August 18, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Madan Lal Dhingra | Explained
Discover the remarkable life and sacrifice of Madan Lal Dhingra, an Indian revolutionary who challenged British colonial rule. From his affluent upbringing to his daring assassination of a British official, learn how Dhingra's unwavering dedication to independence left an enduring legacy. Explore his journey from disownment to martyrdom, and the commemoration of his sacrifice on the 114th anniversary of his execution.
Highlights of the Day
1. ISRO's Chandrayaan-3: Successful Separation of Lander and Propulsion Modules Sets Stage for Lunar Descent
On August 17, after 34 days aboard Chandrayaan-3, ISRO announced the successful separation of the lander and propulsion modules. The lander bid farewell, descending to a lower orbit. The Chandrayaan-3 project encompasses a lander, propulsion module, and rover, with the propulsion module transporting the lander to a 100-km lunar orbit. The lander's mission includes a soft landing and rover deployment, conducting on-site chemical analysis. Both lander and rover carry scientific payloads. The propulsion module's journey continues, housing a payload for spectroscopic Earth studies. Intricate braking maneuvers will pave the way for a gentle moon landing in the south polar region on August 23 at 5.47 p.m [1].
2. Union Ministry Deploys Drones for Enhanced Surveillance of MGNREGA Projects
The Union Ministry of Rural Development is enhancing surveillance of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) projects using drones. A new standard operating procedure (SOP) outlines drone utilization for real-time monitoring of ongoing and completed works, impact assessments, and addressing complaints. The move aims to tackle corruption, misuse of funds, and unauthorized projects. Drones will aid in evidence collection for instances like machine use instead of workers, unjust wages, and unapproved tasks. While drones are a part of tech-based oversight, the Ministry directs states to allocate existing administrative funds for their deployment through specialized agencies. A centralized dashboard is planned for data analysis [2].
3. India Hosts First Global Summit on Traditional Medicine Alongside G20 Health Track Meeting
A year after establishing the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in India, the nation hosts its inaugural global summit in tandem with the ongoing G20 health ministerial meeting. The event seeks to foster collaboration in traditional medicine, aiming to integrate it into mainstream healthcare. The Gandhinagar declaration, arising from year-long health track discussions, will create a specialized traditional medicine platform within the G20 framework. WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized traditional medicine's relevance, citing its role in discovering modern drugs. He urged nations to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems and leverage its power through science [3].
4. Gabon's $500 Million Debt-for-Nature Swap Sets Africa's Largest Conservation Precedent
Gabon's historic $500 million debt-for-nature swap is Africa's largest, aimed at refinancing debt while conserving marine resources. The country's Blue Bond restructuring involves the Bank of America, US International Development Finance Corporation, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), with USDFC offering political risk insurance to lower Gabon's debt costs. The deal allocates $5 million annually over 15 years to marine conservation, complementing Gabon's 'Gabon Bleu' initiative to expand marine protected areas. This innovative approach aligns with global commitments to safeguard 30% of oceans and lands by 2030, showcasing how green financial mechanisms can aid conservation and economic growth [4].
5. India's First 3D Printed Post Office Inaugurated in Bengaluru, Showcasing Innovation and Efficiency
On August 18, India introduced its pioneering 3D printed post office in Bengaluru's Cambridge Layout, inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Constructed using 3D Concrete Printing Technology by Larsen and Toubro Construction, the 1,000-square-foot commercial building was completed in 43 days, aided by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras for structural design. The post office will house Ulsoor Bazaar post office, now named Cambridge Layout post office. Praised for its cost-efficiency, reduced construction time, and design flexibility, the 3D printing technology has potential applications across government departments, signaling innovation and progress for a self-reliant India [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements regarding "Globalization":
I. Globalization refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of countries through increased trade, communication, and cultural exchange.
II. Globalization has led to the complete eradication of cultural diversity and the dominance of a single global culture.
III. Multinational corporations play a significant role in driving economic globalization by expanding their operations across borders.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q2: Examine the following statements regarding "Biodiversity":
I. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and their interactions.
II. Biodiversity loss has no impact on ecosystem stability and services, as ecosystems can easily adapt to changes in species composition.
III. Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and nutrient cycling.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q3: Examine the following statements about "Gross Domestic Product (GDP)":
I. GDP is a measure of the total economic output produced within a country's borders in a specific period.
II. Nominal GDP is calculated without adjusting for inflation, while Real GDP is adjusted for inflation, providing a more accurate representation of economic growth.
III. GDP per capita is a reliable indicator of a country's overall development and standard of living.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: Examine the following statements about "World Trade Organization (WTO)":
I. WTO is an intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade by establishing rules and resolving trade disputes among member countries.
II. The Doha Round of negotiations aims to address issues related to intellectual property rights and access to essential medicines in developing countries.
III. WTO operates on the principle of non-discrimination, where member countries are not allowed to discriminate between their trading partners.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q5: Examine the following statements about "Federalism in India":
I. India follows a federal system of governance where power is shared between the central government and state governments.
II. The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution divides subjects into three lists: Union List, State List, and Concurrent List.
III. The President of India has the authority to unilaterally alter the boundaries of states and reorganize them.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the concept of 'popular sovereignty' and its significance in modern democratic governance. Examine its evolution over time and its relevance in the context of diverse political systems. (Word limit: 250 words)
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