September 7, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 | Explained
Explore India's progress, challenges, and initiatives towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) for sustainable urban development. Discover key statistics, government programs, and the future outlook for building India's urban future.
Highlights of the Day
1. Nutrition Counseling: A Simple Solution to Combat Malnutrition in India
Simplicity is the key to addressing malnutrition in India. Despite efforts to ensure food security, a lack of awareness about proper eating and feeding practices persists. Nutrition counseling, supported by proper training for field staff, has emerged as a transformative solution. In Bemetara, Chhattisgarh, the "Potth Laika Abhiyaan" program, backed by UNICEF, has demonstrated remarkable success. Over nine months, it helped 53.77% of targeted children escape malnutrition, significantly outperforming a control group. This cost-effective strategy combines counseling with regular monitoring and can be scaled up to combat malnutrition more effectively [1].
2. Government Allocates ₹3,760 Crore for 4,000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System Development
The Indian government has approved ₹3,760 crore in viability gap funding (VGF) to support the establishment of 4,000 MWh battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the country. The entire VGF will be covered by the central government and released in five tranches by 2030-31, resulting in a total investment of ₹9,500 crore. This initiative aligns with India's goal to meet 50% of its energy needs from renewables and non-fossil sources by 2030, reducing carbon emissions. It aims to lower the cost of battery storage systems, provide clean and reliable electricity, and integrate renewable energy into the grid effectively [2].
3. Maharashtra Government Grants Kunbi Caste Certificates to Marathas in Marathwada Region Amid Protests
The Maharashtra government has acceded to the demands of Maratha reservation protestors by granting Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas from Marathwada possessing Nizam-era documents recognizing them as Kunbis. This decision, following police lathi charges on protesters, means Marathas will be categorized as Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and gain OBC reservation benefits. A committee led by former Justice Sandeep Shinde has been formed to create a standard operating procedure for verifying old documents. The government is committed to providing reservation to the Maratha community, and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appealed to protesters to cooperate and provide old documents for verification [3].
4. Indian Government Grants Patent for Eco-Friendly Reusable Bamboo Straw
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has been granted a patent for a "reusable straw and its manufacturing" made from an endemic bamboo species, Schizostachyum andamanicum, found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The patent recognizes the bamboo straw as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws. Lal Ji Singh, the scientist behind the invention, highlighted the economic potential of this bamboo species for farmers and bamboo growers. The research on the bamboo straw began in 2011, with the patent application submitted in 2018 and granted in 2023. The large-scale production of these straws will depend on the commercial cultivation of the endemic bamboo species [4].
5. 6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northern Chile, No Immediate Damage Reported
A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile, with its epicenter located south-southwest of Coquimbo. There have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Chile, situated in the seismic "Ring of Fire," frequently experiences earthquakes. In 2010, a devastating magnitude 8.8 earthquake and tsunami resulted in 526 fatalities [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements regarding plate tectonics:
I. Plate tectonics theory explains the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates.
II. Earthquakes and volcanic activities are associated with plate boundaries.
III. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of a transform plate boundary.
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 Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution:
I. Directive Principles are legally enforceable, and citizens can approach the courts for their violation.
II. These principles are enumerated in Part III of the Constitution.
III. The Directive Principles primarily deal with the structure of the government and the distribution of powers.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) None of the above
Q3: Examine the following statements regarding deforestation:
I. Deforestation refers to the large-scale removal of forests, often for purposes such as agriculture, logging, and urban development.
II. Deforestation can have negative impacts on biodiversity, climate, and local ecosystems.
III. The United Nations' REDD+ program aims to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q4: Examine the following statements regarding the Sahara Desert:
I. The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering much of North Africa.
II. The Sahara was not always a desert; it experienced periods of lush vegetation and was home to early human civilizations.
III. The Nile River flows through the Sahara Desert, providing a vital water source for the region.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q5: Examine the following statements regarding biodiversity:
I. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
II. The Amazon Rainforest is known for its exceptionally low biodiversity due to its dense canopy, which limits the number of species that can inhabit the area.
III. Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and resilience, as it provides a greater pool of genetic resources.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Evaluate the Silk Road's influence on the exchange of ideas, culture, and commerce between East and West in ancient times. Include examples of significant innovations and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road and their lasting impacts. (Word limit: 250 words)
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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