March 05, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
MSP | Explained
The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) is a US-led initiative that aims to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and ensure the security of these resources. It consists of 14 nations, including India, which was recently welcomed into the partnership[1]. The MSP was established to address the growing demand for critical minerals, which are essential for the production of clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and other advanced technologies.
Highlights of the Day
1.Landmark Verdict: Indian Supreme Court Ends Parliamentary Immunity for Legislators in Bribery Cases
The Supreme Court of India, in a unanimous decision by a seven-judge bench, overturned a 25-year-old ruling that granted parliamentary immunity to legislators accepting bribes for voting or speaking in Parliament. The court asserted that privileges and immunities do not exempt lawmakers from the general law, emphasizing that corruption undermines the foundation of Indian parliamentary democracy. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud clarified that bribery is a complete offense upon accepting money, and immunity only applies if actions enhance the dignity of the House or are in exercise of free speech rights. The ruling aims to uphold a responsible and representative democracy[1].
2. PM Modi Launches Core Loading at India's Indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor for Nuclear Energy Advancements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the "core loading" process at India's first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MWe) in Kalpakkam. The reactor, developed by Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (BHAVINI), is the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), designed and constructed domestically. Once operational, India will be the second country after Russia with a commercial Fast Breeder Reactor. The PFBR boasts advanced safety features and efficiently utilizes spent fuel, reducing nuclear waste. Despite advanced technology, its costs are comparable to other nuclear and conventional power plants. India emphasizes nuclear power's role in energy security and sustainable development[2].
3. Challenges and Initiatives in Battling Cervical Cancer: The Need for HPV Vaccine Access and Physician Advocacy in India
India, facing the second-highest cervical cancer rates globally, grapples with limited access to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The nation's G20 presidency pledges equitable vaccine access, with the HPV vaccine included in the Universal Immunization Programme from 2023. Despite awaiting a national launch, the vaccine lacks wide accessibility, mainly in private markets with a significant out-of-pocket cost. Physician hesitancy due to misconceptions about safety and transmission modes contributes to the challenge. Medical societies FOGSI and IAP aim to combat this by educating physicians on HPV vaccination facts and best practices, striving to create 20,000 HPV physician champions by mid-2024[3].
4.Impact of Global Warming: 90% of Himalayan Region Faces Prolonged Drought with 3°C Rise, Study Warns
New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that a 3-degree Celsius global temperature rise could lead to droughts lasting over a year for about 90% of the Himalayan region. The study, encompassing India, Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana, emphasizes that adhering to the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree Celsius goal could avoid 80% of increased human exposure to heat stress in India. The findings highlight escalating risks like droughts, floods, crop yield declines, and biodiversity loss with each degree of warming. Efforts to limit global warming are crucial, as existing policies may result in a 3-degree Celsius increase[4].
5. Global Warming Threatens Himalayan Droughts: 3°C Rise Could Devastate 90% of Region, Urgent Climate Action Needed
A study by the University of East Anglia warns that a 3°C global temperature rise could lead to year-long droughts affecting 90% of the Himalayan region. Published in Climatic Change, the research emphasizes that adhering to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal can avoid 80% of increased heat stress exposure in India. Analyzing six countries, the study highlights escalating risks, including floods, crop yield declines, and biodiversity loss, with each degree of warming. Efforts to limit global warming are crucial, as current policies may result in a 3°C increase. Urgent climate action aligned with Paris Agreement limits is emphasized[5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | PIB |Pressreader
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway, is situated between:
a) Oman and Iran
b) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
c) Bahrain and Qatar
d) Iran and the United Arab Emirates
Q2: Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee?
1. It decides the RBI's benchmark interest rates.
2. It is a 12 member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.
3. It function under the Chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 3 only
d) 2 and 3 only
Q3: Which of the following is not a member of `Gulf Cooperation Council'?
a) Iran
b) Saudi Arabia
c) Oman
d) Kuwait
Q4: Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?
1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do
3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Q5: With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of the Vijayanagara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3
d) 3 only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the significance of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) in bolstering global critical mineral supply chains for sustainable energy technologies. Evaluate the impact of India's inclusion in MSP and analyze the challenges and opportunities it presents for the nation's economic and technological advancements. Discuss the role of international collaborations, such as the Australia-India Essential Minerals Investment Partnership, in addressing mineral demands for clean energy transitions. Consider the MSP's principles and frameworks, emphasizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in the global minerals sector. Assess the potential benefits and concerns associated with the increasing reliance on critical minerals in a decarbonizing world. Provide insights into strategies and policies that nations, including India, can adopt to ensure diversified, resilient, and secure clean energy supply chains.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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