DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd February 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims –POLITY

Context: Recently, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hailed the Interim Budget as “not merely an interim budget but an inclusive and innovative budget.”

Background:-

• The Prime Minister further said, “This budget will empower all pillars of developed India – the youth, the poor, women, and farmers.”

About Interim Budget:-

• The Union Budget is the annual financial statement with the estimated costs and expenses of the government for the following financial year.
• During an election year, the incumbent government cannot present a full budget owing to which the finance ministers present an interim Budget that covers the government’s expenses and revenues for a short period.
  • This is till a new government is elected and takes charge.
  • After the Lok Sabha elections, the new government presents a full budget.
• The presentation of an interim budget follows the same schedule as the Union budget would in a regular financial year.
• The interim Budget includes estimates for the government’s expenditure, revenue, fiscal deficit, financial performance and projections for just a few months.
• No major policy announcements that can burden the next government can be presented in the interim Budget.
• There is no constitutional provision for an interim budget.
• However, it has become a common practice for outgoing governments ahead of polls.
• Vote-on-account: The Parliament passes a vote-on-account through the interim Budget which allows the government to obtain Parliamentary approval for essential government spending such as salaries and ongoing expenses.

 MUST READ: Major Bills in the Budget Session of Parliament

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to anti-defection law in India, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The law specifies that a nominated legislator cannot join any political party within six months of being appointed to the House.
2. The law does not provide any time-frame within which the presiding officer has to decide a defection case.

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) Along with the Budget, the Finance Minister also places other documents before the Parliament which include ‘The Macro Economic Framework Statement’. The aforesaid document is presented because this is mandated by (2020)

1. Long standing parliamentary convention
2. Article 112 and Article 110(1) of the Constitution of India
3. Article 113 of the Constitution of India
4. Provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: Recently, Interim Budget 2024-25 was presented.

About Highlights of Interim Budget 2024-25:-

• Government will launch a scheme to help deserving sections of the middle class “living in rented houses, or slums, or chawls and unauthorized colonies” to buy or build their own houses.
• Rooftop solarization — one crore households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity every month.
• PM Awas Yojana (Grameen)– Two crore more houses will be taken up in the next five years to meet the requirement arising from an increase in the number of families.
• Vaccination for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years for prevention of cervical cancer.
• Upgradation of Anganwadi centres under “Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0” will be expedited.
• U-WIN platform for managing immunization and intensified efforts of Mission Indradhanush will be rolled out expeditiously.
• Extension of healthcare cover under Ayushman Bharat scheme to all ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers.
• Application of Nano DAP on various crops will be expanded in all agro-climatic zones.
• A strategy will be formulated to achieve ‘atmanirbharta’ for oil seeds.
• A comprehensive programme for supporting dairy farmers will be formulated.
• Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• The government aims to enhance the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore to 3 crore.
• A corpus of rupees one lakh crore will be established with fifty-year interest free loan.
• A new scheme will be launched for strengthening deep-tech technologies for defence purposes and expediting ‘atmanirbharta’.
• Three major economic railway corridor programmes will be implemented.
• Expansion of Metro and NaMO Bharat will be supported in large cities focusing on transit-oriented development.
• Viability gap funding will be provided for harnessing offshore wind energy potential.
• Coal gasification and liquefaction capacity of 100 MT will be set up by 2030.
• A scheme for restoration and adaptation measures, and coastal aquaculture and mariculture with integrated and multi-sectoral approach will be launched.
• States will be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at global scale.
• Under the new tax scheme, there is now no tax liability for tax payers with income up to Rs. 7 lakh, up from Rs. 2.2 lakh in the financial year 2013-14.
• Corporate tax rate was decreased from 30 per cent to 22 per cent for existing domestic companies and to 15 per cent for certain new manufacturing companies

 MUST READ: Economic Survey Summary 2022-23

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements:

1. Tight monetary policy of US Federal Reserve could lead to capital flight.
2. Capital flight may increase the interest cost of firms with existing External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs).
3. Devaluation of domestic currency decreases the currency risk associated with ECBS.

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

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 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 for the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks.
3. BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in developing 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 –IMPORTANT REPORTS

Context: Recently, the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023 has been released.

About Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023:-

• Published by: Transparency International.
  • It is an international non -governmental organisation founded in 1993 based in Berlin, Germany
• The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is an annual assessment that ranks countries by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.
• The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a score of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
• Factors Considered:-
  • Public Sector Corruption.
  • Judicial and Law Enforcement Transparency.
• India ranked 93 among 180 nations.
• India’s overall score in 2023 was 39, a minor decrease from 40 in 2022.
• The index scores countries on a scale of 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates lower perceived corruption and a cleaner public sector.
• Top Three Countries: Denmark, Finland and New Zealand.
• Bottom Spots: Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen.

 MUST READ: Climate Change Performance Index(CCPI) 2023

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: (2021)

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled 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

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 –ART AND CULTURE

Context: Recently, defying ASI Protocols,a Group Of Hindus Storm Into Martand Sun Temple, Hoist Saffron Flag & Perform Parikrama.

Background:-

• Defying the staff of the Archaeological Survey of India, a group of Hindus forced their entry into the ASI protected Martand Sun Temple in J&K’s Anantnag district the same day the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ took place at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

About Martand sun temple:-

• The Martand Sun Temple also known as Pandou Laidan is a Hindu temple dedicated to Surya (the chief solar deity in Hinduism) .
• It was built during the 8th century CE.
• It was built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty.
• It is dedicated to the Sun God.
• Martand is another Sanskrit synonym for Surya. (Indian temple architecture ‘Devayatanam’)
• The temple is a fine example of Kashmiri architecture and is renowned for its grandeur and artistic excellence.
• It reflects a blend of Greek, Roman, Iranian, and Indian architectural styles.
• The main shrine, dedicated to the Sun God, was originally surrounded by 84 smaller shrines.
• It stands in the middle of a large courtyard with 86 fluted columns.
• The courtyard is connected to the main shrine, where Sun God’s idol was installed.

 MUST READ: Modhera Sun temple

SOURCE: FREE PRESS JOURNAL

 PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) 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 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 are correct?

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

Q.2) Which of the following is/are famous for Sun temples? (2017)

1. Arasavalli
2. Amarakantak
3. Omkareshwar

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

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 sector)
• 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.
• 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 –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, the National Board for Wildlife meeting in New Delhi witnessed the release of the report on the Status of Snow Leopards in India.

Background:-

• The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program is the first-ever scientific exercise that reports Snow leopard population of 718 individuals in India.
• The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) served as the National Coordinator for the SPAI.

About Snow Leopards:-

• Scientific Name: Panthera uncia.
• Snow leopards are native to the alpine regions of Central Asia.
• The 12 snow-leopard range countries are – Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Russia and Uzbekistan.
• In India, snow leopards inhabit the higher Himalayan and trans-Himalayan region at an altitude between 3,000-5,400 metres.
• Snow Leopard capital of the world: Hemis, Ladakh.
• Snow leopards act as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem.

Conservation status:-

• IUCN : Vulnerable.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
• Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I.

MUST READ: Status Of Leopards Report released

SOURCE: WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA

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) Certain species of which one of the following organisms are well known as cultivators of fungi? (2022)

1. Ant
2. Cockroach
3. Crab
4. Spider

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 Martand Sun Temple also known as Pandou Laidan is a Hindu temple dedicated to Surya (the chief solar deity in Hinduism) .

Statement-II :

It was built during the 7th century CE.

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 Snow Leopard , consider the following statements:

1. Its common name is Panthera uncia.
2. Snow leopards are native to the alpine regions of South Asia.
3. It is listed in Appendix I Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).

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. 3 only

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  2nd February  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – c