January 11, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Geographical Indication (GI) | Explained
Geographical Indication (GI) tags play a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting unique products deeply rooted in cultural heritage. These tags, acknowledging the geographical origin of specific products, not only protect traditional knowledge but also contribute to the economic prosperity of local communities. In this blog, we will explore the essence of GI tags, their importance in preserving cultural identity, and their impact on local economies.
Highlights of the Day
1.Taiwanese Buddhist Monastic Order in Delhi Granted FCRA Clearance for Foreign Funds
The Fo Guang Shan Cultural and Educational Centre, a Taiwan-based Buddhist monastic order in Delhi, has been granted clearance under the FCRA, enabling it to receive foreign funds for its diverse programs. The centre, established in 2008, focuses on religious, cultural, economic, educational, and social initiatives. In the first month of the year, 30 NGOs and associations received FCRA registration. Last year, a record 1,111 NGOs obtained permission for foreign donations. As of January 10, there were 16,987 active FCRA-registered NGOs in India. However, nearly 6,000 NGOs had inoperative registrations as of January 1, 2022[1].
2. UK Navy's Strategic Deployment and Defense Cooperation Enhance Ties with India
The U.K. Navy plans to deploy its Littoral Response Group to the Indian Ocean, and the Carrier Strike Group is set to visit India in 2025 for joint operations and training. U.K. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed future defense cooperation, including joint exercises and knowledge sharing. The deployment aims to strengthen U.K.-India security ties, addressing common challenges and supporting shared goals in the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations will engage in more complex military exercises, leading to a significant joint exercise by 2030. Collaboration extends to defense industry initiatives, electric propulsion systems, and logistics exchange agreements[2].
3. Defence Ministry Proposes Rollover Plan for Equitable Distribution of Republic Day Parade Tableaux Among States and UTs
The provided text discusses the backdrop of repeated controversies over the selection of tableaux for the Republic Day parade in India. The Defence Ministry has proposed a rollover plan to address the concerns and ensure equitable distribution among the States and Union Territories (UTs). According to official sources, approximately 15 tableaux are selected every year, and not all states can be accommodated in a single year. The proposed plan suggests that every State and UT will get an opportunity[3].
4. Global Unemployment Concerns: ILO Report Highlights Rising Inequalities and Economic Challenges in 2024
The International Labour Organisation's (ILO) report warns of a global rise in unemployment in 2024, citing growing social inequalities and stagnant productivity. Despite falling below pre-pandemic levels, global unemployment is expected to increase. The macroeconomic environment deteriorated in 2023 due to geopolitical tensions and inflation, leading to aggressive central bank actions. While global growth in 2023 exceeded expectations, concerns persist about structural labor market imbalances. Real wages declined in most G20 countries, with only China, Russia, and Mexico experiencing positive growth. The ILO emphasizes the need for quality jobs, expressing concern about persistent inequality and low productivity[4].
5.2023 Breaks Temperature Records: A Grim Snapshot of Climate Crisis Acceleration
In 2023, the Copernicus Climate Change Service confirmed it as the warmest year on record since 1850, surpassing 2016. Global temperatures were 1.48°C above the pre-industrial average, with extreme weather events worldwide. Greenhouse gas concentrations, especially carbon dioxide and methane, reached unprecedented levels. The reemergence of El Niño contributed, and scientists predict 2024 could surpass 2023, possibly becoming one of the hottest years. There's a 66% chance that a year between 2023 and 2027 may breach the 1.5°C warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements regarding "The Kyoto Protocol":
I. The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
II. It was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005.
III. The United States is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol and has ratified it.
IV. The protocol introduced the concept of "carbon credits" to incentivize emission reductions.
Q2: Consider the following statements about the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG):
I. The CAG is appointed by the President of India and serves a fixed term of six years.
II. The primary role of the CAG is to audit the accounts of the central and state governments.
III. The CAG submits its audit reports directly to the Prime Minister of India.
IV. The CAG has the authority to disqualify individuals from holding public office if they are found guilty of financial irregularities.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) I, III, and IV only
D) II and IV only
Q3: Consider the following statements about the Chola Dynasty:
I. The Chola Dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of South India.
II. Rajendra Chola I, one of the Chola rulers, launched naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
III. The Chola Dynasty was primarily known for its contributions to architecture but not to literature.
IV. The Cholas were responsible for constructing the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) I, III, and IV only
D) I, II, and IV only
Q4: Examine the following statements about ocean currents:
I. Ocean currents are continuous, directed movements of seawater generated by a variety of forces, including wind, temperature, and salinity gradients.
II. The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States and then across the North Atlantic Ocean.
III. The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, influences the direction of ocean currents in different hemispheres.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q5: Consider the following statements about the Basic Structure Doctrine:
I. The Basic Structure Doctrine, asserts that certain fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be amended by the Parliament.
II. The doctrine was first articulated in the case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) and has since been a cornerstone of constitutional jurisprudence in India.
III. The Basic Structure Doctrine allows for unlimited amendments to the Constitution as long as they are approved by a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
How do Geographical Indication (GI) Tags contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and economic prosperity in India? Discuss with reference to recent additions such as Attappady Attukombu Avara in Kerala, and evaluate the challenges and benefits associated with the GI tagging system. Also, examine the role of GI Tags in promoting sustainable development and the significance of international recognition?
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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