September 17, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
The Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023 | Explained
Explore India's Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023, a pivotal law balancing conservation and development. Discover key amendments, benefits, criticisms, and the delicate balance it aims to strike for sustainable progress.
Highlights of the Day
1. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Initiative Gains Momentum Amidst Route and Infrastructure Challenges
Days after the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), details remain in the refinement stage. The ambitious project involves multiple route options, integrating ports such as Haifa in Israel and Piraeus in Greece. India's western coast ports, including Mundra, Kandla, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, are set to connect with Middle Eastern counterparts like Fujairah, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, and Dammam and Ras Al Khair in Saudi Arabia. The project envisions a vast railway network, merging existing projects and new construction to span the region. Despite its promise, challenges like cost and Chinese involvement loom, while Egypt, reliant on Suez Canal revenue, may voice concerns about the IMEC's potential impact [1].
2. Challenges Arise in Cheetah Reintroduction Project in Kuno National Park
Cheetah reintroduction efforts in India's Kuno National Park face challenges as six out of 20 introduced cheetahs have died. A cohort of 12 cheetahs from South Africa joined the eight African cheetahs initially released into enclosures at the park. Adaptation to Indian conditions, ailments, and parasitical infections have led to cheetah fatalities. Collars, which sparked concerns, remain necessary for monitoring purposes. The project's success is still uncertain, with officials citing the need for expanding the cheetahs' habitat and ensuring sufficient prey for their sustainability. The cheetahs are expected to be released into the wild after winter [2].
3. Government Withholds Socio-Economic Data from Disability ID Registrations, Raising Concerns
The Indian government is withholding socio-economic data collected alongside Unique Disability ID (UDID) registrations of around 94 lakh Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) over the last six years. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment cites concerns about data quality and the inability to verify the information collected. While UDID data has been published without socio-economic details, the project's objectives, such as influencing e-commerce accessibility, resource allocation, and special education, now face uncertainty. A parliamentary panel has questioned the government's ability to gather accurate population data through UDID. Critics argue this move hampers policymaking for PwDs [3].
4. Tuberculosis Fight Hindered by Limited Nutrition Support for Patients and Families
Undernutrition is a significant risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) in India, contributing to a substantial portion of TB cases. Despite this, nutrition support for TB patients only became a part of the national TB program in April 2018 with the launch of the Nikshay Poshan Yojana. This program provides Rs. 500 per month to TB patients during their treatment. Tamil Nadu introduced the Differentiated TB Care program in 2022 to address undernutrition among TB patients. However, these initiatives do not extend nutrition support to family members, even though family nutrition impacts the patient's health. The RATIONS trial in Jharkhand highlighted the need for such support, as it significantly reduced TB disease among household contacts. While these programs exist, their coverage remains limited, and access challenges persist, leaving many in need without proper nutritional support [4].
5. AI-Powered Camera Traps Revolutionize Wildlife Monitoring and Poacher Detection
Wildlife officials in India's Kanha-Pench corridor are testing AI-powered camera traps called the TrailGuard AI camera-alert system. These slim, inconspicuous devices can be placed in trees and programmed to capture specific species like tigers and humans. When within range of cell towers, they send pictures within 30 seconds; otherwise, it takes 3-10 minutes. In tests, notifications of tiger presence were sent within 30-42 seconds after detection, aiding in monitoring and mitigating man-animal conflicts. The system's efficiency in capturing wildlife images and aiding in the arrest of poachers has shown promise, and it may be deployed in other tiger reserves [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements regarding "The Kyoto Protocol":
I. The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
II. It was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005.
III. The United States is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol and has ratified it.
IV. The protocol introduced the concept of "carbon credits" to incentivize emission reductions.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I, II and III
B) II and IV
C) I, II, and IV
D) I and IV
Q2: Examine the following statements regarding "The Solar System":
I. The Solar System consists of eight planets, with Earth being the fifth planet from the Sun.
II. The four inner planets, including Earth, are called terrestrial planets because they have solid, rocky surfaces.
III. The asteroid belt lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
IV. Neptune is the closest planet to the Sun.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and III
D) II and IV
Q3: Examine the following statements regarding "The United Nations Security Council (UNSC)":
I. The UNSC is composed of 10 non-permanent members and 5 permanent members with veto power.
II. The primary responsibility of the UNSC is to maintain international peace and security.
III. Decisions of the UNSC require the affirmative votes of at least 9 of its 15 members, including the concurring votes of all 5 permanent members.
IV. The UNSC has the authority to impose economic sanctions and authorize the use of military force.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II and III
D) I, II, III and IV
Q4: Examine the following statements regarding "The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)":
I. IORA is an intergovernmental organization established in 1997 with the objective of promoting regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
II. The organization's headquarters is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
III. IORA primarily focuses on economic and trade-related issues and does not engage in discussions on maritime security.
IV. India is one of the founding members of IORA.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and III
D) I and IV
Q5: Examine the following statements regarding "The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)":
I. NATO is a political and military alliance of North American and European countries.
II. It was established in 1945 to counter the spread of communism during the Cold War.
III. Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an attack on one member country is considered an attack on all member countries, and all members are obligated to respond.
IV. NATO's headquarters is located in Paris, France.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I and III
D) II and IV
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the impact of campaign financing on the fairness and transparency of elections in democratic societies, and propose measures to mitigate potential negative consequences. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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