January 17, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Ecosystem | Explained
An ecosystem is a collection of living and non-living objects as well as their interactions with one another. It is a dynamic complex made up of both biotic and abiotic elements. The ecosystem's equilibrium is preserved through these biotic and abiotic interactions. Its human component is essential to it. The term "ecosystem services" refers to the many advantages we receive from the ecosystem.
Highlights of the Day
1.ICMR Initiates Revision of National Essential Diagnostics List to Enhance Healthcare Prioritization in India
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is revising the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) to ensure essential and basic diagnostic tests are available at all healthcare levels. Stakeholders are invited to suggest additions or deletions by February end. ICMR emphasizes alignment with disease burden, public health standards, and evidence-based efficacy for proposed tests. Essential diagnostics must address high disease burden, align with infrastructure, and demonstrate clear impact on diagnosis and management. The revision aims to enhance healthcare by prioritizing tests crucial for public health needs across various healthcare facilities in India[1].
2. India Secures Historic Lithium Mining Deal in Argentina for Sustainable Energy Future
India's state-owned Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) signed a historic agreement with Argentina's state-owned mining company for exploration and development of five lithium brine blocks, marking India's first state-led lithium mining project. Covering 15,703 hectares in Catamarca province, this move aims to bolster India's lithium sourcing, reduce dependency on imports (primarily from China), and contribute to its net-zero emissions goal by 2070. With Argentina holding significant lithium resources, the deal enhances bilateral ties and secures a diversified supply chain for critical minerals essential in industries, particularly electric vehicles and renewable energy.[2].
3. Expert Committee Recommends Formation of Defence Technology Council to Oversee India's Defense Roadmap
An expert committee, led by former Principal Scientific Advisor Prof K Vijayraghavan, has recommended the establishment of a Defence Technology Council chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Defence Minister and National Security Advisor as Vice Presidents. This council will oversee the country's defense technology roadmap, major projects, and execution. The committee also suggests an executive committee chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff, involving representation from academia and industry. The review follows concerns about delays in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) projects, with recommendations to refocus DRDO on research and development, leaving production tasks to the private sector. A separate Department of Defence Science, Technology, and Innovation is proposed under the defense ministry to support the Defense Technology Council[3].
4.Empowering Women in Agriculture: PM-Kisan Scheme Sees Surge in Female Beneficiaries
In the past two months, 26.2% of new beneficiaries added to India's Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme are women, totaling 10,61,278 out of 40,50,375. The initiative's flagship program, the visit-based Sankalp Yatra, played a role in raising awareness and increasing female beneficiaries. Uttar Pradesh led in adding women beneficiaries, with four northeastern states surpassing the national average. The proportion of women beneficiaries exceeds their share among operational holders in agriculture. The PM-Kisan scheme provides eligible farmer families with Rs 6,000 annually in three installments through direct benefit transfer[4].
5.RBI's Liquidity Measures Trigger Banking System Deficit: A Closer Look at CRR Impact
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented temporary liquidity withdrawal measures, resulting in the country's banking system liquidity shifting into a deficit of Rs 23,600 crore as of August 21. The surplus, which peaked at Rs 2.8 lakh crore, decreased due to the RBI's directive for banks to maintain an additional 10% cash reserve ratio (CRR) on deposit growth between May 19 and July 28. This move has led to the withdrawal of over one trillion rupees. The additional CRR is aimed at absorbing excess liquidity, and its impact will be reviewed by September 8, 2023, with a plan to return funds before the festive season[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the Vijayanagara Empire:
I. The Vijayanagara Empire was founded by Krishnadevaraya.
II. Vikramaditya was a notable ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.
III. The empire was known for its distinct style of architecture, including the Virupaksha Temple.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) Only III
d) I and III
Q2: Consider the following statements about the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):
I. SIDBI was established to promote and develop micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
II. The RBI governor is the ex-officio chairman of the board of SIDBI.
III. SIDBI provides financial assistance but not non-financial assistance to MSMEs.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) Only II
d) II and III
Q3: Which of the following statements about the Aravalli Range is correct?
I. The Aravalli Range extends across the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.
II. Guru Shikhar is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range.
III. The Aravalli Range is known for its rich mineral resources, including copper and zinc.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) II and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: Which of the following rivers is not correctly matched with the continent it flows through?
a) Nile - Africa
b) Danube - Europe
c) Yangtze - North America
d) Amazon - South America
Q5: Which of the following is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential much higher than carbon dioxide?
a) Methane
b) Nitrous oxide
c) Sulfur hexafluoride
d) Ozone
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the significance of ecosystem services in sustaining human well-being and the environment. Support your answer with relevant examples.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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