DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam –29th June 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –Important Institutions

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 17th Indian Cooperative Congress (ICC) organized by the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) recently.

Background:-

• National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) is organizing the two days Indian Cooperative Congress.
• The theme of Amrit Kaal: Prosperity through Cooperation for a Vibrant India.
• The Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will chair it.
• Objective of the Indian Cooperative Congress:-
  • To discuss various trends in the cooperative movement.
  • To showcase the best practices being adopted by the successful cooperatives.
  • To deliberate on challenges being faced by the cooperative world.

About the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI):-

• Established: 1929.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• It is the apex body in India which represents all sectors of the Indian Co-operative Movement. (UPSC CSE: India’s Cooperative Sector)

Objectives of NCUI:-

• To promote and develop the co-operative movement in India.
• To educate, guide and assist the people in their efforts.
• To build up and expand the co-operative sector.

NCUI membership:-

• It is open to national and state-level co-operative organisations as well as multi-state co-operative societies.
• As of 2016, NCUI had 260 members, including, 17 National, 163 State and 80 Multi-State Cooperatives.

Function: it provides service as an exponent of co-operative opinion in accordance with cooperative principles. 

MUST READ: Cooperative Sector Reforms

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of the “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India? (2018)

1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

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

Q.2) With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. ‘The National ‘Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and ‘directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
2. ‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority ‘(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
3. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – Science and Technology

Context: Recently, the government has decided to bring the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 to strengthen the research ecosystem in the country.

Background:-

• The Bill approved by the Union Cabinet will pave the way to establish National Research Foundation (NRF).
• The Bill will repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established by an act of Parliament in 2008 and subsume it into NRF.
• It will seed, grow and promote research and development and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, and research institutions.

About National Research Foundation:-

• It is an apex body to promote, fund and mentor scientific research in higher education institutions.
• Initial budget of Rs 50,000 crore for over a five-year period between 2023 and 2028.
• The NRF would also provide fellowships for post-doctoral research, the funding for which is not available right now.

Objective:-

• Cultivating the culture of research in universities and colleges.
• Facilitating research in universities across the country. (UPSC MAINS: Factors that have constrained research and innovation capabilities in India.)

Historical Background:-

• The proposal for an NRF was first floated in the public domain by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, during his address to the Indian Science Congress.
• The NRF found a second mention on January 20 of that year during a joint session of Parliament.
• Later, it was mentioned in the Finance Minister’s speech during the Budget Session in July 2019.
• The creation of NRF was also one of the key recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020.
• 2023: the Union Cabinet approved the National Research Foundation(NRF),2023 bill to establish NRF.

Administration of NRF:-

• The NRF would be administratively housed in the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• It would have a 16-member governing board.
  • Of these two members from DST, five from industry, one from humanities and six experts would be selected depending on the nature of the project being evaluated.

Structure of NRF:-

• Prime Minister will be the ex-officio president of the board and the Minister of Science and Technology and the Minister of Education will be the ex-officio vice presidents.
• The NRF’s functioning will be governed by an executive council chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the government of India.

Funding for NRF:-

• Of the Rs 50,000 crore estimated funding over the next five years, Rs 36,000 crore would come from the industry.
• Scientific research projects under the NRF would be funded by the DST and industry on a 50:50 basis.
• The Department of Science and Technology’s main funding body, the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) will be absorbed in the NRF.
  • SERB: it was set up in 2008.
  • It is responsible for funding science and technology start-ups, setting up incubators and funding science-related projects in central and state universities.

 Function of NRF:-

• The NRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, government departments and research institutions.
• It will create an interface mechanism for the participation and contribution of industries and state governments in addition to the scientific and line ministries.

MUST READ: Number of women scientists goes up

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The Serum Institute of India produced a COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using an mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

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 –Awards

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the online nominations for Padma Awards 2024 would be open till 15th September 2023.

About Padma Awards:-

IMAGE SOURCES: Oneindia

• The Padma Award are one of the highest civilian honours of India.
• Instituted:1954. (UPSC CSE: Padma awards)
• Objective: to recognize achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.
• Presented by: President of India.
• Time period: March/April every year.
• It is announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day.
  • There was a brief interruption(s) during the years: 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.
• The Awards are given in three categories:-
  • Padma Vibhushan: for exceptional and distinguished service.
  • Padma Bhushan: for distinguished service of higher order.
  • Padma Shri: for distinguished service.

Historical Background:–

• 1954: The Government of India instituted two civilian awards-Bharat Ratna & Padma Vibhushan.
  • Padma Vibhushan had three classes namely Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg.
  • 1955: These were renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

Eligibility:-

• All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.
• Exclusion: 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.

Decoration:-

• 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.

Selection Process:-

• The nomination process is open to the public.
• Even self-nomination can be made.
• The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee.
  • Padma Awards Committee: It is constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
  • It is headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
  • Other members: Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and four to six eminent persons as members.
• Approval: The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.

Special Features of Padma Awards:-

• 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.
• The award is normally not conferred posthumously.
  • However, in highly deserving cases, the Government could consider giving an award posthumously.

MUST READ: Padma awardee Shanti Devi

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards : (2023)

1. Major Dhyan Chand:       For the most spectacular and outstanding performance and outstanding Khel Ratna Award performance over a period of the last four years.
2. Arjuna Award:                   For the lifetime achievement of a sportsperson.
3. Dronacharya Award:       To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams.
4. Rashtriya Khel:                 To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement.

Protsahan Puraskar

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Q.2) 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

Syllabus

• Prelims – Governance

Context: Recently, the Union Minister for the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Shri Narayan Rane launched the ‘CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal’.

 Background:-

• On International MSME Day, The Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, MSME launched the ‘CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal’.
  • MSME Day: The United Nations General Assembly designated 27 June as “Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Day”.
  • Objective: to raise awareness of the tremendous contributions of MSMEs to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About CHAMPIONS 2.0 Portal:-

• Champions portal is a single-window grievance redressal portal for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(MSME).
• Launched: June 1, 2020.
• Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.
• Nomenclature: The CHAMPIONS stands here for the Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing Output and National Strength.
• It is created in a Hub & Spoke Model.
  • Hub-and-spoke model: a transportation or distribution system that uses a central hub or node as a focal point for the movement of goods, people, or information to and from various spokes or peripheral locations.
  • Hub: situated in New Delhi in the Secretary MSME’s office.
  • Spokes: will be in the States in various offices and institutions of the Ministry.

Objectives:-

• Addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs in managing their cluster projects efficiently.
• Ensuring a speedy, convenient, and effective redressal of MSME’s grievances.
• Handholding and helping MSMEs in their navigation of various government schemes/policies.
• Providing guidance and advisory services in areas of Finance, Marketing, Technology, Raw Material, Labour, Infrastructure and Capacity Building. (UPSC CSE: MSME sector issues and concern)
• Connecting MSMEs with key officials of the Ministry, State Governments, Lending Institutions and Government agencies.
• Dissemination of information and details of all schemes of the Ministry of MSME.

New Features:-

• The revamped portal will now incorporate AI-driven chatbots.
• It will be available in 11 languages, including Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Kannada.
• The portal will also have a real-time feedback mechanism for its analysis.
  • Geo tagging through the mobile application will enable real-time monitoring, tracking, and evaluation of projects, ensuring transparency and effective resource utilisation.
  • Geotagging: is the process of adding metadata that contains geographical information about a location to a digital map.
  • The data usually consists of latitude and longitude coordinates.

MUST READ: Empowering MSMEs digitally

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) In India under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)

1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion
4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – Art and Culture

Context: Recently, Kharchi Puja 2023 was celebrated in Tripura.

About Kharchi Puja:-

• Nomenclature: The word ‘Kharchi’ is derived from two Tripuri words–‘khar’ or kurta meaning sin and ‘chi’ or si meaning cleaning.
• Region: It is one of the main festivals of Tripura.
• Time period: It is performed during the months of July-August on the eighth day of the new moon.

Significance of Kharchi Puja:-

• It is believed that the Mother Goddess or Tripura Sundari, the presiding deity of the land who protects the people of Tripura, menstruates during the time of Ambubachi.
• Ambubachi: observed in June.
• Popular belief: the Earth becomes impure during the menstruation period of the Goddess.
  • Hence, Kharchi Puja is observed to ritualistically clean the Earth after her menstruation is over and wash away the sins of the people in the land.

Rituals during Kharchi Puja:-

• During the festival, the people of Tripura worship the earth along with their 14 deities. (UPSC CSE: Bathukamma festival)
• The fourteen Gods are worshipped by the Royal priest ‘Chantai.
• It lasts for seven days and it takes place at old Agartala in the Fourteen Gods temple known as the ‘Chaturdasha Devata’ temple premises.
• The Kharchi Puja deities do not have a full body.
• They have only heads which are worshipped.
• On the day of the puja, the fourteen Gods are taken from the temple to the river Saidra by the Chantai members and given to bathe with the holy river water.
  • They are then carried back to the temple.
• The festival it is celebrated by both tribal and non-tribal people of Tripura.

MUST READ: Goa’s Sao Joao festival

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (2022)

1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of the Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present-day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.

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) 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 the 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 is correct?

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

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3 (Economy)

Context: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Mines, is set to unveil for the first time “the list of Critical Minerals for India”.

About critical minerals (CM):

• Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
• Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.
• Many of these are required to meet the manufacturing needs of green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, and national defence.

Significance of listing CM:

• Transition to clean energy: As countries around the world scale up their transition towards clean energy and digital economy, these critical resources are key to the ecosystem that fuels this change.
• Avoid dependence on other countries: Any supply shock can severely imperil the economy and strategic autonomy of a country over-dependent on others to procure critical minerals.
  • But these supply risks exist due to rare availability, growing demand and complex processing value chain.
  • Many times the complex supply chain can be disrupted by hostile regimes, or due to politically unstable regions.
• Increase in Demand: As the world transitions to a clean energy economy, global demand for these critical minerals is set to skyrocket by 400-600 per cent over the next several decades, and, for minerals such as lithium and graphite used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, demand will increase by even more.
• Countries own list: Different countries may have their own unique lists of critical minerals based on their specific circumstances and priorities.
  • The US has declared 50 minerals critical in light of their role in national security or economic development.
  • The UK considers 18 minerals critical and Canada 31.

Applications of CM:

• Electric vehicles: cobalt, lanthanum, lithium
• Fuel cells: platinum, palladium, rhodium
• Wind energy technologies: neodymium, dysprosium, terbium
• Aviation sector: titanium
• Photovoltaic solar technologies: cadmium, indium, gallium

Challenges: India faces global and domestic challenges in assuring resilient critical minerals supply chains.

International Challenges:

• China: China, the most dominant player in the critical mineral supply chains, still struggles with Covid-19-related lockdowns.
  • As a result, the extraction, processing and exports of critical minerals are at risk of slowdown.
• Russia Ukraine war: Russia is one of the significant producers of nickel, palladium, titanium sponge metal, and the rare earth element scandium.
  • The war between the two countries has implications for these critical mineral supply chains.
• Shifting Balance of power: As the balance of power shifts across continents and countries, the critical mineral supply chains may get affected due to the strategic partnership between China and Russia.
  • As a result, developed countries have jointly drawn up partnership strategies, including the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and G7’s Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance, while developing countries have missed out.

Domestic challenges:

• Scarce reserves: Manufacturing renewable energy technologies would require increasing quantities of minerals, including copper, manganese, zinc, and indium.
  • Likewise, the transition to electric vehicles would require increasing amounts of minerals, including copper, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
  • However, India does not have many of these mineral reserves, or its requirements may be higher than the availability, necessitating reliance on foreign partners to meet domestic needs.

Minerals Security Partnership:

• India recently joined the coveted critical minerals club — the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) — headed by the United States.
• MSP is a strategic grouping of 13 member states including Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, US, the European Union, Italy and now India.
• It aims to catalyse public and private investment in critical mineral supply chains globally.
• India is already a member of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development, which supports the advancement of good mining governance.

Way Forward:

India’s inclusion in the club is vital for India to fulfill its ambition of shifting towards sustainable mobility through large, reliable fleets of electric public and private transport. It will also foster several bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral agreements, specifically for the governance involving critical minerals and their strategic importance among the member countries.

Source:   PIB

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3 (Science and Technology)

Context: In a study, astronomers have reported a fast radio burst (FRB) whose characteristics are different from almost all other FRBs previously detected, except one.

About Fast Radio Bursts:

• Fast Radio Bursts are brief (few millisecond) bursts of radio waves coming from far beyond our Milky Way galaxy.
• The phenomenon was first reported in 2007.
• A defining property of these bursts is their dispersion the bursts produce a spectrum of radio waves, and as the waves travel through matter, they spread out or disperse with bursts at higher radio frequencies arriving at telescopes earlier than those at lower frequencies.
• This dispersion allows researchers to learn about two important things:
• They can measure this dispersion to learn about the stuff that radio bursts pass through as they travel toward Earth.

Origin of Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs):

• FRBs have been spotted in various and distant parts of the universe, as well as in our own galaxy.
• Their origins are unknown and their appearance is highly unpredictable.
• The astronomers have suggested that the candidates for the sources of FRBs are the superdense neutron stars left over after a supernova, or magnetars (neutron stars with ultra-strong magnetic fields).
• The CHIME project has nearly quadrupled the number of fast radio bursts discovered to date.
• The telescope has detected 535 new FRBs in its first year of operation itself, between 2018 and 2019.
• With more observations, astronomers hope soon to find the origins of the FRBs.

Significance of FRBs:

• First noticed in 2018 by the Canadian observatory the waves have created ripples across the globe for one reason — they arrive in a pattern.
• This gave birth to theories that they could be from an alien civilization.
• Initially, it was believed that the collision of black holes or neutron stars triggers them.
• But the discovery of repeating FRBs debunked the theory of colliding objects.
• The unique properties of fast radio bursts and their host galaxies combined with recent technological advancements have given researchers hope that these phenomena can be used to answer some long-standing questions about the universe.
• It can be used to understand the three–dimensional structure of matter in the universe and to learn about poorly understood early moments in the evolution of the universe.

Way Forward:

This theory will help in explaining the intense radio light ‘seen’ in the host galaxies of some FRBs. Some astronomers attribute this radio light to the glow around high energy events, such as a gigantic black hole at the centre of the galaxy, devouring stars. These findings will also help in the study of gravitational waves, which were first observed in 2015.

Moreover, the upcoming space-based gravitational wave detector Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) could provide further insights into these high-energy cosmic events and the structure of the universe.

Source:   The Hindu

Q1) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Champion’s portal is a single-window grievance redressal portal for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME).

Statement-II:

The champion’s portal was launched in 2017.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-11 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

Q2) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Both tribal and non-tribal people celebrate Kharchi Puja.

Statement-II:

Kharchi Puja is a  festival in Manipur.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-11 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) Consider the following statements

Statement-I:

Padma Awards are the highest civilian honours of India.

Statement-II:

The President of India presents Padma Awards.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-11 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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’ 29th June 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – d

Q.2) – d

Q.3) -c