February 17, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Wetlands | Explained
Wetlands are unique ecosystems that bridge the gap between terrestrial and aquatic environments. They are characterized by the presence of water, either seasonally or permanently, and support a diverse array of flora and fauna. Wetlands serve as the "kidneys of the landscape," filtering water and mitigating floods and erosion.
Highlights of the Day
1. Indian Defence Advances: Indigenously Designed Sensors and Critical Assets Procurement Approved
The Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of indigenously designed and manufactured sensors for the armed forces. Additionally, the acquisition of midair refuellers for the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been cleared, including the lease of a tanker for training purposes. The IAF aims to procure "pre-owned" aircraft modified into tankers to address a critical capability gap. The acquisition of strategic assets, such as active towed array sonar and heavy torpedoes for the Navy, has also been approved. Furthermore, proposals for follow-on support and repair replenishment support for MH-60R helicopters under the Foreign Military Sale route have been given the green light[1].
2. ISRO's GSLV to Launch INSAT-3DS Meteorological Satellite in Crucial Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite aboard the GSLV-F14 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The GSLV's 16th mission and 10th flight with the indigenously developed cryogenic engine, its success is crucial for the upcoming NISAR Earth observation satellite mission in collaboration with NASA. INSAT-3DS, weighing 2,274 kg with a 10-year mission life, will replace INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, providing advanced weather observations, aiding short-range forecasts, aviation visibility, and studies on forest fires, smoke, snow cover, and climate. The GSLV has faced four unsuccessful launches out of 15 so far[2].
3. ISRO Deorbits Cartosat-2: Conclusion of a Seventeen-Year Imaging Satellite Mission
ISRO announced the deorbiting of Cartosat-2, its first second-generation high-resolution imaging satellite, seventeen years after its launch on January 10, 2007. Weighing 680 kg, the satellite operated in a sun-synchronous polar orbit at 635 km altitude, performing 14.78 orbits daily. Initially expected to naturally deorbit in about 30 years, lowering fuel prompted ISRO to reduce its perigee from 635 km to 380 km in 2020. On February 14, 2024, the orbit was further lowered to 130 km, facilitating its controlled re-entry over the Indian Ocean. The deorbiting aimed to minimize collision risks and ensure safe satellite disposal[3].
4.Himachal Pradesh Resilience: Economic Growth Amid Monsoon Challenges and Tourism Revival
Despite the devastating impact of a relentless monsoon causing widespread damage in Himachal Pradesh, the state's economic growth for the financial year 2023-24 is projected at 7.1%, up from 6.9% in the previous fiscal year. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presented the State Economic Survey, highlighting efforts to ensure economic growth and overall development despite challenges. The survey notes a substantial increase in domestic tourist arrivals, reaching pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Himachal Pradesh's significant hydroelectric potential, with about 25% of the national capacity, is emphasized, with 11,209 MW already harnessed out of 24,000 MW potential[4].
5.India Urges Central Asian Nations to Utilize Chabahar Port for Enhanced Connectivity
India has urged Central Asian nations to utilize Iran's Chabahar port for enhanced connectivity and trade. During the Regional Dialogue of Secretaries of Security Councils/National Security Advisers on Afghanistan in Kyrgyzstan, Deputy National Security Adviser Vikram Misri emphasized the need for an "inclusive and representative" government in Afghanistan, urging consensus-based approaches toward the Taliban-ruled country. The discussion covered topics such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and regional connectivity. India, which has not recognized the Taliban government, recently highlighted its "legitimate economic and security interests" in Afghanistan, emphasizing support for peace, security, and stability in the region[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements regarding the Delhi Sultanate:
I. The first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate was Iltutmish.
II. The Khalji dynasty succeeded the Ghurid dynasty in ruling the Delhi Sultanate.
III. Alauddin Khilji introduced the market control system called "Diwan-i-Mustakhraj" to regulate prices.
How many of the above statements are correct:
a) Only I
b) Only II
c) Only III
d) None of these
Q2: The concept of "Writ of Mandamus" is related to the power of the judiciary to:
a) Direct a lower court to send up records of a case for review
b) Prevent a person from being unlawfully detained
c) Order a public official to perform a duty they are obligated to do
d) Grant a person the right to a fair trial
Q3: The "Big Mac Index" is an economic indicator that compares:
a) Purchasing power parity of different currencies
b) Global GDP growth rates
c) Stock market performances of fast-food chains
d) Inflation rates in the food industry
Q4: The term "Gig Economy" is characterized by:
a) Traditional 9-to-5 employment
b) Short-term and flexible jobs, often mediated by digital platforms
c) Large-scale manufacturing industries
d) State-controlled economic planning
Q5: Match the following diseases with their respective vectors:
1. Sleeping sickness A. Aedes mosquitoes
2. Dengue Fever B. Ixodes ticks
3. Malaria C. Anopheles mosquitoes
4. Lyme Disease D. Tsetse Flies
Options:
a) 1-D, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B
b) 1-A, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B
c) 1-D, 2-A, 3-B, 4-C
d) 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Wetlands are often referred to as the kidneys of the ecosystem. Elaborate on this analogy, highlighting the ecological functions performed by wetlands and their significance in maintaining environmental balance.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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