DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd January 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims –POLITY/GOVERNANCE

Context: Recently, CJI announced the launch of the electronic Supreme Court Reports (e-SCR) project.

Background:-

• In another step towards digitalization, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud announced the launch of the electronic Supreme Court Reports (e-SCR) project to provide free access to its about 34,000 judgements to lawyers, law students and the common public.

About the electronic Supreme Court Reports (e-SCR) project:-

• The e-SCR Project is an initiative that will provide the digital version of the Supreme Court’s judgments in the manner as they are reported in the official law report – ‘Supreme Court Reports’.
• Objective: to bring in a positive change for the benefit of all the stakeholders of justice, primarily litigants and members of the Bar as well as the High Courts, National Law University, Judicial Academies, etc.
• The e-SCR project will showcase replica soft copies of SCRS by utilizing the verifiable authentic soft copies as available in the PF format.
• This project will take a step forward toward fulfilling the objective of digitization of the Indian Judiciary.
• The Supreme Court has developed a search engine with the help of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which uses elastic search techniques in the database of e-SCR.
• The search facility in e-SCR provides several options, including free text search, search within search, case type and case year search, judge search, year and volume search, and bench strength search.
• These initiatives will provide easy access to the judgments of the apex court and facilitate research and understanding of legal matters.
• The deadline for head-noted judgments of 2022 to be made available online will provide greater transparency and accessibility to the Supreme Court’s work and decisions.
• With the launch of the e-SCR project, all judgments of the Supreme Court will be made available online within 24 hours.
• These judgments will be accessible on the Supreme Court’s mobile app and on the National Judicial Data Grid’s judgment portal.
  • The NJDG portal is a national repository of data relating to cases instituted, pending, and disposed of by the courts across the length and breadth of the country.

Advantages:-

• Reduction in the burden of travelling.
• Browsing through huge volumes of journals in libraries
• Enhancing its accessibility to those with visual disabilities.

 MUST READ: Delegated Legislation

SOURCE: THE ECONOMIC TIMES

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. Government law officers and legal firms are recognized as advocates, but corporate lawyers and patent attorneys are excluded from recognition as advocates.
2. Bar Councils have the power to lay down the rules relating to legal education and recognition of law colleges.

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

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.2) With reference to India, consider the following statements:

1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail.
2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.

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

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Context: Recently, the 10th phase of Sagar Parikrama began from Chennai Port.

Background:-

• The tenth phase of Sagar Parikrama began from Chennai Port today. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala and Union Minister of State Dr L. Murugan jointly inaugurated the mission which will travel through Nellore, Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam.

About Sagar Parikrama:-

• Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• First phase Began :5th March 2022 .
• First phase location: Mandvi, Gujarat.

• Organized by: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and National Fisheries Development Board along with-
  • Department of Fisheries, Government of Gujarat,
  • Indian Coast Guard,
  • Fishery Survey of India,
  • Gujarat Maritime Board and
  • Fishermen representatives.
• Objective: to address the challenges faced by fishers and stakeholders while uplifting their economic prospects through various fisheries schemes and programs, such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) & and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC).
• Sagar Parikrama is a navigation journey to be conducted in all coastal states/UTs through a pre-decided sea route to demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers, and concerned stakeholders.
• It is envisioned as a part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava’ saluting our great freedom fighters, sailors, and fishers.
• The Parikrama shall be accompanied by the State Fisheries officials, Fishermen representatives, Fish-Farmers entrepreneurs, stakeholders, professionals, officials, and Scientists from across the nation.
• It is to be celebrated through a pre-decided sea route down right from Gujarat, Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands.
• The Sagar Parikrama Program is to have an interaction with fishermen, fisher communities, and stakeholders in these locations and districts. (Conserving Marine Resources)

Significance:-

• The Sagar Parikrama Program is being celebrated as a part of the 75th “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava”.
• It is an initiative to know the problems of Coastal Fisherfolk.
• It will demonstrate solidarity with all fisherfolk, fish farmers, and concerned stakeholders

 MUST READ:  Marine Spatial Planning Framework

SOURCE: AIR

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution: (2023)

1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known ·safe level of exposure to mercury.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q.2) Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017)

1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy.
2. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: A Record 8.18 crore Income Tax Returns filed so far in current financial year according to Central Board of Direct Taxes.

Background:-

• Around 7.5 crore ITRs were filed last year during the same period.

About Income Tax Returns:-

• The Income Tax Act of 1961 mandates that the federal government collect this tax for the state.
• Income Tax Returns, often known as ITRs, are forms used to declare net tax liabilities, claim tax deductions, and report gross taxable income.
• Individuals who make a specific amount of money are required to file IT returns.
• Income Tax Return Forms are notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT):-

• Establishment: 1963.
• Ministry: Ministry of Finance.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• Administered by: Department of Revenue.
• It is a statutory authority functioning under the Central Board of Revenue Act, of 1963.
• The Central Board of Revenue is the apex body of the Department of Revenue.
• It is charged with the administration of taxes.
• It came into existence as a result of the Central Board of Revenue Act, of 1924.
• It is India’s official financial action task force unit.

Historical Background of CBDT:-

• Initially the Board was in charge of both direct and indirect taxes.  (Increase in Direct Tax Collections)
• However, when the administration of taxes became too unwieldy for one Board to handle, the Board was split up into two, namely the Central Board of Direct Taxes and Central Board of Excise and Customs with effect from 1964.

Functions of CBDT:-

• Making Policies regarding the discharge of statutory functions of the Board and of the Union Govt. under the various laws relating to direct taxes.  ( CBDT and Income Tax Return Forms)
• General Policy relating to:-
  • Organization of the set-up and structure of the Income-tax Department.
  • Methods and procedures of work of the Board.
  • Measures for disposal of assessments, collection of taxes, prevention, and detection of tax evasion and tax avoidance.
• Recruitment, training, and all other matters relating to service conditions and career prospects of the personnel of the Income-tax Department.
• Laying down targets and fixing priorities for disposal of assessments and collection of taxes and other related matters.
• Write off of tax demands exceeding Rs. 25 lakhs in each case.
• Making Policy regarding grant of rewards and appreciation certificates.
• Any other matter which the Chairman or any Member of the Board, with the approval of the Chairman, may refer for joint consideration of the Board.

 MUST READ: One Nation, One ITR Form

SOURCE: AIR

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements are 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

Q.2) In India, which one of the following is responsible for maintaining price stability by controlling inflation? (2022)

1. Department of Consumer Affairs
2. Expenditure Management Commission
3. Financial Stability and Development Council
4. Reserve Bank of India

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: Recently, India has donated $2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

Background:-

• In a social media post, the Prime Minister asked the people to share their feedback directly with him using the hashtag #JanManSurvey.

About United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA):-

• Establishment:1950.
• HQ: It was originally headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon, but was moved to Vienna, Austria, in 1978.
• Following the 1948 War, UNRWA was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 8 December 1949.
• The Agency began operations on 1 May 1950.( Violence between Israel- Palestine)
• In the absence of a solution to the Palestine refugee problem, the UNGA Assembly has repeatedly renewed UNRWA’s mandate, most recently extending it until 30 June 2023.
• Objective: to carry out direct relief and work programmes for Palestine refugees.
• The Agency’s services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance, including in times of armed conflict.
• It is a UN agency that supports the relief and human development of Palestinian refugees.
• It provides services in its five fields of operations: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the East of Jerusalem.
• The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions from UN Member States.
• UNRWA also receives some funding from the Regular Budget of the United Nations, which is used mostly for international staffing costs.

 MUST READ: India, Israel and Palestine

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

The ‘Stability and Growth Pact’ of the European Union is a treaty that

1. limits the levels of the budgetary deficit of the countries of the European Union
2. makes the countries of the European Union share their infrastructure facilities
3. enables the countries of the European Union to share their technologies

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

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

1. Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)’.
2. The objectives and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries.
3. The GCM addresses internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –DEFENSE

Context: The Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ between India and UAE began recently.

Background:-

• Ministry of External Affairs said, potential areas of bilateral cooperation in the defence field are the production and development of defence equipment; joint exercises of armed forces, particularly naval exercises; sharing of information on strategy and doctrines; technical cooperation in respect of Intermediate Jet Trainer etc.

About Desert Cyclone 2024:-

• Date from 2nd to 15th January 2024.
• Venue: : Mahajan, Rajasthan.
• Objective: to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.
• This exercise is being organized to promote exchange of best practices with special focus on urban governance.
• The two-week long program is designed to facilitate learning and sharing of best practices in urban operations.
• The exercise aims to strengthen relations between the Indian and UAE armed forces.
• The UAE contingent is being represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade.
• The Indian Army contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented mainly by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
• Exercise signifies further strengthening of bonds of friendship and trust between India and the UAE. (CEPA between India and the UAE)

 MUST READ: India-UAE relations

SOURCE: AIR

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements (2020)

1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka Trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
2. Textile and textile articles constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q.2) In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/ participants? (2015)

1. Bangladesh
2. Cambodia
3. China
4. Myanmar
5. Thailand

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2, 3 and 4
3. 1 and 3
4. 1, 2 and 5

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recently, the treatment of children suffering from lysosomal storage disorders like Gaucher disease has been stopped.

Background:-

• Children suffering from lysosomal storage disorders like Gaucher disease are facing a bleak future as their treatment has been stopped due to the exhaustion of one-time support from the Union health ministry.

About Gaucher disease:-

• Gaucher disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder (LSD).
• It is a type of disease that causes fatty substances (sphingolipids) to build up in bone marrow, liver and spleen.
• The sphingolipids weaken bones and enlarge organs.
• It is caused by a mutation in the GBA gene, which leads to a deficiency of an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase (GCase).
• This enzyme is responsible for breaking down fatty substances called sphingolipids, which are normally found in the cell membranes.
• Symptoms: Enlarged spleen, liver, eye movement disorders and yellow spots in the eyes etc.
• There are three types of Gaucher disease:-
• Type1: It affects your spleen, liver, blood and bones. It doesn’t affect your brain or spinal cord. Gaucher disease type 1 is treatable, but there’s no cure.
• Type 2: A rare form of the disorder appears in babies younger than 6 months old.
  • It causes an enlarged spleen, movement problems and severe brain damage. There’s no treatment for Gaucher disease type 2.
• Type 3: It is the most common form which appears before age 10 and causes bone and organ abnormalities and neurological (brain) problems.
• There’s no cure for Gaucher disease, but treatments can relieve symptoms and greatly improve quality of life.

 MUST READ: Rare Diseases

SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) ‘Microsatellite DNA’ is used in the case of which one of the following? (2023)

1. Studying the evolutionary relationships among various species of fauna
2. Stimulating ‘stem cells’ to transform into diverse functional tissues
3. Promoting clonal propagation of horticultural plants
4. Assessing the efficacy of drugs by conducting a series of drug trials in  a population

Q.2) ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations? (2023)

1. Collecting DNA samples from air in a habitat at one go
2. Understanding the genetic makeup of avian species of a habitat
3. Using air-borne devices to collect blood samples from moving animals
4. Sending drones to inaccessible areas to collect plant and animal  samples from land surfaces and  water bodies

Syllabus

• Prelims –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, an exhibition of Warli painting  took place by the Inherited Arts Forum.

Background:-

• It traced the artistic journey of the celebrated Mashe family and their effort in reviving the Warli painting.

About Warli Paintings:-

• Warli art is a folk painting of
• It dates back to the 10th century AD.
• The Word Warli is inspired by the largest tribe, which is found in the Northern outskirts of Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• This art of painting is mainly practiced by the tribes inhabiting the North Sahyadri range in Maharashtra.
• This tribal art originated in Maharashtra, where it has still maintained its presence.
• It was traditionally practised by women of the Warli tribe called Suvasinis, who decorated the Lagn Chowk or the wedding square.
• These paintings are distinctive with their vivid contrast expressions.
• These paintings are mainly dominated by basic geometric shapes like circles, triangles and squares.
• Theme:Warli represents the daily routine of rural life, the relationship of the tribal people with nature, their gods, myths, traditions, customs, and festivities.

 MUST READ: Mural Art

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? (2020)

1. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
2. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
3. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
4. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India

Q.2) The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings (2017)

1. Ajanta
2. Badami
3. Bagh
4. Ellora

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 :

There’s no cure for Gaucher disease.

Statement-II :

It  is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder (LSD).

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 Warli Paintings , consider the following statements:

1. This tribal art originated in Karnataka.
2. It was traditionally practiced by women.
3. These paintings are mainly dominated by basic geometric shapes like circles, triangles and squares.

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. 3 only

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  3rd 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