DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd January 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims – POLITY

Context: The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the 71st Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council in Shillong recently.

Background:-

• In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that the last 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have been the most significant for the development of the Northeast in the 75 years since independence.

About North Eastern Council:-

• The North Eastern Council (NEC) is not a constitutional body.
• It is a statutory organization.
• It was established under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, as amended in 2002.
• Initially, NEC was an Advisory Body for the North Eastern Region (NER).
• Now NEC is mandated to function as a Regional Planning Body for the North Eastern Region.
• The Union Cabinet, in June 2018, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for the nomination of the Union Home Minister as ex-officio Chairman of the North Eastern Council (NEC).
• The Cabinet also approved that the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of DoNER would serve as Vice Chairman of the Council.  Zonal Councils
• The Council comprises Governors and Chief Ministers of constituent States and three members nominated by the President.
• While formulating the regional plans for the North Eastern Region, it is mandated to give priority to schemes and projects, benefitting two or more States, provided that in the case of Sikkim, the Council shall formulate specific projects and schemes for that State including the review of implementation of such project and schemes.
• To fulfil its mandate, the NEC has been implementing various projects in different sectors.
• Over the years, NEC has achieved the construction of 10500 km. of roads, supported the installation of 695 MW of power plants, constructed transmission and distribution lines, improved in infrastructure of 5 major airports and constructed of new airport in Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh.

MUST READ:  Inter-State Council

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

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 percent of the total number of members in the Lok Sabha.

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) Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution? (2013)

1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: Recently, Oil Prices dropped by 0.93% Amid Geopolitical Tensions in West Asia.

Background:-

• In intra-day trade, Brent crude was trading 0.93 per cent lower at 77 dollars and 56 cents per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was also trading three per cent lower at 71 dollars and 91 cents per barrel when reports last came in.

About Oil Prices and India:-

• India is the third-largest oil consumer and imports more than 80% of its total crude oil
• India imports roughly 70% of its crude from the OPEC members.
• On a decadal comparison, the imports have reduced drastically from 87% to 70% in 2021-22. However, OPEC still accounts for the majority of India’s oil imports.
• OPEC is a permanent, intergovernmental organization, which aims to manage the supply of oil in an effort to set the price of oil in the world market.

Factors that affect Oil Prices:-

• Supply and Consumption.
• Government regulation.
• Geo-Politics
• Financial Markets.

Impacts of Oil Prices drop on India:-

• Decreased Imported Inflation. (High oil prices)
• Higher Economic Growth.
• Lower Fiscal Deficit.
• Lower External Vulnerability

 MUST READ: Oil Market meltdown

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1)  With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements. (2022)

1. An increase in Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) indicates the appreciation of the rupee.
2. An increase in the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) indicates an improvement in trade competitiveness.
3. An increasing trend in domestic inflation relative to inflation in other countries is likely to cause an increasing divergence between NEER and REER.

Which of the above statements is correct?

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

Q.2)With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic? (2020)

1. It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
2. It is a largely non-debt-creating capital flow.
3. It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.
4. It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in Government securities

Syllabus

• Prelims –IMPORTANT AWARDS/ GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Context: Recently, Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 were announced.

Background:-

• The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2024 to 19 exceptional children in an award ceremony which will take place at Vigyan Bhawan on 22nd January, 2024.

About Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024:-

• The awards were conferred by the President of India at a ceremonial function to be held at Vigyan Bhawan on 22nd January, 2024.
• The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, 2024 will be conferred upon 19 children selected from all regions of the country for their exceptional achievements in the fields of Art and Culture (7), Bravery (1), Innovation (1), Science & Technology (1), Social Service (4), and Sports (5).
• There are 9 boys and 10 girls among the awardees belonging to 18 States and UTs including 2 Aspirational Districts.
• On 23rd January 2024 Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi will interact with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees. The children will also participate in the Republic Day parade on 26th January 2024.
• The Government of India confers the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) award to children for their exceptional achievement.

Eligibility:-

• The awards are conferred upon the children in the age group 5 – 18 years, for their excellence in seven categories, viz. Art & Culture, Bravery, Environment, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service and Sports, which deserve national recognition.

Nominations:-

• This year, the Ministry of Women & Child Development made special efforts to increase nominations by issuing advertisements in regional newspapers and all major National newspapers.
• The National Award Portal was kept open for nominations for a longer period from 9th May 23 to 15th September 23.
• Line Ministries, Chief Secretaries/ Administrators of all States/ UTs, DMs/ DCs across the country were requested to give PMRBP wide publicity through print and electronic media and other mediums, so that the award is publicized, and nominations are submitted from all levels including Gram Panchayats/ Municipalities, etc.

Selection:-

• The profiles shortlisted after the Screening Committee Meeting were again examined by National Level Independent Experts from various domains such as Sangeet Natak Akademi, Central Reserve Police Force, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Indian Space Research Organisation, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research, Indian Institute of Public Administration and Sports Authority of India amongst others.
• The National Selection Committee examined the shortlisted profiles for final selection.

Decoration:-

• Each awardee of PMRBP is given a medal and a Certificate. (Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar-2023)

 MUST READ: Ramon Magsaysay Award

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards : (2023)

1. Major Dhyan Chand: For the most Khel Ratna Award spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson

over the period of the last four years.

2. Arjuna Award:                        For the lifetime achievement of a sportsperson.
3. Dronacharya Award: To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained

sportspersons or teams.

4. Rashtriya Khel: To recognize the Protsahan Puraskar contribution made by

sportspersons even after their retirement.

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements in respect of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements is not correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: Recently, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched a new range of ‘Sanatan Khadi Vastra’.

Background:-

• KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar launched Sanatan Vastra made from Khadi clothes at the flagship Khadi Bhawan in Connaught Place in Delhi.

About Sanatan Khadi Vastra:-

• By: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).
• The design of Sanatan clothing has been prepared at the Khadi Centre of Excellence located at NIFT.
• The creation of Khadi involves no mechanical or chemical processes, distinguishing Sanatan textiles for adhering to traditional Indian methods.
• To celebrate the launch, KVIC offered a special 20% discount on ‘Sanatan Vastra’ and 10% to 60% on other Khadi and village industry products from January 17 to 25, 2024​​​​​​​​​.

Significance:-

• ‘Sanatan Vastra’ embodies a fusion of India’s rich heritage and contemporary fashion trends.
• It holds a broader significance in enhancing the livelihoods of countless rural artisans.
• This initiative contributes significantly to the economic empowerment of these communities.( Rural Manufacturing)

 Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

• Establishment:
• Ministry:Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
• It is a statutory bodyestablished under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, of 1956.
• Objectives of KVIC:-

• • To boost employment in the country. (UPSC CSE: Project Re-Hab)
  • To promote the promotion and sale of Khadi articles.
  • To cater to the self-reliance doctrine of the country by empowering underprivileged and rural sections of society.
• Function: The KVIC is charged with the planning, promotion, organization and implementation of programmes for the development of Khadi and other village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary.

 MUST READ: Gramodyog Vikas Yojna

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements with reference to India: (2023)

1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006’, ‘medium enterprises’ are those with investments in plant and machinery between (‘ 15 crores and ’25 crore.)
2. All bank loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.

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) 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 –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in Pran Pratishtha  ceremony of Shri Ramlalla in the newly built Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir.

Background:-

• The historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be attended by representatives of all major spiritual and religious sects of the country.

About Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir:-

• Tata Consulting Engineers Limited ( TCEL) is the Project Management Company.
• Larsen and Toubro (L&T) is the Construction Company.
• The Sculptors are Arun Yogiraaj (Mysore), Ganesh Bhatt and Satyanarayan Pandey.
• Chandrakant Sompura, and his two sons – Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura are the Chief Architects.
• IIT Guwahati, IIT Chennai, IIT Bombay, NIT Surat, Central Building Research Institute Roorkee, National Geo Research Institute Hyderabad, and the National Institute of Rock Mechanics are the design advisors.
• The construction of the Ram Mandir is being supervised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
  • The trust was set up in 2020 after the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case. It is composed of 15 trustees.

Architecture:-

• It is designed in the Nagara Style.( Indian temple architecture ‘Devayatanam’)
• Gurjara Chalukya architecture is classified as part of the Nagara style of temple architecture.
• The temple will consist of five mandapas in the middle of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and on the entryway.
• Ram Lalla Virajman, the infant form of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the presiding deity of the temple.
• The temple will have idols each including the incarnations of Shiva, the 10 Dashavataras, the 64 Chausath Yoginis, and the 12 incarnations of the goddess Saraswati.
• The main structure of the temple will be built on a raised platform and will have three storeys.
• The use of Steel or Iron has been completely avoided in the construction of Ram Mandir. Instead, traditional construction materials have been used in its construction to reflect an alignment with traditional building practices

MUST READ: Srisailam Temple

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Th Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (2022)

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of the Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Q.2) With reference  to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. It is a circular temple built during the reign of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
2. It is the only circular temple built in India.
3. It was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
4. Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –SPORTS

Context: Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu recently.

Background:-

• Shri Modi also launched and laid the foundation stone of projects related to the Broadcasting sector worth about Rs 250 crores.

About Khelo India Youth Games 2023:-

• The Khelo India Youth Games, will witness the participation of athletes from all 36 states and union territories of India.
• It will bring together the resolve, commitment and belief of all athletes and the nation will be a witness to their dedication, self-confidence, never-say-die spirit and passion for extraordinary performances.
• Khelo India Logo carries the image of Saint Thiruvalluvar.
• This is the first time that Khelo India Youth Games are being held in South India.
• The Games will be played across four cities of Tamil Nadu, namely Chennai, Madurai, Trichy and Coimbatore.
• It will be from 19th to 31st  January 2024.
• The mascot for the games is Veera Mangai.
• Rani Velu Nachiyar, fondly called Veera Mangai, was an Indian queen who waged a war against British colonial rule.
• The mascot symbolizes the valour and spirit of Indian women, embodying the strength of women’s power.

MUST READ: Grand Slam

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022: (2023)

1. It was the first time that Chess Olympiad was held in India.
2. The official mascot was named Thambi’.
3. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup.
4. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup. ·

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 respect of the 32nd Summer Olympics:

1. The official motto for this Olympics is ‘A New World’.
2. Sport Climbing, Surfing, Skateboarding, Karate and Baseball are included in this Olympics.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? (2021)

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 and 2

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) successfully landed on the moon recently.

Background:-

• SLIM landed on the moon surface on January 20, 2024, at 0:20 am (JST).
• Communication with spacecraft has been established after the landing.

About SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon):-

• Launch Date: September 7, 2023
• Launch Location: Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center.
• Launch Vehicle: H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 47.
• Agency: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
• SLIM is Japan’s first lunar surface mission. (CHANDRAYAAN-2)
• The SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) project is a mission for researching the pinpoint landing technology necessary for future lunar probes and verifying this on the surface of the moon with a small-scale probe.
• SLIM is lighter because it carries much less fuel.
• It utilized earth gravity to build kinetic energy, eventually aligning its trajectory with the moon for a slower approach and capture.
• Once it gets close to the moon, it will get deflected into the deeper space by the combined forces of Earth and Moon.
• This larger, more loopy path was designed to bring it back near the moon after it had slowed down further, allowing it to get captured by the Moon’s orbit.
• Upon soft landing, SLIM will deploy two small rovers called Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2.
• They will study the lunar surface near the landing point, collect temperature and radiation readings, and attempt to study the moon’s mantle.

MUST READ: Chandrayaan-3

SOURCE: THE HINDU

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) In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the: (2022)

1. First half of the month of June
2. Second half of the month of June
3. First half of the month of July
4. Second half of the month of July

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 :

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 was conferred by the Prime Minister of India.

Statement-II :

The awards are conferred upon the children in the age group 5 – 18 years.

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 Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, consider the following statements:

1. The chief sculptors are Arun Yogiraaj (Mysore), Ganesh Bhatt and Satyanarayan Pandey.
2. Chandrakant Sompura, and his two sons – Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura are the Chief Architects.
3. Steel or Iron has been used extensively in the construction of Ram Mandir.

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

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  23rd January 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – d