October 17, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Global Hunger Index | Explained
Explore India’s battle against hunger in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 report. Learn about key initiatives, government efforts, and challenges in the fight to eradicate hunger. Gain insights into the measures addressing this critical issue.
Highlights of the Day
1. Chief Justice Refers Electoral Bonds Challenge to Five-Judge Bench Amidst Urgency
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has swiftly referred the challenge to the electoral bonds scheme, which enables anonymous political donations, to a Constitution Bench of five judges. This move came in response to a plea during oral mentioning, and the case's importance led to this decision. The hearing is set for October 31, signaling a commitment to not delay further. The case has lingered for over eight years. The focus is on two key issues: legalizing anonymous donations and the violation of citizens' right to information about political funding, potentially promoting corruption. The question of whether the scheme as a Money Bill will be addressed later. The scheme's impact on political funding, including unlimited donations and foreign involvement, is a central concern for the petitioners [1].
2. Inadequate Environmental Impact Assessment Fails to Protect Himalayan Region from Development Risks
The Teesta dam breach in Sikkim and recent floods in Himachal Pradesh underscore the environmental toll of India's development model, especially in mountain regions. This highlights the importance of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), a tool to evaluate a project's environmental, social, and economic impacts before implementation. While India's EIA process has evolved since the 1970s, it often lacks differentiation for ecologically sensitive areas like the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The IHR's unique vulnerability and ecological importance demand special consideration. The current EIA process reacts to proposals rather than anticipating them, potentially favoring projects. Policymakers should explore tools like strategic environmental assessment to better address the IHR's needs [2].
3. Karnataka Contemplates Relocating Waste Processing Facilities Amidst Capacity Shortfall and Potential Challenges
The Government of Karnataka is considering relocating waste processing facilities from Bengaluru to the city's outskirts, as the current waste generation rate is set to increase. The goal is to address the capacity shortfall, where the city generates around 5,000 tonnes per day but only has processing capacity for about 2,000 tonnes. However, this initiative may face opposition, as previous waste processing facilities in the region have encountered operational inefficiencies and opposition due to issues like leachate and odors. To make the new facilities successful, they should prioritize efficient composting, odor control, proper land acquisition, and community involvement while repurposing existing facilities for dry waste management can also be a practical approach [3].
4. India and UK Discuss Indo-Pacific Situation, Maritime Freedom, and Trade Prospects in Inaugural ‘2+2’ Dialogue
India and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to maritime freedom and discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific region during the inaugural "2+2" Foreign and Defence Dialogue. The talks held special significance due to ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations between the two nations. Both sides explored collaboration opportunities in trade, investment, defense, technology, civil aviation, health, energy, culture, and strengthening people-to-people connections. Discussions also covered counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and maritime security. The officials expressed satisfaction with the progress made in various areas outlined in the India-U.K. Roadmap 2030, including political, economic, defense, and regional cooperation [4].
5. Wholesale Prices Remain in Deflationary Mode for Sixth Consecutive Month in September
India's wholesale prices remained in deflation for the sixth consecutive month in September, with inflation at -0.26%, a slight improvement from August's -0.52%. A high base effect from September 2022, when wholesale inflation was 10.55%, contributed to this trend. Notably, the rise in primary articles and food items slowed significantly compared to August. Within food items, the prices of onions and pulses increased, while milk and fruit prices also rose. However, vegetable prices decreased, offering some relief. Fuel and power costs, as well as manufactured products' prices, saw a year-on-year decline but showed a sequential increase. Retail inflation dropped to 5.02% in September, narrowing the gap between consumer and wholesale inflation. ICRA predicts wholesale prices to remain in deflation in October [5].
Source: The Hindu
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The “Monsoon” is a significant weather phenomenon in India. Which of the following statements regarding the Indian monsoon are accurate?
I. The monsoon winds bring dry weather to India.
II. The southwest monsoon brings rainfall to the Indian subcontinent.
III. The northeast monsoon affects the western coast of India.
IV. The Indian monsoon is influenced by the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) II and IV
D) III and IV
Q2: The “Five-Year Plans” in India are associated with economic development and planning. Which of the following statements about the Five-Year Plans are accurate?
I. The First Five-Year Plan began in 1947.
II. The Planning Commission was responsible for formulating these plans.
III. The final Five-Year Plan was the Twelfth Five-Year Plan.
IV. The Five-Year Plans aimed to achieve specific economic and social targets.
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) II, III and IV
D) I, III and IV
Q3: The “Biodiversity Hotspots” are regions known for their high levels of biodiversity and conservation significance. Which of the following statements about biodiversity hotspots are true?
I. The Amazon Rainforest is a recognized biodiversity hotspot.
II. Biodiversity hotspots are characterized by a low risk of species extinction.
III. Conservation International has identified several biodiversity hotspots worldwide.
IV. Biodiversity hotspots often face threats from habitat destruction.
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) I, II and IV
D) I, III and IV
Q4: The “International Monetary Fund” (IMF) is a global financial organization. Which of the following statements about the IMF are accurate?
I. IMF provides financial assistance to countries in need.
II. IMF primarily focuses on climate change mitigation.
III. The headquarters of IMF is in Washington, D.C.
IV. IMF is an agency of the United Nations.
A) I and II
B) I and III
C) II and IV
D) III and IV
Q5: The “North Atlantic Treaty Organization” (NATO) is a military alliance. Which of the following statements about NATO are true?
I. NATO was founded during the Cold War.
II. It is primarily focused on economic cooperation among member countries.
III. NATO’s headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium.
IV. The organization includes countries from North America and Europe.
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II and IV
D) I, III and IV
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the role of fiscal and monetary policies in managing inflation in the Indian economy. Discuss the challenges faced by policymakers in maintaining a balance between growth and price stability.
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