September 14, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 | Explained
Explore India's progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 16: "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions." Discover key statistics, initiatives, programs, and challenges in this comprehensive article.
Highlights of the Day
1. Parliament's Special Session: 75-Year Anniversary and Key Bills on the Horizon
The Special Session of Parliament, scheduled from September 18 to 22, will begin with a discussion on Parliament's 75-year journey, commencing with the Constituent Assembly's first meeting on December 9, 1946. There is speculation that the new Parliament building might finally come into use during this session, although no official explanation was provided for its absence during the Monsoon Session. Several Bills are slated for discussion, including the Post Office Bill, 2023; Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Bill; and The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha will take up two additional Bills: The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 [1].
2. UN Climate Synthesis Report Warns of Off-Track Progress Toward Paris Goals
The United Nations climate secretariat released a 'synthesis report' ahead of the recent G-20 summit, part of the larger 'global stocktake' exercise taking place every five years under the Paris Agreement. The report emphasizes that the world is off-track in achieving Paris Agreement targets to limit global temperature rise, despite a narrowing window for action. It highlights the need for greater ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and eliminating unabated fossil fuels. The report also calls for halting deforestation, enhancing adaptation efforts, scaling up climate finance, and shifting financial flows toward low-emission, climate-resilient development. The G20 Leaders Declaration acknowledged the significant financial requirements for global energy transition, signaling growing global awareness of the climate crisis [2].
3. India Asserts Domestic Law Supremacy in UN Cyber Crime Treaty Negotiations
India has proposed that the transfer of "personal data" under the UN Cyber Crime Convention should be governed by its domestic laws rather than international laws. India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act allows data processing in the interest of sovereignty, integrity, or security, and it recently came into force. The Union Home Ministry reviewed the convention and sought the removal of a clause promoting bilateral or multilateral data transfer arrangements. India also agreed to allow data transfer to third countries with prior authorization and safeguards. The convention, under negotiation for three years, is expected to be ratified at the 2024 UN General Assembly [3].
4. President Launches Ayushman Bhav Campaign for Universal Healthcare Access
President Droupadi Murmu virtually launched the Ayushman Bhav campaign and Ayushman Bhava portal, aiming to advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in India. Joined by Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel, the President praised the multi-ministerial approach to expand healthcare access, emphasizing the philosophy of antyodaya (healthcare for all). Successful gram panchayats will be declared Ayushman Gram Panchayats. The Seva Pakwada initiative, running from September 17 to October 2, aims to provide essential health services to all. Ayushman Bhav seeks to facilitate Ayushman cards, ABHA IDs, and raise awareness about health schemes and diseases [4].
5. Government Vows to Safeguard Industries from EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, assured that the government will protect industries from the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which requires carbon emissions reporting for certain exports to Europe starting from October 1. The CBAM's initial focus is on products like cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, and electricity, with additional import levies planned for carbon-intensive products from 2026. Goyal stated that discussions with the EU are progressing well, and he sees CBAM as an opportunity to decarbonize India's economy and make it more competitive. He also suggested creating auto component parks using green energy to address CBAM challenges [5].
Source: The Hindu
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: The term "Endosulfan" is often seen in the news. What is it related to?
I. A pesticide that has been banned in many countries due to its environmental and health impacts.
II. A high-speed train project connecting major cities in India.
III. A new variety of drought-resistant rice.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I only
B) II only
C) III only
D) None of the above
Q2: Examine the following statements about "Monetary Policy" in India:
I. Monetary policy is the management of the money supply and interest rates by the central bank to achieve specific economic goals.
II. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy in India.
III. One of the tools used in monetary policy is open market operations (OMOs), which involve buying and selling government securities.
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 regarding the "G7" group of countries:
I. G7 is an organization of the world's seven largest advanced economies.
II. The G7 member countries include the United States, China, and India.
III. G7 meetings focus on economic and financial issues, as well as global challenges such as climate change.
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 "Doctrine of Lapse" during the British colonial rule in India:
I. It was a policy introduced by Lord Dalhousie and allowed the British East India Company to annex Indian princely states that lacked a male heir.
II. The doctrine was widely accepted and supported by Indian rulers.
III. The annexation of several states under this policy led to widespread discontent and uprisings.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and III
D) I only
Q5: Which of the following diseases is caused by a virus?
I. Tuberculosis
II. Influenza (Flu)
III. Malaria
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and III
D) II only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the role of international organizations in addressing global climate change issues. Assess their effectiveness in fostering international cooperation and implementing climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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