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.

Circularity and Waste Reduction:

• Promotes circular fashion practices, emphasizing the reuse, recycling, or biodegradation of materials.
• Counters the issue of excessive clothing ending up in landfills or being incinerated.

Toxic Chemical Avoidance:

• Traditional textile production involves harsh chemicals, posing risks to workers and consumers.
• Sustainable fashion minimizes or eliminates the use of toxic chemicals, fostering healthier and safer products.

Consumer Empowerment:

• Encourages consumers to consider the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices.
• Raises awareness and promotes conscious consumption, empowering individuals to make ethical purchasing decisions.

Focus on Material Selection:

• Emphasizes the use of natural and organic materials like wool, linen, and chemical-free cotton.
• Prioritizes materials that are biodegradable, reducing contributions to landfill waste.

Challenges to Achieving Sustainable Fashion

Complex Textile Recycling:

• Textile recycling is more intricate compared to materials like glass or paper.
• Limited recyclability of textiles, especially garments with multiple fibers, poses a significant challenge.

Dominance of Fossil Fuel-Based Recycled Textiles:

• A substantial portion (93%) of recycled textiles is derived from fossil fuel-based materials, mainly plastic bottles (PET).
• Recycling limitations for textiles, such as the inability to recycle certain garments multiple times, diminish the circularity of fashion.

Limited Recycling of Fabric in Clothing Production:

• In Europe, only 22% of textile waste is recycled, and less than 1% of recycled fabric is used in new clothing production.
• Challenges in recycling processes hinder the incorporation of recycled materials into clothing.

Complex Sorting Processes for Recyclable Clothes:

• Clothes with multiple fibers are deemed unrecyclable, requiring labor-intensive sorting processes.
• Removal of accessories like zips and buttons adds complexity and expense to the recycling of textiles.

Quality Diminution in Recycled Materials:

• Recycling, particularly for materials like cotton, often results in diminished quality.
• Reduced quality may necessitate blending with virgin materials, counteracting the sustainability goals.

Material Contamination and Degradation:

• Materials intended for recycling may become contaminated with substances like food residue or dyes.
• Contamination degrades the quality of recycled materials and complicates the recycling process.

Developing Recycling Technologies:

• Ongoing development of recycling technologies, especially for mixed-fiber textiles or impure plastics.
• Limited efficiency and effectiveness in recycling processes due to technological advancements still in progress.

Global Trade and Environmental Impact:

• Exporting textile waste, especially to Asian countries with lax regulations, raises concerns about environmental and labor standards.
• Transportation-related carbon footprint and ethical considerations in waste disposal contribute to challenges.

Solutions for Achieving Sustainable Fashion

Reducing Reliance on Polyester:

• Experts recommend decreasing dependence on polyester, given its adverse environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, from production to recycling.

Exploring Alternative Fibers:

• Fashion brands are actively investigating alternative fibers, such as Pinatex derived from pineapple leaves, aiming for more sustainable options.
• However, caution is urged as certain alternatives may still involve thermoplastic materials, impacting recyclability.

Addressing Overconsumption:

• Prioritizing sustainability in fashion necessitates addressing overconsumption.
• Advocacy for consumers to buy fewer clothes and embrace practices like repair, reuse, and upcycling is crucial for reducing environmental impact.

-Source: The Hindu

Kosovo Attains Visa-Free Access to Schengen Zone

Context:

Kosovo has achieved a significant milestone by securing visa-free access to the Schengen zone, the world’s largest free movement area in Europe. This development marks Kosovo as the final western Balkan non-European Union (EU) nation to benefit from the waiver of visa requirements. Under this arrangement, citizens of Kosovo are granted visa-free entry into the Schengen zone for tourism purposes, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Schengen Area Overview
2. Advantages of EU’s Border-Free Policy
3. Schengen Admission for EU Members
4. Challenges to Schengen Region Stability
5. Reasons Behind Kosovo’s Prolonged Application Process

Schengen Area Overview

• Historical Origin: The Schengen Area is named after the Luxembourg village of Schengen, where the agreement was signed in 1985 by five of the six EU founding members (excluding Italy).
• Current Composition: Comprising 27 European countries, this area eliminates official border controls, functioning as a unified jurisdiction with a shared visa policy for international travel.
• Recent Expansions: Croatia joined in 2023, while Romania and Bulgaria, EU members since 2007, are set to gain partial Schengen entry from March 31, 2024.

Advantages of EU’s Border-Free Policy

• Freedom to Travel: Individuals from any country benefit from the ease of travel, holding a single Schengen visa for seamless movement across European nations within the borderless area.
• Symbol of European Integration: For EU member states, the borderless travel, coupled with a common currency adopted by 20 countries, serves as a prominent symbol of European unity.

Schengen Admission for EU Members

• Historical Implementation: When the Schengen agreement began in 1995, only seven of the 15-member EU nations at that time became part of the passport-free area.
• Current Status: Presently, 23 out of the 27 EU states are Schengen members, with exceptions including Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ireland.
• Inclusive Membership: The Schengen area includes 27 countries, encompassing four non-EU members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway. Kosovo and other Western Balkan entrants, while recently joining, aren’t among the Schengen 27 members.

Challenges to Schengen Region Stability

• Impact of Eurozone Crisis: Schengen faced significant challenges during the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis of the previous decade, impacting its stability.
• Migration Pressures: The arrival of numerous migrants from conflict zones in Africa and West Asia, coupled with anti-immigrant sentiments fueled by far-right populist parties, posed a strain on the region. This even led to considerations of removing certain Mediterranean-border countries from Schengen.

Reasons Behind Kosovo’s Prolonged Application Process

• European Commission Clearance: In 2018, the European Commission acknowledged Pristina’s readiness to address issues such as illegal migration and corruption, prerequisites for Schengen entry.
• Obstacles to Visa Waiver: Despite meeting the required conditions, Kosovo’s Schengen visa waiver faced prolonged delays due to strong opposition from certain EU members. This opposition primarily stems from the non-recognition of Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence by several EU states, a status not endorsed by the UN, Russia, and China.

-Source: The Hindu

Golden-Backed Frog and Bonnet Mushroom

Context:

Scientists made a surprising discovery in the foothills of the Western Ghats in India — a Bonnet mushroom growing out of the side of the Golden-backed Frog (Hylarana inter-media) frog.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Golden-backed Frog
2. Bonnet Mushroom

Golden-backed Frog:

• Endemism: The Golden-backed Frog is exclusively found in the Western Ghats region, specifically in Karnataka and Kerala, thriving above the Palghat Gap.
• Size and Habitat: This species, roughly the size of a human thumb, predominantly inhabits evergreen and semi-evergreen forests within the Western Ghats. It exhibits a preference for proximity to streams, ponds, and water bodies for breeding and feeding.
• Diet: As primarily insectivorous beings, these frogs sustain themselves by consuming a variety of small insects and arthropods, including ants, beetles, and crickets.
• Threats: The Golden-backed Frog faces significant threats to its survival, primarily stemming from habitat loss and fragmentation. Pollution of water bodies and the introduction of non-native species also contribute to the challenges confronting this species.

Bonnet Mushroom:

• Habitat and Saprotrophy: The Bonnet Mushroom, belonging to the Mycena genus, is commonly found as a saprotroph, thriving on decaying wood. This characteristic places it among organisms that derive sustenance from non-living organic matter.
• Identification Challenges: Species within the Mycena genus, including the Bonnet Mushroom, can be challenging to identify accurately, with some distinctions relying on microscopic features such as cystidia shape.
• Edibility and Toxicity: While certain species within the Mycena genus are edible, others may contain toxins. The variability in edibility underscores the importance of accurate identification for those considering the consumption of these mushrooms.

-Source: The Hindu

Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR)

Context:

A male tiger from the Kanha Tiger Reserve has been relocated to Mukundpur Safari in Satna.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR)
2. Significant Features

Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR)

• Kanha Tiger Reserve, also known as Kanha National Park, is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh, India.
• It is situated in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, within the Maikal range of Satpuras, which forms the central Indian highlands.
• Kanha National Park was established on 1 June 1955 and later designated as a tiger reserve in 1973.
• Some believe that the forest depicted in Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel, The Jungle Book, was inspired by jungles including this reserve.

Significant Features

• Kanha Tiger Reserve holds the distinction of being the first tiger reserve in India to introduce an official mascot named “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.”
• The park is renowned for its efforts in conserving the Barasingha, the state animal of Madhya Pradesh, from near extinction.

Flora:

• The lowland forest in Kanha is a blend of sal (Shorea robusta) and other mixed forest trees, interspersed with meadows.
• The highland forests exhibit a different character, featuring tropical moist dry deciduous trees and slopes covered with bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus).

Fauna:

• Kanha Tiger Reserve is home to a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers, making it an important habitat for these majestic creatures.
• Other notable wildlife species found in the reserve include leopards, sloth bears, Indian wild dogs, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

-Source: The Hindu