August 29, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 | Explained
Discover how India is reshaping its education landscape to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). Dive into vital statistics from ASER 2022 and AISHE, witnessing the rise in enrollment, gender parity, and inclusivity. Explore India's unwavering commitment, policy frameworks like NEP 2020, and innovative programs like Samagra Shiksha and Skill India. Uncover challenges and prospects, including the digital divide.
Highlights of the Day
1. India's Aditya-L1 Solar Observatory Set to Launch on September 2, Opening New Frontier in Sun Study
India's pioneering solar observatory, Aditya-L1, is set for liftoff on September 2, marking a historic achievement for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This innovative spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, 1.5 million km away from Earth. This strategic location enables continuous, unobstructed solar observation, enabling real-time monitoring of solar activities and their impact on space weather. Aditya-L1 carries seven advanced payloads, including detectors for electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic fields. These payloads will unlock insights into solar dynamics, coronal heating, mass ejections, and more, advancing our understanding of space phenomena [1].
2. China Releases 2023 Map Asserting Territorial Claims Amidst Tensions
China has unveiled its "2023 edition of the standard map," reaffirming territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region. The map, released by the Ministry of Natural Resources, continues to assert China's control over these disputed areas and maintains the controversial nine-dash line in the South China Sea. The map also underscores Beijing's sovereignty claims over Taiwan. This release follows Beijing's renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh, seen as a response to India's activities ahead of the G-20 summit [2].
3. African Ministers Unite for Environmental Solutions Amidst Growing Resource Demand
African environment ministers unite to combat the environmental impacts of critical mineral extraction and processing, responding to increasing mineral resource demand from countries like China. The Addis Ababa declaration resulting from the 19th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment outlines strategies to address challenges like land degradation, desertification, climate change, plastics pollution, and marine protection. Committing to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, nations aim to close a $700 billion annual biodiversity finance gap and boost international financial flows to $20 billion by 2025. The declaration also supports the Africa Blue Economy Strategy and anticipates impactful discussions at upcoming UN assemblies [3].
4. African Nations Embrace Declaration Linking Climate Change and Migration for Collective Action
48 African nations unite to adopt the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC) to tackle the intersection of climate change and human mobility. Originally signed by 15 states in 2022, this comprehensive framework addresses climate-induced migration practically. With Africa's vulnerability to climate impacts, the expanded KDMECC-AFRICA aims to be signed during the Africa Climate Summit on September 4, 2023. The declaration prioritizes voices of youth, women, and vulnerable groups, emphasizing sustainable development through migration while over 7.5 million new internal disaster displacements occurred last year, and projections suggest up to 105 million people could become internal migrants [4].
5. India's Raptors Facing Decline: Urgent Research Needed for Conservation Strategies
India's raptors, including iconic birds of prey, are experiencing rapid declines, largely due to poorly understood factors, warns the State of India's Birds 2023 report. Urgent research is needed to diagnose threats and quantify their impact to inform conservation policies for this group. Woodland and open country specialists are particularly affected. Habitat loss, pesticide accumulation, and targeted killings contribute to global raptor declines. Notably, vultures are a major concern, with Indian Vulture declining by over 8% annually. Positive trends exist among certain generalist and woodland species. The report advocates interdisciplinary efforts, toxic chemical assessments, and interventions to counter the challenges faced by raptors, especially vultures [5].
Source: The Hindu | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements about the Indian Parliament:
I. The Parliament of India consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha.
II. The Rajya Sabha members are directly elected by the people of India.
III. The President of India can summon or prorogue the sessions of both Houses of Parliament.
IV. A Money Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) I and III
c) I, III, and IV
d) II, III, and IV
Q2: Examine the following statements about the Indian Judiciary:
I. The Indian Judiciary consists of three levels: the Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts.
II. The Supreme Court of India is the highest court of the land and is located in Mumbai.
III. High Courts have both original and appellate jurisdiction, and they handle cases at the state level.
IV. The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India and serves a fixed term of five years.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) III and IV
Q3: Examine the following statements about the Himalayan Mountain Range:
I. The Himalayas are the youngest and tallest mountain range in the world, stretching across several countries, including India, Nepal, and China.
II. Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is part of the Himalayan range and is located in Nepal.
III. The Himalayas are geologically classified as fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
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 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
I. The Reserve Bank of India is the central banking institution of India and is responsible for issuing currency notes and coins.
II. The RBI regulates the country's monetary policy, which includes controlling the money supply and interest rates.
III. The Governor of RBI is appointed by the President of India for a term of six years.
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 the "Quit India Movement":
I. The Quit India Movement was launched by the Indian National Congress in 1942.
II. The movement aimed at demanding an end to British colonial rule in India.
III. The Quit India Movement saw widespread protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience across the country.
IV. Mahatma Gandhi called for "Do or Die" as the slogan for the movement.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I, II, and III
d) I, II, III, and IV
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the composition and jurisdiction of India's High Courts. How do they play a vital role in the country's judicial system and ensure effective delivery of justice? (Word limit: 250 words)
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