January 26, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
The Forest Survey of India | Explained
The Forest Survey of India (FSI) released the 2021 State of Forest Report for India. This article provides a quick overview of the state of the forest cover in India, across several states and regions, and compares the changes in the forest cover across the country with the 2019 India State of Forest Report.
Highlights of the Day
1.2024 Padma Awards: Honoring Diverse Achievements and Contributions
The Indian government announced the Padma awards for 2024, with former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, actors Chiranjeevi and Vyjayanthimala Bali, and Bharatanatyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam receiving the Padma Vibhushan. Notable Padma Bhushan recipients include late actor Vijayakanth and Taiwanese businessman Young Liu. Padma Shri awardees include tennis star Rohan Bopanna, squash player Joshna Chinappa, and environmentalist Dukhu Majhi. The total of 132 awards includes five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri, with recognition for achievements in diverse fields, including sports, arts, and social service. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the awardees for their impactful contributions[1].
2. President Murmu Approves Gallantry Awards for Military Personnel on 75th Republic Day
President Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards for 80 military personnel on the 75th Republic Day, including six Kirti Chakras and 16 Shaurya Chakras. Twelve awards, including three Kirti Chakras, were posthumous. Notable recipients include Major Digvijay Singh and Havildar Pawan Kumar Yadav. Additionally, 311 defense decorations were approved, covering Param Vishisht Seva Medals and others. President Murmu also sanctioned 84 Mentioned-in-Despatches, with 10 posthumous, acknowledging commendable service across various military operations, including Operation Rakshak and Operation Kaveri. Coast Guard personnel, including Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, were honored with the President’s Tatrakshak Medal[2].
3.French President Macron's Vibrant Jaipur Visit Ahead of Republic Day Parade
French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were welcomed in Jaipur with slogans of "Jai Shri Ram" and colorful festivities, including a public procession and a heritage tour. Macron, the Republic Day parade's chief guest in New Delhi, visited Amber Fort and received a replica of the Ram Temple from Modi. The leaders discussed various areas, including security and defense. The visit aimed to strengthen cultural ties with Rajasthan, historically linked to French Rajput royal families. Jaipur witnessed tight security for the event, and the Presidents will be escorted in a traditional buggy during the Republic Day parade[3].
4. India's Higher Education Enrolment Sees Growth, Female Dominance in Science
The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22 reveals a rise in total higher education enrolment to nearly 4.33 crore, with females in the science stream surpassing males. Female enrolment increased to 2.07 crore, with Ph.D. enrolment doubling to 0.99 lakh. In the science stream, 57.2 lakh students are enrolled, with females outnumbering males. Enrolment of Scheduled Tribe (ST) students rose by 65.2%. Northeastern states show an enrolment of 12.02 lakh, with females exceeding males. OBC student enrolment increased by 45%, and undergraduate courses remain predominant, with arts having the highest enrolment[4].
5. Red Sea Crisis Sparks Global Shipping Disruptions and Inflation Concerns
The provided text discusses how the Red Sea crisis is affecting global shipping, leading to spikes in shipping costs and potential impacts on inflation. The disruption, caused by attacks in the Red Sea, has led to the diversion of container ships, affecting trade routes and causing shipping rates to increase significantly. The article suggests that if these disruptions persist, they could contribute to higher prices of goods, potentially impacting inflation. The U.S. National Security Council acknowledges the economic impact, but the full extent remains uncertain. JPMorgan warns that rising shipping costs may hinder the fight against inflation in the coming months[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Match the following terms related to space exploration with their descriptions:
Terms | Descriptions |
1. Event Horizon | A. A hypothetical region in the outer solar system containing a reservoir of comets. |
2. Lagrange Point | B. The boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing can escape. |
3. Hohmann Transfer Orbit | C. Points in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies, like the Earth and the Moon, balance the centrifugal force felt by a smaller object. |
4. Oort Cloud | D. An elliptical orbit used to transfer a spacecraft from one circular orbit to another. |
a) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D
b) 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A
c) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B, 4-D
d) 1-D, 2-B, 3-A, 4-C
Q2: Arrange the following events related to Indian history in chronological order:
A. Battle of Plassey
B. Chauri Chaura Incident
C. First War of Indian Independence (1857-58)
D. Dandi March
Options:
a) C, A, D, B
b) A, C, B, D
c) D, A, C, B
d) B, D, A, C
Q3: Match the following terms related to computer science with their definitions:
Terms | Descriptions |
1. Algorithm | A. A process that converts data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. |
2. Firewall | B. A set of rules or instructions designed to perform a specific task. |
3. Virtual Memory | C. A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. |
4. Encryption | D. An imaginary memory space created temporarily using hard disk space. |
Options:
a) 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A
b) 1-A, 2-C, 3-D, 4-B
c) 1-B, 2-D, 3-A, 4-C
d) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D
Q4: What is the main purpose of the ‘Montreal Protocol’?
a) Banning the use of nuclear weapons
b) Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases
c) Protecting the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances
d) Regulating deforestation
Q5: The concept of ‘Ecological Footprint’ measures:
a) The number of species in an ecosystem
b) The impact of human activities on the environment
c) The rate of deforestation
d) The biodiversity of a region
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the role of community participation in forest conservation efforts. Discuss the impact of involving local communities in decision-making processes, sustainable resource management, and biodiversity conservation.
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