DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th September 2023
Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) Syllabus Prelims –ECONOMY Context: Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), arrested a Chartered Accountant in Hyderabad recently. Background:- Shri Nalin Prabhat Panchal, a Chartered Accountant by profession was arrested for failure to honour the summons issued in connection with the prosecution of Nityank Infrapower & Multiventures Private Limited. About Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO):- Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs. HQ: New Delhi. Establishment: As per the Companies Act, 2013, the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has been established through the Government of India Notification dated 07.2015. It is a multi-disciplinary organization, consisting of experts in the field of accountancy, forensic auditing, banking, law, information technology, investigation, company law, capital market and taxation, etc. Objective: It works for detecting and prosecuting or recommending for prosecution white-collar crimes/frauds. (Shell Companies) It has five Regional Offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad & and Kolkata. Composition:- Headed by: a Director as Head of Department in the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India. The Director is assisted by Additional Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, Senior Assistant Directors, Assistant Directors Prosecutors, and other secretarial staff. Functions:- Take up for investigation cases characterized by complexity and having inter-departmental and multi-disciplinary ramifications. substantial involvement of public interest to be judged by size, either in terms of monetary. the possibility of investigation leading to or contributing towards a clear improvement in systems, laws, or procedures. Investigate serious cases of fraud received from the Department of Company Affairs. Investigate the affairs of a company on: – on receipt of a report of the Registrar or inspector under section 208 of the Companies Act, 2013. on intimation of a special resolution passed by a company that its affairs are required to be investigated. in the public interest. on request from any department of the Central Government or a State Government. MUST READ: CBI and ED SOURCE: AIR PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) 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 Q.2) With reference to the ‘Banks Board Bureau (BBB)’, which of the following statements is correct? (2022) The Governor of RBI is the Chairman of BBB. BBB recommends the selection of heads for Public Sector Banks. BBB helps Public Sector Banks develop 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 Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Syllabus Prelims –GOVERNMENT SCHEMES Context: Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has identified 1.06 crore women, who are eligible to benefit from the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (women’s basic income) scheme. Background:- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched the scheme in Kancheepuram on September 15, the birth anniversary of the former CM. C.N. Annadurai. About Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai:- Launched: September,2023. Launched by: Government of Tamil Nadu. Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam is a scheme through which a monthly grant is to be provided to eligible women heads of households. Under this program, qualified women are entitled to a monthly rights grant of Rs 1,000, totaling Rs 12,000 annually. It will be effective from 15, September 2023. Objective: to give women economic recognition, and empowerment. Background:- The scheme was one of the poll promises of the ruling DMK government in 2021. During the State Budget presentation in March this year, the then Finance Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan announced that ₹7,000 crore would be allotted for the scheme for the current financial year. Initially, an estimated 2.2 crore women heads of families, all ration card holders were expected to benefit from this scheme. However, now the government has indicated an estimated one crore women heads of families would receive the rights grant. Eligibility:- Beneficiary families should meet the following economic criteria:- Annual income below ₹2.5 lakh. Ownership of less than five acres of wetland or less than ten acres of dryland. Consumption of less than 3,600 units of electricity per year for domestic use. Significance:- This initiative aims to enhance the economic well-being and living standards of women, ultimately fostering societal self-respect. Once implemented, will be one of the biggest cash transfer schemes implemented by any State government in India’s history. MUST READ: SAMARTH initiative for women SOURCE: THE HINDU 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 to three months of pre-delivery and three months of post-delivery paid leave. Enterprises with creches must allow the mother a minimum of 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) With reference to the ‘stand up India scheme’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs. It provides for refinancing through SIDBI. Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Flood Syllabus Prelims –DISASTER MANAGEMENT Context: The flood in Narmada following the release of water in Narmada Dam displaced thousands in Gujarat recently. Background:- The Narmada and other rivers are in full spate as severe rains pounded portions of Gujarat on 17, September, 2023. The rivers inundated several low-lying areas and cut off many villages in the central and southern regions of the state. About Flood:- A high water level that overflows the natural banks along any portion of a stream is called a flood. They are the most frequent type of natural disaster. They occur when an overflow of water submerges land that is usually dry. Risks: Floods can cause widespread devastation, resulting in loss of life and damages to personal property and critical public health infrastructure. Between 1998-2017, floods affected more than 2 billion people worldwide. Types of floods:- There are 3 common types of floods:- Flash floods: caused by rapid and excessive rainfall that raises water heights quickly, and rivers, streams, channels or roads may be overtaken. River floods: caused when consistent rain or snow melt forces a river to exceed capacity. Coastal floods: caused by storm surges associated with tropical cyclones and tsunamis. Causes:- Natural Causes:- Heavy rainfall and cloud bursts. Cloud burst: Heavy concentrated rainfall reduces the capacity of rivers to accept any more surface run–offs due to rainfall and as a result, water spills over to adjoining areas. Heavy melting of ice and snow. Changes in river systems and large catchment areas. Sediment deposition/Silting of river beds. Rapid snowmelt Storm surge from a tropical cyclone Tsunami in coastal areas. Man-made/Anthropogenic causes:- The collapse of dams Deforestation Increased Urbanization It has reduced the ability of the land to absorb rainfall through the introduction of hard impermeable surfaces. Flood Impact in recent years:- Between 80-90% of all documented disasters from natural hazards during the past 10 years have resulted from floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, heat waves, and severe storms. Floods are also increasing in frequency and intensity, and the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation are expected to continue to increase due to climate change. Flood Control Management:- Flood Forecasting: It involves giving prior information regarding the occurrence of floods. Reduction in Run-Off: Runoff can be reduced by inducing and increasing infiltration of the surface water into the ground in the catchment areas. (Building resilience against recurring floods) Channel Improvements and Construction of Embankments: The channels of the rivers more prone to flood are improved by deepening and widening. MUST READ: Urban Flooding SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers? (2022) Cauvery Manjira Pennar Tungabhadra Q.2) Consider the following statements: (2020) Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. Only some cyclones develop an eye. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 2 only 1 and 3 only Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Syllabus Prelims – Important Institutions Context: The Finance Ministry recently, approved various welfare measures for Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) agents and employees. Background:- Under these new measures:- The Ministry has enhanced the gratuity limit from three lakh rupees to five lakh rupees for LIC agents. It has also enabled reappointed agents to be eligible for renewal commissions. The term insurance cover for the agents has also been expanded from the existing range between three thousand and ten thousand rupees to 25 thousand and one lakh fifty thousand rupees. Furthermore, a family pension at a uniform rate of 30 percent for the welfare of the families of LIC employees has also been approved. About Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC):- IMAGE SOURCE: LIC Establishment: Ministry: Ministry Of Finance. HQ: Mumbai. Historical Background:- The Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 came into force, nationalizing 17 sectors, one of which was the insurance sector. As an outcome of nationalization, the 254 private players in the insurance sector merged into the Hindustan Insurance Society and formed the LIC of India. Salient Features:- LIC is India’s largest government-owned life insurance and investment corporation. The main role of LIC is to invest in global financial markets and different government securities after gathering funds from people through their various life insurance policies. It is one of the oldest Life Insurance companies in India. (Disinvestment of LIC) Vision: A trans-nationally competitive financial conglomerate of significance to societies and Pride of India. Objectives:- Spread Life Insurance widely in particular to the rural areas and to the socially and economically backward classes. Providing adequate financial cover against death at a reasonable cost. Maximize mobilization of people’s savings by making insurance-linked savings adequately attractive. Act as trustees of the insured public in their individual and collective capacities. Meet the various life insurance needs of the community that would arise in the changing social and economic environment. International Operations of LIC:- LIC has international operations in Fiji, Mauritius, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kenya. MUST READ: SEBI SOURCE: AIR PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: (2022) If the inflation is too high, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to buy government securities. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI is likely to sell dollars in the market. If interest rates in the USA or European Union were to fall, that is likely to induce RBI to buy dollars. Which of the statements given above is correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) In India under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020) Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proven so Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion Cost of defense in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 World Economic Forum's Chief Economists Outlook Syllabus Prelims –Economy Context: Recently released World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists Outlook report states that Global economic uncertainty is taking a toll on SDG progress. About World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists Outlook:- IMAGE SOURCE: WEF Published in September 2023 Published by: World Economic Forum(WEF) The World Economic Forum’s latest Chief Economists Outlook report, highlights the economic challenges that developing countries are facing. This report draws on the individual and collective perspectives of a group of leading chief economists through consultations with the World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists Community and a regular Chief Economists Survey. It explores the key trends in the economic environment, including the prospects for growth, inflation, and monetary policy. Key highlights:- The Chief Economist’s Outlook is published amid slowing global momentum and continuing economic uncertainty. Recession concerns appear to have eased, but the outlook remains anaemic as the world grapples with political and financial headwinds. There are some signs of optimism about the easing of inflationary pressures following looser labour market conditions and fading supply-chain pressures. According to a significant majority of chief economists, the weak economic outlook and geopolitical tensions are likely to have a lasting impact on global development goals in the coming years. It says that over 60% of chief economists expect the global economy to weaken in the coming year amid uncertain domestic and international politics and unsettled financial markets. A large majority (86%) expects the recent global inflationary surge to ease. The prolonged tightening of financial conditions is expected to have lasting impacts, including a squeeze on business lending, increases in corporate debt defaults, and potential corrections in property and equity markets. ( World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023 and Polycrisis) The economic outlook varies across regions for 2023-2024. The chief economists are most optimistic about growth in Asia. The outlook for China has dimmed since the May 2023 survey, following signs of deflationary pressures and fragility in the country’s real estate market. MUST READ: IMF and World Economic Outlook SOURCE: BUSINESS TODAY PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements (2022) An increase in the Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) indicates the appreciation of the rupee. An increase in the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) indicates an improvement in trade competitiveness. An increasing trend in domestic inflation relative to inflation in other countries is likely to cause an increasing divergence between NEER and REER. Which of the above statements is correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Which one of the following situations best reflects “Indirect Transfers” often talked about in media recently with reference to India? (2022) An Indian company investing in a foreign enterprise and paying taxes to the foreign country on the profits arising out of its investment A foreign company investing in India and paying taxes to the country is based on the profits arising out of its investment An Indian company purchases tangible assets in a foreign country and sells such assets after their value increases and transfers the proceeds to India A foreign company transfers shares and such shares derive their substantial value from assets located in India Red-necked phalarope Syllabus Prelims –ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY Context: Red-necked phalarope was seen recently in an urban water body in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Background:- Red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) is a shore bird that breeds in the Arctic region, that possibly made a halt during its flight to a coastal destination. About Shore bird:- Scientific Name: Phalaropus lobatus. It is a fairly small shorebird. It is known for spinning frantically on water to stir up small invertebrates. Distribution: both boreal and tundra zones between 60 and 70 degrees latitude. These phalaropes can be found in coastal regions of the Arctic Ocean, south to the Aleutians and Northwest to Britain. Migration:- In the winter, it spends most of its time on the ocean. During this non-breeding season, phalaropes can be found off central-west South America, in the Arabian Sea, and from central Indonesia to western Melanesia. Appearance:- Food: The bird mainly feeds on small aquatic invertebrates and plankton. The female are brighter than males. Females are observed to be Polyandrous: mating with more than one male. The males brood chicks and feed them. Conservation status:- IUCN: Least concern MUST READ: Bird flu SOURCE: THE HINDU PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Which of the following is not a bird? (2022) Golden Mahseer Indian Nightjar Spoonbill White Ibis Q.2) Consider the following animals (2021) Hedgehog Marmot Pangolin To reduce the chance of being captured by predators, which of the above organisms rolls up/roll up and protects/protects its/their vulnerable parts? 1 and 2 only 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 Mains: India’s Supply Chain Opportunity Syllabus Mains – GS 3 (Economy) Context: The announcement at the G20 Leaders’ Summit on the landmark India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) has the potential to make India an Asian hub in global supply chains. About Supply Chains: It refers to the geographical location of stages of production (design, production, assembly, marketing, service activities) in a cost-effective manner. Global supply chains have been the leading model of industrial production since the 1980s, influencing the pace and nature of globalisation and regionalisation. Global supply chains can be found in a wide range of simple industries such as textiles and clothing, food processing and consumer goods, etc. and complex industries such as automotives, aircraft, machinery, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Reasons for the shift in global supply chains away from China: Supply chain bottlenecks: China’s rapid economic growth led to supply chain bottlenecks, particularly in transportation and logistics. Regulatory concerns: Foreign firms operating in China have faced increasing regulatory scrutiny. Rising wages: China’s labor costs have been steadily increasing over the years, reducing its cost advantage as a manufacturing hub. Trade war with the USA: The trade tensions and tariffs resulting from the trade war between China and the United States have created uncertainties and risks for companies with supply chains heavily reliant on China. Significant export declines: In the last quarter of 2022 exports from mainland China decreased by 15% year-on-year. Reasons for India’s emergence as an attractive supply chain hub: Global perspective: India’s ranking as the fifth-largest importer of intermediate goods in 2022 Q4 suggests a changing perception of its supply chain potential. India has the potential to double its 5% share of world exports of intermediate goods, indicating its growing role in global supply chains. India’s service sector, including IT, back-office operations, financial services, and logistics, holds growth potential. Competitive factors: India, like Southeast Asian countries, offers cost advantages to foreign companies, including cheap labor and fiscal incentives. India can complement China as a manufacturing hub, benefiting from technology transfers and creating value-added jobs. India’s automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronics assembly sectors are already advanced, positioning them as potential winners in the global supply chain landscape. India’s expanding trade horizons: The Indian government’s emphasis on preferential trade through bilateral agreements with partners like the UAE and Australia. Negotiations for a UK-India and EU-India FTA are in process. Skilled labour force: India has a large pool of skilled and educated workers, especially in sectors like information technology (IT), engineering, pharmaceuticals, and services. This skilled workforce can be beneficial for high-tech and knowledge-based industries. Diverse services offered by India’s IT sector: India excels in IT, back-office work, financial services, and logistics. Considering these factors, India is gaining attention as a key centre in global supply chains. Growing Industrial corridors: Foxconn is setting up a chip-making fabrication plant in Gujarat, and sectors like automotives and pharmaceuticals are flourishing. Strategies for enhancing India’s manufacturing competitiveness: Easy Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy: Need to maintain an open-door policy toward FDI in manufacturing, facilitating investment at a high level and competitive fiscal incentives. Need to create modern special economic zones as public-private partnerships. Govt policies: The reduction of business hassles through digitalisation of tax, customs, and business administration, and high-quality free trade deals is essential. Local companies need smart business strategies to join global supply chains. Support SMEs: Small and mid-sized enterprises should work as suppliers or subcontractors to these large firms. Research and Development: States need to engage with think tanks to gain insights into effective policies and practices. Focus on targeted interventions in new industrial activities with comparative advantages. Investment in tertiary-level education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is must. Source: Indian Express About India-Middle East-Europe Project: The project is part of the Partnership for Rail and Shipping Corridors Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII). The PGII project is being seen as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This corridor will connect Europe, the Middle East, and Asia through railways and the sea. Objective: to connect commercial hubs, support the development and export of clean energy, and expand undersea cables, energy grids, and telecommunication lines. India – Canada Relations Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (International Relations) Context: Recently Canadian trade negotiations with India have been postponed indefinitely due to suspension and concerns over pro-Khalistan activities. About India – Canada Relations: Political: India established diplomatic relations with Canada in 1947. Prime Minister of India’s visit to Canada in April 2015 elevated the bilateral relation to a strategic partnership. India and Canada share commonalities in Parliamentary structure and procedures. After the general election in October 2019, Mr Raj Saini, MP from the House of Common has been appointed as the Chair of the Canada-India Parliamentary Association. In India, Canada is represented by the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. India is represented in Canada by a High Commission in Ottawa and by consulates in Toronto and Vancouver. Commercial relations: An annualised Trade Ministers dialogue has been institutionalised to review trade and economic relations. Both sides are engaged in technical negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) including trade in goods, services, investment, trade facilitation etc. India is Canada’s 9th largest export market India exports include gems, jewellery and precious stones, pharmaceutical products, readymade garments, light engineering goods, iron & steel articles, etc. India’s import from Canada include pulses, newsprint, wood pulp, asbestos, potash, iron scrap, copper, minerals and industrial chemicals, etc. Science and Technology: ISRO and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) have signed MOUs for cooperation in the field of exploration and utilization of outer space and two Implementation Arrangements specifically addressing satellite tracking and space astronomy has also been signed. ANTRIX, the Commercial arm of ISRO has launched many Canadian Satellites. Department of Biotechnology under IC-IMPACTS program implements joint research projects in health care, Agri-biotech and waste management. Department of Earth Science and Polar Canada have started a programme for exchange of knowledge and scientific research on Cold Climate (Arctic) Studies. Security and Defence: India and Canada have signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in 1994 (operationalised in 1998) and Extradition Treaty in 1987. There is robust cooperation on counter terrorism issues particularly through the framework of the JWG on Counter Terrorism. India and Canada collaborate closely in international fora, particularly through the United Nations, Commonwealth Nations and G-20. Indian diaspora: Canada hosts one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, numbering 1.6 million (PIOs and NRIs) which account for more than 4% of its total population. The diaspora has done commendably well in every sector in Canada. In the field of politics, in particular, the present House of Commons (total strength of 338) has 22 Members of Parliament of Indian origin. Challenges associated with the relations: Sikh extremism: Sikhs constitute a significant proportion of the Indian diaspora; they make up less than one percent (a little over 500,000) of Canada’s total population. The issue of Sikh separatist groups operating in Canada has become a growing source of tension between India and Canada. The Ontario Provincial Parliament adopted a resolution terming the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as ‘genocide’ and many other Canadian leaders also support that even today. India’s structural impediments: India still has to overcome structural impediments such as complex labour laws, market protectionism, and bureaucratic regulations. Inadequate trade: While India–Canada economic relations have made some progress; Canada remains an insignificant trading partner for India. Way Forward: There is enough potential for both India and Canada to boost the cooperation and take their relations to next level. But it requires Canadian effort by widening their Indian perspective. This can happen if India by diverting the talks from politically contentious issues. The Indian media, the government and even politicians in Punjab need to realise that Sikhs based in Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. may have different political views. Similarly, non-violent support for a cause cannot be labelled as a militant activity. Source: The Hindu Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1) Consider the following pairs: Institutions HQ 1.SEBI Pune 2.LIC Mumbai 3.RBI New Delhi How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? Only one Only two All three None Q2) Consider the following statements Statement-I: Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) investigates serious cases of fraud received from the Department of Company Affairs. Statement-II: It has a Regional Office in Mumbai. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I Statement-I is correct but Statement II is incorrect Statement-I is incorrect but Statement II is correct Q3) With reference to the CSIR PRIMA ET11, consider the following statements: Females are observed to mate with only one partner. IUCN status is vulnerable. It is known for spinning frantically on water to stir up small invertebrates. How many of the statements given above are correct? 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 4 only 3 and 4 only 3 only Mains Practice Questions Q.1) What are the supply chain constraints of India’s manufacturing sector? What steps have should be taken to remove these constraints? (250 words) Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’ 19th September 2023 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st ANSWERS FOR 18th September – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – d Q.3) – b