March 10, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
The Central Pollution Control Board | Explained
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in the Indian government. Established in 1974 by the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the body is responsible for coordination of environmental protection efforts, enforcement of pollution control laws, and promotion of sustainable development practices nationwide.
Highlights of the Day
1. PM Modi Launches Transformative Projects in Northeast, Emphasizes Industrial Growth and Connectivity
Prime Minister Modi launched mega development projects in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, emphasizing the NDA government's focus on industrial expansion in the Northeast. The flagship Uttar Poorva Transformative Industrialisation Scheme (UNNATI) with a Rs 10,037 crore outlay over 10 years was unveiled, along with the strategic Sela Tunnel project connecting Tezpur to Tawang. Modi pledged support for startups and diverse sectors, highlighting the region's potential for investment and employment. He criticized previous Congress governments for neglecting the Northeast due to fewer parliament seats. The day also saw the foundation stone for the 2880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Hydropower Project and projects in other states[1].
2.Sela Tunnel: PM Modi Enhances Connectivity and Defense Preparedness in Arunachal Pradesh
Prime Minister Modi virtually dedicated the Sela Tunnel project, constructed at an altitude of 13,000 feet in Arunachal Pradesh, aiming to provide all-weather connectivity to the strategically vital Tawang sector. Costing Rs 825 crore, the tunnel enhances defense preparedness in the Tawang Sector and promotes socio-economic development in the border region. The project includes two tunnels, an escape tube, and 8.6 km of approach and link roads. It reduces travel distance by over eight km, benefiting the region's quality of life. Executed by the Border Roads Organisation, the Sela Tunnel's completion is crucial amid China's claims over the area[2].
3.Kerala's International Cooperative Museum: Showcasing a Century of Cooperative Success
The International Cooperative Museum (ICM), a ₹150 crore project by Karassery Service Cooperative Bank in Kozhikode, Kerala, is nearing completion. Set to be the second of its kind globally, it will showcase India's century-old cooperative movement, featuring renowned cooperatives like Amul and IFFCO. With over 8 lakh cooperatives in India, the museum aims to highlight the sector's success, especially in Kerala. Planned for completion in six months, the ICM will incorporate the latest technology, including artificial intelligence and virtual reality. The initiative has sought support from NABARD and the International Cooperative Alliance, with an emphasis on education and tourism[3].
4.Kozhikode's International Cooperative Museum: A Tribute to India's Century-Old Cooperative Heritage
The ₹150 crore International Cooperative Museum (ICM) in Kozhikode, Kerala, nears completion, aiming to showcase India's century-old cooperative movement. Initiated by Karassery Service Cooperative Bank, the 14-storey museum will highlight renowned cooperatives like Amul and IFFCO. With over 8 lakh cooperatives and 29 crore members in India, it will emphasize the success of cooperative movements, particularly in Kerala. The ICM, featuring a wax museum and an art gallery, is the brainchild of N.K. Abdurahiman and is set to be the world's second cooperative museum. Plans include incorporating advanced technology like artificial intelligence and virtual reality for displays[4].
5. India-EFTA Trade Pact: $100 Billion Investment and 10 Lakh Jobs Targeted in 15 Years
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland signed a trade pact, committing EFTA countries to invest $100 billion in India, aiming to generate 10 lakh jobs over 15 years. The deal, following a decade of negotiations, emphasizes cooperation amid geopolitical shifts, diverting economies from China. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated the agreement, a first with European countries, focuses on sectors like pharma, chemicals, and minerals. EFTA nations will see reduced tariffs in India. The pact aims to increase FDI by $100 billion and create jobs, marking a significant milestone in India's trade relations[5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | PIB |Pressreader
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q.1. 1. Gulf of Aden is a water body located in the Arabian Sea between Yemen to the north and Somalia to the south.
2. The Gulf of Aden connects the Arabian Sea to the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait.
3. Socotra archipelago is located in the northeastern Indian ocean near the Gulf of Aden.
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:
Statement (i): Rajya Sabha Members are elected by the elected members of state legislative assemblies by method of proportional representation by means of Single Transferable Vote.
Statement (ii): The size of the state decides its representation in Rajya Sabha.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statements are correct and Statement (ii) is the correct explanation for Statement (i)
(b) Both Statements 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: With reference to Turkey, consider the following statements:
1. It is located between Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
2. It is located on the Anatolian tectonic plate.
3. It is not a NATO member.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna:
1. It targets to install rooftop solar systems in ten lakh houses in five years.
2. It will boost domestic manufacturing capacity as only Indian-made solar panels are eligible for the subsidy.
3. The Ministry of Power is the nodal ministry for the implementation of this scheme.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None
Q5: Which one of the following is incorrect regarding Real GDP Growth Rate?
(a) It means nominal GDP adjusted for inflation.
(b) It does not play any role in setting public policy.
(c) It is used to measure the actual growth of production without any distorting effects from inflation
(d) It allows us to measure growth more accurately.
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.
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