February 08, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Ozone Layer | Explained
The lowest part of the earth's atmosphere contains the majority of the ozone layer. It can potentially absorb between 97 and 99% of the sun's harmful UV rays, which can endanger life as we know it. Millions of individuals would suffer from skin conditions and possibly have compromised immune systems if the ozone layer disappeared.
Highlights of the Day
1.Discovery of 390-Year-Old Lamp Post Sheds Light on Medieval Trade Ties in Telangana
Archaeologists in Telangana's Nalgonda district discovered a 390-year-old Deepastambham (lamp post) near River Krishna. The 20-foot tall pillar, found in Mudimanikyam village, has hollows for lamps and a multilingual inscription dated to June 1635. The inscription, in Telugu mixed with Tamil, dedicates the pillar to Kasi Viswanatha. The pillar likely served as a lighthouse on the riverine trade route, suggesting active trade ties in early medieval times. The find is unique for the Krishna river valley, and while flag poles are common in temple architecture, lamp posts are rare in the Deccan but common in temples on the west coast[1].
2.KukiZo Delegation Meets Union Home Ministry Over Free Movement Regime and Regional Concerns
A nine-member KukiZo delegation met with Union Home Ministry officials, discussing concerns like the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar and the recent Kangla Fort incident in Imphal. Led by A.K. Mishra, the meeting addressed issues, including power outages in Churachandpur and Pherzawl. The Ministry assured the delegation that their concerns would be conveyed to higher authorities. While seeking a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the KukiZo delegation maintains the demand for a separate administration. The meeting follows Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's recent meeting with Shah, who announced the construction of a fence along the India-Myanmar border, ending the FMR[2].
3.China-India Bilateral Trade Hits Record $136.2 Billion in 2023 Despite Midyear Slowdown
In 2023, China's envoy to India, Ma Jia, revealed a record bilateral trade of $136.2 billion, surpassing 2022 figures despite a midyear slowdown. The growth in trade aligns with overall improvements in bilateral ties, highlighted by an informal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in August. The positive momentum is emphasized by President Xi and PM Modi's consensus on stabilizing ties, with China supporting India's leadership in G20 and SCO. Despite increased engagement, China has not appointed an Ambassador in over 16 months, and direct flights between the two countries remain suspended[3].
4.Indian Government Approves Rs. 4,797 Crore Earth Sciences Scheme 'PRITHVI' for Holistic Research and Services
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the "PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)" scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences with a budget of Rs. 4,797 crore for 2021-26. The scheme includes five sub-schemes focusing on atmosphere and climate research, ocean services and modeling, polar science, seismology and geosciences, and research, education, training, and outreach. Its objectives involve enhancing long-term observations of Earth's systems, developing modeling for weather prediction and climate change understanding, exploring polar and high seas regions, and translating scientific knowledge into societal services. The scheme aims to holistically address Earth system sciences, benefiting various sectors and improving disaster preparedness[4].
5.India Opposes Inclusion of Labor and Environment in WTO Talks Amid Global Trade Policy Shifts
India plans to oppose the inclusion of labor and environment issues in World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations during the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. Amid rising environmental measures in trade policies, India asserts that labor and environmental matters are non-trade issues and should not be discussed at the WTO. Developed nations are seen pushing for these issues in the guise of sustainability to address trade deficits with developing nations. India maintains that trade barriers under the pretext of sustainable development are not acceptable, emphasizing that labor and environment concerns can be addressed in specialized bodies outside of trade negotiations[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: With reference to Union Budget, which of the following is/are covered under Non-Plan Expenditure?
1. Defence -expenditure
2. Interest payments
3. Salaries and pensions
4. Subsidies
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
d) None
Q2: "The “CERN” (European Organization for Nuclear Research) is famous for its research in:
I. Particle physics
II. Climate change
III. Astronomy
IV. Marine biology"
a) I only
b) II only
c) III only
d) All of the above
Q3: Under which Schedule of the constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void?
a) Third Schedule
b) Fifth Schedule
c) Ninth Schedule
d) Twelfth Schedule
Q4: What is the purpose of ‘Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA)' project?
a) To detect neutrinos
b) To detect gravitational waves
c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems
Q5: Which body of water borders Somaliland to the north?
a) Indian Ocean
b) Red Sea
c) Gulf of Aden
d) Arabian Sea
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the roles played by ozone in the stratosphere and troposphere, emphasizing their positive and negative impacts on human health, climate, and ecosystems.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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