August 6, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Tackling the Menace of Drug Trafficking | Explained
Learn about the common issues and strategies in combating drug trafficking in the Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent regions. Discover how border security, law enforcement cooperation, demand reduction, and relevant legal frameworks play a crucial role in tackling this menace and promoting regional stability. Explore India's initiatives like the NDPS Act, PITNDPS Act, and National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking. Find out how collective efforts can safeguard internal security and address the root causes of drug production.
Highlights of the Day
1. Union Cabinet Approves Rs 1.39 Lakh Crore Modernization Plan for BharatNet Project
The Union Cabinet approves Rs 1.39 lakh crore for modernizing the BharatNet project, aiming to connect all 640,000 villages in the next 2.5 years. The revamped model involves Village Level Entrepreneurs (Udyamis) who will provide fiber connections to homes on a 50:50 revenue-sharing basis with the government. The cost of infrastructure to the home will be borne by the government, while Udyamis will handle maintenance and consumer complaints. BharatNet's home broadband packages start from Rs 399 per month, offering 30 Mbps unlimited data with bundled OTT offerings. The project's success is expected to create employment opportunities for about 250,000 people [1].
2. Kuttikkanam's Historic 130-Year-Old Palace, Kuttikkanam Palace, Set to Become a State-Declared Historical Monument
Kuttikkanam, a charming hill station between Wagamon and Thekkady, is set to receive its own historical monument as the State Archaeology department plans to declare the famous Kuttikkanam Palace, also known as Ammachi Kottaram, a historical monument. Constructed around 1890 and once serving as the summer residence of Travancore kings, the 130-year-old palace holds significant historical value. It covers an area of 14 acres and is believed to have a hidden tunnel linking it to the Peermade Sreekrishna Swami temple. The declaration is pending revenue details, but if approved, the palace could become a prominent tourist attraction in the district [2].
3. Mysterious Clouded Leopards in Assam's Manas National Park Showcase Agile Ninja-like Behavior in Tropical Canopy Forests, Facing Threats of Extinction
Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) observed the mysterious behavior of the clouded leopard in Assam's Manas National Park. The elusive cat, with its distinctive cloud-like spots, navigates the tropical canopy forests with unmatched agility and strength, climbing down trees headfirst and going wherever it pleases without specific patterns. Classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the mainland clouded leopard faces threats of habitat loss and poaching. The study revealed a population density of 1.73 individuals per 100 sq. km in Manas, emphasizing the importance of conserving the leopard's habitat and its reliance on small prey species and primary forests [3].
4. SEBI Launches Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) System for Streamlined Securities Market Conflict Resolution
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduces an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) system for efficient dispute resolution in the securities market. The system establishes a common ODR portal for online conciliation and arbitration. Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) will identify and empanel independent ODR institutions with qualified conciliators and arbitrators to operate the portal. All listed companies, intermediaries, and regulated entities in the securities market must enroll on the ODR portal. Concerns arise about the qualification and registration of ODR institutions. The dispute resolution process involves escalating grievances through the SCORES Portal before initiating ODR proceedings. The implementation takes place in two phases with registration deadlines and complaint resolution timelines [4].
5. Amazon Rainforest's Terrestrial Mammals Contaminated with Mercury: Alarming Preliminary Findings from Peru's Madre de Dios Region
The preliminary findings of a world-first study in Peru's Madre de Dios region reveal alarming evidence of mercury contamination in terrestrial mammals in the Amazon Rainforest. The contamination is a result of illegal and poorly regulated mining activities in the area. Virtually all primate samples tested so far have shown mercury contamination, with some levels being "astounding." Mercury can cause neurological illness, immune diseases, and reproductive failure in humans and some birds. The full impact on other forest animals, including rodents, ocelots, and titi monkeys, is still unknown, putting over 10,000 species at risk of extinction. Regional leaders are discussing measures to end illegal gold mining, while research efforts continue to address mercury contamination's effects [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | Reuters
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the Monsoon in India:
I. The Southwest Monsoon, which brings rainfall to most parts of India, occurs during the summer months from June to September.
II. The Northeast Monsoon, which affects the eastern coastal regions, occurs during the winter months from December to February.
III. The Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon is more powerful and accounts for a larger portion of the total rainfall in India.
Select the correct statements:
a) I and II only
b) I and III only
c) II and III only
d) All of the above
Q2: Which of the following is a greenhouse gas that is not naturally occurring and is entirely human-made?
a) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
b) Methane (CH4)
c) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
d) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
Q3: Which of the following mountain ranges separates the Deccan Plateau from the coastal plains of India?
a) The Western Ghats
b) The Aravalli Range
c) The Eastern Ghats
d) The Satpura Range
Q4: Consider the following statements about "Special Drawing Rights" (SDRs) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF):
I. SDRs are a form of foreign exchange reserves that IMF member countries can hold.
II. The value of SDRs is determined based on a basket of major international currencies.
III. SDRs can be used by member countries to make international payments or settle debts.
Select the correct statements:
a) I and II only
b) I and III only
c) II and III only
d) All of the above
Q5: Consider the following statements about the 'Right to Information (RTI) Act':
I. The RTI Act was passed in 2005 and empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities to promote transparency and accountability.
II. The Act covers all government bodies, including Central and State Governments, local bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving government funds.
III. The Act requires public authorities to respond to RTI applications within 30 days, except for matters involving national security.
IV. The RTI Act has provisions for the disclosure of personal information, but it does not protect the identity of whistleblowers.
Select the correct statements:
a) I and II only
b) II and III only
c) I, II, and III only
d) All of the above
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the potential of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in India's legal system. Analyze benefits, challenges, and measures to promote awareness and adoption for efficient dispute resolution. (Word limit: 250 words)
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