March 09, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Evolution of Online Gaming in India | Explained
Online gaming in India has experienced a significant surge, especially amid the pandemic, leading to a boom in the industry. This surge has been fueled by various factors, including increased time spent indoors, the closure of traditional entertainment avenues, and the widespread adoption of smartphones and high-speed internet connectivity. The growth in online gaming has not only provided entertainment but has also opened up avenues for education and skill development.
Highlights of the Day
1.Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage: EC's Proposal Faces Rejection Amidst Citizens' Autonomy Concerns
The Election Commission of India (EC) initiated a voluntary Aadhaar-Voter ID linking drive in 2015, aiming to eliminate duplicate entries. After a Supreme Court ruling in 2015 limited Aadhaar use, the EC halted the drive but resumed in 2022 under the Election Laws (Amendment) Act. A petition in 2023 raised concerns about unclear forms and compelled reasons for not linking. The EC proposed amendments, removing the need for reasons and offering an "Aadhaar Number (Optional)" line. The Union Law Ministry reportedly rejected the proposal, insisting EC clarifications were sufficient. The issue revolves around the autonomy of citizens in deciding Aadhaar linkage[1].
2. Scientists Reject Proposal for Anthropocene Epoch, Acknowledging Human Impact as Transformative Event
The proposal to declare the Anthropocene, or the "Human Epoch," as a distinct geological time period has been voted down by a committee of 18 scientists. The Anthropocene Working Group suggested starting it in 1952, marking the "Great Acceleration" after World War II. The Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy voted 12 to 4 against the proposal, citing standards used to define epochs. Critics argue that such recent events, like nuclear fallout, risk confusion about humanity's profound impact on Earth. While the vote rejects a specific definition, the undeniable impact of human activity on the planet is acknowledged, with some advocating for the Anthropocene as an "event" rather than an epoch[2].
3. India Strengthens Naval Presence: INS Jatayu Base in Lakshadweep and Infrastructure Upgrades at Karwar
India is enhancing its naval capabilities with the establishment of INS Jatayu on Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep, featuring radars, airfields, jetties, and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The move is part of a long-term plan to strengthen India's security presence near critical Sea Lanes of Communication, especially as the Chinese naval footprint expands in the Indian Ocean. The new base will enhance surveillance, with BrahMos missiles providing flexibility in responding to threats. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also inaugurated new infrastructure at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka, including piers and residential towers, to bolster India's maritime defense capabilities[3].
4.India and EFTA Nations to Sign Trade Deal: Potential $100 Billion Investment Commitment
India is set to sign a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, on March 10. The TEPA is one of three free-trade agreements India aims to finalize before the Model Code of Conduct, restricting major policy announcements during elections, takes effect. The agreements with Oman and the UK are also in progress. The India-EFTA deal may include a significant investment commitment of $100 billion from EFTA countries over 15 years, focusing on sectors like pharma, food processing, engineering, and chemicals. The deal could help diversify imports away from China[4].
5. Technical Glitches Affect Indian Government's RTI Online Portal Amid Security Concerns
The Indian government's RTI Online portal, used for filing Right to Information applications, has been under "emergency maintenance" for nearly a week, hindering applicants from accessing their filed applications conveniently. Additionally, the Election Commission's RTI portal faced a security vulnerability that exposed applicants' personal data, leading to the patching of the flaw. The EC's portal also encountered issues with its payment gateway, limiting accepted methods. The government's RTI portal, managed by the Department of Personnel and Training, has faced sporadic issues over the years, including missing data in 2023 and speed and availability problems[5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | PIB |Pressreader
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following?
1. Slowing economic growth rate
2. Less equitable distribution of national income
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q2: Which of the following statements accurately describes burmation in reptiles?
a) Burmation is a state of increased metabolic activity in reptiles during winter.
b) It is exclusive to turtles and does not apply to other reptile species.
c) Burmation is a form of winter dormancy in reptiles, akin to hibernation in mammals.
d) Reptiles in burmation actively seek out colder environments to regulate body temperature.
Q3: What does PM Svanidhi, often in the news, primarily focus on?
a) Rural electrification
b) Women's education
c) Urban street vendors
d) Agricultural subsidies
Q4: With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy', consider the following statements:
1. It reiterates India's commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement.
2. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q5: In the context of solving pollution problems, what is/are the advantage/advantages of the bioremediation technique?
1. It is a technique for cleaning up pollution by enhancing the same biodegradation process that occurs in nature.
2. Any contaminant with heavy metals such as cadmium and lead can be readily and completely treated by bioremediation using microorganisms
3. Genetic engineering can be used to create microorganisms specifically designed for bioremediation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
"In the context of the pharmaceutical industry, critically examine the significance of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in drug development, considering their role in therapeutic efficacy, regulatory frameworks, global supply chains, and the challenges posed by environmental sustainability. Discuss the impact of recent initiatives on domestic API production and their implications for healthcare accessibility."
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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