September 20, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict | Explained
Explore the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: From its historical origins to the latest developments, understand the complex South Caucasus conflict in this in-depth article.
Highlights of the Day
1. WHO Report: India's High Blood Pressure Crisis Demands Urgent Action
The WHO's report reveals a grim reality in India: currently, 188.3 million people live with high blood pressure, but only 37% are diagnosed, and just 15% have it under control. This leads to over half of all cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the country. Young Indians are especially vulnerable, experiencing heart issues a decade earlier than others. However, early detection and effective management can mitigate these risks. Prevention and awareness are critical, with high salt intake, tobacco, obesity, alcohol, and inactivity identified as key triggers. India's plan to care for 75 million hypertensive and diabetic patients by 2025 is lauded for its cost-effectiveness. Initiatives like the India Hypertension Control Initiative have enrolled millions, though challenges persist. Experts advocate for early screening, lifestyle changes, and improved access to care to combat this silent but deadly health crisis [1].
2. Azerbaijan's 'Anti-Terrorist Operation' Escalates Tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh
Azerbaijan initiated an "anti-terrorist operation" in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, leading to heavy artillery fire and civilian casualties, including children. This escalation follows landmine explosions that killed soldiers and civilians, raising concerns of a full-scale war with Armenia, reminiscent of the 2020 conflict. While Azerbaijan claims to target military assets, humanitarian corridors have been established for evacuation. Some speculate that this operation aims to coerce ethnic Armenians to leave the area. The tensions exacerbate Armenia's strained relationship with Russia, its ally, and the situation remains volatile with potential geopolitical implications [2].
3. India Begins Talks with Tech Giants on Data Protection Act Implementation
A month after India's Data Protection Act became law, the government is initiating discussions with tech giants like Meta, Google, Apple, and Amazon regarding compliance timelines and specific rules. The Act hinges on subordinate legislation, requiring the formulation of at least 25 rules for enforcement. Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated that a graded approach would be adopted, implementing the law first for large tech companies and allowing longer transition times for government agencies, smaller entities, and startups. The Act mandates safeguards for personal data protection, introduces consent mechanisms, and imposes penalties up to Rs 250 crore for data breaches. It also grants exemptions for small businesses and provides virtual censorship powers to the government, enabling platform blocking and exemptions for national security and public order reasons [3].
4. Finance Minister Calls for Real-Time Crop Yield Assessments to Reduce Imports and Support Farmers
Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emphasized the need for real-time yield assessments of essential crops, starting with pulses and oilseeds, which India often imports. She highlighted the importance of having accurate, up-to-date estimates of crop output to support the agricultural sector and policy-making. A new automated real-time yield estimation system called Yes-Tech has been introduced for wheat and rice, with plans to expand it to cover other crops. Sitharaman stressed that such data would help in planning imports, ensuring farmer welfare, and avoiding last-minute price crashes due to import decisions. India seeks to reduce its dependence on imports, especially for edible oils [4].
5. UNESCO Warns of Widening Global Education Gap with 250 Million Children Out of School
UNESCO reports a widening global educational gap due to slow progress toward the United Nations' goal of education for all, exacerbated by socio-economic pressures and conflicts. The number of children not enrolled in school has risen to 250 million, an increase of six million since 2021, partly attributed to girls' exclusion from education in Afghanistan. To achieve the 2030 targets of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), a child must join school every two seconds. This requires enrolling an additional 58 million children and training 1.7 million more primary school teachers. UNESCO emphasizes the urgency of translating commitments into action to secure the future of millions of children worldwide [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about the Gupta Empire:
I. The Gupta Empire is often referred to as the "Golden Age of India" due to its achievements in art, science, and literature.
II. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Gupta Empire.
III. The decimal system and the concept of zero were developed during the Gupta period.
IV. The Gupta Empire extended its territory into Southeast Asia.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) I and III only
C) I, III, and IV only
D) I, II, and III only
Q2: Consider the following statements about the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG):
I. The CAG is appointed by the President of India and serves a fixed term of six years.
II. The primary role of the CAG is to audit the accounts of the central and state governments.
III. The CAG submits its audit reports directly to the Prime Minister of India.
IV. The CAG has the authority to disqualify individuals from holding public office if they are found guilty of financial irregularities.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) I, III, and IV only
D) II and IV only
Q3: Consider the following statements about the Chola Dynasty:
I. The Chola Dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the history of South India.
II. Rajendra Chola I, one of the Chola rulers, launched naval expeditions to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
III. The Chola Dynasty was primarily known for its contributions to architecture but not to literature.
IV. The Cholas were responsible for constructing the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) I, III, and IV only
D) I, II, and IV only
Q4: Consider the following statements about the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
I. The CBD is an international treaty that aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
II. It was adopted at the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
III. The CBD has three main objectives: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of benefits.
IV. The United States is not a party to the CBD.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) I, III, and IV only
D) I, II, III, and IV only
Q5: Consider the following statements about biotechnology:
I. Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms or their products to create new products or processes.
II. Genetic engineering is a subset of biotechnology that focuses on altering an organism's DNA.
III. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a technique used in biotechnology to amplify DNA.
IV. Biotechnology has no applications in the field of medicine.
Choose the correct statements from the options below:
A) I and II only
B) II and III only
C) I and IV only
D) I, II, and III only
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the ethical and environmental implications of widespread genetically modified (GM) crop cultivation in agriculture. How can policymakers strike a balance between addressing food security concerns and addressing potential risks associated with GM crops? (Word limit: 250 words)
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