February 09, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Ocean acidification | Explained
Ocean acidification, resulting from the absorption of carbon dioxide by the seas, poses a critical environmental threat. With 30-40% of human-induced CO2 absorbed by oceans, this phenomenon reduces pH levels, impacting marine life and ecosystems. Despite a seemingly small pH decrease, its logarithmic nature significantly influences chemical reactions vital for life. While oceans initially mitigated climate change by absorbing CO2, recent findings suggest a decline in their capacity, intensifying global warming. Addressing this issue requires global efforts, including emission reduction, sustainable fisheries management, and heightened public awareness.
Highlights of the Day
1.India Scraps Free Movement Regime Along Myanmar Border for Security Reasons
The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border for internal security and demographic reasons, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The FMR allowed tribal people within 16 km on either side of the border to cross with few restrictions. The decision follows concerns about porous borders facilitating insurgent activities. Plans for a fence along the 1,643 km border were announced, with 6.81 km completed so far. Officials noted drawbacks in the FMR, including the lack of standardized documents and challenges in monitoring cross-border movement[1].
2.Indian Connectivity Project Faces Setback as Myanmar Rebel Group Captures Key Town
The Kaladan MultiModal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), a flagship Indian connectivity project to enhance ties with Southeast Asia, faces a setback as the rebel Arakan Army (AA) captures Myanmar's Paletwa township. A senior Myanmar Opposition figure states the project "almost died" due to the AA's control over major towns and supply routes. The KMTTP aimed to connect Kolkata and Sittwe ports, linking to Mizoram. The AA's nationalist aspirations, distinct from religious conflicts, intensify the Rakhine State crisis. Concerns rise about a tripartite conflict involving the junta, AA, and Chin State rebels. The AA targets capturing the historic Sittwe port[2].
3.Indian Government Approves Rs. 6,000 Crore Scheme to Boost Fisheries Sector and Job Creation
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)," a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada for the formalization of India's fisheries sector. With an investment of over Rs. 6,000 crores over four years, the scheme aims to create a National Fisheries Digital Platform, enhance access to institutional credit, incentivize aquaculture insurance, and support microenterprises. It projects to create 1.7 lakh jobs, focusing on women empowerment, and shift from conventional subsidies to performance-based incentives, improving value chain efficiency and ensuring safe, quality fish[3].
4.Indian Monetary Policy: Unchanged Rates, Focus on 4% Inflation and 7% GDP Growth
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in India voted to keep interest rates unchanged, aiming for a durable 4% inflation. The MPC projected inflation to moderate to 4.5% in FY25 and forecasted real GDP growth at 7% for the 12 months from April 1. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted the challenges of food price shocks, geopolitical events, and volatility in international markets as risks to inflation. The MPC kept the policy repo rate at 6.5%, emphasizing the withdrawal of accommodation to align inflation with the target while supporting economic growth. Das noted proactive monitoring of systemic and sectoral stress[4].
5.Kyasanur Forest Disease Outbreak in Karnataka: Concerns Rise as Cases Increase
Since January 1, two deaths from Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) in Karnataka prompt concerns, with over 560 deaths reported since its 1956 discovery. KFD, or monkey fever, transmitted through ticks, affects primates and humans in Malnad's districts. The Health Department conducted 2,567 tests, confirming 68 cases since January 1. Symptoms include fever, headache, body pain, and potential bleeding. The disease, confined to Shivamogga until 1971, spread to other districts and states. No specific treatment exists; a vaccine attempt proved ineffective. The government distributes tick repellent, and free treatment is provided. The virus's resurgence is linked to ecological changes[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: What is the primary purpose of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project?
a) To connect Kolkata with Yangon through a high-speed rail network
b) To facilitate the shipment of cargo between the eastern ports of India and Myanmar
c) To establish an air corridor between North-Eastern States of India and Southeast Asia
d) To create a network of tunnels for transportation between Mizoram and Manipur
Q2: The area known as ‘Golan Heights' sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to
a) Central Asia
b) Middle East
c) South-East Asia
d) Central Africa
Q3: The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the
a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices
c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture
d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee
Q4: What is the primary objective of the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS)?
a) To regulate the export-import transactions of large corporations
b) To facilitate the financing and discounting of trade receivables for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
c) To provide a platform exclusively for government departments to manage invoices
d) To establish a barter system between MSMEs and corporate buyers
Q5: What is NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)?
a) A lunar exploration satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO
b) An Earth-observation satellite developed by NASA and ISRO
c) A weather monitoring satellite exclusively developed by ISRO
d) A communication satellite designed for global internet coverage
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the impact of ocean acidification on territorial ecosystems. Propose sustainable practices that could mitigate the adverse effects of ocean acidification.
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