Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 2 August 2023

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 2023

Q) Which of the following best describe the term ‘aspartame’, sometimes seen in the news?

1. Medicinal drug
2. Chemical pesticide
3. Artificial sweetener
4. Addictive stimulant drug

Daily Current Affairs for UPSC – 1 August April 2023

Explanation:

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared aspartame, an artificial sweetener used in the food industry, as a possible carcinogen.

• Option (3) is correct: Aspartame is one of the world’s most common artificial sweeteners and is used in a wide range of diet soft drinks, sugar-free chewing gum, sugar-free ice cream, sugar-free breakfast cereals, etc. Chemically, aspartame is a methyl ester of the dipeptide of two natural amino acids, L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine. It was discovered by James M Schlatter, a chemist at the American pharmaceutical company G D Searle & Co. (which is now a subsidiary of Pfizer) in 1965. Aspartame is preferred by people trying to cut calories or lose weight, or by diabetics. It is around 180 to 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Due to this property, even though aspartame produces 4 kcal (17 kJ) of energy per gram when metabolized, the quantity of aspartame needed to produce a sweet taste is so small that its caloric contribution is negligible. It is present in several brands of artificial sweeteners, the most common of which in India are Equal and Sugar-Free Gold.

Q) Consider the following statements about the Goods and Services Tax (GST):

1. It is a value-added tax
2. It is an indirect tax system
3. It is a destination-based tax
4. It does not allow for the utilization of input tax credit

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Explanation:

India’s gross revenues from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has hit a three-month high to cross ₹1.65 lakh crore in July 2023.

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax system introduced in India on July 1, 2017, which subsumed multiple indirect taxes levied by the central and state governments, such as VAT, excise duty, and service tax. It is a value-added tax that is levied on the supply of goods and services, from the manufacturer to the consumer and is designed to create a common national market by eliminating barriers to interstate trade.
• Statements 3 is correct but Statement 4 is incorrect: GST is a destination-based tax, levied at each stage of the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the consumer. It is applied to the value addition at each stage, allowing for the seamless flow of credits and reducing the tax burden on the end consumer. It also allows for the utilization of input tax credit, wherein businesses can claim credit for the tax paid on inputs used in the production or provision of goods and services. This helps avoid double taxation and reduces the overall tax liability.

Q) Consider the following statements about the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023:

1. The Bill amends the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and covers not only censorship but also copyright and piracy issues.
2. The bill has imposed heavy fines in case of unauthorized recording and exhibition of films but failed to impose punitive punishments to curb the menace of film piracy.

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 is correct: Recently, the Lok Sabha has passed the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 after it was approved by Rajya Sabha on July 27. The Bill introduces stringent anti-piracy provisions, expanding the scope of the law from censorship to also cover copyright. The Bill amends the Cinematograph Act, 1952 which constitutes the Board of Film Certification for certifying films for exhibition.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 aims to comprehensively curb the menace of ‘Piracy’ causing losses of Rs 20,000 Crores to the film industry. The Bill attempts to address the issue of unauthorized recording and exhibition of films and curb the menace of film piracy by transmission of unauthorized copies on the internet. The provisions include strict punishment of minimum 3 months imprisonment and fine of Rs. 3 lakhs which can be extended up to 3 years imprisonment and fine upto 5% of the audited gross production cost.

Q) With respect to fishery sector in India, consider the following statements:

1. Since Independence, India’s marine fishery has been dominated by the “artisanal sector”
2. India’s artisanal fishers deliver only 2% of marine fish to the market, while 98% is caught by mechanised and motorised craft.
3. Currently, most of India’s fisheries exports are at a low level of value addition in frozen and chilled form, without going for higher-order “ready-to-eat”.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Explanation:

The G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate ministers meeting that concluded recently adopted a series of “Chennai High-Level Principles” for a sustainable and resilient blue economy.

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Since Independence, India’s marine fishery has been dominated by the “artisanal sector” i.e. poor, small-scale fishers who can afford only small sailboats or canoes to fish for subsistence. India’s artisanal fishers deliver only 2% of marine fish to the market, while 98% is caught by mechanised and motorised craft. The rich resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone remain underexploited. Much of the catch from India’s fishing grounds is taken away by the better equipped fishing fleets of other Indo-Pacific countries. These countries also indulge in Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing which has serious security and environmental implications.
• Statements 3 is correct: Currently, most of India’s fisheries exports are at a low level of value addition in frozen and chilled form, without going for higher-order “ready-to-eat” or “ready-to-cook” marine products.  Development of modern fishing harbours with adequate berthing and post-harvest facilities, including cold storage, preservation, and packaging of fish in India is need of hour.

Q) Consider the following statements about Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB):

1. The Narcotics Control Bureau is a statutory body.
2. The NCB functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on the recommendation of Santhanam Committee report.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Explanation:

Recently, in a major crackdown on the narcotics trade, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has caught 2 international drug cartels operating through the darknet and arrested 22 individuals.

• Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is a central law enforcement and intelligence agency in India that has been tasked with combating drug trafficking and the use of illegal substances under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. It is a statutory body and functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is based on the Directive Principles, contained in Article 47 of the Indian Constitution, which direct the State to endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drugs injurious to health. The government’s policy on the subject which flows from this constitutional provision is also guided by the international conventions on the subject. The Committee on Prevention of Corruption (Santhanam Committee) made a range of recommendations to fight the menace of corruption India.

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