January 20, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
The World Bank Group (WBG) | Explained
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a prominent global organization that frequently makes headlines. It is crucial for the IAS exam as a result. You may learn everything there is to know about the World Bank Group, the organizations that make it up, and the ways in which it differs from the World Bank in this article.
Highlights of the Day
1.Andhra Pradesh Launches Comprehensive Caste Census, Aims for Statewide Transformation
The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive caste census, scheduled for 10 days from January 19, with the possibility of a 4-5 day extension if needed. Volunteers will visit every home to collect caste details, aiming to complete the process before the February 15 election notification. Andhra Pradesh becomes the second state after Bihar to conduct a caste census. The government aims to address the needs of castes lacking welfare schemes and considers this enumeration crucial for transforming living standards. The village secretariat system will verify and correct information, with the census covering all castes in the state[1].
2. 2021 Nobel Laureate David Julius Explores Pain Perception and TRPV1 Receptor in TNQ Distinguished Lecture Series
David Julius, co-recipient of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology, discussed pain perception in a lecture. He unveiled the TRPV1 receptor, activated by capsaicin in chili peppers, shedding light on the sensation of heat. Pain's cultural influence and the need for understanding varied pain experiences were emphasized. Current painkillers, opioids, and NSAIDs will persist, though research into pain pathways continues. Julius highlighted the importance of public funding for curiosity-driven research. Spicy foods, linked to body temperature regulation, demonstrate evolutionary adaptation. The TNQ lecture series aims to bring eminent scientists, including Nobel Laureates, to India for public talks[2].
3. Airbus and CSIR-IIP Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel in India
Airbus and CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) have signed an MoU to collaborate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development in India. Focused on carbon reduction goals, the partnership aims to explore new SAF technologies using local feedstocks. The collaboration, guided by Prof Ajay Sood, seeks to propel SAF production in India, addressing the aviation sector's decarbonization challenges. Airbus, committed to achieving 100% SAF capability by 2030, and CSIR-IIP will work together to study fuel properties and impact, contributing to global efforts to eliminate fossil fuel dependence in aviation[3].
4.Japan's Smart Lander Achieves Lunar Landing, Marks Fifth Country in Lunar Exploration History
Japan successfully landed its spacecraft, the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), on the lunar surface, becoming the fifth country to achieve this milestone. While officials are analyzing whether the landing was pinpoint and assessing potential power supply issues, they believe the mission attained at least "minimum" success. The spacecraft, not carrying astronauts, deployed rovers and transmitted data, but concerns arose about the lander's solar panels. The achievement places Japan alongside the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India in lunar exploration history[4].
5.Discovery of Largest Deep Coral Reef off U.S. Atlantic Coast Unveils Hidden Ocean Wonderland
Scientists have discovered the largest deep coral reef off the U.S. Atlantic coast, stretching 310 miles from Florida to South Carolina and reaching 68 miles wide. Mapped using new underwater technology, the reef, located at depths of 655 to 3,280 feet, is nearly three times the size of Yellowstone National Park. Deep coral reefs provide habitat for various marine species, including sharks and octopus. With only 25% of the world's ocean floor mapped, researchers anticipate finding more deep-sea reefs. Both deep and tropical reefs face similar threats from climate change and human activities like oil and gas drilling[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC):
I. IBC provides for the establishment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
II. The resolution process under IBC must be completed within 180 days, with a one-time extension of 90 days.
III. IBC applies only to companies and not to individuals.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) II and III
d) I, II, and III
Q2: Which of the following statements about the Indian Ocean is correct?
I. The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's oceanic divisions.
II. The Kuroshio Current is a warm ocean current in the Indian Ocean.
III. The Maldives is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q3: Consider the following statements about the Vijayanagara Empire:
I. Krishnadevaraya was a notable ruler of the Vijayanagara Empire.
II. The Battle of Talikota in 1565 led to the emergence of the Vijayanagara Empire.
III. The capital of the Vijayanagara Empire was Hampi.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: The Battle of Haldighati, fought in 1576, was a significant conflict between:
a) Akbar and Rana Pratap
b) Shivaji and Aurangzeb
c) Babur and Rana Sanga
d) Rana Pratap and Hemu
Q5: The Strait of Malacca is a strategically important waterway between:
a) Sumatra and Java
b) Borneo and Sulawesi
c) Sumatra and Singapore
d) Java and Bali
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
How does the World Bank remain significant in addressing contemporary global challenges, and what role does it play in promoting sustainable development in today's interconnected world?
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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