February 24, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
INTERPOL | Explained
Established in 1923, Interpol serves as a vital link between law enforcement agencies from its 196 member countries, facilitating collaboration and information sharing to combat a wide range of criminal activities. From terrorism and human trafficking to cybercrime and drug trafficking, Interpol plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to apprehend criminals and disrupt criminal networks on a global scale.
Highlights of the Day
1.Private U.S. Lunar Landing Success: Odysseus Touches Down Near Moon's South Pole
A spacecraft named Odysseus, developed by Texas-based company Intuitive Machines, successfully landed near the moon's south pole, marking the first U.S. lunar touchdown in over 50 years and the first achieved by the private sector. Despite initial communication issues, the uncrewed robot lander landed at a crater named Malapert A. The landing is a significant step in NASA's goal of using commercially flown spacecraft for scientific missions before sending astronauts later in the decade. The weak signal raised concerns about possible obstructions, impacting the lander's primary mission of deploying payloads and conducting scientific tasks. The mission is part of NASA's Artemis program, focusing on sustained lunar exploration[1].
2.India's Commerce Minister Stresses Prudent Trade Approach and Global Engagement at Raisina Dialogue 2024
Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the Indian government takes a cautious approach to trade negotiations, emphasizing the impact of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) for several years. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2024, he highlighted the importance of extensive stakeholder consultations and inter-ministerial meetings to ensure fair and balanced FTAs. Goyal expressed India's commitment to upholding WTO principles and addressing issues not related to world trade. Regarding the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), he expressed concern over the EU's tax imposition and stated that India would address the matter within WTO rules and bilaterally with the EU, aiming to turn challenges into opportunities. Goyal emphasized India's willingness to engage globally, embrace global value chains, and become self-reliant, citing the nation's large domestic market and innovation capabilities. He outlined government initiatives focused on welfare, economic transformation, and becoming a developed nation by 2047[2].
3. Nordic-Baltic Nations Advocate for Global Cooperation and Peace at Raisina Dialogue 2024
Representatives of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries, known as NB8, are jointly participating in the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. Emphasizing the need for trust, dialogue, and cooperation in times of conflict, they share a commitment to democracy, human rights, and multilateralism. The NB8 delegation, comprising Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, aims to deepen ties with India and enhance cooperation on various fronts, including innovation, green transition, and security. They highlight the interconnectedness of global challenges, express support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's aggression, and advocate for a positive agenda for global cooperation[3].
4. Navigating the Semiconductor Landscape: Growth, Challenges, and Key Drivers Toward 2024
In the evolving semiconductor industry, the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) predicts a 13.1% global market growth in 2024, rebounding from a current downturn. Dominated by giants like Intel, Samsung, and TSMC, the industry is driven by demand for electronics and transformative technologies like 5G and IoT. The integration of analog and digital components with sophisticated software is crucial across sectors, particularly in automotive and telecom. Despite challenges, including a semiconductor shortage, the automotive semiconductor market is projected to grow significantly, reaching $140.52 billion by 2028. The industry's focus on innovation and meeting evolving demands positions it for sustained growth[4].
5. Global Naval Leaders Address Greyzone Warfare and Cooperation Against Aggression at Raisina Dialogue
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan and Navy chiefs from various countries, including the U.S. and India, emphasized the need for global cooperation and information-sharing to counter aggression, particularly from China. Gen. Chauhan highlighted the concept of "greyzone" warfare, actions below a threshold inviting immediate response, citing incidents in the South China Sea and the Line of Actual Control. U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. John Aquilino noted the growing U.S.-India relationship and enhanced ability to share information. The discussion occurred during the Raisina Dialogue, where naval leaders stressed adapting to modern technologies and the contested nature of global commons[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Choose the correct statements related to solar phenomena:
I. Solar winds are streams of charged particles flowing from the Sun into space.
II. Corona Mass Ejections involves the release of a massive amount of solar material into space.
III. Solar winds consist primarily of neutral gases.
IV. Geomagnetic storms can cause widespread power outages on Earth.
a) I, II, and IV
b) I, III, and IV
c) I, II, and III
d) II, III, and IV
Q2: In which one of the following groups are all four countries members of NB8?
a) Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Germany
b) Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia
c) Norway, Sweden, Russia, Poland
d) Sweden, Latvia, Germany, Norway
Q3: What characterizes ‘Grey Zone Warfare"?
a) Traditional military operations between two recognized states.
b) Conflict involving nuclear weapons.
c) Ambiguous and unconventional activities that fall below the threshold of open armed conflict, often using non-military means.
d) Peaceful diplomatic negotiations to resolve disputes.
Q4: Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?
a) They protect the body from environmental allergens.
b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
d) They protect the body from the diseases caused by pathogens.
Q5: The “Oort Cloud” is a hypothetical region in space that is believed to contain:
a) Icy bodies and comets.
b) Planets in the solar system.
c) Dwarf planets like Pluto.
d) Asteroids and meteoroids.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Analyze the case studies of two countries that have effectively employed soft power strategies and assess the impact of these strategies on their international relations.
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