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

 Syllabus

• Prelims: CURRENT EVENT

Context: Prime Minister flags off 3 Vande Bharat trains.

Background: –

• The trains flagged off by PM through video conferencing connect Meerut with Lucknow, Madurai with Bengaluru, and Chennai with Nagercoil, taking the number of Vande Bharat trains above 100.

Key takeaways

• The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is a significant project by Indian Railways aimed at modernizing and speeding up rail travel in India.
• Launch: The first Vande Bharat Express was launched in 2019.
• Purpose: It is designed to provide a high-speed, comfortable, and efficient travel experience.

Features

• Speed: The train can reach speeds up to 180 km/h, although it typically operates at around 130 km/h due to track conditions.
• Design: It features a sleek, aerodynamic design with fully air-conditioned chair car coaches. Vande Bharat sleeper coaches will be available soon.
• The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, designs and manufactures the Vande Bharat Express trainsets. The ICF is the largest rail coach manufacturer in the world and is owned and operated by the Indian Railways.
• Comfort: The train offers modern amenities such as onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, and bio-vacuum toilets.
• Self-Propelled: Unlike traditional trains, the Vande Bharat Express is self-propelled, meaning it doesn’t require a separate locomotive. This is called a distributed traction power system. Distributed power gives the train higher acceleration and deceleration compared to loco-hauled trains, which take a much longer time to reach top speed or to gradually come to a halt.
• Energy Efficiency: It is equipped with regenerative braking systems that save energy by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy during braking.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims : Polity

Context: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has not yet given certification to the film Emergency, starring actor and Lok Sabha member Kangana Ranaut. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) stated that the Board will consider the feelings of all communities, including the Sikh community, when making its decision.

Background: –

• ASG represented the Union Government and the CBFC before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, during a hearing on a petition filed by Mohali residents challenging the certification of the film. The ASG informed the court that the certification process is still ongoing and that anyone with concerns can submit their views to the Board.

About Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

• The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), commonly known as the Censor Board, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India. It was established under the Cinematograph Act of 19521.

Key Functions and Responsibilities:

• Film Certification: The CBFC certifies films, trailers, documentaries, and advertisements for public exhibition. Films can only be publicly exhibited in India after receiving certification from the CBFC.

Categories of Certification:

• U (Universal): Suitable for all age groups.
• UA (Parental Guidance): Suitable for children above 12, but parental guidance is advised for those under 12.
• A (Adult): Restricted to adult audiences (18 years and above).
• S (Special): Restricted to specialized audiences, such as doctors or scientists.

Legal Framework:

• The CBFC operates under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which outlines the guidelines for film certification.
• The Act allows for reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression in films, in the interests of sovereignty, integrity, security of the state, public order, decency, or morality.

Certification process

• When a filmmaker applies for certification, the Regional Officer appoints an Examining Committee. For short films, the committee includes an advisory panel member and an examining officer, with at least one being a woman. For other films, the committee has four members from the advisory panel and an examiningofficer, with at least two women.
• The Regional Officer decides the film’s certification—U, U/A, A, or S—based on the Examining Committee’s unanimous or majority report. If the committee is divided, the chairperson makes the final decision.
• If a filmmaker is dissatisfied with the certification, they can request a second viewing by a Revising Committee. This committee must exclude members from the initial review and must include at least one Board member, whose involvement is mandatory only at this stage. A Board member can participate in the initial review, but their presence is required only during the revising stage.

Recent Initiatives:

• Accessibility Standards: The CBFC has introduced guidelines to make films accessible to persons with hearing and visual impairments.
• Digital Transformation: The CBFC has launched a revamped website and a mobile app (e-cine app) to streamline the certification process.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims: CURRENT EVENT

Context: Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched “Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training” (RESET) Programme recently.

Background:

• RESET Programme represents a significant step towards recognizing and utilizing the invaluable experience and expertise of our retired athletes.

About Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme

• The Retired Sportsperson Empowerment Training (RESET) Programme is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in India to support retired athletes.
• Launch Date: August 29, 2024, on National Sports Day.
• Objective: To empower retired sportspersons with career skills and knowledge, enhancing their employability and enabling them to contribute to the sports ecosystem.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Retired athletes aged between 20 and 50 years.
• Achievements: Winners of an International Medal/participants in international events or have been National medallists/State medallists/participants in competitions recognized by National Sports Federations/Indian Olympic Association/Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports are eligible to apply for courses under RESET Programme.
• Initially, the programmes will be of two levels based on educational qualifications viz., Class 12th and above and Class 11th and below.
• Mode of Learning: Hybrid mode, combining self-paced online learning with on-ground training.
• Lead Institute: Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) is the lead institute for implementing the programme.

Support and Opportunities

• Placement Assistance: Guidance and support for job placements.
• Entrepreneurial Guidance: Support for starting entrepreneurial ventures.
• Internships: Opportunities for internships in sports organizations, competitions, training camps, and leagues.

Implementation and Benefits

• Self-Paced Learning: Participants can learn at their own pace through a dedicated online portal.
• On-Ground Training: Practical training sessions to enhance skills.
• Evaluation and Certification: Participants will be evaluated and certified upon successful completion of the programme.

Source: PIB

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains: CURRENT EVENT

Context: The Indian government is planning to set up dedicated enzyme manufacturing facilities to boost ethanol production.

Background: –

• The first plant is expected to be established in Manesar, Haryana. This facility will likely supply enzymes to proposed 2G bio-ethanol plants in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and an existing plant in Haryana. This initiative is part of the BioE3 policy, which aims to enhance biotechnology-driven manufacturing in India.

About 2G (second-generation) bio-ethanol

• 2G (second-generation) bio-ethanol is produced from non-food biomass, such as agricultural residues, wood chips, and other lignocellulosic materials.
• Unlike first-generation bio-ethanol, which is made from food crops like corn and sugarcane, 2G bio-ethanol uses feedstocks that are not part of the human food chain. This makes it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
• The process involves breaking down the complex carbohydrates in the biomass into simple sugars, which are then fermented to produce ethanol. This typically requires specialized enzymes to convert the lignocellulosic materials into fermentable sugars.

Key benefits of 2G bio-ethanol:

• Reduces waste: Utilizes agricultural residues that would otherwise be discarded or burned.
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Produces fewer emissions compared to fossil fuels and first-generation bio-ethanol.
• Energy security: Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels by providing a renewable energy source.

Ethanol

• Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a clear, colourless liquid that is flammable and has a characteristic odour.
• It is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast or through chemical processes like the hydration of ethylene.
• Ethanol can be derived from both biological and chemical sources, while bioethanol is exclusively produced from biological sources.

Uses of Ethanol

• Beverages: Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits.
• Fuel: It is used as a biofuel and is often blended with gasoline to produce ethanol-blended fuels. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
• Industrial Solvent: Due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, ethanol is used as a solvent in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and other products.
• Medical and Laboratory Uses: Ethanol is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and preservative in medical and laboratory settings.
• Chemical Feedstock: It serves as a feedstock for the production of various chemicals.

Source: The Hindu

 Syllabus

• Prelims : ECONOMY

Context: Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recommended imposing an anti-dumping duty on aluminium foils imported from China.

Background: –

• This recommendation follows a complaint by domestic producers, who argued that the influx of cheap Chinese aluminium foils was harming the local industry. The proposed duty ranges between $619 and $873 per tonne.

About Anti-dumping duty

• Anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports believed to be priced below fair market value.
• This practice, known as “dumping,” can harm domestic industries by undercutting local businesses and distorting market competition.
• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is responsible for investigating and recommending the imposition of anti-dumping duties in India.

Decision-Making Process:

• Investigation: The DGTR conducts an investigation to determine if dumping has occurred and its impact on the domestic industry.
• Recommendation: Based on the findings, the DGTR makes a recommendation to the Ministry of Finance.
• Imposition: The Ministry of Finance makes the final decision to impose the anti-dumping duty.

Purpose of imposing anti-dumping duties in India are to:

• Protecting Domestic Industries: Anti-dumping duties shield domestic industries from unfair competition by preventing foreign companies from flooding the market with underpriced goods.
• Preserving Job: By safeguarding domestic industries from the adverse effects of dumping, anti-dumping duties help prevent job losses that may occur if local companies are unable to compete with cheaper imports.
• Maintaining Fair Competition: Anti-dumping duties promote fair competition by ensuring that imported goods are priced at levels comparable to their fair market value. This prevents foreign companies from gaining an unfair advantage.
• Supporting Fair Trade Practices: Imposing anti-dumping duties discourages unethical trade practices such as predatory pricing and dumping. By penalizing such practices, anti-dumping measures encourage adherence to fair trade principles and discourage market manipulation.
• Protecting Intellectual Property: Anti-dumping duties can also help protect intellectual property rights by discouraging the importation of counterfeit or infringing goods. By deterring the influx of low-priced counterfeit products, these duties help safeguard the interests of innovators and creators.
• Stimulating Domestic Production: Anti-dumping duties incentivize domestic production by reducing the competitive disadvantage faced by local manufacturers.
• Promoting Economic Stability: By safeguarding domestic industries and preserving jobs, anti-dumping duties contribute to economic stability and resilience. By preventing disruptions caused by unfair trade practices, these measures support sustainable growth and development in the long term.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains : GEOGRAPHY

Context: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a rainy September for several parts of north India due to the expected La Nina conditions.

Background: –

• La Niña has several notable effects on India, primarily due to its influence on the monsoon season and overall weather patterns.

About La Niña

• La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
• This phenomenon is part of the larger El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which also includes El Niño (the warming phase) and a neutral phase.

Key features of La Niña:

• Cooler Ocean Temperatures: The central and eastern Pacific Ocean experiences cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures.
• Weather Impacts: La Niña typically brings wetter-than-normal conditions to Southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of India, while causing drier conditions in the southwestern United States and parts of South America.
• Monsoon Influence: In India, La Niña is often associated with stronger monsoon seasons, leading to above-average rainfall.
• Global Effects: It can influence global weather patterns, including increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic and cooler, wetter winters in the northern United States.

Effects of La Niña on India

• Enhanced Monsoon Rains: La Niña typically brings above-average rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September). This can be beneficial for agriculture, as it improves water availability.
• Flooding Risks: While increased rainfall can be beneficial, it also raises the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage systems.
• Agricultural Productivity: The increased rainfall can lead to better crop yields for rain-fed crops like rice, sugarcane, and pulses. However, excessive rain can also damage crops and lead to waterlogging.
• Water Resources: La Niña can improve the water levels in reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater, which is crucial for irrigation and drinking water supplies.
• Temperature Variations: La Niña can lead to cooler-than-normal temperatures in some parts of India, especially during the winter months.
• Pest and Disease Outbreaks: The wetter conditions can create a favourable environment for pests and diseases, which can harm crops and reduce yields.

Source: The Hindu

Q1.) Consider the following statements:

1. La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
2. La Niña typically brings wetter-than-normal conditions to Southeast Asia, Australia, and parts of India.

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

Q2.) With reference to the Anti-dumping duty, consider the following statements:

1. Anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports believed to be priced below fair market value.
2. The primary purpose of anti-dumping duties is to protect domestic industries from unfair competition.
3. In India the Directorate General of Trade Remedies makes the final decision to impose the anti-dumping duty.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

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

Q3.) Consider the following statements with references to the bio-ethanol production:

1. Produces fewer emissions compared to fossil fuels.
2. Reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.
3. Provides additional income for farmers.

How many of the above given statements are not correct?

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 ’  2nd September 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  c

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – d