DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th November 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recent reports suggest that India, Indonesia and the Philippines account for over 60% drop in tuberculosis reporting in 2020 and 2021.

Background:-

• TB remained the world’s second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent in 2022, after COVID-19 and caused almost twice as many deaths as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), being the leading cause of death among people with HIV.

About Tuberculosis:-

• Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs.
• TB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs but may also affect other parts.
• Tuberculosis is preventable and curable.
• About a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with TB bacteria.
• About 5–10% of people infected with TB will eventually get symptoms and develop TB disease.
• Risk factors: The most common risk factor associated with TB is HIV and other conditions that impair the immune system.

Symptoms:-

• prolonged cough (sometimes with blood)
• chest pain
• weakness
• fatigue
• weight loss
• fever
• night sweats

Transmission:-

• Bacteria are spread through the air, just like a cold or the flu.
• It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
• Those who are infected but not (yet) ill with the disease cannot transmit it.

Treatment:-

• TB disease is usually treated with antibiotics and can be fatal without treatment.
• In certain countries, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is given to babies or small children to prevent TB.
  • The vaccine prevents TB outside of the lungs but not in the lungs.

Prevention:-

• Seeking medical attention if you have symptoms like prolonged cough, fever and unexplained weight loss as early treatment for TB can help stop the spread of the disease and improve your chances of recovery.
• Getting tested for TB infection if you are at increased risk, such as if you have HIV or are in contact with people who have TB in your household or your workplace.
• Practicing good hygiene when coughing, including avoiding contact with other people and wearing a mask, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of sputum and used tissues properly.

 MUST READ: India’s TB Elimination Programme

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The Serum Institute of India produced a COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using an mRNA platform.
2. The Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

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) Which of the following statements is not correct? (2017)

1. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
2. Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
3. Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses is several times more than those infected with HIV.
4. Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.

Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, President Draupadi Murmu visited the Badrinath Dham.

Background:-

• The president is scheduled to address the 11th convocation of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in Srinagar.
• The president will also attend a program organized in Dehradun tomorrow to celebrate Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.

About Badrinath Dham:-

• Location: Uttarakhand, India.
• Badrinath or Badrinarayan Temple is a Hindu temple.
• It is situated in the town of Badrinath.
• It is dedicated to lord Vishnu.
• It forms one of the four Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. (Srisailam Temple)
• The four char dhams include:-
  • Badrinath
  • Kedarnath
  • Gangotri
  • Yamunotri
• The temple is located on Garhwal hill tracks in Chamoli district.
• It is along the banks of the Alaknanda River.
• The temple has three structures: the Garbhagriha (sanctum), the Darshan Mandap (worship hall), and Sabha Mandap (convention hall).
• The Tapt Kund, a group of hot sulphur springs just below the temple, are considered to be medicinal.
• The Badrinath Dham, which symbolizes a synthesis of religious, cultural and spiritual mystic beauty, is undergoing reconstruction and beautification.

MUST READ: Khajuraho temples

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Manipuri Sankirtana, consider the following statements: (2017)

1. It is a song and dance performance
2. Cymbals are the only musical instruments used in the performance
3. It is performed to narrate the life and deeds of Lord Krishna

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Kalamkari painting refers to (2015)

1. a hand-painted cotton textile in South India.
2. a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in Northeast India.
3. a block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India.
4. a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India.

Syllabus

• Prelims –IMPORTANT AGENCIES

Context: The National Investigation Agency, has carried out coordinated searches at eight locations across Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh in a heroin seizure case recently.

Background:-

• The searches relate to the seizure of a substantial quantity of narcotics, specifically heroin, which was intercepted upon its arrival in India through the Integrated Check Post in Attari, Amritsar in April last year.

About National Investigation Agency:-

• NIA is functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in India.
• Establishment: 2008.
  • It was established by the National Investigation Agency Act, enacted on 31-12-08. (NIA)
• Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• It is a central agency to investigate and prosecute offences:-
  • affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, security of the State, and friendly relations with foreign States.
  • against atomic and nuclear facilities.
  • smuggling in High-Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency.

Objectives:-

• It implements international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its agencies and other international organizations.

Historical Background:-

• The agency at the Central level was created for the investigation of offences related to terrorism and certain other Acts post-2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Functions of NIA:-

• In-depth professional investigation of scheduled offences using the latest scientific methods.
• Ensuring effective and speedy trials.
• Developing into a thoroughly professional, result-oriented organization.
• Developing a professional workforce through regular training and exposure to the best practices and procedures.
• Maintaining professional and cordial relations with the governments of States and Union Territories and other law enforcement agencies in compliance with the legal provisions of the NIA Act.
• Assist all States and other investigating agencies in the investigation of terrorist cases. (Unlawful Activities and (Prevention) Act (UAPA))
• Build a database on all terrorist-related information.
• Share the database available with the States and other agencies.
• Study and analyse laws relating to terrorism in other countries.

MUST READ: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following organizations/ bodies in India : (2023)

1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

How many of the above are constitutional bodies?

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

Q.2) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : (2023)

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – GOVERNANCE

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently, called upon people to be vocal for local this festival season in his Mann Ki Baat program.

Background:-

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon people to be vocal for local by purchasing local goods on the occasion of festivals.
• The effect of this inspiration of the Prime Minister is also visible in the people shopping for festivals in Punjab.

About Mann Ki Baat program:-

• Mann Ki Baat is an Indian radio program hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• He addresses the people of the nation on All India Radio, DD National and DD News.
• The first Mann Ki Baat programme was broadcast on the occasion of Vijayadashami on 3 October 2014.
• The program is India’s first visually enriched radio program.
• Objective: to establish a dialogue with the citizens on issues of day-to-day governance. (Importance of e-governance in administration)
• The Radio was chosen as the medium of the program due to its wide reach and an estimated 90% of the total Indian population can be reached through the medium.
• The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addresses the nation every month on All India Radio.
• The 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on April 30, 2023.
  • DG UNESCO became a part of this episode.
  • He thanked Prime Minister Modi on behalf of UNESCO for the opportunity to be part of the 100th episode of the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Radio broadcast.

Guests on the show:-

• The former President of the United States, Barack Obama, was a part of the fourth episode of Mann Ki Baat, which was aired on 27 January 2015.
• On 29 September 2019, Lata Mangeshkar was a special guest on the show.
• The program was recorded originally in (Languages of India )
• However, it is translated into various languages like Adi, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Garo, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Khasi, Kokborok, Konkani, Lepcha, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Mizo, Nagamese, Nepali, Odia, Pnar, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

MUST READ: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Project Loon’, sometimes seen in the news, is related to (2016)

1. waste management technology
2. wireless communication technology
3. solar power production technology
4. water conservation technology

Q.2) With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields
2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other
3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, Astronomers peering at the atmosphere of Venus have detected clear signs of atomic oxygen in daylight.

Background:-

• Atomic oxygen is known to exist in the planet’s atmosphere, according to theoretical models, and has even been directly detected on Venus’ nightside but the dayside detection means we have new insight into the dynamics of the Venusian atmosphere.

About Venus:-

• Surface Temperature: 462 °C
• Number of Moons: None
• First Recorded: 17th century BCE by Babylon astronomers
• It is one of the four inner, terrestrial (or rocky) planets.
• It is the only planet named after a female.
• It is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
• It is the second planet from the Sun.
• It is the sixth in the solar system in size and mass.
• It is the brightest planet.
• It is the hottest planet in the solar system because of the high concentration of carbon dioxide which works to produce an intense greenhouse effect.
• Unlike the other planets in our solar system, Venus and Uranus spin clockwise on their axis.
• Venus has been called Earth’s twin because of the similarities in their masses, sizes, and densities and their similar relative locations in the solar system.

Venus Missions:-

• US: Mariner series 1962-1974, Pioneer Venus 1 and Pioneer Venus 2 in 1978, Magellan in 1989. (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR))
• Russia: Venera series of space crafts 1967-1983, Vegas 1 and 2 in 1985.
• Japan: Akatsuki in 2015.
• Europe: Venus Express in 2005.
• India: Shukrayaan (to be launched in 2024.)

MUST READ: Exoplanets

SOURCE: SCIENCE ALERT

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct? (2023)

1. The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times that received at the poles.
2. Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
3. Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
4. Infrared waves are a part of the visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Q.2) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Japan

Syllabus

• Prelims – POLITY

Context: Recently, the Election Commission provided the facility to voters above 80 years of age & Divyanga to vote from home.

Background:-

• Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan informed that the Election Commission has provided the facility to voters above 80 years of age and those with more than 40 per cent Divyanga to vote from home in the assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh.
• Similarly, service voters have also the facility to cast their vote before voting.

About Election Commission:-

• The Election Commission is a permanent and independent body established by the Constitution of India. ( Election Commission)
• Objective: to ensure free and fair elections in the country.
• Article 324 of the Constitution: provides that the power of superintendence, direction and control of elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India and the office of vice-president of India shall be vested in the election commission.

Composition Election Commission of India:-

• Members: The election commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and a such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time fix.
• Appointment: The appointment of the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners shall be made by the
• Head: When any other election commissioner is so appointed the chief election commissioner shall act as the chairman of the election commission.
• Regional commissioners: The president may also appoint after consultation with the election commission such regional commissioners as he may consider necessary to assist the election commission.
• Procedure of Removal:-
• The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through a process of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge by Parliament.
  • Judges of High Courts and Supreme Court, CEC, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) may be removed from office through a motion adopted by Parliament on grounds of ‘Proven misbehaviour or incapacity’.
  • Removal requires a special majority of 2/3rd members present and voting supported by more than 50% of the total strength of the house.
• Conditions of service: it shall be such as the President may by rule.
• Tenure of office: The President may by rule determine it.

Key Functions of ECI:-

• ECI superintendents, direct and control the entire process of conducting elections. ( Cohort on Election Integrity)
  • These include elections to Parliament and Legislature of every State and to the offices of President and Vice-President of India.
• It decides the election schedules for the conduct of periodic and timely elections, whether general or bye-elections.
• It prepares electoral rolls and issues Electronic Photo Identity Cards (EPIC).
• It decides on the location of polling stations, assignment of voters to the polling stations, location of counting centres, and other related arrangements to be made.
• It grants recognition to political parties.
• It allots election symbols to them along with settling disputes related to it.
• Advisory jurisdiction: it can advise in the matter of post-election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
• It issues the Model Code of Conduct in elections for political parties and candidates.
• Model Code of Conduct: a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections.
• It sets limits of campaign expenditure per candidate to all the political parties and also monitors the same.

MUST READ: Finance Commission

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In essence, what does ‘Due Process of Law’ mean? (2023)

1. The principle of natural justice
2. The procedure established by law
3. Fair application of law
4. Equality before law

Q.2) With reference to the Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements : (2023)

1. When the Lok Sabha transmits the Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill.
2. When the Lok Sabha transmits the Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations.
3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Mains: GS II – Human Resources and GS III – Internal Security

Context: The UN defines refugees as those individuals who have fled their own countries because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal, and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.

Statistics about Displacement

• According to UNHCR’s statistics on forced displacement, the number of people who were forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing public order reached a record 108.4 million by the end of 2022, and 30% of them were children.
• The main driver of displacement in 2022 was the full-scale war in Ukraine, which erupted in February 2022 and created the fastest and one of the largest displacement crises since World War II.
• By the end of 2022, a total of 11.6 million Ukrainians remained displaced, including 5.9 million within their country and 5.7 million who fled to neighbouring countries and beyond.
• In addition to conflict and violence, climate change and natural disasters also triggered displacement and exacerbated the vulnerability of displaced populations.
• Climate disasters caused 32.6 million internal displacements throughout 2022 and 8.7 million of the people did not manage to return home by the end of the year.
• Disaster related internal displacement accounted for more than half (54%) of all new displacements in 2022.

Causes of Displacement

• Conflict and War: People often flee their homes when violence and warfare break out in their region, as they fear for their safety and the safety of their families. Ukrainian displacement is an example of it.
• Persecution: Persecution based on factors such as political beliefs, religion, ethnicity, race, nationality, or membership in a particular social group can force people to become refugees. For Example – Rohingya Muslims
• Human Rights Violations: Gross human rights violations, including torture, discrimination, and denial of basic freedoms, can lead individuals or communities to seek refuge in other countries. For example, Afghanistan people were displaced after the Taliban takeover
• Environmental Disasters: Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and droughts, can displace people from their homes. This is often referred to as “environmental displacement” or “climate refugees.”
• Economic Hardship: Economic instability and extreme poverty can also drive people to become refugees. They may leave their home countries in search of better economic opportunities and living conditions.
• Political Instability: Political instability, including coups, government oppression, and a lack of democratic governance, can lead to refugee crises as people seek more stable environments. Example Congo refugees.

Impact of Forced Displacement on Host Countries

• Strain on Resources and Services: The sudden influx of refugees can place significant pressure on host communities’ resources and can overburden existing infrastructure, leading to shortages and reduced access for both refugees and host community members.
• Social Cohesion and Cultural Dynamics: The arrival of refugees may create social tensions and cultural dynamics within host communities. Differences in language, religion, and customs can generate misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Increased Competition for Jobs: The presence of refugees can lead to competition for employment opportunities in host communities. Some host community members may perceive refugees as taking away jobs or driving down wages, leading to tension and resentment.

Current Refugee Situation in India

• India is home to diverse groups of refugees, ranging from Buddhist Chakmas from the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, to Bhutanese from Nepal, Muslim Rohingyas from Myanmar, and small populations from Somalia, Sudan, and other sub-Saharan African countries.
• According to the UNHCR, there were 204,600 refugees, asylum seekers, and ‘others of concern’ in India in 2011.
• They were made up of 13,200 people from Afghanistan, 16,300 from Myanmar, 2,100 from various other countries, and the two older populations of around 100,000 Tibetans and 73,000 Sri Lankan Tamils. The UNHCR financially assisted 31,600 of them.
• In late 2011, the Rohingya started to arrive in India’s Northeast following stepped-up persecution by the Myanmar’s armed forces.
• According to the Home Ministry, there are roughly 14,000 Rohingya refugees in
• Other refugees include Ahmadiyya, Shia, Hazaras from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Conclusion

Addressing the root causes of forced displacement requires efforts to resolve conflicts and promote peace. Diplomatic negotiations, mediation, and peace-building initiatives can help prevent further displacement by resolving the underlying issues.

Connect the Dots

Analyze India’s stance and laws on refugees.

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 :

NIA builds a database of all terrorist-related information.

Statement-II :

It is under the Ministry of Defence.

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 Tuberculosis, consider the following statements:

1. Those who are infected but not (yet) ill with the disease cannot transmit it.
2. Tuberculosis is preventable and curable.
3. It affects only the lungs.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  8th November 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – d