DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st November 2023

Syllabus

• Prelims –INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: Recently, India and Australia exchanged views on deepening multifaceted ties in several areas in two-plus two dialogues in New Delhi.

Background:-

• The second India-Australia Two plus Two Dialogue was held in New Delhi .

About India and Australia:-

• The Australia-India relationship was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in June 2020. (India-Australia relations)
• It is based on mutual understanding, trust, close connections and a shared vision of a stable, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Diplomatic Relationship:-

• Australia and India established diplomatic relations in 1943 when Lieutenant-General Sir Iven Mackay was appointed Australia’s first High Commissioner to India.
• India’s first High Commissioner to Australia, Sir Raghunath P Paranjpe arrived in Canberra in 1945.
• Australia is one of only three countries with which India holds annual leader-level summits.
• The Prime Ministers of Australia and India also regularly interact at major international meetings, including through the Quad, G20 and East Asia Summit.
• In addition, Australian and Indian Foreign and Defence Ministers meet every second year to discuss strategic issues in a ‘2+2’ format.

People-to-people Relationship:-

• The Indian community is Australia’s second-largest, and fastest-growing, overseas-born group.
• In the 2021 Census, the number of people reporting Indian heritage was 976,000.
• Of these, there were 673,000 Indian-born Australians, representing 2.6 per cent of the Australian population.
• India remains Australia’s largest source of skilled migrants.
• India is also the second-largest source of international students.

Economic relationship:-

• According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is the world’s fifth-largest economy in nominal terms and third-largest by Purchasing Power Parity.
• The IMF estimates India’s GDP will grow by 5.9 per cent in 2023 and 6.2 per cent in 2025.
• In 2022, India was Australia’s sixth-largest two-way goods and services trading partner and fourth-largest goods and services export market.
• Two-way goods and services trade with India was $48.4 billion in 2022.
• Australia’s exports to India totalled $34.8 billion and imports from India totalled $13.5 billion in 2022.
• Australia’s stock of investment in India was $17.6 billion in 2022.
• India’s total investment in Australia was $34.5 billion.

Environmental Relationship:-

• During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Sydney in May 2023, Australia and India agreed on Terms of Reference for the Australia-India Green Hydrogen Taskforce.
• The task force will be comprised of Australian and Indian experts in green hydrogen production and deployment.
• It complements the work of the India-Australia Solar Taskforce welcomed by the Prime Ministers of Australia and India in March 2023.
• The Solar Taskforce will provide advice on opportunities to accelerate solar PV deployment and enhance supply chains.
• The Australia-India Green Steel Partnership is helping India meet growing steel requirements while supporting the commercialization of innovative technologies that improve efficiencies and environmental outcomes in steel production.

Education Relationship:-

• Education is Australia’s largest service export to India, valued at $4.4 billion in 2022.
• As of May 2023, almost 88,000 Indian visa holders were studying in Australia.

Defence Relationship:-

• Australia’s defence engagement with India gathered significant momentum in 2022 and has continued to grow.
• Since signing our CSP in 2020 and the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement in 2021.
• For the first time in 2023, Australia will host Exercise Malabar – a joint training initiative with India, the US and Japan.
• They regularly exercise together during Exercise AUSTRAHIND and AUSINDEX, bilateral army and navy exercises.
• They conduct Maritime Patrol Aircraft deployments to enhance maritime domain awareness.

 MUST READ: India-Australia Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the “G20 Common Framework”, consider the following statements (2022)

1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club.
2. It is an initiative to support Income Countries with unsustainable debt.

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) The ‘Fortaleza Declaration’ recently in the news, is related to the affairs of:(2015)

1. ASEAN
2. BRICS
3. OECD
4. WTO

Syllabus

• Prelims – ECONOMY

Context: Recent data shows that the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) added 17.21 lakh net members during September 2023.

Background:-

• This is an increase of 21 thousand 475 net members over the previous month of August.

About Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO):-

• The EPFO is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.
• It is one of the World’s largest Social Security Organisations in terms of clientele and the volume of financial transactions undertaken.
• It into existence with the promulgation of the Employees’ Provident Funds Ordinance on the 15th of November 1951.
• It was replaced by the Employees’ Provident Funds Act, of 1952.
• The Employees’ Provident Funds Bill was introduced in the Parliament in the year 1952 as a Bill to provide for the institution of provident funds for employees in factories and other establishments.
• The Act is now referred to as the Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 which extends to the whole of India.
• The Act and Schemes framed there under are administered by a tri-partite Board known as the Central Board of Trustees, Employees’ Provident Fund.
• The Central Board of Trustees :
  • It consists of representatives of Government (Both Central and State), Employers, and Employees.
  • It administers a contributory provident fund, a pension scheme and an insurance scheme for the workforce engaged in the organized sector in India.
  • It is assisted by the Employees’ PF Organization (EPFO), consisting of offices at 138 locations across the country.
• The Organization has a well-equipped training set-up where officers and employees of the Organization as well as Representatives of the Employers and Employees attend sessions for training and seminars.
• Vision: An innovation-driven social security organisation aiming to extend universal coverage and ensure Nirbadh (Seamless and uninterrupted) service delivery to its stakeholders through state-of-the-art technology.

Schemes under EPFO:-

• EPF Scheme 1952
  • It provides for the accumulation plus interest upon retirement and death.
  • Partial withdrawals are allowed for education, marriage, illness and house construction. (Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0)
• Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS)
  • It provides monthly benefits for superannuation/retirement, disability, survivor, widow(er) and children.
  • It provides a minimum pension on disablement.
  • It provides past service benefits to participants of the erstwhile Family Pension Scheme, 1971.
• Insurance Scheme 1976 (EDLI)
  • It provides the benefit in case of the death of an employee who was a member of the scheme at the time of death.
  • It provides the benefit amount 20 times the wages.
    • Maximum benefit is 6 lakhs.

MUST READ: EPFO’s New Facility on UMANG App started

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. An increase in the Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) indicates the appreciation of the rupee.
2. An increase in the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) indicates an improvement in trade competitiveness.
3. An increasing trend in domestic inflation relative to inflation in other countries is likely to cause an increasing divergence between NEER and REER.

Which of the above statements is 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 India, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. Retail investors through Demat account can invest in Treasury Bills and Government of India Debt Bonds in the primary market
2. The “Negotiated Dealing System-Ordering Matching” is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India.
3. The “Central Depository Services Ltd” is jointly promoted by the Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange.

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

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS

Context: Recently, the Indian Media Delegation met with Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of ASEAN, as part of the ASEAN-India Media Exchange Programme in Indonesia’s capital Jakarta.

Background:-

• Addressing the Indian media delegates, the Secretary-General underscored the significance, ASEAN places on its relationship with India.
• He highlighted the evolution of the three-decade-long India-ASEAN relationship into a comprehensive strategic partnership, signifying substantial progress.
• The Secretary-General also expressed ASEAN’s proactive pursuit of specific areas of partnership with India in the upcoming years, covering the digital economy, tourism, maritime security, counter-terrorism and trade cooperation.

About ASEAN-India Media Exchange Programme:-

• It involves visits by Indian journalists to ASEAN countries and reciprocal visits by ASEAN journalists to India.
• It is to foster a deeper understanding of the socio-economic and cultural ethos between ASEAN and India among the journalists from both regions.

About ASEAN:-

IMAGE SOURCE: blogspot.com

• Establishment: 8 August 1967.
• Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
• Bangkok Declaration, 1967, formally established the ASEAN.
• The first ASEAN Summit was in 1976.
• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional association that was founded to maintain social stability and political equilibrium among Asia’s post-colonial states amid escalating conflicts.
• “One Vision, One Identity, One Community” is its motto.
• The 8th of August is celebrated as the ASEAN Day.

Institutional mechanism of ASEAN:-

• ASEAN Summit: It meets annually to discuss regional issues and set policy directions. (India-ASEAN Connectivity Partnerships)
• ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC): It oversees the implementation of ASEAN agreements and decisions.
• ASEAN Secretariat: It supports and facilitates ASEAN’s activities and initiatives.
• ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): It is a platform for dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues among ASEAN member countries and their partners.
• Decision Making: It is done through consultation and consensus.

Significance of ASEAN for India:-

• India needs a close diplomatic relationship with ASEAN nations both for economic and security reasons.
• Connectivity with the ASEAN nations can allow India to improve its presence in the region. (India-ASEAN conclave)
• These connectivity projects keep Northeast India at the centre, ensuring the economic growth of the northeastern states.
• Improved trade ties with the ASEAN nations would mean a counter to China’s presence in the region and economic growth and development for India.
• ASEAN occupies a centralized position in the rules-based security architecture in the Indo-Pacific, which is vital for India since most of its trade is dependent on maritime security.
• Collaboration with the ASEAN nations is necessary to counter insurgency in the Northeast, combat terrorism, tax evasion etc.

 MUST READ: India-ASEAN relations

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Region often mentioned in the news:   Country (2022)

1. Anatolia                Turkey
2. Amhara                    Ethiopia
3. Cabo Delgado         Spain
4. Catalonia               Italy

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

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

Q.2) The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (2018)

1. China
2. Israel
3. Iraq
4. Yemen

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-SPACE

Context: Recently, NASA launched the ‘INFUSE’ payload mission.

Background:-

• INFUSE stands for Integral Field Ultraviolet Spectroscope Experiment (INFUSE) mission.
• NASA’s INFUSE Probes Sizzling Supernova Secrets.

About INFUSE Mission:-

• Launched by: NASA. (India – USA space cooperation)
• Objective: to study the Cygnus Loop, a 20,000-year-old supernova remnant located 2,600 light-years away from Earth.
• The Cygnus Loop is a favourite spot for both amateur astronomers and scientists due to its prominent location near the constellation Cygnus, often referred to as the “swan.”
• The remnants of this colossal supernova, known as the Cygnus Loop or the Veil Nebula, continue to intrigue researchers.
• The INFUSE mission, led by Brian Fleming from the University of Colorado Boulder, seeks to delve into the life cycle of stars.
• The INFUSE mission involves collecting crucial data about the Cygnus Loop from an altitude of 150 miles (240 km) for a few minutes. The mission’s instrument will capture far-ultraviolet wavelengths of light emanating from the Cygnus Loop.
• One of the primary objectives is to understand how the supernova releases energy into our Milky Way galaxy.
• It will observe the release of light as the supernova’s blast wave collides with pockets of cold gas dispersed throughout the galaxy.
• By studying the Cygnus Loop and its remnants, the INFUSE mission contributes to our understanding of the intricate processes involved in the life cycle of stars and their profound impact on the evolution of galaxies.

 MUST READ: International Space Station (ISS)

SOURCE: SCITECHDAILY

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct? (2023)

1. The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times that received at the poles.
2. Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
3. Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapour that is concentrated in the lower atmosphere.
4. Infrared waves are a part of the visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Q.2) Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System? (2023)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Japan

Syllabus

• Prelims –IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS/GOVERNANCE

Context: Recently, the National Investigation Agency has registered a case against ‘listed individual terrorist’ Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Background:-

• The case has been registered for his latest viral video threatening the passengers flying with Air India Airlines and closure of the operations of the airline.
• According to the NIA, Pannun also threatened that Air India would not be allowed to operate in the world.

About National Investigation Agency:-

• NIA is functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in India.
• Establishment: 2008.
  • It was established by the National Investigation Agency Act, enacted on 31-12-08. (NIA)
• Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• It is a central agency to investigate and prosecute offences:-
  • affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, security of the State, and friendly relations with foreign States.
  • against atomic and nuclear facilities.
  • smuggling in High-Quality Counterfeit Indian Currency.

Objectives:-

• It implements international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its agencies and other international organizations.

Historical Background:-

• The agency at the Central level was created for the investigation of offences related to terrorism and certain other Acts post-2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Functions of NIA:-

• In-depth professional investigation of scheduled offences using the latest scientific methods.
• Ensuring effective and speedy trials.
• Developing into a thoroughly professional, result-oriented organization.
• Developing a professional workforce through regular training and exposure to the best practices and procedures.
• Maintaining professional and cordial relations with the governments of States and Union Territories and other law enforcement agencies in compliance with the legal provisions of the NIA Act.
• Assist all States and other investigating agencies in the investigation of terrorist cases.
• Build a database on all terrorist-related information.
• Share the database available with the States and other agencies.
• Study and analyse laws relating to terrorism in other countries.

MUST READ: Unlawful Activities and (Prevention) Act (UAPA))

SOURCE: AIR

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following organizations/ bodies in India : (2023)

1. The National Commission for Backward Classes
2. The National Human Rights Commission
3. The National Law Commission
4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission

How many of the above are constitutional bodies?

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

Q.2) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : (2023)

1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: The Union coal ministry recently said that Coal India Limited’s (CIL) 40 coal blocks in and around the Lemru Elephant Corridor (LEC) will not be auctioned on the request of the Chhattisgarh government.

Background:-

• The ministry said areas beyond the LEC have also been considered for exemption from mining at the request of the state government.

About Lemru Elephant Reserve:-

• Location: Korba district of Chhattisgarh.
• The reserve is aimed at reducing human-animal conflict and destruction of property.
• In addition it aims at providing a permanent habitat to the elephants.
• Earlier, the state government notified the reserve (Conservation Reserve) in October 2020 under Section 36A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA).
• The reserve is part of an elephant corridor that connects Lemru (Korba), Badalkhol (Jashpur), and Tamorpingla (Surguja).

Elephant reserves in India-:

• There are 33 notified Elephant Reserves (ERs) in the country, spread over 14 states. ( Elephant Conservation)

Significance:-

• North Chhattisgarh alone is home to over 240 elephants.
• More than 150 elephants have died in the state over the last 20 years, including 16 between June and October 2020.

MUST READ: Endangered Asian elephant in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES

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) With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements : (2022)

1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government.
2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled to equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside.
3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

Context: Recently, a New ‘dragon lizard’ species (Laodracon carsticola) with impressive camouflage capabilities was found in Southeast Asia.

Background:-

• An international team of biologists, animal management specialists, geneticists and forestry managers has discovered a new species of “dragon lizard” in Laos—one with very impressive camouflage capabilities.

About Laodracon carsticola:-

• The name of this newly discovered species is Laodracon carsticola or the Khammouane Karst dragon.
• It was first discovered in August 2022, when a botanist team conducting a plant survey spotted an “unusual” looking lizard on the karst rocks nearby.
• The Khammouane karst dragon is considered “medium-sized,” reaching about 1 foot (about 30 centimetres) in length.
• It has a triangular head, long and slender appendages, as well as bluish-grey eyes and roughly textured scales.
• Its body is black with a few larger white bands on its back and speckles of white across the rest of its head and limbs.
• Its belly and a spot under its throat are tinged blue.
• The lizards are suspected to have a diet of ants.
• It possesses extraordinary camouflage abilities.
• It belongs to the mainland Asian subfamily Draconinae.
• This subfamily contains around 256 species that all live across Asia. ( Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI))
• Locals described the lizards as “rare,” most active in the afternoon and entirely restricted to the rocks.

 MUST READ: Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

SOURCE: PHYS.ORG

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

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

1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

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) Recently, there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites? (2017)

1. Corbett National Park
2. Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
4. Sariska National Park

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 :

Lemru Elephant Reserve lies in the Korba district of Jharkhand.

Statement-II :

The reserve is part of an elephant corridor that connects Lemru (Korba), Badalkhol (Jashpur), and Tamorpingla (Surguja).

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 INFUSE Mission, consider the following statements:

1. It was launched by JAXA.
2. It was led by Brian Fleming.
3. It will observe the release of light as the supernova’s blast wave collides with pockets of cold gas.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 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 ’  21st November 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – d

Q.3) – c