August 4, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Striking a Balance | Explained
Explore the intricate relationship between development and environmental conservation through the lens of India's Great Nicobar Project. Delve into the concept of Compensatory Afforestation and its role in mitigating environmental impacts. Uncover the significance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in safeguarding India's natural heritage for future generations.
Highlights of the Day
1. Great Nicobar Project Faces Potential Felling of 9.64 Lakh Trees for Development, Compensatory Afforestation in Haryana Planned
The Union government's ambitious ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project faces the prospect of felling 9.64 lakh trees, instead of the previously estimated 8.5 lakh trees, for the development of a trans-shipment port, international airport, township, and a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant on the ecologically rich Great Nicobar Island. The project received environmental clearance from an expert committee but was later challenged by the National Green Tribunal. Despite typically publicizing clearance details on a ministry portal, the Great Nicobar Project's information remains classified due to its "strategic importance." Compensatory afforestation in Haryana has been proposed to offset the tree loss in the ecologically fragile region [1].
2. First Successful Captive Breeding of Himalayan Vultures Recorded at Assam State Zoo, Marking Conservation Milestone
Researchers achieve the first captive breeding of Himalayan vultures (Gyps himalayensis) at Assam State Zoo, Guwahati. The species is 'Near Threatened' on the IUCN Red List and typically breeds in snow-covered mountains. The successful hatching and rearing of the nestling were recorded, overcoming the challenges of the species' natural breeding habitat. The vultures were rescued from various incidents in 2011-2012 and acclimatized to the tropical environment at the zoo. This achievement marks the second instance of conservation breeding for the species worldwide. The effort contributes to vulture conservation as their populations have significantly declined, with some species now classified as 'Critically Endangered’ [2].
3. India's Services Sector Soars to a 13-Year High in July, Driven by Strong Demand and Overseas Spike in Export Orders
India's services sector rebounded strongly in July, reaching a 13-year high of 62.3 in the S&P Global India Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), after a three-month low in June. The surge in output was attributed to robust demand and new business gains. However, job creation remained moderate, despite the increased workload. Input costs rose at the fastest pace in 13 months due to higher food, labor, and transportation costs, while output prices increased at a slower rate, indicating firms' caution in securing new contracts. Overseas demand played a significant role, with export orders showing the second-fastest increase since the index's inception in 2014 [3].
4. Indian Economy Shows Resilience with Strong Domestic Dynamics, Yet Global Uncertainties Pose Growth Challenges
The Finance Ministry's monthly economic review for June 2023 indicates that India's domestic economy remains strong, but negative global spillovers and adverse developments could hinder high growth. Inflation has declined in the June 2023 quarter, but recent spikes in food prices due to weather disruptions emphasize the need for a cautious approach by the RBI and the government. The RBI is monitoring global and domestic shocks' potential impact on Indian prices, while maintaining policy rates higher than a year ago. Despite global uncertainties, India's growth momentum is expected to continue, with the World Economic Outlook revising India's growth projection for FY24 to 6.1% [4].
5. Ban on Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac Welcomed by Experts as a Gamechanger for India's Endangered Vultures
Experts in vulture conservation applaud the Indian government's decision to ban ketoprofen and aceclofenac, a crucial move to protect the beleaguered vulture population. The ban is seen as a gamechanger for the vultures, whose numbers dramatically declined due to the use of diclofenac in cattle. While the ban is considered a positive step, experts stress the importance of effective implementation and call for similar safety measures for other raptors. The Vulture Recovery Plan and Action Plan for Vulture Conservation have been instrumental in addressing the vulture crisis, and further measures are needed to ensure the survival of these slow-breeding birds [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about "El Nino" and "La Nina":
I. El Nino is characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
II. La Nina is the counterpart of El Nino and is associated with cooler sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean.
III. El Nino leads to droughts in some regions, while La Nina can cause heavy rainfall and floods.
Select the correct option:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) All of the above
Q2: Consider the following statements about the "National Judicial Appointments Commission" (NJAC):
I. NJAC was proposed as a constitutional amendment to replace the collegium system of appointing judges.
II. The NJAC consisted of the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister, the Union Law Minister, and two eminent persons as members.
III. The Supreme Court declared the NJAC unconstitutional and restored the collegium system.
Select the correct option:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) All of the above
Q3: Which of the following pairs of rivers and their respective cities are correctly matched?
I. Danube River - Budapest
II. Thames River - Paris
III. Seine River - London
Select the correct option:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) None of the above
Q4: Consider the following statements about the "Indian National Army" (INA) during India's struggle for independence:
I. Subhas Chandra Bose was the founder and leader of the INA.
II. The INA was primarily formed with Indian prisoners of war captured by Japan during World War II.
III. The INA played a significant role in the Quit India Movement.
Select the correct option:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) All of the above
Q5: Consider the following statements about the "Internet of Things" (IoT):
I. IoT refers to the interconnection of various devices and objects that can collect and exchange data over the internet.
II. The concept of IoT was first introduced in the 1990s and gained widespread popularity in the early 2000s.
III. IoT enables smart and automated systems, such as home automation, industrial monitoring, and healthcare devices.
Select the correct option:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I and III only
d) All of the above
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss challenges & opportunities for sustainable economic growth in India. Address trade-offs between growth & environmental protection. Suggest policy measures for inclusive, green development & cite successful initiatives as examples. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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