Labour Reforms in India    
Vaccine-Derived Polio    
Great Nicobar Project    
Garlic as a Vegetable    
Climate Change Impact on the Panama Canal    

1.    Labour Reforms in India
Background:
•    Concurrent List: Labour is a subject in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, allowing both Parliament and state legislatures to enact laws.
•    Pre-Reform Legislation: Prior to reform, India had over 40 central laws and more
 

•    Legislative Process:
o    2019: Initial bills introduced.
o    2020: Revised bills passed based on Standing Committee recommendations.
•    Current Status: Rules for all codes are planned to be notified simultaneously. Draft rules for the Wages Code were circulated in 2019 but have not yet been finalized.

than 100 state laws related to labour.         

Recommendations by the Second National Commission on Labour (2002):
•    Integration Proposal: Suggested consolidating central labour laws into five main categories:
o    Industrial Relations
o    Wages
o    Social Security
o    Safety
o    Welfare and Working Conditions
•    Rationale: Existing laws were archaic, complex, and had inconsistent definitions. The Commission aimed for transparency and uniformity.
Labour Code Legislation (2019-2020):
•    Code on Wages: Passed in 2019.
•    Other Codes Introduced:
o    Industrial Relations Code
o    Social Security Code
o    Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the consolidation of labour laws in India, consider the following statements:
1.    The Second National Commission on Labour recommended grouping labour laws into categories such as industrial relations and wages.
2.    The Code on Wages was passed in 2019, while the other three labour codes were passed in the same year.
3.    The rules for the Wages Code were finalized and implemented immediately after its passage.
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: A) 1 only

 

Mains Question
Question: Analyze the impact of consolidating multiple labour laws into four main codes on India's labour market. How do these reforms aim to address the challenges posed by outdated and complex legislation, and what are the potential benefits for transparency and uniformity in labour regulation?

2. Vaccine-Derived Polio
Recent Case:
•    Location: Tikrikilla, Meghalaya
•    Patient: Two-year-old child
•    Clarification: Not caused by wild poliovirus; observed in individuals with low immunity.
About Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV)
•    Origin:
o    Vaccine Strain: Arises from the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which contains a live, weakened poliovirus.
o    Purpose of OPV: Stimulates immune response by replicating temporarily in the intestine, helping develop immunity.
•    Development of VDPV:
o    Process: In under-immunized populations, the vaccine virus can circulate, mutate, and revert to a form capable of causing paralysis. This is known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV).
o    Global Impact: Since 2000, over 10 billion doses of OPV have been administered globally, leading to 24 cVDPV outbreaks in 21 countries, with fewer than 760 cases reported.

•    Prevention Measures:
o    WHO Recommendations: Implement multiple rounds of high-quality immunization campaigns to stop cVDPV transmission.
Key Facts about Polio
•    Overview:
o    Disease: Viral infection causing irreversible paralysis and potential death by affecting the nervous system.
•    Wild Poliovirus Strains:
o    Type 1 (WPV1)
o    Type 2 (WPV2)
o    Type 3 (WPV3)
o    Note: Each strain has distinct genetic and virological properties, necessitating separate eradication efforts.
•    Transmission:
o    Route: Fecal-oral
o    Affected Group: Primarily children under five
o    Process: Virus multiplies in the intestine and can invade the nervous system.
•    Available Vaccines:
o    Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV):
    Administration: Birth dose, followed by three doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, and a booster at 16-24 months.
o    Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV):
    Administration: Given as an additional dose along with the third DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) vaccine under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
•    India’s Polio-Free Status:

o    Declaration: India was declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014.
o    Last Case: Reported in 2011. Prelims Question
Question: With reference to Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV), consider the following statements:
1.    VDPV originates from the live, weakened poliovirus used in the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV).
2.    cVDPV is a variant of VDPV that can cause paralysis in under-immunized populations.
3.    The global administration of OPV has led to numerous outbreaks of cVDPV.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1, 2, and 3
D)    1 only
Answer: C) 1, 2, and 3
Mains Question
Question: Analyze the challenges posed by vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) to global polio eradication efforts. Discuss how these challenges impact vaccination strategies and propose measures to enhance the effectiveness of immunization campaigns in preventing cVDPV outbreaks.

3. Great Nicobar Project
Why in News?
•    Opposition Concerns: The main opposition party has criticized the Rs 72,000-crore infrastructure upgrade at Great Nicobar Island, citing it as a threat to the indigenous people and fragile ecosystem. They demand an immediate halt to project clearances and a thorough review by Parliamentary committees.

About Great Nicobar Island
•    Location:
o    Position: Southernmost of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
o    Geography: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a cluster of about 836 islands in the Bay of Bengal, separated by the 150-km wide Ten Degree Channel.
o    Proximity: Indira Point on Great Nicobar is India’s southernmost point, less than 150 km from the northernmost Indonesian island.
•    Ecosystem:
o    Features: Tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges up to 650 m above sea level, and coastal plains.
o    Protected Areas: Includes two national parks and a biosphere reserve.
o    Flagship Species: Leatherback sea turtle.
•    Tribes of Nicobar:
o    Shompen: Hunter-gatherers dependent on forest and marine resources.
o    Nicobarese: Mostly relocated post-2004 tsunami; currently residing in a 751 sq km tribal reserve.
Great Nicobar Island Project
•    Background:
o    Approval: Environmental clearance granted by the Environment Ministry in November 2022.
o    Initiator: The project follows a report by NITI Aayog.
•    Proposal:
o    Components: Includes an
international container trans-

shipment terminal, greenfield international airport, township development, and a 450 MVA gas and solar power plant over 16,610 hectares.
o    Operational Control: The port will be controlled by the Indian Navy; the airport will have dual military- civilian functions.
•    Government’s Rationale:
o    Economic Benefits:
    Strategic Location: Positioned near major maritime routes, including Colombo, Port Klang, and Singapore.
    Potential: ICTT could become a major hub for global cargo transshipment.
o    Strategic & Security Concerns:
    Historical Context: Proposal first made in the 1970s.
    Regional Tensions: Growing Chinese maritime influence in the Indo-Pacific and recent developments in Myanmar's Coco Islands.
Concerns about the Project
•    Environmental Threats:
o    Impact: Risk of losing tree cover, leading to increased runoff and sediment deposits impacting coral reefs.
o    Mangroves: Potential destruction due to the project.
o    Marine Life: Possible harm to coral reefs, the Nicobar Megapode bird, and leatherback turtles.
•    Impact on Indigenous People:

o    Shompen: Concerns over displacement and violation of tribal rights.
o    Tribal Consultation: Allegations of inadequate consultation with the Tribal Council and revocation of a no-objection certificate in November 2022.
•    Seismic Concerns:
o    Risk: The area is seismically active, with past subsidence of about 15 ft during the 2004 tsunami.
•    National Green Tribunal’s Role:
o    April 2023: NGT declined to interfere but mandated a high- power committee to review the clearances. The status of this report remains unclear.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the Great Nicobar Project, consider the following statements:
1.    The project includes the development of an international container trans-shipment terminal and a greenfield international airport.
2.    The Indian Navy will control the port, while the airport will function with dual military-civilian purposes.
3.    The National Green Tribunal has fully supported the environmental and forest clearances for the project without any further review.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Evaluate the potential impacts of the Great Nicobar Island project on the environment

and indigenous communities. How does the strategic significance of the project balance against the ecological and social concerns? Propose measures to mitigate the adverse effects while ensuring the project’s objectives are met.

o    Decision: The court upheld the 2017 decision, classifying garlic as a vegetable.
o    Implications: Garlic can now be sold in both vegetable and spice markets, potentially increasing

4.    Garlic as a Vegetable
 

About Garlic

market value and competition.

Why in News?
•    Legal Battle: Garlic's classification as either a vegetable or spice has been contested in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The outcome affects market regulations and the livelihoods of farmers and commission agents.
HC's Ruling Regarding Garlic's Classification
•    Case Background:
o    Initial Classification: In 2015, the Madhya Pradesh Market Board classified garlic as a vegetable.
o    Contesting Classification: The Agriculture Department reclassified garlic as a spice under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act of 1972.
o    Legal Challenge: The Potato Onion Garlic Commission Agent Association challenged this reclassification in 2016.
o    Judicial Rulings:
    2017 Ruling: A single-judge bench ruled in favor of treating garlic as a vegetable.
    Opposition & Review: Business interests opposed the decision, leading to a review petition and ultimately a two-judge bench ruling.
•    Madhya Pradesh High Court Ruling:

•    Botanical Classification:
o    Scientific Name: Allium sativum.
o    Botanical Features: Has a bulb, tall stem, and long leaves.
•    Agricultural Requirements:
o    Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile loamy soil with a pH of 6-8.
o    Altitude: Thrives at 1200–2000 meters above sea level.
o    Climate: Requires a cool, moist climate for growth and warm, dry weather for maturity.
•    Production:
o    Global Standing: India is the world’s second-largest garlic exporter, with significant exports
in 2023 due to supply chain issues in China.
o    Key Markets: Includes West Asia, the United States, Malaysia, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tags
•    Riyawan Garlic (Madhya Pradesh): Known for high yield, pungent flavor, and higher oil content.
•    Kodaikanal Malai Poondu (Tamil Nadu): Renowned for its medicinal and preservative properties due to high organosulfur compounds.
•    Kanthalloor Vattavada Veluthuli (Kerala): Prized for strong aroma and medicinal properties; grown in high-altitude areas.
Prelims Question


Question: With reference to the classification of garlic in Madhya Pradesh, consider the following statements:
1.    The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that garlic should be classified as a vegetable.
2.    The Agriculture Department's reclassification of garlic as a spice was contested by the Potato Onion Garlic Commission Agent Association.
3.    The classification decision affects the market regulations and livelihood of commission agents, but not farmers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question
Question: Analyze the impact of the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s ruling on garlic's
classification as a vegetable on the local market dynamics and stakeholders. How does this classification influence market regulations, farmers' livelihoods, and the overall agricultural economy? Discuss the broader implications for the classification of agricultural produce.

5. Climate Change Impact on the Panama Canal
Current Situation
•    Challenges:
o    Prolonged Drought: The Panama Canal is facing severe drought conditions, exacerbated by climate change.
o    Reduced Water Levels: Water levels in Lake Gatun, a crucial reservoir, have decreased

significantly, impacting canal operations.
Impact of Climate Change
•    Drought and Reduced Ship Traffic:
o    Timeline: Prolonged drought began in early 2023.
o    October 2023: Rainfall was 43% below average, marking the driest October since the 1950s.
o    Ship Traffic Reduction: Drops to 22 ships per day in December 2023, down from the usual 36-38 ships.
•    Restriction on Ship Size:
o    Shallow Waters: Lower water levels restrict the size of ships, increasing the risk of grounding.
o    Water Requirement: Larger ships need more lake water to be lifted in the locks.
•    Effect on Global Trade:
o    Significance: The Panama Canal handles 5% of global shipping.
o    Consequences: Disruptions lead to delayed shipments, increased fuel consumption, and economic losses. Ships may take longer routes around South America.
About the Panama Canal
•    Overview:
o    Description: An 82 km artificial waterway in Panama connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
o    Significance: Saves approximately 12,600 km in maritime travel between New York and San Francisco.
o    Historical Milestone: The first ship passed through on August 15, 1914.
•    Functioning:


o    Engineering System: Utilizes a lock system to adjust ship elevations due to differing ocean levels (Pacific slightly higher than Atlantic).
o    Locks: A total of 12 locks act as water elevators, with locks being either flooded or drained to manage elevation changes.
o    Artificial Lakes and Channels:
Serve to maintain the lock system.
Isthmus of Panama
•    Definition: A narrow strip of land connecting two larger landmasses and separating two bodies of water.
•    Formation: Formed by the Caribbean tectonic plate pushing between the North and South American plates, raising the seafloor.
Key Definitions
•    Strait: A narrow waterway between two land masses connecting two larger bodies of water (e.g., Strait of Gibraltar between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean).
Important Canals Around the World
•    Suez Canal:
o    Location: Connects the Gulf of Suez and the Mediterranean Sea.
o    Significance: Provides the shortest maritime route between Europe and the Indian Ocean/Western Pacific.
•    Kiel Canal:
o    Location: Connects the Baltic Sea with the North Sea.
o    Opened: 1895, allows vessels to bypass the longer route around Denmark.
•    Corinth Canal:

o    Location: Connects the Corinthian Gulf (Ionian Sea) with the Saronic Gulf (Aegean Sea).
o    Significance: Known as the world's narrowest canal.
•    Kra Isthmus Canal (Proposed):
o    Location: Southern Thailand, connecting the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand.
o    Potential: Would provide a shortcut for routes between India and China, avoiding the Strait of Malacca.
•    Great Lakes Seaway Navigation System:
o    Location: United States, connecting the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River.

Prelims Question
Question: With reference to the impact of climate change on the Panama Canal, consider the following statements:
1.    Prolonged drought has led to a significant decrease in ship traffic and water levels in Lake Gatun.
2.    The canal’s lock system uses a series of gates to adjust ship elevations due to ocean level differences.
3.    The Panama Canal accounts for 10% of global shipping and major disruptions lead to increased fuel usage and delayed shipments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question

Question: Analyze the effects of prolonged drought on the operations of the Panama Canal. Discuss how such climatic changes impact global trade and the strategies that could be implemented to mitigate these effects. Evaluate the role of the Panama Canal in global maritime trade and the significance of maintaining its operational efficiency in the face of climate challenges.