Feb 3, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd February 2022

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Part of: Prelims and GS-III -Economy  Context: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) workers are still waiting for almost Rs. 3,360 crore in pending wage payments. The largest pending payments are in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Key takeaways  The Centre reduced its budget allocation for the rural jobs scheme by 25%. If these pending wage and material payment liabilities are carried forward into the next financial year, it will further reduce the amount of money available to pay workers next year. What is Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)? Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was notified in 2005. Goal – To improve the livelihood security of people in rural areas. It is a universal scheme guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment in a year to every rural household that expresses a demand.  It aims to guarantee the ‘Right to Work’. Every registered household receives a Job Card (JC) to track their work completed. The scheme is implemented by the gram panchayat. The failure of provision for employment within 15 days of the receipt of a job application will result in the payment of unemployment allowance to the job seekers. Employment is to be provided within 5 km of an applicant’s residence Employment under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement News Source: TH Electoral bonds Part of: Prelims and GS-II Polity  Context: According to a Right to Information reply Electoral bonds worth Rs. 1,213 crore were sold by the State Bank of India (SBI) in January, with most of them (Rs. 784.84 crore) being encashed in the New Delhi branch, pointing towards national parties. The amount of bonds sold this time had been the highest before any Assembly poll since the scheme began in 2018. About Electoral Bonds Scheme Electoral Bond is a financial instrument for making donations to political parties. The bonds are issued in multiples of Rs. 1,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore without any maximum limit. State Bank of India is authorised to issue and encash these bonds, which are valid for fifteen days from the date of issuance. These bonds are redeemable in the designated account of a registered political party. The bonds are available for purchase by any person (who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India) for a period of ten days each in the months of January, April, July and October as may be specified by the Central Government. A person being an individual can buy bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. Donor’s name is not mentioned on the bond. News Source: TH New genus of parasitic flowering plant Part of: Prelims and GS-III Environment  Context: A new genus of a parasitic flowering plant has recently been discovered from the Nicobar group of islands. About new genus of the plant The genus Septemeranthus grows on the plant species Horsfieldia glabra (Blume) Warb.  The genus belongs to the family Loranthaceae, a hemi-parasite under the sandalwood order Santalales and is of widespread importance. The parasitic flowering plants have a modified root structure spread on the stem of the tree and are anchored inside the bark of the host tree. It derives nutrients from its hosts has green leaves capable of photosynthesis. The new genus is endemic only to the Nicobar group of islands.  News Source: TH World Wetlands Day 2022 Part of: Prelims and GS-III Environment  Context: Union Minister for Environment addressed the national level celebration of World Wetlands day 2022 held at Sultanpur National Park, a Ramsar site of Haryana. Key takeaways  World Wetlands Day is observed every year on February 2nd all over the world. It is celebrated to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. This day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Theme of World Wetlands Day: “Wetlands Action for People and Nature”,  New Ramsar sites Two new Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance), Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in U.P were also announced  Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in UP provides a safe wintering and staging ground for a large number of species of the Central Asian Flyway. Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is a coastal wetland with rich avifaunal diversity providing a safe habitat to endangered and vulnerable species. India now has a network of 49 Ramsar sites covering an area of 10,93,636 hectares, the highest in South Asia. News source: IE  (News from PIB) Kalvari-Class Submarine INS Vagir Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-III: Defence & Security In news: The fifth submarine of Project 75, INS Vagir, Indian Navy’s Kalvari class commenced her sea trials on 01 Feb 22. Key takeaways  Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vagir is the fifth among the six Kalvari-class submarines. The other vessels in the class are INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela and INS Vagsheer. Technical details The design of Kalvari class of submarines is based on Scorpene class of submarines which have Diesel Electric transmission systems.  These are primarily attack submarines or ‘hunter-killer’ type which means they are designed to target and sink adversary naval vessels. It can reach the highest speeds of 11 knots when surfaced and 20 knots when submerged. These submarines have the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) which enables non-nuclear submarines to operate for a long time without access to surface oxygen. Do you know?  Like Kalvari (which means Tiger Shark), Vagir has been named after a Sand Fish, a predatory marine species.  Khanderi has been named after an Island Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji. Karanj has also been named after an Island located South of Mumbai. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) ENVIRONMENT/ SCIENCE & TECH GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT GS-3: Environment Conservation GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  AI technologies and Climate Context: Union government in the recent budget described AI as sunrise technology. What is Artificial Intelligence? Artificial intelligence (AI) is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. Some examples of Artificial Intelligence are Siri, Alexa and other smart assistants Self-driving cars Robo-advisors Conversational bots Email spam filters Netflix's recommendations How AI can help in tackling Climate Change? The great strength of AI lies in its ability to learn by experience, collecting massive amounts of data from its environment, intuiting connections that humans fail to notice, and recommending appropriate actions on the basis of its conclusions.  Entities looking to reduce their carbon footprint should turn the AI spotlight on all three components of the effort: Monitoring Emissions. Entities can use AI-powered data engineering to automatically track emissions throughout their carbon footprint.  They can arrange to collect data from operations and from every part of the value chain, including materials and components suppliers, transporters, and even downstream users of their products.  By layering intelligence onto the data, AI can generate approximations of missing data and estimate the level of certainty of the results. Predicting Emissions. Predictive AI can forecast future emissions across a the entities carbon footprint, in relation to current reduction efforts, new carbon reduction methodologies, and future demand. As a result, they can set, adjust, and achieve reduction targets more accurately. Reducing Emissions. By providing detailed insight into every aspect of the value chain, prescriptive AI and optimization can improve efficiency in production, transportation, and elsewhere, thereby reducing carbon emissions and cutting costs. Challenges with AI Carbon Emissions:  On the one hand, it can help reduce the effects of the climate crisis, such as in smart grid design, developing low-emission infrastructure, and modelling climate change predictions. On the other hand, AI is itself a significant emitter of carbon.  The carbon footprint of training a single big language model is equal to around 300,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. This is of the order of 125 round-trip flights between New York and Beijing. In 2020, digital technologies accounted for between 1.8 per cent and 6.3 per cent of global emissions. Inequitable access to resources Both global AI governance and climate change policy (historically) are contentious, being rooted in inequitable access to resources. Developing and underdeveloped countries face a challenge on two fronts:  First, AI’s social and economic benefits are accruing to a few countries,  Second, most of the current efforts and narratives on the relationship between AI and climate impact are being driven by the developed West. Developing countries are not sufficiently represented and empowered at the international bodies that set rules and standards on AI. Transparency and Accountability The largest companies working in AI space are neither transparent nor meaningfully committed to studying to substantively limit the climate impact of their operations. Also, Policy makers are not “the fluent” in developing and underdeveloped countries that may create barriers in crafting regulations and industrial policy. Conclusion Governments of developing countries, India included, should also assess their technology-led growth priorities in the context of AI’s climate costs. It may be worth thinking through what “solutions” would truly work for the unique social and economic contexts of the communities in our global village. Connecting the dots: Responsible Artificial Intelligence Judiciary & AI Patent to AI System SOCIETY/ ANTROPOLOGY GS-1: Society Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism broadly refers to ethnic self-centredness and self-importance.  This attitude could lead an individual to believe that their own culture or way of life is the correct way of living.  It could also result in hostility towards other cultures.  Ethnocentrism is therefore the tendency to view one’s own group, the ‘in-group’, as the ideal and all other groups as the ‘out-groups’. The in-group’s boundaries are defined by one or more observable characteristics such as language, accent, physical features or religion, indicating common descent.  Definitions Charles Darwin argued that competition with other groups makes people more cooperative with members of their own group, which further influences group prosperity.  Herbert Spencer argued that societies in general are characterised by internal amity (towards members of one’s group) and external enmity (towards everyone else).  Neither of them used the term ethnocentrism, however.  Developing their ideas, it was the anthropologist William Sumner who is first said to have coined the term in 1906 in his book Folkways and also used the concepts ‘in-group’ and ‘out-group’.  For the geologist and anthropologist William John McGee, ethnocentrism was a particular way of thinking similar to egocentrism, but characteristic of ethnic groups.  Why ethnocentrism was considered bad? Curtails Individual Capabilities: Early anthropologists argued that this feeling of superiority about the in-group curtailed an individual’s ability to understand the practices and values of other groups and to trust them.  Social Tension: This feeling could lead to prejudice, dislike, dominance, ethnic conflict, and even war. Political Choices: Ethnocentrism can also affect consumer choices, voting and may lead to instability of democratic institutions.  Ethnocentrism, attitude & behaviour Later theorists argued that ethnocentrism might simply be preference for in-groups over out-groups. They said that the segregation of in-groups and out-groups should not necessarily be attributed to bias.  In other words, they argued that you can be indifferent towards out-groups or even like them, but less than one like their in-group.  One may dislike an out-group, but that attitude might not necessarily translate into some sort of discriminatory behaviour in a given situation.  Example: Ravi in India prefers to eat food with his hands. Ravi invites his American friend, Robert, to attend his sister’s wedding in India. When Robert arrives at the wedding, he is horrified to see everyone eating with their hands instead of using cutlery, as they do mostly in the U.S..Robert’s attitude may be conscious or unconscious but his inability to accept this way of eating food as another culture’s practice and his tendency to view it as primitive while seeing his own culture as superior or advanced is ethnocentric.   Ethnocentrism & Nationalism Ethnocentrism is also quite similar to nationalism.  All the expressions of ethnocentrism, such as feelings of superiority and even hostility towards out-groups, could be easily attributed to nationalism. But while ethnocentrism is at the level of an ethnic group, nationalism is at the level of a national group.  Nevertheless, it is also important to note that nationalism also assumes certain factors that are not necessary for ethnocentrism.  National groups are defined by the belongingness to a group that inhabits a national state or aspires to form a national state whereas ethnic groups do not require national states to be called ethnic groups, and they may lack a shared public culture or even territory. Ethnocentric feelings and attitudes such as preference for a familiar culture and group superiority have been exploited by nationalism. Connecting the dots: Nationalism vs Patriotism Hitler’s genocide on Jews based on Aryan race superiority WOMEN/ GOVERNANCE GS-1: Women Issues GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Union Budget: Umbrella Schemes of Ministry of Women & Child Development Empowerment and protection of women and children who constitute 67.7% of India’s population and ensuring their wholesome development in a safe and secure environment is crucial for sustainable and equitable development of the country and for achieving transformational economic and social changes. Recognizing the importance of ‘Nari Shakti’ as the harbinger of India’s bright future and for women-led development during the ‘Amrit Kaal’, the government has comprehensively revamped the schemes of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.  A. Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 have been announced to provide integrated benefits to women and children. Prime objectives: To address gaps in State action for women and children To promote inter-ministerial and inter- sectoral convergence to create gender equitable and child centred legislation, policies and programmes Mission Shakti: Mission for Protection and Empowerment for Women Aims to create an inclusive society in the country where women and girls have equal access to resources and opportunities which will in turn help in the country’s social, economic and political development.  It will be run in a mission mode and will adopt a life cycle continuum approach.  Provides a strong architecture for convergence, cooperation, and synergy Budget allocation: Rs 3,184 crore in 2022-23 The sub-schemes included under it are: Sambal is more concentrated on the safety and security of women. It includes One Stop Centre to provide necessary support and assistance to women affected by violence in private and public spaces, Mahila Police Volunteer to fight the crime against women through active volunteering, Women’s Helpline providing 24-hour emergency and non-emergency referral services. Swadhar Greh scheme to provide rehabilitation to women affected by unforeseen circumstances, the Ujjawala scheme to help in preventing women and children trafficking. A new component Nari Adalats has been added to the scheme wherein faster alternative dispute resolution is provided and gender justice is ensured. Samarthya aims towards woman empowerment. It includes the schemes of the government like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls in India. Besides it also includes the maternity benefits program under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, gender budgeting, research, creche provisioning for working mothers under National Creche Scheme.  B. Mission Poshan 2.0 An Integrated Nutrition Support Programme that seeks to address the challenges of malnutrition in children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers Through a strategic shift in nutrition content and delivery and  By creation of a convergent eco-system to develop and promote practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity.  Poshan 2.0 will seek to optimize the quality and delivery of food under the Supplementary Nutrition Program. Poshan 2.0 will bring 3 important programmes/schemes under its ambit, viz.,  Anganwadi Services Scheme for Adolescent Girls Poshan Abhiyaan Poshan 2.0 shall focus on  Maternal Nutrition Infant and Young Child Feeding Norms Treatment of MAM/SAM Wellness through AYUSH Pillars of Poshan 2.0: Convergence, Governance, and Capacity-building Mission Poshan 2.0 will integrate several key strategies to fulfil its objectives, viz.,  Corrective strategies Nutrition Awareness strategies Communication strategies and Creation of green eco-systems.  Digital infrastructure under the “Poshan Tracker” will strengthen and bring about transparency in nutrition delivery support systems. Technology under Poshan Tracker is being leveraged for Dynamic identification of stunting, wasting, under-weight prevalence among children Last mile tracking of nutrition service delivery C. Mission Vatsalya  Children have been recognized by policy makers as one of the supreme national assets. India is home to 472 million children upto the age of 18 years and comprise 39 percent of the country’s population.  Objectives of Mission Vatsalya:  To secure a healthy and happy childhood for every child in India Foster a sensitive, supportive and synchronized ecosystem for development of children Assist States/UTs in delivering the mandate of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 Achieve the SDG goals. Components under Mission Vatsalya will include statutory bodies; service delivery structures; institutional care/services; non-institutional community based care; emergency outreach services; training and capacity building. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)? The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development . Employment under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding Electoral bonds:  The bonds are issued in multiples of Rs. 1,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore without any maximum limit. State Bank of India is authorised to issue and encash these bonds, which are valid for fifteen days from the date of issuance. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 Which of the following is newly added as Ramsar site? Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary  Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary Sultanpur National Park Both (a) and (b) ANSWERS FOR 4th Feb 2022 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 D Must Read On the need for Turmeric Board in Nizamabad district, Telangana: The Hindu On feminist election manifesto: The Hindu On Budget and Health: Indian Express

Feb 3, 2022 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [2nd February,2022] Day 3: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [2nd February,2022] Day 3: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) 1. Do you think the 19th-century social reform movements had an intrinsic dichotomy when it came to the question of embracing modernity versus restoring the ancient glory of the country? Comment. (10 Marks) Approach- Candidates need to write about the Buddhist literature, highlighting its key features with suitable example is the demand of question.  Introduction- From the early 19th century, debates and discussion about social customs and practices took a new character due to the development of new forms of communication. There was intrinsic dichotomy between Reformist and revivalist ideas in the mind of reformers. Few were keen to spread knowledge of modernization others were interested in highlighting past glory and customs.  Body Reformist view towards social reforms: Blind adherence to western ideology wasn’t practices but reform indigenous culture. Thus modernization was the aim of the reformers.  The movements believed in rationalism and religious universalism. A rational and secular outlook was more important to prevalent social practices. E.g. medical opinion was cited as an aid to oppose child marriage. They used faith to challenge such practices. They referred to the period of past where no such practices existed but they used it as only an aid and an instrument. Thus they wanted to prove that no practice like sati, child marriage etc were sanctioned by religion. These movements contribute towards the liberation of the individual from the conformity born out of fear and from uncritical submission to Exploitation by the priests and other classes. E.g. Brahmo Samaj and its Variants. Various agitations in all parts of India eg. Temple entry movement were meant to achieve social equality between dalits and upper castes, and also made efforts to treat dalits in a more humanely way. Narayan Guru from Kerala played a very important role. Revivalist view:  The Theosophists advocated the revival and strengthening of the ancient religions of Hinduism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. They recognised the doctrine of the transmigration of the soul. Dharma Sabha in 1830, in order to counter the ideas of Brahamo Samaj and advocated status quo and opposed abolition of Sati. The Arya Samaj followed the motto “Go Back to Vedas” and the Shuddhi movement whereas Tabligh movement aimed to reach out to ordinary Muslims and revive their faith. Revivalist movements believed that the western thinking and missionary propaganda would ruin Indian culture and ethos, and thus there was a need to protect the religion.  They were also influenced by the rich cultural heritage of India brought to light by the western scholars, and found that it was even superior to the western culture. Wahabi Movement was a revivalist movement with slogan to return to pure Islam. Jihad was declared with the prime objective of converting Dar-UL-Harb (land of infidels) into Dar-UL-Islam (land of Islam). The tendency to look backwards, appeal to past greatness, and rely on scriptural authority.  Appeals to past greatness created false pride and smugness, while the habit of finding a ‘Golden Age’ in the past acted as a check on the full acceptance of modem science and hampered the effort to improve the present. The evil aspects of this phenomenon became apparent when it was found that, along with a rapid rise of national consciousness, another consciousness – communal consciousness – had begun to rise among the middle classes. Conclusion Socio-religious reforms were a reaction against colonial judgement and native backwardness. The movement arose and declined, but with lasting impact on society and the public sphere of ideas. It helped Indians to have comparatively more self-confidence, self-respect and the feelings of patriotism. From these, humanity and morality among the common people spread and the feelings of political freedom and modern development raised. 2. Explain the philosophical basis of ‘Swadeshi’ and its contribution to India’s freedom struggle.  Approach Candidates need to directly address philosophical basis of swadeshi movement during 1905. And also explain the contribution of swadeshi philosophy in future course of freedom struggle.  Introduction The Swadeshi movement was part of the Indian independence movement and contributed to the development of Indian nationalism. The movement, begun in 1906 by Indian nationals opposed to the Partition of Bengal, was one of the most successful movements against British rule. Body Philosophical basis of Swadeshi: The ideological inspiration came from the new regional literature, which provided a discursive field for defining the Indian nation in terms of its distinct cultural heritage or civilisation.  It was also a response to gendered discourse of colonialism that had established the philosophical connection between masculinity and political domination, stereotyping the colonised society as having un-manly characters and therefore unfit for rule. From the philosophical perspective, the idea of Swadeshi promotes “Not mass production, but production by the masses.” As per Gandhi.  It would imbibe in the people self-governing perspective. Maximum economic and political power, including the power to decide what is to be imported into or exported from the village, would remain in the hands of the village assemblies. Contribution of philosophical basis of Swadeshi to Indian freedom struggle: Concept of swadeshi later became the basis of all the anti-British movements and became fundamental in Gandhian philosophy. Philosophy of Swadeshi was instantly identified as the highest form of patriotism and “Swadeshism” became the cradle of New India. It was an intensely spiritual movement and aimed at the emancipation of India in every sense, of every Indian.  With fervent national calls for the boycott of British goods, schools, courts and administration came stirring appeals for embracing “Swadeshi” in all spheres of life, indigenous manufactures, national education, language, literature and above all “Swaraj” or political freedom became the life breath of the nation was due to philosophical touch of swadeshi.  It was a movement for total emancipation of every Indian in all walks of life political, economic, social, cultural and above all spiritual. The Swadeshi and boycott movements placed great emphasis on ‘ Atmasakti ‘ or self – reliance as a means of reasserting national dignity in different fields. For example in painting, music and literature which enhanced freedom struggle.  Amar Sonar Bangla, written by Rabindranath Tagore in protest against Bengal’s partition, became a rallying point for the Swadeshi and boycott movements.  The ideas of non – cooperation and passive resistance, successfully applied many years later by Mahatma Gandhi, found their origin in early 20th century Swadeshi and boycott movements. Conclusion Though he Swadeshi Movement was not successful in reaching its immediate goals but it provided a platform for the national freedom struggle. Later it showed the way to nationalist leaders to prepare the masses for the next phase of struggle under Gandhiji’s leadership. Q 3. What are your views on the recent budget announcements on taxing transactions in cryptocurrencies? Substantiate your views. Approach- Candidates need to substantiate his views on budget announcements on taxing transactions in cryptocurrencies. Introduction- The Union Budget 2022 has finally brought in a lot of clarity on how cryptocurrency will be taxed from Financial Year 2022-23. Removing all doubts on whether cryptocurrencies would become a legal tender or a medium of exchange in the future or not, the budget clarified that the Government of India doesn’t consider cryptocurrency as a currency, but shall treat it as a virtual digital asset. In other words, the Government of India would treat cryptocurrency as an investment. Body Taxing Transactions in Cryptocurrencies  These clarifications about taxation of cryptocurrencies aka virtual digital assets, as the government wants it to be addressed, come at the right time.  It especially becomes extremely important because around 10 crore individual investors have invested around Rs 6 lakh crore in various cryptocurrencies, as per the advertisement issued by The Blockchain and Crypto Assets Council which is a part of the Internet and Mobile Association of India.  The taxing of 'virtual digital assets' or crypto currencies will help the Income-Tax department measure the "depth" of this trade in the country. The income-tax department and the income-tax Act only looks at whether the transactions that you have entered into are resulting in income.  Taxing crypto currency under the new legislation does not attach any legality. When an entity declares any profit or surplus on the digital trade, then they also have to say where they have got the money to invest from and, if the investment is proper and justified, then the surplus will be taxed. The taxation will also help us know if the investment is contaminated or illicit, if he/she is putting unaccounted income or it is a 'benami' of somebody else, then the consequences will follow. Conclusion The tax department is entering into the digital or virtual asset side at a time when the policy itself is being worked out so this is certainly the right time for the department to have entered the market. Only legislation will help us in knowing as to who is investing, how much is being invested, the quality of the investment, the nature of investment and whether people are making profits or losses. TLP Synopsis Day 3 PDF

Feb 3, 2022 हिन्दी - Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 3rd 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 3, 2022 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s Think Learn Perform (TLP - Phase 1) 2022 - UPSC Mains Answer Writing General Studies Paper 1 Questions [3rd February, 2022] – Day 4

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. Do you think the Royal Navy mutiny has an underrated legacy in the historical context? Substantiate your views. (10 Marks) क्या आपको लगता है कि ऐतिहासिक संदर्भ में रॉयल नेवी विद्रोह की विरासत को कम आंका गया है? अपने विचारों की पुष्टि करें। 2. How did developments during the interwar period on the international front affect the freedom struggle in India? (10 Marks) अन्तर्राष्ट्रीय मोर्चे पर युद्ध के दौरान हुई घटनाओं ने भारत में स्वतंत्रता संग्राम को किस प्रकार प्रभावित किया? 3. What are the key observations of the latest economic survey on India’s growth performance? Discuss. (15 Marks) भारत के विकास प्रदर्शन पर नवीनतम आर्थिक सर्वेक्षण के प्रमुख अवलोकन क्या 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 3, 2022 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 3rd 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 2, 2022 Important Articles

[OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT] UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination Notification, 2022 Released – 861 Vacancies

Dear Friends, To download the notification of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2022, CLICK BELOW LINK Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2022 Notification - DOWNLOAD How to Apply Candidates are required to apply Online by using the website https://upsconline.nic.in The online Applications can be filled up to 22nd February 2022 till 6:00 PM. Candidates (excepting Female/SC/ST/Persons with Benchmark Disability Candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay fee of Rs. 100/- (Rupees One Hundred only). All female candidates and candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe/ Persons with Benchmark Disability categories are exempted from payment of fee. No fee exemption is, however, available to OBC/EWS candidates and they are required to pay the prescribed fee in full. The filling of online application contains two parts. In Part I registration, candidate will have to fill basic information. On submission of details, candidate will be prompted to check the details and make correction, if any, in the application. Part-II Registration consists of filling up Payment details (except for fee exempted candidates), selection of examination centre, uploading of Photograph, Signature, Photo Identity Card Document and Declaration. The OBC candidates applying for CSE-2021 must produce OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate based on the income for the Financial Year (FY) 2020-2021, 2019-20, and 2018-19. The EWS Candidate applying for CSE 2020 must produce an Income and Asset Certificate for F.Y. 2020-2021. Age Limit General – 32 Years OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) – 35 Years SC/ST – 37 Years Vacancies The number of vacancies to be filled through the examination is expected to be approximately 861 which includes 34 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category. The final number of vacancies may undergo change after getting a firm number of vacancies from Cadre Controlling Authorities. Reservation will be made for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, the Economically Weaker Sections and Persons with Benchmark Disability in respect of vacancies as may be fixed by the Government. Scheme and subjects for the Preliminary The Examination shall comprise of two compulsory Papers of 200 marks each. Both the question papers will be of the objective type (multiple choice questions) and each will be of two hours duration. The General Studies Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%. Paper I – (200 marks) Duration: Two hours Current events of national and international importance. History of India and Indian National Movement. Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World. Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc. General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization. General Science Paper II-(200 marks) Duration: Two hours Comprehension; Interpersonal skills including communication skills; Logical reasoning and analytical ability; Decision making and problem-solving; General mental ability; Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level) Indian Forest Service Exam 2021 Notification – DOWNLOAD

Feb 2, 2022 IASbaba's Courses

[ADMISSIONS OPEN] ALL INDIA PRELIMS TEST SERIES (AIPTS) 2022 – Available ONLINE and OFFLINE in ENGLISH and HINDI (हिंदी)

Be UPSC Exam Ready with IASbaba's Specially Designed Prelims Test Series The term ‘preliminary’ sounds so innocuous, isn’t it? In the dreaded exam cycle of UPSC, the preliminary exam is the first round of screening. The impression that most aspirants get when they start their preparation is that they can easily cross the first hurdle. In fact a good number of students start focusing on Mains, thinking that they can devote 2-3 months of their preparation time before the prelims and qualify for the next stage. Some of them do but most don’t. Why? The answer is simple. UPSC is interested in rejecting as many aspirants as it can in the first stage. Imagine the success rate – out of four lakh appearing students, only eight to ten thousand qualify the prelims! What seems like the most manageable stage of the UPSC cycle, ruins the chances of 98% of the candidates. We are trying to make a simple point here – you CAN’T take it easy. You have to invest your time and energy to crack this tricky stage. Now we come to the next point. How do you know that you have what it takes to crack prelims? How do you know that you are ready? How do you prepare yourself for the unpredictability that UPSC is known for? Reading standard books, magazines and newspapers are important but not sufficient. You have to test yourself on the yardsticks of UPSC. Therefore, the only solution that comes to mind is to enrol in a test series. But there are many out there? How to choose the best then? Don’t worry. We have the answer for you. IASbaba’s All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS) is the most trusted tool for cracking the prelims examination. We have the unique knack of decoding the expectations of UPSC at a micro level. The questions of AIPTS are framed after a lot of discussion and research. You can be rest assured that you will be attempting questions that will be close or even higher than the standard of UPSC. In fact, many students use the AIPTS questions as a repository of expected questions. No wonder, AIPTS questions have such a high hit ratio in UPSC. Our detailed synopsis serves as high quality ready reference for quick revision. Moreover, you also get to know your standing amongst hundreds of sincere aspirants. The healthy competition in AIPTS keeps on your toes always. If you have sincerely attempted all the tests and learned the concepts therein, your chances of success in prelims increases manifold.Click Here to Read More Details

Feb 2, 2022 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd February 2022

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Fly Ash Management and Utilization Mission Part of: Prelims and GS-III -Environment  Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the constitution of a ‘Fly Ash Management and Utilization Mission’ in its recent order.  About the mission Its goal will be to coordinate and monitor issues relating to the handling and disposal of fly ash. The Mission is to be jointly headed by the secretaries of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Union Ministry of Coal and Power and the chief secretaries of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The secretary of MoEF&CC will be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.  The Mission may also monitor scientific management and utilization of fly ash by power projects outside Singrauli and Sonbhadra, in coordination with chief secretaries of concerned states. The Mission also extends the responsibility of fly ash management to the chief secretaries of the states.  What is Fly Ash? Fly Ash is a byproduct from burning of coal in the thermal power generation. It is called fly ash because it is transported from the combustion chamber by exhaust gases. Composition: silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and calcium oxide (CaO). Uses: In concrete and cement products, road base, metal recovery, and mineral filler among others. Harmful Effects: Toxic air pollutants which can trigger heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and stroke. When combined with water they cause leaching of heavy metals in ground water. Affects the root development system of trees. What is NGT? It is a statutory body established in 2010, as per the National Green Tribunal Act.  It is a specialised judicial body equipped with expertise solely for the purpose of adjudicating environmental cases in the country.  The chairperson of the NGT is a retired judge of the Supreme Court  It shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.  Tribunal’s orders are binding and it has power to grant relief in the form of compensation and damages to affected persons. News Source: Down to Earth Bomb Cyclone Part of: Prelims and GS-I Geography  Context: Recently, ‘Bomb cyclone’ hit eastern US, which triggered transport chaos and power outages. What is a Bomb Cyclone? A bomb cyclone is a large, intense midaltitude storm that has low pressure at its center, weather fronts and an array of associated weather, from blizzards to severe thunderstorms to heavy precipitation. Bomb cyclones put forecasters on high alert, because they can produce significant harmful impacts. Reasons for the Formation: This can happen when a cold air mass collides with a warm air mass, such as air over warm ocean waters. The formation of this rapidly strengthening weather system is a process called bombogenesis. It occurs when a midlatitude cyclone rapidly intensifies, dropping at least 24 millibars over 24 hours. Difference between Bomb Cyclone and a Hurricane Hurricanes tend to form in tropical areas and are powered by warm seas. For this reason, they’re most common in summer or early fall, when seawater is warmest. Bomb cyclones generally occur during colder months. Hurricanes form in tropical waters, while bomb cyclones form over the northwestern Atlantic, northwestern Pacific and sometimes in the Mediterranean Sea. News Source: TH National Commission for Women (NCW) Part of: Prelims and GS-II Issues related to women Context: 30th Foundation Day of National Commission for Women (NCW) was recently observed. In light of evolving needs of women in the country, it was emphasised that NCW’s scope must be broadened. About National Commission for Women (NCW)  Under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, the NCW was set up as a statutory body in January 1992. The commission consists of a chairperson, a member secretary and five other members. The chairperson of the NCW is nominated by the Central Government. Its mission is to strive towards enabling women to achieve equality and equal participation in all spheres of life by securing her due rights and entitlements through suitable policy formulation, legislative measures, etc. Its functions are to: Review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women. Recommend remedial legislative measures. Facilitate redressal of grievances. Advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women. News Source: TH FOR SUMMARY OF UNION BUDGET 2022: Click Here (News from PIB) Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East, PM-DevINE Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-III: Indian economy In News: A news scheme has been launched in the Union Budget 2022 - Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North-East, PM-DevINE. Will be implemented through the North-Eastern Council An initial allocation of Rs. 1,500 crore will be made for the new scheme.  Objective:  It will fund infrastructure, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti, and social development projects based on felt needs of the North-East.  Enable livelihood activities for youth and women, filling the gaps in various sectors.  PM GatiShakti 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 India’s maiden project of blending hydrogen Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-III: Energy In news: Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has commenced India’s first-of-its-kind project of mixing hydrogen into natural gas system at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.  This project is to establish the techno-commercial feasibility of blending hydrogen in the CGD network Marks the stepping stone of India’s journey towards a hydrogen-based and carbon-neutral future. This grey hydrogen would subsequently be replaced by green hydrogen.  Help in creation of a robust standard and regulatory framework in India to cover the aspects of injecting hydrogen into natural gas This is in line with the growth of a gas-based economy in India and with India’s vision of a greener and cleaner environment. As our country is moving forward with ambitious goal of achieving a carbon-neutral and self-reliant future, this project is a significant step in that direction. Note: Zero-emission hydrogen is gaining momentum around the world and depending on the source, the hydrogen can be classified into green, blue and grey.  Green hydrogen The hydrogen that is obtained by splitting water by electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources like solar and wind.  The process helps in the production of only oxygen and hydrogen.  The hydrogen is used and oxygen is vented into the atmosphere with no negative impact.  Read more here Blue hydrogen Produced from natural gas with a process of steam methane reforming, where natural gas is mixed with very hot steam and a catalyst.  A chemical reaction occurs creating hydrogen and carbon monoxide.  Water is added to that mixture, turning the carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and more hydrogen.  If the carbon dioxide emissions are then captured and stored underground, the process is considered carbon-neutral, and the resulting hydrogen is called blue hydrogen.  Grey hydrogen Made from natural gas reforming like blue hydrogen, but without any efforts to capture carbon dioxide by-products. What is Hydrogen Blending? Hydrogen energy is a viable solution for reducing society’s dependence on fossil fuels and decarbonizing a number of energy sectors.  One of the measure to phase hydrogen into the energy sector is though natural gas/hydrogen (NG/H2) blending.  As the name would suggest, NG/H2 blending integrates concentrations of hydrogen into existing natural gas pipelines in order to reduce the carbon intensity of the methane.  This blending carries the hydrogen and natural gas mix to the intended location. The blending of natural gas and hydrogen is currently in its early stages of development. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. FTA India and UK Context: Recently, India and Britain launched trade talks in Delhi, with an aim to finalise a free trade agreement (FTA) as soon as possible.  The proposed pact with Britain could help double bilateral trade by 2030. What is an FTA?  An FTA is an agreement between two countries wherein it allows free flow of goods and services to and from both sides, removing all tariff barriers to boost trade with one another. Recent development between UK and Australia With autonomy brought to UK after Brexit, U.K. signed an FTA with Australia in December 2021, eliminating almost 99% of tariff on both sides, allowing free flow of goods between the two countries.  This will save nearly $10 billion for Australia in its exports of agricultural products to Britain and the U.K. will save several hundred million dollars in automobile, liquor and cosmetics exports.  The pact further helps Britain access the Pacific Rim, an 11-nation trade conglomerate including Australia called the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.  What does it mean for India?  Likewise, Brexit also paved the way for Britain to freely and comprehensively negotiate a new free mega trade deal with India. The £1 billion investment and commercial trade deal India signed with Britain in May, 2021 creating 6,500 jobs in the U.K. was a kick-starter to this, opening a new chapter in commerce between them. The free trade deal between India and the U.K. will bring in enormous changes not only in trade, but enhanced cooperation in agriculture, education and health sectors. India’s traditional stakes are high in Britain as British Indian companies cumulatively turned over more than £85 billion in 2021 even amid the pandemic.  Also, India’s trade would see a quantum jump when the free trade pact is signed, from £23.3 billion when they inked an Enhanced Trade Deal last year to £50 billion post-FTA.  The British inward investment into the subcontinent was nearly £21 billion in the last two decades making Britain as the largest western investor in India, and this will also see a substantial increase. With India set to becoming the world’s third largest economy by 2050, India not only becomes the U.K.’s most preferred partner, its 1.5 million diaspora in UK would get a shot in the arm when the FTA is signed.  What is India seeking from the U.K.?  While the talks are centred around removing all trade bottlenecks, and green trade, India is also seeking cooperation from Britain to reduce its carbon footprint by 45% while steadfastly promoting green energy.  With trade between India and the U.K. set to soar, there are substantial activities simultaneously taking place in other sectors, especially agriculture and education.  The second Green Revolution, aimed at increasing food production in India to 400 million tonnes in the next 15 years, is led by plant ecology scientist from Cambridge University. The TIGR2ESS, would strengthen alliance between Indian and British experts in social policy and science, hydrology and crop science based on the thesis of making modern agricultural practices reflect the needs of society acceptable to India today.  Both countries are also working for more cooperation in education, and possibly, India would allow more U.K. universities to open their branches in the subcontinent after the FTA.  Connecting the dots: India-USA Trade Policy Forum QUAD (India+ USA+ Australia + Japan) AUKUS ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  Virtual digital assets and Digital Currency Context: Finance Minister, in her Budget 2022 speech, announced a 30 per cent tax on income from virtual digital assets. She further clarified that no deduction in respect of any expenditure or allowance shall be allowed while computing such income except the cost of acquisition.  Additionally, she also proposed a TDS on payment made in relation to the transfer of virtual digital assets at 1 per cent above a monetary threshold. In short, the finance minister has proposed a flat 30 per cent tax on digital asset gains regardless of any long-term or short-term holding by the investor. Additionally, if a virtual digital asset investor incurs losses during the transaction, it can’t be set off against any other income.  The gifting of virtual digital assets has also been proposed to be taxed in the hands of the recipient. What are virtual digital assets and how are they different from digital currency? Reserve Bank will be issuing a digital currency, a currency is a currency only when it is issued by the central bank even if it is a crypto.  But anything which is outside of that loosely all of us refer it to be cryptocurrency but they are not currencies. Union Government clarified that what the RBI issues in the next fiscal will be the digital currency and everything else apart from that are digital assets being created by individuals and the government will be taxing the profit which are made during transactions of such assets at 30 per cent. Further, a market is emerging where payment for the transfer of a virtual digital asset can be made through another such asset. Accordingly, a new scheme to provide for taxation of such virtual digital assets has been proposed in the Bill. What are the Benefits of Central Bank Digital Currency? Alternative to physical cash Instantaneous process: Transacting with CBDC would be an instantaneous process. The need for inter-bank settlement would disappear as it would be a central bank liability handed over from one person to another.  Reduces cost of currency management: India’s fairly high currency-to-GDP ratio holds out another benefit of CBDC. Large cash usage can be replaced by CBDC. Also, the cost of printing, transporting and storing paper currency can be substantially reduced. Need of the hour: If the private currencies gain recognition, national currencies with limited convertibility are likely to come under some kind of threat. CBDCs thus become the need of the hour. Volatility: CBDCs, being the legal tender by Central Bank, will not witness any volatility as in the case of cryptocurrencies.  Easy tracking of currency: With the introduction of CBDC in a nation, its central bank would be able to keep a track of the exact location of every unit of the currency.  Curbing Crime: Criminal activities can be easily spotted and ended such as terror funding, money laundering, and so forth Scope in Trade:  Foreign trade transactions could be speeded up between countries adopting a CBDC. How does the government define virtual digital assets? In the explanatory memorandum of the Finance Bill, the government stated, “To define the term “virtual digital asset”, a new clause (47A) is proposed to be inserted to section 2 of the Act.  As per the proposed new clause, a virtual digital asset is proposed to mean any information or code or number or token (not being Indian currency or any foreign currency), generated through cryptographic means or otherwise, providing a digital representation of value which is exchanged with or without consideration, with the promise or representation of having inherent value, or functions as a store of value or a unit of account and includes its use in any financial transaction or investment, but not limited to, investment schemes and can be transferred, stored or traded electronically.  Non fungible token and; any other token of similar nature are included in the definition. Connecting the dots: China’s Digital Currency Block Chain Technology (Sansad TV: Perspective) Jan 31: Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and the Durand line: Why is it important? - https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/afghanistan-pakistan-relations-and-the-durand-line/  TOPIC: GS-2: India and its neighbourhood GS-3: External Security threats to India Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and the Durand line: Why is it important? Context: The bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has always been under duress. A major point of contention between the two neighbours is the status of a colonial legacy—the Durand line, cutting through the Pashtun-dominated tribal areas.  In an already precarious environment, with the ascendancy of the Taliban, the tempo of tensions flared up in the last few weeks of 2021. According to reports, the Pakistani forces encroached 15 kilometres inside Afghani territory in the Chahar Burjak district to erect fences, a second such attempt after their efforts to do the same near the Nangahar province were thwarted by the Taliban. In Afghanistan, irrespective of the people in power, the Line is considered a ‘historic mistake’, a vestige of British colonialism that the Afghanis don’t accept. After usurping the US-sponsored government in August 2021, the Taliban reiterated their position, asserting that the fencing has separated families, as well as restating that they won’t accept any fresh attempts to fence the ‘alleged’ border.  Pakistan, on the other hand, considers it the legally binding international border and regards the fencing as a fait accompli as 90 percent of it is completed, with no option left for Afghanistan but to accept its reality. Circumstances which led to the signing of the Durand agreement and paved the way for the promulgation of the Durand Line After the fall of the Durrani dynasty in the 18th century, the Pashtun empire disintegrated and the British eventually extended their control to the region. But the hinterlands were always a tough area to govern.  When the two Anglo-Afghan wars (1838-42 and 1878-80) failed to expand British influence and tame the belligerent tribal groups, a policy reassessment was undertaken.  Fearing Russian advancement towards Central Asia, and a possible attack from the Pashtun tribes on their settled populations, a multi-layered defence mechanism—a tripartite frontier—was postulated with three concentric frontiers:  The first at the foothills of the Sulaiman hills, till where the British had formal control; The second where the vassal states under the ‘influence’ of British were located; and  The final buffer which was Afghanistan itself Durand Commission The Foreign Secretary, Sir Mortimer Durand was despatched to sign an agreement with the Amir of Afghanistan, Abdur Rahman.  Inked on 12 November 1893, the Durand line demarcated the Pashtun-inhabited region, creating a cleavage amongst the people who shared the same culture and ethnicity and didn’t identify with either of the two parties.  The agreement, apart from ensuring protection in case of a Russian assault, gave Britain access to major trade and access routes Complemented its strategy of divide and rule to curb the burgeoning Pashtun nationalism Both sides agreed to limit their area of influence and refrain from interfering into the territories of the other.  In exchange for the 40,000 square miles of area which Afghanistan lost; the British increased their grant to 60,000 pounds a year and assured protection in any eventuality. Boundary commissions were formed, with the final boundary delineated in 1897. Protests soon erupted, with tribes resisting the line, a resistance continuing till the present. At a Loya Jirga (tribal assembly) in 1949, Afghanistan unilaterally withdrew from the agreement. This position has remained unchanged, irrespective of who is at the helm in the country. Formed during the term of Lord Lansdowne For the Pashtuns, their ethnic identities surpassed any state-imposed identity.  Having lived together since the beginning, they regarded the line as nothing more than an ‘artificial division’.  Many Pashtuns still hold on to their tribal ways of living, exhorting ‘Pashtunwali’ more than the state-sponsored ideology that is forced on them.  Even before independence, the Pashtun Khudai Khidmatgar movement (Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan – Frontier Gandhi) in the North-western Frontier Agency, opposed Partition, and when Parition became a reality, they pushed for an independent ‘Pashtunistan’, refusing to integrate with Pakistan. Having retained all major policies of the British after independence, Pakistan, however, continued to rule the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) through the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FAR), aggrandising power to inflict collective punishment on whole tribes for crimes committed by an individual.  It was only after the province merged with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in 2018 in an effort to bring it into the mainstream of the Pakistani state that the FAR was replaced by customary laws. Source: Indian Express (Il)legality of the agreement The validity of the agreement, has been questioned on the basis of certain provisions of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969) (VCLT).  Afghanistan had evoked Article 51 and 52 of the VCLT to argue that  As the agreement was signed under pressure by the Amir and cannot be considered legal Its unilateral withdrawal from all agreements signed with the British Indian authorities in 1949 Its objection to Pakistan’s status as the successor state  Pakistan defends its claim based on four subsequent agreements signed in 1905, 1919, 1921, and 1930. Declassified British Foreign office files point otherwise.  The architects of the line didn’t wish to establish an international border. For them, its utility was in that specific time and space. This was pointed out by Durand himself who worried that envisioning the agreement as a ‘partition’ wouldn’t bode well for British interests in the region.  If this claim stands ground, then it also weakens Pakistan’s reliance on the four subsequent agreements as mentioned above as all of them reiterate the original treaty. The way forward  The problem of the Durand Line can only be settled as part of a larger political reconciliation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Such reconciliation would involve skirting the question of sovereignty, promoting transborder economic connectivity and cooperation, meeting the aspirations of the Pashtuns on both sides of the Line, and ending support to cross-border terrorism. With Afghanistan on the brink of a humanitarian crisis and the Taliban struggling to establish order in the absence of international support and recognition, Pakistan’s support is still very crucial.  Can you answer the following questions? The historical Durand line continues to be a thorn on the side as both Pakistan and Afghanistan are unable to come to a mutually beneficial conclusion. Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding National Commission for Women (NCW) : It is a constitutional body The chairperson of the NCW is nominated by the Central Government. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2 Consider the following difference between Bomb Cyclone and a Hurricane Hurricanes occur during summer or early fall, when seawater is warmest. Bomb cyclones generally occur during colder months. Hurricanes tend to form in mid-altitude areas while bomb cyclone occurs in tropical areas Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 Which of the following is not correct regarding National Green Tribunal (NGT)  It is a statutory body established in 2010, as per the National Green Tribunal Act.  It is equipped with expertise solely for the purpose of adjudicating environmental cases in the country.  The chairperson of the NGT is a retired judge of the Supreme Court  Tribunal’s orders are non-binding  ANSWERS FOR 3rd Feb 2022 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 A 3 D Must Read On Tata Group acquisition of Air India: The Hindu On public investment led growth: The Hindu

Feb 2, 2022 Budget and Economy Survey

IASbaba’s Economic Survey Summary 2021-22

Hello Friends, We present the Economic Survey Summary 2021-22. DOWNLOAD – CLICK HERE Click here to read IASbaba's Union Budget Gist 2022-23. For a dedicated peer group, Motivation & Quick updates, Join our official telegram channel – https://t.me/IASbabaOfficialAccount

Feb 2, 2022 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [1st February,2021] Day 2: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [1st February,2021] Day 2: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. With the help of suitable examples, discuss the key features of Buddhist literature. (10 Marks) Approach- Candidates need to write about the Buddhist literature, highlighting its key features with suitable example is the demand of question.  Introduction- The earliest Buddhist texts were passed down orally in Middle Indo-Aryan languages called Prakrits, including Gāndhārī language, the early Magadhan language and Pāli through the use of repetition, communal recitation and mnemonic devices. These texts were later compiled into canons and written down in manuscripts.  Body Key features of Buddhist literature: Vernacular: During his lifetime the Buddha taught not in Vedic Sanskrit, which had become tough to the people, but in his own Indian dialect, he also encouraged his monks to propagate his teachings in the vernacular. For example language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism. Folklore: Jatakas are very much close to folklore literature and they contain the tales of previous births of Buddha in poems. The Jataka have also been mentioned in the Khuddaka Nikaya. Based on discipline and rules: The subject matter of Vinay Pitaka is the monastic rules for monks and nuns. It can also be called as Book of Discipline. Its three books are Suttavibhanga, Khandaka and Parivara. Biographical: In Sanskrit Lalit is a Lotus. Lalitvistara is a Sanskrit text that deals with the biography of Buddha. Buddha Charita is an epic style Sanskrit work by Ashavaghosa. It mainly deals with Buddha’s Life. Discourse and dialogue: Milinda Panha literal meaning is Questions of Milinda contains the dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander I or Milinda of Bactria, and the sage Nagasena. It is in the question answer format related to Buddhism. Adoption of different technologies: Asian Buddhist institutions were at the forefront of the adoption of technologies related to bookmaking, including paper, and block printing which were often deployed on a large scale. First surviving example of a printed text Diamond Sutra (c. 868). Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit (BHS): Sanskrit Buddhist literature refers to Buddhist texts composed either in classical Sanskrit, in a register that has been called “Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit” or a mixture of the two. Most prominent among which was the Sarvāstivāda. Conclusion Buddhism literature arose to suit the needs of a changing society, patronized by an emerging class and left an indelible mark on India’s culture, philosophy and way of living. These literature also found their influence in neighboring countries and helped India expand its footprint in these regions, paving way for a cultural connect to this day. 2. In India, music is deeply integrated into the lives of common people – their traditions and the nature that they inhabit. Elucidate. (10 Marks) Approach Candidates need to directly address Indian music relevance in daily life of the common people with explaining there tradition and nature. Try to give some suitable example for better substantiation.  Introduction Indian music has developed over centuries into a nuanced, glorious art Form. Indian music, through a variety of melodic entities (ragas), Ornamentation of notes and rhythmic patterns, tries to unite the performer and listener in the experience of emotions or bhava. Body Relevance of Indian music: Expressing emotions: Music plays a more important role in our life than just being a source of entertainment as it can express our feelings as well as emotions which is of course connected to our daily life. Indian classical music is rich in terms of ragas which contain different rasas or bhaavas or emotions. For example Rasiya Geet closely woven into the very fabric of daily life and day to day chores of its people. Increasing the concentration: There are plenty of people who swear that listening to music helps them concentrate on what they are doing and help them focus in a much better way in everyday life.  Weddings, birth of a child, festivals: Later on, folk songs were extensively used for recreational purposes and to celebrate special events.  Information generation to generation: Folk songs were also used to pass on prominent information from one generation to another. Since people did not have a solid material to preserve ancient information, passing down important information in the form of songs became utmost important. Socio-religious reforms: Religious leaders like Adi Shankaracharya used many such songs to spread his message throughout the country. Rabindra sangeet topics dealt in these songs include modernism, humanism, structuralism, reflection, romance, introspection, psychology, nostalgia, yearning, etc. Mando of Goa dealing with love, tragedy and both social injustice and political resistance during Portuguese presence in Goa. Entertainment of workers: Bhatiali was sung by the fishermen of ancient Bengal. It is said that this musical form was used by the oarsmen and fishermen of Bengal to keep themselves entertained when they didn’t have to row their boats with all their might.  Religious worshipping reverence: The religious and philosophical unity embodied through musical practice, therefore, has deep historical roots, which has meant that music and religion share many aspects of a common ontology. For example Pandavani is a folk singing style involving narration of tales from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata.  Conclusion Indian Music has various benefits in our daily lives, it takes us away from our daily life stress and calms our minds. It provides us with a feeling of deep relaxation and creates an aura of positivity around us. Helps improve the mind vigorously and makes one more artistic as well as ingenious.  3. We often hear instances of police brutality. Do you think empathy is the most scarce virtue in the police forces? What measures would you suggest to impart the virtue of empathy? Discuss. (15 Marks) Approach- Candidates need to start with intro about brief of police brutality. The candidate needs to then give his views on empathy being the most scarce virtue in the police forces. Finally, candidate needs to discuss measures to impart the virtue of empathy. Introduction- Police brutality represent the use of uncontrolled and redundant force on the part of a police officer. Police brutality in any form results in violation of citizens' civil rights. It is not only projected through physical means but also through verbal abuse, arbitrary arrests, etc. Body Empathy is the ability to understand and share someone else's feelings—to know what it's like to be in somebody else's shoes. It allows for a deeper appreciation of what other individuals are experiencing. In turn, this leads to more positive interactions and communication between police officers and the people they encounter. Empathy being the most scarce virtue in the police forces The objectives of the criminal justice include penalizing, reforming, and rehabilitating the offender. Reformation is its ultimate goal, as the system professes to be more rehabilitative than retributive. However, the system still fails offenders on many aspects with empathy being absent in the police force.  Police brutality in India is executed in various forms including extortion, forcing the detainee to lie naked on ice, amputating different body parts of the victim, immersing the face in water until the individual is out of breath, burning the body parts, giving electric shocks, arbitrary arrest, verbally assaulting the victims, accused, witnesses, etc.  Abuse of power and maltreatment is apparent on face in all the above cases. Sexual Harassment, racial discrimination, wrongful search and seizure by police officials also come under the purview of police brutality. Despite the harsh demands of the occupation, police personnel are not provided mental health support.  Consequently, abuse of power and custodial torture is not uncommon, sustained by systemic impunity. Police personnel lack adequate training and have a limited understanding of the Constitution and human rights. Measures to impart the virtue of empathy Reformation is its ultimate goal, as the system professes to be more rehabilitative than retributive. We need to surgically work on stress points in the police, courts and prisons to make the process less painful for all stakeholders Curricula for the training and retraining of police can provide officers with ways to be more effective and improve community reactions to their efforts.  Training can include steps to help officers learn about and show empathy for the concerns of the specific communities and neighbourhoods where they work.  Likewise, training can show new officers how to display their understanding of community values and needs when they interact with citizens.  Showing such empathy, we know, increases trust and confidence in the police.  And when citizens have greater trust in the police during daily interactions, officers get more cooperation and find it easier to protect themselves along with the communities they serve. Take for instance, a woman, X, who traffics teenage girls for a living. Counselling reveals that X is a victim of internalised misogyny and deprived of education and economic resources. To be reformative, the system should gender sensitise X and provide her access to employment to prevent recidivism. A reformative criminal justice system must locate all factors, internal and external to the offender that led to the commission of a crime.  The objective should be to identify the causes through reformation-oriented guidance and counselling in prison and remedy the circumstances in which it occurs. Conclusion- This increased demand for empathic policing is not surprising: officers can adequately address the needs of a community only when they can identify and understand what those needs are. When community members believe that the police are addressing such issues, their confidence, trust, and general attitude toward the police improve. TLP Synopsis Day 2 PDF