July 9, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
The Internationalisation of the Indian Rupee | Explained
Delve into the internationalization of the Indian Rupee (INR) and India's resolute efforts to establish it as a global currency. Explore its advantages, from mitigating currency risk to reducing dependence on foreign exchange reserves and enhancing India's bargaining power. Through a comprehensive analysis, underscore the immense potential of internationalizing the rupee, highlighting its positive impact on India's economic growth and global standing.
Highlights of the Day
1. Rejuvenating the Ganges: Hundreds of Turtles Released to Cleanse and Restore India's Sacred River
The Ganga River is being rejuvenated through a joint effort by the Namami Gange Programme, the Forest and Wildlife Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). To improve the river's cleanliness, hundreds of turtles hatched at a breeding and rehabilitation center are being released into the Ganges. The turtle center, established under the Ganga Action Plan, has released over 40,000 turtles. The initiative has gained momentum under the Namami Gange Programme launched in 2014. The turtles help clean the river by consuming waste and are monitored for two years before release. Water quality in the Ganges has shown improvement, and the long-term impact on the turtles will be assessed in the future [1].
2. Empowering Women's Justice: Women-Only Courts at Village Level to Address Domestic Issues
India Launches Women-Only Courts at Village Level to Address Domestic Issues and Empower Women. The pilot initiative will begin in Assam and Jammu and Kashmir, expanding nationwide in the following months. Each village will establish a Nari Adalat, consisting of elected gram panchayat members and women with social standing. The courts aim to raise awareness of women's rights, resolve disputes, and provide counseling and alternative dispute resolution. The initiative falls under the Ministry of Women and Child Development's Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, collaborating with other ministries for implementation. Inspired by previous Women's Courts, the scheme aims to promote reconciliation and grievance redressal while empowering women [2].
3. GSTN Brought Under Money Laundering Laws to Combat GST Fraud
Government Brings GSTN under Prevention of Money-laundering Act to Combat GST Fraud and Improve Information Sharing. The move aims to enhance the disclosure of information and facilitate cooperation between GSTN, Enforcement Directorate, and other investigative agencies. The inclusion of GSTN under money laundering laws strengthens the authorities' ability to trace the original beneficiaries in cases of fraud and fake registrations. The action is taken in response to the increasing instances of GST fraud and aims to curb such illegal activities [3].
4. Experts: Heatwave in the Bay of Bengal Triggers Extreme Rainfall in Northwest India
Intense Marine Heatwave in Northern Bay of Bengal Causes Extreme Rainfall in Northwest India. The warmer-than-normal Bay of Bengal has led to an increase in marine heatwaves, affecting the monsoon trajectory. The heatwaves contribute to excessive rainfall in northwest India, while southern and central regions experience deficient rainfall. The intensity of marine heatwaves has increased since June 28, impacting weather patterns. The changing depression timescales and trajectory have resulted in above-average rainfall in northwest India. Marine heatwaves also have ecological consequences, including coral bleaching and potential impacts on mangroves in the Sundarbans [4].
5. India Signs Artemis Accords for Planetary Exploration and Research
India has joined the US-led international partnership, signing the Artemis Accords during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States. The Accords, signed by 26 countries, including Japan, Australia, the UK, France, and Canada, are linked to the Artemis Program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon and conduct deep space exploration. The Accords provide guidelines for the civil exploration and use of outer space, including the extraction of space resources. India's participation could enhance its human spaceflight capabilities, foster collaborations with other Accords signatories, and potentially contribute to the NASA-led Gateway lunar orbital station. However, scaling up India's space budget will be crucial to leverage the opportunities offered by the Accords fully and shape India's future in space exploration [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements related to India's geography:
1. The Deccan Plateau is located primarily in northeastern India.
2. The Brahmaputra River is a major tributary of the Godavari River.
3. The city of Agra is located on the banks of the Yamuna River.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only I statement
b) Only II statements
c) Only III statements
d) None
Q2: Who has the power to remove the Vice President of India from office?
a) President of India
b) Prime Minister of India
c) Parliament of India
d) Chief Justice of India
Q3: Consider the following statements regarding Environment and Ecology:
1. The ozone layer is primarily located in the stratosphere and protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
2. Acid rain is caused by the release of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which react with water vapor to form acidic compounds.
3. Biodiversity refers to the variety of plant and animal species in a particular ecosystem.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only I statement
b) Only II statements
c) Only III statements
d) None
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
1. EIA is a process used to identify the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development.
2. EIA is a legally binding document that guarantees the protection of the environment during the project's implementation.
3. EIA involves the assessment of various environmental factors, such as air and water quality, biodiversity, and socio-economic impacts.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only I statement
b) Only II statements
c) Only III statements
d) None
Q5: Consider the following statements about the nitrogen cycle:
1. Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into organic forms by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
2. Denitrification is the process by which nitrogen-containing compounds in the soil are converted back into atmospheric nitrogen.
3. Nitrification is the process by which organic nitrogen in dead plants and animals is converted into ammonia.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only I statement
b) Only II statements
c) Only III statements
d) None
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the significance of the Namami Gange Programme in the context of cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganges river. Assess its impact on improving the water quality and ecological health of the river. Also, highlight the challenges faced in the implementation of the programme and suggest measures to address them. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
The 5th Schedule of the Constitution of India deals with the administration and control of scheduled areas and tribes, while the 6th Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas in certain states. Provisions under these schedules have been asked repeatedly in UPSC Prelims examination.
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