DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th December 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Context: Recently, the Panchayati Raj Ministry Launched the  “Gram Manchitra” App.

Background:-

• This information regarding the “Gram Manchitra” App was given by the Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

About Gram Manchitra application:-

• Launched: October 2019.
• Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
• Objectives: to encourage Spatial Planning by the Gram Panchayat.

Salient Features:-

• The Geographic Information System (GIS) application “Gram Manchitra” (https://grammanchitra.gov.in) facilitates and supports Gram Panchayats to perform planning at the Gram Panchayat level using geospatial technology.
  • A geographic information system (GIS) is an online system that analyses and displays geographically referenced information.
  • It uses data that is attached to a unique location.
• Gram Manchitra provides a single/ unified Geo-Spatial platform to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across the different sectors and provide a decision support system for the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).
• Complementing “Gram Manchitra,” the Ministry has introduced “mActionSoft,” a mobile-based solution designed to capture photos with Geo-Tags, incorporating GPS coordinates. ( Bharat Net Project)
• This feature facilitates the geo-tagging of assets at three crucial stages: before the commencement of work, during the work, and upon completion.
• The resulting repository of information encompasses various sectors such as natural resource management, water harvesting, sanitation, agriculture, check dams, and irrigation channels.
• The assets geo-tagged using the “mActionSoft” application seamlessly integrate with “Gram Manchitra,” offering an enhanced visualization of developmental works in Gram Panchayats.
• This integration ensures transparency and accessibility of information related to assets created under finance commission funds.
• This application is also linked with the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) report and Mission Antyodaya.
• All this information is available in a single window, which will assist the Gram Panchayat user in better visualization of works during planning.
• Real-time monitoring of activities or development work implementation status and progress of execution of various schemes can be easily tracked.

Benefits:-

• Gram Manchitra provides several planning tools that use GIS technology to help Gram Panchayat officials develop realistic and achievable development plans.
• These tools provide a decision support system in the preparation of development plans viz. tools for identifying potential sites for development projects, asset tracking, estimating the costs of projects, and assessing the impact of projects.
• It will help Gram Panchayat officials develop realistic and achievable development plans.

MUST READ: E-PANCHAYAT FACILITY

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived.
2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes.
3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q.2) With reference to Urban Cooperative Banks in India, consider the following statements: (2020)

1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, of 1949 through an Amendment in 1996

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –POLITY

Context: Political funding through anonymous electoral bonds shot up by over 400% during the recent Assembly elections in Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, as compared to the last polls in these states in 2018.

Background:-

• The latest sales (29th tranche) under the electoral bond scheme saw the highest sales in Telangana’s capital of Hyderabad (Rs 359 crore), followed by Mumbai (Rs 259.30 crore), and Delhi (Rs 182.75 crore).

About Electoral bonds:-

IMAGE SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

• An Electoral Bond is like a promissory note that may be purchased by a person who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.
• A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.
• The bonds are like banknotes that are payable to the bearer on demand and are interest-free.

Historical Background:-

• The electoral bonds system was introduced in 2017 by way of a Finance bill.
• It was implemented in 2018.

Salient Features:-

• Electoral Bonds serve as a means for individuals and entities to make donations to registered political parties while maintaining donor anonymity.
• State Bank of India (SBI) issues the bonds in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore.
• It is payable to the bearer on demand and interest-free.
• It is purchased by Indian citizens or entities established in India.
• It can be bought individually or jointly with other individuals.
• It is valid for 15 calendar days from the date of issue.
• The State Bank of India (SBI) is the authorized issuer.
  • Electoral Bonds are issued through designated SBI branches.
• Electoral Bonds can be purchased digitally or through cheques.
• Encashment only through an authorized bank account of the political party.
  • Political Parties must disclose their bank account with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Eligibility:-

• Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last General Election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.

Advantages of Electoral Bonds:-

• Ensures Accountability: Donations through Electoral Bonds will only be credited to the party bank account disclosed with the ECI.
• Discourage Cash: The Purchase will be possible only through a limited number of notified banks and that too through cheque and digital payments.
• More Transparency: It helps the political parties to operate in a more transparent manner with the election commission, regulatory authorities and the general public at large.
• Maintains Anonymity: The individuals, groups of individuals, NGOs, religious and other trusts are permitted to donate via electoral bonds without disclosing their details. Therefore, the identity of the donor is being preserved.

Disadvantages of Electoral Bonds:-

• Hindering Right to Know: Voters will not know which individual, company, or organisation has funded which party, and to what extent. Before the introduction of electoral bonds, political parties had to disclose details of all their donors, who have donated more than Rs 20,000.
  • The change infringes the citizen’s ‘Right to Know’ and makes the political class even more unaccountable.
• Unauthorized Donations: In a situation where the contribution received through electoral bonds is not reported, it cannot be ascertained whether the political party has taken any donation in violation of provision under Section 29B of the RPA, 1951 which prohibits the political parties from taking donations from government companies and foreign sources.
• Leads to Crony-Capitalism: It could become a convenient channel for businesses to round-trip their cash parked in tax havens to political parties for a favour or advantage granted in return for something.
  • Anonymous funding might lead to an infusion of black money.

MUST READ: Supreme Court Ruling on Electoral Bonds

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider · the following statements in respect of the Constitution Day : (2023)

Statement-I :

Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II:

On 26 November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India· set up a Drafting Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

to prepare a Draft of the Constitution of India.

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

Q.2) 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 from 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.

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: The Adaptation Fund head expressed worries about not receiving adequate funds at UNFCCC COP 28.

Background of the issue:-

• The Adaptation Fund, the global body that finances projects for vulnerable communities in developing countries to adapt to climate change.
  • It was established under the Kyoto Protocol of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
  • It finances projects and programmes that help vulnerable communities in developing countries adapt to climate change.
• It has only received around half of the funds at the ongoing COP28 compared to what it minimally requires.
• In March, the Adaptation Fund Board has calculated that at least $300 million is required and expected that fund to be raised at COP28.
• But so far, only around $165 million has been promised.
• Earlier, during informal consultations, developing countries expressed disappointment that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Standing Committee on Finance had failed to arrive at a baseline for the doubling of adaptation finance.

About COP28:-

• Date: November 30 to December 12, 2023.
• Venue: Dubai.
• COP, the Conference of Parties, is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Its primary role is to review and guide the implementation of the Convention, making it a crucial platform for discussing global climate policies.
• The ‘parties’ are the governments around the world that have signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• The UNFCCC entered into force on 21st March 1994 and has been ratified by 197 countries.
• It is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Agreement.
• It is also the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
• Every year, the COP is hosted by a different nation.
• The office of the COP President normally rotates among the five United Nations regional groups which are – Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe and Others.
• The first such COP meeting – ‘COP1’ took place in Germany in 1995. (27th COP of UNFCCC)
• COP28 represents the 28th iteration of this global summit.
• COP28 is expected to focus on aggressive measures to combat climate change, with particular attention on the transition to sustainable energy production and the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels.

Key Issues at COP28:-

• The Global Divide in Climate Responsibility: There remains a stark division between historically responsible developed countries and developing nations, who feel they are being asked to bear an unfair burden of climate action.
• 5 Degree Celsius Target. (Climate Change)
• Addressing the Resource and Trust Deficit: The gap between the required resources for climate action and their availability exemplifies a deeper trust deficit between developed and developing nations.
• Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol.
• Principles of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities’: Both the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement recognize the principle of ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities’, albeit in different capacities.
• Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): an emerging concept designed to adjust the carbon content of imports to match domestic prices, thereby preventing carbon leakage and encouraging cleaner production methods.
• Delivery of $100 Billion: Developed countries pledged to mobilize $100 billion annually in climate finance from 2020, a commitment that remains unfulfilled.
• Progress: Developed nations are expected to claim fulfilment of this promise at COP28, though it remains inadequate compared to the trillions required for climate action.
  • Issue: The greater challenge lies in negotiating additional funding beyond the $100 billion annually, commencing next year.

MUST READ: COP 27: A field guide to climate jargon

SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (2020)

1. Automobile exhaust
2. Tobacco smoke
3. Woodburning
4. Using varnished wooden furniture
5. Using products made of polyurethane

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Q.2) With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements : (2015)

1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has yielded almost ₹3.4 lakh crore through October and November.

Background:-

• While revenues in October marked the second-highest monthly collections, November’s kitty is the third-highest.

About Goods and Services Tax:-

• Launched:2017.
• Goods and Services Tax is an indirect tax used in India on the supply of goods and services.
• It is a value-added tax levied on most goods and services sold for domestic consumption.
• It was launched as a comprehensive indirect tax for the entire country.
• It is of three types:-
  • CGST: levied by the Centre
  • SGST: levied by the States and
  • IGST: levied on all Inter-State supplies of goods and/or services.

GST Council:-

• The 101st Amendment Act of 2016 (122nd Amendment Bill), paved the way for the implementation of GST. (GST Appellate Tribunal)
• The GST Council is a joint forum of the Centre and the states under Article 279-A of the constitution.
• Article 279-A. gives the President the authority to appoint a GST Council by executive order.
• The members of the Council include the Union Finance Minister (chairperson), and the Union Minister of State (Finance) from various states.
• As per Article 279, it is meant to “make recommendations to the Union and the states on important issues related to GST, like the goods and services that may be subjected or exempted from GST, model GST Laws”.
• It also decides on various rate slabs of GST.

Benefits of GST:-

• Automated tax ecosystem: It helped the country in transitioning to an automated indirect tax ecosystem.
• Better Compliance: GST helped in achieving better tax compliance by subsuming multiple taxation and reducing in taxation burden in the last four years.
• E-invoice and More Revenue: The E-invoicing system helped reduce fake invoicing. The use of technology with online bill generation has resulted in smoother consignment movement and much fewer disputes with officials.
• Logistical efficiency and production cost cut: Another major achievement of this regime is the fact that over 50% of logistics effort and time is saved since GST has ensured the removal of multiple checkpoints and permits at state border checkpoints.
• Lesser transaction costs: After the introduction of GST, there has been a significant reduction in transaction costs.
• Cooperative Federalism: The customs portals are linked with the GST portal for credit availing on imports constitution of the GST Council and ensuring Centre-State partnership in the decision-making process.

Challenges of GST:-

• Refund delay issues.
• Lack of Dispute redressal mechanism: There is no statutory mechanism under the GST regime that could ensure uniformity in the rulings passed by the Authorities.
• Constant amendments: Over the last few years, the GST law has seen many amendments. During this time, all these revisions often confused the taxpayer and the tax administrators which created misunderstandings and misconceptions.
• Adaption and Technical Issues: Small and medium businesses are still grappling to adapt to the tech-enabled regime

MUST READ: GST- Five years on

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In India, the Central Bank’s function as the “lender of last resort” usually refers to which of the following? (2021)

1. Lending to trade and industry bodies when they fail to borrow from other sources
2. Providing liquidity to the banks having a temporary crisis
3. Lending to governments to finance budgetary deficits

Select the correct answer using the code given below

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

Q.2) What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? (2017)

1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
2. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of the economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, the Government reviewed social network progress in curbing deepfakes.

Background:-

• Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar met social media platforms to review progress made by them in tackling misinformation and deepfakes and asserted that advisories will be issued in the next two days to ensure 100 per cent compliance by platforms.

About Deepfakes:-

• The term deepfake originated in 2017, when an anonymous Reddit user called himself “Deepfakes.”
• The term deepfake refers to digital representations (video and images), which are produced by artificial intelligence to replace the person in the original video with someone else.
• It is a method for manipulating videos, images, and audio utilizing powerful computers and deep learning.
• It is used to generate fake news and commit financial fraud among other wrongdoings.
• The algorithms of deepfake are intelligent enough to make decisions on their own.
• Deepfake technology employs sophisticated deep learning algorithms, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and autoencoder models, to analyze and synthesize realistic human faces, voices, and gestures.
• By analyzing large datasets of images and videos, deepfake algorithms learn to mimic facial expressions, speech patterns, and other human characteristics, enabling the creation of convincing and deceptive digital content.

Applications:-

• Entertainment Industry: Deepfake technology has found applications in the entertainment industry, enabling the creation of engaging visual effects, digital doubles, and realistic character animations in movies and video games.
• Social Media and Misinformation: The proliferation of deepfake content on social media platforms has amplified concerns about the spread of misinformation, as manipulated videos and audio recordings can deceive the public and influence public opinion.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Deepfakes pose significant cybersecurity threats, as malicious actors can utilize this technology for identity theft, impersonation, and fraud, jeopardizing the security and privacy of individuals and organizations.
• Political Manipulation and Disinformation: The potential use of deepfake technology for political manipulation and disinformation campaigns raises concerns about the integrity of democratic processes and public trust in political institutions.

Challenges:-

• Deepfake technology has raised concerns due to its potential misuse, posing significant challenges to various aspects of society.
• It has gained widespread attention for its applications in fake news, hoaxes, celebrity pornography, and identity theft.

India’s Current Stand on Deepfakes:-

• India lacks a comprehensive legal framework dedicated to regulating deepfakes.
• India relies on pre-existing laws, such as Sections 67 and 67A of the Information Technology Act (2000), which may be applicable to some aspects of deepfakes, including defamation and explicit material dissemination.
• Defamation Provision: Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code (1860) offers punishment for defamation, which can be applied in cases involving deepfakes.
• Personal Data Protection Bill (2022): Although this bill might provide some protection against the misuse of personal data, it doesn’t explicitly address the issue of deepfakes

MUST READ: Deepfake technology & China

SOURCE: PTI

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature.
2. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics.
3. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? (2021)

1. Sodium lamps produce light at 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
2. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer life span than LED lamps.
3. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today expressed happiness on the inscription of the Garba of Gujarat on the Intangible Heritage List of UNESCO.

Background:-

• The Prime Minister posted on X; “Garba is a celebration of life, unity and our deep-rooted traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases to the world the beauty of Indian culture. This honour inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations. Congrats on this global acknowledgement.”
• Garba, was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

About Garba:-

• Garba is a traditional dance form from Gujarat. (Mohiniyattam)
• Garba is the 15th cultural item from India to be featured on the UNESCO list.
• It is a traditional dance form primarily performed during the Navratri festival to worship the Hindu goddess Durga.
• It celebrates fertility, honour womanhood, and pay respect to any of an array of mother goddesses.
• The term “Garba” comes from “Garbha” (womb) and “Deep” (lamp).
• The dance is performed around a central lamp or a representation of the Goddess, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth.
• The light (the Garba Deep) or a picture of the Goddess Durga is put in the centre of concentric rings, and the people dance around it, bending sideways with each step and making sweeping gestures with their arms, each movement concluding with a clap.
• Women wear a chaniya choli (a colourful, embroidered skirt set) and men don a kediyu and dhoti or pyjama, often embellished with mirrors and embroidery.
• Garba is often followed by Dandiya Raas, another dance form using sticks (dandiyas), especially after the Aarti (worship ritual).

MUST READ: Kathakali dance

SOURCE: PIB

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) With reference to the famous Sattriya dance, consider the following statements: (2014)

1. Sattriya is a combination of music, dance and drama
2. It is a centuries-old living tradition of Vaishnavites of Assam
3. It is based on classical Ragas and Talas of devotional songs composed by Tulsidas, Kabir and Mirabai

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

The term deepfake originated in 2017.

Statement-II :

India has a comprehensive legal framework dedicated to regulating deepfakes.

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 Electoral bonds, consider the following statements:

1. It is purchased by Indian citizens or entities established in India.
2. It can be bought individually only.
3. It is valid for 25 calendar days from the date of issue.

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. 2 only

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  7th December 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – a