Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 5 August 2023

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2023

Q) Which of the following statements is not correct about Kalbelia dance?

1. It originated in the state of Uttar Pradesh
2. This dance is also known as Sapera dance
3. The females are the dancers while the males accompany them on musical instruments.
4. The main musical instrument of the dance is the pungi or been

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 4 August April 2023

Explanation:

Kalbelia dance was performed during the National Folk and Tribal Art Festival in Bhopal recently.

• Option (1) is correct answer: Kalbelia Dance is a traditional Indian dance form that originated in the state of Rajasthan. In 2010, the Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan were declared a part of its Intangible Heritage List by the UNESCO. This dance is also known as Sapera dance since the Kalbelias are known as traditional snake charmers. This nomadic tribe used to travel from place to place trading snake venom. The movements and costume of the dance is said to reflect the close association of the tribe with snakes. Both males and females participate in this dance. The females are the dancers while the males accompany them on a variety of musical instruments. A large variety of musical instruments are used to accompany this dance form like the pakhawaj, dholak, jhanjhar, harmonium and sarangi. However, the characteristic musical instrument of the dance is the pungi or been.

Q) Consider the following statements about the Anti-Defection Law in India:

1. It was first introduced through the 52^nd Amendment Act of 1985 and is enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
2. The Constitution of India has empowered the President of India to disqualify a Member of Parliament in case of defection and her decision is final.

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:

Recently, the Supreme Court has stayed Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in a defamation case by a Gujarat court in which he has been sentenced to two years in prison.

• Statement 1 is correct: The Anti-Defection Law in India refers to a set of constitutional provisions enacted to prevent political defections by elected representatives. It was first introduced through the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985 and is enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Chairman or the Speaker of the House has been conferred with the power to take the decision to disqualify a member of the Parliament (respective Houses), and his/her decision is final. If a complaint is made with respect to the defection of the Chairman or the Speaker, a member of the house elected by that House shall have the right to take the decision. Any question regarding disqualification arising out of defection is to be decided by the presiding officer of the House of the Parliament. However, there is no time limit as per the law within which the Presiding Officers should decide on a plea for disqualification.

Q) Consider the following statements about Election commission of India:

1. It was established as a statutory body which gained constitutional status during 1976.
2. At present it constitutes of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners who are appointed by the President of India.
3. Constitution of India neither prescribes qualification of members of election commission nor does it bar its retiring member from being appointed at other government posts.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Explanation:

Recently, the Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of Arun Goel as Election Commissioner.

• Statement 1 is incorrect but Statements 2 and 3 are correct: Election commission is a constitutional body established under article 324 which is responsible for holding free and fair elections in the country at the level of the centre and state as well as elections to the post of president and vice president. It was first established on 26 January, 1950. At present it constitutes of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners who are appointed by the President. The mandate of election commission is to conduct free and fair elections. However, the Constitution of India does not prescribe qualification of members and it does not bar retiring member for other government posts. The term of members is not specified in the constitution. Government has decided tenure of 6 years/65 years of age whichever is earlier.

Q) Consider the following statements about Red Sanders Wood:

• Statement – I: Red Sanders Wood is highly sought after throughout Asia, especially in China and Japan.
• Statement – II: Red Sanders Woods is known for their use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical items as well as for building furniture, woodcraft and musical instruments.

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

1. Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is the correct explanation for Statement – I
2. Both Statement – I and Statement – II are correct and Statement – II is not the correct explanation for Statement – I
3. Statement – I is correct but Statement – II is incorrect
4. Statement – I is incorrect but Statement – II is correct

Explanation:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued amendments in the Export Policy of Red Sanders wood.

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Red Sanders Wood, Pterocarpus santalinus, is an Indian endemic tree species (growing up to a height of 10 to 15 metres), with a restricted geographical range in the Eastern Ghats. The species is endemic to a distinct tract of forests in Andhra Pradesh and is a very slow-growing tree species that attains maturity in natural forests after 25-40 years. Red Sanders Woods are highly sought after throughout Asia, especially in China and Japan for the simple reason that they are known for use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical items as well as for building furniture, woodcraft and musical instruments. They are also known for their healing capabilities and rich colour. The species has experienced a population decline of 50-80% in the last 50 years due to smuggling, forest fires, cattle grazing and other anthropogenic threats and spread of diseases like spike disease. In 2016, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act was amended to give special status of protection and Red Sanders offences were made cognisable and non-bailable.
• Hence the Statement II gives the correct explanation of Statement I

Q) Consider the following statements:

1. The Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are run by the Department of Public Enterprises under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
2. The Government of India grants the status of Navratna, Miniratna and Maharatna to CPSEs based upon the profit made by these CPSEs.
3. Recently, the Finance Ministry upgraded Oil India and ONGC Videsh, to Maharatna and Navratna categories of CPSEs respectively.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct: The Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are run by the Government of India under the Department of Public Enterprises of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. The government grants the status of Navratna, Miniratna and Maharatna to CPSEs based upon the profit made by these CPSEs. The Maharatna category has been the most recent one since 2009, other two have been in function since 1997. Recently, the Finance Ministry upgraded two oil sector companies, Oil India and ONGC Videsh, to Maharatna and Navratna categories of central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), respectively.

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