July 14, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Rural Air Pollution in India | Explained
Discover the neglected crisis of rural air pollution in India as recent studies reveal alarming levels of particulate matter in rural regions. Learn how the health impacts of this pollution affect both urban and rural areas and explore the sources contributing to rural air pollution. Find out why immediate action is necessary, including establishing monitoring networks, regulating industries, and promoting clean energy alternatives. Join the call to address this urgent issue and achieve clean air for all citizens.
Highlights of the Day
1. NASA's Perseverance Rover Discovers Organic Compounds in Martian Crater, Expanding Knowledge of Potential Habitability
NASA's Perseverance rover has found evidence of organic compounds in a Martian crater, suggesting a more complex organic geochemical cycle on the planet than previously known. The presence of molecules associated with aqueous processes and the diverse mineral composition of the Jezero Crater offer insights into Mars' potential habitability and the possibility of past life. Further investigations will determine the origin of these compounds while cautious scientific approaches help rule out non-biological sources. This discovery deepens our understanding of Mars' carbon cycle and extends the timeline for the existence of life-sustaining conditions on the planet [1].
2. India Amends Mining Laws, Allowing Private Players to Mine Critical Minerals
The Indian government has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act of 1957, allowing private players to mine six critical minerals, including lithium, titanium, beryllium, zirconium, niobium, and tantalum. These minerals have been removed from the country's atomic minerals list, opening the door for private mining and potential auctions of their reserves. This move aims to foster public-private partnerships, attract capital investment, and leverage new technologies for exploration and mining processes. With a high global demand for these minerals, particularly lithium for electric vehicle batteries, India aims to reduce its dependence on imports by engaging in mining partnerships with Latin American nations like Chile and Argentina. By expanding its domestic mineral reserves, India aims to become a global manufacturing hub in strategic and emerging technologies while advancing its ambitions in renewable energy and achieving self-reliance [2].
3. Toxic Air Pollution Equally Poor in Rural and Urban Areas of India, Challenging Government's Urban-centric Approach
A recent analysis by nonprofit Climate Trends has revealed that the average levels of ultrafine particulate matter (PM 2.5), a toxic air pollutant, were equally poor in rural and urban areas of India in 2022. This challenges the Indian government's approach of investing predominantly in controlling air pollution in selected urban regions. Another analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) further highlighted that the rural population suffers more in terms of reduced life expectancy due to exposure to PM 2.5. The findings question the government's emphasis on combating urban air pollution while neglecting the significant pollution levels in rural areas. The National Clean Air Plan (NCAP), launched in 2019, mainly focuses on non-attainment cities, leaving most rural regions without adequate pollution monitoring or mitigation measures. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes systematic monitoring and policy action for rural areas to address the pervasive air pollution problem across the country [3].
4. India Considers Joining IPEF Trade Pillar, Seeks Improved Market Access
India is considering joining the trade pillar of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), a 14-nation trade bloc. However, there are discussions within the Union Commerce Ministry about whether India should commit to joining now or wait for more clarity on the specific gains. Market access has not yet been agreed upon for India, which is seen as a crucial factor for joining the trade pillar. India currently has observer status in the trade pillar negotiations. The IPEF aims to strengthen economic engagement among member countries and is structured around four pillars: Trade, Supply Chains, Clean Economy, and Fair Economy. India has joined Pillars II to IV but opted out of Pillar-I last year. The IPEF bloc is significant as it accounts for a substantial portion of the world's GDP and trade and is seen as a strategy to counter China's economic influence in the region. The fourth negotiating round for all pillars is currently underway, and India's decision on joining the trade pillar is yet to be determined [4].
5. Archaeologists Uncover 3,000-Year-Old Sealed Corridor 'The Condor's Passageway' in Peru's Ancient Chavin Temple Complex
Archaeologists in Peru have uncovered a 3,000-year-old sealed corridor known as "the condor's passageway" within the Chavin de Huantar archaeological site. This corridor, part of a massive temple complex related to the ancient Chavin culture, is believed to lead to other chambers. The Chavin culture, known for their advanced art and dating back over 2,000 years before the Inca Empire, flourished in the Peruvian Andes. The recently discovered passageway provides a rare glimpse into the early days of the Chavin. The corridor yielded significant artifacts, including a large ceramic piece with a condor motif, symbolizing power and prosperity. The temple complex, featuring terraces and interconnected passageways, still holds many secrets yet to be excavated. Chavin de Huantar has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985 [5].
Source: DownToEarth | Indian Express | The Hindu
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements regarding "Ocean Currents":
Statement 1: The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that flows along the eastern coast of North America.
Statement 2: The Canary Current is a cold ocean current that flows from south to north along the western coast of Africa.
Statement 3: The Kuroshio Current is a warm ocean current that flows from east to west along the southern coast of Australia.
A) Only I statement correct.
B) Only II statements are correct.
C) Only III statements are correct.
D) None of the above statements are correct.
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding "Fold Mountains":
Statement 1: Fold mountains are formed due to compressional forces and the folding of the Earth's crust.
Statement 2: The Himalayas, Andes, and Alps are examples of fold mountain systems.
Statement 3: The Appalachian Mountains in North America are an example of a volcanic mountain range, not a fold mountain range.
A) Only Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct.
B) Only Statement 2 and Statement 3 are correct.
C) Only Statement 1 and Statement 3 are correct.
D) Statement 1, Statement 2, and Statement 3 are correct.
Q3: Which of the following rivers does not flow through Rajasthan?
A) Yamuna
B) Luni
C) Chambal
D) Beas
Q4: The "Salt Satyagraha" led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 was a significant event during which movement?
A) Quit India Movement
B) Non-Cooperation Movement
C) Civil Disobedience Movement
D) Swadeshi Movement
Q5: The "Kanger Ghati National Park" is located in which state of India?
A) Rajasthan
B) Madhya Pradesh
C) Chhattisgarh
D) Maharashtra
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the sources of air pollution in rural areas, their socio-economic and health impacts, and propose measures to address the issue. Evaluate the importance of community participation in implementing sustainable solutions for rural air pollution. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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Sometimes, the same concept is repeated with a different framing. For example, a question on leaf modification in 2013 was again asked in the 2018 prelims examination.
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