February 10, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
ASER | Explained
The Nonprofit Pratham has been publishing the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) every two years since 2005. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is a citizen-led household survey that offers estimates of children's educational attainment and basic reading and math skills that are nationally representative.
Highlights of the Day
1. Finance Minister Sitharaman Assures Extradition of Fugitive Economic Offenders, Criticizes UPA Leadership in Lok Sabha Address
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Lok Sabha that fugitive economic offenders like Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Sanjay Bhandari will be extradited to India. She accused former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi of being a 'Super Prime Minister' during the UPA years, blaming "rudderless" leadership for a decade of "one big-ticket scam a year" from 2004-2014. Sitharaman highlighted compromises in national security, bottlenecks in project clearances, and the negative impact of the National Advisory Council (NAC) during that period. She also mentioned improvements in green clearances and the effectiveness of the Enforcement Directorate in tackling money laundering under the current government[1].
2.Rajya Sabha Passes Bills Amending Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies' Laws and Expanding SC/ST Lists
The Rajya Sabha passed three crucial bills related to Jammu and Kashmir, amending Local Bodies' Laws and expanding the lists of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Union Territory. The bills include reservation for OBCs in Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, inclusion of "Valmikis" in the list of SCs, and granting ST status to Paharis and three other communities. The Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, highlighted a decline in terror incidents and emphasized the government's commitment to OBC welfare. The bills were previously approved by the Lok Sabha on February 6[2].
3.Concerns Over Militarization and Great Power Rivalry in Indian Ocean Region Echo at Conference
Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe, at the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth, expressed concerns over the militarization of the Indian Ocean and growing great power rivalry, highlighting increased naval presence by countries like India, the U.S., Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China. India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar spoke on challenges to international rule of law, indirectly referencing China's troop buildup at the Line of Actual Control. Wickremesinghe noted the complex task of balancing between great power rivalries for smaller states, emphasizing the shrinking space for maneuverability as the rivalry intensifies in the Indian Ocean Region[3].
4.Bharat Ratna Conferred Posthumously to Charan Singh, Narasimha Rao, and MS Swaminathan
The Indian government has posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, on former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao, along with agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan. This recognition comes as a tribute to Chaudhary Charan Singh's dedication to farmers, PV Narasimha Rao's visionary leadership fostering economic development, and MS Swaminathan's pivotal role in the 'Green Revolution.' The awards aim to acknowledge their significant contributions to India's welfare, development, and agricultural success. The announcement also follows the recent recognition of veteran BJP politician LK Advani and socialist icon Karpoori Thakur with the Bharat Ratna[4].
5.India and Saudi Arabia Conclude Inaugural Joint Military Exercise 'Sada Tanseeq'
The inaugural joint military exercise 'Sada Tanseeq' between the Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Force concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges. The 12-day exercise aimed at achieving interoperability and enhancing understanding of operational procedures and combat drills under UN mandate. The Indian and Saudi Arabian contingents engaged in combat conditioning, tactical training, and validation exercises, including creating a Temporary Operating Base, intelligence operations, vehicle check posts, cordon and search operations, heliborne operations, and house intervention drills. The exercise is seen as a significant step in strengthening ties and forging a strategic relationship between India and Saudi Arabia[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements regarding the Green Revolution in India:
Statement I: The Green Revolution was initiated in India during the 1990s to increase agricultural productivity.
Statement II: The introduction of high-yielding varieties of crops, improved irrigation techniques, and the use of chemical fertilizers were key components of the Green Revolution.
Statement III: Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is often referred to as the "Father of the Green Revolution in India."
a) Only Statements I and II are true.
b) Only Statements II and III are true.
c) Only Statements I and III are true.
d) All of the above statements are true.
Q2: What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)', recently in the news?
a) Electric plane tested by NASA
b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
c) Space observatory launched by China
d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO
Q3: Which one of the following objectives is not embodied in the Preamble to the Constitution of India?
a) Liberty of thought
b) Economic liberty
c) Liberty of expression
d) Liberty of belief
Q4: What is/are the purpose/purposes of the Government's ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme' and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme'?
1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy
2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewelry sector
3. To reduce India's dependence on gold imports
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q5: Under which ministry does the FAME India Scheme fall?
a) Ministry of Finance
b) Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
d) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Critically analyze the impact of socio-economic factors on the educational landscape in India. Suggest comprehensive strategies for fostering inclusivity and improving the overall status of education in the country.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
Comments