September 8, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Heatwaves: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigations | Explained
Explore the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies of heatwaves in this comprehensive article. Learn about India's Cooling Action Plan and its ambitious objectives for sustainable cooling solutions, all within a warming world.
Highlights of the Day
1. African Union Set to Join G-20 as Negotiations Clear Path for Membership
The African Union (AU) is poised to join the G-20, marking a significant development in global economic diplomacy. Negotiations during a Sherpa meeting near Delhi have paved the way for the AU's inclusion, aligning it with the European Union as the only regional bodies within the G-20. The prospect of a renamed "G-21" remains uncertain, yet Indian officials anticipate this move will underscore their Presidency's efforts in promoting the Global South's interests. Deliberations will continue at the Delhi G-20 venue, with a focus on a draft declaration, particularly addressing geopolitical issues and UN General Assembly resolutions regarding the Russian-Ukraine conflict. Despite ongoing disagreements on climate financing, debt restructuring, and fossil fuel phase-outs, both Russia and China have endorsed the AU's membership, claiming credit for the decision [1].
2. PM Modi Advocates Rules-Based World Order and Indo-Pacific Progress at ASEAN-India Summit
During the annual ASEAN-India summit in Jakarta, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of a rules-based post-COVID world order and advocated for the progress of a free and open Indo-Pacific. He highlighted India's commitment to working closely with the ASEAN, recognizing the region's significance in global development. Modi reaffirmed ASEAN's central role in India's Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific outlook, emphasizing shared values and regional unity. Additionally, at the East Asia Summit, Modi stressed the need for a peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific, international law compliance, and a South China Sea Code of Conduct in line with UNCLOS. The summit aimed to strengthen India-ASEAN relations, covering various areas, including maritime cooperation and food security [2].
3. Government Seeks Public Input on Draft Guidelines to Combat 'Dark Patterns' on the Internet
The Indian government has invited public feedback on draft guidelines to combat "dark patterns" on the internet, especially within e-commerce platforms. These patterns include deceptive tactics like false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, and more, designed to manipulate user behavior. Users can provide comments on these guidelines until October 5, as the government seeks to address concerns related to misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and consumer rights violations. While the move is welcomed, enforcement may prove challenging, especially in cases where it's difficult to determine if certain practices genuinely qualify as dark patterns, such as claims of limited availability or disguised advertisements [3].
4. UK Rejoins EU's Horizon Europe Science Program
The UK is rejoining the European Union's Horizon Europe science-sharing program, valued at $100 billion, after a hiatus caused by Brexit. British scientists welcome the move as a sign of improved EU-UK relations. The UK will become a "fully associated member" and can bid for Horizon funding immediately, with the ability to lead Horizon-backed science projects starting in 2024. The UK is also rejoining the EU's Copernicus Earth observation program. The agreement comes after negotiations and tensions related to trade rules for Northern Ireland [4].
5. Central Empowered Committee Shifts Reporting Authority to Environment Ministry
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), established by India's Supreme Court to address cases of non-compliance with conservation-related orders, will now report to the Environment Ministry. The ministry will nominate CEC members and have the final say on recommendations' merits. This move comes after the Supreme Court permitted it "in the interest of all stakeholders." Previously, the CEC reported directly to the Supreme Court, evaluating ministry decisions. Critics argue that this shift reduces the CEC's autonomy and may undermine its effectiveness, raising concerns about government influence over environmental conservation and its impact on the Supreme Court's role [5].
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Examine the following statements about heatwaves:
I. A heatwave is defined as a prolonged period of excessively hot weather relative to the normal climate of an area.
II. Heatwaves are typically caused by a decrease in atmospheric pressure, leading to the adiabatic compression of air and an increase in temperature.
III. The urban heat island effect, characterized by higher temperatures in urban areas, exacerbates the intensity of heatwaves.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q2: Consider the following statements about mangroves:
I. Mangrove trees have specialized salt-excreting glands that help them tolerate high salinity levels in their environment.
II. Mangroves provide vital breeding and nursery grounds for various marine species.
III. Mangrove ecosystems are characterized by their ability to thrive in freshwater environments.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q3: Consider the following statements regarding monetary policy:
I. The primary tools of monetary policy include open market operations, reserve requirements, and the discount rate.
II. A decrease in the reserve requirements set by the central bank can lead to an expansion of credit and increased economic activity.
III. Inflation targeting is a common objective of many central banks when implementing monetary policy.
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 about local self-government in India:
I. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments introduced provisions for rural and urban local self-government in India.
II. Zila Parishads are the highest tier of the Panchayati Raj system in rural areas.
III. The State Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections to local self-government bodies in India.
Choose the correct combination:
a) I and II
b) II and III
c) I and III
d) I, II, and III
Q5: Consider the following statements regarding the World Health Organization (WHO):
I. WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
II. Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
III. WHO's primary goal is the eradication of communicable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis.
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
Discuss the ecological significance and conservation challenges of mangrove forests in the context of coastal ecosystems. How can effective mangrove preservation strategies be formulated and implemented? (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
Comments