Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 13 January 2023

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2023

Q) Which one of the following statements is not correct about Basic structure of Indian Constitution?

1. The term basic structure is not mentioned in Constitution.
2. Parliament under Article 368 can dilute the basic structure.
3. It was provided for first time in Kesavananda Bharati case.
4. Free and fair election is part of basic structure.

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 12 January 2023

Explanation:

• Option (1) is correct: The basic structure doctrine is a common law legal doctrine that the constitution of a sovereign state has certain characteristics that cannot be erased by its legislature. There is no mention of the term “Basic Structure” anywhere in the Constitution of India. The idea is evolved to protect and preserve the spirit of the constitution document.
• Option (2) is incorrect: The Parliament under Article 368 can amend any part of the Constitution including the Fundamental Rights but without affecting the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court is yet to define or clarify as to what constitutes the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
• Option (3) is correct: In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the Supreme Court overruled its judgement in the Golak Nath case (1967). It upheld the validity of the 24th Amendment Act (1971) and stated that Parliament is empowered to abridge or take away any of the Fundamental Rights. At the same time, it laid down a new doctrine of the ‘basic structure’ (or ‘basic features’) of the Constitution. It ruled that the constituent power of Parliament under Article 368 does not enable it to alter the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution. This means that the Parliament cannot abridge or take away a Fundamental Right that forms a part of the ‘basic structure’ of the Constitution.
• Option (4) is correct: From the various judgements, the following have emerged as ‘basic features’ of the Constitution or elements of the ‘basic structure’ of the constitution:
• Supremacy of the Constitution
• Sovereign, democratic and republican nature of the Indian polity
• Secular character of the Constitution
• Separation of powers between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary
• Federal character of the Constitution
• Unity and integrity of the nation
• Welfare state (socio-economic justice)
• Judicial review
• Freedom and dignity of the individual
• Parliamentary system
• Rule of law
• Harmony and balance between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
• Principle of equality
• Free and fair elections
• Independence of Judiciary
• Limited power of Parliament to amend the Constitution

Q) Consider the following statements about coastal erosion:

1. Sea level rise is one of the factors contributing to coastal erosion.
2. The state of Tamil Nadu witnesses the highest level of coastal erosion in India.
3. To prevent coastal erosion, groynes are constructed parallel to the coastline.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Coastal erosion or Coastline erosion is the loss or displacement of land, or the long-term removal of sediment and rocks along the coastline. Coastal erosion may be caused by hydraulic action, abrasion, impact and corrosion by wind and water, and other forces, natural or unnatural. Sea level rise can also increase coastal erosion because waves can extend further up and along beaches and cliffs.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: A shoreline change assessment made by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) has revealed that West Bengal is the state which experiences the highest level of coastal erosion in India, with nearly 60.5% of the state’s area affected by it. According to the report, Tamil Nadu ranks fourth in India experiencing worst coastal erosion after West Bengal (60.5%), Puducherry (56.2%) and Kerala (46.4%).
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Groyne, a coastal structure is constructed perpendicular to the coastline from the shore into the sea to trap longshore sediment transport or control longshore currents. A seawall is a structure constructed parallel to the coastline that shelters the shore from wave action. An offshore breakwater is a structure that parallels the shore (in the nearshore zone) and serves as a wave absorber. Artificial headland is constructed to promote natural beaches because it acts as an artificial headland.

Q) Consider the following statements:

1. The Indian skimmer is found only in the coastal estuaries of eastern India.
2. Neelakurinji is a medicinal herb which grows in the Khasi hills of the Eastern Himalayas.
3. Ganga Vilas cruise was recently flagged off from Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The common name for Indian Skimmers is Indian scissors bill, which are found in the coastal estuaries of western and eastern India.These skimmer species do not normally occur in forests. They inhabit various natural open, wetland ecosystems like freshwater lakes, permanent freshwater marshes, sandy, lowland rivers, permanent rivers, streams and creeks. The non-breeding population may move to estuaries and coasts. Threats endangering the species include Habitat loss, damming of the rivers, predation and widespread increase in human disturbance. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is an estuary situated near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Neelakurinji flowers grow at an altitude of 1,300 to 2,400m in Shola forests of Western Ghats. Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu get their name from the bluish-purplish flowers that are Neelakurinji. The flower has 250 varieties and they bloom at different times. While some bloom in a gap of 5 years, others take around 12 and 14 years. A total of 46 varieties of Neelakurinji flowers are found in India, in states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The plant has also got medicinal value. Neelakurinji have been added under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by the Ministry of Environment.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: World’s Longest River Cruise-MV Ganga Vilas was recemtly flagged off from Varanasi. MV Ganga Vilas will begin its journey from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and travel around 3,200 km in 51 days to reach Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, sailing across 27 river systems in India and Bangladesh. The 51 days cruise is planned with visits to 50 tourist spots including World Heritage Sites, National Parks, River Ghats, and major cities. The journey will give the tourists an opportunity to embark upon an experiential voyage and indulge in the art, culture, history, and spirituality of India and Bangladesh.

Q) Consider the following statements about the Swami Vivekananda:

1. He attended the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.
2. He founded the Vedanta Society of New York to teach Vedanta philosophy.
3. He brought out periodical ‘Brahmavadin’ to teach the Vedanta philosophy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Option (4) is correct: Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendra Nath Dutta on 12th January 1863 in Calcutta.
• He embraced monkhood after getting influenced by the teachings of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
• He attended the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, where his speech to the assembly was well received.
• He founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 for promoting Vedantic philosophy and carrying out charity, social work and education. Swamiji believes that religious acceptance is necessary for society to move forward, instead of religious tolerance.
• He founded the Vedanta Society of New York to teach Vedanta philosophy.
• He brought out periodical Brahmavadin to teach the Vedanta.

Swamiji’s teachings inspires the youths of today to realize their potential and develop personality and leadership qualities. The birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is celebrated as National Youth Day. Swamiji was in favour of allowing women to take their own decisions as it will help in their social and economic upliftment.

Q) With reference to the ‘VSHORADS’, consider the following statements:

1. It eliminates short-range low-altitude aerial threats.
2. It is a man-portable air defence system developed jointly by India and the USA.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct but statement 2 is incorrect: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to procure the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missile system, for the Army and Navy. VSHORAD is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). VSHORADS missile incorporates many novel technologies including a miniaturized Reaction Control System (RCS) and integrated avionics, which have been successfully proven during the tests. The missile, meant for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges, is propelled by a dual-thrust solid motor. This new missile equipped with modern technologies will give a further technological boost to the Armed Forces.

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