Final Cut Off 2021: UPSC Civil Services (Prelims, Mains, Final) Examination 2021
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UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2022: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 30th May 2022
For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE करेंट अफेयर्स के प्रश्न 'द हिंदू', 'इंडियन एक्सप्रेस' और 'पीआईबी' जैसे स्रोतों पर आधारित होते हैं, जो यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत हैं। प्रश्न अवधारणाओं और तथ्यों दोनों पर केंद्रित हैं। दोहराव से बचने के लिए यहां कवर किए गए विषय आम तौर पर 'दैनिक करंट अफेयर्स / डेली न्यूज एनालिसिस (डीएनए) और डेली स्टेटिक क्विज' के तहत कवर किए जा रहे विषयों से भिन्न होते हैं। प्रश्न सोमवार से शनिवार तक दोपहर 2 बजे से पहले प्रकाशित किए जाएंगे। इस कार्य में आपको 10 मिनट से ज्यादा नहीं देना है। इस कार्य के लिए तैयार हो जाएं और इस पहल का इष्टतम तरीके से उपयोग करें। याद रखें कि, "साधारण अभ्यर्थी और चयनित होने वाले अभ्यर्थी के बीच का अंतर केवल दैनक अभ्यास है !!" Important Note: Comment अनुभाग में अपने अंक पोस्ट करना न भूलें। साथ ही, हमें बताएं कि क्या आपको आज का टेस्ट अच्छा लगा । 5 प्रश्नों को पूरा करने के बाद, अपना स्कोर, समय और उत्तर देखने के लिए ‘View Questions’ पर क्लिक करें। उत्तर देखने के लिए, इन निर्देशों का पालन करें: 1 - 'स्टार्ट टेस्ट/ Start Test' बटन पर क्लिक करें प्रश्न हल करें'टेस्ट सारांश/Test Summary'बटन पर क्लिक करें'फिनिश टेस्ट/Finish Test'बटन पर क्लिक करेंअब ‘View Questions’बटन पर क्लिक करें - यहां आपको उत्तर और लिंक दिखाई देंगे।To take the Test -Click Here
UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 30th May 2022
Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions.To take the Test - Click Here
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th May 2022
Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) [su_box title="Sela Macaque" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Environment – Current Affairs In News: A new species of old-world monkey recorded from Arunachal Pradesh has been named after a strategic mountain pass at 13,700 ft above sea level. The Sela macaque was geographically separated from the Arunachal macaque ((Macaca munzala) of Tawang district) by Sela, the Eastern Himalayan pass at 13,700 ft (phylogenetic analysis revealed). Acted as a barrier by restricting the migration of individuals of these two species for approximately two million years. Protection Status: Not yet included in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India. Potential threats: Hunting by locals for consumption and habitat degradation due to urbanization and infrastructure development. Sela Pass Located in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh Will provide an alternate axis to the Sela pass (at 13,700 feet) On the BCT Road – the Balipara, Charduar, and Tawang axis (more than 300 km long) Being executed by: Border Roads Organisation Includes two tunnels and a link road; Tunnel 2 will be one of the longest tunnels to have been constructed above an altitude of over 13,000 feet. The total length of the project, including the tunnels, the approach and the link roads, will be around 12 km. Why does the project matter? All-weather connectivity to Tawang and other forward areas in the sector Will provide a new alignment on the axis towards the LAC, and allow movement of military and civil vehicles all through the year (Sela pass stays closed for a few winter months). Reduction in more than one hour of travel time from Tezpur to Tawang and travelers avoiding dangerous snow-covered Sela top at a height of 13,700 feet. All-weather connectivity to Tawang would be a game-changer for the local population ahead of Sela apart from the much-required strategic edge for our security forces. Note: Phylogenetics relates to the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms. Sela is situated between Dirang and Tawang towns in western Arunachal Pradesh. Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="The Booker Prize" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs First Indian language book to win the International Booker Prize: Author Geetanjali Shree’s translated Hindi novel, Tomb of Sand The 2018 novel titled ‘Ret Samadhi’ was translated by Daisy Rockwell and published as ‘Tomb of Sand’ in 2021. The Booker Prize Award One of the best-known literary awards for fiction writing in English, including both novels and collections of short stories. First awarded in 1969 Criteria: Must be written in English and published in the UK and Ireland International Booker Prize: Awarded annually for a single book, written in another language and translated into English. The £50,000 prize money is divided equally between the author and translator each year. Many Indian-origin writers have won the Booker in the past, such as Arundhati Roy (‘The God of Small Things') Salman Rushdie (‘Midnight’s Children’) Kiran Desai (‘The Inheritance of Loss’) Aravind Adiga (‘The White Tiger’) Shree is the first Indian to win an international prize Source: Indian Express [/su_box] [su_box title="System of Rice Intensification" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Mains GS-3: Agriculture First developed in Madagascar in the 1980s by Father Henri, and since then several countries in the world have been practising it, including India. Involves cultivating rice with as much organic manure as possible, starting with young seedlings planted singly at wider spacing in a square pattern; and with intermittent irrigation that keeps the soil moist but not inundated, and frequent inter cultivation with weeder that actively aerates the soil. Benefits of SRI Higher yields – Both grain and straw; Increase in income security for farmers Reduced duration (by 10 days) Lesser chemical inputs Less water requirement Systemic regulation of climate, soil and water Reduction in Methane evolution Less chaffy grain % Grain weight increased without change in grain size Reduced vulnerability & risks Improved farm health Higher head rice recovery Withstand cyclonic gales Cold tolerance Soil & water health improves through biological activity (reduction in nitrogen) Public health improvement with improvement in food security Limitations with SRI If unchecked, greater weed growth will cause a substantial loss of yield. Higher labour costs in the initial years - needs 50% more man-days for transplanting and weeding. Difficulties in acquiring the necessary skills. Not suitable when no irrigation source is available. Source: Indian Express [/su_box] [su_box title="Community Forest Rights+" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Mains GS-3: Conservation In News: The Chhattisgarh government has become only the second state in the country (after Simlipal in Odisha) to recognize Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights of a village inside a national park (rights of tribals living in Gudiyapadar, a hamlet inside the Kanger Ghati National Park in Bastar district). Community forest resource area: The common forest land that has been traditionally protected and conserved for sustainable use by a particular community. The community uses it to access resources available within the traditional and customary boundary of the village; and for seasonal use of landscape in case of pastoralist communities. Has a customary boundary with identifiable landmarks recognised by the community and its neighboring villages. It may include forest of any category – revenue forest, classified & unclassified forest, deemed forest, DLC land, reserve forest, protected forest, sanctuary and national parks, etc. Community Forest Resource rights: Provide for recognition of the right to “protect, regenerate or conserve or manage” the community forest resource. Rights allow the community to formulate rules for forest use by itself and others and thereby discharge its responsibilities under Section 5 of the FRA. Include nistar rights and rights over non-timber forest products, ensure sustainable livelihoods of the community. Authority to the Gram Sabha to adopt local traditional practices of forest conservation and management within the community forest resource boundary. Significance Aimed at undoing the “historic injustice” meted out to forest-dependent communities due to curtailment of their customary rights over forests, the FRA came into force in 2008. Recognises the community’s right to use, manage and conserve forest resources To legally hold forest land that these communities have used for cultivation and residence. Underlines the integral role that forest dwellers play in sustainability of forests and in conservation of biodiversity. Traditional dwellers then become a part of management of the protected forests using their traditional wisdom. Challenge: Getting a consensus amongst various villages about their traditional boundaries. Source: Indian Express [/su_box] [su_box title="Supreme Court Directions on Sex Workers: Sex as Work" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Mains GS-2: Welfare for vulnerable population Mains GS-2: Judiciary In News: A long-standing demand of sex workers that their work be decriminalized, has been partially fulfilled with the Supreme Court passing an order stating that adult sex workers are entitled to dignity and equal protection under law (Article 21). Coming down heavily on the brutal and violent “attitude” of the police toward sex workers, the Court said “it is as if they are a class whose rights are not recognised”. With the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill yet to see the light of day, the Court invoked powers under Article 142 to issue guidelines till the legislation is in force. SC has asked states and Union Territories to “implement” and “to act in strict compliance of” certain recommendations made by a panel appointed by the court in 2011 on the rehabilitation of sex workers. What was the case about? Case Budhadev Karmaskar (2011): Sex workers are also entitled to a “life of dignity”. 2011: Had set up a panel to look at prevention of trafficking; rehabilitation; and conditions conducive for sex workers who wish to continue work. As the Court awaits the Government’s response to the panel’s recommendations that adult sex workers should not be “arrested or penalised or harassed or victimised,” a three-judge Bench led by Justice L. Nageswara Rao did well to direct the police to treat “all sex workers with dignity and should not abuse them, ... verbally and physically, subject them to violence or coerce them into any sexual activity”. Challenges the Panel highlighted Sex workers find it difficult to acquire proofs of identity such as ration cards or voter cards because they lacked proof of residence. District authorities did not recognize the identities of sex workers and their children, and sex workers did not have access to schemes meant for their rehabilitation. They also had no access to credit offered by states, because the lack of documents prevented them from opening bank accounts. Changes in the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act Has asked State governments to do a survey of protective homes under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, the legislation governing sex work in India, to review the cases of “adult women” detained there and process their release in a time-bound manner. ITP Act penalises acts such as running a brothel, soliciting in a public place, living off the earnings of a sex worker and living with or habitually being in the company of one. The Government’s responsibility is now to draw up appropriate legislation to free consenting sex workers from stigma and grant them workers’ rights. The Court suggested the Centre and States involve sex workers or their representatives to reform laws. Recommendations that the SC has directed to be implemented Provision for immediate medical assistance for any sex worker who is a victim of sexual assault Direction to states to do a survey of all Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act Protective Homes so that cases of adult women who are detained against their will can be reviewed and processed for release in a time-bound manner Sensitising police and other law enforcement agencies to the rights of sex workers and to ensure that police treat them with dignity and do not abuse them verbally or physically or coerce them into any sexual activity Ask The Press Council of India to issue appropriate guidelines for the media to take utmost care not to reveal the identities of sex workers Direction that measures that sex workers employ for their health and safety (condoms, etc.) must neither be construed as offences nor seen as evidence of commission of an offence. Source: The Hindu & Indian Express [/su_box] [su_box title="Forensic Labs & Criminal Justice System" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Mains – GS 2 (Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and issues arising out of their Design and Implementation) Why in News: The key to an improved criminal justice system is quality forensic labs and well-trained staff, not more legislation and harsher punishments. Part of the process of investigation that results in the collection of proof pointing to innocence or guilt involves the deployment of forensic science. Forensic science is the application of scientific perspectives and techniques to the legal process, including investigations and courtroom protocol. It is the use of scientific data and procedures specifically for the legal system. There is rigorous procedure involved, including controlled conditions, reliable data collection and the attempt to disprove hypotheses. Challenges include India has amongst the highest disparities in police-citizens and judge-citizens ratios Woefully inadequate number of forensic science laboratories (FSL) Lack of adequate qualified personnel = often trials were delayed to non-receipt of FSL reports. Lack of information on staffing from the labs This means that India has inadequate state forensic facilities- Takes an inordinate amount of time for the report to be prepared. Often, forensic analysis is simply not conducted and the criminal justice system relies principally on witness statements. In 2017, The Hindu reported that while the United Kingdom completes DNA testing on over 60,000 crimes annually, India with over 13 times the population completes such tests on less than 7,500 cases. The average pendency at each lab is huge. The Way Forward More investment in the establishment of FSL laboratories Proper training and appointment of personnel adept at forensic methodologies Reforms within our police to establish a trained and skilled detective cadre tasked with solving complex and heinous crimes. Good quality training facilities, standards of accreditation and continuous education programmes for forensic experts. Study of Forensic science as it evolves, as it is important to know which facets of the science are still credible and what methodologies must be discarded. It is not more legislation and harsher punishments that will solve crimes, but well-trained forensic staff plying their craft in good quality laboratories that will aid our criminal justice system. Source: Indian Express [/su_box] [su_box title="Digitisation of Court Records" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Mains GS-2: Judiciary Context: The Indian judiciary has increasingly started using technology and the change is reflected in the legal profession in general as well. History In India, e-governance in the field of administration of justice began in the late 1990s, but it accelerated after the enactment of the Information and Technology Act, 2000. 2006: e-courts were launched as a part of the National e-Governance Plan (NEGP). Guiding star: Chief Justice of Allahabad HC, Justice D Y Chandrachud Conceptualized and initiated the project to digitize approximately one crore case files in one year. Necessary: A large space required to store so many files + becoming difficult to manually preserve the decades-old documents + To ensure that these files are traceable electronically as and when required. The consequences of missing court records are grave. In-State of Uttar Pradesh v. Abhay Raj Singh: Held by the Supreme Court that if court records go missing and re-construction is not possible, the courts are bound to set aside the conviction. Thus, convicts can go free for want of court records. Significance of Digitisation Saves time: The time consumed in summoning records from the lower courts to the appellate courts is one of the major factors causing delays in cases. With digitisation, it will take much less time for the lower courts to transmit the records as and when called for. Decrease in the no of adjournments: Cases are adjourned simply because affidavits filed several years ago were not restored with the record or were not traceable. Once the documents are digitised and e-filed by counsels, at least the cases would not get adjourned by the courts on this account. Current Status check: Once a lawyer or a litigant files a case digitally, he or she can check the status of the filing, the status of applications and affidavits, the date of the next hearing, and orders passed by the courts, etc. just by clicking on an app. They or their staff are no longer required to visit the reporting sections or other sections of the court to know about the status of their cases. Virtual Hearings will be a norm: Before the pandemic, virtual hearings were used only in a limited manner. In 2018, the Supreme Court allowed the live-streaming of cases of constitutional and national importance on the basis of the judgment in Swapnil Tripathi. The livestreaming of court proceedings is a step towards ensuring transparency and openness. Gujarat HC in July 2021 became the first court in the country to livestream its proceedings. The Way Forward Significant investment in court and IT infrastructure: Solving internet connectivity issues, ensuring cybersecurity and provision of a well-equipped space where lawyers can conduct their cases Political will and the support of judges and lawyers are necessary. Training to Judges, court staff and lawyers to make them well-versed with digital technology and its benefits. The use of video and audio enabled hearings have also faced significant legal and practical problems including admissibility and authenticity of the evidence received through the video and/or audio transmissions, the identity of the witness and/or individuals subject of the hearings, the confidentiality of the hearings. Clear classification of cases that can be taken care of in the virtual space: Virtual hearings cannot be a substitute for physical court hearings in all cases. However, in appropriate cases and certain categories of cases as identified by the court administration in consultation with the members of the Bar, virtual hearing should be made mandatory. Source: Indian Express [/su_box] Baba's Explainer - Green Hydrogen [su_box title="Green Hydrogen" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Syllabus GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment; Government Budgeting Context: At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, India stated that it will emerge as the leader of green hydrogen by taking advantage of the current energy crisis across the globe. The assertion came almost a month after Oil India Limited (OIL) commissioned India’s first 99% pure green hydrogen plant in eastern Assam’s Jorhat. It was on April 20, 2022 that the public sector OIL set up India’s first 99.99% pure green hydrogen pilot plant in Assam. Powered by a 500 KW solar plant, the green hydrogen unit has an installed capacity to produce 10 kg of hydrogen per day and scale it up to 30 kg per day. Read Complete Details on Green Hydrogen [/su_box] Daily Practice MCQs [su_box title="Daily Practice MCQs" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) SRI is a combination of several practices those include changes in nursery management, time of transplanting, water and weed management. It emphasizes altering of certain agronomic practices of the conventional way of rice cultivation. As per SRI, Rice yield increased with more water and with reduction in chemical inputs. Which of the above statements are correct? Only 1 and 2 Only 2 and 3 Only 1 and 3 All of the above Q.2) With reference to ‘coal gasification’, consider the following statements All coal gasification-based conversion processes require the removal of hydrogen sulfide Dyes, organic compounds, and even medicines can be derived from coal gas Coal-derived syngas can be converted into transportation fuels such as gasoline and diesel directly Choose the correct answer using the code given below 2 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only Q.3) ‘Wanchuwa’ festival is celebrated in the state of Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand Assam Tripura Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR '28th MAY 2022 - Daily Practice MCQs' will be updated along with tomorrow's Daily Current Affairs. [/su_box] ANSWERS FOR 27th MAY 2022 - Daily Practice MCQs [su_box title="Answers- Daily Practice MCQs" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Q.1) - d Q.2) - c Q.3) - d [/su_box]
UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2022: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 28th May 2022
For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE करेंट अफेयर्स के प्रश्न 'द हिंदू', 'इंडियन एक्सप्रेस' और 'पीआईबी' जैसे स्रोतों पर आधारित होते हैं, जो यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत हैं। प्रश्न अवधारणाओं और तथ्यों दोनों पर केंद्रित हैं। दोहराव से बचने के लिए यहां कवर किए गए विषय आम तौर पर 'दैनिक करंट अफेयर्स / डेली न्यूज एनालिसिस (डीएनए) और डेली स्टेटिक क्विज' के तहत कवर किए जा रहे विषयों से भिन्न होते हैं। प्रश्न सोमवार से शनिवार तक दोपहर 2 बजे से पहले प्रकाशित किए जाएंगे। इस कार्य में आपको 10 मिनट से ज्यादा नहीं देना है। इस कार्य के लिए तैयार हो जाएं और इस पहल का इष्टतम तरीके से उपयोग करें। याद रखें कि, "साधारण अभ्यर्थी और चयनित होने वाले अभ्यर्थी के बीच का अंतर केवल दैनक अभ्यास है !!" Important Note: Comment अनुभाग में अपने अंक पोस्ट करना न भूलें। साथ ही, हमें बताएं कि क्या आपको आज का टेस्ट अच्छा लगा । 5 प्रश्नों को पूरा करने के बाद, अपना स्कोर, समय और उत्तर देखने के लिए ‘View Questions’ पर क्लिक करें। उत्तर देखने के लिए, इन निर्देशों का पालन करें: 1 - 'स्टार्ट टेस्ट/ Start Test' बटन पर क्लिक करें प्रश्न हल करें'टेस्ट सारांश/Test Summary'बटन पर क्लिक करें'फिनिश टेस्ट/Finish Test'बटन पर क्लिक करेंअब ‘View Questions’बटन पर क्लिक करें - यहां आपको उत्तर और लिंक दिखाई देंगे।To take the Test - Click Here
UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 28th May 2022
Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions.To take the Test - Click Here
Baba's Explainer - Green Hydrogen
ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment; Government Budgeting Context: At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, India stated that it will emerge as the leader of green hydrogen by taking advantage of the current energy crisis across the globe. The assertion came almost a month after Oil India Limited (OIL) commissioned India’s first 99% pure green hydrogen plant in eastern Assam’s Jorhat. It was on April 20, 2022 that the public sector OIL set up India’s first 99.99% pure green hydrogen pilot plant in Assam. Powered by a 500 KW solar plant, the green hydrogen unit has an installed capacity to produce 10 kg of hydrogen per day and scale it up to 30 kg per day. [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is Hydrogen fuel?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] A colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic and highly combustible gaseous substance, hydrogen is the lightest, simplest and most abundant member of the family of chemical elements in the universe. Hydrogen does not occur freelyin nature in useful quantities. It can be made from natural gas or it can be made by electrolysis of water—using electricity to split water into its constituent components of hydrogen and oxygen. When hydrogen is burned, it only emits water vapour and carbon dioxide (CO2) is not produced. It is more efficient than internal combustion engine. Although hydrogen is a clean molecule, the process of extracting it is energy-intensive. Also, manufacturing hydrogen fuel based vehicle is expensive. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is Green Hydrogen?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The sources and processes by which hydrogen is derived, are categorised by colour tabs. Hydrogen produced from fossil fuels is called grey hydrogen; this constitutes the bulk of the hydrogen produced today. Brown hydrogen is produced using coal where the emissions are released to the air. Hydrogen generated from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage options is called blue hydrogen. Hydrogen generated entirely from renewable power sources is called green hydrogen. In the last process, electricity generated from renewable energy is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What are the advantages of Green Hydrogen?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Environment Friendly: Green Hydrogen as energy source is seen as the next big thing as its usage would lead to zero emissions Potential to Decarbonise “hard to abate” sectors: It is a clean burning molecule, which can decarbonise a range of sectors including iron and steel, chemicals, and transportation. It is also a suitable fuel for shipping and other heavy road freight vehicles because its energy density is 3X of diesel and 3.5X of heavy fuel oil. Efficient utilization of Renewable Energy: Renewable energy that cannot be stored or used by the grid can be channelled to produce hydrogen. The stored hydrogen can be used to produce electricity using fuel cells. Usable By-products: Oxygen, produced as a by-product (8 kg of oxygen is produced per 1 kg of hydrogen), can also be monetised by using it for industrial and medical applications or for enriching the environment. Reduced Dependence on Rare Minerals: Green Hydrogen also holds the key to clean electric mobility that doesn’t depend on rare minerals. Green Hydrogen helps achieve long-term vision of reduced dependency on minerals and rare-earth element-based battery as energy storage. Reduces Import Bill: India’s average annual energy import bill is more than $100 billion. Due to the availability of cheaper renewable energy, India is in a unique position to produce hydrogen for its own needs & thus reduce its import bill. Helps Achieve Paris Goal: Green hydrogen energy is vital for India to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions and ensure regional and national energy security, access and availability. Under the Paris Agreement of 2015, India is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% from the 2005 levels. However, the commitments were updated in Glasgow Climate Summit of 2021. New Glasgow Commitments include Net Zero by 2070, and by 2030, take cumulative non fossil fuel generation capacity to 500 GW, meet 50 percent of energy needs from renewable energy, reduce the energy intensity of the economy by 45 percent, and reduce carbon emissions by 1 billion tons. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="How Hydrogen based vehicles are better than Battery based Electric Vehicles?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] EV still has dependence on Coal: India’s electricity grid is predominantly coal-based and will continue to be so, thus negating collateral benefits from a large-scale EV push — as coal will have to be burnt to generate the electricity that will power these vehicles In several countries that have gone in for an EV push, much of the electricity is generated from renewables — in Norway for example, it is 99 per cent from hydroelectric power. Applicable to multiple sectors: Experts believe hydrogen vehicles can be especially effective in long-haul trucking and other hard-to-electrify sectors such as shipping and long-haul air travel. Using heavy batteries in these applications would be counterproductive, especially for countries such as India, where the electricity grid is predominantly coal-fired. Thus, Hydrogen based fuel offers a greener alternative. Efficiency: Hydrogen based vehicles enables a refuelling time of just five minutes, compared to 30-45 minutes charging for a Battery based EV. Also, consumers get about five times better energy storage per unit volume and weight [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is National Hydrogen Policy?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] On August 15, 2021, Prime Minister Modi announced a National Hydrogen Mission to make India a Global Hub for Green Hydrogen Production and Export. Government is targeting production of 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. The policy allows free inter-state wheeling of renewable energy used in the production of green hydrogen and ammonia as it seeks to boost usage of the carbon-free fuel, and make India an export hub. It offers 25 years of free power transmission for any new renewable energy plants set up to supply power for green hydrogen production before July 2025. This means that a green hydrogen producer will be able to set up a solar power plant in Rajasthan to supply renewable energy to a green hydrogen plant in Assam and would not be required to pay any inter-state transmission charges. There will also be a single portal for all clearances required for setting up green hydrogen production as well as a facility for producers to bank any surplus renewable energy generated with discoms for upto 30 days and use it as required. Energy plants set up to produce green hydrogen/ammonia would be given connectivity to the grid on a priority basis. Power distribution companies may also procure renewable energy to supply green hydrogen producers but will be required to do so at a concessional rate. Such procurement would also count towards a state’s Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) under which it is required to procure a certain proportion of its requirements from renewable energy sources. Under the policy, port authorities will also provide land at applicable charges to green hydrogen and green ammonia producers to set up bunkers near ports for storage prior to export. Germany and Japan could be key markets for green hydrogen produced in India The move is likely going to make it more economical for key users of hydrogen and ammonia such as the oil refining, fertiliser and steel sectors to produce green hydrogen for their own use. These sectors currently use grey hydrogen or grey ammonia produced using natural gas or naphtha. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What are the challenges with regard to Hydrogen Fuel?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Fuelling Infrastructure: A big barrier to the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles has been a lack of fuelling station infrastructure — fuel cell cars refuel in a similar way to conventional cars, but can’t use the same station (only 500 in the world & that too in Europe, Japan, South Korea) Safety is seen as a concern: Hydrogen is pressurised and stored in a cryogenic tank, from there it is fed to a lower-pressure cell and put through an electro-chemical reaction to generate electricity. Therefore, safety is a big concerns which can push the cost of adoption of this energy base. Scaling up the technology and achieving critical mass remains the big challenge. More vehicles on the road and more supporting infrastructure can lower costs. Role of Universities: As Indian businesses invest in research and development across the entire green hydrogen value chain, the lack of a homegrown research workforce will become a bottleneck. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is the way ahead?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] India needs to invest heavily in research, development and demonstration to drive down the cost of electrolysis, and to complement, and capitalize on, its status as one of the world’s lowest-cost producers of solar power. There should also be serious investment in universities to scale up their research and research training programs and also collaboration between academia, corporate labs and public research institutions. When universities are an integral part of the national research enterprise, they produce human capital aligned with national economic needs which has a long-term multiplier effect in sustaining innovation. Private companies, aspiring to be hydrogen producers, should be free to choose electrolyser technology, import of which should be at minimum rates of import duty. [/su_spoiler] Mains Practice Question - The government has unveiled the first part of the much-awaited National Hydrogen Policy. In this context, critically analyse the utility of anchoring our energy security with Green Hydrogen. Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.
[LAST 24 HOURS TO REGISTER] All India FREE PRELIMS OPEN MOCK TESTS (ONLINE) on 29th (Sunday) May
Dear Students We are launching FREE Full-Length Open Mock Test - 2 on 29th (Sunday) in ONLINE mode only. The test will be available in both English & हिंदी Results of these mocks will be published soon and All India Rank will be given. This will give you a very good idea to polish the sections where you are weak and areas where you need to focus. Free Open Mock Test - 2 DATE: 29th May (Sunday) TIME: Paper 1 (GS) = 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM | Paper 2 (CSAT) - 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM REGISTER NOW - CLICK HERE Note: No need to register again if you had already registered for Test 1 Held on 27th May IMPORTANT NOTE: The Last Date to Register for Free Open Mock Test 2 is 28th May (5 PM) The Login Credentials for ONLINE Test takers will be sent by 11 PM on 28th May. PLEASE NOTE: Students who are part of IASbaba's paid initiatives need not take the test. Students who took the Open Mock Tests in Offline Mode in (Delhi, Bangalore, Lucknow, Indore, Pune, Hyderabad, and Thiruvananthapuram need not take the test. REGISTER NOW - CLICK HERE Note: No need to register again if you had already registered for Test 1 Held on 27th May Contact Us: support@iasbaba.com
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th May 2022
Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) [su_box title="Look Out Circular (LOC)" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Polity - Current Affairs Mains – GS 2 (Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation) In News: GOI wants to keep look-out circular details under wraps What is Look out Circular? It is a notice to stop any individual wanted by the police, investigating agency or even a bank from leaving or entering the country through designated land, air and sea ports. The Bureau of immigration is tasked to stop any such individual against whom such a notice exists from leaving or entering the country. There are 86 immigration check posts across the country LOCs can be modified; deleted or withdrawn only at the request of the originator. As per norms, an LOC will stay valid for a maximum period of 12 months and if there is no fresh request from the agency, then it will not be automatically revived. Who issues LOC? According to the existing guidelines, LOCs are initiated by a large number of agencies which includes the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Income Tax, State police and intelligence agencies among others, by an officer not below the rank of a district magistrate or superintendent of police. In 2018, after liquor baron Vijay Mallya fled to the U.K., the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) brought changes to the guidelines authorising chairman, managing director and chief executives of all public sector banks to generate LOCs. The organisations have to provide details such as the First Information Report (FIR) number. Court case number is to be mandatorily provided other than name, passport number and other details. 2010 office memorandum gives the authorities power to generate LOCs in “exceptional cases” without complete parameters or case details against “suspects, terrorists, anti-national elements, etc, in larger national interest.” A string of court orders recently have put the spotlight on this opaqueness and the mechanical way in which LOCs are generated On April 5, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the MHA and LOC issuing agency to serve a copy of the LOC and state the reasons to the person against whom it was issued “as soon as possible” and provide a “post-decisional opportunity.” It asked the MHA to include these directions into the “Official Memorandum” or the guidelines that govern the opening of LOCs Asserting that “LOCs cannot be shown to the subject” at the time of detention nor any prior intimation can be provided, the MHA moved the Supreme Court against the said order and SC has stayed the particular paragraph of the judgement. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2021) Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in a police station, not in Jail. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="New species of venomous snake registered from Northeast" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography, Environment In News: It was found in Meghalaya Recorded simultaneously in Mizoram, the snake has been named Maya’s Pit Viper after the deceased mother of an Army officer, one of seven authors of a study on it. The name of the pit viper, recognised as Trimeresurus mayaae, is also believed to allude to Maya, meaning the supernatural powers, or the illusion related to local legends. The new species was relatively common in Meghalaya, Mizoram and even in Guwahati In a country where around 1.2 million people have lost their lives owing to snakebite and many more have lost their limbs in the last two decades, a discovery of a new venomous snake means a lot in the context of public health Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2019) Some species of turtle are herbivores Some species of fish are herbivores Some species of marine mammals are herbivores Some species of snakes are viviparous Which of the statement given above are correct? 1 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only 2 and 4 only 1, 2, 3, and 4 Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI)" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Government schemes Mains – GS 2 (Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) In News: India registers success with BP treatment and control The India Hypertension Control Initiative, started in 2018, has been successful in treating and controlling hypertension Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death among adults in India. One of the major drivers of heart attack and stroke is untreated high blood pressure or hypertension. India has more than 200 million people with hypertension, and only 14.5% of individuals with hypertension are on treatment India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) is a multi-partner initiative involving the Indian Council of Medical Research, WHO-India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and State governments to improve blood pressure control for people with hypertension. The project initiated in 26 districts in 2018 has expanded to more than 100 districts by 2022. More than two million patients were started on treatment and tracked to see whether they achieved BP control. The project demonstrated that blood pressure treatment and control are feasible in primary care settings in diverse health systems across various States in India. Before IHCI, many patients travelled to higher-level facilities such as community health centres (block level) or district hospitals in the public sector for hypertension treatment. Over three years, all levels of health staff at the primary health centres and health wellness centres were trained to provide treatment and follow-up services for hypertension. Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="Potential Economic Impact of COVID-19 related School Closures+" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs – reports, surveys etc Mains – GS 2 (Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) In News: India’s GDP to take a big hit due to pandemic-linked learning losses for students: ADB study A new working paper titled ‘Potential Economic Impact of COVID-19 related School Closures’ was published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Findings The GDP of India, which is among the countries with the longest school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, would see the highest decline in South Asia due to learning losses for the young Starting with a $10.5 billion dent in 2023, the country’s economy could take a nearly $99 billion hit by 2030, translating into a 3.19% reduction in GDP from the baseline growth trends India may thus account for over 10% of the global GDP decline of $943 billion estimated by the ADB on account of earning losses in 2030, with jobs for skilled labour expected to decline by 1%, and unskilled labour by 2% that year. Economies with a significant population of schoolchildren and college-going youth in rural areas and in the poorest and second wealth quintile — have been worst-hit as they lack access to stable Internet connection needed to study online Learning and earning losses are significant because a notable portion of the impacted population will migrate to the unskilled labour force A large part of India’s work force is constituted by unskilled labour — 4 million as per the ADB paper’s estimates, compared to 72.65 million skilled workers. In terms of absolute change, India experiences the highest GDP decline in South Asia, at about $98.84 billion in 2030. School closures lead to declines in global GDP and employment. Moreover, the losses in global GDP and employment increase over time. Declines in global GDP amount to 0.19% in 2024, 0.64% in 2028, and 1.11% in 2030. Recommendations India has the highest number of children enrolled in primary and secondary education among the Asian economies covered in the paper, at 255.74 million. The number of students in tertiary education were second only to China at 36.39 million While mooting greater investments in education and skills with a focus on narrowing the digital divide, the study has suggested the most immediate challenge for governments is to help students recover “lost opportunities” by conducting assessments among impacted children. Governments need to direct adequate funding and resources to young populations most affected by closures, such as those from the poor, rural and socially disadvantaged groups. It is important to keep school-age children in education as much as possible by providing financial support and incentives, while giving additional support for skills training to youth already out of school Asian Development Bank ADB is a regional development bank established on 19th December 1966. ADB now has 68 members, 49 from within Asia. ADB is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. ADB’s five largest shareholders are Japan and the United States (each with 15.6% of total shares), the People’s Republic of China (6.4%), India (6.3%), and Australia (5.8%). It aims to promote social and economic development in Asia. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements: (2019) AIIB has more than 80 member nations. India is the largest shareholder in AIIB. AIIB does not have any members from outside Asia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="National Mobile Monitoring System" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Government Schemes Mains – GS 2 (Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes) In news: App-based attendance hits rural workers The Union government has made capturing of attendance through its app, National Mobile Monitoring System, compulsory at worksites where 20 or more workers are employed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The decision comes despite many problems, including patchy Internet connectivity in rural areas and little or no technical support. The Rural Development Ministry had started the exercise on a pilot basis on May 21 last year. Initially, the utilisation of application was to be voluntary, but from May 16 this year, it has been made mandatory. The Ministry’s directive claims that the app, which requires two time-stamped and geotagged photographs of the workers in a day, encourages transparency and increases citizen oversight. Women drop out Women employees, especially the supervisors or “work mates”, have faced the biggest setback from the move. In a majority of cases, the employees’ families are averse to giving phones to women, especially smartphones. Hence, many women have dropped out. In the past one year, the Union government has resolved some critical issues. Under the MGNREG Act, the workers can do time-bound or task-based work. The guidelines required uploading of geotagged and time-stamped photographs of the workers around 11 a.m. and another one after 2 p.m. For task-based work, the workers had to stay back after 2 p.m. even if they had completed their work in order to take the photograph to be eligible for the wages. MGNREGA Scheme: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, earlier known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was passed in 2005 to augment employment generation and social security in India. The scheme is a demand-driven wage employment scheme, which functions under the Ministry of Rural Development. Every adult member of a household in a rural area with a job card is eligible for a job under the scheme. The scheme envisages providing 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to adult member volunteers for unskilled manual work. There is also a provision for additional 50 days of unskilled wage employment in drought/natural calamity notified rural areas. As per Section 3(4) of the MGNREGA, the States may make provisions for providing additional days beyond the period guaranteed under the Act from their own funds. At least one-third of beneficiaries have to be women. Wages must be paid according to the statutory minimum wages specified for agricultural labourers in the state under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Q.1) With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018) It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It, among other things will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 3 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2, and 3 Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="Katchatheevu Island" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography - Places in News Mains – GS 2 (India and its Neighborhood- Relations) In News: Recently, during Prime Minister's visit to Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has asked for retrieval of Katchatheevu Island from Sri lanka Katchatheevu Island It is an uninhabited off-shore island in the Palk Strait originally owned by a king of Ramnad (present-day Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu). The island is used by fishermen to dry their nets. During the British rule, it was administered jointly by India and Sri Lanka. In the early 20th century, Sri Lanka claimed territorial ownership over the islet, so in 1974 India ceded the island to Sri Lanka, through a joint agreement. Two years later through another accord, India further gave up its fishing rights in the region. Initially the 1974 border agreement did not affect fishing on either side of the border. In 1976, through an exchange of letters, both India and Sri Lanka agreed to stop fishing in each other’s waters. In 1974 and 1976 treaties were signed between the two countries to demarcate the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). However, the agreement could not stop the fishermen from fishing in these waters, as fishermen know no boundary. Despite the signing of maritime boundary agreements, fishermen communities of both the countries continued their fishing in the Palk Bay area peacefully until the Eelam war broke out in 1983. Nonetheless, after the end of War in 2009, the Sri Lankan fishermen have been raising their objection to Indian fishermen fishing in their waters. The small islet of Katchatheevu, hitherto used by the fishermen for sorting their catch and drying their nets, fell on the other side of the IMBL Fishermen often risk their lives and cross the IMBL rather than return empty-handed, but the Sri Lankan Navy is on alert, and have either arrested or destroyed fishing nets and vessels of those who have crossed the line. Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Q.1) Consider the following pairs: (2018) Regions sometimes mentioned in news - Country Catalonia — Spain Crimea — Hungary Mindanao — Philippines Oromia — Nigeria Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 1, 2 and 3 3 and 4 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 4 only Source: The Hindu [/su_box] Baba's Explainer - Gyanvapi Mosque controversy & Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 [su_box title="Gyanvapi Mosque controversy & Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Syllabus GS-1: Modern History GS-2: Judiciary & its role GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Why in News: Recently, the Supreme Court has refused to put a stay on the videographic survey of the Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal at the Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque complex, ordered by a Varanasi civil court. The survey of the complex was challenged citing the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. Read Complete Details on Gyanvapi Mosque controversy & Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 [/su_box] Daily Practice MCQs [su_box title="Daily Practice MCQs" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Q.1) Consider the following statements Look out Circular can be issued only against international criminals It is a notice to stop an individual wanted by investigating agency from leaving or entering the country Once issued LoC is valid for a period of 3 years Choose the incorrect statements: 1, 2 and 3 2 and 3 1 and 3 2 only Q.2) Katchatheevu Island, recently in news is a disputed island between Russia and Japan Japan and China India and Sri Lanka China and Vietnam Q.3) Consider the following statements Asian Development Bank was established in the year 1945, after the World War II Only the countries of Asian Continent are its members India is among the five largest shareholders of the Bank Choose the incorrect statements: 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 2 only 1 and 2 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR '27th MAY 2022 - Daily Practice MCQs' will be updated along with tomorrow's Daily Current Affairs. [/su_box] ANSWERS FOR 26th MAY 2022 - Daily Practice MCQs [su_box title="Answers- Daily Practice MCQs" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Q.1) - d Q.2) - d Q.3) - c [/su_box]
Baba's Explainer - Gyanvapi Mosque controversy & Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991
ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-1: Modern History GS-2: Judiciary & its role GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Why in News: Recently, the Supreme Court has refused to put a stay on the videographic survey of the Maa Shringar Gauri Sthal at the Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque complex, ordered by a Varanasi civil court. The survey of the complex was challenged citing the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. [su_spoiler open="yes" title="What is the brief history of Gyanvapi Mosque controversy?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Gyanvapi mosque, located next to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, was built in 1669 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. In 1936, three Muslim petitioners had earlier demanded that the entire complex be declared a mosque. However, this petition was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court in 1942. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque dispute was raised again during the campaign (that went aggressive in 1990s) for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya along with the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura. It was claimed that all three mosques were built after demolishing Hindu temples. In 1991, the local priests filed a petition and moved the Varanasi court saying the Gyanvapi mosque was built on the order of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb after demolishing a part of the Kashi Vishwanath temple in 1669. They demanded that the mosque be removed and the land be given to the Hindus. They also sought permission to worship in the Gyanvapi Masjid area. The matter didn’t gain momentum and the hearing was suspended by the Allahabad High Court. However, in 2019, when the Supreme Court verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute of Ayodhya came, the Gyanvapi case was revived in December that year. In 2019, petitioners demanded that an archaeological survey of the entire Gyanvapi mosque complex should be carried out. On 9 September 2021, the Allahabad High Court stayed the archaeological survey by the ASI in Gyanvapi Masjid. The latest controversy is when five Hindu women file case in Varanasi court on April 2021 regarding their right to worship the idols of Shringar Gauri and other deities in the mosque premises on a daily basis. In April 2022, a Varanasi court ordered a video survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex after the petition. However, the survey was opposed by the Gyanvapi mosque management committee, and the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board. The report of the survey was initially ordered to be submitted by May 10. However, a delay was caused after the order was challenged by Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee. The Gyanvapi mosque survey was concluded on May 16, 2022. An advocate from the Hindu side has claimed that a 'Shivling' was found inside a reservoir on the mosque complex during the survey. The Muslim side, however, dismissed the claim and said it was only a 'fountain'. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has termed the court order for videography as a 'clear violation of The Places of Worship Act, 1991. The mosque committee argued that the fresh suits filed in 2021 citing the "right to worship" were "barred by The Places of Worship Act, 1991", and were an attempt to revive the dispute which had been put to rest by the law. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What does the Places of Worship Act, 1991 do?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The legislation was enacted in light of the Ram janmabhoomi rath yatra which had led to a lot of communal disharmony. The objective of the Act is to discourage communal disharmony. While placing the bill in Parliament the government stated “Adoption of this Bill will effectively prevent any new controversies from arising in respect of conversion of any place of worship…” Section 3 explicitly puts a bar on the conversion of places of worship. Section 4(1) states that the religious character of a place of worship existing on August 15, 1947 shall continue to be the same as it existed on that day. While Section 4(2) bars the institution of any fresh proceedings for the change of religious character of places of worship. It also stipulates that any pending proceedings in this regard shall stand abated. Section 4(3) lists down exceptions to the same. Sub-clause (b) of the section states that the Act will not apply to appeals, suits and proceedings which were decided before the commencement of the Act. Section 5 stipulates that the Act shall not apply to the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, and to any suit, appeal or proceeding relating to it. Section 6 penalises acts violative of section 3 with imprisonment of up to three, in addition to the payment of a fine. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What has the judiciary had to say about the Act?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The constitutional validity of the Act has been challenged by two petitions, that are pending before the Supreme Court. The Act has been challenged on the ground that it prohibits the power of judicial review, which is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. Additionally, the petitioners also contend that its provisions are violative of Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26 and 29 of the Constitution, and find the cut-off date of August 15, 1947 arbitrary. Previously, the Supreme Court has expressed its opinion on the Act although the constitutional validity was not brought up before it. In 2019 Ayodhya Title dispute case, SC stated that “The Places of Worship Act imposes a non-derogable obligation towards enforcing our commitment to secularism under the Indian Constitution… The Places of Worship Act is thus a legislative intervention which preserves non-retrogression as an essential feature of our secular values” Further, on the question of the cut-off date, the court has an unambiguous answer. It said that on August 15, 1947, India distinguished itself as a nation with no official religion. Hence, such an enactment is only in furtherance of such commitment. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is the relevance of the Act today?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The question that thus arises is: how come courts are overstepping the 1991 Act and allowing suits seeking alterations to religious structures and adjudicating on them? Petitioners have claimed that they are squarely covered under Section 4(3) of the Act, which grants exemption to structures that are ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, or are covered by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (24 of 1958) or “any other law for the time being in force”. The courts that have ruled in favour of the maintainability of these suits will now determine whether the aforesaid litigations are permitted, as per the exceptions detailed under Section 4(3)(a) of the Places of Worship Act. Another major development in this regard has unfolded in Mathura, where a civil court has held that the Act will not apply to the Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute. The petitioners in this case contend that a compromise decree between Shri Krishna Janmasthan Sev Sansthan and Shahi Idgah Trust came into existence in 1974. The district judge has, therefore, applied Section 4(3)(b) to that particular suit as the compromise decree was a subject matter in the challenge to the suit. [/su_spoiler] Mains Practice Question - Religious interpretation of History is posing threat to the present Secular nature of our State. Critically analyse. Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.