Daily Current Affairs MCQ- June 8, 2023 - UPSC MCQ

Scientists recently found that checking sand mining in Dongting lake in China can help the rebounding of the population of the Yangtze finless porpoise.

• Previous reports had shown the porpoise were pushed out of certain stretches of their habitat due to sand mining.
• The Chinese government announced a crackdown on illegal sand mining along the entire length of the river Yangtze.
• The Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia is home to these porpoises. 
• Yangtze finless porpoise is known for its mischievous smile and has a level of intelligence comparable to that of a gorilla.
• These are very small compared to whales and slow-moving inhabitants.
• These are good indicators of the health of their environment.
• Conservation status:

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

Recently, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) gave details of a proposed framework for shifting to a new payments system for secondary market trades.

• This process is developed by SEBI to apply for IPOs, Rights and Debts Issues, FPS and more.
• It entails that the amount to be paid for subscribing to the shares does not get debited from the investor’s account until the shares have been allotted by the company.
• Investors can apply for ASBA and have the bank block out the application money until the shares get allotted to the investor.
• This system will provide the authorization of the investor to subscribe only when the application is selected for the issue.
• This blocking is carried out by Self-Certified Syndicate Banks (SCSB).
• Upon the approval of the issue to the investor, the funds are paid accordingly.
• Self-Certified Syndicate Banks (SCSBs): These are SEBI-authorized banks that conform to the conditions laid by SEBI to accept the applications, and verify and block the amount.

Hence both statements are correct.

Birders and ornithologists recently in the State of Kerala spotted a migratory bird the Sedge Warbler.

• The sedge warbler is a medium-sized warbler of marshes, reedbeds and wetlands that can be spotted singing from perches on reeds and willow bushes.
• The male sedge warbler introduces random phrases into its repertoire which is known for mimicking.
• The male warbler never sings the same song twice; he attracts more mates the more phrases his song has.
• These are insectivores in nature.
• Conservation status:

IUCN Red List: Least concern

Hence both statements are correct.

Recently, the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) simplifies the composition fee for export obligation extension under the advance authorisation scheme.

• An advance authorisation scheme allows duty-free import of inputs, which have to be mandatorily used in products that are required to be exported within a specified time.
• They are not allowed to sell the products in the domestic market.
• Advance Authorization is valid for 12 months from the date of issue of such Authorization.
• The revised composition fee formula is based on a specific rate for different levels of the 'CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value of authorisation.
• The fees levied under these 3 slabs; at ₹5,000 for a cost, insurance, freight (CIF) value of advance authorization license valued at up to ₹2 crores, ₹10,000 for a value between ₹2 crore and 10 crores, and ₹15,000 for value over ₹10 crores.
• The simplification of calculations for composition fees helps in automation and faster service delivery by making the process more efficient and easier to understand.

Hence both statements are correct.

A recent study on the Indian star tortoise distributed across South Asia has revealed that the genetic diversity of the species as well as its habitat has suffered major losses because of rampant illegal trade.

• Indian star tortoise is found in the central and Southern parts of India, in West Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• Conservation status:
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Convention on International Trade in Species (CITES): Appendix I
• Wild Life Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV
• Threat: The highly fragmented habitat of the species, is greatly influenced by an increased level of urbanisation and agricultural practices throughout its range.
• Conservation Efforts:
• At the 18th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP18) held in 2019, Indian Star Tortoise was up-listed to Appendix I from Appendix II owing to its over-exploitation.  

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

 The ASER Report 2022 released recently revealed that almost all (98.4%) students in the age bracket of 6-14 years are now enrolled in schools.

About ASER Survey:

• It is a citizen-led household survey that provides estimates of the enrolment status of children aged 3-16 and the basic reading and arithmetic levels of children aged 5-16 at the national, state and district level.
• ASER is published by NGO Pratham, and the survey has been conducted every year since 2005.
• The survey reaches children in the age group of 3-16 in almost all rural districts of India.
• It uses household rather than school-based sampling.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

Recently, the Government of India has decided to allow 2000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to open Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country. 

• Jan Aushadhi Kendra is set up under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, which was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in November 2008.
• Objective: To provide quality medicines at affordable prices for all, particularly the poor, to reduce out-of-pocket expenses in healthcare.
• These Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy to expensive branded drugs.
• Jan Aushadhi stores also sell allied medical products commonly sold in chemist shops to improve the viability of running the Jan Aushadhi store.
• Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co-coordinating procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through the PMBKs.
• The incentive amount of Rs.5 lakh will be provided to set up Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
• Jan Aushadhi Kendra can be opened by, State Governments or any organization / reputed NGOs / Trusts / Private hospitals / charitable institutions / Doctors / Unemployed pharmacists/ individual entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for the new Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
• The applicants shall have to employ one B Pharma / D Pharma degree holder as Pharmacist in their proposed store.

Hence only statement 2 is correct.

Recently, in a significant step towards enhancing domestic production of pulses, the government of India has removed the procurement ceilings of 40% for tur, urad and Masur under Price Support Scheme (PSS) operations for 2023-24.

• It is being implemented by the Government of India in the state.
• It is one of the components of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (AASA) scheme.
• Implemented by: The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation implements this scheme for procurement of oil seeds, pulses and cotton, through NAFED which is the Central nodal agency, at the MSP declared by the government.
• Main crops covered: Bajra, Jowar, Maize, Paddy, Cotton, Tur, Moong, Urad, Groundnut, Sesamum Wheat, Gram, Mustard, Sugarcane etc.
• Farmers get the benefit of the scheme through the sale of their produce at support price in APMC centres opened by the Nodal procurement agency.
• When prices of commodities fall below the MSP, State and central notified procurement nodal agencies purchase commodities directly from the farmers at MSP, Under specified FAQ (fair Average Quality).

Hence only statement 1 is correct.

Recently, the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) quashed the order passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) cancelling Brickwork Ratings' licence as a credit rating agency.

• Securities Appellate Tribunal is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
• It hears and disposes of appeals against orders passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• Composition:
• It consists of a Presiding Officer & Two other members.
• The Presiding officer shall be appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India or his nominee.
• It has the same powers as vested in a civil court under the code of civil procedure while trying a suit.

Hence both statements are correct.

The Nyaya Vikas Portal has been created for monitoring the implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Nyay Vikas.

• Nyay Vikas scheme: The Department of Justice has been implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for the Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Districts and Subordinate Judiciary since 1993-94.
• Under the Scheme, central assistance is provided to the State Government / UT Administrations for the construction of court halls and residential units for Judicial Officers / Judges of District and Subordinate Courts.
• The funds sharing pattern under the Scheme for Center and State is 60:40 in respect of States other than North Eastern and Himalayan States.
• The funds sharing pattern is 90:10 in respect of North Eastern and Himalayan States and 100% in respect of Union Territories.
• The portal has been created for monitoring the implementation of this Scheme.

Hence only statement 1 is correct.