DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 18th January 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE

Context: Recently, Namma Yatri debuted in Delhi with 10,000 auto drivers.

Background:-

• This comes at a time when mobility has emerged as a significant contributor to transactions done through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

About Namma Yatri:-

• Launched:2020.
• It was launched in Kochi as “Yatri” in 2020.
• Namma Yatri is the first open network mobility application built with the idea to provide multi-modal service to commuters without the involvement of any middlemen.
  • Open mobility is an open network where any mode of transport can contribute to providing services to commuters thereby removing the dependency on any third-party organizations.
• Auto rickshaws are the first of the many service providers to join this mobility network.
• Any Auto driver can complete the KYC verification and start using Namma Yatri. (Uber drivers to be considered workers and not freelance contractors: UK Supreme Court)
• This application is built on the common network standards defined by ONDC built on the Beckn protocol (open source).
• The common network standards allow for interoperability for any buyer app compliant with the network standards to offer rides.
• Namma Yatri family of apps currently operates in seven cities in the ONDC network.
• It is backed by Juspay, and it serves over 1.7 lakh drivers and over 40 lakh customers.
• The app claims drivers have earned ₹350 crore commission-free till date.
• The app charges subscription fee for drivers at ₹25 per day for unlimited trips or ₹3.5 per trip

 MUST READ: Urban Mobility Expansion

SOURCE: BUSINESS LINE

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. Detection of car crash/ collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously.
2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the ground which results in the immediate turning off
3. of the hard drive.
4. Detection of the tilt of the smartphone which results in the rotation of display between portrait and landscape mode.

In how many of the above actions is the function of the accelerometer required?

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

Q.2)  In India under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)

1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proven so
3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion
4. Cost of defense in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: According to the recently data, every fourth beneficiary added under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme over the past two months is a woman.

Background:-

• The new beneficiaries were added to the scheme under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY), the Centre’s flagship initiative to raise awareness on its schemes.

About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme:-

• Launched: 2018.
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Objectives:-

• To supplement the financial needs of small and marginal farmers by procuring various inputs related to agriculture and allied activities.
• To give a boost to rural consumption.
• To augment government efforts with the aim of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.

Salient Features:-

• PM Kisan is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
• It has become operational from 12.2018.
• Under the scheme income support of 6,000/- per year in three equal instalments is provided to all land-holding farmer families.
• The definition of family for the scheme is husband, wife and minor children.
• State Government and UT administration will identify the farmer families which are eligible for support as per scheme guidelines.
• The fund will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

SCHEME EXCLUSION:-

The following categories of beneficiaries of higher economic status shall not be eligible for benefits under the scheme.

• All Institutional Landholders.
• Farmer families which belong to one or more of the following categories:
  • Former and present holders of constitutional posts
  • Former and present Ministers/ State Ministers and former/present Members of LokSabha/ RajyaSabha/ State Legislative Assemblies/ State Legislative Councils,former and present Mayors of Municipal Corporations, former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats.
• All serving or retired officers and employees of Central/ State Government Ministries /Offices/Departments and its field units Central or State PSEs and Attached offices /Autonomous Institutions under Government as well as regular employees of the Local Bodies(Excluding Multi Tasking Staff /Class IV/Group D employees).
• All superannuated/retired pensioners whose monthly pension is Rs.10,000/-or more.
  • (Excluding Multi Tasking Staff / Class IV/Group D employees) of the above category.
• All Persons who paid Income Tax in the last assessment year
• Professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with Professional bodies and carrying out their profession by undertaking practices.

Significance:-

• It provides support to small and marginal farmers who are largely involved in subsistence farming and struggle to invest in agriculture inputs or technology.
• It will boost rural consumption and be positive for agriculture and allied sectors.
• Cash transfer programmes are an important tool for social protection and poverty reduction.

 MUST READ: Digital Platform Kisan Sarathi

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger( Guizotia aoyssinica) seeds.
2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.
3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q.2) Which of the following activities constitute a real sector in the economy? (2022)

1. Farmers harvesting their crops
2. Textile mills converting raw cotton into fabrics
3. A commercial bank lending money to a trading company

A corporate body issuing Rupee Denominated Bonds overseas

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: Recent World Economic Forum (WEF) survey expect global economy to weaken in 2024.

Background:-

• As the top leaders from across the world gather here for their annual congregation, a survey of chief economists forecasted a weakening of the global economy in 2024 and accelerated geo-economic fragmentation.

About the World Economic Forum (WEF):-

• Establishment: 1971.
• HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Mission: WEF is committed to improving the situation of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.
• It was established as a not-for-profit foundation.
• It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests.
• The Forum strives in all its efforts to demonstrate entrepreneurship in the global public interest while upholding the highest standards of governance.
• The World Economic Forum provides a global, impartial and not-for-profit platform for meaningful connection between stakeholders to establish trust, and build initiatives for cooperation and progress.
• The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

Working:-

• The Forum holds four major annual meetings:
• The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting: held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, shapes global, regional and industry agendas at the beginning of the calendar year.
• The Annual Meeting of the New Champions: the Forum’s annual meeting on innovation, science and technology, is held in the People’s Republic of China.
• The Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils: held in the United Arab Emirates, brings together the world’s leading knowledge community to share insights on the major challenges facing the world today.
• The Industry Strategy Meeting: brings together Industry Strategy Officers to shape industry agendas and explore how industries can shift from managing change to pioneering change.
• In addition, regional meetings and national strategy days provide focused engagement on the issues dominating regional and local agendas.

Major reports published by WEF:-

• Energy Transition Index.
• Global Competitiveness Report.
• Global IT Report
• WEF along with INSEAD, and Cornell University publishes this report.
• Global Gender Gap Report.
• Global Risk Report.
• Global Travel and Tourism Report.

 MUST READ: IMF and World Economic Outlook

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the (2019)

1. International Monetary Fund
2. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
3. World Economic Forum
4. World Bank

Q.2) Which of the following gives the ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (2017)

1. World Economic Forum
2. UN Human Rights Council
3. UN Women
4. World Health Organization

Syllabus

• Prelims –POLITY

Context: Recently, the Cabinet approved the creation of posts for the 16th Finance Commission.

Background:-

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the creation of three posts at the level of Joint Secretary i.e. two posts of Joint Secretary and one post of Economic Adviser for the 16th Finance Commission, which was constituted in pursuance of Article 280 of the Constitution vide Notification dated 31st December, 2023.

About Finance Commission:-

• The Finance Commission is a constitutionally mandated body that is at the centre of fiscal federalism.
• It is constituted by the President Article 280 of the Constitution.
• It is a constitutional body constituted every 5 years

Core responsibility:-

• Evaluate the state of finances of the Union and State Governments.
• Recommend the sharing of taxes between them.
• Lay down the principles determining the distribution of these taxes among States.
• Lay down measures to improve the finances of states to supplement the resources of panchayats and municipalities, and
• Any other matter referred to it.

Timeline:-

• First Finance Commission :6th April 1952.
  • Chairman: Shri K.C. Neogy.
• Fifteenth Finance Commission: on 27 November 2017.
  • Chairman: NK Singh.

Key Recommendations of 15th Finance Commission:-

• Share of States in Central Taxes: The Commission proposed maintaining the states’ share in central taxes at 41% for the 2021-26 period, a slight reduction from the 42% allocated during 2015-20 by the 14th Finance Commission.
  • This 1% adjustment aims to accommodate the newly formed union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh from the central resources.
• Fiscal Deficit and Debt Levels: The Commission recommended that the Centre aims to limit its fiscal deficit to 4% of GDP by 2025-26.
  • For states, it advised specific fiscal deficit limits as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for different years within the 2021-26 period.
• States not fully utilizing the sanctioned borrowing limits in the initial four years (2021-25) can access the remaining amount in subsequent years.

Significance:-

• Its working is characterised by extensive and intensive consultations with all levels of governments, thus strengthening the principle of cooperative federalism.
• Its recommendations are also geared towards improving the quality of public spending and promoting fiscal stability.

 MUST READ: Special Category Status (SCS)

SOURCE: PIB

 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). Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. The Attorney General of India and Solicitor General of India are the only officers of the Government who are allowed to participate in the meetings of the Parliament of India.
2. Accotrding to the Constitution of India, the Attorney General of India submits his resignation when the Government which appointed him resigns.

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 –ART AND CULTURE

Context: The preparations for recent 9th Edition of Arunachal Pradesh’s Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival is in line.

Background:-

• The first-ever PPHF was held on January 16-18, 2015, with the aim of recognising the efforts of the Nyishi hunters-turned-conservationists of hornbills

About Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival:-

• It is declared a state festival.
• It centers around wildlife conservation, especially hornbills found in the Pakke Tiger Reserve.
  • The reserve harbors four hornbill species – Oriental Pied, Great Indian, Rufous-necked and the endangered Wreathed Hornbill.
• The week-long event generates awareness on preserving these iconic birds.
• PPHF also spotlights the role of indigenous Nyishi tribes in protecting hornbills after having earlier hunted them.
  • The Nyishi is the largest tribal group in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It forges connections between forests, wildlife and local communities.
• The first PPHF was organized in 2015 with the goal to recognize Nyishi conservation efforts.
• This year, the festival’s theme is Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh.
  • It translates to ‘Let Our Hornbills Remain’ in the Nyishi language.

Key activities lined up include:

• Bird watching tours
• Literary competitions
• Panel discussions
• Tribal music/dance performances

Significance:-

• Beyond promoting hornbill conservation, other key goals of launching the Hornbill Festival were generating alternate livelihood streams for locals.

 MUST READ: Wildlife conservation in Arunachal Pradesh

SOURCE: DOWNT TO EARTH

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following pairs (2022)

Wetland/Lake:                              Location

1. Hokera Wetland                    Punjab
2. Renuka Wetland                    Himachal Pradesh
3. Rudrasagar Lake                    Tripura
4. Sasthamkotta                        Tamil Nadu

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) In which one of the following states is Pakhui wildlife sanctuary located? (2018)

1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Manipur
3. Meghalaya
4. Nagaland

Syllabus

• Prelims –IMPORTANT EVENTS/DEFENCE

Context: Recently, on the occasion of Army Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to the extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment and sacrifices laid down by Army personnel.

Background:-

• The Prime Minister posted on x:

“On Army Day, we honour the extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment and sacrifices of our Army personnel. Their relentless dedication in protecting our nation and upholding our sovereignty is a testament to their bravery. They are pillars of strength and resilience.”

About Indian Army Day:-

• India celebrates Army Day on January 15 every year.
• Objective: to commemorate the achievements of the first Indian Commander in Chief of the Indian Army — General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Cariappa and the defence forces.
• In the celebration of Army Day, the parade is organised every year at the Cariappa Parade Ground of Delhi Cantonment.
• India will celebrate its 76th Army Day on January 15 ,2024.
• Theme of Indian Army Day 2024: In Service of the Nation. (Defence Acquisition Council)
• Motto of the Indian Army: Seva Paramo Dharma and it means ‘Service Before Self’.
  • It signifies that Army officials always prioritise the safety and security of the nation.
• It’s a day to pay homage to brave soldiers who have laid down their lives for the nation, to recognise the unwavering dedication of those who stand guard at our borders, and to appreciate the sacrifices made by their families.
• From 1949 till 2022, the Army Day parade was organised at the Cariappa Parade Ground in the Delhi Cantonment.
• In 2023, the Southern Command was in charge of the parade in Bengaluru.
• 2024 Army Parade: This year, the celebration will take place in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

 MUST READ: The new defence systems handed over to Army

SOURCE: PIB

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q.2) Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)

1. Japan
2. Russia
3. The United Kingdom
4. The United States of America

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 :

Fifteenth Finance Commission was commissioned on 27 November 2017.

Statement-II :

Its  chairman was YV Reddy.

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 Indian Army Day, consider the following statements:

1. The theme of Indian Army Day 2024 is’ In Service of the Nation’.
2. The motto of the Indian Army is ‘Satyamev Jayate’.
3. In 2023, the celebration took place in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

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 ’  18th January 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c