September 11, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Four New UPI Features | Explained
Discover the latest innovations in India's digital payment ecosystem as NPCI unveils four groundbreaking UPI features at Global Fintech Fest 2023. Explore the future of credit, offline payments, conversational payments, and more, transforming the way India transacts and embraces a fully digital society.
Highlights of the Day
1. G-20 Summit Under Indian Presidency Proposes Virtual Review in November
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the G-20 summit, proposed a virtual meeting in November to review progress on summit proposals. The event witnessed the admission of the African Union as a new G-20 member and consensus on the 'Joint Declaration' despite differences over the Ukraine crisis. PM Modi held bilateral meetings with world leaders, focusing on strengthening trade and infrastructure ties. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte emphasized the need for international rules on digitalization and AI. India and France announced collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and Africa. The G-20 highlighted the India-Middle East-EU transport corridor and called for global governance reform [1].
2. G-20 Summit in Delhi Spotlights Climate Crisis and Urgent Need for Green Energy Transition
The G-20 summit in Delhi highlighted the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, particularly in the context of clean energy and sustainable development. The United Nations' Global Stocktake report underscored the challenges faced by major economies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the Paris Agreement goals. The report emphasized the need for greater ambition and rapid transition to renewable energy sources to bridge the emissions gap. G-20 countries, despite acknowledging the crisis, still heavily rely on coal and fossil fuels. The summit recognized the financial requirements for clean energy and stressed the importance of reversing deforestation and promoting electric vehicles [2].
3. Kilauea Volcano Resumes Eruption on Hawaii's Big Island, Poses No Immediate Threat
Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has resumed erupting on Hawaii's Big Island after a two-month hiatus. The eruption, observed at the summit, has produced lava flows that pose no immediate threat to people or structures in the national park. However, volcanic smog, or "vog," is expected to affect downwind areas. The volcano's alert level has been raised to warning status, and the aviation color code is red as scientists monitor the situation. Kilauea had a significant eruption in 2018 that destroyed hundreds of homes, but recent eruptions have been less destructive, drawing tourists to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park [3].
4. G20 New Delhi Declaration Acknowledges India's Health Priorities, Launches Digital Health Initiative
The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration highlighted India's three health priorities during its presidency: strengthening primary healthcare, health workforce, and essential health services; addressing epidemics like tuberculosis and AIDS, along with research on long COVID; and adopting a "one health" approach to combat antimicrobial resistance. While India's initiatives, such as CoWIN and e-Sanjeevani, gained recognition, compromises were made, including the absence of a $200-million fund for digital health and a permanent knowledge-sharing platform for vaccines and therapeutics. India launched the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) to share scalable digital health solutions. Additionally, an interim medical countermeasure platform was proposed to ensure equitable access to medical countermeasures during pandemics, but concerns about G7 dominance persist. The integration of evidence-based traditional medicine with modern healthcare was also emphasized [4].
5. Himachal Pradesh Considers Legalizing Hemp Cultivation, Balancing Economic Potential and Societal Concerns
Himachal Pradesh is considering legalizing hemp cultivation, a move met with optimism by growers but accompanied by concerns about its societal impact, including youth attraction and the illegal cannabis trade. A committee has recommended legalizing "non-narcotic use of cannabis for medicinal, industrial, and scientific use." Despite concerns, the government believes this policy can boost the economy, provide alternative income sources, and leverage hemp's medicinal properties. Critics argue that legalization could lead to increased drug abuse, stronger criminal ties, and long-term addiction risks. The decision awaits approval from the State Cabinet, pending compliance with existing drug laws [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which of the following statements about wetlands is correct?
a) Wetlands are land areas permanently covered by water, typically saltwater.
b) Wetlands provide habitat for a limited range of species and have little ecological significance.
c) Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
d) Wetlands are not important for water purification and flood control.
Q2: Which of the following statements about the human digestive system is correct?
I. The primary function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from digested food.
II. The stomach secretes insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
III. The large intestine is primarily responsible for the digestion of proteins.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) I and III
c) II and III
d) I only
Q3: Examine the following statements regarding the Kyoto Protocol:
I. The Kyoto Protocol is a legally binding treaty that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
II. It was adopted in 2005 and entered into force in 2008.
III. The protocol includes mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI).
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: Examine the following statements regarding the Indian Ocean:
I. The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean in the world.
II. The Andaman Sea is a part of the Indian Ocean.
III. The Mozambique Channel separates Madagascar from the African continent.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q5: Examine the following statements regarding the Earth's atmosphere:
I. The troposphere is the layer closest to the Earth's surface and contains most of the weather phenomena.
II. The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere and absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
III. The thermosphere is the coldest layer of the atmosphere.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the role of digital technology in enhancing government transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, and assess the challenges and opportunities it presents for effective governance in a rapidly evolving digital era. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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