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Monthly DNA
01 Nov, 2023
21 Min Read
A new study has pointed out that rapid melting of West Antarctica’s ice sheet due to warm waters around it, is now unavoidable, no matter how much carbon emissions are cut.
Minerals
Expeditions of Antarctica
The Antarctic Treaty
Antarctica Importance The huge frozen landmass at the bottom of our planet is more than just spectacular icing on the globe. It could be vital for our survival too.
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What is an ice sheet?
Recent study about?
The study, ‘Unavoidable future increase in West Antarctic ice-shelf melting over the twenty-first century’, quoted the reasons for the rapid ice melt in West Antarctica.
Findings - Amundsen Sea will warm roughly 3 times faster than the historical rate through the rest of this century leading to much more rapid melting of ice shelves.
How the West Antarctic ice sheet is melting?
The Antarctic ice sheet contains enough ice to raise global sea-levels by about 58m (190ft) if it melted entirely. Of this, a sizeable portion enough to raise sea-levels by around 5m (16ft), is held in West Antarctica.
Draft Indian Antarctic Bill 2022
Recently, the government has introduced the ‘Antarctic Bill’ in the Lok Sabha, which envisages regulating visits and activities to Antarctica as well potential disputes that may arise among those present on the continent.
Provisions under the Bill?
Regulate Visiting: The bill has listed strict guidelines and a system of permits, which will be issued by a government-appointed committee, without which any expedition or individual will not be allowed to enter Antarctica.
The bill has provision to establish a committee on Antarctic governance and environmental protection to monitor, implement and ensure compliance with the relevant international laws, emissions standards and rules of protection.
Protecting Mineral Resources: The Bill further prohibits drilling, dredging, excavation or collection of mineral resources or even doing anything to identify where such mineral deposits occur. The only exception is for scientific research with a permit.
Protecting Native Plants: There will be strict prohibition on damaging native plants, flying or landing helicopters or operating vessels that could disturb birds and seals, using firearms that could disturb the birds and animals, remove soil or any biological material native to Antarctica, engage in any activity that could adversely change the habitat of birds and animals, or harm them.
Prohibition on introducing Birds not Native to Antarctica: Introduction of animals, birds, plants or microscopic organisms that are not native to Antarctica are also prohibited. Violators can face imprisonment as well as penalties.
Provisions for Indian Tour Operators: The Bill also provides for Indian tour operators to be able to operate in Antarctica after acquiring a permit. There are 40 permanent research stations in Antarctica of which two – Maitri and Bharati — are Indian.
Objective of the Bill?
To provide a harmonious policy framework for India’s Antarctic activities through a well-established legal mechanism, facilitate activities of the Indian Antarctic programme, including management of Antarctic tourism and sustainable development of fisheries.
What is the Need of Such Law?
To Fulfill Provisions under the Antarctica Treaty: India had been a signatory to the Antarctica Treaty since 1983 and that encumbered India to specify a set of laws governing portions of the continent where it had its research bases. The Treaty made it mandatory for the 54 signatory countries to specify laws governing territories on which their stations are located.
Preserve the Pristine Nature of the Continent: India is also signatory to treaties such as the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Both the conventions enjoin India to help preserve the pristine nature of the continent.
Antarctica is uninhabited except for those manning the nearly 40 permanent stations established by several countries, including India, for carrying out scientific research. India maintains two research stations on the continent: ‘Maitri’ (commissioned in 1989) at Schirmacher Hills and ‘Bharati’ (2012) at Larsemann Hills.
Source: PIB
Historical Evolution of the OBC Reservation Status in India?
This elevated the NCBC from its previous status as a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, giving it more authority and recognition in safeguarding the interests of backward classes, including the OBCs.
The Justice G. Rohini-headed Commission for the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBC) caste groups submitted its long-awaited report to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment after nearly six years of work.
The details of the recommendations have not been made public yet, and the government is expected to deliberate on the report before any implementation.
The commission was set up on 2nd October, 2017 under Article 340 of the Constitution (President’s power to appoint a Commission to investigate the conditions of the backward classes).
Terms of Reference:
Need for Sub-categorisation of OBCs?
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“Nothing in this article or in clause (2) of Article 29 [non-discrimination with regard to admission into state educational institutions on grounds of religion, caste, etc] shall prevent the State from making any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens”
What is sub-categorisation of OBCs?
Article 340 provides for the appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions for the improvement of socially and educationally backward class
About the Commission | |
Year | 2017 under Article 340 of the Constitution |
Chairman | Justice G.Rohini |
Terms of reference |
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Recommendations |
It suggested breaking the caste groups into broad categories,
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What committees were formed regarding OBCs?
1st OBC Commission | About |
Head | Kaka Kalelkar |
Year | 1953 |
Objective | To identify socially and educationally backward classes |
Recommendation |
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Outcome | The report was never discussed in the Parliament and never implemented as the government decided that any all-India list drawn up the Central Government would have no practical utility. |
2nd OBC Commission | About |
Head | B.P.Mandal |
Year | 1979 |
Recommendations |
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Outcome | Within the 27% reserved for Socially and Economically Backward Castes, preference shall be given to candidates belonging to the poorer sections of the SEBCs |
UNESCO has published the new list of 55 creative cities on World Cities Day (Oct 31st), in which 2 Indian cities Kozhikode and Gwalior were included
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) | |
Launch Year | 2004 |
Eligibility | UNESCO’s member states and associate members |
Updation Time | Once every 2 years |
Total Cities (2023) | 350 in more than 100 countries |
UN Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims for Sustainable Cities and Communities.
7 Creative Fields of UCCN | Indian Cities in UCCN |
Crafts and Folk Arts | Jaipur (2015), Srinagar (2021) |
Design | - |
Film | Mumbai (2019) |
Gastronomy | Hyderabad (2019) |
Literature | Kozhikode (2023) |
Media Arts | - |
Music | Chennai (2017), Varanasi (2015), Gwalior (2023) |
Kozhikode is the 1st Indian city to get City of Literature tag.
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in its 6th report has introduced a crucial focus on weekly hours worked, revealing that the inequality in total earnings might not capture the full picture.
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) |
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What is the latest report about?
Key findings -
How the rural India progressed in employment?
How does the gender earnings gap differ?
What lies ahead?
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Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), an autonomous body, will benefit the youth in the age group of 15-29 years.
It was established in the forests spread within the Mhadei River basin in the year 1999 with an objective to protect Bengal Tigers living in this area.
The 5th edition of Aarambh is being held on the theme of 'Harnessing the power of disruption'.
The platform will generate UIDs for all practicing doctors.
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