September 12, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 | Explained
Explore India's role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) for ocean conservation. Discover stats, initiatives, and challenges in India's efforts to protect marine resources and ecosystems. Learn about programs like Blue Revolution and Swachh Sagar Abhiyan, and how India plans to secure its coastal future while contributing to global ocean conservation.
Highlights of the Day
1. IISc Scientists Develop Innovative Hybrid Nanoparticles for Cancer Detection and Treatment
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed hybrid nanoparticles made of gold and copper sulphide with the potential to detect and destroy cancer cells, particularly solid tumors. These nanoparticles possess photothermal, oxidative stress, and photoacoustic properties, making them capable of killing cancer cells when exposed to light and enabling cancer detection using ultrasound waves. This innovative approach offers promise for early cancer detection and treatment. The nanoparticles, smaller than 8 nm, can potentially navigate tissues effectively and reach tumors. While further safety studies are needed, initial lab tests on lung and cervical cancer cells are encouraging, paving the way for clinical development [1].
2. Gresham's Law: When Bad Money Drives Out Good, and Its Impact on Currency Markets
Gresham's Law, coined after Thomas Gresham, asserts that "bad money drives out good" when a government fixes an exchange rate below the market rate, causing the undervalued currency to disappear from circulation. This imbalance in supply and demand results in a currency shortage. The law applies not only to paper money but also to commodities and goods. It becomes evident when governments forcibly undervalue commodity money, leading people to seek higher market prices. Recent examples, like Sri Lanka's economic crisis, illustrate Gresham's Law in action when the government artificially sets exchange rates, leading to black market transactions. In contrast, Thiers' Law states that "good money drives out bad" when people freely choose between currencies, highlighting the importance of quality currency [2].
3. India and UK Renew Commitment to Fast-Track Free Trade Agreement and Strengthen Economic Ties
India and the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to swiftly conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two nations. During the 12th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and UK Chancellor of Exchequer Jeremy Hunt expressed their dedication to expedite the FTA negotiations. They also highlighted collaborative efforts, including facilitating the direct listing of Indian companies on the London Stock Exchange, establishing knowledge-sharing initiatives, and fostering partnerships in various sectors, including infrastructure and finance. The focus on emerging technologies and sustainable finance underscores the potential for both countries to strengthen their economic relationship [3].
4. New Study Reveals Widespread Human Alterations to Global Floodplains, with Asia Facing the Most Significant Losses
A new study has produced the first publicly available global dataset quantifying human alterations to floodplains in major river basins from 1992 to 2019, covering 15 million square kilometers. It revealed that over this period, more than 460,000 square kilometers of floodplain area were converted for agriculture, and 140,000 square kilometers were developed for new areas within existing floodplains. Asia experienced the most significant loss of floodplains, followed by South America and Africa. The study highlighted specific alterations in river basins like the Amazon and Yangtze, showing increased agricultural extent and decreased forest areas. In India, the Tapi river basin had the highest alteration, followed by the Indus and Cauvery basins. The research relied on geospatial datasets to quantify these changes [4].
5. UN Tribunal Commences Historic Climate Justice Case Led by Small Island Nations
The United Nations maritime tribunal in Hamburg, Germany, begins hearing a groundbreaking climate justice case on September 11, 2023. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) disproportionately affected by climate change, despite minimal emissions, will challenge high-emitting nations. The case, led by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law, seeks to classify greenhouse gas absorption by the ocean as pollution. It also aims to define nations' obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding marine environment protection from pollution, ocean warming, sea level rise, and ocean acidification. The case could establish emissions reduction and marine protection obligations [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements about El Niño:
I. El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
II. El Niño typically occurs every year, leading to increased rainfall and flooding in South Asia.
III. La Niña is the opposite phase of El Niño, associated with cooler sea surface temperatures.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and III
D) I, II, and III
Q2: Examine the following statements about the "Green Revolution" in India:
I. The Green Revolution was a government-led initiative aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency in the 1960s and 1970s.
II. High-yielding variety (HYV) seeds played a crucial role in increasing agricultural productivity.
III. The Green Revolution primarily focused on the cultivation of rice and wheat.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and III
D) I, II, and III
Q3: Examine the following statements about the National Emergency in India:
I. A National Emergency can be proclaimed by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister.
II. During a National Emergency, fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution can be suspended.
III. The President must seek the approval of the Parliament within two months of declaring a National Emergency.
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 about the Preamble to the Constitution of India:
I. The Preamble is a part of the Constitution and is not enforceable in a court of law.
II. The terms "secular" and "socialist" were inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.
III. The Preamble outlines the objectives of the Constitution, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and III
D) I, II, and III
Q5: Consider the following statements about the greenhouse effect:
I. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface.
II. It occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping into space.
III. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are examples of greenhouse gases.
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
In the context of global climate change, discuss the challenges and opportunities for developing countries in achieving sustainable development. Provide specific examples and policy recommendations to address these issues. (Word limit: 250 words)
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