DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th December 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNANCE/ POLITY

Context: The Telecommunications Bill, 2023, was passed in Parliament recently.

Background:-

• When it receives the assent of the President, the Bill will replace three archaic laws such as the Telegraph Act of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 and The Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950.

About Telecommunications Bill, 2023:-

• It aims to consolidate the law for wireless networks and Internet service providers and simplify the process of application for licenses and permits for telecom operators.
• The Bill governs authorization of telecommunication networks and services, provides for auctioning as well as administrative allocation of spectrum, and defines the mechanism for exercising the right of way for laying telecom infrastructure such as cables in public as well as private property.
• It states that prior authorization will be needed from the central government for providing telecom services, establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecom networks, and possessing radio equipment.
• The existing licenses remain valid for the grant period or five years if unspecified.
• It also spells out emergency measures the government can take in the interest of national security and public safety such as intercepting messages, suspending telecommunication services as well as taking temporary possession of any telecommunication service or network.
• It states that spectrum will only be assigned through auction, except for specified uses such as national security, defence, disaster management, weather forecasting, transport, satellite services (DTH and satellite telephony), BSNL, MTNL, and public broadcasting.
• The Bill also states that rules will be framed to protect consumers with the setting up of a ‘Do Not Disturb’ register to ensure they don’t receive a specified class of messages without prior consent.
• Entities have also been mandated to carry out biometric authentication of their users as a measure to curb fraud.
• The Bill allows the government to curb the import of telecom equipment from potentially adversarial nations.
• The bill prescribes punishment for unauthorized provision of telecom services or access to networks/data punishable with imprisonment, fines, or both. (The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI))
• The central government will appoint an adjudicating officer (rank of joint secretary and above) for civil offences.
• Appeals to Designated Appeals Committee and Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).
• Territorial Applicability: It now extends to offences committed outside India if the offence in question involves a telecom service provided in India.

Significance:–

• Replaces Archaic Laws.
• Provides Clarity for Satellite broadband services.
• Provides technology-based Solutions for Governance.

MUST READ: Telecom industry in India

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements : (2018)

1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.1) If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (2022)

1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur in equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. 1, 2, 4, and 5 only
2. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 only
3. 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: The Delhi Police has intensified its probe into a low-intensity blast that occurred near the Israel Embassy recently.

Background:-

• Areas around the Israel embassy and Jewish establishments in Delhi have been put under the watch of the security personnel.

About India- Israel Relations:-

IMAGE SOURCE: WORLDATLAS

Diplomatic Relations:-

• India had voted against partitioning Palestine at the UN, rejecting the notion of two nations based on religious criteria in 1947.
• India and Israel established diplomatic ties in
• India officially recognized Israel in 1950.
• In 1992 India established full diplomatic relations with Israel.
• In 2000, L K Advani became the first Indian minister to visit Israel.
• And in 2003, Ariel Sharon became the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit India.
• In 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Israel, becoming the first Indian prime minister to do so.
• The two countries have since elevated their ties to a strategic partnership.

Economic and trade Relations:-

• Bilateral merchandise trade surged from USD 200 million in 1992 to USD 6.35 billion (excluding defense) by 2022.
• India emerged as Israel’s third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh globally, with trade diversifying into pharmaceuticals, agriculture, IT, telecom, and homeland security.

Defense Relations:-

• India imports crucial defence technologies from Israel.
• India uses Israeli defence systems such as Phalcon AWACS, Heron drones, and Barak anti-missile defense systems.

Agricultural Relations:-

• A three-year joint work program was signed in 2021 to enhance agricultural cooperation, focusing on Centers of Excellence, value chains, and private investment.
• Israel’s expertise and technologies have benefitted India in horticulture, irrigation, and dairy farming.

Relations in Science and Technology:

• The Joint Committee on Science and Technology, established in 1993.
• The India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F) supports joint industrial projects in specific sectors.
• In 2002, India and Israel signed a cooperative agreement promoting space collaboration.
• India has successfully launched TecSAR and RISAT-2 radar imaging satellites of Israel from PSLV of ISRO.

I2U2 Grouping:-

• It stands for India, Israel, the UAE, and the US.
• It aims to strengthen economic partnerships, identify areas of cooperation, and encourage joint investments six key sectors: water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.

Challenges in the relations:-

• Since 2010, the two countries have been talking about a free-trade deal for goods and services.
• To tap into the untapped potential, there is a need to increase bilateral trade and broaden the types of economic partnership.
• India’s close relationships with the Arab world have always made it hard for the country to publicly work with Israel.
• The “two-state solution” and the fact that India voted in favour of the resolution to raise the Palestinian flag at the United Nations and signed on to BRICS declarations “opposing the continuous Israeli settlement activities in the Occupied Territories” show that India’s support for Palestinians hasn’t changed. (India, Israel and Palestine)
• India is worried about China’s rise, but China is Israel’s biggest trading partner in Asia and the two countries have strong links in science and investment.

MUST READ: India and Israel, the maturing of a steady relationship

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements (2020)

1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka Trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
2. Textile and textile articles constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) Consider the following countries: (2018)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?

1. 1, 2, 4 and 5
2. 3, 4, 5 and 6
3. 1, 3, 4 and 5
4. 2, 3, 4 and 6

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVEERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: Recently, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Background:-

• Speaking on the occasion, the President said that she was happy to address this conference as the self-help groups are contributing significantly in making deprived and backward sections of the society, especially women, self-reliant.

About Lakhpati Didi Scheme:-

• Launched: 2023.
• It was announced by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2023.
• Objective: to empower women in rural areas by encouraging them to start micro-enterprises and become economically self-sufficient.
• The Lakhpati Didi Scheme serves as a dynamic platform, designed to motivate and support women in establishing and operating micro-enterprises.
• The scheme envisions a transformative journey for 2 crore women in rural villages, empowering them through skill development initiatives.
• Under this scheme, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year.
• Skills covered: plumbing, LED bulb making, and operating and repairing drones, among others.
• This initiative aims to leverage technology to transform the agricultural landscape while empowering women in rural communities.
• Around 15,000 women’s SHGs will be given training in operating and repairing drones.

Benefits:-

• This training will not only create new avenues for income generation but also equip women with cutting-edge skills. (National Commission for Women)

MUST READ: Reimagining Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986? (2022)

1. Central Water Commission
2. Central Ground Water Board
3. Central Ground Water Authority
4. National Water Development Agency

Q.2) With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The National ‘Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and ‘directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
2. The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority ‘(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recent studies show that El Nino effect may have caused the cases of dengue to have increased globally.

Background:-

• There has been a ten-fold increase in dengue cases between the years 2000 and 2019, according to an analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO).

About Dengue:-

• Dengue is a vector-borne disease.
• Caused by: dengue virus (DENV).
• Transmission: It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
• The mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on the blood of a person infected with the virus.
• There are 4 serotypes of the virus that cause dengue.
• These are known as DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4.
• Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person.
• It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.
• It is mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.

Symptoms:-

• High fever (40°C/104°F)
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pains
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swollen glands

Treatment:-

• Most cases of dengue fever can be treated at home with pain medicine.

Prevention:-

• Wear protective clothing.
• Use mosquito repellent.
• Reduce mosquito habitat.

DNA Vaccines:-

• DNA vaccines are often referred to as third-generation vaccines. (Dengue and DNA vaccines)

MUST READ: Controlling Dengue Using Wolbachia Bacteria

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) With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines.
2. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors.

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 –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has informed that the main objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) recently.

Background:-

• They include de-dieselisation of the farm sector, providing water and energy security to farmers, increasing the income of farmers, and curbing environmental pollution.

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM):-

• Launched: 2019.
• Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Objectives of PM KUSUM:-

• To subsidize farmers to install solar irrigation pumps for cultivation.
• To ensure energy security for farmers in India,
• To honour India’s commitment to increase the share of installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030 as part of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
  • Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs): these are the intended reductions in greenhouse gas emissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Each farmer will receive a 60% subsidy to set up tube wells and pump sets.
• They will also get 30% of the total cost as a loan from the Government. ( PM KUSUM)

Benefits of PM KUSUM:-

For Discoms:-

• Electricity for agriculture is highly subsidized and is often termed as the main cause of the poor financial position of Discoms. ( State of DISCOMs)
• This scheme will support the financial health of discoms by reducing the burden of subsidy to the agriculture sector.

For States:-

• The scheme will promote decentralized solar power production, and reduce transmission losses.
• For state governments, this is a potential way to reduce their subsidy outlay towards irrigation.
• It will also help States meet the RPOs (renewable purchase obligation) targets.

For Farmers:-

• If farmers are able to sell surplus power, they will be incentivized to save power.
• This will mean the reasonable and efficient use of groundwater.
• It will also provide water security to farmers.

For Environment:-

• The expansion of the irrigation cover by providing decentralized solar-based irrigation will help in moving away from polluting diesel.
• This will also fill the void in solar power production in the intermediate range between rooftops and large parks.

MUST READ: Solar Energy in India

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) 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

Q.2) The Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) a UN mechanism to assist countries to transition towards greener and more inclusive economies, emerged (2018)

1. The Earth Summit on Sustainable Development 2002, Johannesburg
2. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, Rio de Janeiro
3. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2015, Paris
4. The World Sustainable Development Summit 2016, New Delhi

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, Scientists discovered a plant growth-promoting bacteria, Pantoea Tagorei.

Background:-

• It was named after Rabindranath Tagore.

About Pantoea Tagorei:-

• Pantoea Tagorei was discovered from soil samples collected in the Jharia coal mines.
• The bacteria has unique properties beneficial for plant growth. (Disease Surveillance System)
• It solubilizes potassium and phosphorus and replenishes nitrogen exhibiting properties of aiding in enhanced plant growth.
• The bacteria has been introduced to farmers in and around the coal mines and they have  expressed satisfaction with the positive results.

Possible Uses:-

• A significant stride toward fostering environmentally friendly and sustainable  agricultural methods.
• Can help revive degraded lands.
• Promote organic farming.

MUST READ: New species of black corals

SOURCE: THE ECONOMIC TIMES

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with· temperatures above the boiling point of water.
2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperatures below the freezing point of water.
3. Some microorganisms can grow highly acidic environments with a pH below 3.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2019)

1. Some species of turtles are herbivores
2. Some species of fish are herbivores.
3. Some species of marine mammals are herbivores
4. Some species of snakes are viviparous

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

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 :

Pantoea Tagorei is named after Debendranath Tagore.

Statement-II :

It can help revive degraded lands .

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 Telecommunications Bill, 2023 , consider the following statements:

1. It states that prior authorization will be needed from the state government for providing telecom services, establishing, operating, maintaining, or expanding telecom networks, and possessing radio equipment.
2. The existing licenses will not remain valid .
3. It states that spectrum will only be assigned through auction, except for specified uses like national security.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  27th December 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c