DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 1st January 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNANCE/ECONOMY

Context: Recent studies by NITI Aayog show that the levy of 20-30% health tax on food high in sugar, salt, and fat.

Background:-

• The study by Niti Aayog, studied the impact of imposing health taxes and warning labels on food products to encourage healthy eating practices.

About NITI Aayog:-

• Establishment: 2015.
• HQ: New Delhi.

Objective:-

• To evolve a shared vision of national development priorities, sectors and strategies with the active involvement of States.
• To foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the States on a continuous basis.
• To develop mechanisms to formulate credible plans at the village level and aggregate these progressively at higher levels of government.
• To ensure, in areas that are specifically referred to it, that the interests of national security are incorporated in economic strategy and policy.
• To focus on technology upgradation and capacity building for implementation of programmes and initiatives.
• To actively monitor and evaluate the implementation of programmes and initiatives.

Salient Features:-

• NITI Aayog was formed via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on 1 January 2015.
• It replaced the Planning Commission which was a non-constitutional body formed in 1950.
• NITI Aayog is a state-of-the-art resource centre with the necessary knowledge and skills.
• It aims to enable it to act with speed, promote research and innovation, provide strategic policy vision for the government, and deal with contingent issues.
• It is supported by an attached office, the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Organisation (DMEO), a flagship initiative, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and an autonomous body, the National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development (NILERD).

Structure:-

• The Governing Council is the premier body tasked with evolving a shared vision of national priorities and strategies.
• The Governing Council of NITI Aayog, comprising Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories with legislatures and Lt Governors of other Union Territories.

Functions and activities:-

NITI Aayog’s entire gamut of activities can be divided into four main heads:-

• Policy and Programme Framework
• Cooperative Federalism
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Think Tank, and Knowledge and Innovation Hub

About Taxation on High Fat Sugar Salt (HFSS) foods:-

• According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, HFSS foods may be defined as foods (any food or drink, packaged or non-packaged) which contain low amounts of proteins, vitamins, phytochemicals, minerals and dietary fibre but are rich in fat (saturated fatty acids), salt and sugar and high in energy (calories) that are known to have a negative impact on health if consumed regularly or in high amounts.
• The WHO and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) recommend the FSSAI to clearly define High Fat Sugar Salt foods, ensuring transparency, and recommends a nutrient-based tax model.
• The tax on these foods is required due to:-
  • Health Risks
  • Economic Burden of Obesity in India which was $23 billion in 2017.
  • Growing Consumption of such foods in India.

Benefits of taxing HFSS foods:-

• Promotion of healthier food choices.
• Improved public health outcomes.
• Reduction of the burden on the health-care system.

MUST READ: Report on National Nutrition Mission: NITI Aayog

SOURCE: THE HINDU

 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) 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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: Recently it was announced that Aadhaar-linked pay will be made mandatory for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers from the new year.

Background:-

• From the New Year, wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will be paid only through an Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS), which requires the Aadhaar details of workers to be seeded to their job cards.

About Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS):-

• Launched: 2005.
• Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).
• Objectives: improving the purchasing power of the rural people, primarily semi or unskilled work to people living below the poverty line in rural India.

Salient Features:-

• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), also known as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS) is Indian legislation enacted on August 25, 2005.
• The MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee for one hundred days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work at the statutory minimum wage.
• The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Govt of India is monitoring the entire implementation of this scheme in association with state governments.
• It guarantees a hundred days of wage employment in a financial year, to a rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• Individual beneficiary-oriented works can be taken up on the cards of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, small or marginal farmers or beneficiaries of land reforms or beneficiaries under the Indira Awaas Yojana of the Government of India.
• Within 15 days of submitting the application or from the day work is demanded, wage employment will be provided to the applicant.
• Right to get unemployment allowance in case employment is not provided within fifteen days of submitting the application or from the date when work is sought.

Benefits:-

• MGNREGA focuses on the economic and social empowerment of women. (PM SVANidhi scheme)
• Social Audit of MGNREGA works is mandatory, which lends to accountability and transparency.
• MGNREGA works to address the climate change vulnerability.

MUST READ: Issues with MGNREGA

SOURCE: THE HINDU

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy: (2023)

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for preschool children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of childbirth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with a special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (2019)

1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS/GEOGRAPHY

Context: Indian Navy has recently, enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in Central/ North Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Background:-

• The last few weeks have witnessed increased maritime security incidents on merchant vessels transiting through international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Central/ North Arabian Sea.
• In response to these incidents, the Indian Navy has substantially enhanced maritime surveillance efforts in the Central/ North Arabian Sea and augmented force levels.

About Gulf of Aden:-

IMAGE SOURCE: worldatlas.com

• Location: Western Arabian Sea.
• The Gulf of Aden is an extension of the Indian Ocean, tucked between the Arabian Peninsula and the African continent.  (African Union)
• The Gulf connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea via the Strait of Bab el Mandeb.
• The gulf is named after “Aden,” a port city on Yemen’s coast.
• It is bounded to the south by Somalia and the Socotra Islands, north by Yemen, east by the Arabian Sea, and west by
• The gulf is characterized by its strategic location, deep waters, and diverse marine life.
• It contains several islands, including the volcanic Socotra archipelago.
• The dominant relief feature of the gulf’s terrain is the Sheba Ridge, an extension of the Indian Ocean ridge system, which extends along the middle of the gulf.

Economic Activities:-

• Fishing is a significant economic activity for coastal communities around the gulf, supporting livelihoods.
• Additionally, the region’s ports facilitate trade and commerce.
• The surrounding areas, including Yemen and Somalia, possess potential oil and gas reserves. (India-Africa: Challenges & Way Ahead)

MUST READ: Horn of Africa

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) The term “Levant” often heard in the news roughly corresponds to which of the following regions? (2022)

1. Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores
2. The region along North African shores stretches from Egypt to Morocco
3. The region along the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa
4. The entire coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea

Q.2) Which one of the lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert?

1. Lake Victoria
2. Lake Faguibine
3. Lake Oguta
4. Lake Volta

Syllabus

• Prelims –POLITY

Context: Recently, the  Government of India has declared ‘Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir (TeH)’ as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

Background:-

• Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah says the outfit is involved in forbidden activities to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule.

About Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967:-

• The UAPA was passed in the year 1967.
• It is an Indian law aimed at the prevention of unlawful activity and associations in India.
• Objective: to make powers available for dealing with activities directed against the integrity and sovereignty of India.
• The most recent amendment of the law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019 (UAPA2019).
• It has made it possible for the Union Government to designate individuals as terrorists without following any formal judicial process.
• The UAPA, an upgrade on the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act TADA (lapsed in 1995) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act – POTA (repealed in 2004).
• Till 2004, “unlawful” activities referred to actions related to secession and cession of territory.
• The 2004 amendment, added “terrorist act” to the list of offences.
• Under the act, the investigating agency can file a charge sheet in a maximum of 180 days after the arrests and the duration can be extended further after intimating the court.

Powers to Union Government:-

• If Centre deems an activity as unlawful then it may, by way of an Official Gazette, declare it so.
• It has the death penalty and life imprisonment as the highest punishments.

2019 Amendment of UAPA:-

• The act was amended to designate individuals as terrorists on certain grounds provided in the Act.
  • Earlier only organisations could be declared as such
  • Not designating individuals as terrorists, would give them an opportunity to circumvent the law and regroup under different name
• It empowers the Director General of NIA to grant approval of the seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by NIA
  • Earlier it required the consent of the State Police which delayed the process
• It empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases of terrorism
  • This will help solve the human resource crunch in the NIA.

Criticism:-

• Misuse for Curbing Political Dissent.
• Against Principle of Natural Justice.
• Violation of Human Rights.

 MUST READ: Misuse of UAPA and Increase in arrests under UAPA Act

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.

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

Q.2) In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty?(2019)

1. Protection against the tyranny of political rulers
2. Absence of restraint
3. Opportunity to do whatever one likes
4. Opportunity to develop oneself fully

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, ISRO’s PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission was successfully launched.

Background:-

• The Indian Space Research Organisation ran in the New Year with the successful launch of PSLV-C58 carrying XPoSat and 10 other payloads.

About Isro’s PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission:-

• Launch Date: January 01, 2024.
• Launch time: 09:10 Hrs IST.
• XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) is the first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
• The Satellite configuration is modified from the IMS-2 bus platform. . (PSLV-C54 launch)
• The Configuration of the mainframe systems are derived based on the heritage of IRS satellites.
• It carries two payloads namely POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing).
  • POLIX is realized by Raman Research Institute and
  • XSPECT is by Space Astronomy Group of URSC.

The objectives of this mission are:-

• To measure polarisation of X-rays in the energy band 8-30keV emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources through Thomson Scattering by POLIX payload.
• To carry out long term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band 0.8-15keV by XSPECT payload.
• To carry out polarisation and spectroscopic measurements of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources by POLIX and XSPECT payloads respectively in the common energy band.

 MUST READ: Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Japan

Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

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 –ECONOMY

Context: Recently, Small finance bank (SFB) campaigns were launched.

Background:-

• The campaign seeks to highlight the success of SFBs’ business models to all stakeholders.

About Small finance bank (SFB):-

• Small Finance Banks are the financial institutions, which provide financial services to the unserved and unbanked region of the country.
• They are registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Minimum paid-up capital– 100 cr.
• Capital adequacy ratio – 15% of risk-weighted assets.
• Foreign shareholding capped at 74% of paid capital.
• Foreign Portfolio investment ( FPIs) cannot be more than 24%.
• Priority sector lending requirement of 75% of total adjusted net bank credit. 

Eligibility Criteria:-

• Resident individuals/professionals, having at least 10 years of experience in banking and finance can start Small Finance Banks with the approval of RBI.
• Existing Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs), and Local Area Banks (LABs) in the private sector.  (Micro finance has the ability to unleash rural India’s entrepreneurial zeal.)
• Indian residents and have a successful record of accomplishment of running their businesses for at least a period of five years must control these.
• Joint ventures for setting up small finance banks are not permitted.  (Revised Priority Sector Lending Guidelines).

Functions:-

• Take small deposits and disburse loans.
• Distribute mutual funds, insurance products and other simple third-party financial products.
• Lend 75% of their total adjusted net bank credit to priority sector.
• Maximum loan size would be 10% of capital funds to single borrower, 15% to a group.
• Minimum 50% of loans should be up to 25 lakhs.

 MUST READ:  Inclusive Growth

SOURCE: BUISINESS LINE

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? (2020)

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) With reference to Urban Cooperative Banks in India, consider the following statements: (2021)

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

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 Governing Council of NITI Aayog is comprised of only the Governors of all the States and Union Territories.

Statement-II :

It replaced the Planning Commission which was a constitutional body.

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 Gulf of Aden, consider the following statements:

1. The Gulf of Aden is an extension of the Pacific
2. It connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea via the Strait of Bab el Mandeb.
3. It is Situated in the Western Red Sea.

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. 1 only

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  1st January 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – a