Feb 25, 2022 UPSC Interview Discussion-TRP

[INTERVIEW INITIATIVE] Think, Rethink and Perform (TRP) [DAY 8] 2021 for UPSC/IAS Personality Test!

ARCHIVES (of TRP) - > CLICK HERE Those who have appeared for UPSC Mains 2021, 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 8 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.  What does success mean to you?  Are you successful today? Or does qualifying UPSC mean success to you?  Does your notion of success and happiness augur well with your conscience? Think about it.  Set 2: Analyse the following issue:  What are your views on the post pandemic fiscal package and other measures announced by the government for economic recovery? What can you say about the composition of the package? Do you think it can sustain recovery in the long run while ensuring equity? Could the government have done better? Do you have any policy recommendation?  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

Feb 25, 2022 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s Think Learn Perform (TLP - Phase 1) 2022 - UPSC Mains Answer Writing General Studies Paper 4 Questions [25th February, 2022] – Day 26

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Everyone,  TLP being an integral formula for success for many toppers over the years including Rank 1 is no secret. In their ‘must to-do' list for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination, TLP by far occupies the first place. The popularity stems from the unparalleled quality of questions and synopsis posted in TLP. We strive hard to ensure that you get the real feel of UPSC standard before you write the actual Mains. You already know the features of TLP. Just to reiterate briefly, we will post 3 questions daily for a certain number of weeks (12 for this one). We follow a micro plan that is designed to give you daily targets. The questions are from the day’s syllabus and also from current affairs and you are expected to write the answers and post them on the portal. From this year we have integrated the TLP free answer writing page in the main website itself, unlike previous years. So all the answers should be posted under the questions for the evaluation. Join our bandwagon, you won’t regret it. To Know More about TLP  -> CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. What sort of political attitude should a civil servant have? Why? Substantiate your views. (10 Marks) एक सिविल सेवक का किस प्रकार का राजनीतिक दृष्टिकोण होना चाहिए? क्यों? अपने विचारों की पुष्टि करें। 2. The definition and dynamics of social influence have changed in the age of social media. Do you agree? Critically comment. (10 Marks) सोशल मीडिया के युग में सामाजिक प्रभाव की परिभाषा और गतिशीलता बदल गई है। क्या आप सहमत हैं? समालोचनात्मक  टिप्पणी करें। 3. What are India’s concerns with respect to the ongoing negotiations in the WTO on the issue of fishery subsidies? Are India’s concerns justified? Analyse. (15 Marks) मात्स्यिकी सब्सिडी के मुद्दे पर विश्व व्यापार संगठन में चल रही वार्ता के संबंध में भारत की क्या चिंताएं हैं? क्या भारत की चिंता जायज है? विश्लेषण करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time 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 :)

Feb 25, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 25th February 2022

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

Feb 24, 2022 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [24th February,2022] Day 25: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [24th February,2022] Day 25: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) 1. How are wetlands formed? What is their global distribution? Why are they so important for the ecosystem? Explain.  Approach-  Candidates need to write about wetlands first. Then simply as per demand write how it’s formed and it’s global distribution. Also highlight it’s ecosystem importance before the conclusion.  Introduction  Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. They occur where the water table is at or near the surface of the land, or where the land is covered by water. Body  Formation of wetlands: Flooding of coastal lowlands from rising sea levels has created broad coastal marshes that are protected from wave action by barrier islands or reefs.  River floodplains develop through erosion processes and through deposition of sediment on adjacent lands during floods.  Glaciers helped to create wetlands in the northern states 9,000-12,000 years ago. Large wetlands formed when glaciers dammed rivers, scoured valleys, and reworked floodplains.  Wetlands may also form in “sink holes” and other areas where percolating water has dissolved bedrock. Earthquakes can create wetlands by damming rivers or causing land to drop down near the water table or shoreline.  People create wetlands. Some “incidental” wetlands are formed when highway and dam construction, irrigation projects, or other human activities alter drainage patterns or impound water.  Global distribution: Mangroves such as the Sundarbans on the Ganges delta in India and Bangladesh, the Niger Delta complex in Nigeria and Cameroon, and the Orinoco and Gulf of Paria deltas on Venezuela’s east coast. Salt marshes inland wetland systems develop saline conditions when the rate of evapotranspiration Scarborough Marsh and Morecambe Bay and Portsmouth in Britain and the Bay of Fundy in North America. Tidal freshwater marshes tidal freshwater marshes include the St. Lawrence River between the United States and Canada, the Rhine and Thames rivers in Europe, and the Yellow River (Huang He) in Asia. Peatlands Tropical peatlands are found in the lowlands of East Asia and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa.  Freshwater forested swamps are dominated by trees or other woody vegetation found for example from Delaware to Texas and along the Mississippi River.  Riparian wetlands occur along rivers and streams that periodically overflow their channel confines, causing flooding to which the wetland vegetation is adapted. Occur in the Amazon Basin of South America, in Bangladesh, and in the floodplains of large rivers such as the Mississippi in the United States. Importance: Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that provide the world with nearly two-thirds of its fish harvest. Wetlands’ microbes, plants and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen and sulphur. Wetlands store carbon within their plant communities and soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Wetlands function as natural barriers that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater and flood waters.  Wetland vegetation also slow the speed of flood waters lowering flood heights and reduces soil erosion. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else. Conclusion Effective collaborations among academicians and professionals, including ecologists, watershed management specialists, planners and decision makers for overall management of wetlands. 2. With the help of suitable examples, explain the causal link between precipitation and flora.  Approach  Students are expected to write about the causal link between the precipitation and flora. Can start with definition of precipitation and then explaining the link of both with examples.  Introduction  Precipitation occurs when tiny droplets of water, ice or frozen water vapor join together into masses too big to be held above the earth. They then fall to ground as precipitation. Body  The term precipitation denotes all forms of water that reach the earth from the atmosphere. Usual forms are rainfall, snowfall, hail, frost and dew. Of all these, only the first two contribute significant amounts of water. Magnitude of precipitation varies with time and space. Forest-based ecosystems provide an ecosystem service that extends well beyond their ability to produce biomass, carbon sequestration it also help to scale of the water cycle.  Precipitation in the Blue Nile Basin originating from West African rainforests an area which is seeing an increasing amount of deforestation. If deeforestation continues on its current track, we could lose as much as 25 percent of the rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands.  The main climatic factors are rainfall and temperature. The amount of annual rainfall has a great bearing on the type of vegetation. For example rainfall 200 cm or more its Evergreen Rain Forests and Below 25 cm it’s Desert (Arid) vegetation.  One of the most important ingredients for plant growth is water. In many ecosystems, particularly grasslands and cropland, seasonal plant growth occurs in perfect synch with the rainy season. For example times of drought, vegetation in these ecosystems grows poorly, if at all. Abundant rain leads to a burst of green. Snow can actually be beneficial to landscape plants. Its acts as an insulator and can protect some plants from the effects of freezing and thawing and provides moisture as is melts.  Dew forms a protective barrier on the leaf; transpiration will not occur until the dew evaporates. Dew can be beneficial when it comes to providing plants with additional moisture and reducing plant stress from drought conditions.  Frost creates freezing damage. The ice crystals physically rupture cell walls and membranes within the cells causing physical damage. Damage can be seen once thawed as dark green water soaked areas. For exampleimpatiens, marigolds, coleus, tomatoes and peppers.  Conclusion Forests, trees and vegetation not only depend on precipitation but also play a critical role in generating it where they stand and in other locations, acting as a driving force for climate regulation. 3. What do you understand by Fed tapering? How does it affect the economy of developing countries? What measures are usually adopted to lessen the impact of Fed tapering on the domestic economy? Discuss. Approach- Candidates need to write about the Fed tapering and then explain how it affect the economy of developing countries. Also discuss measures adopted to lessen the impact of Fed tapering on the domestic economy. Introduction Tapering refers to the Federal Reserve policy of unwinding the massive purchases of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities it’s been making to shore up the economy during the pandemic. The reason the Fed has decided to accelerate the process is likely because it now believes inflation may be less transitory than it had hoped, at the same time that the labor market appears strong. How does Fed tapering affect the economy of developing countries: An aggressive financial tightening would raise US yields and strengthen the US dollar against EM currencies. As a result, portfolio flows would abruptly reverse.  The sudden stops and reversal of capital flows will lead to depreciation pressures on EM currencies. When foreign investors invest in equities, bonds and other financial assets in EMEs, they measure financial returns in the US dollar and other foreign currencies. If the EM currency depreciates against the US dollar, it decreases the value of their investments in dollar terms and, therefore, they may engage in distress sales of funds. The Fed’s policy guidance that it would raise borrowing costs more quickly did not cause a substantial market reassessment of the economic outlook.  Should policy rates rise and inflation moderate as expected, history shows that the effects for emerging markets are likely benign if tightening is gradual, well telegraphed, and in response to a strengthening recovery.  Emerging-market currencies may still depreciate, but foreign demand would offset the impact from rising financing costs. Even so, spill overs to emerging markets could also be less benign. Broad-based US wage inflation or sustained supply bottlenecks could boost prices more than anticipated and fuel expectations for more rapid inflation.  Faster Fed rate increases in response could rattle financial markets and tighten financial conditions globally.  What measures are usually adopted to lessen the impact of Fed tapering on the domestic economy: A depreciated currency would undoubtedly help boost exports, benefiting countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran that export energy, but would hurt countries like India, Indonesia and Turkey that import oil and gas. Secondly, EMDEs and LICs with a large stock of foreign currency debt and low forex reserves will be particularly vulnerable to tightening global financial conditions. This group of countries includes Argentina, Colombia, Indonesia, Turkey and Sri Lanka. Thirdly, a rising US dollar would increase the debt-servicing costs (in local currencies) of EM non-financial corporates (NFC) with unhedged currency exposure, thereby exacerbating liquidity and solvency concerns.  Fourthly, in response to faster rate hikes by the Fed, EME central banks would have to raise interest rates to maintain interest rate differentials, prevent capital outflows and domestic currency depreciation, despite sluggish recovery and growth risks. Indeed, tighter monetary policy by the US and other advanced economies presents dilemmas for policymakers in EMEs.  If EM central banks continue the current loose monetary policy with low-interest rates, it will lead to capital outflows and domestic currency depreciation.  On the other hand, if EM central banks pursue tighter monetary policy by increasing interest rates too early, it would derail a fragile domestic economic recovery. Hence, both options risks undermining the economic recovery process. Only those EMEs that actively manage capital accounts can pursue some degree of monetary autonomy. As the US Federal Reserve gears up to taper its huge asset purchases, the impact on Indian market is likely to be limited and there is unlikely to be a repeat of 2013 when it caused huge volatility across markets. Conclusion While the global recovery is projected to continue this year and next, risks to growth remain elevated by the stubbornly resurgent pandemic. Given the risk that this could coincide with faster Fed tightening, emerging economies should prepare for potential bouts of economic turbulence. TLP Synopsis Day 25 PDF

Feb 24, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th February 2022

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL) Part of: Prelims and GS-III Economy Context: The Delhi headquarters of the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL) has been declared a “prohibited place” under the Section 2 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 by the Union Home Ministry “to prevent the entry of unauthorised persons”. Key takeaways  The Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL) is a government printing and minting agency. It is under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance. It was incorporated in 2006 with its registered office at New Delhi. Role: It is engaged in the manufacture and production of: currency and bank notes security paper non-judicial stamp papers, postal stamps stationery passport and visa stickers, security inks, circulation, commemorative coins and others. The nine production units of the SPMCIL, where banknotes and other government papers are manufactured, are already prohibited places. The nine production units are: four India Government Mints, two Currency Note Presses, two Security Printing Presses and one Security Paper Mill located in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Noida, Nashik, Dewas and Narmadapuram. News Source: TH Cobra Warrior Part of: Prelims and GS-II International Relations and GS-III Defence and security Context: For the first time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for multilateral air exercise ‘Cobra Warrior’ at Waddington, U.K.  Five Tejas aircraft will fly to the U.K. Key takeaways  The multilateral air exercise ‘Cobra Warrior’ will also see the participation of Air Forces of Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the U.S. The exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure and sharing best practices amongst the participating Air Forces, thereby enhancing combat capability and forging bonds of friendship.  The exercise is scheduled from March 6 to 27. Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas LCA Tejas is a single-engine multirole light combat aircraft. It replaced the aging Mig 21 fighter planes. It is the second supersonic fighter jet that was developed by HAL (the first one being HAL HF-24 Marut). Bodies involved: Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the autonomous society of DRDO is the design agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the manufacturer It is the lightest and smallest multirole supersonic fighter aircraft in its class. It can attend the maximum speed of Mach 1.8.  It is designed to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision-guided and standoff weaponry. It is a single pilot aircraft that has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,300 kg.  It has a general range of 850 km and a combat range of 500 km. News Source: TH Angadias Part of: Prelims and GS-I Society and GS-III Economy Context: An FIR has been registered against three Mumbai Police officials for allegedly threatening Angadias. What is Angadia system? The Angadia system is a century-old parallel banking system in the country where traders send cash generally from one state to another through a person called Angadia that stands for courier. It is by and large used in the jewellery business with Mumbai – Surat being the most popular route as they are two ends of the diamond trade. The cash involved is huge and it is the responsibility of the Angadia to transfer cash from one state to another for which they charge a nominal fee.  Generally, it is the Gujarati, Marwari and Malbari community that are involved in the business. The Angadia system works completely on trust. Is the system legal? While the Angadia system per se is legal, there hangs a cloud over the activity as it is suspected that a lot of times it is used to transfer unaccounted money. There have been suspicions that it is also used for transfer of black money like the hawala transaction which is generally used across countries. News Source: IE 9,000-year-old shrine found in Jordan Part of: Prelims and GS-I Culture Context: A team of Jordanian and French archaeologists have found a roughly 9,000-year-old shrine at a remote Neolithic site in Jordan’s eastern desert.  Key takeaways  The ritual complex was found in a Neolithic campsite near large structures known as “desert kites,” or mass traps that are believed to have been used to confine wild gazelles for slaughter. Such traps consist of two or more long stone walls converging toward an enclosure and are found scattered across the deserts of the West Asia.  The site is unique because of its preservation state. Within the shrine were two carved standing stones bearing anthropomorphic (having human characteristics) figures. Neolithic Age The Neolithic Age, which means New Stone Age, was the last and third part of the Stone Age.  In India, it spanned from around 7,000 B.C. to 1,000 B.C. The Neolithic Age is mainly characterized by the development of settled agriculture and the use of tools and weapons made of polished stones.  The major crops grown during this period were ragi, horse gram, cotton, rice, wheat, and barley.  Pottery first appeared in this age. News Source: TH (PIB) Winner of Airthings Masters, an online rapid chess competition: R Praggnanandhaa; won against the noted champion Magnus Carlsen Gati Shakti Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-3: Infrastructure & Economy A Rs. 100 lakh-crore project for developing ‘holistic infrastructure’ – Will encompass the seven engines for multi-modal connectivity for the states with speedier implementation of development projects through technology to facilitate faster movement of people and goods through Rs 20,000 crore financed by the government to speed up this project To reduce the logistics cost – a transformative approach, driven by roads, railways, ports, airports, mass transport, waterways and logistics infrastructure. All seven engines will pull the economy forward in unison Unshackle bureaucratic entanglements and end inter-ministerial silos that delay infrastructure projects and drive up costs Sets sectoral targets to be completed by 2024-25 in areas such as expanding national highways and increasing cargo capacity by the railway and shipping ministries Significance: Currently, the logistics cost in India is about 13% of the GDP whereas in other developed countries it is to the extent of 8%. Government is committed to reduce the cost of logistics to ensure  Competitiveness of our manufacturing sector,  Better realisation of prices to farmers  Availability of goods at cheaper prices to consumers News Source: PIB MISCELLANEOUS The ‘Heritage City’ of Chandigarh Founded in 1953 Planned by famous Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier Stands out for its immaculate urban planning and design Certified as 1-Star Garbage Free Pledged to achieve ‘Lakshya Zero Dumpsites’ within the Mission period and has undertaken the challenge of remediating the 7.7 lakh (MT) of legacy waste lying across 8 acres of land as part of the Daddumajra dumpsite. (Mains Focus) GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Draft India Data Accessibility & Use Policy, 2022  Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) on February 21, 2022 released a policy proposal titled as, “Draft India Data Accessibility & Use Policy, 2022”.  The generation of citizen data is slated to increase exponentially in the next decade and become a cornerstone of India’s $5 trillion-dollar digital economy.  Why has the Draft Data Accessibility Policy been proposed? The policy aims to, “radically transform India’s ability to harness public sector data”.  National Economic Survey, 2019 had noted that the private sector has the potential to reap massive dividends from Government data and it is only fair to charge them for its use. It aims to harness the economic value of the generated data.  A background note outlines existing bottlenecks in data sharing and use which includes  The absence of a body for policy monitoring and enforcement of data sharing efforts Absence of technical tools and standards for data sharing Identification of high value datasets and licensing and valuation frameworks.  It indicates a way forward to unlock the high value of data across the economy, congruent and robust governance strategy, making Government data interoperable and instilling data skills and culture.  How does the Draft Data Accessibility Policy aim to achieve its goals?  The policy will be applicable to all data and information created, generated, collected and/or archived by the Central Government.  It would also allow State governments to adopt its provisions.  Its operationalisation will be achieved through the establishment of a India Data Office (IDO) under MEITY for overall management, with each government entity designating a Chief Data Officer.  In addition to it, a India Data Council will be formed as a consultative body for tasks that include finalisation of standards.  It is not indicated whether the India Data Council will have non-governmental participation from industry, civil society or technologists.  The policy strategy is to make Government data open by default and then maintain a negative list of datasets which cannot be shared.  Definition of more sensitive categories which should have restricted access is left to the independent government ministries.  In addition to this, existing data sets will be enriched or processed to attain greater value and termed as high-value datasets.  Government datasets including high-value datasets will be shared freely within government departments and also licensed to the private sector.  As a measure of privacy protection, there is a recommendation for anonymisation and privacy preservation.  What are the privacy issues with the Draft Data Accessibility Policy?  India does not have a data protection law that can provide accountability and remedy for privacy violations such as coercive and excessive data collection or data breaches.  Here, inter-departmental data sharing poses concerns related to privacy since the open government data portal which contains data from all departments may result in the creation of 360 degree profiles and enable state-sponsored mass surveillance.  Even though the policy considers anonymisation as a desired goal there is a lack of legal accountability and independent regulatory oversight.  There is also a failure to consider scientific analysis and the availability of automated tools for the re-identification of anonymous data.  This becomes important given the existing financial incentives of licensing to the private sector, where the Government is acting as a data broker.  Here the commercial value of the data increases with greater amounts of personal data.  The absence of an anchoring legislation further leads to the policy not being able to fulfill the threshold of legality for state intervention into privacy which was put in place by the Supreme Court of India in its landmark right to privacy decision.  Are there any other issues with the policy?  There are three additional issues with the policy document that merit consideration.  While adopting the language of open data it strays from its core principle of providing transparency of the Government towards its citizens. There is only one mention of transparency and little to no mention of how such data sharing will help ensure demands for accountability and redress.  The second issue is that the policy bypasses parliament as it contemplates large scale data sharing and enrichment that will be borne from public funds.  Further, the constitution of offices, prescription of standards that may be applicable not only to the Central government, but even State governments and schemes administered by them require legislative deliberation.  This brings us to the third and final issue of federalism. The policy, even though it notes that State governments will be, “free to adopt portions of the policy,” does not specify how such freedom will be achieved. It becomes relevant, if specific standards are prescribed by the Central government for data sharing, or as a precondition to financial assistance.  There is also the absence of any comment on whether data gathered from States may be sold by the Central government and whether the proceeds from it will be shared with the States.  Connecting the dots: Personal Data Protection Bill Road to data protection law (Sansad TV: Perspective) Feb 21: Mother Tongue: Soul of Life - https://youtu.be/PYC3F_mWzaA  TOPIC: GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education Mother Tongue: Soul of Life Context: The theme of this year's International Mother Language Day is focused on the use of Technology for Multilingual Learning.  According to the Language Census India is home to 19,500 languages or dialects, of which 121 languages are spoken by 10,000 or more people in our country.  National Education Policy released in 2020 has strongly advocated imparting early education in regional language or mother tongue. The History On February 21, 1952, Pakistan’s police opened fire on students of University of Dhaka (in erstwhile East Pakistan) protesting against the imposition of Urdu.  The Bengali language movement demanded the inclusion of Bengali as a national language of Pakistan, in addition to Urdu, which was the mother tongue of only 3-4% of the nation, while Bengali was spoken by more than 50% of the population. On January 9, 1998, Canada-based Rafiqul Islam wrote to the United Nations, asking them to commemorate the 1952 killings in Dhaka and mark the day to preserve languages from around the world from extinction.  This led to the declaration of 21st February as International Mother Language Day.  Cause of Concern  Mother tongue has a very powerful impact in the formation of the individual. A child’s first comprehension of the world around him, the learning of concepts and skills and his perception of existence, starts with the language that is first taught to him - his Mother Tongue. When a person speaks their Mother Tongue, a direct connection establishes between heart, brain and tongue. Linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened as more and more languages disappear.  Globally around 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand.  Though the use of mother languages as mediums of instruction in school and higher education has been armoured from pre-Independence times, sadly, the number of those desiring to study in English has been multiplying exponentially.  This has led to the burgeoning of monolingual educational institutes governed by the English language and is creating a society that is far from sensitive, just and equitable. The nature of dominance of English over all other mother languages is allied to power, status and identity of students. Students speaking different mother languages come together to study in an educational institute where they interact with each other without any difficulties at both school and higher education level. Yet they are being taught monolingually through a foreign language that not all students are able to associate with. The whole process has led to the ignorance of mother languages and a feeling of disassociation among students. Need to teach children in their mother tongue According to the National University of Education, Planning and Administration, the number of children studying in English medium schools in India increased by an astonishing 273% between 2003 and 2011.  Concerns around the subject Their parents think they know exactly what they are doing and why: they believe that knowledge of English is key to job security and upward mobility, and they are convinced that their children’s opportunities will increase in direct proportion to their English vocabularies. They are right, but they need to understand that knowing English helps a lot in getting a good job, but only if that English is meaningful, accompanied by understanding and fundamental knowledge in all the other things children go to school to learn. The English used in most Indian schools simply does not allow for any real learning to take place. The subject is complex and fascinating. Given India’s linguistic diversity, the dream of a common language is quiet powerful. And English seems to many the only solution. Yet the results so far are abysmal. Concerns around the school’s performance In the 2009 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), India scored 75th out of 77 countries. This is an overall indicator of how schools are performing and does not specifically implicate English as a culprit. PISA continues to rank countries around the world, but after its 2009 humiliation, India has refused to participate, citing cultural inappropriateness in the testing. India’s primary education is notorious for its rote learning, poorly trained teachers and lack of funding (India spends only 2.6% of its GDP on education; China spends 4.1 and Brazil is more than double India’s at 5.7). English as the language of instruction makes all of it worse – developmentally, it is a disaster.  Consider school from the child’s perspective. Most kids are tiny when they set off from home. For the first time in their lives, they have to cope in a strange environment for many hours with a large number of other children whom they do not know. They must sit still, be quiet and speak only on command. The teacher, who is also a stranger, expects children to master completely new concepts: reading and writing; addition and subtraction; photosynthesis; the difference between a city and state and country. Other countries do not do this to their children – China, France, Germany, Holland or Spain  English is commonly mastered as a second language – and primary education happens in the dominant language of the area.  At the moment, only about 17% of Indian children are in English medium schools. Current trends suggest that this figure will rise exponentially in the coming decade (Bihar saw a rise of 4700% in just five years).  Concerns around the expertise of teachers in the subject While the research is clear that children learn best in their own mother tongues, there are other compelling arguments as well, particularly in India.  Classrooms are only as good as their teachers – in India, in 2012, 91% of the teachers currently serving in both private and government schools were unable to pass a national eligibility test. With this level of incompetence, we still expect them to teach in a language they are likely weak in themselves. The Way Forward Expand the initiative: We must begin with imparting primary education (at least until Class 5) in the student’s mother tongue, gradually scaling it up. For professional courses, while the initiative of the 14 engineering colleges is commendable, we need more such efforts all across the country.  Textbooks in Native Languages: There is lack of high-quality textbooks in native languages at all levels. This creates bottleneck for more students to take up styding in their mother tongue and therefore needs to be addressed urgently. Leveraging Technology in Digital age: Content in the digital learning ecosystem is greatly skewed towards English which excludes the vast majority of our children, and this has to be corrected. Non-exclusivist approach: Educational institutions at all levels should not adopt ‘Mother tongue versus English’, but a ‘Mother tongue plus English’ approach. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, proficiency in different languages opens new vistas to a wider world. Conclusion The language of instruction should simply be a vehicle, an effortless flow of grammar and words which everyone absorbs without having to puzzle it through for meaning and definition.  Science, maths and literacy are hard enough as it is without adding so many layers of complexity. The country needs its next generation of leaders to master their fundas thoroughly so they can go on to practise medicine, build bridges, put in plumbing and design solar lighting systems. And children can learn second, third and fourth languages all in good time. But that will happen only if those youngsters grow up loving language, not feeling threatened and judged by it.  We need them to write poetry and songs and novels. We need them to feel proud of their mother tongues, not apologetic and ashamed as if their intelligence is based on how much English they know. Can you answer the following questions? Why should children learn in their mother tongue? Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding Neolithic Age: The major crops grown during this period were ragi, horse gram, cotton, rice, wheat, and barley.  Pottery first appeared in this age. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2 The Angadia system is used mostly in which of the following business? Farming Jewellery Cold storage Spices Q.3 Exercise ‘Cobra Warrior’ will take place in which of the following country? UK USA Maldives India ANSWERS FOR 24th Feb 2022 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 A Must Read On Ukraine Crisis: Indian Express On India-UAE CEPA: The Hindu

Feb 24, 2022 हिन्दी - Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 24th February 2022

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE करेंट अफेयर्स के प्रश्न 'द हिंदू', 'इंडियन एक्सप्रेस' और 'पीआईबी' जैसे स्रोतों पर आधारित होते हैं, जो यूपीएससी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा के लिए बहुत महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत हैं। प्रश्न अवधारणाओं और तथ्यों दोनों पर केंद्रित हैं। दोहराव से बचने के लिए यहां कवर किए गए विषय आम तौर पर 'दैनिक करंट अफेयर्स / डेली न्यूज एनालिसिस (डीएनए) और डेली स्टेटिक क्विज' के तहत कवर किए जा रहे विषयों से भिन्न होते हैं। प्रश्न सोमवार से शनिवार तक दोपहर 2 बजे से पहले प्रकाशित किए जाएंगे। इस कार्य में आपको 10 मिनट से ज्यादा नहीं देना है। इस कार्य के लिए तैयार हो जाएं और इस पहल का इष्टतम तरीके से उपयोग करें। याद रखें कि, "साधारण अभ्यर्थी और चयनित होने वाले अभ्यर्थी के बीच का अंतर केवल दैनक अभ्यास है !!" Important Note: Comment अनुभाग में अपने अंक पोस्ट करना न भूलें। साथ ही, हमें बताएं कि क्या आपको आज का टेस्ट अच्छा लगा । 5 प्रश्नों को पूरा करने के बाद, अपना स्कोर, समय और उत्तर देखने के लिए ‘View Questions’ पर क्लिक करें। उत्तर देखने के लिए, इन निर्देशों का पालन करें: 1 - 'स्टार्ट टेस्ट/ Start Test' बटन पर क्लिक करें प्रश्न हल करें 'टेस्ट सारांश/Test Summary'बटन पर क्लिक करें 'फिनिश टेस्ट/Finish Test'बटन पर क्लिक करें अब ‘View Questions’बटन पर क्लिक करें - यहां आपको उत्तर और लिंक दिखाई देंगे। To take the Test - Click Here

Feb 24, 2022 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s Think Learn Perform (TLP - Phase 1) 2022 - UPSC Mains Answer Writing General Studies Paper 1 Questions [24th February, 2022] – Day 25

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Everyone,  TLP being an integral formula for success for many toppers over the years including Rank 1 is no secret. In their ‘must to-do' list for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination, TLP by far occupies the first place. The popularity stems from the unparalleled quality of questions and synopsis posted in TLP. We strive hard to ensure that you get the real feel of UPSC standard before you write the actual Mains. You already know the features of TLP. Just to reiterate briefly, we will post 3 questions daily for a certain number of weeks (12 for this one). We follow a micro plan that is designed to give you daily targets. The questions are from the day’s syllabus and also from current affairs and you are expected to write the answers and post them on the portal. From this year we have integrated the TLP free answer writing page in the main website itself, unlike previous years. So all the answers should be posted under the questions for the evaluation. Join our bandwagon, you won’t regret it. To Know More about TLP  -> CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. How are wetlands formed? What is their global distribution? Why are they so important for the ecosystem? Explain. (10 Marks) आर्द्रभूमि कैसे बनती है? उनका वैश्विक वितरण क्या है? वे पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र के लिए इतने महत्वपूर्ण क्यों हैं? समझाएं। 2. With the help of suitable examples, explain the causal link between precipitation and flora. (10 Marks) उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से वर्षा और वनस्पतियों के बीच के अन्तर्सम्बन्ध की व्याख्या करें। 3. What do you understand by Fed tapering? How does it affect the economy of developing countries? What measures are usually adopted to lessen the impact of Fed tapering on the domestic economy? Discuss. (15 Marks) फेड टेपरिंग से आप क्या समझते हैं? यह विकासशील देशों की अर्थव्यवस्था को कैसे प्रभावित करता है? घरेलू अर्थव्यवस्था पर फेड टेपरिंग के प्रभाव को कम करने के लिए आमतौर पर कौन से उपाय अपनाए जाते हैं? चर्चा करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time 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 :)

Feb 24, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 24th February 2022

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

Feb 23, 2022 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [23rd February,2022] Day 24: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [23rd February,2022] Day 24: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) 1. What is the significance of fisheries for India’s coastal economy? What further potential does commercial fishing hold as part of food processing and related commerce? Discuss.   Approach-  Candidates need to write about fisheries sector of India. And then highlight the significance of the sector. Also Write about the potential of fisheries sector in India with respect to food processing industry and it’s commerce and trade.  Introduction  Fisheries are the primary source of livelihood for several communities. India is the world’s second-largest fish producer. Fisheries are the country’s single-largest agriculture export, with a growth rate of 6 to 10 per cent in the past five years. Body  Significance: Its significance is underscored by the fact that the growth rate of the farm sector in the same period is around 2.5 per cent. Fish constituted about 10% of total exports from India and almost 20% of agriculture exports in 2017-18. According to the CMFRI Census 2010, the total marine fisherfolk population was about 4 million comprising in 864,550 families. Nearly 61% of the fishermen families were under BPL category. The sector has immense potential to more than double the commerce and trade as envisioned by the government: The geographic, base of Indian marine fisheries has 8118 km coastline, 2.02 million sq of Exclusive Economic Zone including 0.5 million sq km of the continental shelf, and 3937 fishing villages. India having a tropical climate cannot preserve the fish in open for longtime there is requirement capex for heavy refrigerator and deep freezing machine and to prosper the food processing industry.  The investment of Rs 3,000 crore in the Blue Revolution is being supplemented through the Rs 7,523-crore Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund. This will meet the capital investment requirement of this sector. The government has invested in hatcheries to meet the ever-increasing demand for good quality fish seed it will boost commercial fishing.  India is processing less than 10% of its agricultural output, thus, presenting immense opportunities for increasing fish processing levels and leading to investments.  With an increase in urban working culture and fast-paced lifestyles, there is limited time available for cooking raw fish for meal preparation therefore processed with use of online application will boost the sector for example Licious fish.  Conclusion India’s long coastline has the potential of becoming the strength of the economy particularly through the exploitation of the Blue Revolution. Focuses on creating an enabling environment for integrated and holistic development and management of fisheries for the socio-economic development of the fishers and fish farmers is needed.  2. The disruption of food supply logistics during the COVID pandemic has necessitated the expansion and upgradation of existing supply chains. Comment. What will be the overall economic impact of such expansion? Examine.    Approach  Students are expected to write about the supply chain disruption due to COVID and how expansion and upgrading the sector will cater the disruption also highlight it’s impact on the overall economy.  Introduction  Supply chain management (SCM) is the management of the flow of materials and goods. It  will include the movement and storage of food grains and it’s inventory from point of origin to point of consumption. Body  Disruption during COVID19: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented stresses on food supply chains, with bottlenecks in farm labour, processing, transport and logistics, as well as momentous shifts in demand.  Grocery store shelves have been replenished over time, as stockpiling behaviours emerged.  Some farm sectors are more dependent on seasonal labour fruits and vegetables are more Labour-intensive. Limits on the mobility of people have reduced the availability of seasonal workers for planting and harvesting in the fruit and vegetable sector.  COVID-19 has led to disruptions in food processing industries, which have been affected by rules on social distancing.  As a result of pandemic, significant number of people are now working from home which has accelerated the demand for ready-to-eat products (saw 170% increase in sales volume between March-June 2020). The pandemic has bolstered consumer awareness of functional foods, which is expected to provide a boost for health-orientated start-ups and micro-food processing units. While the impacts of COVID-19 are still unfolding, experience so far shows the importance of an open, predictable, upgraded expansion of SCM environment to ensure food can move to where it is needed. Expansion upgradation and it’s economic impact: The focus of expansion and upgradation should be on food availability and consumers’ access to food; other important aspects, such as livelihoods of farmers and other supply chain actors, and environmental and health implications should also be covered.  We need to find ways to increase resilience across our food systems by identifying new marketing channels like e-commerce which will result into more avenues to the farmers to sell their product in case of low demand in the local market. If feasible, relocate markets to larger premises, while ensuring the appropriate infrastructure it will impact into maintain health, hygiene, quality and food safety. It would be a good initiative to identify collection centres closer to producers, for example develop storage facilities like warehouse receipt system platforms where farmers can deliver their produce without the need to go to markets. It will Incentivises firms for incremental sales and branding/marketing initiatives taken abroad. Promoting innovation in both food products and processes will replace the staples of rice and wheat in the form of Nutri-cereals, plant-based proteins, fermented foods & health bars. Response to Covid-19: Rapid up-gradation under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Scheme and Subsidized food grains under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.  Active association and participation of all stakeholders, governments, NGOs, and private sectors was carried on.  India has formulated a unique Production-Linked Incentive Scheme (PLIS) to boost processed food in large quantities.  FAO new comprehensive Covid-19 Response and Recovery Programme to provide an agile and coordinated SCM response aimed at ensuring access to nutritious food for everyone. Conclusion With growing populations, changing food habits and unrestricted use of natural resources, nations must come together and lay out a road map for a common efficient food value chain. 3. Discuss the primary factors responsible for India’s coal crisis. What short-term measures can be taken to address the crisis? What long-term measures would you recommend to address the crisis sustainably? Approach- Candidates need to discuss the primary factors responsible for India’s coal crisis. Also mention short-term measures that can be taken to address the crisis. Also mention the long-term measures to address the crisis sustainably.  Introduction Coal is India’s primary source of electricity generation. It is estimated that around 70% of electricity is generated using thermal power plants. State-run Coal India is responsible for almost 80% of India’s coal output. It is reported that they would ramp up supplies to address the coal shortages across power plants. There is a combination of factors that is causing the coal crisis in India. If we take a look at the last four years of energy consumption and compare it with the latest, we can see that the usage is increased substantially. The primary factors responsible for India’s coal crisis The country's industrial power demand has surged after the second coronavirus pandemic wave.  On top of that, a widening price gap between lower domestic prices and record global coal prices has led buyers to shun imports. An increase in global coal prices and freight costs had led to a curtailment in power production by plants using imported coal, adding to the pressure on utilities using domestically mined coal to ramp up output. An increase in coal prices generally has a knock-on effect on power prices and inflation, making a hike a politically sensitive decision. Coal India has kept prices steady over the last year despite global coal prices rising steeply in the same period.  The short-term measures that can be taken to address the crisis Ramping up production and mining to reduce the gap between supply and demand.  Coal fuelled power generation plants under the corporate insolvency resolution process can be allowed to commence operations immediately, regardless of the stage of the proceedings at NCLT. This will save the coal transport time and quantity limitations in coal transportation to non-pit head coal plants.  To avoid a situation where payment defaults of a state lead to supply crisis, the power ministry is devising a penalty for power generation companies states which do not pay Coal India Ltd on time. The Centre amended rules to allow 50% sale of coal from captive mines. It will be applicable to both private and public sector captive mines. Availability of additional coal will ease pressure on power plants and will also aid in import-substitution of coal. With the monsoon on its way out and winter approaching, the demand for power usually falls.  The long-term measures to address the crisis sustainably CIL should focus on mining. Officers from the Union Government should go down to the States, convey a value proposition and sit with State-level officers to resolve issues related to land acquisition and forest clearances. Non- CIL production will have to be augmented.  The financial crisis that is brewing in the power sector needs to be addressed.   An opportunity to transition towards gas. Lastly, the current crisis affords an opportunity to India to push strongly towards this cleaner alternative.  Conclusion The current coal crisis is a wake-up call for India and the time has come to reduce its over-dependence on coal and more aggressively pursue a renewable energy strategy. TLP Synopsis Day 24 PDF

Feb 23, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Lugansk and Donetsk territories to be recognised as independent Part of: Prelims and GS-II International Relations Context: Russian President Vladimir Putin will recognise the independence of eastern Ukraine’s separatist republics, Donetsk and Lugansk territories. Key takeaways  Earlier, the rebel leaders of eastern Ukraine’s separatist Donetsk and Lugansk territories had appealed to Mr. Putin to recognise them as independent. The conflict in the separatist regions began in 2014, when rebels loyal to Russia seized government buildings in Donetsk and Luhansk, beginning a long trench war with Ukrainian forces.  More than 13,000 people have died in fighting in the region since. Implication: Russia’s recognition of the two regions could allow separatist leaders to request military help from Russia, further easing a path for a military offensive into Ukraine. Ukraine would likely interpret that as Russian troops entering Ukrainian territory. The decision also means that Minsk peace process will come to an end. The Minsk 1 and II accords, reached in 2014 and 2015, had brought a ceasefire between the Russian-backed rebels in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts, and put forward a formula for resolving the conflict. News Source: TH Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline Part of: Prelims and GS-II International Relations  Context: Germany has taken steps to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia after Russia announced that it will recognise the independence of eastern Ukraine’s separatist republics, Donetsk and Lugansk territories. What is the Nord Stream 2 pipeline? In 2015, the Russian energy major Gazprom and five other European firms decided to build Nord Stream 2, valued at around $11 billion.  The 1,200-km pipeline will run from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea, and will carry 55 billion cubic metres of gas per year. The under-construction pipeline will run along with the already completed Nord Stream 1 system, and the two together will supply an aggregate of 110 billion cubic metres of gas to Germany per year.  Nord Stream 2 pipeline falls in the territory of EU members Germany and Denmark, and is about 98% complete Source: The Economist News Source: TH Draft ‘India Data Accessibility and Use Policy ’ Part of: Prelims and GS-II Polity & Governance Context: The IT ministry has come out with a draft policy that proposes a framework for government-to-government data sharing. It also plans that all data for every government department or organisation shall be open and shareable by default, with riders. The draft ‘India Data Accessibility and Use Policy’ circulated for public consultation will be applicable to all data and information created, generated and collected by the government directly or through ministries, departments and authorised agencies. The policy aims to ‘radically transform’ India’s ability to harness public sector data.  News Source: TH Fundamental Duties Part of: Prelims and GS-II Fundamental Duty Context: The Supreme Court asked the Union and the State governments to respond to a petition to enforce the fundamental duties of citizens, including patriotism and unity of the nation, through “comprehensive, well-defined laws”. Important Value addition Background: The Fundamental Duties were incorporated in Part IV-A of the Constitution by the Constitution 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, during Emergency under Indira Gandhi’s government.  The amendment came at a time when elections stood suspended and civil liberties curbed. Today, there are 11 Fundamental Duties described under Article 51-A, of which 10 were introduced by the 42nd Amendment and the 11th was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002, during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government. Status: These are statutory duties, not enforceable by law, but a court may take them into account while adjudicating on a matter. Objective: The idea behind their incorporation was to emphasise the obligation of the citizen in exchange for the Fundamental Rights that he or she enjoys. The concept of Fundamental Duties is taken from the Constitution of Russia. Some of the duties are? To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India — it is one of the preeminent national obligations of all the citizens of India. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so News Source: TH (PIB) International Mother Language Day: 21st February Extension of PM Cares for Children Scheme Part of: Prelims Under:  The Ministry of Women and Child Development The objective of the scheme is to ensure comprehensive care and protection of children who have lost their parent(s) to COVID pandemic, in a sustained manner, enable their wellbeing through health insurance, empower them through education and equip them for self-sufficient existence with financial support on reaching 23 years of age.   The scheme inter-alia provides support to these children through convergent approach, gap funding for ensuring education, health, monthly stipend from the age of 18 years, and lump sum amount of Rs. 10 lakhs on attaining 23 years of age. The scheme covers all children who have lost:  Both parents Or Surviving parent  or legal guardian/adoptive parents/single adoptive parent due to COVID 19 pandemic, starting from 11.03.2020 the date on which WHO has declared and characterized COVID-19 as pandemic till 28.02.2022.  To be entitled to benefits under this scheme Child should not have completed 18 years of age on the date of death of parents. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Examining the Russia-China axis Context: Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China as well as the Ukraine crisis have turned the spotlight on Russia’s relations with China.  Many in the west have blamed the Russia-China axis for emboldening Moscow’s recent moves and ensuring it will not be completely isolated in the face of western sanctions.  At the same time, Beijing has found itself walking a tightrope in its response and has so far stopped short of endorsing Russia’s actions.  What explains the current state of Russia-China relations? Last year, Russia’s Foreign Minister described relations as the “best in their entire history”.  The last Xi-Putin meeting during Winter Olympics in China, produced an ambitious and sweeping joint statement, as well as a number of energy deals, that underlined the strategic, ideological, and commercial impulses driving the relationship. On the strategic front, the statement said “new inter-State relations between Russia and China are superior to political and military alliances of the Cold War era.” It added that the relationship “has no limits” and “there are no forbidden areas of cooperation”. The biggest factor behind their current closeness is their shared discomfort with the U.S. and its allies.  The joint statement this month emphasised that point, with China supporting Russia in “opposing further enlargement of NATO and calling on the North Atlantic Alliance to abandon its ideological cold war approaches”  Russia echoed China’s opposition to “the formation of closed bloc structures and opposing camps in the Asia-Pacific region and the negative impact of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy.”  China, for its part, said it was “sympathetic to and supports the proposals put forward by the Russian Federation to create long-term legally binding security guarantees in Europe”.  Russia returned the favour, saying it “reaffirms support for the One-China principle, confirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and opposes any forms of independence of Taiwan.” In short, both have the other’s backs on key strategic issues. This has also been reflected in growing military closeness.  China in 2014 became the first foreign buyer of the S-400 missile defence system, which India has also purchased (although there have been reported delays in delivery for reasons unknown).  Their joint exercises have also grown in scope. Chin views these exercises as the practical action to warn some countries outside the region and some neighbouring countries, like AUKUS and Quad, not to stir up trouble. There is also the ideological binding glue in shared opposition to what both countries described as the west’s “attempts to impose their own democratic standards on other countries” and “interference” by the west on human rights issues”.  Commercial ties have also been growing.  Two-way trade last year was up 35% to $147 billion, driven largely by Chinese energy imports.  Russia is China’s largest source of energy imports and second largest source of crude oil, with energy set to account for 35% of trade in 2022.  China has been Russia’s biggest trading partner for 12 consecutive years and accounts for close to 20% of Russia’s total foreign trade (Russia, on the other hand, accounts for 2% of China’s trade).  But Russia is, for China, a key market for project contracts besides energy supplies. Chinese companies signed construction project deals worth $5 billion last year — for the third straight year. How has China responded to the Ukraine crisis? Given these deep trade linkages, China does not want instability (or, for that matter, a spurt in energy prices).  That was the message from Chinese Foreign Minister on February 19, when he told the security conference in Munich that “the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and safeguarded and that applies equally to Ukraine.”  China also outlined its preferred resolution to the current crisis - diplomatic solution and a return to the Minsk agreement.  Only two days later, that agreement was broken after President Putin ordered troops into two rebel-controlled areas (he called them “peacekeepers”) and decided to recognise the “people’s republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk. That, in of itself, showed China’s limited influence.  Mr. Putin did, however, wait for the Winter Olympics to conclude on February 20 out of possible deference to Chinese sensitivities before making his move. How is China’s actions helping Russia? China has repeatedly underlined that it is sympathetic to Russia’s concerns on NATO, which mirror its own opposition to America’s allies in the Indo-Pacific. Chinese strategists have repeatedly called the Quad an “Asian NATO”, a label which its members reject. On the possibility of Russia now coming under heavy sanctions, close cooperation between China and Russia on energy, trade, finance and science and technology is all the more important.  A strong economic cooperation with China will back up Russia to deflect ruthless economic coercion from the U.S.  Strategists in the west and in India have often questioned the robustness of the relationship as well as Russia’s possible unease at being the “junior partner” to China. But are there any signs of a divide that can be exploited (as Nixon did five decades ago)?  The evidence suggests no, and at least in the near-term, India should expect Sino-Russian closeness to continue, which poses its own challenges for India  India has to navigate the three-way dynamic amid the worst period in relations with China in more than three decades, even as Russia remains a key defence partner.  Connecting the dots: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India and Eurasia Policy QUAD AUKUS SECURITY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Federalism and Challenges GS-3: Internal Security Manipur Insurgency Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing an election rally on February 14 in Imphal West, called upon insurgency groups operating in Manipur to shun violence and come to the negotiating table.  He said that the menace of insurgency had been waning and the Centre is ready to hold dialogue with them to bring lasting peace to the region. Rise of insurgency in Manipur Insurgence rooted in Independence: The emergence of insurgency in Manipur dates back to 1964 with the formation of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), which still remains one of the formidable militant outfits. Allegation of Forced Merger: The rise of separatist insurgency in Manipur mainly attributed to perceived discontent over alleged “forced” merger of Manipur with the Union of India and the subsequent delay in granting it full-fledged statehood.  While the erstwhile Kingdom of Manipur was merged with India on October 15, 1949, it became a state only in 1972. Rise of Valley based outfits: The later years saw a slew of militant outfits being formed, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), among others. These valley-based outfits have been demanding an independent Manipur. Threat to Manipur Territorial due to Nagalim demand: The Naga movement in neighbouring Nagaland spilled over into Manipur’s hill districts with the NSCN-IM controlling most of it while pressing for “Nagalim” (Greater Nagaland), which is perceived in the valley as a “threat” to Manipur’s “territorial integrity”. Nagas Vs Kukis: While the hills account for nine-tenths of Manipur’s geographical area, they are sparsely populated, with most of the state’s population concentrated in the valley. The Meitei community forms a majority in Imphal valley, while the surrounding hill districts are inhabited by Nagas and Kukis. In the early 1990s, the ethnic clashes between Nagas and Kukis led to the formation of several Kuki insurgent groups, which have now scaled down their demand from a separate Kuki state to a Territorial Council. Imposition of AFSPA: In 1980, the Centre declared the entire Manipur as a “disturbed area” and imposed the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) to suppress the insurgency movement, which remains in force till date. Ceasefire agreement The NSCN-IM entered a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India (GoI) in 1997, even as peace talks between them have still been continuing. Similarly, the Kuki outfits under two umbrella groups, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), also signed the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) pacts with the GoI and Manipur on August 22, 2008.  Of the total 25 armed Kuki groups operating in the state, 17 are under the KNO and 8 under the United Peoples’ Front (UPF).  However, major valley-based militant outfits (Meitei groups) such as the UNLF, PLA, KYKL etc. are yet to come to the negotiating table.  Many of their smaller outfits have however entered the SoO agreement with the state government, which has launched rehabilitation programmes for such groups. Connecting the dots: Peace Process of Naga Accord Stuck  Concept of Asymmetrical Federalism (Down to Earth: Water) Feb 22: How technology can help save India’s groundwater - https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/how-technology-can-help-save-india-s-groundwater-81645  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Environment; Science & Technology How technology can help save India’s groundwater Context: Groundwater has been a priceless resource for humanity for centuries. Today, technology, with local governance, offers the last chance of saving groundwater even as the world stands at a critical crossroads. Water Crisis in India As per the Groundwater Resource Estimation Committee’s report (from 2015), 1,071 out of 6,607 blocks in the country are over-exploited; this is likely to have worsened over the years. More than a third of the country’s population lives in water-stressed areas, and this number is expected to shoot up.  Per capita water availability in the country had fallen to just under a third of 1950 levels by 2011, both because of rising population and increasing unsustainable use. 82% of rural households in India do not have individual piped water supply and 163 million live without access to clean water close to their homes. Groundwater in India India is the world’s largest user of groundwater. The country’s economy is tagged to groundwater development in many ways and its inadequacy will jeopardise progress.  Tube wells, bore wells, springs and open-dug wells remain the primary source of groundwater production and abuse in India. Currently, there is a complete mismatch between available resources and the volumes of water withdrawn. Figures show that the extraction of groundwater in India, now a full-fledged industry in its own right, has shown an increase. Drilling rigs and pumps registered an annual growth of 10-12 per cent.  An additional 10 million wells were energised with submersible pumps in the last two decades.  Centrifugal pumps in domestic, institutional, commercial and entertainment sectors remain unaccounted for. Some learnings: Groundwater extraction has to be decoupled from wealth-generation if the excessive demand for groundwater has to be moderated. Groundwater use need not be made ‘evil’. However, failing to distinguish ‘need’ from ‘greed’ is criminal. Causes for groundwater contamination Industries- Manufacturing and other chemical industries require water for processing and cleaning purposes. This used water is recycled back to water sources without proper treatment. Also industrial waste is dumped in certain areas, the seepage of which results in groundwater contamination. Agriculture- the fertilizers, pesticide and other chemicals used in growing plants contaminate groundwater.  Residential areas- These generate pollutants (microorganisms and organic compounds) for groundwater contamination Mining- Mine drain discharge, oilfield spillage, sludge and process water also contaminate groundwater. Coastal areas- Saltwater intrusion increases the salinity of groundwater in nearby areas. Excessive extraction- It increases the concentration of minerals in the extracted areas, thus making it contaminated. How technology can help save India’s groundwater? Integration of technology, ecology and livelihood is critical to the overall sustainability of groundwater. Technology can help in ‘decision-making’ on economic and social priorities related to groundwater use. Technology-guided decision-making would help distinguish groundwater abuse and promote efficient use. Automated decision-making is one aspect that needs to be adopted as an integral part of groundwater extraction. We need to enable technologies to simulate appropriate human responses. Smart pumps should form part of automation at the basic well level. Sensors and decision-making tools must be integrated with the pump design to make them intelligent.  Analysis of millions of wells’ data in real-time needs to be supported by big-data analytics, cloud computing and real-time modelling with forecasting tools.   Technology to automate water extraction systems should be adopted at the earliest and be completely automated five years after notification. All existing tube well owners should be required to upgrade to the new technology. All new wells should integrate automation during construction. Industries, farms, residential complexes, commercial establishments with multiple wells with bulk extraction should implement automation within six months of notification. Individual households, small farms, schools, public institutions need to be incentivised to adopt automation and conform to water extraction norms. The cost of automation to the well owners should not pinch the pocket, ideally matching the basic smartphone price. Automation advantages Adopting artificial intelligence (AI) will help make decisions and visualise emerging scenarios for pro-active governance. For instance, smart sensors in different appliances and Internet of Things (the interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data) shall enable visibility of data of consequence. Data from millions of nodes (wells) can be analysed simultaneously in a decentralised fashion. Owners can be notified and decisions implemented simultaneously across India. Data from all nodes shall aggregate at the cloud servers for advanced regional analysis. Groundwater use through automation, be it for agriculture, industry, commerce, sports, entertainment and domestic use, will be forced to adhere to water footprint norms on daily and annual consumption. Zettabytes of data traffic flow shall enable daily audit of water balance at the well, watershed, aquifer and river basin scale.    Big data analytics, combined with AI, shall transform governance into a practice of national behaviour for protecting the common property resource under threat. Technology-guided decision-making would help distinguish groundwater abuse and promote efficient use. Additionally, this would ensure the safekeeping of groundwater within aquifers for posterity. The Way Forward Make it mandatory for all energised pumping wells to integrate sensors and decision-making tools to help curb wastage and contamination.   Privately financed wells, pumps, conveyance pipes, storage reservoirs, drips, sprinklers as well as treatment plants installed by millions of ordinary citizens and institutions have already built an efficient decentralised supply chain. Attaching additional technology to the existing investment is the first step in reducing wastage, improving efficiency and self-governance. Appropriate policy interventions in regulating further constructions and ensuring retention of 50 per cent of the resource within the aquifers can only help in its sustenance. Groundwater remains the only natural resource that offers free access to all. For the poor, this has ensured economic growth, combined with social mobility. Groundwater cannot be allowed to fail.  NOTE: Groundwater Mapping Latest state-of-the-art technology is being employed by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) for mapping ground water sources in arid regions and thus help utilize ground water for drinking to supplement “Har Ghar Nal Se Jal” scheme. The entire work will be completed by 2025 with more than 1.5 lakh square kilometers of area with an estimated cost of Rs. 141 Crores.  Can you answer the following questions? Examine the problem of groundwater contamination in India’s agrarian states. What are the possible ways to address this challenge? Discuss. Nitrate pollution of groundwater is an issue of serious concern in many parts of India. What causes nitrogen pollution of groundwater? What are its associated health hazards. Also discuss the remedial measures to address this problem. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) `Q.1 Consider the following statements: More than a third of the country’s population lives in water-stressed areas, and this number is expected to shoot up.  82% of rural households in India do not have individual piped water supply and 163 million live without access to clean water close to their homes. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2 Which of the following countries are associated with Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline France and Germany Germany and Russia USA, UK and Germany UK and Germany  Q.3 Fundamental duties are incorporated in Which of the following part? Part IV Part III Part IVA Part II ANSWERS FOR 23rd Feb 2022 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 C Must Read On farm reforms: Indian Express On analysis of Budget: Indian Express