July 13, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
India-Bhutan Relations | Explained
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Highlights of the Day
1. Supreme Court Criticizes Higher Courts for Stalling Bail, Emphasizes Protection of Personal Liberty
The Supreme Court on July 12 highlighted the concerning trend of higher courts stalling bail, posing a threat to personal liberty and due process. Justices A.S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the routine suspension of reasoned bail orders by trial courts, emphasizing that bail should only be stayed in exceptional cases involving apparent perversity or terrorism. The court is set to address the issue of casual stay orders by High Courts, urging that bail conditions set by trial courts are sufficient safeguards against absconding or witness tampering. This was in response to an appeal by Parvinder Khurana, whose bail was stayed for over a year by the Delhi High Court [1].
2. Food Prices Surge to Six-Month High, Pushing Retail Inflation to 5.08% in June
In June, food prices in India surged to a six-month high of 9.4%, driven by costlier vegetables, cereals, and fruits. This pushed retail inflation to a four-month high of 5.08%, with rural inflation rising to 5.66% and urban inflation to 4.4%. Despite non-food inflation easing, high food prices and inflation in personal care products remain concerns. The central bank’s target of 4% inflation remains elusive, diminishing prospects for an interest rate cut. Experts hope the monsoon’s progress will cool food inflation in the coming months [2].
3. New Deep-Water Dogfish Shark Species Discovered off Kerala Coast
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India have discovered a new deep-water dogfish shark species, Squalus hima, off Kerala’s coast in the Arabian Sea. This species, distinguished by unique vertebrae and fin characteristics, was often misidentified with other sharks. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving dogfish sharks, which are commercially exploited for their liver oil, fins, and meat. The finding, published in the journal Records of the ZSI, underscores ongoing efforts to explore and understand deep-sea shark diversity along India's coastline [3].
4. India's SDG Score Improves to 71, Highlights Progress and Challenges
NITI Aayog's fourth evaluation report shows India's score on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) improved to 71 out of 100 in 2023, up from 57 in 2018. Significant progress was noted in reducing poverty, improving health conditions, and ensuring clean water and sanitation. However, challenges remain in quality nutrition, education, and gender inequality. The report highlights both achievements, like near-complete electrification, and areas needing attention, such as teacher quality and women's income parity. The release precedes the U.N.'s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development on July 18 [4].
5. NABARD Launches ₹750 Crore Agri-SURE Fund to Boost Agri Start-ups
NABARD launches Agri-SURE fund with ₹750 crore to support agri start-ups and rural enterprises. Managed by Nabventures, it aims to fund 85 start-ups with up to ₹25 crores each, focusing on innovation, and technology-driven solutions, the farm produces value chain enhancement and rural infrastructure. The initiative also includes promoting IT-based solutions and machinery rental services for farmers, aiming for sustainable growth in agriculture. AgriSURE Greenathon 2024, a hackathon, will address key challenges like smart agriculture and agri-waste utilization [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements regarding Tuberculosis:
1. It is a bacterial infection.
2. It only affects the lungs.
3. It results in weight loss.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding Gene therapy:
Statement (i): It involves altering the genetic material of cells to prevent disease.
Statement (ii): It can have both autologous and allogeneic sources of cells.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
a) Both Statement (i) and Statement (ii) are correct and Statement (ii) is the correct explanation for Statement (i)
b) Both Statement (i) and Statement (ii) are correct but Statement (ii) is not the correct explanation for Statement (i)
c) Statement (i) is correct but Statement (ii) is incorrect
d) Statement (i) is incorrect but Statement (ii) is correct
Q3: Consider the following statements:
1. A parole is a temporary release of a convict for a short period of time for attending to familial and social obligations.
2. Prisoners convicted under the Anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act are eligible for parole.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding Special Category Status:
1. It is a classification given by the Centre to assist in the development of those states that face geographical and socio-economic disadvantages.
2. It was first introduced in 1969 on recommendations of the Fifth Finance Commission.
3. It ceased to exist following the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Q5: Consider the following statements regarding Mount Kanlaon:
1. It is a stratovolcano.
2. It is located on the Negros Island, Philippines.
3. It is the tallest peak on an island in the world.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of India's developmental framework. Highlight India's progress, challenges, and future strategies based on recent evaluations. (250 words)
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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