Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 30 May 2023

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2023

Q) Recently seen in news, the ‘Joint Malnutrition Estimates 2023’ report was released by which one of the following organizations?

1. World Economic Forum
2. Nutrition Accountability Framework
3. World Health Organization and the World Bank
4. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 29 May April 2023

Explanation:

• Option (3) is correct: The UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund), WHO (World Health Organization) and the World Bank have jointly published the Joint Malnutrition Estimates (JME) 2023 report. The report puts the overall prevalence of stunting in 2022 as per global estimates at 31.7% in case of India which is less than the national estimates of 35.5% (National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 2019-21). Stunting declined from 48% in 2006 (NFHS-3), to 38% in 2016 (NFHS- 4) and 35.5% in (NFHS-5). There were 16 million fewer stunted children in India in 2022 as compared to 2012 and a decline in the prevalence rate from 42% to 32%. Furthermore, India’s share in the global burden has declined from 30% to 25%. According to the report, the multi-sectoral responses under Poshan Abhiyaan in 2018 and continued under Poshan 2.0 in 2022 seem to be contributing to the positive shift in the indicators.

Q) Consider the following statements about Asian Development Bank (ADB):

1. ADB is a regional development bank that promotes social development projects.
2. ADB focuses on both infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.
3. It has 68 member countries, with most of them being from the Asia-Pacific region.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 and 3 are correct: Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank founded in 1966 to promote Asian and Pacific economic and social development. The bank is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. It promotes regional cooperation and integration among its member countries. The Asian Development Bank has 68 member countries as of 2023, with 49 from the Asia-Pacific region and 19 from outside the region.
• Statement 2 is correct: Recently, Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $350 million loan to provide budget support to Sri Lanka for its economic stabilization. The Asian Development Bank supports its member countries’ economic development efforts by providing loans, grants, and technical assistance. It focuses on infrastructure development, education, health, governance, and environmental sustainability, among other things.

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

1. The coverage area of NavIC extends to China and Australia.
2. It uses low-earth orbit satellites to capture geographical data.
3. NavIC is more accurate than GPS, with an accuracy range of up to 5 metres.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 and 3 are correct: The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), known operationally as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), is the navigational system operated by ISRO. The area under its coverage include whole of India reaching west to include Saudi Arabia, north and east to include all of China and south to include both Mozambique and Western Australia. NavIC open signals have accuracy of upto 5 metres and restricted signals will be even more accurate. GPS by comparison is accurate up to around 20 metres.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: NavIC consists of a total 8 satellites out of which 3 satellites are placed in high geo-stationery orbit and 5 are in inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO), allowing them to move at a constant speed relative to Earth, so that they can look over the same region on Earth. NavIC signals in India are received at a 90-degree angle, making it easier for them to reach devices located even in congested areas, dense forests, or mountains.

Q) Consider the following statements about Central Vigilance Commission (CVC):

1. The CVC can register both criminal cases and disciplinary matters.
2. The commissioners are appointed by the president by warrant under his hand and seal.
3. CVC has the power to request any file from the CBI for the purpose of investigating a case.

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

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 and 3 are incorrect: The Central Vigilance Commission is a multi-member statutory body created in 1964 to address governmental corruption. Initially, created through a resolution, it gained statutory status in 2003 after passing of CVC bill. Its creation was recommended by a committee headed by K Santhanam. CVC exercises supervisory powers over CBI. However, it does not have powers to call for any file from CBI or to direct CBI to investigate any case in a particular manner. Preliminary inquiry against officers and officials of Groups A, B, C & D are recommended by the Lokpal to the CVC. CVC members are part of the committee that recommends appointment of the Director of Enforcement (ED). CVC is an advisory body, having no powers to implement orders. It does not have resources to address complaints. It undertakes only vigilance or disciplinary cases and cannot register criminal cases.
• Statement 2 is correct: The commissioners are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal based on recommendation of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Minister of Home Affairs (Member) and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Their tenure is 4 years or 65 years of age (whichever is earlier). They are not eligible for further employment under central or state government after retirement.

Q) Consider the following statements about Sufiyana Mausiqi:

1. Sufiyana Mausiki originated among the Sufis of Iran.
2. Ghulam Muhammad and Abdul Rasheed are the main artists associated with it.

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 incorrect but statement 2 is correct: Recently, Sufiyana Mausiqi was played at Kunzer area in Baramulla of north Kashmir. This folk music was granted a classical status. It has 180 mukaams or stages. However, several stages are lost because of decline in the tradition. Mukaam-e-Bahaar is sung at low pitch and just before the sunset. Sufiyana Mausiki gained centrality among the tribe of artisans from Kashmir for many decades now. It is a powerful tool to focus and maintain attention on meticulous details while weaving carpets and shawls. Kunzer’s Takiya Batapora area had emerged as the centre of learning for the artisans of the entire Baramulla district at one point of time. Well-known artisans of Sufiyana Mausiki are Ghulam Muhammad and Abdul Rasheed.

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