February 25, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
NB8 | Explained
The Nordic-Baltic (NB8) nations, comprising Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, recently embarked on a historic journey to India, marking their first joint high-level delegation outside Europe. This landmark event signifies the NB8's resolve to enhance global partnerships amidst turbulent geopolitics and evolving regional dynamics.
Highlights of the Day
1.Indian Government Releases Household Consumption Expenditure Survey: Key Insights and Trends
The Indian government has released findings from the All India Household Consumption Expenditure Survey conducted between August 2022 and July 2023, marking the first release in 11 years. The survey reveals a 33.5% increase in average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in urban households and a 40.42% increase in rural households since 2011-12. Notably, spending on food has decreased in both rural and urban areas, potentially affecting retail inflation calculations. The data, collected from over 2,61,000 households, highlights disparities in MPCE across different income groups and states, with Sikkim having the highest MPCE and Chhattisgarh the lowest[1].
2.Government Considers Sixth Schedule Implementation in Ladakh: Talks on Statehood and Tribal Status Progress
The Indian government is considering implementing the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in Ladakh, following discussions between civil society leaders and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Sixth Schedule, protecting tribal populations, allows for autonomous development councils. Ladakh's Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance seek Statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion for tribal status, local job reservations, and parliamentary seats. Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019. Positive outcomes include potential job measures and a postponed fast unto death threat by activists. Talks between MHA and civil society groups are ongoing to address Ladakh's constitutional safeguards[2].
3. Ancient Chromosomal Disorders Unearthed: Down Syndrome and Edwards Syndrome Identified in Prehistoric Skeletal Remains
A study in Nature Communications reveals chromosomal disorders in prehistoric remains, dating up to 5,500 years old, including six cases of Down syndrome and a rare identification of Edwards syndrome. Researchers screened almost 10,000 genomes from ancient skeletal remains in Ireland, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, and Finland, identifying cases from the Bronze Age and Neolithic period. The findings suggest early societies recognized and cared for individuals with genetic disorders. Some received elaborate burials and grave goods, indicating community integration. The study provides insights into historical responses to genetic disorders, often challenging to identify without modern DNA analysis techniques[3].
4. Indian Government Amends Surrogacy Rules, Allowing Flexibility for Couples with Medical Conditions
The Indian government has amended the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022, allowing couples with a medical condition to use donor gametes in surrogacy, no longer requiring both gametes from the intending couple. Single women (widow or divorcee) undergoing surrogacy must use self-eggs and donor sperm. The change follows a Supreme Court inquiry into the government's delay in addressing the matter. Earlier rules, restricting donor gametes for surrogacy, were amended after the court received petitions from women. The recent modification acknowledges medical conditions, ensuring flexibility in surrogacy procedures while maintaining certain restrictions for single women[4].
5. Semiconductor Industry Urges India to Reconsider Duties on Digital Ecommerce and Data Transfers
A global consortium of semiconductor industry groups, including Qualcomm, Intel, AMD, and Nvidia, has urged India to reconsider its plan to impose duties on cross-border digital ecommerce and data transfers. The World Semiconductor Council (WSC) warned that India's stance could stifle its chip design industry and impede efforts to attract semiconductor investment. The issue is set to be discussed at a World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Abu Dhabi. Developing nations like India, South Africa, and Indonesia oppose extending a moratorium on duties on electronic transmissions, potentially leading to tariffs and increased costs for chip design data transfers[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about Biomes:
1. The tundra biome is characterized by low temperatures, permafrost, and limited vegetation.
2. The grassland biome experiences high rainfall and supports dense forests.
3. The savanna biome is known for its distinct wet and dry seasons, supporting diverse wildlife.
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q2: In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/ participants
1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2, 3 and 4
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 5
Q3: In India, deficit financing is used for raising resources for
a) economic development
b) redemption of public debt
c) adjusting the balance of payments
d) reducing the foreign debt
Q4: ‘Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme' is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to
a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels
b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes
c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor is some public sector undertakings
d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development programme
Q5: What is the primary purpose of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
I. Promotion of global trade agreements among member countries.
II. Providing financial assistance to member countries facing balance of payments problems.
III. Regulating and controlling global commodity prices.
IV. Facilitating cultural exchange programs between member nations.
Choose the correct option:
a) Only one of these are correct
b) Only two of these are correct
c) All are correct
d) None of them is correct
.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the strategic significance of the joint high-level delegation visit of Nordic-Baltic nations to India, emphasizing the diverse domains of cooperation, such as innovation, green transition, maritime affairs, and the collective response to global challenges. Analyze the potential impact on India's global partnerships and the role of such collaborations in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. Consider the geopolitical context and the shared commitment to international law and multilateralism.
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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