Daily Current Affairs for UPSC

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2023

Q) Which one of the following statements is not correct about Adjournment Motion?

It can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha
It needs the support of 50 members to be admitted
A question of privilege can be raised under Adjournment Motion
It draws attention of House to matter of urgent public importance

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 22 July April 2023

Explanation:

Option (1) and (4) are correct: Adjournment motion is introduced only in the Lok Sabha to draw the attention of the House to a definite matter of urgent public importance. It is a form of censure of the government; therefore Rajya Sabha is not permitted to make use of this device
Option (2) is correct: It is regarded as an extraordinary device because it interrupts the normal business of the House. Adjournment motion needs the support of 50 members to be admitted. The discussion on this motion should last for not less than two hours and thirty minutes.
Option (3) is incorrect: The right to move a motion for an adjournment of the business of the House is subject to the following restrictions. That is, it should:
Raise a matter which is definite, factual, urgent and of public importance.
Not cover more than one matter.
Be restricted to a specific matter of recent occurrence.
Not raise a question of privilege.
Not revive discussion on a matter that has been discussed in the same session.
Not deal with any matter that is under adjudication of court.
Not raise any question that can be raised on a distinct motion.

Q) Consider the following statements:

Statement-1: Oceanic kelp forest ecosystems were destroyed by marine heat waves.
Statement-2: Marine heat waves encourage the expansion of alien species.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct and Statement-2 is the correct explanation for Statement-1
Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct and Statement-2 is not the correct explanation for Statemeht-1
Statement-1 is correct but Statement-2 is incorrect
Statement-1 is incorrect but Statement-2 is correct

Explanation:

Option (1) is correct: Marine Heat Wave (MHW) is an extreme weather event. It occurs when the surface temperature of a particular region of the sea rises to 3 or 4 degree Celsius above the average temperature for at least five days. MHWs can last for weeks, months or even years, according to the US government’s agency National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). At present, Marine Heat Waves are occurring in several oceans, including the northern two-thirds of the Pacific Ocean, the southern Indian Ocean, and some parts of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. A different study revealed that the same MHWs destroyed kelp forests and fundamentally altered the ecosystem of the coast as Kelps usually grow in cooler waters, providing habitat and food for many marine animals. MHWs also fuel the growth of invasive alien species, which can be destructive to marine food webs.

Q) With reference to Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS), consider the following statements:

The SCoS was formed in 2019 to develop administrative statistical data.
The SCoS can advise the government on all existing statistical data sets.
The SCoS will help the National Statistical Office to finalize statistical survey results.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one
Only two
All three
None

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has now formed a new Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) to advice on official data generated by the National Statistical Office (NSO). The government has constituted a new internal oversight mechanism for official data, revamping a Standing Committeeon Economic Statistics (SCES) set up in late 2019.
Statement 2 is correct: The SCoS has “enhanced terms of reference” that enable it to advise the Ministry on all existing surveys and data sets. SCoS’ agenda is to explore the availability of administrative statistics that can be useful for surveys and generating more data. Identify areas where data gaps exist, suggest ways to fill them and carry out pilot surveys and studies to fine tune new approaches for capturing better data.
Statement 3 is correct: It will address issues raised “from time to time” on the results and methodology of surveys. With survey design and features evolving, the panel can seek to sensitise data users about the nuances involved to ensure better interpretation of the numbers. The SCoS will help the NSO finalise survey results that shall rebuild the credibility of India’s statistics.

Q) Consider the following statements about Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis:

India has the largest population of people living with drug-resistant TB.
Multidrug-Resistant TB is caused by an organism that is resistant to at least two of the most potent TB drugs.
‘Bedaquiline’ drug was recently patented in India by Johnson & Johnson for treating drug-resistant TB.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

Only one
Only two
All three
None

Explanation:

Statement 1 and 2 are correct: TB is a bacterial infection of the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the lungs, but often in other organs as well. It can be treated by strictly adhering to the doses and frequencies of drugs prescribed by a physician. Multidrug-Resistant TB: (MDR TB) is caused by an organism that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most potent TB drugs. These drugs are used to treat all persons with TB disease. A peer-reviewed 2020 study reported that TB becomes isoniazid-resistant when a person doesn’t fully adhere to the treatment regimen whereas rifampicin-resistance emerges due to other factors. India has the largest population (Nearly 2.8 million patients) of people living with drug-resistant TB. Drug-resistant TB is harder to treat. One important option for those diagnosed with pulmonary MDR TB is bedaquiline.
Statement 3 is incorrect: A major barrier for drug resistant TB care has ended as Johnson & Johnson’s patent on bedaquiline expired on July 18, 2022. In India, a ‘pre-grant opposition’ was filed by a patient group and two TB survivors. As a result of their legal challenge, in a landmark decision before World TB Day, the Indian Patent Office rejected the U.S. Corporation J & J’s secondary patent. Indian manufacturers will now be able to supply affordable, quality assured generic versions of bedaquiline in India as the primary patent expired on July 18.

Q) With reference to Smart Cities Mission, consider the following statements:

The Mission is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that was initiated in 2015.
The Smart City Advisory Forum consists of both the Members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly belonging to the particular city.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Government has pushed the deadline of its Smart Cities Mission to June 2023. The Smart Cities Mission is an initiative of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. It was launched on June 25, 2015. The Mission is operated as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Central Government will give financial support to the extent of Rs. 48,000 crores over 5 years that is, on an average Rs.100 crore per city per year. An equal amount on a matching basis is to be provided by the State/ULB.Additional resources are to be raised through convergence, from ULBs’ own funds, grants under Finance Commission, innovative finance mechanisms such as Municipal Bonds, other government programs and borrowings.
Statement 2 is correct: Under the Mission, a Smart City Advisory Forum (SCAF) is established at the city level to advise and enable collaboration among various stakeholders. It consists of:
Member(s) of Parliament
Member(s) of Legislative Assembly
Mayor, District Collector,
Local youth, technical experts, other stakeholders, etc.