August 23, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
BRICS Summit | Explained
Explore the significance of the 15th BRICS Summit as emerging economies convene to shape global collaborations and economic growth. Delve into India's diplomatic strategies, challenges of expansion, and the balance of influence within the BRICS group. Discover how Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey from South Africa to Greece underscores the enduring power of diplomacy and its role in navigating a multipolar world.
Highlights of the Day
1. India's Inflation Challenges: Transitory Food Price Surges Amidst Global Uncertainties
India's inflation battle persists, yet the Finance Ministry suggests fleeting nature for food price surges, linking recent inflation upswing to global turbulence from Black Sea Grain Initiative's halt. This disrupted wheat and edible oil supply, alongside domestic farming glitches. July's retail inflation surged to 15-month peak at 7.44%, with food inflation at 11.5%, the third highest since 2014. Core inflation (excluding energy and food) hit 4.9%, a 39-month low. Global uncertainty and local disruptions may sustain high inflation, mandating government and central bank vigilance for macroeconomic stability. Although some abnormal food spikes occurred, the review anticipates transient effects, foreseeing relief through measures and moderation [1].
2. ESA and NASA Ground Stations Provide Essential Support for Chandrayaan-3
The European Space Agency's antennas in Kourou, French Guiana, and Goonhilly Earth Station, U.K., have been communicating with Chandrayaan-3, offering a critical link between Bengaluru's Mission Operations Team and the satellite. As the lunar landing approaches, ESA's New Norcia antenna serves as a backup to ISRO's station for tracking the Lander Module. NASA's Deep Space Network aids Chandrayaan-3's descent with real-time telemetry and Doppler signal monitoring, with primary support from California's DSN complex due to favorable positioning [2].
3. Bharat NCAP: Voluntary Safety Ratings for Cars from October 1 to Enhance Vehicle Safety
Starting October 1, car manufacturers can opt into the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) to receive crash safety ratings for their models. Inspired by the Global New Car Assessment Programme, the indigenous Bharat NCAP aims to evaluate and assign star ratings to passenger vehicles with up to eight seats and gross vehicle weight under 3,500 kg. The rating will be based on adult and child occupant protection, as well as safety assist technologies. Tests include frontal offset, side impact, and pole-side impact simulations. The voluntary program aims to improve vehicle safety, reduce road fatalities, and enhance brand reputation [3].
4. Proposed BNS Bill in India Defines Causing 'Floods' as Terrorism, Raises Concerns Over Safeguards
The proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill (BNS) considers causing "floods" a terrorist act, marking the first time a general law defines terrorism separately from the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The bill, introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, equates a "terrorist" with someone who causes floods or other hazardous events. Critics, including lawyer M.S. Khan, express concerns over procedural safeguards and liken the bill's language to the controversial UAPA. The BNS Bill proposes stringent punishment for terrorist offenses but lacks safeguards against false implication. Additionally, it defines mob lynching as a crime involving a group of five or more persons [4].
5. Japan Initiates Release of Treated Fukushima Wastewater into Pacific Ocean Amidst Concerns and Precautions
Japan approves release of treated Fukushima nuclear plant wastewater into Pacific Ocean, initiating complex shutdown process. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida authorizes Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings to start coastal release, aiming to create space for decommissioning and prevent tank leaks. Fishing industry opposition has eased with government support and safety assurances, though concerns remain. Japan pledges $550 million for industry support and sales promotion. The International Atomic Energy Agency deems the release environmentally and health-wise negligible. Outreach to neighboring countries, including South Korea and China, aims to mitigate potential diplomatic and trade issues [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about "Plate Tectonics":
I. Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates on the underlying semi-fluid asthenosphere.
II. The movement of tectonic plates leads to the formation of various geological features such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the creation of mountain ranges.
III. The theory of plate tectonics was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century and was widely accepted by the scientific community at that time.
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 "Fundamental Rights" in the Indian Constitution:
I. Fundamental Rights are enshrined in Part III of the Constitution and guarantee certain basic rights to all citizens of India.
II. Right to Property was originally included as a Fundamental Right but was later removed and replaced by Right to Education as a Fundamental Right.
III. Fundamental Rights can be suspended during a national emergency declared under Article 352 of the Constitution.
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 "Monsoon Winds":
I. Monsoon winds are seasonal winds that bring heavy rainfall to certain regions during a specific time of the year.
II. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phenomenon affects the intensity of the Indian monsoon, leading to variations in rainfall patterns.
III. The southwest monsoon is the primary monsoon wind that brings rain to India, while the northeast monsoon affects the eastern coast.
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 the "Battle of Plassey":
I. The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.
II. The battle took place between the British East India Company and the Marathas.
III. The pivotal role played by Mir Jafar, the commander of the Nawab of Bengal's army, was crucial for the British victory.
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 "Fiscal Policy":
I. Fiscal policy refers to the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy.
II. Expansionary fiscal policy involves decreasing government spending and increasing taxes to combat inflation.
III. Contractionary fiscal policy involves increasing government spending and cutting taxes to stimulate economic growth.
Choose the correct:
a) I only
b) I and II
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Explain the concept of ecological succession and its role in ecosystem development. Provide examples of primary and secondary succession, highlighting the key differences. (Word limit: 250 words)
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