1.Corals:
In news:
● A two-month expedition by marine scientists from Kerala University of
Fisheries and Ocean Studies uncovered alarming evidence of widespread
coral reef bleaching around the Lakshadweep islands. The loss of these
crucial organisms could have devastating effects on the marine ecosystem,
ultimately jeopardizing the survival of the entire archipelago.
About corals:
1
● Polyp Structure: Corals are primarily composed of small, cylindrical polyps that
are typically 1-3 cm in diameter. Each polyp has a mouth surrounded by
tentacles. These tentacles capture plankton and small fish for nourishment.
● Coral Skeleton: Corals secrete a hard calcium carbonate (CaCO3) exoskeleton,
known as the corallite. This skeleton forms the structure of the reef and supports
the coral polyp.
● Symbiotic Relationship: Corals have a mutualistic relationship with microscopic
algae called zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues. These algae perform
photosynthesis, providing nutrients to the coral, while the coral offers a protected
environment and access to sunlight.
- Types of Corals
● Hard Corals (Scleractinia): These corals build the majority of reef structures
through their calcium carbonate skeletons. Examples include brain corals and
staghorn corals.
● Soft Corals (Alcyonacea): These corals lack a rigid skeleton and include
species like sea fans and sea pens. They contribute to reef diversity and
structure but are less dominant in reef-building.
● Deep-Sea Corals: Found at great depths in the ocean, these corals do not rely
on sunlight and do not form reefs. They can be important for deep-sea
ecosystems.
- Coral Reefs
● Formation: Coral reefs form through the accumulation of coral skeletons over
thousands of years. They require warm, shallow, and clear waters to thrive,
usually between 23°C and 29°C.
● Types of Reefs:
○ Fringing Reefs: Grow directly from the shore, creating a narrow band
along the coastline.
○ Barrier Reefs: Separated from the shore by a lagoon or deep water
channel.
○ Atolls: Circular or oval reefs surrounding a lagoon, often formed from the
sinking of volcanic islands.
● Ecosystem Services: Coral reefs support over 25% of marine species, protect
coastlines from erosion, provide food resources, and are of economic importance
through tourism and fishing.
- Threats to Corals
● Coral Bleaching: Caused by elevated sea temperatures or other stressors, coral
bleaching occurs when zooxanthellae are expelled, leading to the loss of color
and, if prolonged, death of the coral.
● Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 levels lower ocean pH, reducing the
availability of calcium carbonate needed for coral skeleton formation.
● Pollution: Nutrient runoff from agriculture and pollution from plastics and
chemicals can harm coral health and promote algal overgrowth.
● Overfishing: Destructive fishing practices and overfishing can damage coral
reefs and disrupt their ecological balance.
● Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures, sea level rise, and increased storm
frequency exacerbate other threats to coral reefs
- Conservation Efforts
● Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing MPAs can help protect coral
reefs from direct human impact and allow ecosystems to recover.
● Restoration Projects: Techniques like coral gardening and artificial reef creation
are used to restore damaged coral reefs.
● Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable fishing practices, reducing
pollution, and addressing climate change are essential for coral conservation.
2.Amnesty International:
In news:
● Amnesty International has charged that Nigerian security forces killed at least 21
protesters during a week of rallies related to economic difficulties, according to
the head of the organization in Nigeria, who spoke to AFP on Wednesday
(August 7, 2024).
About:
Overview and Mission:
Amnesty International was founded in 1961 by Peter Benenson, a British lawyer, in
response to the imprisonment of two Portuguese students who had been arrested for
raising a toast to freedom. The organization’s mission is to promote and protect human
rights globally, advocating for justice, freedom, and dignity for all individuals. It seeks to
ensure that governments and other powerful entities adhere to international human
rights standards.
- Key Objectives:
● Advocacy: Amnesty International advocates for the rights of individuals and
groups whose rights are threatened or violated. This includes campaigning
against abuses like torture, arbitrary detention, and discrimination.
● Research and Reporting: The organization conducts in-depth research into
human rights violations and produces detailed reports to raise awareness and
hold perpetrators accountable.
● Mobilization and Campaigning: It mobilizes public opinion and engages in
campaigns to pressure governments and other entities to address human rights
issues. - Structure and Organization:
● Global Presence: Amnesty International operates globally with a network of
national sections and regional offices. It has millions of members and supporters
worldwide.
● Governance: The organization is governed by a General Assembly, which
consists of representatives from all member sections. The International Executive
Committee (IEC) oversees its operations between assemblies.
● Secretariat: The International Secretariat, headquartered in London, handles the
day-to-day activities of the organization. - Major Areas of Focus:
● Civil and Political Rights: This includes freedom of expression, the right to a
fair trial, and protection from torture and arbitrary detention.
● Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: Amnesty International addresses
issues like the right to education, health, and adequate living conditions.
● Refugee and Migrant Rights: The organization works to protect the rights of
refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.
● Women’s Rights: It campaigns against gender-based violence and
discrimination, promoting equality and justice for women. - Notable Campaigns and Achievements:
● Abolition of the Death Penalty: Amnesty International has been a leading force
in advocating for the global abolition of the death penalty.
● Human Rights in Conflict Zones: It has highlighted abuses in conflict zones
and pressured parties to respect international humanitarian law.
● Campaigns Against Torture: The organization has worked extensively to
expose and end the use of torture worldwide.
3.Rajya Sabha Elections
In news:
● On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the Election Commission announced that
elections for 12 vacant Rajya Sabha seats will take place on September 3,
2024, with the votes being counted on the same day.
About Rajya Sabha Elections:
Article 80 of the Constitution: Representatives of each State to the Rajya Sabha are
elected indirectly by the elected members of their Legislative Assembly.
Pre-1998 Trends: Prior to 1998, Rajya Sabha elections often saw candidates winning
unopposed due to majority party dominance in state assemblies.
June 1998 Incident: Cross-voting in Maharashtra led to the loss of a Congress party
candidate, highlighting issues with the election process.
2003 Amendment: Section 59 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 was
amended to require open ballot voting for Rajya Sabha elections. MLAs must show their
ballot paper to their party’s authorized agent; failure to do so or showing it to others
results in disqualification. Independent MLAs are barred from showing their ballots.
Rajya Sabha Composition:
● Total strength: 250 members
● 12 members nominated by the President from fields like art, literature, science,
and social service.
● Remaining seats are distributed among states and Union Territories based on
population.
Indirect Election System: Rajya Sabha members are elected by state legislative
assemblies through a system of proportional representation using the Single
Transferable Vote (STV).
Quota Calculation:
● To be elected, a candidate must achieve a specific quota, calculated by dividing
the total valid votes by the number of seats plus one.
● In states with multiple seats, the initial quota is calculated by multiplying the
number of MLAs by 100.
Voting Preferences and Surplus:
● MLAs rank their preferences on the ballot paper (1 for the top preference, 2 for
the next, etc.).
● Candidates receiving sufficient first preferential votes to meet the quota are
elected.
● Surplus votes of winning candidates are transferred to the second-choice
candidates, with the largest surpluses transferred first.
4. Repo Rate:
In news:
● On Thursday, August 8, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das
announced the bi-monthly monetary policy statement, maintaining the repo
rate—the central bank’s rate for short-term loans to banks—at 6.5%. The
Governor also noted that inflation and growth are progressing in a balanced
manner, but emphasized the need to stay alert regarding food prices.
About
● The Repo Rate is a crucial monetary policy tool used by central banks, such as
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to regulate the economy. It plays a significant
role in controlling inflation, managing economic growth, and influencing the
overall financial stability of a country.
Definition
The repo rate is the rate at which the central bank of a country lends money to
commercial banks for short-term periods against government securities or other
collateral. This rate is crucial for managing liquidity in the financial system.
Purpose
- Control Inflation: By adjusting the repo rate, the central bank can control
inflation. An increase in the repo rate makes borrowing more expensive for
banks, which reduces the money supply in the economy and can help control
inflation. - Stimulate Economic Growth: Conversely, lowering the repo rate makes
borrowing cheaper, encouraging banks to lend more and consumers to spend,
which can stimulate economic growth.
Mechanism
● Increase in Repo Rate: When the central bank raises the repo rate, it becomes
more expensive for banks to borrow funds. Banks may pass on this higher cost
to consumers and businesses, leading to higher interest rates on loans. This can
reduce consumer spending and investment, thus cooling down an overheating
economy and reducing inflation.
● Decrease in Repo Rate: Lowering the repo rate reduces the cost of borrowing
for banks. This often leads to lower interest rates on loans for consumers and
businesses, encouraging spending and investment. This can help boost
economic activity during periods of slow growth or recession.
Impact on Economy
- Interest Rates: Changes in the repo rate directly affect interest rates on loans
and deposits. A higher repo rate typically leads to higher interest rates on loans
and lower interest rates on deposits. - Inflation: By controlling the cost of borrowing, the repo rate influences inflation.
Higher rates can reduce inflation, while lower rates can spur inflationary
pressures. - Economic Growth: The repo rate affects economic growth by influencing
consumer spending and business investment. Lower rates can stimulate growth,
while higher rates can slow it down.
Relation to Other Rates
● Reverse Repo Rate: The rate at which the central bank borrows money from
commercial banks. It is usually lower than the repo rate and helps in controlling
the money supply.
● Bank Rate: The rate at which the central bank lends to commercial banks
without collateral. It is usually higher than the repo rate.