October 13, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Gaganyaan Mission | Explained
Explore India’s Gaganyaan Mission, a groundbreaking endeavor to launch humans into space. Learn about astronaut training, advanced launch systems, international collaboration, and the impact of this ambitious mission on space exploration.
Highlights of the Day
1. India Reaffirms Support for Palestinian State, Launches Operation to Evacuate Citizens from Israel Amid Escalating Conflict
India reiterated its long-standing policy of supporting a sovereign Palestinian state and emphasized the need to uphold humanitarian principles. Operation Ajay, aimed at evacuating Indian citizens from conflict-hit Israel, commenced, with the first flight evacuating 230 Indians. India's External Affairs Ministry maintained that it's in close contact with relevant stakeholders in this rapidly evolving situation. The country's stance on Palestine remains consistent, advocating for direct negotiations to establish an independent and viable Palestinian state. The government is prepared to deploy more flights based on demand. India condemned the recent attack on Israel by Hamas as a terrorist act, affirming its commitment to humanitarian law and the fight against international terrorism [1].
2. Retail Inflation Dips to 5.02% in September, Eases Below RBI Threshold After Food Price Relief
Retail inflation decreased from 6.83% in August to 5.02% in September, falling below the Reserve Bank of India's tolerance threshold after two months. Food price inflation eased to 6.6% from nearly 10%. Rural inflation was 5.33%, down from 7% in August, while urban inflation dropped to 4.65% from 6.6%. Vegetable prices saw a significant decrease, but cereals remained high at 11%, and pulses increased to 16.4%. LPG price cuts and base effects contributed to the lower inflation rate. The central bank's projections were nearly in line with the data. Rising protein prices and other factors may affect inflation in the future [2].
3. India’s Global Hunger Index Ranking Slips to 111 in 2023
India has fallen to 111th place out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) for 2023, down from its 2022 ranking of 107 out of 121 nations. The GHI 2023 highlighted India's child wasting rate as the highest globally at 18.7%, indicating acute undernutrition. Additionally, India's undernourishment rate was 16.6%, and under-five mortality was 3.1%. The report also noted a 58.1% prevalence of anemia in women aged 15-24. Despite this, the Indian government has rejected the GHI ranking, deeming it a flawed measure of hunger. Neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka outperformed India in the index. The government criticized the GHI 2023 report, citing methodological flaws and a small sample size for some indicators [3].
4. Industrial Output Surges to 14-Month High at 10.3% Growth in August
India's industrial output in August surged to a 14-month high, growing by 10.3%, compared to a 6% rise in July. Favorable base effects from the previous year, when production had contracted by 0.7%, contributed to this growth. Manufacturing output recorded its best performance since April, rising by 9.3%. While several sectors experienced growth, export-dependent industries like apparel and chemicals saw production decline. Consumer goods production displayed a mixed trend, with durables growing at 5.7%, hitting the highest levels since September 2022. Infrastructure and construction goods and capital goods recorded significant growth, indicating strengthening investment demand. However, challenges from the external environment and rural demand revival remain [4].
5. Giant Ozone Hole Detected Over Antarctica, Not a Climate Change Concern, Say Experts
A massive hole in the ozone layer, or an "ozone-depleted area," was detected over Antarctica, measuring 26 million square kilometers, about three times the size of Brazil. The European Space Agency's Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite captured this anomaly in September 2023. Although it's one of the largest ozone holes observed, experts don't believe it will significantly impact climate change. Ozone holes naturally form and dissipate each year due to unique atmospheric conditions. This year's expansion could be linked to volcanic eruptions in Tonga. Human-made chemicals, like chlorofluorocarbons, were responsible for earlier ozone depletion issues, but the Montreal Protocol has helped reduce those concerns. While ozone holes may not be a primary cause of climate change, their behavior could be influenced by rising global temperatures and increased wildfires [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | Business Line
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The “Fertile Crescent” is a historical region known for the domestication of various crops and the birth of agriculture. It spans across parts of modern-day:
I. Egypt
II. Iraq
III. India
IV. Greece
Which of these statements are correct?
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) II and IV
D) III and IV
Q2: The “Higgs boson,” often referred to as the “God particle,” is a fundamental particle associated with:
A) Electromagnetism
B) Strong nuclear force
C) Weak nuclear force
D) Gravitational force
Q3: The “Green Climate Fund” (GCF) was established to support:
I. Renewable energy projects in developing countries.
II. Adaptation and mitigation efforts related to climate change.
III. Space exploration and colonization.
IV. Promoting international trade.
Which of these statements are correct?
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) II and IV
D) III and IV
Q4: Regarding the concept of “Cultural Relativism”:
I. Cultural relativism is the belief that ethical and moral standards are culturally dependent and vary from one culture to another.
II. It implies that there is no objective standard of right and wrong.
III. Cultural relativism rejects the idea of universal human rights.
IV. It is a guiding principle in international diplomacy.
Which of these statements are accurate?
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) II and IV
D) III and IV
Q5: Consider the following statements about “Geothermal Energy”:
I. Geothermal energy is harnessed from the heat of the Earth’s interior.
II. It is primarily utilized for electricity generation.
III. Geothermal energy is a renewable and sustainable source of power.
IV. Geothermal power plants are mainly located in regions with high volcanic activity.
Which of these statements are correct?
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II and IV
D) I, II, III and IV
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources in India. Provide examples and suggest policy measures to balance energy sustainability with social and economic development.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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