July 25, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Microplastic Pollution | Explained
Discover the silent yet significant threat of Microplastic Pollution in India. Explore its far-reaching impact on water resources, ecosystems, and the urgent need for collaborative solutions to secure a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable India. Let's delve into this critical environmental challenge that also shapes India's journey towards achieving the United Nations-mandated sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Highlights of the Day
1. Goa High Court Orders Notification of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary as Tiger Reserve within 3 Months The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court has directed the Goa government to notify the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and other areas as a tiger reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act within three months. This order came after a PIL was filed by Goa Foundation, seeking the notification of the sanctuary as a tiger reserve. The court also instructed the state to prepare a tiger conservation plan and set up anti-poaching camps. The Advocate General argued against immediate notification, citing the need for further studies and the settlement of forest dwellers' rights. The court held the provisions of Section 38-V (1) of the Wildlife Protection Act as mandatory [1].
2. Government Introduces Health Bills for Dental and Nursing Reforms in Parliament The government introduced the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, and the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, 2023, in Parliament, aiming to replace the Dentists Act, 1948, and the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947. These bills propose the formation of regulatory bodies for dentists and nurses, similar to the National Medical Commission (NMC), with autonomous boards for education, assessment, and ethics. The bills also provide for live national registers that automatically sync with state registers, ensuring updated qualifications of medical professionals. While some experts welcome the changes, others express concerns about increased government control over the regulatory body's decisions [2].
3. DNA Technology Bill Withdrawn by Government; Focus Shifts to Address Data and Privacy Concerns The government withdrew the DNA Technology Bill, previously passed in Lok Sabha but not in Rajya Sabha. The Bill aimed to create a DNA data bank for solving crimes, tracing missing persons, and identifying dead bodies. It outlined the collection of DNA samples from convicts, undertrials, victims, or relatives of missing persons, with a regulatory board overseeing DNA banks and laboratories. The decision to withdraw was due to the bill's initial drafting by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and it will now be handled by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to address aspects related to data storage, sharing, and privacy [3].
4. New Bill to Make Aadhaar Compulsory for Birth and Death Registration, Aims to Update National Population Register (NPR) A Bill to amend the Registration of Birth and Death Act is set to make Aadhaar mandatory for birth and death registration for those who possess it. The proposed amendment will give legal backing to Aadhaar authentication during registration, and States will be required to share data on births and deaths with the Registrar General of India (RGI). The RGI will maintain its own register, replacing the current system of sending annual reports. The database will also update the National Population Register (NPR) and be utilized for updating electoral registers, Aadhaar, ration card, passport, and driving license databases. This real-time updation will reduce the need for future enumeration exercises [4].
5. Rajasthan Assembly Passes Landmark Bill Extending Social Security to Gig Workers The Rajasthan Assembly passed a Bill extending social security to gig workers, providing them with registration, access to social security schemes, and a grievance mechanism. The law establishes a Platform Based Gig Worker's Welfare Board with representatives from gig workers and aggregators. The Bill requires registration of all gig workers and aggregators, generating a unique ID for each worker. A Platform-Based Gig Workers Fund and Welfare Fee will be established, financed through a fee levied on aggregators. Penalties are imposed for non-compliance. The law came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's suggestion and aims to protect gig workers who were previously not covered by labor laws [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: "National Action Plan on Climate Change" (NAPCC) launched by the Government of India has specific missions to address various aspects of climate change. Which of the following is NOT one of the missions under NAPCC?
a) National Solar Mission b) National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency c) National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem d) National Mission for Forest Conservation
Q2: The "Blue Flag" certification is awarded to beaches based on criteria such as environmental education, water quality, and safety standards. Which organization is responsible for awarding the "Blue Flag" certification?
a) World Health Organization (WHO) b) International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) c) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) d) Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
Q3: What is a "liquidity trap" in the context of economics?
a) A situation where the money supply exceeds the demand for money b) A situation where the central bank loses control over the money supply c) A situation where interest rates are so low that monetary policy becomes ineffective d) A situation where the government restricts the flow of foreign capital into the country
Q4: Consider the following statements about the "Chipko Movement":
I. The Chipko Movement was a forest conservation movement that originated in Uttarakhand, India. II. The movement involved hugging and protecting trees from being felled by loggers. III. Sundarlal Bahuguna was one of the prominent leaders of the Chipko Movement.
Select the correct answer using the codes below: 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 "Konark Sun Temple":
I. The Konark Sun Temple is located in Odisha, India. II. It was built during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. III. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya (Sun).
Select the correct answer using the codes below: a) I and II only b) I and III only c) II and III only d) All of the above
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess the cultural and economic significance of the Gupta Empire in ancient India. (Word limit: 250 words).
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
In recent UPSC prelims, there has been a noticeable trend of including questions related to the Judiciary, appointment processes, and legal terms.
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