DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th January 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: Recently, India established a “Global Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality” to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality at the 54th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.

Background:-

• Union ministers Smriti Irani Hardeep Puri were present.

About Global Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality:-

• Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• The idea of this alliance emerged from the G20 Leaders’ Declaration and India’s abiding commitment to the cause of women-led development as propounded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. (World Economic Forum)
• The primary and stated objective of this new Alliance is to bring together global best practices, knowledge sharing and investments in the identified areas of women’s health, education, and enterprise.
• The Alliance will be taking forward the commitments of the G20 leaders for the benefit of the larger global community as a follow-up to the activities of the Engagement Group and initiatives under the G20 framework, inter alia, the Business 20, Women 20 and G20 EMPOWER.
• The alliance will bring together worldwide best practices, knowledge sharing, and investment opportunities in women’s education, health, and enterprise.
• The Alliance has garnered support from industry leaders, including Mastercard, Uber, Tata, TVS, Bayer, Godrej, Serum Institute of India, IMD Lausanne, and over 10,000 partners from the industry.

Significance:-

• This initiative marks a significant stride toward achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality and Empowerment), 17 (Global Partnership for Development) and more.

 MUST READ: FireAId initiative

SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2020)

1. Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited.
2. They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services.
3. They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Q.2) 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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Context: Recently, the Science Ministry announced the first recipients of the ‘Vaibhav’ fellowship.

Background:-

• Science Minister Jitendra Singh said that the scheme was “open-ended” and was meant to facilitate meaningful collaboration, and potentially attract diaspora scientists to work in India.

About Vaibhav fellowship:-

• The fellowship offers NRI researchers an opportunity to work for a minimum of one month to a maximum of two months a year with a research institution or an academic institution in India.
• The duration of the fellowship is three years with the government offering the researchers an amount of up to Rs 37 lakh for the entire period.
• Objective: The VAIBHAV Fellowship aims at improving the research ecosystem of India’s Higher Educational and Scientific Institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world through the mobility of faculty/researchers from overseas institutions to India.

Eligibility: (for Scientists)

• The applicant should be a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), currently living abroad.
• The applicant must have obtained Ph.D./M.D/M.S degree from a recognized University.
• Applicant must be a researcher engaged in an overseas academic / research / industrial organization with a proven track record of research & development working in the top 500 QS World University Ranking.
• Plan to pursue research work for a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 2 months a year in a research institution / academic institution in India, spread over 3 years.
• Applicants can submit their proposals only once in a calendar year.

Eligibility: (for Institutions)

• Higher Educational Institutions / Universities ranked in the top 200 in NIRF overall rankings and have NAAC ‘A” grades (3.0 and above) and scientific institutes.

Nature & Duration of Support:

• The fellowship is tenable only in India.
• It can be implemented in any of the recognized academic institutions, national laboratories and other recognized R&D institutions.
• The host institution should provide the necessary administrative and infrastructural support
• The fellowship is for 1-2 months each year for a period of 3 years.

The fellows will be entitled to receive the grants as given below:

• Fellowship of USD 5000 (in equivalent Indian currency)
• International Travel from a place of their institute to a place of work in India in business class
• Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotel
• Contingency Rs 1,00,000 per year
• Domestic Travel for academic purposes up to two stations in a year

MUST READ: SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN)

SOURCE: THE HINDU

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) What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? (2017)

1. To enable famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNANCE

Context: Recently, PM GatiShakti spurred project planning and implementation of Ayodhya Bypass Project.

Background:-

• Ayodhya Bypass Project to facilitate economic, social and logistics connectivity across multiple districts

About PM GatiShakti:-

• Launched : October 13, 2021.
• PM Gati Shakti plan envisages a centralised portal to unite the infrastructural initiatives planned and initiated by as many as 16 central ministries and departments.
• It involves the creation of a common umbrella platform through which infrastructure projects can be planned and implemented in an efficacious manner by way of coordination between various ministries/departments on a real-time basis.
• GatiShakti targets to cut logistic costs, increase cargo handling capacity and reduce the turnaround time.
• It will facilitate the last mile connectivity of infrastructure and reduce logistics costs.
• It will incorporate the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, inland waterways, dry/land ports, UDAN etc.

Significance:-

• Bring down logistics & supply cost of India.
• Enhances Supply Chain Efficiency.
• Coordinated Governance.
• Improves Connectivity.

 MUST READ: National Logistics Policy

SOURCE:  PIB

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) With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements is correct? (2022)

1. The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB.
2. BBB recommends the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.
3. BBB helps Public Sector Banks develop strategies and capital-raising plans.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –AWARDS

Context: Recently, Prime Minister congratulates to all those who have been conferred the Padma Awards.

Background:-

• In a X post, the Prime Minister said;

“Congratulations to all those who have been conferred the Padma Awards. India cherishes their contribution across diverse sectors. May they continue to inspire people with their exceptional work.

About Padma Awards:-

• The Padma Award are one of the highest civilian honours of India.
• Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954.
• It is announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day except for brief interruption(s) during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.
• It is announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• The Awards are given in three categories:-
  • Padma Vibhushan: for exceptional and distinguished service
  • Padma Bhushan: distinguished service of higher order
  • Padma Shri: distinguished service.
• The award seeks to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
• The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
• The nomination process is open to the public.
• Even self-nomination can be made.
• Eligibility:-
  • All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.
  • Government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these Awards.
• The award seeks to recognize works of distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines:-
  • Art: includes Music, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Cinema, Theatre etc.
  • Social work: includes social service, charitable service, contribution to community projects etc.
  • Public Affairs: includes Law, Public Life, Politics etc.
  • Science & Engineering: includes Space Engineering, Nuclear Science, Information Technology, Research & Development in Science & its allied subjects etc.
  • Trade & Industry: includes Banking, Economic Activities, Management, Promotion of Tourism, Business etc.
  • Medicine: includes medical research, distinction/specialization in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Siddha, Allopathy, Naturopathy etc.
  • Literature & Education: includes Journalism, Teaching, Book composing, Literature, Poetry, Promotion of education, Promotion of literacy, Education Reforms etc.
  • Civil Service: includes distinction/excellence in administration etc. by Government Servants
  • Sports: includes popular Sports, Athletics, Adventure, Mountaineering, promotion of sports, Yoga etc.
  • Others: fields not covered above and may include propagation of Indian Culture, protection of Human Rights, Wild Life protection/conservation etc.
• The award is normally not conferred posthumously. However, in highly deserving cases, the Government could consider giving an award posthumously.
• The awards are presented by the President of India usually in the month of March/April every year.
• The awardees are presented a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
• The recipients are also given a small replica of the medallion, which they can wear during any ceremonial/State functions etc.
• The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be more than 120.
• The award does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name.

 MUST READ: Ramon Magsaysay Award

SOURCE: PIB

 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 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. (C) 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 – SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 Context: Asteroid 2024 BM passed by Earth recently.

Background:-

• The asteroid passed the Earth at a distance of approximately 3 million kilometres today, January 22, 2024.

About Asteroid 2024 BM:-

• This particular space rock belongs to the Apollo group of Near-Earth Asteroids, which are Earth-crossing space rocks with semi-major axes larger than Earth’s.
• These asteroids are named after the enormous 1862 Apollo asteroid which German astronomer Karl Reinmuth discovered in the 1930s.( Environment of extra solar planets)
• This is not the first time that Asteroid 2024 BM has entered the proximity of Earth.
• It has earlier passed Earth on December 5, 1900, at a distance of approximately 23 million kilometers.
• After this, it is set to approach the planet at a distance of 9.7 kilometers on May 2, 2039.
• It is approximately 150 feet wide, making it as big as an aircraft.
• The width of Asteroid 2024 BM is 45 feet.
• The main asteroid belt, situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, is where asteroids are commonly found in our solar system.

MUST READ: Exoplanets

SOURCE: FINANCIAL EXPRESS

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY/ ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: As per recent reports Cheetahs’ second home in India, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, almost ready.

Background:-

• South African experts will arrive in India to review conditions at Madhya Pradesh’s Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in February.

About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:-

• Location: northwestern Madhya Pradesh, with one of its boundaries running along the border of Rajasthan.
• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1974.
• The sanctuary has vast open landscapes with sparse vegetation and rocky terrain, along with small patches of dense forests.
• The vegetation comprises of Northern tropical dry deciduous forest, Northern tropical dry mixed deciduous forest, and Dry deciduous scrub.
• The River Chambal flows through the sanctuary, dividing it into two parts.
• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and the reservoir are also designated Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) as it boasts a large bird diversity with healthy populations.
• Flora: Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu and Palash are the principal tree species found here.
• Fauna: The sanctuary is home to herbivores like Chinkara, Nilgai, and Spotted Deer, and carnivores like the Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, and Jackal.

MUST READ: Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

SOURCE:THE HINDU

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following is not a bird? (2022)

1. Golden Mahseer
2. Indian Nightjar
3. Spoonbill
4. White Ibis

Q.2) With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements :

1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled to equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.

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

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

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 :

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Madhya Pradesh.

Statement-II :

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1994.

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 Padma Awards, consider the following statements:

1. The nomination process is open to the public.
2. Self-nomination cannot be made.
3. The total number of awards to be given in a year should not be more than 100.

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 ’  26th January 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – a