February 01, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Soil erosion | Explained
The soil particles are released or washed away during this process in valleys, rivers, streams, oceans, and distant places. Because of human activities like agriculture and forestry, this has been getting worse.
Soil erosion is a continuous process that occurs either slowly or at an alarming rate. It results in a constant loss of topsoil, ecological deterioration, soil collapse, etc.
Let's examine in-depth the origins, consequences, and mitigation of soil erosion.
Highlights of the Day
1.ODOP Sampark: Fostering Self-Reliance and Regional Development through Nationwide Workshops
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is conducting 'One District One Product Sampark' workshops nationwide, showcasing success stories of self-reliance and indigenous industry revival. Held in 15 states, these events bridge gaps in market linkages, initiating e-commerce support, formulating policies, enhancing packaging, and promoting connections between sellers at central levels. Sensitizing artisans and farmers, the workshops serve as platforms for discussing state and central schemes, addressing challenges, and raising awareness. Collaborating with PIB and State Governments, ODOP Sampark fosters collaboration among stakeholders, contributing to immediate growth and development in various sectors[1].
2.Sneha Hastham: Forest Department's Healthcare Initiative for Tribal Communities in Kerala
The Forest Department launches "Sneha Hastham," a pioneering initiative to provide medical treatment to tribal communities in Kerala. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran inaugurated the program, aiming to conduct medical camps in 100 tribal settlements this year. The scheme focuses on hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention awareness. In collaboration with other departments and the Indian Medical Association, it provides super-specialty healthcare facilities to forest-dependent communities in remote areas. The initiative also includes a comprehensive medical insurance scheme for advanced treatments. The inaugural phase will cover 30 tribal settlements, starting with Aralam in Kannur[2].
3.Sneha Hastham: Bridging Healthcare Gaps for Tribal Communities in Kerala's Forests
The Forest Department launches "Sneha Hastham," a healthcare initiative for tribal communities in Kerala, with plans to conduct medical camps in 100 settlements. The program emphasizes hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention awareness. In collaboration with other departments and the Indian Medical Association, it provides super-specialty healthcare to remote forest-dependent communities. A comprehensive medical insurance scheme is included for advanced treatments. The inaugural phase covers 30 tribal settlements, commencing in Aralam, Kannur. The initiative aims to address healthcare needs, raise awareness, and promote well-being among marginalized tribal populations in the state[3].
4.India and Oman Strengthen Defence Ties: Joint Military Cooperation and Strategic Partnership
India's Defence Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane, co-chaired the 12th Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting with Oman's Secretary General, Dr. Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi. Both sides emphasized and expanded defence cooperation in training, joint exercises, information sharing, oceanography, shipbuilding, and maintenance, fostering mutual trust. In line with the India-Oman Joint Vision Document, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on defence material and equipment procurement. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral defence engagements, showcasing India's defence industry capabilities. Oman, a key defence partner in the Gulf region, expressed confidence in India's defence industry, fostering a strategic partnership[4].
5. Brainoware: Fusing Brain Organoids and Electronics for Advanced Neuromorphic Computing
Scientists have developed an 'organoid neural network' by combining brain-like tissue with electronics, advancing neuromorphic computing. The team from Indiana University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Florida used brain organoids (3D brain cell aggregates) connected to microelectrodes to create the network. Named 'Brainoware,' it demonstrated voice recognition and solved complex mathematical problems with comparable accuracy to artificial neural networks but required less training. This pioneering biocomputing approach, combining biological and computational elements, holds promise but raises ethical considerations. The study provides foundational insights into learning mechanisms and cognitive implications of neurodegenerative diseases[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about Biomes:
1. The tundra biome is characterized by low temperatures, permafrost, and limited vegetation.
2. The grassland biome experiences high rainfall and supports dense forests.
3. The savanna biome is known for its distinct wet and dry seasons, supporting diverse wildlife.u86
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q2: Consider the following statements about Nanotechnology:
1. Nanotechnology deals with the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale.
2. Applications of nanotechnology include medicine, electronics, and environmental remediation.
3. Nanotechnology does not pose any ethical or safety concerns due to its scale of operation.
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q3: The 'Walker Circulation' is associated with the atmospheric circulation over which ocean?
a) Indian Ocean
b) Atlantic Ocean
c) Pacific Ocean
d) Southern Ocean
Q4: The Köppen climate classification system uses which of the following criteria to classify climates?
a) Temperature and humidity
b) Precipitation and temperature
c) Wind patterns and altitude
d) Latitude and longitude
Q5: The 'Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW)' in India is calculated by:
a) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
b) Ministry of Labour and Employment
c) Reserve Bank of India
d) Planning Commission of India (NITI Aayog)
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the significance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in modern corporate governance. How does the integration of ESG principles influence sustainable development and impact investment decisions in the global economy?
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