July 30, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
States Reorganization in India | Explained
Explore the journey of States Reorganization in India and its profound impact on fostering unity amidst diversity. From the establishment of the First SRC to the formation of new states in the 21st century, this blog delves into the historical context, achievements, and challenges of this dynamic process. A must-read for anyone interested in India's administrative evolution and UPSC aspirants alike.
Highlights of the Day
1. Standing Committee on Statistics Convenes First Meeting to Review Pending Survey Results The newly-formed Standing Committee on Statistics, led by former Chief Statistician Pronab Sen, has held its first meeting to discuss the forthcoming results of the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) 2020-21 and the delayed Annual Survey of Unincorporated Enterprises 2021. The ASI, a crucial source of data on the registered organised manufacturing sector, is expected to release its 2020-21 survey results soon. The Committee also discussed the results of the Unincorporated Enterprises survey, which demonstrates the sector's substantial contribution to GDP and employment. This meeting comes amid criticism of India's statistical system [1].
2. Short-course, All-Oral Treatment for Pre-XDR TB Shows Over 85% Cure Rate in Phase-3/4 Trial A randomised phase-3/4 trial conducted in India to assess a shorter-course, all-oral treatment for pre-XDR TB and treatment-intolerant/non-responsive MDR TB shows promise. The treatment involves three drugs: bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid (BPaL) and lasts 26 weeks, compared to the 18 months required for conventional drug-resistant TB treatment. Preliminary results reveal that about 70% of the 400 trial participants have completed the treatment, with over 85% showing cure rates - significantly higher than conventional treatments. The trial aims to establish the effectiveness of the BPaL regimen, approved by the WHO but not yet implemented in India, in achieving the country's TB reduction targets [2].
3. Global Coral Reefs and Freshwater Lakes Plagued by Plastic Pollution, Studies Reveal Research published in Nature has highlighted the global problem of plastic contamination in coral reefs and freshwater lakes. The first study found macroplastics, primarily from the fishing industry, in 77 out of 84 surveyed coral ecosystems worldwide, including deep reefs. The second study revealed microplastics in all tested lakes and reservoirs across 23 countries. In the most polluted lakes, plastic concentrations were comparable to those in oceanic gyres. Both studies highlight the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and call for comprehensive monitoring to tackle this environmental challenge [3].
4. India's Tiger Population Grows to 3,682 in 2022, Reveals Wildlife Institute Report India's tiger population has seen a significant rise to 3,682 in 2022 from 2,967 in 2018, as per the latest estimate by the Wildlife Institute of India. The majority of these tigers are in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Maharashtra. Despite this overall increase, some regions like the Western Ghats have reported localized declines, while smaller tiger populations in states like Mizoram, Nagaland, and Goa demonstrate concerning trends. Future conservation efforts may require enhanced protection measures, habitat restoration, and targeted monitoring. Notably, about 88% of the estimated tigers were captured on camera in the latest survey [4].
5. Extreme Heat Could Cause Annual Deaths of 204,000 Women by 2050: Report A report warns that extreme temperatures could lead to the annual deaths of approximately 204,000 women in India, Nigeria, and the U.S. by 2050. Women in these countries face the brunt of the severe physical, social, and economic consequences of extreme heat. Increased temperatures result in lost productivity, costing these nations $120 billion annually. Women's income disparity is also aggravated by the heat. The burden of unpaid domestic labor, largely borne by women, is significantly affected by heat. This burden will increase further with the rise in heatwaves, impacting the poorest and most marginalized groups the most [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Statement I: The term "doldrums" refers to a low-pressure area around the equator where the prevailing winds are calm.
Statement II: The doldrums are also known as the "Intertropical Convergence Zone" (ITCZ).
Choose the correct option:
a) Both statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
b) Both statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Q2: Statement I: The term 'Fiscal Deficit' refers to the difference between the government's total revenue and its total expenditure.
Statement II: A fiscal deficit is desirable for a developing country as it can trigger economic growth.
Choose the correct option:
a) Both statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
b) Both statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Q3: Statement I: The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau located in central and southern India.
Statement II: The Deccan Plateau is predominantly composed of granite rocks.
Choose the correct option:
a) Both statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
b) Both statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false
d) Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Q4: Who among the following was a contemporary of Alexander the Great?
a) Bimbisara
b) Chandragupta Maurya
c) Ashoka
d) Harsha
Q5: The Strait of Malacca lies between:
a) Sumatra and Java
b) Borneo and Java
c) Sumatra and Malaysia
d) Malaysia and Borneo
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Evaluate the impact of India's State Reorganization efforts on administrative efficiency and unity in diversity. What challenges has India faced in this process and what measures can be suggested for the future? Discuss with suitable examples. (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 significant focus on questions concerning soil, its properties, and their implications for agriculture. These include understanding various types of soil found across India, their physical and chemical properties, soil erosion and conservation methods, and the role of soil health in boosting agricultural productivity.
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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