September 18, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
One Nation, One Election | Explained
Explore the concept of "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) in India - its potential benefits, challenges, and the ongoing debate surrounding its implementation. Learn about the historical context, advantages, criticisms, and the need for comprehensive research to shape the future of India's electoral system.
Highlights of the Day
1. PM Modi Launches ₹13,000 Crore Vishwakarma Yojana and Inaugurates 'Yashobhoomi' Expo Centre in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ₹13,000 crore Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY) to empower artisans and craftsmen with modern technology. He inaugurated the first phase of the ₹5,400 crore India International Convention and Expo Centre, 'Yashobhoomi,' in Dwarka, New Delhi, emphasizing support for marginalized communities. The PM unveiled stamp sheets and a toolkit e-booklet showcasing traditional trades covered by the scheme. PMVY offers collateral-free loans, with interest rates subsidized at 5% and credit guarantee fees borne by the government. Modi encouraged buying local products for upcoming festivals and highlighted Yashobhoomi's potential in the ₹25 lakh crore conference tourism sector, providing job opportunities and connectivity to the Delhi Airport Metro Express line [1].
2. Santiniketan Joins UNESCO World Heritage List as India's 41st Site
Santiniketan, a town in West Bengal founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, has been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List. The town, meaning 'abode of peace,' is home to Visva Bharati University and showcases an important exchange of human values in architecture, arts, and town planning. This designation makes it India's 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nomination process began in 2020-21, with the Archaeological Survey of India restoring various Santiniketan structures. Originally known as Bhubadanga, it was renamed by Tagore's father in 1862, and Rabindranath Tagore later established a school and university, Visva Bharati, emphasizing global unity and cultural exchange [2].
3. Sahel Nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Form Mutual Defense Pact
Military leaders from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed a mutual defense pact known as the Liptako-Gourma Charter, establishing the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in the face of ongoing jihadism in the Liptako-Gourma region. The pact aims to create a collective defense and mutual assistance structure to combat terrorism and insurgencies. It commits the signatory nations to assist each other militarily in the event of an attack and to work together to prevent or resolve armed rebellions. This development comes amid a resurgence of hostilities by Tuareg armed groups and ongoing jihadist threats in Mali, which has seen a withdrawal of foreign troops, including French forces, further complicating the security situation in the region [3].
4. Global Antimicrobial Use in Animals Drops 13%, but Regional Disparities Persist, Reports WOAH
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), global antimicrobial use in animals decreased by 13% from 2017 to 2019, as reported by 80 countries. However, regional disparities were evident, with 49 nations in Asia, the Far East, Oceania, and Europe reducing antimicrobial usage, while 31 countries in Africa and the Americas reported increases. WOAH introduced an online platform called ANIMUSE to facilitate data access for evidence-based decision-making. The report also noted that 68% of participants discontinued using antimicrobials as growth promoters, but 26% still employed them, often due to inadequate legislation. Some critically important antimicrobials were still used as growth promoters, raising concerns [4].
5. Government Announces Shift to New Parliament Building Amid Uncertainty on Contentious Bills
On the eve of a five-day special session of India's Parliament, the government announced plans to move proceedings to the new Parliament building on Tuesday. Eight bills are listed for consideration and passage, but there's no clarity on whether the contentious Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Bill will be addressed. Opposition parties object to the CEC Bill, which aims to change the appointment method and conditions of service for election commissioners. The government has faced criticism for the secrecy surrounding the session's agenda, with the opposition calling for discussions on various issues, including the Women's Reservation Bill and other important matters [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements regarding "The Great Barrier Reef":
I. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, located off the northeast coast of Australia.
II. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching over 2,300 kilometers.
III. The Great Barrier Reef is entirely a marine protected area, with no human activities permitted within its boundaries.
IV. Coral bleaching, caused by rising sea temperatures, poses a significant threat to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II and IV
D) III and IV
Q2: Examine the following statements regarding "The Panchayati Raj System in India":
I. Panchayati Raj institutions exist at the village, intermediate, and district levels in India.
II. The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India added provisions related to Panchayati Raj institutions.
III. Panchayats have the power to levy and collect taxes.
IV. The State Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections to Panchayati Raj institutions.
Choose the correct combination:
A) I and II
B) II and III
C) I, II and III
D) I, II, III and IV
Q3: Consider the following statements about nuclear fusion:
I. Nuclear fusion is the process by which the sun and stars produce energy.
II. Fusion reactors have been successfully developed and are currently in operation for commercial power generation.
III. In a fusion reaction, two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
IV. Fusion reactions produce long-lasting radioactive waste.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) I and III only
C) III and IV only
D) I and III only
Q4: Consider the following statements about the Attorney General of India:
I. The Attorney General is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India.
II. The Attorney General is a member of the Union Cabinet.
III. The Attorney General is appointed by the President of India and holds office during the pleasure of the President.
IV. The Attorney General must be a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) III and IV only
D) I, II, and III only
Q5: Consider the following statements about CRISPR-Cas9 technology:
I. CRISPR-Cas9 is a genetic editing tool that allows precise modification of DNA.
II. It was originally discovered in bacteria as a defense mechanism against viruses.
III. CRISPR-Cas9 technology can only be used in bacterial genomes.
IV. The ethical use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in human gene editing is a subject of debate.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) III and IV only
D) I, II, and IV only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Assess the impact of globalization on income inequality in emerging economies. Analyze the factors contributing to this phenomenon and propose policy measures to strike a balance between economic growth and reducing income disparities. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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