August 10, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
World Lion Day | Explained
From once echoing in Arabian Sands to now thriving in Indian sanctuaries, the incredible journey of India's resilient Asiatic lions is unveiled on World Lion Day. This historical odyssey, marked by near extinction and triumphant revival, highlights the power of human dedication. Join us in celebrating these majestic creatures whose survival intertwines with our responsibility to preserve Earth's diverse tapestry of life.
Highlights of the Day
1. Karnataka's Asian Elephant Population Witnesses Remarkable Growth, Surpasses 6,000 Mark
Karnataka's Asian elephant population surged by 346, reaching 6,395 from the 2017 estimate of 6,049, making it India's largest elephant population. The figures were unveiled in the 2023 interim report on Asian Elephant demographics, released by Minister for Forests Eshwar Khandre. The census, conducted collaboratively with nearby states, showcased a range of 5,914 to 6,877 elephants. The census, executed across 23 forest divisions, highlighted an average elephant density of 0.34 per sq km. Notably, Bandipur Tiger Reserve recorded the highest density at 0.96 per sq km. The rise underscores conservation efforts amid World Elephant Day's approach [1].
2. Government Takes Measures to Curb Food Price Inflation Through Increased Grain Sales and Price Adjustments
In response to rising foodgrains prices, the Indian government plans to sell an additional 50 lakh metric tonnes of wheat and 25 lakh metric tonnes of rice through the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS). This move aims to stabilize prices of essential commodities like rice, wheat, and atta. The Centre will also reduce the reserve price of rice by ₹200 per quintal to ₹2,900 per quintal. The initiative, funded by the Price Stabilisation Fund, seeks to benefit the country's 140 crore population. The decision to potentially reduce wheat import duty will be based on requirements, as the government aims to control food inflation [2].
3. India's New Drug Rules Embrace Cutting-edge Techniques to Replace Animal Testing in Research
The Government of India has introduced an amendment to the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023) with the goal of eliminating animal usage in research, particularly drug testing. The amendment permits researchers to utilize human-relevant methods such as 3D organoids, organs-on-chip, and advanced computational techniques to assess new drug safety and efficacy. The current practice of testing in animals has limitations in reflecting human complexities, contributing to high drug development failure rates. While this shift aligns with global trends, challenges lie in interdisciplinary expertise and resource localization. A Center of Excellence is proposed to consolidate diverse talents, and guidelines for maintaining quality and standards are deemed crucial [3].
4. Ancient Crystal Quartz Weighing Unit Unearthed in Tamil Nadu's Keeladi Excavation Site
Archaeologists at Keeladi, Tamil Nadu, have uncovered a crystal quartz weighing unit from the Sangam era, a first at the site since 2014. Unique in design, the spherical crystal measures 2 cm in diameter, 1.5 cm in height, and weighs 8 grams. Previously, weighing units were stone-made, making this mineral-based discovery intriguing. Expert analysis indicates these units were employed to weigh high-value items like gold and gems, given their accuracy and climate independence. The crystal may have originated from the Kangayam area near Coimbatore, likely dating back to 600 BCE to 2nd century AD, as excavations in Tamil Nadu extend the Sangam Era timeline [4].
5. India's G20 Focus on Technology-Driven Sustainable Farming to Boost Agriculture and Nutrition
The Indian government, amid its G20 presidency, focuses on technology-driven sustainable farming to enhance agriculture and allied sectors for a sustainable future. While India has achieved food security, demand for essential crops remains unmet, leading to undernutrition and malnourishment. To bridge this gap and address climate change challenges, the country needs to harness technology in agriculture. Millets, nutrient-rich and well-suited for sustainable farming, stand out. The seed industry's advancements, including genetic manipulation, film coating, and priming, can play a vital role in boosting productivity, sustainability, and profitability in agriculture. Regulatory guidelines are crucial for the successful adoption of these seed technologies, aligning with India's commitment to "Green Development" and sustainable agriculture [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which economic indicator is calculated as the sum of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and net income from abroad?
a) Gross National Income (GNI)
b) Net Domestic Product (NDP)
c) Net National Product (NNP)
d) Gross National Product (GNP)
Q2: Which mountain range stretches across Eastern Europe, running through Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland, and Romania, and is considered the natural boundary between Europe and Asia?
a) Pyrenees
b) Carpathians
c) Ural Mountains
d) Balkan Mountains
Q3: Which of the following statements regarding antibiotics is true?
I. Antibiotics are effective against both bacterial and viral infections.
II. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.
III. Penicillin was the first antibiotic discovered by Alexander Fleming.
IV. Antibiotics can be used to treat fungal infections.
a) II and III only
b) I and IV only
c) II and IV only
d) I and II only
Q4: Which of the following statements about biodiversity hotspots is correct?
I. Biodiversity hotspots are regions with a high diversity of plant and animal species that are threatened by human activities.
II. The Western Ghats of India is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot.
III. Biodiversity hotspots are found only in tropical rainforests.
IV. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot due to its high endemism.
a) I and II only
b) I, II, and IV only
c) II and III only
d) III and IV only
Q5: Which of the following statements about the Harappan Civilization is correct?
I. It was primarily concentrated in the Indus River Valley.
II. The script used by the Harappans remains undeciphered.
III. The Harappans were predominantly pastoral nomads.
IV. The Great Bath found at Mohenjo-daro was likely used for ritual and ceremonial purposes.
a) I and II only
b) I, II, and IV only
c) I and IV only
d) II and III only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess the suitability of millets for achieving sustainable agriculture in India, with a focus on their nutritional significance and capacity to adapt to evolving climatic conditions. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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