Daily News Analysis 05 July 2023

Table of Contents

GS-2

1. Lessons from the fracas over foodgrains

Facts for Prelims

1. 125th Birth Anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju
2. National Chambal Sanctuary
3. Orkney Islands

Lessons from the fracas over foodgrains

Context

1. The Karnataka government\’s decision to temporarily convert the Anna Bhagya scheme to direct benefit transfer raises concerns about the limits of state government intervention in food security.
2. Policy interventions on crucial matters like food security have their constraints.

The Problem with Anna Bhagya:

1. Anna Bhagya aimed to provide five kg of free rice per person per month to 4.42 crore beneficiaries in Karnataka.
2. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) discontinued the sale of rice and wheat under the Open Market Sale Scheme-Domestic (OMSS-D), affecting the implementation of Anna Bhagya.
3. The sudden decision by the Union Food Ministry disrupted Karnataka\’s plans to launch the scheme.

Limitations of the OMSS-D:

1. OMSS-D is meant for the sale of surplus stocks of wheat and rice to improve supply and control prices.
2. The Centre\’s decision to restrict OMSS-D surprised many states, impacting their efforts to supplement their allocation.
3. The communication gap between the Union Food and Public Distribution Department and the FCI could have avoided the controversy.

Compulsions and Constraints:

1. The Centre has its reasons to limit foodgrain availability under OMSS-D, considering the stock position and uncertainties related to the monsoon.
2. Broader consultation is necessary to address such concerns.
3. Relying on private traders to lower prices for those not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) raises questions.

The PMGKAY and Lesson Learned:

1. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), implemented during the pandemic, is no longer in force.
2. States should have their mechanisms in place before launching schemes.
3. The sustainability of Anna Bhagya was questionable, relying solely on OMSS-D for supply.

Considering the Macro Picture:

1. States need to assess the practicality of their schemes by considering the overall situation.
2. Overreliance on the Central government and the FCI without considering emerging realities is a concern.
3. Availability and cost are important factors to consider in implementing food schemes.

Foodgrains and Politics:

1. Foodgrains should not be used as instruments of politics.
2. Objective evaluations of programs like PMGKAY and Anna Bhagya are necessary.
3. Electoral promises related to food security should be made with moderation.

Conclusion:

1. The current situation serves as a lesson to exercise caution and objectivity in making electoral promises regarding food security.
2. Politicians should avoid using foodgrains as political instruments and consider the practicality of their programs.

125th Birth Anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju

Context

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the closing ceremony of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju at Hyderabad.

About Alluri Sitarama Raju

Alluri Sitarama Raju was a prominent Indian freedom fighter and tribal leader who played a crucial role in the country\’s independence movement. He was born on July 4, 1897, in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Rampa Rebellion or Manyam Rebellion:

1. Raju led the Rampa Rebellion, also known as the Manyam Rebellion, against colonial rule.
2. The rebellion started in August 1922 as the government threatened the tribals\’ traditional cultivation and forced them to work for the colonial government.
3. Raju and hundreds of tribals attacked police stations in the Godavari agency, resisting British oppression.
4. The rebellion lasted until May 1924 when Raju was captured and executed.

Mobilized Tribal Communities:

1. Raju united various tribal communities like Koyas, Savaras, and Chenchus against the British authorities.
2. He aimed to instill pride and resistance among the tribes, fighting against colonial oppression.

Guerrilla Warfare Tactics:

1. Raju utilized guerrilla warfare strategies, taking advantage of the natural terrain of the Eastern Ghats.
2. He employed hit-and-run tactics, ambushing British patrols, disrupting their supply lines, and destroying infrastructure.

Promoted Indigenous Culture:

1. Raju emphasized the preservation of tribal traditions, culture, and customs.
2. He encouraged the use of indigenous methods and practices, fostering a sense of identity and unity among tribal communities.

Symbol of Resistance:

1. Alluri Sitarama Raju became a symbol of resistance against British rule.
2. His leadership and fearlessness inspired many Indians, including tribal communities, to join the fight for independence.

Closing Ceremony of 125th Birth Anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju:

1. President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to Alluri Sitarama Raju at the closing ceremony of his 125th birth anniversary celebrations in Hyderabad.
2. PM Modi had launched the year-long celebrations and unveiled a bronze statue of Raju in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh.
3. The President praised Raju\’s struggle against injustice and exploitation, considering it a proud chapter in India\’s freedom struggle.
4. She highlighted Raju\’s efforts to unite society without discrimination based on caste and class, particularly his work with tribal people in Andhra Pradesh.

National Chambal Sanctuary

Context

The National Chambal Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh will soon have a dolphin sanctuary area as well.

About National Chambal Sanctuary:

Location:

1. The National Chambal Sanctuary, also known as the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is located at the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
2. It stretches along a 425 km length of the Chambal River and its ravines.

Conservation Focus:

1. The sanctuary is primarily dedicated to the protection of critically endangered species like the Gharial, Red-crowned roof turtle, and endangered Ganges dolphin.
2. It supports the largest population of Gharials in the wild.
3. The area is also recognized as an important bird area (IBA).

Topography and Vegetation:

1. The sanctuary is characterized by a diverse topography with ravines, hills, and sandy beaches.
2. It falls within the Kathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.

Other Wildlife:

1. The sanctuary is home to various threatened species, including the mugger crocodile, smooth-coated otters, Striped Hyena, and Indian wolves.
2. The Chambal River hosts 8 out of 26 rare species of turtles, such as the Indian narrow-headed soft-shell turtle, three-striped roof turtle, and crowned river turtle.
3. Mammals like Sambhar deer, Neel Gai (blue bull), Indian gazelle, Rhesus Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Indian grey and small Asian mongoose, Bengal Fox, etc., are also found here.

Key facts about the Chambal River:

Origin and Geography:

1. The Chambal River is a tributary of the Yamuna River and is known as one of the least polluted rivers in India.
2. It originates from the Singar Chouri peak on the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains.
3. The river basin is surrounded by the Vindhyan mountain ranges to the south, east, and west, and the Aravalli range to the northwest.
4. The upper catchment of the Chambal River, in the Hadauti plateau of Rajasthan, is located southeast of the Mewar Plains.

Tributaries and Dams:

1. The river is fed by various tributaries, including Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, and Parbati.
2. Major dams on the Chambal River include Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam.

Orkney Islands

Context

An iconic Orkney Islands is looking at ways to split off from the U.K. and potentially become a self-governing territory of Norway.

About Orkney Islands:

Geographical Location:

1. The Orkney Islands are an archipelago consisting of 70 individual islands, with 20 of them being inhabited.
2. They are located approximately 10 miles off the north coast of Scotland.

Rich History and Archaeological Sites:

1. The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and they are known for their historical significance.
2. Numerous archaeological sites can be found on the Orkney Islands, including Neolithic stone circles, chambered tombs like Maeshowe, and other ancient structures.
3. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney, which includes the Ring of Brodgar, Stones of Stenness, Maeshowe, and Skara Brae, is considered among the most important Neolithic sites in Western Europe.
4. The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Archipelago Definition:

1. An archipelago refers to a group or chain of islands that are closely scattered in a body of water, such as a sea, ocean, lake, or river.
2. These islands are formed through natural processes like volcanic activity, tectonic movements, or the accumulation of sediment.