Current Affairs 26 July 2024

CONTENTS

1. Financial Support for Amravati, Andhra Pradesh
2. Economic Survey Highlights Flaws in Global Climate Action Regime
3. Supreme Court of India on Taxation of Mineral Rights
4. Panchamasali Lingayats Demand Inclusion in OBC Category 2A
5. Magnetotactic Bacteria
6. Lal Dora-Free Scheme in Haryana
7. Olympic Order

 Financial Support for Amravati, Andhra Pradesh

Context:

Recently, the Finance Minister announced Rs 15,000 crore in financial support for Andhra Pradesh to build its capital city, Amravati, and boost other development activities in the state. This has brought back focus on Amravati, a site of immense historical and spiritual significance in Andhra Pradesh that remains relatively unrecognized. The financial boost is expected to catalyze infrastructure development and enhance the city’s recognition and prominence.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Facts About Amravati and Andhra Buddhism
2. Key Features of the Amravati School of Art

Key Facts About Amravati and Andhra Buddhism

Amravati:

• Discovery: In the late 1700s, Raja Vessareddy Nayudu discovered ancient limestone ruins in Dhanyakatakam village (later renamed Amravati). These ruins were used for construction, leading to significant damage.
• Rediscovery: In 1816, Colonel Colin Mackenzie’s survey rediscovered the Amravati Stupa, though further damage occurred during the survey.
• Modern Development: In 2015, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced the new capital, Amaravati, inspired by the historic Buddhist site, with plans to develop it into a modern city akin to Singapore.

Andhra Buddhism:

• Introduction: Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in the 5th century BCE, spread to Andhra Pradesh via trade routes.
• Early Evidence: The earliest significant evidence of Buddhism in Andhra dates back to the 3rd century BCE, with Emperor Ashoka’s inscriptions promoting the religion.
• Historical Presence: Monks from Andhra participated in the first Buddhist council in 483 BCE. Buddhism thrived in Andhra for six centuries, with sites such as Amravati and Nagarjunakonda continuing until the 14th century CE.
• Spread and Integration: Andhra’s Buddhism spread through trade and integrated with local practices like megalithic burials and Goddess worship.
• Decline: The rise of Shaivism, economic degradation, and later Islamic rule contributed to the decline of Buddhism in Andhra.

Key Features of the Amravati School of Art

Historical Context and Influences:

• Significance: The Amravati School of Art, prominent during the post-Mauryan period, was one of the three main ancient Indian art styles, alongside Mathura and Gandhara.
• Stupa: The Amravati Stupa was central to this art style and became a major artistic hub. However, government indifference and improper conservation led to the site’s degradation, with sculptures being moved to various locations in the 19th century.

Characteristics:

• Major Centres: Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda.
• Patronage: Supported by Satavahana rulers.
• Artistic Style: Known for the tribhanga posture (three bends in the body), intricate detailing, and use of palnad marble.
• Sculptures: Feature narrative panels depicting the Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Buddhist rituals. The depiction of the Buddha with a robe on the left shoulder and in abhaya (fearlessness) gesture became iconic.
• Unique Style: Developed independently with minimal external influence, contrasting with the Graeco-Roman influences in Mathura and Gandhara.

Global Dispersion:

• Museums: Amravati sculptures are housed in major museums globally, including the British Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Musee Guimet, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Return of Art: Australia is notable for returning a stolen Amravati-style sculpture.

-Source: Indian Express

Economic Survey Highlights Flaws in Global Climate Action Regime

Context:

The Economic Survey has pointed to flaws and inequities in the global climate action regime and suggested alternative pathways that incorporate lifestyle and behavioural changes. It also argued that adaptation should get at least as much importance as mitigation.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Difference Between Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptatio
2. Economic Survey 2023-24 on Climate Change
3. Alternative Approaches Focusing on Climate Change Adaptation

Difference Between Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Climate Change Mitigation:

• Definition: Involves actions aimed at reducing or preventing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to slow down global warming.
• Objective: To limit the extent of climate change and avoid the severe impacts of higher temperatures.
• Examples of Actions:
  • Transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.).
  • Improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation.
  • Reforestation and afforestation to absorb CO₂.
  • Implementing policies and technologies to reduce industrial emissions.

Climate Change Adaptation:

• Definition: Involves modifying human behavior, systems, and infrastructure to better cope with the impacts of climate change that are already occurring or anticipated.
• Objective: To minimize the damage from climate change and improve resilience to its effects.
• Examples of Actions:
  • Developing flood defenses and improved drainage systems.
  • Altering agricultural practices to withstand changing weather patterns.
  • Constructing buildings and infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
  • Enhancing water conservation and management practices.

Interrelationship:

• Effective climate adaptation depends on the extent of climate change mitigation. Lower emissions mean less severe impacts and easier adaptation.
• Mitigation actions will take time to show effects, so immediate adaptation is necessary to address current and near-term impacts.

Economic Survey 2023-24 on Climate Change

Key Points:

• International Targets: Historical failure to meet international climate targets (e.g., 1.5°C and 2°C goals) has shifted focus and resources away from immediate development needs.
• Developing Nations: Excessive pressure on developing nations to meet stringent targets has diverted attention from improving living conditions and has not necessarily led to effective climate action.
• Adaptation vs. Mitigation:
  • Adaptation Focus: Given the near certainty of exceeding the 1.5°C target, emphasis should be on adaptation and improving resilience.
  • Mitigation by Developed Nations: The argument suggests that developed countries, historically responsible for higher emissions, should lead in mitigation, while developing nations focus on adaptation.
• Criticism of International Frameworks:
  • Developed countries have not met their emission reduction targets or financial commitments.
  • International agreements like the Paris Agreement are seen as inadequate compared to the more equitable Kyoto Protocol.
  • There is criticism that climate action is often more about preserving the existing global order rather than effectively addressing climate change.

Alternative Approaches Focusing on Climate Change Adaptation

Building Climate Resilient Infrastructure:

• Example: The Central Vista project in India aims to improve infrastructure resilience against climate impacts.

Climate Proofing:

• Definition: Reducing GHG emissions associated with investments while increasing their resilience to climate impacts.
• Example: Elements of climate proofing are incorporated into India’s Smart City mission, focusing on sustainable urban development.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes:

• Example: India’s Mission Life promotes conscious consumption to benefit both the environment and individual well-being.

-Source: Indian Express

Supreme Court of India on Taxation of Mineral Rights

Context:

The Supreme Court of India has recently addressed a crucial issue regarding the taxation of mineral rights, overturning its 1989 verdict and reaffirming the power of states in this context. This decision, delivered by a nine-judge Bench, clarifies the extent of authority both Parliament and states hold over mineral royalties. This landmark ruling will have significant implications for the distribution of mineral wealth and the financial autonomy of states.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Supreme Court Decisions on Mining Regulation and Taxation
2. Difference Between Royalty and Tax
3. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

Supreme Court Decisions on Mining Regulation and Taxation

1989 Supreme Court Ruling:

• Authority on Mining Regulation: The seven-judge Bench ruled that the Central Government holds primary authority over mining regulation under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and Entry 54 of the Union List.
• State Powers: States were restricted to collecting royalties but were not permitted to impose additional taxes. Royalties were classified as taxes, thus any cess beyond the authority of the state was deemed invalid.

2004 Review and Current Verdict:

• Typographical Error: A five-judge Bench suggested a typographical error in the 1989 ruling, hinting that royalties might not be classified as taxes.
• Nine-Judge Bench Ruling: The Supreme Court’s nine-judge Bench overruled the 1989 decision, clarifying that royalties on minerals are not taxes under the MMDRA, 1957.
  • Taxation Authority: The Court emphasized that the power to levy taxes on mineral rights resides with the states. Parliament can impose restrictions to prevent interference with mineral development but cannot directly tax mineral rights.
  • Parliamentary Constraints: While Parliament can set constraints to ensure mineral development is not obstructed, it cannot impose taxes on mineral rights directly.
  • Federal System and Uniformity: Allowing states to impose taxes on mineral rights could disrupt the federal system and lead to inconsistencies in mineral pricing and development. This could adversely affect metal development in India.

Difference Between Royalty and Tax

Royalty:

• Nature: Originates from an agreement between parties, compensating for rights and privileges.
• Relationship: Linked to the benefit or privilege granted by the grantor, often tied to the exploitation of resources.
• Legal Precedents: The Supreme Court in cases like Hingir-Rampur Coal Co. Ltd. vs. State of Orissa (1961) and State of West Bengal vs. Kesoram Industries Ltd. (2004) established royalties as contractual obligations with direct benefits.

Tax:

• Nature: Imposed under statutory power without a direct benefit to the payer. Enforced by law, it does not require consent.
• Purpose: Collected for public purposes and is part of the common burden borne by all citizens, not linked to any specific privilege or benefit.
• Legal Precedents: Cases such as State of Himachal Pradesh vs. Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd. (2005) and Jindal Stainless Ltd. vs. State of Haryana (2017) highlight taxes as mandatory payments not tied to any specific benefit.

Implications

• For States: States can levy taxes on mineral rights, leading to potential legal uncertainty and economic impacts.
• For Parliament: Needs to ensure uniform mineral pricing and development interests while preventing states from overstepping their taxation authority.

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

Overview:

• Purpose: The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, is a crucial piece of legislation governing the mining sector in India. It aims to ensure the development of the mining industry, conservation of minerals, and enhanced transparency and efficiency in mineral exploitation.
• Scope: The Act has undergone multiple amendments to address evolving needs and challenges in the sector, aligning with national economic and security interests.

Key Amendments:

2015 Amendment:

• Auction Method: Introduced mandatory auctioning of mineral concessions to increase transparency in the allocation process.
• District Mineral Foundation (DMF): Established DMFs to channel benefits to areas and communities affected by mining activities.
• National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET): Created NMET to support and boost mineral exploration activities.
• Penalties for Illegal Mining: Imposed stringent penalties to combat illegal mining practices.

2016 and 2020 Amendments:

• Purpose: Addressed specific sectoral issues to ensure the efficient functioning of the mining industry.

2021 Amendment:

• Captive and Merchant Mines:
  • Captive Mines: Operated by companies for their own use, with the flexibility to sell up to 50% of the annual production in the open market after meeting the needs of their end-use plants.
  • Merchant Mines: Operated to sell extracted minerals in the open market to various buyers, including industries without their own mining operations.
• Auction-Only Concessions: Ensured that all private-sector mineral concessions are granted exclusively through auctions.

2023 Amendment:

• Critical Minerals:
  • Removal of Restrictions: Removed six minerals from the list of twelve atomic minerals restricted to exploration by State agencies.
  • Exclusive Auctioning: Empowered the government to auction mineral concessions specifically for critical minerals.
  • Exploration Licences: Introduced licenses to attract foreign direct investment and engage junior mining companies in exploring deep-seated and critical minerals.
• Focus Areas:
  • Encouraging Private Sector: Aimed at reducing import dependency and expediting exploration and mining of critical minerals.
  • Future Technologies: Recognized the significance of minerals like lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium, and rare earth elements for advancing technologies and India’s energy transition goals, including the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

-Source: Indian Express

Panchamasali Lingayats Demand Inclusion in OBC Category 2A

Context:

Recently, the Panchamasali Lingayats, a sub-caste within Karnataka’s dominant Lingayat community, have been demanding inclusion in Category 2A of the Other Backward Classes (OBC).

• This move aims to secure a 15% quota in government jobs and educational admissions. The current quota for the community is 5% under Category 3B of Karnataka’s OBC quota matrix.

Relevance:

Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Panchamasali Lingayats’ Quota Demand

Panchamasali Lingayats’ Quota Demand

Background:

• Lingayats: A Hindu sub-caste known as ‘Veerashaiva Lingayats,’ followers of the 12th-century philosopher-saint Basavanna. Basavanna’s teachings emphasized a personal relationship with Lord Shiva and rejected orthodox Hindu practices.
• Panchamasalis: A prominent sub-caste within the Lingayat community, they are the largest group, constituting nearly 70% of the Lingayat population and about 14% of Karnataka’s total population.

Current Quota System in Karnataka:

• Karnataka’s 32% OBC reservation in government jobs and educational institutions is divided among five categories.
• Category 2A: Includes 102 castes and is the category the Panchamasalis want to join.
• The quota system is designed to prevent dominant OBC groups from monopolizing benefits and ensures equitable distribution based on marginalization.

Previous Government Actions:

• Quota Reallocation: The previous state government reallocated the 4% Muslim quota under Category 2B to the Vokkaligas and Lingayats, creating new Categories 2C and 2D.
  • Increased the Lingayat quota from 5% to 7%.
  • Increased the Vokkaliga quota from 4% to 6%.
• Despite these changes, Panchamasalis continued to push for inclusion in Category 2A.
• Legal Challenges: The reallocation faced legal issues and is under review.

Current Situation:

• Legal and Survey Awaited: The state government is awaiting a legal resolution from the Supreme Court. The Karnataka Social, Economic, and Caste Survey, which may influence future quota plans, is also pending.
• Potential Inclusion in Central OBC List: The government is considering including all Lingayats in the central OBC list to balance the demands and manage quota allocations effectively.
• Central Government Quota: Presently, only 16 Lingayat sub-castes classified as “very backward” receive reservations under the central OBC quota.

Significance:

• The Panchamasali Lingayats’ demand reflects the broader struggle within the OBC quota system to address relative marginalization and ensure equitable access to benefits for various sub-castes.

-Source: The Hindu, PIB

Magnetotactic Bacteria

Context:

Researchers have uncovered fossil remains of magnetic particles, known as magnetofossils produced by magnetotactic bacteria, in rock varnish layers in Ladakh, India.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Magnetotactic Bacteria

Overview:

• Nature: These are primarily prokaryotic microorganisms.
• Habitat: They are found in both freshwater and marine environments.
• Behavior: Magnetotactic bacteria align themselves with the Earth’s magnetic field.
• Mechanism: They contain iron-rich particles in specialized structures, acting as a biological compass.
• Function: The iron crystals, made of magnetite or greigite, assist the bacteria in navigating oxygen gradients within their habitats.

Significance:

• Historical Interest: These bacteria are considered to represent some of Earth’s earliest life forms due to their ancient magnetic navigation system.

Research Highlights and Implications

Rock Varnish Research:

• Observation: Similarities were noted between rock varnish found in Ladakh and the rock varnish observed on Mars by the Perseverance rover.
• Findings: Elevated levels of oxidized manganese (Mn4+) and carboxylic acid groups were detected, suggesting organic signatures on the varnish surface.
• Implication: The magnetic minerals in these rock varnishes are likely of biotic origin.

Significance for Space Exploration:

• Biosignature Detection: Identifying biotic signatures in rock varnish helps refine methods for detecting life on other planets.
• Future Missions: This research is valuable for upcoming space missions, including those by ISRO and other space agencies, focusing on Mars and its potential habitability.

-Source: The Hindu, PIB

Lal Dora-Free Scheme in Haryana

Context:

All villages of Haryana have been made Lal Dora-free. The state government launched a scheme to make villages “Lal Dora-free” on Good Governance Day on 25th December 2019.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Lal Dora-Free Scheme in Haryana

Overview:

• Launch Date: December 25, 2019, on Good Governance Day.
• Objective: To establish clear ownership of property in rural areas by mapping land parcels and issuing legal ownership cards.

Key Features:

• Mapping and Documentation: Utilizes drone technology for accurate mapping of land parcels in villages.
• Record of Rights: Provides a legal document called the ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners, formalizing ownership.
• Field Verification: Extensive field verification was conducted to inspect properties falling under ‘Lal Dora’ (a term used for land in villages that traditionally lacked formal documentation).

Historical Context:

• Lal Dora Land: Historically, areas designated as ‘Lal Dora’ in Punjab and Haryana, and ‘abadi’ in other regions, were excluded from formal surveys and lacked documented land rights.
• Land Ownership Issues: Many Indian village communities relied on actual possession rather than formal documentation, making it difficult for property owners to use their land as collateral for loans.

Significance:

• Enhanced Property Rights: The scheme addresses the long-standing issue of undocumented land ownership, providing rural property owners with legal recognition of their rights.
• Financial Accessibility: With formal ownership documents, rural property owners can now use their properties as financial assets, improving access to banking services and loans.

Impact:

• Legal Clarity: The scheme aims to enhance the clarity and security of property ownership in rural Haryana, promoting better governance and economic opportunities for rural residents.

-Source: The Hindu

Olympic Order

Context:

Recently, Abhinav Bindra was bestowed with the Olympic Award by the International Olympic Committee.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Olympic Order

Overview:

• Established: 1975
• Purpose: The highest award given by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for outstanding contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Grades:

• Gold: Reserved for heads of state and exceptional circumstances.
• Silver: Awarded to individuals for significant contributions.
• Bronze: Given for notable service to the Olympic Movement.

Design:

• Insignia: Features a collar or chain with the five Olympic rings and the kotinos emblem, which is an olive wreath.
• Lapel Badge: Recipients receive a badge in the corresponding grade (gold, silver, or bronze).

Significance:

• Recognition: The Olympic Order honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to sport and the Olympic Movement.
• Promotion of Values: It symbolizes the ideals of unity, friendship, and fair play that the Olympics represent.
• Commitment: Reflects the IOC’s dedication to recognizing those who have advanced the cause of sport and the Olympic Movement on a global scale.

-Source: India Today