September 13, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 15 | Explained
Explore India's journey towards Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) – protecting land, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Discover key statistics, government initiatives, and challenges as India strives to create a sustainable future for its people and the environment.
Highlights of the Day
1. August Inflation Eases, but Food Prices Remain a Concern
In August, India experienced a slight relief in its retail inflation, dropping to 6.83% from July's 15-month high of 7.44%. However, food prices remained a concern, holding steady at around 10%, with rural consumers facing over 7% inflation. Vegetable prices, which had surged by 37.4% in July, eased but still remained high at 26.1%. Cereal inflation dipped slightly from 13% in July to 11.85% in August, but pulses continued to rise by 13%. With seven of the 12 food segments showing increased inflation, experts warned of the potential for high food prices to affect other aspects of the economy, possibly impacting monetary policy decisions [1].
2. South Korea Seeks Quad Membership and Bilateral Trade Expansion with India
South Korea expresses a strong desire to join the Quad alliance, leaving the decision for expansion in the hands of Quad members. Bilaterally, South Korea and India are negotiating to expand their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and have held ten rounds of discussions, although many issues remain unresolved. South Korea also urges India to improve the business environment for Korean companies. The CEPA, initiated in 2009 and effective since 2010, requires upgrades. While negotiations were paused during the pandemic, recent discussions between leaders have revitalized the process. South Korea is open to further negotiations and resolving outstanding issues [2].
3. India's Industrial Output Surges 5.7% in July, Fastest in Five Months
India's industrial output accelerated by 5.7% in July, marking the quickest growth in five months. This growth was driven by an 8% increase in electricity generation, a 10.7% rise in mining output, and a modest improvement in manufacturing at 4.6%. Despite a contraction in consumer durables for the second consecutive month, other sectors performed well. Infrastructure and construction goods grew by 11.4%, consumer non-durables saw an uptick of 7.4%, and capital goods output increased by 4.6%. However, challenges remain as some industries, including electronics and textiles, experienced negative growth, and sustaining this industrial growth may depend on consumer goods recovery [3].
4. Defence Minister Inaugurates 90 Infrastructure Projects, Including High-Altitude Airfield and Strategic Tunnel
Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, virtually inaugurated 90 infrastructure projects constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of over ₹2,900 crore. These projects spanned 11 states and union territories and included the Nyoma airfield near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, which will enhance the Indian Air Force's capabilities along the northern border. Additionally, Singh inaugurated the Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, facilitating all-weather connectivity to the strategic Tawang Region. He emphasized the importance of civil-military fusion and the rapid completion of infrastructure projects in border areas to ensure national security and development [4].
5. Artificial Light Pollution Threatens Coastal Marine Ecosystems, Affecting Marine Life and Migratory Birds
Artificial light pollution is not only disrupting terrestrial ecosystems but is also significantly impacting coastal marine environments, affecting marine life such as whales, fish, corals, and plankton. Coastal marine organisms, adapted to natural light over millions of years, now face disruption of their hormonal cycles and behaviors due to artificial light from human sources. The study highlights how artificial light can harm sea turtles, with females avoiding lit areas for nesting and hatchlings being disoriented by inland lights. LED lighting, with its short-wavelength emissions, exacerbates the problem. The research emphasizes the need for mitigating measures, including using red light and coastal shielding [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Coral reefs are often referred to as "rainforests of the sea." Which of the following factors are critical for the growth of coral reefs?
I. Shallow and clear water with sufficient sunlight.
II. Low water temperatures.
III. High levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the water.
IV. Absence of predatory fish.
Select the correct statements:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and IV
D) I and III
Q2: Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees or shrubs found in coastal intertidal zones. Which of the following functions are associated with mangroves?
I. They act as a natural buffer against coastal erosion.
II. They provide breeding grounds for many marine species.
III. They are a source of valuable hardwood timber.
IV. They help in reducing the impact of tsunamis.
Select the correct statements:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II, and IV
D) I, III, and IV
Q3: The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in India measures the performance of which sector(s)?
A) Only the manufacturing sector
B) Manufacturing, mining, and electricity sectors
C) Manufacturing and agriculture sectors
D) Only the services sector
Q4: Which river in India is known as the "Dakshin Ganga" or "Southern Ganges" due to its religious significance and the location of several pilgrimage sites along its banks?
A) Godavari
B) Yamuna
C) Narmada
D) Kaveri
Q5: Which of the following are fundamental duties of citizens in India as per the Indian Constitution?
I. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
II. To develop the spirit of inquiry and reform.
III. To safeguard public property.
IV. To pay taxes honestly.
Select the correct statements:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II, and III
D) All of the above
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the impact of fiscal policy on a country's economic growth and stability. Analyze the key tools and challenges in implementing an effective fiscal policy, and suggest measures for improving fiscal discipline in the Indian economy. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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