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[DAY 38] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2023 – ENVIRONMENT, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology.20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule.It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants.Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 5 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (30 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis.Attempt Day 38-> Click Here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2023 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 18th April 2023

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutionsTo take the Test Click Here

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th April 2023

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Mercy petitions Syllabus Prelims –Polity Context: Recently, the Supreme Court told the authorities to not delay decisions on mercy petitions of death row convicts. About Mercy petitions:- A mercy petition is filed by a convict to change his/her punishment (especially capital) into a lesser form of punishment.  It is also called clemency petition/plea or executive clemency. It is the convict’s basic right to ask mercy from the Republican head of the State. In India, that is the President. It can be exercised after all the legal remedies were exhausted. A petition can be filed with the President (under Article 72 of the Indian Constitution) or the governor (under Article 161 of the Constitution). A convict under a death sentence is eligible to make the mercy petition.  But it should be filed within seven days, after the dismissal of her/his appeal by the Supreme Court and intimation of the same to the convict by the Superintendent of the Police (SP). The procedure of Mercy Petition:- A convict under the sentence of death is allowed to file a mercy petition within a period of seven days after the date on which the Superintendent of Jail informs him about the dismissal of the appeal or special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court. The petitions are to be presented to the President of India.  The President office seeks cabinet advice. The appeal is examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry before giving recommendations to the President, takes the view of the State concerned. There is no written procedure to deal with mercy petition. President’s pardon/rejection/delay is also subjected to judicial review. However, if a court finds that the process of the decision taken by the President under Article 72 was not arbitrary or unreasonable, the decision then cannot be interfered with. MUST READ: Death Penalty in India SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2022) Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such an accused is locked up a in police station, not in jail. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2022) When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to a such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Magnetoresistance Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, the researchers in the UK, have found that graphene displays an anomalous giant magnetoresistance (GMR) at room temperature. About Magnetoresistance:- IMAGE SOURCE: Magnetoresistance Effect uses – Bing images Magnetoresistance is a phenomenon where the electrical resistance of a conductor is affected by magnetic fields in adjacent materials. When the materials are magnetised in the same direction, the electrical resistance in the conductor is low. When the directions are opposite each other, the resistance increases. The magnetoresistance observed in the graphene-based device was found to be “almost 100 times higher than that observed in other known semimetals in this magnetic field range.” Uses:- It is used in hard disk drives and magnetoresistive RAM in computers, biosensors, automotive sensors, microelectromechanical systems, and medical imagers. GMR-based devices are particularly used to sense magnetic fields. MUST READ: Synthetic biology SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2022) Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 3 only 1 and 2 2 and 3 Q.2) With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? (2021) Sodium lamps produce light at 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps. As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer life span than LED lamps. The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 3 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Mahad Satyagraha Syllabus Prelims –Modern Indian History Context: Recently, Mahad Satyagraha by Ambedkar and the foundation event of the Dalit movement were recalled. About Mahad Satyagraha :- IMAGE SOURCE: Ambedkar – Peacockride Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Life Should Be Great Abstract Wall Poster Vinyl A3 Multicolour Amazon In Electronics | itmoneymaking (manainfinito.com) Mahad Satyagraha was first collective protest of untouchables under the leadership of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar. Every year, March 20 is observed as Social Empowerment day in India to commemorate the Mahad Satyagraha. Background:- The untouchables were not allowed to use water from Mahad tank. In 1926, Municipal Board of Mahad, Maharashtra passed orders to throw open the famous tank of Mahad city to all communities. High caste Hindus opposed this order of Municipal Board.  In response, Ambedkar organised a conference to support the decision of Municipal Board.  Ambedkar, in his presidential address, stressed the necessity of rooting out ideas of highness or lowness and inculcating self-elevation through self-help, self-respect and self-knowledge. A Satyagraha Conference was organised at Mahad in 1925 which demanded that Hindu society should be organised on the basis of equality and absence of casteism. It was also resolved to burn Manusmriti, as according to Ambedkar, it perpetuated the social, economic, religious and political slavery of the untouchables. MUST READ: B R Ambedkar and Women Empowerment SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following freedom fighters: (2022) Barindra Kumar Ghosh Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee Rash Behari Bose Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party? 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 3 only Q.2) Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which later came to be known as Bethune Female School? (2021) Annie Besant Debandranath Tagore Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar Sarojini Naidu Ambedkar circuit Syllabus Prelims –Important Personalities Context: Recently, Indian government launches Ambedkar circuit tourist train. About Ambedkar circuit:- The Ambedkar Circuit was proposed in 2016.  It  covers Five Key Sites or The “Panchateerths ”as follow:- Mhow: His Birthplace Nagpur: Where he studied London: Where he resided and studied Delhi: Where he breathed his last Mumbai: Where he was cremated Other sites of relevance:- Raigarh, Maharashtra:– Dr. Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha, one of the greatest incidents of expression of freedom for Dalits in 1927, the Mahad Satyagraha. Pune, Maharashtra: Where he held the first negotiations with Mahatma Gandhi in Yerwada jail The result was the Poona Pact signed by Dr. Ambedkar on behalf of the depressed classes and by Madan Mohan Malviya on behalf of upper caste Hindus. Kolhapur, Maharashtra: In March 1920, another legendary social reformer, Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, declared Dr. Ambedkar as the true leader of the oppressed classes in India. Sri Lanka: Where he attended a Buddhist conclave that is said to have influenced him to convert to Buddhism. MUST READ: Dr B R Ambedkar’s views on moral democracy SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following pairs: (2019) Movement/Organization                                                        Leader All India Anti-Untouchability League                          Mahatma Gandhi All India Kisan Sabha                                                  Swami Sahajanand Saraswati Self-Respect Movement                                             E. V. Ramaswami Naicker Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) With reference to Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events: (2017) Mutiny in Royal Indian Navy Quit India Movement launched Second Round Table Conference What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events? 1-2-3 2-1-3 3-2-1 3-1-2 Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) Syllabus Prelims –Important Institutions Context: Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has been accorded the status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) recently. About Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI):- Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. (SECI) is a company of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India. It was established to facilitate the implementation of the National Solar Mission (NSM). It is the only Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) dedicated to the solar energy sector. The company’s mandate has been broadened to cover the entire renewable energy domain and the company will be renamed to Renewable Energy Corporation of India (RECI). The SECI was registered as Section 25 under the Companies Act, 1956 (now Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013) in 2011. It was set up as a Non-for-Profit Company to promote solar energy in India. It was established to facilitate the implementation of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). The company is responsible for implementation of a number of government schemes, major ones being the VGF schemes for large-scale grid-connected projects under JNNSM, solar park scheme and grid-connected solar rooftop scheme, along with a host of other specialised schemes such as defence scheme, canal-top scheme, Indo-Pak border scheme etc. MUST READ: India’s solar power energy targets SOURCE: PIB PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? (2017) To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community. 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: 2 only 3 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only Q.2) Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (2017) Resident Indian citizens only Persons of age from 21 to 55 only All State Government employees joining the services after the state of notification by the respective State Governments All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004 Global Conference on Compressed Biogas Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: The global Conference on Compressed Biogas is to be held in New Delhi soon. About Global Conference on Compressed Biogas :- It is organized by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. The theme of the conference is – Towards Progressive Policy Framework for a Robust CBG Foundation and Growth. The objectives:- to apprise the industry regarding the initiatives taken by the government of India for the development of compressed biogas industry and  to identify the areas where policy modifications are required. India is dedicated to achieving a net zero target by 2070 and the government has taken several initiatives to reduce emissions.  Compressed Biogas (CBG) has higher calorific value and properties similar to CNG. It can be utilized as alternative green renewable and can replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial areas, given the abundance of biomass availability within the country. The discussion will focus on the feedstock availability, CBG offtake, fermented organic manure, carbon credits, incentives, investment and financing for the CBG industry and biofuel policies of different states + CBG producers on state policies & international experiences. TERI, NAMA Facility, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and LCB Forum (Low Carbon Biofuel Forum), Greece are the institutional partners. Indian Oil Corporation, Verbio India, Canara Bank, IndianOil Adani Ventures Limited – IAV Biogas, SBI Capital, SIDBI, Praj Industries and Maschinenfabrik Bernard KRONE GmbH are also supporting this conference. MUST READ: National Bioenergy Programme SOURCE: AIR PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following statements: The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at (2017) expanding the cultivable area under irrigation. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’? (2017) Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities. Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies. Strengthening India’s scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power. Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them. Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: Recently, the Home Ministry developed an online module for timely disposal of criminal cases called Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS). About Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS):- Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) is a national platform for enabling integration of the main IT system used for delivery of Criminal Justice. It operates in the country by five pillars namely:- Police (Crime and Criminal Tracking and Network Systems), e-Forensics for Forensic Labs, e-Courts for Courts, e-Prosecution for Public Prosecutors e-Prisons for Prisons. It is invested under the CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems)  project of the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs).  ICJS enables a nationwide search on police, prisons & courts databases across all States/ UTs in the country. It also provides for data Analytics for Forecasting/ Predictive Trends in Crimes reported region-wise, category-wise, and basis other parameters for effective management & control of crimes in future. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) will be responsible for the implementation of the project in association with National Informatics Centre (NIC). The project will be implemented in collaboration with the States and Union Territories. In Phase-I (2018-2022) of the ICJS project, individual IT systems have been implemented and stabilized; also search of records have been enabled on these systems. Under Phase-II (2022-26), the system is being built on the principle of ‘one data one entry’ whereby data is entered only once in one pillar and the same is then available in all other pillars without the need to re-enter the data in each pillar. The ministry also tracks investigations into sexual assault cases across the country, every two months through its analytics tool, the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences. This system was launched in February 2018. The compliance rate increased from 43% in 2018 to 60% in 2023. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 amended Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to provide for completion of investigation in rape cases within two months. MUST READ: Forensic Labs & Criminal Justice System SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India ? (2018) Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries. 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 and 2 only 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Regarding DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Chicago Convention Syllabus Prelims –International Institutions: Context: Recently, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) informed the DGCA that India meets the international standards for aviation safety oversight of the Chicago Convention and continues to retain FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 status. About Chicago Convention:- The Convention on International Civil Aviation, more commonly known as the ‘Chicago Convention’ was drafted in 1944. The convention established the core principles permitting international transport by air. It also led to the creation of the specialized agency which has overseen the convention ever since – the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO). The convention provides Nine freedoms of air, but only the first five freedoms have been officially recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO):- ICAO is a United Nations (UN) specialized agency, established in 1944. It laid the foundation for the standards and procedures for peaceful global air navigation. The Convention on International Civil Aviation was signed on 7th December 1944 in Chicago. India is among its 193 members. Headquarters:  Montreal, Canada It established the core principles permitting international transport by air, and also led to the creation of the ICAO. It’s one of the objectives is to foster the planning and development of international air transport so as to ensure the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation throughout the world. MUST READ: UN High Seas Treaty SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ in April 2016 and started implementation of its from 25th May, 2018? Australia Canada The European Union The United States of America Q.2) Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries?  (2018) Japan Russia The United Kingdom The United States of America Skills Shortage Hampering Farm Mechanisation Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (Governance) and GS 3 (Economy) Context: Recently, the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) released a white paper on ‘Making India a Global Power House in the Farm Machinery Industry’. Key Highlights: NCAER is India’s oldest and largest independent, non-profit, economic policy research think tank. Established in New Delhi in 1956, It is one of a handful of think tanks globally that combine rigorous analysis and policy outreach with deep data collection capabilities. NCAER has analysed the non-tractor farm machinery industry from both demand and supply side perspectives, bringing out the challenges in the sector, and recommending measures & reforms by benchmarking global practices in their report. In India, Farm mechanization is at 40-45 percent, which remains low compared to the rest of the world; in the US it is 95 percent, Brazil 75 percent, and China 57 percent. About Farm mechanisation: Farm mechanisation refers to the development and use of machines that can replace human and animal power in agricultural processes with the end objective of enhancing overall productivity and production with the lowest cost of production. Significance of Farming in India Food security: Issues like rapid urbanisation, population explosion and climate change increase the risk of food shortage. These recommendations are crucial to ensure food security for urban as well as rural communities. This benefit has long been highlighted in arguments for urban farming. Fulfilling nutrition demand: 2010 report by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, notes that 50 percent of women and children in urban areas are anaemic due to lack of adequate nutrition. The study also recommends focussing on agriculture. Poverty alleviation: Globally, in 2020, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization acknowledged that urban and peri urban farming can contribute to local food and nutritional needs, enable jobs and reduce poverty. Demand and Supply-side Challenges: Lack of adequate Information and Awareness: There is a lack of adequate information and awareness amongst farmers about the technology and the management of machinery. Consequently, their selection of machinery is poor, often making it a wasted investment. Stark mismatch: The paper reveals a mismatch between what the organised industrial sector is producing, especially in the non-tractors segment, and what the small and marginal Indian farmers want. The farm machinery industry is characterised by both demand and supply-side challenges. Lack of awareness: There is a lack of adequate information and awareness amongst farmers about the technology and the management of machinery. Consequently, their selection of machinery is poor, often making it a wasted investment. Skills Shortage: It is resulting in a low-equilibrium trap for the industry. Village craftsmen, who fall at the bottom of the pyramid in the industry, form the largest group and are the ones who end up largely catering to the Indian farmers in terms of supply, repair, and maintenance of farm machinery. On the supply side, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) suffer from a lack of skilled personnel. Fabrication of agricultural tools and machinery is often done by semi-skilled workers without proper equipment. The following suggestions are need of hour: Engaging various institutions: The Agricultural Skills Council of India should work at the district level to address skilling shortages on the demand side; public-private partnerships with Custom Hiring Centres may be especially useful. Addressing demand & supply-side constraints: Extension programmes need to be strengthened to address demand-side issues. On the supply side, the District Industries Centre should work with local industrial clusters so that ITIs can provide relevant courses with the latest available technical knowledge and skills. Skilling: State agricultural universities, ICAR and other institutes that have tractor training centres, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and industry (through their dealers) should be made responsible for training young farmers/owners/operators on how to select, operate and service farm machinery. Setting up of Service centres: Service centres at the regional and State levels may be promoted in the private and industrial sectors. This will alleviate the need for each farmer to own machinery and learn skills to operate the individual machines. Vocational skilling programmes: Dual vocational skilling programmes will greatly benefit industrial clusters located in tier-II and tier-III cities. MSMEs should also leverage the Apprentices Policy of the Central Government. This may be a win-win situation for the youth. Way Forward: Sustainable mechanization considers technological, economic, social, environmental, and cultural aspects when contributing to the sustainable development of the food and agricultural sector along with improved agricultural practices for increased production and enhanced food security. Source:  The Hindu Flash Droughts Syllabus Mains – GS 3 (Disaster Management) Context: As per a recent study, flash droughts occurred more often than conventional ‘slow’ droughts in tropical places like India, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and the Amazon basin. About Flash Droughts: A considerably long dry spell with significantly low precipitation anomalies during the monsoon results in an increase in air temperature. Increased air temperature and precipitation deficit together cause a rapid depletion of soil moisture leading to flash drought. There is little known about flash droughts or ‘hidden hazards’ when compared to research available on long-term droughts. Flash droughts can occur in the monsoon season as well, primarily caused by the monsoon breaks and these can also occur due to delayed onset of the summer. Atmospheric anomalies (variations), anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and ongoing climate change can lead to flash droughts. Early-warning systems (EWS), that could identify trends in climate and sources of water, are used to detect the emergence or probability of the occurrence of flash droughts. About Droughts: A drought is a period of unusually persistent dry weather that persists long enough to cause serious problems such as crop damage and/or water supply shortages. The severity of the drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, the duration, and the size of the affected area. Causes of Droughts: Causes of Meteorological Droughts: Lean monsoon and below average rainfall Late onset or early withdrawal of monsoons Prolonged breaks in Monsoon Causes of Hydrological Droughts : Large scale deforestation Ecologically hazardous mining Excessive pumping of ground water Causes of Agricultural Droughts: Excessive use of HYV(High Yielding Varieties) seeds Change in cropping pattern e.g. with introduction of green revolution Impacts: Drought causes economic, environmental and social impacts. The first round impacts on agriculture and water resources account for a significant proportion of drought impacts. Others are follow-up impacts on the population immediately affected by droughts, such as farmer incomes and the health, nutrition, and education status of drought-affected populations. A third level is on downstream activities, such as industries reliant on agriculture and water. Finally, there are the diffuse and longer-term impacts on growth, trade, foreign exchange, fiscal balance, and so on. Crop Weather Watch Group (CWWG), an inter-Ministerial mechanism, evaluates information and data furnished by IMD and other scientific and technical bodies to determine the likely impact of meteorological events and other environmental parameters on agriculture. Drought Prone Areas in India In India, around 68% of the country is prone to drought to varying degrees. The 35% area which receives rainfall between 750 mm and 1125 mm is considered drought prone while 33% receiving less than 750 mm is chronically drought prone. Steps being taken at the global level: THE DELHI DECLARATION OF 2019, signed by 14th CoP of the UNCCD (Refer this link for Bonn Challenge, Great Green Wall Initiative: etc) , called for better access and stewardship over land, and emphasised gender-sensitive transformative projects. THE BONN CHALLENGE: To bring 150 million hectares of the world’s deforested and degraded land into restoration by 2020, and 350 million hectares by 2030. GREAT GREEN WALL: Initiative by Global Environment Facility (GEF), where eleven countries in Sahel-Saharan Africa have focused efforts to fight against land degradation and revive native plant life to the landscape. PEACE FOREST INITIATIVE: It is an initiative of South Korea to use ecological restoration as a peacebuilding process and aims at addressing the issue of land degradation in conflict-torn border areas. INTERNATIONAL COALITION FOR ACTION ON SAND AND DUST STORMS (SDS): SDS source base map will be developed with the goal of improving monitoring and response to these storms. Way Forward: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines for Drought Management NDMA guidelines include developing vulnerability profiles for regions, communities, population groups, and others to compile critical information which when integrated into the planning process can enhance the outcome of the process of identifying and prioritizing specific areas. Specific Drought Management cells should be created at the state level under SDMA. These DMCs will be responsible for the preparation of vulnerability maps for their respective states. Arid and semi-arid areas that are most vulnerable should be given priority where drought is a recurring feature occurring with varying magnitudes. Specific guidelines for use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and role of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for online interaction and availability of real-time drought-related information that will help in the assessment and early warning. Assessment of damage expected will include agricultural production, depletion of water resources, livestock population, land degradation, and deforestation as well as human health. Source:  Indian Express Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): ICAO is funded and directed by 200 national governments to support their diplomacy and cooperation in air transport. The Chicago Convention established the core principles permitting international transport by air, and led to the creation of the ICAO. India is part of the Chicago Convention. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding giant magnetoresistance (GMR): It is the tendency of a material (often ferromagnetic) to change the value of its electrical resistance in an externally-applied magnetic field. It is used in hard disk drives, computers, biosensors, automotive sensors, microelectromechanical systems, and medical imagers. GMR-based devices are particularly used to sense magnetic fields. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1 2 and 3 Q.3) Dr B R Ambedkar associated with which of the following events/organisations? Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha The Mahad Satyagraha Poona Pact Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 2 and 3 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’ 17th April 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st ANSWERS FOR 15th April – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – a Q.2) – d Q.3) – c table, td, th { border: 1px solid;} table {width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; }

[DAY 37] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2023 – ENVIRONMENT, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology.20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule.It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants.Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 5 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (30 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis.Attempt Day 37-> Click Here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2023 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 17th April 2023

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutionsTo take the Test Click Here

Important Articles

[MOCK TEST] IASbaba’s All India Open Mock for UPSC Prelims 2023 on 30th April (SUNDAY)

Hello Aspirants,We understand how this season might affect you… Some of you must be pouring cup after cup of coffeechai/coffee and sitting under the study lamp to cram in every passing minute to make sure you do not miss out on anything…The restlessness and the desire to perform the best are real!But here’s one thing that you can do (some of you are already aware of this Magic Pill)This Magic Pill in layman’s language is called :- PRACTICE So, what ‘Magic’ does this Magic Pill bring in your life? Magic 1: Relieves you off the pressure of performing on that 1 day. Because your body and mind get used to the number of questions you are supposed to be attempting, the way your brain starts working while thinking of solutions, the way your heart beats when you come across something out of the unknown and then slowly starts normalizing… Basically, you are training your mind and body both to calm down… Magic 2: You learn things which you might have missed out on. Rather than learning from the same source, you get to fill in the gaps.So, who wouldn’t in their right mind want something like that….?We all want to stay one notch ahead, isn’t it?This is the right moment to turn on your engines and put all your energy in that FINAL revision and practice. To ensure that you get to experience the UPSC’s interface closely and become attuned to it, we have decided to conduct… We Thank You For The Overwhelming Response For Open Mock 1 All India Mock Test on 30th April (Sunday) Note: We have introduced Rs.50/- as registration fee for OFFLINE mode. ONLINE mode will be free for all! The registration fee of Rs.50/- is just a token amount for providing online access/hall tickets only. This amount will not be considered an exam fee. We are collecting the fees to avoid unwanted/spam registrations. Register For Open Mocks - ONLINE Register For Open Mocks - OFFLINE Registrations will close on 28th April at 6 PM The details email/hall ticket of the test will be shared by 29th April 6 PM Another Mock Tests will happen on 14th May The registrations and details will be announced soon! This is the right time to gain momentum that by the time you are in the examination hall, you are at peak of your performance. If you can achieve that, no one will be able to stop you from qualifying the exam. The questions of these mocks will be made by experts from the IASbaba team which have been analysing the language and trend of UPSC. Hence you can be sure that these mocks will be closest to the language and difficulty level of UPSC. Dates of the All India Mock Test 30th April 2023Paper 1 (General Studies)9:30 AM to 11:30 AMPaper 2 (CSAT)2:30 PM to 4:30 PM Open Mock 3 - 14th May (Registrations & Details Soon...) Register For Open Mocks - ONLINE Register For Open Mocks - OFFLINE Modes & Language of All India Mock Test Online - (English & हिन्दी) Offline - (English & हिन्दी) Centres for All India Mock Test Delhi: 22B, Bada Bazar Marg, Above Domino’s, Near Karol Bagh Metro Station, New Delhi 110060Bengaluru: IASbaba HQ, 2nd floor, Ganapathi Circle, 80 Feet Rd, Chandra Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560072Lucknow: No.B1/66, Sec J Aliganj, Near Sahoo Studio, Lucknow 226024 (Landmark: Near Mr Brown)Bhopal: 136, Near Vikramaditya College Zone -2, MP Nagar Bhopal, 462011, Madhya Pradesh* Centres are tentative, we will notify you via email if there are any changes. P.S. Since the seats are limited at any given centre, you must register soon through the following link IASbaba’s Paid Subscribers (ILP, AIPTS, Gurukul, FC, TLP Connect) need not register or take the Open Mock. Register For Open Mocks - ONLINE Register For Open Mocks - OFFLINE Are you ready?All the very best!

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th April 2023

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Uttaramerur inscription Syllabus Prelims – Art and Culture Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the Uttaramerur inscription in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, while discussing India’s democratic history. About Uttaramerur inscription:- IMAGE SOURCE: What are the less known facts about Tamil Nadu? – Quora The Uttaramerur inscription, dated around 920 A.D. in the reign of Parantaka Chola [907-955 A.D.]. Uttaramerur: it is situated in the Kancheepuram district, about 90 km from Chennai. The Pallava king Nandivarman II established it around 750 A.D. The Uttaramerur inscription testifies to the historical fact that nearly 1,100 years ago, a village had an elaborate and highly refined electoral system and even a written constitution prescribing the mode of elections. The details of this system of elective village democracy are inscribed on the walls of the village assembly (grama sabha mandapa), a rectangular structure made of granite slabs. The inscription gives astonishing details about the constitution of wards, the qualification of candidates standing for elections, the disqualification norms, the mode of election, the constitution of committees with elected members, the functions of those committees, the power to remove the wrongdoer, etc. The villagers even had the right to recall the elected representatives if they failed in their duty. In fact, inscriptions on temple walls in several parts of Tamil Nadu refer to village assemblies. MUST READ: Sittanavasal Jain Heritage Site SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?(2022) Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets. Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethics. Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational. Q.2) Who among the following rulers advised his subjects through this inscription? (2020) ”Whosoever praises his religious sect or blames other sects out of excessive devotion to his own sect, with the view of glorifying his own sect, he rather injures his own sect very severely.” Ashoka Samudragupta Harshavardhana Krishnadeva Raya A-HELP(Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme Syllabus Prelims –Governance Context: Recently, the Uttarakhand government launched ‘A-HELP’(Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme. About A-HELP (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme:- IMAGE SOURCE: 20th Livestock Census of India 2019 Highlights – Paper Tyari A-HELP Program is launched in the State of Uttarakhand. The ‘A-HELP’ training programme is being run jointly by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The program aims to address the healthcare needs of the livestock population in a village. In the programme, members of women self-help groups registered under the State Rural Livelihood Mission, who are helping in various animal husbandry activities in the form of Pashu Sakhi, will be trained. A-HELPs will help in artificial insemination under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), and in preventing the livestock from infectious diseases. Significance:- A-HELP is community-based women activists, who assist veterinarians in local departmental activities, help livestock farmers to take loans for entrepreneurship development, fill out applications, mark the ear tagging of animals and register them in the INAF portal and help with insurance etc. ‘A-HELP’ assistance can be taken in the implementation of various schemes and in providing information to the farmers at the grassroots level. MUST READ: Improving Livestock Breeding SOURCE: PIB PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the Department of Science and Technology Ministry of Labour and Employment NITI Aayog Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Q.2) With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements: (2018) The National ‘Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and ‘directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority ‘(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Exercise Orion Syllabus Prelims –Defense Context: Recently, four Rafales departed to France to take part in multilateral exercise Orion. About Exercise Orion:- It is a multinational exercise hosted by the French government. It is reportedly the largest ever multinational exercise being carried out by the French defence forces which have involved their Army, Navy and Air Force. It includes ground troops, warships, aircraft carriers and combat aircraft. It is meant to boost military cooperation and interoperability among participating nations. Participants: Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, U.K. and U.S. would also be flying in this multilateral exercise. The IAF contingent will include four Rafale aircraft, two C-17, two IL-78 aircraft and 165 air warriors. This would be the first overseas exercise for the IAF’s Rafale aircraft. MUST READ:  India and France relations SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ in April 2016 and started implementation of its from 25th May, 2018? (2019) Australia Canada The European Union The United States of America Q.2) Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017) Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indian Navy. IONS is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission Syllabus Prelims –Polity Context: Recently, the Supreme Court stated that the government may need to “re-check” report of the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission. About Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission:- IMAGE SOURCE: Protecting Interest of Minorities From The Glass of Constitutional Armour (ipleaders.in) Ranganath Misra Commission is also called National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities. It was constituted by the Government of India in Objective: to look into various issues related to Linguistic and Religious minorities in India. Important recommendations:- One of the recommendations of the commission was to permit Dalits who convert to Islam or Christianity to avail of reservation benefits under the Scheduled Caste reservation quota. Current status:- Rejecting the Mishra report, the government had recently constituted a new Commission headed by a former Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan. It is given two years to prepare a report on the question of granting SC status to “new persons who have historically belonged to the Scheduled Castes but have converted to religions other than Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism”. MUST READ: National Commission for Minorities SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit by the Chief Justice of India with prior permission of the President of India. A High court in India has the power to review its own judgement as the Supreme Court does. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: (2019) No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India. Which of the statements given above is / are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Dabba trading Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: Recently, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) issued a string of notices naming entities involved in ‘dabba trading’. About Dabba trading:- Dabba (box) trading refers to informal trading that takes place outside the purview of the stock exchanges. Traders bet on stock price movements without incurring a real transaction to take physical ownership of a particular stock as is done in an exchange. In simple words, it is gambling centred around stock price movements. For example, an investor places a bet on a stock at a price point, say ₹1,000. If the price point rose to ₹1,500, he/she would make a gain of ₹500. However, if the price point falls to ₹900, the investor would have to pay the difference to the dabba broker. Thus, it could be concluded that the broker’s profit equates the investor’s loss and vice-versa. The primary purpose of such trades is to stay outside the purview of the regulatory mechanism. The transactions therefore are facilitated using cash and the mechanism is operated using unrecognised software terminals. It could also be facilitated using informal or kaccha (rough) records, sauda (transaction) books, challans, DD receipts, cash receipts alongside bills/contract notes as proof of trading. Issues:- Since there are no proper records of income or gain, it helps dabba traders escape taxation. They would not have to pay the Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT) or the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on their transactions. The use of cash also means that they are outside the purview of the formal banking system. It results in a loss to the government exchequer.  In ‘dabba trading’, the primary risk entails the possibility that the broker defaults in paying the investor or the entity becomes insolvent or bankrupt. Being outside the regulatory purview implies that investors are without formal provisions for investor protection, dispute resolution mechanisms and grievance redressal mechanisms that are available within an exchange. Since all activities are facilitated using cash, and without any auditable records, it could potentially encourage the growth of ‘black money’ alongside perpetuating a parallel economy. This could potentially translate to risks entailing money laundering and criminal activities. MUST READ: Social Stock Exchange SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the India economy, what are the advantages of “Inflation-Indexed Bonds (IIBs)”? (2022) Government can reduce the coupon rates on its borrowing by way of IIBs. IIGs provide protection to the investors from uncertainty regarding inflation. The interest received as well as capital gains on IIBs are not taxable. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: (2022) A share of the household financial savings goes towards government borrowings. Dated securities issued at market-related rates in auctions form a large component of internal debt. Which of the above statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Section 5(4) of the Maternity Benefit Act Syllabus Prelims – Polity Context: Recently, a bench led by CJI Chandrachud has agreed to hear the PIL challenging Section 5(4) of the Maternity Benefit Act (provisions for adoptive mothers). About Section 5(4) of the Maternity Benefit Act:- The 2017 amendment introduced Section 5(4). The original 1961 Maternity Benefit Act did not have these provisions for adoptive mothers. These provisions are for maternity benefits for women who adopt or act as commissioning mothers. Adoptive mothers of children below three months are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave. A woman adopting a child older than three months is not eligible for maternity benefits. Maternity Benefit Act, 1961:- It was passed in, 1961, to regulate the employment of women in “certain establishments” for the period before and after childbirth. It originally applied to factories, mines, plantations and extended later in 1973 to government-owned establishments and establishments for exhibitions. Section 4 of the Act prohibited the employment of or work by women during the six weeks immediately following delivery or miscarriage. Section 5 granted paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks if the woman had worked for at least 160 days in the preceding 12 months. Violations could result in three months’ punishment, with or without a fine. Key Changes in the 2017 Amendment:- It amended Section 5 to allow for 26 weeks of paid leave after childbirth for biological mothers. It inserted Section 5(4) to allow adoptive or surrogate mothers to have a 12-week maternity benefit period from the date the child is handed over. It inserted Section 5(5) to allow for working from home if mutually agreed upon after availing of maternity benefits. It inserted Section 11 to mandate the availability of a creche facility for establishments with 50 or more employees, with four visits a day allowed for the mother and rest intervals provided. It does not apply to the unorganised sector, which has been a criticized aspect of the amendment. MUST READ: Union Budget: Umbrella Schemes of Ministry of Women & Child Development SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017? (2019) Pregnant women are entitled for three months pre-delivery and three months post-delivery paid leave. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother minimum six creche visits daily. Women with two children get reduced entitlements. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 and 2 only 2 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017) To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only 3 and 4 only Large Hadron Collider Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, engineers are warming up the Large Hadron Collider for its third season of operations. About Large Hadron Collider:- The Large Hadron Collider is a giant, complex machine built to study particles that are the smallest known building blocks of all things. It is a collider that accelerates two beams of particles in opposite directions and smashes them head-on. These beams of particles are Hadron is a subatomic particle made of quarks, gluons and anti-quarks. Hadrons are the heaviest particles and are composed of two or more quarks that are held strongly by electromagnetic force. LHC is built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Findings:- The ATLAS and CMS detectors discovered the Higgs boson in 2012 and confirmed their findings in 2013. Using the data from collisions, scientists have tested the predictions of the Standard Model of particle physics, observed exotic particles, and pieced together information about extreme natural conditions. MUST READ: India based Neutrino Observatory SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2022) Other than those made by humans, nanoparticles do not exist in nature. Nanoparticles of some metallic oxides are used in the manufacture of some cosmetics. Nanoparticles of some commercial products which enter the environment are unsafe for humans. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 3 only 1 and 2 2 and 3 Q.2) Which one of the following is a reason why astronomical distances are measured in light-years? (2021) Distance among stellar bodies do not change Gravity of stellar bodies does not change Light always travels in straight line Speed of light is always same ONE HEALTH’ APPROACH Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (Governance) Context: The government launched the “ Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI)” as well as the World Bank-funded Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) project under the aegis of the National One Health Mission. About One Health: One Health is an integrating idea that brings different sectors together to solve the health, productivity, and conservation challenges and has major implications for India. WHO formed a One Health Initiative to integrate work on human, animal, and environmental health across the Organization. WHO is also working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as a One Health Quadripartite. Present Scenario In India: The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) approved to set up of a National One Health Mission with a cross-ministerial effort that will serve to coordinate, support, and integrate all the existing One Health activities in the country and fill gaps where it is appropriate. The Mission aims to coordinate across achieving overall pandemic preparedness and integrated disease control against priority diseases of both human and animal sectors, with early warning systems built on integrated surveillance systems and response readiness for endemic as well as an emerging epidemic or pandemic threats. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, launched in 2004 for disease outbreak detection and rapid response functions, has generated information on the flow of certain disease outbreaks but the program has been unable to integrate human and animal (livestock and wildlife) surveillance. A multi-disciplinary Road Map to Combat Zoonoses (2008) was laid to create an integrated mechanism for the surveillance, detection, and treatment of zoonoses. Benefits of One Health: Reduce potential threats at the human-animal-environment interface to control diseases that spread between animals and humans Tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Ensure food safety Prevent environment-related health threats to humans and animals Protect biodiversity. Challenges: Spread of disease: About 60 per cent of the known infectious diseases in humans and 75 percent of all emerging infectious diseases are caused by pathogens that originate in animals. Antibiotic-resistant microbes also can effectively be transmitted from animals to humans and cause diseases in humans which may not respond to affordable antibiotics. Extensive and irrational use of antibiotics especially in the livestock sector for increasing yield and preventing diseases causes emergence and selection of resistant pathogens. These spread through animal-human interaction or food chain. Absence of standardized methods to measure the complexity of the benefits achieved from the holistic approach. Lack of systematic methodology to prove the nature of health impacts across the animal and human health sectors. Lack of agreement in leadership issues, resource allocation, and work distribution. Steps taken globally and by the India Collaboration: Institutes like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have collaborated for joint research priorities, mostly to control disease outbreaks and also at individual levels between human and animal health researchers as well as practitioners. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project: launched in 2004 for disease outbreak detection and rapid response functions, has generated several information on flow of certain disease outbreaks but the programme has been unable to integrate human and animal (livestock and wildlife) surveillance. A multi-disciplinary Road Map to Combat Zoonoses: was laid to create an integrated mechanism for surveillance, detection and treatment of zoonoses. The National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being built on a framework that integrates biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate change, agriculture, health, bio-economy and capacity-building in the realm of biodiversity science has one mission component that explicitly links biodiversity to human health through the One Health approach. The Government of India decided to set up a dedicated centre under ICMR to contain zoonotic diseases: the Centre for One Health at Nagpur, and also constituted a ‘National Expert Group on One Health’ to promote multi-sectoral, transdisciplinary, collaboration and co-operation to adopt and implement a One Health framework in India. National Framework for One Health 2021 by FAO: Improving the capacity for public health actions in major stakeholders human health, animal health and environment management. Way Forward: India has combatted several zoonotic diseases and has a robust institutional network for biomedical research, which can lead and operationalize the One Health approach. For One Health Science, it is important to develop databases and models with a consolidated approach of ecologists, field biologists, epidemiologists, and other scientists. Understanding and responding to the drivers that threaten health; optimising the effectiveness of public health systems in achieving these goals within each sector. Therefore, a nexus of science, social science, indigenous knowledge, and policy at national, state, and local levels can put forward strategies and institutions for the implementation of One Health. Source: PIB Cooperatives in India Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (Governance) and GS 3 (Economy) Context: The Central Government has recently introduced Bill to amend the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002. The key features of this Bill are: The Central Government will establish the Cooperative Election Authority to conduct the election of board members; Provision for amalgamation of UCBs with other multi-State UCBs as decided by general meeting with two-thirds of its members present and voting; The Central Government will prepare a scheme and create a fund, to be contributed by profit-making multi-State UCBs, for rehabilitation of sick multi-State UCBs; There are restrictions on the redemption of government shareholding; and One or more Co-operative Ombudsman with territorial jurisdiction to be appointed by the Central Government for the redress of complaints. About the Cooperative Societies: According to International Labour Organization, a cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. A co-operative society is a voluntary association of individuals having common needs who join hands for the achievement of common economic interest. Its aim is to serve the interest of the poorer sections of society through the principle of self-help and mutual help. The cooperative movement is as old as India’s Independence. Cooperative evolution in India: Cooperatives were first started in Europe and the British Government replicated it in India to mitigate the miseries of the poor farmers. First credit cooperative society was formed in Banking in 1903 with the support of the Government of Bengal Enactment of the Cooperative Credit Societies Act, 1904 gave Cooperative a definite structure and shape. In 1919, cooperation became a provincial subject and the provinces were authorised to make their own cooperative laws under the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms. National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), a statutory corporation, was set up under National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962. The Government of India announced a National Policy on Co-operatives in 2002. Current status in India: The country has 1,94,195 cooperative dairy societies and 330 cooperative sugar mill operations. Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011 added a new Part IXB right after Part IXA (Municipals) regarding the cooperatives working in India. Village-level primary agricultural credit societies (PACSs) formed by farmer associations are the best example of grassroots-level credit flow Central Government recently established a distinct ‘Ministry of Co-operation’ to realize the aim of ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity via Cooperation) and to revitalize the cooperative movement. Cooperative Societies is in Item No. 32 in the State List. Benefits of Cooperative Societies; Easy setup, less legal implications: Any ten members who have acquired the majority can form a cooperative society with few legal formalities. Promote equality and transparency: A cooperative society is based on the principle of ‘one man, one vote‘. All members have equal rights in handling the internal affairs. The surplus generated by these societies is dispensed equally among the members. Limited Liability: The member’s liability in a cooperative society is confined to the extent of their capital contribution. Eliminate Middlemen: Consumer cooperative societies are set up to attain a seamless supply of essential commodities. These societies purchase commodities directly from the producers & wholesalers and sell them to the end-users at affordable prices. Fosters Habit of Saving: Cooperative societies cultivate the habit of saving among their members. They render credit facilities generally for productive purposes only. Social Benefits: Cooperative societies have played a significant role in modulating social customs and controlling irrelevant expenses. The profits reaped by the cooperatives can be used for facilitating fundamental amenities of the society. Access to Credit: Cooperative societies have helped in reducing the influencing of private money lenders in rural areas. Cooperatives facilitate credit at the nominal interest rate. Support Agriculture: Cooperative societies have supported the government’s effort to improve agricultural production. They act as a bridge between the government and farmers e.g., the government disburses High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds and fertilizers via Cooperatives. Reserve Funds: Cooperative societies are under the legal obligation to transfer their 25% of profit to the general reserve. Thus, it reduces the need for external funding. Challenges: Non-accountability: The government gave too many benefits to cooperatives, but then there was no further accountability which led to these cooperatives becoming more and more lethargic. Besides as there was no competition, they became more and more costly they were not at all efficient and the worst part was that the government allowed them to function like this and pass on the burden of costs to consumers. Vested interest of some people: A lot of times people who are in position in control of cooperatives are actually people who have joined cooperatives for personal gains. Lack of coordination: Generally what happens in cooperatives is that different cooperatives at different level don’t coordinate this makes the work of cooperatives difficult. The Internal Free Rider Problem: New members who provide very little capital enjoy the same benefits as long-standing or founding members who have major investments in the cooperative New members get a “free ride” on the investments and other efforts of existing members, thereby diluting the returns to existing members. No Balanced Growth: The cooperatives in northeast areas and in areas like West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa are not as well developed as the ones in Maharashtra and the ones in Gujarat. Political Interference: This is the biggest problem faced by Sugar cooperatives in Maharashtra. Mismanagement and Manipulation: A hugely large membership turns out to be mismanaged unless some secure methods are employed to manage such co-operatives. In the elections to the governing bodies, money became such a powerful tool that the top posts of chairman and vice-chairman usually went to the richest farmers who manipulated the organization for their benefits. Lack of Awareness and Restricted Coverage: People are not well informed about the objectives of the Movement, rules and regulations of co-operative institutions. Most of these societies are confined to a few members and their operations extended to only one or two villages. Way Forward: The Cooperative societies can play a vital role in the rural transformation. Provision of adequate financial and technical assistance can enable them to address rural challenges and contribute to India’s growth story. Government should take all possible steps to facilitate growth ecosystem for the Cooperatives. Source:  The Hindu Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission often mentioned in the news related to Linguistic and Religious minorities Economic Weaker Section Identification of Other Backward Classes To study the status of scheduled tribes Q.2) which of the following countries are participants of the Exercise Orion? Netherlands Spain The USA China Q.3) Consider the following statements regarding Uttaramerur inscription: It was established by the Pallava king Nandiverman II The inscription gives astonishing details about the constitution of wards, the qualification of candidates standing for elections, the disqualification norms, the mode of election. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’ 15th April 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st ANSWERS FOR 14th April – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – a Q.2) – b Q.3) – c table, td, th { border: 1px solid;} table {width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; }

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2023 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 15th April 2023

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutionsTo take the Test Click Here

[DAY 36] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2023 – ENVIRONMENT, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT TEST SERIES!

Hello Friends The 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series is IASbaba’s Flagship Initiative recommended by Toppers and loved by the aspirants’ community every year. It is the most comprehensive program which will help you complete the syllabus, revise and practice tests on a daily basis. The Programme on a daily basis includes Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday – Saturday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology.20 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule.It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday – Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday according to the schedule. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday – Friday) CSAT has been an Achilles heel for many aspirants.Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. Note – Daily Test of 20 static questions, 5 current affairs, and 5 CSAT questions. (30 Prelims Questions) in QUIZ FORMAT will be updated on a daily basis.Attempt Day 36-> Click Here

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th April 2023

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Jallianwala Bagh massacre Syllabus Prelims –Modern History Context: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was commemorated recently. About the Jallianwala Bagh massacre:- IMAGE SOURCE: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (jkdadlani.blogspot.com) The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on 13th April 1919. It accounted for the gruesome execution of hundreds of innocent people by the Gurkha British Indian army on the orders of the then Anglo-Indian Brigadier R.E.H. Dyer. These people were protesting peacefully against the Rowlatt Act 1919. Rowlatt Act 1919: this act was passed on the recommendations of the Sedition Committee chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years. Significance of the event:- The Jallianwala Bagh tragedy was one of the causes that led Mahatma Gandhi to begin organising his first large-scale and sustained nonviolent protest (satyagraha) campaign, the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22). The Bengali poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore renounced the knighthood that he had received in 1915. Mahatma Gandhi gave up the title of Kaiser-i-Hind, bestowed by the British for his work during the Boer War. MUST READ: Shaheed Udham Singh SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following freedom fighters: (2022) Barindra Kumar Ghosh Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee Rash Behari Bose Who of the above was/were actively associated with the Ghadar Party? 1 and 2 2 only 1 and 3 3 only Q.2) During the Indian Freedom Struggle, why did Rowlatt Act arouse popular indignation? (2009) It curtailed the freedom of religion It suppressed the Indian traditional education It authorized the government to imprison people without trial It curbed the trade union activities Kamchatka Peninsula Syllabus Prelims –Geography Context: Russia’s most active volcano ‘The Shiveluch volcano’ in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula erupted recently. About Kamchatka Peninsula:- IMAGE SOURCE: Location of the Kamchatka Peninsula showing the main volcanoes and… | Download Scientific Diagram (researchgate.net) The Kamchatka Peninsula is a 1,250-kilometre-long peninsula in the Russian Far East. The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk make up the peninsula’s eastern and western coastlines, respectively. Immediately offshore along the Pacific coast of the peninsula runs the 10,500-metre-deep Kuril–Kamchatka Trench. The Kamchatka Peninsula, the Commander Islands, and Karaginsky Island constitute the Kamchatka Krai of the Russian Federation. The vast majority of the 322,079 inhabitants are ethnic Russians, although about 13,000 are Koryaks (2014). The Kamchatka peninsula contains the volcanoes of Kamchatka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highest peak is the highest active volcano in Eurasia, Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4750 m). The higher parts of Kamchatka are glaciated with an area of about 900 km2 covered by 446 glaciers (Solomina et al., 2007). MUST READ: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and India – Russia Relations SOURCE: HINDUSTAN TIMES PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? (2022) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around the South China Sea. China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in the East China Sea. A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities. Though the International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them. Q.2)Consider the following statements: (2018) The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 3 only 1 and 3 Cumbum grapes Syllabus Prelims –Geography Context: Recently, Tamil Nadu’s Cumbum grapes get a Geographical Indication tag. About Cumbum grapes:- IMAGE SOURCE: Cumbum Valley farmers reap rich harvest with off-season grapes | Chennai News – Times of India (indiatimes.com) Cumbum Panneer Thratchai, also known as Cumbum grapes. It is a variety of grapes grown in the Cumbum Valley located at the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India. Cumbum Valley is the only place in the country where grapes are harvested around the year with three yield seasons. The unique feature is that these grapes are harvested all through the year as opposed to only during January and April in the rest of India. Economical Uses: The grapes grown are suitable for making wine, spirits, jams, canned grape juice and raisins. Since these grapes are produced in two seasons in a year, their yield and returns are exceptionally high. Grapes can be cultivated in a variety of soils including sandy loams, sandy clay loams, red sandy soils, shallow to medium black soils and red loams. Grapes generally require a hot and dry climate during their growth and fruiting periods. It is successfully grown in areas where the temperature range is from 15-40 C. MUST READ: GI tag for Narasinghapettai nagaswaram SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements: (2022) The Tea Board is a statutory body. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru. The Board has overseas offices in Dubai and Moscow. Which of the statements given above is correct? 1 and 3 2 and 4 3 and 4 1 and 4 Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2021) Moringa (drumstick tree) is a leguminous evergreen tree. Tamarind tree is endemic to South Asia. In India, most of the tamarind is collected as minor forest produce. India exports tamarind and seeds of moringa. Seeds of moringa and tamarind can be used in the production of biofuels. Which of the statements given above is correct? 1, 2, 4 and 5 3, 4 and 5 1, 3 and 4 1,2, 3 and 5 Teja Singh Sutantar Syllabus Prelims –Modern History Context: Recently, Punjab CM unveiled the statue of Teja Singh Sutantar. About Teja Singh Sutantar:- Teja Singh Sutantar was a former MP and revolutionary leader at Nihalgarh village in Sangrur district, Punjab. Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, he joined the Akali Dal to participate in the movement to liberate gurdwaras from degenerate mahants. However, in September 1921, he formed his own squad called the Sutantar Jatha, which successfully liberated a gurdwara in a village called Teja in the Gurdaspur district from the mahants. Contributions:- In early 1923, Teja Singh went to Kabul as a Sikh missionary. There he came in contact with a few leaders of the Ghadar Party. The Ghadar Movement: it was an early 20th-century international political movement founded by expatriate Indians to overthrow British rule in India. In 1925, he joined the Turkish military academy under the pseudonym Azad Beg. He saved the life of Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew, the hero of Jallianwala Bagh, Kitchlew always referred to Sutantar as a ‘Khuda’ who saved his life,”. He contributed revolutionary articles to the party journal, the Kirti, frequently writing about issues that plagued peasants. He edited Lal Jhanda, a monthly magazine in Urdu, and Lal Savera, a Punjabi weekly and contributed to various newspapers. He saved hundreds of Muslims from communal riots during the Partition. Post-independence: Being a prominent leader of the Kisan Sabha, led a number of peasant agitations against the government and landlords. He  formed his Lal (Red) Party with the Kirti group of the Punjab Communist Party as its nucleus He was a revolutionary leader who led the PEPSU Muzara movement. PEPSU Muzara movement:- it started in the 1930s and went on till 1952  against the Biswedari system.  It was by landless peasants (muqarnas) in PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union). It was to obtain ownership rights of the land they had been tilling for generations. MUST READ: Lala Lajpat Rai SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Who among the following is associated with ‘Songs from Prison’, a translation of ancient Indian religious lyrics in English? (2021) Bal Gangadhar Tilak Jawaharlal Nehru Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi Sarojini Naidu Q.2) In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around (2020) Women’s right to gain education Age of consent Restitution of conjugal rights Select the correct answer using the code given below : 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: After recent amendments by the government, the ICSI will now be able to induct members from regulators as well as sectoral experts in its secretarial and auditing standards board. About The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI):- It works under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is the only recognized professional body in India to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries in India.  It is a premier national professional body set up under an act of Parliament, the Company Secretaries Act, 1980. The Institute provides top-quality education to the students of the Company Secretaries (CS) Course and best quality set standards to CS Members. At present, there are more than 65,000 members and around 2.5 Lakh students on the roll of ICSI. ICSI has its headquarters in New Delhi, four Regional Offices in New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai and 72 Chapters across India. ICSI has been contributing to the initiatives of the Government of India that have the potential to excel in the social-economic growth of India. MUST READ: Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) SOURCE: THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements are correct? (2022) The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB. BBB recommends the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks. BBB helps the Public Sector Banks in developing strategies and capital raising plans. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2022) In India, credit rating agencies are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. The rating agency popularly known as ICRA is a public limited company. Brickwork Ratings is an Indian credit rating agency. Which of the statements given above is correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Central Bureau of Narcotics Syllabus Prelims –Important organizations Context: The Unified Portal of the Central Bureau of Narcotics was launched recently. About Central Bureau of Narcotics:- Central Bureau of Narcotics is a central government organization dealing with the international trade of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and Precursor Chemicals under the ambit of various United Nations Conventions and the provisions of the Narcotics Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act, 1985). These substances bear dual potential as strong medicinal, scientific, and industrial use as well as a diversion for illicit use creating the substances for abuse. It is affiliated with India’s Department of Revenue (Ministry of Finance). It is regulated by the country’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. Its Headquarters are in Gwalior. Objective: to stop opium production and trade and to issue licenses for the production of legal synthetic drugs. It implements various United Nations Conventions and the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. Responsibilities of CBN under NDPS Act, 1985:- Supervision over licit cultivation of opium poppy in India. Preventive and enforcement functions especially in the three poppy-growing States. Investigation of cases under the NDPS Act, 1985 and filing of the complaint in the Court. Action for tracing and freezing of illegally acquired property as per the provisions of Chapter V-A of the NDPS Act, 1985. Issue of licences for the manufacture of synthetic narcotic drugs. Issuance of Export Authorisations/ Import Certificates for export/ import of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for import/ export of a select number of Precursor Chemicals. Import of Poppy Seeds is permitted only from Australia, Austria, France, China, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Spain Turkey and Czech. India is a signatory to the UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961, UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 & UN Convention against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 These obligate member countries to monitor the implementation of the United Nations drug control conventions. CBN interacts with the International Narcotics Control Board, Vienna and the Competent Authorities of other countries to verify the genuineness of the transaction prior to authorizing the shipments. MUST READ: NIDAAN Portal SOURCE: PIB PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following are the objectives of the ‘National Nutrition Mission’? (2017) To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only 3 and 4 only Q.2) ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to (2016) immunization of children and pregnant women construction of smart cities across the country India’s own search for Earth-like planets in outer space New Educational Policy Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) Syllabus Prelims –Science and Technology Context: Recently, European Space Agency set to launch Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice). About Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice):- IMAGE SOURCE: Future Planetary Exploration: Good News Times Three! (futureplanets.blogspot.com) JUICE has been constructed by an industrial consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space based on the parameters provided by the ESA. The mission is planned to reach Jupiter in 2031. Only two other spacecraft have ever examined Jupiter:-  the Galileo probe: which orbited the gas giant between 1995 and 2003, and Juno, which has been circling the planet since 2016. NASA’s Europa Clipper: scheduled to be launched in October 2023 and would already be orbiting Jupiter when Juice reaches the planet. Europa Clipper aims to study the Europa moon. Goals of JUICE:- The mission aims to provide insight into how such a C and its constituents are formed and evolved over time. It will help scientists understand the origin, history, and evolution of Jupiter and its moons. The mission will reveal how possibly habitable environments can arise in Jupiter-like systems around other stars. Juice will analyze the chemistry, structure, dynamics, weather, and climate of Jupiter and its ever-changing atmosphere. MUST READ: NASA’s Lucy mission SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements : (2018) IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits. IRNSS covers the entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only None Q.2) With reference to India’s satellite launch  vehicles, consider the following statements: (2018) PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct.? 1 only 2 and 3 1 and 2 3 only REITs and InvITs index Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: Recently, NSE Indices launches India’s first-ever REITs and InvITs index. About REITs and InvITs index:- The REITs and InvITs Indices  track the performance of publicly listed and traded REITs and InvITs on the NSE. The base year for the indices is kept as ‘1 July 2019.’ This is to be reviewed and rebalanced every quarter. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT):- REIT is roughly like a mutual fund that invests in real estate. The basic deal on REITs is that when one owns a share of property, and an appropriate share of the income from it will come to them, after deducting an appropriate share of expenses. Essentially, it’s like a group of people pooling their money together and buying real estate except that it’s on a large scale and is regulated. REITs companies own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate. Publicly traded like stocks, make them highly liquid. Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT):- InvITs can be treated as the modified version of REITs designed to suit the specific circumstances of the infrastructure sector. They are similar to REIT but invest in infrastructure projects such as roads or highways which take some time to generate steady cash flows. They are set up as a trust and registered with SEBI. MUST READ: FPI and InvITs SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021) Retail investors through Demat account can invest in Treasury Bills and Government of India Debt Bonds in the primary market The “Negotiated Dealing System-Ordering Matching” is a government securities trading platform of the Reserve Bank of India. 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? 1 only 1 and 2 3 only 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following: (2021) Foreign currency convertible bonds Foreign institutional investment with certain conditions Global depository receipts Non-resident external deposits Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments? 1, 2 and 3 3 only 2 and 4 1 and 4 Zojila tunnel Syllabus Prelims –Geography Context: Recently, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister inspected the under-construction Zojila tunnel. About Zojila tunnel:- IMAGE SOURCE: Why the Zojila tunnel promises to revolutionise connectivity to Ladakh – Kashmir.Report The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar Valley and Leh on NH-1. It will bring about an all-around economic and socio-cultural integration of Jammu and Kashmir. It takes 3.5 hours to travel between Srinagar and Ladakh currently.  The tunnel will reduce the travel time to 15 minutes. The 14.15-km tunnel will be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. MUST READ: Zojila tunnel work SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Siachen Glacier is situated on the (2020) East of Aksai Chin East of Leh North of Gilgit North of Nubra Valley Q.2) Consider the following pairs: (2019) Glacier            River Bandarpunch  Yamuna Bara Shigri       Chenab Milam             Mandakini Siachen           Nubra Zemu               Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 1, 2 and 4 1, 3 and 4 2 and 5 3 and 5 Parliamentary committees in India Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (Polity and Governance) Context: Due to the sheer volume of information and scale of operations that the Indian Parliament is required to undertake, it is not feasible to take up all issues on the floor of the House. Thus, Parliamentary committees are constituted to delve deeper into matters of public concern and develop expert opinion. About Committees of Parliament: Parliamentary Committees have their origins in the British Parliament. A Parliamentary Committee is a panel of MPs that is appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker, and which works under the direction of the Speaker. It presents its report to the House or to the Speaker. They draw their authority from Article 105, which deals with the privileges of MPs, and Article 118, which gives Parliament authority to make rules to regulate its procedure and conduct of business. Types of Parliamentary Committees: Standing committees are constituted for a fixed term and work continuously. Ad hoc committees are created for a specific purpose and are dissolved after they complete their task. There are 6 categories of standing committees: financial committees, departmental standing committees, committees to inquire, committees to scrutinize and control, committees relating to the day-to-day business of the House, and house-keeping or service committees. There are 2 categories of ad hoc committees: inquiry committees and advisory committees. Significance of Parliamentary Committees: Improves Effectiveness: Parliamentary Committees act as a mechanism that helps in improving the effectiveness of Parliament. Coordination with Ministries: The Committees work closely with multiple Ministries, and facilitate inter-ministerial coordination. Important Functions: The Committees look into the demands for grants of Ministries/departments, examine Bills pertaining to them, consider their annual reports, and look into their long-term plans and report to Parliament. Carries Out Legislative Business: A great deal of legislative business ends up taking place in the Parliamentary Committees as- The process of law making is often complex, and Parliament has limited time for detailed discussions. The political polarisation and shrinking middle ground has been leading to increasingly rancorous and inconclusive debates in Parliament. Consensus through Experts: Committees can get inputs from experts and stakeholders on various matters. They also help parties reach consensus on various issues. Challenges faced by parliamentary committees: Poor referral rate: As per data from PRS in the 17th Lok Sabha, only 14 Bills have been referred for further examination so far. Similarly around 25% of the Bills introduced were referred to committees in the 16th Lok Sabha, as compared to 71% and 60% in the 15th and 14th Lok Sabha respectively. Recommendatory nature: Parliamentary committees in India do not have adequate powers to enforce their recommendations. The committees can only make recommendations to the parliament, and it is up to the government to act upon them. Shortage of time and resources to undertake comprehensive studies. As a result, committees may not be able to conduct an in-depth analysis of issues, and their recommendations may not be based on solid evidence. Lack of expertise: Parliamentary committees in India are comprised of MPs who may not have the required expertise to examine technical and specialized issues. Partisan allegations: The composition of parliamentary committees reflects the political representation of the parliament, which means that members may approach issues from a partisan perspective. Suggestive measures to address these challenges: Adopting USA Model: In the US, committees play a crucial role in scrutinizing bills post-introduction, allowing changes to be made before the modified bill goes for voting. Expert Support & Specialist Advisors: Engaging with experts and stakeholders enables Committee members to better understand the details of complicated issues, and the potential impact of a policy or legislation. Committees in other countries such as the UK, USA, and Canada can retain specialist advisors (such as lawyers, economists, and statisticians) to assist in specific inquiries. Greater Weightage to Public Account Committee: The recommendations of the PAC should be accorded greater weight and they must be treated as the “conscience-keepers of the nation in financial matters.” Public Opinions: Committees can also invite comments from the wider public which can help Committees consider the wider implications of a Bill or policy. Source:  The Hindu Bhu - Aadhaar Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (Governance) Context: By March 2024, India aims to digitise 100 per cent of its land records and the land registration process and give a unique 14-digit alpha-numeric identity, also called Bhu-Aadhaar. About ULPIN (Unique Land Parcel Identification Number)/ Bhu-Aadhaar: Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), which integrates the computerisation of land records, strengthening of revenue administration, and updating of land records. Once this has been done and the system is cleaned up, every plot/parcel of land (both urban and rural) can get the 14-digit alpha-numeric ULPIN (Unique Land Parcel Identification Number) which is also named as Bhu-Aadhaar. Department of Land Resources (DoLR) along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Science and Technology and the National Remote Sensing Centre came up with the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number system. Significance of Bhu Aadhar: Data mapping: The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhaar will have the longitude and latitude coordinates of the land parcel and is based on detailed surveys and geo-referenced cadastral maps. It will cover all land parcels rural as well as urban. Language processing: Currently, the Records of Rights in each state and Union territory are maintained in local languages. DILRMP will also process transliterating the Records of Rights to any of the 22 languages recognised by the Constitution. Being described as “the Aadhaar for land”, it is a number that would uniquely identify every surveyed parcel of land and prevent land fraud, especially in the hinterlands of rural India, where land records are outdated and often disputed. The identification will be based on the longitude and latitude coordinates of the land parcel, and is dependent on detailed surveys and geo-referenced cadastral maps. This is the next step in the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), which began in 2008. Delivery of citizen services of land records through the single window. Sharing of land records data across departments, financial institutions and all stakeholders. Challenges: Difficulty in accomplishing target: Given the history and the complex nature of land laws, it is claimed that this process certainly cannot be accomplished by March 2024 (or even March 2026), both target dates. Issues with updating of land records: Digitisation of Cadastral maps will typically not have latitude/longitude data. There could be elevation and projection problems. The record we have of the title must reflect ownership, with new registrations and mutation being automatic. With or without title insurance, this guarantees title and just as Aadhaar captures biometry, ULPIN captures everything about that plot/parcel, which in all is a difficult process. Feasibility and sustainability: The feasibility and sustainability of the project have also raised concerns due to the cost of implementation, particularly considering the Department of Land Resources’ restricted financial resources. Way Forward: Modernisation of land records in absence of other changes such as multiplicity of laws on land, should not be overstated. ULPIN is about incremental improvements. There are parts where land titles and records are in a mess. Cleaning them up is a huge task. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the Bhu Aadhaar project, it has the potential to bring significant benefits to India’s land management system. Source:  Indian Express Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding the Central Bureau of Narcotics: It is a central government organization dealing with the international trade of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and Precursor Chemicals. It is regulated by the country’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. Its Headquarters are in Gwalior. It is affiliated with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Which of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 4 only 1 and 3 only 3 and 4 only Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI): It works under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions It is the only recognized professional body in India to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries in India It has its headquarters in Mumbai Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only Q.3) He was a former MP and revolutionary leader from Punjab. Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, he joined the Akali Dal to participate in the movement to liberate gurdwaras from degenerate mahants. He was a revolutionary leader who led the PEPSU Muzara movement which started in the 1930s and went on till 1952  against the Biswedari system. He saved hundreds of Muslims from communal riots during the Partition. Being a prominent leader of the Kisan Sabha, led a number of peasant agitations against the government and landlords. Who among the following described in the above passage? Lala Lajpat Rai Bhagat Singh Teja Singh Sutantar None of the above Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’ 14th April 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st ANSWERS FOR 13th April – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – a Q.2) – d Q.3) – c table, td, th { border: 1px solid;} table {width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; }