PRELIMS CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26/09/24

1. Lokayukta

Q. With reference to ‘Lokayukta’, Consider the following statements.

1. The constitution of India empowers the Governor of the state to appoint Lokayukta. 
2. Once appointed, Lokayukta cannot be dismissed by the government, and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state assembly.
3. In India, Madhya Pradesh was the first state to introduce the institution of Lokayukta through The Lokayukta Act in 1971.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation: 

In NEWS: MUDA case: Special Court directs Lokayukta police to book Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah 

About The Lokayukta:

• The Lokayukta is the Indian Parliamentary Ombudsman, executed into power, through and for, each of the State Governments of India. 
• It is brought into effect in a state after passing the Lokayukta Act in the respective state legislature, and a person of reputable background is nominated for the post. 
• The post was created to quickly address the working of the government or its administration (public servants). 
• The Lokayukta, along with the Income Tax Department and the Anti Corruption Bureau, mainly helps people publicise corruption among the politicians and government officials.
• Maharashtra was the first state to introduce the institution of Lokayukta through The Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayuktas Act in 1971. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.
• This was followed by similar acts that were enacted by the states of Odisha, Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Delhi. 
• The powers of Lokayukta in each state are different, and efforts are being made to make them uniform.

Appointment:

• The Lokayukta is appointed by the Governor of the State, through nomination by its Chief Minister (in consensus with Chief justice of the State High Court, Leaders of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Chairman of the Legislative Council). Hence statement 1 is incorrect. (There is no provisions in the constitution of India)
• Once appointed, Lokayukta can not be dismissed nor transferred by the government, and can only be removed by passing an impeachment motion by the state assembly. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Any person who is a judge or a retired Chief Justice or a retired judge of the High Court is eligible to be appointed as Lokayukta.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/special-court-orders-probe-by-mysuru-lokayukta-police-against-cm-siddaramaiah-sets-the-stage-for-fir-against-him/article68681816.ece 

2. Madras Mahajana Sabha

Q. Who among the following were the founders of the “Madras Mahajana Sabha” established in 1884?

1. B. Krishna Pillai, E.M.S. Namboodiripad and T.S. Ramanujam
2. Jayaprakash Narayan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and M.N. Roy
3. C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer, K. Kamaraj and Veeresalingam Pantulu
4. M Veeraraghavachary, G Subramania Iyer, and P Ananda Charlu 

Answer: (d) M Veeraraghavachary, G Subramania Iyer, and P Ananda Charlu

Explanation: 

In NEWS: Madras Mahajana Sabha and social, political renaissance in South India

• The Madras Mahajana Sabha, a regional political organization and the forerunner of the Indian National Congress, was founded in May 1884 at Ellis Road Junction, Mount Road in Madras district (present-day Chennai) by M Veeraraghavachariar, G Subramania Iyer, and P Ananda Charlu. Hence option (d) is correct.

Role of Madras Mahajana Sabha in the Indian freedom struggle:

• It is considered a predecessor of the Indian National Congress to represent the views and needs of people to the British government.
• The 19th century marked the beginning of organised political activities across British India. Organisations such as the Madras Mahajana Sabha in the South and the Poona Sarvajanik Sabha and the Bombay Presidency Association in other parts spearheaded the political activities at the regional level. 
• They played a crucial role in the nationalist struggle before the formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885.
• The aim was to liberate the nation from British rule and resolve national issues, as stated at the Adayar Theosophical Society conference. 
• Since then, the Sabha has advocated for a variety of measures while remaining moderate, including tax reduction, cuts in government and military spending, the abolition of the Council of India in London, concurrent Civil Service exams in England and India, and fundamental rights for its fellow citizens, such as national freedom. The first president of this Sabha was P Rangaiah Naidu.
• In April 1930, the Madras Mahajana Sabha launched the Salt Satyagraha in George Town, Esplanade, High Court, and Beach neighbourhoods (all localities in Madras). 
• It also participated in the 1942 Quit India Movement, which resulted in several members being brutally beaten and imprisoned by British authorities. 
• The Sabha continued the freedom struggle on behalf of the Indian National Congress after the British government outlawed it. 
• Besides instilling patriotic feelings in citizens, they also held a series of exhibitions, including the All-India Khadi Exhibition and the Swadeshi Exhibition. Apart from that, it fostered cooperation among local institutions.
• The Sabha, which commemorated its centenary in 1985 and its 125th anniversary in 2010, peacefully protested the British government policies and is a reminder of the efforts made for India’s freedom.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-mahajana-sabha-and-social-political-renaissance-in-south-india/article68677593.ece 

https://amritmahotsav.nic.in/district-reopsitory-detail.htm?8844

3. Doctrine of Constructive possession

Q. Which one of the following best describes the Doctrine of Constructive possession sometimes seen in news?

1. a Legislature does not possess the power to make law upon a particular subject but nonetheless indirectly makes one.
2. the power to terminate the services of a civil servant at any time without giving any notice of termination to the servant.
3. the authority over an object without having actual charge of that material.
4. if a part of a law or contract is invalid, only that part should be declared void, not the entire law or contract.

Answer: (c) the authority over an object without having actual charge of that material.

Explanation: 

In NEWS: It is an offence: On Supreme Court clarification on online content on child sex abuse

• The Supreme Court of India’s clear delineation of the penal consequences of accessing or storing sexual material concerning children is in complete consonance with the letter and spirit of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
• Invoking the doctrine of “constructive possession”, it has ruled that any act of viewing or displaying such material over the Internet without actual possession or storage in any device would also amount to “possession”, made punishable under Section 15 of POCSO, provided the person had a degree of control over such material.

Doctrine of Constructive possession:

• Constructive possession is the legal possession of an object that is not in the person’s direct physical control. Like other “constructive” meanings, constructive possession legally functions as actual possession in a variety of ways.
  • In criminal law, establishing constructive possession is often done to further prosecutions for possession crimes, such as possession of illegal drugs. 
  • In property law, establishing constructive possession grants the owner the right to obtain physical control and/or a variety of rights over someone else’s physical control of that property. 

Hence option (c) is correct.

• The Doctrine of Colourable Legislation comes into play when a Legislature does not possess the power to make law upon a particular subject but nonetheless indirectly makes one.
• The Doctrine of Pleasure means that the Crown has the power to terminate the services of a civil servant at any time they want without giving any notice of termination to the servant and thus a civil servant holds office during the pleasure of the Crown.
• The doctrine of severability is a legal principle that states that if a part of a law or contract is invalid, only that part should be declared void, not the entire law or contract. The doctrine’s goal is to maintain the validity and constitutionality of the remaining parts of the law or contract.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/it-is-an-offence-on-court-clarification-on-online-content-on-child-sex-abuse/article68678001.ece 

4. India-China-Pakistan in global grouping

Q. Consider the following.

1. BRICS
2. SCO
3. SAARC
4. BIMSTEC

In how many of the above organisations India, Pakistan and China are all the members?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Answer: (a) Only one

Explanation: 

In NEWS: Government mulls over sending Jaishankar for SCO meet in Pakistan

• As the government considers sending External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Pakistan next month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting.
• It was important that India participated in the event, separating the failure of bilateral ties from the “value” of the SCO grouping that comprises 10 Eurasian countries, including Russia and China.
• The India-Pakistan-China triangle is mired in a convoluted history of unresolved border disputes, with military confrontations between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and India and Pakistan at the Line of Control (LoC) occurring intermittently.

1. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): India and Pakistan are both full members of this Eurasian organization, which also includes China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Hence, only 2 is correct. 
2. BRICS: BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. (not Pakistan)
3. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC): It is an intergovernmental organization that promotes regional integration and economic development in South Asia. The organization was established in 1985 and is made up of eight member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. (not China)
4. The BIMSTEC is a regional organisation comprising seven Member States: five deriving from South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and two from Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand.  (not both China and Pakistan)

Source: 

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-mulls-decision-to-send-jaishankar-for-sco-in-islamabad/article68682806.ece

5. The project Neom

Q. “The project Neom”sometimes seen in the news, is related to

1. Restoring Amazon river basin by Brazil
2. Creating a sustainable mega-city by Saudi Arabia
3. War efforts of Hezbollah against Israelis attack
4. Developing the renewable energy supply chain by Malaysia

Answer: (b) Creating a sustainable mega-city by Saudi Arabia

Explanation: 

In NEWS: All about Neom, the controversial Saudi project that promises a desert utopia

What is Neom?

• Neom is a planned city in Saudi Arabia, part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil. Hence option (b) is correct.
• Neom was visualised as part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 project, which sought to diversify the country’s economy and thus reduce its dependence on oil.
• Spread over an area of 26,500 sq km, Neom is situated in Saudi Arabia’s western Tabuk province. First announced by the Crown Prince in 2017, its name is a fusion of the Greek word “neo” meaning “new”, and the Arabic word “mustaqbal” meaning “future”.
• Initially pegged to be a $500-billion project, the costs have swelled to $1.5 trillion, according to a Bloomberg report from April 2024. It is set to be completed in 2039.
• Neom will comprise five regions, each home to a project ambitious in design, scale and imagination.
  • The Line – Probably the best-known among all the Neom projects, the Line will be built as a 170-kilometre-long mirrored city line spanning 34 square kilometres across the desert. The original plans for the city had “vertically layered” buildings 500 metres tall and 200 metres wide. Designed to be entirely walkable, the city will be powered by 95 per cent renewable energy.
  • Oxagon – The Oxagon is an octagonal industrial city which will house an integrated industrial port and residential apartments. Oxagon too will be powered entirely by renewable energy.
  • Trojena – Trojena is set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029. The region is home to Saudi Arabia’s tallest mountains, and will house a ski resort. According to the Neom website, Trojena “experiences sub-zero winter temperatures and has a year-round moderate climate that is cooler on average than the rest of the region”.
  • Magna – Magna is designed to be a luxury lifestyle coastal destination, located on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba . The region will house 12 premiere destinations spanning 120 kilometres, and will be home to a nature reserve which aims to be the “gold standard in sustainable tourism”.
  • Sindalah – Sindalah is a luxury island in the Red Sea, which hopes to rival the likes of the Greek isles, the Caribbean Sea and the Mediterranean coastline, all favoured by yacht and boat owners. Set to open this year, Sindalah will span 840,000 square metres.

Concerns

• More than 20,000 people relocated. The Indigenous Howeitat tribe living in the area was terribly affected. Local water resources will be detoured. Artifical ski slopes will cause severe impact on the desert land. Unjust work terms with the employees in the project are also creating a ruckus.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/neom-controversy-saudi-arabia-9587508/ 

6. An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a long-range ballistic missile system primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery.
2. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed state that does not possess ICBMs.
3. India has Agni V solid-fuelled ICBM

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (c) All three

Explanation: 

In NEWS: China test-fires intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific

An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM):

• An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a ballistic missile with a range greater than 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi), primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery (delivering one or more thermonuclear warheads). Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Conventional, chemical, and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness, but have never been deployed on ICBMs. 
• Most modern designs support multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRVs), allowing a single missile to carry several warheads, each of which can strike a different target. 
• The United States, Russia, China, France, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, and North Korea are the only countries known to have operational ICBMs. 
• Incidentally, Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed state that does not possess ICBMs. Hence statement 2 is correct.

India’s ICBM: 

• Agni V is India’s solid-fuelled ICBM and has a strike range of 7,000-10,000 km. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Its next iteration is called Agni VI, which will also have an MIRV feature.
• Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) permit a missile to deliver multiple nuclear warheads to different targets, in contrast to a traditional missile which carries one warhead.
• MIRVs missiles confuse anti-ballistic-missile protection systems by releasing multiple warheads, some of which may be dummies, with different targets. 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/china-test-fires-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-into-pacific-ocean-amid-taiwan-tension/article68681080.ece 

7. Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).

Q. With reference to the ‘Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)’, Consider the following statements. 

1. AOSIS is an alliance of the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address global warming.
2. SIDS are among the nations least responsible for climate change, having contributed less than 1% to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation: 

In NEWS: Leaders at UN urge world’s wealthiest to do more on climate

• Scientists say that at least six of the planet’s natural systems are damaged, with the ocean’s chemistry also threatened by acidification, which occurs as it absorbs carbon dioxide from air.
• Leaders of small island states most at risk from rising sea levels said it was time for those countries that burn most of the fossil fuels blamed for rising temperatures to stop paying “lip service” to the issue.
• The island nations of AOSIS have gained a powerful voice in global climate talks. During a news conference on Monday, Schuster called out the world’s biggest economies in the Group of 20, which together account for more than 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS):

• Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) is an intergovernmental organization of low-lying coastal and small island countries. 
• AOSIS was established in 1990, ahead of the Second World Climate Conference. 
• The main purpose of the alliance is to consolidate the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address global warming. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• These island countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change and its related effects on the ocean, including sea level rise, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion. 
• These states advocate for international policy and mechanisms for addressing the inequity of climate impacts.
• AOSIS’ core focus areas are climate change, sustainable development and ocean conservation.
• SIDS are among the nations least responsible for climate change, having contributed less than 1% to the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• AOSIS has a membership of 39 global states, of which 37 are members of the UN while 2 (Cook Islands and Niue) participate within the UN, and an additional five states are observers. 
• The alliance represents 28% of the developing countries, and 20% of the UN’s total membership.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/leaders-at-un-urge-worlds-richest-to-do-more-on-climate/article68680999.ece#:~:text=The%20pleas%20underscore%20the%20widening,those%20suffering%20its%20worst%20effects&text=Developing%20nations%20on%20Monday%20pleaded,they%20face%20from%20climate%20extremes. 

8. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

Q. Which of the following activities are prohibited under the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)? 

1. Developing, testing, producing, or acquiring nuclear weapons
2. Possessing nuclear weapons.
3. Using or threatening to use nuclear weapons 
4. Developing nuclear power generation

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation: 

In NEWS: Taking stock of global nuclear disarmament

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW):

• The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) includes a comprehensive set of prohibitions on participating in any nuclear weapon activities. 
• These include undertakings not to develop, test, produce, acquire, possess, stockpile, use or threaten to use nuclear weapons. 
• The Treaty also prohibits the deployment of nuclear weapons on national territory and the provision of assistance to any State in the conduct of prohibited activities. 
• States parties will be obliged to prevent and suppress any activity prohibited under the TPNW undertaken by persons or on territory under its jurisdiction or control. 
• The Treaty also obliges States parties to provide adequate assistance to individuals affected by the use or testing of nuclear weapons, as well as to take necessary and appropriate measure of environmental remediation in areas under its jurisdiction or control contaminated as a result of activities related to the testing or use of nuclear weapons.

Permitted activities:

• Participation in disarmament efforts: States can engage in initiatives aimed at the elimination of nuclear weapons.
• Utilization of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes: States can continue to use nuclear energy for civilian applications, such as power generation, medicine, and research.
• Engagement in international cooperation: States may collaborate on non-proliferation and disarmament activities, including sharing best practices and knowledge regarding the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
• Nuclear weapon-free zone agreements: States can enter into treaties establishing zones free of nuclear weapons, consistent with their obligations under the TPNW.
• Participation in relevant international treaties: States can remain parties to other treaties that address nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/taking-stock-of-global-nuclear-disarmament/article68682359.ece#:~:text=The%20norm%20against%20nuclear%20use,and%20effectiveness%20of%20nuclear%20weapons. 

9. Make In India

Q. With enabling the “Make in India” initiative, Consider the following pairs.

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(c) Only three pairs

(d) All four pairs

Answer: (b) Only two pairs

Explanation: 

In NEWS: The “Make in India” initiative has completed 10 years. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on  September 25, 2014.

About “Make in India”:

• The ‘Make in India’ campaign aims to facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, protect intellectual property & build best in class manufacturing infrastructure.
• “Make in India” was designed to transform India into a global hub for design and manufacturing.
• Seen as an important ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, its objective is twofold. Firstly, to boost India’s manufacturing capabilities and secondly to showcase its industrial potential on a global stage.
• The “Make in India 2.0” phase encompassing 27 sectors – both manufacruring and service. 

4 pillars of “Make in India” initiative: 

1. New Processes: To enhance the business environment, promote entrepreneurship and startups – ‘ease of doing business’ became a crucial factor.
2. New Infrastructure:Development of industrial corridors, smart cities, integrating state-of-the-art technology and high-speed communication to create world-class infrastructure, improving intellectual property rights (IPR) infrastructure etc. 
3. New Sectors: Opening of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in sectors like Defence Production, Insurance, Medical Devices, Construction, and Railway infrastructure. 
4. New Mindset: In order to support industrial growth and innovation – the government embraced a role as a facilitator rather than a regulator. The Government partners with industry in the economic development of the country. 

Key Initiatives to enable Make In India initiative:

• Production linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes:
  • The primary goals of the PLI Schemes are to attract substantial investments, incorporate advanced technology, and ensure operational efficiency. Hence pair 1 is correct.
  • These schemes cover 14 key sectors aimed at fostering investment in cutting-edge technology and promoting global competitiveness.
• PM GatiShakti:
  • It is a strategic initiative aimed at achieving Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a US $5 trillion economy by 2025 through the creation of multimodal and last-mile connectivity infrastructure. Hence pair 2 is incorrect.
  • PM GatiShakti is a transformative approach for economic growth and sustainable development. The approach is driven by 7 engines, namely:
    • Railways
    • Roads
    • Ports
    • Waterways
    • Airports
    • Mass Transport
    • Logistics Infrastructure

• Semiconductor Ecosystem Development: It encompasses four key schemes:
  • Modified Scheme for Setting Up Semiconductor Fabs in India
  • Modified Scheme for Setting Up Display Fabs in India
  • Modified Scheme for Setting Up Compound Semiconductors, Silicon Photonics, Sensors Fabs, and Discrete Semiconductors, along with Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) / OSAT Facilities in India
• Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
  • It aims to foster the development of a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in the country. 
  • The Semicon India Programme aims to provide a significant impetus to semiconductor and display manufacturing by facilitating capital support and promoting technological collaborations. 

• National Logistics Policy: Introduced to complement the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan. It focusses on enhancing the soft infrastructure of India’s logistics sector. 
• The Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP) was rolled out.
  • The key areas which it addresses are logistics systems, standardization, human resource development, state engagement, and logistics parks.
• The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme: 
  • Aims to create “Smart Cities” and advanced industrial hubs. Hence pair 4 is incorrect.
• Startup India:
  • Several programs aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, building a robust startup ecosystem, and transforming India into a country of job creators instead of job seekers were rolled out. Hence pair 3 is correct.
• Implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST):
  • As India’s tax reforms, it is seen as crucial in the context of the Make in India initiative.
• Unified Payments Interface:
  • For India’s digital economy growth, it is seen as one of the key initiatives to enable ease of doing business. 
• Ease of Doing Business:
  • The efforts aim to simplify regulations, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and create a more business-friendly environment, significantly boosting investor confidence and supporting the objectives of the Make in India initiative.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-nugget-10-years-of-make-in-india-upsc-9588860/ 

10. Which one of the following is a part of the Congo Basin? (UPSC PYQ 2023)

(a) Cameroon

(b) Nigeria

(c) South Sudan

(d) Uganda

Answer: (a) Cameroon