August 28, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
The President of India | Explained
Dive into the multifaceted role of the President of India, a unifying figurehead representing the nation's identity and values. Explore the President's powers, from executive and legislative authority to diplomatic influence and emergency capabilities. Learn about the impeachment process and the President's role in national unity and governance. Uncover the complexities of the electoral process and the enduring significance of this esteemed position in Indian democracy.
Highlights of the Day
1. Kerala's Ambitious Coastal Highway Project Includes Undersea Tunnel for Seamless Connectivity
The Kerala government's ambitious project envisions constructing a 623 km coastal highway from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargode at a cost of ₹6,500 crore. This highway will span nine coastal districts. Notably, it faces a challenge when passing through Kochi due to a deep shipping channel. The proposal to bridge this gap includes a remarkable undersea tunnel connecting Fort Kochi and Vypeen. Similar tunnels around the world, like the Channel Tunnel and the Eurasia Tunnel, attest to the feasibility of such engineering marvels. The tunnel's strategic placement, seamless traffic flow, potential tourism draw, and revenue generation through tolls make it a worthwhile venture for Kerala's transportation and urban progress [1].
2. Renowned Indian English Poet Jayanta Mahapatra Passes Away at 95
Jayanta Mahapatra, celebrated Indian English poet, died at 95 in Cuttack's SCB Medical College Hospital. Admitted for pneumonia and kidney issues, he suffered a fatal heart stroke. Mahapatra's impactful poetry spanned 50 years and was acclaimed for its depth. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik lauded his influence on Odia and English literature, noting his elevation of Odia literature's reach. A physics teacher turned poet, Mahapatra received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1981 and the Padma Shri in 2015. Despite his accomplishments, he returned the Padma Shri to protest growing intolerance in India [2].
3. PM Modi Calls for Ethical AI Framework and Global Cooperation at B20 Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for a global framework to ensure the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting concerns about algorithmic bias and its societal impact. Speaking at the B20 Summit, Modi emphasized the importance of mutual trust and cooperation among countries, also advocating a similar integrated approach for addressing cryptocurrency-related issues. He positioned India as vital for resilient and inclusive global supply chains post-pandemic. He cautioned against a self-centric approach, urging collaboration to avoid a "new colonial model." He also suggested observing an "international consumer care day" and commended Indian MSMEs' role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission's success [3].
4. Dengue Vaccine Development in India: Current Status and Challenges
With dengue infections spreading globally, India is working on effective vaccines to combat all four serotypes. From eight states in 2001 to nationwide prevalence in 2022, dengue cases are rising, with 31,464 cases and 36 deaths reported in India by July 2023. Three vaccine candidates are in human trials: Panacea Biotec's, Serum Institute of India's, and Indian Immunologicals Limited's. Other indigenous vaccines are in early development stages, focusing on overcoming antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) challenges. The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and ICGEB teams are pursuing DNA vaccines, aiming for improved immune response. Successful vaccine development is vital to counter the mosquito-borne disease's threat [4].
5. Diverse Crew of Four Astronauts Launched to ISS Aboard SpaceX Rocket
A diverse group of astronauts from the US, Denmark, Japan, and Russia were launched on a SpaceX rocket to the International Space Station (ISS). This marks the first US take-off with astronauts solely from different countries. The mission, named Crew-7, includes NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov. They will conduct over 200 experiments during their six-month stay, including studying microbial samples and sleep patterns in microgravity. This mission highlights the international collaboration of the ISS program and NASA's commercial crew program with SpaceX [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements about "Gandhian Principles":
I. Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of "Satyagraha" emphasized the use of nonviolent resistance to achieve social and political change.
II. Gandhi's concept of "Sarvodaya" promotes the welfare and upliftment of all sections of society.
III. "Ahimsa" or nonviolence is not a core principle of Gandhian philosophy.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q2: Consider the following statements about "Mangroves":
I. Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees that grow in intertidal zones along coastlines and estuaries.
II. Mangrove forests provide important ecological services such as stabilizing coastlines, protecting against storms, and providing habitat for various species.
III. India has no mangrove forests due to its predominantly rocky coastline.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q3: Consider the following statements about "National Emergency" in India:
I. A National Emergency can be proclaimed by the President of India on the grounds of a threat to the security of India or a part thereof.
II. During a National Emergency, the central government acquires the power to suspend fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
III. The proclamation of a National Emergency must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within six months.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q4: Examine the following statements about "Forest Conservation in India":
I. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, is a central legislation aimed at the conservation and protection of forests and wildlife in India.
II. The Act requires prior approval from the central government for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
III. The Act does not provide any provisions for the relocation and rehabilitation of communities dependent on forest resources.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q5: Examine the following statements regarding the President of India:
I. The President of India is the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
II. The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories.
III. The President of India can be reelected for a maximum of two terms.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems and human health. Discuss the sources, distribution, and long-term consequences of microplastic pollution. Suggest regulatory measures and innovative solutions to mitigate this growing environmental threat. (Word limit: 250 words)
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