Apr 22, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba's Daily Prelims Quiz : Day 5

Click here to get all the Quiz @ one place ->    ARCHIVESQ.1) Consider the following statements with respect to FDI and India. India was ranked as the top investment destination beating China and USA as per the latest report by financial times. Investments in sectors that are under the automatic route require FIPB approval. Currently 98 per cent FDI into India comes through automatic route.Select the correct answer using the codes given belowa) 1 and 2 onlyb) 1 and 3 onlyc) 2 and 3 onlyd) 1, 2, and 3 onlyQ.2) Recently Obama sought cooperation of Gulf members to fight against ISIS at Gulf cooperation council (GCC). Consider the following states with respect to Gulf cooperation council. GCC is a regional intergovernmental, political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf, including Iraq. USA is the only non-Gulf country to be the member of GCC.Select the correct answer using the codes given below.a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Bothd) NoneQ.3) Consider the following statements with respect to Earth Day. Earth Day is an annual event, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. “Trees for the Earth” is the theme of 2016 Earth day. Earth hour is observed on all places on earth, this day by turning of the lights for one hour from 830PM to 930PM local time.Select the correct answer using the codes given belowa) 1 and 2 onlyb) 1 and 3 onlyc) 2 and 3 onlyd) 1, 2, and 3 onlyQ.4) Consider the following statements with respect to Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Creutzfeldt–Jakob is a degenerative neurological disorder that is incurable and invariably fatal. CJD is at times called a human form of mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE). Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is caused by an abnormal infectious protein in the brain called a prion.Select the correct answer using the codes given belowa) 1 and 2 onlyb) 1 and 3 onlyc) 2 and 3 onlyd) 1, 2, and 3 onlyQ.5) Consider the following statements with respect to pulse pricing. Persuading traders to reduce their sales prices Distributing imported pulses through PDS at subsidized prices Stringent action against hoarders Crop diversification Expanding pulse areaWhich of the following statements can be used as long term measures to reduce the pulse prices?a) 1,2,3 onlyb) 2,3,5 onlyc) 4,5 onlyd) 1,3,5Download the Solution- Click here 

Apr 21, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 21st April, 2016

ArchivesIASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 21st April, 2016ECONOMICS TOPIC:  General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.General studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.Analysing India's Demographic Dividend Economic theory suggests that when the proportion of young people in a region increases, a significant boost to economic growth should materialise. The post-World War II years saw the West in general and the US in particular benefit from this dynamic as the baby boomers delivered record productivity. However, even as India's demographic profile today is similar to that of the US in 1960, contrary to popular belief, a demographic dividend is unlikely to accrue to India anytime soon.Demographic Study of India's Northern Belt:India's rapid economic progress over the past two decades masks its abysmal performance on social indicators— imbalance between rapid economic progress and stagnant-cum-awful social metrics is particularly glaring in India's northern belt (INB, the region spanning Rajasthan in the west to Bihar in the east)Emergence of dangerous socio-economic problems: The persistence of a skewed gender ratio— Only 43 per cent of India's female population compared to 57 per cent of the male population Only 901 women for every 1,000 men The emergence of a "youth bulge" that is largely uneducated and/or unemployed— Characterised by the youngest population structure in the country - 20 per cent of the population here is aged between 15 and 24 Lack of skills and education - only 71 per cent of people in the INB are literate compared to 80 per cent in south India - the INB won't be able to reap the benefits of its youthful demographic structure Oversupply of under-skilled labour Out of every 100 people in the INB, 64 are unemployed (the corresponding number for south India is 36) Could prompt mass migration to more developed regions in search of jobs— putting pressure on labour markets in the southern and western regions of the country. Gross domestic product growth in the most prominent sector of this region, that is, agriculture, being consistently low— Accounts for 60 per cent of employment in the INB Has consistently grown at a slower pace than the industrial and services sectors in the last two decades Per Capita Income: $1,200 in the INB (South: $2,000) Destitute Population: widespread economic destitution in the INB, which accounts for a much higher share of India's impoverished population (over two-thirds of India's destitute people live in the INB) Higher crime rates in the INB— persistence of inequalities and poor employment opportunities— increase in instances of communal tension in the region— social unrest and, consequently, explicit economic lossesConnecting the Dots: Critically examine the factors that are responsible for the failure in reaping the benefits of the demographic dividend in the northern region of the country despite its rich cultural heritage. What are the required interventions by the government to arrest these deficiencies?NATIONALTOPIC:  General Studies 2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Governance IssuesManual Scavenging – A question of dignityBackground: In 1993, India banned the employment of people as manual scavengers. In 2013, landmark new legislation in the form of the Manual Scavengers Act was passed which seeks to reinforce this ban by prohibiting manual scavenging in all forms and ensures the rehabilitation of manual scavengers to be identified through a mandatory survey. Despite progress, manual scavenging persists in India. According to the India Census 2011, there are more than 2.6 million dry latrines in the country. There are 13,14,652 toilets where human excreta is flushed in open drains, 7,94,390 dry latrines where the human excreta is cleaned manually. Seventy three percent of these are in rural areas and 27 percent are in urban areas. the very existence of what Gandhi called a “national shame”, i.e. manual scavenging is a degrading caste-based occupation, it should be a matter of grave concern that an activity that has been outlawed by Parliament since 1993 has such divergent numbers reported by various arms of the government. What is Manual scavenging all about? Manual scavenging refers to the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing or handling in any manner, human excreta from dry latrines and sewers. It often involves using the most basic of tools such as buckets, brooms and baskets. The practice of manual scavenging is linked to India’s caste system where so-called lower castes were expected to perform this job. Manual scavengers are amongst the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in India Why is there is a huge under-statement of numbers involved in manual scavenging?The way government defines manual scavengers actually acting as a reason behind under-statement of numbersThe ways in which numbers are unaccounted: the instruction manual for the ‘Survey on Manual Scavengers in Statutory Towns’ defines a manual scavenger as a person “being engaged or employed on a regular or frequent basis. A person engaged or employed to clean excreta with the help of appropriate devices (like high pressure water jet etc.) and using proper protective gear, will not be deemed to be a ‘manual scavenger. a large section of our citizens remaining unaccounted for as far as official records are concerned include women (98 per cent of scavengers are women because patriarchy is rampant in this strata of society too) . who are engaged in scavenging and receive food in lieu of payment Who work as contract employees indirectly employed by the Indian Railways ( the largest employer of those cleaning excrement from railway tracks) Numerous municipal corporations across the country.Surveys conducted by activists estimate that there are actually over 1.2 million manual scavengers in the country but as per the Socio Economic Caste Census 2011, 1,80,657 households were engaged in manual scavenging for a livelihood; the report also recorded 7,94,000 cases of manual scavenging across the country. Employing manual scavengers made an offence: With the passing of the Prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, the government is required to ensure the elimination of unsanitary latrines This act has made manual scavenging an offence punishable across India except J&K. Under this Act, offences are cognizable and non-bail able The Act also prohibits the employment of manual scavengers and the hazardous manual cleaning of sewer and septic tanks, and tasks the government with maintaining a survey of manual scavengers and their rehabilitation.Way ahead:Comprehensive Rehabilitation of the Manual Scavengers within a time bound framework  Manual Scavengers will be issued Photo Identity card Government will provide initial cash aid Children of the Manual Scavengers will be provided scholarship Residential plot with financial aid will be allocated for the construction of the house or a ready built house Imparting Manual Scavengers livelihood skill Providing concessional loan with subsidy for assuming alternative occupation Extending any other legal or programmatic help  As a real tribute to Ambedkar on his 125th birth anniversary, Aspirational India must demand the creation of 12 million jobs this year, and an end to 1.2 million jobs(Scavenging jobsConnecting the dots: Every job has its own dignity but engaging in manual scavenging is itself a question of dignity. Comment Mahatma Gandhi called manual scavenging a “national shame” and degrading caste-based occupation, Suggest multi-pronged ways to end such social stigma.MUST READOne handshake among many - India-U.S. defence cooperation has grown enormously in the past decade — but it should be seen exclusive of India’s outreach to other countriesHinduRelated Articles:India- US relationship- a Strategic ImperativePension Deforms- Government has (mis)handled EPF reforms. One step forward, two steps rollback, shows lack of homework, consultationHinduIndian ExpressBusiness LineRelated Articles:Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Tax- Is it a Healthy proposal?Withdrawing the lifeline- At a time of extreme rural distress, the Centre is violating the basic provisions of the employment guarantee actIndian ExpressRelated Articles:MGNREGA : Don’t dismantle, ReformSpurious solution- Prohibition tops poll promises in Tamil Nadu, Kerala. It’s a deceptive shortcut.Indian ExpressChurch and Court- It is unfortunate that courts have become arbiters of what constitutes true religion.Indian ExpressCabinet nod for amendments in Compensatory Afforestation Bill- Passed in Parliament, it could unlock Rs 36,000 crore immediately to statesBusiness StandardPublic versus private banks- It is not ownership but the way banks are structured and run that is important for financial sector healthBusiness StandardPreparedness for quakes- Building codes need to be updated and enforcedBusiness StandardCan governance be influenced by young professionals? - A one-word answer to this question is—depends. Depends on how programmes are designed and executedLive MintMIND MAPS1. Foreign Exchange Intervention

Apr 21, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba's Daily Prelims Quiz : Day 4

  Click here to get all the Quiz @ one place ->    ARCHIVES     Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to International yoga fest and Yoga It is organised by Ministry of AYUSH to sensitize the masses regarding International day of Yoga. Yoga is one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy which developed in the begging of the Christian era. Charaka is considered as the father of Yoga. Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Recently Union Cabinet cleared amendments for the proposed Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015. Consider the following statements with respect to Compensatory Afforestation Fund Bill, 2015 The legislation will ensure expeditious utilization of accumulated unspent amounts available with the ad hoc Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). The legislation will cover whole of India including the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This bill comes under Ministry of Environment and forests. Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Recently Uttarakhand High court sought clarification on imposition of president’s rule in the state. Consider the following statements with respect to Emergency provisions.   State emergency can be proclaimed under the article 356 only. The 44th constitutional amendment bought the president rule under the purview of judicial review. Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both d) None Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to Press freedom Index report. It is released by Reporters without borders (RSF). Norwegian countries like Finland, Netherlands, and Norway occupy the top three positions. As per the report India is among the top ten countries to have highest press freedom. Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3   Q.5)  Recently the festival “Pooram” was in news.  This famous festival is held in which of the following state of India. Tamil Nadu Kerala Assam Jharkhand   Download the Solution- Click here

Apr 21, 2016 AIR

All India Radio - Tackling off Shore Tax Evasion

ARCHIVES AIR Debate - Tackling off Shore Tax Evasion   The issue of tax evasion is a never ending topic. The recent intergovernmental initiatives between India and US like Enhancing collaboration in tackling offshore tax evasion and increased cooperation in sharing of cross border tax information are in news to prevent tax evasion. The issue has gained momentum after the recent panama paper leak and governments around the world are taking serious steps to tackle this issue. To evade tax, to own property abroad in fake names, and to transfer money through easy channels are the prime reason why people stash money abroad. With huge money in illicit form they are not just creating various problems like Money laundering, drug trafficking etc but also creating detrimental scenarios to the economies around the world. With recent agreement between US and India like BEPS or Base erosion and profit shifting, has a potential to act as a very good dampener for tax evaders. Tax evading firms or people will not comply the proper information sharing with their governments. The absence of proper legal frame work and increased tax rate among countries is prompting such tax evasion to happen. The scenario of tax rate in India is relatively high compared with other countries of the world. India is having one the highest corporate tax rate of 30 percent and at the individual level tax is levied as low as 20k. However in the recent budget the finance minister has vowed to decrease the tax rate and increase the tax base. Rationalisation of tax structure is the need of the hour. With new revelations about tax evasion the world is heading towards a new path of framing laws which is more rationale and compliant. India being a developing country cannot afford to let people evade tax at unimaginable levels. The world forum should come together to fight against such issues which not just avoids tax but also prevent other crimes like drug trafficking, sponsoring non state actors for terrorism, money laundering, illegal arms etc. Click here and search for Spotlight/ News Analysis dated 16th April 2016.  

Apr 20, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 20th April, 2016   NATIONAL   TOPIC:  General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources   India’s Drug Control—Approvals & DPCO The ban of 344 fixed-dose combinations- FDCs is a combination of existing drugs into one potent formulation Helps to increase patient compliance with taking medication — Many FDCs in the Indian market are fuelled primarily by the desire to evade the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) Need to crack down— Lacks basic medical rationale Being marketed without any supporting clinical evidence Therefore, notification of bans on certain FDCs— The pharmaceutical industry took the government into a never-ending abyss of litigation—interim stays and longwinded hearings during which the industry continues to distribute its existing stock by peddling the poison to the citizens of this country The Approval— Before a drug is approved, it is required to be supported by clinical trials conducted by independent medical experts – present ban leads one to believe then that there was no evidence to vouch for their safety in the first place FDCs and other drug approvals in India have been plagued with irregularities which the government has refused to investigate even after being hauled up by the parliamentary standing committee on health 59th report of the committee (2012)- had discovered a shocking collusion between the drug regulator, the industry, and medical doctors in the approval of a set of drugs: buclizine, letrozole, an FDC of flupenthixol and melitracen (Deanxit), and an FDC of aceclofenac and drotaverine Noted that most of these drugs had received approval in the Indian market despite the fact that advanced jurisdictions such as the US and the EU refused similar approvals. When the standing committee sought the files from the DCGIs to understand the basis on which these approvals had been granted, the Government simply didn’t cooperate. “The Committee is of the opinion that there must be some very good reasons for Danish Medicine Agency (Denmark) not to approve a domestically developed drug where an anti-depressant drug would perhaps be in greater demand as compared to India. Curiously, Deanxit is allowed to be produced and exported but not allowed to be used in Denmark.” The ever-existing Racket Nature of the approvals— “There is sufficient evidence on record to conclude that there is collusive nexus between drug manufacturers, some functionaries of CDSCO and some medical experts.” The committee demanded the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare investigate the manner in which these approvals were granted because there was prima facie evidence of wrongdoing in granting these approvals The ministry set up an expert committee under VM Katoch to study the committee’s report – agreed with the recommendation of an investigation into the shady approvals December 28, 2012— , Submission of an ‘action taken report’ to the standing committee promising an investigation into the manner in which these approvals were granted No action was taken and in the 66th report tabled in Parliament on April 26, 2013, the committee noted its shock at the inaction of the ministry Buclizine approval: “The Committee takes serious umbrage over these more than apparent dilatory tactics being adopted by the Ministry to somehow delay action against the wrongdoers.” Approval of letrozole: “The Committee finds it deeply perturbing as to why the Ministry has failed to take action in this very open and shut case of impropriety and criminal lapse. Though more than six months have elapsed, the Committee strongly feels that if perpetrators of such illegalities and collusive acts which are detrimental to public health are allowed to go scot-free, then the total collapse of an ethical health care system is inevitable.” Approval of Deanxit: “If any drug is promoted for unapproved indications, DCGI has the statutory duty to take action and even cancel marketing approval. The Committee is aghast that no action was taken against the Danish manufacturer, Lundbeck even when it was openly flouting Indian laws. Compare the lack of action in India with the United States where for a similar offence Pfizer had to shell out Rs. 2,300 crores for promoting gabapentin for an unapproved indication.”   Indian drug control system (weakest at present) — Present government is taking various steps to Strengthen the quality mechanism Increase the awareness that all (companies) should move towards high quality parameters Increasing the number of drug inspectors Increasing the drug controller staff Banned 344 fixed drug combinations (FDCs), after an expert panel found that these drugs lacked therapeutic justification and posed various health risks Way Ahead: Urgent need for an investigation into how approvals for these FDCs and the drugs mentioned by the standing committee were granted in the first place (corruption/incompetence) To ensure fairness or independence, it cannot be conducted under the aegis of the ministry of health and therefore, the requirement of an independent commission headed by a senior advocate of the Supreme Court to investigate this matter The mere number of 15% products approved and certified by World Health Organization needs to move up to 50% Efforts need to be made to revive public sector undertakings (PSUs) of the sector and ensure 'a continuous monitoring' mechanism Connecting the Dots: What are the major constraints looming over the advancement of the Indian Pharma Sector? Suggest some measures Is there a need for the establishment of a new Ministry for pharmaceuticals and medical devices? Discuss.   Also Read: Pharmaceutical Sector: India’s Drug Policy  Drug Pricing: Critical Illness—A Gold mine  NATIONAL   TOPIC:  General Studies 2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.   Cities at Crossroads: Setting cities free Background: To have Indian cities with reasonable quality of life for their residents and a better investment climate for investors, it will require massive investments in urban infrastructure. Lack of funding is usually perceived to be the principal constraint in achieving this objective. Fundamental reform in the institutions that govern the planning and management of cities is the need of the hour to have to well-designed and well-managed infrastructure and improvement in public service delivery with efficient usage of available funds. Alongside Amrut and the Smart Cities Mission, we need to urgently spell out the dimensions of institutional reform What does smart city mean? Smart Cities focus on their most pressing needs and on the greatest opportunities to improve lives. They tap a range of approaches - digital and information technologies, urban planning best practices, public-private partnerships, and policy change - to make a difference. They always put people first.   Objective: Is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of 'Smart' Solutions. Focus: Is on sustainable and inclusive development and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will act like a light house to other aspiring cities. Initiatives to strengthen cities: AMRUT: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)   It is an urban transformation scheme with the focus of the urban renewal projects to establish infrastructure that could ensure adequate robust sewerage networks and water supply. Providing basic services such as water supply, sewerage, urban transport to households and build amenities in cities which will improve the quality of life for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged is a national priority. AMRUT is actually a new avatar of the existing JNNURM and will extend support to till 2017 to those projects that are at least 50% complete under the earlier JNNURM. Smart cities scheme: The Smart Cities Mission will focus on developing 100 select Smart cities by focusing on optimizing efficiencies in urban services and infrastructure management, with proactive use of technology and people participation. The Mission will support each selected city with Rs 100 crore per year, for a period of five years.   Bottle necks: It is now almost 25 years since the 74th constitutional amendment mandated that state governments transfer to the local governments a set of specified functions. The unwillingness of the system to devolve responsibility and funding to the city level is a major failure.   Need of the hour: Reforms Ability to finance large investments: Reform in the form of setting user charges for the delivery of a public service to cover at least the operation and maintenance cost of the infrastructure asset, including debt servicing, would yield a revenue model that assures repayment of the loans raised from the capital market . If equity is brought in by a private partner in a public-private partnership project, then the user charge must cover a return on such investment. State government must provide approval to city governments to raise user charges while protecting the poorest by cross-subsidizing Urban Planning: Reform of assigning to urban local governments the function of urban planning, including town planning, would provide them with the opportunity of activating a market for land use change. This would help them to unlock land value as they go about the business of land zoning and appropriating a part of the consequent appreciation in the value of land for financing urban infrastructure. Efficient Public service delivery: The report of the high powered expert committee on urban infrastructure and services (HPEC 2011) had recommended administrative and institutional reforms designed to overhaul the system. For example: A unified command under an empowered and accountable mayor, a municipal regulator for bringing a degree of professionalism in the pricing of urban services, and use of e-governance and e-enabled smart technologies for better efficiency.   Strengthening grievance redressal: Successful attempts at e-governance in cities such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pimpri-Chinchwad and Surat are helping to create an environment for grievance redressal and better service delivery. Lack of funding and capacities are acting as bottle necks in other cities to have e-governance and better grievance redressal. Omission of vital function: The unwillingness of the system to devolve responsibility and funding to the city level is a major failure. Many functions have been devolved but major omission has been that of urban planning, including town planning which has been retained by most state governments. It is now almost 25 years since the 74th constitutional amendment mandated that state governments transfer to the local governments a set of specified functions. Vital reform would be to engage city government urban planning in general, town planning in particular. Share of revenue: The share of municipal town revenues in their total revenue was at a low of 53 per cent in 2007-08 and declined further to 51 per cent in 2012-13. As of now, property tax is a major source of revenue for these governments, but both the rates and exemptions are set by the state government. State governments to set up state finance commissions that would spell out the principles for sharing a part of the revenue of the state government have not followed the high standards set by the Central Finance Commission and they have not been able to challenge state-level political resistance to devolving funds to urban local governments.   Way ahead: Municipal Finance List One way of reducing dependence on the state government for discretionary funds would be to create a Municipal Finance List in the Constitution that should specify taxes that are exclusively in the domain of local governments. GST: Goods and Services Tax Opportunity provided by the GST, which is the most efficient tax (because it does not cascade and its destination principle promotes India as a common market), should be used to constitutionally ensure that state governments share a pre-specified percentage of their revenue from GST with local governments. GST would remain two-tiered but the revenue allocation would be three-tiered. Guaranteed devolution of GST will significantly reduce uncertainty in the finances of urban local governments and provide them with a basic cushion of financing to discharge their constitutionally assigned responsibilities Connecting the dots: Smart cities require smart way of financing. Comment. Throw light on what are the bottle necks in urban planning and how to empower Municipalities to play vital role in the effective urban planning to make urban living a sustainable living.   Also Read: Issues with Urban Governance MUST READ Battle for Bangladesh’s soul Hindu   The splinternet is here Hindu   Should the CRR be abolished?- The RBI's reluctance to cut rates should be seen as a case of inability in the face of inflation, while the refusal of banks to cut rates is a case of unwillingness to reconcile to a lower profit margin Hindu   Holds no water- Rational pricing of water for irrigation, not banning new sugar mills, is what Marathwada needs. Indian Express   Universal wage error- Labour ministry making it harder to do business Business Standard   The Indo-US military alliance that isn’t-The debate on foundational agreements is riddled with superfluous issues Live Mint Related Articles: India- US relationship- a Strategic Imperative   The jobs discourse- We need to re-energize the jobs discourse, how about a slogan like ‘More jobs per crore of investment’? Live Mint   Fixing educational policy’s failure-Reforms in pedagogy and school governance structures are critical for addressing India’s learning crisis Live Mint 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/   Community land reserves and affordable housing in India-We need a different strategy if we are to provide affordable housing for the poor well into the future Live Mint MIND MAPS   1. New Mediocre

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

IASbaba's Daily Prelims Quiz : Day 3

  Click here to get all the Quiz @ one place ->    ARCHIVES     Q.1) Consider the following statements with respect to Regional comprehensive economic agreement (RCEP) Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member states of the (ASEAN) and the six states with which ASEAN has existing FTAs. India is not a proposed member country to the RCEP trade Bloc. Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both d) None Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect to Tiger conservation Global Tiger Forum is the only inter-governmental body for tiger conservation. Project tiger is the government of India efforts for Tiger conservation started in the year 1972 CITES is an international agreement between governments aimed at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants, including tigers, does not threaten their survival. Select the correct statement with respect to tiger conservation a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3   Q.3) Consider the following statements with respect to Coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is the loss of Zooxanthellae through loss of algal pigmentation. Abnormal environmental conditions like increased or reduced sea water temperature, increased sedimentation etc are believed to cause coral bleaching. Select the incorrect statement from the codes given below a) 1 only b) 2 only c) Both d) None   Q.4) Consider the following statements with respect to IndArc: IndArc is the country’s first moored-underwater observatory in the Antarctica. IndArc observatory is developed by ESSO-National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) and the ESSO-National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) IndArc aims to understand the effects of polar climatic process and its influence on Indian monsoon system. Select the correct statement using the codes given below a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 2 only d) All the above.   Q.5) Consider the following statements with respect to Adarsh Smarak scheme. The scheme is spear headed by Ministry of culture and it aims to make monuments tourist friendly by revamping the existing infrastructure. At present 25 monuments are covered under this scheme Recently Humayuns tomb was restored under this scheme. Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 3 only d) 1, 2, and 3.   Download the Solution- Click here

Apr 19, 2016 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 19th April, 2016

Archives   IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs – 19th April, 2016   ENVIRONMENT   TOPIC:  General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.   Clean Energy Investors—WANTED Biggest challenge for the renewable energy sector in India— Absence of a financial ecosystem fit to purpose and fit to scale Even as India has aggressively scaled up its renewable energy targets, the financial commitments have not kept pace. Hesitation among investors stems from many reasons: Need for large upfront capital and long-term debt; Worries about the credibility of contracts; Project delays; Uncertainty about revenue flows; Foreign exchange risk; Technology and product efficiency concerns Reasons why India seems to be struggling— No single pathway to achieving the targets, particularly vis-a-vis solar and biomass-based energy. Each pathway requires different financial models Much focus has been on trying to secure commitments for grid-scale projects (investments were up 80 per cent in 2015). But the Indian financial system has not innovated enough to move the needle on smaller scale and decentralised energy projects. Renewable energy is often conflated with solar power: Solar photovoltaic investments have now surpassed wind but there is also the risk of crowding out innovative (but riskier) financing for small hydropower or biomass-to-energy projects Renewable energy is restricted to electricity: A number of policy announcements from the current government are directed largely to Re-based electricity whereas for cooking energy, much of the focus has been on rationalising government subsidies. Other applications - heating, cooling, and productive and mechanical power - have received less attention than lighting Way Ahead: Different types of financial institutions (banks, non-bank financial companies, multilateral institutions, bilateral funding agencies, institutional investors) must envision their functional roles for different purposes – Strategic level—priority sector lending, loan guarantees Project level—credit enhancement, private equity Ancillary support—evacuation infrastructure, skills, R&D Efforts need to be made to support some state governments in— Issuing green bonds – regulatory guidelines— restructuring one as a green bank Innovative ideas for RE finance Small-scale projects like rooftop Aggregation of projects to create investible portfolios for institutional investors Establishing terms on which these systems would integrate when the centralised grid extends its reach Find balance between rural projects (with likely more development co-benefits) and urban sites (where commercial opportunities to scale might be greater). Decentralised Clean Energy Sector needs to take care— Kick-starting new pilot projects or scaling a few interventions Garner clear metrics of success to consolidate the lessons of the past and determine which processes and innovations could be replicated across India Co-ordination between different levels of governance— Need to give attention to how respective policies interact and in particular to ensuring that regulations at the national (or federal) level complement those at the local (or state) level Harmonisation of clean energy policy priorities must carefully consider the needs of rural regions, which are more likely to be home to larger-scale renewable energy generation. National policies need to take into account the impact of renewable energy deployment on host communities and thereby, adopt a territorial approach to renewable energy deployment to avoid distortions in land use and relative prices in host communities. RE policy should link energy production to other industries such as farming, forestry, and traditional manufacturing. Regional authorities can foster social acceptance in two ways: Increasing understanding of renewable energy projects Ensuring local benefits, as communities will more willingly accept some of the costs of renewable energy installations if they stand to gain from such investment. Engaging in public-private partnerships— Attention should be given to Value-for-money and adequate risk-sharing Market sounding (which includes evaluating the strength of the private sector market for the project, the private sector's capacity for achieving economies of scale, and its relevant expertise), as well as the potential for risk transfer within the PPP Addressing these fiscal implications is particularly important in the case of PPPs for clean energy infrastructure in developing countries for two reasons: Because government may have to set aside public funds to support the clean energy infrastructure once it has started operating; Because pricing of the service has important implications for access to energy. Connecting the Dots: What steps has the national government taken to align national and sub-national policies that could have an impact on investment in clean energy infrastructure?   INTERNATIONAL TOPIC: General Studies 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. G-20’s warning on the global economy: Why in news? Recently Finance ministers and central bank governors of the G-20 countries met at Washington and issued a communiqué regarding global growth trends and outlook. Communiqué: http://www.g20.utoronto.ca/2016/160415-finance.html   An important thing to note in the communiqué: According to the communiqué global growth “remains modest and uneven” and also G-20 warned the large advanced economies against continuing their prolonged, excessive reliance on unconventional monetary policy to power growth. IMF and the world economic outlook: The G-20 meeting was held as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released yet another downward revision of its outlook for global growth. Making the updated assessment even more difficult was the institution’s warning about the unusual range of risks, including the possible exit of the UK from the European Union, along with other political risks to financial volatility as well as the particular challenges facing commodity exporters. A brief outlook of the report: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2016/update/01/ The disappointing outcome from the G-20 meet: The irony is that despite the unusually high degree of consensus on the outlook for the global economy and the policy implications, the G-20 again fell short of committing to a collective and verifiable set of actions that could spur measures at the national level. This is particularly disappointing for two reasons: The G-20 has shown its ability to act; and when it has, the results were potent. Indeed, if it weren’t for the coordinated policy approach adopted by the G-20 at its meeting in London in April 2009, the world could have fallen into a devastating multi-year depression. However this coordinated policy approach is lacking now. With companies sitting on so much cash or devoting it exclusively to financial engineering, the unleashing of global growth does not need a “big bang” in terms of policies. A small bang would probably prove sufficient to unleash faster global recovery, with the private sector doing much of the heavy lifting by using its strong balance sheets to expand current and future output. Sadder days ahead for the global economy: Sadly, the required policy response may only come with a further worsening of an already mediocre outlook for growth as well as deteriorating prospects for genuine financial stability. In the meantime, both excessive political dysfunction and alarming levels of inequality will remain high as the global economy languishes in a frustrating state of low growth. Connecting the dots: Enumerate the list of various reports and their importance released by IMF World Bank World Economic Forum Critically examine the reasons for slowdown in the global economy with special reference to China.   MUST READ   How to better the ‘new mediocre’- With the IMF paring down its global growth forecast, governments should first tweak economic policy to minimise vulnerabilities Hindu   Defence preparedness: the way forward Hindu Related Articles: Towards Military self-reliance All India Radio- NEW DEFENCE PROCUREMENT POLICY   The road not taken Hindu   India, OIC and the Kashmir charade-Anyone familiar with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation knows its prosaic routine on J&K. Indian Express   A real game changer-Unified Payment Interface is a radical step forward Business Standard Related Articles: Unified Payment Interface— A step towards a cashless economy   Cyber security sector to create a million jobs-Nasscom set up a task force last year, to position India as a global hub for providing cybersecurity solutions Business Standard Related Articles: Upgrading India’s cyber security architecture   US, EU, Japan question India’s policy tweaks to restrict imports- Developed nations also ask why New Delhi is imposing minimum import prices, safeguard probes on steel products Live Mint   Where are India’s female scientists?- More and more girls are taking up degrees in science, but only a few go on to pursue scientific careers Live Mint MIND MAPS   1. Family Laws

Apr 19, 2016 AIR

All India Radio - India US Defence Cooperation and Make in India Initiative

ARCHIVES   India US defence cooperation and Make in India Initiative   US defence secretary Aston Carter visited India last week  and discussed ways of enhancing previous  defence initiatives,and  signed new agreements like logistical exchange of memorandum of agreement which  entails the militaries of two nations to share facilities for refuelling, supplies and spares. Various agreements which also promote Make in India initiative were also proposed. Make in India initiative which aims to transform  India in to a manufacturing hub has identified sectors which needs to be promoted. Defence is one among them. Efforts have been made  on this front through earlier initiatives with US like DTTI  ( Defence technology transfer initiatives) etc. But nothing seem to have taken off the board. There needs to have clarity on this front as to what exactly India wants from such initiatives. Delay in expediting the initiatives which are already taken is another issue which needs close coordination. We need a focused  approach and consistent follow up action which helps to keep the various initiatives intact. In this aspect US has more role to play than India, who's procedures are much simpler than US. India invested nearly 14 billion dollars in last few years as part of is defence procurements, most of which is imported. With new scheme like Make in India we  need  to relook about establishing close synergies among the private players and defence manufacturers who engage in defence production on either side. This is a serious challenge which should not be ignored. Also India’s  defence manufacturing capabilities need to leap frog from what where we are  right now. Initiatives like DTTI simply manifest the fact that india does not have the kind of technology that it requires. However on a long run efforts should be made to ramp up R and D and improve the situation on this front. The discourse of india’s defence story should move from Defence co production to production and codevelopment to development. Every possible effort should be made to make  India self reliant. . What is necessary  is a more focused policy on defence issues and efforts to  make a realistic progress on this front. However India should also have all the technology at its disposal in difficult times by what so ever means at the same time it should never be complacent about collaborating on strategic issue like defence. Click here and search for Spotlight / News analysis dated 14th  April 2016

Apr 19, 2016 60 Days Plan 2019 - Daily Prelims Test

IASbaba's Daily Prelims Quiz : Day 2

Click here to get all the Quiz @ one place ->    ARCHIVESQ.1) Consider the following statements with respect to WPI. Manufactured products have the highest weight among the basket of products used to calculate WPI. WPI is released weekly by NSSO. Base year to calculate WPI is 2004-05.          Select the correct answer using the codes given belowa) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 3 onlyd) All the above. Q.2) Consider the following statements with respect Koh-I-Noor Diamond. Koh-I-Noor diamond also known as Mountain of Light was originally found near Guntur region of Andhra Pradesh. The diamond was handed over to British after second Anglo Sikh war in 1849. Akbar the famous Mughal ruler studded Koh-I-Noor diamond to famous peacock throne.          Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 and 2 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 3 onlyd) 1, 2 and 3 onlyQ.3) Recently three new of species of Mouse Lemurs was   found by scientists. Consider the following statements with respect to Lemurs Mouse lemurs are small, nocturnal primates, which are found only in Madagascar. According to IUCN red list Mouse Lemurs are threatened by extinction.          Select the correct answer using the codes given belowa) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Bothd) NoneQ.4) Consider the following statements with respect to Heat Waves. A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season only in North-Western parts of India. As per IMD if the temperature of the station reaches 45 degree Celsius the condition of heat waves is declared.          Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Bothd) NoneQ.5) Which of the following statements with respect to Thevar freedom fighter community is correct? They issued a proclamation on independence from British in 1801. They are from south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.          Select the correct answer using the codes given below a) 1 onlyb) 2 onlyc) Bothd) NoneDownload the Solution- Click here

Apr 19, 2016 IASbaba's Monthly Current Affairs Magazine

IASbaba Current Affairs Monthly Magazine- MARCH 2016

Archives Hello Friends                                                                                                             This is the TENTH edition of IASbaba’s Current Affairs Monthly Magazine for UPSC Civil Services Examination. This edition covers all important issues that were in news in the month of MARCH 2016 Click on the image to download the file