September 3, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 | Explained
Explore the intricate dynamics of administrative power in Delhi, from legal battles in the Supreme Court to the pivotal Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Discover the shifting roles and authorities in the nation's capital with this insightful article.
Highlights of the Day
1. India's Aditya-L1 Solar Observatory Embarks on Pioneering Mission to Unlock Solar Mysteries
India's historic Aditya-L1 solar observatory mission soared into space, launching on September 2 via the Indian Space Research Organisation's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. After a 63-minute journey, the satellite was released into a highly eccentric orbit. Over the next 16 days, Aditya-L1 will undergo critical maneuvers to propel it 1.5 million kilometers from Earth toward the sun, aiming for the L1 Lagrange point, a balanced gravitational spot between the Earth and the sun. The spacecraft boasts seven key payloads to study various solar phenomena. With a mission lifespan of five years, it promises to unlock valuable insights into solar mysteries [1].
2. Kumkis and Forest Officials Successfully Capture Rampaging Elephant in Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu Border Village
A lone elephant in musth brought terror to 190-Ramapuram village near the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, trampling a farmer couple to death and injuring others. The elephant, considered "very dangerous" by the Forest Department, strayed far from its Tamil Nadu habitat. 'Operation Gaja' involved a team of forest officials, trained elephants known as Kumkis, and drone surveillance to capture the rampaging elephant. After a tranquilizer shot, the elephant was safely captured and relocated to S.V. Zoo Park in Tirupati. The incident highlights the ongoing human-elephant conflict in the region, where lone elephants from neighboring states often intrude. Plans for a Koundinya elephant sanctuary aim to address such issues [2].
3. Electricity Dominates Groundwater Extraction in India, Reveals Latest Minor Irrigation Census
The latest Minor Irrigation Census (MIC) by the Ministry of Jal Shakti reveals that electricity has become the dominant power source for groundwater extraction, rising from 56% in 2011 to 76% in 2017. This increase coincides with the growing use of deep tubewells and borewells capable of extracting water at greater depths. While 'dugwells' and 'shallow' tubewells have declined, 'medium-sized' and 'deep' wells have seen substantial growth. The reasons for this shift are not discussed in the report, but state government schemes and incentives for farmers to adopt such technology may be contributing factors. Overall, there were 23.14 million Minor Irrigation schemes across India, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest number [3].
4. Government's LPG Price Cut and Ujjwala Expansion Could Cost Over Rs 37,000 Crore Annually
The Indian government's decision to cut domestic cooking gas prices by Rs 200 per 14.2-kg cylinder and expand the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) by adding 75 lakh poor households could cost around Rs 37,230 crore annually. This estimation is based on LPG consumer data and assumes the price cut remains for a year. While the government hasn't provided an official cost estimate, a finance ministry official hinted that it might be somewhat lower due to variables like over recoveries and price fluctuations. The government indicated that oil marketing companies (OMCs) would absorb the price cut's impact, while they would cover the Rs 200 subsidy for new Ujjwala beneficiaries [4].
5. UN Biodiversity Advocates for 'Funga' Inclusion to Recognize the Vital Role of Fungi in Conservation
United Nations Biodiversity is advocating for the inclusion of the word 'funga' when referencing the diversity of life on Earth, alongside 'flora and fauna,' to highlight the significance of fungi. This call aims to grant fungi equal recognition and protection in conservation frameworks. Two years ago, the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature adopted "mycologically inclusive" language, acknowledging fungi's vital role in processes like decomposition and forest regeneration. UN Biodiversity underscores the importance of incorporating 'funga' into everyday language and educational material, emphasizing fungi's essential place in the Earth's intricate web of life. Similar efforts are underway in environmental language transformation and conservation [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | DownToEarth
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following statements about DNA:
I. DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid.
II. DNA is composed of four nitrogenous bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
III. Watson and Crick are credited with the discovery of the DNA double helix structure.
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 regarding the Maurya Empire:
I. Chandragupta Maurya founded the Maurya Empire in 322 BCE.
II. The Maurya Empire was the largest empire in ancient India.
III. Ashoka the Great, known for his edicts promoting Buddhism, ruled during the Maurya dynasty.
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 statements about Artificial Intelligence (AI) is true?
I. AI systems can experience emotions like humans.
II. Deep Learning is a subfield of AI that focuses on neural networks.
III. AI applications include natural language processing and image recognition.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: Consider the following statements regarding Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution:
I. Fundamental Rights are justiciable, meaning they can be enforced in a court of law.
II. The right to constitutional remedies (Article 32) allows citizens to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their Fundamental Rights.
III. Fundamental Rights can be suspended during a national emergency.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q5: The "Keystone Species" in an ecosystem is:
a) A species that primarily feeds on plants.
b) A species that is a top predator in the food chain.
c) A species whose presence or absence significantly affects the ecosystem.
d) A species that is critical for the ecosystem's survival.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
In the age of artificial intelligence and automation, discuss the ethical implications and societal consequences of widespread job displacement. How can governments and industries address the challenges of job automation to ensure a just and sustainable future for the workforce? (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
Note: For answer key and explanation of daily practice questions, join us at: t.me/tinkerchild
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