UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 14th December 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Mount Marapi

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

Recently, the volcano Mount Marapi erupted.

Background:-

• Mount Marapi in Indonesia erupted, with 23 people dead or presumed dead.

About Mount Marapi:-

• Location: West Sumatra, Indonesia.
• Mount Merapi (Mountain of Fire) is one of the world’s most active volcanos located in Indonesia.
• It rises to 9,551 feet.
• It is located near the centre of the island of Java and Indonesia’s cultural capital,
• Mt Merapi’s last significant eruption was in 2010.
• At that time, more than 300 people were killed and some 2,80,000 residents were forced to evacuate the surrounding areas.
• Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• The local name for Mount Merapi is Gunung Merapi which can be translated to Fire Mountain or Mountain of Fire.
• Merapi is the combination of two Javanese words: “Meru” which means “Mountain” and “api” which means “fire.”
• Mount Merapi sits on a subduction zone where the Indo-Australian Plate subducts under the Eurasian Plate
• Merapi is the youngest volcano in southern Java.
• It is also the most active volcano of the roughly 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
• This stratovolcano has been active for roughly 10,000 years.

Source: India Today

Terai

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

In a first, a tiger was spotted in the Shaukiyathal forest near Jageshwar Dham, Almora, at an elevation of over 6,000 feet in the Terai region of Uttarakhand.

About Terai:

• Terai, or Tarai, is a lowland belt of flat, alluvial land stretching along the Nepal-India border and running parallel to the lower ranges of the Himalayas. 
• A strip of undulating former marshland, it stretches from the Yamuna River in the west to the Brahmaputra River in the east.
• It is the northern extension of the Gangetic Plain in India, commencing at about 300 metres above sea level and rising to about 1,000 metres at the foot of the Siwalik Range.
• In India, the Terai extends over the states of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. 
• It extends nearly 800 km from east to west and about 30-40 km from north to south.
• The average elevation is below 750 m.
• The flatland of Terai was formed by Gangetic alluvium consisting of beds of silt, clay, sand, pebbles, and gravel. 
• At its northern edge are numerous springs forming several streams, including the important Ghaghara River (left-bank tributary of the Ganges River), that intersect the Tarai and are responsible for its marshy character.
• The landscape boasts some of India’s best-known tiger reserves and protected areas such as Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji National Park, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, and Valmiki Tiger Reserve. In total, the landscape has 13 protected Areas, nine in India and four in Nepal.
• Interspersed with the Tarai is the Bhabar, which is a region of coarse gravel and shingle deposits supporting sal (Shorea robusta) forests.

Source: Indian Express

Bhagat Singh’s Bombing of Delhi Central Assembly

Subject: Modern History

Why in News?

A serious security breach occurred in the Indian Parliament when two individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing yellow smoke.

• Police sources indicated that the act, involving a total of six individuals, was apparently inspired by the revolutionary Bhagat Singh.

Bhagat Singh’s Historic Act in 1929

• Central Assembly Incident: Over 94 years ago, Bhagat Singh, along with Batukeshwar Dutt, threw bombs and pamphlets in Delhi’s Central Assembly, challenging the British Empire.
• Objective: Their act was not aimed at causing harm but to protest against the lack of autonomy under the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms and to voice against repressive measures.

1929 ‘Indian Parliament’ and Revolutionary Motives

• Political Climate: The period saw Indian nationalists dissatisfied with the limited power under British rule, leading to revolutionary movements.
• HSRA’s Stance: The Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA), led by Chandrashekhar Azad and involving Bhagat Singh, sought to oppose the facade of an Indian Parliament run by the British.
• Pamphlet’s Message: The HSRA aimed to ‘make the deaf hear’, using their act as a symbolic protest against the British administration.

Fateful Day: April 8, 1929

• Viceroy’s Proclamation: The incident coincided with the Viceroy’s enactment of controversial bills, despite opposition in the Assembly.
• Well-Planned Action: Bhagat Singh and Dutt conducted reconnaissance and executed their plan while dressed in khaki, throwing bombs and pamphlets into the Assembly.
• Immediate Arrest: Following their slogan-shouting and bomb-throwing, both revolutionaries were arrested as per their plan.

Aftermath: Trial and Sentencing

• Response to Criticism: Bhagat Singh and Dutt defended their actions, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and the moral justification of their cause.
• Trial and Sentencing: A month later, both were sentenced to life imprisonment. Bhagat Singh later faced additional charges leading to his execution in 1931.

Conclusion

• Echoes of History: The recent security breach in the Lok Sabha, inspired by Bhagat Singh’s act, reflects a continued legacy of protest in India.
• Legacy of Bhagat Singh: The incident serves as a reminder of Bhagat Singh’s enduring influence in Indian history, symbolizing resistance and the fight for justice.
• Contemporary Relevance: While the motives of the recent perpetrators are still under investigation, their actions highlight ongoing issues in India, from regional concerns to farmers’ rights, resonating with Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary spirit.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Subject: Government Schemes

Why in News?

Recently, Atal Pension Yojana (APY) enrolments crossed the 6 crore mark.

Background:-          

• The total enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed 6 crore, with over 79 lakh enrolments in the current Financial Year.

About Atal Pension Yojana (APY):-

• Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is an old-age income security scheme for all savings account holders between the age group 18-40 years.
• The scheme also addresses the longevity risks among the workers in the unorganized sector and encourages the workers to voluntarily save for their retirement.
• Under APY, the individual subscribers shall have the option to make the contribution on a monthly basis.
• Banks will be collecting  additional amounts for delayed payments, such amount will vary from a minimum of Rs. 1 per month to Rs 10/- per month as shown below:
• 1 per month for contributions up to Rs. 100 per month.
• 2 per month for contributions up to Rs. 101 to 500/- per month.
• 5 per month for contributions between Rs 501/- to 1000/- per month.
• 10 per month for contributions beyond Rs 1001/- per month.
• Discontinuation of payments of contribution amount shall lead to the following:-
• After 6 months account will be frozen.
• After 12 months account will be deactivated.
• After 24 months account will be closed.
• Upon exit on attaining 60 years
• The subscriber shall receive the following three benefits on attaining the age of 60:
  • Guaranteed minimum pension amount: Each subscriber under APY shall receive a guaranteed minimum pension of Rs. 1000 per month or Rs. 2000 per month or Rs. 3000 per month or Rs. 4000 per month or Rs. 5000 per month, after the age of 60 years until death.
  • Guaranteed minimum pension amount to the spouse: After the subscriber’s demise, the spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled to receive the same pension amount as that of the subscriber, until the death of the spouse.
  • Return of the pension wealth to the nominee of the subscriber: After the demise of both the subscriber and the spouse, the nominee of the subscriber shall be entitled to receive the pension wealth, as accumulated till age 60 years of the subscriber.
• The contributions to the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) are eligible for tax benefits similar to the National Pension System (NPS) under section 80CCD(1).
• Voluntary exit (Exit before 60 Years of age): –
  • The subscriber shall only be refunded the contributions made by him to APY along with the net actual accrued income earned on his contributions (after deducting the account maintenance charges).
  • Exception: In the case of subscribers who joined the scheme before 31st March 2016 and received Government Co-Contribution shall not receive the Government co-contribution and the accrued income earned on the same, if opted for Voluntary exit before 60 years.
• Age of joining and contribution period
  • The minimum age for joining APY is 18 years and the maximum age is 40 years.
  • The age of exit and start of pension would be 60 years.

Exclusions:-

• Tax Payers will not be eligible to join APY from 1 Oct 2022.
• Members of the statutory social security scheme are not eligible under this scheme.
• Members enrolled in statutory social security schemes like:-
  • Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1952.
  • The Coal Mines Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1948.
  • Assam Tea Plantation Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provision, 1955.
  • Seamens’ Provident Fund Act, 1966.
  • Jammu Kashmir Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provision Act, 1961.
  • Any other statutory social security scheme. 

Source: PIB

GS-III

Indian Tent Turtle

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

Recently, DRI rescued 436 baby Indian Tent Turtles in Lucknow.

Background:-

• Acting on the basis of specific intelligence developed by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Zonal Unit, Lucknow, seized 436 baby Indian Tent turtles from a person illegally transporting them interstate.

About Indian Tent Turtles:-

• Family: Geoemydidae
• Genus :    Pangshura
• Species :   tentoria
• The size of the carapace ranges from 20 cm to 26.5 cm depending upon the subspecies.
• The colour of the turtles also varies according to each subspecies.
• Subspecies tentoria has an olive or brownish head with a red postocular spot, the carapace is brown in colour with amber or hazel stripe in the first three vertebras and the plastron is yellow with black blotches.
• A semi-aquatic species, mainly found in rivers and associated systems.
• Reproduction is oviparous.

Distribution:-

• The species is native to India, Nepal and Bangladesh, with three subspecies recorded from the region viz., P. t. tentoria, P. t. circumdata and P. t. flaviventer. P. t. tentoria occurs in peninsular India and is recorded from Orissa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Madhya Pradesh. P. t. circumdata occurs in the western tributaries of the Ganga and the rivers of Gujarat.

Threats:-

• Damming of river
• Habitat degradation

Conservation Status:-

• IUCN: Least concern
• IWPA: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix II

Source: PIB

Vyommitra

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The Minister of Science and Technology recently announced that India is set to launch Vyommitra, a female robot astronaut, into space as part of the ambitious Gaganyaan project.

About Vyommitra:

• Vyommitra is a combination of two Sanskrit words Vyoma (Space) and Mitra (Friend).
• It is a female robot designed and developed by the ISROto fly aboard unmanned test missions ahead of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
• It is referred to as a half-humanoid robot as she doesn't have legs. However, she can bend forward and sideways.
• Besides going on uncrewed Gaganyaan missions, she will accompany astronauts on manned missions too.
• Features:
  • The AI-enabled robot, which can withstand vibrations and shock during the flight, has been designed to resemble a human with facial expressions, speech, and sight capabilities.
  • It is equipped with the capability to monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations.
  • It can perform tasks such as operating switch panels, and serving as a companion to astronauts, engaging in conversations, recognising them, and responding to their inquiries. 

What is the Gaganyaan mission?

• Under the Gaganyaan Mission, ISRO will be sending three humans to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bringing them back safely to Earth.
• Launch Vehicle: The Mark-3 (LVM3/GSLV Mk3) rocket, the well-proven and reliable heavy lift launcher of ISRO, is identified as the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission.
• The Astronaut Training Facility established in Bengaluru provides a comprehensive training program for astronauts preparing for the Gaganyaan mission.

Source: India News

European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

Switzerland's Ambassador to India recently expressed optimism that the crucial European Free Trade Association (EFTA) deal with the country will be wrapped up before the 2024 general elections.

About the European Free Trade Association (EFTA):

• It is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1960 by the Stockholm Convention.
• Objective: Promotes free trade and economic integration between its members within Europe and globally.
• Member Countries:
  • EFTA currently has four member countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
  • The EFTA members are all open, competitive economies committed to the progressive liberalisation of trade in the multinational arena as well as in free trade agreements. 
• In contrast to the European Union (EU), EFTA is not a customs union. This means that the individual EFTA States are free to set their own customs tariffs and arrange other foreign trade measures vis-à-vis the non-EFTA States.
• The association is responsible for the management of:
  • the free trade between the EFTA countries;
  • EFTA’s participation in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the European Union and three EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, but not Switzerland);
  • EFTA’s worldwide network of free trade agreements.
• The EFTA countries have developed one of the largest networks of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These FTAs span over 60 countries and territories, including the EU.

Source: Money Control