May 27, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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 There are 86 immigration check posts across the country LOCs can be modified; deleted or withdrawn only at the request of the originator.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]

May 27, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

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.  

May 27, 2022 हिन्दी - Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2022: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 27th 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

May 27, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 27th 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

May 26, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th May 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) National Achievement Survey (NAS) Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs – important reports, surveys etc Mains – GS 2 (Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources) In News: The Ministry of Education released its National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021 report The objective of NAS 2021 is to evaluate children’s progress and learning competencies as an indicator of the efficiency of the education system, so as to take appropriate steps for remedial actions at different levels The survey assesses the health of the school education system in the country through a survey of children’s learning competencies at Classes 3, 5, 8 and 10. The survey is conducted every three years, and the last one was held in 2017. Nearly 34 lakh students of 1.18 lakh schools in 720 districts from government, government-aided and private-unaided schools participated in the exercise. The survey was conducted via an OMR (optical mark recognition)-based achievement test comprising multiple-choice questions along with questionnaires in 22 different languages. This nationwide survey was administered by the Central Board of Secondary Education in one single day at the same time. Key Findings A DEEP learning crisis has set in during the Covid pandemic; there is fall of up to nine percentage points between 2017 and 2021 in the performance of students in subjects ranging from maths to social sciences The dip has happened across subjects, and grades. It is also found that as many as 24 per cent of the students surveyed did not have access to digital devices at home, 38 per cent said they faced difficulty carrying out learning activities at home during the pandemic, while 80 per cent said they learn better at school with the help of peers. It found that out of a score of 500, students across various classes performed better in languages but lagged behind in subjects like mathematics and science. It also shows that across various subjects and classes, SC, ST and OBC students performed worse than general category students. For instance, while general category students in Class 8 scored an average of 260 marks in mathematics, SC students scored 249 marks, ST scored 244 marks and OBCs scored 253 marks. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households”, consider the following statements (2018) Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agricultural households among its rural households. Out of the total agricultural households in the country, a little over 60 percent belong to OBCs. In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agricultural households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agricultural activities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 2 and 3 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Source: The Hindu & Indian Express Sugar export curbs and their impact Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography – important crops of India Mains – GS 3 (Major Crops – Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country) In News: The GOI has notified that sugar exports will be restricted, or allowed only with permission The government decided to “restrict” the export of sugar, effective from June 1 What are the latest curbs? The government has moved export of sugar from the ‘open category’, which requires no government intervention, to ‘restricted’ category. This means that export of sugar is allowed only with specific permission from the Directorate of Sugar, Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Why the curbs now? The curbs, the first such move in four years, have been ordered to maintain “domestic availability and price stability of sugar” During the festival period of October and November, the demand for sugar increases and therefore, the Centre is committed to ensure availability of sugar for the lean period Also the global situation reflects a shortage of sugar, especially due to lower production in Brazil. This may trigger the demand globally and so as to safeguard domestic availability and interests, government issued an order to maintain domestic availability and price stability of sugar in the country during sugar season 2021-22. Exports Increase in exports Increase in export is because of the fact that Brazil produced more ethanol than sugar given the exceptional rise in fuel prices. This, and drought hitting other big sugar producers like Thailand helped India venture in countries which otherwise were dependent on Brazilian sugar. India is the second largest sugar producer in the world after Brazil. However, Brazil has always led in terms of exports. Sugarcane Climate Sugarcane is predominantly a tropical crop. It requires hot (21°-27°C) and humid (75- 150 cm) climate. Sugar beet (tuber crop) is the temperate alternative for sugarcane. It requires 10 to 18 months to mature depending upon the geographical conditions. Too heavy rainfall results in low sugar content & deficiency in rainfall produces fibrous crop. Temperature above 20°C combined with open sky in the second half of the crop season helps in acquiring juice and its thickening. Short cool dry winter season during ripening and harvesting is ideal. Frost is detrimental to sugarcane. It must be harvested before frost season in northern parts where frost is a common phenomenon. On the other hand, hot dry winds like “Loo” are hostile to sugarcane. Both frost and loo are absent in South India. So south is ideal for sugarcane cultivation. Coastal plains and western side of Western Ghats are generally avoided as the gusty winds (monsoon winds) damage the crop. Soil Sugarcane can tolerate any kind of soil that can retain moisture. Manual labour Cheap abundant labor is a prerequisite for successful cultivation of sugarcane Production India has the largest area under sugarcane cultivation in the world. But in production India lags behind Brazil – world’s largest producer of sugarcane Top Sugarcane Producing States: Uttar Pradesh > Maharashtra > Karnataka > Tamil Nadu > Bihar. Sugarcane Pricing: Sugarcane prices are determined by: Central Government: Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) The Central Government announces Fair and Remunerative Prices which are determined on the recommendation of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) The FRP is based on the Rangarajan Committee report on reorganizing the sugarcane industry. State Government: State Advised Prices (SAP) The SAP are announced by the Governments of key sugarcane producing states. SAP is generally higher than FRP. Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) is an attached office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The CACP is an expert body that recommends the MSPs of the notified Kharif and Rabi crops to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). However, its suggestions are not binding on the Government. Composition The CACP is currently composed of five people. It consists of: A Chairman Member Secretary One Official Member Two Non-Official Members The two non-official members are usually representatives of the farming community and have an active association with the farming community. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1)With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the following statements: (2020) A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settleings’ are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the main field. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single-budded setts have better survival as compared to large setts. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only Source: Indian Express Common Development Vision Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – International Relations Mains – GS 2(Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests) In News: China wants 10 Pacific nations to endorse sweeping agreement China’s move comes as its Foreign Minister and a 20-strong delegation begin a visit to the region (Pacific islands) this week. Common Development Vision It is a draft agreement China wants 10 small Pacific nations to endorse a sweeping agreement covering everything from security to fisheries A draft of the agreement shows that China wants to train Pacific police officers, team up on “traditional and non-traditional security” and expand law enforcement cooperation. China also wants to jointly develop a marine plan for fisheries – which would include the Pacific’s lucrative tuna catch – increase cooperation on running the region’s internet networks, and set up cultural Confucius Institutes and classrooms. The agreement would also see the nations “expand exchanges between governments, legislatures and political parties.” The agreement says that China and the Pacific countries would jointly formulate a marine spatial plan “to optimize the layout of the marine economy, and develop and utilize marine resources rationally, so as to promote a sustainable development of blue economy.” It also outlines – immediate incentives that China is offering to the Pacific nations – China says it will fully implement 2,500 government scholarships through 2025; it will build criminal investigation laboratories as needed by the Pacific nations that can be used for fingerprint testing, forensic autopsies, and electronic forensics etc The draft agreement also stipulates that the Pacific countries “firmly abide” by the one-China principle, under which Taiwan, a self-ruled island democracy, is considered by Beijing to be part of China. It would also uphold the “non-interference” principle that China often cites as a deterrent to other nations speaking out about its human rights record. The countries China hopes will endorse the “Common Development Vision” – the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Niue and the Federated States of Micronesia Micronesia has opposed the agreement citing it as the single most game-changing proposed agreement in the Pacific region, it “threatens to bring a new Cold War era at best, and a World War at worst.” Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (2016) Africa Union Brazil European Union China Source: Economic Times   LGBTIQ+ Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs – reports, surveys etc Mains – GS 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) In News: International Labour Organisation (ILO) released a document “Inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons in the world of work” Recommendations Report recommended member countries, employers’ organisations and representatives of workers to launch social protection programmes to remove barriers that LGBTIQ+ persons face in society The ILO document said discrimination has an economic cost not just to LGBTIQ+ persons and their families but also to enterprises and national economies. The ILO added that around the world, LGBTIQ+ persons face harassment, violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. It said a national policy and labour law review will allow governments to assess their country’s work policy environment for LGBTIQ+ persons – This will allow the identification of concrete steps for improving the legal and policy environment, ending discrimination and exclusions, and complying with international instruments The ILO said consultation with LGBTIQ+ communities and social dialogue with employers’ and workers’ organisations are key – This will allow the identification of barriers faced by LGBTIQ+ persons when entering the labour market and accessing government schemes Studies have shown that diversity in the workplace, including LGBTIQ+ persons, is better for business. It signals a creative environment that creates the right conditions for economic growth Challenges Faced by LGBTIQ+ Community Family: The problem of sexual orientation and gender identity leads to fighting and family disruption. Lack of communication and misunderstanding between parents and their LGBTQ children increases family conflict. Discrimination at Work Place: LGBTQ suffers from the socio-economic inequalities in large part due to discrimination in the workplace. Health Issues: Criminalisation of homosexuality leads to discrimination and results in LGBTQ people getting poor or inadequate access to services within the health system. Drug Abuse: They gradually develop low self-esteem and low self-confidence and become isolated from friends and family. These people mostly get addicted to drugs and alcohol Status of LGBTIQ+ Rights in India National Legal Services Authority Vs. Union of India (2014): The SC observed that “recognition of transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue, but a human rights issue”. Navtej Singh Johar vs. Union Of India (2018): The SC decriminalised homosexuality by striking off parts of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which were held violative of Fundamental Rights of LGBTQ Community. The SC held that Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before law and this applies to all classes of citizens therby restoring ‘inclusiveness’ of LGBTQ Community. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: The Parliament has enacted the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, to prohibit discrimination against Transgender persons Same Sex Marraiges: In Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. and others (2018) case, the SC observed that choice of a partner is a person’s fundamental right and it can be a same-sex partner. However, in February, 2021, the Central Government opposed same-sex marriage in Delhi High Court stating that a marriage in India can be recognised only if it is between a “biological man” and a “biological woman” capable of producing children. Way Forward It is time to recognize the rights of LGBTIQ+ community through anti-discrimination law that empowers them to build productive lives and relationships irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation and place the onus to change on state and society and not the individual. Source: The Hindu Wanchuwa festival Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Society Mains – GS 1 (Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times) In News: Tiwa tribesmen celebrated the Wanchuwa festival in Karbi Anglong district of Assam About Wanchuwa festival: The Wanchuwa festival is one of the most important celebrations in the life of the Tiwa tribe of Assam. With every harvest, it comes with songs, dances, a bunch of rituals and people clad in their native attires. With bamboo sticks in hand, the people proceed to rhythmically beat the rice powder, and occasionally pause to move around the circle. The people of Tiwa tribe associate the bountiful harvest with the higher power from nature. Tiwa Tribe Tiwa Tribe is a community that centers itself around a traditional form of agriculture. Also known as Lalung, this indigenous community is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) within the state of Assam. They are also found in Meghalaya,  Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur The Tiwa community is far removed from the noise and influence of urban chaos. The Tiwas practice Jhum or shifting cultivation. Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Q.1)With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement: (2014) They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Baba’s Explainer – Asha Workers ASHA Workers Syllabus GS-1: Society –  Women empowerment GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Why in News: The one million ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, who are at the forefront of healthcare delivery in India, have received the Global Health Leaders Award-2022 in the backdrop of the ongoing 75th World Health Assembly. The other recipients of the Global Health Leaders Award include Eight volunteer polio workers who were shot and killed by armed gunmen in Takhar and Kunduz provinces in Afghanistan in February 2022. Notably, Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to be the only two countries in the world where polio is still in transmission. Dr Paul Farmer for his contribution towards providing direct healthcare services, research and advocacy for those who are sick and living in poverty; Dr Ahmed Hankir for his anti-stigma programme that blends in the power of performing arts and storytelling with psychiatry; Volleyball player Ludmila Sofia Oliveira Varela for facilitating access to sports as an alternative to risky behaviour in youth; Yohei Sasakawa for his global fight against leprosy and the associated stigma and social discrimination. Read Complete Details on Asha Workers Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Consider the following statements about National Achievement Survey (NAS) It is conducted by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation The survey is conducted once in every five years According to recent survey (2021) SC, ST and OBC students performed better than general category students Choose the incorrect statements: 1 only 1 and 2 2 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statements India is the second largest sugar producer in the world after Thailand Uttar Pradesh is the highest sugarcane producing State in India Central Government announces State Advised Prices (SAP) based on the recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Choose the correct statements: 1, 2 and 3 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 only Q.3)Arrange the following Pacific islands from south to north Fiji Solomon islands Marshall islands Tonga Kiribati Choose the correct code: 2-3-1-4-5 5-4-1-3-2 4-1-2-5-3 1-4-3-5-2 ANSWERS FOR ’26th MAY 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs. ANSWERS FOR 25th MAY 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – d Q.3) – c

May 26, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

Baba's Explainer - ASHA Workers

ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-1: Society -  Women empowerment GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Why in News: The one million ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, who are at the forefront of healthcare delivery in India, have received the Global Health Leaders Award-2022 in the backdrop of the ongoing 75th World Health Assembly. The other recipients of the Global Health Leaders Award include Eight volunteer polio workers who were shot and killed by armed gunmen in Takhar and Kunduz provinces in Afghanistan in February 2022. Notably, Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to be the only two countries in the world where polio is still in transmission. Dr Paul Farmer for his contribution towards providing direct healthcare services, research and advocacy for those who are sick and living in poverty; Dr Ahmed Hankir for his anti-stigma programme that blends in the power of performing arts and storytelling with psychiatry; Volleyball player Ludmila Sofia Oliveira Varela for facilitating access to sports as an alternative to risky behaviour in youth; Yohei Sasakawa for his global fight against leprosy and the associated stigma and social discrimination. [su_spoiler open="no" title="Who are ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] ASHA (which means hope in Hindi) workers are volunteers from within the community who are trained to provide information and aid people in accessing benefits of various healthcare schemes of the government. They act as a bridge connecting marginalised communities with facilities such as primary health centres, sub-centres and district hospitals. The ASHA programme was based on Chhattisgarh’s successful Mitanin programme, in which a Community Worker looks after 50 households. The ASHA was to be a local resident, looking after 200 households. The idea was to make her a part of the village community rather than a government employee. Over 98 per cent ASHAs belong to the village where they reside, and know every household. She was like a demand-side functionary, reaching patients to facilities, providing health services nearer home. The role of these community health volunteers under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was first established in 2005. ASHAs are primarily married, widowed, or divorced women between the ages of 25 and 45 years from within the community. They must have good communication and leadership skills; should be literate with formal education up to Class 8, as per NRHM programme guidelines. The aim is to have one ASHA for every 1,000 persons or per habitation in hilly, tribal or other sparsely populated areas. There are around 10.4 lakh ASHA workers across the country, with the largest workforces in states with high populations – Uttar Pradesh (1.63 lakh), Bihar (89,437), and Madhya Pradesh (77,531). Goa is the only state with no such workers, as per the latest National Health Mission data available from September 2019. Capacity building of ASHA is being seen as a continuous process. ASHA will have to undergo series of training episodes to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence for performing her spelled out roles. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What do ASHA workers do?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The details task assigned  to ASHA workers under National Health Mission To create awareness and provide information to the community on determinants of health such as nutrition, basic sanitation & hygienic practices and health services. To counsel women and families on birth preparedness and to ensure that women undergo ante-natal check-up, maintain nutrition during pregnancy, deliver at a healthcare facility, and provide post-birth training on breast-feeding and complementary nutrition of children. To counsel women about contraceptives and sexually transmitted infections. To ensure and motivate that children in their community gets immunised. To work with the Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committee to develop a comprehensive village health plan, and promote convergent action by the committee on social determinants of health. In support with VHSNC, ASHAs will assist and mobilize the community for action against gender based violence. To provide community level curative care for minor ailments such as diarrhoea, fevers, care for the normal and sick newborn, childhood illnesses and first aid. She will be a provider of Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme. She will also act as a depot holder for essential health products appropriate to local community needs. A Drug Kit will be provided to each ASHA. To act as a care provider can be enhanced based on state needs. States can explore the possibility of graded training to the ASHA to provide palliative care, screening for non communicable diseases, childhood disability, mental health, geriatric care and others. To provide information on about the births and deaths in her village and any unusual health problems/disease outbreaks in the community to the Sub-Centres/Primary Health Centre. She will promote construction of household toilets under Total Sanitation Campaign. On top of that ASHA workers were given so much work during the pandemic. To summarise, her job responsibilities are three-fold role of a link-worker (facilitating access to healthcare facilities and accompanying women and children) community health worker (depot-holder for selected essential medicines and responsible for treatment of minor ailments), health activist (creating health awareness and mobilizing the community for change in health status) [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="How did the ASHA network help in pandemic response?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] ASHA workers were a key part of the government’s pandemic response, with most states using the network for screening people in containment zones, getting them tested, and taking them to quarantine centres or help with home quarantine. During the first year of the pandemic, when everyone was scared of the infection, ASHA workers had to go door-to-door and check people for Covid-19 symptoms. They had to inform the authorities and help the people reach the quarantine centres. ASHA workers faced a lot of harassment because there was so much stigma about the infection that people did not let them in. ASHA workers had to go to households with confirmed Covid-19 cases and explain the quarantine procedure. They had to provide them with medicines and pulse-oximeters. All of this on top of their routine work. With the vaccination drive for Covid-19 beginning in January 2021, they have also been tasked with motivating people to get their shots and collect data on how many people are yet to get vaccinated. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is the significance of ASHA workers?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The ASHAs were respected as they brought basic health services to the doorstep of households. Community health volunteer is considered vital to achieving the goal of increasing community participation and access to the healthcare system. Their role led to increased footfall in government facilities. Accountability of public health services increased; there would be protests if a facility did not extend quality services. Incentives for institutional deliveries and the setting up of emergency ambulance services like 108, 102, etc. across most states built pressure on public institutions and improved the mobility of ASHAs. Overall, it created a new cadre of incrementally skilled local workers who were paid based on performance. Needless to say, ASHA workers contributed towards curbing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What are the challenges faced by ASHA workers?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Work burden hardly makes it Voluntary in nature: Their job description keeps expanding to include more tasks. There are multiple tasks that they have to do on a daily basis. Most of them don’t consider it as “voluntary” work that could be done based on how much time they had, rather as duties that any regular employee has to perform. “Her work would be so tailored that it does not interfere with her normal livelihood,” the National Health Mission states pointing towards the volunteer nature of the role envisaged. Grossly Underpaid: Since they are considered “volunteers”, governments are not obligated to pay them a salary. They were paid incentives for different tasks undertaken by them with no fixed wage component. It added up to anywhere between Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 a month (less than the wages of unskilled manual labour under MGNREGA). Additionally, there is a lot of variation in what they get paid in different states. To make matters worse, they have to cope with delays in payment, poor infrastructure and transport and so on. The intention of providing incentives rather than salary was to prevent “governmentalisation”, and promote “communitisation” by making her accountable to the people she served. No Provision for Safety Nets: They do not get any benefits like pension or health insurance. The chronic lack of attention to their working conditions only serves to weaken policy outcomes, women’s empowerment and community development over all. Debate over Status: There is a strong argument to grant permanence to some of these positions with a reasonable compensation as sustaining motivation. For quite some time now, ASHA workers have been demanding that they be made permanent employees of the government and provided benefits. Lack of Skill Ladder: There is also a strong plea for skill and capacity development of Community Workers so that they move up the skill ladder in the formal primary health care system as an ANM/ GNM or a Public Health Nurse. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is the way forward?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Given the declining female labour force participation, the government’s recognition of front-line workers and their contribution to human development is an urgent requirement. The central role that these workers have been playing in the COVID-19 pandemic could become an opportunity for recognition of their work and initiate a process where their work conditions are improved. The system can sustain and grow only if the compensation is adequate, and the ASHA continues to enjoy the confidence of the community. Expanding better opportunities with decent wages for front-line workers is not only necessary for acknowledging their rights as workers, but could also contribute to the revival of the rural economy by putting wages into the hands of many ASHA workers. [/su_spoiler] Mains Practice Question - ASHA workers have played a pivotal role in decentralising the health services in India. Elaborating on this statement, discuss the challenges faced by them. Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.  

May 26, 2022 Important Articles

[LAST DAY TO REGISTER] All India FREE PRELIMS OPEN MOCK TESTS (ONLINE) on 27th (Friday) & 29th (Sunday) May

Dear Students We are launching two FREE Full-Length Open Mock Tests on 27th May (Friday) and 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 - 1 DATE: 27th May (Friday) TIME: Paper 1 (GS) = 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM | Paper 2 (CSAT) - 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM 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 IMPORTANT NOTE: The Last Date to Register for Free Open Mock Test 1 and Test 2 is 26th May (6 PM) The Login Credentials for ONLINE Test takers will be sent by 11 PM on 26th 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 Contact Us: support@iasbaba.com  

May 26, 2022 हिन्दी - Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2022: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 26th 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

May 26, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 26th 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

May 25, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th May 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) [su_box title="Quad Summit" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – International Relations Mains – GS 2(Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) In News: the fourth Quad summit was held in Japan There were divergences among the leaders of Australia, India, Japan and US on the war in Europe(Ukraine crisis) but unanimity in their response to China’s belligerence as they strongly opposed “any coercive, provocative or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo” in the Indo-Pacific. While Washington and Tokyo were vocal in their criticism of Moscow in their public statements — India and Australia did not do so in their opening statements at the summit. Apart from the Ukraine crisis, the leaders also took note of the post-coup crackdown in Myanmar called for the release of “all political detainees, including foreigners” and called for “swift restoration of democracy”. The summit condemned “unequivocally terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations” and condemned the 26/11 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attacks.  The event witnessed the launch of several initiatives Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) The leaders of the Quad countries announced the formation of the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) which will build a “faster, wider, and more accurate maritime picture of near-real-time activities in partners’ waters.” The IPMDA is said to be a satellite-based maritime security system aiming for a “fundamental requirement for peace, stability, and prosperity” in the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative will integrate three critical regions of the Pacific Islands - Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean region - and allow tracking of “dark shipping” and other “tactical activities”. "Dark ships" are vessels with their Automatic Identification System (AIS) - a transponder system - switched off so as not to be detectable. The new maritime initiative will enable these countries to monitor illegal fishing even when the boats have turned off the transponders which are typically used to track vessels. The maritime system will also improve the partners' ability to respond to climate and humanitarian events and protect their fisheries - a vital need for many Indo-Pacific economies. Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP) The members also launched the “Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package (Q-CHAMP) with “mitigation” and “adaptation” as its two pillars. The initiative will help green shipping and foster the idea of a “shared green corridor” Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) As part of the plan to increase the humanitarian footprint in the region, the leaders announced the establishment of the Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the Indo-Pacific region. The grouping also decided to enhance sharing of data as part of the “Quad Satellite Data Portal” that will enhance cooperation among the satellites of the member countries. The Tokyo summit witnessed the launch of the Quad Fellowship which will intensify people-to-people contact and foster academic exchanges. Under the scheme, 100 students from the member countries will travel to the US each year to pursue graduate studies in STEM fields. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: (2014) The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Source: The Hindu & Hindustan Times [/su_box] [su_box title="Money Spider and Ant-mimicking Spider" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims - Environment In News: Money spider, ant-mimicking spider discovered at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Money Spider Money spiders, commonly found in European meadows, have been reported for the first time in the country from the Muthanga range of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary The species is called so as it is “believed to bring luck” to the person who comes in contact with it. The spider belongs to the family of dwarf spiders (Linyphiidae) under the genus Prosoponoides. It has been given the name Prosoponoides biflectogynus. Only six species of spiders belonging to this genus have been identified from across the world so far. It is the first report of this genus from India and hence no extensive studies have been conducted on this species of spiders in the country The male and the female money spiders are typically 3 mm and 4 mm long respectively. Both sexes are dark brown and have irregular silver patches and black spots on elliptical abdomen. There are numerous fine black spines on their olive green legs. Eight dark eyes are arranged in two rows Females build triangular webs in between dry tree twigs and feed on small insects, while males prefer to hide beneath dry leaves. Two or more male spiders can be found in the web of a single female. Ant-mimicking spiders Research team also discovered ant-mimicking spiders, belonging to the group of jumping spiders, from the Mananthavady range. They belong to the family of Salticidae. The ant-mimicking spider has been named Toxeus alboclavus They perfectly mimic ants by lifting their front pair of legs while walking as a mechanism to escape from potential predators. Only three species of this genus have been reported from India, and this is the first species reported from the Western Ghats The male and the female spiders of this species grow up to 4 mm and 6 mm long respectively. A pair of white stripes on the dark brown abdomen of females makes them distinct from other spiders of this group. The male of the species are characterized by a brown cephalic region and black thorax with white hairs. The forward-projecting fangs have a characteristic shape of an antler. Long spines are present on the base of each leg. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) Located in Kerala, WWS is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was established in 1973. Spread over 344.44 sq km, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the tiger reserves of Nagerhole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. Kabini river (a tributary of Cauvery river) flows through the sanctuary. The forest types include South Indian Moist Deciduous forests, West coast semi-evergreen forests and plantations of teak, eucalyptus and Grewelia. Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther,Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Wild dog, common otter, Malabar giant squirrel etc are the major mammals. Other wildlife parks within the Reserve (Nilgiri Biosphere) are: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mukurthi National Park and Silent Valley. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) Which one of the following is a filter feeder? (2021) Catfish Octopus Oyster Pelican Q.1) Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin? (2020) Nagarhole National Park Papikonda National Part Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="Section 153A and Section 295A of IPC" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Polity Mains – GS 2 (Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and issues arising out of their Design and Implementation) In News: Dr. Ratan Lal, a Dalit academician, was arrested for an ‘objectionable’ post on the Gyanvapi mosque row. He is alleged to have promoted disharmony or enmity between religious groups (Section 153A in the Indian Penal Code) and intentionally and maliciously hurt religious sentiments (Section 295A in the IPC). What do these sections say? Section 153 A deals with promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony. Under this section, the person shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine. Section 295 A deals with deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs The person can be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both. Increased use of the two provisions The latest annual report of the National Crime Records Bureau records more than four jumps (458%) of cases registered under Section 153A since 2014; it almost doubled in the last two years. And the conviction rate is merely 20.4% of cases. Why such sections are needed? India being a diverse entity needs such laws to stop religious incendiary feelings at the bud Helps check radicalism growth of communal divisions and domination of one community Helps propagation of secular values by making religious extremism/insensitivity a punishable offense Punishes those involved in such activities and acts as a deterrent for others. Drawbacks Element of Subjectivity: Leads to misuse of the law as it has a large amount of subjectivity. Unlike bodily harm that can be verified, sentimental hurt cannot be tested against strict measures. The element of subjectivity overrides it as a sentiment’s vulnerability could widely vary Encroaches on Freedom of Speech and Expression: India’s Constitution celebrates diversity with the guarantee of free speech. It is anomalous for a pluralistic, democratic, and secular nation that runs on counter-discourses to criminalize speech for hurting religious sentiments Frivolous cases: People have used this section to file frivolous cases for venting out a personal vendetta. Overburdened Judiciary: Already overburned judiciary is put under further strain due to resources it needs to direct towards frivolous cases hindering efficacy of judicial system Some safeguards available There are statutory safeguards (to invoke the section) that required deliberate intention and malice; and judicial rulings that needed looking at — words used, intent, and effect to ascertain criminality. Only a deliberate and aggravated form of religious insult would attract the rigor of the provision. The judiciary laid down two ways to measure the effect — one by establishing a link between speech and public disorder, and by measuring the effects from the standards of a reasonable man, and not from one who fears all hostile viewpoints. However, no attempt was made to translate the safeguards into practice Way forward To usher in required amendments to clear the ambiguity and subjectivity contained in sections Stringent implementation of the safeguards available Reduce the propensities of sections getting misused. Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="Uighurs" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography – Current Affairs (Places in news, ethnic community) Mains – GS 2 (India and its Neighborhood- Relations) In News: A leak of thousands of photos and official documents from China's Xinjiang has shed new light on the violent methods used to enforce mass internment in the region The files were published as UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet begins a long-awaited and controversial trip to Xinjiang. Documents support the claim that Chinese authorities have detained more than one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities in a network of detention centres and prisons in the region, which Beijing has defended as training centers After initially denying their existence, Beijing has claimed the facilities are vocational training schools, attended voluntarily and aimed at stamping out religious extremism. China's Foreign Ministry dismissed the leaked documents as "cobbled-together material" by "anti-China forces smearing Xinjiang" Uighur Muslims: The Uighurs are a predominantly Muslim minority Turkic ethnic group, whose origins can be traced to Central and East Asia. The Uighurs speaks their own language, similar to Turkish, and sees themselves as culturally and ethnically close to Central Asian nations. The Uighurs are considered to be one of the 55 officially recognized ethnic minority communities in China. However, China recognises the community only as a regional minority and rejects that they are an indigenous group. Currently, the largest population of the Uighur ethnic community lives in Xinjiang region of China. A significant population of Uighurs also lives in the neighbouring Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Xinjiang is technically an autonomous region within China — its largest region, rich in minerals, and sharing borders with eight countries, including India, Pakistan, Russia and Afghanistan. Persecution of Uighurs: Over the past few decades, as economic prosperity has come to Xinjiang, it has brought with it in large numbers the majority Han Chinese, who have cornered the better jobs, and left the Uighurs feeling their livelihoods and identity were under threat. This led to sporadic violence, in 2009 culminating in a riot that killed 200 people, mostly Han Chinese, in the region’s capital Urumqi. Uighur Muslims for decades, under the false accusation by the Chinese government of terrorism and separatism, have suffered from abuses including persecution, forced detention, intense scrutiny, surveillance and even slavery. However, China claims its camps to be ‘educational centres’ where the Uighurs are being cured of “extremist thoughts” and radicalisation, and learning vocational skills. 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 - China - Taiwan Tussle [su_box title="QUAD" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Syllabus GS-2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.  GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Why in News: Since the introduction of the National Education Policy, 2020 (NEP), Kerala has viewed the policy document with serious disagreements. However, two years down the line, the State has begun to warm up to some of the provisions, but with considerable hesitance. The government has hinted that the reforms might be introduced only during the 2023-24 academic year. The last NEP was that of 1986 and modified in 1992. NEP 2020 is based on the report filed by the committee headed by eminent space scientist Kasturirangan. Read Complete Details on China  - Taiwan Tussle - CLICK HERE [/su_box] Daily Practice MCQs [su_box title="Daily Practice MCQs" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Q.1) Which among the following initiative was launched in recently held fourth Quad Summit, 2022, Japan? Quad Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Package Quad Partnership on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Quad Fellowship Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) Quad New Bank to support Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Choose the correct code: 1, 2, 4 and 5 1, 2, 3 and 5 3, 4 and 5 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.2) Which among the National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries are within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve? Mukurthi National Park Silent Valley National Park Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary Bandipur National Park Choose the incorrect statements 3, 4 and 5 1, 2, 4 and 5 2, 3 and 5 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q.3) Consider the following statements about Section 153 A of IPC, recently in news It deals with deals with deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs If a person is proved guilty under the section, s/he shall be punished with lifetime imprisonment Choose the incorrect statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR '25th MAY 2022 - Daily Practice MCQs' will be updated along with tomorrow's Daily Current Affairs. [/su_box] ANSWERS FOR 24th 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]