DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th January 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims –ECONOMY

Context: Recently, the Government allowed the direct listing of securities by public Indian companies on International Exchanges of GIFT IFSC.

Background:-

• In pursuance of the announcement on July 28, 2023, by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to enable direct listing of Indian Companies at GIFT- IFSC exchanges in the first phase, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, has amended Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, and notified the ‘Direct Listing of Equity Shares of Companies Incorporated in India on International Exchanges Scheme’.

About GIFT IFSC:-

• GIFT-IFSC is the maiden international financial services centre of India that connects India with global opportunities.
• It aims to attract the top talent in the country by providing the finest quality of life.
• It enables the Indian economy to connect with the global financial system and allows a seamless and easy flow of global capital into India.
• It aspires to cater to the dynamic development needs of GIFT IFSC, the unified statutory regulatory authority, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has taken significant steps in accelerating global sustainable capital flows by providing an agile and world-class regulatory and business environment in GIFT IFSC.
• GIFT IFSC aspires to become India’s gateway for inbound and outbound requirements of international financial services.

Benefits:-

• Central Government’s proactive support to develop the country as a hub of international financial services, the GIFT City has emerged as the preferred location for national and multinational firms.
• Tax exemptions also make it lucrative for investment.
• Job creation will occur in huge numbers.

MUST READ: Special Economic Zones

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) ‘Rapid Financing Instrument” and “Rapid Credit Facility” are related to the provisions of lending by which of the following:  (2022)

1. Asian Development Bank
2. International Monetary Fund
3. United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative
4. World Bank

Q.2) Which of the following activities constitute a real sector in the economy? (2022)

1. Farmers harvesting their crops
2. Textile mills converting raw cotton into fabrics
3. A commercial bank lending money to a trading company
4. A corporate body issuing Rupee Denominated Bonds overseas

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GOVERNANCE

Context: Recently, the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 were released.

Background:-

• 24 National, 20 Zonal and 54 State level awards announced.

About Swachh Survekshan 2023:-

• Hosted by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• 13 awardees received felicitations under the categories of Clean Cities, Cleanest Cantonment, SafaiMitra Suraksha, Ganga Towns and Best Performing State were given away.
• This year the cleanest city award showcased joint winners.
• Port City Surat bagged the top honours, alongside Indore, who had conquered the top spot alone for 6 consecutive years.
• In the category of cities with a population of less than 1 lakh, Sasvad, Patan and Lonavala secured the top three spots.
• Mhow Cantonment Board in Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the Cleanest Cantonment Board.
• Varanasi and Prayagraj won the top two awards among the Cleanest Ganga Towns.
• Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh won the top three awards for Best Performing State.
• Chandigarh walked away with the award for the Best Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher.
• 110 awards were bestowed during the ceremony.

About Swachh Survekshan:-

• Swachh Survekshan, conducted by MoHUA since 2016.
• It is the world’s largest urban sanitation and cleanliness survey.
• It has been instrumental in fostering a spirit of healthy competition among towns and cities to improve their service delivery to citizens and towards creating cleaner cities.
• The primary goal of Swachh Survekshan is to encourage large scale citizen participation and create awareness amongst all sections of society about the importance of working together towards making towns and cities better places to reside in.
• It is conducted under the ambit of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).

 MUST READ: Swachh Bharat 2.0

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986? (2022)

1. Central Water Commission
2. Central Ground Water Board
3. Central Ground Water Authority
4. National Water Development Agency

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 –IMPORTANT EVENTS

Context: Recently, Prime Minister extended greetings on the occasion of National Voters Day.

Background:-

• The Prime Minister posted on X;

“Greetings on National Voters Day, an occasion which celebrates our vibrant democracy and also a day to encourage people to register as voters, if they haven’t already.

At 11 AM, I will address  the Nav Matdata Sammelan, which will bring together first time voters from across India.”

About National Voters Day:-

• Every year on January 25, India celebrates National Voters Day.
• Objective: to encourage every voter in the country to participate in the political process.
• National Voters Day was observed for the first time in the country in 2011.
• The main reason behind this was to inspire more young people to participate in the electoral process.
• The theme for National Voters Day 2023 is “Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible, and Participatory.”

Significance:-

• The main significance behind the voting system is that it allows people to decide who will govern at the local, regional and national levels.
• This also means that people have the power to select which political party, ideology or policies will shape the nation’s future.

MUST READ: National Voters’ Day – The Power of Vote

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002: (2023)

Statement-I:

One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm x 400 mm.

Statement-II:

The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3: 2.

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

Q.2) Consider the following statements in respect of Constitution Day: (2023)

Statement-I:

Constitution Day is celebrated on 26th November every year to promote constitutional values among citizens.

Statement-II:

On 26th November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India set up a Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of Dr B. R. Ambedkar to prepare a Draft ·Constitution of India.

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: Recently, Namibian cheetah Jwala has given birth to four cubs at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, and not three as earlier announced.

Background:-

• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on January 24 ,2024 said this.

About Kuno National Park:-

IMAGE SOURCE: researchgate.net

• Location: Madhya Pradesh, India.
• It was established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary.
• It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
• It is named after the Kuno River (One of the main tributaries of the Chambal River) that cuts across it.
• Initially established as a wildlife sanctuary, it was only in 2018 that the government changed its status into a national park.
• Kuno National Park was selected under ‘Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India’.
• Flora: dry savanna forest and grassland and tropical riverine forest.
• Fauna: Indian leopard, jungle cat, sloth bear, dhole, Indian wolf, golden jackal, striped hyena and Bengal fox.

MUST READ: Manas National Park

SOURCE: THE HINDU

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon Frogmouth, Coppersmith Barbet, Gray Chinned Minivet and White-throated Redstart are (2020)

1. Birds
2. Primates
3. Reptiles
4. Amphibians

 Q.2) Recently, there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to one of the following sites (2017)

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Context: Recent studies show that early detection, regular medication and exercises are necessary for Parkinson’s patients to manage their motor functions.

About Parkinson’s disease:-

• Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.
• Symptoms start slowly. (Rare Diseases)
• The risk of developing it increases with age.

Symptoms:-

• Uncontrollable shaking and tremors
• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
• Balance difficulties and eventual problems standing up
• Stiffness in limbs
• Speech changes
• Writing changes
• Loss of automatic movements

Causes:-

• Genes
• Environmental triggers
• Presence of Lewy bodies: Clumps of specific substances within brain cells are microscopic markers of Parkinson’s disease. These are called Lewy bodies.

Parkinson’s disease is often accompanied by these additional problems like:-

• Thinking difficulties
• Depression and emotional changes
• Swallowing problems
• Chewing and eating problems
• Sleep problems and sleep disorders
• People also may experience rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, which involves acting out dreams. Medicines may improve your sleep.
• Bladder problems
• Constipation

Treatments:-

• Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medicines, surgical treatment, and other therapiescan often relieve some symptoms.
• Medicines: Medicines can help treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s by:
  • Increasing the level of dopamine in the brain
  • Having an effect on other brain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, which transfer information between brain cells
  • Helping control non-movement symptoms
• Therapy: the main therapy for Parkinson’s is levodopa.
  • Nerve cells use levodopa to make dopamine to replenish the brain’s dwindling supply.
• Deep brain stimulation:For people with Parkinson’s disease who do not respond well to medications, the doctor may recommend deep brain stimulation.

MUST READ: Need for stronger mental health strategy

SOURCE: The Indian Express

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy : (2023)

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for preschool children, adolescents, and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of childbirth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with a special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies, and fluorosis.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three

Q.2) Consider the following : (2022)

1. Bacteria
2. Fungi
3. Virus

Which of the above can be cultured in an artificial/ synthetic medium?

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

Syllabus

• Prelims –GEOGRAPHY

Context: Recently, Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal got GI Tag.

About Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal:-

• Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal is known for its prickly thorns on the stems and the whole plant.
• The green and round fruits contain more seeds as compared to other genotypes.
• It is famous for its unique taste and relatively short quick cooking time.
• The plants are resistant to major insects and can be grown with minimal pesticide.
• It is being widely cultivated in Nayagarh district of the state.
• The growers are getting a yield of up to 200 quintals per hectare and selling at around Rs 60 per kg.
• Historical records also suggest that the locals got the brinjal from the hilly areas.
• They collected seeds from it and started raising seedlings nearly 100 years ago.

 MUST READ: GI Tag for Mithila Makhana

SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. The Board has overseas offices in Dubai and Moscow.

Which of the statements given above is correct?

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

Q.2) System of Rice Intensification” of cultivation, in which alternate wetting and drying of rice fields is practiced, results in: (2022)

1. Reduced seed requirement
2. Reduced methane production
3. Reduced electricity consumption

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 –Art and culture

Context: Recently, President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Kaushal Bhawan.

Background:-

• On the occasion, the President visited the exhibition stalls set up by the beneficiaries of various initiatives of the Government such as PM Vishwakarma, PM JANMAN, Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and interacted with them.

About Kaushal Bhawan:-

• Location: in New Delhi .
• Kaushal Bhawan is a new building of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship .
• Its foundation stone was laid in March 2019.
• It will provide office space for the Ministry as well as its associated organisations – the Directorate General of Training, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training and the National Skill Development Corporation.
• This state-of-the-art office building, equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure .
• It has been built with the aim of providing a safe, convenient and efficient work environment to usher in new work culture and give a fillip to Skill India Mission.

 MUST READ: Hoysala temples

SOURCE: PIB

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

Q.1) Th 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

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 foundation stone of Kaushal Bhawan was laid in March 2019.

Statement-II :

It is located in Pune.

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 Parkinson’s disease, consider the following statements:

1. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.
2. Its symptoms start rapidly.
3. The risk of developing it decreases with age.

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 ’  25th January 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c