September 21, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Invasive Alien Species | Explained
Explore the global challenge of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). The recent IPBES report highlights that out of over 37,000 identified alien species, around 3,500 have become invasive, causing havoc in ecosystems, economies, and human health. Uncover the causes, from human activities to climate change, and the urgent need for international cooperation to address this growing crisis.
Highlights of the Day
1. Lok Sabha Passes Historic Bill for 1/3rd Women’s Reservation
The Lok Sabha passed the 128th Constitution Amendment Bill, aiming to provide 1/3rd of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Home Minister Amit Shah announced that census and delimitation would occur after the 2024 elections, delaying the implementation until at least 2029. This is the fifth attempt to pass such a bill, with previous attempts failing due to various reasons. The Congress party supports the bill but calls for immediate implementation and reservation for SC, ST, and OBC women based on a caste census. Opposition leaders stress that it's about removing bias and injustice, not just reservation [1].
2. ADB Lowers India’s 2023 Growth Forecast to 6.3%
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered India's economic growth forecast to 6.3% due to falling exports and erratic rainfall affecting agriculture. They also increased the inflation forecast to 5.5%. However, the ADB retains a 6.7% GDP growth projection for 2024-25, citing expectations of rising private investment and industrial output. Despite global uncertainties, India displayed robust growth of 7.8% in the first quarter of the fiscal year. The ADB believes growth will be driven by domestic consumption and government capital expenditure. Investment prospects remain positive, with states increasing investments by 78% and signs of private capital expenditure [2]. 3. Oldest Diplodocoid Sauropod Fossils Found in India’s Thar Desert
Scientists from IIT Roorkee have identified dinosaur fossils in India's Thar desert, dating back 167 million years, making them the oldest known diplodocoid sauropod fossils globally. Named "Tharosaurus indicus," these fossils belong to the dicraeosaurid sauropod family and provide insights into sauropod evolution in India. These findings suggest that India may have been the origin of these dinosaurs, which later spread to other continents via land connections. However, more fossils are needed to deepen our understanding of sauropod evolution in India. The discovery highlights the significance of paleontological research and natural history museums in the country [3].
4. Scientists Extract RNA from Tasmanian Tiger Specimen, Paving the Way for Insights into Extinct Species and Ancient Viruses
Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by recovering RNA, a less stable genetic material compared to DNA, from the desiccated skin and muscle of a Tasmanian tiger specimen preserved since 1891. This marks the first time RNA has been extracted from an extinct species. RNA sequencing offers insights into the biology and metabolism of these extinct animals, aiding in understanding gene complements and their activities. This development could also potentially advance efforts to recreate extinct species and investigate the causes of past pandemics by recovering RNA from ancient viruses. The Tasmanian tiger, declared extinct in 1936, faced population declines due to human impact [4].
5. Diplomatic Tensions Between India and Canada Worry Kerala’s Tourism Sector Ahead of Peak Season
The strained diplomatic relationship between India and Canada is concerning for Kerala's hospitality sector as it receives around 25,000 to 30,000 Canadian tourists annually. Both countries have issued travel advisories cautioning citizens about traveling to certain regions in the other country. Canada is among the top 10 countries contributing to foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala, and the tension comes at a crucial time ahead of the tourism season. The tourism industry, already affected by past issues like the U.K. e-visa delay, hopes for a quick resolution to avoid significant business losses. The diplomatic row stems from accusations and expulsions, further impacting tourism [5].
Source: The Hindu | The Hindu Business Line | Reuters
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements regarding "Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)":
I. FDI involves an investor from one country making an investment in another country.
II. The "Make in India" initiative aimed to boost FDI in India.
III. FDI is limited to certain sectors in India, with no foreign investment allowed in retail.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q2: Examine the following statements about the "Battle of Plassey":
I. The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.
II. The battle took place between the British East India Company and the Marathas.
III. The pivotal role played by Mir Jafar, the commander of the Nawab of Bengal's army, was crucial for the British victory.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q3: Which of the following is NOT a function of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
a) Issuance of currency notes
b) Regulation of money supply
c) Conducting monetary policy
d) Fiscal policy formulation
Q4: The concept of "Double Jeopardy" is associated with which of the following rights?
a) Right to Equality
b) Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression
c) Right against Self-Incrimination
d) Right to Protection against Arrest and Detention
Q5: Statement 1: The "Repo Rate" is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to commercial banks.
Statement 2: A decrease in the Repo Rate encourages banks to borrow more from the RBI, leading to increased liquidity in the economy.
Choose the correct option:
a) Both statements are true.
b) Both statements are false.
c) Statement 1 is true, and Statement 2 is false.
d) Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Examine the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the use of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, in humans. Discuss the potential benefits and risks and propose regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible gene editing practices.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
Comentarios