The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Dark Oxygen and Deep-Sea Mining

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Science and Tech.

Revision Notes

 

Discovery of Dark Oxygen

• Unknown process producing oxygen in deep ocean (abyssal zone).
• Polymetallic nodules act as potential source of oxygen.
• Nodules carry electric charges, splitting water molecules to release oxygen.

Polymetallic Nodules

• Rich in minerals like iron, manganese, copper, and nickel.
• High concentration makes mining economically feasible.
• Many countries, including India, planning for deep-sea mining.

Study Details

• Clarion-Clipperton Zone studied for oxygen levels.
• Oxygen levels increased unexpectedly at 4 km depth.
• Abyssal zone receives minimal sunlight, making photosynthesis impossible.
• Oxygen levels should have decreased due to consumption by marine life.

Potential Source of Oxygen

• Nodules have voltage of up to 0.95V.
• Voltage might build up when nodules are close together.
• Oxygen production dependent on sufficient voltage.
• Nodule’s energy source unknown.

Deep-Sea Mining

• Expected to be major marine resource extraction activity.
• International Seabed Authority granting contracts for exploration.
• China plans to mine 17% of Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
• Dark oxygen discovery raises concerns about mining impact on ecosystems.
• Deep-sea mining itself harmful to marine environment.

Impact on Deep-Sea Mining

• Mining could disrupt ecosystems dependent on dark oxygen.
• Potential for irreversible loss of ecosystem functions.
• Deep-sea mining could harm deep-sea jellyfish.
• Limited knowledge of abyssal zone ecosystems hinders impact prediction.

Conclusion

• Dark oxygen discovery complicates deep-sea mining.
• Sustainable mining practices essential to protect marine environment.
• Further research needed to understand abyssal zone ecosystems.

 

 

The Hindu Newspaper Analysis

Editorial Topic : Reservations and the OBC Creamy Layer

 GS-2 Mains Exam : Polity

Revision Notes

 

History of Reservations

• Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15 and 16 guarantee equality but allow special provisions for backward classes (OBC, SC, ST).
• Reservation Quotas: SCs and STs have fixed quotas of 15% and 7.5% respectively in government jobs, education, and PSUs.
• OBC Reservation: Introduced in 1990 with a 27% quota based on Mandal Commission recommendations.
• Expansion of Reservations: Extended to educational institutions (including private) in 2005.
• EWS Quota: 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections introduced in 2019.

Creamy Layer

• Concept: Supreme Court introduced the creamy layer to exclude better-off OBCs from reservations.
• Criteria: Based on parental income (over ₹8 lakh/year for three consecutive years) and occupation (government positions, PSUs, constitutional posts).

Issues with Reservations

• Misuse of Certificates: Allegations of fraudulent NCL, EWS, and disability certificates.
• Creamy Layer Evasion: Strategies to bypass creamy layer criteria (e.g., asset transfers, premature retirement).
• Concentration of Benefits: 97% of reservation benefits going to 25% of OBC castes.
• Unfilled Reservation Seats: 40-50% of reserved seats remain vacant in central government.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Verification: Rigorous checks on certificates.
• Fill Vacant Seats: Prioritize filling reserved vacancies.
• Sub-categorization: Consider dividing OBCs into sub-categories.
• Expand Creamy Layer: Possibly include SC/ST children of Group A/Class I officers.
• Comprehensive Discussion: Engage stakeholders to implement changes.
• Focus on Marginalized: Ensure benefits reach the most deprived.