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Jun 15, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th June 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Fortified Rice Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs Mains – GS 2 (Social issues) In News: Centre begins supply of fortified rice in 90 districts from April 1 The Centre has started distribution of fortified rice through ration shops from April 1 in some 90-odd districts out of 291 targeted for the entire year under phase II of PM-POSHAN Abhiyan The first phase was launched in October 2021 under which fortified rice was supplied through Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman-PM POSHAN Fortified rice is made as per the standards fixed by the food safety regulator FSSAI, which has prescribed blending rice with three micronutrients – Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12. Need for rice fortification India has very high levels of malnutrition among women and children. According to the Food Ministry, every second woman in the country is anemic and every third child is stunted. Malnutrition costs India at least ₹77,000 crore annually in terms of lost productivity, illness and death. The country loses about 1 per cent of GDP (₹2.03 lakh crore) due to iron deficiency One rupee spent on nutritional interventions in India could generate ₹34.1-Rs 38.6 in public economic returns Rice is one of India’s staple foods, consumed by about two-thirds of the population. Per capita rice consumption in India is 6.8 kg per month. Therefore, fortifying rice with micronutrients is an option to supplement the diet of the poor. POSHAN Abhiyaan POSHAN Abhiyaan is the flagship program to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in India. It is also called the National Nutrition Mission. Salient Features of the POSHAN Abhiyan The POSHAN (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) Abhiyaan spreads awareness towards the problems pertaining to malnutrition and brings viable solutions with it. Implementation status reports of the Abhiyaan are submitted by NITI Aayog every six months. The implementation of POSHAN Abhiyaan is carried out through the Technical Support Unit (TSU) established at NITI Aayog, which will also provide research, policy, and technical support for the program. As the mission is expected to eradicate malnutrition by 2022, it has been taken up by multiple ministries. This helps in expanding the outreach of the mission and thereby facilitating its implementation. Some specific targets of the program are reducing stunting, anemia, under-nutrition, and low birth weight. Specific Targets of the POSHAN Abhiyan The POSHAN Abhiyan aims to target the following specifically: Reduce stunting by 2% annually. Reduce under-nutrition by 2% annually. Reduce anemia by 3% annually. Reduce low birth weight by 2% annually. Source: Business Line Previous Year Questions Q.1) Genetically modified “golden rice” has been engineered to meet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the following statements best qualifies golden rice? (2010) The grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties. Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body. Its modified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids. Its modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D. China Imports Indian Broken Rice Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs Mains – GS 2 (International Relations) In News: China takes over as biggest importer of Indian broken rice China emerged as the top buyer of Indian rice during the pandemic, with the import of 7.7 per cent — of India’s total rice export in financial year 2021-22 The analysis shows that out of China’s total rice import from India of 16.34 LMT, nearly 97 per cent was broken rice, which has seen a spike in demand from that country. Thus making China the top buyer of Indian broken rice, which was earlier, exported mostly to African countries. Rice exports of India In 2021-22, India’s total rice exports — both basmati and non-basmati — was 212.10 LMT, which is 19.30 per cent higher than 177.79 LMT exported in 2020-21 Of India’s total rice export in 2021-22, basmati rice accounted for 39.48 LMT, which was 14.73 per cent lower than 46.30 LMT exported in 2020-21. Non-basmati rice accounts for the lion’s share in the basket of Indian rice exports. During 2021-22, export of rice other than basmati was 172.62 LMT, which was 31.27 per cent higher than 131.49 LMT in 2020-21. Reasons for import by China The reason for this increase in export of broken rice to China is the higher demand of rice for making noodles and wine in that country. Source: Indian Express Previous Year Questions 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 Lake Sawa Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography – Map Based Mains – GS 3 (Environment) In News: This year, for the first time in its centuries-long history, Iraq Lake Sawa dried up A combination of mismanagement by local investors, government neglect and climate change has ground down its azure shores to chunks of salt. Sawa Lake Sawa Lake is an endorheic basin located in the Iraqi governorate of Muthanna near to the Euphrates River This lake has no inlet or outlet, but it draws water from the Euphrates through a system of joint cracks and fissures which transport water to aquifers beneath it. The water’s level fluctuates during dry and wet seasons Sawa Lake is characterized by arid climate Because of its saline water, no plants grow in the lake or on its shores. Fish and algae are the most important aquatic organisms. Source: India Today Previous Year Questions Q.1) Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities? (2018) Aral Sea Black Sea Lake Baikal Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 only 2 and 3 only 2 only 1 and 3 only Web 5.O Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Science and Technology In News: Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey recently announced his vision for a new decentralized web platform that is being called Web 5.0 What do the terms Web 1.0, Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 mean? Web 1.0 was the first generation of the global digital communications network. It is often referred to as the “read-only” Internet made of static web-pages that only allowed for passive engagement. The next stage in the evolution of the web was the “read and write” Internet. Users were now able to communicate with servers and other users leading to the creation of the social web. This is the World Wide Web that we use today. Web 3.0 is an evolving term that is used to refer to the next generation of Internet – a “read-write-execute” web – with decentralization as its bedrock. It speaks about a digital world, built leveraging the blockchain technology, where people are able to interact with each other without the need of an intermediary. Web 3.0 will be driven by Artificial Intelligence and machine learning where machines will be able to interpret information like humans. What is Web 5.0? Web 5.0 is aimed at “building an extra decentralized web that puts you in control of your data and identity”. Simply put, Web 5.0 is Web 2.0 plus Web 3.0 that will allow users to ‘own their identity’ on the Internet and ‘control their data’. Both Web 3.0 and Web 5.0 envision an Internet without threat of censorship – from governments or big tech, and without fear of significant outages. What are the use cases for Web 5.0? The control of identity Giving users control over their own data Source: Indian Express Previous Year Questions Q.1) With reference to “Blockchain Technology”, consider the following statements: (2020) It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls. The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only. Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 only 1 and 3 only Type 1 diabetes Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Science In News: Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research (IMCR) released guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and management for type-1 diabetes. This is the first time the ICMR has issued guidelines specifically for type 1 diabetes, which is rarer than type 2 — only 2% of all hospital cases of diabetes in the country are type 1 — but which is being diagnosed more frequently in recent years. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the pancreas completely stops producing insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling the level of glucose in blood by increasing or decreasing absorption to the liver, fat, and other cells of the body. Type 1 diabetes is predominantly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Although the prevalence is less, it is much more severe than type 2. Unlike type 2 diabetes where the body produces some insulin and which can be managed using various pills, if a person with type 1 diabetes stops taking their insulin, they die within weeks. The body produces zero insulin How rare is it? There are over 10 lakh children and adolescents living with type 1 diabetes in the world, with India accounting for the highest numbers. Of the 5 lakh people living with type 1 diabetes in India, 90,000 to 1 lakh are under the age of 14 years. For context, the total number of people in India living with diabetes was 7.7 crore in 2019 Who is at risk of type 1 diabetes? The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown, but it is thought to be an auto-immune condition where the body’s immune system destroys the islets cells on the pancreas that produce insulin. Genetic factors play a role in determining whether a person will get type-1 diabetes. The presence of certain genes is also strongly associated with the disease. For example, the prevalence of genes called DR3-DQ2 and DR4-DQ8 is 30-40% in patients with type 1 diabetes as compared to 2.4% in the general population. What are the guidelines? The guidelines provide details on diet and exercise, insulin monitoring, and prevention and treatment of complications such as retinopathy, kidney disease, and nerve disease. Source: Indian Express Baba’s Explainer – Bad Bank: NARCL & IDRCL Bad Bank: NARCL & IDRCL Syllabus GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced that the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) along with the India Debt Resolution Company (IDRCL) will take over the first set of bad loans from banks and try to resolve them. While the problem of bad loans has been a perennial one in the Indian banking sector, the decision to set up a bad bank was taken by the Union government during the Budget presented in 2021. Read Complete Details on Bad Bank: NARCL & IDRCL Daily Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) Lake Sawa which recently dried up is located in which of the following country? Iran Iraq Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Q.2) Consider the following statements POSHAN Abhiyaan program covers pregnant women and children but excludes lactating mothers The implementation of POSHAN Abhiyaan is carried by Technical Support Unit (TSU) established at NITI Aayog Choose the incorrect statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3) Consider the following statements State Food Safety Index (SFSI) is published by NITI AAYOG in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization Training and Capacity Building parameter has the lowest weightage among the five key parameters considered. Tamil Nadu with an overall score of 82 topped the index Choose the correct statements: 1 only 1 and 3 1, 2 and 3 2 and 3 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’14th JUNE 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs. ANSWERS FOR 13th JUNE 2022 – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – d Q.2) – a Q.3) – c

Jun 15, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 15th June 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

Jun 14, 2022 Baba's Gurukul 2022

[IMPORTANT UPDATE] Baba’s GURUKUL FOUNDATION for Freshers’ 2023

Dear Students Baba's Gurukul Foundation 2023 will start from the 1st Week of July in all centers (DELHI, BENGALURU, LUCKNOW) and in ONLINE Mode. DELHI - 1st July BENGALURU - 4th July LUCKNOW - 4th July ONLINE - 4th July IASbaba has secured 162 Ranks this year, across all its programs. Three Students from Baba's Gurukul have secured Ranks this year - ANJALI SHROTRIYA (RANK 44), RAJESH PONNAPPA (RANK 222), ANKITA MISHRA (RANK 169). The Introductory Offer will be ending this week. The Prices for the program will be increasing from the 20th of June. If you are interested in joining Baba's Gurukul Foundation 2023, take the 'SCREENING TEST' - CLICK HERE To Know More about Baba's Gurukul Foundation 2023 - Above & Beyond Regular Coaching - CLICK HERE Still, Confused? You can call us on 91691 91888 or mail us at support@iasbaba.com Or visit our centres: Delhi: Plot 22-B, 3rd floor, Pusa Road, Bada Bazar Marg, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi- 110060 Landmark: Above Dominos Bengaluru: No.38, 3rd Cross, 1st Phase, 2nd Stage, 60 Feet Main Road, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560040 Landmark: opposite to BBMP Building Lucknow: B-1/66, Sector J, Aliganj, Lucknow – 226024 Landmark: Near Mr Brown / Opp to Sahu Studio.

Jun 14, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

Baba's Explainer - Bad Bank: NARCL & IDRCL

ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Context: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently announced that the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) along with the India Debt Resolution Company (IDRCL) will take over the first set of bad loans from banks and try to resolve them. While the problem of bad loans has been a perennial one in the Indian banking sector, the decision to set up a bad bank was taken by the Union government during the Budget presented in 2021. [su_spoiler open="yes" title="What are Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] A nonperforming asset (NPA), commonly referred to as bad loans, refers to a classification for loans or advances that are in default or in arrears. A loan is in arrears when principal or interest payments are late or missed. A loan is in default when the lender considers the loan agreement to be broken and the debtor is unable to meet his repayment obligations. In India, a non performing asset (NPA) is defined as a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment remained overdue for a period of 90 days NPAs classified further into Substandard, Doubtful and Loss assets. Substandard assets: Assets which has remained NPA for a period less than or equal to 12 months. Doubtful assets: An asset would be classified as doubtful if it has remained in the substandard category for a period of 12 months. Loss assets: As per RBI, “Loss asset is considered uncollectible and of such little value that its continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted, although there may be some salvage or recovery value.” [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is the Genesis of NPA problem?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Boom years of late 2000s: A large part of the problem started in the latter half of 2010s, as assumptions of persistently high economic growth made several large corporates overzealous in their investment ambitions, thus over-leveraging themselves in the process. Role of Easy Credit by Banks: On the prospects of high economic growth financial sector, led by public sector banks, fuelled these expansion plans through easy money on credit. 2008 Financial Crisis: Growth (and demand) fizzled out following the global financial crisis of 2008. Despite the fire-fighting measures taken by government, the impact of the global crisis was felt in coming years. The crisis got further precipitated by Policy Paralysis of UPA-2 government (Corruption Scandals, Coalition Politics, standstill bureaucracy) Vicious cycle: The stress from stretched corporate balance sheets (revenue impacted due to slowdown) infected banks’ own books and underwhelmed banks own capacity for fresh lending. Former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian had called it India’s ‘twin balance sheet problem’ in the Economic Survey for 2016-17. Recognition of Bad loans: Over the course of 2014-19, India’s banks were put on high alert by RBI for tighter recognition norms for bad loans for it believed that that NPAs were being under-stated. NPAs in 2015-16 almost doubled over the previous year as a result. It is not as if bad decisions had suddenly happened. It’s just that the cumulative bad decisions of the past were now coming to be more accurately captured. In March 2018, when bad loans on their books peaked to over ₹10 lakh crore — around 11.5% of all loans. Public sector banks (PSBs) accounted for ₹8.9 trillion, or 86%, of the total NPAs. The ratio of gross NPA to advances in PSBs was 14.6%. These are levels typically associated with a banking crisis. For example, in 2007-08, NPAs totalled only ₹566 billion (a little over half a trillion), or 2.26% of gross advances! The vicious cycle of twin balance sheet problem was interrupted to an extent by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which, along with tighter recognition norms for bad loans, helped correct the course over time. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="How serious is the NPA issue in the wake of the pandemic?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The RBI had, in December 2021, warned that bad loans of commercial banks could rise to anywhere between 8.1% and 9.5% under varied degrees of stress by September 2022, from 6.9% in September 2021. True Picture will emerge when support measures are rolled back: RBI believes that a real picture of the state of borrowers’ accounts (and consequently, the banking system in general, and the economy at large), will emerge once the policy support measures are rolled back. Had the central bank’s normal loan classification norms been followed instead of the COVID-19 relief measures, bad loans would have been higher, the RBI has argued Housing Finance Sector may drive NPAs in Future: RBI has also warned about large-scale loan defaults looming over housing finance companies, which have been hit by delays in completion of housing projects, cost overruns due to reverse migration of labourers, and delayed investments by buyers in the affordable housing sector as incomes shrank and jobs were lost. The K V Kamath Committee, which helped the RBI with designing a one-time restructuring scheme, also noted that corporate sector debt worth Rs 15.52 lakh crore has come under stress after Covid-19 hit India, while another Rs 22.20 lakh crore was already under stress before the pandemic. This effectively means Rs 37.72 crore (72% of the banking sector debt to industry) remains under stress. This is almost 37% of the total non-food bank credit. The panel led by Kamath, a veteran banker, has said companies in sectors such as retail trade, wholesale trade, roads and textiles are facing stress. Sectors that have been under stress pre-Covid include NBFCs, power, steel, real estate and construction. Setting up a bad bank is seen as crucial against this backdrop. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="Why is it crucial to tackle toxic loans?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] In every country, commercial banks accept deposits and extend loans. Banks and other financial institutions are considered as the key drivers of economic growth, as they are the formal channels of credit. The deposits are a bank’s “liability” because that is the money it has taken from a common man, and it will have to return that money when the depositor asks for it. Moreover, in the interim, it has to pay the depositor an interest rate on those deposits. In contrast, the loans that banks give out are their “assets” because this is where the banks earn interest and this is money that the borrower has to return to the bank. The whole business model is premised on the idea that a bank will earn more money from extending loans to borrowers than what it would have to pay back to the depositors. A loan can turn bad when the borrower is unable to repay it back. In such case two things happen. One, the concerned bank becomes less profitable because it has to use some of its profits from other loans to make up for the loss on the bad loans. Their capital got eroded as a result. Without adequate capital, bank credit cannot grow. Two, it becomes more risk-averse. In other words, its officials hesitate from extending loans. Lower credit off take translates to lower capacity of economy to expand its activities i.e. lower economic growth. If such “bad loans” in a bank rise alarmingly, the bank could close down. When several banks in an economy face high levels of bad loans and all at the same time, it will threaten the stability of the whole economy. From the taxpayer’s perspective, the most worrisome fact was that an overwhelming proportion of bad loans was with the public sector banks (PSB), which were owned by the government and hence by the Indian public. To keep such PSBs in business, the government was forced to recapitalise them — that is, use taxpayers’ money to improve the financial health of PSBs so that they could carry on with the business of lending and funding economic activity. Despite recapitalisation, the problem of bad loans did not subside. Therefore, it was argued by many that the government needs to create a bad bank — that is, an entity where all the bad loans from all the banks can be parked. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is Bad Bank?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Technically, a bad bank is an asset reconstruction company (ARC) or an asset management company that takes over the bad loans of commercial banks, manages them and finally recovers the money over a period of time. The bad bank is not involved in lending and taking deposits, but helps commercial banks clean up their balance sheets and resolve bad loans in The takeover of bad loans is normally below the book value of the loan (provides certain margin to ARC). The bad bank subsequently tries to recover as much as possible using its expertise in stressed asset resolution. The bad bank concept is in some ways similar to an ARC but is funded by the government initially, with banks and other investors co-investing in due course. The presence of the government is seen as a means to speed up the clean-up process. US-based Mellon Bank created the first bad bank in 1988. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What are the merits of Having Bad Bank? " style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Banks’ Burden is Reduced: The burden of recovering those loans is reduced for other banks. While commercial banks resume lending, the so-called bad bank, or a bank of bad loans, would try to sell these “assets” in the market. Specialisation leads to faster recovery: Speed of recovery will be better as Bad Bank’s main work is recovery and they are specialised in that. Positive Impact on Financial Sector: Bad Bank will help improve the banking sector’s health and fasten the recovery aspects of ailing by putting back frozen assets back into economic circulation. Increased Profitability of Banks: Bad Bank increases profitability of other banks as they can focus more on lending, acquiring more customers and upgrading technology without spending too much time on recovery or resolution of bad loans Complements Previous Measures: Despite a series of measures by the RBI for better recognition and provisioning against NPAs, as well as massive doses of capitalisation of public sector banks by the government, the problem of NPAs continues in the banking sector, especially among the weaker banks. Having a Bad Bank will complement other measures taken by RBI & government to clean up banking sector. Helps solve economic aftershocks of Pandemic: As the Covid-related stress pans out in the coming months, proponents of the concept feel that a professionally-run bad bank, funded by the private lenders and supported the government, can be an effective mechanism to deal with NPAs. Feasibile: Bad banks can make profits as they usually keep high margin before acquiring the bad loans. The concept of Bad Bank has been implemented in other countries including Sweden, Finland, France and Germany. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What are the demerits of Bad Bank?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Shifting of Problem: Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had opposed the idea of setting up a bad bank in which banks hold a majority stake. He was of the opinion that bad bank idea as merely shifting loans from one government pocket (the public sector banks) to another (the bad bank). Reckless Lending: Other banks may not concentrate on the quality of loans as they always an option of shifting bad loans to ARC/ Bad Bank. This leads to doling out loans without proper diligence leading to reckless lending Efficacy Debate: Bad banks may not acquire critical loans which are difficult to recover and only concentrate on easily recoverable loans. As a result, troubled Commercial banks continue to face the issue of bad loans. There is also the fear that it ends up as another case of throwing good money after bad. Profitability of Banks: High margin of Bad banks may curtail the profits of other banks which can in turn impact their lending capabilities. Moral Issues: Due to pressure bad banks may employ some unethical ways to recover loans. Another issue is that other banks may not show the actual position of loan accounts by doing window dressing. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is the structure of the bad bank set up by Union Government?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Following up the 2021 Union Budget announcement, government has incorporated “National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited” (NARCL) under the Companies Act. It will acquire stressed assets worth about Rs 2 lakh crore from various commercial banks in different phases. Public Sector Banks (PSBs) will maintain 51% ownership in NARCL. Another entity — India Debt Resolution Company Ltd (IDRCL), which has also been set up — will then try to sell the stressed assets in the market. PSBs and Public Financial Institutes (FIs) will hold a maximum of 49% stake in IDRCL. The remaining 51% stake will be with private-sector lenders. The NARCL-IDRCL structure is the new bad bank. To make it work, the government has provided Rs 30,600 crore to be used as a guarantee. Government guarantee, valid for five years, helps in improving the value of security receipts, their liquidity and tradability. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="How will the NARCL-IDRCL work?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] NARCL and IDRCL will have an exclusive arrangement that will be as per the scope defined in the ‘Debt Management Agreement’ to be executed between these two entities. This arrangement will be on a ‘Principal-Agent’ basis and final approvals and ownership for the resolution shall lie with NARCL as the Principal The NARCL will first purchase bad loans from banks. It will pay 15% of the agreed price in cash and the remaining 85% will be in the form of “Security Receipts” guaranteed by the government. Although the government is giving guarantee on the SRs, it has not contributed to the equity of the bad bank. When the assets are sold, with the help of IDRCL, the commercial banks will be paid back the rest. The government guarantee will essentially cover the gap between the face value of the security receipts and realised value of the assets when eventually sold to the prospective buyers. It is for this purpose Rs 30,600 crore has been provided by the government. Concerns RBI has raised concerns over the lack of clarity on the regulatory oversight of an asset management company (AMC) that was proposed to be set up under the overarching structure of the NARCL. The RBI has asked while it will have a regulatory/supervisory role over the NARCL, whom is this AMC accountable to?. This, coupled with some other operational issues, has delayed the transfer of large bad loans of about Rs 50,000 crore to the NARCL in the first phase from the initially targeted deadline of March 2022. As the NARCL concept is new to India, once regulatory clarity is established, it will pave the way for the setting up of similar entities in future [/su_spoiler] Mains Practice Question - How has Ukraine Crisis impacted India’s trade policy? Critically examine. Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.

Jun 14, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 14th June 2022

Jun 13, 2022 IASbaba's Courses

ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL TEST SERIES for UPSC 2022 by C.A. Vijaya Sarathy Sir

Dear Students We are tiding over the testing times slowly and gradually. Now that you have done well in the Prelims, it’s time to assess your Mains writing abilities. It’s time to check where you stand in the competition. Now is the time to check your requirements of Anthropology Answer Writing Skills in both Paper 1, which tests your basic concepts of the subject, and Paper 2, which demands the application of the conceptual base to the applied aspects in the Indian context. We want you to take advantage of Anthropology Test Series, and come out confident in your preparation. Read Complete Details -> Click Here

Jun 13, 2022 Baba’s Explainer

Baba's Explainer - Ukraine War and the Global Food Crisis

ARCHIVES Syllabus GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Context: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions on its economy have sent global food prices soaring, threatening to push millions of people, especially those in low-income countries, into starvation. As the war, in its fourth month now, is still raging in Ukraine’s east with no political solution on the horizon, the United Nations and Turkey have initiated talks with the Russian leadership to facilitate the exports of grains and fertilizers from Russia and Ukraine. [su_spoiler open="yes" title="How important are Russia and Ukraine for global food security?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Ukraine’s share in global wheat exports is around 10 per cent, whereas the Russian share is around 18 per cent. Wheat is a staple food for at least 35% of the world’s population, as per the estimates of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Around 26 countries in the world get more than half of their wheat supplies from these two countries About 50 countries depend on Russia and Ukraine for more than 30% of their wheat imports If Azerbaijan and Georgia source more than 80% of their imported wheat from Russia and Ukraine, Turkey, Egypt, Bangladesh and Lebanon meet over 60% of their imports from these two countries. Russia has a 14 per cent market share of barley and Ukraine 12 per cent Russia has a 26 per cent share of world’s sunflower oil supplies, whereas Ukraine is the world’s largest export with a whopping share of 37 per cent. Ukraine is the world’s eighth largest producer and fourth largest exporter of corn, accounting for 16% of global exports Russia’s share in the world's fertiliser supply is around 17 per cent. Together, Russia and Belarus last year exported 40 per cent of the world's potash, While Ukraine’s exports are disrupted because of diversion of farmhands from agricultural fields to battlefields and damage of food plants and ports in Russian attacks, the Russian and Belarus’s exports have been hit by Western sanctions. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="How serious is the food crisis?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Many countries were facing growing food insecurity even before Russia’s war. Climate shocks, conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted supply chains, pumping up prices of both commodities and crops. The war in Ukraine has aggravated this situation. As of June 1, 2022, the Agricultural Price Index was 40% higher compared to January 2021, according to the World Bank. Maize and wheat prices rose 42% and 60%, respectively, from the levels of January 2021. Global food, fuel and fertilizer prices are projected to be sharply higher this year and will remain elevated into 2024, the Bank estimates. Almost all economies in the world have been hit by higher food prices. Across the western world, there’s a cost-of-living crisis with food and energy prices rocketing. In the U.K., inflation numbers have already hit a 40-year high. Almost 90% of emerging markets and developing economies experienced food price inflation greater than 5% this year. Low-income countries that are reliant on imports for basic food consumption, are the hardest hit. According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen remain at ‘highest alert’ as hotspots with “catastrophic conditions”, as Afghanistan and Somalia are added to this category. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What is causing the crisis?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, Ukraine had the capacity to export up to six million tonnes of wheat, barley and maize a month, mainly through its ports in the Black Sea/Sea of Azov. In the eight months before the war, some 51 million tonnes of grain were exported through Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. But exports have collapsed since the invasion as the Russian war effort is entirely focused on Ukraine’s eastern and southern parts along the Black Sea/Sea of Azov coast. Now, several Ukrainian port cities, including Mariupol, Kherson and Berdyansk, are under Russian control. Although the southern cities of Mykolaiv and Odessa, which is known as the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea’, are still with the Ukrainians, commercial ships cannot dock at these ports because of two reasons — Ukraine has mined the waters around these ports as a deterrent against potential Russian attacks and Russia has enforced a naval blockade in the waters of the Black Sea. These factors have in effect brought exports from Ukraine to a grinding halt. According to Ukrainian authorities, more than 20 million tonnes of grain are stuck in warehouses and containers. June marks the beginning of a harvesting season in Ukraine and this season, the country is expected to produce some 30 million tonnes of corn, wheat and sunflower oil, half of which are meant to be exported. But unless the blockade is lifted and Ukraine starts exports, Ukraine would not even find enough warehousing capacity to store this year’s harvest. This would make the food crisis worse. Besides the blockade, the western sanctions on Russia are also contributing to the crisis. Russia, besides being the world’s top wheat exporter, is also a leading exporter of fertilizer, an essential commodity for food production. Russia and its ally Belarus together account for some 38% of potassic fertilizers, 17% of compound fertilizers, and 15% of nitrogenous fertilizers. Fertilizer prices are also on the rise, which would make food production costlier. Russia’s food and fertilizer sectors were not directly targeted by western sanctions, but the sanctions on its financial sector, which made payments difficult for Russia, has complicated its exports, including food grains. Also, the targeted sanctions on Russian oligarchs have choked finances for the agricultural industry. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="Is there a way out?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] Russia has suggested that it would resume exports (not sure whether Ukrainian or Russian grains) from the ports on the Sea of Azov that it controls (Mariupol and Berdyansk) and that it would open a corridor for commercial vessels in the Black Sea if Ukraine demines the ports it controls (mainly Odessa and Mykolaiv). But these proposals, which were discussed in Turkey recently, could be implemented only as part of a deal between russia and Ukraine, with blessings from the West as Russia seeks sanctions relief in return for opening the maritime corridor. Ukraine, however, is sceptical, saying it doesn’t trust Moscow. No breakthrough has been achieved so far. Ukraine has little good options to ship its grains out of the country if its ports remain blockaded. One option is to transfer the grains overland to the Baltic states, either through Poland or Belarus, and then ship them out from the Baltic Sea ports. However, Ukraine has dismissed the proposal to seek help from Belarus, a Russian ally that also faces western sanctions. Moving them overland via Poland is challenging because the rail track gauge in Poland is smaller than that of former Soviet countries such as Ukraine and the Baltic states — this means cargoes will have to be moved to different trains at the Polish-Ukraine border and then again at the Polish-Lithuania border to start exporting them from the Baltic ports So, the only practical solution to take Ukrainian grains to the global markets is to open the Black Sea routes. And to ease the pressure on global food items, Russia will also have to step up exports of both grains and fertilizers. For this, Ukraine and its allies may have to strike a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What has been India’s reaction to global wheat crisis?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] The Government has banned wheat exports with effect from May 13, with some minor exceptions for those who have irrevocable letters of credit or where the governments of importing countries request the Indian government for food security purposes. Significantly, the order came two days after the Government had decided to send trade delegations to a number of countries to explore possibilities of export of wheat India had set a goal of exporting 10 million tons of grains in 2022-23, looking to capitalize on the global disruptions to wheat supplies from the war and find new markets in Europe, Africa and Asia. Reasons for Export Ban by India Low Domestic Production: The revised estimates of wheat production are much lower than the estimated 111 mmt (million metric tonnes), primarily attributed to record shattering heat waves across India. Lower surplus forces India to curb exports. Thin Procurement: Government wheat procurement is likely to end up at around 19 to 20 mmt by June-end against 43 mmt last year indicating less wheat reaching govt procurement centres. In such a situation, government has to prioritise domestic needs over export opportunities. Rising Wheat Prices domestically: Another factor could be that the April ’22 wheat inflation is at 9.59 per cent (y-o-y) against overall cereal inflation of 5.96 per cent. Increasing domestic supply by curtailing export will help calm down the prices. Food Distribution Obligations: Government announced free food until Sep 2022 under PMGKAY. Hence, food procurement is essential for fulfilling its promise & to meet nutritional security of the Nation. Curbs on Sugar Exports The government has recently decided to “restrict” the export of sugar. The curbs, the first such move in four years is done in the backdrop of turbulence created in the commodity markets in the world due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 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 Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Unlike wheat, where export has been banned, sugar would continue to be exported, but from June 1, permission would be required to send the shipments out. Reasons for putting curbs on Sugar export now Exports can continue unabated given the international demand. But for the government, a possible worry is low stocks at the beginning of the next season. This can lead to supply constraints for around three months. The sugar season officially starts in October, but picks up momentum only after December. If there is scarcity of back-up stocks during this period then prices can escalate in the domestic market. When inflation, especially food inflation, is beyond the expected range, further rise in sugar prices will hurt India’s economic recovery process. The country has seen a bumper sugarcane crop. It is expected that the country will see production of 350 lakh tonnes of sugar. Around 34 lakh tonnes of sugar have already been subsumed for production of ethanol. India’s domestic consumption is pegged at 260 lakh tonnes. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler open="no" title="What has been the response to India imposing export restriction?" style="fancy" icon="chevron"] G-7 condemned India’s decision amidst rising prices would worsen the situation. The export ban also reflects poorly on India’s image in playing its shared global responsibility when the Russia-Ukraine war is creating uncertainty in global commodity markets. It conveys that India doesn’t have any credible export policy as it can turn its back at any instant. It also reflects a deep-rooted consumer bias in India’s trade policies. Imposition of export restrictions reduces their possible avenue of increasing their income (farmers are getting just 10 per cent higher price than MSP in global market) Indian government argues that the ban on wheat exports & curbs on sugar exports is not a crisis-driven situation but a calculated measure to ensure adequate domestic supply & to keep domestic prices in check. [/su_spoiler] Mains Practice Question - How has Ukraine Crisis impacted India’s trade policy? Critically examine. Note: Write answers to this question in the comment section.

Jun 13, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th June 2022

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) [su_box title="Election Commission" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Polity Mains – GS 2 (Polity & Constitution) In News: The EC sent six key proposals to the Law Ministry Linking of Aadhaar with voter IDs Allowing four qualifying dates for eligible people to register as voters Ban on exit polls and opinion polls and said there should be some restriction on conducting and disseminating the results of opinion polls right from the day of the first notification of an election till the completion of the election in all its phases Also recommended limiting the seats from which a candidate can contest to just one The EC has also sought powers to deregister political parties EC has sought the modification of Form 24A to mandate the disclosure of all donations above Rs 2,000 instead of Rs 20,000 Linking Aadhaar with voter IDs In December 2021, Parliament passed the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021 enabling “the linking of electoral roll data with the Aadhaar ecosystem” Enrollment As of now, for an election to be held in a particular year, only an individual who has attained the age of 18 years as on January 1 of that year or before is eligible to be enrolled in the voters' list. The ECI had told the government that the January 1 cut-off date set for the purpose deprives several youngsters from participating in the electoral exercise held in a particular year. What are exit & opinion polls? An opinion poll is a pre-election survey to gather voters’ views on a range of election-related issues. An exit poll is conducted immediately after people have voted, and assesses the support for political parties and their candidates. Why is the Election Commission (EC) against these polls? Both kinds of polls can be controversial if the agency conducting them is perceived to be biased. The projections of these surveys can be influenced by the choice, wording and timing of the questions, and by the nature of the sample drawn. Political parties often allege that many opinion and exit polls are motivated and sponsored by their rivals, and could have a distorting effect on the choices voters make in a protracted election, rather than simply reflecting public sentiment or views. Number of Seats The EC has sought an amendment of Section 33(7) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 to restrict the number of seats a candidate can contest from. The Act currently allows a person to contest a general election or a group of by-elections or biennial elections from up to two constituencies. Registration and De registration Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 empowers the commission to register associations and bodies as political parties. However, there is no constitutional or statutory provision that gives power to the EC to deregister parties. Many political parties get registered, but never contest election. Such parties exist only on paper. The possibility of forming political parties with an eye on availing the benefit of income tax exemption also cannot be ruled out. It would only be logical that the commission which has the power to register political parties is also empowered to deregister in appropriate cases Source: Indian Express Previous Year Questions Q.1) With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements: (2017) The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and by-elections. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties. Select the correct code: 1 and 2 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 3 only [/su_box] [su_box title="State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2021-22" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs Mains – GS 2 (Governance) In News: the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released the State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2021-22 What is the SFSI? The index aims to measure the performance of states and Union Territories on selected “parameters” of food safety. The index is aimed at encouraging states and UTs to “improve their performance and work towards establishing a proper food safety ecosystem in their jurisdiction The SFSI is released annually for a financial year. This is the fourth edition of the SFSI since its inception in 2018-19. Parameters The SFSI takes into account the performance of the states on five key parameters, each of which is assigned a different weightage in the assessment. Human Resources and Institutional Data Weightage: 20% Measures the availability of human resources like number of Food Safety Officers, Designated Officers facility of adjudications and appellate tribunals, functioning of State/ District level Steering Committees etc Compilance Weightage: 30%. Measures overall coverage of food businesses in licensing & registration commensurate with size and population of the State/UTs, special drives and camps organized, yearly increase, promptness and effectiveness in issue of state licenses/ registrations Food Testing - Infrastructure and Surveillance Weightage: 20% Measures the availability of adequate testing infrastructure with trained manpower in the States/ UTs for testing food samples Training and Capacity Building Weightage: 10%. It measures states’ performance on training and capacity building of regulatory staff. Consumer Empowerment Weightage: 20%. It evaluates the states and UTs on their performance on various consumer empowering initiatives of FSSAI, such as participation in Food Fortification, Eat Right Campus plus state initiatives Assessment The states and Union Territories are segregated into three categories — large states, small states and UTs— and assessed separately within their respective categories, based on their performance on the selected food safety parameters. Performance In the category of the 20 large states, Tamil Nadu with an overall score of 82 out of 100 has performed the best and been ranked 1st on SFSI 2021-22, while Andhra Pradesh with an overall score of 26 has been ranked at the bottom —17th place Following Tamil Nadu in the rankings of the larger states are Gujarat (rank 2nd with a score 77.5), Maharashtra (3rd with 70), Himachal Pradesh (4th with 65.5) and West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh (sharing 5th with a score of 58.5). Among the eight small states, Goa with a score of 56 has been ranked at the top, while Arunachal Pradesh (rank 8th and score 21) is at the bottom. Among the eight Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir with a score of 68.5 has been ranked 1st and Lakshadweep (score 16) as the bottom. Delhi with a score of 66 has been ranked at 2nd place. Source: Indian Express Previous Year Questions Q.1) Which one of the following issues the 'Global Economic Prospects' report periodically? (2015) The Asian Development Bank The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development The US Federal Reserve Bank The World Bank [/su_box] [su_box title="Abnormal’ dinosaur egg in India" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Geography – Evolution In News: A team of researchers from the University of Delhi has discovered a unique set of fossilised dinosaur eggs, with one egg nesting within the other at the Dinosaur Fossil National Park, in Dhar District of Madhya Pradesh. While eggs-within-eggs are rare phenomena, they are so far known to occur only in birds and have never known in reptiles. This discovery brings out newer connections between reptilian and avian evolution. Dinosaurs of the Sauropod family were among the largest land animals that have ever lived and were widespread millions of years ago in the territory that is now India. Fossils of these animals have been found in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh as well as Meghalaya. Latest findings, documented 52 titanosaurid sauropod nests near Padlya village close to Bagh town in Madhya Pradesh. One of these nests consisted of 10 eggs, one of which was the “abnormal” egg. The egg has two continuous and circular eggshell layers separated by a wide gap like that observed in birds. It was believed that dinosaurs had a reproductive function similar to that of turtles and other reptiles (unsegmented oviduct) in contrast to segmented reproductive tract of crocodiles and birds with separate regions of membrane and shell deposition. The finding of ovum-in-ovo egg from a titanosaurid nest opens up the possibility that sauropod dinosaurs had an oviduct morphology similar to those of crocodiles or birds and they may have adapted to a mode of an egg-laying characteristic of birds The new find highlights the fact that Central and Western India hold great potential for dinosaur fossils which may offer important information on dinosaur diversity, nesting behaviour and reproductive biology, the authors note. Source: The Hindu Previous Year Questions Q.1) The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to (2019) fossils of a kind of dinosaurs an early human species a cave system found in North-East India a geological period in the history of Indian subcontinent [/su_box] [su_box title="Ramsay Hunt Syndrome" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Current Affairs – Health What is Ramsay Hunt Syndrome? Ramsay Hunt syndrome (herpes zoster oticus) occurs when a shingles outbreak affects the facial nerve near one of your ears. In addition to the painful shingles rash, Ramsay Hunt syndrome can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox - the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) After chickenpox clears up, the virus still lives in your nerves. Years later, it may reactivate. When it does, it can affect your facial nerves Symptoms The two main signs and symptoms of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are: A painful red rash with fluid-filled blisters on, in and around one ear Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the affected ear Risk factors Ramsay Hunt syndrome can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox. It's more common in older adults, typically affecting people older than 60. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is rare in children. Ramsay Hunt syndrome isn't contagious. However, reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can cause chickenpox in people who haven't previously had chickenpox or been vaccinated for it. The infection can be serious for people who have immune system problems. Source: Indian Express Previous Year Questions Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2017) In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by ‘the same mosquito that transmits dengue. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 [/su_box] [su_box title="BrahMos" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – Science and Technology Mains – GS 3 (Science and Technology; Security) Context: On June 12, 2001, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was first tested from a land-based launcher in Chandipur. In the 21 years since, BrahMos has been upgraded several times, with versions tested on land, air and sea platforms. A look at the 21-year journey of the versatile asset In the early 1990s, India’s strategic leadership felt the need for cruise missiles — guided missiles that traverse the majority of their flight path at almost constant speed and deliver large warheads over long distances with high precision. The need was felt primarily following the use of cruise missiles in the Gulf War. An Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed with Russia in Moscow in 1998 by Dr Kalam, who headed the DRDO and N V Mikhailov, Russia’s then Deputy Defence Minister. This led to the formation of BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM), the Indian side holding 50.5% and the Russians 49.5%. In 1999, work on development of missiles began in labs of DRDO and NPOM after BrahMos Aerospace received funds from the two governments. The first successful test in 2001 was conducted from a specially designed land-based launcher. The missile system has since reached some key milestones, with the first major export order of $375 million received from the Philippines Navy this year. About BrahMos Name: BrahMos is named on the rivers Brahmaputra and Moskva. Multiplatform Missile: it can be launched from land, air, and sea and multi capability missile with pinpoint accuracy that works in both day and night irrespective of the weather conditions BrahMos is a two-stage missile with a solid propellant booster engine. Its first stage brings the missile to supersonic speed and then gets separated. The liquid ramjet or the second stage then takes the missile closer to three times the speed of sound in cruise phase. The missile has a very low radar signature, making it stealthy, and can achieve a variety of trajectories. Fire and Forgets Principle: It operates on the “Fire and Forgets” principle i.e. it does not require further guidance after launch. Cruise missiles such as BrahMos, called “standoff range weapons”, are fired from a range far enough to allow the attacker to evade defensive counter-fire. The BrahMos has three times the speed, 2.5 times flight range and higher range compared to subsonic cruise missiles. With missiles made available for export, the platform is also seen as a key asset in defence diplomacy. An extended range version of the BrahMos air-launched missile was tested from a Sukhoi-30 MKI recently. In January 2022, an advanced sea-to-sea variant of BrahMos was tested from the newly commissioned INS Visakhapatnam. Current Status With requirements evolving in multi-dimensional warfare, the BrahMos is undergoing a number of upgrades and work is on to develop versions with higher ranges, manoeuvrability and accuracy. Versions currently being tested include ranges up to 350 km, as compared to the original’s 290 km. Source: Indian Express Previous Year Questions Q.1) With reference to the Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? (2014) It is a surface-to-surface missile. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only. It can deliver a one-tonne nuclear warhead about 7500 km away. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 [/su_box] [su_box title="Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Open in new window Syllabus Prelims – International Relations – Current Affairs Mains – GS 2 (International Relations) In News: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) “condemned and denounced” the comments on Prophet Muhammed made by two erstwhile national spokespersons of the ruling party What is the OIC? The OIC (57-nation grouping) was established at a 1969 summit in Rabat (Morocco). It endeavours to establish solidarity among member states, support restoration of complete sovereignty and territorial integrity of any member state under occupation; protect, defend and combat defamation of Islam, prevent growing dissention in Muslim societies and work to ensure that member states take a united stand on the international stage. The OIC has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other inter-governmental organisations to protect the interest of Muslims How does the OIC function? The Islamic Summit, composed of Kings and heads of state, is the supreme authority of the organisation. Convening every two years, it deliberates, takes policy decisions, provides guidance on issues relevant to the organisation The Council of Foreign Ministers is the chief decision-making body and meets annually to decide on how to implement the OIC’s general policies. The council also appoints, for a period of five years, the Secretary General, who is the chief administrative officer of the grouping. UN members with a Muslim majority can join the organisation. The membership is to be ratified with full consensus at the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers. The same provisions apply for acquiring an observer status. The OIC is financed by the member states proportionate to their national incomes. What has been the nature of India’s relationship with the OIC? India’s association with the 57-nation grouping has not been easy. Even though the country has good relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, its membership and engagement has been constantly challenged by Pakistan. In 1969, Islamabad’s opposition to Indian participation at the first OIC Plenary resulted in the Indian delegation being turned back from the venue at the last minute. In 2018, Bangladesh had proposed India be given the observer status at the OIC considering its sizeable Muslim population – a move which received support from Turkey but was opposed by Pakistan. About 50 years later, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed the OIC Plenary of Foreign Ministers in Abu Dhabi as a guest of honour. The invitation was extended by the UAE’s Foreign Minister Islamabad’s apprehension stems from the fear that India’s involvement in the grouping could influence the opinion of other Muslim states — not boding well for its influence. Source: The Hindu Previous Year Questions Q.1) With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015) It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only Select the correct answer using the code given below. 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 [/su_box] Baba's Explainer - Ukraine War and the Global Food Crisis [su_box title="Ukraine War and the Global Food Crisis" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Syllabus GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Context: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions on its economy have sent global food prices soaring, threatening to push millions of people, especially those in low-income countries, into starvation. As the war, in its fourth month now, is still raging in Ukraine’s east with no political solution on the horizon, the United Nations and Turkey have initiated talks with the Russian leadership to facilitate the exports of grains and fertilizers from Russia and Ukraine. Read Complete Details on Ukraine War and the Global Food Crisis [/su_box] Daily Practice MCQs [su_box title="Daily Practice MCQs" style="soft" box_color="#f3f3f3" title_color="#d45f07"] Q.1) State Food Safety Index (SFSI) 2021-22, is published by? Ministry of Health and Family Welfare NITI AAYOG The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Q.2) Consider the following statements Ramsay Hunt syndrome is caused by varicella-zoster bacteria Ramsay Hunt syndrome is very common in children It can cause facial paralysis and hearing loss in the affected ear Choose the incorrect statements: 1 and 2 2 and 3 1, 2 and 3 None Q.3) Consider the following statements BrahMos is a three-stage missile It does not require further guidance after launch It is a multiplatform missile that can be launched from land, air, and sea Choose the correct statements: 1 and 3 3 only 2 and 3 1 only Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR '13th JUNE 2022 - Daily Practice MCQs' will be updated along with tomorrow's Daily Current Affairs. [/su_box] ANSWERS FOR 11th JUNE 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]

Jun 13, 2022 हिन्दी - Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2022: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 13th June 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

Jun 13, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2022 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 13th June 2022

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