January 30, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana | Explained
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has announced 'Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana' under which 1 crore households will get rooftop solar.
PM Modi said "today, on the auspicious occasion of the consecration of life in Ayodhya, my resolve has been further strengthened that the people of India should have their own solar roof top system on the roof of their houses.
The first decision I have taken after returning from Ayodhya is that our government will launch “Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana” with the target of installing rooftop solar on 1 crore houses.
Highlights of the Day
1.India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise 'SADA TANSEEQ': Enhancing Interoperability and Bilateral Relations
The inaugural India-Saudi Arabia joint military exercise, 'SADA TANSEEQ,' began in Rajasthan, aiming to enhance interoperability and camaraderie between the Royal Saudi Land Forces and the Indian Army. Scheduled until February 10, the exercise focuses on joint operations in semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. It includes various drills such as mobile vehicle check posts, cordon and search operations, and sniper firing, providing both contingents an opportunity to strengthen bonds, share best practices, and foster bilateral relations. The exercise aligns with shared security objectives and aims to elevate defense cooperation between the two nations[1].
2.Auroville Educational-Cultural Tour: Fostering Unity in Diversity and Integral Education for Nation Building
The Ministry of Education, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Sri Aurobindo's 150th Birth Anniversary, is organizing an Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative—a week-long educational and cultural tour to Auroville. Ninety-four students from eight Higher Education Institutions will experience Auroville's integral education philosophy and global significance. Auroville, founded in 1968, embodies human unity in diversity. The tour, emphasizing cross-cultural interactions, includes visits to sustainable product units, reforestation projects, botanical gardens, and cultural centers. It aims to deepen students' understanding of integral education, spirituality, and values in the context of nation-building[2].
3.Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) Faces Five-Year Extension of Ban: Home Minister Amit Shah's Firm Stand Against Terrorism
Home Minister Amit Shah declared the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) an "unlawful association," extending its ban by five years under anti-terror law. Citing involvement in terrorism, disturbing peace, and threatening sovereignty, Shah emphasized zero tolerance. Ten states recommended the ban, noting SIMI's continued subversive activities and reorganization of missing members. The Union Home Ministry stated SIMI's actions were prejudicial to national security, communal harmony, and the secular fabric. The ban, effective immediately, aims to curb potential threats. SIMI, established in 1977, allegedly seeks to establish an Islamic state in India and was previously banned in 2014[3].
4.Odisha's 'LABHA' Scheme: Empowering Tribals Through MSP for Forest Produce and Women's Self-Help Groups
The Odisha government, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, approved the 'LABHA' scheme, aiming to empower approximately one crore tribals. LABHA, a 100% state-funded Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Minor Forest Produce (MFP), involves annual MSP determination, empowering tribal primary collectors through TDCCOL-managed procurement centers. Collaborating with Mission Shakti's Women Self-Help Groups, the scheme ensures digital transactions via Direct Benefit Transfer, with a 2% commission for SHGs or designated agencies. Utilizing technology for transparency, LABHA includes a procurement automation system, value addition, and processing by TDCCOL, and plans for a tamarind processing plant to eliminate distress sales and middlemen dependency[4].
5.Decoding Humboldt's Enigma: Unraveling the Mystery of Mountain Biodiversity
The Humboldt's enigma explores biodiversity in mountains, challenging the expectation of decreasing diversity away from the tropics. Alexander von Humboldt suggested a link between temperature, altitude, humidity, and species distribution. Mountains, considered exceptions to decreasing diversity, host geological processes creating habitats ('cradles') and climatologically stable areas ('museums'). The eastern Himalaya's high diversity contradicts traditional expectations, driven by geological heterogeneity, climate dissimilarity, and species evolution. The lack of fine data and understudied areas, like the Eastern Ghats, hinder comprehensive understanding. Urgent research using modern tools and strengthened national programs is crucial for unraveling mountain biodiversity puzzles[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following accurately describes the concept of carbon credits in the context of carbon markets?
a) Carbon credits represent a fixed monetary value assigned to carbon emissions, irrespective of emission reduction efforts.
b) Units that exceed emission standards in carbon markets are penalized by having to purchase additional carbon credits.
c) Carbon credits are tradable permits that correspond to one tonne of carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere.
d) Industrial units that surpass emission standards can earn money by selling carbon credits while struggling units can buy credits to demonstrate compliance.
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding the Maratha Military Landscapes of India:
1. The landscapes encompass a network of naval bases developed between the 17th and 19th centuries.
2. They were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.
3. The forts classified under the Landscapes include coastal forts, island forts, and hill-forest forts.
Which of the above statements is/are not correct?
a) 1 and 3
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 and 3
d) 1, 2, and 3
Q3: 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)' program is an initiative of?
a). Ministry of Culture
b). Ministry of Education
c). Ministry of External Affairs
d). Ministry of Tourism
Q4: With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho, and Kui’ pertain to
a) dance forms of Northwest India
b) musical instruments
c) pre-historic cave paintings
d) tribal languages
Q5: In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20?
a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey.
b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia, and New Zealand
c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam
d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Identify key challenges within the existing MSP framework and propose concise reforms for enhanced efficacy. Support your analysis with relevant examples and actionable policy recommendations.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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