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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: Recently, Under the National Mission for Clean Ganga a total of 450 projects have been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 38,022.37 Crore, out of which 270 projects have been completed and made operational.

Background:-

• So far, a total of 450 projects have been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 38,022.37 Crore, out of which 270 projects have been completed and made operational.

About National Mission for Clean Ganga:-

• Launched: 12th August 2011.
• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Objective: to ensure effective control of pollution and rejuvenation of the river Ganga by adopting a river basin approach to promote inter-sectoral coordination for comprehensive planning and management. ( Cleaning of River Ganga)
• NMCG was listed as a society under the Societies Registration Act, of 1860.
• It is responsible for implementing the government’s ambitious Namami Gange programme.
• It acted as the implementation arm of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) which was constituted under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.
  • NGRBA was dissolved in 2016 and replaced by the National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management of River Ganga
• NMCG is an initiative taken by the Government of India to address the pollution of the river Ganga by providing financial and technical assistance.
• Further, to maintain minimum ecological flows in the river Ganga to ensure water quality and environmentally sustainable development.
• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has undertaken comprehensive public awareness campaigns to foster a sense of responsibility and engagement among the public in efforts to clean and conserve the Ganga River.
• Through educational materials, community outreach, school programs, mass media campaigns, and online engagement.

Challenges:-

• Land Acquisition: In many instances, the Detailed Project Reports (which prescribe all the steps necessary to execute a project, and the roles of agencies) needed revision.
• Lack of Local Initiatives: State Governments are under the impression that building treatment plants was entirely the Centre’s responsibility.
• Improper Funding: Though NMCG is a ₹20,000 crore mission, the government has so far given in-principle approval for projects worth ₹37,396 crore, of which only ₹14,745 crore has been released to States for infrastructure work, as of June 2023.
• Municipal Solid Waste Management: The mission faced criticism for not adequately addressing the problem of municipal solid waste flowing into the Ganga.
• Inadequate Sewerage Coverage: Much of India’s urban population resides outside sewerage networks, resulting in a substantial portion of waste not reaching STPs.
• Improper Waste Disposal: The study by the Quality Council of India revealed that rubbish heaps are found near ghats in numerous towns along the river, indicating improper waste disposal practices. This poses a threat to the cleanliness of the Ganga.

MUST READ: River Cities Alliance

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1)  Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers? (2022)

1. Cauvery
2. Manjira
3. Pennar
4. Tungabhadra

Q.2) R2 Code of Practices” constitutes a tool available for promoting the adoption of (2022)

1. Environmentally responsible practices in the electronics recycling industry
2. Ecological management of ‘’Wetlands of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention
3. Sustainable practices in the cultivation of agricultural crops in degraded lands
4. Environmental Impact Assessment’’ in the exploitation of natural resources

Syllabus

• Prelims –POLITY

Context: Recently, the ethics committee of the Lok Sabha is believed to have recommended the expulsion of Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Mahua Moitra from the Lok Sabha for her “unethical conduct” and “breach of privileges”.

Background:-

• Ethics Committee, tasked with overseeing the moral conduct of parliamentarians.

About the ethics committee:-

• The ethics committee was constituted in 2000.
• Objective: to oversee the moral and ethical conduct of members and examine cases of ‘unethical conduct’ referred to it.
• The Committee examines complaints filed against members of the House by other members; outsiders through a member; or referred by the Speaker.
• The Committee makes a prima facie inquiry before deciding to examine a complaint.
• It presents its report to the Speaker, who places it before the House for consideration.
• The term ‘unethical’ is not defined.
• It is left to the Committee to decide whether any act is unethical or not.

Privileges Committees:-

• While the Ethics Committee handles cases of unethical conduct, the Privileges Committee, or Special Inquiry Committee, deals with more severe accusations against a member.
• These committees have historical precedence, with a special committee in 1951 finding a member guilty of promoting a business interest through questions in return for financial benefits.

About Committees of Parliament:-

• Parliamentary committees are broadly categorized as Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees.
• Standing Committees are permanent and operate continuously, while Ad Hoc Committees are temporary and disband upon task completion.
  • It includes Financial Committees, Departmental Standing Committees, Committees to Enquire, Committees to Scrutinise and Control, Committees Relating to the Day-to-Day Business of the House, and House-Keeping Committees.
• Ad Hoc Committees are subdivided into Inquiry Committees and Advisory Committees.
• The Parliamentary committees draw their authority from the constitution.
• Article 105: Powers, privileges, etc., of the houses of Parliament and of the members and committees thereof.
• Article 118: Each House of Parliament may make rules for regulations, subject to the provisions of this constitution, its procedure and the conduct of its business.

Functions of the Parliamentary Committees:-

• Reviewing and scrutinising the work of the government.
• Power to summon ministers and officials.
• Parliamentary committees play a key role in the legislative process by examining and reviewing bills before they are passed into law.
• They can make recommendations for changes to the bill and ensure that it is consistent with the Constitution and the laws of the land.

Signification of Parliamentary Committees-

• Parliamentary committees are crucial for legislative decision-making, offering expertise to MPs who may lack in-depth knowledge on specific issues.
• These committees, acting as mini-parliaments, comprise MPs from various parties, elected proportionally.
• They serve as instruments for meticulous scrutiny, closely examining bills and seeking input from external stakeholders, including the public.

MUST READ: Joint Parliamentary Committee

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements:

1. The Constitution of India classifies the ministers into four ranks viz. Cabinet Minister, Minister of State with Independent Charge, Minister of State and Deputy Minister.
2. The total number of ministers in the Union Government, including the Prime Minister, shall not exceed 15 per cent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.

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

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) We adopted parliamentary democracy based on the British model, but how does our model differ from that model? (2021)

1. As regards legislation, the British Parliament is supreme or sovereign but in India, the power of the parliament to legislate is limited.
2. In India, matters related to the constitutionality of the Amendment of an Act of Parliament are referred to the Constitution Bench by the Supreme Court.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), under the United Nations Environment Programme, met in Nairobi.

Key highlights:-

• It met for its third round of negotiations (INC-3) to develop an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution worldwide.
• Under the UNEA Resolution 5/14, the INC is responsible for delivering a global plastics treaty by 2025
• INC-3 was a make-or-break opportunity as countries came together to negotiate the ‘zero draft’ text developed by the Committee’s Secretariat, with various options for core obligations and control measures.
• UNEA Resolution 5/14- UNEA adopted a resolution to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
• A zero draft is a preliminary version of a document that contains various options for potential provisions or elements of the document.
• The zero draft as prepared by the Secretariat contained strong options for an international legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution.
• The zero draft was a good starting point for the negotiations because it catered to ambitions at all levels: strong and binding, moderate and flexible, weak and voluntary.

About Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC):-

• Establishment: 2022.
• It was established at the 5th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2).
• The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was established to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment between 2022 and 2024. ( Plastic Pollution)
• The instrument must include marine, land, and water plastic pollution, and promote the sustainable production and consumption of plastics through environmentally sound waste management policies based on the circular economy approaches.
• Under the legally binding agreement, countries are expected to develop, implement and update national action plans reflecting country-driven approaches to contribute to the objectives of the instrument.
• They will be expected to promote national action plans to work towards the prevention, reduction and elimination of plastic pollution and to support regional and international cooperation.
• It aims to engage with stakeholders across the value chain of plastics production including manufacture, use, recycling, and disposal at the sub-national, national, regional, and global levels.
• The INC is assisted by the IUCN whose prior expertise in international negotiations and initiatives regarding the implementation of circular economies locally, regionally, and globally, as part of ensuring a strong and effective global plastics treaty.

Mitigation Efforts to Reduce Plastic in India:-

• The Indian government has implemented bans on certain single-use plastic items known to cause environmental harm.
• National Frameworks and Policies: The Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016), focus on reducing plastic waste, enhancing recycling, and phasing out the use of non-recyclable plastics.
• The Swachh Bharat Mission, a nationwide campaign to clean up the streets, roads, and infrastructure of India’s cities and rural areas, addresses plastic waste as a significant component of municipal solid waste.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Under the EPR framework, producers, importers, and brand owners are held responsible for the collection and processing of post-consumer plastic waste, ensuring a reduction in plastic waste leakage into the environment.
• Recycling and Waste Management Innovations
• Public Awareness Campaigns (Plastic Waste management)
• Numerous NGOs and community-based organizations in India are actively involved in beach clean-ups, awareness drives, and promoting sustainable practices at the local level.

MUST READ: Global Treaty on Pollution

SOURCE: THE HINDU

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements: (2023)

1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them is set up in a water-stressed district.
3. None of them is privately owned.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q.2) 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

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.
• 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). (Mohiniyattam)

 MUST READ: Lavani

SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: Recently, Sovereign Green Bonds of Rs. 16,000 crores were raised by the government in 2022-23 for financing renewable energy projects.

About Sovereign Green Bonds:-

• A sovereign green bond is a financial instrument that is issued by a sovereign entity, inter-governmental group, alliance, or corporation.
• Green bonds are issued by companies, countries and multilateral organizations to exclusively fund projects that have positive environmental or climate benefits and provide investors with fixed-income payments.
• The proceeds of the sovereign green bond are utilized for projects classified as environmentally sustainable.
• These are issued with a longer maturity period.
• The first green bond was issued in 2007 by the European Investment Bank, the EU’s lending arm.
• This was followed a year later by the World Bank.

Significance:-

• It will catalyze domestic market development and provide impetus to institutional investors.
• It will provide benchmark pricing, liquidity and a demonstration effect for local issuers, helping to support the growth of a local market.

Challenges associated with Sovereign Green Bonds:-

• Monitoring challenge: There would be a challenge with respect to monitoring how this green grading performs. This will be a challenge until such time the system of evaluation is streamlined as deviations from the norm are hard to capture.
• Pricing issue: Should they be lower than the regular bond or higher is the major question here. Ideally, it needs to be higher; this is because investors need to be rewarded for choosing to promote ESG goals.
• On the other side it can be argued that the rates can be lower than normal because investors like to reward green projects, anyway.
• Overseas launch: The downside is that once the government goes global, then credit rating will matter a lot as all bonds issued globally need to be rated.
• Once one is rated by them, there is constant scrutiny of domestic policies. Presently, this does not matter because the government of India does not borrow from the overseas market.

MUST READ: Climate Finance

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a : (2022)

1. Database created by a coalition of research organizations
2. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change”
3. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change”
4. Agency promoted and financed by the United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank

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 the 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 –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recent studies show that Betelgeuse Is Set to Almost Disappear.

Background:-

• Betelgeuse, one of the most visible stars in our skies, has been behaving strangely over the past few years.
• The red supergiant, which sits in the constellation of Orion, abruptly dimmed in 2019 causing astronomers to wonder if it was about to explode.

About Betelgeuse:-

• Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the constellation Orion.
  • Supergiant star: over 20 times bigger than the Sun.
• It is one of the largest visible to the naked eye.
• It is the second-brightest in the constellation of Orion.
• The star is approximately 650 light-years from Earth.
• Betelgeuse is called ‘Thiruvathirai’ or ‘Ardra’ in Indian astronomy. ( IN-SPACe)
• It is a distinctly reddish, semiregular variable star whose apparent magnitude, varies between +0.0 and +1.6.
• At near-infrared wavelengths, Betelgeuse is the brightest star in the night sky.
• It is known for its periodic dimming and brightening up.
• In massive stars like Betelgeuse, the carbon-burning stage lasts only up to a few hundred years, after which the star ‘dies’ and collapses into a supernova within a few months.

Supernova

• A supernova is the name given to the explosion of a massive star.
• They are the largest explosion that takes place in space.
• A star can go supernova in one of two ways:-
  • Type I supernova: Star accumulates matter from a nearby neighbour until a runaway nuclear reaction ignites.
  • Type II supernova: Star runs out of nuclear fuel and collapses under its own gravity.

Orion constellation

• The Orion constellation is named after the hunter in Greek mythology.
• Orion, is one of the most prominent and recognizable constellations in the sky and can be seen throughout the world.
• In total, Orion is home to 10% of the seventy brightest stars, despite covering only 1.4% of the sky.

MUST READ: SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN)

SOURCE: SCIENCE ALERT

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (2020)

1. Voyager-2
2. New Horizons
3. LISA Pathfinder
4. Evolved LISA

Q.2) Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘black holes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation? (2019)

1. ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
2. ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
3. Possibility of intergalactic space travel through a ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
4. It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’.

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 :

Garba is the 10th cultural item from India to be featured on the UNESCO list.

Statement-II :

The term “Garba” comes from “Garbha” (womb) and “Deep” (lamp).

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 sovereign green bonds consider the following statements:

1. The proceeds of the sovereign green bond are utilized for projects classified as environmentally sustainable.
2. These are issued with a shorter maturity period.
3. The first green bond was issued in 2002.

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

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

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

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

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – a