IASbaba's Flagship Course: Integrated Learning Programme (ILP) - 2024  Read Details

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[Day 75]: UPSC PRELIMS 2021- Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

Highlights/Features of Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series:  It is a FREE initiative! Program Duration - 120 Days (31st May, 2021 to 27th September, 2021). 1. Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation There will be a separate dedicated portal to help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined for the next 120 Days. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. 2. 120 Days Integrated (Prelims + Mains) Time Table This year’s RaRe Series will include Integrated Revision Plan (IRP) where we will be syncing your mains and prelims syllabus together over next 120 Days. The Revision Plan is designed by integrating IASbaba's famous flagship initiatives - 60 Day Plan and TLP Mains Answer Writing. 3. Daily RaRe Series (RRS) Videos on High Probable Topics (Monday - Friday) In video discussions, special focus is given to topics which have high probability to appear in UPSC Prelims Question Paper. Each session will be of 20 mins to 30 mins, which would cover rapid revision of 10 high probable topics (both static and current affairs) important for Prelims Exam this year according to the schedule. 4. Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday - Friday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 10 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule and in the RaRe videos. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Note: Should be integrated with the 60 Days Plan 2021. This will expose you to diverse questions from the same topics. 5. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday - Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday. Note: Current Affairs questions covered in the 60 Days Plan and Daily Quiz Monthly Compilations should be covered retrospectively. 6. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday - Friday) CSAT has been an achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. 7. Daily Mains Answer Writing (Monday - Friday) GS Mains will be covered along with Prelims in an integrated manner. Daily three Mains questions will be covered syllabus-wise according to the topics mentioned in the schedule. In total, it covers 250+ Mains Questions along with synopsis. 8. Brainstorming on Ethics & Essay (BEE) (Saturday & Sunday) Each week, Sunil Oberoi Sir (Retd. IAS) will take 3 sessions, two for Essay and one for Ethics. The two sessions earmarked for Essay will have a topic-based discussion where he will discuss the approach to write issue-based and philosophical essays. The topics will be picked from previous year question papers of UPSC and TLP initiative of IASbaba. 9. Full Mocks 3 GS Paper 1 Full Mocks will be provided along the lines of UPSC Prelims. 3 CSAT Paper 2 Full Mocks will be provided so that you are not overwhelmed during the D-Day. 10. Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes Right material plays important role in clearing the exam and Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes will have Prelims specific subject-wise refined notes. The main objective is to help students revise most important topics and that too within a very short limited time frame. Day-75 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 13th August 2021

For 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

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [13th August,2021] – Day 155

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [13th August,2021] – Day 155 TLP (Phase 1) just got over on 8th May (Saturday) and we are extremely thankful for your active participation to make this program a success. Well, though TLP (Phase 1) got over, ‘Picture abhi baaqi hai mere dost’. There is a surprise for you. Since prelims is bound to get delayed once again this year, its not wise to leave the writing practice just now. Hence, we are extending the TLP program  We will be posting 3 questions per day (Monday to Friday). The questions will be based on Current Affairs, so that you don’t have to invest your time separately on exclusively mains oriented topics. So, keep practicing and keep improving. To Know More about TLP  -> CLICK HERE For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. What is the mandate of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)? Do you think India’s federal polity creates a hinderance in the effective working of the NIA? (10 Marks) राष्ट्रीय जांच एजेंसी (NIA) का जनादेश क्या है? क्या आपको लगता है कि भारत की संघीय राजनीति एनआईए के प्रभावी काम में बाधा पैदा करती है? 2. What is NATGRID? Examine its significance for India’s internal security? Why hasn’t the NATGRID project really taken off? Analyse. (10 Marks) NATGRID क्या है? भारत की आंतरिक सुरक्षा के लिए इसके महत्व की जांच करें? NATGRID परियोजना पूर्ण रूप से शुरू क्यों नहीं हो पायी है? विश्लेषण करें। 3. What is the mandate of the National Security Guard (NSG)? What makes NSG an elite security agency? Discuss. (15 Marks) राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा गार्ड (NSG) का जनादेश क्या है? एनएसजी को एक कुलीन सुरक्षा एजेंसी क्या बनाती है? चर्चा करें। AWARE ( Answer Writing REdefined) Series - 7 Steps to Master Answer Writing Skills by Mohan Sir - CLICK HERE P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm every day. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each other's answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

SYNOPSIS [11th August,2021] Day 153: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [11th August,2021] Day 153: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Examine the ways in which the social institution of ‘marriage’ has undergone changes in India.   Approach  Define what is marriage as an institution and contextualise to India with mentioning modern times.In next part mention all the changes which have been happening over the period of time and complement it with which traditional issues still persists.In conclusion make a reformative argument of society and institution of marriage. Introduction Marriage is considered to be the oldest, the most basic and fundamental institutions in the sub-systems of the society. In ancient Indian society, marriage was regarded as a highly sacred institution which involves the meeting of the minds between the spouses for material as well as psychological satisfaction.This institution has further gone trough changes in modern times. Body:  The institution of marriage has undergone several changes over a period of time as follows: Polygamy to Monogamy: Ancient Indian society followed polygamy among upper castes which have been replaced with monogamy. The practice of Bigamy or polygamy is prohibited by law and punishable.  Union of a family to individuals: Before, marriage was considered as the union of two families but off late it has given way for individual preferences. Olden days, Bride and Groom would not even meet or talk before marriage but now the tables have turned.  Male domination to Equality: Husband was seen as lord or master in marriage setup and women were always lower in the hierarchy. Even though it is still present certain pockets, but in urban spaces, the concept of equality has prevailed between couples and matches is made between equals.  Divine protection to Legal protection: There was no concept of registration of marriage in early days but now marriages have to be registered and given legal protection under the law.  Remarriage: In olden days, if women attain widowhood, she dies a widow and looked down upon in society. But of late, there is an increased number of widow remarriage and sati as a practice is extinct.  Inter-caste marriage: Though frowned upon and avoided in major regions, but it is slowly gaining acceptance in urban spaces. Though a concept called honor killings happens in certain pockets of the country. Child marriage: Child marriage was widely practiced and prevalent in past, but it is punishable by law if practiced in present times.  Divorce: There was no concept of divorce in ancient Indian society. It was believed that marriage is not only for a lifetime but seven lives. At present, in the case of non-compatibility, there is an option of divorce through legal means.  Dowry: Dowry was an accepted practice in India whether Bride family giving it to groom or vice versa, even though present unofficially, it is banned by law and punishable if practiced.  Acceptance of singlehood: Traditionally marriage was considered the ultimate goal of life for both men and women. Unmarried women or men were considered inauspicious and attracted a lot of suspicions but at present, there is increased acceptance of singlehood and career has become a major goal and marriage has taken back seat.  Live in relationships: The trend of live in relationships started lately after globalisation in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune.It was further legitimised by Supreme court ruling. Traditional issues still dominating in Indian marriages: Male dominance : Majorly even after independence and various statutory laws the male dominance from the family system has not waned.Still majority decisions are taken by husband in society. Rituals: Ritualistic part of marriage is still intact.Further the social media and new technologies have incentivised couple’s to get married with all the ceremonies of marriage. Caste still has major factor to play in making a match of groom and bride.The classified ads in newspaper are testimonies to influence of caste on marriage system. Heterosexual norm: Marriage is still considered match between opposite sexes.The new forms of same sex marriages is still a taboo in India. Conclusion Indian marriage system has gone a major change after the independence with intervention of government, social reforms by various groups and urbanisation and globalisation in world.This has given couples more independence, women have gained agency, and family has been democratised.But these changes have largely been restricted to more educated and urbanised people.Therefore more efforts should be taken to bring reforms in rural population, such as incentivising intercaste marriages, increasing reporting and conviction in dowry cases, increasing avenues for women empowerment.This will create a egalitarian and modern society. 2. Why does caste remain a dominant and pervasive social reality in India? Contextualise.  Approach  Define caste in introduction and contextualise to present situations.In next part mention various reasons for why caste still remains prevalent in India.In conclusion write what can be done to reduce this prevalence along with summary of the body. Introduction Caste can be defined as hereditary endogamous group, having a common name, common traditional occupation, common culture, relatively rigid in matters of mobility, distinctiveness of status and forming a single homogeneous community. However, in the changing situation caste has adapted too many new features like having formal organisations, becoming less rigid and having a link with politics. Body Caste remains a very dominant and pervasive social reality in India due to several factors : Caste-based census: Starting from 1881, census including caste of people were carried out which is continued to this day. Also, there was an attempt to build a hierarchy of caste based on the census data. The censuses became a catalyst for an increased consciousness about their caste and its status among the Indian people. GOI Act, 1935: The legal framework under this act led to the formation of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Dominant caste: The practice of land holding on basis of caste further increased the importance of the system and this created dominant caste groups which control political and public space till today. Biased picture: a Biased study of historians to depict wide segregation in Hindu society existing from ancient times also played a big role in entrenching caste-based divisions. Aryan-Dravidian theory: The “Aryan invasion” theory deepened the caste system on lines of upper and lower castes along with original inhabitants (Tribals and Dalits) as well as North-South divide within India. Reservations: Reservations in government jobs, Educational institutions etc. based on caste has further established caste as a dominant factor that is hard to do away with. Politics: All political parties give great weight to the caste factor in selecting their candidates, in allocating constituencies to their candidates and in canvassing support for their nominees in the election. Caste-based associations and pressure groups: The formation of caste association and the important role they have in influencing voting pattern. Even political parties are considering caste as a vote bank. Inequality: Economic inequality, Lack of access to better livelihood, caste-based jobs, Unemployment etc. have further deepened assertions by caste groups.  Pride: Wearing caste as a badge of honor based on ancient/Mythical stories (like Martial race, Royal Priest class), victories in wars, ancient kingdoms etc.  The upper castes owing to western education moved on to caste-neutral jobs like clerks, lawyers, doctors etc. but the lower castes were still following their traditional jobs which increased their solidarity. Education system: Indian education system starting from admission forms to providing various benefits gives importance to caste which creates a caste based identity in new generation. Media reporting: Media reports highlights the caste breakdowns of elections.Elections being a constant phenomenon in India makes caste identity part of daily vocabulary and makes people remember their caste groups. Marriage system: Majority of marriages in India are intra-caste  which perpetuates the caste system with all its rituals. Conclusion Caste system has evolved over the years  with the intervention of Britishers , social reformers and intervention of government after Independence.The abhorrent practices of untouchability, concept of purity and pollution and taboo of intercaste marriages have been diluted to a large extent.But the different agencies such as media, political parties, education system and marriage system which have perpetuated traditional mindsets needs an urgent reform.Caste should not be caste in a stone for modern India. 3. Working women in India face challenges on multiple fronts. Do you agree? Illustrate  Approach  Introduce with the present situation and statistics of women employment in India.In next part write multiple social, economic, cultural and occupational challenges which women face. Write a way forward at the end to mention various reforms needed. Introduction: India continues to struggle to provide its women with equal opportunity. In 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, female labor force participation in India was 23.5%, according to ILO estimates.This is due to various obstructions which women’s in India face from social to security issues. Body Challenges faced by working women: Mental harassment : It is an age old convention that women are less capable and inefficient in working as compared to men. The attitude which considers women unfit for certain jobs holds back women. In spite of the constitutional provisions, gender bias creates obstacles in their recruitment. In addition to this, the same attitude governs injustice of unequal salaries for the same job. The true equality has not been achieved even after 61 years of independence. Working in such conditions inevitably puts strain on women to greater extent as compared to men, thus making them less eager in their career. Sexual harassment:Today, almost all working women are prone to sexual harassment irrespective of their status, personal characteristics and the types of their employment. They face sexual harassment on way on transports, at working places, educational institutions and hospitals, at home and even in police stations when they go to file complaints. It is shocking that the law protectors are violating and outraging modesty of women. Most of the women tend to be concentrated in the poor service jobs whereas men are in an immediate supervisory position, which gives them an opportunity to exploit their subordinate women. Discrimination at Workplace:However, Indian women still face blatant discrimination at their workplaces. They are often deprived of promotions and growth opportunities at work places but this doesn’t apply to all working women. A majority of working women continue to be denied their right to equal pay, under the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 and are underpaid in comparison to their male colleagues. This is usually the case in factories and labor-oriented industries. No Safety of Working Women While Traveling :Typically, the orthodox mindset in the Indian society makes it difficult for a working woman to balance her domestic environment with the professional life. In some families, it may not be acceptable to work after six o’clock. Those families that do accept these working hours may experience considerable anxiety every day about a woman’s safety while traveling. So many issues affect a working woman because she is closely protected or watched by her family and the society. Lack of Family Support : Lack of proper family support is another issue that working women suffers from. At times, the family doesn’t support women to leave the household work and go to office. They also resist for women working till late in office which also hampers the performance of the women and this also affects their promotion. Insufficient Maternity Leaves : Insufficient maternity leave is another major issue that is faced by a working mother. This not only affects the performance of women employees at work, but is also detrimental to their personal lives. Job insecurity : Unrealistic expectations, especially in the time of corporate reorganizations, which sometimes puts unhealthy and unreasonable unreasonable pressures on the employee, can be a tremendous source of stress and suffering. Increased workload extremely long work hours and intense pressures to perform at peak levels all the time for the same pay, can actually leave an employee physically and emotionally drained. Excessive travel and too much time away from family also contribute to an employee’s stressors. Workplace Adjustment : Adjusting to the workplace culture, whether in a new company or not, can be intensely stressful. Making oneself adapt to the various aspects of workplace culture such as communication patterns of the boss as well as the co-workers, can be lesson of life. Maladjustments to workplace cultures may lead to subtle conflicts with colleagues or even with superiors. In many cases office politics or gossips can be major stress inducers. Other reasons : it include Personal demographics like age, level of education, marital status, number of children, personal income and number of jobs currently had where you work for pay and Work situation characteristics like job tenure, size of employing organization, hours worked per week. Way forward: Adequate maternity, crèches at the workplace, child support centers etc. The corporate glass ceiling which discourages in higher management roles for women needs to be broken. The Gender Wage gap needs to be removed.  Safety of women in public needs to be ensured through effective policing and judicial system. Resources like land, houses in the name of women as being done under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Providing land ownership rights to women especially female farmers. Effective implementation of the Maternity Benefits Act, Women reservations, Vishaka Guidelines, and MUDRA scheme etc. Digital divide needs to be breached for better opportunities in pandemic.   TLP Synopsis Day 153 PDF

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 12th August 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III- Economy In news The government will soon free up unused built-up area worth about ₹30,000 crore and idle land inside Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for other economic activities. The move to free up unutilised land parcels is likely to be operationalised by the end of August 2021, as part of a simpler regulatory regime that the government is ringing in for SEZs, which account for about 30% of India’s exports. What is Special Economic Zone (SEZ)?  It is a specifically delineated duty-free enclave, deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs.  Goods and services going into the SEZ area from Domestic Tariff Area (whole India except SEZ) shall be treated as exports and goods coming from the SEZ area into DTA shall be treated as imports.  SEZ units may be set up for manufacture of goods and rendering of services.  The business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country.  SEZs are located within a country's national borders. Their aims include increasing trade balance, employment, increased investment, job creation and effective administration News Source: TH Minority Institutions and RTE: NCPCR Survey Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II -  Governance In news Recently, the National Commission for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (NCPCR) conducted a Nationwide Assessment of Minority Schools.  The report was titled “Impact of Exemption under Article 15 (5) with regards to Article 21A of the Constitution of India on Education of Minority Communities”. The aim was to assess how the 93rd Amendment to Indian Constitution, which exempts minority institutions from otherwise mandatory provisions of the Right to Education, affected children belonging to minority communities. What are the key highlights of the report? Minority Schools Catering to the Non-Minorities: Overall, 62.5% of the students in these schools belonged to non-minority communities. Only 8.76% of the students in minority schools belong to socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Disproportionate Numbers: In West Bengal, 92.47% of the minority population is of Muslims and 2.47% are Christians. On the contrary, there are 114 Christian minority schools and only two schools with Muslim minority status. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, though the Christian population is less than 1% there are 197 Christian minority schools in the state. This disproportion takes away the core objective of establishing minority educational institutions. It found that the largest number of out-of-school children – at 1.1 crore – belonged to the Muslim community. Non-Uniformity in Madarsas: According to the report, there are three kinds of madrasas in the country: Recognised Madrasas: These are registered and impart both religious as well as secular education. Unrecognised Madrasas: These have been found deficient for registration by state governments as secular education is not imparted. Unmapped Madrasas: These have never applied for registration. According to the NCPCR, the Sachar Committee report 2005, which says 4% of Muslim children (15.3 lakh) attend madrasas, has only taken into account the registered madrasas. Further, the syllabi of madrasas, that have evolved over centuries, are not uniform, and that “being left ignorant of the world around them”. It also says that madrasas do not have any teachers training programmes. What is National Commission for Protection of Child Rights? NCPCR is a statutory body set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. The Commission's mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It enquires into complaints relating to a child's right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act, 2009. It monitors the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. News Source: IE Government to completely exit erstwhile PSUs Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Economy  In news The government is planning to sell its residual stakes in public sector firms like Paradeep Phosphates, Hindustan Zinc and Balco, which were privatised during the Atal Behari Vajpayee regime.  The firms are staying highly profitable after the transfer of management control to a private player. Thus, selling these stakes could yield a significant revenue for the government.  The government intends to complete the privatisation of Air India, BPCL, Shipping Corporation of India, BEML, Pawan Hans and Nilanchal Ispat Nigam Limited. More airports would also be offered as public-private partnership ventures.  These are the transactions where there is sufficient interest from bidders and are the second stage of the due diligence and financial bidding is near completion.  GAIL is also likely to come up with an offering soon through the Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) structure.  What are Infrastructure Investment Trusts? InvITs are instruments that work like mutual funds.  They are designed to pool small sums of money from a number of investors to invest in assets that give cash flow over a period of time. Part of this cash flow would be distributed as dividend back to investors. The minimum investment amount in an InvIT Initial Public Offering (IPO) is Rs 10 lakh, therefore, InvITs are suitable for high networth individuals, institutional and non-institutional investors. InvITs are listed on exchanges just like stocks — through IPOs. However, the Indian InvIT market is not yet mature and has supported the formation of 10 InvITs till date of which only two are listed. The InvITs listed on the stock exchange are IRB InvIT Fund and India Grid Trust. InvITs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014. News Source: TH Marburg virus Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Health In news Recently, Guinea confirmed the first recorded case of Marburg virus death in West Africa. About Marburg virus Marburg virus disease (MVD) was formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever. Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%.  It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease.  Two large outbreaks that occurred simultaneously in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1967, led to the initial recognition of the disease.  The outbreak was associated with laboratory work using African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) imported from Uganda. Symptoms: Headache, vomiting blood, muscle pains and bleeding through various orifices. Many patients develop severe hemorrhagic signs within seven days. Case fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks depending on virus strain and case management. Transmission Rousettus aegyptiacus, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, are considered to be natural hosts of Marburg virus.  The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission. Once an individual is infected with the virus, Marburg can spread through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids.  Treatment and vaccines: Currently there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved for MVD. However, supportive care rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival. The worst epidemic was in Angola in 2005, with 252 infections and a 90% death rate. This epidemic apparently spread through the reuse of contaminated transfusion equipment in a paediatric ward News Source: HT Democracy summit Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II - International Relations  In news USA President Joe Biden will host a ‘Summit for Democracy’, virtually, on December 9-10.  About the summit It will be held around three themes:  Defending against authoritarianism,  Fighting corruption,  Promoting respect for human rights.  The summit will gather together Heads of State, civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector.  The Summit is seen as one way to counter growing Chinese influence. There would be country-wise commitments made at the first summit.   A second summit which will be in-person, will follow in 2022. Following a year of consultation, coordination, and action, President Biden will then invite world leaders to gather once more to showcase progress made against their commitments.  China Approves First Mixed-Vaccine Trial  Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - International relations; Health  In news China’s drug regulator has approved the country’s first mixed-vaccine trial as the rapid spread of the Delta variant raises concern about the efficacy of domestically produced jabs. The trial will test the efficacy of combining an “inactivated” vaccine made by China’s Sinovac with a DNA-based one developed by U.S. pharmaceutical company Inovio.  Preclinical work has found that “two different vaccine applications produce an even stronger and more balanced immune response.  Do you know?  There are several types of COVID-19 vaccines, including those using an inactivated or weakened virus to generate an immune response, and RNA- or DNA-based vaccines that use engineered versions of the coronavirus’ genetic code to create a protein that safely prompts an immune response. The World Health Organization has said there is still not enough data to say whether using two different vaccines together is safe or can boost immunity. Read Approaches to Vaccine Making for more understanding the science part of Vaccines (News from PIB) Policy on Illegal Migrants Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-I- Society All foreign nationals, including those who enter into the country without valid travel documents or overstay beyond the validity of their visa period, are governed by the provisions contained in:  The Foreigners Act, 1946 The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920  The Citizenship Act, 1955, and rules and orders made thereunder.  Exemptions are given from the provisions of The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and the Foreigners Act, 1946 on a case-to-case basis. Government’s efforts or Policy on Illegal Migrants Some illegal migrants sneak into India in a clandestine and surreptitious manner mainly through difficult mountainous and riverine terrains along the international borders.   Central Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to ensure effective surveillance and domination of land borders to check infiltration of illegal migrants.  Physical infrastructure in the form of border fencing, floodlighting, construction of border roads and establishment of border outposts has been created.  Vulnerable border outposts are regularly reviewed and strengthened by deploying additional manpower, special surveillance equipment and other force multipliers.  A technological solution in the form of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) has been implemented in some vulnerable border areas.  Border guarding forces conduct regular patrolling, lay nakas and establish observation posts and carry out anti-tunnelling exercises to stop illegal infiltration.  Central Government has issued advisory to Border Security Force and Assam Rifles to maintain strict vigilance and surveillance and to take all possible steps for preventing illegal infiltration at International Borders. News Source: PIB Beggars Rehabilitation Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- Government Schemes As per the Census of 2011 data available on the website of Registrar General of India, there are 4,13,670 beggars and vagrants in the Country.  The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme “SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”. SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise The SMILE Scheme includes sub-scheme - ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’.  The focus of the scheme is on providing  Basic necessaries like food, shelter homes, medical facilities Counselling, rehabilitation and basic documentation,  Education, skill development and economic linkages of the persons found to be engaged in begging. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has identified ten cities namely Ahmadabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur and Patna for undertaking pilot projects on Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons engaged in the act of Begging. The pilot projects on Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons includes whole range of services including awareness generation, identification, rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, education, skill development and sustainable settlement of persons engaged in begging. News Source: PIB Quality of Life for Elderly Index  Part of: GS Prelims  Quality of Life for Elderly Index was released by Dr Bibek Debroy, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).  Quality of Life for Elderly Index: The Index has been created by the Institute for Competitiveness at the request of EAC-PM and it sheds light on an issue often not mentioned- problems faced by the elderly and identifies the regional patterns of ageing across Indian States and assesses the overall ageing situation in India.  The Index framework includes: Four pillars: Financial Well-being, Social Well-being, Health System and Income Security, and  Eight sub-pillars: Economic Empowerment, Educational Attainment & Employment, Social Status, Physical Security, Basic Health, Psychological Wellbeing, Social Security and Enabling Environment. Key Highlights from the Report: The Health System pillar observes the highest national average, 66.97 at an all-India level, followed by 62.34 in Social Well-being.  Financial Well-being observes a score of 44.7, which is lowered by the low performance of 21 States across the Education Attainment & Employment pillar, which showcases scope for improvement States have performed particularly worse in the Income Security pillar because over half of the States have a score below the national average, i.e., 33.03 in Income Security, which is the lowest across all pillars.  Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are top-scoring regions in Aged and Relatively Aged States, respectively. Chandigarh and Mizoram are top-scoring regions in Union Territory and North-East States category.  The Aged States refer to States with an elderly population of more than 5 million, whereas Relatively Aged States refer to States with an Elderly population of less than 5 million. Significance: These pillar-wise analyses help States assess the state of the elderly population and identify existing gaps that obstruct their growth News Source: PIB Atmanirbhar Narishakti se Samvad Part of: GS Prelims  In news: PM to participate in ‘Atmanirbhar Narishakti se Samvad’ on 12th August PM Modi will interact with women Self Help Group (SHG) members/community resource persons promoted under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) via video conferencing.  During the event, a compendium of success stories of women SHG members from all across the country, along with a handbook on universalization of farm livelihoods will also be released by the Prime Minister.  About DAY-NRLM It is a centrally sponsored programme, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in June 2011. Objective: To eliminate rural poverty through the promotion of multiple livelihoods and improved access to financial services for the rural poor households across the country. To reach out to all rural poor households and impact their livelihoods. DAY-NRLM aims at mobilizing rural poor households into Self Help Groups (SHGs) in a phased manner and provide them long-term support to diversify their livelihoods, improve their incomes and quality of life.  Most of Mission’s interventions are being implemented and scaled up by the SHG women themselves who are trained as community resource persons (CRPs) – Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Bank Sakhis, Bima Sakhis, Banking Correspondent Sakhis etc.  The Mission is also working on empowering the SHG women through awareness generation and behaviour change communication on issues like domestic violence, women’s education and other gender related concerns, nutrition, sanitation, health etc. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) GOVERNANCE GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Patent to an Artificial Intelligence system In news: In a world first, South Africa grants patent to an artificial intelligence system What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? It describes the action of machines accomplishing tasks that have historically required human intelligence. It includes technologies like machine learning, pattern recognition, big data, neural networks, self algorithms etc AI involves complex things such as feeding a particular data into the machine and making it react as per the different situations. It is basically about creating self-learning patterns where the machine can give answers to the never answered questions like a human would ever do. AI is different from hardware driven robotic automation. Instead of automating manual tasks, AI performs frequent high volume computerised tasks reliably. Benefits and Potential of AI Multi-sectoral applications: Already, AI has helped increase crop yields, raised business productivity, improved access to credit and made cancer detection faster and more precise. Boosts Economic Growth: It could contribute more than $15 trillion to the world economy by 2030, adding 14% to global GDP. Google has identified over 2,600 use cases of “AI for good” worldwide. Enabler for SGDs: A study published in Nature reviewing the impact of AI on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) finds that AI may act as an enabler on 134 — or 79% — of all SDG targets. What’s the issue with South Africa granting Patent? At first glance, a recently granted South African patent relating to a “food container based on fractal geometry” seems fairly mundane. The innovation in question involves interlocking food containers that are easy for robots to grasp and stack. On closer inspection, we notice that the inventor is not a human being — it is an artificial intelligence (AI) system called DABUS. The invention was entirely devised by the DABUS. The patent application listing DABUS as the inventor was filed in patent offices around the world, including the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South Africa. But only South Africa granted the patent (Australia followed suit a few days later after a court judgment gave the go-ahead). The United States Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office rejected these applications in the formal examination phase. What is the DABUS? DABUS stands for “device for the autonomous bootstrapping of unified sentience”. It is an AI system created by Stephen Thaler, a pioneer in the field of AI and programming. The system simulates human brainstorming and creates new inventions. DABUS is a particular type of AI, often referred to as “creativity machines” because they are capable of independent and complex functioning. What are the ‘Creativity machines’? Creativity machines can process and critically analyse data, learning from it. This process is known as machine learning. Once the machine learning phase has occurred, the machine is able to “autonomously” create without human intervention.  Prior to DABUS, Thaler built another AI which created novel sheet music, and which he credited with inventing the cross-bristle toothbrush design. Why are some experts opposing this move? First, their respective patent laws only provide for human inventors — not AI — as indicated by the use of pronouns such as “him” and “her” in their text. Second, ideas, for the purposes of patents, require the element of “mental conception” — something of which only a human mind is capable. Finally, inventorship comes with rights, which AI is not legally capable of possessing. The critics argued that it was the incorrect decision in law, as AI lacks the necessary legal standing to qualify as an inventor. Critics feel that if South Africa instead had a substantive search and examination system in place, the DABUS patent application would have been rejected.  Conclusion Given the policy environment and the vast potential of AI, the granting of the patent makes sense. Perhaps this will turn out to be a strategic masterclass by the South African office which will lead to a much more innovative nation. Connecting the dots: Responsible Artificial Intelligence Blockchain Technology and Voting Fourth Industrial Revolution News Source: TH GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors  An urban jobs safety net In news According to World Economic Outlook by IMF, the global GDP shrunk by 3.3%. The contraction in the U.S., Brazil, Japan, Canada and Euro Area was in the range of 3.5%-7%. India’s GDP plummeted by 8%.  China, on the contrary, posted a growth of 2.3%.  The report stated that 95 million people have fallen into the ranks of the extreme poor category.  Unemployment and Pandemic The unemployment rate in the Euro Area, the U.S. and Canada shot up to 7.1%, 8.1% and 9.6%, respectively. Spain, Greece, Turkey, the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru among others are grappling with unemployment rates in double digits.  As per the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy’s estimates, the unemployment rate in India peaked to 23.5% in April 2020 before falling to 6.9% in February 2021. In the wake of economic deceleration, the challenge is to minimise livelihood losses. Given the contemporary realities, the need is to approach this from a rural-urban perspective for two reasons.  First, when there is an economic shock, it is essential to provide people with formal access to a livelihood safety net.  Second, the livelihood safety net must have comprehensive coverage. Such a net, provided by the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), exists only in rural areas. Urban India does not have any such cushion. Isn’t there any scheme which caters to Urban employment? Though the Indian government operates the National Urban Livelihoods Mission, which is focused on self-employment through skill up-gradation and credit linkages through banks, the scheme does not have guaranteed wage employment provisions akin to what MGNREGS provides.  Last year’s migration tragedy and the economic slowdown have highlighted the need for a MGNREGA type safety net in urban India. A few States have experimented with a wage employment-based urban livelihood scheme. Insights from Himachal Pradesh (HP) HP launched the Mukhya Mantri Shahri Ajeevika Guarantee Yojana (MMSAGY) in 2020 with the objective of enhancing livelihood security in urban areas by providing 120 days of guaranteed wage employment to every household at minimum wages in FY 2020-21.  Any adult member of a household, less than 65 years of age, residing in the jurisdiction of the urban local body (ULB) and willing to engage in unskilled work at projects being provided by the municipality can register under the scheme.  A job card is issued to the beneficiary within seven days of registration and employment is provided within a fortnight. Otherwise, the beneficiary is eligible to be compensated at a rate of ₹75 per day. Funding  was from the grants already available to ULBs under the State and Central Finance Commissions.  Output: In a year of its operation, a quarter million man-days, benefiting about 3% of the total urban households in H.P., were generated.  Himachal Pradesh’s experience has provided some crucial insights.  Fiscally Possible: One, an urban livelihood scheme can be launched within the existing fiscal space. If not, the Union and States can provide resources together.  Curbs Migration: Two, separate minimum wages for rural and urban areas do not cause migration to urban areas since the higher cost of living in urban areas has an offsetting effect.  Urban areas require shift in focus: The focus of the Urban Employment Guarantee scheme must shift from asset creation to service delivery. Restricting it to asset creation or wage-material ratios may be sub-optimal in urban settings. The focus should be on enhancing the quality of municipal services.  Needs to be replicated at National Level: Such a scheme is like an ‘economic vaccine’ and will protect people against unemployment. It should be administered at the national level rather than at the State level. Connecting the dots: DUET (Decentralised Urban Employment and Training) for urban areas A moment to revive MGNREGA Rights based governance framework Union Government’s Four Labour Codes  (RSTV Debate) RSTV 29 July, 2021: The Big Picture - One year of NEP reform: New initiatives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PS5e3vpjGE EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE 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. One year of NEP reform: new initiatives The July 29th 2021 marked the completion of one year of the new National Education Policy.  The policy document was launched in 2020, paving the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems, also improve understanding and employability of graduates in the country and to make India a global knowledge superpower.  To mark one year of these reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed policy makers in the domain of education and skill development, students and teachers.  The Prime Minister also launched multiple initiatives in the education sector such as the academic bank of credit (ABC) that will provide multiple entry and exit options for students in higher education first year engineering programmes in regional languages guidelines for internationalization of higher education. The National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) and the National Education Technology Forum (NETF) were also launched at the event.  As per the government, these initiatives will help in realizing the goals of NEP 2020 and will make education more holistic, accessible, and affordable.  What is Academic bank credit  Academic Bank of Credit referred to as ABC is a virtual storehouse that will keep records of academic credits secured by a student.  Courses undergone by the students through the online modes through National Schemes like SWAYAM, NPTEL, V-Lab etc. or of any specified university, shall also be considered for credit transfer and credit accumulation. Credits obtained by students by undergoing Skill-courses from Registered Higher Education Institutions offering vocational Degree or Diploma or Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate programmes are also eligible for accrual and redemption of credits through the Academic Bank of Credits. NEP is trying to help student in deciding the pace of their studying courses through Academic Bank of Credit by giving multiple entry and exit options in their courses. Flexibility options are being discussed. If student don’t want to graduate, based on the credits student have accumulated he will be given the degree. In short more flexibility in deciding the pace depending on students own reasons. Significance of the Academic bank credit  Drafted on the lines of the National Academic Depository, the ABC will give multiple entry and exit options to the students enabling them to leave a degree or course and get a corresponding certification and re-join studies after a certain time and be able to start from where they had left. The ABC Regulations intend to give impetus to blended learning Mode, allowing students to earn credits from various HEIs registered under this scheme and through SWAYAM, an online repository of courses. The student can earn up to 50 per cent credits from outside the college/university where she/he is enrolled for the degree/diploma program. It will function as a commercial bank where students will be the customers and ABC will offer several services to these students. It will also provide students with the flexibility to move between institutes while pursuing one degree or leave a course. Issues in implementation: There are speculations that ABC Regulation 2021 will only lead to the dilution of degrees and that these policies ignore the key ideas of equity, quality, access and efficacy.  It is absolutely critical to create new institutional mechanisms at the national level that are vested with the responsibility of implementing the NEP. One of the major challenges of implementing any policy is the absence of legislative backing and statutory support. Conclusion: In recent years, India’s education sector has considered a host of reforms and accelerated economic outlays. These reforms could perchance transform India into a knowledge haven. Especially reforms through NEP will probably lead to extensive increment in education in the country. Can you attempt these questions now? Critically discuss the significance of the NEP reforms. What are the different NEP reforms? Discuss the significance of Academic bank credit.  (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding Marburg virus: Rousettus aegyptiacus, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, are considered to be natural hosts of Marburg virus.  The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and does not spread among humans It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 and 2 only  2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 2 only  Q.2 All foreign nationals are governed by the provisions contained in which of the following acts The Foreigners Act, 1946 The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920  The Citizenship Act, 1955 Select the correct answer from below.  1, 2 and 3 only  2, 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1,2,3 and 4  Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding Infrastructure Investment Trusts: It is regulated by security and exchange Board of India These are listed on exchanges just like stocks through IPOs Select the correct statements:  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 11th August 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 C Must Read On India’s North East Region: ORF On IPCC latest report: Hindustan Times On India’s Parliamentary Democracy in Crisis: Hindustan Times

[Day 74]: UPSC PRELIMS 2021- Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

Highlights/Features of Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series:  It is a FREE initiative! Program Duration - 120 Days (31st May, 2021 to 27th September, 2021). 1. Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation There will be a separate dedicated portal to help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined for the next 120 Days. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. 2. 120 Days Integrated (Prelims + Mains) Time Table This year’s RaRe Series will include Integrated Revision Plan (IRP) where we will be syncing your mains and prelims syllabus together over next 120 Days. The Revision Plan is designed by integrating IASbaba's famous flagship initiatives - 60 Day Plan and TLP Mains Answer Writing. 3. Daily RaRe Series (RRS) Videos on High Probable Topics (Monday - Friday) In video discussions, special focus is given to topics which have high probability to appear in UPSC Prelims Question Paper. Each session will be of 20 mins to 30 mins, which would cover rapid revision of 10 high probable topics (both static and current affairs) important for Prelims Exam this year according to the schedule. 4. Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday - Friday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 10 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule and in the RaRe videos. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Note: Should be integrated with the 60 Days Plan 2021. This will expose you to diverse questions from the same topics. 5. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday - Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday. Note: Current Affairs questions covered in the 60 Days Plan and Daily Quiz Monthly Compilations should be covered retrospectively. 6. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday - Friday) CSAT has been an achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. 7. Daily Mains Answer Writing (Monday - Friday) GS Mains will be covered along with Prelims in an integrated manner. Daily three Mains questions will be covered syllabus-wise according to the topics mentioned in the schedule. In total, it covers 250+ Mains Questions along with synopsis. 8. Brainstorming on Ethics & Essay (BEE) (Saturday & Sunday) Each week, Sunil Oberoi Sir (Retd. IAS) will take 3 sessions, two for Essay and one for Ethics. The two sessions earmarked for Essay will have a topic-based discussion where he will discuss the approach to write issue-based and philosophical essays. The topics will be picked from previous year question papers of UPSC and TLP initiative of IASbaba. 9. Full Mocks 3 GS Paper 1 Full Mocks will be provided along the lines of UPSC Prelims. 3 CSAT Paper 2 Full Mocks will be provided so that you are not overwhelmed during the D-Day. 10. Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes Right material plays important role in clearing the exam and Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes will have Prelims specific subject-wise refined notes. The main objective is to help students revise most important topics and that too within a very short limited time frame. Day-74 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 12th August 2021

For 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

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 1 Questions [12th August,2021] – Day 154

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 1 Questions [12th August,2021] – Day 154 TLP (Phase 1) just got over on 8th May (Saturday) and we are extremely thankful for your active participation to make this program a success. Well, though TLP (Phase 1) got over, ‘Picture abhi baaqi hai mere dost’. There is a surprise for you. Since prelims is bound to get delayed once again this year, its not wise to leave the writing practice just now. Hence, we are extending the TLP program  We will be posting 3 questions per day (Monday to Friday). The questions will be based on Current Affairs, so that you don’t have to invest your time separately on exclusively mains oriented topics. So, keep practicing and keep improving. To Know More about TLP  -> CLICK HERE For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. Do you think patriarchy as a dominant social feature has got diluted in the 21st century India? Critically examine. (10 Marks) क्या आपको लगता है कि 21 वीं सदी के भारत में एक प्रमुख सामाजिक विशेषता के रूप में पितृसत्ता कमजोर पड़ गई है? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें। 2. Examine the factors that can be attributed to the rising divorce rates in India. (10 Marks) भारत में बढ़ती तलाक की दरों के लिए जिम्मेदार कारकों की जांच करें। 3. Do you think the 1991 reforms missed banking and finance? What reforms would you recommend to fill the gaps? Discuss. (15 Marks) क्या आपको लगता है कि 1991 के सुधारों में बैंकिंग और वित्त को नजरअंदाज किया गया था? इस कमी को भरने के लिए आप किन सुधारों की सिफारिश करेंगे? चर्चा करें। AWARE ( Answer Writing REdefined) Series - 7 Steps to Master Answer Writing Skills by Mohan Sir - CLICK HERE P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm every day. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each other's answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

SYNOPSIS [10th August,2021] Day 152: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [10th August,2021] Day 152: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Critically evaluate the role played by caste based pressure groups in Indian politics.  Approach  Define what is caste based pressure groups with help of examples in Introduction.Further provide benefits and drawbacks of caste based pressure groups to society and nation at large.In conclusion take a balanced and integration based view. Introduction: A caste based pressure group (PG) is a group where people of same castes are organised actively for promoting and defending their common interest. They try to influence government policies to secure socio-economic benefits. With Caste system being main feature of Indian society, caste based PG’s have evolved in India. Some examples of caste organisations are Scheduled Caste Federation, Backward Caste Federation, etc. Body Positive role played by caste based pressure groups in Indian politics  Deepen Democracy – They provide vital link between the government and the governed.For example : Harijan Sevak sangh started by Mahatma Gandhi served to provide government services to the backward caste people. Political empowerment – Caste based assertions and political bargaining power has increased for many backward castes. For example: Justice party in Tamilnadu and Scheduled caste federation in Maharashtra have been on forefront to assert the political rights of Dalits and backward castes which resulted in reservations in assemblies and education. Influence policy decision – Pre-independence PG’s highlighted social issues which led to constitutional provision of securing equality and justice for downtrodden. Towards this pursuit, state came out with affirmative measures like reservation in education and employment. The decision to amend the atrocities act was due to pressure from scheduled caste groups. Achieve constitutional ideals – equality, justice and dignity. Voice is given to the marginalised sections as they cannot be ignored in the first-past-the-post electoral system.For example: Bahujan samaj party has evolved from a pressure group to a political party and has focused on uplifting of the backward castes trough various social and financial support. Strengthen democracy as these PG’s encourage people’s political participation. Help educating group on their rights and form public opinion on important issues. For example: Patidar association  with its agitation has led to invoke participation in political process which have increased the overall voting percentage in elections. Regional politics origin is also traced to caste based PG’s which entered into political domain. Ex: AIDMK, BSP. This has made national political landscape more accommodative of regional aspirations and increased decentralisation of power. Negative fall outs of the caste groups : Identity politics –  Caste based pressure groups limits identity of citizens to a particular caste which limits full participation of citizens in governance system.Further identity politics gives rise to hatred between communities. For example: The mobilisation of upper caste groups in Hathras against the family of victim of rape belonging to ‘lower caste’ family. Fissure in society – It may lead to divisions within the society which might be harmful to the overall unity of society and nation altogether.For example : The demands of lingayats to create a separate religious sect as a minority. Increased social unrest and social animosity : Identity politics and caste conciseness has led to physical violence as seen in Bhima Koregaon issue, discrimination against dalits  such as obstruction of their entries in temples and violence for intercaste marriages. Law and order issue with their agitation turning violent. Ex: Jats for reservation, Karni Sena protest against Padmavat.These incidences highlight how caste groups can affect the fundamental rights of other citizens and create a law and order situation which might be detrimental to public interest. Casteism : This leads to caste groups favouring their own kith and kin rather than supporting people on merit. Political class agreeing to demands under pressure. Ex: reservation for Marathas when they do not meet the criteria of socially-educationally backward class. Conclusion Democracy wants people to express their views and interests. Pressure groups provide means to this. In diverse country like ours with multi-caste system, caste based PG’s have so far had both positive and negative fallouts.But in the interest of integrity of nation and to attain a future of casteless society ,the negative outcomes of the caste based groups which leads to violence, hatred, obstruction to law and order should be curbed.For this the civil society, political parties and government should work in tandem. 2. Why haven’t women been successful in forging a robust pressure group for the furtherance of women rights in India? Critically analyse.  Approach  Define what are pressure groups with emphasis on women’s pressure group with help of examples in introduction.In next part in brief mention history of women’s movement in India and different groups.Then write what are the factors which are hindering a robust pressure group system in India of women.In conclusion take a balanced view on past achievements and future ahead. Introduction Generally a pressure group is a group of people who are organised actively for promoting and defending their common interest. Women pressure groups defend the common interests of woman. They are a vital link between the government and the governed. They keep governments more responsive to the wishes of the women community.India has long history of women pressure group starting from Bharat Stree Mahamandal in 1910. Body Women in India have faced significant violations of their human rights for centuries. From rape and domestic violence to forced labor and denial of educational opportunities, the struggle for rights and empowerment is a daunting one for Indian women. In the world’s second-largest country, hundreds of millions of women are still affected by some of these issues. Women’s rights are vital to the success and growth of developing nations, making projects that empower Indian women vital to the well-being of the entire country. Women pressure group and contemporary scenario: The women’s are equal part of the society but still they have faced various types pf discrimination in history and contemporary times.To alleviate these women groups have been an effective pressure group across the world.Whether it may be the movement for equal voting power or equality in jobs women groups have protested and achieved their rights. Similarly in India starting with the first wave of feminism from 19th century when the issues of widow remarriage, female infanticide and child marriage were at forefront, women have organised to make theirs voice heard.The institutional forms in second phase of feminism with different organisations formed by Sarla devi Chaudhrani, Sarojini Naidu, Pandita Ramabai were at the forefront.While the third phase was after the Independence where groups like SEWA, Saheli have forwarded women issues. But still it has been realised that women has not bee as effective as a pressure groups as there is ever increasing rise in violence both physical and sexual, low political participation, low land rights, low sex ratio.This has led to focus on reasons for failure of women pressure groups in India. Reasons for Women haven’t successful in forging a robust pressure group for the furtherance of women rights in India. Women’s Pressure Groups in India have proven to be one of the most difficult movements to organize, because they represent such a large and varied segment of society. While all women share an obvious bond through their gender, their interests vary depending on characteristics such as age, race, religion, and political affiliation. Political participation of women: while women comprised 49 percent of the voting population, there are only 11.6 percent women parliamentarians in the country.Cultural attitudes, the difficulties in raising sufficient campaign funds and inadequate support from political parties were some of the challenges to form women Pressure groups. Lately women’s movement have been hijacked by fundamentalist and thus women have got involved in communal issues rather than the issues of women empowerment. Low labour force participation due to patriarchy reduces their independence which doesn’t allow them agency to organise and fight for their rights The family system in India restricts women to work out of their household as they are overwhelmed with immense responsibilities. Women politicians who have been in higher positions have failed to uplift other women’s or to organise a pan India women organisation. Majority of political parties treat women wing as side wing rather than main feature of there parties.Further due to lack of democracy women are hardly represented in top hierarchy pf the political parties. Caste has been a hindrance to organise women as the issue of purity and pollution have restricted to all sections to come together. Class division among rural and urban women have also hindered unity.Urban women groups have largely neglected the social reality and needs of dalit women’s and rural women’s. Conclusion Empowerment of women is imperative for development of family, society and nation.For this strong motivated women’s pressure groups are needed to pursue their causes so that they can lobby for the basic rights of equality , employment, agency and political leadership.In past women’s group in India has achieved amendments of  sati act, rape laws, compensation for acid victims and therefore to further achieve total equality well empowered groups will be beneficial. 3. What is an integrated check post (ICP)? How does it boost regional connectivity? What are the challenges being faced by ICPs? .Discuss. Approach  Define what are integrated check posts in Indian border system .Discuss how they boost the regional connectivity through trade, transport, etc.In next part mention what are the challenges that needs to be weeded out for their effective functioning.Make a summary based conclusion in the end and reforms needed. Introduction  The ICPs are entry and exit points on India’s land borders and house various facilities such as customs, immigration, border security, quarantine, among others, within a single facilitation zone. Formulated in the early 2000s in the aftermath of the Kargil War (1999) and initiated since 2012, the ICPs have helped streamline cross-border trade and passenger flows through the modernisation of border management infrastructure. Body  In 2019-20, 40% of India’s total trade with Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan took place through the six ICPs at Agartala, Petrapole, Raxaul, Jogbani, Moreh and Attari. As of 2021, India has nine operational ICPs along its land borders with neighbouring countries, of which seven have been formally inaugurated. Integrated check posts and boost to regional connectivity: Trade : The creation of Integrated check posts have increased trade between India and its neighbouring countries.Further it has opened avenues for local producers in border region to  sell their products. Tourism: Security enabled terminals and ease of immigration facilities with logistics support have increased tourism.Bangladesh is India’s largest tourism partner.Further Indians are also visiting Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan regularly. Asian connectivity: These posts in future will serve to further the Asian integration trough trilateral highways and BBIN road initiatives of SAARC. Immigration : Ease of transport have increased the labour market flows between border states.Majority of Bangladeshis and Nepalis work in India and these borders serves as legal transit zones without illegal intermediary p. Security: The high security at these post have curbed the anti social activities at border region which harassed the local population.This have increased integration in border regions. People to people relations : People to people relationships have improved over the years with increase in trade and ease of transportation.This has furthered cultural integration between Northeast and Asia. The ICPs have transformed border-crossing between India and Bangladesh by bringing in all the concerned agencies under one roof and thus substantially organising the processes. Where the facilities are operational, cross-border movement has become easier and less time-consuming. Relatively increased efficiency in the inspection and release of goods;Improved quality of the services rendered by border agencies; andExpedited border-crossing and improved flow management. However, there is room for improvement in several areas, to further tap into the potential of the ICPs. Infrastructure : Several infrastructure flaws were observed near the ICPs, which restrict their efficacy. For instance, the narrow approach road in Petrapole results in massive congestion in the vicinity, increasing the travel time from Kolkata to the border. Further, cargo and passenger terminals have been separated in Petrapole. The facilities available in the passenger terminal are insufficient for the volume of passengers it handles daily. This is evident in the long queues of passengers outside the terminal every day.  Scanning and Inspections : Currently, the ICPs lack sufficient screening facilities. There are no technological tools to scan the trucks crossing the border for loading and unloading of goods. The goods are inspected manually, which is not a reliable method. Moreover, the BSF, which is in charge of border security and monitoring the ICPs, are only sanctioned to check the permits for the trucks entering/exiting, not the cargo. Such loopholes, according to experts, allow malicious groups to conduct unlawful activities across the border. Identity Verification :Some of the local residents claimed that illegal immigrants often take up jobs in the facilities near the ICPs. Trucks can enter ICPs across the border using simple photograph-based paper permits allotted to the drivers, which can be tampered with. The locals expressed concerns about security, since the personnel at the ICP gates are not equipped to verify the authenticity of these documents.  Migrants’ Records : The ICP immigrations are handled by multiple agencies, e.g. the Bureau of Immigration, the central body under the MoHA, is in charge of the Petrapole and Hilli but not the rest of the ICPs. Thus, there is no common record for the people entering or exiting via land-border checkpoints. This restricts the movement of legitimate passengers to specific ICPs. To increase the flexibility of movement and ease of tracking, the government must develop a central database on priority. Use of ICT : Currently, none of the ICPs studied employ adequate information and communication technology (ICT). High-speed digital connectivity is needed to optimise ICT usage. However, since the ICPs are located in remote areas, they receive low-speed of bandwidth. According to experts, poor digital connectivity will negatively affect the performance of the Single Window System (SWS),which is necessary for paperless trade.  Conclusion The establishment of the ICPs on the Indian borders reflects India’s willingness to provide world-class facilities at the border checkpoint to promote trade and connectivity with its neighbour. The government can draw lessons from the existing ICPs to avoid replicating their flaws and thus improving those that are yet to be developed. In the future, efficient ICPs will be crucial to India’s trade and connectivity with neighbouring countries . India must therefore focus on consistently upgrading the facilities in a timely manner.   TLP Synopsis Day 152 PDF

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th August 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Global Youth Tobacco Survey Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II - Health In news Recently, the Health Minister released the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS-4). What are the key findings of the Survey? More than 29% of students in India were exposed to second-hand smoke. There has been a 42% decline in tobacco use among 13-15-year-old schoolchildren in the past decade.  Use of any form of tobacco was higher among boys  States with highest use among school children: Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram  States with lowest use among school children: Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.  38% of cigarettes, 47% of bidi smokers and 52% of smokeless tobacco users initiated the use before their 10th birthday. Suggestions to curb smoking amongst school children The role of teachers is most crucial in creating awareness among children and their parents regarding the harm of tobacco use. Harmful effects of tobacco use should be incorporated in school curricula at various levels starting right from the primary school level. What are the measures taken by the government to control smoking? Measures Features WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) India ratified the WHO FCTC in 2004. It was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 Replaced the Cigarettes Act of 1975 Prohibits advertisement of, and to provide for the regulation of trade and commerce in, and production, supply and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products in India. National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), 2008 Objective: To control tobacco consumption and minimize tobacco consumption related deaths Activities: Training and capacity building; information, education, and communication (IEC) activities; tobacco control laws; reporting survey and surveillance and tobacco cessation Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2020 It was mandated that the specified health warning shall cover at least 85% of the principal display area of the package. Of this, 60% shall cover pictorial health warning and 25% shall cover textual health warning. This shall be positioned on the top edge of the package and in the same direction as the information on the principal display area. mCessation Programme It is an initiative using mobile technology for tobacco cessation. It was launched as part of the Digital India initiative. It uses two-way messaging between the individual seeking to quit tobacco use and programme specialists providing them dynamic support Prevention and Control of Pollution Act of 1981 Recognized smoking as an air pollutant. Cable Television Networks Amendment Act of 2000 Prohibited the transmission of advertisements on tobacco and liquor in India. News Source: TH Census 2021: Put off due to COVID-19 Part of: Prelims and GS - II - Government policies and interventions In news Owing to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, Census 2021 and other Census-related field activities have been postponed until further orders. The forthcoming Census is to be the first digital Census and there is a provision for self-enumeration. Self-enumeration refers to completion of census survey questionnaires by the respondents themselves. A mobile application for data collection and a Census portal for managing and monitoring various Census related activities have been developed. What is Census? In Census ( decennial census), data is collected on demographic and various socio-economic parameters like education, SC/ST, religion, language, marriage, fertility, disability, occupation and migration of the individuals.  Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India under Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India is responsible for carrying out the census.  It provides information on size, distribution and socio-economic, demographic and other characteristics of the country’s population.  The first synchronous census in India was held in 1881. Since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once every ten years. As per the official Gazette, the individual data collected in Census under the Census Act, 1948, are not made public as per the provisions contained in the Act.  The individual data are not used for the preparation of any other database, including the National Register of Citizens.  Only the aggregated Census data at various administrative levels are released. What are the Benefits of Census? Evidence based Policy Making: Enumerating, describing and understanding the population of a society and what people have access to, and what they are excluded from, is important not only for social scientists but also for policy practitioners and the government.  Ensures Equity in Governance: Since Independence, aggregated Census data on the SCs & STs on certain parameters such as education have been collected. This data will help the government to remedy inequalities present in the society. Delimitation Exercise: Delimitation Commission sets up boundaries of electoral constituencies based on the data obtained from decennial census Developmental Purposes: Businesses use census data to decide where to build factories, offices and stores, and this creates jobs. Developers use the census to build new homes and revitalize old neighbourhoods.  Cooperative Federalism: Central government funds, grants and support to states and local governments consider population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, caste and other factors.  Civic Participation in Governance: Commenting on the 1941 Census, Census Commissioner Yeatts observed that, “Thanks to the acute interest in community figures, practically all communities this time were census-conscious and took pains to see that their houses were in the list and that they themselves were counted.” Census thus ensures that Democracy is participative in nature. News Source: The Hindu Parties get 48 hours to publish candidates’ criminal records Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II- Elections In news The Supreme Court recently warned Parliament that the nation is losing patience with the advent of criminals in politics. It also imposed fines on major political parties for covering up from voters the criminal past of the candidates they had fielded in the Bihar Assembly polls last year. Key Points The court had directed political parties to publish the criminal history, if any, of their election candidates on the homepage of their party websites under the caption ‘candidates with criminal antecedents’ within 48 hours of their selection In Public Interest Foundation and Ors. v. Union of India, 2018 judgment, SC had also directed them to prominently publish the criminal antecedents of their candidates in newspapers and on social media accounts, including Twitter and Facebook. Political parties had flouted this judgement In a series of directions to make the right of information of a voter “more effective and meaningful”, the court further ordered the Election Commission of India to launch a dedicated mobile app for voters to get details of the criminal history of the candidates at the touch of a button.  The Commission should also form a separate cell to monitor political parties on their compliance with the court’s judgment. News Source: TH India Internet Governance Forum (IGF) -2021  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II -  Governance In news India will host the first Internet Governance Forum in the country.  About IIG forum- The CEO of National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) announced the launch of India IIGF -2021. IIGF- 2021 will be planned for three days, starting from 20th October, 2021.  Theme: Inclusive Internet for Digital India. The forum is an Internet Governance policy discussion platform to bring representatives together from various groups, considering all at par to discuss public policy issues related to the Internet.  This Multi Stakeholder concept is adopted by IGF under United Nations and by Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Significance: As India is the second-largest broadband subscription country in the world and also has the highest data consumption per user per month, with IIGF, the aspirations of the Indians would be reflected in International policy formation and stakeholder discussion. About the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) under United Nations IGF is a multistakeholder governance group for policy dialogue on issues of Internet governance. The convening of the IGF was announced by the Secretary-General of UN in 2006 and has held an annual meeting since then. Various stakeholder groups come together to exchange information and share good policies and practices relating to the Internet and technologies. It facilitates common understandings and knowledge exchange of how to maximize Internet opportunities and address risks and challenges. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) To reach another person on the Internet you have to type an address into your computer - a name or a number. That address has to be unique so computers know where to find each other. ICANN coordinates these unique identifiers across the world. Without that coordination we wouldn't have one global Internet. ICANN is an internationally organized, non-profit corporation, HQ in Los Angeles, California, that has responsibility for Internet Protocol (IP) address space allocation, protocol identifier assignment, generic and country code Top-Level Domain Name System (such as .com, .info, etc.)  management, and root server system management functions. ICANN doesn’t control content on the Internet. It cannot stop spam and it doesn’t deal with access to the Internet. But through its coordination role of the Internet’s naming system, it does have an important impact on the expansion and evolution of the Internet. As a private-public partnership of people from all over the world , ICANN is dedicated  To preserving the operational stability of the Internet To promoting competition;  To achieving broad representation of global Internet communities;  To developing policy appropriate to its mission through bottom-up, consensus-based processes Related Articles Web 3.0 Internet rights: Internet shutdown in India A quest for order amid cyber insecurity India & evolving digital market Government e-Marketplace Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III -  Policies and Interventions In news The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) system has resulted in a 10% savings in public procurement costs in five years, but has still tapped only 5% of India’s total government purchases of about Rs 20 lakh crore a year. 56% of the order value processed through the GeM portal has been delivered by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with seven lakh small firms on board. About Government e-Marketplace (GeM)  GeM is a one-stop National Public Procurement Portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Central and State Government Departments/Organizations/Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The procurement of goods and services by Ministries and the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) is mandatory for goods and services available on GeM. It also provides the tools of e-bidding and reverse e-auction to facilitate the government users achieve the best value for their money. At present, GeM has more than 30 lakh products, over Rs. 10 lakh crore worth of transactions have happened so far at the portal. It was launched in 2016 to bring transparency and efficiency in the government buying process. Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry. News Source: TH Hong Kong set to adopt China’s anti-sanctions law Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III - International relations In news China’s anti-sanctions law will be implemented in some form in Hong Kong. The law includes denying visas, deportation, or seizing assets of those who formulate or comply with sanctions against Chinese businesses or officials. Foreign companies can be sued in Chinese courts for applying sanctions and the law can also be wielded against family members. It will add fresh regulatory pressure on international companies located in Hong Kong. Do you know about China’s One Country- Two system model? This policy was originally proposed by Deng Xiaoping shortly after he took the reins of the country in the late 1970s.  Deng’s plan was to unify China and Taiwan under the One Country Two Systems policy which provided autonomy to Taiwan. Under this system, Taiwan could follow its capitalist economic system, run a separate administration and keep its own army but under Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan, however, rejected the Communist Party’s offer. The idea of two systems in one country is replicated again in Hong Kong and Macau when Britain and Portugal, who were running these territories under lease (since colonial times) returned it to China in 1997 & 1999 respectively.  These territories were also given autonomy in its functioning in return for recognition of China’s Sovereignty over these areas. News Source: TH (News from PIB) National Commission for Homoeopathy Part of: GS Prelims  In news: Action Plan for effective and efficient inclusion of Homeopathy in Integrative care The Homoeopathy Education and Practice is regulated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Act, 2020.  About the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Act, 2020 The NCH, Act, 2020 come in to force w.e.f. 5th July 2021 after repealing the Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 and applies to whole of India. The 2020 Act replaced the Council with a National Commission of Homoeopathy for regulating homoeopathic education and practice.  The Act is having the provision for having interface between Homoeopathy, Indian system of Medicine and Modern system of Medicine to promote medical pluralism.  It also provides provision for the State Government to take necessary measures to address various issues related to health including promotion of public health through Homoeopathy.  About National Commission of Homoeopathy   The Commission shall consist of the following persons, namely: --(a) a chairperson; (b) seven ex officio Members; and (c) nineteen part-time Members. Functions of the National Commission for Homoeopathy:  Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and homoeopathic medical professionals.  Assessing the requirements of healthcare related human resources and infrastructure. Source: PIB National Dairy Plan Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III- Economy In news: National Dairy Plan Phase I (NDP-I) a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) with an outlay of Rs. 2242 Crore was implemented during March 2012 to Nov 2019 across 18 major dairying states including Gujarat which together account for over 90% of the country’s milk production. Funding was through a line of credit from the International Development Association (IDA), which along with the share of the Government of India flew from Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF) to National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and in turn to eligible End Implementing Agencies (EIAs). Objectives: Increase productivity of milch animals and thereby increase milk production to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk. Provide rural milk producers with greater access to the organized milk processing sector. NDP I had the following major components: Productivity Enhancement: aiming at increasing bovine productivity following a scientific approach in animal breeding and nutrition. Village based milk procurement systems for weighing, testing quality of milk received and making payment to milk producers: aiming at increasing the number of milk producers organised into milk producer institutions. Project Management and Learning: aiming at effective coordination of project activities among various EIAs and a comprehensive and functional Management Information System (MIS) for the Project. Some of the key achievement of the NDP I: NDP I was able to make available more than 2,456 High Genetic Merit Bulls to A & B graded semen stations across the country which propelled the production of quality disease-free semen.  The project also contributed towards lowering the cost of feeding per kg of milk resulting in increase of net daily income of milk producers by Rs 25.52.  Market access was provided to more than 16.8 lakh additionally enrolled milk producers of which 7.65 lakh are women members.  The project covered around 59 lakh beneficiaries across 97,000 villages.  Source: PIB Fit India Freedom Run 2.0 Part of: GS Prelims  In News: Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports will launch the Nationwide programme of Fit India Freedom Run 2.0 on 13th August 2021, as part of celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav Through this initiative, more than 7.50 Crore youth and citizen will be reached to take part in the run. About the Fit India Freedom Run 1.0   The aim of 'Fit India Freedom Run’ is to encourage people to take up fitness activities such as running and sports in their daily lives and get freedom from obesity, laziness, stress, anxiety, diseases etc.  It was conceived in 2020 in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic when social distancing became new normal lifestyle, so as to keep the imperative need of fitness active even while following the social distancing norms. Fit India Freedom Run was launched on the concept of virtual run i.e., 'it can be run anywhere, anytime! You run a route of your choice, at a time that suits you. Basically, you run your own race and time your own pace'. Fit India Freedom Run 2.0 The key activities of Fit India Freedom Run 2.0 include pledge, rendering of National Anthem, Freedom Run, cultural functions at venues, awareness among Youth Volunteers to participate and also organize similar Freedom Runs in their villages.  People can register and upload their run on Fit India portal https://fitindia.gov.in and promote freedom run on their social media channels with #Run4India and #AzadikaAmritMahotsav. Through this campaign, citizens will be given call to make a resolve to include physical activity of at least 30 minutes daily in their lives "FITNESS KI DOSE AADHA GHANTA ROZ". Source: PIB Porous Carbon Nano-Particles from waste onion peels Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III- Science & Tech In news: Using porous carbon nanoparticles from waste onion peels, a team of scientists have developed soft robotic actuators with enhanced photomechanical capacity. It can act as efficient traps for the illuminating low-power near-infrared (NIR) light and can convert a control signal into mechanical motion  This it finds bioengineering applications such as drug delivery, wearable and assistive devices, prostheses, and even artificial organs. What are soft robots or actuators? Actuators or soft robots consists of rubber-like polymer with embedded nanomaterials which converts a source of energy (like light energy) to mechanical motion. Generation of predesigned motion facilitated by their flexibility, affordability, and easy customization are the main reasons for increasing interest of these nano-robots with targeted applications in areas including bio-medical, military, and remote space operations. The high thermal conductivity of these nanoforms results in rapid distribution of the heat generated locally by thermal and photo-thermal stimuli.  Using porous carbon nanoparticles To take these actuators to the next level of development, heat traps can be created to capture and contain the generated heat for slightly longer durations such that the achieved photomechanical actuation can be enhanced. Team of Bangalore scientist has realized such a possibility by utilizing porous carbon nanoparticles (PCNs) from waste onion peels. Source: PIB Operation Greens Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- Government Schemes In news: Ministry of Food Processing Industries launched Operation Greens scheme in November, 2018 for integrated development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain. Operation Greens scheme The scheme provides for  short term intervention by way of providing transportation and storage subsidy @ 50% and  long-term intervention through value addition projects in identified production clusters with Grant-in-aid @ 35% to 70% of eligible project cost subject to maximum of Rs. 50 crore per project. The crop-wise/state-wise specific funds are not earmarked under the scheme as the scheme is demand driven and projects are sanctioned in the identified production clusters on the basis of the applications received from investors against Expression of Interest (EOI) issued from time to time. The scheme aims to promote Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), Agri-logistics, processing facilities and value addition etc. in identified production clusters. 6 projects worth project cost of ₹363.30 Crore, with grant-in-aid of ₹136.82 Cr, targeting 31 FPOs in 6 production clusters are approved so far one each for tomato, onion and potato in Gujarat (3), two for onion in Maharashtra (2) and one for tomato in Andhra Pradesh. Objectives Of Operation Greens Scheme To enhance value realization of top farmers;  Reduction in post-harvest losses;  Price stabilization for producer and consumers and  Increase in food processing capacities and value addition etc. As per budget Announcement 2021-22, expanded operation greens scheme covers 22 perishables including shrimp. Source: PIB PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana Part of: GS Prelims  In news: In the Budget speech of FY 21-22, ‘Prime Minister Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana’ (PMASBY) scheme has been announced on 1st February, 2021, for an outlay of about Rs. 64,180 Cr over six years (till FY 25-26).  This will be in addition to the National Health Mission. The main interventions under the scheme, to be achieved by FY 2025-26, are: Support for 17,788 rural Health and Wellness Centres in in 10 High Focus States Establishing 11,024 urban Health and Wellness Centres in all the States. Setting up of Integrated Public Health Labs in all districts and 3382 Block Public Health Units in 11 High Focus states; Establishing Critical Care Hospital Blocks in 602 districts and 12 Central Institutions; Strengthening of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), its 5 regional branches and 20 metropolitan health surveillance units; Expansion of the Integrated Health Information Portal to all States/UTs to connect all public health labs; Operationalisation of 17 new Public Health Units and strengthening of 33 existing Public Health Units at Points of Entry, that is at 32 Airports, 11 Seaports and 7 land crossings; Setting up of 15 Health Emergency Operation Centres and 2 mobile hospitals; and Setting up of a National Institution for One Health, a Regional Research Platform for WHO South East Asia Region, 9 Bio-Safety Level III laboratories and 4 regional National Institutes for Virology. Source: PIB (Mains Focus) GOVERNANCE GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  A call for improving civil registration systems Context: The Hindu Newspaper has come out with estimates of excess deaths based on Civil Registration System (CRS) data for many States which showed that the death toll was several times higher than the official death toll. A working paper for the Center for Global Development, co-authored by former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian, also states that excess deaths during the pandemic period could be as high as 49 lakh in India as against the 4.14 lakh reported in government data. ‘Excess deaths’ are defined as the difference between the observed number of deaths in specific time periods and the expected number of deaths in the same time periods. Organisational structure of the administrative machinery that is responsible for recording deaths and bring out reports While the Registrar General, India, is the head of the national organisation tasked with the registration of births and deaths, the actual work is carried out by the State and Union Territory (UT) administrations.  The heads of the State organisations are called Chief Registrars. These officers come from the Health Department in 21 States/UTs and the Department of Planning, Economics and Statistics in 13 States/UTs. In two States/ UTs, they are from the Panchayat/Local Administration Departments. We also have Secretaries to the State government functioning as Chief Registrars in a few States.  The multiplicity of agencies responsible for the registration of births and deaths is replicated at the district and lower levels with municipalities and panchayats playing a major role in registration.  Coordination of Multiple stakeholders are involved – Hospitals, Police & individuals – in registration process.  Issues Technology enables the States to release data on the number of deaths registered on a monthly, weekly or daily basis. However, it is shameful that governments don’t leverage the advancements in technology in pro-actively publishing data. Multiplicity of agencies responsible for the registration of births and deaths impedes effective oversight.  The traditional bureaucratic practice to function within departmental silos leads to poor coordination that brings down efficiency of registration process. The State governments have not given adequate attention to the CRS. This has resulted in an inadequate budget for carrying out its regular activities including processing of the data. Apart from the problem that reports are overdue, they do not contain all the tables that are prescribed even under our own Rules. Data include deaths that took place in previous years but are registered in the years that the report is published. This distorts the accuracy of the report.  Way Ahead For every country, it’s important to capture excess mortality which is the only way to prepare the health system for future shocks & to prevent further deaths. There is a need to invest in strong civil registration and vital statistics, so policies can be adjusted based on real data. Central and State governments must announce a time-bound commitment to achieve 100% registration of deaths in the country. There is a need for data that fully meets quality standards.  Connecting the dots: Decentralisation & COVID-19 COVID lessons for Climate Crisis COVID-19 and Herd Immunity (RSTV Debate) RSTV 28 July, 2021: The Big Picture - Talks with US: Blinken's visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdH08GPMnBY INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY GS-2: India Foreign Policy GS-2: Bilateral & Multilateral relationships. India- US Relationship: US Secretary of State visit to India  The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval for the discussions.  During the talks, Blinken attached great importance to the relationship between India and the US and assured that it will continue to be stronger under the Biden administration.  The US Secretary of State also focused on Afghanistan, Quad Vaccine, and the determination to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Significance of the timing of the visit Antony Blinken's maiden visit to India assumes significance in the backdrop of the security crisis in Afghanistan and China's aggressive stance in the Indo-Pacific region.  Blinken and Jaishankar talked on a range of issues, including the security crisis in Afghanistan in the aftermath of the US troop pullout, China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region and coordinated Covid-19 response. Significant strategic areas that were discussed US Secretary of State, during his visit to India, expressed Biden administration's intent of growing stronger bilateral relations with India and also stressed the importance of cooperation on various issues such as COVID-19 and Climate Change. The issues include: Human rights issues: It was widely expected that the Biden, unlike his predecessor, would not hold back to call out New Delhi for issues related to human rights. Regarding the Indian Government's stand on human rights matters, Blinken said that every democracy is a work in progress and that the challenges it faces, renews, and strengthens the democracies. The reason for the downgrade is that the US will side step being too harsh or critical against India as it does not want to disturb many aspects of the growing bilateral relationship. Quad engagement The United States had announced support for waiving intellectual property protection for Covid-19 vaccines, saying extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures. Both the countries are determined to end the deadly pandemic together with the Quad vaccine partnership. The two will be the world leaders to bring this pandemic to an end and the focus is on expanding the vaccine production to make it globally accessible and affordable. About the strategic dialogue between India, the US, Japan, and Australia, the four like-minded countries are coming together to work on some significant issues that are going to impact the lives of the people.  It is not a military alliance rather its purpose is to advance the cooperation on the regional challenges while also reinforcing the international rules and values that underpin prosperity, peace, and stability in the region. Main challenge for quad is to deliver on the so many ideas and commitments that it claim in the statement and if it can deliver it then it will give a boast to its own credibility. Massive Violence in Afghanistan: Afghanistan region peace and stability is very crucial and most pressing security challenge with significant long-term implications for India at the moment.  The US sudden withdrawal instead of planned and slow-paced sequential withdrawal has led to the emanation of so many problems.  This has created a level of uncertainty in the region because the regional interests are very divergent at the moment. India has invested heavily in Afghanistan, including granting $3 billion in development assistance since 2001, and has enjoyed close ties with all post-Taliban governments. But India now worries Pakistan and China, its two main rivals, will fill the vacuum left by the United States and deepen their influence. Despite the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, the US will remain engaged in the country.  Keeping in mind the ongoing violence in Afghanistan, as the Taliban invades the cities leading to the deteriorating conditions in the country, the US not only has a strong embassy there but also has significant programmes that support the country economically through security assistance and development. Indo-Pacific region: Both India and the US will exchange assessments about the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on the economic slowdown, COVID assistance, and the security scenario. U.S view Indian democracy as a force for good in defence of a free and open Indo-Pacific, indeed a free and open world.  Climate Change: It remains an important area of conversation between India and the US, particularly the potential for green collaborations as well as climate finance and the transfer of clean technologies to developing nations. The United States and India both recognize the unique role they have to play in reducing the world's emissions, as well as their complementary strengths when it comes to tackling the climate crisis. The two have launched the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 partnership in April this year. The partnership will reinforce US and India’s collective efforts to achieve both the goals of the Paris Agreement and their own ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy, are an excellent example of how the United States and India can bring their strengths to bear on some of the world's most challenging issues. Can you attempt this question now? US Secretary of State, during his visit to India, expressed intent of growing stronger bilateral relations with India and also stressed the importance of cooperation on various issues such as COVID-19 and Climate Change. Illustrate.  (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2020: It was mandated that the specified health warning shall cover at least 85% of the principal display area of the package. Of this, 25% shall cover pictorial health warning and 60% shall cover textual health warning. This shall be positioned on the top edge of the package. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 and 2 only  2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 2 only  Q.2 Which of the following is responsible for carrying out the Census in India?  Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Ministry of Home affairs  NITI Aayog  National Population Commission Q.3 IGF is a multistakeholder governance group for policy dialogue on issues of Internet governance announced by which of the following? NITI Aayog  Internet Architecture Board  United Nations Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers ANSWERS FOR 10th August 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 D 3 D Must Read On Global Trade in post-COVID era: The Hindu On Collegium System: Indian Express On Climate Crisis: Hindustan Times