Jul 5, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 5th July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 5th July, 2016   INTERNATIONAL/SECURITY   TOPIC: General studies 3 Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.  Challenges to internal security through communication networks and social networking sites Linkages between development and spread of extremism. Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.   The growing Islamic State threat: a “Big Concern” Extremists have carried out four massive attacks in three continents since the beginning of Ramzan this year, the holy month in the Islamic calendar. All the attacks were directly or indirectly linked to the Islamic State (IS) terror group. Recent attacks by extremists in Orlando, U.S. Istanbul, Turkey Dhaka , Bangladesh Baghdad, Iraq Out of these, the IS has claimed direct responsibility for the July 3 bombing in Baghdad that killed more than 200 people. In other three attacks, most of the attackers have pledged their allegiance to the IS or not an IS-directed assault but an inspired one. New face of Terrorism Each of the above attacks has its own nuances. The U.S. government says Orlando was not an IS-directed assault but an inspired one. In Turkey, the outfit did not claim responsibility (something unusual when compared to the boastful claims it makes after terror strikes elsewhere) In Bangladesh, the government has rejected the IS’s claims, blaming local militant networks instead. Baghdad could be the only incident in this set where there’s a consensus on the identity of the perpetrator. But these nuances also reflect the new face of terrorism. The IS is expanding its reach through its ideology even as it’s facing organisational setbacks at its core. All attackers in the above discussed four cities may not have got directions from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi or his core team. There need not be an organisational link between the IS in Iraq and Syria and the terror cells in Dhaka or Jhenaidah. What connects these men is the deadly world view the IS is propagating. For the IS, everyone who doesn’t subscribe to its vision is an enemy and it divides these enemies into different sects — crusaders (largely Christians), apostates (mostly non-Sunni Muslims) and sinners (it could be anyone from gays to rebels). Evolving strategy In the three years of its existence, the IS has adopted several tactical approaches to stay relevant as a global jihadist force.   (Case I) Initial Tactic: Establishment of a Caliphate Its early focus was on the establishment of a Caliphate. The weak sectarian government of PM Nouri al-Maliki in Iraq and the bloody chaotic civil war in Syria let the group capture territories in both countries and declare the Caliphate. In the first year of the Caliphate, the IS kept expanding its territorial reach. The IS blended both asymmetric terrorism and modern warfare tactics to capture and hold on to territories. (This approach was different from the al-Qaeda-type terror organisations which were mainly hit-and-run groups.) Problem with this tactic: Enemies could easily target such groups by attacking the areas they control. The IS started facing the heat when its multiple enemies such as Russia, the U.S., Iran and the Kurds launched separate attacks from all sides of the Caliphate.   (Case II) Tactic: Suicide Bombings When the IS lost most of its territories and when they were repelled by the Kurdish fighters, the IS shifted its strategy by started attacking faraway locations using suicide bombers at the same time. (Especially when it lost Kobane, the Syrian border town which the IS laid siege too briefly.) So, till Kobane, the IS’s focus was largely on Iraq and Syria. But Kobane shattered the myth of invincibility, prompting the group to change tack. Incidents of IS attacks – IS gunmen killed 22 people in Tunisia’s Bardo national museum. They struck Paris, killing 130 people. Brussels attacks Beirut bombing These attacks were largely planned at the core and executed elsewhere — or the al-Qaeda style of suicide attacks. In all these attacks, the jihadists were trained in Syria and sent out to carry out the “missions”. Problems with this tactic: Even this tactic had its limitations. Terror modules could attract the attention of intelligence agencies in countries with functional institutions. There’s a higher chance for them to be busted than attacks being carried out. On the other side, the IS’s core territory kept shrinking. It lost Palmyra in Syria, and Ramadi and Fallujah in Iraq. The group is facing enormous pressure from all sides of the Caliphate — the Iraqis are set to march towards Mosul, while Kurdish forces backed by U.S. aircraft are breathing down on Raqqa.   (Case III) New Tactic: Propagation of IS ideology The IS wanted to strike anywhere outside Iraq and Syria (which is relatively easy for the group) to continue to stay in the business of jihadism. This desperation was apparent in the Ramzan message released by IS spokesperson Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, who called for “a month of calamity everywhere for non-believers”. The group’s propaganda has urged “supporters and soldiers of the Caliphate” to pledge allegiance to the Caliph and then carry out mass murder. IS issued an audio message - “The smallest action you do in the heart of their land is dearer to us than the largest action by us” The new tactic is paying off The recent attacks since the beginning of Ramzan this year – Orlando, Turkey and Dhaka attacks – show that this tactic is paying off. This is a far more dangerous phase. Al-Qaeda usually operates from its hideouts through its networks or autonomous cells. The IS has territory (the Caliphate); it has networks and affiliates (from Afghanistan to Nigeria); autonomous cells (possibly the Istanbul attack was carried out by such a cell and that’s why the IS leadership doesn’t claim the assault); and lone wolves and local groups that have subscribed to its world view (Orlando and Dhaka).   Conclusion: Irrespective of the setbacks it suffered at its core, the IS has transformed its ideology, which at the advent of the group was seen as an isolated, barbaric world view propagated by a few wicked human beings, into that of a globalised force. This means that even if the IS is defeated in Mosul and Raqqa, the threat it poses to the modern world is not going to subside anytime soon. Connecting the dots: The recent attacks by IS either directly or indirectly reflects its new phase or tactic, which the security experts claim, “is a far more dangerous phase”. Do you agree? Discuss your view point. Also discuss, how Islamic State approach differs from the al-Qaeda-type terror organisations? “The recent attacks by IS are not an IS-directed assault but an inspired one”. Give some strategies/suggestions, both from a domestic viewpoint and at global level, how to tackle these kinds of attacks which are carried out by its autonomous cells or lone wolves or local extremist groups that have subscribed to its (IS’s) world view.   NATIONAL   TOPIC: General studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General studies 3: Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.   Hanging Free Basics—Between Telecom & Internet Services Net neutrality- Net neutrality is the principle that individuals should be free to access all content and applications equally, regardless of the source, without Internet service providers discriminating against specific online services or websites. Without net neutrality rules in place, ISPs can prevent users from visiting some websites, provide slower speeds for services like Netflix, or even redirect users from one website to a competing website. Net neutrality rules prevent this by requiring ISPs to connect users to all lawful content on the internet equally, without giving preferential treatment to certain sites or services. In the absence of net neutrality, companies can buy priority access to ISP customers. Larger, wealthier companies like Google or Facebook can pay ISPs to provide faster, more reliable access to their websites than to potential competitors. This could deter innovative start-up services that are unable to purchase priority access from the ISPs. Also, if ISPs can charge online services to connect to consumers, consumers would ultimately bear these additional costs Facebook’s Free Basics- Facebook (FB) had recently allowed signing an online petition by those who support free basics. As per FB’s online petition, it urged users to send a letter to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) supporting Free Basics. Free basics: Free Basics is part of the Internet.org by Facebook initiative. It is a platform (app) which makes the internet accessible to more people by providing them access to a range of free basic services like news, maternal health, travel, local jobs, sports, communication, and local government information. Against free basics- Data as commodity: When users go online internet data is consumed and personal data is the currency of the Internet economy. Data as commodity is the oil of the 21st century. Facebook and Google’s revenue model is based on monetising our personal data and selling it to advertisers (like what we search more, which age group etc.) Facebook generates estimated revenue of nearly $1 billion from its Indian subscribers, on which it pays no tax (FB is a US based company for which it pays no tax in India). Free basics is not free and violates net neutrality: Free Basics is not free, basic Internet as its name appears to imply. It has a version of Facebook, and only a few other websites and services that are willing to partner Facebook’s proprietary platform. With free basics the concept of net neutrality is violated. The internet service providers (ISP’s) by tying up with FB act as gatekeepers, regulating what content we have to view and what we should not. Basic flaw with the model: Facebook’s ads and advertorials talk about education, health and other services being provided by Free Basics, without telling us how we are going to access doctors and medicines through the Internet; or education. It forgets that while English is spoken by only about 12 per cent of the world’s population, 53 per cent of the Internet’s content is English. If Indians need to access education or health services, they need to access it in their languages, and not in English. And no education can succeed without teachers. The Internet is not a substitute for schools and colleges but only a complement, that too if material exists in the languages that the students understand. Similarly, health demands clinics, hospitals and doctors, not a few websites on a private Facebook platform. Monopolization of internet: Free basics have some limited apps which can be accessed without any cost (zero rating). When more people log onto free basics as it has no data charge, indirectly FB starts monopolising internet. Internet becomes FB and FB becomes internet. Who knows—if after monopolisation FB can charge money or data from people for accessing its services! Thus, TRAI ruled in favour of Net neutrality- The telecom regulator struck down differential pricing for internet services offered by telecom players to mobile users, in a bid to uphold the principles of net neutrality—serving a big blow to Facebook’s Free Basics and other zero-rated platforms such as Airtel Zero for which the social media giant No service provider can offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content. Tariff for data services could not vary on the basis of the website/application/ platform/ or type of content being accessed. For example, a consumer could not be charged differently based on whether she was browsing social media site A or B, or on whether she was watching streaming videos or shopping on the Internet, it added No service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person, natural or legal, that the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged by the service provider for the purpose of evading the prohibition in this regulation.   A new Consultation paper—Bringing Free Basics back from the grave Differential pricing back in spirit? Differential pricing means charging customers different prices for access to different websites and services. Zero-rating platforms are services developed by telcos in partnership with internet service providers (ISPs)/app makers come give free access to customers for certain applications/websites TRAI, earlier: Price-based differentiation would make certain content more attractive to consumers resulting in altering a consumer’s online behaviour and the knowledge and outlook of those users would be shaped only by the information made available through those select offerings. TRAI, at present: The real problem was that Free Basics had an exclusive agreement with just one telco to do so. It would accordingly be fine if Free Basics entered into a similar agreement with all telcos. Telcos will not be able to benefit from content-based price discrimination. However, they will facilitate ways whereby content providers can pick up the tab for consumers accessing their content (and not other) Or consumers being reimbursed directly by content providers for the access of their content Effects on the consumer: Incentivised access to some content and services over others, undercutting the key equalising feature of the Internet   Internet exceptionalism—A new trend on the block The Internet is considered to be some kind of uniquely regulation-free zone Paves way for a distinction being done by the regulator— between regulating the telcos and regulating “Internet services and apps”   IASbaba’s Views: Universal access to the Internet need not be interpreted as “uniform access” and the build-out of networks should be aligned to the absorptive capacity of a region by making it a demand-driven service. The time is also right to give up the telecom-Internet distinction as communication systems of the society are of special social significance and requires committed regulation and not just be treated as ordinary market goods. An attempt to bring back the Free Basics by making a distinction between telecom and ‘Internet services’ should be done away with and TRAI should make sure that paid prioritisation, blocking and throttling of lawful content and services on the net be excluded (strictly, at that) Connecting the Dots: What do you understand by net neutrality? Is free basics initiative of Facebook a violation of net neutrality? Substantiate Explain the terms differential pricing and zero rating used in telecom sector. ‘The British Empire was based on the control of the seas. Today, whoever controls the data oceans controls the global economy.’ Comment.   MUST READ   Pacific Ocean radiation nears pre-Fukushima level Hindu   How are central bank governors appointed? Livemint   Entry of foreign law firms far from a done deal Livemint   The debate on artificial intelligence Livemint   Where to after 25 years of reforms? Livemint   Environment ministry’s draft amendment on animals law gets the go-ahead Livemint Related Articles Taming bulls, wounding rights   Touched by Brexit Indian Express   Raja-Mandala: Speak frankly with China Indian Express   Toilets under Swachh Bharat Mission Indian Express   Interview: C Rangarajan Indian Express   49 years before Tejas, India had its own fighter — Marut Indian Express  

Jul 5, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba '60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 HISTORY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 44]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives   Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 43 solution is active now.  Why we asked you to comment? Now go back to check your answers that you posted with honest effort. Edit your answers with marks. Everyday like this you can self monitor your progress for all 60 days. Accountability to self is the only way for success   IASbaba '60 Day Plan' - Prelims Test 2016 [Day 44]   Q.1) Consider the following statements in regard to Mahavira and Jainism. Which of the statements given below is not correct? a) Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara is considered to be the founder of Jainism b) Mahavira was associated with Makari Gosala Putta for 6 years, but later departed due to serious philosophical differences c) Then Mahavira joined Nigrantha sect, while Makari Gosala Putta started Ajivika religion. d) After Mahavira, Jainism came under the control of 11 disciples of Mahavira, namely Ganadharas. Q.2) Consider the following statements: During Ashoka’s regime (3rd century BC), Sanskrit served as the lingua franca of the country. Pali acquired the same position and served as the state language, especially in the post-Gupta period. 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 Q.3) The below given statements describes about the differences between Digambaras and Svetambaras. Which one of them is not true in regard to it? a) Digambaras are led by Bhadrabahu, whereas Svetambaras are led by Stulabahu b) Digambaras are followers of Mahavira, while Svetambaras are followers of Parsvanatha c) Digambars are white-clad, while Svetambaras are sky-clad d) Digambars were born at Mysore region, whereas Svetambaras were born at Pataliputra Q.4) The seal of Pashupati Mahadeva of Harappan culture (found in Mahenjo-daro)  - a male deity with three horned heads, in the sitting posture of a yogi, placing one foot on the other – is surrounded by which of the following animals? Buffalo Elephant Rhinoceros Tiger Deer Select the appropriate code: a) 1, 2 and 5 b) 1, 2, 4 and 5 c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 d) All of the above Q.5) Which among the following is/are not the principles of Jain Panchasutras? Ahimsa Satya Nyaya Dharma Brahmacharya Select the appropriate code: a) All of the above b) 1, 2 and 3 only c) 1, 2 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only Q.6) Consider the following in regard to how Sangam texts are different from the (Rig) Vedic texts: Sangam texts do not constitute religious literature. Thus they were secular in nature. They are not primitive songs but they show a high quality of literature. Many poems mention a warrior or a chief or a king by name and describe his military exploits in detail. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 2 and 3 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 1 and 3 only d) All of the above Q.7) Consider the literary works and select the incorrect pair from the given below:  Literary works : : written by a) Harshacharita : : Banabhatta b) Ramacharita : : Sandhyakara Nandi c) Vikramanakadevacharita : : Kalhana d) Mushika Vamsa : : Atula Q.8) What were the reasons for the rise of new religions such as Jainism and Buddhism? Kshatriyas founded these religions as a reaction against the ritualistic domination of the brahmanas or the Varna system Rise of these new religions lay in the spread of a new agricultural economy in north-eastern India Select the appropriate code: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.9) Which among the following statements is/are true in regard to Rig Veda: The Rig veda is the earliest text of the Indo-European languages. It is a collection of prayers offered to Agni, Indra, Mitra, Varuna and other gods by various families of poets or sages. The Rig veda has many things common with the Avesta, which is the oldest text in the Iranian language 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 Q.10) The below given contains the PANCHAMAHAKALYANA/FIVE EVENTS IN LIFE OF BUDDHA. Select the correctly matched pair/s from the Lists given below List I (EVENT NAME)                          List II (ASSOCIATED SYMBOLS) MAHABHINISHKRAMANA                        BODHI/ PEEPAL TREE DHARMACHAKRAPARIVARTHANA       DHARMACHAKRA WITH  24 SPOKES MAHAPARINIRVARNA                               STUPA BIRTH OF BUDDHA                                     LOTUS Choose the appropriate code: a) 1, 3 and 4 only b) 3 and 4 only c) 2 and 4 only d) 4 only Q.11) Which among the blow given statements is/are true in regard to Aryans? Originally the Aryans seems to have lived somewhere in Steppes stretching from southern Russia to Central Asia We know about the Aryans in India from the Rig Veda Aryan names appear in Kassite inscriptions of about 1600 B.C. found in some parts of North India along the Indus plains. Choose the appropriate code: a) 1, 2 and 3 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1 only Q.12) Choose the correct pair(s) from the below: Study of coins : :         Numismatics Study of inscriptions : :         Epigraphy Study of old writings and old records in inscriptions : :        Palaeography Select the correct code: a) All of the above b) None of the above c) 1 only d) 2 and 3 only Q.13) Consider the following similarities and difference between the Hindustani and the Carnatic styles of classic music: a) Origin of Hindustani music is earlier than Carnatic music. It synthesizes with Islamic traditions and Persian Musiqu-e-Assil style and has no association with religion. b) Hindustani music originated in the Vedic period, while Carnatic music originated during the Bhakti movement. c) Main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music and most compositions are to be sung, involving gayaki style. d) Although there are stylistic differences, the basic elements of swara, raga and tala as foundation of both Carnatic and Hindustani are same. Q.14) What is the name of the first National Tribal Festival that was inaugurated in 2015 by the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram? a) Vanaj 2015 b) Birli 2015 c) Bhagoriya 2015 d) Ngada 2015 Q.15) The below given contains the differences between HINAYANA and MAHAYANA. Select the correctly matched pair/s from the Lists given below List I (Lesser Vehicle)                         List II (Greater Vehicle) Pro-chargers                                        1) Anti – changers Believe in individual salvation         2) Salvation to all without any efforts Literature in Sanskrit                         3) Literature in Pali Opposed idolatory,                             4) Worshipped Buddha in human form and         instead worshipping scriptures,              Bodhisattvas also. symbols like lotus, papal tree etc. Choose the appropriate code: a) 1, 3 and 4 only b) 3 and 4 only c) 2 and 4 only d) 4 only Q.16) ‘Gothenburg protocol’ is related to: a) Prohibition or use or Mercury b) Provisions of Nagoya Protocol c) Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground level Ozone d) Conservation of wetlands Q.17) Which of the following statements are correct about ‘PanchaSiddhanta’? It was written by Aryabhatta. It is a detailed account of Greek and Roman Astrology. Select the correct code from the following: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.18) Which of the following kingdoms were engaged in tripartite struggle for Kannauj and Ganga-Jamuna Doab? a) Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas b) Palas, Pratiharas and Rashtrakutas c) Cholas, Cheras and Pratiharas d) Palas, Pratiharas and Cholas Q.19) The Famous Uttiramerur inscription provide details of the formation and function of village councils in Chola kingdom. Which of the following statements are correct about the chola village assemblies? Each village was divided into thirty yards and one member was nominated from each to the village council. People below thirty and above seventy were not eligible. Knowledge of Vedas was mandatory to become a ward member. Those who had committed sins were disqualified to be a ward member. Select the correct code from below: a) 1 only b) 2,3 and 4 c) 1,2 and 3 d) All of the above. Q.20) Pulakesin II is considered to be one of the most important rulers of Chalukyas. Which of the following statements about him are incorrect: Aihole inscription was issued by him which describes his reign. He was defeated by Harshavardhan on the banks of river Narmada. Huen Tsang visited Vatapi during his reign. Select the code from the following: a) 2 only b) 1 and 3 c) All of the above d) None of the above Q.21) Which deity is related to the famous Amareswara Temple from where ‘Amravati’ derives its name? a) Lord Vishnu b) Lord Brahma c) Lord Shiva d) Lord Ganesha Q.22) Consider the following statements— This dance form has been introduced by Mahapurusha Sankaradeva. The musical compositions accompanying the dance form are called borgeets. The costumes used are made up of pat. Identify the dance-form from the following options: a) Mohiniyattam b) Thang Ta c) Sattriya d) Kuchipudi Q.23) Identify the leader based on the following historic events: He wrote a letter to Aurangzeb in Persian, famously named as Zafarnama or the Epistle of Victory, reminding him of the misdeed the Mughals had done to the Sikhs. Bahadur Shah had named the Guru as Hind Ka Pir or the Saint of India. Choose the correct option— a) Guru Teg Bahadur b) Daya Ram c) Baba Banda Singh d) Guru Gobind Singh Q.24) Consider the following statements: NDRF has been established under Disaster Management Act, 2005. It functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Defence. It is the only dedicated disaster response force of the world. Select the incorrect option/s: a) Both 1 and 3 b) Only 3 c) Only 2 d) Both 2 and 3 Q.25) Identify the correct function of the Treaty of Pelindaba: a) Controls uranium supply from key mineral hubs in Africa b) Forced Germany to accept complete responsibility for initiating World War I c) Allowed Italy, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Finland to resume their responsibilities as sovereign states in international affairs and to qualify for membership in the United Nations post the end of World War II d) Ended the War of 1812 between the U.S. and Britain   Download the Solution- Click here P.S- Attempt these questions within 20 minutes with full honesty and write your results in the comment box. Next day, come back and check your result. You can also discuss the important concepts and issues, in case of doubts (among peers) All the best IASbaba  

Jul 5, 2016 PIB

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 27th June to 3rd July, 2016

ARCHIVES   GS-2  Union HRD Minister launches ‘Prashikshak’- A teacher education portal (Topic: Government policies and its implementation) About- Union Minister for Human Resource Development dedicated ‘Prashikshak’ - a teacher education portal, to the nation Established through- Joint collaboration between Ministry of Human Resource Development and Central Square Foundation Objective- To strengthen District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and bring quality teachers into the Indian school education system Compare the performance of their institute against other DIETs in the state/country as well as helping aspiring teachers make informed decision making. Prashikshak Portal- Prashikshak is a unique IT initiative, a first of its kind in the country, which will contain a comprehensive database of all DIETs in the country with all relevant performance indicators. It will help benchmark DIETs to enable aspiring teachers to make informed choices about their future. It will give the opportunity to Central and State Governments to do real time monitoring of the institutions. Major users of Prashikshak will be Pre-service teacher educators, DIET principals and faculty, policy makers at District, State Government and National level and General Public. Coverage- Prashiskshak Portal has started only for DIETs, it will cover block level institutes in the future and identify gaps at the bottom of the pyramid. Ministry of HRD also has plans for enhancing Prashikshak to cover all Govt. Teacher Education Institutions in the country, which are recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education. DIETs- Created in the early 1990s to strengthen elementary education and support the decentralization of education to the district level, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Teacher Education. DIETs offer pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes for government elementary school teachers. Also undertake studies in education, annual academic planning and reviews, and function as resource centres for teaching learning and material development.   Central Ministries & Departments to be linked to the online Pension Sanction and Payment Tracking System ‘Bhavishya’ (Topic: Government policies and its implementation) About- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS (IC) for Youth Affairs and Sports, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, all Central Ministries and Departments will be linked to the online Pension Sanction and Payment Tracking System ‘Bhavishya’ very soon. Benefit- With this step, the pension release to the retired employees will be expedited and it will also help quick resolution of pending issues. Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare has taken various initiatives for the welfare of the pensioners-   Bhavishya- Introduced transparency and accountability into the pension sanction and payment process, thereby helping eliminate delays and bringing satisfaction to the retiring employees and pensioners. System keeps retiring employees and administration informed of the progress of pension sanction process through SMS/e-mail. Sankalp- It is an initiative for motivating retiring employees and pensioners to take up voluntary work after retirement so as to channelize their experience and skill towards productive work for society and nation building. Department has so far registered 1,812 Pensioners, 16 Organisations and 19 Pensioners Associations under this project. Some Pensioners Associations have done exemplary work under the initiative. Anubhav-         Initiative is to showcase the outstanding work done by retiring employee that contributed to the efficiency, economy and effectiveness in Government functioning. It is envisaged that over a period of time this will create a wealth of information, institutional memory and innovative ideas and will motivate employees. Jeevan Pramaan- It is a facility created for submission of Aadhaar based digital life certificate. Scheme provides an excellent facility for the benefit of pensioners to submit their digital life certificate from the comfort of their homes. Pensioners Associations are actively involved in motivating their fellow pensioners to get their pension accounts seeded with Aadhaar Number. Due to continuous efforts, as on date around 34 lakh i.e 71% of Central Government pensioners have seeded their bank accounts with Aadhaar Numbers.   Inauguration of Smart model village pilot project at Rashtrapati Bhavan (Topic: Government policies and its implementation) Five villages developed into the smart villages under this pilot project are- Dhaula Alipur Harichandpur Taj Nagar from Gurgaon district Rojka Meo from Mewat district of Haryana.   World Bank Logistics Performance Index (Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and further structure, mandate) About- India has improved its ranking in the World Bank Group's bi-annual "Logistics Performance Index 2016", jumping from 54th in 2014 to 35th in 2016. India's jump of 19 positions in the ranking demonstrates the commitment of various Ministries and agencies of Government of India to make it easy to do business in India. World Bank World Bank studies the policy regulation as well as supply chain performance outcomes across six sub-indices of the Logistics Performance Index and ranks countries based on their performance in all the indices. It is a perception survey based on the feedback of operators on the ground as they are the people who can best assess the aspects of logistics performance. Feedback of companies responsible for moving goods around the world like multinational freight forwarders and express carriers is taken on a structured online survey. Various aspects of international trade relating to streamlining border clearance procedures, ensuring access to physical infrastructure and quality of logistics services are assessed. World Bank Group's bi-annual report ‘Connecting to Compete 2016: Trade Logistics in the Global Economy’ Captures critical information about the complexity of international trade. Logistics Performance Index (LPI) within the report scores 160 countries on key criteria of logistics performance. Scores are based on two sources of information- Worldwide survey of logistics professionals operating on the ground (such as global freight forwarders and express carriers), who provide feedback on the countries in which they operate and with whom they trade Quantitative data on the performance of key components of the supply chain, such as the time, cost and required procedures to import and export goods. Global trade depends on- Logistics and how efficiently countries import and export goods determine how they grow and compete in the global economy. Countries with efficient logistics can easily connect firms to domestic and international markets through reliable supply chains. Countries with inefficient logistics face high costs – both in terms of time and money – in international trade and global supply chains. India’s improvement in Logistics Performance Index is ample evidence that our competitiveness in manufacturing and services is also improving which will provide the required boost to the Make in India programme.   MoU between India and Tanzania (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global grouping and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) About- For bilateral cooperation in water resources management and development Areas of enhanced cooperation include- Techniques in: Water harvesting, Surface and groundwater management, Development and aquifer recharge Collaboration and sharing of expertise on the areas mutually agreed will benefit the country in techniques in: Water harvesting, Water conservation, Surface and groundwater management and development, Aquifer recharge. Government shall encourage: Exchange of experts, Organization of training programs, Study tours and other such activities including demonstrative pilot studies, in order to build capacities in the areas mentioned above. Background- Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (WR, RD &GR) has been envisaging bilateral cooperation with other countries in water resources development and management. These are mainly through sharing of policy and technical expertise, conducting of training courses, workshops, scientific and technical symposia, exchange of experts and study tours. Enhanced cooperation comes in the wake of the visit of Minister of Water Resources, RD and GR, Government of Tanzania to New Delhi on 16th July, 2014. The two sides discussed the issue of water harvesting and management practices and decided to have a MoU after mutual consultations.   Memorandum of Agreement: JNU and National Institute of Animal Welfare (Topic: Grouping and agreements of different institutions)          About- National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW) and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (JNU) have signed a MoA to conduct academic programmes that will focus on development of Animal Welfare Sciences. Help in- Preparing competent manpower to man various posts in zoos, municipalities, slaughter houses and veterinary hospitals. National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW)- It was set up to meet the education and training needs of the Animal Welfare sector across the country. Institute had launched short term courses in 2005, which has so far trained more than 1000 personnel, already engaged in Animal Welfare and those handling animals in the formal and non-formal sector. A website for NIAW will be in place, illustrating information on the programmes, resources available and facilities such as animal shelter/ houses, OT Labs etc.   MoU: Coal Quality Analysis (Topic: Grouping and agreements of different institutions)    About- CSIR- Centre Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) signed a MoU with Coal Supplying companies and Power Utilities for quality analysis of coal being supplied to power utilities by coal companies. Aim- Collaboration will enhance energy efficient use of coal by power sector. Help- Consumers of India significantly by giving them cheaper more affordable power in the years to come   CSIR-CIMFR- It would make use of its knowledge based support in maintaining the quality of coal at national level for the entire power sector. It is estimated that about 300 million metric tons of coal samples would be analyzed for quality per year. Contract value of the project is around Rs. 250 crore per annum at minimum. It is also expected that this project will result in improvement in performance of power plants besides leveraging benefits to the consumer in particular and society as a whole. Endeavour would help the nation in sustainable energy supply and security planning for future as it may reduce import of thermal coal.   Union Home Minister chairs 22nd meeting of Eastern Zonal Council at Ranchi (Topic: Development of Eastern zone states) About- Union Home Minister chaired the 22nd meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council held at Ranchi, Jharkhand. Eastern Zonal Council states- Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal Issues discussed- Modernisation of State Police Forces Measures to curb communal tension and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Curbing of drug trafficking, measures for bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India Issues relating to fisheries, productivity of livestock and poultry to usher Blue Revolution. Issues of sharing of water of major rivers, development of Railways, construction of Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and Multi –Sectoral Development Programme in the Eastern Zone were also discussed in detail. Zonal Council also reviewed the progress of the implementation of the recommendations made at the previous meeting of the Council held at Patna last year. Issue of Internal Security in general and in the Eastern Zone in particular was also discussed in the meeting. Internal Security matters and its challenges need to be dealt with resolute action and on the principles of Cooperative Federalism Five Zonal Councils- Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern and Central in addition to the North East Council which is under the administrative ambit of the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DONER). Zonal Councils are- Advisory Bodies mandated to discuss and make recommendations on any matter of common interest in the subjects such as economic and social sectors, infrastructure, health, security related matters and various other developmental schemes.     Launch of new Nurse Practitioner courses and ‘Live Register’ for Nurses (Topic: Issues relating to development and management of social sector/ services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) About- Launch of two new Nurse Practitioner Courses, one in Critical Care and the other in Primary Healthcare and also launched a web-based ‘Live Register’ for Nurses. Live Register- Through the Live Register accurate data of active and registered nurses will be made available online. Help the Government in better manpower planning and for making policy level decisions for the nursing professionals in India. Government has given high priority for improving the Nursing and Midwifery cadre through skill development and continued professional development. Government has undertaken major expansion of nursing and technical education leading to a three-fold increase in the numbers of nursing institutions and in the number of students passing out of these institutions. Some of these are establishment of ANM/GNM schools, up-gradation of institutions from School of Nursing to College of Nursing, Training of Nurses, development of 11 one year specialisation courses, revision of curriculum for all nursing programs, establishment of national PhD consortium for Nursing Research. Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care Program will be a two-year residential M.Sc degree in Nurse Practitioner in Critical care. On completion of the program Nurses will be qualified to assume responsibility and accountability for the care of critically ill patients. Nurse Practitioner in Primary Healthcare Program will be a one-year residential Post Graduate diploma program.   GS-3 Development of Port-Rail Connectivity Projects approved under Sagarmala Programme (Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways) About-Ministry of Railways will be taking up 21 port-rail connectivity projects, as identified under the port-connectivity enhancement objective of Sagarmala, the flagship programme of the Ministry of Shipping. Aim- Strengthening the rail evacuation network and the last mile connectivity to the ports. Help- In transportation of thermal coal from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) to various coastal power plants in southern India via coastal shipping. Other rail connectivity projects to major ports like Tuticorin and non-Major ports like Dhamra, Gopalpur, Krishnapatnam have also been proposed. Enhance port connectivity to the hinterland and help in reducing logistics cost and time for cargo movement making Indian trade more competitive. Indian Port Rail Corporation Limited (IPRCL)- It has been incorporated by the Ministry of Shipping, would take up the projects after prioritizing them. IPRCL has already awarded 3 port connectivity projects for Vishakhapatnam and Chennai ports for quick evacuation of cargo and another 19 projects are in the pipeline. In addition, another six projects are being considered by the Indian Port Rail Corporation Limited (IPRCL). Sagarmala- It is the flagship programme of the Ministry of Shipping for promoting port-led development in India. It aims to achieve capacity expansion and modernization of sea-ports along India’s coastline, enhance port connectivity to the hinterland, facilitate port led- industrialization to promote trade and sustainable development of coastal communities. National Perspective Plan for Sagarmala Programme- It which was released in April by the Prime Minister identifies projects under the 4 major objectives of the programme- Port Modernization & New Port Development Port Connectivity Enhancement Port-led Industrialization Coastal Community Development. More than 150 projects have been identified which will mobilize investment of more than Rs. 4 lac crore and generate approximately 1 crore new jobs, including 40 lac direct jobs, over a period of 10 years. Projects are expected to generate annual logistics cost savings of close to Rs 35,000 crore and provide boost to India’s merchandise exports by $110 billion by 2025.   Launch of initial plantation drive on 1,500 km of National Highways under Green Highways Project (Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways) About- Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping launched the initial plantation drive on 1,500 km of National Highways under the National Green Highways Mission. Green Highways Project- Government has made it mandatory to set aside 1 per cent of the total project cost of any NH contract to a Green Fund corpus that will be used for plantation purposes. Afforestation is expected to help in sequestering approximately 12 lakh mt. carbon annually.  ‘Adopt a Green Highway’ Program- The National Green Highway Mission initiated the program’ to engage corporates, Public  Sector units, Government organizations and other institutions for developing green corridor along National Highways through plantation and allied activity on avenue, median and other available nearby land patches ‘Kisan Harit Rajmarg Yojana’- Yojana is a pilot scheme to extend green belt beyond the existing ‘Right of Way’ of highways by engaging farmers and providing alternative livelihood option to the nearby communities.   International Solar Alliance Cell and World Bank Signs Declaration: Promoting Solar Energy (Topic: Steps for promoting solar energy) About- Interim Administrative Cell of the International Solar Alliance (ISA Cell) and the World Bank declared their intention to promote solar energy globally. Benefits- Joint Declaration by the ISA cell and the World Bank will help in Accelerating mobilization of finance for solar energy Bank will have a major role in mobilizing more than US $1000 billion in investments that will be needed by 2030, to meet ISA’s goals for the massive deployment of affordable solar energy. Two Programmes of the ISA launched- Affordable finance at scale Scaling solar applications for agricultural use Major areas identified for working jointly include- Developing a roadmap to mobilize financing Developing financing instruments including credit enhancement, reduce hedging costs/currency risk, bond raising in locally denominated currencies etc. which support solar energy development and deployment Supporting ISA’s plans for solar energy through technical assistance and knowledge transfer Working on mobilization of concessional financing through existing or, if needed, new trust funds Supporting RE-INVEST events. Interim Administrative Cell of International Solar Alliance (ISA Cell) and the UNDP have joined hands for promoting ISA objectives in 121 prospective ISA   member countries. Establishment of 24x7 knowledge centre is under way with the help of UNDP and NIC, Government of India.   ICMR-CEEW Launch the ‘Solar for Healthcare’ Initiative  (Topic: Steps for promoting solar energy) Focus on- Providing effective health care delivery at the last mile by reducing uncertainty in critical infrastructure, particularly electricity supply via cost effective solar-based solutions. About collaboration- Collaboration with CEEW will bring together synergies between the objective of ‘time to care’ as mandated in the National Health Mission (NHM) and clean energy as outlined under the National Solar Mission (NSM). Under this collaboration, on a pilot basis, install solar systems at select PHCs in partnership with three state governments and evaluate its impact on healthcare delivery and health outcomes. Aim of the collaboration is to create resilient health systems in rural India, benefitting primarily women and children. As of 2015, nearly 35 million citizens in rural India rely on un-electrified PHCs for primary health services. In the absence of electricity, services catered by health institutions such as institutional deliveries, paediatric emergencies, and administering of vaccines get severely affected. Electricity access in health centres is also imperative as a means to facilitate communication services, tele-health applications and to retain skilled health workers. Collaboration with ICMR supports the systematic and productive advancement in national policies, regulations and actions to leverage solar energy for a social purpose: enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery at various levels of governance Synergy between health and energy are the two specific goals of this initiative, and the efforts within this collaboration advances on both fronts.   MRSAM Successfully Test Fired (Topic: Achievements of Indians in science and technology, indigenization of technology and developing new technology) About- Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) was successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range off Odisha Coast. MRSAM jointly developed by- DRDO and IAI of Israel for the Indian Air Force. Missile guided by a Radar system and on-board avionics successfully hit a Pilotless target aircraft. Industries Contributed- Many Indian industries like BEL, L&T, BDL, TATA group of companies besides other private industries have contributed to the development of a number of subsystems which have been put into use in this flight test. The MRSAM system provides reliable air defence at medium ranges.     CMRS: Crop Manager for Rice-based Systems (Topic: Major crops cropping pattern in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, r- technology in aid of farmers) About- Union Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Minister, launched Crop Manager for Rice-based Systems (CMRS) – a web based App for better crop and Nutrient management released for Bihar farmers in a program organised at ICAR-RCER in Patna. CMRS- Crop Manager for Rice-based Systems (CMRS) is a web-based App which can be used with computer, mobile and tablet and aims to increase farmer's net income and sustain the productivity for rice-based cropping systems in Bihar, India. CMRS provides irrigated and rain-fed farmers with rice-based cropping systems in Bihar with a crop and nutrient management guideline customized to the needs of an individual farmer CMRS uses a farmer's answers to questions on farming practices to automatically generate a rice, wheat, or rabi maize management guideline. App will be a part of Digital India program, and will be linked with Soil Health scheme for bringing access to new technologies to rural India. CMRS is designed for use by extension workers, crop advisers, input providers, and providers of services who interview a farmer using a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. CMRS was adapted, evaluated, and verified in Bihar through collaboration of IRRI with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research- RCER (ICAR), Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) and CIMMYT.   Environment Minister launches web portal for mining of sand and minor minerals (Topic: Environmental management and development and their applications and effects in everyday life) About- A new web portal has been launched for online submission and monitoring of environmental approvals for mining of sand and minor minerals. Aim- Web portal will lead to the empowerment of the project proponent, as it not only enhances transparency of the entire application process, but also enables the proponents to track their applications online.   About web portal- It is a district-level, web-based and role-based workflow application for online submission and monitoring of proposals for Category B’2’projects. Web-based application automates the entire tracking of proposals, which includes online submissions of a new proposal, editing/updating the details of proposals at each stage of the workflow. Some of the features of the application include– Submission of all projects in a single window interface; facilitate management in effective monitoring Delays in the clearance process can be ascertained; a unique ID for each proposal for future reference On-the-fly generation of all required reports Automatic mailer notification to take instance action; accessible from any PC having internet facility and different types of privileges/roles for users as per their responsibilities. Objectives- Enhancing efficiency, transparency and accountability in the environment clearance process Reduction in turnaround time for activity Enhance responsiveness through workflows automation and availability of real-time information Enhance ease and convenience of citizens and businesses in accessing information and services Achieve standardisation in processes across the states; online real-time monitoring and adherence to timelines for verification Stage-wise approval and compliance mechanism and a more user-friendly application process.                                          ‘Ornamental Fish Culture and Management for Livelihood Improvement of Rural Women’ (Topic: Steps taken for promoting fish culture) Aim- For imparting training to rural women for their empowerment through ornamental fish farming Ornamental fish farming programme- It is for livelihood improvement of fisher women Plan was formulated in 2010 for implementation from 2011-12 for five years. However, the plan has not been initiated so far. Aim of this programme was to improve the economic condition of rural women through self employment and for this it was decided to provide Rs. 1.0 lakh per woman for establishment of one unit. It was decided that the financial help would be provided by National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and 50% of total cost would be given to each trained woman. However, due to non-implementation of the programme, the state has been deprived of the financial assistance by the NFDB. Now the Central Government has established the training centre on ornamental fish culture and management at Patna, which will help the farmers of Bihar to get trained in the state itself.

Jul 4, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 4th July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 4th July, 2016   INTERNATIONAL   TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its neighborhood and International – relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.   India’s dynamic diplomacy: Pause for a reality check The below article deals with following dimensions: India_Iran_Afghan relations (focus on development of Chabahar port and trilateral transit corridor) India’s present relation with West Asian countries (in focus with strategic dimension) Comparison of India’s development of Chabahar port in Iran with China’s development of Gwador port in Pakistan How India’s diplomacy is changing in current existing global scenario India’s changing diplomacy: India’s diplomatic relation with world countries and among multi-lateral ladder is said to be under-performing or volatile, even though it has huge potential. Indian diplomacy in the past was careful to operate “under the radar” (low visibility and presence), which was advantageous to our country in gaining consensus and maintain cordial relationship with all the countries. But of lately, there has been a tendency to depart from this low visibility and attempts are been made to impart high visibility to achieve its development interests. India’s recent failure to bid for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is an example which highlights the perils of high visibility and volatility in diplomatic negotiations. However, a step towards this kind of high visibility and volatile diplomatic negotiations might make other countries to take us as a threat. India’s present relation with West Asian countries (in focus with strategic dimension): Recent visits of our Prime Minister to the West Asian countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan and Qatar) have, undoubtedly, helped strengthen relations with these countries, especially in the area of economics and trade. Each one of these countries has also been desirous of partnering India in development-related activities, recognising India’s current importance in Asia and the region. However, the same cannot be said of strategic and security relations. i.e. mere mention in joint statements of shared security and strategic concerns, common ideals and convergence of interests, enhanced defence ties, etc do not translate into a strategic relationship Here, India’s foreign policy and diplomacy have to move with caution.   Caution against exuberance: Most countries of West Asia have their own security and strategic construct. India is not visualised — nor does India see itself — as a “net provider of security” in the region and, consequently, India does not figure prominently in these countries’ security and strategic plans. There are again certain limits to intelligence and counter-terrorism cooperation, as serious differences exist between many of these countries and India on what constitutes terrorism and who can be described as a terrorist.   India-Iran nexus may hurt Saudi Arabia and Saudi-Pak nexus hurts India: Saudi Arabia, for example, needs to be seen as a dilettante in security matters — flirting with different nations, most noticeably the U.S., and frequently leaning towards Pakistan. Hence, when the India-Saudi Arabia joint statement talks of the two countries’ responsibilities to promote peace, security and stability in the region, it conveys different meanings for the two countries. For Saudi Arabia, locked in a near existential conflict with Iran — with which it has ideological, doctrinal and hegemonistic issues — Iran is the main enemy. For India, Iran is a friend, and the threat of terrorism emanates from Pakistan, which remains intent on employing terror as a strategic instrumentality to destroy India. Hence, it is best to avoid an excess of exuberance in such matters. Much of this applies in equal, if not greater, measure to the current euphoria regarding our relations with Iran.   India and Iran relation: India and Iran share very strong cultural relation. India is home to the second largest Shia population in the world is well known. The umbilical links between Qom (Iran) and centres of Shia orthodoxy in India may be less known, but do exist. Yet, Iran maintains a certain wariness in its relations with India. Reasons: Many attribute this to India’s negative vote in the Atomic Energy Agency earlier on, and India’s implicit adherence to U.S. sanctions against Iran more recently. Other reasons possibly exist, but clearly New Delhi needs to work far more strenuously to regain Tehran’s confidence. One high-profile visit by the Prime Minister, or the inking of the Chabahar port agreement, may not be enough. Chabahar port and Trilateral Transit Corridor is viewed as a threat: India’s development of Chabahar port is being mistakenly viewed by some people as a declaration of strategic intent. Chabahar port was solely intended to be an alternate trade and transit route to Afghanistan and conceived as such at the turn of the century. It aimed to circumvent Pakistan’s embargo on movement of goods from India to Afghanistan with no strategic overtones. The transit corridor involving Chabahar to Zaranj to Delaram (Afghanistan) was to be complemented by another International North-South Transit Corridor from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas into Central Asia. The delay in setting up Chabahar port has, however, reduced its economic value and utility, with China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative — to which both Pakistan and Iran subscribe — threatening to outflank it. Chabahar versus Gwadar: Another impression that the establishment of Chabahar port gives India a strategic advantage vis-à-visChina is equally misleading. Comparison with Gwadar port makes this obvious. China’s investment in Gwadar port dwarfs what India proposes to invest in Chabahar. Moreover, China’s relations with Iran are today on an upswing. Chinese President Xi Jinping was the first major world leader to visit Iran after the lifting of sanctions, signing more than a dozen deals, including the OBOR initiative. Iran has openly welcomed both China’s OBOR initiative and Maritime Silk Road initiative, and sees major economic benefits to itself once they are completed. China’s trade with Iran is of the order of $52 billion, much higher than the $9 billion trade between India and Iran. China expects to raise this to nearly $600 billion over the next decade. Not to be ignored is the Pakistan factor, adding further grist to China’s efforts. This includes dangling the possibility of an Iran-Pakistan-China gas pipeline.   Challenges in Afghanistan: Unfortunately, Afghanistan, for which Chabahar port was intended to be the lifeline, is in dire straits today and its future in jeopardy. India’s poor investment: India’s investment in Afghanistan has been substantial (for which it paid a heavy price in terms of both development assistance and the loss of human lives), including the Rs.1,700 crore Salma dam in the strategically vital Herat province (opened by the Prime Minister on June 4 this year); the new Afghan Parliament building; and the 218-km long Zaranj-Delaram Highway in western Afghanistan — but it faces the prospect of losing out on all that it has invested. Currently, large swathes of Afghanistan are under Taliban control. Constant attacks on government and other targets have eroded the credibility of the National Unity Government. Afghanistan’s changing politics and Taliban: Some parties are aligning more with Pakisthan and some Afghan leaders now seem to be leaning towards the China-dominated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and give it a key role in a future security architecture. Only, Hamid Karzai government displays little preference for India. Some Collapse of the National Unity Government will almost certainly lead to a surge in Taliban-directed activity. Countries that have propped up the National Unity Government might even offer an olive branch to the Taliban and involve Taliban members in a future Afghan government. This would then enable the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Haqqani network and the Islamic State (IS) to further enlarge their presence inside Afghanistan. A Talibanised Afghanistan could well become a staging post for launching attacks against India. The possibility of regional instability, which Pakistan could use to its advantage and to India’s detriment, cannot also be disregarded.   Conclusion: These developments constitute a strategic reversal for India. In the new order of things, India faces the danger of being relegated to a “bit player”, with little or no influence. India has been kept out of the newly created Quadrilateral Coordination Group which consists of the U.S., China, Pakistan and Afghanistan to discuss Afghanistan’s future. Left with few options and with the anticipated proliferation of Islamist extremist groups including the al-Qaeda and the IS, India’s focus would need to shift from development to finding ways and means to ensure that Afghanistan does not turn into a major crucible for myriad terrorist groups, specially the IS and the al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Consequently, the dividend that India expects from the development of Chabahar port may well prove to be highly evanescent. Hence, premature celebrations are best avoided. As India’s prospects recede, the economic advantages accruing to China from the OBOR — which incorporates Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran — would increase. This would further diminish whatever elbow room exists for India in that country and in the region. Connecting the dots: What are the implications of India’s highly visible changing diplomacy in regard to the development of Chabahar port? Discuss the issue highlighting the difference between China’s development of Gwadhar port and India’s development of Chabahar port. Examine the India’s recent developments in strategic dimensions with West Asian countries. Why India’s foreign policy and diplomacy have to move with caution?   ECONOMICS TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Governance issues General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources, growth, development; Banking Issues   Tightrope walk—for the new RBI Governor FCNR (B) Redemption The redemption pressure of the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (bank) deposits, or the FCNR (B) deposits will increase as the outflow would start in September. Usually it is considered to be a non-event; however, if foreign exchange flows dry up due to Brexit (as banks will struggle to deliver more than $10 billion of forwards to the RBI after maintaining nostro balances of $10 billion to $15 billion) it may inflict damage on the Indian financial sector. Scheme: These deposits were raised in 2013 to accumulate foreign currency due to the worsening balance of payment conditions—when the rupee was depreciating sharply and went on to hit its lowest against the dollar in August 2013 RBI offered a special window to the banks to swap the fresh FCNR (B) dollar funds, mobilised for a tenor of three years to five years at a fixed rate of 3.5 per cent annually for the tenor of the deposit. Way Ahead: Need to take a closer assessment as we reach closer to the time of maturity of the FCNR (B) deposits. The liquidity tightness that time would have to be replenished by stepping-up open market purchases RBI has entered into currency swaps and forwards, and that should take care of the dollar requirement and be neutral for the reserves RBI will keep systemic liquidity at ease and additionally could consider a combination of three options — arrange for a sizable amount of higher tenor term repo; followed by OMO purchases; and reduction in daily cash reserve ratio maintenance from 90 per cent to 70 per cent of the net demand and time liabilities for the stipulated period. Besides the swap arrangements and forex flows from exports, RBI can utilise the foreign exchange reserve, which stands at $363 billion as of April 29, 2016. Additionally, RBI can also use the line of credit arrangement with other central banks Monetary Policy Committee New rules: MPC is a departure from the present practice where the entire onus rests on the governor for any rate decision. While the governor will have the casting vote if there is a tie, the responsibility will be shared by the committee. The governor has to ensure that he does not opt for the casting vote frequently. The transition to the new policy framework would require more discussion and better discipline, to ensure with this committee approach which will improve credibility of decision-making Refer: Clipping RBI’s wings: On deciding monetary policy   Burden of Expectations Expectation of sharp cuts in interest rates: Difficult to manage rate cut expectation of the government and the industry at a time when inflation is on the rise This at a time when retail inflation accelerated to a near two-year high of 5.76 per cent in May, driven by surging prices of food products such as pulses and sugar The Consumer Price Index-based and the Wholesale Price Index-based inflations are climbing. Food inflation rose by 100 basis points, headline inflation moved up by 60 basis points, and after excluding food, fuel, petrol and diesel, inflation edged up marginally and remained sticky in April. To counter food inflation, RBI can only cut liquidity and keep interest rates high. With 7th Pay Commission handing more money in the hands of the consumers, it’ll be difficult to cut liquidity Refer: India’s Inflation Outlook   Cleaning up Banks Bad loans have skyrocketed to Rs 5.8 lakh-crore— Crisil has downgraded nine banks since March and expects stressed loans to rise to Rs 7.1 lakh crore by the end of 2016-17. Banks must be recapitalised after the write-offs and additional capital brought in to meet Basel-III norms. Recapitalisation involves political decision as the bulk of the bad loans, roughly 90 per cent, are in public sector banks but the responsibility would still stay with the Central Bank—which if not managed properly, could lead to structural problems that can cripple the entire economy. A massive overhaul and reform of banking processes is required to prevent this sort of bad loan situation building up again and RBI needs to give advices in a well-thought politically acceptable ways. With public sector banks burdened with bad loans, it will be a challenge to kick-start lending in the economy for growth to revive Refer: Fashioning a Banking Turn- Public Sector Banks MUST READ   Brexit, missile control and India Livemint   Why India needs a uniform civil code Livemint   India’s three big challenges Livemint   After NSG rebuff, India falls back on fossil fuels for energy security Livemint   Sunny times for solar Hindu   SC rues barriers for disabled in govt. service Hindu Related Article: Disability Law & the Invisible People   Delhi hopes UN will push global terror convention Hindu Related Articles: All India Radio- Counterterrorism Conference 2016   Going micro to tackle HIV Hindu   Experts slam omission of water heaters in solar policy Hindu   On this day 25 years ago, an invaluable devaluation Indian Express

Jul 4, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba '60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 HISTORY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 43]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 42 solution is active now.  Why we asked you to comment? Now go back to check your answers that you posted with honest effort. Edit your answers with marks. Everyday like this you can self monitor your progress for all 60 days. Accountability to self is the only way for success IASbaba '60 Day Plan' - Prelims Test 2016 [Day 43] Q.1) Which of the following cities of Harappan Civilisation are in modern day India. Dolavira Soktagandor Ropar Rakhigarhi Ganeriwala Choose the correct option from below: a) All of the above b) 1,3 and 4 c) 1,4 and 5 d) 2,3 and 4 Q.2) Choose the correct statement(s) from the following. Sthulabhadra migrated to Sravanbelgola with twelve thousand disciples and Chandra Gupta Maurya . Sthulbhadra migrated due to a sudden invader attack on Magadha. The followers of Sthulbhadra are called Swetambars while the followers of Bhadrabahu are called Digambars. Select the code from the following: a) 2 only b) 1 and 2 c) 3 only d) All of the above Q.3) In Ashokan Edicts, Ashoka has been referred as Devanampiya and Piyadassi. What does Devanampiya means: a) He who regards everyone with affection. b) The beloved of the gods. c) The one without sorrow or pain. d) The one without enemies. Q.4) Which of the following muslim rulers had minted the image of Goddess Lakshmi on one side and his name in Nagari script on the other? a) Muhammad Ghori b) Qutub ud din Aibak c) Iltutmish d) Alauddin khilji Q.5) Consider the following statements: They introduced horse riding, which made their maneuverability much better in battle field than the contemporary chariots. They brought new fashion in India, introducing pantaloons, hat, boots and over coat. Which of the statements are correct about Kushanas? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6 ) Consider the following statements: Radio-carbon dating is done to estimate the age of prehistoric artifacts. Dendro-chronology is used to measure the age of wood. Which of the above statements is/are correct: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.7) Consider the following statements regarding Rig Vedic Society: Rig vedic Aryans were pastoral people and their main occupation was cattle rearing. Iron plough was used for agriculture. They made large temples to worship natural forces like Prithvi, Agni, Varun etc. Elaborate rituals were followed during worship. Which of the above statements is/are correct: a) 2 and 3 b) 1 and 4 c) 2,3 and 4 d) None of the above Q.8) Gandhara art was developed in and around Peshawar in North western India. Which of the following statements holds true for Gandhara school of Art? It is a blend of Indian and Greco-Roman style. It was promoted by Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Gandhara school also carved out images of Shiva and Vishnu. Human body is moulded in a realistic manner with minute details like muscles, moustache and hair curls Select the correct code from the following: a) 1,2 and 4 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 4 d) All of the above Q.9) Consider the following statements about the society in Chola kingdom: Both Shaivism and Vaishnavism continued to flourish during Chola period. The inscriptions of later Chola period mentions about two major divisions of caste. Practice of ‘Sati’ was absent in royal families. Temples remained important centers of economic activity. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1,2 and 3 b) 2,3 and 4 c) 1,2 and 4 d) All of the above Q.10) Consider the following statements: Rock cut temples in India were introduced by the Pallavas. Panchpandava Ratha temples are monolithic temples representing five different styles. Which of the above statements are correct: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.11 Consider the following : Manimekalai                                   Illango Idigal Mudrarakshas                                Vishakhadatta Daridra Charudatt                         Shudrak Mrichchakatika                              Bhasa Which one of the above is/are incorrectly matched? a) 2 only b) 1,3 and 4 c) 2,3 and 4 d) None of the above Q.12) Which of the following reasons are attributed to the rise and growth of new religious sects in post vedic society? Rigid cast based system where Brahmans claimed the highest status in society. Kshatriyas reacted strongly against the ritualistic domination of the brahmanas. Vedic religion became very sacrificial hampering the newly emerged agricultural economy. Economic condition of Vaishyas and Shudras improved drastically. Hence they violently tried to improve their social status. Women was also given an equal status in all other new sects, which led to their populatrity. Select the option from the following:                                                                                             a) 1,2 and 3 b) 4 and 5 c) only 5 d) 3,4 and 5 Q.13)  Consider the following statements regarding Indo-Islamic architecture Mughals introduced Islamic architecture in India Muslim architecture forbids replication of any living forms on any surface Qutub Minar has been constructed by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Iltutmish and Firozshah Tughlaq Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 only c) 2 and 3 d) All of the above Q.14) consider the following statements with respect to Buddhist architecture: Chaitya, Stupa, Vihara, bronze images are a part of Buddhist architecture. Lion Capital of Asoka was found at Sanchi. Originally the stupa was made of bricks surrounded by a wooden railing. The torans at Stupa were carved with lotus, elephant, bull, lion and horse and some of the Jataka stories of the previous births of Buddha Which of the above statements are incorrect? a) All of the above b) 2 and 4 c) 1 and 3 d) 2 only Q.15) Consider the following statements Post Mauryan period saw rise of brahmanical sects like Vaishnavas and Shaivas Buddha got human form in Mathura and Gandhara art Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.16) Mughal paintings are considered to be landmark in history of fine arts in India. Which of  the following statements regarding Mughal paintings are correct? Mughal School of painting originated with Humayun who was keenly interested in art of painting and architecture. Mughal style is synthesis of Indian style of painting and Safavid school of Persian painting. Mughal artists were adept in making miniature paintings. Reign of Aurangzeb saw Mughal style of painting at its height of glory. Select the code from below: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1,2 and 3 d) All of the above Q.17) Consider the following statements with respect to Kabir: Kabir was a bhakti poet The poems served twin purpose of social reform and spirituality during bhakti movement Kabir was in favour of detaching oneself from attachments of the world Choose the correct option a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.18) ‘Urs’ denote— a) A style of Indo-Sarasenic architecture b) A type of blue pottery c) Death anniversary of a Sufi saint in South Asia d) A form of narrative sculpture Q.19) This dance form has characters named Satvika, Rajasika and Tamasika. Identify the dance form: a) Bharatnatyam b) Kathakali c) Lai Haraoba d) Chhau Q.20) Consider the following statements: The dependence on formal credit increases with the reduction in the landholding size. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will replace the existing two schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme and the Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme. Government’s liability on premium subsidy would be shared between Centre and States, on a 75:25 basis In the post-harvest losses, coverage will be available up to a maximum period of 14 days from harvesting for those crops which are kept in “cut & spread” condition to dry in the field Choose the incorrect statement/s from the following options: a) Both1 and 4 b) Only 3 c) Both 1 and 3 d) None of the above Q.21) Consider the following states of India: Arunachal Pradesh Assam Manipur Jammu & Kashmir Choose the State/s from the following option which does not follow the IPC— a) Both 1 and 2 b) Only 2 c) Only 4 d) None of the above Q.22) Consider the following instances: When the punishment or sentence is by a court Martial When there is a violation of a Fundamental Right Choose from the following option that allows Supreme Court to exercise its pardoning power— a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.23) Who of the following was the first Arab invader to have a successful campaign in India? a) Mohammad Ghori b) Mohammad bin Qasim c) Mahmod Ghazni d) Genghis Khan Q.24) Consider the following statement: Mamluks were warrior slaves of mainly Turkish origin, who had converted to Islam. They had a very low status in society. Which of the above statements are incorrect: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.25) Sufism as a thought originated in Persia and spread to India by 11th century. Which of the following statements are correct about Sufism? They believed service to humanity equals service to God. They introduced a new form of singing called ‘Qawwali’ where rhythm is given with claps of hand. They preached meditation to connect to inner soul and God. They observed strict celibacy. Select the correct code from the following: a) 1, 3 and 4 b) 2, 3 and 4 c) 1, 2 and 3 d) All of the above   Download the Solution- Click here P.S- Attempt these questions within 20 minutes with full honesty and write your results in the comment box. Next day, come back and check your result. You can also discuss the important concepts and issues, in case of doubts (among peers) All the best IASbaba

Jul 4, 2016 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Art of Letting Go – Inspirational & Educative Articles

Art of Letting Go If there is any skill that is worth developing which has the ability to remove most of your pain and suffering, it is the art of letting go. The very functioning mechanism of the mind is to cling to things. This ability of the mind to attach itself to anything and everything creates enormous pain and disturbance. While life is a beautiful moment to moment experience, mind makes it a painful and unfair game by clinging to things. Everything around us is changing; people, places, lifestyles, habits and behaviors. The mind that clings to things soon finds itself out of place and out of time. Let’s take an example of a failed relationship. Life was magnificently beautiful when you first felt that love and connection with someone. It would have been like the whole existence is singing and dancing in joy. But somewhere down the lane, your mind began to interfere with this experience. It started to think, question, doubt, argue and eventually broke what was simple and beautiful. The surprise is not a failed relationship; it could have happened for a million reasons as everything is constantly changing. The surprise is how much it has troubled you and how long it continues to trouble you. The problem is never love or desire; the problem always is not knowing how to let go. A failed relationship is just one example. We fail at pretty much everything, before we learn the knack of succeeding. If you have not learnt the art of letting go of all your past failures and disappointments, life simply becomes an endless accumulation of suffering. It is ok to say good bye, it is ok to let go, it is ok to start new, it is ok to fall and get up. The moment we take things just the way they come and let go of them gracefully, life becomes a celebration. Every moment is awaited for the surprise it brings, if the surprise is painful, there is always another moment to look forward to. There is really no other form of suffering other than the one we inflict on ourselves by constantly thinking about what has gone by. If only we can let go; we can be so much more, we can give so much more, we can laugh so much more, we can make this brief visit to life a memorable one. Let go, for nothing lasts forever. Life is like a beautiful painting on water; everything is constantly changing, and that is how it gets its beauty. The only way to participate fully with life is to become more like that painting; flexible, changing, reflecting and flowing; always ready to become something new. “The articles are a copyright of The Ahamo Movement and IASBABA.” Read more such articles– Click Here

Jul 2, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 2nd July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 2nd July, 2016   INTERNATIONAL   TOPIC: General studies 2 India and its neighborhood - relations, Act East Policy Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.   Reviving Act East Policy Introduction: We have earlier covered many articles in regard to India’s engagement with Iran and how it is working to spread its influence and presence in Central Asia. We also know that India recently concluded the long-awaited contract with Iran, i.e. to develop the Chabahar port, and a related deal involving the establishment of a trilateral trade and economic corridor This engagement is possibly one of the most crucial steps which would not only enable India’s access to Afghanistan, but also large parts of Central Asia which are rich in natural resources. It is significant also because India gets to contest China’s influence in the region. While there’s been some headway in Central Asia, in the immediate neighbourhood things have not been quite so impressive in terms of India’s investments. Note: The below article briefs us about the present lethargic relations between India and its immediate neighbouring countries (esp. South-East Asian countries) and makes a point why India should increase its presence/relations in/with these countries. Courtesy (image)- https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/p/1/005/0a9/119/2be6622.jpg Why India should focus nearer East? To bring back its Act East Policy back to life In 2014, the Government announced the Act East Policy to bring more focus to this region, in particular, to the CLMV nations. However, no significant business engagements have resulted, and if this situation continues, the Act East Policy may just appear as old wine in a new bottle. To grab the economic opportunities these countries offer for India Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) have all been exhibiting more than 5 per cent GDP growth over the last few years, as the world economy struggled to breach the 2.5 per cent growth. Myanmar and Vietnam have led the pack, with 8.5 per cent and 6 per cent growth respectively. The CLMV region has received a significant amount of FDI (increased from $13.3 billion in 2011 to $38.7 billion in 2015), with Vietnam and Myanmar taking the large chunk of this share. Interestingly, both these countries, Vietnam and Myanmar, also offer tremendous opportunities for India to access huge markets. For duty-free and quota-free access Myanmar, along with Cambodia and Laos, by virtue of being a Least Developed Country, benefits from the most favourable regime available under the EU’s ‘Everything But Arms’ scheme, providing duty-free and quota-free access to the EU for the export of products, except arms and ammunition. On the other hand, the recently concluded Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement to which Vietnam is a signatory along with 11 other Pacific economies representing 26 per cent of world trade, would provide almost duty-free access to goods produced in and exported from Vietnam. Indian companies can get direct access to the developing and developed markets of TPP and ASEAN members While Myanmar could act as the gateway to the entire Asean region apart from tapping the significant local market, Indian companies in Vietnam would get direct access to the developing and developed markets of TPP members. Besides these, it goes without saying that CLMV would provide access to the entire Asean landmass.   Concerns: India’s negligible presence Unfortunately, bilateral economic engagement between India and the CLMV countries is less than satisfactory. The irony is that in spite of these apparent benefits, India’s cumulative investment in two of the large markets in the region, Myanmar and Vietnam, stands at an abysmal low of $1.1 billion and $2.2 billion, during 2011 and 2015. India’s share in total investments in the CLMV region during the same period stands at just 2.4 per cent. On the other hand, while imports by CLMV doubled during 2010 and 2014, India’s share in its imports remained the same, hovering around 2 per cent, since 2010. Increasing presence of China and far of countries The ground reality is that while China already has made significant inroads into CLMV, countries far from Europe and the Asia-Pacific are not far behind. It may not be out of place to conclude that India is increasingly being observed to be missing the bus in the CLMV region. Ideally, India should have been playing to its strengths in the region, executing projects in the area of healthcare, ICT and education, and possibly even replicating some of its African models. A big dose of lethargy While the Government in 2014 had expressed the desire to set up a 500-crore Project Development Fund (PDF) for catalysing Indian investments in CLMV countries, the same has not seen any significant traction on the ground either. If these initiatives see the light of day, it will usher in a good amount of Indian investments into the region, possibly in textiles, leather and low-end manufacturing, amongst others. The Kaladan multi-modal transit-transport system conceived in 2008 envisioning connecting India’s north-eastern States through Myanmar to its Sitwe port has been in limbo due to delay and escalated costs. The project was intended to be a landmark initiative that would facilitate India’s links to the Asean region. Conclusion: It is extremely important, given the geopolitical conditions, that inertia at the government level be shaken off so as to see the completion of the planned projects. “Good economics is good politics”. India must increasingly push for engaging more with these four countries in the region so as to benefit not only on the economic front, but also be a constructive and strategic partner in their growth stories. There has been apprehension in some quarters about completion of the Chabahar port in time, in light of India’s recent record in delays in completion of strategic projects. Such notions should be corrected. As India goes to Laos in a few months to participate in the Asean summit, the NDA government should work to shift its focus back to the region. Connecting the dots: “Good economics is good politics”. Elucidate the statement in regard to the importance of why India should focus East?   NATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 1 Role of women and women’s organization – women empowerment General studies 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections   Talaq-e-Bidat — To be tested on ‘touchstone of Constitution’   Shayara Bano—1st woman to challenge a personal law practice She has challenged the triad of instantaneous triple talaq (talaq-e-bidat), polygamy and halala (a practice where divorced women, in case they want to go back to their husbands, have to consummate a second marriage). In her petition, there is no mention of the contentious Uniform Civil Code, or codification of the Muslim personal law— She has sought equality before law and protection against discrimination on the basis of her gender and religion. The Supreme Court has decided to examine the legality of triple talaq by entertaining a Muslim woman's petition stating that this mode of divorce be declared unconstitutional as it allowed Muslim men to treat women like "chattel".   The triple talaq system Enables Muslim men to unilaterally exercise the power of divorce According to the Hanafis when triple divorce is pronounced, the wife will become totally alienated from the husband and he cannot remarry her. She becomes haram (totally prohibited) for him. Neither can he take her back nor can he go for fresh nikah with her. He can go for nikah with her only after she marries another person and that person divorces her on account of marital conflict or she becomes a widow. Totally un-Quranic The Prophet of Islam was tremendously displeased and reprimanded a man for divorcing his wife in an instant. Therefore, world-over as well as in the Shia community in India, triple talaq is not accepted by Muslims. In Islam, marriage is a social contract with clear conditions to be noted down in a nikahnama (marriage contract) as well as provides for affirmative provisions for a bride such as mehr (dower). The Quran gives equal right to both husband and wife to seek divorce. But it nowhere allows instant divorce, for it treats marriage as a serious social relationship, entered into by two individuals. There are a number of verses in the Quran that call for attempts to reconcile in the case of marital discord to be carried out over a period of 90 days. Findings: According to a survey conducted by the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA), a women's rights advocacy group, which is campaigning against triple talaq, 59 percent of divorced Indian Muslim women were divorced through triple talaq. In a national study, Seeking Justice within Family, out of a sample of 4,710 women, 525 have been divorced. Of these, 346 women were divorced orally, 40 women were sent a letter of divorce by their husbands, 18 women were divorced on phone, one via SMS, three through email and 117 through other methods. In the same study, 92% respondents called for a legal ban on the practice of oral, unilateral or triple divorce.   By Law: The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, allows Indian Muslims to be governed by the Shariat. The absence of codification has legally allowed community leaders to hold the practices as sacrosanct. The Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939, however, codifies a woman’s right to seek divorce by approaching the court. Courts could adjudicate under Article 13 of the Constitution if the Shariat law was found to be “inconsistent with or in derogation of the fundamental rights” of Muslim women. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, a Maharashtra-based organisation committed to protecting the Islamic way of life, has argued that the minority religious community’s personal laws draw its authority from the Holy Koran and not the Indian Constitution. The law is not within the purview of the expression “laws in force” as mentioned in Article 13 of the constitution and hence its validity could not be tested on a challenge based on Part III (fundamental rights) of the constitution. In view of such clear provisions, if the court frames fresh provisions, it will amount to judicial legislation and will be violative of the doctrine of separation of powers   In the Past: SC had urged the government in the Shah Bano case to frame a uniform civil code, a two-judge bench in October 2015 suo motu ordered registration of a PIL. Justices Anil R Dave and Adarsh K Goel had sought responses from the Attorney General and the National Legal Services Authority of India on whether “gender discrimination” suffered by Muslim women should not be considered a violation of fundamental rights. The bench was hearing a matter related to succession when it said it is time to focus on rights of Muslim women. The judges asked for the case to be placed before the CJI to constitute a bench. It is now being heard with Shayara Bano case. During UPA government a report had been submitted to the Ministry of women and child development on the subject 'Women and the law: An assessment of family laws with focus on laws relating to marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance and succession'. The committee recommended a ban on various practices that are purportedly Islamic but require reform, including talaq-e-bidat (unilateral triple talaq) and polygamy The Shamim Ara Judgement— makes it clear that talaq sent over email or text message or through a notice or through the Qazi, etc is not valid and also clarified the procedure for a Muslim husband to divorce his wife: Present: Supreme Court: Has called for an open-court debate on the highest judiciary’s authority to look into Islamic personal law and possibly subject it to the regime of fundamental rights under the Constitution. Connecting the Dots: Does the language of Article 44 needs correction? Is the agitation for a Uniform Civil Code biased? Discuss. Will the ban on ‘triple-talaq’ bring ‘acche din’ for the Muslim women? Discuss.   MUST READ   Trai’s cloudy cloud computing paper Livemint   Playing by the new ‘matlabi’ rules Hindu   Sri Lanka must stay the course Hindu   In distress Indian Express Related Article: Punjab : A case study in agricultural and economic mismanagement in India   Fields of prosperity Indian Express    

Jul 2, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba '60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 ENVIRONENT & BIODIVERSITY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 42]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 41 solution is active now.  Why we asked you to comment? Now go back to check your answers that you posted with honest effort. Edit your answers with marks. Everyday like this you can self monitor your progress for all 60 days. Accountability to self is the only way for success IASbaba '60 Day Plan' - Prelims Test 2016 [Day 42] Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding Pygmy Hog: They are the rarest and smallest breed of Pigs. It is a critically endangered species found in tropical evergreen forests of western ghats. Pygmy Hog sucking louse, a critically endangered species of insect, is a parasite found only on Pygmy hog. Extinction of Pygmy hog will lead to its extinction too. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.2) The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Which of the following statements are correct about Ramsar Convention? The convention was signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. Only natural wetlands are included under Ramsar Convention. Conference of Parties (CoP), is the Convention’s Governing body consisting of all governments that have ratified the treaty. Select the code from below: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.3) There are two types of ‘Biogeochemical cycles’: the gaseous and the sedimentary cycles. Consider the following statements: In the gaseous cycle, the main reservoir of nutrients is the atmosphere and the ocean. In the sedimentary cycle, the main reservoir is the soil and the sedimentary and other rocks of the earth’s crust. Which of the above statement(s)  is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding Oxygen Cycle: Oxygen is the main by-product of respiration process. Oxygen is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements: Nitrogen can be fixed in the atmosphere by lightning and cosmic radiation. Denitrification is the process of conversion of nitrogen into nitrates. Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6) Which of the following are the type of temperate grasslands? Prairies Steppe Savanna Velds Select the code from below: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1,2 and 4 d) 3 and 4  Q.7) Consider the following statements: Genetic diversity exists within species only. Naturally interbreeding can occur within species. Select the correct statement(s) from above: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 and 2 Q.8) Which of the following has a negative effect on agro-biodiversity? GM crops Fertilizers Organic farming Polyculture Select the code from below: a) 1 only b) 1,2 and 3 c) 1 and 4 d) 2,3 and 4 Q.9) UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. Which of following Indian Biosphere reserves comes under the category of MAB? Nilgiri Gulf of Mannar Agasthyamala Rann of Kutch Select the code from below a) 1 and 2 b) 1,2 and 3 c) 2,3 and 4 d) All of the above  Q.10) ‘Dirty Dozen’ refers to: a) 12 most harmful Greenhouse Gases b) 12 Ozone Depleting Substances c) 12 Persistent Organic Pollutants d) 12 carcinogenic metals Q.11) Why biodiversity is rich in Tropics compared to Temperate? Tropics have had more stable climate Warm temperatures and high humidity in most tropical areas Tropical communities are older than temperate ones Greater pressure from pests, parasites and diseases in tropics Which of the statements given above is/are correct reasons for the same? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2, 3 and 4 only c) 1, 2 and 3 only d) All of the above Q.12) Which among the following statement/s is/are correct in regard to National Parks, Wildlife Sancturies and Biosphere Reserves? The rights of the people living inside the National parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries are tightly regulated National parks provide outdoor recreation, camping opportunities and are designed to educate the public on the importance of conservation activities Tourism is normally not permissible in Biosphere Reserve In National Parks and Biosphere Reserves, boundaries are fixed by legislation. However, boundaries of sancturies are not sacrosanct Choose the appropriate code: a) 1 and 2 only b) 2, 3 and 4 only c) 1, 2 and 3 only d) All of the above Q.13) Which organisation released the recent report ‘Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database 2016’? a) World Health Organization b) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) c) United Nations Development Programme d) Médecins Sans Frontières Q.14) Consider the following statements: A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high number of endemic species. The concept of biodiversity hotspots was originated by Norman Myers. Hotspots are formally recognised or governed areas. Which of the statements given above are correct? a) Only 1 and 2 b) Only 2 and 3 c) Only 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.15) Which lake is the biggest for Brackish Water (Saline) lagoon, it is set to be India’s biggest and world second biggest coastal lagoon? a) Lunar Lake, Maharashtra b) Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan c) Chilika Lake, Orissa d) Kuttanad lagoon, Kerala Q.16) Consider the following statements with regard to Snow Leapord, classified as Endangered by the IUCN, which was recently in news: The snow leopard is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia. Snow leopards inhabit alpine and subalpine zones at elevations from 3,000 to 4,500 m (9,800 to 14,800 ft). It is found in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh. Choose the appropriate code from below: a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 1 and 2 only d) All of the above Q.17) When a fossil fuel burns, two of the gases that contribute to acid rain are released. These two gases are: a) methane and carbon dioxide. b) nitrogen and sulfur dioxide. c) methane and sulfur dioxide. d) carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Q.18) Consider the following statements about Basel Convention: It is an international treaty that was designed to reduce the movements of hazardous waste between nations. It specifically focuses on to prevent transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs). It also addresses the movement of radioactive waste between different nations. Select the correct code: a) Only 1 and 2 b) Only 2 and 3 c) Only 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.19) Consider the following statements about World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) WWF is an international non-governmental organization WWF headquarter is located in Switzerland The group’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature Choose the correct code a) 1 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 1 and 2 only d) All of the above Q.20) Which of the following is/are not an ingredient of Smog? Nitrogen oxides Hydrocarbons Polycarbonates Ozone Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 4 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 3 only d) None of the above Q.21) Consider the following differences between HRIDAY and PRASAD Schemes by the Government— PRASAD is under Tourism Ministry while HRIDAY is under Urban Development Ministry. HRIDAY cities are chosen based on it elements governing faith, spirituality and religion whereas PRASAD cities are chosen based on their heritage status. Select the correct option exhibiting the correct difference/s between HRIDAY & PRASAD: a) Only 1 b) Only 2 c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.22) Consider the following statements: The accompanying melody to this dance form is simply to express adoration for the Supreme Being. The final dance known as ‘tillana’, finds its origin in the ‘tarana’ of Hindustani Music. It heavily leans on ‘abhinaya’ and is conducted by the Nattuvanar. Choose the correct dance-form described above: a) Kuchipudi b) Bharatnatyam c) Kathakali d) Sattriya Q.23) Which of the following statement/s is/are true? FIIs are restricted from participating in commodities trading at exchanges. A committee headed by Shanta Kumar suggested the possible merger of FMC with SEBI, citing the reason that the structure of the FMC is not fully suited to the challenges of an emerging market and needed to be overhauled. Choose the correct option: a) Only 1 b) Only 2 c) Both 1 and 2 d) None of the above Q.24) Which committee was asked to submit a report on the IPL? a) Meiyappan Committee b) Mudgal Committee c) Lodha Committee d) Kundra Committee Q.25) Which of the following would be the first preferred category of preference in order to acquire weapons as mentioned in the DPP 2016? a) Fast-track Clearance Method b) Superior Technology Accreditation Method c) IDDM Method d) Lowest Bidder Method Download the Solution- Click here P.S- Attempt these questions within 20 minutes with full honesty and write your results in the comment box. Next day, come back and check your result. You can also discuss the important concepts and issues, in case of doubts (among peers) All the best IASbaba

Jul 1, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 1st July, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 1st July, 2016   ECONOMICS   TOPIC: General Studies 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in FDI policy and their effects on economic growth. Investment models   Is FDI really a gift horse? Government of India recently announced another new set of “radical changes” in foreign direct investment (FDI) policies Just in November 2015, the government had introduced changes in 15 major sectors, and now, the latest announcement covers nine sectors Comparison between the changes adopted by the earlier and latest FDI policy reforms: November 2016 FDI policy changes Last year’s announcement stated that the policy changes were intended to “ease, rationalise and simplify the process of foreign investments in the country and to put more and more FDI proposals on automatic route instead of Government route where time and energy of the investors is wasted Latest FDI policy changes The recent amendments to FDI policy seek to further simplify the regulations governing FDI in the country and make India an attractive destination for foreign investors” to attract and promote FDI in order to supplement domestic capital, technology and skills, for accelerated economic growth However, the thrust/vision of the two sets of policy changes remains the same – “to ease entry of foreign investors in India” With these successive changes in FDI policy, India has become “the most open economy in the world for FDI” but can the country expect to benefit from this form of investment?   Can the country expect to benefit from this form of investment? In order to answer the above question, it is important to understand the following – Are India’s FDI true in its character i.e. long-term inflows? FDI, as distinguished from portfolio investment, has the connotation of establishing a ‘lasting interest’ in an enterprise that is resident in an economy other than that of the investor. Therefore, it is important to understand whether FDI has retained its character of being long-term inflows of investible capital in an age when global capital markets are being ruled by investors having short-term targets. Understanding the proper definition of FDI Economists have always treated FDI as that component of foreign investment in an enterprise that confers “control” to the foreign investor over the enterprise. All other foreign investment was defined as portfolio investment, and this component was considered “footloose”. As regards the threshold for identifying whether an enterprise was foreign-controlled or otherwise, most countries adopted their own definitions. Improper/poor definition of FDI – do not allow us to make the distinction between long-term investments and portfolio investments In the past, the RBI followed the practice of identifying “foreign-controlled rupee companies”, which were companies having foreign shareholding of 25 per cent or more of total equity or where 40 per cent share is held by investors from a single country. In recent decades, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have pushed for a globally acceptable definition of FDI, according to which 10 per cent or more of foreign equity constitutes the “controlling share” in an enterprise. But not all countries have adopted the OECD-IMF definition. For instance, in India all investments other than those through the stock market are reported as FDI. India, therefore, does not make any distinction between the “controlling share” and the others as far as FDI is concerned. This implies that data on FDI for India do not allow us to make the distinction between long-term investments and portfolio investments. Lack of access to the state-of-the-art technologies Foreign investors consider “controlling share” to be vital for bringing in state-of-the-art technologies. However, given the fact that developing countries have been struggling to get access to proprietary technologies despite steep increases in FDI inflows over time, there seems to be the proverbial slip between access to technology and FDI inflows. Increasing reinvested earnings The OECD-IMF duo introduced some other components in the definition of FDI, the most significant of these being the inclusion of reinvested earnings. While it may be justified for balance of payments purposes, the fact is that retained earnings increase the host country’s liabilities without actually transferring resources from abroad. Retained earnings are a part of the profits earned by foreign companies in their host countries, which are in domestic currencies. Once capitalised and absorbed in the equity stock, retained earnings become conduits for larger dividend remittances in future. Further, if such earnings are used to take over domestic companies or to buy back shares from the public, then they would not add to the existing capacities. Data provided by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) show that the share of reinvested earnings has increased progressively during the recent past and by 2013 they constituted two-thirds of the FDI outflows from the developed countries. In fact, more money was flowing into the developed countries as dividend income than that was flowing out as direct investment. Thus actual cross-border equity flows that meet the conventional definition of FDI are only a fraction of the reported global FDI flows. Inflows and outflows According to official statistics, India has seen a steep increase in FDI inflows totalling over $55 billion in 2015-16. However, in the world of high finance, FDI is not a gift horse —there are at least two sets of costs that host countries have to bear. The first is the direct cost stemming from outflows on account of operation of foreign companies. The RBI has reported that between 2009-10 and 2014-15, outflows due to repatriations, dividends and payments for technology have together constituted a major foreign exchange drain — nearly one-half of the equity inflows during this period! The RBI also tells us that during the same period, subsidiaries of foreign companies operating in India ran negative trade balances in almost all manufacturing sub-sectors. But, together with remittances and other payments, foreign subsidiaries in most sectors regularly drew out surpluses which look quite large when compared with the capital that the foreign companies were bringing in. Apart from the direct costs, foreign investors are able to extract indirect benefits from their host economies by using bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements (BIPA). In recent years, India has faced a number of disputes with foreign investors, which arose because the latter was able to invoke the investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism included in the BIPAs that allows disputes to be taken to private international arbitration panels. Most of the cases have arisen as the foreign investors have challenged the tax liabilities imposed by the government. The government has amended the model BIPA ostensibly to blunt the ISDS mechanism. The new model BIPA includes a strong stricture to foreign investors to make timely payment of their tax liabilities in accordance with India’s laws. It will be well worth watching as to how this instrument gels with the investor-friendly regime that has now been put in place.   (Note: Crux of the whole article can be concluded as below) IASbaba’s views on: India has become “the most open economy in the world for FDI” but can the country expect to benefit from this form of (FDI) investment? From the above article, we can conclude that India gets benefitted from FDI if – India’s FDI inflows retains its character of being long-term inflows (rather than short term inflows or portfolio investments) Definition of FDI adopted by India provides data that allow us to make the distinction between long-term investments and portfolio investments India succeeds in its true interest of obtaining access to state-of-the-art technologies and proprietary technologies from the FDI Its retained earnings are less, as the retained earnings increase the host country’s liabilities without actually transferring resources from abroad Effective policies and laws are implemented to restrict or reduce the share of reinvested earnings and also to keep a check on inflows and outflows India should also be aware of the two sets of costs that it has to bear: Direct cost stemming from outflows on account of operation of foreign companies; and Indirect benefits, that the foreign investors are able to extract from their host economies by using bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements (BIPA) Connecting the dots: India has become “the most open economy in the world for FDI” but can the country expect to benefit from this form of investment? Critically comment.    ENVIRONMENT   TOPIC:   General studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation   Let us get smarter about Water India has sizeable water resources, but the country faces huge challenges in the water sector as the distribution of water varies widely by season and region owing to the growing scarcity; increasing pollution; enhanced competition, conflicts and trans-boundary water sharing issues; that have dominated the national discourse in current times. Although industry is the largest contributor to India’s GDP, agriculture accounts for nearly 90% of water use. Two-thirds of India’s irrigation needs and 80% of domestic water needs are met using groundwater, contributing to the significant groundwater depletion rate. Although India has one of the world’s largest irrigation systems, it is characterised by high levels of inefficient water use The country is also facing the potent threat of climate change, which may have complex implications on the pattern of availability of water resources including changes in pattern and intensity of rainfall and glacial melt resulting in altered river flows, changes in ground water recharge, more intense floods, severe droughts in many parts of the country, salt water intrusion in coastal aquifers, and a number of water quality issues.   For India— Improving water security is essential for India’s development With total water demand in India expected to rise by over 70% by 2025, a huge demand-supply gap is expected in the coming years and will act as a potentially significant constraint on economic growth The alarming rate of groundwater depletion Declining water tables means increased cost of pumping, salty irrigation water as a result of over-abstraction leading to crop and revenue losses for farmers, and long-term consequences for water availability. Poor water quality and lack of adequate access to sanitation are also major causes of disease and poor health Innovative Ways: Ensuring access to water sustainably Comprehensive assessment of water resources: The last time a comprehensive assessment of water resources for the entire country was done was in 1999-2000 Weakness: absence of data on the sources and volume of water supply Planning: Need for a complete assessment on water availability (use and future demand) updated in real time on the size and sustainable levels of exploitation Build a data infrastructure around the multiple sources of water in the city: Creation of a flexible, responsive water management system Utilization of Data: To integrate surface and groundwater sources more wisely. Community-based modelling of Water Usage Better understanding of its groundwater reserves and ensuring adequate recharge; groundwater being a common pool resource—consensus must be built to get users to bear the true ecological and social cost of using that water privately Building local capacity of both citizen groups and government, allows cities to have a reliable, cost-efficient system. If the city also gets real-time data, partly with crowd-sourced, citizen-led information, the system can become more sustainable over time Models of decentralized groundwater governance— Installation of a wastewater treatment plant—public reporting on the volume and quality of water they treat and release, then communities residing there could do more to ensure the health of water bodies around them (influence innovation and new policy alike). Water-use efficiency would increase multi-fold: By the adoption of low-cost technologies Better demand management Effective recycling and reuse Efficient Regulation Mechanism: By a statutory regulatory authority; Water pricing should be shifted away from the shadows of politics and be assigned to a statutory regulatory authority Determining water tariff for cost recovery allowing for reasonable costs Hear all stakeholders and formulate a standard mechanism for pricing No alteration be allowed from government Government should be allowed to introduce a subsidy which can be paid directly to the targeted consumers after making necessary provision in the budget—making the pricing of water transparent, and help begin the transition to a system of public debate on the importance of cost recovery and scrutiny of cost elements. Connecting the Dots: ‘India is facing a looming water crisis that has implications not only for its 1.1 billion people, but for the entire globe’. Discuss   Also Refer: A strained relationship: ULB’s & Water MUST READ   How can we enable smart and sustainable cities? Livemint Related Articles: IASbaba’s Monthly Yojana- September: Smart City! Urbanization: Cities at crossroads- Why cities matter? City infrastructure: With a multifaceted approach we can afford the ‘Housing for All’ dream Smart Cities & Local Governance The Big Picture – Smart Cities Project: How has it Shaped up?   Ignore the supercomputer race Livemint   Don’t merge loss-making banks, privatise them Hindu Related Articles: Debate on Bank Consolidation Fashioning a Banking Turn- Public Sector Banks All India Radio – Bad Debt Crisis in PSU Banks Indradhanush Plan for Public Sector Banks (PSBs) Capital infusion in public sector banks   A Himalayan balancing act Hindu   Calling attention Indian Express   The deciding vote and why it matters Business Line Related Article: Time for a “new fiscal framework”   Powering GST calls for a fine balance Business Line Related Articles: Goods and Service Tax (GST) Logjam: GST by another name GST legislation & Issues The Big Picture – GST Bill: Why is it Still Not Passed?  

Jul 1, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba '60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 41]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 40 solution is active now.  Why we asked you to comment? Now go back to check your answers that you posted with honest effort. Edit your answers with marks. Everyday like this you can self monitor your progress for all 60 days. Accountability to self is the only way for success IASbaba '60 Day Plan' - Prelims Test 2016 [Day 41] Q.1) “Twinkle Twinkle little star”. Consider the following statements regarding twinkling of stars: The scientific name for the twinkling of stars is stellar scintillation. It is because of hot and cold cycles of the stars where it shines bright and low alternately. Although it takes millions of years for the cycles to complete on stars, it takes fraction of a second on earth to appear.  Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) Which of the following statements are correct about the phenomenon of Total Internal Reflection (TIR)? It is more efficient than normal reflection as light energy is not wasted by absorption at the interface. Optical fibers are based on the principle of Total Internal Reflection. The depth of the bottom under water appears relatively shallow than it actually is, because of TIR. Select the code from below: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.3) Tywin Lanister wanted to reshape the Valyrian steel sword of Eddard Stark. He started heating the sword in the furnace. As it was heated, the sword started glowing in different colours. At what colour do you think the temperature of the sword was maximum? a) Red b) Blue c) Orange d) Yellow Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding Mercury: It is only metal which stays in liquid state at standard conditions of Temperature and Pressure. It is commonly known as ‘Quicksilver’ It is used in thermometers and Barometers as it is a good conductor of Heat. It is used in fluorescent lighting lamps.  Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1,3 and 4 b) 1,2 and 4 c) 2,3 and 4 d) All of the above Q.5) Indian Navy has successfully inducted ‘Varunastra’ a heavy weight anti-submarine Torpedo. Which of the following statements are correct about ‘Varunastra’? It has been jointly developed by India and Israel. It is capable of targeting stealthy and quiet submarines, both in deep and littoral waters in intense counter-measure environment. It has a GPS-based locating aid. it is capable of carrying Nuclear Warhead Select the code from the following: a) 1,2 and 3 b) 2 and 3 c) 2,3 and 4 d) All of the above Q.6) Consider the following statements: When we breathe in, our diaphragm contracts. When we focus at a far object, our pupils dilate. Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2 Q.7) The rain bearing thick clouds are black/grey. What reason can be attributed to this? a) They have a lot of dust particles and other impurities which gives them dark colour. b) Sunlight is unable to penetrate these clouds. It is either scattered or absorbed. Hence they appear dark to an observer on earth. c) Lightning burns the cloud to give them dark colour. d) A cloud absorbs large quantities of NOx and SOx which are acidic in nature and gives the cloud their dark colour. Q.8) In a bollywood movie, hero was chased by a villain. Villain shot him. The bullet hit the hero and got stuck in the body. After looking at the wound, the doctor said “because the bullet got stuck in the body, it has spread the poison”. What does this spreading of ‘poison’ by bullet mean? a) The bullet tips are poisoned to kill the target. When this poison touches the body it is spread quickly. b) When the bullet is stuck in the body, the high kinetic energy of bullet gets converted into heat energy. Because of the generation of this immense heat, the surrounding area gets burnt. c) The bullets are usually made of lead. When they get stuck in the body they cause lead poisoning. d) Bullets have a tendency to react with blood. When they get stuck, they get more time to react and cause poisoning in the blood stream. Q.9)Light pollution, also known as ‘photopollution’, has emerged as a new menace for the environment. Which of the following statements are correct about it? Excessive brightening of the night sky by street lights and other man made sources is called light pollution. Artificial lights overpower the darkness and affect the natural day-night pattern putting pressure on biological process of plants and animals. It obstructs the vision of night sky. Select the code from the following: a) 1 only b) 1 and 3 c) 2 and 3 d) All of the above Q.10) Consider the following statements regarding JUNO mission of NASA: JUNO stands for Jupitor Near Polar Orbitor. It is the first mission to Jupitor by NASA. The orbitor will study Jupitor’s composition, gravity field, magnetic field, and polar magnetosphere. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 3 b) 1 and 2 c) 2 and 3 d) All of the above Q.11) The National Green Tribunal issued notices to Union Health, environment and water resource ministries seeking ban on the use of ‘microplastics’. Which of the following statements regarding microplastics are correct? It is used to describe plastic particles with the upper size limit of 5 micro meters. It is widely used in cosmetics as exfoliating agents and in personal care products such as toothpastes, facewash etc. They are small enough to flow through sewer systems and end up in seas and oceans. They are highly non-biodegradable. Select the code from the following: a) 1,2 and 3 b) 2,3 and 4 c) 1,3 and 4 d) All of the above Q.12) Nano-architecture is a breakthrough in the field of material science. Consider the following statements regarding Nano-Architecture: It is creation of precise city plans and building models at nano-scale. These are the Materials whose structures can be precisely tailored so they are strong yet flexible and extremely light. These are ceramics which are non brittle and if produced on large scale can replace composites. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.13) Which of the following is the correct order for air passing through the lungs? a) trachea, alveoli, bronchi, bronchioles b) bronchus, alveoli, trachea, bronchioles c) trachea, bronchus, bronchiole, alveoli d) bronchus, trachea, bronchioles, alveoli Q.14) Light waves are composed of both electric and magnetic field is proposed by a) Newton’s corpuscular theory b) Huygen's wave theory c) Maxwell's theory of light d) Plank’s theory of light Q.15) Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List - I                          List - II a) centrifugal force          1) Along the axis of rotation b) Centripetal force         2) Towards the centre of rotation c) Tangential force           3) Away from centre of rotation d) Angular velocity          4) changes the angular velocity Choose the appropriate code:     A-B-C-D a) 3-2-4-1 b) 2-3-4-1 c) 2-3-1-4 d) 3-2-1-4 Q.16) A stone is thrown straight upward and at the top of its trajectory its velocity is momentarily zero. What is its acceleration at this point? a) Unable to determine b) Zero c) 8 m/s2 down d) 8 m/s2 up Q.17) When would a human body be most likely to respire anaerobically? a) When watching TV b) When running a marathon c) When asleep d) When eating Q.18)Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists : List —I                         List —II Static friction                      1) Constant for a given pair of surfaces Limiting friction                2) lndependent of area of contact Kinetic friction                   3) SeIf adjusting Rolling friction                   4) Has the least magnitude for a given normal reaction Choose the appropriate code:     A-B-C-D a) 4-2-4-3 b) 4-1-3-2 c) 2-3-1-4 d) 3-1-2-4 Q.19) India has set a new record by injecting 20 satellites in one launch using PSLVC34 rocket. Which of the following countries have sent their satellites in this launch apart from India? US Canada Germany France Indonesia Select the code from following: a) 1,2,3 and 4 b) 1,2,3 and 5 c) 2,3,4 and 5 d) All of the above Q.20) Consider a battleship simultaneously firing two shells (with the same muzzle velocity) at two enemy ships A and B, as shown in figure below: If the shells follow the parabolic trajectories shown in the figure, which ship gets hit first? a) A b) B c) both at the same time d) need more information Q.21) Consider the following statements about an Indian city: It is known as a city of thousand temples. The city has been an important centre for advanced studies in Jainism and Buddhism in the past. It is situated on the banks of R. Vegavathy. Identify the city that matches the description stated above: a) Puducherry b) Thanjavur c) Kanchipuram d) Madurai Q.22) Identify the ‘Report’ based on the following observations: The report states that the cost of adapting to a changing climate will be four to five times higher than what was estimated two years ago. It has highlighted India’s intense and frequent heat waves, and has stated that the annual costs associated with additional demand for cooling (in India) would escalate further. The Report includes a more in-depth review of national-level cost estimates (bottom-up studies), and global-level, sector specific estimates, while providing additional global-level model estimates (top-down estimates) It is an annual report and was first published in the year 2014 by UNEP. Choose the correct answer: a) The Energy Report & Living Planet Report b) Adaptation Gap Report c) Report on Regular Resources d) Global Environment Outlook Q.23) Consider the following statements about the sport ‘Jallikattu’— It is a bull taming sport and is organised during Pongal. It is native to the state of Tamil Nadu and has been in practice since Sangam age. Eruthattam is another name for Jallikattu. Choose the incorrect statement/s from the options given below: a) Only 1 b) Both 1 and 3 c) Both 2 and 3 d) Only 3 Q.24) Recently National Mineral Exploration Policy was cleared. Consider the following statements about (NMEP)— Of India’s entire Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) area, identified by GSI, only 10 per cent has been explored and mining is undertaken in 1.5-2 per cent of this area. The revenue-sharing of the government and the private entities would strictly be in the form of lump-sum, to be paid throughout the period of mining lease with non-transferable rights. Mining leases (ML) and prospecting license-cum-mining lease (PL-cum-ML) will be granted only through an auction process. Choose the incorrect statement/s from the option given below: a) Only 2 b) Only 3 c) Both 1 and 2 d) Both 2 and 3 Q.25) Identify the other name coined for Annual Meeting of the New Champions— a) Summer Dove b) Human Capital Summit c) Summer Davos d) Economic Champions Summit                                                          Download the Solution- Click here P.S- Attempt these questions within 20 minutes with full honesty and write your results in the comment box. Next day, come back and check your result. You can also discuss the important concepts and issues, in case of doubts (among peers) All the best IASbaba