July 31, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Embracing Sustainable Cooling | Explained
Discover how India can significantly reduce energy consumption in the building sector through sustainable cooling solutions. Explore the Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) and innovative technologies like Earth's potential tapping, evaporative cooling, and dehumidifying systems. Join us on a journey towards a greener and energy-efficient future for India.
Highlights of the Day
1. High Court of Bombay Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Exploitation Faced by Intra-State Migrant Workers in Maharashtra's Sugar-Belt Region
The High Court of Bombay has taken notice of the exploitation faced by intra-State migrant workers in the sugar-belt region of western Maharashtra. Despite being crucial for the sugar cane industry's growth, these workers have been marginalized for years. The Court directed the Maharashtra government to form a committee to address their issues. Inadequate data on migrant women and children hampers policy formulation. The Mukadam system, used to recruit workers, enables labor law violations. The plight of migrant women, child education, and healthcare require urgent attention. Government interventions are necessary to protect their rights and improve working and living conditions. Political will can drive positive change [1].
2. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Reintroduces Worldcoin: Scanning Irises for a Unique World ID and Cryptocurrency
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reintroduces Worldcoin, a project aiming to build the "world's largest identity and financial public network." The initiative involves scanning people's irises to create a unique ID, called a World ID, in exchange for cryptocurrency (WLD). Orb operators, volunteers, perform the iris scanning. The project faced criticism in the past, including concerns about privacy and exploitation in emerging economies. Despite previous challenges, Altman re-launches Worldcoin, promoting it as a way to include everyone in the digital economy. WLD's value fluctuates like other cryptocurrencies. Some critics, like Edward Snowden, argue against using biometrics for identification and anti-fraud purposes. Worldcoin's operation is active in various locations in India [2].
3. Unlocking the Potential of Cell-Free DNA: Promising Tool for Disease Screening and Early Diagnosis
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) derived from the human body's cell fragments has become a valuable tool for understanding diseases and improving diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. Applications include non-invasive prenatal testing for chromosomal abnormalities, early cancer detection, and assessing organ transplant acceptance. Affordable genome-sequencing has made cfDNA analysis more accessible and versatile, with potential uses in neurological disorders, metabolic disorders, and more. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of cfDNA in detecting lung cancer early, making it a promising approach in disease screening and early diagnosis. As nucleic-acid sequencing becomes more widespread, cfDNA genomics holds significant potential for advancing healthcare [3].
4. Indian Banks Prepare for Expected Credit Loss (ECL) Framework, Building Provisions Ahead of RBI Guidelines
Banks in India are preparing for the introduction of the expected credit loss (ECL) framework, even before the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) releases the final guidelines. Some lenders have already started building provisions based on internal assessments. State Bank of India estimates a provision of up to Rs 25,000 crore, and the banking sector's overall provisioning requirement for ECL is expected to be between Rs 90,000 crore to Rs 1 lakh crore. The ECL framework aims to improve provisioning by classifying 'financial assets' as Stage 1, 2, or 3 based on their credit risk profile, with higher provisions for riskier loans. RBI is expected to notify final norms soon, giving banks sufficient time for implementation [4].
5. Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum: India-France Collaborative Project to Showcase 5,000 Years of Indian Civilization
The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is a collaborative project between India and France, set to be established in Delhi. It will cover 1.17 lakh sq. meters, surpassing the British Museum and Grand Louvre. The museum will showcase India's civilization over 5,000 years in eight thematic zones. The completion is targeted for 2026, but a definite deadline is yet to be announced. The project involves converting the North and South Block office buildings and relocating the current National Museum on Janpath. The new museum will offer interactive elements like audiovisual features and virtual walkthroughs to provide an immersive experience. Architect Bimal Patel aims to redefine the location's significance by repurposing it [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following is NOT a measure mentioned in India's Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) to achieve a reduction in cooling energy by 2037-38?
a) Improving cooling equipment efficiency b) Adopting better servicing and maintenance practices c) Focusing on refrigerant-based cooling d) Enhancing cooling technology research and development
Q2: Statement 1: The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. Statement 2: The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of South America.
a) Only Statement 1 is true. b) Only Statement 2 is true. c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is true.
Q3: Statement 1: The process of converting a solid directly into a gas is called sublimation. Statement 2: Water undergoes sublimation at room temperature.
a) Only Statement 1 is true. b) Only Statement 2 is true. c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is true.
Q4: Statement 1: Bose-Einstein condensate is a state of matter that occurs at extremely high temperatures. Statement 2: Bose-Einstein condensate is a state of matter that occurs at extremely low temperatures, close to absolute zero.
a) Only Statement 1 is true. b) Only Statement 2 is true. c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is true.
Q5: Statement 1: The phenomenon of 'El Niño' is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Statement 2: El Niño has significant effects on weather patterns, leading to droughts in some regions and heavy rainfall in others.
a) Only Statement 1 is true. b) Only Statement 2 is true. c) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. d) Neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is true.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine India's Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) and its capacity to address the increasing cooling demand and energy usage in the building sector. Assess the role of low-carbon cooling technologies and climate-appropriate building envelopes in promoting sustainable cooling practices (Word limit: 250 words).
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
In recent years, there has been increasing attention on questions pertaining to ocean currents in UPSC prelims. Understanding ocean currents is crucial as they play a significant role in shaping Earth's climate, marine ecosystems, and even influence global weather patterns.
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