DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th January 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 8 AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) projects in Maharashtra.

Background:-

• Shri Modi dedicated to the nation more than 90,000 houses completed under PMAY-Urban in Maharashtra and 15,000 houses of Raynagar Housing Society in Solapur, whose beneficiaries comprise thousands of handloom workers, vendors, power loom workers, rag pickers, Bidi workers, drivers, among others. He also initiated the distribution of 1st and 2nd instalments to 10,000 beneficiaries of PM-SVANIDHI in Maharashtra during the programme.

About AMRUT:-

• Launched: June 2015.
• Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Objectives: –

• Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.
• Increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well-maintained open spaces (e.g. parks).
• Reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling). All these outcomes are valued by citizens, particularly women, and indicators and standards have been prescribed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA ) in the form of Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs).

Salient Features:-

• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the first focused national water Mission was launched to facilitate ease of living for citizens in 500 cities by providing tap connections and sewer connections.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Under AMRUT, project funds have been earmarked for the entire Mission period.
• The AMRUT Mission consists of the following major components:-
  • Capacity building
  • Reform implementation
  • Water supply and management of sewerage and septage
  • Drainage of stormwater
  • Improvement in urban transport facilities
  • Development of green spaces and parks.
• The focus of the Mission is on infrastructure creation that has a direct link to the provision of better services to the citizens.
• Coverage: The Mission covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over one lakh with notified Municipalities.
• AMRUT 2.0 will focus on enhancing sewerage and septic management and making all Indian cities water secure.
• Coverage: The Amrut 2.0 will extend coverage from 500 cities under the first phase to 4,700 cities and towns.

 MUST READ: Green future for Indian cities

SOURCE: PIB

 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 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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Context: Recently, the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for the construction of ‘Ayush Diksha’ will be held on 20th January 2024.

Background:-

• The Ceremony will be held at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bharatpur, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.

About Ayush Diksha:-

• Ministry: Ministry of Ayush.
• Ayush Diksha is a Human Resource Development Centre of the Government of India’, of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
• The Ayush Diksha project with an approved budget of Rs.30 crore will promote state-of-the-art facilities.
• The construction will consist of two Auditoriums with a capacity of 30-40 trainees each, 40 Central Air Conditioned Rooms with attached bathrooms for apprentice accommodation, and VIP and VIP suites.
• An area dedicated to a natural library and discussion room, adequate parking space, Modular pantry, dining lounges and other necessary facilities are included.
• The Institute will provide a teaching training programme to all the stakeholders of Ayush in general and Ayurveda in particular at the national level. (AYUSH Health and Wellness Centers (HWC))
• It will also help in collaborating with other national institutions for capacity development, strengthening human resources in Ayurveda, facilitating research and development, maintaining high-quality standards and generating revenue besides achieving self-sufficiency.

 MUST READ: Ayush Mark Certification Scheme

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) 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

Q.2) ‘SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at (2016)

1. promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
2. providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs
3. promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
4. providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

Syllabus

• Prelims –HISTORY

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Mahayogi Vemana on the occasion of Vemana Jayanti.

Background:-

• The Prime Minister posted on x: “Today, on Vemana Jayanti, we recall the timeless wisdom of Mahayogi Vemana. His verses and profound teachings continue to enlighten and inspire, guiding us towards a life of truth, simplicity, and inner peace. His insightful works resonate all around the world and his teachings light our path in the quest for a better planet.”

About Mahayogi Vemana:-

• He was a saint in Andhra Pradesh.
• Vemana was born in Gandikota, Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh.
• He was an Indian philosopher and poet in the Telugu language.
• He was an achala Yogi, Poet, Social Reformer.
• His poems are known for their use of simple language and native idioms.
• They discuss the subjects of yoga, wisdom and morality.
• His poems follow various themes: social, moral, satirical and mystical.
• Most of them are in Ataveladi (dancing lady) meter.
• Notable works:-
  • vemana satakam

 MUST READ: Sant Ravidas

SOURCE: PIB

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:

1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana

Which of the above are Jaina texts  (2022)

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

Q.2) With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following pairs:

1. Parivrajaka — Renunciant and Wanderer
2. Shramana — Priest with a high status
3. Upasaka — Lay follower of Buddhism

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (2020)

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: The Amrit Udyan will open for public viewing from February 2 to March 31.

Background:-

• People can visit the Udyan six days a week except on Mondays which are maintenance days.

About AMRIT UDYAN:-

• The Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan were renamed ‘Amrit Udyan’ in keeping with the theme of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• The cluster of about 15 gardens will collectively be known as Amrit Udyan.

Historical Background:-

• In 1911, the British decided to shift the Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi.
• About 4,000 acres of land was acquired to construct the Viceroy’s House with Sir Edwin Lutyens being given the task of designing the building on Raisina Hill.
• While initial plans involved creating a garden with traditional British sensibilities in mind, Lady Hardinge, the wife of the then Viceroy, urged planners to create a Mughal-style garden.

Characteristic features:-

• Mughal Gardens (now erstwhile) draw inspiration from the Mughal Gardens of Jammu & Kashmir, the gardens around the Taj Mahal and miniature paintings of India and Persia.
• They are known for their ‘charbagh style’. In Babur Nama, Babur claimed it to be his favourite kind of garden.
• The char bagh structure was intended to create a representation of an earthly utopia – jannat – in which humans co-exist in perfect harmony with all elements of nature.
• These gardens are defined by their rectilinear layouts, are divided into four equal sections, and can be found across lands previously ruled by the Mughals.
• From the gardens surrounding Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi to the Nishat Bagh in Srinagar, all are built in this style.
• A defining feature of these gardens is the use of waterways, often to demarcate the various quadrants of the garden.

Significance:-

• These were not only crucial to maintaining the flora of the garden, they also were an important part of its aesthetic.
• Fountains were often built, symbolising the “cycle of life.

 MUST READ: Akbar

SOURCE: PIB

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the cultural history of India, consider the following statements (2018)

1. White marble was used in making Buland Darwaza and Khankah at Fatehpur Sikri
2. Red sandstone and marble were used in making Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza at Lucknow

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) Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri was (2014)

1. the mosque for the use of Royal Family
2. Akbar’s private chamber prayer
3. the hall in which Akbar held discussions with scholars of various religions.
4. the room in which the nobles belonging to different religions gathered to discuss religious affairs

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: Recently, Lanjia Saura Painting got a GI tag.

About Lanjia Saura Painting:-

• The painting, one of the oldest tribal art forms, is also known as
• The artworks are famous for their beauty, aesthetics, ritualistic association and iconography.
• The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district.( Saharia tribe)
• These paintings are in the form of exterior murals painted on the mud walls of homes.
• White paintings figure over a crimson-maroon background.
• It is believed that the Lanjia Sauras paint their walls with Idital artworks to show gratitude to their deities and forefathers, and also for the well-being of their community.
• Reflecting the love and affection of the primitive tribes for nature, they feature subjects like tribal humans, trees, animals, birds, the Sun and the Moon.

 MUST READ: Weathering of oldest rock paintings due to climate change

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

Historical place                 Well-known for

1. Burzahom             Rock-cut shrines
2. Chandraketugarh Terracotta art
3. Ganeshwar             Copper artefacts

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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

Q.2) Which one of the following statements is correct? (2022)

1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of the Waghora River.
2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of the Chambal River.
3. Pandu – Lena cave shrines lie in the gorge of the Narmada River.
4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of the Godavari River.

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has cleared 356.50 hectares of invasive growth of Senna spectabilis.

Background:-

• It was that posing a threat to biodiversity conservation in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).

About Senna spectabilis:-

• It is commonly known as Cassia excelsa, Cassia fastigiata, or Cassia multijuga.
• It is also referred to as “cassia” or “golden wonder tree.”
• It is native to tropical areas of America.
• Habitat: Dryland forest in northeast Brazil, most commonly in open formations, favouring deep, well-drained, fertile soils.
• It is a deciduous tree.
• It grows up to 15 to 20 metres in a short period of time and distributes thousands of seeds after flowering.
• During the flowering season, the tree produces vibrant clusters of yellow flowers, making it visually appealing.
• It was introduced as shade trees for coffee and firewood in the country and soon became a threat to native tree species as its dense foliage prevented the growth of other indigenous trees and grass species.(Invasive species)

Conservation status:-

• IUCN: Least Concern.

 MUST READ: Expansion of the Invasive Plants

SOURCE: THE HINDU

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. Jackfruit (Artoca7pus heterophyllus)
2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Teak (Tectona grandis)

How many of the above are deciduous trees?

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements (2023)

Statement-I:

Marsupials are not naturally found in India.

Statement-II:

Marsupials can thrive only in montane grasslands with no predators.

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

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 :

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a Central Sector Scheme.

Statement-II :

Under AMRUT, project funds have been earmarked for the entire Mission period.

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 Lanjia Saura Painting, consider the following statements:

1. It is one of the newest tribal art forms, is also known as Idital.
2. The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district.
3. It has white paintings figure over a crimson-maroon background.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  20th January 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – d