UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 21st December 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Iceland volcano

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

A volcano erupted in Iceland’s Reykjavik with lava fountains reaching high up in the air recently.

Background:-

• In just the past two years, there have been four eruptions on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Iceland’s most populated corner and home to its capital.

About Iceland volcano:-

• A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface.
• Movement of molten rock in the mantle, caused by thermal convection currents, coupled with gravitational effects of changes on the earth’s surface (erosion, deposition, even asteroid impact and patterns of post-glacial rebound) drive plate tectonic motion and ultimately volcanism.

Types of Volcanos:-

• Active Volcanoes: they show some level of activity and are likely to explode again.
• Dormant Volcano: Many other volcanoes are dormant, showing no current signs of exploding but are likely to become active at some point in the future. 
• Extinct Volcano: Has all the features of the volcano but has not erupted in historic times.

Factors that lead to volcanism:-

• Plate Tectonics: The majority of volcanoes occur where two lithospheric plates converge and one overrides the other, forcing it down into the mantle to be reabsorbed.
• Ocean floor spreading: A major site of active volcanism is along the axis of the oceanic ridge system, where the plates move apart on both sides of the ridge and magma wells up from the mantle.
• Weak Earth Surface: Because of high pressure in the earth’s interior, the magma and gases escape with great velocity as the pressure is released through eruptions where opportunity is provided by weak zones along the earth’s surface.
• Faults: Whenever extreme pressure builds in the mantle, along fault lines an eruption is likely to happen next. The earthquakes, for instance, may expose fault zones through which magma may escape.
• Magma crystallization: Decreasing temperatures can cause old magma to crystallize and sink to the bottom of the chamber and this movement can force fresh liquid magma up and out – similar to dropping a brick in a bucket of water.
• A decrease in external pressure: A decrease in external pressure can trigger an eruption as it may minimize the volcano’s ability to hold back by increasing the pressures inside the magma chamber
• Plate movement: Volcanism may occur because of plate movement over a “hot spot” from which magmas can penetrate to the surface. Ex. Islands of Hawaii

Source: Times of India

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GS-II

Ex-Parte Decree

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

 Recently, the Supreme Court recently held that a Civil Revision Petition under Section 115 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC) is not maintainable against the dismissal of an application filed under Order IX Rule 13 of the CPC to set aside an ex-parte decree.

Background:-

• The Court clarified that Section 115 cannot be invoked to challenge dismissals of applications seeking to set aside ex-parte decrees.
  • Section 115 deals with the revisional powers of the High Court to scrutinize lower court judgments.

About Ex-Parte Decree:-

• Ex-parte decrees are judicial orders issued without the other party’s participation, typically in urgent situations where one party claims irreparable harm or injustice.
• These decrees are temporary and subject to review upon a subsequent hearing involving both parties.
• These are commonly utilized in family law cases such as child custody, domestic violence, or divorce to ensure immediate protection for a party or a child facing imminent danger or harm.
• As per the CPC, there is no specific time limit mentioned to file an application to set aside the ex-parte order, but it is advisable to file the application as soon as possible after becoming aware of the ex-parte order.
• The applicant should provide supporting evidence to substantiate their claim.
• For example, if the ground for setting aside the order is improper service of summons, the applicant may need to provide proof that the summons was not served correctly.
• The court will schedule a hearing to consider the application. 
• The court will assess the validity of the grounds presented by the applicant and may inquire into the circumstances that led to the ex-parte order.
• The court has the discretion to decide whether the grounds presented are sufficient and whether the ex-parte order should be set aside.
• The court may also impose conditions and terms, including costs and other factors, when setting aside the order.

Source: Live Law

National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL)

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister of Cooperation informed the Lok Sabha about the National Cooperative Exports Limited.

About the National Cooperative Exports Limited:

• It was set up by the the Ministry of Cooperation under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.
• It will provide a complete ecosystem for the promotion of exports mainly of Agri commodities for the benefit of our farmers, in which India has a comparative advantage.
• All cooperative societies from the level of primary to apex that are interested in exports are eligible to become members.
• The NCEL has provision of two kinds of members namely:
  • Ordinary Members: The following shall be eligible to become ordinary members of the NCEL: -
    • Any multi-state co-operative society or any co-operative society registered or deemed to be registered under any law relating to co-operative societies for the time being in force in any State or UT;
    • The National Co-operative Development Corporation (NCDC) established under the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962
    • Such class or classes of persons or associations of persons as may be permitted by the Central Registrar having regard to the nature and activities of the Society.
    • No individual shall be eligible to become an ordinary member of the NCEL.
  • Nominal or associate member: The society may, in the interest of the promotion of its business, admit any person, including cooperative banks, as a nominal member or associate member. 
• This society will focus on exporting the surpluses available in the Indian cooperative sector by accessing wider markets beyond the geographical contours of the country.

Source: PIB

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GS-III

Consumer Price Index

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

The All-India Consumer Price Index Number for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers for the month of November 2023 was increased recently.

Key Highlights:-

• CPI increased by 12 points and 11 points respectively to stand at 1253 and 1262 points respectively.
• There has been an upward trend in the index across all the states except West Bengal (both CPI-AL and CPI-RL indices decreased) and Himachal Pradesh (the CPI-AL index decreased).
• In the case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 11 States, 11 to 20 points in 4 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 3 states.
• In the case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 11 states, 11 to 20 points in 5 states and an increase of more than 20 points in 3 states.
• Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with 1439 points each topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 1015 points stood at the bottom.
• Among states, the maximum increase for CPI-AL was experienced by Maharashtra of 27 points which was mainly driven by the increased prices of jowar, rice, wheat atta, tapioca, arhar dal, onion and sugar etc.
• Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 7.37% and 7.13% in November, 2023 compared to 7.08% and 6.92% respectively in October, 2023 and 6.87% and 6.99% respectively during the corresponding month of  previous year.

About Consumer Price Index:-

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food and medical care.
• The CPI calculates the difference in the price of commodities and services such as food, medical care, education, electronics etc, which Indian consumers buy for use.

Type of CPI:-

• There are 4 different types of CPI measured:-

CPI for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW)

• It attempts to quantify changes in the pricing of a fixed basket of products and services used by Industrial Workers over time.
• Released by: Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Base Year: 2016.

CPI for Agricultural Laborers (CPI-AL)

• It helps to revise minimum wages for agricultural labor in different States.
• Released by: Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Base Year:1986-87.

CPI for Rural Labourer (CPI-RL)

• Released by: Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Base Year:1986-87.

CPI (Rural/Urban/Combined)

• Released by: National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation
• Base Year: 2012.

Calculation:–

• It is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them.
• The formula to calculate the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is as follows:
• CPI = (Total cost of basket of goods and services in the current period / Total cost of the basket of goods and services in the base period) x 100.

Uses:-

• To calculate the inflation levels CPI’s annual percentage change is also used to assess inflation.
• To compute the cost of living.
• Determine the purchasing power of a country’s currency.
• Understanding the real value of wages, salaries, pensions, etc.
• Price regulation.
• Provides insights into consumer spending

Significance:-

• Changes in the CPI are used to assess price changes associated with the cost of living.

Source: PIB

Blue dragons

Subject : Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

Venomous blue dragons were spotted near the seashore in Besant Nagar, Chennai recently.

Background:-

• Usually found in open sea surface waters, they sometimes get pushed to the shore due to a storm or some oceanic condition.

About Blue Dragons:-

• Scientific Name: Glaucus atlanticus
• Habitat: Open ocean
• Distribution: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans
• Lifespan: Unknown, potentially up to one year
• It is a type of mollusc known as a nudibranch.
• They also are known as blue sea slugs, blue angels, and sea swallows.
• They are typically slow-moving, terrestrial, and slimy.
• They can’t move fast, or eat vegetables.
• It isn’t venomous all on its own, however, it stores the stinging nematocysts created by the creatures on which it feeds.
• Its sting can cause problems, especially to children and elderly.
• One sting from this little creature can lead to nausea, pain, vomiting, acute allergic contact dermatitis, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• They are hermaphrodites.
• They are up to around 3cm (1.2 inch) long.
• They weigh up to 50g or less.
• They can be Blue, silver, or white in EColour.
• Their diet is Siphonophores and snails.

Source: Indian Express

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Valmiki Tiger Reserve

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

Authorities in Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) have credited the rise in the protected area’s tiger numbers to a reduction in human activities, including restrictions on illegal mining in its eco-sensitive zone.

About the Valmiki Tiger Reserve:

• It is located at the India-Nepal border in the West Champaran district of Bihar.
• It is situated in the Gangetic Plains biogeographic zone of the country.
• It forms the easternmost limit of the Himalayan Terai forests in India and is the only tiger reserve in Bihar.
• It comprises the Valmiki National Park and Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is surrounded by the Royal Chitwan National Park of Nepal in the north and the river Gandak on the western side.
• Rivers: Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan, and Bhapsa flow through various parts of the reserve.
• The forest of this region has a combination of bhabar and terai tracts.
• Vegetation: It has mainly Moist mixed deciduous, Open-land vegetation, Sub-mountainous semi-evergreen formation, Freshwater swamps, Riparian fringes, Alluvial grasslands, high hill savannah and Wetlands.
• Flora: Sal, rohini, sihor, teak, bamboo, semal, Mandar, shisham, Jamun, Gular etc.
• Fauna: Tigers, Leopards and Indian Wild Dogs are large predators. Leopard cat and fishing cat, Deer, sambar, barking deer and hog deer etc.

Source: Down to Earth

Mitochondrial Diseases

Subject: Science and Technology

A recent study has revealed that about a quarter of mitochondrial disease patients suffer from malnutrition.

About the Mitochondrial Diseases:

• Mitochondrial diseases are a group of conditions that affect how mitochondria work in your body.
• What are Mitochondria?
  • Mitochondria are membrane-bound cell organelles that generate most of the chemical energy needed to power the cell's biochemical reactions. 
  • They make it by combining oxygen with the fuel molecules (sugars and fats) that come from your food.
  • Chemical energy produced by the mitochondria is stored in a small molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
  • Generally, mitochondria, and therefore mitochondrial DNA, are inherited only from the mother.
• When the mitochondria are defective, the cells do not have enough energy. The unused oxygen and fuel molecules build up in the cells and cause damage.
• Mitochondrial diseases can affect almost any part of your body, including the cells of your Brain, Nerves, Muscles, Kidneys, Heart, Liver, Eyes, Ears, and Pancreas.
• Causes:
  • Genetic mutations cause these primary mitochondrial diseases. They usually happen before age 20, and some are more common in infants.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction can also occur when mitochondria don’t work as well as they should due to another disease or condition. These are called secondary mitochondrial diseases.
• Symptoms:
  • The symptoms of mitochondrial disease can vary. It depends on how many mitochondria are defective and where they are in the body. 
  • Sometimes only one organ, tissue, or cell type is affected. But often, the problem affects many of them. 
  • Muscle and nerve cells have especially high energy needs, so muscular and neurological problems are common.
• Treatment:
  • There are no cures for these diseases, but treatments may help with symptoms and slow down the disease.
  • They may include physical therapy, vitamins and supplements, special diets, and medicines.

Source: Indian Express

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