August 30, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 | Explained
Discover India's strides in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) - gender equality and empowerment. Explore key stats, government commitment, and an array of programs fostering women's advancement. From BBBP to Ujjwala Yojana, uncover initiatives transforming lives. Despite challenges, India's journey towards SDG 5 stands strong.
Highlights of the Day
1. Primatologists Recommend Railway Track Rerouting to Save Endangered Gibbons in Assam Sanctuary
Primatologists propose rerouting a railway track in Assam's Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary to unite the habitat of endangered western hoolock gibbons. The track's division has isolated gibbon families, imperiling their genetic diversity and survival. A suggested canopy bridge failed to aid their movement, leading experts to advocate moving the track to preserve the species. The sanctuary, home to 125 hoolock gibbons and other primates, is cut off from surrounding forests, endangering its ecosystem. By relocating the track, the government could demonstrate its commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, while other recommendations include reforestation, train speed limits, and eco-tourism initiatives [1].
2. India and Kenya Forge Naval Partnership with Shipbuilding MoU and Defence Talks
Goa Shipyard Limited and Kenya Shipyard Limited have signed an MoU for shipbuilding collaboration. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Bare Duale discussed strengthening the defence relationship, emphasizing strategic cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. As a gesture of friendship, India gifted parachutes and promised support for an advanced CT scan facility in Kenya. The talks highlighted capacity building, defence industry collaboration, and equipment support. Both nations agreed on joint training for counter-insurgency and UN peacekeeping. Duale's three-day visit includes tours of Indian shipyards and defence industries in Goa and Bengaluru [2].
3. Chandrayaan-3 Rover Confirms Sulphur on Moon's Surface Near South Pole, Continues Search for Hydrogen
Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan rover confirms lunar sulphur presence near the south pole and seeks hydrogen, according to ISRO. Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), it conducted groundbreaking in-situ measurements of lunar surface elements. Unveiling Aluminium, Sulphur, Calcium, Iron, Chromium, and Titanium initially, further analysis revealed Manganese, Silicon, and Oxygen. The LIBS technique involves laser pulses creating plasma from the material, and the emitted light's wavelengths identify elements. ISRO's Bengaluru-based Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems developed the LIBS payload. The effort advances understanding of the moon's composition and holds promise for future exploration missions [3].
4. Study Warns Equatorial-Origin Cyclones Could Increase Due to Global Warming and Pacific Oscillation
Equatorial-origin tropical cyclones have been subdued, but global warming and the cyclic Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) could heighten their frequency, says a Nature Communications study. The 2017 Cyclone Okchi was the last major equatorial cyclone in the Indian region, devastating Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Sri Lanka. The PDO, recurring every 20-30 years, influences cyclone activity. Warmer PDO phases saw 43% fewer such cyclones in 1981-2010 compared to 1951-1980. The PDO's warmer phase can now increase cyclones, especially as the Pacific entered a cooler phase in 2019. The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon also affects rainfall patterns [4].
5. India Braces for Driest August in Over a Century Amid El Nino Impact and Impending Crop Concerns
India experienced the driest August in over a century, with only 160mm of rainfall, 33% below average, attributed to the El Nino phenomenon's suppressive effect. While east and northeast India received relief after droughts in June and July, the rest of the country saw deficient rain, impacting water reservoir levels and endangering kharif crops. Former Secretary of Earth Sciences M. Rajeevan anticipates a revival of the monsoon in early September but expects a generally deficient month due to El Nino. Concerns arise for winter crops and potential crop yield loss due to delayed rains and ongoing water scarcity [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements about "Universal Adult Suffrage" in India:
I. Universal Adult Suffrage ensures that every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote.
II. It was introduced in India with the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.
III. Universal Adult Suffrage is a fundamental feature of India's democratic system.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) I, II, and III
Q2: Examine the following statements about "Nanotechnology":
I. Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale to create new materials and devices.
II. Nanotechnology has applications in various fields, including medicine, electronics, and energy.
III. Nanotechnology has no ethical or environmental implications and is completely safe for human use.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) I, II, and III
Q3: Consider the following statements about "Revolt of 1857":
I. The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence, was a widespread uprising against British rule in India.
II. The revolt began in Meerut and quickly spread to other parts of North India.
III. The immediate cause of the revolt was the introduction of the Enfield rifle, which required sepoys to bite off the cartridge paper, rumored to be greased with animal fat.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) I, II, and III
Q4: Examine the following statements about "Gandhi-Irwin Pact":
I. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed in 1931 between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India.
II. The Pact marked the end of the Civil Disobedience Movement launched by Gandhi.
III. As per the Pact, the British government agreed to release all political prisoners and withdraw repressive laws.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) I, II, and III
Q5: Consider the following statements about "Electromagnetic Spectrum":
I. The electromagnetic spectrum consists of a range of electromagnetic waves, including radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and X-rays.
II. All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
III. The wavelength of electromagnetic waves is inversely proportional to their frequency.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) I, II, and III
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the role of non-state actors in shaping contemporary international relations. Provide examples to illustrate their influence on global politics and discuss the challenges they pose to traditional state-centric diplomacy. (Word limit: 250 words)
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