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[MOCK INTERVIEW – UPSC 2020-21] New Time Slots for OFFLINE MOCKS In DELHI Open Now & ONE-ONE MOCKS with Mohan Sir!

Dear Students, Thank You for the Overwhelming Response and Heartwarming Feedback on our Interview Mentorship Program (IMP). More Interview Slots are now open! 300+ students have attended the Mock Interviews in Bangalore, Delhi, and Online till now!! As the Lockdown restrictions are erased, we are conducting OFFLINE MOCKS at DELHI!!   UPCOMING OFFLINE MOCKS in Delhi: 24th July (Saturday) - Slots Open! 25th July (Sunday) - Slots Open!   For ONE-ONE MOCKS/MENTORSHIP with Mohan Sir and for upcoming MOCK INTERVIEWS-Book your Slots by filling the form - Click Here NOTE: Mohan Sir (Founder, IASbaba) will be taking One-to-one Mocks and Mentorship to Interview selected students in Delhi Centre. He will be available on 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th July at Delhi Centre. P.S: More Mocks will be announced soon! P.S: You can also share the same with your friends who are interested in taking ONLINE Mock Interviews, One-One Mocks with Mohan Sir, DAF Questionnaire. To Know More about IASbaba's Interview Mentorship Program (IMP) -> CLICK HERE For further queries with regard to the interview, you can mail us at support@iasbaba.com or call us on 8549000077 [UPSC INTERVIEW] CURRENT AFFAIRS Discussion – Learn How to Handle Controversial Topics and Situation-Based Questions from Serving, Ex-IAS, IPS, IRS Officers & Mohan Sir – Exclusively for UPSC 2021-21 Interview Students! - CLICK HERE BABA's INTERVIEW PANELLIST Thank You IASbaba

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19th JULY 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 [19th JULY,2021] – Day 136

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 1 Questions [19th JULY,2021] – Day 136 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. Examine the complexities that were involved in the integration of princely states into the Indian territory. How were these complexities addressed by the contemporary leadership? Discuss. (10 Marks) भारतीय क्षेत्र में देशी रियासतों के एकीकरण में शामिल जटिलताओं का परीक्षण कीजिए। समकालीन नेतृत्व ने इन जटिलताओं को कैसे संबोधित किया? चर्चा करें। 2. The commitment of the founding fathers of the Constitution towards protecting the rights of religious minorities in India can be considered as the stepping stone towards a secular India. Elucidate. (10 Marks) भारत में धार्मिक अल्पसंख्यकों के अधिकारों की रक्षा के प्रति संविधान के संस्थापकों की प्रतिबद्धता को धर्मनिरपेक्ष भारत की दिशा में एक कदम माना जा सकता है। स्पष्ट करें। 3. In what ways did the contemporary post independence leadership address the issue of tribal integration? Was is successful? Critically evaluate. (15 Marks) स्वतंत्रता के बाद के समकालीन नेतृत्व ने आदिवासी एकीकरण के मुद्दे को किन तरीकों से संबोधित किया? क्या यह सफल रहा? समीक्षकों का मूल्यांकन 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 :)

[INTERVIEW INITIATIVE] Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP) [DAY 24] 2020 for UPSC/IAS Personality Test!

ARCHIVES (of TRP) - > CLICK HERE Those who have appeared for UPSC Mains 2020, fill up the Google form given below. Students who fill the form will be added to a telegram group so that there can be healthy discussions with other students who will be appearing for the Interview/Personality Test. Also, Mohan sir, Bureaucrats and Ex-Bureaucrats will be interacting one on one with all the students who will be appearing for the same. REGISTER HERE – CLICK HERE   Interview Discussion: Think, Rethink and Perform; (TRP)- Day 24 Set 1: Ask these questions to yourself; contemplate and come out with a concrete answer (not to be discussed on this forum). Invest at least 30 minutes on this set of questions.  Do you think it is important to be highly aspirational in your life?  What if your aspirations don’t conform to the social norms or expectations of your family? Is it fine to pursue one’s passion even if there is a lot of resistance from within the family or society? Set 2: Analyse the following issue:  How far do you consider the Indian citizens responsible for the COVID debacle? While one is free to blame the government for the spike in cases, aren’t we as citizens equally responsible? Have we behaved in a way that is worthy to be called ‘civilized’? Think about it.  We expect you to discuss the above question (Set 2) in the comments below and come out with a balanced view of the issues. Thank You IASbaba

SYNOPSIS [16th JULY,2021] Day 135: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [16th JULY,2021] Day 135: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Why does Delhi-NCR experience high levels of air pollution during the month of November? What can be the sustainable remedies to this problem? Discuss.  Approach  In introduction the candidate can start with writing what the problem in Delhi -NCR is regarding pollution.In next part discuss what are the reasons for the chronic problem of pollution.In next part write what can remedies to mitigate the pollution in long run.In conclusion take a reform and correction oriented stand. Introduction India is among the most polluted countries, with most places in the country exceeding WHO defined safe air quality standards multiple times over. Nearly half of the worst 50 polluted cities in the world are in India.The technological advancement and speedy development since India’s Independence has come at a great environmental cost. This gets reflected each year in months of October and November in Delhi and NCR region where the air becomes unbreathable, roads with zero visibility, school’s need to be shut down and an acute and chronic health crises. Body Air pollution in Delhi-NCR and the Indo Gangetic Plains is a complex phenomenon that is dependent on a variety of factors. Change in Wind Direction:October and November usually marks the withdrawal of monsoons in Northwest India and during this time, the predominant direction of winds is northwesterly.The direction of the wind is northwesterly in summers as well, which brings the dust from northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. Reduced Wind Speed:High-speed winds are very effective at dispersing pollutants, but winters bring a dip in wind speed overall as compared to in summers which makes the region prone to pollution. Land locked :Also, Delhi lies in a landlocked region which does not have a geographical advantage that eastern, western or southern parts of the country enjoy where the sea breeze disperses the concentrated pollutants. Stubble Burning:Stubble burning in Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana is blamed for causing a thick blanket of smog in Delhi during winters.It emits large amounts of toxic pollutants in the atmosphere which contain harmful gases like methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.Farm fires have been an easy way to get rid of paddy stubble quickly and at low cost for several years. Vehicular Pollution:It is one of the biggest causes of dipping air quality in Delhi in winters and around 20% of PM2.5 in winters comes from it. Dust Storms:Dust storms from Gulf countries enhance the already worse condition. Dry cold weather means dust is prevalent in the entire region, which does not see many rainy days between October and June.Dust pollution contributes to around 56% of PM10 and the PM2.5 load. Dip in Temperatures:As temperature dips, the inversion height is lowered and the concentration of pollutants in the air increases when this happens.Inversion height is the layer beyond which pollutants cannot disperse into the upper layer of the atmosphere. Firecrackers:Despite the ban on cracker sales, firecrackers are a common sight on Diwali. It may not be the top reason for air pollution, but it definitely contributed to its build-up. Construction Activities and Open Waste Burning:Large-scale construction in Delhi-NCR is another culprit that is increasing dust and pollution in the air. Delhi also has landfill sites for the dumping of waste and burning of waste in these sites also contributes to air pollution.  Sustainable Remedies to air pollution in Delhi. Alternate Solutions to Burning Crop Stubble – Farmers need to be provided alternate options. Government agencies should provide shredder machines free of cost rather than just providing subsidy. Also, farmers should be educated and made aware of the harmful effects of crop burning. Adopting Renewable Solar Power and promoting Solar Rooftops – A lot of government buildings in Delhi have rooftop solar installations which is praiseworthy. This should be further encouraged not just in government buildings but across all kinds of commercial buildings in the city and suburb towns of Delhi NCR. Government can also mandate residential plots measuring above a certain size to install solar rooftops. Public Transport – Improve public transport systems. Although metro has been a great success, the network is mostly concentrated in Delhi. Also, last mile connectivity and overcrowding remains an issue which prevents a lot of people from using the network. The various agencies involved in public transport infrastructure should work towards improving the efficiency of public transport networks. Promote CNG as fuel – The government should encourage CNG as a fuel for private vehicles. Most of public transport buses in the capital already use CNG as primary fuel. This should be encouraged for private vehicles as well by providing subsidies and increasing the number of CNG pumps Electric Vehicles and related infrastructure – There have been a thrust on electric vehicles in the past few years. The government should develop the necessary infrastructure – the most important of them being charging stations to help wide adoption of these vehicles. Subsidies should also be provided to people who want to buy electric vehicles. Sprinkling of Waste Water in Construction Sites – Waste water can be used to sprinkle construction sites so that pollutants emanating from these sites can be controlled Large Scale Afforestation Drives – The government should identify large tracks that can be planted with trees for green cover across the city. Also, hill ranges like the Aravallis should be preserved and they should be planted with trees. Conclusion The problem of air pollution has been becoming severe in Delhi each year.Further at least 30.7% of deaths in India can be attributed to air pollution from fossil fuels,that means about 2.5 million people die every year after breathing toxic air.This doesn’t bodes well for a developing economy which intends to becomes superpower.Also pollution has longterm implications on health and economy.Therefore there is needs to take immediate measures to bring the pollution down through National Clean air program, e-vehicle policy and education of farmers to reduce stubble burning. 2. Examine the factors that have led to the formation of the ‘great garbage patch’ in the Pacific ocean? Also explain its damaging effects on the marine ecosystem. Approach  Define in introduction what is meant by Great garbage patch.In next part examine the factors which are responsible for this patch connect these to adverse effects it has on the marine ecology.In way forward suggest some reformation measures. Introduction: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. Also known as the Pacific trash vortex, the garbage patch is actually two distinct collections of debris bounded by the massive North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. It is located about halfway between Hawaii and California. It’s the largest accumulation zone for ocean plastics on Earth.The trash mainly comprises of plastic debris which was discovered in 1997 and is said that it can be viewed from space station.  Body It is a mix of both anthropogenic and natural factors that have contributed to formation of great garbage patch: Anthropogenic causes : Dumping: Dumping of wastes into water sources which ultimately find their way into oceans. It includes industrial, domestic wastes dumped intentionally. Disaster: Industrial disasters, oil spills, accidents lead to exposure of waste into water sources resulting in accumulation over period of time.  Merchant ships expel cargo, sewage, used medical equipment, and other types of waste that contain plastic into the ocean. The largest ocean-based source of plastic pollution is discarded fishing gear (including traps and nets). Continental plastic litter such as Food Wrappers & Containers, Bottles and container caps, Plastic bags, Straws and stirrers etc. enters the ocean largely through storm-water runoff. Micro plastics (particles of less than 5 mm) such as those used in scrubbers and cosmetics Unlike POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Plastic pollution has received little attention in terms of international agreements. Natural causes: Ocean currents: The Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch is a phenomenon that occurs due to ocean currents swirling in the North Pacific waters. These ocean currents called the sub-tropical gyre are perpetually present in the North Pacific Ocean waters and they are the main reason behind the accumulated waste.  Direction: The gyre currents move in a clockwise direction and carry the trash and the waste along in their path from the land right in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean. The entire process of the gyre collecting and depositing trash happens in the East and the West part of the Pacific Ocean, thus making the Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch a convergence of the East garbage patch and the West garbage patch in the North Pacific.  Impact on marine ecosystem  Affects movement of marine organisms:Ghost nets, a term coined to describe purposely discarded or accidentally lost netting, drift through the ocean, entangling whales, seals, and turtles.An estimated 100,000 marine animals are strangled, suffocated, or injured by plastics every year. Direct harm to species:Of the 1.5 million Laysan albatrosses that inhabit Midway, nearly all are likely to have plastic in their digestive system.Approximately one-third of their chicks die, and many of those deaths are due to being fed plastic by their parents.Fish and whales may also mistake the plastic as a food source. Indirect harm to species via the food chain:Besides the particles danger to wildlife, on the microscopic level the floating debris can absorb organic pollutants from seawater, including PCBs, DDT, and PAHs.These toxin-containing plastic pieces are also eaten by jellyfish, which are then eaten by fish. Many of these fish are then consumed by humans, resulting in their ingestion of toxic chemicals Spreading invasive species:Marine plastics also facilitate the spread of invasive species that attach to floating plastic in one region and drift long distances to colonize other ecosystems. Research has shown that this plastic marine debris affects at least 267 species worldwide. Affects Food-chain:Because the garbage blocks sunlight, algae is not growing as it should. With less algae, the entire food chain is experiencing a negative disruption.In addition, the plastics floating in the ocean are leeching harmful chemicals into the water, which are likely entering the food chain. Way forward: Humans have played a major role in causing this damage so they have to take a bigger role in solving the issue. It might be impossible to clean this mess for now but certain measures can be taken to prevent further contribution to the mess like: Using biodegradable items instead of the toxic and non-biodegradable ones, it minimises the effect of the gyre carrying and depositing the waste and thus adding to the Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch.  Creating awareness to people about their mistakes regarding the use of plastics which can prove to be hazardous not just to sea creatures and mammals but to entire mankind.  The two organisations such a 4-Oceans and The ocean cleanup are already involved in the cleanup effort’s.This shows the ability of civil society to cope up a collective response. 3. Are global negotiations on climate change heading in the right direction? Critically examine.   Approach  In introduction defined what is meant by climate change negotiations and provide a time period from when it has attained prominence.In next part write what are the successes attained until now under climate negotiations and what are still the obstacles which have hindered its progress.In conclusion write a reform oriented conclusion. Introduction:  The climate negotiation process occurs through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its related agreements is the primary forum for international cooperation on stabilising atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent catastrophic anthropogenic interference with the climate system.The Paris climate agreement signed in 2015 is the primary instrument which governs climate negotiations and sets longterm targets. Body: Positive trends: The earlier stand of majority of the countries was based on the denial of climate change.But after climate change negotiations has been pocked up there is global consensus towards the need of sustainable development. Initially the whole effort was focused on international bodies such a United nations for a response to climate change but after climate change negotiations the message has been adopted at bilateral and national levels as seen in Indo-Germany climate memorandum and India’s own National climate change plans. Kyoto protocol only required wealthy nations to cut emissions, which was a bone of contention; however this anomaly was corrected with the signing of Paris agreement in 2015. UNFCCC initiatives helped create Public awareness regarding climate change, which is much higher today than in the late 90s. Although climate science in the late 90s was certainly strong enough—to negotiate an international treaty, it is hard to deny that the scientific understanding of the climate crisis has improved considerably over the past two decades in which UNFCCC played a significant role. UNFCCC has enabled planning and implementation of concrete adaptation activities under the National Adaptations Programme of Action (NAPAs) and the Nairobi work programme. UNFCCC helped create innovative ideas in mitigating climate change like the Clean Development mechanism (CDM) under which developing country’s projects that reduce emissions earn credits that can be sold to countries or companies with a commitment to reduce emissions. Since the establishment of UNFCCC national governments have encouraged and increased cooperation on the development and transfer of technology. UNFCCC efforts support the developing countries in combating climate change by providing a platform for finance, technology transfers, discussions, global partnerships, etc.  Finance: including delivering on the $100 billion mobilisation goal and starting talks on the post-2025 goal in earnest. Some issues which persist in the negotiations: Non-inclusive: Most scientists agree the most dangerous environmental air pollutants today are microscopic particulates that come from car engines and combustion-based power plants, but these pollutants are largely ignored by the Kyoto Protocol. Slow progress: It took a long time for COP to bring Russia to agree into participating in the Kyoto Protocol. (until 2005) UNFCCC failed to persuade USA to ratify the Kyoto protocol thereby keeping one of the largest emitter of greenhouse gases away from commitments. Unsustainable targets: The world reached at almost 1degree Celsius warming post industrialization and the Paris contributions are not enough to maintain 2 degree Celsius levels. Unsatisfactory Response: Many countries argued for a tougher target of 1.5C - including leaders of low-lying countries that face unsustainable sea levels rises in a warming world. Financial Constraints: The agreement requires rich nations to maintain a $100bn a year funding pledge beyond 2020, which is not enough as highlighted by several pacific island countries. Non-binding agreement: The US withdrawal from the 2015 Paris climate agreement, citing, that the deal punished" the US and would cost millions of American jobs”, has created new barriers and more pressure on rest of the nations in achieving the targets of Paris agreement. As part of the US withdrawal, USA has stopped the payment of the extra $2bn that had been promised in to the Green Climate Fund. No enforcement mechanism: Under the Paris agreement, each country determines, plans, and reports its own efforts to mitigate global warming. The only penalty for non-compliance is a so-called “name and shame” — or “name and encourage” — system whereby countries that fall out of compliance are called out and encouraged to improve. Conclusion: The recent heatwaves and simultaneous floods in North America and Europe is grim reality due to impact of climate change.Therefore , the global divide on climate change related issues needs to be narrowed. Further, any healthy negotiations must be followed by adequate steps to enforce what is decided. It is time global leaders rise above politics and see that both adaptation and mitigation efforts are strengthened.   TLP Synopsis Day 135 PDF

Important Articles

[WEEK 9] ETHICS THEORY & CASE STUDIES | BRAINSTORMING ON ETHICS & ESSAY (BEE) by Sunil Oberoi Sir

Dear Students, As part of our new initiative, BRAINSTORMING ON ETHICS & ESSAY (BEE), here we have come up with the Ninth session. BEE is a FREE ONLINE (YOUTUBE) initiative, exclusively for Essay and Ethics curated by IASbaba’s renowned faculty member, Shri Sunil Oberoi Sir (former IAS Officer). The Ninth session focuses on the theme, 'ETHICS THEORY & CASE STUDIES'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YPyPfdCvaw Sunil Oberoi Sir has worked on Civil Services Reforms in India with UNDP and DoPT. He was a government nominee in interview boards and Examiner in various govt. exams. He was also associated with induction training of new entrants of Civil Services and In-Service training of Senior Civil Servants. To Know More about BEE Initiative -> CLICK HERE Download the schedule: Click Here For Any Queries: Email id: offline@iasbaba.com / support@iasbaba.com Mobile No: 91691 91888 (Please call between 10 am – 6 pm ONLY) Thank You IASbaba 

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Learning to be Silent – Inspirational Educative Articles

Learning to be Silent: Your personality can never be defined by your mind, but that’s exactly what we do. We let our minds decide our personalities. We let our minds decide our strengths and weaknesses, whatever they might be. Eventually, we let our minds completely control our lives. And then, we worry about our personal identity, finding happiness, when everything is right here. Learning how to be above and beyond language, learning how to be quiet, that’s the greatest trick of life.  You can crack that code. The day you are able to get to that point where you can choose when to speak and when not to speak internally – not outside. Outside of course, we have control; we can we can decide whether we want to say something or not. Well, maybe not everybody, but a majority of them. When we are in a nice, peaceful, state of mind, we can control what we say on the outside, but the bigger challenge is: Can we control what we tell ourselves inside? An even bigger challenge is: Can we not say anything? Nothing. Not even say, “I’m quiet now.”  That is language. When you tell yourself you are silent, you are not silent. When you tell yourself you’re peaceful, you’re not peaceful. When there is nothing but the absence of sound, absence of conversation, absence of language –  Do you want to know what bliss is? Do you want to know what existence is? Do you want to know what eternity is? Do you want to know what life is? Do you want to know where you have come from, where you are going? Do you want to know the secret of life? Become silent. As long as you’re noisy, you’re only listening to the language that is introduced to you by society, by the people around you. To listen to your own inner voice you have to become silent. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Nirvana Foundation and IASBABA.”

Important Articles

[WEEK 9] ESSAY 18: Social Media is inherently a selfish medium | BRAINSTORMING ON ETHICS & ESSAY (BEE) by Sunil Oberoi Sir

Dear Students, As part of our new initiative, BRAINSTORMING ON ETHICS & ESSAY (BEE), here we have come up with the Eighteenth session. BEE is a FREE ONLINE (YOUTUBE) initiative, exclusively for Essay and Ethics curated by IASbaba’s renowned faculty member, Shri Sunil Oberoi Sir (former IAS Officer). The Eighteenth essay focuses on the theme, ''. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUZhUFu6oKw Sunil Oberoi Sir has worked on Civil Services Reforms in India with UNDP and DoPT. He was a government nominee in interview boards and Examiner in various govt. exams. He was also associated with induction training of new entrants of Civil Services and In-Service training of Senior Civil Servants. To Know More about BEE Initiative -> CLICK HERE Download the schedule: Click Here For Any Queries: Email ID: support@iasbaba.com Mobile No: 91691 91888 (Please call between 10 AM – 6 PM ONLY)   Thank You IASbaba 

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th July 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Digital Platform Kisan Sarathi Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - Policies and Interventions and GS -III - IT In news In order to facilitate farmers to get ‘right information at right time’ in their desired language, a digital platform ‘Kisan Sarathi’ was recently launched.  Launched by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology What are the features of the platform? It shall empower farmers with technological interventions to reach farmers in remote areas.  The farmers can interact and avail personalised advisories on agriculture and allied areas directly from the respective scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs). It will be highly valuable not only in addressing the location specific information needs of the farmers but also in Agricultural Extension, Education and Research activities of ICAR. About The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently celebrated its 93rd Foundation Day. It is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.  The Council is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.  With 101 ICAR institutes and 71 agricultural universities spread across the country this is one of the largest national agricultural systems in the world. Some initiatives in Agriculture sector Name Year Type Objective Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) 2017 Central sector To supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease Agri-Waste. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana 2016 Central sector To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crop as a result of natural calamities, pests & diseases. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana 2015-16 Central sector To ensure access to some means of protective irrigation to all agricultural farms in the country, to produce ‘per drop more crop’, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) 2016 Central sector Pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana 2015 Central sector Encourages the farmers to adopt eco-friendly concept of cultivation and reduce their dependence on fertilizers and agricultural chemicals to improve yields. National Livestock Mission 2014-15 Central sector To ensure quantitative and qualitative improvement in livestock production systems and capacity building of all stakeholders Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) 2019 Central sector To provide the social security net for the Small and Marginal Farmers (who own cultivable land up to 2 hectares). Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) 2019 Central sector Provides for transfer of an amount of Rs. 6000/- per year in three equal instalments each of Rs. 2000/- directly into the bank account of beneficiary farmer families. News Source: PIB China Starts Carbon Trading Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II - International relations and GS - III - Climate change In news China recently introduced its long-awaited emissions trading system. It is a system that would create the world’s largest carbon market and double the share of global emissions covered under such programs. What are the features of the carbon trading scheme? The carbon market will help the country lower greenhouse-gas emissions. It will help China achieve its goal of reaching peak emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality, or net zero emissions, by 2060.  The program will initially involve such 2,225 companies in the power sector which  are responsible for a seventh of global carbon emissions from fossil-fuel combustion Under the trading program, emitters such as power plants and factories are given a fixed amount of carbon they are allowed to release a year. They can in turn buy or sell those allowances. That pushes emitters to think of controlling and reducing emissions in terms of a market. Over the next three to five years, the market is set to expand to seven additional high-emissions industries: petrochemicals, chemicals, building materials, iron and steel, nonferrous metals, paper, and domestic aviation. Rather than be subject to the absolute caps on emissions in other trading programs, Chinese companies will start off with allowances that use benchmarks based on previous years’ performances which can be traded by negotiation or auction. What are India’s Initiatives to Reduce Emissions? India shifted from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms from 1st April 2020 which was earlier to be adopted by 2024. It has distributed more than 360 million LED bulbs under the UJALA scheme, which has led to energy saving of about 47 billion units of electricity per year and reduction of 38 million tonnes of CO2 per year. International Solar Alliance: Indian initiative conceived as a coalition of solar-resource-rich countries to address their special energy needs. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008 by the Central government, it aims at creating awareness about the threat posed by climate change and the steps to counter it. Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017: Developed by Power Ministry and BEE, ECBC seeks to promote low carbon growth by integrating the renewable energy sources in the design of the buildings Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA): It evaluates the environmental performance of a building holistically over its entire life cycle, thereby providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a green building News Source: TH  New Initiatives in Building Energy Efficiency 2021 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Climate change In news Minister for Power and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy inaugurated “Aiming for Sustainable Habitat: New Initiatives in Building Energy Efficiency 2021” Significance of the inauguration Building sector is the second largest consumer of electricity after industry but it is expected to become the largest energy consuming sector by 2030.  Realizing its importance, the Government of India is focusing on improving energy efficiency across residential as well as commercial building establishments. These initiatives will help enhance the energy-efficiency levels in residential buildings thereby leading to sustainable habitation.  With future-driven initiatives like smart home ecosystems, optimizing energy-efficiency in any given structure will surely be the need in the coming years. More energy-efficiency means less energy consumption in household and reduced carbon emissions.  The initiatives launched included: Specifying code compliance approaches and minimum energy performance requirements for building services, and verification framework with Eco Niwas Samhita 2021. The web-based platform ‘The Handbook of Replicable Designs for Energy Efficient Residential Buildings’ as a learning tool, which can be used to create a pool of ready-to-use resources of replicable designs to construct energy-efficient homes in India. Creating an Online Directory of Building Materials that would envisage the process of establishing Standards for energy efficient building materials. Announcement of NEERMAN Awards, (National Energy Efficiency Roadmap for Movement towards Affordable & Natural Habitat), with the goal of encouraging exceptionally efficient building designs complying with BEE’s Energy Conservation Building Codes. Online Star Rating tool for Energy Efficient Homes created to improve energy-efficiency and reduce energy consumption in individual homes.  Training of over 15,000 Architects, Engineers and Government officials on Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) 2017 and Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) 2021. What is BEE? The Government of India has set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on 1st March 2002 under the provision of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.  Mission: To assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles  Primary objective: Reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy within the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.  This will be achieved with active participation of all stakeholders, resulting in accelerated and sustained adoption of energy efficiency in all sectors. Delhi Water Crisis Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II - Inter-State Relations In news Haryana releases 16,000 cusecs water for Delhi amidst the water shortage in the capital.  Delhi Jal Board (DJB) blamed the Haryana government for triggering a “severe water crisis” in the national capital, and exhorted the neighbouring state to adhere to orders by the Supreme court on water sharing. What is the water Crisis in India? India constitutes 16% of the world’s population, but it has only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.  With the changing weather patterns and recurring droughts, India is water stressed. According to the latest data from the Central Ground Water Board (2017), almost 256 of 700 districts have reported ‘critical’ or ‘over-exploited’ groundwater levels.  Water scarcity in India is expected to worsen as the overall population is expected to increase to 1.6 billion by year 2050. Causes: Traditional techniques of water irrigation, excess use of groundwater, Rapid urbanization, industrialization, population growth, demand for domestic use  Also, during the monsoon season the desilting operations of the water bodies, dams, etc. are not done at the time affecting the water storage capacity of India. Solutions to mitigate water crisis Rain water harvesting Micro irrigation (MI) systems (sprinkler, drip)  Robust long-term planning and preparation for droughts and other contingencies. Agricultural universities should take a lead in advising farmers on suitable cropping patterns to save water. The practice of providing free or subsidised water and power to farmers must be stopped. Small and marginal farmers can be compensated for their loss by increasing the MSP for their produce. Violence in South Africa Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II - International relations In news Recently, Riots and looting in South Africa have left more than 70 people dead, hurt thousands of businesses and damaged major infrastructure. It is the worst civil unrest since the end of white minority rule in 1994. Reason for Recent Violence Protests began over calls for release of former president Jacob Zuma, who served the country from 2009-18 and is facing corruption charges. While the violence may have been spurred on by the imprisonment of Jacob Zuma, it’s being fanned by underlying problems of unemployment and poverty amid a raging pandemic and failing economy. India- South Africa Relations India and South Africa have a long history of working together in institutions of global governance/multilateral fora such as BRICS, G20 , Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and World Trade Organisation (WTO). India is South Africa’s fifth-largest export destination, fourth-largest import origin and second-largest trading partner in Asia. The Department of Science and Technology of both countries have collaborated, especially in the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project. With the help of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an intensive programme of cultural exchanges is organised throughout South Africa including scholarships for South African nationals. South Africa is home to the highest number of Indian Diaspora in the African continent, constituting 3% of South Africa’s total population. News Source: IE India’s Textile Sector Part of: GS Prelims and GS III - Manufacturing sector In news Recently, the Union Minister of Textiles held an in-depth review of initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Textiles for giving a boost to the textiles sector. Textiles & garments industry is labour intensive sector that employs 45 million people in India.  It is second only to the agriculture sector in terms of employment. Significance of the Textiles Sector It contributes 2.3% to Indian GDP, 7% of Industrial Output, 12% to the export earnings of India and employs more than 21% of total employment. India is the 6th largest producer of Technical Textiles with 6% Global Share, largest producer of cotton & jute in the world. Technical textiles are functional fabrics that have applications in industries such as automobiles, civil engineering and construction,  India is also the second largest producer of silk in the world and 95% of the world’s hand woven fabric comes from India. What are Major Initiatives by India in textile sector? Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS): For technology upgradation of the textiles industry (2015) Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP): To assist small and medium entrepreneurs in the textile industry to clusterize investments in textile parks by providing financial support for world class infrastructure in the parks. SAMARTH (Scheme For Capacity Building In Textile Sector): To address the shortage of skilled workers.  North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS): This is a scheme for promoting textiles industry in the NER by providing infrastructure, capacity building and marketing support to all segments of the textile industry. Power-Tex India: It comprises new research and development in power loom textiles, new markets, branding, subsidies and welfare schemes for the workers. Silk Samagra Scheme: It focuses on improving the quality and productivity of domestic silk thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imported silk. Jute ICARE: This pilot project launched in 2015 is aimed at addressing the difficulties faced by the jute cultivators by providing them certified seeds at subsidized rates, and by popularizing several newly developed retting technologies under water limiting conditions. National Technical Textile Mission: It aims to position the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increase the use of technical textiles in the domestic market. It aims to take the domestic market size to USD 40 billion to USD 50 billion by 2024. News Source: PIB Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - Judiciary In news The Union Government has approved continuation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary for further five years to 2026. The entire cost of the scheme will be Rs 9000 crore out of which the Centre will contribute Rs 5357 crore including Rs 50 crore for the implementation of the Gram Nyayalayas Scheme as a part of the National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms.  About the CSS for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Judiciary: It has been in operation since 1993-94. The Central Government through this scheme augments the resources of the State Governments for construction of court buildings and residential quarters for Judicial Officers (JO) in all the States / UTs. Significance/benefits of the scheme: This will help in improving the overall functioning and performance of the Judiciary. Continued assistance to the Gram Nyayalayas will also give impetus to providing speedy, substantial and affordable justice to the common man at his door step. What are Gram Nyayalayas? Gram Nyayalayas or village courts are established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008 for speedy and easy access to the justice system in the rural areas of India. The Act came into force from 2nd October 2009. A Gram Nyayalaya has jurisdiction over an area specified by a notification by the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court. The Court can function as a mobile court at any place within the jurisdiction of such Gram Nyayalaya, after giving wide publicity to that regard. They have both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the offences. Gram Nyayalayas has been given power to accept certain evidences which would otherwise not be acceptable under Indian Evidence Act Composition: The Gram Nyayalayas are presided over by a Nyayadhikari, who will have the same power, enjoy same salary and benefits of a Judicial Magistrate of First Class. Such Nyayadhikari are to be appointed by the State Government in consultation with the respective High Court.  (Mains Focus) GEOGRAPHY/ SCIENCE Topic: GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of health GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. India needs a renewed health-care system Context: For any population, the availability of functional public health systems is literally a question of life and death. Comparison of Kerala & Maharashtra COVID-19 case fatality rates are 0.48% for Kerala and 2.04% for Maharashtra, despite both states having similar per capita gross State domestic product (GSDP). This implies that on average, a COVID-19 patient in Maharashtra has been over four times more likely to die when compared to one in Kerala. Kerala has per capita two and a half times more government doctors, and an equally higher proportion of government hospital beds when compared to Maharashtra,  Kerala fund allocation on public health per capita is over one and half times higher than that of Maharashtra. Despite Maharashtra having a large private health-care sector, its weak public health system has proved to be a critical deficiency. Way Ahead Arrest Decline in Funding: Since 2017-18, Union government allocations for the National Health Mission have declined in real terms. Central allocation for the National Urban Health Mission is ₹1,000 crore, which amounts to less than ₹2 per month per urban Indian. This situation must change. Preventing further privatisation of the health sector: Proposals for handing over public hospitals to private operators under the ‘Viability Gap Funding’ would lead to steep increase in healthcare costs. Regulation of private hospitals: Learning from stark market failures during the COVID-19 pandemic, comprehensive regulation of private health care in public interest now must be a critical agenda of government Effective implementation of CEA: Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act is not effectively implemented due to a major delay in notification of central minimum standards, and failure to develop the central framework for regulation of rates.  Connecting the dots: Budget and Emphasis on Health Sector  National Digital Health Mission Pandemic & inequality in Digital world Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE/ WOMEN Topic: GS-2: Women Empowerment GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. COVID Impact on Women Workforce Context: COVID-19 Pandemic has severely exacerbated existing gendered barriers, widened India’s gender gap in the workforce, and affected (overwhelmingly female) caregivers and frontline workers. Recent Survey Findings of Impact of Pandemic on Women Economic Impact: Women made up just 24% of those working before the pandemic, yet accounted for 28% of all those who lost their jobs. Women also constitute 43% of those who are yet to recover their paid work.  Impact on food intake: Due to low income, more than one in ten women limited their food intake or ran out of food in the week they were surveyed. Impact on Health: About 16% of women had to stop using menstrual pads, and more than one in three married women were unable to access contraceptives. Increased Unpaid work: Indian women already do almost three times more unpaid work than Indian men (nearly 6.5 hours a day). During Pandemic, there is 47% increase in unpaid labour for women, and a 41% increase in unpaid care work for women. Government Support: One in three women said that government welfare schemes and SHGs had played an important role in helping them navigate the pandemic, comparable to the commonly cited family support.  Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, and the public distribution system (PDS) supported 12 million, 100 million, and 180 million women respectively during the crisis.  While the government’s role in entitlements has been invaluable to women, there is a need for broader conversations around universalising, deepening, and extending them support.  Following are three proposals Bundling free menstrual hygiene products with PDS would relax women’s dependence on income for these essentials. Launching drives to enlist women on MGNREGS job cards and increase the total number of person-days to meet women’s demand for job opportunities. Focusing on the inclusion of single, divorced/separated women in the One Nation One Ration Card rollout, and building social assistance programmes for informal workers, specifically domestic workers and casual labourers Connecting the dots: COVID-19 and Domestic Violence  Impact of Lockdown on women & children (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 Kisan Sarathi digital platform was launcedlaunched by which of the following Ministry? Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare  Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Ministry of Tribal Affairs Both (a) and (b)  Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding Textile industry initiatives: Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP) is launched to assist small and medium entrepreneurs in the textile industry to clusterize investments in textile parks by providing financial support for world class infrastructure in the parks. SAMARTH (Scheme For Capacity Building In Textile Sector) is launched To address the shortage of skilled workers.  Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 only Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Which of the following country has introduced its long-awaited emissions trading system that would create the world’s largest carbon market?  USA India China Russia ANSWERS FOR 16th July 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 B Must Read On China’s Belt & Road Initiative: Indian Express On Social Security for Informal Workers: Indian Express

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Prime Minister's Message From Raisina Dialogue to The World - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES Search 14th April, 2021 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx TOPIC: General Studies 2 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. In News: Due to the ongoing Covid Pandemic, 6th Edition of the prestigious Raisina Dialogue is being held virtually from 13-16 April, 2021.  Jointly organised by: The Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation Theme: ViralWorld: Outbreaks, Outliers and Out of Control WHOse Multilateralism? Reconstructing the UN and Beyond Securing and Diversifying Supply Chains Global ‘Public Bads’: Holding Actors and Nations to Account Infodemic: Navigating a ‘No-Truth’ World in the age of Big Brother The Green Stimulus: Investing Gender, Growth and Development The event will be seeing the presence of Former PM of Sweden, Carl Bildt; Former Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Abbott and Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark. The Foreign Ministers of Slovenia, Portugal, Singapore, Romania, Nigeria, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Kenya, Australia, Chile, Iran, Maldives, Bhutan, and Qatar will also be participating in the event. The 2021 edition will have 50 sessions with the participation of 150 speakers from 50 countries and multilateral organisations. More than 2,000 attendees have pre-registered from over 80 countries and a large number of participants are likely to join the Dialogue through various social media platforms. PM Modi’s address –  The current edition of the Raisina Dialogue was taking place at a watershed moment in human history in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic which has been ravaging the world for more than a year. The Prime Minister called upon the global community to introspect on some pertinent questions in the present context. Emphasized that global systems should adapt themselves, in order to address the underlying causes and not just the symptoms. There is a need to humanity at the centre of our thoughts and action, and creating systems that address the problems of today and the challenges of tomorrow. India has “walked the talk” on helping the world counter the coronavirus pandemic despite its “limited resources”. Despite rising numbers and a “second wave” of cases in India, the government has decided not to ban the export of Indian-made vaccines, most of which have been committed as commercial consignments, or as part of the COVAX global alliance. Since January 21, the government has allowed the supply of 6.51 crore doses of the two Indian-made vaccines, of which about 1.05 crore are donations or grants from the government to 90 countries worldwide. The world was “under-prepared” for the COVID-19 pandemic. Pointing to the post-Second World War order, the United Nations and other multilateral structures that he said had been created only in order to prevent “the Third World War”, Mr. Modi said the world should have instead focused on hunger, poverty and humanitarian issues. While the humanity has not faced the Third World War, the threat of violence has not reduced in people’s lives. With a number of proxy wars and unending terror attacks, the prospect of violence is ever present. About Raisina Dialogue A multilateral conference, held every year, designed on the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue of Singapore. First held in 2016 and since its inception, has emerged as India’s flagship conference on geoeconomics and geopolitics The name Raisina Dialogue comes from Raisina Hill. It is an elevation in New Delhi, the seat of the Government of India and the Presidential Palace of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan. Raisina Dialogue is India’s contribution to the global efforts for discovering solutions, providing stability, and identifying opportunities to a century that has already witnessed an eventful two decades. 2020 theme: Navigating the Alpha Century’s; The focus was on Indo-Pacific, including the naval or military commanders from QUAD