February 15, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Temperature Inversion | Explained
An atmospheric layer where the temperature of the air rises with height is called a temperature inversion. There is an inversion in a cap's lower portion. Thermal inversion is another name for temperature inversion.
Above the inversion, the cap is a layer of relatively warm air. As air packets rise into this layer, their ability to climb is hindered by the surrounding environment's increased temperature.
Highlights of the Day
1. Kerala Assembly Unanimously Urges Wildlife Act Amendment to Tackle Human-Wildlife Conflicts
The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central government to amend the Wildlife Protection Act to address human-wildlife conflicts. Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran presented the resolution, supported by members from various political parties. The resolution called for empowering Chief Forest Conservators to use lethal force against wild animals threatening human life and declaring wild pigs as vermin. The government, criticized for not protecting residents near forests, emphasized the urgency due to wildlife intrusions affecting around 50 lakh families. With 30% of the state covered by forests, the resolution aimed to ensure the safety of citizens and their property[1].
2. PM Modi Inaugurates Abu Dhabi's First Hindu Stone Temple, Hails Symbol of Global Harmony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Abu Dhabi's first Hindu stone temple, built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Modi thanked the UAE President and described the temple as a symbol of shared heritage. He emphasized the UAE's cultural addition, beyond its hi-tech identity, and hoped the temple would promote communal harmony globally. Modi lauded the UAE's government for fulfilling Indian aspirations and noted the significance of the temple's construction following the Ayodhya Ram temple consecration. The eco-friendly temple, constructed with 18 lakh bricks, 1.8 lakh cubic meters of sandstone, and no metal, aims to enhance people-to-people connect between India and the UAE[2].
3. Farmers in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh to Receive Wheat Prices Exceeding Demands
In Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, farmers will receive a wheat price exceeding their demand of C2 plus 50%, accounting for nearly 35% of India's wheat production. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the Centre for the 2024-25 Rabi Marketing Season at Rs 2,275 per quintal is higher than C2 plus 50%. While the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) recommends MSP based on A2+FL, the C2 plus 50% demand is met in these states. Punjab's higher return is attributed to increased yield, with paddy and wheat yields surpassing the national average[3].
4.16th Finance Commission Holds Inaugural Meeting, Sets Agenda for Consultations and Analytical Work
The 16th Finance Commission (XVI-FC) conducted its inaugural meeting in New Delhi under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya. The commission discussed its Terms of Reference, recognizing the need for extensive consultations with stakeholders such as state governments, local bodies, and central government ministries. Acknowledging the importance of analytical work, the XVI-FC plans to collaborate with research organizations and think tanks in the field of fiscal federal relations. The commission approved the establishment of its office in Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi, and aims to provide recommendations by October 31, 2025, covering a 5-year award period from April 1, 2026[4].
5. Farmers' Demand for MSP: Exploring Price Guarantees and Income Support
The Delhi Police has imposed Section 144 across the capital as over 200 farmers' unions from Punjab prepare to march demanding a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP). The buyer's market dynamics force farmers into being price takers, prompting calls for MSP to ensure income stability. Economists prefer income support over MSP to prevent market distortion, but producing farmers exposed to risks may justify a price guarantee. One approach is price deficiency payments (PDP), compensating farmers if market prices fall below MSP. Madhya Pradesh's Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana and Haryana's Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana explore PDP models for certain crops[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following:
1. Demographic performance
2. Forest and ecology
3. Governance reforms
4. Stable government
5. Tax and fiscal efforts
For the horizontal tax devolution, the Fifteenth Finance Commission used how many of the above as criteria other than population area and income distance?
a) Only two
b) Only three
c) Only four
d) All five
Q2: Which ancient Indian text is considered a significant source of guidelines for temple architecture?
a) Manusmriti
b) Arthashastra
c) Natya Shastra
d) Shilpa Shastras
Q3: Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC).
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
2. The mission of Traffic is to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q4: What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India?
a) India's trade with African countries will enormously increase.
b) India's relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.
Q5: With reference to the Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes the Current Account?
1. Balance of trade
2. Foreign assets
3. Balance of invisibles
4. Special Drawing Right
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 4
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Explain temperature inversion and its impact on air quality and weather. Highlight the causes and discuss environmental consequences.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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