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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 23rd June 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Krivak Stealth Frigates Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Defence and Security In news Recently, the Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff has inaugurated the construction of the second frigate of the Krivak or Talwar class. The construction of the first ship was laid in January, 2021. It would be delivered in 2026 and the second ship after six months. About the Krivak The Krivak class stealth ships are being built with technology transfer from Russia by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) under ‘Make in India’.  Engines for the ships are supplied by Ukraine. In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for four Krivak or Talwar stealth frigates. The first two frigates will be built in Yantar Shipyard, in Kaliningrad, Russia. The following two will be built in GSL. The new Krivak frigates will have the same engines and armament configuration as Yantar’s last three frigates - INS Teg, Tarkash and Trikand.  These will be armed with BrahMos anti-ship and land attack missiles. Use: Accomplish a wide variety of naval missions such as finding and eliminating enemy submarines and large surface ships. Pic courtesy: BS Proposal to Ban ‘Flash sales’ on E-commerce Sites Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - E-commerce In news The government proposed changes to the Consumer Protection (e-commerce) Rules 2020, banning all “flash sales” in order to monitor the deep discounts offered on e-commerce websites. Rationale for Making Changes Conventional flash sales by third party sellers are not banned on e-commerce platforms but only the predatory ones. Small businesses complain of misuse of market dominance and deep discounting by e-commerce marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart. Certain e-commerce entities are engaging in limiting consumer choice by indulging in ‘back to back’ or ‘flash’ sales wherein one seller on a platform does not carry any inventory or order fulfilment capability but merely places a ‘flash or back to back’ order with another seller controlled by platform. Other Important Proposals The e-commerce sites are also directed to ensure appointment of Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) for 24x7 coordination with law enforcement agencies. These companies will also have to name a resident grievance officer who has to be a company employee and a citizen of India. To tackle growing concerns of preferential treatment, the new rules propose to ensure none of the related parties are allowed to use any consumer information for ‘unfair advantage’. The companies will also have to identify goods based on their country of origin and provide a filter mechanism at a pre-purchase stage for customers. They will also have to offer alternatives to these imported goods to provide a “fair opportunity" to domestic sellers. In the event a seller fails to deliver a good or service, the final liability will fall on the e-commerce marketplace. E-commerce firms operating in India will also have to register under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. About E-Commerce Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is a business model that lets firms and individuals buy and sell things over the Internet. The Indian e-commerce market is expected to grow to USD 200 billion by 2026 from USD 38.5 billion in 2017 due to following reasons:. Rising smartphone penetration The launch of 4G networks  Increasing consumer wealth It is expected to surpass the US to become the second-largest e-commerce market in the world by 2034. Electronic Weighing Machines at Fair Price Shops Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Policies and Interventions In news The Central Government has asked the States Governments to buy electronic weighing machines for ration shops from electronic Point of Sale devices (ePoS) savings. For this, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has amended the Food Security (Assistance To State Government Rules) 2015 to encourage the states to generate savings through judicious use of e-PoS devices. Benefits: The integration of ePoS devices with electronic weighing scales will ensure the right quantity to beneficiaries being covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. It will ensure greater transparency in the Public distribution system (PDS) regime.  It will reduce food grain leakages. Subsidised food grains provided to the rightful beneficiary through biometric authentication. About National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 Objective: To provide for food and nutritional security in the human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantities of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity. Coverage: 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). Eligibility: Priority Households to be covered under TPDS, according to guidelines by the State government. Households covered under existing Antyodaya Anna Yojana. Provisions: 5 Kgs of foodgrains per person per month at Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse grains. The existing AAY household will continue to receive 35 Kgs of foodgrains per household per month. Meal and maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000 to pregnant women and lactating mothers during pregnancy and six months after the child birth. Meals to children upto 14 years of age. Food security allowance to beneficiaries in case of non-supply of entitled foodgrains or meals. Setting up of grievance redressal mechanisms at the district and state level. Delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir started  Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II - Polity and Governance In news Recently, the delimitation exercise has started in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The completion of the delimitation exercise will mark the political process in the Union Territory (UT) that has been under Centre’s rule since June 2018. After the abrogation of its special status under Article 370, on 5th August, 2019, a special delimitation commission was constituted in March, 2020 to carve out Assembly and Parliament seats in the UT. What is Delimitation? It is the act of fixing or redrawing the boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body, as per the Election Commission. The delimitation exercise is carried out by an independent high-powered panel known as the Delimitation Commission whose orders have the force of law and cannot be questioned by any court. Aim: To have equal representation to equal segments of the population in order to ensure a fair division of geographical areas. Constitutional Basis for Delimitation Article 82: The Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census. Article 170: States also get divided into territorial constituencies as per Delimitation Act after every Census. Delimitation Commission: The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India. It works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. Composition: Retired Supreme Court judge Chief Election Commissioner Respective State Election Commissioners. National Population Register (NPR) Part of: GS Prelims and GS II - Citizenship In news  According to a Union Home Ministry manual, migrants belonging to six non-Muslim minority communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, while applying for long-term visas (LTVs), can also produce National Population Register (NPR) enrolment slips as proof of the duration of their stay in India. The NPR number is part of an illustrative list of more than 10 documents that could be provided to apply for an LTV, which is a precursor to acquiring Indian citizenship either by naturalisation or registration under Section 5 and 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, for the six Non-Muslim communities  These communities are: Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Christians and Buddhists  The special provision of LTVs for Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan and Afghanistan was first made in 2011. It was also asserted that the awareness drive is not related to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), which is intended to benefit undocumented migrants from the six groups who entered India before the 2014 cut-off date.  The CAA is yet to be implemented. About NPR The NPR was first compiled in 2010 simultaneously with the decadal Census exercise and later updated in 2015. It already has a database of 119 crore residents. The NPR is a register of usual residents linked with location particulars down to the village level. It  is updated periodically “to incorporate the changes due to birth, death and migration”. The next phase of the NPR, expected to include contentious questions on date and place of birth of father and mother, last place of residence and mother tongue, was to be simultaneously updated with the 2021 House Listing and Housing Census that has been indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Miscellaneous Land for Life Award: UN Recently, Shyam Sundar Jyani, a Rajasthan-based climate activist, has won the prestigious United Nations' Land for Life Award for his environment conservation concept, Familial Forestry. Familial Forestry means transferring the care of the tree and environment in the family so that a tree becomes a part of the family's consciousness. Every two years, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) organizes the Land for Life Award.  The Award recognizes excellence and innovation in efforts towards land in balance. The Award was launched in 2011 at the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP)10 in the Republic of Korea as part of the Changwon Initiative. The Changwon Initiative intends to complement activities being undertaken in line with The Strategy (for 2008-18) and in accordance with COP 10 decisions.  (Mains Focus) GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY Topic: GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  New Draft Rules for E-Commerce Companies Context: The government has proposed changes to the e-commerce rules under the Consumer Protection Act to make the framework under which firms operate more stringent.  Key Changes mooted are:  Commonalities with the IT intermediary rules: The draft rules also stipulate the appointment of a chief compliance officer, a nodal contact person for 24x7 coordination with law enforcement agencies.  Fall-back liability: Here, e-commerce firms will be held liable in case a seller on their platform fails to deliver goods or services due to negligent conduct, which causes loss to the customer. Earlier, the platform used to direct an aggrieved person to seller, now they will be able to reach out to the platform itself. Fair platform: The rules propose to restrict e-commerce companies from “manipulating search results or search indexes” so as to prevent preferential treatment to certain products. Push for made-in-India products: E-commerce entities offering imported goods or services to ‘incorporate a filter mechanism to identify goods based on country of origin and suggest alternatives to ensure a fair opportunity to domestic goods’. Ban of “specific flash sales” by e-commerce entities: While as per the draft rules, conventional e-commerce flash sales are not banned, specific flash sales or back-to-back sales “which limit customer choice, increase prices and prevents a level playing field are not allowed”. Integration with Consumer Helpline: The draft amendment also proposes to ask e-commerce firms to mandatorily become a part of the National Consumer Helpline Other proposals Registration has also been made mandatory for all e-commerce players Any entity having 10 per cent or more common ultimate beneficial ownership will be considered an “associated enterprise” of an e-commerce platform. All entities must provide information within 72 hours on any request made by an authorised government agency probing any breach of law including cybersecurity issues. Analysis of the draft rules Greater Oversight by Government: Following the enactment of New IT Rules, the draft e-commerce amendments show the Government’s increasing keenness to exercise greater oversight over all online platforms. Fair Market practices: There were accusations that the pricing practices of two large e-commerce giants (Amazon and Walmart owned Flipkart) are skewed to favour select sellers on their platforms. The draft rules aim to makes marketplaces fair & level playing to all. Level playing field for offline retailers: The deep-pocketed e-commerce companies have adopted deep discounting strategies to enhance their market share. This predatory business practices have hurt offline retailers. New rules aim to rectify this. Concerns The enforcement of many of these norms is bound to spur protracted legal fights.  The Government appears to be going back to an era of tight controls.  Overregulation with scope for interpretative ambiguity risks retarding growth and job creation in the hitherto expanding e-commerce sector. Connecting the dots: New IT rules Social Media Concerns Dominance of Big tech Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code JUDICIARY/ ETHICS Topic: GS-2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary  Recusal of Judges Context: Recently, two Supreme Court judges — Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Aniruddha Bose — have recused themselves from hearing cases relating to West Bengal. Recusal = Withdrawal of a judge or prosecutor from a case on the grounds that they are unqualified to perform legal duties because of a possible conflict of interest or lack of impartiality Why does a judge recuse? To Prevent Perception of Bias: When there is a conflict of interest, a judge can withdraw from hearing a case to prevent creating a perception that he carried a bias while deciding the case.  Nemo judex in causa sua: This latin term translates to “nobody should be a judge in his/her own case” which is a cardinal principle of due process of law.  Fair & Trustworthy system: Any interest or conflict of interest should be a ground to withdraw from a case since a judge has a duty to act fair. Recusal during such situation leads to reliable, trustworthy judicial system. In what all situations conflict of interest usually arises? The conflict of interest can be in many ways — If a judge is holding shares in a company that is a litigant in the case being heard If a judge is having/had a prior or personal association with a party involved in the case. When an appeal is filed in the Supreme Court against a judgement of a High Court that may have been delivered by the SC judge when she was in the HC. What is the process for recusal? The decision to recuse generally comes from the judge herself as it rests on the conscience and discretion of the judge to disclose any potential conflict of interest.  In some circumstances, lawyers or parties in the case bring it up before the judge.  If a judge recuses, the case is listed before the Chief Justice for allotment to a fresh Bench. There are no formal rules governing recusals, although several Supreme Court judgments have dealt with the issue (Ex: Ranjit Thakur v Union of India, 1987) Can a judge refuse to recuse? Once a request is made for recusal, the decision to recuse or not rests with the judge.  While there are some instances where judges have recused even if they do not see a conflict but only because such an apprehension was cast, there have also been several cases where judges have refused to withdraw from a case. In the Ayodhya-Ramjanmabhoomi case, Justice U U Lalit recused himself from the Constitution Bench after parties brought to his attention that he had appeared as a lawyer in a criminal case relating to the case. In 2019, Justice Arun Mishra had controversially refused to recuse himself from a Constitution Bench set up to re-examine a judgement he had delivered previously on 2013 Land Acquisition law. Do judges record reasons for recusal? Since there are no formal rules governing the process, it is often left to individual judges to record reasons for recusal.  Some judges disclose the reasons in open court; in some cases, the reasons are apparent. In a landmark verdict in 2015 holding that the National Judicial Appointments Commission as unconstitutional, Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Madan Lokur had referred to the need for judges to give reasons for recusal to build transparency and help frame rules to govern the process. Connecting the dots: Judiciary & AI Women & Judiciary Judicial Administration reform (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. Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 United Nations' Land for Life Award is organised by which of the following?  UNICEF WHO UNFCCC UNCCD Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population are covered under it.  Meal and maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000 to pregnant women and lactating mothers during pregnancy and twelve months after the child birth. Which of the above is or are correct  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding Delimitation Commission: It is appointed by the President of India. It works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India. Which of the above is or are correct  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 22nd June 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B Must Read On soft power comparison between India and China: The Hindu On Fertilizer subsidy: Deccan Herald On ongoing farmers protest: Indian Express

RSTV Video

Mines & Minerals Amendment Bill – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3 Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc. In News: The Lok Sabha cleared The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2021.  Passed by voice vote, the Bill is aimed at bringing more transparency in the auction process and also to boost employment in the sector.  Union mines minister Pralhad Joshi claimed that 55 lakh direct and indirect employment would be generated due to the reforms.  The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2021 amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, which regulates the mining sector in India.  The Bill seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and further regulate the mining sector in India by. Permitting removal of restriction on end-use of minerals Enabling captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral production in open markets Easing the process of statutory clearances by allowing its transfer from one lessee to another Allowing private companies to enter mining exploration Salient Features Removal of restriction on end-use of minerals: The Act empowers the central government to reserve any mine (other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) to be leased through an auction for a particular end-use (such as iron ore mine for a steel plant).  Such mines are known as captive mines.  The Bill provides that no mine will be reserved for particular end-use. Sale of minerals by captive mines:  The Bill provides that captive mines (other than atomic minerals) may sell up to 50% of their annual mineral production in the open market after meeting their own needs.   The central government may increase this threshold through a notification.  The lessee will have to pay additional charges for mineral sold in the open market. Auction by the central government in certain cases: Under the Act, states conduct the auction of mineral concessions (other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals).  Mineral concessions include mining lease and prospecting license-cum-mining lease.  The Bill empowers the central government to specify a time period for completion of the auction process in consultation with the state government.  If the state government is unable to complete the auction process within this period, the auctions may be conducted by the central government. Transfer of statutory clearances: Upon expiry of a mining lease (other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals), mines are leased to new persons through auction.  The statutory clearances issued to the previous lessee are transferred to the new lessee for a period of two years.  The new lessee is required to obtain fresh clearances within these two years.  The Bill replaces this provision and instead provides that transferred statutory clearances will be valid throughout the lease period of the new lessee. Allocation of mines with expired leases: The Bill adds that mines (other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals), whose lease has expired, may be allocated to a government company in certain cases.  This will be applicable if the auction process for granting a new lease has not been completed, or the new lease has been terminated within a year of the auction.  The state government may grant a lease for such a mine to a government company for a period of up to 10 years or until the selection of a new lessee, whichever is earlier. Rights of certain existing concession holders: In 2015, the Act was amended to provide that mines will be leased through an auction process.  Existing concession holders and applicants have been provided with certain rights including: (i) right to obtain prospecting licence or mining lease to a holder of reconnaissance permit or prospecting licence (issued before commencement of the 2015 Amendment Act), and (ii) right for grant of mining lease where the central government had given its approval or letter of intent was issued by the state government before the commencement of the 2015 Amendment Act.  The Bill provides that the right to obtain a prospecting license or a mining lease will lapse on the date of commencement of the 2021 Amendment Act.  Such persons will be reimbursed for any expenditure incurred towards reconnaissance or prospecting operations. Extension of leases to government companies: The Act provides that the period of mining leases granted to government companies will be prescribed by the central government.  The Bill provides that the period of mining leases of government companies (other than leases granted through auction) may be extended on payment of additional amount prescribed in the Bill. Conditions for lapse of mining lease: The Act provides that a mining lease will lapse if the lessee: (i) is not able to start mining operations within two years of the grant of a lease, or (ii) has discontinued mining operations for a period of two years.  However, the lease will not lapse at the end of this period if a concession is provided by the state government upon an application by the lessee.  The Bill adds that the threshold period for lapse of the lease may be extended by the state government only once and up to one year. Non-exclusive reconnaissance permit: The Act provides for a non-exclusive reconnaissance permit (for minerals other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals).  Reconnaissance means preliminary prospecting of a mineral through certain surveys.    The Bill removes the provision for this permit. Some concerns and challenges Privatization comes with risks of monopolization and black marketeering. Mining sector already prone to irregularities and corruption. Thus, the Government should design a mechanism to include safeguards.  Nothing in the Bill ensures that mineral allocation will be prioritized for public sector companies. The Government must make provisions for allocation to public sector first and the remaining should be allocated to the private companies. The District Mineral Funds under the Act are intended to benefit such areas that are degraded due to mining activities. Since the State Governments will have better insight on the problems and requirements of people in such region, the Fund should be managed by States.

Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 24]: UPSC PRELIMS 2021- Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

Highlights/Features of Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series:  It is a FREE initiative! Program Duration - 120 Days (31st May, 2021 to 27th September, 2021). 1. Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation There will be a separate dedicated portal to help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined for the next 120 Days. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. 2. 120 Days Integrated (Prelims + Mains) Time Table This year’s RaRe Series will include Integrated Revision Plan (IRP) where we will be syncing your mains and prelims syllabus together over next 120 Days. The Revision Plan is designed by integrating IASbaba's famous flagship initiatives - 60 Day Plan and TLP Mains Answer Writing. 3. Daily RaRe Series (RRS) Videos on High Probable Topics (Monday - Friday) In video discussions, special focus is given to topics which have high probability to appear in UPSC Prelims Question Paper. Each session will be of 20 mins to 30 mins, which would cover rapid revision of 10 high probable topics (both static and current affairs) important for Prelims Exam this year according to the schedule. 4. Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday - Friday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 10 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule and in the RaRe videos. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Note: Should be integrated with the 60 Days Plan 2021. This will expose you to diverse questions from the same topics. 5. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday - Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday. Note: Current Affairs questions covered in the 60 Days Plan and Daily Quiz Monthly Compilations should be covered retrospectively. 6. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday - Friday) CSAT has been an achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. 7. Daily Mains Answer Writing (Monday - Friday) GS Mains will be covered along with Prelims in an integrated manner. Daily three Mains questions will be covered syllabus-wise according to the topics mentioned in the schedule. In total, it covers 250+ Mains Questions along with synopsis. 8. Brainstorming on Ethics & Essay (BEE) (Saturday & Sunday) Each week, Sunil Oberoi Sir (Retd. IAS) will take 3 sessions, two for Essay and one for Ethics. The two sessions earmarked for Essay will have a topic-based discussion where he will discuss the approach to write issue-based and philosophical essays. The topics will be picked from previous year question papers of UPSC and TLP initiative of IASbaba. 9. Full Mocks 3 GS Paper 1 Full Mocks will be provided along the lines of UPSC Prelims. 3 CSAT Paper 2 Full Mocks will be provided so that you are not overwhelmed during the D-Day. 10. Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes Right material plays important role in clearing the exam and Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes will have Prelims specific subject-wise refined notes. The main objective is to help students revise most important topics and that too within a very short limited time frame. Day-24 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 23rd JUNE 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

TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [23rd JUNE,2021] – Day 118

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [23rd JUNE,2021] – Day 118 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. Can lack of inclusive growth in India lead to economic slowdown in the long run? Critically Analyze. (10 Marks) क्या भारत में समावेशी विकास की कमी लंबे समय में आर्थिक मंदी का कारण बन सकती है? समालोचनात्मक विश्लेषण करें। 2. What reasons can be attributed to the economic gap between India’s northern and southern states? Why is it a cause of concern? Analyze. (10 Marks) भारत के उत्तरी और दक्षिणी राज्यों के बीच आर्थिक अंतर को किन कारणों से जिम्मेदार ठहराया जा सकता है? यह चिंता का विषय क्यों है? विश्लेषण करें। 3. Is it the moral responsibility of public figures and celebrities to promote the inculcation of good habits? Comment in the light of the recent incident involving a celebrity footballer and a soft drink brand. (15 Marks) 3.क्या अच्छी आदतों को बढ़ावा देना सार्वजनिक हस्तियों और मशहूर हस्तियों की नैतिक जिम्मेदारी है? हाल की घटना के आलोक में टिप्पणी करें जिसमें एक सेलिब्रिटी फुटबॉलर और एक शीतल पेय ब्रांड शामिल है। 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 :)

TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [22nd JUNE,2021] Day 117: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [22nd JUNE,2021] Day 117: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1.How did Mahatma Gandhi’s experiments and experiences during his political career in South Africa shape the nationalist movement in India? Analyse Approach  Here you have to write about Gandhi’s stay and his experience in South Africa. Write about his important work in South Africa. Later discuss how this helped in national movement in India.  Introduction Before leading the Indian freedom movement, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi used to live in South Africa to fight against injustice and class division. Within 10 years, Gandhi propagated the philosophy of Satyagraha there and propelled the country towards a no class or ethnic discrimination society. Body Gandhi’s experiments and experience during his political career in South Africa: While he was travelling by train to Pretoria, Gandhi, a white man complained of an Indian sharing the space with him. As a response, Gandhi formed the Natal Indian Congress in 1894. This organisation led non-violent protests against the oppressive treatment of the white people towards the native Africans and Indians. During the outbreak of the Boer War in 1899, Gandhi gathered around 1,100 Indians and organised the Indian Ambulance Corps for the British but the ethnic discrimination and torture continued on Indians. Gandhi would train his cadres on non-violent Satyagraha or peaceful restraint. Phoenix Farm is considered as the birthplace of Satyagraha. However, it was at the Tolstoy Farm, Gandhi's second camp in South Africa, where Satyagraha was molded into a weapon of protest. Gandhi organised the first Satyagraha campaign to protest against the Transvaal Asiatic ordinance that was constituted against the local Indians. Again in June 1907, he held Satyagraha against the Black Act. Experience and experiments of gandhi shaped Indian National movement in many ways: Gandhi also brought women in to Indian National movement, during his  organization of protest in Africa, as he was convinced of the inner strength of women. As Gandhi took the charge of Indian National Movement, he slowly introduced his distinctive Gandhian methods of protest like truth, non violence, civil obedience, non-cooperation which he evolved in South Africa. He also came to realise that at times the leaders have to take decisions unpopular with their enthusiastic supporters. For example calling off movement after chauri chaura incident. He promoted harmony between religions, and first alerted upper -caste Indians to their discriminatory treatment of low castes and women. His greatest learning in South Africa was perhaps the unification of the heterogeneous Indian community that comprised of disgruntled merchants and the bonded labourers. His second weapon, non violence or ahimsa also evolved in South Africa. This cardinal principle of Gandhian philosophy was imbibed from Jainism and Vaishnavism. Gandhi showed to the world how non violence could be used as an effective political tool to fight the injustices hurled by an oppressive government. As the historian Chandran Devanesan has remarked, South Africa was “the making of the Mahatma”. The twenty- one long years that Gandhi lived in South Africa, had a considerable influence on the formation of his political ideologies and the philosophies of his life which impacted Indian nationalism and movement. Conclusion Thus Gandhi’s faith in capacity of masses to fight established through his experience in South Africa. He was able to evolve his own style of leadership and politics and techniques of struggle for mass based from moderate based struggle of petition and prayers to gandhian methods of non cooperation, civil disobedience and persuading by attacking the conscience of oppressor. 2. The Indian National Congress wasn’t the only political organisation active during the nationalist movement. A number of political parties emerged during the freedom struggle that had a contrasting philosophy on constitutional, political and economic matters. Elaborate with the help of suitable examples. Approach  You should know political organisations and bodies present in India before and after establishment of congress. You must mention their names, ideologies and prominent leaders. You can draw a map to show regional parties.  Introduction  A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for the society with a view to promote the collective good. Body  It’s fair to say that Indian National Congress dominated the political landscape of India during the pre-independence era. Ever since it was formed in 1885, the party dedicated itself towards strengthening the nationalist movement against the British rule.  INC set the wheel in motion by organising national and regional campaigns and protest movements. The party embarked upon a policy of boycotting imported British goods and promoting swadeshi goods. But apart from the INC there were others with different view and ideologies such as: Other major parties at the time of independence included the Communist Party of India (CPI), with its origins in the peasants and workers parties of the past, representing, like them, the communist left. The CPI began the independence period under a cloud because of its Moscow-directed cooperation with the British during World War II. CPI needed to have soviet style political economy system. HMS, nonetheless, reflected a vital Hindu nationalist strain that has seen several party iterations in the years since and continues to be force in the Hindi-speaking belt of north India. Muslim league was started in 1906. It wanted to protect interests of Muslims in India. So it demanded special rights to Muslims like reservations as evident in debates during Nehru report and subsequent round table conferences. Justice party It was started in Madras presidency in 1917 to protect interests of South Indian non Brahmin castes. One of its leader Periyar Started self respect movement for the same. It  didn’t boycott Simon commission as against call by congress to boycott the same. Forward block Started by Netaji Bose after divergence of views between him and Gandhiji. He was of the view of taking help of Axis powers like Germany and Japan during world war 2 to fight against British. But this was opposed by congress. Labour Party By Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 1936. He was politically opposite to Gandhi. Later he stared scheduled caste federation to promote interests of scheduled castes. Unionist party of Punjab founded by Sir Fazli Husain, Sir Chotu Ram and Sir Sikandar Hayat Khanin 1923. Basically represented the Punjabi zamindar (rural/agrarian)interests. The party was secular in nature and believed in a strong and united Punjabi entity, bringing together Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and other communities of this province. Congress socialist party, Started in 1934 by socialists like J.P. Narayan and others. It was secular in nature. Advocated decentralized socialism in which co-operatives, trade unions, independent farmers, and local authorities would hold a substantial share of the economic power. Conclusion Emergence of multi-party system and coalition culture with caste and religious based ideology is todays reality of Indian political parties but before independence the priorities of the parties was purely Indian independence and certain common principles and goals regarding the political system of a India. Although with differences of ideologies and perspectives they created the environment of mutual respect and agree to disagree culture on such idea Indian constitution was framed and was also embedded in Indian culture and way of life. 3. What are the strategies adopted by the government to promote crop diversity in India? What additional measures would you suggest in this direction? Approach  Candidates should start with basic idea on the crop diversity in India and then define a crops diversity. In later part address the government’s efforts policies for crop diversity. Candidates with giving additional measures suggestions can also highlight the benefits and hurdles of crop diversification. Introduction  Crop diversification is intended to give a wider choice in the production of a variety of crops in a given area so as to expand production related activities on various crops and also to lessen risk. Crop diversification in India is generally viewed as a shift from traditionally grown less remunerative crops to more remunerative crops. The crop shift (diversification) also takes place due to governmental policies and thrust on some crops over a given time. Body Crop diversity:  Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm taking into account the different returns from value- added crops with complementary marketing opportunities.  Crop diversification refers to a shift from the regional dominance of one crop to production of a number of crops. Strategies adopted by government to promote crop diversity:  The government of India has launched crop diversification scheme in the original green revolution areas of Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. Under Crop Diversification Programme assistance is provided to states for conducting cluster demonstrations on alternate crops, promotion of water saving technologies, distribution of farm machinery, and awareness through training. Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) is implementing a Crop Diversification Programme (CDP) for replacing paddy crop with less water consuming alternative crops to save water and protect soil in the state of Punjab. Crop Diversification Programme (CDP), a sub scheme of RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojana (RKVY) is being implemented in Original Green Revolution States to divert the area of paddy crop to alternate crops and in tobacco growing states to encourage tobacco farmers to shift to alternate crops/cropping system. Under CDP for replacing paddy crop, assistance is provided for four major interventions viz., alternate crop demonstrations, farm mechanisation & value addition, site-specific activities &contingency for awareness, training, monitoring, etc. However, for replacing tobacco crop, tobacco growing states have been given flexibility to take suitable activities/interventions for growing alternative agricultural/horticultural crops. Government of India also provide flexibility to the states for state specific       needs/priorities under RKVY. The state can promote crop diversification under RKVY with the approval of State. Various Technology Mission and later Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) has been launched with the aim of increasing production and productivity of the different oilseed crops and pulse and maize by developing location-specific technologies for each of the crops for maximising production. Government also promote use of the mixed crop-livestock system to increase their standards of living and income. Animal husbandry or Animal Agriculture is the branch of science dealing with the practice of breeding, farming and care of farm animals (livestocks) such as cattle, dogs, sheep and horses by humans for advantages. It refers to livestock raising and selective breeding. Benefits of the crop diversity: Crop diversification can better tolerate the ups and downs in price of various farm products and it may ensure economic stability of farming products. At present, 70-80% farmers have land below 2 hectare. To overcome this, existing cropping patterns must be diversified with high value crops such as maize, pulses, etc. Adoption of crop diversification helps in conservation of natural resources like introduction of legume in rice-wheat cropping system, which has the ability to fix atmospheric Nitrogen to help sustain soil fertility. Hurdles for crop diversity: Inadequate supply of seeds and plants of improved cultivars. Fragmentation of land holding less favouring modernisation and mechanisation of agriculture. Poor basic infrastructure like rural roads, power, transport, communications etc. Inadequate post-harvest technologies and inadequate infrastructure for post-harvest handling of perishable horticultural produce. Addition measures for crop diversification: The government must promote crop diversification by purchasing crops produced other than wheat and rice at Minimum Support Price. This could also help conserve the dwindling supply of underground water. Agricultural emissions can also be limited through smarter livestock handling, technology-enabled monitoring of fertiliser application, simple changes in field layout and other, more efficient agricultural techniques.  Horticulture crops have short turnaround time than food crops which helps in efficient land utilisation, increased production and productivity, and also increases income of farmers.  Millets are the super foods for the present and future; their short growing season (65 days) makes them commercially sound it needs to highly promoted in Indian agricultural system. Conclusion Most of the Indian population suffers from malnutrition. Most of the girl children have anaemia. With crop diversification including crops like pulses, oilseed, horticulture, and vegetable crops can improve socio economic status by adding quality to the food basket and also improve soil health with the aim of food safety and nutritional security. TLP Synopsis Day 117 PDF

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 22nd June 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Nutrient Loss in Wheat & Rice: ICAR Study Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Health and GS -III - Agriculture  In news Recently, researchers from various institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya found depleting trends in grain density of zinc and iron in rice and wheat cultivated in India. Zinc and iron deficiency affects billions of people globally and the countries with this deficiency have diets composed mainly of rice, wheat, corn, and barley. Findings of the study  Zinc Concentrations in Rice and Wheat: For rice:Zinc concentrations in grains of rice cultivars depleted to 20.6 mg/kg (2000s) from 27.1 mg/kg (1960s) For wheat: The concentrations of zinc dropped to 23.5 mg/kg during the 2010s from 33.3 mg/kg (1960s) Iron Concentrations in Rice and Wheat: For rice: Iron concentrations in grains of rice cultivars depleted to  43.1 mg/kg within the 2000s from 59.8 mg/kg (1960s). For wheat: The concentrations of iron dropped to 46.4 mg/kg (2010s) from 57.6 mg/kg (1960s). A cultivar is a plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding.  Reason for the Decrease 'Dilution effect' which is caused by decreased nutrient concentration in response to higher grain yield. This means the rate of yield increase is not compensated by the rate of nutrient take-up by the plants.  Also, the soils supporting plants could be low in plant-available nutrients. Suggestions Improving the grain ionome (that is, nutritional make-up) while releasing cultivars in future breeding programmes. There is a need to concentrate on other options like biofortification, where we breed food crops that are rich in micronutrients. Biofortification is the process by which the nutritional quality of food crops is improved through agronomic practices, conventional plant breeding, or modern biotechnology. Initiatives Taken by India Recently, the Prime Minister dedicated 17 biofortified varieties of 8 crops to the nation.  Some examples: Rice- CR DHAN 315 has excess zinc. Wheat- HI 1633 rich in protein, iron and zinc. Maize- Hybrid varieties 1, 2 and 3 are enriched with lysine and tryptophan. Madhuban Gajar, a biofortified carrot variety higher β-carotene and iron content. ICAR has started Nutri-Sensitive Agricultural Resources and Innovations (NARI) programme for promoting family farming linking agriculture to nutrition. Biotech-KISAN Programme for North East region Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Sci and tech; Agriculture  In news The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has issued a Special Call for North East Region as a part of its Mission Programme “Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN)”. Aim: To understand the local problems of the NER farmers and provide scientific solutions to those problems. Reason for the Special Call: The present call specifically focuses on the North East Region as it is predominantly agrarian with70% of its workforce engaged in agriculture and allied sector for livelihood.  The region produces merely 1.5% of India’s food grain and continues to be a net importer of food grains even for its domestic consumption.  The NE region has untapped potential to enhance the income of the farming population by promotion of location specific crops, horticultural and plantation crops, fisheries and livestock production. About the Special Call: Objective: Linking available innovative agriculture technologies to the farm with the small and marginal farmers, specially women farmers of the region.  The Hubs in NER will collaborate with the top scientific institutions across the country as well as State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and other Farmers’ organizations in the NER for demonstrations of technologies and training of farmers. About Biotech-KISAN  It is a scientist-farmer partnership scheme launched in 2017 for agriculture innovation.  Objective: To connect science laboratories with the farmers to find out innovative solutions and technologies to be applied at farm level.  Progress:  So far 146 Biotech-KISAN Hubs have been established covering all 15 agroclimatic zones and 110 Aspirational Districts  The scheme has benefitted over two lakhs farmers so far by increasing their agriculture output and income.  Over 200 entrepreneurships have also been developed in rural areas. Ministry: Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. Black Softshell Turtle Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Biodiversity In news Recently, the Assam forest department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two NGOs and adopted a Vision Document to raise at least 1,000 black softshell turtles by 2030. About Black Softshell Turtle Scientific Name: Nilssonia nigricans Habitat: They are found in ponds of temples in northeastern India and Bangladesh.  Its distribution range also includes the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. Protection Status: IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered CITES: Appendix I Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: No legal protection Threats: Consumption of turtle meat and eggs,  Silt mining Encroachment of wetlands  Change in flooding pattern. Turtle Conservation National Marine Turtle Action Plan: It contains ways and means to not only promote inter-sectoral action for conservation but also guide improved coordination amongst the government, civil society and all relevant stakeholders. Indian Ocean Sea Turtle Agreement (IOSEA) India is a signatory to the Indian Ocean Sea Turtle Agreement (IOSEA) of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). It puts in place a framework through which States of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asian region and other concerned States can work together to conserve and replenish depleted marine turtle populations for which they share responsibility. KURMA App: It has a built-in digital field guide covering 29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises of India. Developed by: Indian Turtle Conservation Action Network (ITCAN) in collaboration with the Turtle Survival Alliance-India and Wildlife Conservation Society-India. Related articles: World Turtle Day 2020 Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Power resources In news A 50 kWp Solar roof top was inaugurated in Solan, Himachal Pradesh under the Integrated power development scheme (IPDS) of Ministry of Power ,Government of India. About Integrated power development scheme It was launched in the year 2014  Launched by: Ministry of Power Eligible Utilities: All Discoms will be eligible for financial assistance under the scheme. It has following components: Strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution networks in the urban areas. Metering of distribution transformers in the urban areas. IT enablement of the distribution sector and strengthening of distribution network. Schemes for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and IT enablement of balance urban towns. Underground cabling to include additional demand of States and smart metering solution for performing UDAY States and Solar panels on Govt. buildings with net-metering are also permissible under the scheme. Maiden IN-EUNAVFOR Exercise Part of: GS Prelims and GS II - International Relations In news  Indian Naval Ship Trikand, mission deployed for Anti-Piracy Operations, participated in the maiden IN – EUNAVFOR Joint Naval Exercise in the Gulf of Aden.  Coordinated by: European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR). Along with Indian Navy, other naval forces are from Italy, Spain and France. The naval exercise included advanced air defence and anti-submarine exercises, tactical manoeuvres, Search & Rescue, and other maritime security operations. EUNAVFOR and the Indian Navy converge on multiple issues including counter piracy operations and protection of vessels deployed under the charter of World Food Programme (UN WFP). The two navies also have regular interaction through SHADE (Shared Awareness and Deconfliction) meetings held annually at Bahrain. ABout Gulf of Aden The Gulf of Aden is also known as the Gulf of Berbera. It is a deepwater gulf between Yemen to the north, the Arabian Sea to the east, Djibouti to the west, and the Guardafui Channel, Socotra (Yemen), and Somalia to the south. (See the map) In the northwest, it connects with the Red Sea through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, and it connects with the Arabian Sea to the east. To the west, it narrows into the Gulf of Tadjoura in Djibouti. The waterway is part of the important Suez Canal shipping route between the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean. Pic courtesy: Wikipedia Miscellaneous Summer Solstice: 21st June 21st June is the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, technically this day is referred to as Summer solstice. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs twice every year, once in the summer and again during winter, in each hemisphere of the earth - Summer and Winter Solstice. It is the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. During this, countries in the Northern Hemisphere are nearest to the Sun and the Sun shines overhead on the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North). During the solstice, the Earth’s axis — around which the planet spins, completing one turn each day — is tilted in a way that the North Pole is tipped towards the sun and the South Pole is away from it. Typically, this imaginary axis passes right through the middle of the Earth from top to bottom and is always tilted at 23.5 degrees with respect to the sun. At the Arctic Circle, the sun never sets during the solstice. 21st June is also observed as the International Yoga Day. Pic courtesy: Pinterest  (Mains Focus) POLITY/ ECONOMY Topic: GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Democracy & Social Media Context: The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how social media, by connecting with various stakeholders, can help average citizens and complement the efforts of the governments in dealing with the crisis. Positive Impacts of Social Media Sustains Democracy: Social media is an instrument that can question the seemingly invincible governments, make them accountable and bring sustained change driven by people beyond one vote in years. Direct connect between Politicians & Citizens: Social media provides unadulterated access for political leaders to connect with their own citizens Civic Engagement: Social media provides the platform for people tend to discuss & debate news over any topics. This interaction of people from varied backgrounds strengthens civil engagement in society. Challenges Political Misuse: Data shows that political parties mostly in the last two years have spent around $800 million (Rs 5,900 crore) on election ad. Micro-targeting through social media can enable half-baked information to alter the agenda of elections & cause faultlines in society. Fake News: The anonymous nature provided by social media platforms can help people to spread fake news and misinformation. Since there is no editorial board in these companies, unlike traditional media, which makes the spread of fake news easy Intolerance to Contrary views: One of the most common criticisms of social media is that it creates echo chambers where people only see viewpoints they agree with — further driving us apart. Conclusion If there’s one fundamental truth about social media’s impact on democracy it’s that it amplifies human intent — both good and bad. Connecting the dots: New IT rules Social Media Concerns  Twitter Controversy during Farmers protest Dominance of Big tech Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. US-Russia: Biden-Putin Meet Context: In March 2021, after assuming the White House, Mr. Biden described Mr. Putin as a “killer” and criticised Russia’s interference in US elections. Three months later, Biden met Putin and sought a more predictable relationship between the “two great powers”.  West & China Focus Shifted to China: Earlier NATO’s main focus was Russia now it is China. NATO members warned against the “systemic challenges to the rules-based international order” emanating from China’s rise. Criticism of China’s HR record: The G7 industrialised nations has recently issued a communique slamming China’s human rights records. Issues such as the detention of Uighurs in Xinjiang, the crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong, growing tensions with Taiwan was highlighted Collaboration to compete better: US and EU has decided to set up a high-level trade and technology council, which would boost innovation and investment, so as to better compete with China. Changing US- Russia dynamics Ties between the US & Russia are at the lowest point since the end of the Cold War. There were allegations of Russian cyberattacks and election interference in the U.S., while Moscow is reeling under Western sanctions. When Mr. Biden moves forward, focusing on China, Russia remains a distraction.  As a result, US wants to reset its ties with Russia and is looking for a détente (easing of hostility). With some predictability in ties with Russia, Mr. Biden can strengthen his China-focussed foreign policy The détente is also pragmatic for Russia. With a less hostile America, Mr. Putin can retain Russian influence in the country’s backyard and get relaxation from sanctions. Conclusion It’s too early to see any meaningful change in Russia-U.S. relations. But the Geneva summit suggests that policymakers in Washington have at least started thinking of Russia as a secondary challenge that needs to be tackled diplomatically, not only through coercion, Connecting the dots: QUAD  China’s Belt and Road Initiative Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Reviving SAARC to deal with China (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. Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 In summer solstice, the season in the south of the equator is?  Summer Winter Autumn Spring Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding Indian Ocean Sea Turtle Agreement (IOSEA) India is not a signatory to the Indian Ocean Sea Turtle Agreement (IOSEA). It puts in place a framework through which States of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asian region can work together to conserve and replenish depleted marine turtle populations. Which of the above is or are correct  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 21st June 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 C Must Read On need for estimating poverty: The Hindu On Tax and Federalism: The Hindu On Green Hydrogen: Hindustan Times

Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 23]: UPSC PRELIMS 2021- Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

Highlights/Features of Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series:  It is a FREE initiative! Program Duration - 120 Days (31st May, 2021 to 27th September, 2021). 1. Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation There will be a separate dedicated portal to help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined for the next 120 Days. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. 2. 120 Days Integrated (Prelims + Mains) Time Table This year’s RaRe Series will include Integrated Revision Plan (IRP) where we will be syncing your mains and prelims syllabus together over next 120 Days. The Revision Plan is designed by integrating IASbaba's famous flagship initiatives - 60 Day Plan and TLP Mains Answer Writing. 3. Daily RaRe Series (RRS) Videos on High Probable Topics (Monday - Friday) In video discussions, special focus is given to topics which have high probability to appear in UPSC Prelims Question Paper. Each session will be of 20 mins to 30 mins, which would cover rapid revision of 10 high probable topics (both static and current affairs) important for Prelims Exam this year according to the schedule. 4. Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday - Friday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 10 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule and in the RaRe videos. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Note: Should be integrated with the 60 Days Plan 2021. This will expose you to diverse questions from the same topics. 5. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday - Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday. Note: Current Affairs questions covered in the 60 Days Plan and Daily Quiz Monthly Compilations should be covered retrospectively. 6. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday - Friday) CSAT has been an achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. 7. Daily Mains Answer Writing (Monday - Friday) GS Mains will be covered along with Prelims in an integrated manner. Daily three Mains questions will be covered syllabus-wise according to the topics mentioned in the schedule. In total, it covers 250+ Mains Questions along with synopsis. 8. Brainstorming on Ethics & Essay (BEE) (Saturday & Sunday) Each week, Sunil Oberoi Sir (Retd. IAS) will take 3 sessions, two for Essay and one for Ethics. The two sessions earmarked for Essay will have a topic-based discussion where he will discuss the approach to write issue-based and philosophical essays. The topics will be picked from previous year question papers of UPSC and TLP initiative of IASbaba. 9. Full Mocks 3 GS Paper 1 Full Mocks will be provided along the lines of UPSC Prelims. 3 CSAT Paper 2 Full Mocks will be provided so that you are not overwhelmed during the D-Day. 10. Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes Right material plays important role in clearing the exam and Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes will have Prelims specific subject-wise refined notes. The main objective is to help students revise most important topics and that too within a very short limited time frame. Day-23 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [21st JUNE,2021] Day 116: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [21st JUNE,2021] Day 116: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1.There has always been a debate whether freedom was seized by the Indians or power was transferred voluntarily by the British as an act of positive statesmanship. What are your views on this debate? Substantiate.   Approach  Candidates expected here to argue on both side of the debate with substantive views on  issues and events in freedom struggle then in conclusion candidates can write how to save international image and under global pressure transferred power which was a right of Indians. Introduction British decision to quit was partly based on the non - governability of India in the 1940s is beyond doubt. It is difficult to argue that there was consistent policy of devolution of power, which came to its logical culmination in August 1947 through the granting of independence to India. Body Colonial historiography always believed that Britain will devolve power to Indian subjects but Indians are not politically mature enough for self-government until 1947. To substantiate their view, they give evidence of 1917 Montague declaration that gradual development of self-governing Institutions with a view to the progressive realisation of responsible governments in India remained objective of British rule in India. Constitutional reforms after certain interval of time were again part of ultimate aim of self-government to India. However, it is unlikely that British left India voluntarily in 1947 in pursuance of well-designed policy of decolonisation or that freedom was gift to the Indians. Constitutional arrangements of 1919 and 1935 were meant to secure British hegemony over the Indian empire through consolidation of control over the central government rather than to make Indians masters of their own affairs. Even in 1950s British foreign office and colonial office were contemplating ways and means of protecting economic and strategic interests in Asia and Africa against the recent upsurge of nationalism. They even acknowledged that it is impossible to reverse the constitutional advancement in view of the rising tide of the political resistance. During World War two, India was considered as most strategic point for defence of empire and to use Indian resources, strong grip over India was necessary. PM Churchill was against the grant of self-government to India. He even went out to say that he did not become his Majesty’s Chief Minister to preside over liquidation of British Empire. Signing of Atlantic charter was symbolic under the pressure of American population which acknowledged the right to self-determination for all people of the world. Churchill never wanted Cripps mission to succeed as he resorted to narrow interpretation. Pattern of post-war decolonization was profoundly influenced by the course and impact of the war. Quit India movement and its brutal repression ruptured the relationship between the Raj and the Congress and destroyed whatever goodwill the former might have had among the majority of Indian population. Indians seized the power with various constant movements under Gandhian leadership with taking nationalism to masses: The most important effect of the Quit India Movement was that it made the British realise that in the context of the crippling effects of the Second World War on Britain's resources and the bitter opposition to its rule India, it would be very difficult to continue ruling the Indians.  The radicals and leftists wanted to launch a mass Civil Disobedience Movement, but here Gandhi insisted on Individual Satyagraha. The Individual Satyagraha was not to seek independence but to affirm the right of speech. This gave leaders to talk against britishers policies and wrongdoings. The Bengal famine and the wartime food scarcity in other regions further damaged the moral foundations of the Raj. The RIN strike came at a time when the Indian nationalist sentiment had reached fever pitch across the country. This revolt was different from the other revolts in the sense that, after 1857 it was the first time that the British realized that the Royal Indian forces were no more obedient to the British commands and were in concurrence with the overall defiant nationalist sentiments prevailing in the entire country. Open trials of INA prisoner led to politically united march against the British rule. Royal Indian navy mutiny raised the threat of imperial defense. Britain realized widespread mutiny in armed forces could lead to anarchy in India. After the war, Britain's debt to India started piling up, so that by 1946 Britain owed India more than £ 1,300 million, almost one-fifth of Britain's GNP. India had now certainly become less manageable as a colony henceforth it could only be kept under control at a heavy cost, both financial and military. Financial situation arose because of the increasing nationalist pressure for more resources and budgetary allocation for the development of India. Anti-imperialist sentiments, generated by the very struggle against Nazi Germany and enshrined in the United Nations Charter and its strict trusteeship rules, made empire morally indefensible. Increased communal violence after 1946 speed up the process of transfer of power as Britain wanted to maintain its diplomatic prestige with peaceful transfer of power. Conclusion Britain's interest in India could now best be safeguarded by treating it as an independent nation, through informal rather than formal control. Britain realized that continuation of power is not possible without repression and which is against the British public opinion. To save political power in home and to save face in International platform by compulsion Britain grant freedom to India. 2. What rural India really needed post-independence was land reform. Do you agree? Substantiate. What measures were taken by the government on this front? Were they successful? Critically examine. Approach  This question has many demands therefore the candidate needs to address each demand briefly and then transit to next one.The introduction can be based of what are land reforms and what was the need of these reforms at time of independence.Next write what were the measures taken by government and analyse their success and failures. Introduction  Land reforms were necessary to ensure that the fruits of independence could reach the common section of population, as land was basic mean for livelihood then. Political independence was meaningless in the absence of socio-economic independence.Further the need for land reform has been a vocal demand of the nationalist movement and a consensus was seen with the Indian national congress on the eve of independence. Body  Need of Land reform: They were counter measure against the colonial legacy by which millions of Indian peasants were impoverished resulted into concentration of land in few hands. For equitable distribution of land, reforms were necessary. Level of industrialization was quite low, Agriculture was the main stake of Indian economy and to make agricultural activity profitable, changes were required in the agricultural system of India. Socialist ideology of independent leaders favoured equitable distribution of means of production. Empowerment of peasantry was the important slogan of national movement; to fulfill the promise made to peasantry land reforms were crucial. More than 85% population used to live in rural India in 1950s and agriculture was the centre for direct and indirect economic activity hence for rural development land reforms became necessary. The process of land reform after independence basically occurred in two broad phases. The first phase started soon after independence and arguably continued till the early 1960s. This phase has also been called the phase of institutional reforms. It focused on the following features: Abolition of intermediaries—zamindars, jagirdars, etc. Tenancy reforms involving providing security of tenure to the tenants, decrease in rents and conferment of ownership rights to tenants.  Ceilings on size of landholdings. Consolidation of land. Cooperativization and community development programmes. The second phase beginning around the mid or late 1960s saw the gradual ushering in of the so-called Green Revolution and has been seen as the phase of technological reforms. Success of Land reforms: As result of the abolition of intermediaries, about 2 crore tenants are estimated to have come into direct contact with the State making them owners of land. More lands have been brought to government possession for distribution to landless farmers. As per tenancy reforms, tenants cannot be evicted without any reason. They can be evicted only in accordance with the laws. Land can be resumed by the landlord only on the ground of personal cultivation. But the land-lord can resume the land only up to a maximum limit. The landlord should leave some area to the tenant for his own cultivation. The tenant in no case should be made landless. About 40 lakh tenants have already acquired ownership rights over 37 lakh hectares of land. They have become better-off economically and socially. However, the success of land reform measures taken by the government at various levels was quite skewed. Large holders, articulate and capable, organized pressure in defense of their interests and the small cultivators and the landless were not only unorganized but in most cases, ignorant of legal and constitutional process; the former were very often successful in getting the land reforms modified or even nullified both at the stage of legislation as well as implementation  The Land reform laws enacted by various state governments differed quite significantly. In states of Andhra Pradesh, limit of Land ceiling was so high that most of the land owners remained unaffected. The concept of land ceiling was applied to only land under cultivation. The land under the trees was not taken into consideration.  The big peasants resorted to benami transactions; the land was transferred into the names of various family members, relatives or even servants to escape the imposition of land ceiling.  Land being the state subject tied the hands of the central government and state government could not show the necessary political commitment to implement land reform initiatives in letter and spirit. Conclusion India witnessed the unique phenomenon of wide-ranging land reforms being implemented within a modern democratic structure without any violence or use of authoritarian force. But the lack of thorough implementation became reason behind social crisis even today in which result in marginalisation of farmers and landless communities.Therefore a new approach and vigour is needed for land reform for the 21st century to tackle agrarian distress as well as to march towards industrial growth to achieve equitable and sustainable growth. 3. The excessive centralisation of power by Indira Gandhi was responsible for the rise of the regional political parties between 1977 and 1984. Do you agree? Critically analyse. Approach  Candidates should try to define regional political parties in India. As question demands to critically analyse, candidates need to highlight how excessive centralisation led to rise or new local political parties and then give alternative view by analysing different factors for rise of parities. Introduction  Regional parties are those which generally and exclusively operate within a limited geographical area or which represent the interests of particular linguistic, religious, ethnic of cultural groups whose population may be concentrated in an area as small as a single assembly constituency or as large as an entire state or a region. Body The phenomenon of regional political parties was not new to India before 1977, but the authoritarian policies of Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister and within Congress party as leader fuelled growth. There is large number of reasons behind rise of regional political parties in country like India where huge diversity prevails. In a democracy, political parties provide an agency to the society to gather different views on various issues, with excessive centralisation regional local parties emerged to fulfill regional aspirations in various ways: Removal of state governments of opposition parties, abuse of president’s rule, central agencies and the excesses of emergency period, constitutional amendments to increase the power of parliament are some of the policies with tilt of centralization. Indian political system has a federal structure with a unitary spirit. The Union enjoys a predominant role in the Indian federalism. As a reaction against the spirit of centralism or Unitarianism evident in the policies of Indira Gandhi several regional parties have come into existence in India. Eg. Telugu Desam, AIADMK, Asom Gana Parishad and some others. In 1977, the Akali Dal and DMK were partners in the Janata government. This was the first time that regional parties shared power at the national level.  Former PM Indira Gandhi was also said to have unable to keep contact with an organization which gradually decayed, especially at the local and state levels became reason for formation of regional political parties. Eg. Congress for Democracy, INC(Ur), INC(socialist).  However, Policies of Indira Gandhi were not the only reason behind emergence of regional political parties. Some other factors were: Parties as pressure groups: Congress evolved as the party that was like a big umbrella under which all communities and interests and ideologies sought and got a place. Since independence there were many small parties competing with the Congress but they acted mainly as a kind of pressure groups. New parities in state government: With the death of Jawahar Lal Nehru, and 1967 elections posed challenge to dominance of the congress system. The Congress failed to secure majorities in eight states and its majority in the Lok Sabha was reduced to very narrow 54% of the seats.  Regional parties started growing all over the country. Cultural Pluralism: Emergence of several regional political parties in India has been a natural development because of the presence of socio-economic, religious and cultural pluralism. Religious factors: The existence of several religions within India has helped the emergence of several regional parties like the Akali Dal of Punjab is mainly a religious party which stands for the preservation and promotion of Sikh religion and Punjab language. Economic factors: The emergence of regional economic imbalances in India has also been a factor in the emergence of regional parties. Several regions of the country have registered a relatively high level of economic development while many others continue to lag behind. Caste and Region: Caste system and religion in Indian society play only a marginal roll in causing regionalism. Only when caste is combined with linguistic preponderance or religion it may cause regional feeling. In the like manner religion is not so significant except when it is combined with linguistic homogeneity or based on dogmatism and orthodoxy or linked with economic deprivation. However, regionalism is usually a secular phenomenon in a relative sense and it can cross-cut the caste affiliation or religious loyalties. Split in major parties: Splits resulting from the emergence of sizeable dissident local groups in several national political parties have also been responsible for the emergence of some regional political parties. Eg. Janata Dal, Janata Dal Secular, Janata Dal (United), AIADMK etc. as regional parties in the Indian Political System can be explained in terms of this factor. Charisma based: There were regional parties which have been formed by individual leaders on the basis of their charismatic personalities. These were called as personalised parties and they are short-lived. The examples are Lok Janshakti Party, Haryana Vikas Party, Himachal Vikas Congress and so on. Conclusion Personality cult politics, caste factors, developing nature of Indian political party system are some of the reasons behind rise of regional parties in India. Anti-Centralism is getting replaced by Centre-State cooperative-bargaining federation. It appears to be a healthy development in Indian politics. TLP Synopsis Day 116 PDF

AIR

World Water Day-Catch the Rain Campaign - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES Search 22nd March, 2021 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx  Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Water Pollution, Wastewater management In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ campaign for conserving water and stressed that every penny of MGNREGA funds be spent on rain water conservation till the monsoon arrives. Addressing an event at the virtual launch of the campaign on the World Water Day, Modi said it is a matter of concern that majority of rain water in India gets wasted. He said the more the rain water is conserved, the less will be the dependence on groundwater. India’s self-sufficiency is dependent on its water resources and water connectivity, and its fast-paced development is not possible without effective water conservation. People should use water judiciously. The Campaign The ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign will be undertaken across the country, in both rural and urban areas.  Timeline: It will be implemented from March 22 to November 30 – the pre-monsoon and monsoon period in the country. Aim: The campaign aims to take water conservation at grass-root level through people’s participation. It is intended to nudge all stakeholders to create rainwater harvesting structures suitable to the climatic conditions and subsoil strata, to ensure proper storage of rainwater. After the event, Gram Sabhas will be held in all Gram Panchayats of each district (except in the poll-bound states) to discuss issues related to water and water conservation. Gram Sabhas will also take ‘Jal Shapath’ for water conservation. In India, the lack of access to clean water is an ongoing challenge that the country has been facing for several years. In 2017, in a written reply in Lok Sabha, the Ministry of Water Resources (as it was before being merged into the Jal Shakti ministry in 2019) said that the average annual per capita water availability fell from 1820 cubic meters assessed in 2001 to 1545 cubic meters in 2011, and could reduce further to 1341 and 1140 in the years 2025 and 2050 respectively. “Annual per-capita water availability of less than 1700 cubic meters is considered as water stressed condition, whereas annual per- capita water availability below 1,000 cubic meters is considered as a water scarcity condition. Due to high temporal and spatial variation of precipitation, the water availability of many regions of the country is much below the national average and can be considered as water stressed/water scarce,” the Ministry had said. In a 2018 report, the water and sanitation advocacy group WaterAid ranked India at the top of 10 countries with the lowest access to clean water close to home, with 16.3 crore people not having such access. Notably, the same report also took note of government efforts, saying, “(India) is also one of the world’s most-improved nations for reaching the most people with clean water, but faces challenges with falling groundwater levels, drought, demand from agriculture and industry, pollution and poor water resource management – challenges that will intensify as climate change contributes to more extreme weather shocks.” Water in the Constitution The Ministry of Jal Shakti says on its website, “As most of the rivers in the country are inter-State, the regulation and development of waters of these rivers, is a source of inter-State differences and disputes. In the Constitution, water is a matter included in Entry 17 of List-II i.e. State List. This entry is subject to the provision of Entry 56 of List-I i.e. Union List.” Under Article 246, the Indian Constitution allocates responsibilities of the States and the Centre into three lists– Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. Water is under Entry 17 of the State List, which reads: “Water, that is to say, water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments, water storage and water power subject to the provisions of entry 56 of List I.” MGNREGA’s role in saving water Over the past 15 years, the MGNREGA programme has helped bolster water sufficiency and management of precipitation in many villages.  The rural employment guarantee Act was amended in 2014 to ensure that at least 60% of the expenditure was on projects that benefit agriculture and allied activities; as a result, the rural development ministry had said in 2019 that 75% of the activities in the list of permissible activities under MGNREGA “directly improve water security and water conservation efforts”. 30 million water conservation-related works — that translates to 50 works/village — have been undertaken through MGNREGA, creating a water conservation potential of close to 29,000 million cubic metres of water. For perspective, that is nearly 17% of the capacity of the 123 reservoirs that are monitored for storage by the Central Water Commission. Why is World Water Day celebrated? To focus on the importance of freshwater, the United Nations marks March 22 every year as World Water Day. The theme of World Water Day 2021 is “Valuing Water”. According to the UN, World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. The idea for this international day goes back to 1992, the year in which the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro took place. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by which March 22 of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993. “The value of water is about much more than its price – water has enormous and complex value for our households, food, culture, health, education, economics and the integrity of our natural environment. If we overlook any of these values, we risk mismanaging this finite, irreplaceable resource.” Solutions: Need to make “every drop count” Expanding water supply Increasing storage This will ensure that cities survive under drought. This can be done by Long-distance water transfers, but can also come from groundwater or desalination. When cities appropriate more water, they impact the freshwater ecosystem. Sometimes urban water usage is more than in agriculture. Society should make more efficient use of water. Putting in place an efficient piped supply system has to be top on the agenda of policymakers and planners. Steps must be taken to make farmers efficient in use of irrigation water. Water reuse is an option too. Both in urban and rural areas, digging of rainwater harvesting pits must be made mandatory for all types of buildings. Nature-based solutions can address overall water scarcity through “supply-side management,” and are recognised as the main solution to achieving sustainable water for agriculture. Environmentally-friendly agricultural systems like those which use practices such as conservation tillage, crop diversification, legume intensification and biological pest control work as well as intensive, high-input systems. The environmental co-benefits of nature-based solutions to increasing sustainable agricultural production are substantial as there are decreased pressures on land conversion and reduced pollution, erosion and water requirements. Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment can also be a cost-effective, nature-based solution that provides effluent of adequate quality for several non-potable uses (irrigation) and additional benefits that include energy production. Watershed management is another nature-based solution that is seen not only as a complement to build or “grey” infrastructure but also one that could also spur local economic development, job creation, biodiversity protection and climate resilience. Three areas that need urgent measures are Efficiency in Agriculture: The agricultural sector consumes over 85 per cent of the available water today in India, and there is enormous scope to save water here through improved efficiency. Shifting cropping pattern from water-intensive to less water consuming crops can save significant amount of water. Micro-irrigation method (drip and sprinkler) of rice cultivation promises to enhance water use efficiency with increased crop productivity. Rainwater harvesting is one of the cheapest and easiest ways of augmenting water stock. Investing and promoting water-recycling technologies and storm water capturing schemes should also be given utmost emphasis. The proposed water conservation fee on groundwater extraction is definitely a right step in the direction of regulating water use. Strict pollution control enforcement: User-centric approach to water management, especially in agriculture Decentralisation of irrigation commands, offering higher financial flows to well-performing States through a National Irrigation Management Fund Steady urbanisation calls for a new management paradigm – augmenting sources of clean drinking water supply and treatment technologies that will encourage reuse. Rethink water management Creative and imaginative governance in the form of building larger storage dams which can store excess water in lesser time is the need of the hour. People should be sensitised about the judicious use of water and educated about water-retention dams and other conventional structures such as eari, bawli, talab, anict, dam etc. to store water. The old practice of rainwater harvesting should also be popularised. Tamil Nadu has made mandatory installation of water harvesting structures in every house and this must be replicated in other States as well. Investing and promoting water-recycling, storm-water capturing technologies and micro-irrigation techniques in crop cultivation can also solve the problem of water scarcity. The cost effective method of reviving the traditional small water bodies under the age old practice of Kudimaramath should be given top priority. Note:  Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030. By definition, this means leaving no one behind. Human right to water: In 2010, the UN recognized “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.” The human right to water entitles everyone, without discrimination, to sufficient, safe, acceptable, physically accessible and affordable water for personal and domestic use; which includes water for drinking, personal sanitation, washing of clothes, food preparation, and personal and household hygiene. Connecting the Dots: How can we ensure that everyone has access to safe drinking water, while industry and agriculture also get sufficient supplies to produce enough to meet the country’s demands?

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