January 23, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
1857 revolt | Explained
The 1857 uprising marked the deliberate start of the fight for independence from the British colonial regime. The uprising of 1857 is known by several names, including the Sepoy Mutiny and India's First War of Independence.
On May 10, 1857, a sepoy mutiny at Meerut marked the start of the uprising. Sepoys in the Bengal Presidency started it as a protest against British commanders.
Highlights of the Day
1.Davos 2024: AI Dominates, India Rises, and Global Initiatives for Gender Equity Unveiled
The 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos highlighted key themes, including the central role of Artificial Intelligence, concerns about war and geopolitical uncertainty, the urgency of addressing climate change, China's economic challenges, and India's rapid transformation. Amid discussions on rebuilding trust, India's rise was emphasized, with a focus on technology, talent, and healthcare. The meeting also saw the launch of a Global Good Alliance for Gender Equity and Equality, endorsed by the WEF and the Government of India, aiming to boost the global economy by $1 trillion annually by 2040 through investments in women's health, education, and enterprise[1].
2. Chinese Research Vessel's Enroute to Maldives Raises Regional Tensions: India closely monitors movements amid diplomatic challenges
The Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 is en route to the Maldives, entering the Indian Ocean through Indonesia after Sri Lanka denied docking permission. India is closely monitoring the vessel, equipped with advanced surveillance gear. The move comes amid Sri Lanka's year-long moratorium on Chinese research vessels and tensions between India and the Maldives. Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean has steadily increased, with concerns over espionage capabilities. The vessel is expected to reach the Maldives in early February, coinciding with diplomatic exchanges between China and the Maldives. India-Maldives discussions on Indian troop withdrawal continue amidst rising regional tensions[2].
3.Odisha Seeks Tamil Nadu's Aid with Kumki Elephants to Mitigate Man-Elephant Conflict
To address the escalating man-elephant conflict in Odisha, the state government has sought assistance from Tamil Nadu, requesting four trained Kumki elephants and their mahouts. Kumkis are crucial for trapping, rescuing, and tranquilizing wild elephants, helping mitigate conflicts that result in damage to crops, human habitation, and loss of lives. Odisha lacks trained mahouts, prompting a plea for Tamil Nadu's support in managing the elephants. The initiative also aims to revive Odisha's elephant training program and combat the rising casualties from human-elephant conflicts, with 925 deaths reported in the past decade in the state[3].
4.Potential Breakthrough: Cannabis Compounds Show Antibiotic Properties Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Scientists at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine in Jammu have discovered that phytocannabinoids in cannabis exhibit previously unexplored antibiotic properties, potentially combating antibiotic resistance (AMR). In a study, they found that tetrahydrocannabidiol (THCBD) effectively fought methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a major AMR pathogen. Despite legal constraints on cannabis research, the study highlights the promising antibacterial nature of cannabis compounds. Challenges such as solubility need addressing before potential drug applications, but the research offers a unique approach in tackling AMR-related issues[4].
5. Government Expands Financial Services at GIFT City, Boosting Global Hub Status
The Indian government expanded the range of financial services offered at the International Financial Service Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City. Bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, and financial crime compliance services are now included, allowing entities registered with the IFSC Authority to provide these services to non-residents. The move aims to position GIFT City as a global hub for accounting and taxation services. However, exclusions apply to non-residents reconstructing, reorganizing, or splitting up existing Indian businesses. Currently, IFSC offers various services, including banking, insurance, asset management, and IT, with associated tax benefits and regulatory relaxations. As of March 2023, 20 IFSC banking units were operational with $38 billion in assets[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC):
I. NJAC was intended to replace the Collegium system for the appointment of judges in the higher judiciary.
II. NJAC was struck down by the Supreme Court of India as unconstitutional.
III. NJAC comprised the Chief Justice of India, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition among others.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q2: Which of the following statements about the Rain Shadow Effect is correct?
I. The Rain Shadow Effect occurs when moist air is blocked by a mountain range, leading to precipitation on the windward side.
II. The Deccan Plateau in India experiences the Rain Shadow Effect due to the Western Ghats.
III. Ladakh in India is an example of a region that receives heavy rainfall due to the Rain Shadow Effect.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q3: Consider the following statements about the Anti-Defection Law in India:
I. The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution contains provisions related to the Anti-Defection Law.
II. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the sole authority to decide on disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law.
III. The law applies to both Members of Parliament and Members of State Legislatures.
a) Only I
b) I and II
c) II and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: The Wallace Line is a biogeographical boundary between the regions of:
a) North America and South America
b) Europe and Asia
c) Australia and Asia
d) Africa and Europe
Q5: The Maghreb region in North Africa includes which of the following countries?
a) Egypt and Sudan
b) Algeria and Libya
c) Libya and Egypt
d) Sudan and Kenya
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
How did the Revolt of 1857 contribute to shaping the trajectory of India's struggle for independence? Discuss the key factors and consequences that emerged as a result of the revolt, and evaluate its impact on the subsequent nationalist movement.
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