Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (23-04-2024)
| News at a Glance
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| Telangana: Telangana in talks with Maharashtra govt to construct Tummidihatti project |
| National: Karnataka Drought Crisis |
| Mega Parking Project on Mullaperiyar Dam |
| Economy: Administrative Allocation of Auctions |
| Awards: Padma Awards 2024 |
| Ecology and Environment: Earth Day 2024 celebrated |
Telangana in talks with Maharashtra govt to construct Tummidihatti project
Source: Telangana Today
TSPSC Syllabus Relevance: Irrigation projects
Context: The Godavari River is the longest river in Telangana
Why in news
- Telangana State government was in talks with Maharashtra government to construct the Tummidihatti project.
Key highlights
- State government would construct a barrage at Tummidi Hatti across the Godavari river
- Government would take up the construction of a project in Kupti in Adilabad, and that a majority of the area in the district would be brought under the irrigation in the future.
- The Telangana government would pay compensation to the farming community in Maharashtra for constructing the Tummidihatti project.
- It would also be named after Dr BR Ambedkar.
Tummidihetti Barrage
- Tummidihetti Barrage is a proposed barrage across Pranhita River, a tributary of Godavari River at Tummidihetti village, Koutala mandal, Adilabad district of Telangana State.
- The project will provide irrigation facilities for an ayacut of 2,00,000 acres in drought prone areas in East Adilabad District of Telangana State.
Godavari River
- The Godavari River is the longest river in Telangana, and it flows through many districts of Telangana including Nizamabad, Jagtial, Peddapalli, Nirmal, and Mancherial.
- Godavari enters into Telangana in Nizamabad district at Kandakurthy where Manjira, Haridra rivers joins Godavari and forms Triveni Sangamam.
- The river flows along the border between Nirmal and Mancherial districts in the north and Nizamabad, Jagtial, Peddapalli districts to its south.
- The Pranhita River is the largest tributary of the Godavari River, covering about 34% of its drainage basin.
- Indravati is the 2nd largest tributary, known as the “lifeline” of the Kalahandi, Nabarangapur of Odisha and Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
- Tummidihetti Barrage is a proposed barrage across Pranhita River, a tributary of Godavari River at Tummidihetti village, Koutala mandal, Adilabad district of Telangana State.
- The project will provide irrigation facilities for an ayacut of 2,00,000 acres in drought prone areas in East Adilabad District of Telangana State.
| CARE MCQ |
| Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to Godavari river:
1. Tummidihetti Barrage is a proposed barrage across Pranhita River, a tributary of Godavari river. 2. The Indravati River is the largest tributary of the Godavari River. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 |
| Answer 1– A
Explanation · Telangana State government was in talks with Maharashtra government to construct the Tummidihatti project. Tummidihetti Barrage is a proposed barrage across Pranhita River, a tributary of Godavari River at Tummidihetti village, Koutala mandal, Adilabad district of Telangana State. · The project will provide irrigation facilities for an ayacut of 2,00,000 acres in drought prone areas in East Adilabad District of Telangana State. · So, statement 1 is correct. · The Pranhita River is the largest tributary of the Godavari River, covering about 34% of its drainage basin. · Indravati is the 2nd largest tributary, known as the “lifeline” of the Kalahandi, Nabarangapur of Odisha and Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. So, statement 2 is incorrect.
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Karnataka Drought Crisis
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 (Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure)
Context: Facing the drought like situation Karnataka sought ₹18,171.44 crore under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) six months ago
Why in News
- Recently, Supreme Court nudged Centre and Karnataka about the need to amicably resolve differences that arise in a federal structure, even as the Union government assured that “something will be done” to resolve the drought worries of Karnataka in a week’s time.
States Moving Supreme Court against State:
- In the previous hearing, the Supreme Court had questioned the Centre about the steady stream of States moving the court against the Union government.
- Recently, the Tamil Nadu government accused the Centre in the Supreme Court of treating the people of the State in a “step-motherly” fashion by delaying the release of disaster relief funds to the tune of nearly ₹38,000 crore to help tide over the twin calamities of cyclone Michaung and unprecedented floods in the southern districts.
- Likewise, Kerala filed a first-of-its-kind suit directly in the Supreme Court, blaming the Centre of arbitrarily interfering in its net borrowing limits, pushing the State to the brink of a financial emergency.
Drought in Karnataka:
- Karnataka as a whole recorded -56% deficit rainfall in June of 2023, which was the third lowest in the last 122 years for the State.
- For the Kharif 2023 season, a total of 223 out of 236 taluks are declared as drought-affected, with 196 taluks categorised as severely affected and the remaining 27 categorised as moderately affected.
- The total estimated loss due to crop damage in the State is ₹35,162.05 crore.
- The State government had submitted three drought relief memoranda under various heads, including ₹4,663.12 crore towards crop loss input subsidy, ₹12,577.9 crore for gratuitous relief to families affected, ₹566.78 crore for addressing shortage of drinking water relief then ₹363.68 crore towards cattle care.
Violation of Fundamental Rights:
- As per the petition of Karnataka, the action of the Central government in denying the financial assistance to the State is ex facieviolative of the fundamental rights of the people of Karnataka guaranteed under Articles 14 (right to equality), 21 (right to life) of the Constitution.
- The State argued that the action of the Centre was violative of the statutory scheme of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the Manual for Drought Management and the Guidelines on Constitution and Administration of the State Disaster Response Fund and the NDRF.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements:
1. The response of National Disaster Management Authority is focused only on natural disasters. 2. President is the head of nine-membered organisation of NDMA. 3. The Ministry of Agriculture is the nodal ministry to monitoring and managing drought conditions. Which among the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 only D. 3 only
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Q. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006? (UPSC Prelims 2021)
A. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climatic change. B. Ministry of Panchayat Raj C. Ministry of Rural Development D. Ministry of Tribal Affairs Answer: D
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| Answer 2 D
Explanation · The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India. · Its central function is to respond both natural calamities and human-induced crises, while also fostering the development of robust disaster resilience and effective crisis management capabilities. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. · As per the Disaster Management Act of 2005, NDMA include Prime Minister is the Chairperson and nine other members, with one designated as Vice-Chairperson. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. · The Ministry of Agriculture serves as the focal ministry responsible for overseeing and addressing drought conditions through monitoring and management efforts. Hence, statement 3 is correct. · Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
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Mega Parking Project on Mullaperiyar Dam
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Context: Tamil Nadu rejected Survey of India report on mega parking project near the Mullaperiyar dam finding it factually incorrect.
Why in News
- The Supreme Court has finalised a date to hear and decide legal issues mentioned in original suit filed by Tamil Nadu against neighbouring Kerala over the construction of a mega parking project near the Mullaperiyar dam.
Historical Background of Mullaperiyar Dam:
- The Mullaperiyar dam, erected between 1887 and 1895, was designed to redirect water from the westward-flowing Periyar river to the drier eastern regions, including parts of the Madras Presidency.
- In 1886, a lease agreement spanning 999 years, known as the Periyar Lake Lease Agreement, was inked between the Maharaja of Travancore (which later became part of Kerala post-independence) and the Secretary of State for British India, to facilitate the Periyar irrigation works.
- Following India’s independence, Tamil Nadu and Kerala renewed this agreement in 1970, granting Tamil Nadu control over the land and water resources associated with the dam, along with authorization to implement hydroelectric projects, while Kerala received rent.
- Consequently, Tamil Nadu has been managing the Mullaperiyar dam, situated on the Periyar river within Kerala’s territory.
- In 2014, Tamil Nadu filed a lawsuit contesting Kerala’s construction of a large car park in the Mullaperiyar catchment area. The suit aimed to permanently prevent Kerala from encroaching upon the land leased to Tamil Nadu.
Survey of India Report:
- Last year, Supreme Court directed Survey of India to conduct research and report on feasibility of mega car parking project envisaged by Kerala near the Mullaperiyar dam area.
- The Survey of India was asked to first demarcate and survey the area covered by the lease deed, and then ascertain if the construction of the car park entered into any part of the lease deed area.
- As per Tamil Nadu, Survey should have approached suitable agency like Central Soil and Materials Research Station for the purpose of ascertaining the original ground level, instead of arriving at a conclusion based on presumption and surmises.
Tamil Nadu Opposition to Car Parking Project:
- The project, which involved various supplementary construction activities, would environmentally affect the catchment area, the water spread area of the dam and consequently the waters of the reservoir, used for drinking and irrigation purposes by the people of five districts of Tamil Nadu.
- Tamil Nadu had argued that Kerala, had already encroached about 2.5 acres, and through this project, proposed to take over about 20 acres in the water spread area of the dam for parking vehicle.
- It will also construct reception blocks, cafeteria, sewage treatment plant, eco-shops complex, thematic arboretums, landscaping, etc, intended for tourism and commercial activities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements with regards to Mullaperiyar dam:
1. Mullaperiyar dam is situated in Theni district of Tamil Nadu. 2. It is managed and operated by Kerela for 999 years. 3. It is situated on Periyar river, which is the longest river of Kerala. Which among the above statement/s is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 1 only D. 3 only
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Q. With reference to river teesta, consider the following statements(UPSC Prelims 2017)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (B)
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| Answer 3– D
Explanation –
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Administrative Allocation of Auctions
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Context: Union government is looking for a ‘clarification’ of the 2G spectrum verdict, which had held that ‘the state must always adopt a method of auction’ when it comes to the alienation of scarce natural resources like spectrum.
Why in News
- The Supreme Court recently, agreed to hear an application from the Union government to allow the administrative allocation of “certain class” of spectrum, rather than by competitive auctions.
2G Spectrum case:
- In the judgement apex court quashed the 2G spectrum licences given to various firms during the tenure of A Raja as the telecom minister in 2008.
- As per the court, State was duty bound to adopt the auction route while transferring or alienating the country’s natural resources.
- It is the burden of the State to ensure that a non-discriminatory method is adopted for distribution and alienation, which would necessarily result in protection of national/public interest.
Centre’s Arguments:
- As per the government, spectrum was assigned not only for commercial telecom services but also for discharge of sovereign and public interest functions such as security, safety, disaster preparedness, etc.
- There are also sui generis categories of usage owing to the characteristics of the spectrum, or the nature of use, or international practices, etc, in respect of which are auctions are not technically or economically preferred or optimal.
- Centre argued there is a need to upgrade spectrum assignment framework, including methods of assignment of spectrum, other than auction, in suitable cases to best subserve the common good.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Consider the following statements :
Statement 1: The airwave spectrum once auctioned are available with the bidder for indefinite period of time.
Statement 2: Department of Telecom under the Ministry of Communications is responsible for conducting airwave auction. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-1 C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct |
Q. In India, which of the following reviews the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity etc.?(UPSC Prelims 2019)
1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament. 2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees 3. Finance Commission 4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission 5. NITI Aayog
Select the correct answer using the code given below. A. 1 and 2 B. 1 , 3 and 4 C. 3, 4 and 5 D. 2 and 5 Ans- A
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| Answer 4 D
Explanation · Spectrum allocation” refers to the process of assigning specific frequency bands within the electromagnetic spectrum for various uses such as telecommunications, broadcasting, satellite communications, wireless technologies, and other applications. · Licenses for airwaves auctions are typically granted for a specific duration, commonly set at 20 years, after which they expire and need to be renewed or reissued. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. · In India, Department of Telecom under Ministry of Communication is responsible for auctioning airwave spectrum. Hence, statement 2 is correct. · Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
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Padma Awards 2024
Source: The Hindustan Times
UPSC Relevance: National Awards
Context: President Draupadi Murmu recently conferred Padma Awards to various dignitaries.
Why in News
- Former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu, the late Sulabh International founder Bindeshwar Pathak, and acclaimed Bharat Natyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam were honoured with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan
Padma Bhushan:
- Actor Mithun Chakraborty, singer Usha Uthup, former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, and industrialist Sitaram Jindal were among those conferred with the Padma Bhushan.
Padma Shri:
- Veteran Punjabi actor Nirmal Rishi, Folk artist Drona bhuyan were conferred Padma Shri among others.
Padma Awards:
- Established in 1954, these awards are among the highest civilian honours in India and are announced annually on the occasion of Republic Day.
- The Padma Awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender. However, government employees, with the exception of doctors and scientists, including those employed in public sector undertakings (PSUs), are ineligible for these honours.
- The awardees are selected by Padma Awards Committee which headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, the Secretary to the President, and four to six eminent persons as members.
Padma Vibhushan:
- It is awarded to individuals for exceptional and distinguished service in any field including art, literature, science, public service, and sports.
- Established in 1954, the Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award after the Bharat Ratna.
Padma Bhushan:
- It is awarded to individuals for their outstanding contributions and achievements in various fields such as art, literature, science, public service, and sports.
Padma Shri:
- The Padma Shri is a renowned civilian award bestowed by the Government of India in recognition of distinguished service or achievement in various fields such as art, literature, science, public service, and sports.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Consider the following statements:
1. Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian honour of India. 2. Padma awards has been awarded every year on Republic Day since its conception. 3. Padma Shri is not awarded in artistic fields. Which among the above statement/s is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 only C. 3 only D. All of the above
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Consider the following statements in respect of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (UPSC Prelims 2021)
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titled under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once. 3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. Which of the above statements is not correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer C
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| Answer 5 B
Explanation · Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award after the Bharat Ratna. Hence, statement 1 is correct. · The awards are announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day except for the interruption during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. · Padma Shri is awarded in recognition of distinguished service or achievement in various fields such as art, literature, science, public service, and sports. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
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Earth Day 2024 celebrated
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: Ecology and Environment
Context: Theme of Earth Day 2024 is ‘Planet vs. Plastics’
Why in News
- Globally, April 22 is observed as Earth Day, an international event celebrated around the world to pledge support for environmental protection.
Theme of Earth Day 2024:
- The theme of Earth Day 2024 is ‘Planet vs. Plastics’.
- The theme highlights the threat plastics pose to the planet and human health. It calls for an end to all plastic waste by demanding a 60% reduction in the production of plastics by the year 2040.
Historical Background:
- Earth Day was first observed in 1970 when 20 million took to the streets to protest against environmental degradation.
- The event was triggered by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and other issues such as smog and polluted rivers.
- In 2009, the United Nations designated Earth Day as International Mother Earth Day.
- The landmark Paris Agreement, which brings almost 200 countries together to set a common target to reduce global greenhouse emissions, was signed on Earth Day 2016.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q6. Consider the following statements:
1. Earth day is observed on 22 April globally. 2. The theme of Earth Day 2024 is “Invest in our Planet” Which among the above statements is/are not correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. “Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a: (UPSC Prelims 2022)
A. Database created by coalition of research organisations B. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change” C. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change” D. Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank Ans: (A)
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| Answer 6– B
Explanation · Globally, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, which marks the international efforts for preservation of Earth. Hence, statement 1 is correct. · The theme Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs Plastic. Hence statement 2 is not correct. · Invest in our planet was the theme of Earth Day 2023. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
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