February 16, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Insolation and Earth's Heat Budget | Explained
Insolation, short for incoming solar radiation, plays a crucial role in shaping Earth's climate and maintaining its energy balance. The interaction between the sun's radiant energy and the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and landmasses creates a complex system known as the Earth's heat budget. Understanding insolation and the heat budget is essential for comprehending climate patterns, weather phenomena, and the delicate balance that sustains life on our planet.
Highlights of the Day
1. Supreme Court Declares Electoral Bonds Scheme Unconstitutional: Key Issues and Verdict Explained
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous verdict by a five-judge bench, declared the electoral bonds scheme "unconstitutional." The scheme allowed anonymous donations to political parties through bonds purchased from the State Bank of India. The court raised several issues, including the violation of the Right to Information (RTI) and the lack of proportionality in restricting this right to curb black money. It also discussed the right to privacy of political affiliation and declared unlimited political contributions by companies as unconstitutional, emphasizing the potential for quid pro quo. The verdict resulted from petitions filed by political parties, NGOs, and advocates challenging the scheme[1].
2. India Rejects European Nations' Demand for Data Exclusivity in Trade Agreements, Stresses Support for Generic Drug Industry
India has rejected the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc's demand for a 'data exclusivity' provision in proposed free trade agreements. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal stated that India always protects the interests of its domestic generic drugs industry, and no Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would go against it. Data exclusivity, which protects innovator companies' exclusive rights over data generated through expensive clinical trials, was a key point of contention. India emphasized its commitment to the flourishing generic drug industry, contributing significantly to exports. The rejection came during negotiations for the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and EFTA[2].
3. ISRO Set to Launch INSAT-3DS Satellite for Improved Weather Monitoring and Disaster Tracking
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the INSAT-3DS satellite on February 17, providing weathermen and scientists with improved satellite data and high-resolution Earth images. Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, weighing 2,274kgs, and part of the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite series, INSAT-3DS will enhance tracking of cyclones, monsoons, thunderstorms, and natural disasters. It includes payloads such as an Imager, a Sounder, a Data Relay Transponder, and a Satellite-aided Search and Rescue Transponder, facilitating observations of the atmosphere, land, and oceans. The satellite aims to improve forecast accuracy and enhance meteorological services[3].
4.FDA Approves Farxiga Tablets for Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Reduction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Farxiga (dapagliflozin) oral tablets to reduce the risk of kidney function decline, kidney failure, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression. The approval is a significant step to address the unmet need for therapies in chronic kidney disease. Farxiga, originally approved in 2014 for type 2 diabetes, demonstrated efficacy in a study with 4,304 patients. The FDA granted Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy, and Priority Review designations. AstraZeneca received the FDA approval for Farxiga[4].
5. RBI and Nepal Rastra Bank Sign Agreement to Integrate Fast Payment Systems for Cross-Border Remittances
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) have signed and exchanged Terms of Reference (ToR) to integrate their fast payment systems through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and National Payments Interface (NPI) for India and Nepal, respectively. This integration aims to facilitate cross-border remittances, enabling users of both systems to make instant, low-cost fund transfers. The collaboration is expected to deepen financial connectivity and strengthen historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries. The formal commencement of operations for the UPI-NPI linkage will occur at a later date, following the necessary system implementations[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements regarding Electoral Bonds in India:
1. The primary purpose is to facilitate international donations to political campaigns.
2. These bonds are valid for 90 days after issuance.
3. All political parties, registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 can receive donations using these bonds.
Which of the above is correct?
a) One Only
b) Two Only
c) Three Only
d) None of the above
Q2: Recently, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved Jardiance for the treatment of:
a) Lungs Disease
b) Blood Cancer
c) Kidney Disease
d) Sickle Cell Anemia
Q3: Consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘Basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy
2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q4: Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:
1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child- birth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four
Q5: Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries?
1. Jordan
2. Iraq
3. Lebanon
4. Syria
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Explain the concept of Earth's heat budget and its components. Assess how human activities influence the heat budget and contribute to climate change.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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