Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 5 May 2023

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2023

Q) Recently seen in news, the ‘Washington Declaration’, is related to which one of the following?

1. A joint nuclear deterrence strategy
2. Increasing trade between Indo-Pacific region
3. Development of principles of artificial technology
4. Creation of climate resilient agricultural technologies

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 4 May April 2023

Explanation:

• Option (1) is correct: The Washington Declaration is an agreement signed between the United States and South Korea, which outlines a joint nuclear deterrence strategy. The declaration specifies several measures that the two countries will take in cooperation towards deterrence. According to the declaration, an American nuclear ballistic submarine would be deployed in the Korean peninsula; a nuclear consultative group would be formed to formulate principles of joint response tactics. South Korea would receive Intel from the U.S. regarding nuclear advancements. The U.S. will strengthen South Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities through joint military training programs and an annual intergovernmental simulation. The declaration reaffirmed the non-proliferation Treaty implying that South Korea would not venture into the creation of its own independent nuclear capabilities and would instead focus on deterrence measures through an alliance-based approach. It also mandates the U.S. President as the only ‘sole authority’ to use the nuclear arsenal of the U.S. in the event of a nuclear confrontation.

Q) Consider the following statements about Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC):

1. CBDC is the digital form of a country’s fiat currency issued in electronic tokens.
2. CBDC is fully backed by the government of a country.
3. The SC Garg Committee suggested the introduction of digital fiat currency in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), or national digital currency, is simply the digital form of a country’s fiat currency. Instead of printing paper currency or minting coins, the central bank issues electronic tokens. This token value is backed by the full faith and credit of the government. CBDC would need an entirely new centralized payment system. This system would be linked to electronic wallets that reside on prepaid cards, smartphones, or other electronic devices. RBI has urged for increased adoption of CBDC for efficient cross-border payment.
• Statement 3 is correct: The inter-ministerial SC Garg Committee recommended that India should launch fiat money in digital form. India’s fairly high currency-to-GDP ratio holds out another benefit of CBDC to the extent large cash usage can be replaced by CBDC, the cost of paper currency can be substantially reduced. The need for inter-bank settlement would disappear as it would be a central bank liability handed over from one person to another. The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, was recently introduced. India launched its first digital rupee, also known as e₹-R, on December 1, 2022.

Q) Consider the following statements:

1. It is located in the Vindhya Hills in the state of Madhya Pradesh.
2. Tala, Khitauli, and Magadhi are three core zones in this area.
3. This area is best known for its Evergreen Sal Forest and Mixed Forest.
4. Its mention can be found in the ancient books of the ‘Narad Pancharatra’ and the ‘Shiv Purana’.

Which one of the following National Park is best described in the statements given above?

1. Panna National Park
2. Kanha National Park
3. Madhav National Park
4. Bandhavgarh National Park

Explanation:

• Option (4) is correct: Recently, Archeologists have stumbled on a 1,500-year-old rock painting and numerous 1,800-2,000-year-old man-made waterbodies in Bandhavgarh National Park. Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Vindhya Hills of the Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh. The national park consists of a core area of 105 sq km and a buffer area of approximately 400 sq km. Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993. It is known for its high density of Tigers, and it is a famous Natural hub for white tigers. There are three core zones in the national park such as Tala, Khitauli, and Magadhi. Its mention can be found in the ancient books of the ‘Narad Pancharatra’ and the ‘Shiv Purana’ that this place is associated with Ramayana. The Bandhavgarh Fort is a great masterpiece of “Treta Yuga” (one of the ages of mankind in Hinduism). It was ruled by major dynasties including Sengars, the Kalchuris, and the Baghels (believed to rule the regions for a longer period). The Park consists of mixed vegetation ranging from tall grasslands to thick Sal Forest. Topography comprises of hills, valleys, rivers, marshes, and meadows to give rise to diverse vegetation. It is best known for its Evergreen Sal Forest and Mixed Forest. The wildlife collection of Bandhavgarh includes 250 species of birds and 80 species of butterflies in addition to 37 species of mammals. Asiatic Jackal, Bengal Fox, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Leopard and Tiger, Wild Pigs, Nilgai, Chinkara, and Gaur (a herbivore and the only coarse feeder) are the main species found here. Birds like Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Shikra, long-billed Vulture, White-backed shama, etc. are also found.

Q) With reference to Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act, consider the following statements:

1. As per the Act, passing sexually charged remarks is also considered an act of sexual harassment.
2. According to the law, the complaint had to be filed within a month of the incident.
3. The Internal Complaints Committee must be led by a woman and have authority comparable to that of a civil court.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, known commonly as the PoSH Act, was passed in 2013.  The act defines sexual harassment, lays down the procedures for filing complaint and inquiry, and the action to be taken if allegations are true. Under the 2013 PoSH Act, committing any one or more of the following would constitute sexual harassment:
• Physical contact and advances
• A demand or request for sexual favours
• Sexually coloured remarks
• Showing pornography
• Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The PoSH Act broadened and gave legislative backing to Vishaka guidelines. The complaint had to be made within three months from the date of the incident. The ICC can extend the time limit if it is satisfied that certain circumstances prevented the victim from filing a complaint within the said period. The ICC can take steps to settle the matter between victim and the respondent through conciliation, before the start of inquiry and at the request of the aggrieved victim. However, monetary settlement shall not be allowed as a basis of conciliation. ICC can either forward the victim’s complaint to the police, or it can start an inquiry on its own, which has to be completed within 90 days.
• Statement 3 is correct: The PoSH Act mandates every employer to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) at each office or branch having 10 or more employees. The act defines various aspects of sexual harassment, and lays down procedures for action in case of a complaint. The ICC must be headed by a woman. It has powers similar to those of a civil court

Q) Consider the following statements about Araku valley:

1. It is located in the Western Ghats of the state of Karnataka.
2. The Arabica and Robusta varieties of coffee are grown in the valley.
3. The people of the Bonds tribe live in the hills of the Araku Valley.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Araku Valley is located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated about 115 kilometers west of Visakhapatnam city, known for its natural beauty, coffee plantations, and indigenous tribes. The valley is situated at an elevation of about 1,300 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the Eastern Ghats Mountain range.
• Statement 2 is correct: The increase in pre-seasonal rainfall in the Araku Valley is expected to improve the yield and quality of the coffee crop- Arabica coffee that recently received the GI Tag. One of the major attractions of Araku Valley is the coffee plantations, which are spread across a large area. The coffee grown in Araku Valley is of the Arabica and Robusta varieties. Araku coffee comes from the hilly tracks of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha region grown at an elevation of 900-1100m Mean Sea Level (MSL). Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has recently awarded GI tag to Araku Valley Arabica coffee.
• Statement 3 is correct: The people of the Bonds tribe live in the dense forests and hills of the Araku valley in the Visakhapatnam district. They are also known as Bondo and Poroju. The tribes are known for their handicrafts, which include pottery, weaving, and basketry.

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