Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 20th September 2022

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2022

Q) Consider the following statements regarding the Scheduled Tribes

1. According to the Scheduled Tribes in India as revealed in Census 2011, there are said to be 705 ethnic groups listed as Scheduled Tribes under Article 342.
2. The STs constitute 6.8 % of the population and 11.3% of the rural population.
3. The UTs of Chandigarh, Delhi, and Puducherry, as well as the States of Haryana and Punjab, have not designated any community as a Scheduled Tribe.

Which of these statements are correct?

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

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 21st September 2022

Explanation:

About Indian Scheduled Tribes

• According to the Scheduled Tribes in India as revealed in Census 2011, there are said to be 705 ethnic groups listed as Scheduled Tribes under Article 342. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Over 10 crore Indians are notified as STs, of which 1.04 crore live in urban areas.
• The STs constitute 8.6% of the population and 11.3% of the rural population. (Statement 2 is not correct)
• The UTs of Chandigarh, Delhi, and Puducherry, as well as the States of Haryana and Punjab, have not designated any community as a Scheduled Tribe. (Statement 3 is correct)
• Following the division of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Government of India established the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Q) Recently, Union Cabinet approved a proposal to add several tribes to the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST), which of these tribes are correctly matched with their state.

1. Hattee in Uttar Pradesh
2. Gonds in Chattisgarh
3. Narikovaran in Tamil Nadu
4. Kuruba is Kerala

Choose the correct option.

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

Explanation:

• The Cabinet in its latest decision granted the status of ST to the Hattee community of Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district. (Statement 1 is incorrect)
• The Cabinet approved the inclusion of ‘Gonds’ along with its five sub-castes in the Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh in the Scheduled Tribes list of Uttar Pradesh. (Statement 2 is incorrect)
• The inclusion of ‘Narikoravan along with the Kurivikkaran’ community in respect to the State of Tamil Nadu was also approved by the Cabinet through the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Constitution Order,1950. (Statement 3 is correct)
• The inclusion of the ‘Betta-Kuruba’ community in respect to the State of Karnataka was also approved by the Cabinet. (Statement 4 is incorrect)
• Chhattisgarh’s 12 caste communities were included in the Scheduled Tribes.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

1. It functions under the Ministry of Home, Government of India
2. It is a statutory body, deriving its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
3. It works under the supervision of the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) in matters of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Which of these statements are incorrect?

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

Explanation:

About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• It functions under the Department of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances of the Government of India. (Statement 1 is not correct)
• It is not a statutory body; it derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. (Statement 2 is not correct)
• It works under the supervision of the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) in matters of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. (Statement 3 is correct)
• Supreme Court in Vineet Narain & Others vs Union Of India & Anr, 1977:
• Fixed the tenure of the CBI Director at two years,
• gave statutory status to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
• A panel headed by the CVC and including top secretaries to the Union government would draw up a panel from which the Director of the ED would be selected.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022

1. The act empowers police to collect biometric data, including iris and retina scan, finger, palm, foot-print impressions, photographs, signatures and handwriting of convicts only.
2. It has been made mandatory for the Home ministry to draw up a standard operating procedure to specify equipment and devices for collecting biometric data.
3. : Individuals detained under prohibitory orders and charged by magistrates will not be asked to provide biometric details unless charged in any other offence.

Which of these statements are correct?

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

Explanation:

About the Act

• Biometric data collection: The act empowers police to collect biometric data, including iris and retina scan, finger, palm, foot-print impressions, photographs, signatures and handwriting of convicts and other persons. (Statement 1 is not correct)
• The new law will replace the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920.
• Specifying equipment: It has been made mandatory for the National Crime Records Bureau to draw up a standard operating procedure to specify equipment and devices for collecting biometric data. (Statement 2 is not correct)
• NCRB will be asked to specify the digital and physical format in which the measurements will be taken. Biometric data will be preserved in a secure and encrypted format as specified in the SOPs.
• Written approval: Biometric data of individuals arrested in connection with an offence under Chapter IXA or Chapter X of IPC shall be taken with the prior written approval of a police officer not below the rank of SP.
• Data of detainees: Individuals detained under prohibitory orders and charged by magistrates will not be asked to provide biometric details unless charged in any other offence. (Statement 3 is correct)
• Refusal: Individuals refusing to provide biometric and other details will be charged under Sections of CrPC used in rape or attempt to rape cases.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding the Ozone layer

1. Ozone layer is present in thermosphere to prevent Sun’s harmful UV radiation from entering the earth.
2. Ozone is beneficial, both in the upper atmosphere and the troposphere for stopping the UV radiations.
3. The main reason for the depletion was the use of chemicals like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and halons.

Which of these statement are not correct?

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

Explanation:

Ozone layer:

• Ozone layer is a part of the Earth’s atmosphere that is responsible for absorbing the bulk of the Sun’s UV radiation.
• Ozone is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula O₃. It can be found in Earth’s upper atmosphere (the stratosphere) and lower atmosphere (the troposphere).  (Statement 1 is not correct)
• Stratospheric ozone is naturally formed through the interaction of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation with molecular oxygen (O2).
• Reasons: The main reason for the depletion was the use of chemicals like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and halons. (Statement 3 is correct)
• Ozone is harmful in troposphere as a potent greenhouse gas. (Statement 2 is not correct)

Q) Consider the following statements regarding Montreal Protocol

1. The Montreal Protocol is a global agreement that aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
2. The treaty was ratified by all countries in the United Nations, making it the second universally ratified treaty in the history of the UN after UN Convention on Slavery.
3. The treaty provides a timeline on which the production of those substances must be reduced and eventually eliminated. A 20-year phase-in for developing countries was also introduced.

Which of these statements correct?

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

Explanation:

Montreal Protocol

• The Montreal Protocol is a global agreement that aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). (Statement 1 is correct)
• Ratification: The treaty was ratified by all countries in the United Nations, making it the first universally ratified treaty in the history of the UN. (Statement 2 is not correct)
• Targeted compounds: Majority of ozone depleting substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol contain either chlorine or bromine.
• Some ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) are not covered under the Montreal Protocol, including nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Timeframe: The treaty provides a timeline on which the production of those substances must be reduced and eventually eliminated. A 10-year phase-in for developing countries was also introduced. (Statement 3 is not correct)
• Multilateral fund: The Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol was established in 1991 to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries (having annual per capita consumption and production of ODS less than 0.3 kg) to comply with the control measures of the Protocol.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding Caracal

1. The caracal is an elusive, primarily nocturnal animal and there is no reliable data on populations.
2. It is listed in critically endangered category by the National Board for Wildlife in India.
3. IUCN Red List status is Least Concern.

Which of these statements are correct?

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

Explanation:

About Caracal

• The caracal is an elusive, primarily nocturnal animal and there is no reliable data on populations. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Apart from India, it is found across Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia.
• The name caracal is derived from the Turkish word ‘karakulak’, meaning ‘black ears’.
• Historical records:
  • Emperors such as Firoz Shah Tughlaq and Akbar were very fond of using this animal for hunting purposes.
  • References of the animal can also be found in medieval texts such as the Anvar-i-Suhayli, Tutinama, Khamsa-e-Nizami, and Shahnameh.
• Habitat in India:
  • Previous habitats ranged from Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
  • Now, it can be found in handful of areas in Rajasthan, Kutch, and parts of MP.

Conservation and threats:

• Caracal is currently included in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• It is listed in critically endangered category by theNational Board for Wildlife in (Statement 2 is correct)
• It is listed in Appendix I for the Asian population and Appendix II for others.
• IUCN Red List: Least Concern (Statement 3 is correct)

Q) Which city/cities has been recently designated as SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital

1. Samarkand
2. Varanasi
3. St. Petersburg
4. All of the above

Explanation:

• Varanasi has been nominated as the first-ever SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital during the period 2022-2023.

About SCO tourism and cultural capital

• Objective: SCO tourism and cultural capital is designated for promoting cooperation between the SCO Member States in the field of culture and tourism.
• The regulations for nomination of a city as SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital were adopted at the Dushanbe SCO Summit in 2021.
• As part of the outreach, a number of events will be held in Varanasi during 2022-23, for which guests will be invited to participate from SCO Member States.

Q) Consider the following statements regarding Hoysala form of Architecture

1. Hoysala temples are hybrid or vesara style temples because of amalgamation of Dravidian and Nagara styles.
2. Stellate plan wherein the shrines are established intricately in the design of a star.
3. It is chiefly made out of sandstone.

Which of these statements are correct?

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

Explanation:

Salient features of Hoysala form of Architecture:

• It was developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries, mostly concentrated in southern Karnataka.
• Hoysala temples are hybrid or vesara style temples because of amalgamation of Dravidian and Nagara styles. (Statement 1 is correct)
• Multiple shrines of different deities grouped around a central pillared hall.
• Stellate plan wherein the shrines are established intricately in the design of a star. (Statement 2 is correct)
• Chiefly made out of soapstone. (Statement 3 is not correct)
• The temple is generally constructed on an upraised platform called jagati, which lies on a platform or base called adhisthana.
• The walls and stairs of the temple followed a zigzag pattern.

Q) Which of the following temples has been incorrectly matched with its location?

1. Chennakeshava Temple build in 1117 CE at Belur
2. Hoysaleshwara Templebuild in 12^th century at Halebid
3. Chennakeshava Temple build in 1258 CE at Chennai
4. None of the above

Explanation:

• Chennakeshava Temple, Belur
  • It is a Vaishnava Hindu temple on the banks of the Yagachi River.
  • It was constructed by the King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire in 1117 CE.

• Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebid
  • It is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • It was constructed by the King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire.
  • Halebid was the former capital of the Hoysala Empire, historically known as ‘Dwarasamudra’.

• Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura
• • It is a Vaishnava Hindu temple on the banks of River Kaveri.
  • Constructed in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III.

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