DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th December 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs initiated the IEC Campaign on Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

Background:-

• With an aim of reaching out to 22000 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) majority tribal habitations and PVTG families in 200 districts across the country, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs has initiated an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign for the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

About Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN):-

• Launched: December,2023.
• Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs+ 8 other Ministries.
• Objective: to raise awareness and ensure 100% saturation of Government Schemes in PVTG majority tribal habitations.
• Seventy-five communities spread across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Focus areas include 11 critical interventions, encompassing various sectors such as housing, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and connectivity.
• mission will operate over the next three year.

Salient Features:-

• The comprehensive IEC campaign has started initially in 100 districts, covering approximately 500 blocks and 15,000 PVTG habitations across 18 states and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• In phase II, will cover the remaining districts.
• This campaign is an effort aimed at saturating PVTG families with individual entitlements and habitations with basic facilities, by making these tribal communities aware of their entitlements.
• During the campaign period, Aadhar cards, Community certificates and Jan Dhan accounts will be provided as these are basic requirements for other schemes such as the issue of Ayushman card, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan credit card etc.
• This initiative will ensure to cover every PVTG household that has remained unreached because of distance, lack of road and digital connectivity.
• It will provide facilities at their doorstep. (National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST))
• Places like Haat Bazar, CSC, Gram panchayat, Anganwadi, Multipurpose Centre, Vandhan Vikas Kendras, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras will be used to organize these events.

MUST READ: Significance of Tribal Culture in Sustainable Development

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (2022)

1. This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.
2. This would create a local self-governing body in that area.
3. This would convert that area into a Union Territory.
4. The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State.

Q.2) With reference to India, the terms ‘Halbi, Ho and Kui’ pertain to (2021)

1. dance forms of Northwest India
2. musical instruments
3. pre-historic cave paintings
4. tribal languages

Syllabus

• Prelims – GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY

Context: The Consumer Helpline 2.0 was inaugurated recently on National Consumer Day.

Background:-

• The National Consumer Day is observed every year in India on 24th December.
• On this day the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 was passed by the Parliament in August 2019 to replace the Consumer Protection Act, of 1986.
• The World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15 March.

About National Consumer Helpline 2.0:-

• Launched: 2023.
• Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
• Objective: to provide telephonic advice, information and guidance to empower Indian consumers and persuade businesses to reorient their policy and management systems to address consumer concerns and grievances adopting world-class standards.

Salient Features:-

• At the pre-litigation level, the National Consumer Helpline 2.0 serves as an alternative dispute resolution method.
• It is available in over 17 languages, including the newly added Maithili, Kashmiri, and Santhali.
• National Consumer Helpline operates under the Centre for Consumer Studies at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).
• It recognizes the need of consumers for a Telephone Helpline to deal with a multitude of problems arising in their day-to-day dealings with business and service providers.
• It provides a National Toll-Free Number 1800-11-4000 OR 1915.
• The Helpline is available on all days Except National Holidays between 09:30 AM To 05:30 PM.

Sectors covered:-

• Service sectors : LPG, Electricity, Telecom, Banking, Insurance, Credit cards, Automobiles, Postal, Courier, water, Transport, Education and Medical etc.
• Products : Domestic Home Appliances in the range of ACs, Geysers, Fans, pressure cookers, Gas burner, Food Products, drinking water, Sindhur, etc.

Benefits of NCH:-

National Consumer Helpline supports consumers by:-

• Guiding consumers in finding solutions to problems related to Products and services.
• Providing information related to Companies and Regulatory Authorities.
• Facilitating consumers in filing complaints against defaulting Service Providers.
• Empowering consumers to use available Consumer Grievances Redressal Mechanisms, Educating Consumers about their Rights and Responsibilities.
• Developing awareness among Consumers about their Rights and Responsibilities.

MUST READ: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana : (2023)

1. It is a safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q.2) 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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recent studies show shows signs of self-pollination in plant Viola arvensis.

Background:-

• In the first evidence of rapid evolution, scientists have discovered a flower growing in Paris, France is producing less nectar and smaller flowers to attract fewer pollinators.
• The scientists also found evidence that the plant field pansy, scientifically known as Viola arvensis, is self-pollinating, as indicated the research.
• Ongoing convergent evolution of a selfing syndrome threatens plant-pollinator interactions, said the paper published in the journal New Phytologist.

About Viola arvensis:-

• Family:
• Distribution: It is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa.
• Leaves are
• Leaf arrangement is alternate ie; there is one leaf per node along the stem.
• The edge of the leaf blade has teeth.
• The flower is bilaterally symmetrical.
• There are five petals, sepals, or tepals in the flower.
• Both petals and sepals are separate and not fused.
• 5 Stamens are present.
• The fruit is dry and splits open when ripe. (National Bioenergy Programme)
• Fruit length is 5–10 mm.
• Flower petal colour is blue to purple, white to yellow.

MUST READ: Lantana Camara

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Among the following crops, which one is the most important anthropogenic source of both methane and nitrous oxide ? (2022)

1. Cotton
2. Rice
3. Sugarcane
4. Wheat

Q.2) If a particular plant species is placed under Schedule VI of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, what is the implication? (2020)

1. A licence is required to cultivate that plant
2. Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances
3. It is a Genetically Modified crop plant

Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem

Syllabus

• Prelims – IMPORTANT DAYS/ HISTORY

Context: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will participate in the programme marking ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ on 26th December, 2023 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

About Veer Baal Diwas:-

• The day was observed to mark the martyrdom of Sri Guru Gobind Singh’s sons Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.
• On the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, on 9th January 2022, the Prime Minister announced that 26th December will be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, to mark the martyrdom of Sri Guru Gobind Singh’s sons Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.

Historical Background:-

• Guru Gobind Singh ji had four sons – Sahibzada Ajit Singh, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.
• All four of his sons were initiated into the Khalsa and all were executed by Mughal forces before the age of 19.
• Sikhism honors the illustrious martyred sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji in the prayer of ardas for their valor and sacrifice as ‘Char Sahibzade’, that is the four princes of the Khalsa warrior order.
• Sahibzada Jorawar Singh (9) and Sahibzada Fateh Singh (7) are among the most revered martyrs in Sikhism.
• The two sons of Guru Gobind Singh were captured.
• They were offered safe passage if they became Muslims.
• These two greats preferred death instead of deviating from the noble principles of Dharma.

 Key events to mark the day:-

• On the occasion, Prime Minister will also flag off a march-past by youth in Delhi.
• To mark this day, the Government is organising participative programmes all over the country for informing and educating the citizens, especially the young children, about the story of exemplary courage of the Sahibzades.
• A digital exhibition detailing the life story and sacrifice of the Sahibzades will be displayed in schools and childcare institutions across the country.
• A film on ‘Veer Baal Diwas’ will also be screened nationwide.
• Also, there will be various online competitions like interactive quizzes which will be organised through MYBharat and MyGov portals.

MUST READ: Guru Nanak Dev

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (2022)

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

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) Which one of the following statements is correct? (2021)

1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora River.
2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal River.
3. Pandu – lena cave shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada River.
4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari River.

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: Recently, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has allowed National Pension System (NPS) subscribers to deposit their contributions through the convenience of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) QR code.

Background:-

• This advancement aims to simplify the contribution process, making it more accessible and efficient for NPS participants.
• The introduction of QR code – UPI for D-Remit is a positive & revolutionary step towards making NPS contributions more accessible, efficient, and flexible. This initiative by PFRDA empowers NPS subscribers to take control of their retirement savings and benefit from the advantages of systematic investment planning.

About Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA):-

• Established :2003.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• Ministry : Ministry of Finance.
• Objective: to oversee the National Pension System (NPS), and regulate India’s pensions sector.
• The interim PFRDA transitioned into the PFRDA with the passage of Pension Fund Regulatory Development Authority (PFRDA) Act, 2013.
• The PFRDA is the pension regulator for the National Pension Scheme.
• It functions towards the promotion and development of pension schemes.
• The Central Autonomous Body (CAB).
• It consists of a Chairperson and not more than six members, of whom at least three shall be whole-time members, to be appointed by the Central Government.

Functions:-

• Promoting pension schemes to secure the old age financial requirements of retired individuals.
• Regulating the pension schemes that fall under the PFRDA act (NPS and Atal Pension Yojana).
• Protecting the interests of pension fund subscribers.
• Governing and supervising Tier-1 and Tier-2 accounts of the NPS.
• Registering and regulating intermediaries like Central Record-Keeping Agency (CRA), Pension Fund Managers, etc.
• Training intermediaries to familiarise and educate people on the importance of pension funds.
• Educating stakeholders and the general public about the benefits of PFRDA NPS.
• Approving schemes and formulating the guidelines for managing pension fund corpus.
• Establishing a grievance redressal mechanism.
• Addressing grievances on the various pension schemes in the country.
• Regulating the regulated assets.

MUST READ: Old Pension vs New Pension Scheme (NPS)

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)

1. Department of Science and Technology
2. Ministry of Labour and Employment
3. NITI Aayog
4. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Q.2) Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (2017)

1. Resident Indian citizens only
2. Persons of age from 21 to 55 only
3. All State Government employees joining the services after the state of notification by the respective State Governments
4. All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April 2004

Syllabus

• Prelims – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, at the COP28, NASA and IBM announced that an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool called watsonx.ai would be available on the open-source AI platform Hugging Space.

Background:-

• ai will help users monitor the Earth from space, measuring environmental changes that have already happened while also making predictions about the future.

About watsonx.ai:-

• ai is a collaborative AI tool developed by IBM and NASA .
• Objective: to enhance the ability to predict hurricanes, droughts, and other severe weather events with increased precision.
• The platform has a set of AI assistants to help one scale and accelerate the impact of artificial intelligence through trusted data across his/her business.
• In the case of watsonx.ai, NASA provides the datasets and IBM created the foundation model to interpret them.
• The model is also designed to be extremely simple to use.
• A user would merely need to select a location and a date, and the model will highlight changes in floodwater, reforestation efforts and other relevant factors.
• It is an end-to-end toolkit encompassing both data and AI governance.
• It will help users monitor the Earth from space, measuring environmental changes that have already happened while also making predictions.
• The Indian government is testing AI to build climate models to improve weather forecasting as torrential rains, floods, and droughts proliferate across the country.

MUST READ: Doppler Weather Radar Network

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

The region often mentioned in the news:   Country

1. Anatolia                                                     Turkey
2. Amhara                                                      Ethiopia
3. Cabo Delgado                                             Spain
4. Catalonia                                                       Italy

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

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

Q.2) consider the following statements: (2020)

1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

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 :

Guru Gobind Singh ji had four sons.

Statement-II :

All four of his sons were executed by Mughal forces before the age of 19.

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 watsonx.ai, consider the following statements:

1. It will help users monitor the Earth from space.
2. It is an Artificial Intelligence tool built by NASA only.
3. It is an end-to-end toolkit encompassing both data and AI governance.

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. only

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  26th December 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – d

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – b