February 21, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Shukrayaan | Explained
By December 2024, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) hopes to launch the Venus mission Shukrayaan, according to the organization's chairman.
Two additional robotic missions to Venus, DaVinci Plus and Veritas, were announced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Highlights of the Day
1. Maharashtra Assembly Passes Bill Granting 10% Reservation to Maratha Community Amid Legal and Political Controversy
The Maharashtra Assembly has passed a bill granting 10% reservation in education and jobs to the Maratha community. The bill is based on a report identifying the Marathas as socially and educationally backward. The creamy layer principle will apply, and the reservation will not be available to those in the creamy layer category. The Maratha population is stated to be 28%, and the bill increases the state's total reservation to 72%. Critics question the legal viability, as the Supreme Court struck down a similar move in 2021. The government argues it has addressed Supreme Court observations[1].
2.U.S. Expresses Concerns Over Alleged Assassination Plot in India, Awaits Investigation Outcome
The U.S. expresses "concerns" and awaits the outcome of India's investigation into an alleged assassination plot against Khalistani separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma emphasizes the importance of shared values in U.S.-India relations and urges cooperation on global challenges. Regarding the "assassin for hire" case, where an Indian national allegedly plotted Pannun's assassination, the U.S. has raised concerns with India, and a committee is investigating. The U.S. Congress has been vocal about its concerns, and in response, India denies wrongdoing and sets up a high-level panel to investigate the allegations[2].
3. Fans Celebrate 151 Years of Kolkata Tram Amidst Calls for Revival and Protest Against Decline
Fans of Kolkata's iconic tram will gather on February 24 to celebrate its 151st anniversary. The Calcutta Tram Users' Association (CTUA) will organize a cultural event at the Gariahat depot, including a special tram ride. On March 15, a protest gathering is planned at Esplanade. The Kolkata tram, dating back to 1873, has seen a decline, with only three functional routes presently. The CTUA emphasizes the need to revive trams, transform the city's central landscape, and promote sustainable transportation. Supporters aim to preserve the tram as a living legend and set an example for other cities[3].
4. Fans Celebrate 151 Years of Kolkata Tram Amidst Calls for Revival and Protest Against Decline
Fans of Kolkata's iconic tram will gather on February 24 to celebrate its 151st anniversary. The Calcutta Tram Users' Association (CTUA) will organize a cultural event at the Gariahat depot, including a special tram ride. On March 15, a protest gathering is planned at Esplanade. The Kolkata tram, dating back to 1873, has seen a decline, with only three functional routes presently. The CTUA emphasizes the need to revive trams, transform the city's central landscape, and promote sustainable transportation. Supporters aim to preserve the tram as a living legend and set an example for other cities[4].
5. India Seeks $26 Billion Private Investment for Nuclear Energy Expansion
The Indian government plans to attract approximately $26 billion in private investment for its nuclear energy sector, a first for the country. Private firms including Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, and Vedanta Ltd are being approached for investments of around 440 billion rupees each. The initiative aims to add 11,000 megawatts of new nuclear power generation capacity by 2040, helping India achieve its target of 50% installed electric generation capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030. The funding model allows private companies to invest in nuclear plants while NPCIL retains rights for building, running, and fuel management[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the Chief Justice of India (CJI):
I. The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India.
II. The term of the Chief Justice of India is fixed at five years.
III. The CJI is the patron-in-chief of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
a). Only I
b). I and III
c). II and III
d). I, II, and III
Q2: Which of the following statements about the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is correct?
I. CBD is an international treaty that aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
II. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is a supplementary agreement to the CBD.
III. India is not a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
a). Only I
b). I and II
c). II and III
d). I, II, and III
Q3: The concept of Judicial Review, allowing the judiciary to review and strike down laws that violate the Constitution, is borrowed from which country's legal system?
a) United Kingdom
b) United States
c) Australia
d) Canada
Q4: The term "Fiscal Policy" primarily deals with the government's:
a) Control over money supply
b) Taxation and spending policies
c) Regulation of interest rates
d) Management of foreign exchange
Q5: Consider the following statements about biotechnology:
I. Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms or their products to create new products or processes.
II. Genetic engineering is a subset of biotechnology that focuses on altering an organism's DNA.
III. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used in biotechnology to amplify DNA.
IV. Biotechnology has no applications in the field of medicine.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) I and IV only
D) I, II, and III only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the significance and challenges of ISRO's Shukrayaan mission to Venus in 2024. Discuss its objectives, experiments, and potential contributions to our understanding of planetary evolution, climate change, and the complexities associated with studying Venus compared to other celestial bodies. Evaluate the international collaboration aspect and its implications for future space exploration.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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