Jun 21, 2016 RSTV Video

The Big Picture - How important is it for India to be part of NSG?

Archives     How important is it for India to be part of NSG?   India and nuclear powers have come a long way from the establishment of Nuclear Suppliers’ Group. From no access to basic technologies, to USA promising key drill technologies and supporting India’s NSG and MTCR membership, the changing global view of perceiving India as a nuclear power has been brought forward. Barring China, the 48-member NSG countries including those who resisted earlier, have supported India’s NSG entry. (USA, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia). Since 2008, India has been pushing forward to become an NSG member, where decisions are consensus based and not based on majority votes. (Even if one member says no, the membership status is denied) Why India should get membership? India has established itself by tradition and nature as a peaceful and non-proliferation nation. It has separated its civil and nuclear programmes and put the civilian part under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. When NSG was created, it was India-centric. But, from then till now, the world has changed; people who created it have changed and their outlook has changed. Hence, now there is a need to initiate change to identify and acknowledge global space to rising powers What are the stumbling blocks? China has surfaced procedural problems for India’s admission to NSG as it is non-signatory to NPT and CBDT, which India will never be, at least in recent future. India needs testing of thermonuclear and other kinds of weapons designed. Thus, physical validation is required. China is being cautious about India’s entry into NSG due to India given exception in 2008 due to Indo-US nuclear treaty Politically, India and US are coming closer and ganging up against it in Asia. Hyphenating Pakistan’s entry with India into NSG is a secondary reason to stop NSG entry. (If India gets it, Pakistan should also). How important is it for India to be part of NSG? Practically, not much! India does not have any advanced nuclear technology to export. India has access to technology, fuel, reactors through the bilateral trades. (One-time waiver by NSG in 2008) So on face-value, there isn’t much loss in being a non-NSG member. However, NSG membership is politically and symbolically important to be a part of global governance. India-China and MTCR India became 35th Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) member whereas China is trying unsuccessfully for last one decade. China is considered to be a rogue missile proliferator in past by supplying technologies to North Korea, Iran and Pakistan. This has seriously thwarted China’s chances. With MTCR also being a consensus based group, India is in position to determine China’s inclusion. Thus, now there exists a scope of trade-off between India and China for their respective aspirations to join elite global powerful bodies, and it is necessary for both nations to achieve a mid-way for mutual benefits. The most crucial advantage of MTCR membership is that India can transfer technology and missiles to non-MTCR members. India has developed prominence in missile technology, especially with AGNI-V touted as most advanced missile technology at long range. This has resulted in missile export trade between India and Vietnam (BrahMos). Why is US anxious to get India into NSG? Distinct warming of relationship between USA and India over past decade Limiting China’s growing influence However, one possible fall-out can be— increasing pressure on India to sign NPT. Will India get membership this year? It is highly unlikely with China revealing the non-inclusion of agenda to discuss membership of non-NPT members at the NSG plenary session at Seoul in June 2016. Concluding remarks India is at a stage where it can conduct its policy at multiple levels Disagreement with China over nuclear or missile regime need not have humongous impact on bilateral trade. Not much has been anticipated by US about future course of action after NSG membership As one of the world’s fastest growing economy with indigenous space and missile technologies, India is at a significant position to become a part of global bodies that set rules. Thus, it is a matter of pride and justified demand by India to be part of rule-making bodies like UNSC, NSG, MTCR and more. Key Words: NSG= 48-nation group that frames and implements agreed rules for exporting nuclear equipment, with a view to controlling the spread of nuclear weapons. Non-Proliferation Treaty= 1968 treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of disarmament. It identifies “nuclear weapons states” as those that tested devices before January 1, 1967, which means India could never be one and thus it refused to sign it. MTCR= Voluntary association of 35 countries to slow the spread of missiles and other unmanned delivery technology that could be used for chemical, biological and nuclear attacks. Refer: India to become 35th member of MTCR Quest for another Holy Grail – Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) India and CTBT and NPT What are MTCR and NSG, and why does India want to be their part NSG membership: How India countered China's Pakistan card

Jun 21, 2016 PIB

IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 13th June to 19th June, 2016

ARCHIVES   GS-2 Union HRD Minister launches a new initiative ‘Vidyanjali’ (Topic: Government Schemes and policies) Aim- To inculcate reading habits among children and creating a reading culture at school and community level Vidyanjali- It is a step forward in creating an ecosystem, wherein education will be attached with imbibing knowledge and improving learning output— Instil fresh enthusiasm in school children to take up reading and will re-energise the teaching-learning process at schools. Emphasis on the significance of providing timely remedial support to improve the learning outcomes of school children, thereby reducing the number of school drop outs Vidyanjali, which is being implemented under the overall aegis of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, will enhance the community involvement in Government run elementary schools and effectively engage children in reading, creative writing, public speaking,  play acting, preparing story books etc. MyGov team to create a module under Vidyanjali wherein NRI community or others, who want to contribute by providing additional teaching-learning aids like books etc. and other resources, can do so in conjunction with state and district administration.   Non Resident Indians (NRIs) can now join and subscribe to NPS online through eNPS (Topic: Government Schemes and policies) Non Resident Indian- India has the second-largest Diaspora in the world, with around 29 million people living in over 200 countries and out of these 25% live in the Gulf countries.   How NPS is beneficial and its procedure? Provide a long term solution to their old age income security. NPS has been available to NRIs for some time through Bank offices and now, to further ease the process of joining, eNPS is being extended to Non-Resident Indian subscribers. Through eNPS, a subscriber will be able to open an NPS account from the comfort of his home. NRIs can now open NPS Accounts online if they have Aadhaar Card or PAN card  NPS accounts- Repatriable basis- An NRI will have to remit the amount through his/her NRE/FCNR/NRO account Non Repatriable basis- NRIs will be able to join NPS through their NRE/FCNR/NRO accounts at the time of maturity or during partial withdrawal, the NPS funds would be deposited only in their NRO accounts. Repatriable and Non-Repatriable schemes importance- Appeal to NRIs who intend to return to India after their employment abroad, in view of their attractive returns, low cost, flexibility and their being regulated by the PFRDA, a Regulator established by the Central Government   Cabinet approves Civil Aviation Policy (Topic: Government Schemes and policies) First time since Independence that an integrated Civil Aviation Policy has been brought out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation Refer: http://iasbaba.com/2016/06/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-16th-june-2016/     MoU with Taiwan- Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sector  (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) MoU provides-         Cooperation in the fields of: Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Aquaculture, Food Processing, Genetic Resources as well as Environmental Sustainability Both sides will encourage: Private sector in both countries to enter into cooperation in these areas. Cooperation b/w the two sides involve exchange of: Visits, Information, Technology, Training, and Expansion of agricultural trade while reducing trade barriers MoU will be initially signed for a period of five years and shall be automatically renewed for a subsequent periods of five years unless either party expresses its desire/intention to terminate it Joint Working Committee Constituted: To identify priority areas of mutual interest and follow up on the progress of implementation of the activities identified by both sides   MoU between ISRO and Canadian Space Agency (CSA): Cooperation in the field of outer space (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) MoU provide- Establishment of joint team, drawing members from ISRO and CSA, which will further work out the plan of action including examination and defining cooperative projects and the time-frame. Opportunities for diverse research in the field of peaceful uses of space technologies. Background Successful space cooperation is being pursued through two Implementing arrangements in the field of Satellite Tracking Network Operations, and in the field of the ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) Detector Subsystem, in support of the ASTROSAT astronomy mission Aimed at: Future cooperation in and use of outer space for peaceful purposes to reinforce scientific and technological development and the ties between two countries at government, industrial and academic levels.   Air Services Agreement between India and Taiwan (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Importance- Air Services Agreement signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Taiwan, and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two parties.   GS-3 Work under progress for launching LNG Barges on Ganga (Topic: Infrastructure – Waterways and environmental concerns) About- Ministry of Shipping reviewed the follow up action on a MOU between Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Petronet LNG. It is for- Providing an LNG based alternative, fuel efficient and environment-friendly mode of transport on National Waterways. Objective of- Promoting the usage of LNG Barges on National Waterway-1(Ganga) IWAI and Petronet LNG have been asked to plan and coordinate their work plans in a manner such that LNG Barges could commence navigation on NW1 by December 2018. LPG Barges- Both the options of switching over from the existing diesel to LNG barges and introduction of new LNG barges are being considered. Although the switching over from traditional fuel (diesel) to LNG will entail an initial capital expenditure, the investment is likely to be recovered in four to five years at current prices. Higher fuel efficiency and negligible pollution are major attendant benefits of the new fuel. As per the present pricing, operating LNG barges will be much cheaper than diesel as fuel. LNG Barges would be a step towards achieving the commitments made by the country at COP 21. Petronet LNG It will design, construct and operate LNG unloading, storage, bunkering and reloading facilities on the National Waterways (NWs). Four of the top public sector companies in the hydrocarbon sector of the country, viz. ONGC, Indian Oil Corporation, BPCL and GAIL own 50% of the equity in Petronet LNG, while 10% is held by GDF SUEZ and the balance 40% is held by the public. Petronet LNG Ltd plans to set up a base depot at Haldia and fuelling stations at Sahibganj (Jharkhand), Patna (Bihar) and Ghazipur (UP). IWAI- Facilitate the switchover of bunker fuel from diesel to LNG by persuading the barge owners and the operators about the benefits of LNG. IWAI will also provide land, wherever possible, for the setting up of LNG storage and will develop jetties to facilitate bunkering. There is a potential for 17.5 MT of cargo on NW-1 by 2020 IWAI was requested to explore the feasibility of seeking funding for the introduction of LNG Barges under the Ganga Action Plan. As National Waterways in Goa offer immense opportunities in transportation of iron ore and are closer to LNG storage facilities, the introduction of LNG Barges is being considered for that region too.   Ganges-Danube Cultural Festival of India in Hungary (Topic: Water conservation, promotion and creating awareness) Festival will showcase- Indian culture – Dance, Music, Yoga , Film and exhibitions Indian martial art experts and puppet artists Hungarian artists proficient in Indian art forms will also participate in the programme Following events of the Festival will be staged in different cities of- “Shri Patel Ras Mandal” Folk Dance Group of Latipur, Jamnagar, Gujarat Kalaripayattu The Mystical Forest Dance Mehendi Demonstration Lac Bangle Demonstration Kathputli Show   Drinking Water Ministry organizes national-level Water Conservation workshop (Topic: Water conservation, promotion and creating awareness) Water Conservation Workshop- Water conservation should be a continuous activity and measures should be taken in the short term, medium term and long term to conserve our limited water resources. To take this idea forward and intensify efforts, the Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation organized a ‘National Workshop on Pre-Monsoon Water Conservation Measures’ in the capital today. To engage officials from various State Governments, NGOs, domain experts and industry personnel and share best practices on Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting. Workshop highlighting successful local initiatives this included the watershed program in Hivre Bazaar (Maharashtra) and other states; rain water harvesting programme in Tamil Nadu; rain water harvesting system innovations in Kedia Farm Pattern; and Decentralized approaches to Water Conservation in various States. Need to focus on the 3R’s – Reduce, Recharge and Recycle – which are the critical success factors for ensuring water security   FASTag Roll-out and Facilitation (Topic: Infrastructure- Roadways) Aim- In order to promote cashless payment through FASTag at Toll Plazas on National Highways, NHAI has decided to provide FASTag to existing monthly pass holders by absorbing the one-time cost of their FASTags. FASTag Has a onetime fee of Rs. 200 and is affixed on the wind screen of the vehicle. Dedicated FASTag lane will be ensured at 48 toll plazas on Delhi – Mumbai, Mumbai-Chennai Corridors Various events/ activities viz. awareness drive on benefits of FASTag, such as identification of bulk customers through transport/truckers associations etc. will be organized on these two corridors. Offers Near non-stop movement of vehicles through toll plazas and convenience of cashless payments of toll fee with nationwide inter-operable Electronic Toll Collection Services. It employs RFID technology for making toll payments directly from the pre-paid account linked to it. FASTags are available on sale from selected toll plazas on National Highways and designated branches of participating banks. Can be recharged by making payments through cheque or online through credit card/debit card/NEFT/RTGS or through net-banking. Minimum recharge amount is Rs.100 and can be up to Rs.1.00 lac in the multiples of Rs 100. FASTag users shall get SMS alerts for all their toll transactions, low balance etc. Help- Use of FASTag shall increase user convenience from payments without stops at toll plazas thus saving on time, money and fuel. Online payments shall improve transparency of toll transactions and reduce revenue leakages. Improving overall efficiency and commercial competitiveness.  

Jun 20, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba ’60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 HISTORY & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 31]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 30 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 31] Q.1) Although modern educated class, including Congress leadership was not happy with the provisions of the Indian Councils Act of 1892, it was considered as a major achievement of moderate INC. Which of the following statements are correct about Indian Councils Act 1892? The Act was passed by the Central Legislative Council of India. The idea of election was first time introduced through this Act. The Act provided for additional members in Central as well as Provincial Legislative Council. Select the code from the following: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.2) Consider the following statements: Kaiser I Hind medal was awarded by the Indian Government for exceptional Public service. Mahatma Gandhi was awarded Kaiser I Hind for recruiting volunteers for British Indian Army during World War I. Mahatma Gandhi returned his award to protest against the draconian Rowlatt Act. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) None of the above  Q.3) Abhinav Bharat Society was one of the most significant of the secret societies of Maharashtra. Consider the following statements regarding Abhinava Bharat society: It was initially started by Savarkar Brothers as Mitra Mela in Nasik. It believed in overthrow of British government through armed rebellion. It was involved in the killing of A.M.T. Jackson, the district magistrate of Nasik, the case popularly known as ‘The Nasik Conspiracy case’. Which of the following statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above  Q.4) Consider the following statements regarding Sir William Jones: He founded the ‘Asiatic Society of Bengal’. The Gentoo Code or the legal code was translated by him from Sanskrit to English. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2   Q.5) Which of the following is the oldest women University of India? a) Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University (SNDT)- Mumbai b) Jesus and Mary College- Delhi c) Lady Sri Ram College for Women- Delhi d) Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswavidyalayam – Tamil Nadu  Q.6) Consider the following statements: Servants of India Society was founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in London. The aim of the society was to create awareness about imperialist plans and exploitation of India by Britain. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both 1 and 2 d) Neither 1 nor 2  Q.7) The Deobandi movement was started in 1866 by orthodox Sunni Muslims. Which of the following statements are incorrect about Deobandi Movement? It was a revivalist Islamic movement to propagate pure teachings of Quran and Hadith and to keep alive the spirit of Jihad again the foreign invader. They were against the Aligarh movement and Sir Syed Ahmad. They gave full support to formation of Indian National Congress. Select the code from the following: a) 1 and 2 b) 1 and 3 c) 2 and 3 d) None of the above  Q.8) Consider the following statements: Lucknow Pact refers to an agreement between The Indian National Congress and The Muslim League. Jinnah, member of Congress as well as league, was the mastermind and architect of this pact. Same resolutions were passed by the Congress and the Muslim league in a joint session. Lucknow session also established cordial relations between the moderate and extremist factions within Congress. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1,2 and 3 b) 2,3 and 4 c) 1,3 and 4 d) All of the above  Q.9) The Bardoli Satyagraha was a major event of civil disobedience and revolt in the Indian Independence Movement. Which of the following statements are correct about this movement? The taluka Bardoli in Gujrat had suffered huge loss due to floods and famine. Despite this fact, the Bombay presidency raised the tax by 30%. The Satyagraha was led by Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The farmers refused the payment of taxes. In retaliation, government forcefully ceased all the property including cattle. Select the code from the following: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above Q.10) Who of the following eminent personalities gave the title ‘Mahatma’ to Gandhiji? a) Sardar Vallabbhai Patel b) R.Ambedkar c) Rajendra Prasad d) Rabindranath Tagore Q.11) Consider the following statements regarding Ahmadabad Mill strike: There was a conflict between the mill owners and the workers on the issue of plague bonus and wage hike. This was the first time Mahatma Gandhi used the method of Satyagraha(non-violent protest) in India. The workers wanted a wage hike of 50% while Gandhiji asked them to settle at 35%. 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.12) After sudden suspension of the non-cooperation movement the youth of the country was not satisfied. They wanted to overthrow the British rule by violence and revolutionary activities. One of the most prominent organizations that emerged during this time was Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). Which of the following statements are correct about HRA? It was organized by Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. The aim was to establish “Federal Republic of the United States of India” by violent revolution. The manifesto of HRA was called “The Revolutionary”. Select the code from the following: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All of the above  Q.13) Consider the following statements regarding the “Self-Respect Movement”: It was founded by E.V. Ramaswamy against Brahmanism in Kerala. It aimed to achieve a society where backward classes have equal rights. The movement promoted inter caste marriages which were not officiated by a Brahmin Priest. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 2 d) None of the above  Q.14) First Factory Act was introduced by Lord Ripon in 1881 to improve the condition of factory workers in India. Which of the following were not the provisions of this Act? The Act banned the appointment of children below 10 years of age. The working hours for women were reduced to 8 hours a day. It made compulsory for all dangerous machines in the factories to be properly fenced to ensure security to the workers. Select the code from the following: a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) None of the above  Q.15) Consider the following statements regarding Rani Gadinliu: Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader who led a violent revolt against the British at the age of 13. She came to be considered an incarnation of the goddess Cherachamdinliu. The title ‘Rani’ was given to her by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. 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.16) Consider the following Jasrota Kishtwar Dachigam Which of the above wild life sanctuary/national park is/are found in Kashmir? a) 1&2 only b) 2&3 only c) 1&3 only d) All  Q.17) Consider the following Uttarakhand Himachal Pradesh Kerala Montane type of climate is found in which of the following states? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All Q.18) Consider the following Spoon billed sandpiper Ganges shark Red panda Which of the listed above species are critically endangered? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) All Q.19) Global investment trend monitor report is released by which of the following international organisations a) WTO b) UNCTAD c) IMF d) ADB Q.20) Consider the following statement Green climate fund was created under United Nations framework convention on climate change Global environment facility is a financial mechanism to help developing countries to mitigate climate change and was created during recently held COP 21 Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both d) None Q.21) Which of the following are the views of the Orientalists, in regard to strengthen the hold of British rule in India? Intellectual curiosity and romanticizing of India Need of reform imposed from outside Wanted gradual change via reason Wanted immediate change via force if necessary Select the correct answer from the following a) 1 only b) 1 and 3 only c) 1, 2 and 3 only d) 2, 3 and 4 only Q.22) Which of the following initiatives were the ones which worked on the idea of a common political organisation for the whole India? The East India Association The Poona Sarvajanik Sabha The Indian Association of Calcatta The Madras Mahajana Sabha Federation of the Native Pres Select the correct answer from the options given below: a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct b) 1, 2, 3 and 5 are correct c) 1, 4 and 5 are correct d) All are correct Q.23) The moderate leaders’ political outlook was a happy combination of liberalism and moderation. And hence they worked to procure for Indian: Freedom from race and creed prejudice Equality before law Extension of civil liberties Extension of representative institutions Select the correct answer from the following? a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 1, 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.24) Which of the following were the beliefs of revolutionaries, in regard to Indian national movements? The alien rule was destructive of all that is worthwhile in national life – political liberties, religious freedom, morality and culture. The Western imperialism could only be ended by Western method of violence Select the correct answer from the following? a) Only 1 is correct b) Only 2 is correct c) Both are correct d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct Q.25) Consider the following statements: The INC was under the control of the Extremist when the I World war broke out in 1914 Still, the INC decided to support the British war efforts, both as a matter of duty and in a spirit of bargaining to bet concession Select the correct answer from the following? a) Only 1 is correct b) Only 2 is correct c) Both are correct d) Neither 1 nor 2 is correct 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

Jun 20, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 20th June, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 20th June, 2016   NATIONAL/HEALTH   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.   Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV) and its concerns: In India, several states have reported cases of Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV) In November 2015, the Delhi government reported the case of VDPV and now, a surveillance study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found traces of vaccine-derived polio virus in Telangana. Article below discusses about – What is a vaccine-derived polio virus and why is it a threat? What is polio? Poliomyelitis or polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system, and causes paralysis, medically known as an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), which is characterised by sudden muscle weakness and pain in the limbs. The disease is transmitted from person to person, mainly through the faecal-oral route, affecting children under five years of age. In the absence of wild polio virus (WPV) transmission, India was declared a polio-free country in March 2014, after years of relentless vaccination.   What does the World Health Organisation (WHO) study reveal? For maintenance of polio eradication in polio-free countries, WHO conducts surveillance for cases of AFP and collects samples of sewage water to find any traces of polio viruses. In one such study in Hyderabad in April, out of 30 samples collected, one sample from Amberpet nala (sewage) contained traces of type-2 VDPV. Lab tests have revealed that the virus has passed through human body and has undergone mutation or nucleotide change. Similar virus strains were detected in Delhi, Bihar and Gujarat.   What is a vaccine-derived polio virus? In a vaccine-derived polio virus (VDPV), the source of the virus is the vaccine itself. The oral polio vaccine called polio drops, which India deployed extensively to fight against polio, contain a live, attenuated or weakened polio virus. When a child is vaccinated, the weakened vaccine-virus replicates in the intestine and enters into the bloodstream, triggering a protective immune response in the child. Like wild poliovirus, the child excretes the vaccine-virus for a period of six to eight weeks. Importantly, as it is excreted, some of the vaccine-virus may no longer be the same as the original vaccine-virus as it gets genetically altered during replication. In areas of inadequate sanitation, this excreted vaccine-virus can quickly spread in the community and infect children with low immunity.   Why is VDPV a matter of concern? The cases of paralysis due to VDPV are rare as the virus has to circulate for a long time in the community of under-immunised population before it can infect and cause paralysis in someone. Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) occurs in an estimated 1 in 2.7 million children receiving their first dose of oral polio vaccine, according to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a public-private partnership of national governments and WHO. The aspect that is a matter of concern is that India reports high number of non-polio—AFP or paralytic—cases in children who are less than 15 years of age, which the study links to the VDPV. According to WHO, more than 50,000 AFP cases are investigated in India every year as a part of its surveillance system.   OPV vs IPV The detection of VDPV in Hyderabad and other places has intensified the discussion on replacing oral polio vaccine (OPV) with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). IPV given through an injection contains inactivated virus, considered to be safer than OPV that contains live virus. WHO has been advocating IPV over OPV as part of its global endgame strategy on polio eradication. India introduced IPV in the mandatory immunization programme on 1 December in six states. For the time being, IPV will be given in addition to the existing OPV. OPV has its strong advocates who believe that the vaccine is best suited for countries such as India due to its low cost, high efficacy and ease of administering, and argue that the safety concerns are overstated compared to the benefits of the vaccine. Connecting the dots: Still the fight against polio is not complete in India. Examine the above statement with respect to recent incidents of vaccine derived polio virus cases reported in several states. What is vaccine derived polio virus? Is VDPV a threat to our country? What strategies can India adopt to fight these strains?   Also Read: Is India actually free of polio? TLP – 2016 NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-applications, models, successes, limitations and potential 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   Era of Digitisation in the Insurance Sector Digital transformation addresses disruptive changes occurring in the economic, social and technological environments; and has become a top business priority enabling firms to achieve business growth, efficiency and effectiveness closely driving profitability and growth. Right from determining the key political outcomes, it has increasingly influenced buying behaviour— every product purchase across every industry is preceded by a quick online research which includes other customers’ reviews and comparisons.   Digital transformation in the Insurance Industry Core challenges addressed: Difficulty in purchasing life insurance on their own Break-up and a proper understanding of the engagement Face to face decision-making can wait— a customer can as per his schedule, research-compare-evaluate and then go ahead without being bogged down by the traditional sale of policies or products Consumer-focused product approach Earlier, the investment decision largely depended upon an agent (a profiteer) who used to sell products in order to drive profit home rather than selling products that were beneficial to the customer. Core insurance products like term and health insurance were never recommended upfront due to their small premium size and low recurring value to the agent. Insurance digitisation will pave way for information-on-demand (product charges, where the premium goes, how much is actually invested and how much goes into expenses or distributor commissions) — thus leading to a calculated and an informed decision. Enabling direct B2C connect Customers are today enabled to evaluate thoroughly with a finger-tip before making the final purchase— has led to an evolution in one’s online ecosystems and an increased digital footprint ensuring that they provide customers with the right kind of planning tools, easy-to-decipher product content and simple selling.   In a nutshell—Enhanced Customer Experience Simplified & informed product buying— Simple application process—minimal medical examination via declarations or previous records Queries can be handles online Fixing of medical appointments online Ease of document submission and online underwriting Post-purchase— Easy access of all their information via the Internet— at one go Value-added features and information to be revisited in case of doubts Simplified online claims process: improves customer experiences on product delivery NOTE: Digital India DI is an amalgam of three ongoing programmes: the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), the National Knowledge Network and the E-Governance initiative. It’s being implemented through a PSU, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), supervised by the ministries of telecom, power and railways. USOF (Universal Service Obligation fund) has the responsibility to finance the DI scheme. National Optical Fibre Network A part of the Digital India initiative of the Government of India, NOFN is envisaged as a non- discriminatory Telecom infrastructure which will bridge the gap in rural access. NOFN is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT, Govt. of India—to provide non-discriminatory access to bridge the digital divide across rural India.   IASbaba’s Views: While government has given a push to the digital path via various initiatives like Unified Payment Interface, e-KYC and digitising insurance policies as well as improvement in the digital literacy of the country by launching the Digital India programme that aims at transform India into a digitally empowered society and a knowledgeable economy—more infrastructural efforts need to be made to increase the digital hold over people countrywide: Availability of the spectrum: Adequate access spectrum is the basic ingredient of mobile communications. Back haul spectrum: Essential to haul communication from the fringe of a network to the main pipe. Sufficient number of Towers and quality network & connectivity Investor friendly and Customer prioritised policy The insurance regulator, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, through the iTrex platform, has taken a positive step ahead by instructing insurers to upload KYC information of their policyholders as well as to do away with multiple KYC formalities—ensuring consumers to have electronic insurance accounts; leading to an easier life of a policyholder and transforming the work of insurers to becoming simpler, more cost effective and efficient. Connecting the Dots: Will Digital India reduce the gap regarding access of information in rural and urban India? Will this make service delivery system accountable and transparent? What are the economic implications of consumer behaviour? Is the consumer behaviour reshaping the insurance industry? Discuss.   MUST READ India and the Brexit forecast Hindu Related Articles: EU referendum: the big questions for Britain Brexit – Mind Map Brexit & India-UK   The cost of nuclear diplomacy Hindu Related Articles: Quest for another Holy Grail – Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Nuclear Suppliers Group – Mind Map Hypocritical to block India at the NSG   His voyage to America Indian Express   From Plate to Plough: With humility, on farmer income Indian Express   P2P lending: towards easy funding Livemint   Hypocritical to block India at the NSG Livemint   Modern lending Business Line   The fig-leaf revelations and the reality Business Line MIND MAPS   1. CPEC - I (Part II to updated tomorrow)  Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 20th June, 2016   NATIONAL/HEALTH   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector or Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.   Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV) and its concerns: In India, several states have reported cases of Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV) In November 2015, the Delhi government reported the case of VDPV and now, a surveillance study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found traces of vaccine-derived polio virus in Telangana. Article below discusses about – What is a vaccine-derived polio virus and why is it a threat? What is polio? Poliomyelitis or polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system, and causes paralysis, medically known as an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), which is characterised by sudden muscle weakness and pain in the limbs. The disease is transmitted from person to person, mainly through the faecal-oral route, affecting children under five years of age. In the absence of wild polio virus (WPV) transmission, India was declared a polio-free country in March 2014, after years of relentless vaccination.   What does the World Health Organisation (WHO) study reveal? For maintenance of polio eradication in polio-free countries, WHO conducts surveillance for cases of AFP and collects samples of sewage water to find any traces of polio viruses. In one such study in Hyderabad in April, out of 30 samples collected, one sample from Amberpet nala (sewage) contained traces of type-2 VDPV. Lab tests have revealed that the virus has passed through human body and has undergone mutation or nucleotide change. Similar virus strains were detected in Delhi, Bihar and Gujarat.   What is a vaccine-derived polio virus? In a vaccine-derived polio virus (VDPV), the source of the virus is the vaccine itself. The oral polio vaccine called polio drops, which India deployed extensively to fight against polio, contain a live, attenuated or weakened polio virus. When a child is vaccinated, the weakened vaccine-virus replicates in the intestine and enters into the bloodstream, triggering a protective immune response in the child. Like wild poliovirus, the child excretes the vaccine-virus for a period of six to eight weeks. Importantly, as it is excreted, some of the vaccine-virus may no longer be the same as the original vaccine-virus as it gets genetically altered during replication. In areas of inadequate sanitation, this excreted vaccine-virus can quickly spread in the community and infect children with low immunity.   Why is VDPV a matter of concern? The cases of paralysis due to VDPV are rare as the virus has to circulate for a long time in the community of under-immunised population before it can infect and cause paralysis in someone. Vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) occurs in an estimated 1 in 2.7 million children receiving their first dose of oral polio vaccine, according to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a public-private partnership of national governments and WHO. The aspect that is a matter of concern is that India reports high number of non-polio—AFP or paralytic—cases in children who are less than 15 years of age, which the study links to the VDPV. According to WHO, more than 50,000 AFP cases are investigated in India every year as a part of its surveillance system.   OPV vs IPV The detection of VDPV in Hyderabad and other places has intensified the discussion on replacing oral polio vaccine (OPV) with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). IPV given through an injection contains inactivated virus, considered to be safer than OPV that contains live virus. WHO has been advocating IPV over OPV as part of its global endgame strategy on polio eradication. India introduced IPV in the mandatory immunization programme on 1 December in six states. For the time being, IPV will be given in addition to the existing OPV. OPV has its strong advocates who believe that the vaccine is best suited for countries such as India due to its low cost, high efficacy and ease of administering, and argue that the safety concerns are overstated compared to the benefits of the vaccine. Connecting the dots: Still the fight against polio is not complete in India. Examine the above statement with respect to recent incidents of vaccine derived polio virus cases reported in several states. What is vaccine derived polio virus? Is VDPV a threat to our country? What strategies can India adopt to fight these strains?   Also Read: Is India actually free of polio? TLP – 2016 NATIONAL TOPIC: General studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-applications, models, successes, limitations and potential 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   Era of Digitisation in the Insurance Sector Digital transformation addresses disruptive changes occurring in the economic, social and technological environments; and has become a top business priority enabling firms to achieve business growth, efficiency and effectiveness closely driving profitability and growth. Right from determining the key political outcomes, it has increasingly influenced buying behaviour— every product purchase across every industry is preceded by a quick online research which includes other customers’ reviews and comparisons.   Digital transformation in the Insurance Industry Core challenges addressed: Difficulty in purchasing life insurance on their own Break-up and a proper understanding of the engagement Face to face decision-making can wait— a customer can as per his schedule, research-compare-evaluate and then go ahead without being bogged down by the traditional sale of policies or products Consumer-focused product approach Earlier, the investment decision largely depended upon an agent (a profiteer) who used to sell products in order to drive profit home rather than selling products that were beneficial to the customer. Core insurance products like term and health insurance were never recommended upfront due to their small premium size and low recurring value to the agent. Insurance digitisation will pave way for information-on-demand (product charges, where the premium goes, how much is actually invested and how much goes into expenses or distributor commissions) — thus leading to a calculated and an informed decision. Enabling direct B2C connect Customers are today enabled to evaluate thoroughly with a finger-tip before making the final purchase— has led to an evolution in one’s online ecosystems and an increased digital footprint ensuring that they provide customers with the right kind of planning tools, easy-to-decipher product content and simple selling.   In a nutshell—Enhanced Customer Experience Simplified & informed product buying— Simple application process—minimal medical examination via declarations or previous records Queries can be handles online Fixing of medical appointments online Ease of document submission and online underwriting Post-purchase— Easy access of all their information via the Internet— at one go Value-added features and information to be revisited in case of doubts Simplified online claims process: improves customer experiences on product delivery NOTE: Digital India DI is an amalgam of three ongoing programmes: the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN), the National Knowledge Network and the E-Governance initiative. It’s being implemented through a PSU, Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), supervised by the ministries of telecom, power and railways. USOF (Universal Service Obligation fund) has the responsibility to finance the DI scheme. National Optical Fibre Network A part of the Digital India initiative of the Government of India, NOFN is envisaged as a non- discriminatory Telecom infrastructure which will bridge the gap in rural access. NOFN is being funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT, Govt. of India—to provide non-discriminatory access to bridge the digital divide across rural India.   IASbaba’s Views: While government has given a push to the digital path via various initiatives like Unified Payment Interface, e-KYC and digitising insurance policies as well as improvement in the digital literacy of the country by launching the Digital India programme that aims at transform India into a digitally empowered society and a knowledgeable economy—more infrastructural efforts need to be made to increase the digital hold over people countrywide: Availability of the spectrum: Adequate access spectrum is the basic ingredient of mobile communications. Back haul spectrum: Essential to haul communication from the fringe of a network to the main pipe. Sufficient number of Towers and quality network & connectivity Investor friendly and Customer prioritised policy The insurance regulator, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, through the iTrex platform, has taken a positive step ahead by instructing insurers to upload KYC information of their policyholders as well as to do away with multiple KYC formalities—ensuring consumers to have electronic insurance accounts; leading to an easier life of a policyholder and transforming the work of insurers to becoming simpler, more cost effective and efficient. Connecting the Dots: Will Digital India reduce the gap regarding access of information in rural and urban India? Will this make service delivery system accountable and transparent? What are the economic implications of consumer behaviour? Is the consumer behaviour reshaping the insurance industry? Discuss.   MUST READ India and the Brexit forecast Hindu Related Articles: EU referendum: the big questions for Britain Brexit – Mind Map Brexit & India-UK   The cost of nuclear diplomacy Hindu Related Articles: Quest for another Holy Grail – Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Nuclear Suppliers Group – Mind Map Hypocritical to block India at the NSG   His voyage to America Indian Express   From Plate to Plough: With humility, on farmer income Indian Express   P2P lending: towards easy funding Livemint   Hypocritical to block India at the NSG Livemint   Modern lending Business Line   The fig-leaf revelations and the reality Business Line MIND MAPS   1. CPEC - I (Part II to updated tomorrow)  

Jun 20, 2016 RSTV Video

The Big Picture - How Food Inflation will affect Economy?

Archives     How Food Inflation will Affect Economy?   Food inflation has raised its ugly head again with vegetable prices sky rocketing and Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) reaching 21 months high at 7.55%; coupled with reduction in industrial production. The surging food prices, especially of vegetables and pulses have chronically affected the poor. This has led the government to increase buffer stock of pulses. Vegetable price rises are considered to be seasonal phenomenon and is expected to mellow down with incoming of monsoons. However, the grim picture sets in when the forecast of surplus monsoon has been initiated with a shaky start of 22% deficit rainfall till June 15th. Cooling prices of wheat, rice and potatoes has added to farmers and consumer woes, and economy at large. A larger picture though points out to the fact that monsoon is not the main reason of price rise of vegetables and especially pulses. Rise in pulses price has become an annual phenomenon. Lack of change in cropping pattern and increasing gap of demand and supply has aggravated the food inflation. Demand is increasing every year with current demand of 22 million tons whereas the supply is hovering around 18 million tons. This leads to increased imports, which is majorly done by private sector than government. As a matter of fact, Myanmar and African countries are approached to supply the Indian markets with legumes to control the rising prices. There have been increased cases of farmer suicides and distress migration Major reasons of price rise— Unchanged focus on wheat and rice production, Non-inclusion of pulses in National Food Security Act, Unseasonal rains hampering crop production and thus supply and distribution Hoarders and traders in addition create artificial food scarcity to spike up the prices during peak and crash them when with abundant market supply (one of the reason farmers do not venture into growing pulses)   Way Forward: Long term measures to deal with the price rise— Structural changes in cropping pattern by incorporating pulses with cereals in Haryana, Punjab Investment in agricultural research Introducing pulses in NFSA Strengthen back-end infrastructure like warehousing facilities, cold storage, and rural infrastructure to arrest inflation Allowing different varieties of pulses to be grown in different areas instead of any uniform cropping policy for it Short term measures— Importing as a practice to stabilize price rise Change in FCI working as well as the procurement process Rational MSP for different crops Stopping wheat procurement which is already overflowing in FCI godowns Implementing efficient supply chain management Optimally using the funds from Market Stabilization Fund Effective utilization of Administered Price Mechanism by creating synergy between government and market procurement Political economy of food inflation is different from general inflation. It affects the poor the most, thus state government should be empowered to control price rises at state level. Central government should focus more on creating infrastructure to support the production. Food inflation cannot be curtailed by monetary policy, but it affects it indirectly. High inflation rates do not support decrease in interest rates which can affect the attainment of 9% GDP growth. Government has introduced measures in the annual budget to combat price rise through buffer stock of pulses, MSP and Market Stabilization Fund of Rs. 900 crores. Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of food and civil supplies should work in harmony to decrease the price rise burden on common man. As the budget mentions, “monitoring process of essential food products is key element of good governance” This needs to be now implemented in the right spirit. Refer: Farmer needs a new deal Insuring a risky venture called agriculture How will the new crop insurance benefit the farmer Link 1 Link 2 E-platform for trading farm produce to make agriculture remunerative Punjab: A case study in agricultural and economic mismanagement in India

Jun 18, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba ’60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 ENVIRONMENT & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 30]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 29 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 30] Q.1) One of the most accepted definitions of sustainable development is “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." This definition is given by which of the following commissions? a) World Commission on Environment and Development b) Environment and energy commission c) European Commission on environment d) Sustainable and Legacy Commission Q.2) Consider the following statements: Agenda 21 is a binding action plan of the United Nations with regard to Sustainable Development. It is a product of Earth Summit held at Rio de Jeneiro in 1992. ‘21’ in Agenda 21 refers to 21 points of the document that has been pledged for sustainable development. Which of the above statements are incorrect? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) None of the above Q.3) Heat from the earth can be used as an energy source in many ways, from large and complex power stations to small and relatively simple pumping systems. This heat energy is known as geothermal energy. Consider the following statements regarding geo thermal energy: The predominant source of the Earth’s heat is the gradual decay of radioactive isotopes. It has extensive global distribution and it is accessible in both developed as well as under developed nations. It has low emission of sulphur, CO2 and other greenhouse gases. It is independent of external supply and demand effects and fluctuations in exchange rates. 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.4) Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). Consider the following statements regarding Solar Power Technology: Photovoltaic cells use the ultraviolet radiations to convert solar energy into electric current. Semiconductors (usually silicon) are used to manufacture solar panels. Concentrated Solar power use infrared radiations to heat the water and rotate turbines with the generated steam. Concentrated Solar Power systems generally use a huge convex lens to concentrate energy at its focus. Which of the above statements are correct? a) 1 and 2 b) 3 and 4 c) 2 and 3 d) 1,2 and 3 Q.5) Wind energy has a very high potential in India. Indian government has already proposed a National Wind Mission on the lines of National Solar Mission. Which of the following statements are correct Regarding Wind energy in India? In 2015-16, Indian Government fell short of achieving its target of wind energy production. The installed capacity of wind power in India is more than 25000MW. East and North East region of India has no grid connected wind power plant. The highest wind power production in India is in Gujarat. Select the code from the following: a) None of the above b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 4 d) 1,2 and 3 Q.6) Consider the following statements regarding National Mission on Sustainable Habitats: It is one of the missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change. It works for the development and protection of natural habitats, especially of those species which are at the verge of extinction due to habitat loss. The mission works on development of green corridors to connect protected areas of India. Which of the above statements are incorrect? a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 3 only d) None of the above Q.7) Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset, or buying enough carbon credits to make up the difference. Which of the following countries are carbon neutral? a) Denmark b) Bhutan c) Iceland d) Sweden Q.8) Buildings contribute maximum to the green house gas emissions in the world. To reduce the carbon foot print of buildings, the concept of green buildings was given. Consider the following regarding Green Buildings: Green building refers to both a structure and the using of processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle. GRIHA, an acronym for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment, is the National Green Building Rating System of India. GRIHA has been developed by TERI. 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.9) Which of the following are the result of modern agriculture? Nitrate pollution Eutrophication Biomagnification Ozone Depletion Salinisation Select the code from the following: a) 1,2 and 3 b) 1,2,3 and 5 c) 2,3,4 and 5 d) All of the above Q.10) Which of the following statements correctly explains an Urban Heat Island? a) A city or a metropolitan area, which is significantly warmer than the surrounding rural area, due to anthropogenic activities. b) An island with sudden increase in urbanization activity, increasing its average temperature. c) A volcanic island where people have settled due to population pressure on the mainland. d) None of the above Q.11) Consider the following Mosses Litchens Microbes Which among the above is not a pioneer species? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) None Q.12) A Biotic interaction in which one species is harmed and other is unaffected is a) Competition b) Mutualism c) Commensalism d) Amensalism Q.13) Consider the following Durand line – separates India and Pakistan Siegfried line – separates Germany and France Mannerheim line – separates Russia and Finland Which of the above are correctly matched? a) 1 and 3 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 2 and 3 only d) All  Q.14) Consider the following with respect to Upgrading Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts Development (USTTAD) Scheme It aims for capacity building of traditional artisans and craftsman belonging to minorities community The scheme is implemented by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Select the correct answer a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both d) None Q.15) Consider the following statements with respect to first Jain Council It was convened at Pataliputra in 3rd century BC by Sthalabahu The first Jain council resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas Select the correct answer a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both d) None Q.16) Refer the diagrams below. Which diagram best represents the average monthly temperature changes during a year for a tundra in the Northern Hemisphere? Q.17) Where do the fungi obtain nutrients and energy? a) The Sun b) The primary producers only c) The consumers only d) All members of the community Q.18) A lichen is best characterized as a symbiosis between which of the following? a) A liverwort and a fungus b) A moss and a liverwort c) An alga and a moss d) An alga and a fungus Q.19) Of the following, the major cause of infant mortality worldwide is a) starvation b) waterborne diseases c) toxic chemicals d) nuclear radiation Q.20) All of the following are likely to increase after large areas of tropical rain forests are cut down EXCEPT the a) species diversity of the areas b) erosion by rivers fiowing through the areas c) rate of nutrient loss from the areas d) average surface temperature of the soil in the areas Q.21) Observations of lakes in areas with granitic bedrock indicate that the lakes are becoming depleted of living organisms. The primary cause is considered to be a) nuclear waste b) lowered water levels c) acid rain d) garbage dumping Q.22) Which of the following is a true statement about the flow of energy in an ecosystem? a) Smaller organisms need less energy per gram of body weight than do larger organisms. b) Energy transfer between organisms normally involves conservation of heat energy. c) Energy flow between trophic levels is inefficient. d) Chemical energy is converted into radiant energy, which is then converted into chemical energy at the next trophic level. Q.23) Which of the following is most likely the result of decreasing levels of ozone in the stratosphere? a) A decrease in the levels of smog in major cities b) A decrease in the rate of global warming c) An increase in the occurrence of skin cancer in humans d) An increase in photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton Q.24) Weather events characterized by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and a sharp temperature drop followed by clearing are most likely related to which of the following? a) The passage of a cold front b) The passage of a warm front c) The action of a stationary front d) The heat island effect Q.25) Which of the following substances is found in the runoff of chemically fertilized lawns and is most likely to cause eutrophication in streams and lakes? a) Sodium b) Carbonate c) Phosphate d) Sulfate Q.26) Methane, a gas that can be trapped and used for energy, is most likely to be produced by which of the following? a) Decomposition of organic materials in landfills b) Burning of organic materials in incinerators c) Heating of inorganic materials in a high oxygen atmosphere d) Recycling of metals in recycling plants Q.27) In the discussion of the nature of and solution to environmental problems, it is most important for students to understand that a) science is constantly advancing, and technology will be developed to solve current problems b) changes in the abiotic portion of the biosphere are self-correcting and result in evolution of the biotic portion of the biosphere c) once pollution has been stopped, communities will revert to their preindustrial status d) cultural, political, and economic issues must all be considered, in addition to scientific issues Q.28) Which of the following hypotheses is LEAST amenable to verification by experimentation? a) Using compound X to control insect pests that damage crops also reduces the population levels of pollinator insects. b) Building a new factory in a town with high unemployment is more important than preserving the habitat the factory will destroy. c) Applying chemical fertilizers above recommended amounts increases the concentration of inorganic nutrients in runoff. d) Humans and chimpanzees share some of the same genes. 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

Jun 18, 2016 AIR

All India Radio - Vice President Visit to Morocco and Tunisia

ARCHIVES Vice president visit to Morocco and Tunisia   Vice president Hamid Ansari visited Morocco and Tunisia on a 3 day visit. The visit is important as India is trying to engage more with African countries. During the visit the vice president signed host of issues and discussed ways on as to how India can play an active role in Africa. The article deals with the visit and bilateral relations between 2 countries. The relations with Morocco dates back to medieval India when a morocco traveller Ibn Battuta visited India and had been an ambassador at the court of Mohammad Bin Tughlaq. India has very cordial bilateral relations with Tunisia and Morocco. Tunisia and Morocco are important source of phosphate for India. The economic cooperation between the two countries is deepening with Indian investments in phosphate sector. The vice president lauded the efforts of Tunisian people who successfully transitioned to democracy without any violence. He also lauded the efforts of Tunisian government which has taken proactive steps in ensuring more women representatives in Tunisian parliament. Tourism is one of the booming sectors that India and Tunisia can cooperate. A visa on arrival facility between both the country and mutual sharing of best practises as far as promotion of tourism is concerned is being worked out. Tunisia and Morocco are two countries that have faced the brunt of extremist elements. India having fought with terrorism for decades can effectively cooperate with two countries in the field of ICT, data sharing, deradicalisation initiatives etc to reduce such incidents. Tunisia also has large oil and gas reserves that are yet to be explored. A joint working group on oil and gas exploration has been constituted for the purpose and modalities are being worked out. Cooperation between India and Africa is not just a necessity but an opportunity to realise the untapped potential. Having experienced colonialism and both having huge demographics India and Africa can walk together in several areas and reap the benefits of development. Click here and search on 30th May 2016

Jun 18, 2016

IASbaba Turns 1: @1st Anniversary- Its Time for Celebration, Resolution and Much Anticipated Surprises!!!!

Since this is going to be a long post, kindly bear with us. This is our moment to cherish and we couldn’t control our emotions of which you all are an inherent part of! This is just not the story of IASbaba, but the idea you are living with, at the moment.   Read till the end for the surprises in the offing :)    Tryst with Destiny - 1st year Anniversary at IASbaba   Today, exactly one year ago, on 18th June 2015, a seed of trust was sown between IASbaba and you. That seed has transformed into a huge tree today, nurtured by a solid foundation—‘The IASbaba family’.   Here we are, at a milestone, with no sound! Only a plain stone is visible, erected by opportunities, challenges, success, failures and love; your love! We are here to write the miles we wish to cover in our journey that started a year back. Yes, my dear friends, IASbaba has completed one year of its journey! We are elated, overjoyed and in the mood to celebrate. It doesn’t feel long enough though—our journey; as if, it began a few days back only! Be it the birth of a child, a marriage or a relationship, the first anniversary is always special. The first-hand experience of togetherness, joy, pain, excitement and love makes the first one year a really special one. It is the same with IASbaba and you!   If we were to compare IASbaba with a human being, it would just be a toddler (even Baba was a toddler once!). Yet it learnt to deliver what it was meant to, and the learning continues. The comparison must be looking odd to you but believe us, it was a similar experience. We can’t put the range of emotions, and the ups and downs we were subjected to from different quarters, in mere words. While you showered love and faith on us, a few doubted our intentions and even existence. While we strived hard for quality and excellence, we also braved the onslaught of false allegations. While we succeeded in delivering the best we could, we also learnt our lessons and gained valuable experience from your comments, feedback and grievances. ‘How others see you hold no importance; but how you see yourself means everything’   And today we feel obliged to share the story with you and thank you for the success we have all achieved.   Friends, when we took off, our minds were chaotic with a lot many questions Why should we even begin a website, aren’t there enough good players out there, catering to the civil service community? What should be our core offering? How do we stand apart from the regular run-off-the-mill atmosphere, and create a niche for ourselves? What should be our ideals while initiating a completely different ecosystem of learning?   Questions were plenty, and answers were exhibiting a long drawn-out dim light.   First Step: The genesis of IASbaba, as has been articulated in our vision, “Enabling a person located at the most remote destination— a chance at cracking AIR 1 in IAS"   But behind the first step, there lies a series of crawling as well as the getting-hurt sessions— UPSC is a strange game with even stranger actors. The moment you get into the list, people start making Greek heroes out of Billu barbers :P You get all sorts of queries asking what to read, which website to refer? We referred a few websites to them.   But then they came back with the feedback like: Are you serious? That guy has nothing to offer on his own. He has just consolidated material from others. How do we even trust those guys? In parts it is okay but for GS, I will refer another website. Just dumping of material, there is neither focus nor perspective. In many cases the feedback went ahead to exclaim: are they fooling students?   This formed the core of our ideation—and, the fight to walk; even if alone—   Why don’t we create a website IASbaba – which will serve as one stop destination to all the requirements of aspirant community? This platform should be focused and based on outcome based quality learning and not be a random dumping of material on students’ kind of place. Friends, information asymmetry is the biggest dot to be connected for success in UPSC. Playing on this, many have created markets to ensure that the fear factor remains. We at IASbaba had a simple mission: Removing the fear & keeping things simple.   If random dumping of materials, posting current affairs, writing strategies and stories were to be done, IASbaba would never have achieved any place in your heart. When we sit back and recall the moments we shared with you through emails, calls, comments and workshops, it clearly relates to our core principles. And that is— ‘IASbaba is not an individual/entity but an idea that breathes with you’   We wanted to connect our principles and morals to each one of you and one day, witness the growth of this idea transitioning into your being.   We value relationships. They make us richer!   Spending few minutes in the starting, to few hours as of today, our emotional involvements have changed the perspective of many, including us. We knew that the gap is not of resource or materials/guidance but ‘the expensive connect’—removal of the dread, the fear, letting you realize your hidden potential.   We still remember our first day and our first post on 60 day program 2015 (unique to IASbaba)—there were 50 users and in total we had 150 page views. Today as we sit back, we have grown nearly 400 times on users and 500 times on page views.   By the end of our first 60 day plan, IASbaba was the talk of the country due to its success and hit ratio.   https://www.quora.com/Is-the-website-IASBaba-really-worth-the-hype-it-is-getting Pulkit Garg, Rank 490,CSE 2014. IIT Delhi 2014 grad That chap went onto secure Rank 27, CSE 2015. God bless him for his belief in us!     But there are steps, difficult steps emerging out unknowingly—to force us down. And life can never be more interesting; without thorns! The blame games and the constant hurl of allegations—these were bound to happen. And so we did, what we do best :P   The jealousy of the incompetent   Oh how can they come up with this, while we can’t? Let’s defame them. How can they grow so rapidly? How can they come up with such a strategy? How can they call spade and a spade? People were pissed off that we kept a timer to start our ILP program (off course they could not). And when we remember all this today, we just laugh off. Humans when they become insecure act in strange ways :P   We can just say this to them :) “We did not like how the table was set, so we turned over the table” We do get high; but on numbers! ;-)   For the first time we launched Think, Learn and Perform (TLP) – a focused 100 day answer writing program. And again not more than 3 questions day. In those 300 questions we hit around 80% questions in the mains. These are some of the numbers which get us high. And this time when we launched our 60 day program, Day 1 had more than 1.3 Lakh page views. From 150 for entire site in June 2015 to 1.3 Lakh for just day 1 of our 60 day plan 2016, we have come a long way. IASbaba app was launched in early February. And today we have 67,000 thousand downloads. You can check the same. When it comes to our known competitors they are not even close to half of what numbers we have in app. Many do not even have downloads at par with the number of ratings we have. Currently we are no 2 in website. But no 1 in app (amongst top 5 in website) (Comscore data)  So if you take Website + App. We are hands now no 1 (Comscore + Google Analytics) All this, in a year!   And all of it has been possible only because of your trust in us—and what could be a more better way to thank you all when surprises can make you smile! Yes, you read it right! We have planned series of surprises for you in the coming months (although we should have been getting the surprises; after it’s our anniversary: P)! So, as a special return gift on our first anniversary, we are extremely pleased and proud to announce— Surprise 1     Every day we get mails asking for offline mains classes. Can we say no anymore? The answer is no!   We have decided to start off with offline classes for both mains 2016 and prelims cum mains 2017.   But again it won’t be a regular mains classroom coaching like any other. True to our philosophy we will create a completely different package. For this mains 2016 classes we want to build the powerhouse for GS along with focus on optional like Public Administration, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology and Kannada literature. We have the best resources for the above. Every second class will by a person who is in service or got top rank. For Pub ad and socio – the test series will be by top 10 ranker in that subject. For Geo , the best in business and presently serving in IRS For Kannada literature – you will the successive top ranker in Kannada literature for 3 years(presently in IRS and in bangalore) For anthropology , a person with UPSC rank giving exams this time.     Hands up! We are getting you the best resources. This is service level agreement we are making with you. (Our first step towards achieving ISO certification):-D We have confirmed registrations from many aspirants who have a rank in 2015 and will be attending the 2016 Mains classes. You can mail us on iasbabailp2016@gmail.com - for 2016 classes now and immediately after prelims. There will be a cap on numbers of students we will mentor (Quality matters and not quantity) These students (Selected in 2015) are our old followers who got into the list. They were religious followers of IASbaba from its inception and were continuously guided through out in the last attempt. Their confirmation is not to secure a great Hit Ratio but to abide by the promises  made to them :) Also, their presence in the Offline will boost the confidence of new comers and other old aspirants trying their best to secure a Rank. We have a very different plan so be patient. The only criterion is "Your sincerity". If you are? Will surely be IN :D        Surprise 2     Our Online Program for 2017 (last was ILP 2016) will be a completely different and a new learning experience for aspirants. Valuing the importance of fluidity in one’s approach as well as staying in-sync with the latest innovation, we have decided to change the whole spectrum of planning and include new and better ones. We will announce the details as soon as Prelims 2016 gets over. WORKING PROFESSIONALS- 2017 Plan will have a different and unique approach for all the working professionals who have taken pledge to clear this exam.   Surprise 3   We are elated to announce the association of PULKIT GARG, RANK 27, CSE 2015 into our IASbaba family. From now on, he will be a part of our dedicated Team of mentors, Workshop leads and other areas of his expertise. He has been very regular with the website and to your surprise, he was one the active reviewers on TLP 2015 Main Answer Writing Initiative :P  This association is a first step towards a bigger goal—a goal which you all are part of!   While the trumpeting goes on with much happiness and delight, a hard check on the other important front, and one question which constantly nags us is are we truly a one stop destination? Thankfully, we are young enough to sustain or even push our energy to newer heights, and yet mature with every step that we take, to ignore the unwanted distractions. The challenges that we faced in the past one year has taught us the most important lesson in terms of ‘Life Skills’: Let your work and quality of work do the talking. That’s why, today, we take a resolution that we are going to be more focused from now on. We promise that the second year of our existence in your lives will be even more eventful, fun filled and rewarding. Finally, we don’t want to give any Gyan today but still we insist or rather wish that all of you invest your energy in the right direction. You and IASbaba have an alliance. So be productive with us, achieve greater heights and stay happy! And yes, the plain un-scribbled milestone will lie here as it is. We are not going to write the miles we wish to walk from here, neither should you. Let it be a testimony to an alliance that knows no limits to success.   “Even Achilles was only as strong as his heel.” So don’t let your weakest point be your downfall. Whatever it may be, work at it so that you no longer remain in the list of targets— We are only as strong as our greatest weakness.     P.S- We cannot express how it feels to read through your comments. So shower your blessings :)    Cheers IASbaba team    

Jun 17, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 17th June, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 17th June, 2016   NATIONAL    TOPIC: General studies 2 Governance, Constitution, Polity Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.   Appointing MLAs as parliamentary secretaries weakening the watchdog?   Background: Article 164 (1A) of the Constitution, introduced in 2003, states that the Council of Ministers should not comprise more than 15 per cent of the strength of a Legislative Assembly (and should comprise of minimum 12) In the case of the 70-member Delhi Assembly (as per Article 239AA of Constitution), the limit is 10 per cent, or seven ministers. Articles 102 and 191 of the Constitution deals with regard to the concept of office of profit. The articles state that an MP or MLA will be disqualified if he or she occupies an office of profit. In general, a person is considered to hold an office of profit if four conditions are met: he holds an office, the office is one of profit, that is, it carries some benefits, the office is under the control of the Central or the State government the office is not that of a Minister or exempted by an Act of Parliament or State legislature. The idea is that every legislator should be able to carry out legislative duties without any obligation to the government of the day. As Ministers have to be members of the legislature, they are exempt from this disqualification. The Constitution also recognises that there may be other cases where exceptions may be required and allows Parliament and State legislatures to make exemptions by passing a law. Issue: Over the last three decades, there has been a practice of appointing more and more MLAs as parliamentary secretaries (above the said limits of 15% and 10% for States and UTs) in several States. Further, laws in these States expressly protect them from disqualification. Recent case is the Delhi government’s appointment of 21 MLAs as parliamentary secretaries. The Delhi government’s move to appoint 21 MLAs as parliamentary secretaries – will make 40 per cent (instead of 10%) of the membership have some type of an executive role — changes the nature of the Legislative Assembly. A parliamentary secretary is similar to a Minister of State who assists a Minister in his or her duties. This part of trend is believed to be weakening the power of legislative bodies by governments and a violation of doctrine of separation of powers.   Concept of separation of powers: In other words, it is believed that by appointing more MLAs as parliamentary secretaries, the Executive organ will have more concentration of powers, which is against the concept of separation of powers. The idea is that no particular organ of state should have a concentration of powers. We have learnt that different institutions act as a check on the actions of others. The executive arm makes and executes policies The legislative arm makes laws and holds the executive to account, and The judicial arm that adjudicates disputes and ensures that the other two arms do not violate the provisions of the Constitution. In particular, Parliament and State legislatures have the important duty of monitoring the actions of the government and holding it to account. Our Supreme Court has recognised separation of powers as part of the basic structure of the Constitution, and can therefore strike down even amendments to the Constitution that infringe upon this principle.   Is the appointment of Parliamentary Secretary unconstitutional? The Delhi government’s appointment of 21 MLAs as parliamentary secretaries is said to be unconstitutional and they faces the prospect of disqualification. One, because it is violating the Article 239AA of Constitution which limits the strength to 10% Two, because the office of Parliamentary Secretary is said to be an office of profit (although not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution) However, the Delhi government went an extra mile by proposing a bill that sought to protect the 21 AAP MLAs from disqualification. The bill aimed to exclude the post of parliamentary secretary from the office of profit and exempt the post from disqualification provisions. The Delhi government had also said that the office of parliamentary secretaries should not be considered as an office of profit as they will not receive any remuneration or perks from the government. But later on, they were allowed to use government transport for official purposes and space in minister’s office, which was criticized as unconstitutional. President declined assent to the bill The President took note of Section 15 of the government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991 and also according to Articles 102 and 191 of the Constitution, “a person shall not remain an MLA if he or she holds any office of profit under the Centre or government of a state or UT”. According to the president, parliamentary secretaries come under the purview of office of profit. Besides, the Lt Governor had also said the office of parliamentary secretary is defined as an “office of profit if one looks at the statutes of Delhi” and that as per the GNCT Act, the city can have only one parliamentary secretary attached to the office of the Chief Minister.   The way ahead: The primary and important duty of Parliament and State legislatures should be to monitor the actions of the government and holding it to account. An argument has been made that these parliamentary secretaries will be able to aid the government in being more responsive to citizens’ needs. That argument, however, misses the point of separation of powers. The role of legislators is not to help the government do its job better, but to ensure that it functions in a proper manner. That is, the legislator exercises the role of a watchdog over the government on behalf of citizens and not as an agent of the government. The role of legislators is critical in a democracy. They are elected by citizens, and have the task of ensuring that the government is acting in the best interests of the public. In this, they are expected to exercise their independent judgements on what constitutes public and national interest. They act as a bulwark against autocratic actions of the executive. Therefore, it is imperative that their independence is protected. Actions that impinge on such independence, such as excessive appointments to executive positions, the anti-defection law and MPLADS, should be reversed. Otherwise, there is a risk of a slow erosion of the institution of legislatures, which could put at risk the very existence of our republic. Connecting the dots: Appointing MLAs as Parliamentary Secretaries are weakening the watchdog and violating the doctrine of separation of powers. Substantiate.   ENVIRONMENT TOPIC: General Studies 3 Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment   Man-wildlife Conflict Management Recent orders by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Permitted three States—Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh, to declare earlier protected wild animal species as “vermin” under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972—allowing private shooters and others to kill these species with few safeguards and no risk of prosecution Damage to crops—Nilgai antelope in Bihar and Maharashtra, the rhesus macaque in Himachal Pradesh, and wild pig in all States (except Himachal Pradesh) — listed for culling (population is increasing) Economically— Damage of Rs.200 to Rs.400 crore has been quoted (based on media reports) and thereby, keeping in view how damaging it is to the farmers, it has become imperative to lower it down drastically.   Questions that needs answers— Is it right to kill wildlife that damage crops? Has the problem been framed and assessed correctly? Is culling the appropriate solution to deal with the problem? Types of Conflict— For food: elephants, gorillas, deer, rodents and insects can have devastating impacts on agricultural products and thus economies, both on the ground and in storage facilities Threat to human lives and well-being: Lions, leopards killing and eating domestic livestock as well as elephants killing people and snakes biting humans Introduction of new species Annoying habits of animals: Offensive smells coming from the accumulation of their prey or turning over garbage cans and spreading their content around Road Ecology: risky to cross or completely impenetrable for animals—disrupt natural migration and fragment habitats. Individual animals attempting to cross roads in order to migrate, find food or mates, or return to their breeding grounds are not always successful Solutions to manage the conflict— Culling (killing) or removal of “conflict” wildlife, often labelled “problem animals” (does not eliminate recurrence of conflicts) Reduced habitat alteration and fragmentation (rampant due to huge infrastructural needs) Proper understanding of the conflict “hotspots” and the peripheral fields who are more vulnerable than central ones Proper dissemination of the site-specific scientific information Well-designed targeted mitigation with people’s participation Installation and sustainable maintenance of the bio-fencing and power fencing around vulnerable areas Integration of scientific evidence, ecology and behaviour of particular species, and landscape and socio-economic context Prior scientific research on conflict patterns in specific landscapes and locations—adopting science-based and sustained interventions for more lasting solutions Scientific evidence to be given more value than political compulsions and public perception Understanding of the habituation pattern, wherein the animals become increasingly comfortable around humans and do not view them as a threat (animals become more dangerous) Inclusion of crop insurance for wildlife damage in the National Crop/Agricultural Insurance Programme should be properly applied on a trial basis or even Predator Compensation programs —shared risks will help poor farmers not to be strangulated by the losses all at once and to cope with or respond to future interactions with wildlife (empowerment to protect themselves as well as the animals—leading to mutually beneficial co-existence.) Usage of modern technology such as mobile phones for SMS alerts, customised apps, automated wildlife detection and warning systems (the livestock protection collar), and participatory measures for wildlife tracking and rapid response to monitor and reduce conflicts, save crops, property, and human lives Enhanced investments in location and amenities, in alternative land uses and adequate law enforcement Accidental encounters should not be given a bad name and should be viewed in the correct light (unjustified comparison; elimination of the burden of doubt on the animal-initiated attacks). Steps to deal with ‘problem areas’ than ‘problem animals’ are— Deploying animal early warning systems Providing timely public information on presence and movements of species such as elephants to local people to facilitate precautionary measures Attending to health and safety needs that reduce the risk of wildlife encounters Housing improvements and provision of amenities such as lighting, indoor toilets, and rural public bus services Improving livestock corrals can reduce livestock losses and carnivore incursion into villages Better garbage disposal and avoiding deliberate or accidental feeding of animals Road ecology can be maintained via— Fragmented habitats can be reconnected by using over- or under passes that allow the safe movement of animals across roads Fencing can also be used to direct animals to safer places to cross or prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions in areas of highest risk Planting native vegetation around roads and in the medians—provides habitat for small mammals, birds and insects, such as butterflies. IASbaba’s Views: The introduction of the LPG cylinders in the houses, awareness generation as well as increasing the number of edibles miscellaneous species to provide more food for animals in the forest— are some good steps that have been initiated by the government. Efforts also need to be taken to stop soil erosion and to increase water availability in the forests via soil and moisture conservation measures (SMC) like vegetative checks dams, loose boulder check-dams, cement plugs, nala bunding, and water-tanks— to increase the productivity of the forests as well as water availability in the habitat. Connecting the Dots: ‘Human and wild animals both are integral components of forest ecosystem; but they cannot survive together’. Do you agree? Give reasons.   MUST READ Staying power of the pass-fail system Hindu Related Articles: http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-13th-august-2015/ http://iasbaba.com/2015/09/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-12th-september-2015/ http://iasbaba.com/2015/08/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-4th-august-2015/ http://iasbaba.com/2015/10/iasbabas-daily-current-affairs-16th-october-2015/   Views to watch Hindu   Mistrust in Manipur Indian Express   Proposed market-driven pricing at India’s major ports is a chimera Livemint   How Europe helped the Brexit cause Livemint Related Articles: EU referendum: the big questions for Britain Brexit – Mind Map Brexit & India-UK   Financial scarcity amid plenty Livemint   The challenge of unemployment Livemint   Sowing the seeds of a crisis Business Line   Why India’s NSG entry is no big deal Business Line Related Articles: Quest for another Holy Grail – Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Nuclear Suppliers Group – Mind Map   Maintain consistency, please! Business Line Related Articles: TRAI rules in favour of Net neutrality Internet-The Public Good Nothing free or basic about ‘Free Basics’ (Facebook’s initiative)   Every consumer is also a creator Business Line MIND MAPS   1. Reviving Farmers Livelihood (Ref - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVHK_PJ-6e4&feature=youtu.be - By Dr. Arvind Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser, GOI )  

Jun 17, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba ’60 Day Plan- Prelims Test 2016 SCIENCE & TECH & CURRENT AFFAIRS [DAY 29]

Click here to get all the Tests– Archives Hello Friends Hope you are enjoying Daily questions. The link for Day 28 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 29] Q.1) Which among the below given animals/birds cannot walk backwards? Kangaroos Emus Penguins Alligators Choose the appropriate answer: a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 1, 3 and 4 only d) 1 and 3 only Q.2) Earth's seasons are caused by which of the following? a) The tilt of Earth's axis of rotation relative to the ecliptic as Earth revolves around the Sun b) The varying amount of sunspot activity c) Earth's orbit about the Sun as an ellipse rather than a circle d) The rotation of Earth during a 24-hour day Q.3) When cool air flows from a high mountain region to a region of lower elevation, the air will a) increase in moisture content b) condense, forming large amounts of dew c) undergo adiabatic warming d) undergo adiabatic cooling Q.4) Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:   List I   List II   A.     Smelting 1.      Process in which ore is heated usually in the presence of air, at temperatures below its melting points B.      Roasting 2.      Reduction of oxide ore with carbon at high temperature C.      Calcination 3.      Process in which ore is heated, generally in the absence of air, to expel water from hydrated oxide or carbon dioxide from a carbonate at temperature below their melting point D.     Corrosion 4.      Process of slow conversion of metals into their undesirable compounds by reaction with moisture and other gases present in the atmosphere       A-B-C-D a) 1-4-3-2 b) 1-4-2-3 c) 2-1-4-3 d) 2-1-3-4 Q.5)IASbabaji is hiking up Mt. Everest, and recently reached the base camp at 12,000 feet. While there, babaji decides to make some tea, and puts a thermometer in the boiling water. To his surprise, the thermometer tells him the water is boiling at 96 °C. Why is this happening? a) Babaji was surprised to watch water boiling more quickly. b) The pressure is lower at higher elevations, and results in a lower boiling temperature. c) The number of solutes in the air is higher at higher elevations, resulting in boiling point depression. d) Babaji is suffering from oxygen deprivation, and is reading the thermometer incorrectly. Q.6) Polarized sunglasses are used to cut glare from sunlight reflected at a glancing angle off cars, water, and other surfaces. Such sunglasses are a practical application of which of the following physical principles? a) Brewster's law b) Lenz's law c) Coulomb's law d) Snell's law Q.7) Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: LIST I               LIST II Tuber                  Saffron Bulb                     Potato Rhizome             Garlic Corm                   Turmeric    A-B-C-D a) 3-4-1-2 b) 2-3-4-1 c) 2-4-3-1 d) 2-3-1-4 Q.8) Match the following Operation Cactus Srilanka Operation Pawan Maldives Operation Green Hunt China Select the correct match of Indian Military Operations with other countries a) 1 and 2 b) Only 2 c) 2 and 3 d) None Q.9) Consider the following Evaporation of gas Compression of the gas Solubility of Gas Expansion of the gas Diffusion of gas Which of the above phenomenon (in liquid medium) will increase with the increase in Temperature? a) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 b) 1, 4 and 5 c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 d) 2, 4 and 5 Q.10) Which of the following schemes will promote Urban Infrastructure? Swatch Bharat Abhiyan Smart City Scheme Bharat Nirman Indira Awas Yojana HRIDAY Select the correct code a) 1, 3 and 4 b) 2, 4 and 5 c) 1, 2 and 5 d) All Q.11) Recently scientists have found a way to lock CO2 by turning it into harmless rock. Which of the following statements are correct about this process? a) The CO2 is injected into volcanic bedrock where it will react to form carbonate rocks. b) CO2 is captured and solidified. This solid CO2 is then compressed to give it permanent form. c) CO2 is reacted with amorphous calcium to form calcium carbonate. d) Carbon di oxide is captured and stored in Ocean trench where it gets solidified due to high pressure. Q.12) Touch screens now have become an important component of many electronic devices like mobiles, ATM machines, laptops etc. Consider the following statements regarding touch screens: Commonly there are two types of touch screens- resistive and capacitive. Capacitive touch screens are multilayered with inner most and outer most layers behaving as a conductor. Resistive screens can detect more than one touch at once at different spots. 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.13) Recently Zika virus caused a havoc in South American and central American countries. Few cases have also been registered in USA. Which of the following statements are correct about Zika virus? It is disease caused by virus from infected Aedes mosquito. Zika virus can be sexually transmitted. Virus can pass through the fetus of a pregnant woman and can infect the brain cells of the fetus. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. Select the code from the following: a) 1,3 and 4 b) 1 and 3 c) 3 and 4 d) All of the above Q.14) A two foot long but discovered in China has been declared as the world’s longest insect. Which of the following species does this bug belongs to? a) A Mantis b) A Stick Insect c) A centipede d) A titan beetle Q.15) Consider the following statements: A black hole is a place in space where gravity pulls so much that even light cannot get out. Density of black hole is very high. Black holes are made when the fuel of a star gets over and it becomes a white dwarf. 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.16) Hepatitis is the medical term for inflammation of the liver. Consider the following regarding this There are five types of viruses responsible for Hepatitis Intake of toxic substances, alcohol and certain drugs are some of the causes of Hepatitis Hepatitis B is transmitted through exposure to infective blood, semen, and other body fluids. Select the correct code a) 1 and 2 b) 2 and 3 c) 1 and 3 d) 1, 2 and 3 Q.17) Consider the following statements with respect to Maglev Technology  Maglev trains does not have engine. It does not emit greenhouse gases. It is generally preferred for short distance commutation. Which of the above given statements is/are correct? a) 2 only b) 1 & 2 only c) 2 & 3 only d) None of the above Q.18) Consider the following statements about Bio – Digester Technology  It’s a green technology developed by CSIR(Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) It uses anaerobic digestion method. Process is carried out by using Bacteria and Fungi. Which of the above given statements is/are correct? a) 2 only b) 1 & 2 only c) 2 & 3 only d) 1,2 & 3 Q.19) Consider the following statements with respect to “Green Diesel” Green Diesel is generally referred to as Biodiesel. It is produced through Hydro cracking technology. It possesses same chemical properties as petroleum based diesel. Which of the above given statements is/are not correct? a) 1 only b) 2 only c) 1 & 2 only d) 1, 2 & 3 Q.20) Consider the following Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Chennai Metro Rail Limited Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon Which of the above metro rail corporation works under Indian Railways? a) 1 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 2 only d) 1 and 3 only Q.21) Nirbhaya Fund is set up under which of the following Ministry? a) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare b) Ministry of Women and Child Development c) Ministry of Finance d) Minister of Home 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