15-03-2024

15-03-2024

Table of Contents
No. Article Newspaper Syllabus

1 India’s crypto woes persist Live Mint GS - 3

Business
2 Wholesale price index eases GS - 3
Standards

3 ‘Climate-resilient’ hatcheries for Olive Ridley turtles set up The Hindu GS - 3

4 Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit The Hindu GS - 2

5 Consumer protection body to launch portal for complaints Live Mint GS - 2

Incriminating documents seized from gudown of Jaffer

6 The Hindu GS - 2
Sadiq: NCB

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Live mint – Pg 6

Cryptocurrencies

• 2022 union budget - Government announced Digital service tax

30% of taxation on cryptocurrencies. • 2016 - 6% equalization levy on digital
• RBI - virtual digital assets (VDAs). companies.

• Not recognized as legal tender by the • But this levy was restricted to online
government. advertisement services.
• No rules and regulations or any guidelines • Digital advertising taxes or DAT.
for settling disputes
• 2020 - scope of this tax was expanded to
• Trading is done at investors' risk.
include wide range of digital services
• No central authority for regulating including e-commerce platforms.
cryptocurrencies.

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Concerns

• Experts suggest that DST can be passed on

to consumers.

• Increased prices on Indian customers.

• Retaliatory tariffs

• Digital trade war-like scenario and could

harm India’s Information and communication
technology industry.

• Result in double taxation.

Practice Question – Mains

GS – II

Q. Discuss about the challenges associated with

Digital service tax and how it can impact India’s
digital market. (250 words, 15 marks)

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Business standard
Pg: 4 – Delhi

The consumer price index (CPI)

Part A—Prelims Examination
• Measures the overall change in the price
Paper I
level of a basket of consumer goods and
Economic and Social Development-Sustainable
services that households purchase.
Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics,
Social Sector Initiatives, etc. • Cpi for industrial workers (CPI-IW).

 adjust dearness allowances for public

sector employees and workers in the
organized sector.

• Cpi for agricultural labourers (CPI-AL):

 Adjusting minimum wages in the

agricultural sector.

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• CPI for rural labourers (CPI-RL):

 Specifically on rural laborers used in wage • It does not reflect the price changes

setting and adjustments in rural areas. experienced by the final consumer

• CPI for rural-urban combined. • The base year 2011-12

• Base year for cpi is 2012.

• new series of Consumer Price Index for

Industrial Worker (CPI-IW) with base year
2016.

Wholesale price index (WPI)

• Price changes of goods in the wholesale

market

• Office of the economic adviser under ministry

of commerce and industry.

Index of Industrial Production (IIP) . • The industry groups that it measures

are classified as
• changes in the volume of production of
industrial products.  Broad sectors, namely, mining,
manufacturing and electricity.
• Indicates the relative change of physical
production in the field of industries2011-  Use-based sectors, namely basic
12 as base year. goods, capital goods and
intermediate goods.
• Short-term period.
• Computed and published by the central
• Released on a monthly basis.
statistical organization (CSO).

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Previous Year Question– Prelims

Q. With reference to India, consider the
following statements:
1. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India
is available on a monthly basis only.
2. As compared to Consumer Price Index
for Industrial Workers (CPI(IW)), the WPI
gives less weight to food articles.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

The Hindu:
Pg: 9 – Chennai

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Olive Ridley turtles:

Part A—Preliminary Examination • Smallest and most abundant of all sea

Paper I - (200 marks) turtles found in the world.
• Current events of national and international
importance. • Inhabit - warm waters of the Pacific,

• General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio- Atlantic and Indian oceans.

diversity and Climate Change - that do not require
subject specialization. • Name - tied to the colour of its shell.

Part B—Main Examination

PAPER-III
General Studies‐III: Technology, Economic
Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and
Disaster Management.
• Conservation, environmental pollution and
degradation, environmental impact assessment.

• Spend entire lives in the ocean - migrate

Characteristics:
thousands of kms between feeding and mating
• Growth grounds.

 Length - 2 feet, • Females - return to the very same beach from

where they first hatched - to lay their eggs.
 Weight - 50 kgs.
• Arribada - thousands of females come together on
• Males & females grow to the same
the same beach to lay eggs.
size.

• Females - a slightly more rounded

carapace.

Consumption Pattern:

• Carnivores - feed on jellyfish, shrimp,

snails, crabs, molluscs & a variety of
fish and their eggs.

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Nesting pattern:

• Dig a conical nest for about one and a half feet deep with their hind flippers.

• Largest mass nesting for the Olive-ridley - Coast of Orissa in India - followed by the coasts of
Mexico and Costa Rica.

• Hatching - about 45-65 days.

Protection status:

• IUCN – Vulnerable.

• CITES: Appendix I. Conservation efforts:

• CMS: Appendix I and II. • 10 hatcheries have been set up along the Tamil
Nadu coast.

• Equipped with data loggers to monitor

temperature continuously.

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Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements with
reference to Olive ridley turtles:
1. Their population are distributed across
the globe except polar regions.
2. Their peculiar behavior of synchronized
nesting in mass numbers is known as
‘Arribada’.
3. Gahirmatha Beach in Orissa is one of
their few nesting grounds in the world.
How many statements given above is/are
correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

The Hindu
Pg: Editorial 10 – Chennai

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Part B—Main Examination

PAPER-III Practice Question – Mains

General Studies‐II: Governance, Constitution, GS – III
Polity, Social Justice and International Relations
Q. Discuss about the significance of India – Bhutan
relationship and the challenges therein ?
• India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
(250 words, 15 marks)
• Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings
and Agreements involving India and/or
affecting India’s interests.

India-Bhutan Relation

Introduction Significance for Bhutan

• Longstanding partnership - by mutual • Trade: Bhutan's trade with India has

respect, shared cultural values, and historical grown significantly, making India its
ties. largest trading partner.
• Evolved over decades, underpinned by • Security Cooperation: India assists Bhutan
cooperation in various sectors in border protection and counter-
• Common vision for regional stability and insurgency efforts, crucial for Bhutan's
prosperity. stability.

• Diplomatic Support: India's diplomatic

backing is key to Bhutan's international
presence and sovereignty.

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• Cultural Connections: Shared cultural

• Socio-economic Development: India's elements enrich the India-Bhutan

assistance since the 1960s in various relationship and support India's cultural

forms has been fundamental to Bhutan's diplomacy.

development. • Hydroelectric Projects: These projects

Significance for India are crucial for India's clean energy

needs and contribute significantly to
• Strategic Location: Bhutan's position
Bhutan's revenue.
next to China makes it strategically
important as a buffer state for India.

• Security Assurances: Bhutan's role is

vital for the security and stability of
India's northeastern states.

Challenges in the Relationship

• China's Influence: The growing Chinese

presence near Bhutan's disputed borders
poses strategic concerns for India. • Environmental Concerns: Climate change

• Border and Hydropower Concerns: Disputes and shared resources necessitate

and differing perspectives on hydropower cooperative environmental management but

agreements have created tensions. pose challenges due to differing priorities.

• Trade Imbalance: The trade deficit with • Cultural and Social Dynamics: The evolving

India is a concern for Bhutan, seeking social landscapes of both countries require

better market access. efforts to maintain strong people-to-

people ties.
• Sovereignty and Dependence: Navigating
the fine balance between dependence on
India and maintaining sovereignty is
challenging for Bhutan.

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Way Forward

• Increasing trade, investments, and collaborations in sectors like infrastructure and tourism
can benefit both nations.

• Transparency, dialogue, and improved connectivity and defense cooperation are essential.

• Joint efforts in environmental management and addressing climate change are crucial.

• Encouraging cultural exchanges and interactions to strengthen the foundational bonds between
India and Bhutan.

Live mint – Pg 2

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Background:

• Established under the Consumer Protection

Act, 2019.
Part A—Preliminary Examination
Paper I - (200 marks) • Administrative control of the Ministry of
• Current events of national and international importance. Consumer Affairs.

Part B—Main Examination

• Functions –
PAPER-III
 Violation of rights of consumers
General Studies‐ II: Governance, Constitution, Polity,
Social Justice and International relations.  Unfair trade practices and false or
• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. misleading advertisements

 Promote, protect and enforce the rights of

consumerSingle Convention on Narcotic
Drugs 1961,

Composition:
Powers:
• Headed by Chief Commissioner with two
• Inquire into or investigate matters - on its
additional commissioners (goods & services).
initiative (suo motu), upon receiving a complaint,
 Tenure - five years or until he attains or upon direction from the central government.
the age of sixty-five years, whichever is
• File complaints before the relevant Consumer
earlier.
Disputes Redressal Commission seeking orders or
 Eligible for reappointment. directions.

• Investigation wing led by a Director • Issue directions and guidelines aimed at

General. preventing unfair trade practices and protecting
consumers' interests.
• Central Consumer Protection Council -
advisory body on consumer issues. • Impose penalties & can ban the endorser of a
false or misleading advertisement.

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Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements regarding
Central Consumer Protection Authority:
1. It can prohibit the endorser of a misleading
advertisement from endorsing that particular
product or service for a period of up to 6
months.
2. It is responsible for protecting consumer
privacy and preventing data breaches.
3. The concerned ministry is the Union
Ministry of Finance.
How many of the statement given above is/are
correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

The Hindu:
Pg: 13 – Chennai

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Background:

• India is a signatory to –

 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961,

Part A—Preliminary Examination  the Conventions on Psychotropic Substances,

Paper I - (200 marks) 1971
• Current events of national and international importance.
 United Nations Convention against Illicit
Part B—Main Examination
Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
PAPER-III
Substances, 1988.
General Studies‐ II: Governance, Constitution, Polity,
Social Justice and International relations. • Article 47
• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
• 3 Central Acts - Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940,
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Act, 1985, and The Prevention of Illicit Traffic
in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Act, 1988.

Functions of NCB:

• Coordinates with various offices under any

act in connection with the enforcement • Apex coordinating agency responsible for
provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. fighting drug trafficking and the abuse of
• Carry out India's commitment under the illegal substances.
numerous international conventions and • Functions under Ministry of Home Affairs.
protocol.
• Finds representation on the Economics
• Provides assistance to concerned Intelligence Council.
authorities in foreign countries and
• It is out of the Right to Information Act
concerned international organizations.
under Section 24(1) of the RTI Act 2005.
• Coordinates actions taken by the other
concerned authorities in respect of
matters relating to drug abuse.

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Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Consider the following functions of Narcotics
Control Bureau (NCB):
1. Investigating cases of drug trafficking and
abuse.
2. Prosecuting cases traffickers in court.
3. Raising awareness about the dangers of drug
abuse
4. Regulating the cultivation of opium poppy.
How many of the functions mentioned above is not
the function of NCB?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

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PRACTICE QUESTIONS
DISCUSSION

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Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements with
reference to Olive ridley turtles:
1. Their population are distributed across the
globe except polar regions.
2. Their peculiar behavior of synchronized
nesting in mass numbers is known as
‘Arribada’.
3. Gahirmatha Beach in Orissa is one of their
few nesting grounds in the world.
How many statements given above is/are
correct?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None of the above

Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements regarding
Central Consumer Protection Authority:
1. It can prohibit the endorser of a misleading
advertisement from endorsing that particular
product or service for a period of up to 6
months.
2. It is responsible for protecting consumer
privacy and preventing data breaches.
3. The concerned ministry is the Union Ministry of
Finance.
How many of the statement given above is/are
correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

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Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Consider the following functions of Narcotics
Control Bureau (NCB):
1. Investigating cases of drug trafficking and
abuse.
2. Prosecuting cases traffickers in court.
3. Raising awareness about the dangers of drug
abuse
4. Regulating the cultivation of opium poppy.
How many of the functions mentioned above is not
the function of NCB?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Previous Year Question– Prelims

Q. With reference to India, consider the
following statements:
1. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India
is available on a monthly basis only.
2. As compared to Consumer Price Index
for Industrial Workers (CPI(IW)), the WPI
gives less weight to food articles.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

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