January 3, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Types of Rocks | Explained
Rocks, the silent witnesses to Earth's geological history, are far more than just lifeless formations beneath our feet. They come in various shapes, sizes, and compositions, each telling a unique tale of the planet's evolution. In this blog, we'll embark on a fascinating journey to explore the diverse types of rocks that make up the Earth's crust, uncovering the mysteries locked within their structures.
Highlights of the Day
1. BNS Protest: Nationwide Transport Strike Over Hit-and-Run Penalties
Transporters, protesting the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita's (BNS) increased penalties for hit-and-run cases, held a nationwide strike until January 30. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs assured that the BNS was not yet implemented, urging transporters to return to work. All India Motor Transport Congress, supporting the strike, criticized the government for unfulfilled promises. While the strike was called off in Delhi, other states continued. The BNS's Section 106(2) proposes a maximum 10-year punishment for rash driving. The government clarified that timely reporting of accidents could lead to a reduced, bailable sentence under Section 106(1)[1].
2. India Overhauls Criminal Laws: Implementation and Integration Plans Unveiled
The implementation of three new criminal laws in India is set to take 9 months to a year, with a pilot project starting in Ahmedabad in two months. 3,000 master trainers will educate police personnel, and a task force will oversee training. Integration of criminal justice modules aims for a faster system, beginning in Chandigarh. Cloud storage, forensics-based investigations, and 900 mobile vans across districts are planned. Home Minister Amit Shah proposed separate Directors of Prosecution in each district, empowering victims. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Sakshya, and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita replace existing criminal laws.[2].
3. India to Revoke Free Movement Regime Along Myanmar Border, Introduce Visas
The Indian government plans to revoke the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border, requiring visas for cross-border travel. Approximately 300 km of the border will be fenced, and a survey using drones has been completed. Despite potential state opposition, the government asserts border security is its domain. The FMR, established in the 1970s and last revised in 2016, allowed hill tribe members within 16 km on either side of the border to cross with a border pass. Manipur suspended the FMR in 2020 due to the pandemic, and concerns over ethnic violence and undocumented migrants contribute to the decision[3].
4. Controversial Election Commission Appointment Bill Raises Concerns over Independence
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, proposes a selection panel for the Election Commission, Chief Election Commissioner, and others, chaired by the Prime Minister with the Leader of the Opposition and a Cabinet Minister. This differs from the Supreme Court's recommendation of including the Chief Justice of India. Critics argue that the Bill may compromise the independence of the selection committee, potentially violating democratic principles. However, some believe that despite concerns, Indian elections have historically been free and fair. Positive aspects include qualifications for Election Commissioners being fixed in the proposed legislation[4].
5.India's Coal Production Hits Six-Month Low, Signals Economic Slowdown
India's coal production growth hit a six-month low at 10.75% in December 2023, nearing 93 million tonnes, according to the Coal Ministry. Coal, representing over 10% of the Index of Core Industries, influenced the index, which had fallen to its lowest levels since March 2023. The broader core sectors are anticipated to experience a slowdown from December 2023 to February 2024. Despite slower year-on-year growth, December's coal dispatch numbers increased by 5.6% compared to November, suggesting a potential rebound in electricity generation, a significant component of the core sectors' index.[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The 'Hubble Space Telescope' primarily observes and captures images in which spectrum?
a) Visible and Ultraviolet light
b) Ultraviolet and X-ray spectrum
c) Infrared and X-ray spectrum
d) Visible and X-ray spectrum
Q2: The 'Right Against Exploitation' under the Indian Constitution prohibits:
a) Child labor and trafficking of humans
b) Forced labor and untouchability
c) Discrimination based on religion
d) Violation of fundamental rights
Q3: Which of the following statements regarding quantum entanglement is correct?
a) It involves the interaction of particles that remain independent of each other's states.
b) Quantum entanglement occurs when two or more particles become connected and the state of one instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.
c) It primarily focuses on the predictable behavior of individual particles in isolation.
d) Quantum entanglement violates the conservation of energy principle in physics.
Q4: Consider the following statements about Volcanoes:
1. Shield volcanoes are characterized by their broad, gently sloping sides and are typically associated with violent eruptions.
2. Composite volcanoes, or stratovolcanoes, are formed by alternating layers of lava flows and pyroclastic materials.
3. Calderas are large volcanic craters usually formed by the collapse of a volcano after an eruption.
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q5: The 'Montane Grasslands and Shola Forests' are typical features of which Indian region?
a) Eastern Ghats
b) Western Ghats
c) Himalayas
d) Deccan Plateau
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
How do intrusive rocks form and what distinguishes them from extrusive rocks? Explain their significance in Earth's geology, including their role in the formation of specific landforms and their contribution to the Earth's crust.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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