February 13, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Ergosphere | Explained
The universe is a vast and mysterious expanse, filled with celestial phenomena that continue to baffle and captivate astronomers. One such intriguing region is the ergosphere, a fascinating and enigmatic zone surrounding rotating black holes. The ergosphere plays a crucial role in our understanding of the complex dynamics near these cosmic entities, offering insights into the interplay between gravity and the fundamental forces of nature.
Highlights of the Day
1.India's Retail Inflation Eases to 5.1% in January, Delaying Interest Rate Cut Hopes
India's retail inflation eased to a three-month low of 5.1% in January, down from 5.7% in December 2023. Food price rise also cooled to 8.3% from 9.5%. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected a 5% average for the current quarter, delaying potential interest rate cuts until at least August. Urban consumer inflation dropped to 4.92%, while food inflation remained high at 9%. Rural consumers faced 7.91% food inflation in January. Vegetables inflation was over 27%, pulses cooled to 19.5%, and cereals and spices saw moderate drops. Non-food items had weaker price upticks, with education rising slightly[1].
2.India Takes Global Leadership Role in Gender Equity with Launch of Alliance for Global Good
India has launched the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality, a significant step towards promoting equality and inclusion. The initiative aligns with India's commitment to gender-focused development, highlighted in the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration. The Alliance, introduced at the World Economic Forum, aims to accelerate socioeconomic progress globally, emphasizing women-led development. India's governance enhancements, like the Women’s Reservation Bill and a $27 billion gender budget, demonstrate its commitment. With successes in female labor force participation, education, and rural self-help groups, India positions itself as a leader, fostering inclusive growth on a global scale through the Alliance
[2].
3.India's Industrial Production Grows by 3.8% in December 2023, Manufacturing Sector Boosts Output
India's industrial production rose by 3.8% in December 2023, a slight deceleration from the 5.1% growth in December 2022, as per official data from the National Statistical Office. The manufacturing sector recorded a 3.9% growth compared to 3.6% in the same month the previous year. Mining production increased by 5.1%, while power output saw a 1.2% rise in December 2023. The cumulative Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth for April-December 2023 was 6.1%, surpassing the 5.5% expansion during the same period in the previous year[3].
4.India Launches UPI Payments and RuPay Cards in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, Strengthening Digital Connectivity in the Indian Ocean Region
India has launched its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, along with the extension of RuPay card services in Mauritius. The initiative aims to strengthen digital connectivity and enable UPI settlement services for Indian and Mauritian nationals traveling between the countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of fostering digital ties, with UPI playing a role in uniting partners. The move aligns with India's "neighbourhood first" policy, promoting peace, security, and development in the Indian Ocean region. The launch ceremony involved the participation of leaders from India, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka[4].
5. Decade of Transformation: India-UAE Relations Flourish into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Over the past decade, India-UAE relations have significantly transformed, evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit in 2015 laid the foundation, elevating the ties. Subsequent joint statements in 2023 highlighted progress, including a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, increased trade, and the UAE becoming the fourth-largest investor in India. The bilateral relationship spans sectors such as security, energy, space, and education, fostering a bond of mutual benefit. The Indian diaspora, now over 3.5 million, strengthens ties, symbolized by the upcoming dedication of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi during PM Modi's visit [5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following gives the ‘Global Gender Gap Index' ranking to the countries of the world?
a) World Economic Forum
b) UN Human Rights Council
c) UN Women
d) World Health Organisation
Q2: Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin?
1. Nagarhole National Park
2. Papikonda National Park
3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 Only
b) 3 and 4 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q3: The 'Quad' initiative involves cooperation among which countries?
a) USA, China, Russia, India
b) USA, Japan, China, South Korea
c) USA, India, Japan, Australia
d) USA, Germany, France, UK
Q4: With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy', consider the following statements:
1. It reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
2. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q5: In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of the bioremediation technique?
1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess the historical and current aspects of India-ASEAN relations, examining diplomatic, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation. Analyze recent initiatives and agreements and their impact on reinforcing the partnership.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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