March 14, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Features of the Indian Constitution | Explained
Every Constitution in the world varies according to the needs and aspirations of the particular country and has its unique characteristics. The same remains true with the Indian Constitution. It has prominent features which differentiate it from the constitutions of other democracies.
The Constitution begins with the Preamble which delineates the ideals, objectives, and the basic principle on which the Constitution is founded. As such, the salient features of the Constitution are directly influenced by it.
Highlights of the Day
1. EU's Groundbreaking AI Act: A Comprehensive Framework for AI Regulation
The EU's AI Act imposes comprehensive regulations on AI systems, distinguishing between low and high-risk applications. It prohibits certain uses like social scoring and invasive biometric surveillance. Generative AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT face scrutiny, requiring disclosure of training data and compliance with copyright law. High-risk AI, such as medical devices, must adhere to stringent standards. Enforcement involves national watchdogs and an EU AI Office, with penalties reaching 7% of global revenue. Other nations, including the US and China, are also developing AI governance frameworks. Further AI legislation is anticipated, particularly regarding workplace AI, after upcoming elections[1].
2. India's Fast Breeder Reactor: A Leap Towards Energy Security
India's top nuclear scientists applaud the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor's core loading, marking a significant stride towards long-term energy security. Former Atomic Energy Commission chairs Anil Kakodkar and Ratan Kumar Sinha laud its technological prowess, highlighting its role in India's three-stage nuclear program. Sinha explains its use of depleted uranium and plutonium for energy production and fuel breeding. Kakodkar underscores the importance of nuclear power in India's energy future, emphasizing the reactor's 500 MWe capacity. India eyes nuclear power expansion by 2032, with plans for 10 Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors[2].
3.Exploring Pi Day: A Celebration of Math, Science, and Pie
Math enthusiasts worldwide celebrate Pi Day on March 14 (3/14), honoring the mathematical constant's first three digits. Pi represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter and finds applications in various fields like physics and engineering. Originating in 1988, Pi Day gained national recognition in 2009, coinciding with Albert Einstein's birthday. Notably, physicist Larry Shaw initiated Pi Day celebrations. Pi's practical uses range from antenna alignment to space exploration, showcasing its significance in scientific calculations. The day is commemorated with events like parades and mathematical challenges, often accompanied by indulging in pies of various kinds[3].
4.Supreme Court Urgently Hears Plea on Election Commissioner Appointments
The Supreme Court has agreed to urgently hear a plea by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, expressing concerns over the Centre's potential advantage in appointing two Election Commissioners following Arun Goel's resignation. The NGO seeks to halt the new law on EC appointments, advocating for the reinstatement of the Chief Justice of India in the selection committee, as per the Anoop Baranwal case ruling of 2023. It warns against executive bias in EC appointments, stressing the critical role of the commission in ensuring fair elections. The case highlights the need for transparency and impartiality in the appointment process[4].
5. PM Modi and UK PM Sunak Discuss India-UK Free Trade Agreement
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Rishi Sunak discussed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, aiming for a historic and comprehensive deal. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and emphasized the importance of ambitious outcomes in trade. Talks are in the 14th round, with close contact maintained for further progress. Recent advances in negotiations were noted, with a focus on securing a mutually beneficial agreement. Progress under 'Roadmap 2030' was satisfactory, covering trade, investment, defense, security, and technology. The leaders pledged to stay connected, exchanging Holi greetings and discussing mutual regional and global interests[5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | PIB |Pressreader
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: With reference to Blue Leaders Alliance, consider the following statements:
1. It is an ambitious group of countries calling for immediate action to save the global ocean in the face of the climate crisis, overfishing, pollution, and other threats.
2. It is committed to protect at least 30% of the global ocean through a network of highly and fully protected marine areas by 2030.
How many of the above are correct?
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q2: Consider the following states:
1. Himachal Pradesh
2. Sikkim
3. Uttarakhand
4. Assam
How many of the above share borders with Nepal?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Q3: Consider the following statements:
Statement (i): The Index of Industrial Production is a composite indicator to measure the long-term changes in the quality of production of a basket of industrial products during a given period with reference to that in a chosen base period.
Statement (ii): The Index of Industrial Production, compiled and published monthly by the National Statistics Office, is an index which details out the growth of various sectors in an economy.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement (i) and Statement (ii) are correct and Statement (ii) is the correct explanation for Statement (i)
(b) Both Statement (i) and Statement (ii) 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
Q4: With reference to Gulf of Oman, consider the following:
1. The Gulf of Oman, also known as Gulf of Makran, is a gulf that connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Bab al-Mandab, which then runs to the Red Sea.
2. The Port of Fujairah is situated on this gulf.
3. It encompasses one of the world's largest marine dead zones, in which the ocean contains little or no oxygen and marine wildlife does not exist.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Q5: The Gorsam Kora festival is celebrated in Zemithang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh?
(a) Mark the beginning of summer season in northeast India
(b) Thank Sun God, mother Earth and various farm animals for contributing to a bountiful harvest
(c) Honour the shared Buddhist cultural heritage and celebrate the longstanding friendship between India and Bhutan
(d) Mark the ending of the sowing season of winter crops and make way for a good harvest season
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the key features of the Indian Constitution which differentiate it from other constitutions around the world.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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