March 02, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Bioremediation Techniques | Explained
Bioremediation is a waste management technique that utilizes organisms to clean up contamination without the use of toxic chemicals. It involves microorganisms like Bacteria and Fungi breaking down pollutants into non-toxic substances. There are three main types of bioremediation techniques
Highlights of the Day
1.India and Mauritius Jointly Develop Agaléga Islands: Enhancing Connectivity, Security, and Bilateral Relations
On Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth inaugurated an airstrip and jetty on North Agaléga Island in the Indian Ocean. Agaléga, part of Mauritius, was underdeveloped, posing socio-economic and security challenges. Mauritius chose India as a development partner due to deep historical and cultural ties. The project aims to reduce the islands' isolation, boost employment, and enhance maritime security. India's involvement aligns with its vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). While India will support Mauritius in maritime security, Agaléga won't become an Indian military base, respecting sovereignty [1].
2. India-Mauritius Maritime Partnership: Agalega Island Upgrade Signals Strategic Shift in Indian Ocean Dynamics
India and Mauritius recently inaugurated an upgraded airstrip and harbor on Agalega Island, signifying a major transformation after an eight-year memorandum of understanding. The project, encompassing civilian facilities like a medical center and school, holds strategic maritime importance. Both Prime Ministers highlighted its potential in enhancing marine surveillance and security, emphasizing cooperation in monitoring Exclusive Economic Zones, joint patrolling, and disaster relief. This development aligns with India's objective to strengthen its position in the Indian Ocean, countering challenges from China and other global powers. Agalega's empowerment positions India as a key player in maintaining peace in the region[2].
3. Odisha Faces Alarming 25% Decline in Leopard Population: Poaching and Habitat Loss Emerge as Major Threats
The 'Status of Leopards India' report reveals a concerning 25.26% decline in Odisha's leopard population, dropping from 760 to 568 between 2018 and 2022. The decline is attributed to poaching for bush meat, targeted killings for skins and body parts, habitat loss due to mining, and road accidents. Leopard presence is now confined to protected areas like Similipal and Satkosia tiger reserves, with some regions reporting no leopards. The report urges enhanced patrolling, prey recovery, and habitat management outside reserves, emphasizing the need for effective measures against poaching, as indicated by the high number of leopard skins seized[3].
4. Data Discrepancies Stall Progress of PM Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan's Housing Component
The housing component of the PM Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan (PMJANMAN) in India faces delays as data collection on potential beneficiaries hampers implementation. The government aimed to sanction 2.5 lakh houses by February 15, but only 1.59 lakh have been approved, affecting the target of constructing nearly five lakh houses. PMJANMAN, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targets Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Discrepancies in data between the Tribal Affairs Ministry and states have led to challenges, with Madhya Pradesh and Tripura highlighting concerns about beneficiaries being excluded. The scheme, with a ₹24,104 crore outlay, faces complexities due to evolving population data. [4].
5. India to Lead Global Big Cat Conservation Efforts with the International Big Cat Alliance
The Union Environment Ministry in India plans to establish the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) to promote global big cat conservation efforts. Modelled after the International Solar Alliance, the IBCA aims to disseminate best practices for conserving big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, snow leopards, pumas, jaguars, and cheetahs. India has committed ₹150 crore for five years to the alliance, which will be headquartered in the country. Sixteen nations have already given written consent to join the IBCA, with the alliance open to additional countries, conservation organizations, scientific bodies, and businesses supporting big cat conservation[5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | PIB |Pressreader
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following statements about the ergosphere is correct?
I. The ergosphere is a region inside the event horizon of a black hole.
II. Objects within the ergosphere can escape the black hole's gravitational pull.
III. Non-rotating (Schwarzschild) black holes lack an ergosphere.
IV. In the ergosphere, spacetime is dragged along with the rotation of the black hole.
a) I and II
b) I, II and III
c) II and IV
d) I, II and IV
Q2: With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements :
1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid.
2. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q3: Consider the following statements :
1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q4: Which of the following countries does NOT have direct access to the Mediterranean Sea?
I. Romania
II. Blugaria
III. Lebanon
IV. Tunisia
Choose the correct option:
a) I and II
b) I and III
c) II and IV
d) III and IV
Q5: What is the primary purpose of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
I. Promotion of global trade agreements among member countries.
II. Providing financial assistance to member countries facing balance of payments problems.
III. Regulating and controlling global commodity prices.
IV. Facilitating cultural exchange programs between member nations.
Choose the correct option:
a) Only one of these are correct
b) Only two of these are correct
c) All are correct
d) None of them is correct
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the impact of emerging technologies on sustainable development, considering the ethical, social, and economic dimensions. Provide insights into the role of governance in ensuring responsible innovation for a harmonious and inclusive future.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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