January 31, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
The Global Economic Prospects Report | Explained
The Global Economic Prospects Report from the World Bank (WB) indicates a potentially lackluster performance for the global economy by the conclusion of 2024, marking the slowest half-decade of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in three decades.
Highlights of the Day
1.Maratha Military Landscapes: UNESCO World Heritage Nomination 2024-25
The "Maratha Military Landscapes of India" is India's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage recognition in 2024-25. Comprising twelve component forts, including Salher, Shivneri, and Raigad, these structures exemplify the strategic military prowess of the Maratha rulers. Developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, the forts showcase diverse architectural styles across varied terrains, such as the Sahyadri mountains and Konkan Coast. The nomination, under cultural criteria (iii, iv, vi), highlights the unique testimony, outstanding examples, and tangible associations with Maratha history. Maharashtra, with six existing World Heritage Sites, anticipates the inclusion of this military landscape, reinforcing its rich cultural heritage[1].
2.Biodiversity Guardians: Indigenous Stingless Beekeeping Combats Deforestation in the Amazon
Indigenous resident Heriberto Vela in Loreto, Peru, sustains the traditional practice of stingless beekeeping in the Amazon, offering a sustainable alternative amidst deforestation. His family's 76 nests provide income and medicinal honey. As native pollinators face threats from deforestation, pesticides, and competition with invasive honey bees, entomologist César Delgado advocates expanding stingless beekeeping to mitigate climate change's impact. However, success depends on incorporating Indigenous knowledge and culture. With deforestation jeopardizing biodiversity and Indigenous communities, a holistic conservation approach, encompassing funding, government support, and local practices, is vital, says tropical ecologist Adrian Forsyth[2].
3.India's First Snow Leopard Census Reveals 718 Elusive Cats in the Wild
India's first-ever comprehensive snow leopard estimation exercise reveals an estimated 718 of these elusive cats in the wild. Conducted over four years, the survey used camera traps in 1,971 locations, covering 13,450 km of trails. Ladakh recorded the highest number (477), followed by Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Jammu and Kashmir. The exercise, known as the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI), involved the Wildlife Institute of India, WWF-India, and the Nature Conservation Foundation. The findings establish a baseline for future surveys and highlight the snow leopards' vulnerable status due to various threats[3].
4.Discovery of 'Diminutive Dragon': New Kangaroo Lizard Species Found in Western Ghats
A new species of tiny lizards, named Agasthyagama edge or northern kangaroo lizard, has been discovered in the biodiverse forests of the Western Ghats. This "diminutive dragon" belongs to the Agamidae family and has a maximum length of 4.3 cm. The lizard, found in Kerala's Idukki district, is the second species in the Agasthyagama genus. These poor climbers prefer terrestrial habitats with dense leaf litter, feed on small insects, and are known for their fast running and hiding within dry leaves. The discovery, reported in the scientific journal Vertebrate Zoology, highlights the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats[4].
5. PM GatiShakti Summit: Transforming India's Logistics Ecosystem for Sustainable Growth
The 'PM GatiShakti Summit' in New Delhi, organized by FICCI in collaboration with DPIIT, highlighted the transformative impact of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan on India's logistics ecosystem. Secretary, DPIIT, Rajesh Kumar Singh, emphasized the plan's role in economic growth through structural reforms and infrastructure investment. DPIIT Secretary-General, Sumita Dawra, outlined key reforms improving logistics efficiency and showcased achievements, including a rise in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index Ranking. The summit included discussions on comprehensive area development, digital infrastructure, and green logistics, emphasizing PM GatiShakti's role in fostering sustainable growth and cross-sectoral investments[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the snow leopard:
1. Snow leopards are primarily herbivores, feeding on alpine vegetation found in their habitat.
2. Their distinctive thick fur provides effective camouflage in the snow-covered terrain.
3. The snow leopard is listed as 'Endangered' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
4. Snow leopards are solitary animals and are known for their exceptional jumping ability, covering distances of over 50 feet in a single leap.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 3 and 4 only
d) 2, 3, and 4 only
Q2: Consider the following statements about Kangaroo lizards:
I. Kangaroo lizards evade predators by flying long distances.
II. They run fast and hide within dry leaves to escape predators.
III. Kangaroo lizards burrow underground to avoid threats.
a) I - False, II - True, III - True
b) I - True, II - False, III - True
c) I - True, II - True, III - False
d) I - False, II - True, III - False
Q3: Which of these is correct about the objective of PM Gati Shakti?
a) To connect districts with capital cities using railways.
b) To promote cultural exchanges through enhanced transportation.
c) To establish a network of international airports across the country.
d) To provide multimodal connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones.
Q4: Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as 'World Economic Outlook'?
a) The International Monetary Fund
b) The United Nations Development Programme
c) The World Economic Forum
d) The World Bank
Q5: Which organization is responsible for the construction of the Bharat 5G portal?
a) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
b) Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL)
c) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
d) Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL)
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the impact of misinformation on societal well-being and democratic processes. Discuss the potential risks associated with the spread of false information in the digital age, and suggest measures to mitigate these risks.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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