DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st December 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims – GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Context: Rozgar Melas events are being held across the country recently.

Background:-

• New appointees are inducted into various Central Ministries/ Departments/ Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs)/ Autonomous Bodies including Health and education Institutes, Public Sector Banks etc.
• Filling up vacant posts in various Ministries/Departments is a continuous process. All vacant posts are being filled in a Mission Mode.

About Rozgar Melas:-

• 1st Edition of National Rozgar Mela: October 22, 2022.
• Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Objective: To give impetus to the employment initiatives in the country, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India has been organizing Rozgar Melas across

the nation to provide suitable job opportunities in the private sector to the unemployed youth.

• A Rozgar Mela is a 1/2-day event where several employers and job seekers come together for the purpose of applying and interviewing for jobs.
• These Rozgar Melas generally cater to the youth in the age group of 18-35 Years with an academic qualification covering 8th/10th/12th Pass, ITI, Diploma, Graduates etc. including the trained and certified candidates conforming to National Skills Qualifications Framework.
• The jobseekers for the Rozgar Mela are sensitized & mobilized through various channels including Print Advertisement, Bulk SMS, Social Media & workshops at the College and university Level in & around the districts of the Rozgar Mela.
• Under the Rozgar Mela Scheme, 10 lakh jobs will be available for candidates to apply in Group A and B Gazetted Posts, Group B Non-Gazetted and Group C Non-Gazetted posts.

Activities in  Rozgar Melas:-

• Counselling Sessions for the jobseekers & their parents,
• Kaushal Melas for the registration of youth under fresh skill development training (PMKK/PMKVY), and
• Mudra Loan Facilitation Counters & Skill Exhibition (where SSCs demonstrate the training model, equipment, and job roles of their respective sectors)

Goals of Rozgar Mela:-

• Empowering the youth
• Providing opportunities for the youth to contribute to the nation’s development
• Fast-tracking the meeting of job seekers and employers
• Reflecting the Prime Minister’s vision that development should reach all parts of the country equally

Contribution of Rozgar Mela:-

• Rozgar Mela gives an opportunity for job seekers to learn more about potential employers and various employment opportunities available, including entrepreneurship.
• It also offers a platform for organizations to meet potential employees in an informal setting.
• It brings skilled candidates in direct contact with recruiters, HR managers, admission officers, and advisory bodies/training providers.

Significance:-

• It is anticipated that the Rozgar Mela will play a pivotal role in promoting employment opportunities and providing meaningful avenues for the empowerment of the youth, enabling their active participation in the development of the nation. (Self-Reliant India)
• It serves as a platform for job seekers to apply for jobs and participate in interviews.

MUST READ: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments, and lay-offs in factories employing workers? (2022)

1. Central Statistics Office
2. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
3. Labour Bureau
4. National Technical Manpower Information System

Q.2)  Consider the following statements with reference to India: (2023)

1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006’, ‘medium enterprises are those with investments in plant and machinery between (‘ 15 crores and ’25 crore).
2. All bank loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: The All-India Consumer Price Index Number for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers for the month of November 2023 was increased recently.

Key Highlights:-

• CPI increased by 12 points and 11 points respectively to stand at 1253 and 1262 points respectively.
• There has been an upward trend in the index across all the states except West Bengal (both CPI-AL and CPI-RL indices decreased) and Himachal Pradesh (the CPI-AL index decreased).
• In the case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 11 States, 11 to 20 points in 4 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 3 states.
• In the case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 11 states, 11 to 20 points in 5 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 3 states.
• Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with 1439 points each topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 1015 points stood at the bottom.
• Among states, the maximum increase for CPI-AL was experienced by Maharashtra of 27 points which was mainly driven by the increased prices of jowar, rice, wheat atta, tapioca, arhar dal, onion and sugar etc.
• Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 7.37% and 7.13% in November, 2023 compared to 7.08% and 6.92% respectively in October, 2023 and 6.87% and 6.99% respectively during the corresponding month of  previous year.

About Consumer Price Index:-

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food and medical care.
• The CPI calculates the difference in the price of commodities and services such as food, medical care, education, electronics etc, which Indian consumers buy for use.

Type of CPI:-

• There are 4 different types of CPI measured:-

CPI for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW)

• It attempts to quantify changes in the pricing of a fixed basket of products and services used by Industrial Workers over time.
• Released by: Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Base Year: 2016.

CPI for Agricultural Laborers (CPI-AL)

• It helps to revise minimum wages for agricultural labor in different States.
• Released by: Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Base Year:1986-87.

CPI for Rural Labourer (CPI-RL)

• Released by: Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Base Year:1986-87.

CPI (Rural/Urban/Combined)

• Released by: National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation
• Base Year: 2012.

Calculation:–

• It is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them.
• The formula to calculate the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is as follows:
• CPI = (Total cost of basket of goods and services in the current period / Total cost of the basket of goods and services in the base period) x 100.

Uses:-

• To calculate the inflation levels CPI’s annual percentage change is also used to assess inflation.
• To compute the cost of living.
• Determine the purchasing power of a country’s currency.
• Understanding the real value of wages, salaries, pensions, etc.
• Price regulation.
• Provides insights into consumer spending

Significance:-

• Changes in the CPI are used to assess price changes associated with the cost of living.

MUST READ: India’s sticky Inflation

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

1. If the inflation is too high, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities.
2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market.
3. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)

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

Q.2) With reference to the Indian economy, what are the advantages of “Inflation-Indexed Bonds (IIBs)”?

1. Government can reduce the coupon rates on its borrowing by way of IIBs.
2. IIGs provide protection to investors from uncertainty regarding inflation.
3. The interest received as well as capital gains on IIBs are not taxable.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Venomous blue dragons were spotted near the seashore in Besant Nagar, Chennai recently.

Background:-

• Usually found in open sea surface waters, they sometimes get pushed to the shore due to a storm or some oceanic condition.

About Blue Dragons:-

• Scientific Name: Glaucus atlanticus
• Habitat: Open ocean
• Distribution: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
• Lifespan: Unknown, potentially up to one year
• It is a type of mollusc known as a nudibranch.
• They also are known as blue sea slugs, blue angels, and sea swallows.
• They are typically slow-moving, terrestrial, and slimy.
• They can’t move fast, or eat vegetables.
• It isn’t venomous all on its own, however, it stores the stinging nematocysts created by the creatures on which it feeds.
• Its sting can cause problems, especially to children and elderly.
• One sting from this little creature can lead to nausea, pain, vomiting, acute allergic contact dermatitis, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• They are hermaphrodites.
• They are up to around 3cm (1.2 inch) long.
• They weigh up to 50g or less.
• They can be Blue, silver, or white in Colour.
• Their diet is Siphonophores and snails.

MUST READ: National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases

SOURCE: THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

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 – IMPORTANT AWARDS/ ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, Sahitya Akademi awards for 2023 were announced.

Key Highlights of Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2023 :-

• Nine books of poetry, six novels, five short story collections, three essays and one literary study have won the Sahitya Akademi Awards this year.
• Tamil author Rajasekaran has been chosen for his novel Neervazhi Padooum, Telugu writer Patanjali Sastry for his short story collection and Malayalam litterateur,EV Ramakrishnan for his literary study Malayala Novelinte Deshakalangal.
• The authors who will receive the honour for their poetry collections include Vijay Verma in Dogri, Vinod Joshi in Gujarati, and Ashutosh Parida in Odia.
• The authors who have been chosen for their short stories include Pranavjyoti Deka in Assamese, Nandeswar Daimary in Bodo, and Taraceen Baskey in Santali.
• Sanjeev will get Sahitya Akademi Award for his Hindi novel Mujhe Pahachaano and Neelam Saran Gour will get the award for her English Novel Requiem in Raga Janki.
• The award, in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and one lakh rupees.
• The Award will be presented at the award presentation function on 12th March next year.

About Sahitya Akademi awards:-

• Established: 12 March 1954.
• Given By: Sahitya Akademi, Government of India.
• Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honour that is conferred annually.
• It was the First Time Conferred in 1955.
• It is awarded in Languages
• The Award is presented to the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the twenty-four major Indian languages recognized by the Akademi (including English).
• Sahitya Akademi Award is the second highest literary honour by the Government of India, after the Jananpith award.

Decoration:-

• The Award in the form of an engraved copper-plaque, and a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000/-

Eligibility:-

• The author must be of Indian Nationality.

Selection process:-

• For the main award/ Bhasha Samman conducted through a rigorous and confidential process overseen by experts – the body comprises one writer chosen from each of the 24 regional languages.
• Each member suggests 200 names, following which an expert committee finalises 50 in phase one → 5 in the next phase and finally, one of the five is shortlisted.

MUST READ: Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards : (2023)

1. Major Dhyan Chand:       For the most spectacular and outstanding performance and outstanding Khel Ratna Award performance over a period of the last four years.
2. Arjuna Award:                   For the lifetime achievement of a sportsperson.
3. Dronacharya Award:       To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams.
4. Rashtriya Khel:                 To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022: (2023)

1. It was the first time that Chess Olympiad was held in India.
2. The official mascot was named Thambi.
3. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup.
4. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –POLITY

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court recently held that a Civil Revision Petition under Section 115 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) is not maintainable against the dismissal of an application filed under Order IX Rule 13 of the CPC to set aside an ex-parte decree.

Background:-

• The Court clarified that Section 115 cannot be invoked to challenge dismissals of applications seeking to set aside ex-parte decrees.
  • Section 115 deals with the revisional powers of the High Court to scrutinize lower court judgments.

About Ex-Parte Decree:-

• Ex-parte decrees are judicial orders issued without the other party’s participation, typically in urgent situations where one party claims irreparable harm or injustice.
• These decrees are temporary and subject to review upon a subsequent hearing involving both parties.
• These are commonly utilized in family law cases such as child custody, domestic violence, or divorce to ensure immediate protection for a party or a child facing imminent danger or harm.
• As per the CPC, there is no specific time limit mentioned to file an application to set aside the ex-parte order, but it is advisable to file the application as soon as possible after becoming aware of the ex-parte order.
• The applicant should provide supporting evidence to substantiate their claim.
• For example, if the ground for setting aside the order is improper service of summons, the applicant may need to provide proof that the summons was not served correctly.
• The court will schedule a hearing to consider the application. (the workings of the Supreme Court collegium)
• The court will assess the validity of the grounds presented by the applicant and may inquire into the circumstances that led to the ex-parte order.
• The court has the discretion to decide whether the grounds presented are sufficient and whether the ex-parte order should be set aside.
• The court may also impose conditions and terms, including costs and other factors, when setting aside the order.

MUST READ: Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022

SOURCE: LIVELAW.IN

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) Which of the following is/are the exclusive power(s) of Lok Sabha? (2022)

1. To ratify the declaration of Emergency
2. To pass a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers
3. To impeach the President of India

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: A volcano erupted in Iceland’s Reykjavik with lava fountains reaching high up in the air recently.

Background:-

• In just the past two years, there have been four eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland’s most populated corner and home to its capital.

About Iceland volcano:-

• A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface.
• Movement of molten rock in the mantle, caused by thermal convection currents, coupled with gravitational effects of changes on the earth’s surface (erosion, deposition, even asteroid impact and patterns of post-glacial rebound) drive plate tectonic motion and ultimately volcanism.

Types of Volcanos:-

• Active Volcanoes: they show some level of activity and are likely to explode again.
• Dormant Volcano: Many other volcanoes are dormant, showing no current signs of exploding but are likely to become active at some point in the future. ( Mauna Loa)
• Extinct Volcano: Has all the features of the volcano but has not erupted in historic times.

Factors that lead to volcanism:-

• Plate Tectonics: The majority of volcanoes occur where two lithospheric plates converge and one overrides the other, forcing it down into the mantle to be reabsorbed.
• Ocean floor spreading: A major site of active volcanism is along the axis of the oceanic ridge system, where the plates move apart on both sides of the ridge and magma wells up from the mantle.
• Weak Earth Surface: Because of high pressure in the earth’s interior, the magma and gases escape with great velocity as the pressure is released through eruptions where opportunity is provided by weak zones along the earth’s surface.
• Faults: Whenever extreme pressure builds in the mantle, along fault lines an eruption is likely to happen next. The earthquakes, for instance, may expose fault zones through which magma may escape.
• Magma crystallization: Decreasing temperatures can cause old magma to crystallize and sink to the bottom of the chamber and this movement can force fresh liquid magma up and out – similar to dropping a brick in a bucket of water.
• A decrease in external pressure: A decrease in external pressure can trigger an eruption as it may minimize the volcano’s ability to hold back by increasing the pressures inside the magma chamber
• Plate movement: Volcanism may occur because of plate movement over a “hot spot” from which magmas can penetrate to the surface. Ex. Islands of Hawaii

MUST READ: EARTHQUAKE

SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2022)

1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth.
2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth’s surface and thus cause a warming effect.

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 statements: (2018)

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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 :

Extinct Volcanoes show some level of activity and are likely to explode again.

Statement-II :

Dormant Volcanoes show no current signs of exploding but are likely to become active at some point in the future.

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 Blue Dragons, consider the following statements:

1. Its sting is harmless.
2. They are hermaphrodites.
3. They can be only Blue in Colour.

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

1. 2 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 ’  21st December 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – c