May 24, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 24th 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 24, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

Baba's Explainer - QUAD

ARCHIVES 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 Context: Ahead of the second in-person summit of QUAD, India joined the US-led initiative of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. [su_spoiler open="yes" title="What were the origins of QUAD?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The grouping’s informal origins can be traced to 2004. In the wake of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, Australia, India, Japan and the US launched an ad-hoc humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission, which allowed them to come together operationally. Since then the four navies have worked together on several occasions. The Quad was formally initiated in 2007 at the prompting of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe. Formal Quad meetings were not possible following strong objections from China in 2007. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What were the other reasons which made QUAD a non-starter in 2007?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The American establishment still believed that it could, somehow, persuade China to become a ‘responsible stake-holder’ US also required Chinese goodwill in dealing with America’s priorities — the nuclear issue with North Korea and Iran, and the War on Terror – and did not want to antagonize China with QUAD Japan and Australia were riding the China Boom to prosperity. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a champion of the Quad grouping, resigned in September 2007. The Quad lost its most vocal champion. If India was ambivalent at the time, it was because this mirrored the uncertainties of others. As a result, the idea merely remained on the table and there was no clearly enunciated concept or proposed structures. Between Quad 1.0 and its revival 10 years on, the four countries realigned with minilaterals. Japan and India became important fixtures in two such arrangements. A steady string of "2+2" bilaterals and trilaterals among foreign and defence ministers took off. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What was the real intention behind China’s objection?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Dubbed it as Cold-War Type Coalition: The Chinese, however, labelled it as an Asian version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization reminding world about the fears of cold war era. QUAD would interfere with China’s Indo-Pacific plans: The real reason for China’s hyper-reaction was out of concern that such a grouping would “out” China’s plans for naval expansion by focusing on the Indo-Pacific maritime space. Grand Maritime Plans: China was hoping that its naval build-up might slip under the radar if QUAD become a non-starter because the Americans were distracted by continental challenges including Russia, Afghanistan and Iran, and would not look sea-ward. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What happened once the idea of Quad 1.0 had died down?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] China gained in confidence to reveal its hand. It advanced a new claim — the Nine-Dash Line — in the South China Sea. China undertook the rapid kind of warship building activity reminiscent of Germany before 1914. China built its first overseas base in Djibouti. It also started systematically to explore the surface and sub-surface environment in the Indian Ocean beyond the Malacca Straits. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What led to revival of QUAD 2.0?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The manner of China’s dismissal of the Arbitral Award in the dispute with the Philippines on the South China Sea and brazen militarization of islands by China once again brought the four countries onto the same page. During this period, each of the Quad countries saw their share of China aggression. India dealt with four Chinese border agressions in 2103, 2014, 2017 and 2020. In 2015 Japan was formally admitted to make Malabar (India-US naval exercise) a tri-lateral event In 2017, Japan announced plans to propose a top-level dialogue with the US, India and Australia. The stated intention was to counter Chinese aggression. In 2019, first foreign ministerial-level meeting of Quad 2.0 took place In 2020, all four navies participated in their first joint exercise in over a decade, thus firmly setting the ground for QUAD 2.0 In March 2021, US President Joe Biden convened a virtual Quad meeting attended by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. They formed working groups on Covid-19 vaccines, climate change, and technological innovation and supply-chain resilience. In September 2021, first leader level in-person summit, took place at the White House, USA. The pandemic, its controversial origins in China, and the resulting disruption of the global supply chain have also been instrumental in bringing the four closer. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="How is China responding to QUAD 2.0?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Beijing's initial reaction to the Quad was to dismiss it, saying the group would "dissipate like sea foam". But it later sharpened its criticism of the group, calling it the "Asian Nato". China’s endeavour is to conflate the Quad with the Indo-Pacific vision, and link both to the so-called China Containment Theory, which is actually not the case. The Indo-Pacific Vision is an overarching framework that is being discussed in a transparent manner, with the objective of advancing everyone’s economic and security interests. The Quad, on the other hand, is a plurilateral mechanism between countries that share interest on specific matters. There are other such mechanisms in the region. In 2016, China itself established a Quadrilateral Cooperation and Coordination Mechanism with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. More recently, China has established Quadrilateral Cooperation with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal. Beijing is investing heavily in strengthening its navy and its recent security pact with the Solomon Islands has stoked fears in Australia. The agreement said Chinese warships would be permitted to dock on the islands and that Beijing could send security forces "to assist in maintaining social order". [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What are the major challenges for the QUAD grouping?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Distraction of Europe Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken up the old world order, reshaping geopolitics across the world. As the leader of the Western alliance against Russia, the US is now deeply engaged with the war. It has already committed $54 billion to the war effort. The reinvigoration of Europe and NATO in the wake of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine has made new demands on US attention and resources, prompting questions about American appetite to take on two rivals — Russia and China — at the same time. This European distraction might adversely impact US commitment to the Quad and the Indo-Pacific. The war in Ukraine also poses an internal challenge in the Quad. Three members — US, Japan and Australia — have taken an unequivocal stand against Russia’s aggression, while India’s position has been one of studied neutrality that calls for respect of territorial sovereignty and integrity and the UN charter, but does not criticise Russia. Different Threat Perceptions of China While China does not find mention in any official statements of the Quad by name, the four nations are joined by the shared interest of creating a strategic balance of power in the region. QUAD members want to protect their interests in the Indo-Pacific region from China’s subversion of the international order in the region and a bid to establish its own set of rules. Every Quad statement has proxy references to China — in the repeated emphasis on a “rules based international order” and a “free and open” Indo-Pacific. However, each Quad member views the Chinese threat differently. For the US, it is about trade and Taiwan. For Australia too, trade was the biggest issue until the recent establishment of a Chinese military base in the Solomon Islands brought a new dimension. Japan and India are closest to China, and both face aggressive Chinese claims to territory. India is the only one with a long “hot” land border with China, full of contested territorial claims, and the only one to have been in a recent military encounter with the Chinese Army, in eastern Ladakh. India also faces challenges from China’s inroads in its neighbours Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. China’s “iron-clad” friendship with Pakistan has additionally brought home the threat of a two-front war. On the other hand, India is a partner with Beijing in several multilateral forums, including Brics and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. This creates confusion as to what are the priorities of India’s foreign policy interests. Ukraine war may "send Russia into China's arms" and Beijing might be able to persuade Moscow to increase its presence in the Indo-Pacific. If that happens, it will upset Delhi's interests. Therefore, how to deal with China remains the central question for Quad. Non-Security Initiative Cutting-edge technology, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure have been described as “key battlegrounds” in the contest with China. The 2021 Quad summit threw up an array of proposals intended to leverage the economic, scientific and technological capabilities of the four countries. Covid vaccine manufacture; climate change initiatives, a Quad infrastructure group, cooperation in cyber-security, use of satellites for information sharing were all listed. However, over the last year, the procedural difficulties of pulling together on these initiatives have become apparent, and progress has been slow. The Quad has come a long way but it still has an informal structure and has no secretariat. The grouping has maintained it is not a security alliance, while the clamour for elevating the grouping to security alliance keeps growing. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is Indo-Pacific Economic Framework that India has recently joined?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] IPEF is not a traditional trade agreement.  IPEF will consist of four “pillars” of work or four modules: fair and resilient trade (encompassing seven subtopics, including labour, environmental, and digital standards, with some binding commitments); supply chain resilience; infrastructure, clean energy, and decarbonization; tax and anti-corruption. Flexibility of signing Modules: Countries would have to sign up to all of the components within a module, but do not have to participate in all modules No Market Access: The IPEF will not include market access commitments such as lowering tariff barriers, as the agreement is “more of an Administrative arrangement” No need of Congress Approval: US Congressional approval, which is a must for trade agreements, is not mandatory for this. Membership: Besides India and the US, the IPEF consists of Japan, Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="Significance of IPEF" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] New vehicle of engagement after US withdrawal from TPP: The IPEF is also seen as a means by which the US is trying to regain credibility in the region after former US President Donald Trump pulled out of the Trans Pacific Partnership TPP. Biden Administration is projecting IPEF as the new US vehicle for re-engagement with East Asia and South East Asia. The US business community welcomes the IPEF as it gets us back in the trade game. Ensuring Economic footprint of USA: IPEF is intended to respond to criticism from US allies and partners that USA’s has “all guns and no butter” strategy (i.e high focus on security & low focus on economic component), which had given China an opportunity to use its economic clout to pressure other countries. Helps Counter China’s Economic Dominance: Countries across the Indo-Pacific have been urging US to develop an economic strategy to help counter China, which is rapidly increasing its power and trade presence in the region. IPEF provides US to bolster its economic presence in the region. [/su_spoiler] Mains Practice Question - QUAD has the potential to shift India’s foreign policy paradigm so as to meet the needs of evolving geopolitical order. Critically analyse. Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.  

May 23, 2022 IASbaba's Courses

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May 23, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd May 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Fuel Tax Syllabus Prelims – Economy Mains – GS 3 (Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment) In News:  the Union government announced a reduction in the excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 8 per litre and Rs 6 per litre respectively. Alongside, the government also reduced the customs duty on raw materials and intermediaries for plastic products and iron and steel. Reason for reduction These decisions are driven by the desire to cool the surge in inflation — recent data showed that retail inflation had risen to an eight-year high of 7.9 per cent in April, while wholesale inflation has been in double digits for 13 consecutive months. As per some analysts the cut in fuel taxes could help reduce inflation directly by around 20 basis points in June This is the second time in the recent past that the Centre has cut fuel taxes. In November last year, the Centre had lowered the excise duty on petrol by Rs 5 and by Rs 10 on diesel. The entire burden of the tax cuts will be borne by the Centre Union Finance Minister said that the entire duty reduction in petrol and diesel announced has been done out of the Road & Infrastructure Cess (RIC) component of the taxes levied on petroleum products so the entire burden of the tax cuts will be borne by the Centre, Allaying concerns that the duty cuts will lower the devolution of taxes to States, Finance Minister said that the basic excise duty on petro products, which is sharable with States, has not been touched. Taxes levied on petrol and diesel The total taxes levied on petrol and diesel include a Basic Excise Duty (BED), a Special Additional Excise duty (SAED), the Road & Infrastructure Cess (RIC) and the Agriculture & Infrastructure Development Cess (AIDC), of which only the BED is sharable with States The two cuts announced (November and the present one) is from Road & Infrastructure Cess (RIC) component of the taxes levied on petroleum products Excise duty and Custom duty Excise duty is a form of tax imposed on goods for their production, licensing and sale. It is the opposite of Customs duty in sense that it applies to goods manufactured domestically in the country, while Customs is levied on those coming from outside of the country. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2018) It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the "Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements". Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Source: Indian Express & The Hindu Raja Ram Mohan Roy Syllabus Prelims - History Mains - GS 1 (Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues) In News: Celebrating the 250th birth anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy In West Bengal, the unveiling of a statue at Raja Ram mohan Roy Library Foundation, Salt Lake, by Minister of Culture, will mark the inauguration of the Centre’s celebration plans. About Raja Ram Mohan Roy Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the father of Modern India’s Renaissance and a tireless social reformer who inaugurated the age of enlightenment and liberal reformist modernization in India His Life Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born on 22 May 1772 in an orthodox Brahman family at Radhanagar in Bengal. Ram Mohan Roy’s early education included the study of Persian and Arabic at Patna where he read the Quran, the works of Sufi mystic poets and the Arabic translation of the works of Plato and Aristotle. In Benaras, he studied Sanskrit and read Vedas and Upanishads. Returning to his village, at the age of sixteen, he wrote a rational critique of Hindu idol worship. From 1803 to 1814, he worked for East India Company as the personal diwan first of Woodforde and then of Digby. In 1814, he resigned from his job and moved to Calcutta in order to devote his life to religious, social and political reforms. In November 1830, he sailed for England to be present there to counteract the possible nullification of the Act banning Sati. Ram Mohan Roy was given the title of ‘Raja’ by the titular Mughal Emperor of Delhi, Akbar II whose grievances the former was to present before the British king. Ideology Ram Mohan Roy was greatly influenced by western modern thought and stressed on rationalism and modern scientific approach. He believed that religious orthodoxies have become causes of injury and detrimental to social life and sources of trouble and bewilderment to the people, instead of tending to the amelioration of the condition of society. Raja Ram Mohan Roy concluded that religious reform is both social reform and political modernisation. Ram Mohan was attracted to Islamic monotheism. He said that monotheism is also the fundamental message of Vedanta. His idea of single, unitarian god was a corrective to the polytheism of orthodox Hinduism and to Christian trinitarianism. He believed that monotheism supported one universal model for humanity. He believed in social equality of all human beings and thus was a strong opposer of the caste system. Brahmo Samaj Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded Brahmo Sabha in 1828, which was later renamed as Brahmo Samaj. Its chief aim was the worship of the eternal God. It was against priesthood, rituals and sacrifices. It focused on prayers, meditation and reading of the scriptures. It believed in the unity of all religions. It was the first intellectual reform movement in modern India. It led to the emergence of rationalism and enlightenment in India which indirectly contributed to the nationalist movement. It was the forerunner of all social, religious and political movements of modern India. Contributions Social reforms: He founded the Atmiya Sabha in 1814, the Calcutta Unitarian Association in 1821, and the Brahmo Sabha in 1828 which later became the Brahmo Samaj He campaigned against the caste system, untouchability, superstitions and use of intoxicants. He was well known for his pioneering thought and action on the emancipation of women and especially on the abolition of sati and widow remarriage. He attacked child marriage, illiteracy of women and the degraded state of widows and demanded the right of inheritance and property for women. It was his relentless advocacy alongside contemporaries such as Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar that finally led to the abolition of Sati under the governor generalship of William Bentinck in 1829. Educational reforms: He supported David Hare’s efforts to find the Hindu College in 1817, while Roy’s English school taught mechanics and Voltaire’s philosophy. He followed it up with the Anglo-Hindu School in 1822 and, in 1830, assisted Alexander Duff to set up the General Assembly’s Institution, which later became the Scottish Church College. In 1825, he established Vedanta College where courses in both Indian learning and Western social and physical sciences were offered. Literary Works of Raja Ram Mohan Roy Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhidin (1804) Vedanta Gantha (1815) Translation of an abridgement of the Vedanta Sara (1816) Kenopanishads (1816) Ishopanishad (1816) Kathopanishad (1817) A Conference between the Advocate for, and an Opponent of Practice of Burning Widows Alive (Bengali and English) (1818) Mundaka Upanishad (1819) A Defence of Hindu Theism (1820) The Precepts of Jesus- The Guide to Peace and Happiness (1820) Bengali Grammar (1826) The Universal Religion (1829) History of Indian Philosophy (1829) Gaudiya Vyakaran (1833) Religious reforms: Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s first published work Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhiddin (a gift to deists) published in 1803 exposed irrational religious beliefs and corrupt practices of the Hindus as the belief in revelations, prophets, miracles etc. In 1814, he founded Atmiya Sabha in Calcutta to campaign against idolatry, caste rigidities, meaningless rituals and other social ills. He criticized the ritualism of Christianity and rejected Christ as the incarnation of God. In Precepts of Jesus (1820), he tried to separate the moral and philosophical message of the New Testament. Rabindranath Tagore called him a ‘Bharatpathik’ by which he meant to say that Rammohun combined in his person the underlying spirit of Indic civilisation, its spirit of pluralism, tolerance and a cosmic respect for all forms of life Political and Economical Reforms Through his writings and activities, he supported the movement for free press in India. When press censorship was relaxed by Lord Hastings in 1819, Ram Mohan found three journals- The Brahmanical Magazine (1821); The Bengali weekly, Samvad Kaumudi (1821); and the Persian weekly, Mirat-ul-Akbar. Administrative reforms: He demanded the Indianisation of superior services and separation of the executive from judiciary. He demanded equality between Indians and Europeans. Roy condemned oppressive practices of Bengali zamindars and demanded fixation of minimum rents. He also demanded the abolition of taxes on tax-free lands. He called for a reduction of export duties on Indian goods abroad. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Brahmo Samaj? (2012) It opposed idolatry. It denied the need for a priestly class for interpreting the religious texts. It popularized the doctrine that the Vedas are infallible Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 1 and 2 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Source: Indian Express Artificial Intelligence Chips Syllabus Prelims - Science and Technology Mains - GS 3 (Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to Intellectual Property Rights) In News: The adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chips has risen, with chipmakers designing different types of these chips to power AI applications What are AI chips? AI chips are built with specific architecture and have integrated AI acceleration to support deep learning-based applications. These chips, with their hardware architectures and complementary packaging, memory, storage and interconnect technologies, make it possible to infuse AI into a broad spectrum of applications to help turn data into information and then into knowledge There are different types of AI chips such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs) and GPUs, designed for diverse AI applications. How are they different from traditional chips? When traditional chips, containing processor cores and memory, perform computational tasks, they continuously move commands and data between the two hardware components These chips, however, are not ideal for AI applications as they would not be able to handle higher computational necessities of AI workloads which have huge volumes of data. Although, some of the higher-end traditional chips may be able to process certain AI applications In comparison, AI chips generally contain processor cores as well as several AI-optimised cores (depending on the scale of the chip) that are designed to work in harmony when performing computational tasks. The AI cores are optimised for the demands of heterogeneous enterprise-class AI workloads with low-latency inferencing, due to close integration with the other processor cores, which are designed to handle non-AI applications. What are their applications? AI chips are used for a multitude of smart machines and devices, including ones that are said to deliver the performance of a data centre-class computer to edge devices. Some of these chips support in-vehicle computers to run state-of-the-art AI applications more efficiently. AI chips are also powering applications of computational imaging in wearable electronics, drones, and robots. The use of AI chips for NLP (Natural Language Processing) applications has increased due to the rise in demand for chatbots and online channels such as Messenger, Slack, and others. They use NLP to analyse user messages and conversational logic. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units Create meaningful short stories and songs Disease diagnosis Text-to-Speech Conversion Wireless transmission of electrical energy Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2, 3 and 5 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Source: The Hindu PM GatiShakti Syllabus Prelims – Government Schemes Mains – GS 2 (Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation); GS 3 (Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc) In News: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) stated that all logistics and connectivity infrastructure projects, entailing an investment of over ₹500 crore will route through the network planning group (NPG) constituted under the PM GatiShakti initiative. The DPIIT said that the move will bring down the logistic cost and promote effective and efficient planning of infrastructure projects. The DPIIT said that all the departments will approach the NPG first for approval before making a DPR (detailed project reports) at the planning stage, adding after the NPG's clearance, the project would follow the normal procedure of approval by the finance ministry and the Cabinet, depending upon the projects PM GatiShakti initiative The government of India has launched the ambitious Gati Shakti scheme or National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity plan, with the aim of coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects to bring down logistics costs. The Gati Shakti scheme subsumed the Rs 110 lakh crore National Infrastructure Pipeline that was launched in 2019. Besides cutting logistics costs, the scheme is also aimed at increasing cargo handling capacity and reducing the turnaround time at ports to boost trade. It also aims to have 11 industrial corridors and two new defence corridors - one in Tamil Nadu and other in Uttar Pradesh. Integrated Approach: It intends to bring together 16 infrastructure related Ministries. Implementation framework includes Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGOS), Network Planning Group (NPG) and Technical Support Unit (TSU) with required technical competencies. NPG consists of heads of the network planning wing of respective infrastructure ministries and it will assist the empowered group of secretaries (EGOS), which is headed by the cabinet secretary. EGOS consist of secretaries of 18 ministries as members and Head of Logistics Division, under the DPIIT, as member convenor. Further, in view of the complexities involved in overall integration of networks, enhancing optimization to avoid duplication of works for holistic development of any region as well as reducing logistics costs through micro-plan detailing, the Technical Support Unit (TSU) is approved TSU shall have domain experts from various infrastructure sectors as Aviation, Maritime, Public Transport, Rail, Roads & Highways, Ports, etc. and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) The PM GatiShakti NMP is intended to break Departmental Silos and bring in more holistic and integrated planning and execution of projects with a view to address the issues of Multi Modal connectivity and last mile connectivity. This will help in bringing down the logistics cost. This will translate into enormous economic gains to consumers, farmers, youth as well as those engaged in businesses. 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, and 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 Agriculture Export Syllabus Prelims – Economy – Agriculture Mains – GS 3 (Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints) Stats In the fiscal year 2021-22 (FY22), agri-exports scaled an all-time high of $50.3 billion, registering a growth of 20 per cent over the preceding year. This was made possible largely by rising global commodity prices, but also by the favourable and aggressive export policy of the Ministry of Commerce and its various export promotion agencies like APEDA, MPEDA, and commodity boards. Among the several agri-commodities exported in FY22, rice ranks first with exports of $9.6 billion in value (with 21.2 million metric tonnes (MMT) in quantity). It is followed by marine products worth $7.7 billion (1.4 MMT), sugar worth $4.6 billion (10.4 MMT), spices worth $3.9 billion (1.4 MMT) and bovine (buffalo) meat worth $3.3 billion (1.18 MMT). Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) The APEDA was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985. It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Authority has its headquarters in New Delhi. Composition A Chairman appointed by the Central Government The Agricultural Marketing Advisor to the Government of India, ex-official member Three members of Parliament of whom two are elected by the House of People and one by the Council of States Eight members appointed by the Central Government representing respectively...many more from agriculture and allied sectors Functions APEDA is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of the scheduled products fruits, vegetables and their products; meat and meat products; poultry and poultry products; dairy products etc APEDA has been entrusted with the responsibility to monitor import of sugar. It looks after the development of industries relating to the scheduled products for export by way of providing financial assistance or otherwise for undertaking surveys and feasibility studies, participating through subsidy schemes. Registration of persons as exporters of the scheduled products and fixing of standards and specifications for the scheduled products for the purpose of exports Carrying out inspection of meat and meat products in slaughterhouses, processing plants, storage premises and improving packaging of the scheduled products Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is a nodal coordinating, state-owned agency engaged in fishery production and allied activities. It was established in 1972 under the Marine Products Export Development Authority Act (MPEDA), 1972. It functions under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. Its mandate is to increase exports of seafood including fisheries of all kinds, specifying standards, marketing, processing, extension, and training in various aspects. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years? (2019) China India Myanmar Vietnam Source: Indian Express Baba's Explainer - National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 Syllabus GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. 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 National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 - CLICK HERE Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Arrange the following events associated with Raja Ram Mohan Roy in chronological order. Vedanta College Atmiya Sabha Literary work - Tuhfat-ul-Muwahhiddin Brahmo Sabha Choose the correct code: 1-4-2-3 1-3-2-4 2-1-3-4 3-2-1-4 Q.2) Consider the following statements PM GatiShakti's initiative subsumed National Infrastructure Pipeline scheme Besides cutting logistics costs, the scheme also aims at increasing cargo handling capacity Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGOS) under PM GatiShakti is headed by Finance secretary of India Choose the correct statements: 1 and 2 1 and 3 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following agri commodities exported from India in the Financial Year 2022. Marine Products Wheat Sugar Oil Meal Rice Which of the above-mentioned items were among the top three agri export commodities? 1, 2 and 5 2, 3 and 4 1, 3 and 5 1, 4 and 5 ANSWERS FOR 23rd MAY 2022 - Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) - d    Q.2) - a   Q.3) - c

May 23, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

Baba's Explainer - Kerala and National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Context: 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. [su_spoiler open="no" title="What are the key takeaways from NEP 2020?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] School Education: NEP 2020 policy envisages 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030 Universalization of education from preschool to secondary level: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, will be extended to cover children between 3 and 18 years Structure: The current 10+2 system will be divided into 5 (3 to 8 years) +3 (8to 11 years) + 3 (11 to 14 years) + 4 (14 to 18 years) format. Co-curriculum and vocational subjects like sports, arts, commerce, science will be treated at the same level. Computer Skills: Students will be allowed to take up coding from class 6 onward. Vocational Educationto start from Class 6 with Internships. Additional Meal: Provision of an energy-filled breakfast, in addition to the nutritious mid-day meal, to help children achieve better learning outcomes. Regular Exams: To track progress, all students will take school examinations in grades 3, 5, and 8 which will be conducted by the appropriate authority. Class 10 and 12 board examinations to be made easier,to test core competencies rather than memorised facts, with all students allowed to take the exam twice Curriculum content will be reduced in each subject to its core essentials, and will make space for critical thinking and more holistic, inquiry-based, discovery-based, discussion-based, and analysis-based learning Teacher Capabilities: A new and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) 2021, will be formulated by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in consultation with NCERT Medium of Instruction: The policy says that wherever possible, the medium of instruction in schools until at least Class 5, but preferably until Class 8 and beyond, will be the home language or mother tongue or regional language The three languages learned by children will be the choices of states, regions, and of the students, so long as at least two of the three languages are native to India Higher Education Gross Enrolment Ratioin higher education to be raised to 50% by 2035 (presently it is at 26.3%) Flexibility in Higher Education: NEP 2020 proposes a multi-disciplinary higher education framework with portable credits, and multiple exits with certificates, diplomas and degrees The common entrance exam for all higher education institutes to be held by NTA. The exam will be optional and not mandatory Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs),at par with IITs, IIMs, to be set up as models of best multidisciplinary education of global standards in the country. The National Research Foundation will be created as an apex body for fostering a strong research culture and building research capacity across higher education Philcourses will be discontinued and all the courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD level will now be interdisciplinary. Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) It will be set up as a single umbrella body for the entire higher education, excluding medical and legal education. It will be a single, lean body with four verticals for standards-setting, funding, accreditation and regulation so as to provide “light but tight” oversight Affiliation of collegesis to be phased out in 15 years and a stage-wise mechanism to be established for granting graded autonomy to colleges. Technology & Foreign Institutes An autonomous body, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF),will be created to provide a platform for the free exchange of ideas on the use of technology to enhance learning, assessment, planning, administration. National Assessment Centre- 'PARAKH'has been created to assess the students. It also paves the way for foreign universities to set up campusesin India. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What are the merits of new NEP 2020?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Comprehensive: NEP seeks to address the entire gamut of education from preschool to doctoral studies, and from professional degrees to vocational training. Early Childhood Education: In adopting a 5+3+3+4 model for school education starting at age 3, NEP recognises the primacy of the formative years from ages 3 to 8 in shaping the child’s future Easy on Regulations: NEP 2020 makes a bold prescription to free our schools, colleges and universities from periodic “inspections” and place them on the path of self-assessment and voluntary declaration Holistic: The policy, inter alia, aims to eliminate problems of pedagogy, structural inequities, access asymmetries and rampant commercialisation. Promote Inclusion: The Policy proposes creation of ‘inclusion funds’ to help socially and educationally disadvantaged children pursue education [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What prompted Kerala’s initial apathy to NEP, 2020??" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Entrusted by the State Government to study the impacts of NEP, 2020, the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) had constituted a committee chaired by noted economist Prabhat Patnaik which concluded that the policy is retrograde and presented an exclusionary vision of education. It also raised concerns over the possible challenges that the scheme posed for access, equity, social justice and the reservation system. The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) also felt NEP, 2020 sought to align the country’s education policy with the needs of private investment and technocapitalism, while ignoring democratic principles and the federal system. Some provisions, including the move to permit multiple entry and exit in academic programmes, were feared to legitimise dropouts. The government also claimed the proposed National Research Foundation and the Board of Governance of Higher Education Institutions would “kill the democratic spirit of universities and their autonomy”. How has the State altered its position? When the LDF led returned to power with a thumping mandate in 2021, the government felt an urgent need to overhaul the higher education sector that appeared to have stagnated in contrast to school education in the State which has constantly topped national rankings. One of the election promise was transitioning Kerala into a knowledge-based economy and arresting brain drain from the State. This led the government to embark on a series of reforms including relaxing its approach on academic autonomy and privatisation. The seeds of change were sown when the Government had, in 2020, constituted a committee to explore the possibility of establishing an ‘Education City’ in Kerala to offer courses in collaboration with foreign universities. Notably, the panel included an official of one of the largest private universities in the country. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="How has the government’s perception about the policy changed?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Of late, the government has begun to feel an urge to address the systemic rigidity that hindered multidisciplinary research and inter-university collaborations. Besides, there has been a growing clamour to liberate universities from the clutches of political machinations and free colleges from the overbearing influence of universities. A section of the academic community also called for relieving universities of their affiliation management activities and enabling them to focus on research. In order to address such lacunae, the LDF Government has constituted three commissions to reform the higher education sector, the examination system and the statutory laws that govern universities. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What hinders its implementation?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Despite having adopted a pragmatic stance towards NEP, 2020, the government is yet to frame guidelines on implementing its provisions in the State. It hoped to customise the reforms to suit its ideals of affirmative action and social justice. Various logistical issues such as creating new posts that would burden the State exchequer amid the fiscal crunch have also hindered the implementation. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What lies ahead?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] While the Union Government has maintained that the NEP, 2020 is advisory in nature, many educationists feel that the State would do well to be mindful of the carrot-and-stick approach of the University Grants Commission. The universities could be arm-twisted into implementing the provisions to avail themselves of various benefits in the future. [/su_spoiler] Mains Practice Question - If implemented in its true vision, the new National Education Policy can bring India at par with the leading countries of the world. Critically Analyse. Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.  

May 23, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 23rd 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 23, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st May 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) [su_box title="Pangong Tso" 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: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that two bridges built by China in Pangong area, have continued to be under the illegal occupation of China since the 1960s The bridge being referred to is a second structure that China is building, right next to the bridge it constructed earlier this year, in an area that lies along India’s claim line. It is more than 20 km east of the point which India says marks the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The bridge is located around 20 km east of Finger 8 on the north bank of the lake, where India says is the point that marks the LAC. The area has been under Chinese control since 1958, although it is just west of India’s claim line, which, according to India, is its international boundary. It is just east of a ruin named Khurnak Fort, where China has major frontier defence bases. The region is called Rutong County by China. Background Since the military standoff began in May 2020, India and China have not only worked to improve existing infrastructure, but have also built several new roads, bridges, landing strips along the entire frontier. Towards the end of August 2020, India out manoeuvred China to capture the previously unoccupied heights of the Kailash Range on the south bank of Pangong Tso Lake. Indian troops positioned themselves on the peaks there, including Magar Hill, Gurung Hill, Rezang La, Rechin La, and this allowed them to dominate the strategic Spanggur Gap — it can be used for launching an offensive Indian troops had also positioned themselves above the Chinese troops in the Fingers area on the north bank. The significance of these positions was one of the main factors that compelled China to negotiate a pullback. Both countries agreed to a pullback from the north bank of the lake, and positions on the Kailash Range in the Chushul sub-sector south of Pangong Tso. The first bridge was constructed more than 20 km east of Finger 8 on the lake’s north bank – India says Finger 8 denotes the LAC. The Lake is overlooked by the Finger Area - a set of eight cliffs extending out of the Sirijap range (on the northern bank of Lake). Pangong Tso Pangong Lake is a long boomerang-shaped endorheic water body. It is located at an elevation of roughly more than 4,200 meters (13,800 ft) above sea level. It is a transborder lake spanning across eastern Ladakh and western Tibet, with a length of more than 135 km. It is around 5 km wide at its broadest point. Around 40% of the lake lies within the Indian territory, 50% in Tibet (China), and the rest 10% is reportedly disputed between the two and is a de facto buffer zone. Practically China controls 2/3rd of the total length while the rest is controlled by India. Eastern Part: The easternmost part of the lake is freshwater in character. Fishes, crustaceans, ducks, moss, and other aquatic flora & fauna too, inhabit this region. It is an important breeding region for a number of migratory birds during summers. Birds such as Bar Headed Goose and Brahmini Ducks are commonly found here during the warm weather season. Western Part: The westernmost part of the lake is extremely saline in character. No fishes or flora are observed in or near the lake, however, a few crustaceans can be seen in the water. The lake has over the past shrunken in size due to geological factors. The lake has many islands within it. One of the most famous islands of Pangong Tso Lake is the Bird Isle Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) Siachen Glacier is situated to the (2020) East of Aksai Chin East of Leh North of Gilgit North of Nubra Valley Source: Indian Express [/su_box] [su_box title="RBI surplus transfer" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Economy Mains – GS 3 (Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment) In News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will transfer Rs 30,307 crore as surplus to the government for fiscal ended March 2022 down 69% from the Rs 99,126 crore in the year ended March 2021 and lower than the Rs 74,000 crore budgeted by the government for the current fiscal. The fall in the transferable surplus is because of the increased interest the RBI had to pay banks which parked their surplus liqudity in the reverse repo window Background RBI’s Earning: Returns earned on its foreign currency assets, which could be in the form of bonds and treasury bills of other central banks or top-rated securities, and deposits with other central banks. Interest on its holdings of local rupee-denominated government bonds or securities, and while lending to banks for very short tenures, such as overnight. Management commission on handling the borrowings of state governments and the central government. RBI’s Expenditure: Printing of currency notes and on staff, besides the commission it gives to banks for undertaking transactions on behalf of the government across the country, and to primary dealers, including banks, for underwriting some of these borrowings The Surplus Distribution Policy of RBI that was finalized is in line with the recommendations of the Bimal Jalan committee that was formed by the RBI, in consultation with the Government, to review the extant Economic Capital Framework of the RBI. The Committee’s recommendations were based on the consideration of the role of central banks’ financial resilience, cross-country practices, statutory provisions and the impact of the RBI’s public policy mandate and operating environment on its balance sheet and the risks involved. In view of the RBI’s function as a lender of last resort, it needs to maintain some Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) to insure the economy against any tail risk of financial stability crisis. The Jalan Committee recommended that the CRB needs to be maintained at a range of 5.5% to 6.5% of the RBI’s balance sheet. The surplus transfer policy is now formula-based and thus transparent, which is an important departure from the past. The formula-based CRB will take care of the risk provisioning and the central board of RBI will decide on the level of risk provisioning. Source: Economic Times [/su_box] [su_box title="Norms eased for genetically modified crop research" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Environment Mains – GS 3 (Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment) In News: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has issued guidelines easing norms for research into genetically modified (GM) crops and circumventing challenges of using foreign genes to change crops profile. Guidelines for Safety Assessment of Genome Edited Plants, 2022 It exempts researchers who use gene-editing technology to modify the genome of the plant from seeking approvals from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) The final call however is taken by the Environment Minister as well as States where such plants could be cultivated. The DBT said guidelines is a road map for the development and sustainable use of genome editing technologies in India, specifying the biosafety and/or environmental safety concerns, and describing the regulatory pathways to be adopted while undertaking the genome editing of plants. The guidelines say that all requirements that researchers must adhere to develop transgenic seeds will apply to gene-edited seeds except clauses that require permission from the GEAC. Opposition Environmentalist groups have opposed this exception for gene-edited crops arguing that gene editing is included in genetic engineering. Therefore, there is no question of giving exemptions to particular kinds of genome edited plants from the regulatory purview Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body constituted under the ‘Rules for the Manufacture, Use /Import /Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineering Organisms or Cells, 1989’ notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change. The body regulates the use, manufacture, storage, import and export of hazardous microorganisms or genetically-engineered organisms and cells in India. GEAC Functions It is responsible for the appraisal of activities that involve the large scale use of hazardous microbes and recombinants in research and industrial production from the point of view of the environment. The GEAC also assesses proposals regarding the release of genetically engineered products and organisms into the environment, and this includes experimental field trials as well. The body also looks into proposals regarding the use of living modified organism that comes in the risk category III and above in the import/manufacture of recombinant pharma products, or where the end-product of the recombinant pharma product is a modified living organism. The Committee has the power to take punitive action against people/body under the Environment (Protection) Act. The approval of the GEAC is mandatory before genetically modified organisms and products derived from them can be used commercially. GEAC Composition The Committee is chaired by the Special Secretary/Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, GOI. A representative of the Department of Biotechnology is a co-chair There are many other members who meet every month to review the applications in the Committee’s domain. The members include experts from other ministries as well as institutions such as the ICAR, ICMR, CCMB, etc. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the (2015) Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Source: The Hindu [/su_box] [su_box title="Donbas and Luhansk" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims - Places in News Mains – GS 2 (Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora) In News: Ukrainian President said the - Incessant bombardment has turned Ukraine's Donbas region into hell Ukrainian government received a fresh boost as the U.S. Congress approved a $40 billion aid package, including funds to enhance Ukraine’s armoured vehicle fleet and air defence system. Russian Defence Minister said Moscow was nearing full control of Ukraine’s eastern separatist region of Luhansk Russian military sent troops to Ukraine on February 24 under the guise of protecting the Russian-speaking population there, especially in the breakaway regions of Luhansk and Donetsk Russia recognised the independence of the separatist republics shortly before launching the military action. Russia claimed control of the strategic city in southeastern Ukraine in late April, keeping the remaining Ukrainian forces blocked inside the giant steel plant. Ukrainian authorities in early May attempted to retake the strategic Snake Island in the Black Sea that was seized by Russian troops early in the conflict Donbas and Luhansk The Donbass region, comprising the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine, has been at the centre of the conflict since March 2014 when Moscow (Russia) invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula. Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q.1) Consider the following pairs: Sea: Bordering country Adriatic Sea: Albania Black Sea: Croatia Caspian Sea: Kazakhstan Mediterranean Sea: Morocco Red Sea: Syria Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 1, 2 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 2 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Source: The Hindu [/su_box] Baba's Explainer - Ethanol Blending [su_box title="Ethanol Blending)" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Syllabus GS-3: Economy & energy; Environmental Conservation GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Why in News: The Union Cabinet recently advanced by five years its target for achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol. Read Complete Details on Ethanol Blending - CLICK HERE [/su_box] Daily Practice MCQs [su_box title="Daily Practice MCQs" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Q.1) Snake Island, recently in news is located in which of the following sea Caspian Sea Baltic Sea Mediterranean Sea Black Sea Q.2) Consider the following statements: Pangong Lake is a endorheic lake It is both freshwater and saltwater lake Around two-third of lake falls under the Indian territory Choose the correct statements: 1 only 1 and 2 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) Consider the following statements The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body constituted under Biodiversity Act, 2002 The approval of the GEAC is mandatory before genetically modified organisms and products derived from them can be used commercially The Committee has the power to take punitive action against people/body under the Environment (Protection) Act Choose the incorrect statements: 1 only 1 and 3 2 and 3 None [/su_box] ANSWERS FOR 21st 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) - b   Q.3) - a [/su_box]

May 21, 2022 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

[THANK YOU NOTE] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC Prelims 2022

Hello Friends, The journey that we had started 60 Days back has finally come to an end today. We hope that you enjoyed the daily lectures, tests, and the daily revision handouts of 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES for UPSC PRELIMS 2022. The entire process was meant to provide you with a proper revision and plug all your loopholes. From today, it's hardly 15 days left before the exam. So, gear up for the final showdown. There are a few important things that you must take care of – Keep your mindset positive. Assume that you are prepared for the exam and be confident. Do not go to the examination hall with a pre-conceived notion of the exam. The paper set by UPSC is very different from the mock tests that you have been giving. Do not get demotivated if you are getting low marks in the mocks nor get too overconfident if you are getting very high marks. Attempt the paper based on its merit. You need to remember that if the paper is difficult, it is difficult for everyone. Keep a cool mind and maximize your score. You just need to clear the cut-off. There are several things which you need to take care of from now till the exam – Try to revise the topics which you are good at. Try to get the low hanging fruits - Reports, Places in the news, Important chapters of Laxmikant, National parks, Ramsar sites, latest developments in biotech, space, etc Do not pick up any new material or compilation right now that you are not familiar with. Try to synchronize your sleep cycle and take tests according to the actual timing of UPSC papers. Eat healthy and sleep well. Don’t get too anxious about the exam. That disturbs sleep and reduces concentration. Practice CSAT every day. Do not take it lightly. Having said that, we also would like to thank you for your constant support, comments, and feedback. Your positive feedback gives us encouragement to bring out the best material for you and your criticism helps us improve every single day. Access the 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series – CLICK HERE Download RaRe Notes, Daily Tests (English & हिन्दी) - CLICK HERE We wish you all the best and hope that you will qualify for the prelims with flying colors. IASbaba

May 21, 2022 60 Days Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

[DAY 60] 60 DAY RAPID REVISION (RaRe) SERIES हिन्दी for UPSC Prelims 2022- ENVIRONMENT, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT; Test Series, Videos & Notes!

                                                                                                     Archives Hello Friends 60 दिनों की रैपिड रिवीजन (RaRe) सीरीज IASbaba की एक महत्त्वपूर्ण पहल है जो टॉपर्स द्वारा अनुशंसित है और हर साल अभ्यर्थियों द्वारा सबसे ज्यादा पसंद की जाती है। यह सबसे व्यापक कार्यक्रम है जो आपको दैनिक आधार पर पाठ्यक्रम को पूरा करने, रिवीजन करने और टेस्ट का अभ्यास करने में मदद करेगा। दैनिक आधार पर कार्यक्रम में शामिल हैं उच्च संभावित टॉपिक्स पर दैनिक रैपिड रिवीजन (RaRe) सीरीज वीडियो (सोमवार – शनिवार) वीडियो चर्चा में, उन टॉपिक्स पर विशेष ध्यान दिया जाता है जिनकी UPSC प्रारंभिक परीक्षा के प्रश्न पत्र में आने की उच्च संभावना होती है।प्रत्येक सत्र 20 मिनट से 30 मिनट का होगा, जिसमें कार्यक्रम के अनुसार इस वर्ष प्रीलिम्स परीक्षा के लिए महत्वपूर्ण 15 उच्च संभावित टॉपिक्स (स्टैटिक और समसामयिक दोनों) का तेजी से रिवीजन शामिल होगा। Note – वीडियो केवल अंग्रेज़ी में उपलब्ध होंगे रैपिड रिवीजन नोट्स परीक्षा को पास करने में सही सामग्री महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाती है और रैपिड रिवीजन (RaRe) नोट्स में प्रीलिम्स विशिष्ट विषय-वार परिष्कृत नोट्स होंगे।मुख्य उद्देश्य छात्रों को सबसे महत्वपूर्ण टॉपिक्स को रिवाइज़ करने में मदद करना है और वह भी बहुत कम सीमित समय सीमा के भीतर करना है Note - दैनिक टेस्ट और विस्तृत व्याख्या की पीडीएफ और 'दैनिक नोट्स' को पीडीएफ प्रारूप में अपडेट किया जाएगा जो अंग्रेजी और हिन्दी दोनों में डाउनलोड करने योग्य होंगे। दैनिक प्रीलिम्स MCQs स्टेटिक (सोमवार – शनिवार) दैनिक स्टेटिक क्विज़ में स्टेटिक विषयों के सभी टॉपिक्स शामिल होंगे - राजनीति, इतिहास, भूगोल, अर्थशास्त्र, पर्यावरण तथा विज्ञान एवं प्रौद्योगिकी।20 प्रश्न प्रतिदिन पोस्ट किए जाएंगे और इन प्रश्नों को शेड्यूल में उल्लिखित टॉपिक्स और RaRe वीडियो से तैयार किया गया है।यह आपके स्टैटिक टॉपिक्स का समय पर और सुव्यवस्थित रिवीजन सुनिश्चित करेगा। दैनिक करेंट अफेयर्स MCQs (सोमवार – शनिवार) दैनिक 5 करेंट अफेयर्स प्रश्न, 'द हिंदू', 'इंडियन एक्सप्रेस' और 'पीआईबी' जैसे स्रोतों पर आधारित, शेड्यूल के अनुसार सोमवार से शनिवार तक प्रकाशित किए जाएंगे। दैनिक CSAT Quiz (सोमवार –शनिवार) सीसैट कई अभ्यर्थियों के लिए परेशानी का कारण रहा है।दैनिक रूप से 5 सीसैट प्रश्न प्रकाशित किए जाएंगे। Note - 20 स्टैटिक प्रश्नों, 5 करेंट अफेयर्स प्रश्नों और 5 CSAT प्रश्नों का दैनिक रूप से टेस्ट। (30 प्रारंभिक परीक्षा प्रश्न) प्रश्नोत्तरी प्रारूप में अंग्रेजी और हिंदी दोनों में दैनिक आधार पर अपडेट किया जाएगा। 60 DAY रैपिड रिवीजन (RaRe) सीरीज के बारे में अधिक जानने के लिए  – CLICK HERE   Download 60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Schedule – CLICK HERE  Download 60 Day Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series Notes & Solutions DAY 60– CLICK HERE Note –  Comment your Scores in the Comment Section. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come.It will help us come out with the Cut-Off on a Daily Basis. Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) You can post your comments in the given format  (1) Your Score(2) Matrix Meter(3) New Learning from the Test To take the Test - Click Here All the Best IASbaba

May 21, 2022 हिन्दी - Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2022: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 21st 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