August 22, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Foreign Accounts of Indian History | Explained
Embark on a captivating journey through history as we unveil the tales of foreign travelers who ventured to India's shores. Explore ancient marvels with Megasthenes and Faxian, traverse continents with Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta, and witness India's cultural tapestry through the eyes of explorers like Xuanzang and Ralph Fitch.
Highlights of the Day
1. Digital Divide Persists: Kerala's Tribal Colonies Lack Internet Access Despite Fundamental Right Declaration
Despite Kerala's pioneering declaration of the right to Internet as a fundamental right, 189 Adivasi ooru (tribal colonies) spanning 12 districts lack Internet and mobile access, impacting over 5,000 tribal students. Idukki and Kannur are the most affected, with 75 and 1,140 students respectively. Seeking permission from the Forest department, the Scheduled Tribes Development department plans to install towers under the Forest Rights Act. This initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to provide 4G services to remote areas. While community study rooms with Internet access exist, students from disconnected colonies rarely utilize them. Kerala's KFON project also targets Internet accessibility, aligning with the Kerala High Court's recognition of Internet access as a fundamental right linked to education and privacy [1].
2. Modi's Visit to BRICS Summit in South Africa Sparks Speculation of Meeting with Xi Jinping
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in South Africa for the XVth BRICS summit, attention is drawn to a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to address the three-year-long standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Speculation intensified as Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra mentioned the PM's evolving schedule without denying the meeting possibility. Previous cordial LAC commander talks fueled the speculation. Despite LAC tensions, Modi and Xi haven't formally met since the 2019 BRICS summit. India-China talks might impact the G-20 Joint Declaration. Amid opposition concerns about Chinese encroachments, Modi's BRICS engagements will also address expanding the BRICS bloc [2].
3. India and ASEAN Agree to Revise Trade Pact for Goods, Targeting 2025 Review Completion
India and ASEAN nations have agreed to revise their trade pact for goods, aiming to address trade imbalances. The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) from 2009 will undergo review with a 2025 target for completion. The Joint Committee discussed the roadmap and terms of reference, deciding on fresh negotiations. The review intends to enhance and diversify trade while addressing existing trade asymmetry. Negotiations will follow a quarterly schedule, with the process set to be discussed further at the India-ASEAN Leaders' Summit in early September. This move comes in response to long-standing demands from Indian businesses for a more facilitative trade environment [3].
4. Remittances Soar as Indians Seek to Avoid TCS Impact, Amid Delay in Implementation
Ahead of the initially planned TCS (tax collected at source) implementation in July, resident Indians' remittances to foreign countries surged by 35% MoM in June 2023 and 96% YoY compared to June 2022. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that fund outflow under the Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) rose to $3.89 billion in June, driven by concerns about TCS. Categories like equity/debt investment, property purchase, and maintenance of relatives abroad witnessed notable increases. The government postponed TCS implementation to October 1, 2023. The decision followed the government's reversal on including international credit card spends under LRS and extending the timeline for higher TCS rates [4].
5. COVID-19 Vaccination Prior to Infection Offers 60% Protection Against Post-Discharge Death: ICMR Study
A study led by ICMR's Clinical Studies and Trials Unit found that COVID-19 vaccination before infection offers 60% protection against post-discharge death after one dose. Effectiveness remains around 86% even after 168-195 days. The study advises vigilant follow-up for the 6.5% post-discharge mortality rate in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Factors influencing one-year mortality include age, gender, disease severity, and comorbidities. Patients with moderate-to-severe disease face lingering COVID-19 effects. Post-COVID conditions (PCC) are linked to 2.7 times higher odds of post-discharge death. Limitations include telephone data collection and the study's focus on hospitalized patients [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates the issue of currency notes in India under the authority of which act?
a) Banking Regulation Act, 1949
b) Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881
c) Companies Act, 2013
d) Coinage Act, 1906
Q2: The concept of "Judicial Review" in the Indian Constitution is based on which article?
a) Article 13
b) Article 32
c) Article 226
d) Article 368
Q3: Examine the following statements about the "Ring of Fire":
I. The Ring of Fire is a region in the Pacific Ocean known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.
II. It is characterized by a horseshoe-shaped series of tectonic plate boundaries and volcanic arcs.
III. The Ring of Fire is primarily located along the eastern coastlines of North and South America.
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 "Biodiversity Hotspots":
I. Biodiversity Hotspots are areas with a high concentration of endangered species.
II. These areas are characterized by a high level of habitat loss and degradation.
III. Biodiversity Hotspots are identified based on the criteria of species richness and endemism.
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 regarding "Fiscal Deficit":
I. Fiscal deficit is the excess of total government expenditure over total government revenue, excluding borrowings.
II. Fiscal deficit can be financed through borrowing from the central bank, external sources, and domestic markets.
III. Maintaining a high fiscal deficit is always desirable as it leads to increased government spending and stimulates economic growth.
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
Define and elaborate on the term 'Fiscal Deficit.' Analyze its implications on government finances, economic stability, and potential remedies to manage it effectively. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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