DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th March 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims – Current event

Context: Recently, 22nd Foundation Day of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency was celebrated in New Delhi.

Background:-

• It was created in March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act 2001.

About Bureau of Energy Efficiency:-  

• The The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
• The agency’s primary function is to encourage the efficient use of energy in India by developing programs and strategies that promote energy conservation.
• BEE focuses on self-regulation and market principles to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors.

Key Initiatives of BEE

• Standards & Labelling Scheme: BEE provides consumers with information on energy-efficient appliances and equipment, allowing them to make informed choices.
• Energy Conservation Building Code: BEE promotes energy-efficient practices in building construction and design.
• Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT): This program targets energy-intensive industries and encourages them to achieve specific energy-saving targets.
• Energy Efficiency in Large Industry: BEE collaborates with large industries to enhance energy efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency in Small & Medium Industry: Similar to large industries, BEE works with small and medium-sized enterprises to improve energy efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency in States: BEE supports state-level initiatives to promote energy conservation. The State Energy Efficiency Index 2023 was released by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India. This index evaluates and ranks states based on their energy efficiency efforts, policies, and programs.
• Demand Side Management (DSM): BEE focuses on managing energy demand through various strategies.
• National Energy Conservation Awards: Recognizing outstanding efforts in energy conservation.
• Awareness Campaigns: BEE runs campaigns to raise awareness about energy efficiency, such as the recent #RaiseItBy1Degree campaign encouraging optimal space cooling settings.

Source: PIB

Syllabus

• Prelims – Geography

Context: Acute scarcity of water has been reported in various parts of Karnataka as rivers carry less and less water

Background:

• Most of the areas in the arid Kalayana Karnataka region that are dependent on Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers are bracing for a crisis as south west monsoon failed.

About Kaveri River:

• The Cauvery River (Kaveri) is designated as the ‘Dakshin Bharat ki Ganga’ or ‘the Ganga of the South’.
• The Cauvery River rises at Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri range near Cherangala village, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka.
• It flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and descends the Eastern Ghats in a series of great falls.
• Before emptying into the Bay of Bengal south of Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu the river breaks into a large number of distributaries forming a wide delta called the “garden of southern India”
• It is bounded by the Western Ghats on the west, by the Eastern Ghats on the east and the south, and by the ridges separating it from the Krishna basin and Pennar basin on the north.

About Tungabhadra River

• The Tungabhadra River is a river in India that starts and flows through the state of Karnataka during most of its course, Andhra Pradesh and ultimately joining the Krishna River near Murvakonda in Andhra Pradesh.
• The river Tungabhadra derives its name from two streams viz., the Tunga, about 147 km long and the Bhadra, about 178 km long.
• The Tunga and the Bhadra rise at Gangamoola, in Varaha Parvatha in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 1458 metres
• The river after the confluence of the two streams near Shimoga, runs for about 531 km till it joins the river Krishna at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh. It runs for 382 km in Karnataka, forms the boundary between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for 58 km and further runs for the next 91 km in Andhra Pradesh.
• The confluence of Tungabhadra and Krishna River is a holy pilgrimage site – The Sangameswaram Temple.
• Hampi one of the important heritage locations being listed by UNESCO is on the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
• It is influenced chiefly by the South-West monsoon. It is a perennial river but the summer flows dwindle to as low as 2.83 to 1.42 cumec

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus

• Prelims- Environment

Context: Mating calls of endangered hangul  indicate record uptick in population

Background:

• Kashmir’s highly shy and sensitive animal, hangul, has reported one of the healthiest rutting or mating season in the previous autumn. It is the state animal of Jammu & Kashmir.

About Hangul:

• It is the state animal of Jammu & Kashmir.
• The Kashmir stag also called hangul, is a subspecies of Central Asian red deer endemic to Kashmir and surrounding areas.
• The subspecies is battling for its survival in its last bastion: they are now scattered within 141sq km of the Dachigam National Park located on foothills of Zabarwan range on the outskirts of
• The Hangul was once widely distributed in the mountains of Kashmir and parts of Chamba district in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
• A survey in 2019 conducted by collaring the hangul has revealed that the species is no longer confined within the walls of Dachigam National Park. The endangered subspecies has now begun to use an old migratory route which spread through Sind Valley up to Tulail in Gurez Valley. The corridor was last known to be active in the early 1900s.
• As of 2023, of the 289 Hanguls, 275 are in Dachigam National Park and 14 are inTral Wildlife Sanctuary, which is considered as the second home of Hangul
• Conservation Status:- IUCN’s Red List:Critically Endangered.

Previous Year Question

Q1. What is/are unique about ‘Kharai Camel’, a breed found in India? (2016)

1. It is capable of swimming up to three kilometres in seawater
2. It survives by grazing on mangroves
3. It lives in the wild and cannot be domesticated

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus

• Prelims : Science

Context: India will replace the consumption of 2.5 million tonnes of conventional urea with nano urea in FY24, the union chemicals and fertilizers minister said at a press conference recently.

Background:

• This is in line with India’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in urea production by 2025.

About UREA:

• Urea is a significant component in Indian agriculture due to its high nitrogen content and affordability.
• Urea is the most important nitrogenous fertilizer in the country.
• Over use of urea leads to nitrate leaching, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions, soil acidification and loss of biodiversity.
• Nano urea has been developed to address several challenges associated with conventional urea fertilizers in agriculture.

Nano Urea

• Nano Urea is a nanotechnology-based fertiliser that is used to provide a sufficient amount of nitrogen to plants.

Development and Approval:

• Nano Urea is developed and patented by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO).
• It is the only nano fertilizer approved by the Government of India and included in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO).

Benefits:

• Energy-Efficient Production: Nano Urea is produced using an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly process with reduced carbon footprints.
• Increased Nutrient Availability: It enhances nutrient availability to crops by more than 80%, resulting in higher nutrient use efficiency.
• Improved Crop Productivity: Nano Urea is expected to improve crop yields, soil health, and the nutritional quality of produce.
• Addressing Imbalanced Use: It aims to address the issue of excessive use of conventional fertilizers.
• Nano Urea reduces nitrate leaching, water contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional urea.

Source: iffco

Previous Year Question

Q1. With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements:

1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market-driven and not administered by the Government.
2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizer, is a by-product of oil refineries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: Some sources have disclosed the presence of a Chinese backed disinformation campaign circulating false narratives about India Bhutan relationship.

Background:

• The increasing presence of China in India’s neighbourhood is a matter of concern.

Significance of Bhutan for India:

• Bhutan shares its borders with India and China, and its strategic location makes it an important buffer state for India’s security interests.
• India has provided Bhutan with assistance in areas such as defence, infrastructure, and communication, which has helped to maintain Bhutan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• India has helped Bhutan build and maintain its border infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to strengthen its defence capabilities and ensure its territorial integrity. In 2017, during the Doklam standoff between India and China, Bhutan played a crucial role in allowing Indian troops to enter its territory to resist Chinese incursions.
• India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner and Bhutan’s major export destination.
• Bhutan’s hydropower potential is a significant source of revenue for the country, and India has been instrumental in assisting Bhutan in developing its hydropower projects.
• Bhutan and India share strong cultural ties, as both countries are predominantly Buddhist. India has assisted Bhutan in preserving its cultural heritage, and many Bhutanese students come to India for higher education.
• Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that has pledged to remain carbon-neutral, and India has been a key partner in helping Bhutan achieve this goal. India has assisted Bhutan in areas such as renewable energy, forest conservation, and sustainable tourism.

Challenges in India-Bhutan Relations:

• China’s increasing presence in Bhutan, particularly along the disputed border between Bhutan and China, has raised concerns in India. India has been Bhutan’s closest ally and has played a key role in protecting Bhutan’s sovereignty and security. However, China’s growing economic and military influence in the region poses a challenge to India’s strategic interests in Bhutan.
• India and Bhutan share a 699 km long border, which has been largely peaceful. However, there have been some incidents of border incursions by Chinese forces in recent years. The Doklam standoff in 2017 was a major flashpoint in the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction. Any escalation of such disputes could strain India-Bhutan relations.
• Bhutan’s hydropower sector is a key pillar of its economy, and India has been a major partner in its development. However, there have been concerns in Bhutan over the terms of some of the hydropower projects, which have been seen as too favourable to India. This has led to some public opposition in Bhutan to Indian involvement in the sector.
• India is Bhutan’s largest trading partner, accounting for over 80% of Bhutan’s total imports and exports. However, there have been some concerns in Bhutan over the trade imbalance, with Bhutan importing more from India than it exports. Bhutan has been seeking greater access to the Indian market for its products, which could help to reduce the trade deficit.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 34 residential hostels across various states and central institutes (under PM-AJAY).

Background:

• These hostels are specifically designed to address the accommodation requirements of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students. This initiative aims to provide a conducive living environment, promote education, and empower these marginalized communities.

About PRADHAN MANTRI ANUSUCHIT JAATI ABHYUDAY YOJANA(PM-AJAY):

• Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) strives to reduce poverty, enhance education, and empower marginalized communities in India.

PM-AJAY is a comprehensive scheme that amalgamates three centrally sponsored schemes:

1. Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY):

• Focuses on developing “Adarsh Grams” where basic services are accessible to all sections of society, reducing disparities.
• Aims to create an environment where everyone can utilize their potential to the fullest.
• Provides infrastructure facilities and services necessary for dignified living.

2. Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP):

• Aims to increase income through comprehensive livelihood projects.
• Improves socio-economic developmental indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure in SC-dominated villages.
• Encourages SC enrolment in schools by providing residential schools where needed.

3. Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY):

• Focuses on constructing hostels for Scheduled Caste students, especially those from rural and remote areas.
• Provides accommodation and support for SC students pursuing education.

Source: PIB

Q1.) With reference to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), consider the following statements:

1. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is a statutory body.
2. It focuses on self-regulation and market principles to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors.
3. The State Energy Efficiency Index 2023 was released by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q2.) Consider the following statements about Nano Urea?

1. It is the only nano fertilizer approved by the Government of India.
2. Nano Urea is developed and patented by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited.
3. Nano Urea reduces nitrate leaching and water contamination compared to traditional urea.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

Q3.)Consider the following centrally sponsored schemes:

1. Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana
2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna
3. Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana

How many of the above are the components of Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)?

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  4th March  2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – b