Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 19th September 2022

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2022

Q) Consider the following statements regarding National Logistics Policy 2022

1. NLP will facilitate a modal shift in logistics from the current over dependence on roads (over 50 per cent currently) to railways (20 per cent currently) and waterways (10 per cent currently).
2. The policy will attempt a synergy between flagship projects such as Sagarmala, Bharatmala and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
3. Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) aims to ensure continuous monitoring of cargo movement.

Which of these statements are correct?

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

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 20th September 2022

Explanation:

Key components of National Logistics Policy 2022

• Policy implementation: The Policy will be implemented through a Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP). The interventions proposed under the CLAP are divided into eight key action areas:

• Multi-modal integration:
  • Diversification: National Logistics Policy will facilitate a modal shift in logistics from the current over dependence on roads (over 60 per cent currently) to railways (30 per cent currently) and waterways (5 per cent currently). (Statement 1 is not correct)
  • Synergy: The policy will attempt a synergy between flagship projects such as Sagarmala, Bharatmala and PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Use of technology and digitization:
  • Integration of Digital System (IDS) will integrate 30 different systems of seven different departments, such as customs, aviation, road transport, railways, international trade and commerce ministries.
  • Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) aims to ensure continuous monitoring of cargo movement. (Statement 3 is correct)
• Ease of doing business:
  • Ease of Logistics (ELOG) Dashboard would seek to simplify procedures and achieve ease of doing business.
  • System Improvement Group (SIG) would monitor all projects related to logistics in a regular basis and ensure the removal of hurdles faced in the sector.
  • An empowered group of secretaries (EGoS) has been constituted under the PM Gati Shakti to monitor and review the implementation of the NLP.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding PM PRANAM

1. PM Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management (PRANAM) Yojana will aim to bring down the subsidy burden on chemical fertilizers.
2. About 70 per cent of the grant given under the scheme can be utilized for rewarding and encouraging farmers, panchayats, farmer producer organizations and self-help groups that are involved in the reduction of fertilizer use and awareness generation.
3. The 30 per cent remaining grant money can be used for asset creation related to technological adoption of alternate fertilizers and setting up alternate fertilizer production units at village, block, and district levels.

Which of these statements are not correct?

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

Explanation:

Context: The Union Government will launch PM PRANAM scheme to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers by incentivizing states. (Statement 1 is correct)

About the scheme:

• Objective: PM Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management (PRANAM) Yojana will aim to bring down the subsidy burden on chemical fertilizers.
• Implementation: The idea of the scheme has been initiated by the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Budget: The scheme will not be having a separate budget and will be financed through the savings of existing fertilizer subsidy under schemes run by the Department of Fertilizers.
• Utilization of savings:
  • About 50 per cent savings on subsidy will be passed on as a grant to the state that saves the money.
  • About 70 per cent of the grant given under the scheme can be used for asset creation related to technological adoption of alternate fertilizers and setting up alternate fertilizer production units at village, block and district levels. (Statement 2 is not correct)
  • The 30 per cent remaining grant money can be utilized for rewarding and encouraging farmers, panchayats, farmer producer organizations and self-help groups that are involved in the reduction of fertilizer use and awareness generation. (Statement 3 is not correct)

Q) Consider the following statements regarding Fertilizer subsidy in India

1. India’s expenditure on fertilizer subsidy was 1.27 lakh crore in 2020-21. In the Union Budget 2021-22, the estimated amount was Rs 79,530 crore, which increased to Rs 1.40 lakh crore in the revised estimates (RE).
2. The total requirement of four fertilizers — Urea, DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate), MOP (Muriate of potash), NPKS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) – has increased by 51% in 2021-22

Which of these statements are correct?

1. Both
2. 2 only
3. 1 only
4. None

Explanation:

Fertilizer subsidy in India:

• Expenditure: India’s expenditure on fertilizer subsidy was 1.27 lakh crore in 2020-21. In the Union Budget 2021-22, the estimated amount was Rs 79,530 crore, which increased to Rs 1.40 lakh crore in the revised estimates (RE). The final fertilizer subsidy reached Rs 1.62 lakh crore in 2021-22. (Statement 1 is correct)
  • The government has allocated Rs 1.05 lakh crore for subsidies in 2022-23. There are chances that figures could cross Rs 2.25 lakh crore during this year.
• Categories: The total requirement of four fertilizers — Urea, DAP (Di-ammonium Phosphate), MOP (Muriate of potash), NPKS (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium)—increased by 21 per cent in 2021-22. (Statement 2 is not correct)
  • DAP has recorded maximum increase (25.44%).
  • Urea has recorded an increase of 19.64 per cent in the last five years.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding flue gas desulphurization.

1. The process of eliminating sulphur compounds from the exhaust emissions of fossil-fuelled (coal-fired) power plants is known as flue gas desulphurization (FGD).
2. The deadline for installation for power plant within 10 km radium of Delhi-NCR and million plus cities is now extended to Dec 31, 2025.
3. The deadline for installation for power plant within 10 km radium of critically polluted cities is now extended to Dec 31, 2024.

Which of these statements are correct?

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

Explanation:

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD)

• A thermal power plant converts heat energy into electric power by burning fossil fuels (coal).
• It emits various gases which are by-products of the burning.
• One of them is SO2 (sulphur dioxide), which is a major contributor to particulate matter in air pollution.
• The process of eliminating sulphur compounds from the exhaust emissions of fossil-fuelled (coal-fired) power plants is known as flue gas desulphurization (FGD). (Statement 1 is correct)
• This is accomplished by including absorbent materials, which can eliminate up to 95% of the sulphur from the flue gas by scrubbing

Highlight of Notification

• Categorization of thermal power Plants for ensuring the installation of pollution-control technologies:

Q) Consider the following statements regarding impact of climate change on the Indian monsoon

1. According to IMD, the summer monsoon precipitation over India has declined by around 6% from last fifty years, with notable decreases over the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the Western Ghats.
2. Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and parts of Maharashtra have recorded less rainfall this year. In contrast, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar receive excess rains.
3. Back-to-back active monsoon systems in the Bay of Bengal in July led to excess rainfall to the tune of 8% — actual rainfall recorded was 472.8 mm as against the normal of 437.2 mm.

How many of these statements are correct?

1. Only 2 statements are correct
2. Only 1 statement is correct
3. All statements are correct
4. None of them

Explanation:

Evidences of monsoon variability

• According to IMD, the summer monsoon precipitation over India has declined by around 6% from last fifty years, with notable decreases over the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the Western Ghats. (Statement 1 is correct)
• It is also observed that there has been a shift in the recent period toward more frequent dry spells and more intense wet spells during the summer monsoon season.

Monsoon variability in 2022

• Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and parts of Maharashtra have recorded excess rainfall this year. In contrast, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar did not receive normal rains. (Statement 2 is not correct)
• Back-to-back active monsoon systems in the Bay of Bengal in July led to excess rainfall to the tune of 8% — actual rainfall recorded was 472.8 mm as against the normal of 437.2 mm. (Statement 3 is correct)
• August too saw two back-to-back depressions forming in the Bay of Bengal and travelling across Central India.
• While summer monsoon rainfall each year is unique, there has been a large regional and temporal variability in rainfall this year.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding Operation Polo

1. The negotiation with Nizam with regards to integrating his kingdom was being delayed. It was reported that the state was importing more arms and the Razakars were committing atrocities.
2. The then Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhai Patel initiated a police action through Operation Polo. The Nizam surrendered and acceded to the Indian Union in November 1948.
3. The Government of India decided to punish the Nizam and he was removed as the official ruler of the state and provided a privy purse of mere five million rupees.

Which of these statements are correct?

1. 1 and 3 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. All of the above

Explanation:

Operation Polo:

• The negotiation with Nizam with regards to integrating his kingdom was being delayed. It was reported that the state was importing more arms and the Razakars were committing atrocities. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Razakars was a voluntary paramilitary force of the Nizam, formed to suppress the peasant and communist movement.
• The then Home Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhai Patel initiated a police action through Operation Polo. The Nizam surrendered and acceded to the Indian Union in November 1948. (Statement 2 is correct)
• The Government of India decided not to punish the Nizam and he was retained as the official ruler of the state and provided a privy purse of five million rupees. (Statement 3 is not correct)

Q) Match the following colour revolution with the country of their operation.

1. Orange Revolution A. Kyrgyzstan
2. Tulip Revolution B. Tunisia
3. Jasmine Revolution C. Ukraine

Choose the correct option.

1. 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
2. 1-C, 2-A, 3-B
3. 1-C, 2-B, 3-A
4. 1-B, 2-C, 3-A

Explanation:

Well-known colour revolutions:

• Orange revolution:
  • The revolution occurred in Ukraine between November 2004 and January 2005 in response to reports that Presidential elections were rigged in favour of Russia-backed President Viktor Yanukovych.
  • Protestors came on the streets wearing orange colour, which was the campaign colour of defeated candidate Viktor Yushchenko.
  • The movement concluded when Ukrainian Supreme Court annulled the results and Viktor Yushchenko was elected in the subsequent re-vote.
• Tulip revolution:
  • Also known as the First Kyrgyz Revolution, the movement led to the ouster of Kyrgyzstan’s President Askar Akayev in early 2005.
  • The protests were in response to Parliamentary elections where Akayev’s allies and family members won and there were reports of electoral malpractices.
  • As the protests gained momentum, Akayev fled to Russia with his family. He resigned the following month.
• Jasmine Revolution:
  • The revolution in Tunisia occurred in response to the underlying corruption, unemployment, inflation and lack of political freedoms in the country.
  • Western media houses used the phrase Jasmine revolution, referring to Tunisia’s national flower, to describe the movement.
  • The protests not only led to the ouster of longtime President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, but also started a series of protests in North Africa and the Middle East, known as the Arab Spring.

Q) Recently concluded JIMEX 22 between India and Japan in which region?

1. Sea of Japan
2. South China Sea
3. Arabian Sea
4. Bay of Bengal

Explanation:

The sixth edition of the Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX), JIMEX 22, hosted by the Indian Navy concluded in the Bay of Bengal.

About JIMEX:

• It is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
• It comprises of complex tactical drills in all dimensions of naval warfare to enhance interoperability between the navies of India and Japan.
• The JIMEX series of exercises began in January 2012 with special focus on maritime security cooperation between India and Japan.
• The previous edition of JIMEX was conducted in October 2021 in the Arabian Sea.
• The Naval exercise was strategically significant considering the role of two countries in the Indo-Pacific region along with Australia and the United States, who form the Quad.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding Elected Autocracy

1. An electoral autocracy is a form of government where elections are conducted but “respect for democratic norms and standards is absent”.
2. Independence of the judiciary, corruption and fundamental freedoms, were among the main concerns.
3. Recently, European Parliament declared Russian Federation an elected autocracy.

Which of these statements are correct?

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

Explanation:

• According to recent European Parliament (EP) resolution, Hungary will no longer be called a democracy but is now an electoral autocracy. (Statement 3 is not correct)
• An electoral autocracy is a form of government where elections are conducted but “respect for democratic norms and standards is absent”. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Independence of the judiciary, corruption and fundamental freedoms, were among the main concerns of the European Parliament. (Statement 2 is correct)

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