March 04, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
ECI | Explained
The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority established for the conduction and administration of Election processes across India, be it national, state or district level. All the Election bodies including Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assemblies of the State, Legislative Councils of the State as well as the offices of President and Vice President are administered under the control of this authority.
Highlights of the Day
1.Proposing a Women's Urban Employment Guarantee Act to Bridge Gender Gaps and Boost Economic Growth in India
The article emphasizes the unmet demand for employment among urban women in India, citing factors such as social norms, safety concerns, and transportation issues. It proposes the implementation of a national Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA) to address this issue, with the aim of ensuring at least 50% women participation in the program management staff. The proposed act includes provisions for worksite facilities, free public transportation for women, and a diverse range of urban works. The article argues that such a program could contribute to economic growth by tapping into the potential of women in urban areas[1].
2. Global University Rankings: Unveiling Controversies in Incentives, Conflicts, and Data Rights
The dominance of global university rankings has led to significant resource investments by countries like China, Japan, and Russia to enhance their universities' status. Some institutions, however, are opting out due to concerns about the ranking systems' incentives and compatibility with their goals. Overlooked issues include conflicts of interest and data rights of the ranking companies. Critics argue that these systems oversimplify the complex roles universities play and may lead to manipulations. There are concerns about private ranking entities consulting with universities to improve their ranks, raising conflict of interest issues. Additionally, universities granting ranking agencies extensive data rights compromise their data security[2].
3. Government Officials Discard Proposal for Nonlapsable Defence Modernisation Fund
The proposal for a nonlapsable defence modernisation fund is currently shelved, according to top government officials. They argue that existing budget allocations meet defence funding needs, and creating such a fund could compromise parliamentary scrutiny and financial accountability. The Finance Ministry emphasizes that traditional nonlapsable funds are typically funded through specific cesses, and diverting appropriations would contradict parliamentary norms. Officials assert that the Interim Budget 2024-25 assures adequate funding for defence capital spending. The consolidation of Services' capital budgets aims to optimize procurement and enhance jointness, enabling better utilization of funds within the Ministry of Defence[3].
4.Indian Ministry of Mines Explores Graphite Mining Opportunities in Sri Lanka and Australia with Industry Stakeholders
The Indian Ministry of Mines engaged industry stakeholders, including Ola Electric, Hindalco, and others, in discussions on graphite mining opportunities in Sri Lanka and Australia. The move aligns with India's aim to strengthen the critical minerals supply chain. Sri Lanka holds substantial vein graphite reserves, crucial for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs). Ola Electric's participation indicates its interest in critical minerals supply. The effort coincides with Sri Lanka's active pursuit of Indian companies for graphite mining. Meanwhile, discussions on mining opportunities in Australia focused on lithium and cobalt, vital components for EVs and electronics[4].
5. Dual Burden: Lancet Study Highlights Escalating Obesity and Persistent Undernutrition in India Over 32 Years
A Lancet study reveals India faces a dual burden of rising obesity and persistent undernutrition over the past 32 years. The study attributes the situation to limited access to affordable and nutritious food, resulting in both undernutrition and obesity. Women's obesity surged from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022, and childhood obesity increased significantly. A rural-urban divide persists, with 31.7% urban women and 19% rural women being obese. The study underscores the need for holistic programs, including targeted cash transfers, subsidies for healthy foods, free school meals, and nutritional interventions. Urgent support for weight loss is also emphasized[5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | PIB |Pressreader
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements :
1. In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by Reserve Bank of India.
2. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company.
3. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q2: Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma wards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
Which of the above statements are not correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q3: With reference to India's culture and tradition, what is 'Kalaripayattu'?
a) It is an ancient Bhakti cult of Shaivism still prevalent in some parts of South India
b) It is an ancient style bronze and brass work still found in the southern part of the Coromandel area
c) It is an ancient form of dance-drama and a living tradition in the northern part of Malabar
d) It is an ancient martial art and a living tradition in some parts of South India
Q4: What is the purpose of ‘Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA)' project?
a) To detect neutrinos
b) To detect gravitational waves
c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems
Q5: Which body of water borders Somaliland to the north?
a) Indian Ocean
b) Red Sea
c) Gulf of Aden
d) Arabian Sea
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the impact of digital technologies on governance in India. Discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with e-governance initiatives. How can technology enhance transparency and accountability in public administration? Provide examples and recommendations.
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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