DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th October 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: The Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation undertook the Special Campaign 3.0 initiative recently.

Background:-

• The activities relating to cleanliness, review & simplification of rules & procedures, review of the record management system, productive use of space, and disposal of waste materials for enhancing workplace experience are being undertaken. (Water Crisis in India)

About Special Campaign 3.0 initiative:-

• Launched: 2nd October, 2023.
• Time period: from 2nd October, 2023 to 31st October, 2023.
• Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
• Nodal Agency: Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.

Background:-

• The Special Campaign 3.0 was preceded by a preparatory phase from 15th September to 30th September 2023.
• The launch ceremony was attended by nodal officers of Special Campaign 3.0, Nodal Officers of Public Grievances and Appellate Authorities in all the 84 Ministries/Departments of Government of India.

Objectives of the Campaign are:-

• Digitization – Creation of Intra-Ministerial portals
• 100% digital receipts
• Efficient Management of Office Spaces – Use of Compactors
• Clearing of scrap
• Enhancement of Office Spaces – Creation of Wellness 4 Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances  Centres
• Improvement of Office Corridors
• Environment-friendly Practices – Automatic power systems
• EV charging stations
• Inclusivity Measures – Enabling washrooms/Elevators/ Ramps for differently-abled persons
• Washroom for ladies

Salient Features:-

• Special Campaign 3.0 focuses on Swachhata and Reducing Pendency in Government Offices with a saturation approach.
• It will focus on field/outstation offices responsible for service delivery or having a public interface in addition to the Ministries/Departments and their attached/subordinate offices.
• The Special Campaign 3.0 will be conducted in all Central Ministries / Departments, and attached/subordinate offices of the Government of India.
• The Preparatory part of the Special Campaign 3.0 will commence with the launch of the Special Campaign 3.0 portal and will continue till September 30, 2023.
• During this Ministries/Departments will identify the pendency in selected categories and finalize the campaign sites.
• The website https://scdpm.nic.in is a dedicated web portal for monitoring Special Campaign 3.0.
• All Ministries / Departments shall report monitored data on this website which is a single digital platform.
• The campaign thrust areas are MP’s References, Parliamentary Assurances, PMO Inter-departmental Memos, Inter-Ministerial Consultation
• References, State Government References, Public Grievances, Public Grievance Appeals, Record Management Practices, Swachhata Campaign sites and Scrap Disposal.
• The Special Campaign 3.0 portal will open for updation of achievements data for the campaign on October 2nd -31st and will be closed on November 5th, 2023.
• A third-party evaluation will be undertaken from November 14th -30th, 2023.
• DARPG has created Hashtag #SpecialCampaign3.0 for Social Media Posts.

MUST READ: Swachh Bharat 2.0

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
3. It has seamless portability across the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017? (2019)

1. Pregnant women are entitled to three months of pre-delivery and three months of post-delivery paid leave.
2. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother a minimum of six creche visits daily.
3. Women with two children get reduced entitlements.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT ANT ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, a new species of tarantula Chilobrachys natanicharum was recently found. around the mangrove forest of Thailand.

About Chilobrachys natanicharum:-

• Family: Theraphosidae.
• It’s the first tarantula ever identified living in Thailand’s mangroves.
• The spider had been known for some time in the exotic spider trade.
• It is referred to as the Electric Blue Tarantula.
• Tarantulas are a type of large, hairy spider belonging to the family Theraphosidae.
• “Blue is one of the rarest colours to appear in nature, which makes blue colouration in animals particularly fascinating.
• The Tarantula derives its colours not from the presence of any blue pigmentation but rather from “the unique structure of their hair, which incorporates nanostructures that manipulate light to create this striking blue appearance.
• These hairs are present on various parts of the spider’s body, including its legs, pincer-like mouth appendages, and upper shell.
• The electric blue tarantula demonstrates remarkable adaptability. (Money Spider and Ant-mimicking Spider)
• These tarantulas can thrive in arboreal (within tree hollows) as well as terrestrial burrows in evergreen forests.
• However, when it comes to mangrove forests, their habitat is restricted to residing inside tree hollows due to the influence of tides.

Significance:–

• Findings like these highlight the value of preserving these natural habitats, where unique species have carved out small but important ecological niches.

MUST READ: Six spider species discovered

SOURCE: SCIENCE ALERT

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following organisms ·perform the waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the

distance to a source of their food? (2023)

1. Butterflies
2. Dragonflies
3. Honeybees
4. Wasps

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

1. Lion-tailed Macaque
2. Malabar Civet
3. Sambar Deer

How many of the above are generally nocturnal or most active after sunset?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: The rupee appreciated by 5 paise to 83.22 against the US dollar recently.

Background:-

• At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 83.24 against the dollar and then touched an early high of 83.22.

About Appreciation of currency:-

• It is an increase in the value of one currency in relation to another currency in a floating exchange rate system.
• Causes: Currencies appreciate against each other for a variety of reasons, including government policy, interest rates, trade balances and business cycles.
• Impact on trade: Currency appreciation discourages a country’s export activity as its products and services become costlier to buy.

Factors affecting appreciation:-

• Appreciation is directly linked to demand.
• If the value of the currency appreciates (or goes up), demand for the currency also rises.

Effects of currency appreciation on India:-

• Export costs rise: If the Indian Rupee (INR) appreciates, foreigners will find Indian goods more expensive because they have to spend more for those goods in INR.
  • That means that with the higher price, the number of Indian goods being exported will likely drop.
  • This eventually leads to a reduction in gross domestic product (GDP).
• Cheaper imports: If Indian goods become more expensive on the foreign market; foreign goods, or imports, will become cheaper in India.

About Exchange rate:-

• Exchange rate is a rate at which a currency of one country can be exchanged with the currency of another country.
• Under a fixed exchange rate system, devaluation and revaluation are official changes in the value of a country’s currency relative to other currencies.
• Devaluation is when the price of the currency is officially decreased in a fixed exchange rate system.
• Revaluation is when the price of the currency is increased within a fixed exchange rate system.
• Under a floating exchange rate system, market forces generate changes in the value of the currency, known as currency depreciation or appreciation.
• Currency appreciation refers to the increase in value of one currency relative to another in the forex markets.
• Currency depreciation is a fall in the value of a currency in a floating exchange rate system. Rupee Depreciation

Effects of currency depreciation:-

• Improves export competitiveness.
• May lead to pulling of foreign investment.
• A weaker currency may escalate imported oil and edible oil prices and lead to higher food inflation.

MUST READ: Recent Trend of Current Account Deficit (CAD)

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2021)

The effect of the devaluation of a currency is that it necessarily

1. Improves the competitiveness of the domestic exports in the foreign markets
2. Increase the foreign value of the domestic currency
3. Improves the trade balance

Which of the above statements is/are

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

Q.2) Which one of the following is not the most likely measure the Government/RBI takes to stop the slide of the Indian rupee? (2019)

1. Curbing imports of non-essential goods and promoting exports
2. Encouraging Indian borrowers to issue rupee-denominated Masala Bonds
3. Easing conditions relating to external commercial borrowing
4.  Following an expansionary monetary policy

Syllabus

• Prelims – GOVERNANCE

Context: Recently, World Food Day 2023

Background:-

• WWF report states that the water crisis threatens $58 trillion in economic value, food security and sustainability.

About World Food Day 2023:-

• Founded in 1945.
• Date: 16^th
• Theme of World Food Day in 2023: “Water is life, water is food.” “Don’t leave anyone behind.” “Water is necessary for life on Earth.”
• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a United Nations specialized agency, founded World Food Day in 1945.
• It was declared an international holiday after 34 years during the 20th FAO summit in November 1979.
• World Food Day educates people globally about hunger, food security, and malnutrition, fostering empathy and understanding.
• It provides a platform for governments, NGOs, and institutions to advocate policies enhancing food security.
• It emphasizes sustainable practices like crop rotation and conservation farming, promoting long-term food security while preserving natural resources.
• It inspires individuals and communities to volunteer, support local farmers, and promote nutrition education.
• It provides a platform for discussions on climate change’s impact on agriculture, food distribution inequalities, and the need for farming innovations.
• It encourages collaboration between nations, NGOs, and organizations.

MUST READ: Food security

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following infrastructure sectors: (2023)

1. Affordable housing
2. Mass rapid transport
3. Health care
4. Renewable energy

On how many of the above does the UNOPS Sustainable Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation (S3i) initiative focus on its investments?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Q.2) Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy : (2023)

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for preschool children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of childbirth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with a special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, scientists discovered that deep sleep can keep the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease at bay.

Background:-

• Deep sleep could be key to forestalling slow declines in brain health that may one day lead to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
• Based on their investigation involving 62 older, cognitively healthy adults, researchers from the University of California (UC) Berkeley, Stanford University, and UC Irvine in the US found individuals with brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s performed better on memory function tests as they got more deep sleep.

About Alzheimer’s disease:-

IMAGE SOURCE: About Alzheimer’s Disease [INFOGRAPHIC] – Infographic Plaza

• Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder.
• It causes brain cells to degenerate and die.
• This leads to loss of memory, problems with words in speaking or writing, poor judgment, changes in mood and personality, confusion with time or place, etc.
• It is a brain disorder that gets worse over time.
• Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
• Alzheimer’s is an incurable disease, as the death of brain cells cannot be reversed.
• Women have a higher risk of having Alzheimer’s disease than men.

Causes:-

• Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells.
• One of the proteins involved is called amyloid, deposits of which form plaques around brain cells and the other protein is called tau.
• Tau is a protein that when it occurs in tangled formations in the brain of Alzheimer patients, disrupts the ability of neurons to communicate with one another in the brain.

Symptoms:-

A gradual decline in some, most or all of the following:-

• Memory.
• Reasoning and handling of complex tasks.
• Language.
• Understanding visual form and space relationship.

Management and Treatment:-

Medication:

• There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but certain medications can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two types of drugs to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease:
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors.
  • NMDA antagonists.

Managing behaviour changes:-

• Maintaining a familiar environment for them.
• Monitoring patients’ comfort.
• Providing comfort objects, such as a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.

MUST READ: Need for stronger mental health strategy

SOURCE: SCIENCE ALERT

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following? (2023)

1. Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
2. Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues
3. Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
4. Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting a series of drug trials in  a population

Q.2) ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations? (2023)

1. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
2. Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
3. Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
4. Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal  samples from land surfaces and  water bodies

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest, rivers have fallen to record low levels during drought.

Background:-

• The record confirms that this part of the world’s largest rainforest is suffering its worst drought, just a little over two years after its most significant flooding.

About Amazon Rainforest:-

IMAGE SOURCE: IASBABA

• Location: South America.
• Temperatures: 20°C and 35°C.
• The name ‘Amazon’ was given by Spanish explorer Francisco Orellana, after he was attacked when exploring the region by female warriors named the Icamiabas, or ‘women without husbands’.
  • He compared them to the Amazons of Greek mythology.
• The Amazon rainforest covers some 40% of the South American continent.
• It is in 9 countries: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the three Guyanas.
• They are the world’s largest tropical rainforests.
• They occupy the drainage basin of the Amazon River and its tributaries in northern South America.
• As of 2021, the Amazon had 74% of its area covered by tropical rainforests and 9% of other natural vegetation types.
• They are home to nearly a fifth of the world’s land species and over 45 million people.
• The rainforest of the Amazon is home to 400–500 indigenous Amerindian tribes. (Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO))
• Tropical forests are closed-canopy forests growing within 28 degrees north or south of the equator.
• They are very wet places, receiving more than 200 cm of rainfall per year, either seasonally or throughout the year.

Significance:-

• It is the source of 20% of the oxygen used by the planet.
• 25% of all Western pharmaceuticals come from rainforest-based ingredients.
• More than 80% of the world’s food has its origins in the Amazon rainforest.
• An estimated 30% of the world’s species live in the Amazon.
• Around 30% of our carbon emissions come from burning the Amazon rainforest.

MUST READ: Deforestation in Amazon Basin

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is part of a project led by Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research program.
2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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: (2022)

1. The Climate Group is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and running them.
2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the “Under2 Coalition”.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: The ‘Ring of Fire’ eclipse was observed across the Americas recently.

Background:-

• It first came to the darkening skies, then the crescent-shaped shadows on the ground, and finally an eruption of cheers by crowds that gathered Saturday along the narrow path of a rare “ring of fire” eclipse of the Sun.

About Ring of fire eclipse:-

• A Solar Eclipse happens when the moon comes in between the sun and the Earth, due to which the moon blocks the sun’s light from reaching the Earth, causing an
• There are three main types of solar eclipses: total, partial, and annular.
• Total solar eclipse: It occurs when the Moon entirely blocks the Sun, creating a breathtaking sight as the Earth is engulfed in darkness.
• Partial solar eclipse: It happens when the Moon only partially covers the Sun, casting a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow on the Earth’s surface.
• Annular solar eclipse: It results in the captivating “Ring of Fire” phenomenon, where the Moon’s smaller apparent size creates a stunning golden ring around the darkened Sun.
• It occurs when the moon is farthest from the Earth, making it appear smaller than the sun.
• It happens when the moon does not fully cover the disk of the sun, leaving a thin outer ring often called a “ring of fire.”
• This eclipse doesn’t darken skies the way the total solar eclipse does.
• The next ring of fire eclipse is in October next year at the southernmost tip of South America. Antarctica gets one in 2026.

MUST READ: Ningaloo Eclipse 2023

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years? (2021)

1. Distance among stellar bodies does not change
2. The gravity of stellar bodies does not change
3. Light always travels in a straight line
4. The speed of light is always the same

Q.2) The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (2020)

1. Voyager-2
2. New Horizons
3. LISA Pathfinder
4. Evolved LISA

Syllabus

•    GSPAPER 2

Context: An age old sea route between India and Sri Lanka has been rejuvenated with the inauguration of a passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthural in Jaffana, Northern Sri Lanka. The ferry service was launched with a vessel named ‘Cheriyapani’.

ABOUT THE SERVICE

• The Maritime linkage between the two is not new, Earlier Indo-Ceylon express or boat Mail ran between Chennai and Colombovia the Thoothukudi port from the early 100s up until 1982.

• The most popular route was from Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar, it time taken was roughly 2 hrs.
• The service came to halt due to civil war in Sri Lanka.
• For the resumption of service, attempts started in 2009 after civil war ended.
• In 2011 Memorandum of Understanding concerning passenger transportation by sea was signed but it did not last for more than six months.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE FERRY SERVICES

• Transportation and Connectivity: Ferry services provide an additional transportation option for travelers, enhancing accessibility to different regions and countries, especially when there are no direct land routes or when travel by road is less practical.
• Tourism Promotion: Ferry services can boost tourism by making it easier for tourists to explore island. Especially it will promote religious tourism. Indian pilgrim centres such as Nagapattinam, Nagore, Velankanni, Thirunallar and temple towns such as Thanjavur, Madurai and Tiruchi are expected to a see an influx of Lankan tourists.

• People-to-People Connections: Ferry services can foster cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy between two countries, helping build closer relationships.
• Economic Development: It can promote economic development in coastal and island regions by increasing accessibility and encouraging investment in infrastructure and tourism.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Ferries are generally considered more environmentally friendly than other modes of transport, such as air travel, as they produce lower carbon emissions per passenger-kilometer.

CHALLENGES

• Border Disputes: The maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka has been a source of dispute in the past. Hence, ferry route would require careful consideration of these disputes and adherence to international laws.
• Maritime Security: Ensuring the safety and security of passengers and cargo on a ferry route is essential. Addressing potential threats from piracy or terrorism in the region is a significant challenge.
• Port Infrastructure: Developing and maintaining adequate port facilities in both India and Sri Lanka for handling ferry operations is the biggest challenge as of now. Initial plan of Shipping Corporation of India is to run services thrice a week.
• Financial Viability: Assessing the economic feasibility and long-term sustainability of the ferry route, given potential fluctuations in demand and competition with other modes of transportation, is crucial. Currently, the price of ticket is approximately Rs 7,670 which is costly hence can make tourist choose other viable routes.

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 weakening of the rupee may lead to a widening of the current account deficit and depletion of the foreign exchange reserves.

Statement-II:

Appreciation improves export competitiveness.

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 Chilobrachys natanicharum, consider the following statements:

1. It demonstrates remarkable adaptability.
2. These tarantulas cannot thrive in arboreal habitats.
3. It’s the first tarantula ever identified living in Vietnam’s mangroves.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  17th October 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – c