February 04, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Explained
India is home to forty-two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In September 2023, Santiniketan, founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, is designated as India's forty-first world historic site. In September 2023, the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas in Karnataka were added to the list by UNESCO. With this addition, India now has 42 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Highlights of the Day
1.Former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani to Receive Bharat Ratna for Monumental Contributions to India
Former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, key figure in the Ayodhya Ram Temple movement, will receive India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Advani, also awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015, received congratulations from the Prime Minister, who praised his monumental contribution to India's development. The announcement follows the posthumous award of the Bharat Ratna to social leader Karpoori Thakur, marking a connection to the social justice and Ram Temple movements of the 1990s. Advani expressed gratitude, considering the honour not just personal but reflective of his ideals and principles cultivated since joining the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh at 14[1].
2.Kalaripayattu Gains Popularity Among Haryana Youth, Defying Traditional Sports Dominance
Haryana youths, including girls, are increasingly embracing the southern Indian martial art form Kalaripayattu, introduced to them at the Khelo India games in 2021. Despite Haryana's wrestling, kabaddi, and boxing dominance, the lower diet cost and interest in the unique sport attract participants. In the 2023 Khelo India Youth Games, Haryana secured second place in Kalaripayattu, behind Kerala. The sport's appeal lies in self-defense, safety compared to wrestling and boxing, and its novelty in Haryana, providing opportunities for state team inclusion. Trainers note the positive impact on health and screen time reduction, with even older participants engaging in the practice[2].
3.Ladakh Witnesses Mass Shutdown as Citizens Rally for Constitutional Safeguards and Statehood
Ladakh witnessed a widespread shutdown as thousands gathered in Leh to demand constitutional safeguards, cultural identity protection, environmental preservation, and Statehood for the Union Territory. The Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance jointly called for Statehood, inclusion in the Sixth Schedule for tribal status, job reservations, and a Lok Sabha seat each for Leh and Kargil. The protest drew support from diverse regions, including the China border and Nubra Valley. Former BJP member Thupstan Chhewang and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk vowed to champion Ladakh's cause. A high-powered committee, formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, is addressing grievances, with the next meeting on February 19[3].
4.MEA Allocates Rs 9,013.72 Crore to Exim Bank as Doubtful Debts Emerge from Loans to African Countries
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has provided Rs 9,013.72 crore to the Exim Bank of India in 2023-24 after classifying loans to some countries as "doubtful debt." The Exim Bank invoked the Government of India (GOI) guarantee on decade-plus old loans to African countries, turning them into non-performing assets. The MEA also allocated Rs 4,383.40 crore in 2024-25 for potential guarantees against doubtful debts, hinting at more loans to be classified as NPAs. The guarantees are invoked from the Guarantee Redemption Fund, established in the Public Account of India. The MEA spokesperson was unavailable for comment[4].
5.CRISIL Forecasts Average Annual Growth of 6.7% for Indian Economy Until 2031
CRISIL's latest report predicts an average annual growth rate of 6.7% for the Indian economy from 2024 to 2031, slightly surpassing the pre-pandemic average of 6.6%. The government's investment-oriented approach amid private sector hesitancy is cited as the main contributor to this growth trend, with increased capital expenditure supporting infrastructure development. The report notes a moderation to 6.4% growth in the upcoming fiscal year after robust growth of 7.3% in the current year. Concerns include monitoring the impact of the Middle East conflict on energy and logistics costs. Inflation at 5.7% in December 2023, influenced by fluctuating vegetable prices, may affect RBI's rate decisions[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements :
1. In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by Reserve Bank of India.
2. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company.
3. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q2: Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma wards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
Which of the above statements are not correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q3: With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu'?
a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
b) It is an ancient style bronze and brass work still found in the southern part of the Coromandel area
c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
Q4: With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements :
1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administrated by the government.
2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea is produced from natural gas.
3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizers is a by-product of oil refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct below :
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q5: Consider the following statements regarding climate zones:
1. The Tundra climate zone is characterized by freezing temperatures and is found near the equator.
2. The Mediterranean climate zone is known for its hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters.
3. The Savanna climate zone features a prolonged dry season and is conducive to the growth of rainforests.
Which of these is/are correct?
a) Only one of these
b) Only two of these
c) Only three of these
d) None of these
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Recently Santiniketan and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. How does the recognition and preservation of such sites contribute to the overall development of local communities?
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