Prelims Focus 8th August 2024

Methanotrophs

In News: Methylocucumis oryzae, a newly identified methanotroph, has been discovered in rice fields and wetlands in Western India. 

• This finding represents India’s first indigenous methanotroph, which plays a crucial role in mitigating methane emissions. 
• Researchers have isolated and characterized this species, noting its oval, cucumber-like shape. 
• The discovery highlights the potential of natural agents in addressing methane-related environmental issues, particularly in agricultural settings.

Bagata tribe: 

In News: The Bagata tribe, primarily residing in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, has a rich cultural heritage and history. Despite their significant contribution to the construction of the Lower Sileru Hydro-Electric Project, they continue to live without electricity, highlighting a stark contrast between their labour and the benefits of the project.

• Historically, the Bagata people are known as devoted warriors, and they engage in farming to sustain their livelihoods. 
• Their community celebrates vibrant festivals, with traditional dances like Dhimsa and Sankidi Kelbar being central to their culture.
• They communicate in a dialect of Oriya and Telugu, reflecting their regional roots.
• The ongoing struggle for basic amenities, such as electricity, underscores the challenges faced by the Bagata tribe, as they remain in darkness despite their involvement in a project designed to generate power. 
• This situation raises critical questions about the equitable distribution of resources and the recognition of tribal rights in development projects.

Boilers Bill 2024

In News: 

The Boilers Bill, 2024 was introduced in Rajya Sabha. The Boilers Bill, 2024 repeals the Boilers Act, 1923.

• • The Boilers Act, 1923, a pre-charter Act, offers the safety of life and belongings.
  • It was amended in the year 2007 by the Indian Boilers (Amendment) Act, 2007 in which inspection and certification through unbiased 1/3 celebration analyzing authorities was added.

• Salient features of the Bill 

• • The similar provisions which might be at unique places inside the Boilers Act,1923 have been grouped collectively in six chapters for higher information of the Act. 
  • Out of the seven offenses, to make certain safety of boilers and personnel managing boilers, in four main offenses which may also result in loss of life and property, criminal penalties are retained. 
  • For other offenses, provision is being made for fiscal penalties. 
  • Moreover, for all non-criminal offenses ‘fine’ has been converted into ‘penalty’ to be levied through govt mechanism as opposed to courts as existed earlier.
  • The proposed bill will enhance safety as specific provisions were made within the Bill to ensure the safety of people operating inside a boiler and that repair of boilers is undertaken by qualified and capable persons.

Malwa Canal Project

In News: The Punjab government faces a serious funds crunch, and some experts have raised questions over the technical viability of the Malwa canal project.

• The proposed 149.53-km canal is named after Malwa, the biggest and politically most important of the three geographical and cultural regions of Punjab, which sprawls across the complete southern part of the kingdom. 
• The proposed 50-foot wide and 12-foot deep canal will originate at the Harike Headworks on the Sutlej river in Ferozepur district, and will carry 2,000 cusecs of water. (A cusec is drift equivalent to at least one cubic foot per second.)
• The canal  is anticipated to take 5 years to construct, and is projected to irrigate 2 lakh acres of land in seven districts.

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