January 7, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Gupta Empire| Explained
The Gupta Empire, which flourished from the 4th to 6th centuries CE, is often hailed as the golden period in Indian history. Established by Sri Gupta in the early 4th century, the empire reached its zenith under the rule of Chandragupta II. This era is celebrated for its contributions to art, culture, science, and governance.
Highlights of the Day
1. India's Aditya-L1 Solar Observatory Successfully Enters Halo Orbit for Sun Study
India's Aditya-L1 spacecraft has successfully entered a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point (L1) after a 1.5-million km journey. Launched on September 2, 2023, the solar observatory will continuously observe the sun without obstruction for its 5-year mission. Placed precisely in its halo orbit by ISRO, Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to study the sun's photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. The achievement showcases ISRO's expertise in complex orbital maneuvers and enhances confidence for future interplanetary missions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, emphasizing India's dedication to advancing scientific frontiers for the benefit of humanity[1].
2. Law Commission Considers Two-Phase Simultaneous Elections: Lok Sabha and Assembly First, Local Body Polls Later
The Law Commission is considering the possibility of conducting simultaneous elections in two phases within a single year. In the proposed approach, the first phase would include Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, while the second phase would involve local body polls. This strategy aims to address the diverse climatic conditions in the country. The Law Commission, led by Justice (retd.) Ritu Raj Awasthi, is finalizing its report on holding simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, while the high-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' is focused on recommending the integration of Lok Sabha, Assembly, and local body polls[2].
3.Union Health Ministry Enhances Pharma Quality Control with Revised Schedule
The Union Health Ministry has revised Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, aiming to enhance quality control for pharma and biopharmaceutical products. The amendment replaces 'Good Manufacturing Practices' with 'Good Manufacturing Practices and Requirements of Premises, Plant, and Equipment for Pharmaceutical Products.' The changes align with global standards, introducing a pharmaceutical quality system, quality risk management, product quality review, and requirements for equipment validation and computerized storage systems. The revision sets deadlines for implementation based on company turnovers, with a focus on elevating India's pharmaceutical sector to global quality benchmarks[3].
4. India's Services Sector Rebounds in December, Driving Private Sector Growth
Wastewater surveillance, proven effective in monitoring pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, faces challenges in tracking vector-borne diseases in India. Unlike water-borne viruses, endemic diseases like malaria and dengue have diverse animal hosts, complicating detection through wastewater analysis. In tropical countries, where transmission is year-round and reservoir hosts vary, relying solely on wastewater surveillance for vector-borne diseases may be insufficient. Researchers emphasize the need for a holistic approach, combining mosquito surveillance with wastewater analysis, considering geographical context, pathogen biology, and sanitation system variations. While wastewater surveillance prioritizes water-borne diseases well, its application for vector-borne diseases requires careful consideration of limitations[4].
5. Red Sea Crisis: Houthi Attacks Disrupt India's Trade, Prompting Shift to Longer Routes
Attacks by the Houthi militia in the Red Sea since November forced cargo ships to avoid the Suez Canal route, redirecting 90% of India's western hemisphere trade through the longer Cape of Good Hope route. This has led to increased freight costs and longer delivery times, impacting both exports and imports. Indian exporters are holding back 20-25% of consignments due to rising freight expenses. The crisis particularly affects low-value, high-volume cargo and perishables. The UN condemns the Houthi attacks, and the U.S. seeks international support for 'Operation Prosperity Guardian' to secure open sea lanes[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about Plate Boundaries:
1. Convergent boundaries involve plates moving away from each other, leading to volcanic activity and mountain formation.
2. Divergent boundaries are characterized by plates colliding and subducting beneath each other.
3. Transform boundaries involve plates sliding past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.
Select the incorrect statements
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q2: Consider the following statements about Tides:
1. Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth's water bodies.
2. Spring tides occur during a full moon and a new moon and have the least difference between high and low tides.
3. Neap tides occur when the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun are perpendicular to each other.
Which statements are true?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Q3: The "Panchsheel Agreement" signed in 1954 was between India and:
a) Pakistan
b) China
c) Nepal
d) Sri Lanka
Q4: The "Triffin Dilemma" is associated with:
a) International trade imbalances and the shortcomings of a global reserve currency.
b) The impacts of deforestation on indigenous communities.
c) The conflict between developed and developing nations in climate change negotiations.
d) Challenges faced by nations in implementing sustainable development goals.
Q5: The Equator does not pass through which of the following countries?
a) Brazil
b) Kenya
c) Indonesia
d) Thailand
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess the Socio-Economic and Cultural Contributions of the Gupta Empire to Indian Civilization, highlighting its impact on governance, art, literature, and scientific advancements.
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