July 27, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Fast Radio Bursts | Explained
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Cosmos: Join us on a captivating journey into the enigmatic world of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and beyond. Explore the brief, powerful bursts of radio waves that have puzzled astronomers and learn about their potential origins and significance in our understanding of the universe. From the cosmic storms of magnetars to the elusive nature of dark matter, delve into the interconnected realms of astrophysics and witness the latest research and discoveries that push the boundaries of cosmic knowledge.
Highlights of the Day
1. Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill Passed by Lok Sabha In the midst of chaos, the Lok Sabha approved the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill on July 26, retaining its original form from March 29. The bill sought to amend the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, which has granted the Center the authority to ensure compensation for forest land diverted for non-forestry purposes for the past forty years. The amendments in the bill specify exemptions where the original Act won't apply. These changes promote cultivating plantations on non-forest land, aiding India's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. However, critics argue that the bill weakens forest protection, disregarding objections raised by various groups and tribal rights advocates [1].
2. Lok Sabha Introduces Bill to Nominate Kashmiri Migrants and PoK Members to Jammu and Kashmir Assembly The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was tabled in the Lok Sabha, proposing to nominate members from the "Kashmiri Migrants" and "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir" communities to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory. The Bill aims to preserve their political rights and promote overall social and economic development. The Kashmiri Migrants nominated include two members who migrated during the peak of militancy in 1989-90, with one member being a woman. Additionally, one member from "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir" displaced during the 1947-48, 1965, and 1971 wars will be nominated. The move comes after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, with Jammu and Kashmir currently under Central rule [2].
3. Jharkhand Government Releases Draft Rules for Implementation of PESA The Jharkhand government released draft rules for public consultation to implement the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) in Scheduled Areas. PESA grants self-governance through gram sabhas to people living in these areas, recognizing their traditional rights over natural resources. The draft rules outline the rights of gram sabhas, including resolving disputes, hearing certain cases under the IPC, and maintaining peace and order. The rules mandate standing committees, like Education and Social Justice, working under the gram sabha, with representation from women and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. Gram sabhas will also preserve customary laws and practices of Scheduled Tribe communities [3].
4. India Achieves Record Monthly Supply of Rice for Ethanol Production, Surpassing 2.77 Lakh Metric Tonnes in June 2023 In June 2023, the monthly supply of rice for ethanol production reached a record high of 2.77 lakh metric tonnes in India, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The government aims to supply 32 lakh metric tonnes of rice for ethanol production during the Ethanol Supply Year 2022-23. This initiative, which began in December 2020, aims to convert surplus rice from the central pool into ethanol at a subsidized rate. The move is part of the government's efforts to support the ethanol industry and reduce the economic cost of rice procurement and storage by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) [4].
5. Citizen Divers in Germany Join Efforts to Restore Seagrass Meadows, Fighting Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Scuba divers in northern Germany participate in a unique project to restore seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea, which act as natural carbon sinks. Seagrasses can store twice as much carbon as forests per square mile, but their populations have dwindled due to water pollution. The SeaStore Seagrass Restoration Project, led by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, trains citizens to replant seagrass autonomously. The initiative aims to scale up after a successful pilot period, with volunteers planting thousands of shoots. Researchers are also studying heat-resistant strains of seagrass to combat the effects of rising temperatures in the ocean [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | The Print
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The concept of "Double Jeopardy" is associated with which of the following rights?
a) Right to Equality b) Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression c) Right against Self-Incrimination d) Right to Protection against Arrest and Detention
Q2: Which of the following substances is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors?
a) Uranium b) Plutonium c) Thorium d) Graphite
Q3: Statement 1: The President of India can promulgate an ordinance during the recess of Parliament. Statement 2: The validity of an ordinance is the same as that of a law passed by Parliament.
Choose the correct option: a) Both statements are true. b) Both statements are false. c) Statement 1 is true, and Statement 2 is false. d) Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.
Q4: Statement 1: The "Repo Rate" is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks. Statement 2: A decrease in the Repo Rate encourages banks to borrow more from the RBI, leading to increased liquidity in the economy.
Choose the correct option: a) Both statements are true. b) Both statements are false. c) Statement 1 is true, and Statement 2 is false. d) Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.
Q5: Statement 1: CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows scientists to precisely modify the DNA of organisms. Statement 2: CRISPR-Cas9 was first discovered in bacteria as a defense mechanism against viral infections.
Choose the correct option: a) Both statements are true. b) Both statements are false. c) Statement 1 is true, and Statement 2 is false. d) Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the prospects and challenges of transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy in India, emphasizing its potential as a clean energy source, policy initiatives, technological requirements, and economic viability.(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 notable focus on questions pertaining to the Indus Valley Civilization and its historical significance. The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, holds great importance in the study of ancient Indian history and culture.
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
コメント