February 05, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Cyclones and Anti Cyclones | Explained
The word ‘Cyclone’ has been derived from the Greek word ‘Cyclos’ meaning the coils of a snake. This is because the tropical storms appear like coiled serpents of the sea. Cyclones are low-pressure areas that are distinguished by swift and often destructive air circulation. They cause atmospheric disturbances such as violent storms and bad weather. In cyclones, the general circulation of air is in an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere while it is clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.
Highlights of the Day
1.India's Rooftop Solar Revolution: A Paradigm Shift in Power Supply Strategy
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's interim budget speech highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to provide power to one crore households in India through rooftop solar panels, aiming to save households ₹15,000 annually. The proposal targets households with monthly electricity consumption below 300 units, offering a 60% subsidy for rooftop solar systems, with the government covering the expense. The remaining cost will be financed by private developers affiliated with a Power Ministry-connected public sector enterprise. The shift to central government promotion, instead of state discoms, marks a significant change. The initiative seeks to boost solar adoption, addressing challenges faced by previous programs and encouraging domestic solar panel production[1].
2.Empowering Employability: The Rise of Microcredentials in Indian Higher Education
Indian Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) should actively enhance students' employability by embracing microcredentials, addressing the gap between academic knowledge and job requirements. Microcredentials, short-duration learning with proof of specific outcomes, offer flexibility and accessibility. As hiring practices shift towards prioritizing skills over degrees, microcredentials gain importance. Unlike traditional degrees, they cater to lifelong learners and are validated through reliable assessments. India's National Credit Framework (NCrF) facilitates portability and stacking on a digital platform. To ensure credibility, HEIs should align microcredentials with higher education standards, fostering trust and integrating them into regular degree programs, thus aiding students' skill development and employability[2].
3.Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Uniform Civil Code Report: Key Developments and Implementation Ahead
The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) report, with the bill expected to be tabled in the Assembly on February 8. Led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, the drafting committee submitted the UCC draft to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The BJP, during the 2022 elections, pledged to introduce the UCC if in power. Once implemented, Uttarakhand will become the first Indian state to adopt the UCC, providing a uniform legal framework for marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion, fulfilling a major BJP promise[3].
4.Unlocking the Mysteries: Exploring the Unique Ergosphere of Rotating Black Holes
Rotating black holes, or Kerr black holes, feature an ergosphere outside the event horizon, a region where objects can enter and leave if moving fast enough. Formed from the collapse of massive stars, black holes have a gravitational singularity at their center, where the laws of general relativity break down. The ergosphere, derived from the Greek word 'ergon' meaning 'work,' enables extraction of matter and energy. Some propose exploiting this to accelerate objects within it, causing the black hole to lose angular momentum. The unique dynamics of the ergosphere offer intriguing possibilities for studying and utilizing black holes[4].
5.Northern Ireland Breaks Deadlock: New Government and Brexit-Related Deal
Northern Ireland has finally established a functional government, ending a two-year parliamentary deadlock triggered by Brexit-related trade rules. Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill, affiliated with the Irish Republican Army, becomes the first minister. The governance impasse, resulting from differing EU-UK product standards post-Brexit, led to delayed salary hikes and impacted public services. The unique governance system, established by the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, requires cooperation between unionists and nationalists. The new deal includes reduced checks on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, an "Internal Market Guarantee," and a £3.3 billion financial assistance package from the UK government[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following statements about the ergosphere is correct?
I. The ergosphere is a region inside the event horizon of a black hole.
II. Objects within the ergosphere can escape the black hole's gravitational pull.
III. Non-rotating (Schwarzschild) black holes lack an ergosphere.
IV. In the ergosphere, spacetime is dragged along with the rotation of the black hole.
a) II, and II
b) I, II and III
c) II and IV
d) I, II and IV
Q2: With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements :
1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid.
2. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q3: Consider the following statements :
1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q4: Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?
1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do
3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q5: With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of the Vijayanagara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3
d) 3 only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the differences between extratropical and tropical cyclones, highlighting the key features that define each.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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