1. Context

World Bamboo Day is celebrated on September 18, initiatives like the International Bamboo Artisans Conclave in Dumka, organized by the Government of Jharkhand, aim to bolster the bamboo industry. Here are some fascinating insights into this versatile natural resource.

2. Cultural Significance and Ubiquity of Bamboo

• Bamboo, often referred to as "green gold," holds a special place in both rural and urban landscapes.
• This remarkable plant, known for its fast growth, low maintenance, and versatility, plays a pivotal role in various aspects of life, from traditional handicrafts to sustainable architecture.
• Bamboo is an integral part of tribal cultures and communal living, often referred to as the "poor man's timber."
• Rural communities engage with bamboo through handicrafts, textiles, artefacts, and everyday utilities.
• Examples abound, including Tripura's bamboo silks, culinary traditions featuring roasted and pickled bamboo shoots, cultural symbols like the Assamese 'Jaapi,' popular bamboo tree houses and machans, and modern sustainable architectural concepts and musical instruments.

3. India's Bamboo Abundance

• India boasts a rich bamboo heritage, ranking as the world's second-largest cultivator of bamboo after China.
• With a staggering 136 species and 23 genera spanning 13.96 million hectares, as per the State of Environment report 2018, bamboo thrives across the country.
• Initiatives like the National Bamboo Mission, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, aim to boost livelihoods and environmental conservation.
• Moreover, in 2017, Parliament reclassified bamboo from a "tree" to a non-forest plant, facilitating its sustainable use.
• The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) also oversees the SFURTI scheme, supporting traditional industries and bamboo artisans.

4. Diverse and Unique Uses of Bamboo

Sticky Rice Steamers and Fish Baskets: Over 50% of bamboo species are found in eastern India, leading to a rich cultural tradition in the region. Bamboo utensils, fishing nets, jars, vases, and baskets are essential parts of daily life. Unique culinary practices, like 'Do'o Brenga,' involve cooking chicken inside a fresh bamboo stalk. Bamboo 'sticky' rice containers are prevalent, and bamboo plays a pivotal role in various regional pottery styles.

Musical Instruments: Bamboo is the heart and soul of various musical instruments across India. The Assamese 'Gogona,' central India's 'Tirio,' and the 'Pangsi' from the 'Tiwa' community in Assam are just a few examples. Innovations like the 'BamHum,' a bamboo wind musical instrument, have also garnered recognition.

Cultural Symbols and Jewelry: Bamboo is woven intricately to create cultural symbols like the Assamese 'Jaapi' and Mizoram's 'Khumbeu' hats. Bamboo jewellery, including neckpieces and earrings, showcases the plant's versatility and aesthetic appeal.

Eco-Friendly Textiles: Tripura's heritage weaves feature bamboo fibres soaked in water, resulting in unique bamboo silk textiles. Renowned designer Madhu Jain has introduced bamboo silk Ikat sarees, blending various bamboo and Ikat traditions. Weavers in Anakaputhur, Tamil Nadu, craft bamboo sarees and textiles using natural fibres from plants and fruits.

6. The Soil and climatic conditions required for Bamboo Farming

Bamboo farming can be successful in a variety of soil and climatic conditions, but the specific requirements may vary depending on the bamboo species being cultivated. 

6.1. Soil Conditions

Well-Drained Soil: Bamboo plants thrive in well-drained soil. Excessively waterlogged or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot and other diseases.

Slightly Acidic to Neutral Soil: Most bamboo species prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. They can tolerate a slightly wider pH range but may not do well in highly alkaline soils.

Organic Matter: Soil rich in organic matter is beneficial for bamboo growth. Ample organic matter improves soil fertility and moisture retention.

Loam Soil: Loamy soils, which are a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, are often suitable for bamboo cultivation. They provide good drainage while retaining essential nutrients.

Adequate Nutrients: Bamboo requires essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Conducting a soil test can help determine nutrient deficiencies and guide fertilization practices.

6.2. Climatic Conditions

Temperature: Bamboo is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Most bamboo species can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) but prefer average temperatures between 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C).

Rainfall: Bamboo requires consistent and well-distributed rainfall throughout the growing season. Adequate moisture is essential for bamboo growth, especially during the initial stages. However, it should not be waterlogged.

Humidity: Bamboo typically prefers high humidity levels, which are common in tropical and subtropical regions. Moderate humidity levels are generally sufficient for growth.

Sunlight: Bamboo is a light-demanding plant and typically requires full to partial sunlight for healthy growth. Some bamboo species can tolerate partial shade, but they may not grow as vigorously.

Altitude: Bamboo can be cultivated at various altitudes, from lowland areas to higher elevations. Different bamboo species have specific altitude preferences, so it's important to select species suited to the local altitude.

Wind Protection: Providing wind protection, especially in regions with strong winds, can help prevent damage to bamboo plants.

7. The status of bamboo cultivation in India

• India is the second-largest cultivator of bamboo in the world after China, with over 136 species and 23 genera spread over 13.96 million hectares.
• Bamboo is grown in all states of India, but the major producing states are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha.
• The area under bamboo cultivation in India has been increasing in recent years.
• According to the State of Forest Report 2021, the area under bamboo increased by 1.3% between 2019 and 2021.
• This increase was mainly due to the implementation of the National Bamboo Mission, which was launched by the Government of India in 2018.
• The bamboo sector in India has the potential to generate Rs. 50,000 crore in revenue and create 5 million jobs annually. However, the sector is still in its early stages of development.
• There is a need to increase awareness about the benefits of bamboo, develop new technologies for processing and value addition, and create a supportive policy environment.

8. The important characteristics of bamboo

Bamboo is a remarkable and versatile plant known for its numerous characteristics that make it valuable for various purposes. Some of the important characteristics of bamboo include:

Rapid Growth: Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Some bamboo species can grow up to 36 inches (91 centimetres) in a single day under optimal conditions. This rapid growth makes it a highly renewable resource.

Strength and Durability: Bamboo is known for its strength, and it can be as strong as steel in terms of tensile strength. It's often used as a building material because of its durability and ability to withstand heavy loads.

Flexibility: Bamboo is flexible and resilient, which allows it to bend without breaking. This property makes it suitable for construction in earthquake-prone areas.

Lightweight: Despite its strength, bamboo is relatively lightweight, making it easy to transport and work with various applications.

Renewability: Bamboo is a highly renewable resource because of its fast growth rate. It can be harvested without causing harm to the plant's root system, and new shoots will continue to grow.

Sustainability: Bamboo cultivation is generally considered eco-friendly because it requires minimal water, pesticides, and fertilizers. It helps reduce soil erosion and has a low carbon footprint.

Natural Pest Resistance: Bamboo has a natural resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments in agriculture and construction.

Versatility: Bamboo is versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, including construction, furniture, paper production, textiles, musical instruments, and more.

Aesthetic Appeal: Bamboo's natural appearance, with its unique nodes and grain patterns, adds aesthetic value to products made from it. It is often used in decorative and artistic applications.

Low Maintenance: Bamboo requires minimal maintenance once established. It can grow in a variety of soil types and climates, making it accessible for cultivation in diverse regions.

Carbon Sequestration: Bamboo has a high carbon sequestration rate, meaning it absorbs and stores a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Cultural and Traditional Significance: Bamboo has cultural significance in many societies around the world. It is used in rituals, ceremonies, and traditional crafts.

Sound and Acoustic Properties: Bamboo's unique properties make it suitable for musical instruments like flutes and xylophones, known for their distinctive sounds.

Food Source: Some bamboo species produce edible shoots that are a staple food source in many Asian countries.

Medicinal Uses: Bamboo has various medicinal uses in traditional medicine systems. Extracts and parts of the plant are believed to have therapeutic properties.

Erosion Control: Bamboo's dense root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it useful for stabilizing slopes and riverbanks.

9. The Way Forward

• As India continues to expand its bamboo cultivation, the potential for economic growth and job creation remains promising.
• However, raising awareness, investing in research and technology, and fostering a supportive policy environment are essential to fully unlock the bamboo sector's potential.
• With these efforts, bamboo can continue to be a symbol of sustainable living and environmental conservation, enriching both culture and commerce.

 Source: The Indian Express

PLANETARY BOUNDARIES

 

1. Context

Six out of nine planetary boundaries, which can be imagined as blood pressure, that make Earth healthy and habitable have been transgressed because of humaninduced pollution and destruction of the natural world, according to a new study.

2. Earth's Life-Support Systems Beyond Safe Limits

• A recent study involving 29 scientists from eight countries, titled 'Earth beyond six of nine planetary boundaries,' reveals that Earth's life-support systems have moved beyond the safe operating space for humanity that characterized the Holocene period.
• The Holocene began with the end of the last ice age and the onset of the Industrial Revolution, marked by stable and warm planetary conditions.
• The study underscores the urgency of addressing these boundary breaches to safeguard the conditions essential for human existence.
• The study likens planetary boundaries to blood pressure, emphasizing that exceeding these limits doesn't guarantee disaster but significantly increases the risk of irreversible climate changes.
• Experts stress the need for immediate action to preserve the Earth's vital conditions upon which humanity depends.

3. What are Planetary Boundaries?

Planetary boundaries are a conceptual framework developed to define and understand the limits within which human activities can operate without causing irreversible damage to the Earth's essential systems. Proposed by a group of scientists in 2009, this framework identifies specific thresholds for critical Earth processes that, when crossed, could lead to catastrophic environmental changes with far-reaching consequences for human civilization.

The key principles of planetary boundaries are as follows:

• Holistic Approach: Planetary boundaries encompass various interconnected systems, not just climate change. They include factors like biodiversity, freshwater use, land use change, and biogeochemical flows.
• Safe Operating Space: These boundaries define the "safe operating space" within which humanity can thrive without jeopardizing the planet's stability. Crossing these boundaries could lead to abrupt and potentially irreversible shifts in environmental conditions.
• Quantifiable Thresholds: Scientists have attempted to quantify these boundaries by establishing specific thresholds for each Earth system process. These thresholds help policymakers and scientists gauge the extent of human impact.
• Global Cooperation: Recognizing that these boundaries are global in nature, international cooperation is essential to ensure that the Earth's systems remain within safe limits. Addressing planetary boundaries necessitates concerted efforts at the global level.

The nine planetary boundaries, as proposed by the framework, cover a wide range of critical processes, including climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and more. Continual monitoring and assessment of these boundaries are essential to inform policy decisions and promote sustainable practices that safeguard the Earth's ecosystems and support human well-being.

4. Planetary Boundaries and Their Control Variables

Biosphere Integrity

• Indicator: Health of ecosystems and rate of species extinction.

Climate Change

• Indicators: Atmospheric CO2 concentration and change in radiative forcing.
• Radiative Forcing: Measures the balance of incoming sunlight energy and outgoing thermal energy from Earth.

Novel Entities

• Examples: Levels of plastic, concrete, synthetic chemicals, gene-modified organisms, etc.
• Significance: Measures the introduction of substances not naturally occurring on Earth due to human activities.

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

Freshwater Change

• Components: Examines human-induced impact on blue water (found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs) and green water (available in soil for plants and microorganisms).

Atmospheric Aerosol Loading

• Significance: Tracks anthropogenic emissions of particles influencing cloud formation and global/regional atmospheric circulation.

Land System Change

• Focus: Changes in land use, especially the conversion of tropical forests to farmland.

Biogeochemical Flow

• Significance: Monitors alterations in the natural flows and forms of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, crucial for plant growth.

These control variables provide specific metrics and indicators for assessing the health of Earth's critical systems within the framework of planetary boundaries. They help scientists and policymakers measure the impact of human activities on these systems and make informed decisions to maintain the planet's stability.

Image Source: The Indian Express

5. Key Findings of the Study on Planetary Boundaries

Breached Planetary Boundaries:

Climate Change

• CO2 Concentration: Currently at 417 ppm (pre-Industrial Revolution level was 280 ppm).
• Radiative Forcing: Continuously increasing.
• Safe Boundary Limit: 350 ppm (breached in the 1980s).

Biosphere Integrity

• Violated in the 19th century due to accelerated land use, affecting numerous species.

Freshwater Change

• Breached in the last century, between 1905 and 1929.

Biogeochemical Flows (Nitrogen and Phosphorus)

• Essential for life but overflowing due to widespread use as crop fertilizers.
• Consequences: Algal blooms, ocean dead zones, and ecosystem disruption.

Novel Entities

• Rising levels of synthetic chemicals like pesticides and plastics released without adequate safety testing.
• Result: Destabilization and harm to Earth's systems.

Land System Change

• Rapid changes in forest area due to land-use conversion and fires.
• Amazon tropical forest deforestation has exceeded the planetary boundary.

Close to Breaching:

Ocean Acidification

• Approaching the boundary limit.

Within Safe Limits:

• Atmospheric Aerosol Loading
• Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

These findings highlight that humans have exceeded the safe limits in six of the nine planetary boundaries, posing significant challenges for environmental stability. Notably, the overflow of nitrogen and phosphorus is causing ecological disruptions, while the release of synthetic chemicals is harming the Earth's systems. Urgent global action is needed to address these critical environmental issues and mitigate their impact.

For Prelims: Planetary boundaries, Holocene period, Safe operating space, Global Cooperation, Stratospheric Ozone Depletion, Atmospheric Aerosol Loading, and Biogeochemical Flow. For Mains: 1. Discuss the concept of planetary boundaries and their significance in the context of environmental sustainability. Evaluate the findings of recent studies on breached planetary boundaries and their implications for global environmental policy. (250 Words).

 

Source: indianexpress

GRAVITATIONAL INSTABILITIES AND GALAXY EVOLUTION

 

 

1. Context

A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) could help understand how gravitational instabilities are connected to galaxy evolution.

 

2. Gravitational Instabilities

• Gravitational instabilities are a phenomenon that occurs when a cloud of gas or dust is unevenly distributed.
• The more dense regions of the cloud will attract more matter through gravity, causing them to become even denser.
• This process continues until the dense regions become so massive that they collapse under their own weight, forming stars, planets, and other astronomical objects.
• Gravitational instabilities are thought to be responsible for the formation of all of the large-scale structures in the universe, including galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and superclusters. They are also thought to play a role in the formation of smaller-scale structures, such as stars, planets, and solar systems.

 

3. Findings of the report

• Spiral galaxies like the Milky Way exhibit a higher median star formation rate, lower stability, lower gas fraction, and a smaller time scale for the growth of gravitational instabilities
• This indicates that gravitational instabilities in spirals rapidly convert a substantial amount of gas into stars, depleting the gas reservoirs
•  The stability levels in the nearby galaxies with those observed at high redshift, which are precursors to the galaxies in the local universe, could help understand how gravitational instabilities are connected to galaxy evolution.

4. Galaxy evolution

Galaxies, which are vast collections of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter, are formed through a complex process of gravitational interactions and cosmic evolution. The exact details of galaxy formation can vary depending on the specific type of galaxy, but the general process can be summarized as follows:

1. Cosmic Density Fluctuations: Galaxy formation begins with small density fluctuations in the early universe. These fluctuations are a result of tiny variations in matter density that occurred during the early moments of the universe, possibly during the cosmic inflation period.

2. Gravitational Instabilities: Over time, these density fluctuations grow due to the force of gravity. Regions with slightly higher density attract more matter to them because of their stronger gravitational pull. This leads to the formation of denser regions or "overdensities" within the overall cosmic structure.

3. Dark Matter Halo Formation: Dark matter, a mysterious and invisible form of matter that makes up a significant portion of the universe's mass, plays a crucial role in galaxy formation. Dark matter halos, which are massive, roughly spherical regions of dark matter, form around the overdense regions. These halos provide the gravitational framework within which galaxies will later form.

4. Gas Accumulation: Ordinary matter, including hydrogen and helium gas, is also influenced by the gravitational attraction of dark matter halos. Gas begins to accumulate in these halos, and as it collects, it starts to heat up and collapse further under its own gravity.

5. Star Formation: Within these collapsing gas clouds, regions of higher density form. These dense regions are called molecular clouds, and they are the birthplaces of stars. The gas within these clouds cools and condenses, leading to the formation of protostars. When protostars accumulate enough mass and heat, nuclear fusion begins, and they become fully-fledged stars.

6. Galactic Structure: As stars form within these molecular clouds, they produce light and energy, which can create pressure and turbulence in the surrounding gas. This process, along with the ongoing gravitational interactions, can shape the gas into spiral arms, bars, or other structural features characteristic of galaxies.

7. Galaxy Types: The final structure of a galaxy depends on various factors, including the amount of gas, the rate of star formation, and the interactions with neighboring galaxies. There are different types of galaxies, such as spiral galaxies (like the Milky Way), elliptical galaxies, and irregular galaxies, each with its own unique characteristics.

8. Galaxy Evolution: Galaxies continue to evolve over billions of years. They may merge with other galaxies, accrete more gas and stars, and undergo various processes that influence their size, shape, and composition.

 

 

Source: The Hindu

SUB-CATEGORISATION OF SCHEDULED CASTE

 

1. Context

The Modi Government is weighing its options on a controversial and far-reaching step introducing “sub-categorisation” among Scheduled Castes (SC). This entails fixing a separate quota for some castes within the SC category ostensibly to ensure that a few “influential SC communities” don’t corner most of the benefits.

2. What is the issue?

• Caution is needed when considering the sub-categorization of SCs and STs due to various complexities.
• Unlike OBCs, SCs and STs do not have a creamy layer, and addressing backwardness among them involves dealing with untouchability issues.
• Sub-categorization may exacerbate differences within these communities and lead to competition for affirmative action.
• There is already a demand for OBC status from groups like Marathas, Patels, and Jats, making the situation more challenging.
• Some SC communities, like Madigas in Telangana, feel marginalized and seek a separate quota.
• Key Ministries are discussing the proposal, which would require amending Article 341 of the Constitution.
• Legal options include waiting for a larger Supreme Court bench to rule on the matter or going ahead with the amendment.
• Sub-categorization has a contentious history, with earlier attempts in states like Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu on hold.
• The idea has both supporters and opponents within the government.
• Concerns include encroachment on states' powers, the potential for the creamy layer issue, and its applicability to STs and new entries in the list of SCs and STs.
• The issue remains complex and politically sensitive.

3. What is the Presidential list?

• In India, the term "Presidential list" typically refers to the Presidential Orders issued under Articles 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution.
• These articles deal with the recognition and classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), respectively.
• The President of India, upon the advice of the Governor of a state, can issue a notification specifying which communities or groups within a state are to be recognized as Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
• These notifications are known as Presidential Orders, and they are crucial for determining eligibility for various affirmative action programs, reservations in government jobs, educational institutions, and other benefits for SCs and STs.
• The process involves recommendations from the State Government, scrutiny by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment at the central level, and finally, the issuance of the Presidential Order by the President of India.
• The Presidential list is, therefore, a list of communities or tribes that have been officially recognized as Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes in a particular state or union territory of India.
• This list can vary from state to state based on the demographic composition and historical background of each region.

4. Who are Madiga community?

• The Madiga community is a Scheduled Caste (SC) community in India, primarily found in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and parts of Tamil Nadu.
• Scheduled Castes, also known as Dalits, historically faced social and economic discrimination and were considered the lowest in the caste hierarchy in India.
• The Madiga community, like other SC communities, has historically experienced social and economic marginalization, including discrimination and exclusion from various aspects of social life, such as education and employment.
• As a result, they have been beneficiaries of affirmative action policies and reservations provided by the Indian government to uplift marginalized communities.
• It's important to note that within the broader category of Scheduled Castes, there are various subgroups and communities with their distinct identities, histories, and challenges.
• The Madiga community is one of these subgroups within the Scheduled Caste category in South India.
• Over the years, there have been movements and demands within the Madiga community for greater recognition and rights, as well as for a separate quota within the SC category to address internal disparities and inequities.

5. What is a Mala community?

• The Mala community is another Scheduled Caste (SC) community in India, primarily found in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• As with other SC communities, the Mala community has historically experienced social and economic discrimination and has been subjected to various forms of marginalization and exclusion.
• The Mala community, like the Madiga community and other SC groups, has been a beneficiary of affirmative action policies and reservations provided by the Indian government to address historical injustices and uplift marginalized communities.
• These policies aim to provide opportunities in education, employment, and political representation to SCs.
• It's important to understand that within the broader category of Scheduled Castes, there are numerous subgroups and communities, each with its unique identity, history, and socio-economic conditions.
• The Mala community is one of these subgroups within the SC category in the southern regions of India.
• Like other SC communities, the Mala community has also had its share of social and political movements advocating for their rights and addressing disparities within their community.

6. What is a creamy layer?

The "creamy layer" refers to a threshold of economic and social status within a particular reserved category that is deemed to be relatively privileged and not in need of affirmative action benefits, such as reservations in educational institutions and government jobs. The concept of the creamy layer was introduced to ensure that the benefits of reservations reach those who are genuinely disadvantaged and economically deprived within the reserved categories.

For example:

• In the case of OBCs, the creamy layer concept is applied to exclude individuals or families within the OBC category who have achieved a certain level of income or social status. These individuals are considered part of the creamy layer and are not eligible for OBC reservations in higher education and government jobs.
• For SCs and STs, there is typically no creamy layer concept. Reservations for these categories are intended to benefit all members, regardless of their economic status, due to the historical discrimination and social disadvantages they have faced.

The idea behind the creamy layer concept is to prevent the reservation benefits from concentrating among the relatively well-off individuals or families within a reserved category, thereby ensuring that the most economically and socially disadvantaged individuals receive the intended benefits of affirmative action policies. The specific criteria and income thresholds for determining the creamy layer can vary and are periodically revised by the government.

7. What are the arguments for and against sub-categorisation?

Sub-categorization of reservations in India, especially within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), is a complex and contentious issue. Various arguments exist both for and against sub-categorization:

Arguments in Favor of Sub-Categorization:

• Addressing Internal Disparities: One of the primary arguments for sub-categorization is that it helps address internal disparities within SCs and STs. By identifying specific groups or communities within these broader categories that are more marginalized or disadvantaged, sub-categorization can ensure that the benefits of reservations reach those who need them the most.
• Equitable Distribution: Sub-categorization can lead to a more equitable distribution of reserved seats and benefits. It can prevent dominant groups within SCs and STs from monopolizing the advantages of reservations, ensuring that smaller and more vulnerable subgroups receive their fair share.
• Efficient Resource Allocation: Sub-categorization can help in efficient resource allocation by targeting government resources, such as scholarships and welfare programs, toward the neediest subgroups, thereby maximizing the impact of affirmative action policies.
• Social Justice: Proponents argue that sub-categorization aligns with the principles of social justice by addressing historical injustices and ensuring that the most marginalized communities receive support to uplift themselves.

Arguments Against Sub-Categorization:

• Complexity: Critics argue that sub-categorization introduces complexity into an already intricate system of reservations. Determining which subgroups should receive how much benefit can be administratively challenging and lead to disputes.
• Divisiveness: Sub-categorization can sometimes lead to divisions and conflicts within the SC and ST communities. It may create rivalries among subgroups competing for reserved seats and benefits, potentially undermining solidarity among these communities.
• Administrative Burden: Managing multiple subcategories may pose an administrative burden on the government, including the need for data collection and constant revision of subcategories.
• Legal Challenges: The constitutionality of sub-categorization has been a subject of legal debate. While some judgments have upheld its validity, others have sought further clarification from larger benches of the Supreme Court.
• Political Factors: The issue of sub-categorization is often influenced by political considerations. Decisions to subcategorize or not can be influenced by electoral dynamics and political interests.

The arguments for sub-categorization focus on addressing internal inequalities and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits, while the arguments against it emphasize the potential complexities, divisiveness, and administrative challenges it may pose. The decision to implement sub-categorization is a nuanced one and requires careful consideration of its potential impact on marginalized communities and the broader social fabric.

For Prelims: The Presidential List, Article 341 of the Constitution, Creamy layer, Sub-Categorization, Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST). For Mains: 1. Discuss the concept of sub-categorization of SCs in India. What are the key arguments in favor of and against sub-categorization? Assess the implications and challenges associated with implementing sub-categorization as a policy measure for social justice. (250 Words).

 

Previous year question 1. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both? (UPSC 2013) A. State Forest Department B. District Collector/Deputy Commissioner C. Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer D. Gram Sabha Answer: D

Source: The Indian Express

PINK DIAMONDS

 

1. Context

Western Australian scientists have recently unearthed a tantalizing story behind the formation of pink diamonds, connecting it to the ancient supercontinent, Nuna, and the mysterious geological activities it experienced over 1.3 billion years ago

 

2. What is a Pink diamond?

• Pink diamonds are a type of diamond that has a pink color. They are one of the rarest and most expensive types of diamonds in the world. The pink color of a diamond is caused by the presence of trace amounts of manganese in the diamond's crystal structure.
• Pink diamonds, with their mesmerizing hue, are not only rare but also different in nature compared to their blue or yellow counterparts
• While the blue or yellow derive their colors from impurities like nitrogen and boron, the allure of pink diamonds stems from their uniquely bent crystalline structure.
• This very aspect makes them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, with prices for the highest grade reaching into the tens of millions.

3. Where does it found?

Pink diamonds can be found in all of the major diamond-producing countries, but the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia was the largest source of pink diamonds in the world. The Argyle mine closed in 2020, and now pink diamonds are even rarer.

Pink diamonds come in a wide range of shades, from a faint blush to a deep vibrant pink. The more intense the color of the diamond, the rarer and more valuable it is. Pink diamonds can also have secondary hues, such as purple, orange, or brown

 

4. Indications of Study

 

Image Source: Geological Survey of Western Australia

• Long before our current continents took shape, Nuna, an ancient supercontinent, graced our planet’s surface. Scientists believe Nuna existed around 1.6 to 2.5 billion years ago, predating even the famous Pangea by a considerable margin
• Researchers actively map Nuna’s formation by piecing together geological and paleomagnetic data. These clues suggest that Nuna brought together fragments of what we now identify as North America, northern Europe, and parts of Siberia.
• What makes Nuna’s story especially captivating is its dynamic nature.
• Throughout its lifespan, the supercontinent experienced multiple cycles of coming together and breaking apart. Each phase of assembly and dispersal reshaped the Earth’s surface. These changes gave rise to new geological formations, laying the groundwork for subsequent continents
• One of the most intriguing findings about Nuna lies in its connection to Earth’s atmospheric evolution. As Nuna formed, volcanic activities increased.
• These volcanoes released vast amounts of carbon dioxide, playing a pivotal role in shaping the planet’s early atmospheric conditions and potentially influencing the course of life.

 

Source: Earth

PERSONALITY RIGHTS

1. Context

The Delhi High Court recently granted actor Anil Kapoor's pleas for the protection of his personality rights from misuse by third parties. This comes after similar rulings in favour of other celebrities, such as Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan.

2. About personality rights

• Personality rights are the rights of a person to protect their identity, including their name, voice, signature, images, and any other feature easily identified by the public.
• Personality rights are not expressly mentioned in a statute in India but are traced to fall under the right to privacy and the right to property.
• The closest statute to protect personality rights is Article 21 of the Constitution of India under rights to privacy and publicity.
• Other statutory provisions protecting personality rights include the Copyright Act, 1957. According to the Act, moral rights are only granted to authors and performers, including actors, singers, musicians, and dancers.
• The provisions of the Act mandate that the Authors or the Performers have the right to be given credit or claim authorship of their work and also have a right to restrain others from causing any kind of damage to their work.
• The Indian Trademarks Act, 1999 also protects personal rights under Section 14, which restricts the use of personal names and representations.
• The Delhi High Court and the Madras High Court have passed interim orders protecting the personality rights of celebrities, but the law is still at a nascent stage in India.
• Celebrities often register some aspects of their personality as trademarks to use them commercially. For example, Usain Bolt's "bolting" or lightning pose is a registered trademark.

4. How have Indian courts decided so far?

• In a recent case, the Delhi High Court granted an ex-parte, omnibus injunction restraining 16 entities from using actor Anil Kapoor's name, likeness, and image for commercial purposes.
• The court also granted an injunction against the use of technological tools like Artificial Intelligence, face morphing, and GIFs to create unauthorised versions of Kapoor.
• In an earlier case, the Delhi High Court had issued a similar injunction against the unauthorised use of Amitabh Bachchan's personality rights.
• The court had injuncted the use of variations of his name such as "Big B", his unique style of addressing the computer as "'Computer ji", and his catchphrase "lock kiya jaye".
• In 2015, the Madras High Court observed that "personality right vests on those persons, who have attained the status of celebrity".
• The court's observation came in the actor Rajnikanth's lawsuit against the producers of the movie "Main hoon Rajnikanth", claiming that his name, image, and style of delivering dialogues had infringed on his personality rights.
• The court said that the producers after admitting that the actor has a high reputation can't now say that Rajnikanth is a common name.

5. When can the Court grant an injunction?

The Delhi High Court has listed out the following elements comprising the liability for infringement of the right of publicity:

• The right has to be valid. This means that the court must be satisfied that the "plaintiff owns an enforceable right in the identity or persona of a human being."
• The celebrity must be easily identifiable in the alleged misuse. "The celebrity must be identifiable from the defendant’s unauthorized use Infringement of right of publicity requires no proof of falsity, confusion, or deception, especially when the celebrity is identifiable," the HC had said.
• The defendant must have intended to trade upon the identity of the plaintiff, from which identifiability can be presumed.

6. Conclusion

In essence, the protection of personality rights in India remains a developing area of law, with celebrities increasingly seeking legal recourse to safeguard their distinct identities in an evolving digital landscape.

For Prelims: Personality rights, Delhi High Court, Madras High Court, Right to property, trademark, right to privacy, Article 21, Copyright Act, 1957 For Mains: 1. Explain how can the legal framework for protecting personality rights in India be strengthened to better address the challenges of the digital age. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. What is the position of the Right to Property in India? (UPSC 2021)  A. Legal right available to citizens only B. Legal right available to any person C. Fundamental Right available, to citizens only D. Neither Fundamental Right nor legal right Answer: B   2. In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. The difference/differences between a "Trade Mark" and a Geographical Indication is/are (UPSC 2010) 1. A Trade Mark is an individual or a company's right whereas a Geographical Indication is a community's right. 2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a Geographical Indication cannot be licensed. 3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured goods whereas the Geographical Indication is assigned to the agricultural goods/products and handicrafts only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  A. 1 only          B. 1 and 2 only        C. 2 and 3 only         D. 1, 2 and 3   Answer: B   3. Which of the following statements regarding Article 21 of the Constitution of India is/ is correct?  (CDS GK 2017) 1. Article 21 is violated when under-trial prisoners are detained under judicial custody for an indefinite period. 2. Right to life is one of the basic human rights and not even the state has the authority to violate that right. 3. Under Article 21, the right of a woman to make reproductive choices is not a dimension of personal liberty. Select the correct answer using the code given below. A. 1, 2 and 3     B. 1 and 2 only     C. 1 and 3 only        D. 2 only   Answer: B   4. Article 21 of Indian Constitution secures: (OPSC OAS 2018) A. Right to life only B. Right to personal liberty only C. Right to liberty and privacy D. Right to life, personal liberty and right to privacy   Answer: D 5. ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? (UPSC 2021) (a) Article 15 (b) Article 19 (c) Article 21 (d) Article 29 Answer: C 6. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (2018) (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution. (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV. (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III. (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution. Answer: C

 

Source: The Indian Express