Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 26 May 2023

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2023

Q) Recently seen in news, the term ‘Forum Shopping’ is best related to which one of the following statements?

1. The act of choosing one multilateral group over others
2. Development of unsustainable practices in textile industry
3. The emphasis on one subject in environmental talk over others
4. A strategy of litigants to move case to a more favorable judge

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 25 May April 2023

Explanation:

• Option (4) is correct: When litigants or lawyers attempt to deliberately move their case to a particular judge or Court where they think the judgment could be more favourable, they are said to be “forum shopping.”Litigants and lawyers often consider this strategy as part of their litigation plan. Recently, Chief Justice of India (CJI) said that he will not permit ‘forum shopping’. Forum Shopping can allow plaintiffs to seek justice and compensation in a court that is more sympathetic to their claims or interests. It can encourage competition and innovation among courts and judges to improve their efficiency and quality of service. It can lead to injustice for the opposing party and create an imbalance in the workload of different courts and might overburden some courts over others. It can undermine the authority and legitimacy of courts and judges by creating perceptions of bias or favouritism.

Q) Consider the following statements about Ballistic Missiles:

1. They are powered by a series of rockets throughout their journey.
2. Strategic ballistic missiles have a range of more than 5,500 kilometres.
3. Recently, the Kheibar ballistic missile was launched by Russia against Ukraine.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Ballistic missiles are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target. Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.
• Statement 2 is correct: There are four general classifications of ballistic missiles based on their range, or the maximum distance the missile can travel:
• Short-range: Less than 1,000 kilometers (approximately 620 miles), also known as “tactical” ballistic missiles.
• Medium-range: Between 1,000 and 3,000 kilometers (approximately 620-1,860 miles), also known as “theater” ballistic missiles.
• Intermediate-range: Between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers (approximately 1,860-3,410 miles)
• Long-range: More than 5,500 kilometers (approximately 3,410 miles), also known as intercontinental or strategic ballistic missiles.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Iran has successfully tested a 2,000-km-range ballistic missile named Kheibar amid wider tensions over nuclear program. It is capable of carrying 1,500 kg of warheads. It is a liquid-fuel missile. Kheibar is an upgraded version of Iran’s Khoramshahr 4 ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km (1,243 miles) and capable of carrying a 1,500-kg (3,300-pound) warhead.

Q) With reference to Special Protection Group (SPG), consider the following statements:

1. SPG is a statutory body that started functioning in 2014.
2. The personnel of the Railway Protection Force Service can also be selected to work under the SPG.
3. SPG is headed by an officer not less than the rank of an additional director general of the Indian Police Service.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Special Protection Group was formed by Special Protection Group Act, 1988. SPG was started in 1985 in the wake of the killing of PM Indira Gandhi in 1984. SPG is responsible for the safety and security of the prime minister. The SPG protects the prime minister at all times both in India and abroad, as well as his immediate family members residing with them at their official residence. After 2019 Amendment to SPG Act, SPG protection is granted only to the prime minister of India.
• Statement 2 is correct: SPG draws its personnel, both men and women, from the Central Armed Police Forces (such as the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police) and the Railway Protection Force Service.
• Statement 3 is correct: Recently, Special Protection Group (SPG) Rules, 2023 were released by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Special Protection Group Act, 1988. SPG will be headed by an officer not less than the rank of an additional director general belonging to the Indian Police Service. As per SPG Rules, 2023, the general superintendence, direction, command and control, supervision, training, discipline, and administration of the force will be vested in the director.

Q) Consider the following statements about Census:

1. The constitution of India specifies the frequency of conducting censuses.
2. The Census of India Act of 1948 penalizes citizens for giving false information.
3. The population census is a state subject under Article 246 of the Indian Constitution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Explanation:

• Statement 1 and 3 are incorrect: A Census is constitutionally mandated in India, but it does not say when the Census has to be carried out, or what the frequency of this exercise should be. Thus, there is no Constitutional or legal requirement that a Census has to be done every 10 years. The population census is a Union subject under Article 246 of India Constitution. It is listed at serial number 69 of the seventh schedule of the constitution.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Census of India Act of 1948, which provides the legal framework for carrying out the Census, also does not mention its timing or periodicity. The Act makes it obligatory on the part of every citizen to answer the Census question truthfully and also penalises for giving false information.

Q) With reference to People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), consider the following statements:

1. The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 provides for the preparation of the PBR by the Biodiversity Management Committees.
2. PBR is a record of domesticated stocks and breeds of animals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1 and 2 are correct: The People’s Biodiversity Register serves as a comprehensive record of various aspects of biodiversity, including the conservation of habitats, preservation of land races, folk varieties and cultivars, domesticated stocks and breeds of animals, micro-organisms, and the accumulation of knowledge related to the area’s biological diversity. As per the Biological Diversity Act 2002, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) are created for “promoting conservation, sustainable use and documentation of biological diversity” by local bodies across the country. BMCs have been constituted by the local bodies in the States and Union Territories. They are entrusted with preparation of the People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), in consultation with local communities.

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