DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th September 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the nation on the inclusion of Shantiniketan in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Background:-

• Shantiniketan has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on Sep 17, 2023.
• In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi said that this is a proud moment for all Indians.
• Modi said that Shantiniketan is an embodiment of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s vision and India’s rich cultural heritage.

About Shantiniketan:-

• Location: Birbhum district in West Bengal.
• Established: 1901.
• Established by: Maharshi Debendranath Tagore.
• Maharshi Debendranath Tagore was the father of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
• Shantiniketan has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.
• It was based on old Indian traditions and a vision of humanity’s unity that transcended religious and cultural barriers.
• Santiniketan grew into the Visva Bharati University in 1921, attracting some of the most creative minds in the country.
• The Visva-Bharati University at Shantiniketan is the epitome of the revolutionary tradition of breaking barriers of all kinds, be it castes, religions, classes, creeds, genders, cultures with a principal focus on humanities, arts, and contact with nature.
• Even today, Shantiniketan follows Tagore’s principles of equality.
• It houses a little over 10,000 students on its campuses who comprise Indian and international students within a co-educational facility.
• The trend of Gurukul (open-air classes) is still practiced under the campus trees.
• Shantiniketan is also famous for its many festivals. Some of them include:-
  • Grand Poush Utsav: celebrated on the Foundation Day of the University.
  • Basant Utsav: celebrated on Holi.
  • Sarad Utsav: Autumn Festival.
  • Magh Utsav : Founding Day of the Sriniketan campus
  • Vrikhsharopan Utsav: Tree Planting Festival.

Important Places in Shantiniketan:-

• Tagore’s Ashram: The Ashram complex is the oldest area of Shantiniketan where Maharshi Debendranath Tagore built Shantiniketan Griha, the first guest house.
• Rabindra Bhaban Museum or Tagore Museum: The Rabindra Bhaban Museum was founded just after the death of Rabindranath Tagore in 1942.
• Vishwa Bharati University: Established with the principal motto and objective to explore arts, humanities, language, music, dance, and folk arts, Visva Bharati’s focal point is to create oneness in diversity.
• Uttarayan Complex: Located in the northern part of Shantiniketan, it is a collection of five houses built by Rabindranath Tagore during his lifetime.
• Upasana Griha: the Prayer Hall is one of the stunning buildings in the entire Shantiniketan area.
• Kala Bhavan: One of the most beautifully designed blocks within the Visva Bharati University premises is the Kala Bhavan.
• China Bhavan: The academic blocks within the vicinity of Visva Bharati University Complex are named in accordance with the purpose, culture, and subject being taught there.
• Nippon Bhavan: Like China Bhavan, the Nippon Bhavan is dedicated to Japanese culture, literature, art, language and tradition.
• Chhatimtala: The site of Chhatimtala is considered to be sacred and is of great importance to everyone at Shantiniketan.

MUST READ: Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following freedom fighters: (2022)

1. Barindra Kumar Ghosh
2. Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee
3. Rash Behari Bose

Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party?

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3
4. 3 only

Q.2) With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct? (2021)

1. Pingali Venkayya designed the tricolour Indian National Flag here.
2. Pattabhi Sitaramaiah led the Quit India Movement of the Andhra region from here.
3. Rabindranath Tagore translated the National Anthem from Bengali to English here.
4. Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott set up the headquarters of the Theosophical Society first here.

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: The Fourth G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) Meeting concluded recently.

Background:-

• The three-day meeting saw G20 GPFI delegates engaging in thought-provoking discussions on energizing growth for MSMEs, empowering consumers through digital financial literacy and consumer protection as well as key priority areas of GPFI, namely, digital financial inclusion and SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) Finance.

About G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) Meeting:-

• Venue: Mumbai, India.
• Date: from September 14-16, 2023.
• The meeting brought together over 50 delegates from G20 member countries, special invitee countries, and International Organizations. (India and G20 Presidency)
• The meeting involved discussions on ongoing work of the financial inclusion agenda under the G20 India Presidency in areas of Digital Financial Inclusion and SME Finance.
• A Symposium on Digital Public Infrastructure for energizing MSMEs was held on September 14, 2023.
• The Symposium saw a panel discussion between global experts around two key themes “Energizing MSMEs for Higher Economic Growth through Digital Public Infrastructure” and “Credit Guarantees and SME ecosystems”.
• GPFI members discussed GPFI work regarding the implementation of G20 GPFI High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion, Update of National Remittance Plans and SME best practices and innovative instruments to overcome common constraints in SME financing.
• A Symposium on “Advancing Financial Inclusion through Digital Public Infrastructure: Empowering Consumers through Digital and Financial Literacy and Consumer Protection” was also held on September 16, 2023, as part of the GPFI Meeting.
• The delegates attending the 4th GPFI WG meeting also visited the Kanheri Caves in Mumbai.

Significance:-

• Through the New Delhi Leaders Declaration, the G20 Leaders renewed their commitment to accelerate “strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth” and “the full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and underscored that MSMEs will be central in fulfilling both the commitments.
• Through two-panel discussions, eminent global panelists deliberated upon approaches to bridge the challenges faced by MSMEs through innovative measures like DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) for bridging the credit gap, promoting transparency, enhancing affordability, and driving innovations and productivity gains.
• The GPFI Plenary Meeting included discussions on GPFI work regarding the implementation of G20 GPFI High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion, Update of National Remittance Plans and SME best practices and innovative instruments to overcome common constraints in SME financing.
• The discussions contributed towards the culmination of the remaining work of the ongoing three-year Financial Inclusion Action Plan FIAP 2020 which is in its terminal year and is being implemented by the GPFI.
• GPFI members agreed to continue working towards the vision of universal financial inclusion under the new G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan. (Financial Inclusion index)
• The discussions included how Digital Public Infrastructure can be used for advancing financial inclusion for consumer protection and consumer literacy. ( Role of Microfinance Institutions in the Financial Inclusion)

MUST READ: Role of Digital Banks in Financial Inclusion

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements is correct? (2022)

1. The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB.
2. BBB recommends the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.
3. BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in developing strategies and capital-raising plans.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2021)

1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in the public interest.
3. The Governor of the RBI draws his power from the RBI Act.

Which of the above statements is correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Syllabus

• Prelims – IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS

Context: Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested seven persons including the Executive Secretary of the CMD of public sector undertaking Bridge and Roof Company India Limited in an alleged 20 lakh rupees bribery case.

About the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):-

• Established: 1963.
• Objective: to investigate cases of corruption in procurement during the Second World War.

Historical Background:-

• It was established as the Special Police Establishment.
• Later, the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption recommended the establishment of the CBI.
• As a result, it was set up in 1963 by a resolution of the Union Home Ministry.
• The Special Police Establishment (which looked into vigilance cases) set in 1941 was also merged with the CBI
• Later, it was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel and now it enjoys the status of an attached office.

Salient Features:-

• The CBI is not a statutory body.
• It derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, of 1946.
• The CBI is the main investigating agency of the Central Government.
• The CBI investigates the crime of corruption, economic offenses, and serious and organized crime other than terrorism.
• Headed by: a Director who is assisted by a special/additional director.
• Tenure: The Director of CBI has been provided security of two-year tenure by the CVC Act, 2003.
• Appointment: As per the CVC Act of 2003, the Central Government shall appoint the Director of CBI on the recommendation of a three-member committee consisting of the:-
  • Prime Minister as Chairperson,
  • Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
  • Chief Justice of India or Judge of the Supreme Court nominated by him.
  • If there is no recognized leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, then the leader of the single largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha would be a member of that committee.
• The CBI Academy is located in Ghaziabad, UP, and started functioning in 1996.
• It also has three regional training centers at Kolkata, Mumbai & and Chennai.
• The superintendence of CBI related to the investigation of offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 lies with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
• Other matters with the Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) in the Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Grievances of the Government of India. ( CBI and its troubles)

Functions:-

• Investigating cases of corruption, bribery, and misconduct of Union govt employees.
• Investigating serious crimes, having national and international ramifications, committed by organized gangs of professional criminals.
• Coordinating activities of the anticorruption agencies and various state police forces
• Taking up, on the request of a state government, any case of public importance for investigation.
• The CBI acts as the “National Central Bureau” of Interpol in India.

MUST READ: CBI and ED

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Central Bank digital currencies, consider the following statements : (2023)

1. It is possible to make payments in a digital currency without using the US dollar or SWIFT system.
2. A digital currency can be distributed with a condition programmed into it such as a timeframe for spending it.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Which one of the following situations best reflects “Indirect Transfers” often talked about in media recently with reference to India?  (2022)

1. An Indian company investing in a foreign enterprise and paying taxes to the foreign country on the profits arising out of its investment
2. A foreign company investing in India and paying taxes to the country its base on the profits arising out of its investment
3. An Indian company purchases tangible assets in a foreign country and sells such assets after their value increases and transfers the proceeds to India
4. A foreign company transfers shares and such shares derive their substantial value from assets located in India

Syllabus

• Prelims – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: A new cybercrime investigation tool called TTPs (tactics, techniques, and procedures)-based cybercrime investigation framework was developed recently.

Background:-

• It can help in tracking and classifying cybercrimes identifying chains of evidence required to solve the case and mapping evidence onto the framework to convict criminals, says a press release.

About TTP (tactics, techniques, and procedures)-based cybercrime investigation framework:-

• Developed by: I-hub NTIHAC foundation (c3ihub) at IIT Kanpur with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• It has been developed under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).
• It is a methodology and tool for apprehending cybercriminals’ modes of operations in a crime execution life cycle.
• It was developed with the help of literature study, case studies, and framework building.
• It incorporated pre-existing crime in the framework, evolving interactive framework navigator and mapping real cases onto the framework.
• The technology can create an approximate crime execution path and suggest a crime path based on a user-derived set of keywords.(Cyberattacks)
• It can also compare modus operandi used in different crimes manage user roles and track activity for crime paths.

Significance:-

• It identifies the chain of evidence required to solve a case and maps evidence onto the framework to convict criminals.
• It could be highly effective as it restricts the number of forms and methods the investigation can be conducted and primarily relies on criminals’ TTPs.
  • This can lead to precise and rapid conviction of cybercriminals. (Cyber Security)

 About TTP Triangle:-

• Tactics: describe the technical objectives (the “why”) an attacker is performing an action.
• Techniques: describe the methods used by the attacker to engage in their attack.
• Procedures: the detailed description of the components used in an attack, including the tools and practices that attackers

MUST READ:  India’s cyber infrastructure

SOURCE: BUSINESSLINE

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2023)

1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-speech conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
2. 1, 3, and 4 only
3. 2, 4, and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Q.2) The terms ‘Wanna Cry, Petya, and Eternal Blue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to (2023)

1. Exo-planets
2. Crypto-currency
3. Cyber attacks
4. Mini satellites

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, two new antlion species were discovered in Kerala.

Background:-

• Scientists have discovered two new antlion species of the Myrmeleontidae family of order Neuroptera from Kerala.
• A research team of Shadpada Entomology Research Lab (SERL), Christ College, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, is behind the discovery.

About Antlion species:-

• These two new antlion species belong to:-
  • Family: Myrmeleontidae family.
  • Order: Neuroptera.
• Habitat: These are found throughout the world, primarily in dry, sandy regions.
• Background: This is the 5th and 6th antlion species reported from Kerala and the 125th and 126th species from India.
• The genus Nemoleon is reported for the first time from the Oriental region. ( Expansion of the Invasive Plants)
• The research was conducted with financial assistance from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Special Features:-

• Antlions are distinguished by their long, distinct antennae.
• They are commonly known for their pit-building habit.
• Larval stages of only some antlion genera construct the conical pits in loose, dry soil as their predation strategy.
• Larvae of Nemoleon do not build pits.
• They live under the surface in loose soils where they are protected from direct sunlight, wind, and rain.

MUST READ: New genus of parasitic flowering plant

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements : (2023)

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives
2. of the Nagoya Protocol.
3. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) Consider the following trees: (2023)

1. Jackfruit (Artoca7pus heterophyllus)
2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Teak (Tectona grandis)

How many of the above are deciduous trees?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 1 (Society) and GS 3 (Economy)

Context: Recently PM Modi said that the India is the mother of democracy, and its guiding philosophy is ‘‘striving together for inclusive growth”, as it is based on the belief that the needs and aspirations of every human being are equally important.

About Inclusive Growth:

• Inclusive growth is economic growth that is distributed fairly across society and creates opportunities for all.
• The mains pillars are Wellbeing, Inclusivity, Sustainability and Equity (WISE).
• It seeks to reduce income inequality by narrowing the income gap between the rich and the poor.
  • This can be achieved through progressive taxation, social safety nets, and policies that promote fair wages.

Significance of Inclusive Growth:

• Skill development and employment creation: Building skills is a crucial component of inclusive growth because it paves the way for inclusive growth which aims to increase employment, especially for disadvantaged and marginalised people.
• Poverty reduction: Inclusive growth strives to reduce poverty by improving the poor’s access to opportunities and resources.
• G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI): GPFI serves as a forum for G20 nations, non-G20 countries, and relevant stakeholders to advance initiatives related to financial inclusion, including the execution of the Financial Inclusion Action Plan
• Financial Inclusion: The G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) report prepared by the World Bank highlights that the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile) trinity has been instrumental in increasing the financial inclusion rate from 25 per cent in 2008 to over 80 per cent of adults in the past six years.
• Women empowerment: Since women are frequently left out of economic possibilities, inclusive growth aims to provide them more power through employment, education, and training.
• Good governance: Transparency, accountability, and efficient institutions that meet the demands of all citizens are essential for inclusive progress.
• Equal Opportunity: Inclusive growth works to level the playing field for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic position, gender, race, or religion.
• Access to basic services: Inclusive growth seeks to guarantee that all citizens have access to basic services including healthcare, education, and sanitation.

Measuring Inclusive Growth:

Inclusive Development Index (IDI):

• It is compiled by the World Economic Forum (WEF)
• It gives a measure of inequality based on three parameters: :
  • Growth and development
  • Inclusion
  • Inter-generational equity and sustainability.

Social Progress Index (SPI):

• It is an aggregate index of social and environmental indicators which includes the following:
  • Basic human need
  • Foundation of well being
  • Opportunity
• It is released by the Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
• Only income inequalities are included and other inequalities like social inequality, equality of opportunities, etc are ignored.

Global Slavery Index:

• It is released by the Walk Free Foundation of Australia.
• Modern Slavery means a situation where one person has taken away another person’s freedom, to control their body so that they can be exploited.
• Factors responsible for modern slavery:
  • Absence of rights
  • Lack of physical safety
  • Access to necessities such as health care, education, food, etc
  • Pattern of migration

Challenges in achieving Inclusive Growth in India:

• Poverty: The Multidimensional Poverty Index 2022 places India first, with an estimated 23 crore people living in multidimensional poverty.
  • The majority of persons in poverty are found in this nation.
• Unemployment: As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) of NSSO, the unemployment rate among the urban workforce was 7.8%, while the unemployment rate for the rural workforce was 5.3% totalling the total unemployment rate at 6.1%.
• Limited financial resources: Limited financial resources can impede entrepreneurship and employment creation, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses and marginalised communities.
• Social and cultural obstacles: Marginalised groups may encounter social and cultural obstacles that restrict them from accessing opportunities and services, such as discrimination, exclusion, and gender inequity.
• Agriculture backwardness: Around 44% of people in India have agriculture-related employment but its contribution to the Indian GDP is only 16.5% which leads to widespread poverty and impacts the goal of inclusive growth.
• Weak institutional capacity: Policies and programmes aimed at promoting equitable growth may be less effective if there is a lack of competent workers and insufficient infrastructure, among other factors.

Measures taken India to achieve inclusive growth:

• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act Scheme (MGNREGA)
• Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
• Mudra Bank scheme
• Swachh Bharat Mission
• Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA)
• National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
• Mission Ayushman
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

Way Forward:

Although India aims to achieve inclusive growth by improving skills, education, and reducing poverty, challenges such as unemployment, regional disparities, and poverty still exist. Therefore the Indian govt along with all the stakeholders involved should continue to focus on eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development in order to improve the lives of India’s people.

Source:   The Hindu

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 (Governance)

Context: The Karnataka govt. announced the framework for a fact-checking unit, which is proposed to be set up to tackle fake news and misinformation.

• In cases of misinformation, disinformation and misinformation (MDM), the government will initiate legal action under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, IPC, or Disaster Management Act, 2005.

About Fake News (Yellow Journalism):

• Fake news or hoax news refer to false propaganda published under the guise of authentic news.
• It consists of false information presented as fact to manipulate people intellectually and emotionally sparking strong emotional responses and even violence.
• It is deliberately created to misinform the readers.
• Fake news can be related to anything:
  • Commercially driven sensational content
  • Nation-state sponsored misinformation
  • Highly partisan news site
  • Social media itself
  • Satire or parody
• Some checks and balances exist in the mainstream media against fake news, but social media does not have such a mechanism.

Causes of Fake News spread In India:

• Financial incentives: Some people and organizations spread fake news for financial gain.
  • For example, Social media platforms pay content creators based on views, and divisive content can garner significant attention.
• Political polarisation: India’s political landscape is highly polarised, and this has contributed to the spread of fake news that reinforces people’s preconceived beliefs and biases.
• Social media: The rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp has made it easier for fake news to spread quickly and widely.
• Lack of media literacy: Many people in India have limited media literacy skills, which makes them more susceptible to believing and sharing fake news.
  • For example, according to the India Inequality Report 2022, among the poorest 20% of households, only 2.7% have access to a computer and 8.9% to internet facilities.
• Sensationalism in the media: Some news outlets in India prioritize sensationalism over the accuracy, which can lead to the spread of false information.
• Religious and communal tensions: India has a history of religious and communal tensions and fake news that fuels these tensions can quickly go viral.

Consequences of fake news and content:

• Undermining public trust: The spread of fake news can erode public trust in traditional news sources, government institutions, and expert opinions, leading to widespread cynicism and scepticism.
• Violence and hate: Fake news has the potential to incite violence and hatred towards individuals or groups.
  • The recent ethnic violence in Manipur that has been largely fuelled by rumours and fake news.
• Misleading public opinion: Fake news can easily shape public opinion on different issues by presenting false or misleading information.
  • This can result in the spread of hateful or extreme ideas that can destabilize communities and societies.
• Spread of panic and anxiety: Fake news can create or exacerbate public fears about issues like public health crises, natural disasters, or political events.
  • This can contribute to panic, anxiety, and other negative emotional and psychological effects.
  • For example, Fake news of COVID Vaccines causing infertility led to panic and anxiety.
• Damage to reputations and livelihoods: Individuals or organizations subjected to fake news attacks can suffer reputational damage that can result in long-term loss of business or employment opportunities.
  • For example, the Pizzagate conspiracy theory emerged during the 2016 United States presidential election which damaged the reputation of several Democrats.
• Recruitment and promotion of extremist ideologies: Social media platforms have been used to spread extremist ideologies, including white supremacist and far-right ideologies, among susceptible audiences.
  • This can lead to the radicalization of individuals and promote violent behaviour.
  • For example, Fake propaganda is spread through Fake news by organisations like ISIS to recruit terrorists.

Challenges in curbing fake news in India:

• Low digital literacy: India’s digital literacy rate is still low, which makes it easy for fake news to spread, as people often do not have the skills to verify the authenticity of news sources.
• According to the India Inequality Report 2022: Digital Divide, approximately 70% of the population has poor or no connectivity to digital services.
  • Among the poorest 20% households, only 2.7% have access to a computer and 8.9% to internet facilities.
• Political use: Fake news is often used for political purposes in India, especially during elections. Political parties use fake news to manipulate public opinion, which makes it challenging to control the spread of fake news.
• Limited fact-checking infrastructure: India has limited fact-checking infrastructure, and many of the available fact-checking organizations (PIB fact check units) are small and poorly funded.
• No strict rules: There are currently no strict penalties for the spread of fake news in India, which makes it difficult to deter people from creating and disseminating fake news.
• Opacity of social media platforms: Social media platforms are increasingly becoming the primary ground for public discourse over which a handful of individuals have inordinate control.

Navigating the Legal Landscape of India’s Information:

• Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 153A criminalizes acts that promote hatred between different religious, racial, or linguistic groups, and actions.
• Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 blocks access to information online necessary in the interest of the safety and the security of the state.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 has provisions to curb the misuse of individuals’ data on online platforms.
• Disaster Management Act 2005 (DMA) deals with false warnings and fake news around a disaster leading to panic.
• Information Technology Rules (IT), 2021 regulates content by online publishers of news and social media intermediaries.
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 regulates fact checking of “false”, “fake” or “misleading” information related to the Union Government.

Way Forward:

In the recent times India is witnessing declining trust in news and high levels of fake news exposure, which weakens the ability of the fourth estate to function. Bringing together an ecosystem of actors and developing a full view of both the challenge and the solutions is a crucial first step to ensure we safeguard development agendas not only in India but around the world.

Source: Indian Express

Q1) Consider the following pairs:

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

The G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) Meeting was held in New Delhi, India.

Statement-II:

The meeting involved discussions on ongoing work of the financial inclusion agenda under the G20 India Presidency.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Q3) With reference to the Shantiniketan, consider the following statements:

1. Tagore’s Ashram complex is the newest area of Shantiniketan where Maharshi Debendranath Tagore built Shantiniketan Griha, the first guest house.
2. Vishwa Bharati University was established with the principal motto and objective to create oneness in diversity.
3. The trend of Gurukul (open-air classes) is still practiced under the campus trees.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1,2 and 3 only
4. 3 only

Mains Practice Questions

Q.1) Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India’s experience. (250 words)

Q.2) What are the India’s major challenges in effectively curbing the spread of fake news and disinformation, and what strategies and solutions can be employed to address these challenges? (250 words)

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  18th September 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – b