January 6, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
ISRO's XPoSat Mission| Explained
In a watershed moment for India's space exploration endeavors, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has embarked on a pioneering mission with the launch of the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat). This comprehensive blog will delve into the intricacies of this groundbreaking mission, exploring its multifaceted objectives, the cutting-edge technology behind it, and the profound implications it holds for the field of astrophysics.
Highlights of the Day
1. India's 2023-24 GDP Outlook: Optimistic Growth Projections Amidst Concerns
India's first advance estimates for 2023-24 suggest a real GDP growth of 7.3%, exceeding the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) projection of 7%. However, concerns arise from the expected drop in private consumption (4.4% growth), the slowest in two decades, affecting overall GDP composition. The fiscal deficit might breach the 5.9% target, reaching around 6%. While manufacturing and mining show growth, agriculture and services sectors face challenges. Analysts caution that these early estimates could be optimistic, with potential revisions based on actual data, tax collections, and expenditure. The RBI's forecast for Q3 GDP growth is 6.5%, potentially moderating to 6% in Q4[1].
2. Union Minister Gadkari Unveils Greenfield Corridor and National Highway Projects to Boost Kerala's Connectivity and Tourism
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a ₹1,464 crore greenfield corridor project, inaugurating three projects and laying the foundation for nine national highways in Kerala. The 121-km NH 966 Kozhikode-Palakkad project, costing ₹10,371 crore, will reduce travel time between Palakkad and Kozhikode. The Mumbai-Kanyakumari corridor, spanning 1,619 km at ₹90,000 crore, is progressing well, transforming Kerala's travel dynamics. Gadkari praised Kerala's government for overcoming land acquisition challenges, emphasizing the projects' potential to boost tourism and contribute significantly to the state's economic growth [2].
3.Telangana Floods Unearth 30 Lakh-Year-Old Stone Axe, Echoing Paleolithic Discoveries
In July 2023, flooding in Telangana's Mulugu and Jayashankar Bhupalpally districts exposed a stone axe in the Gurrevula-Bhupatipuram stream. Measuring 15.5cm x 11cm x 5.5cm, the axe, dating back 30 lakh years to the Lower Paleolithic period, was discovered by researcher Eleswaram Janardanachari. Identified by its chipping style, material, and size, similar tools globally suggest their use for wood cutting and hunting. This find parallels the 1863 discovery in Attirampakkam near Chennai, where the Madras Hand-Axe Industry revealed bifacial hand-axes dating 15 lakh years, marking a significant aspect of Paleolithic culture.[3].
4. India's Services Sector Rebounds in December, Driving Private Sector Growth
India's services sector rebounded in December, with the HSBC India Services PMI rising to 59, indicating the fastest growth in three months. New business and output surged, leading to a slight acceleration in job creation. Despite the slowest growth in export orders since June 2023, business optimism improved. Input costs rose at a slower pace, but firms continued to pass on cost burdens, resulting in a higher output charge. The overall private sector activity increased, with the HSBC India Composite PMI Output Index reaching 58.5, the sharpest expansion since September, driven by strong service sector growth despite a slowdown in manufacturing[4].
5.Indian Government Unveils PRITHVI Initiative for Integrated Earth Sciences Research
The Indian government approved the 'PRITHVI' initiative, granting flexibility in allocating Rs 4,797 crore to five sub-schemes within the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The initiative, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, enables cross-disciplinary earth system sciences research, merging funds for Atmosphere and Climate Research, Ocean Services, Polar Science, Seismology, and Research & Education. Named PRITHVI, the initiative fosters collaboration with overseas institutes, promoting integrated projects over a five-year period for a comprehensive approach to earth sciences[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about Ecological Footprint:
1. Ecological Footprint measures the impact of human activities on the environment in terms of resource consumption and waste production.
2. It quantifies the amount of biologically productive land and sea area needed to support an individual's lifestyle.
3. A higher Ecological Footprint indicates a lower level of environmental sustainability.
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q2: Consider the following statements about the Vice President of India:
1. The Vice President is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament.
2. The Vice President acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
3. The Vice President can cast a deciding vote in case of a tie during the Lok Sabha sessions.
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q3: The 'Special Category Status' granted to certain states in India primarily entails:
a) Higher representation in the Lok Sabha
b) Additional financial assistance from the central government
c) Autonomy in foreign policy decisions
d) Separate currency and trade regulations
Q4: The 'Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)' is chosen from which house of Parliament?
a) Lok Sabha
b) Rajya Sabha
c) Either house
d) None of the above
Q5: The 'James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)' is designed primarily to observe in which spectrum?
a) Ultraviolet and visible
b) Infrared
c) X-ray
d) Gamma-ray
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Analyze the importance of space debris management in sustaining future space missions. What international policies and strategies should be implemented to mitigate the growing issue of space debris?
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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