January 2, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Bubble Baby Syndrome | Explained
Bubble Baby Syndrome, also referred to as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), is a rare genetic disorder impacting the immune system, rendering infants highly susceptible to infections. The moniker "Bubble Baby Syndrome" stems from the stringent measures needed to shield affected infants from infections, typically involving isolation in a sterile environment reminiscent of a bubble.
Highlights of the Day
1. December Marks a Dip in India's GST Revenue Growth, Yet Sustains Fiscal Confidence Above ₹1.6 Lakh Crore
In December, India's GST revenue reached ₹1,64,882 crore, marking a 1.8% decrease from November's ₹1.68 lakh crore. However, the Finance Ministry highlighted the seventh consecutive month with collections exceeding ₹1.60 lakh crore. The gross GST collection from April to December 2023 witnessed a robust 12% year-on-year growth, totaling ₹14.97 lakh crore. While 13 states recorded a 13% growth in domestic revenues, some, like Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, showed significant increases, while others, including Sikkim, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, experienced slower growth. The government's consistent revenue above ₹1.6 lakh crore provides fiscal confidence amid global uncertainties [1].
2. ISRO's PSLV-C58 Launch Marks India's Entrance into X-ray Polarimetry and Sets Gaganyaan Readiness for 2025
ISRO marked the start of 2024 with the successful launch of the PSLV-C58 carrying the XPoSat, making India the second nation to launch an X-ray polarimetry observatory. XPoSat, equipped with POLIX and XSPECT payloads, will study celestial objects like black holes. The mission also included 10 payloads from start-ups, institutions, and ISRO centers. The editorial highlights the significance of balancing scientific and technological missions. ISRO's Chairman, S. Somanath, emphasized 2024 as the year of Gaganyaan readiness, with two test flights and unmanned missions planned, aiming for the Human Space Mission in 2025 [2].
3. India and Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Installation Lists Amid Tensions
India and Pakistan exchanged lists of their nuclear installations on January 1, adhering to a bilateral agreement preventing attacks on each other's atomic facilities. The agreement, initiated in 1988 and in force since 1991, requires annual disclosure of covered installations. Despite strained relations over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, the recent exchange marks the 33rd consecutive year of this diplomatic practice, reinforcing transparency in nuclear matters between the two nations [3].
4. India Inaugurates First All-Girls Sainik School in Vrindavan: A Milestone in Military Education
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Samvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, the first all-girls Sainik School under the initiative to establish 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs and government schools. With approximately 870 students, it aims to offer quality education in line with the National Education Policy 2020, providing girls better career opportunities, including in the armed forces. The event, attended by U.P. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, marks a significant step in promoting gender inclusivity in military education, following the success of the pilot project in Sainik School Chhingchhip, Mizoram [4].
5. JPMorgan Index Inclusion Propels Foreign Investment in Indian Government Bonds to Six-Year High
Foreign investment in Indian government bonds surged in Q4 2023, reaching a six-year high due to JPMorgan's inclusion of the debt in its indexes. In October-December, overseas investors bought ₹35,000 crore, driving the full-year total to ₹59,800 crore, the highest since 2017. Clearing house data revealed this remarkable uptick, and fund managers anticipate continued inflows in the New Year [5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements regarding Fiscal Deficit and Revenue Deficit:
1. Fiscal Deficit is the excess of total government expenditure over total revenue, excluding borrowing.
2. Revenue Deficit occurs when government revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts.
3. Fiscal Deficit includes both revenue and capital expenditure.
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI):
1. The Election Commission conducts elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies only.
2. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President.
3. The ECI is responsible for enforcing the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q3: Which of the following is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the European Union?
a) GPS (Global Positioning System)
b) GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
c) BDS (BeiDou Navigation Satellite System)
d) Galileo
Q4: The 'Albedo effect' refers to the:
a) Absorption of sunlight by Earth's surface
b) Reflection of solar radiation back into space
c) Greenhouse gas emissions from industrial activities
d) Ozone layer depletion
Q5: The 'Bagh Caves,' famous for their Buddhist paintings, are located in which Indian state?
a) Madhya Pradesh
b) Rajasthan
c) Uttar Pradesh
d) Maharashtra
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess the challenges in addressing rare diseases within healthcare systems. Discuss potential strategies for effective management and support, emphasizing the role of governmental policies and international cooperation. Provide key examples showcasing successful approaches in handling rare diseases.
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