August 19, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Aditya-L1 Mission | Explained
Explore India's groundbreaking Aditya-L1 mission, set to unveil the Sun's mysteries through close observation. Discover how its seven instruments will delve into solar phenomena, providing insights into solar weather's impact on our planet and beyond. Learn about Lagrangian Point 1 (L1), its significance, and the challenges this mission overcomes, as we delve into the mission's goals and potential contributions to solar physics and space understanding.
Highlights of the Day
1. Supreme Court Refuses Stay on Bihar Caste-Based Survey Data Release, Upholds Privacy Amidst Legal Debate
The Supreme Court declined to halt the release of data from Bihar's recent caste-based survey, rejecting claims that the Nitish Kumar government infringed on the right to privacy by mandating caste disclosure. Justice Sanjiv Khanna clarified that individual caste data remains private, only cumulative figures are published. The court debated whether revealing caste, religion, and income in the survey violated privacy. The petitioner, NGO Youth for Equality, argued compulsion was unconstitutional. The court stated that non-compliance didn't incur penalties. The survey's statutory basis was questioned, as fundamental rights require legal backing. The Patna High Court upheld the survey's legality, despite claims of central authority usurpation [1].
2. July Trade Data Reflects Export Decline Amid Positive Signals in Domestic Demand and Investment
July's trade figures revealed a concerning 15.9% decline in merchandise exports, but they also hinted at positive indicators within domestic demand and private investments. Notably, imports of electronics surged and machinery purchases hit a record $4.7 billion. Investment-related imports rebounded after a June dip, with electrical and non-electrical machinery rising 14% and 8.4% year-on-year in July. Core (excluding oil and gold) exports and imports declined by a milder 5.7% and 7.5%. While the trade deficit rose to $20.7 billion, experts differ on the implications. Some see it as a temporary concern, while others warn of potential challenges due to rising commodity prices and export restrictions [2].
3. US, Japan, and South Korea to Establish 'Duty to Consult' Pact Amidst Pacific Security Concerns
The US, Japan, and South Korea are poised to formalize a "duty to consult" agreement, necessitating joint consultation in the face of Pacific security crises. As leaders gathered at Camp David for a summit, the commitment acknowledges interlinked security environments and shared threats. Amid concerns about North Korea's nuclear threats and Chinese provocations, the leaders aim to tighten security and economic bonds. While some view this as a historic moment in easing historical tensions, the agreement maintains each nation's right to self-defense and doesn't alter bilateral treaties. The summit also discusses technology investment for a crisis hotline and enhanced military cooperation [3].
4. PM Modi Advocates Equitable Tech Access and Global Health Resilience at G20 Health Ministers Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged equitable technology access for Global South countries to bridge healthcare gaps during a G20 Health Ministers meeting. Stressing preparedness for future health crises, he highlighted the role of international cooperation highlighted by the pandemic. He cited India's Vaccine Maitri initiative, delivering 300 million vaccine doses to over 100 countries. He emphasized resilience in global health systems and praised digital solutions like India's e-Sanjeevani for enabling 140 million tele-health consultations. Modi also lauded India's COWIN platform for managing a vast vaccination drive and providing globally verifiable vaccination certificates [4].
5. Third-Longest Monsoon Break of 2023 Ends, Raises Concerns for Crop Production
The monsoon break that commenced on August 7, 2023, has concluded, making it the third-longest this century, following 2002 and 2009. The break lasted until August 18 and resulted in a significant reduction in the all-India cumulative monsoon rainfall anomaly. Monsoonal breaks occur when the monsoon trough shifts northward, causing suppressed rainfall across most of India. Climate scientist Akshay Deoras noted that this break was intensified by factors like the developing El Niño and the absence of sub-seasonal weather patterns. Despite the end of the break, experts predict that the monsoon won't fully revive soon, impacting Kharif crop production [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about "Black Hole":
I. A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.
II. The Schwarzschild radius is the boundary beyond which a celestial object collapses to form a black hole.
III. Black holes are always formed from massive stars that explode in supernovae.
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 about "National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA)":
I. NREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
II. The Act aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing employment opportunities and strengthening the social safety net.
III. NREGA is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with state governments and Panchayati Raj institutions.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q3: Consider the following statements about "National Stock Exchange (NSE)":
I. NSE is a government-regulated stock exchange located in Mumbai, India.
II. It was established in 1992 and has played a significant role in promoting electronic trading in the Indian securities market.
III. NSE's benchmark index is Nifty 50, which represents the performance of the top 50 listed companies in terms of market capitalization.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: Consider the following statements about "Gene Editing":
I. Gene editing is a process that involves making changes to an organism's DNA using modern techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9.
II. Gene editing has potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
III. The genetic changes made through gene editing are always permanent and cannot be reversed.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q5: Consider the following statements about "Nuclear Energy":
I. Nuclear energy is generated through the process of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split to release energy.
II. Nuclear energy is considered a renewable energy source, as it relies on abundant uranium reserves.
III. The primary environmental concern associated with nuclear energy is the proper disposal of radioactive waste.
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
How does climate change affect global agriculture? Assess the influence of shifting weather patterns, extreme events, and changing growing conditions on agricultural productivity. Discuss strategies to mitigate challenges and ensure sustainable practices, with implications for food security and adaptation measures. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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