February 23, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
GDP of India | Explained
The term GDP represents gross domestic product. GDP is defined as a measurement of the value of the nation's economic activities. To put it another way, GDP is the total of the ultimate costs of the commodities and services generated in an economy during a specific time period.
Highlights of the Day
1.India Achieves Significant Milestone in Kala Azar Elimination, Reports Less Than One Case Per 10,000 Population in 2023
India has achieved a crucial milestone in the fight against Kala Azar, reporting less than one case per 10,000 population across all blocks in 2023, according to data from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme. This marks the first step toward WHO certification for elimination, with 595 cases and four deaths reported in 2023 compared to 891 cases and three deaths in 2022. The country had missed four previous deadlines for Kala Azar elimination. Key interventions included indoor spraying, sealing of mud walls to prevent sandfly nesting, and mobilization of the ASHA network for patient treatment. The WHO will verify and certify the data after three years of sustained success[1].
2.India Modifies Surrogacy Rules to Allow Donor Gametes in Case of Medical Necessity
The Indian government has amended surrogacy rules, allowing the use of donor gametes (eggs or sperm) if a medical condition of the intending couple necessitates it. This modification follows a Supreme Court decision allowing surrogacy with a donor egg for a woman with Mayerrokitansky-kuster-hauser Syndrome. Previously, rules mandated both egg and sperm be from the intending couple. Health experts welcomed the change, noting it supports older women undergoing surrogacy, where egg quality declines with age. However, the rule doesn't apply to widowed or divorced women, requiring single women to use their own eggs and donor sperm for surrogacy[2].
3. Rethinking Minimum Support Price (MSP) in Indian Agriculture: A Call for Assured Price to Farmers
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) system in India, initiated in 1965, has faced challenges related to crop inclusion, formula, and enforcement. The recent focus on MSP arises from inefficient markets, non-price factors neglect, and its direct impact on farm income. The Swaminathan Panel recommended MSP at least 50% above the cost of production, creating a new MSP concept. Farmers now demand legal guarantee and a fixed 50% margin on cost C2. Concerns include potential collapse of marketing systems and fiscal unsustainability. A proposed Assured Price to Farmers system is suggested, with variable margins, categorized crops, and shared responsibility between center and states[3].
4. Albania and India Strengthen Diplomatic Ties with Plans for New Embassies in Delhi and Tirana
Albania plans to open an Embassy in New Delhi, and India will establish a diplomatic mission in Tirana, according to Albania’s Foreign Minister Igli Hasani during his visit to India. Hasani highlighted Albania's strategic location connecting Europe and Asia and emphasized the importance of closer trade ties between the two countries. He noted Albania's role in various corridors linking India with the European Union and expressed the desire to strengthen economic relations. Albania, with a rapidly growing economy, aims to build on the momentum and enhance ties with India, fostering cultural, linguistic, and historical connections[4].
5. Progress Toward Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease: A Triumph of Public Health Principles
The world is on the verge of eradicating Guinea worm disease, with only six cases reported in 2023. The parasitic disease, caused by the Guinea worm, has seen a remarkable decline from over 3.5 million cases in the 1980s. The battle against Guinea worm disease highlights the success of basic public health principles, focusing on clean water access, community education, and disease tracking. India eliminated the disease in the 1990s through a comprehensive strategy, emphasizing intersectoral coordination and community participation. Despite progress, challenges such as civil unrest and poverty threaten final eradication efforts, underscoring the intersection of health and peace[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: What does CERN stand for?
a) Center for Experimental and Research Nuclear Physics
b) Council for European Research Nucleus
c) Cooperative Energy and Research Network
d) European Organization for Nuclear Research
Q2: What is the primary causative agent responsible for Kala Azar?
a) Plasmodium falciparum
b) Trypanosoma cruzi
c) Leishmania donovani
d) Giardia lamblia
Q3: Select the correct statements regarding the BrahMos missile:
I. The missile is named after two rivers.
II. It is a ballistic missile.
III. It is capable of achieving supersonic speed.
IV. It is jointly developed by India and Japan.
a) I and II
b) I and III
c) II and III
d) I and IV
Q4: Identify the true statements about Interpol:
I. Interpol stands for International Criminal Police Organization.
II. The General Secretariat of Interpol is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
III. Its primary focus is on domestic law enforcement within Europe.
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II and, III
Q5: The term ‘Base Erosion and Profit Shifting' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
a) mining operation by multinational companies in resource-rich but backward areas
b) curbing of the tax evasion by multinational companies
c) exploitation of genetic resources of a country by multinational companies
d) lack of consideration of environmental costs in the planning and implementation of developmental projects
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the limitations and criticisms associated with GDP as a comprehensive measure of a nation's economic health.
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