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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd November 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India to achieve net zero emissions by 2070 Part of: Prelims and GS III - Climate change  Context Indian Prime Minister said at the COP26 summit in Glasgow that India will achieve net zero emissions latest by 2070. Key takeaways  By 2030, India will ensure 50% of its energy will be sourced from renewable energy sources.  India will reduce its carbon emissions by 2030 by a billion tonnes.  India will also reduce its emissions intensity per unit of GDP by less than 45%. India also emphasised that in the spirit of climate justice, rich developed countries ought to be providing at least $1 trillion in climate finance to assist developing countries and those most vulnerable. Climate adaptation must be given importance too. Criticism: According to several experts, Taking on net zero targets requires a sharp shift to clean energy sources that will impose a steep cost. What is COP26? The Conference of Parties (COP) comes under the United Nations Climate Change Framework Convention (UNFCCC) which was formed in 1994.  2021 marks the 26th Conference of Parties (thus the name COP26) and will be held in the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow. The UNFCCC was established to work towards “stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.” It laid out a list of responsibilities for the member states which included: Formulating measures to mitigate climate change Cooperating in preparing for adaptation to the impact of climate change Promoting education, training and public awareness related to climate change India hosted the eighth COP from October 23 to November 1, 2002 in New Delhi. One of the most important conferences, COP21 took place in 2015, at Paris, France. Member countries agreed to work together to ‘limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.’ BASIC group of countries Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Defence and security  Context On the opening day of the COP26, Indian Environment Minister delivered a statement on behalf of the BASIC group of countries — Brazil, South Africa, India and China. These major developing economies are significant polluters but bear diminished responsibility for the carbon dioxide. They also have low per capita emissions because of their significant populations. Demands of the BASIC countries Conclude Paris Agreement Rulebook at COP26. The Rulebook will set the Paris Agreement in motion by laying out the tools and processes to ensure it is implemented fairly and properly. CBDR-RC: Full effect must be given to implementation of the principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC).  Accord time and policy space: Developing countries must be accorded time, policy space and support to transition towards a low emissions future. About BASIC The BASIC group was formed as the result of an agreement signed by the four countries on November 28, 2009. Countries – Brazil, South Africa, India and China. Significance of the grouping: These nations have common positions on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and raising the massive funds that are needed to fight climate change. The grouping is significant because Brazil, South Africa, India and China together have one-third of the world’s geographical area and nearly 40% of the world’s population, and when they unitedly speak in one voice this shows their determination. Ganges river dolphin Part of: Prelims and GS III - Conservation Context The Jal Shakti Ministry has released a guide for the safe rescue and release of stranded Ganges river dolphins.  Key takeaways  The document has been prepared by the Turtle Survival Alliance and the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department (EFCCD) of the Uttar Pradesh Government. The guide has been drawn from years of experience of rescuing 25 Ganges river dolphins stranded in irrigation canals. Best practices on crowd control, dolphin capture from canals and handling, transfer, transport and release are part of the guide. About Ganges Dolphins The Ganges river dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India It is Found throughout the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India and Bangladesh. It (Platanista gangetica gangetica) is a global priority and is also an indicator of healthy aquatic systems Ghaghra river is a prime habitat where most of the rescued dolphins were released in the past few years. IUCN status: Endangered  Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972): Schedule I  CITES: Appendix I  Autosomal DNA technique Part of: Prelims and GS III - Sci and tech Context Recently, a living descendant of the famed Lakota leader Sitting Bull has been confirmed using a novel technique for analyzing fragments of the historic figure’s DNA. The researchers compared autosomal DNA from Sitting Bull’s hair sample to DNA samples from LaPointe and other Lakota Sioux to establish the familial connection. Sitting Bull Sitting Bull, born in 1831, was chief and medicine man of the Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux, Native American group. Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader who led his people during years of resistance against United States government policies. What is Autosomal DNA? All of us are born with 23 pairs of chromosomes(with few exceptions) that were passed down from parents  X and Y chromosomes are part of the 23rd pair of chromosomes which determine what biological sex a person is born with. The rest of the 22 pairs are called autosomal chromosomes.  Hence Autosomal DNA is contained in the 22 pairs of chromosomes not involved in determining a person’s sex.  Autosomal DNA recombines in each generation, and new offspring receive one set of chromosomes from each parent. These are inherited exactly equally from both parents Usage of this technique Autosomal DNA tests can tell us a lot about our ancestry with a pretty high level of accuracy.  It can be used even when very limited genetic data are available. The technique could also be used in forensic investigations. Climate vulnerability index released by CEEW Part of: Prelims and GS-III – Climate change  Context Environmental think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water has carried out a first-of-its-kind district-level climate vulnerability assessment, or Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI). Under this, it has analysed 640 districts in India to assess their vulnerability to extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, heatwaves, droughts, etc. Findings of the climate vulnerability index Vulnerable to extreme climate events: Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Bihar are most vulnerable to extreme climate events such as floods, droughts and cyclones in India. India’s most climate vulnerable districts: Dhemaji and Nagaon in Assam, Khammam in Telangana, Gajapati in Odisha, Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh, Sangli in Maharashtra, and Chennai in Tamil Nadu  More than 80% Indians live in districts vulnerable to climate risks  North-eastern states are more vulnerable to floods.  Miscellaneous Covovax Biotechnology firm Novavax Inc and its partner Serum Institute of India (SII) have received the first emergency use authorisation (EUA) for Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia.  The SII will manufacture the vaccine in India and market it in Indonesia under the brand name Covovax. (News from PIB) Etikoppaka toys Part of: Prelims  Context: A traditional method of making wooden toys using non-toxic paints and natural dyes (dying art) In Etikoppaka village in Southern India Are well rounded and made using natural dye colours. This makes them safe, even for kids Bhasha Sangam Initiative for schools Part of: Prelims  Developed by NCERT 100 sentences in 22 scheduled languages are presented in such a way that children in school will be able to read in the Indian language, in Devanagari script, in roman script and translations into Hindi and English. 100 sentences are presented in audio and video form with Indian Sign Language. Idea: Language learning to be promoted as skill with formal credit earning system + people should acquire basic conversational skills in an Indian language other than their mother tongue. News Source: PIB India and World Bank Part of: Prelims  In News: Government of India, the Government of Meghalaya and the World Bank signed a $40 million health project for the state of Meghalaya that will improve the quality of health services and strengthen the state’s capacity to handle future health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Enhance the management and governance capabilities of the state and its health facilities Expand the design and coverage of the state’s health insurance program Improve the quality of health services through certification and better human resource systems Enable efficient access to medicines and diagnostics All 11 districts of the state will benefit from the project- Benefit health sector staff at the primary and secondary levels by strengthening their planning and management capabilities and building their clinical skills Enable women to better utilize healthcare services at the community level. News Source: PIB PM’s Address: ‘Action and Solidarity-The Critical Decade’ at COP26 Summit  Part of: Mains GS-III: Climate Change Adaptation does not get as much importance in the Global climate debate as Mitigation. This is an injustice to developing countries, which are more affected by climate change. Climate is a major challenge for farmers in most developing countries, including India –  The cropping pattern is changing,  Crops are being destroyed by untimely rains and floods, or frequent storms From drinking water sources to affordable housing, all of these need to be made resilient against climate change. Focus on Adaptation: We need to make adaptation a key part of our development policies and projects.  Projects like ‘Nal se Jal’- Tap water for all, ‘Swachh Bharat’- clean India Mission and ‘Ujjwala’- clean cooking fuel for all in India, have not only provided adaptation benefits to our needy citizens but have also improved their quality of life.  Living in harmony with nature: Secondly, many traditional communities have adequate knowledge of living in harmony with nature.  These traditional practices must be given due importance in our adaptation policies.  This flow of knowledge must also be included in the school syllabus so that it is passed on to the new generation.  Preservation of lifestyles in compliance with the local conditions can also be an important pillar of adaptation.  Method of Adaptation: The methods of adaptation may be local, but backward countries should get global support for them. With the idea of global support for local adaptation, India had taken the initiative of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure CDRI.  News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) SCIENCE & TECH/ ECONOMY GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  GS-3: Economy & its challenges The Crypto Conundrum Context: Since 2020, when the Supreme Court overturned an order by the Reserve Bank of India dated April 6, 2018, restricting the use of cryptocurrencies, traffic in domestic cryptocurrency exchanges in India has grown many-fold.  Bitcoin and other private cryptocurrencies have been on a bull run recently. Unlike previous rallies, the current rally in bitcoin has witnessed the increasing participation of retail investors in India. Are Crypto Currencies on speculative run? The most important feature of cryptocurrencies is their limited supply. In a world where central banks create a lot of money out of thin air, it is natural for investors who are looking to protect their wealth to seek alternative assets (like cryptocurrencies) whose supply cannot be increased up as easily. Scarcity alone is not sufficient to facilitate the adoption of cryptocurrencies as money.  Any asset must have either use value or exchange value in order for it to possess any fundamental value. This fundamental value, in turn, is reflected in the price of these assets in the long run.  Stocks and bonds, for instance, possess exchange value that is based on the expected future cash flow from these assets.  Commodities such as oil and steel possess use value because these assets are used to run vehicles and build real estate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies may be scarce but it is questionable whether they possess any use value or exchange value. We can say that cryptocurrencies possess no significant fundamental value to sustain their current high prices. Yet, many believe that the rising prices of cryptocurrencies reflect their likely future value as a currency.  It is possible that investors are bidding up the price of bitcoin because they foresee a future in which private currency is widely accepted as money.  One may also grant that the extreme volatility seen in the price of cryptocurrencies. may be due to the nascent, illiquid nature of the cryptocurrency market.  What is the possibility of governments cracking down on Crypto Currencies? The more cryptocurrencies are accepted in exchange for goods and services, the greater the chances of governments cracking down on them. The monopoly that governments (and central banks) possess over the issuance of money is at the root of their power and influence.  It allows central banks to control the money supply under the mandate of managing aggregate demand in the economy.  In essence, monopoly control over money allows governments to indirectly tax citizens by increasing the supply of currencies, thus devaluing them.  If cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are going to challenge fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar or INR as a medium of exchange, they would essentially be challenging the authority of the government to print and spend. This will not be tolerated by governments for long.  Governments will allow cryptocurrencies to exist only as long as these currencies remain a speculative asset and not a medium of exchange. This doesn’t mean that governments are justified in their crackdown against cryptocurrencies. There are obvious benefits of free market competition. Private alternatives to fiat currencies offer people greater choice in what currencies they choose to use as a medium of exchange.  Connecting the dots: Blockchain Technology and Voting GOVERNANCE GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. India’s Water Stress In News: According to the composite water management index released by the think tank NITI Aayog in 2019, 21 major cities (including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad) were on the brink of exhausting groundwater resources, affecting about 100 million people. The study also points out that by 2030, the demand for water is projected to be twice the available supply. Understanding Sources of Water In the rural areas, 80%-90% of the drinking water and 75% of the water used for agriculture is drawn from groundwater sources.  In urban areas, 50%-60% of the water supply is drawn from groundwater sources, whereas the remaining is sourced from surface water resources such as rivers, often located afar, in addition to lakes, tanks and reservoirs. Seeing India’s looming water crisis through ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ sources allows for better understanding of the causative factors and also enables to develop better strategies to be deployed to reverse the water crisis.  Water Crisis in Urban Areas: The Chennai Example Water crisis unfolded in Chennai in 2019, where life came to a standstill and parts of the city went without piped water for months. Many have cited the poor rainfall received in Chennai in the previous year as one of the main reasons for the water crisis. Though it is true that rainfall was low, which was 50% less than normal, there were other reasons for the crisis. Chennai city has been built by incrementally encroaching floodplains and paving over lakes and wetlands that would have otherwise helped the process of recharging groundwater.  The lack of space for water to percolate underground prevented rainwater from recharging the aquifers. The situation was made worse by the loss of green cover (which would have otherwise helped water retention) to make way for infrastructure projects. Such a situation, on the one hand, leads to flooding during normal rainfall due to stagnation, and on the other hand leads to drought-like conditions due to the prevention of underground water storage. Water Crisis in Rural Areas: The Punjab Example The draft report of the Central Ground Water Board concluded that Punjab would be reduced to a desert in 25 years if the extraction of its groundwater resources continues unabated. 82% of Punjab’s land area has seen a huge decline in groundwater levels, wherein 109 out of 138 administrative blocks have been placed in the ‘over exploited’ category.  Groundwater extraction which was at 35% in the 1960s and 1970s, rose to 70% post the Green Revolution where government subsidised power for irrigation that lead to tubewells running for hours. Also, cultivation of water intensive crops such as paddy have further aggravated water depletion, even turning water saline.  Way Ahead If the Government is serious about addressing the water crisis in urban areas, the Ministry of Water Resources must reconfigure its relationship with other Ministries and Departments (Urban Development, Local Self-Government and Environment).  This would be for enhanced integration and coordination through effective land and water zoning regulations that protect urban water bodies, groundwater sources, wetlands and green cover. Authorities must also simultaneously work to enhance waste water recycling and water recharge activities targeting aquifers and wells through rainwater harvesting. In Rural areas like Punjab, immediate measures need to be taken to manage and replenish groundwater, especially through participatory groundwater management approaches with its combination of water budgeting, aquifer recharging and community involvement. In view of the ongoing erosion of water resources, the government should not be on promising water supply (Jal Jeevan Mission). Instead the aim should be towards protecting and conserving water resources on the one hand and minimising and enhancing efficiency of water usage on the other.  Connecting the dots: Jal Jeevan Mission National Water Policy (Sansad TV: Perspective) Oct 28: China's New Border Law - https://youtu.be/3rISEAk_10M TOPIC: GS-2: India and its neighborhood- relations  GS-3: Challenges in managing the borders China's New Border Law Context: China has recently enacted a new law related to its border security management.  This comes amid  A tense stand-off with India in the Himalayas, which sparked a deadly clash last year; Sporadic armed conflict between junta troops and ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, on China’s southwestern border Risks of terror spillover from a chaotic Afghanistan following US troop withdrawal and a Taliban takeover. While terror spillover from Afghanistan or violence on the Myanmar border are concerns, the timing of the law suggests pressure on India is the aim. China’s land borders China shares its 22,457-km land boundary with 14 countries including India, the third longest after the borders with Mongolia and Russia.  Unlike the Indian border, however, China’s borders with these two countries are not disputed.  The only other country with which China has disputed land borders is Bhutan (477 km). The New Border Law The Land Border Law aims to standardise how China patrols its massive 22,100 km land boundaries and borders with 14 countries including India.  Sets forth that China will handle border-related issues with neighbours through negotiations, to properly resolve disputes and long-standing issues. Chinese military should carry out border defence duties, management and control to prevent intrusions, infiltration and provocations.  Infrastructure projects along the land border should be approved by the State Council and the Central Military Commission. The law was needed as there was no specific legislation for coordinating China’s border controls. This law was first proposed in March 2021 and will now come into effect by January 1, 2022.  India has expressed concern over this issue- China’s unilateral decision to bring about a legislation can have implication on existing bilateral arrangements on border management as well as on the boundary question.  Such unilateral move will have no bearing on the arrangements that both sides have already reached earlier, whether it is on the Boundary Question or for maintaining peace and tranquillity along the LAC in India-China Border areas.  India expects China will avoid undertaking action under the pretext of this law which could unilaterally alter the situation in the India-China border areas. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 Which of the following is incorrect about Ganges dolphin? It is the national aquatic animal of India It is Found throughout the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India and Bangladesh. It is an indicator of healthy aquatic systems It is protected under Schedule III of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972) Q.2 Consider the following statements: X and Y chromosomes are known as Autosomal DNA. Recently, a living descendant of the famed Lakota leader Sitting Bull has been identified & confirmed using a autosomal DNA technique. 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 countries is not a part of the BASIC group of countries? Brazil South Africa Australia  India   ANSWERS FOR 1st Nov 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 A 3 A Must Read On Kashmir fragility: The Hindu On problems posed by automation: Live Mint On Taliban 3.0: Indian Express

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2nd November 2021

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

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2nd November 2021

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [2nd November, 2021] – Day 14

Archives Hello Students   TLP has been an integral ingredient of success for many toppers is no secret. In the ‘must do’ list for the civil services exam, TLP is by far the most popular initiative. 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 Mains.   You already know the features of TLP. Just to reiterate briefly, in the TLP initiative, we post 5 questions daily for a certain number of weeks (11 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.   This year onwards TLP will have a Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation (tlpmains.iasbaba.com). There will be a separate dedicated portal similar to (RaRe Series) which students loved and appreciated. The Portal will help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. We are charging a token amount of 10/- for registration to the dedicated portal. We are doing it because we want to create a community of sincere aspirants who are focused and motivated till the Mains Examination. Please don’t take it otherwise. It is our honest effort to give you the best and at the same time expect students to come with the same energy and dedication to the dedicated platform specially designed for YOU! Join our bandwagon, you won’t regret it. UPSC 2022 Aspirants are encouraged to participate as well. Register Here - CLICK HERE  To Know More About TLP 2022 (Phase 2) - CLICK HERE To Access Day 14 Questions - 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 

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[MAINS TEST SERIES] TLP+ Crack UPSC Mains in 60 Days! Answer Writing & Mentorship Program for UPSC 2021 – New Batch Starts from 7th November!

THINK LEARN PERFORM (TLP+) 2021 This is one of the Most Intensive and Comprehensive Answer Writing Program of IASbaba, designed with some unique features exclusively for UPSC Mains 2021 keeping the paucity of time between Prelims and Mains in mind. MOST COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM – is a MAINS Mentorship-Based Answer Writing Program for those appearing for UPSC Mains 2021. There are 22 Full-Length Tests (8 Full-Length Sectional Tests and 8 Full-Length Mock Tests and 6 Essay Tests). All the Tests are for 250 Marks, 3 hours Duration and these tests are flexible! ONE-ON-ONE MENTORSHIP – One-to-One personal guidance and feedback. Each evaluated copy is discussed in detail by your mentor, who will help you in identifying your strengths and weakness and give you the right direction. DETAILED EVALUATION OF ALL TESTS & RANKING – Detailed and Timely Evaluation and Ranking to be done and list to be published for both Online and Offline Combined. If Answer Copies are submitted on the same day or within 24 hours of the exam, it will be evaluated and given before the next test. For others, copies will be given within a maximum of 7 Days. DETAILED SYNOPSIS – How to Approach the questions based on the demand of the question will be mentioned in the Synopsis. There will be a special emphasis on approach to analytical questions and alternative introductions one can come up with, to the same question. All the important pointers will be given along with value addition. DISCUSSION SESSIONS/VIDEOS – Every Test will be followed by a discussion session/video where all the questions will be discussed. MAINSPEDIA – Mainspedia is a  one of its kind initiatives where we declutter the most important editorials across national dailies to bring you relevant and ready ‘Introductions’, ‘Conclusions’, ‘facts’, ‘data’ in tabular form. The Mainspedia Articles in the Answer Writing Format (Introduction, Body, Conclusion). SEPERATE PLATFORM (ONLINE STUDENTS) – A Separate platform has been designed for ONLINE students. Tests will be uploaded on this Platform on the day of the exam and you will be given a time domain to write and upload your answer sheets. Evaluated answer sheets will be uploaded back on your profile before the next scheduled test, provided you are submitting the Answer copies within 24 hours. This will help us in timely evaluation and publication of Offline + Online Ranking. SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON ETHICS and ESSAY – A special focus will be given on ESSAY and ETHICS through discussion videos so that you are confident enough to tackle any question in the exam hall. More than 12 Essay Themes (Philosophical, Environment, Women etc.) will be discussed. A Total of 24 Essays will be discussed across all themes. NOTE – The Program will start from 7th November, 2021 (Sunday). This program is available in both ONLINE and OFFLINE (DELHI, BANGALORE, LUCKNOW) mode.For Complete Details -> Click Here 

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 1st November 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Climate Equity Monitor Part of: Prelims and GS III - Climate change  Context India has officially endorsed a website, Climate Equity Monitor, made by Indian climate experts. The website lists the historical carbon dioxide emissions of developed countries. The website was conceptualised and developed by the Climate Change Group at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Department at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru, with other independent researchers. Key takeaways  It is aimed at monitoring the performance of Annex-I Parties under the UNFCCC (developed countries) based on the “foundational principles” of the Climate Convention. It aims to highlight the disparity between the emissions of developed and developing countries. Countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia and those in Western Europe are shown as having a net carbon debt while developing countries such as India and China have net credit. It highlights that it is only fair that developed countries must commit to steeper targets towards curbing emissions than developing countries. Implications:  Its focus on equity & climate action from a data and evidence-based perspective will encourage vigorous discussion on the crucial issue and engage experts from all nations. The website shall debunk the narrative provided by many developed countries, and global NGOs that focus attention continually on what developing countries must do, constantly demanding greater commitment and action from them. Status of India as Carbon emitter India is the third largest emitter of carbon emissions annually but the sixth largest when historical emissions are considered. When accounting for the size of its population it is among the lowest per capita emitters.  This underlines India’s demands for climate justice being at the heart of negotiations at COP26 and its reluctance to agree to a fixed time frame.  Project-15B stealth guided missile destroyers Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Defence and security  Context The first ship of the four Project-15B state-of-the-art stealth guided missile destroyers, Visakhapatnam, being built at the Mazgaon Docks Limited (MDL), was delivered to the Navy recently. The four ships are named after major cities from all four corners of the country — Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal and Surat. Key takeaways  The 163-metre-long warship has a full load displacement of 7,400 tonnes and a maximum speed of 30 knots.  It has approximately 75% indigenous content . These ships are equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and long-range Surface-to-Air missiles (SAM). The induction would enhance the maritime prowess in the Indian Ocean Region. Certain enhanced stealth features of the ships make them difficult to detect  These ships are propelled by four gas turbines in Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration About BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles Carried out by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Balasore in Odisha. BrahMos surface-to-surface supersonic cruise missile features indigenous Booster and Airframe Section along with many other ‘Made in India’ sub-systems. The BrahMos Land-Attack Cruise Missile was cruising at a top speed of Mach 2.8. Shrinking of Informal sector in 2020-21 Part of: Prelims and GS III - Economy Context According to the SBI in a research report, there has been a greater shift towards formalisation of the economy. The share of the informal sector in overall economic activity has reduced sharply in 2020-21 even as informal workers continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic’s adverse effects. The informal sector consists of “own-account” or unorganised enterprises employing hired workers, with the highest share of such unorganised activity being in agriculture where holdings are small and fragmented. Key takeaways  The share of the informal economy may have shrunk to about 20% of the economic output from about 52% in 2017-18. It has been termed as positive development amid the pandemic. Besides, an IMF policy paper earlier this year estimated that the share of India’s informal economy in the Gross Value Added (GVA) was at 53.9% in 2011-12 and improved only marginally to 52.4% in 2017-18. As per a National Sample Survey (NSS) of 2014, around 93% of the workforce earned their livelihoods as informal workers. Census of Indus River dolphin Part of: Prelims and GS III - Conservation; Biodiversity  Context The census of one of the world’s most threatened cetaceans, the Indus river dolphin ( Platanista gangetica minor ) — is all set to commence as part of the Centre’s pan-India project.  Punjab’s wildlife preservation wing shall also protect the dolphins and their natural habitat. The project is to be implemented over five years. Key takeaways  Engage the community: Alongside research, importance will be on engaging the riparian (relating to wetlands adjacent to rivers and streams) communities by encouraging community-led biological monitoring.  Model villages: Villages around the hot spot sites of dolphin occurrence will be developed as models for community-led conservation.  ‘Beas-Dolphin Mitras: Extension programmes will be held to develop a group of dedicated individuals, called ‘Beas-Dolphin Mitras’ of the river Beas.  Dolphin eco tourism: The project also will embark on dolphin eco tourism.  Adopting participatory process: Participatory process shall be adopted to address various water conservation-related issues, including protection of freshwater habitats and species About Indus dolphin It is a freshwater dolphin  IUCN status: Endangered  Until recently, it was believed that these dolphins were endemic to Pakistan.  But in 2007, a remnant but viable population of Indus dolphins was discovered in Punjab’s Harike wildlife sanctuary and in the lower Beas river.  Since its discovery, research is being done by Punjab’s Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation in partnership with WWF-India providing an understanding of current distribution, habitat use and population abundance.  Indus river dolphin was declared the State aquatic animal of Punjab in 2019. UNESCO World Heritage Forests Part of: Prelims and GS-III – Environment  Context As per UNESCO’s assessment on World Heritage forests, India’s Sundarbans National Park is among five sites that have the highest blue carbon stocks globally. Key findings of the new study It is the first ever scientific assessment of the amounts of greenhouse gases emitted from and absorbed by forests in UNESCO World Heritage sites during 2001 and 2020. The assessment involved the researchers from UNESCO, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As a whole, UNESCO World Heritage forests in 257 separate sites, absorbed the equivalent of approximately 190 million tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year. However, ten forests released more carbon than they sequestered due to pressure from human activity and climate change, which is alarming. They also store substantial amounts of carbon.  The study described blue carbon as organic carbon that is mainly obtained from decaying plant leaves, wood, roots and animals and is captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems. Factors responsible for this emission According to UNESCO’s findings, at some sites the clearance of land for  agriculture caused emissions to be greater than sequestration.  The increasing scale and severity of wildfires, often linked to severe periods of drought, was also a predominant factor in several cases. Other extreme weather phenomena, such as hurricanes  contributed at certain sites.   World Heritage forests As of today, more than 200 World Heritage sites harbor unique forest ecosystems. World Heritage forests, whose combined area of 69 million hectares is roughly twice the size of Germany, are biodiversity-rich ecosystems. (News from PIB) Dairy Sahakar scheme Under Dairy Sahakar, financial support will be extended by NCDC to eligible cooperatives for activities such as bovine development, milk procurement, processing, quality assurance, value addition, branding, packaging, marketing, transportation and storage of milk and milk products,  exports of dairy  products within the overall objectives of "Doubling the farmers income" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat.   There will also be a convergence with various schemes of Government of India  and / or of State Government/UT Administration/ Development agencies/ bilateral/multilateral assistance/ CSR mechanism is encouraged Climate Equity Monitor Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-III: Climate Change An online dashboard for assessing, at the international level, equity in climate action, inequalities in emissions, energy and resource consumption across the world, goes LIVE. Its focus on equity and climate action from a data and evidence-based perspective will encourage a vigorous discussion on this crucial issue and engage experts from all countries. The equitable sharing of the global carbon budget is the fundamental equity principle that will underpin the assessments that will progressively appear on the website. Aimed at monitoring the performance of Annex-I Parties under the UNFCCC (developed countries) based on the foundational principles of the Climate Convention, namely equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). The performance and policies of the Non Annex-I Parties (developing countries) will be also provided for comparison. The website is expected to be a valuable tool for policy makers, public institutions, researchers, academics, students, and the general public from developing countries to keep equity and climate justice considerations clearly in view in their perspective. News Source: PIB Italy-India Strategic Partnership in Energy Transition Part of: Mains GS-II: India’s relationship with Italy Acknowledged significant progress in bilateral relations since the adoption of the Action Plan for an enhanced Partnership between India and Italy (2020 –2024)  Expressed their resolve to strengthen cooperation in the strategic sectors addressed by the Action Plan, including the cross-cutting issue of accelerating the clean energy transition to fight climate change, central to both the G20 Leaders Summit in Rome and the COP26 in Glasgow Both sides agreed on the utmost importance of cost effective integration of a growing amount of renewable energy into their respective power systems, as a key asset for an effective clean transition that generates jobs, GDP growth, reinforces universal energy access while eradicating energy poverty. In order to promote their partnership in energy transition, Italy and India will: Task the "Joint Working Group” established by the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Energy, to explore cooperation in areas such as: Smart Cities; mobility; smart-grids, electricity distribution and storage solutions; gas transportation and promoting natural gas as a bridge fuel; integrated waste management ("waste-to-wealth”); and green energies (green hydrogen; CNG & LNG; bio-methane; bio-refinery; second-generation bio-ethanol; castor oil; bio-oil –waste to fuel). Initiate a dialogue to support the development and deployment of green hydrogen and related technologies in India. Consider working together to support a large size green corridor project in India to capitalize on India’s target to produce and integrate 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Encourage Italian and Indian companies to develop joint projects in natural gas sector, technological innovation for decarbonisation, Smart Cities and other specific domains (i.e.: electrification of urban public transport). Encourage joint investments of Indian and Italian companies in energy transition-related fields. Share useful information and experiences especially in the field of policy and regulatory framework, including possible means to facilitate the transition to cleaner and commercially viable fuels/technologies, long-term grid planning, incentivizing schemes for renewables and efficiency measures, as well as with regard to financial instruments for accelerating clean energy transition. News Source: PIB Amendment to Energy Conservation Act, 2001 Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-III: Energy Context: Amidst the growing energy needs and changing global climate landscape, the Government has identified new areas to achieve higher levels of penetration of Renewable energy by proposing certain Amendments to Energy Conservation Act, 2001.  Objective: Enhance demand for renewable energy at the end- use sectors such as Industry, buildings, transport etc. The proposal includes  Defining minimum share of renewable energy in the overall consumption by the industrial units or any establishment.  There will be provision to incentivise efforts on using clean energy sources by means of carbon saving certificate.  The proposed amendments would facilitate development of Carbon market in India and prescribe minimum consumption of renewable energy either as direct consumption or indirect use through grid. This will help in reduction of fossil fuel based energy consumption and carbon emission to the atmosphere. Background: India stands at the forefront of addressing the climate change and has committed to an ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of reducing emission intensity by 33-35% in 2030 against the levels of 2005.  India is committed to achieve more than 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil-fuel energy resources by 2030.  By adopting energy efficiency measures, India holds a potential to reduce about 550 MtCO2 by 2030.  The proposed changes to the EC Act will boost the adoption of clean technologies in various sectors of economy. The provisions would facilitate promotion of green Hydrogen as an alternate to the existing fossil fuels used by the Industries. The additional incentives in the form of Carbon credits against deployment of clean technologies will result in private sector involvement in climate actions.  The proposal also includes expanding the scope of Act to include larger Residential buildings, with an aim to promote Sustainable Habitat. News Source: PIB Pan-India Legal Awareness Programme for Women Part of: Prelims and Maing GS-II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services  In News: The National Commission for Women (NCW), along with National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has launched a pan-India Legal Awareness Program for Women, "Empowerment of Women through Legal Awareness” to impart practical knowledge about legal rights and remedies provided under various women related laws, thereby making them fit to face the challenges in real life situations. Aims to cover all the States and Union Territories across the country through regular sessions to make women aware of the various machineries of the justice delivery system available for redressal of their grievances.  The project will sensitize women and girls about their rights as provided under the various laws including the Indian Penal Code. The project will also make them aware of the procedure of approaching and utilizing various channels available for the redressal of grievances, i.e., the Police, the Executive and the Judiciary. News Source: PIB Miscellaneous Indology: The academic study of the history and cultures, languages, and literature of India and as such is a subset of Asian studies. Rashtriya Ekta Divas- National Unity Day: October 31; to pay tributes to veteran freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was also the country's first home minister whose contribution in convincing many of the princely states to join the Union of India after Independence remains especially notable. (Mains Focus) FEDERALISM/ WATER GS-2: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure Mullaperiyar Dam Controversy Context: Recently, Supreme Court considered a public interest litigation petition filed by a Kerala physician, Joe Joseph and two former local body representatives on the operation of the Mullaperiyar dam over which Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been contesting for long.  Why is Mullaperiyar dam a sore point? The Maharaja of Travancore signed a 999-year Periyar Lake lease agreement with the British government on October 29, 1886, for the construction of the Mullaperiyar dam across the Periyar in the present Idukki district of Kerala. The dam became a reality nine years later.  Water was supplied from it through a tunnel to the water-scarce southern region of Tamil Nadu, especially the Vaigai basin. On an average, 22 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) of water is diverted, irrigating about 2.20 lakh acres and meeting the drinking water requirements of people in the region.  Concerns over the safety of the gravity dam built using lime-surkhi (burnt brick powder) mortar came to the fore in 1979.  In November 1979, a tripartite meeting chaired by the then chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), decided that the level had to be brought down from the full reservoir level of 152 feet to 136 feet to enable Tamil Nadu, which owns and maintains it, to carry out dam strengthening works.  By the mid-1990s, Tamil Nadu started demanding restoration of the level. What happened in the legal battles? The Central Government set up an expert committee in 2000 to look into the dam's safety. The committee recommended raising the level to 142 feet, which was endorsed by the Supreme Court in February 2006.  Kerala sought to restrict the level to 136 feet by way of an amendment to the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act, prompting the Tamil Nadu Government to move the Supreme Court.  In February 2010, the court constituted an empowered committee to study the whole gamut of issues concerning the dam.  Based on the committee’s finding that the dam was “structurally and hydrologically safe”, the court, in May 2014, struck down Kerala’s Act and allowed Tamil Nadu to maintain the level at 142 feet.  Supreme Court also asked the Central Government to set up a three-member Supervisory Committee to monitor dam safety. Why is it a social issue? Commissioned by the Kerala Government in the latter part of the 2000s, a study by IIT-Roorkee raised questions about the survival of the dam, located in seismic zone-3, in the event of an earthquake of a fairly high magnitude.  A series of tremors felt in the area in 2011 caused alarm.  Subsequently, the floods of 2018 and the erratic nature of annual monsoons ever since brought the focus back on the 126-year-old dam. Why is the case in the Supreme Court again? A petition was filed in the Supreme Court in 2020 contending that the Supervisory Committee had abdicated its responsibilities to a sub-committee constituted at the direction of the court for water management in the dam.  They also urged the court to ask the CWC to fix the ‘rule curve’, ‘instrumentation scheme’ and ‘gate operation schedule’ of the dam.  Massive landslides had devastated the hilly regions in central Kerala and weather prediction was worrying when the court’s attention was drawn to a report prepared by the United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment and Health, which cited “significant structural flaws” in the dam and said it “may be at risk of failure”.  “Leaks and leaching are also concerning, as the methods and materials used during construction are considered outdated, compared to the current building standards,” UN University has said in its report. The Kerala Government, a respondent, argued for lowering the full reservoir level to 139 feet as the ageing dam was in a ‘deteriorating condition’. In the event of a dam failure, it would result in human tragedy and submitted a case for decommissioning the dam, in whose place a new dam could be built to cater to Tamil Nadu's water needs.  However, Tamil Nadu, relying on the Supreme Court’s two judgments, has been opposing any suggestion for lowering the level from 142 feet, apart from rejecting the idea of a new dam.  Tamil Nadu says it is taking steps to complete the remaining works to strengthen the dam, including those meant for the ‘baby dam,’ situated alongside the main dam, for which clearances from the Kerala and Central Governments are required. What’s on the cards? Design of a new dam by Kerala’s Irrigation Design and Research Board is in the final stages. However, without Tamil Nadu on board, this is not going to be a reality.  Meanwhile, in the backdrop of bad weather forecast, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, urging him to draw maximum quantum of water from the dam through the tunnel so that a large volume release would be avoided altogether.  Assuring Kerala CM of all support, Tamil Nadu CM informed him that the level in the dam was being closely monitored and the current storage was well within the level permitted by the Supreme Court.  A meeting between the Chief Ministers to discuss the issue is being planned in December. Connecting the dots: Cauvery Waters Authority INTERNATIONAL/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: International events Post-Brexit fishing row between France and the UK In News: A row between the UK and France has erupted over post-Brexit fishing rights, with France saying that it could stop British boats from landing if the dispute wasn’t resolved by early next week.  In fact, late 2020, these fishing rights were one of the sticking points in the post-Brexit negotiations between the EU and the UK What is this row about? As the UK became an “independent coast state” after December 31, 2020, Britain’s fishing industry, which makes up less than 0.1 per cent of the national economy, has been demanding greater access to the fishing grounds it currently shares with the EU. This has been vehemently resisted by EU What has triggered the row now? This week, France seized a British boat from French waters, a move that was objected by the UK, which also threatened to undertake retaliatory action. During the post-Brexit trade negotiations that were finalised days before the transition period ended on January 1, 2021, the fishing aspect was overlooked because “other aspects of trade are simply much more important for the economies of both the UK and the EU.” At the moment, France is maintaining that Britain has not granted France enough licenses to operate in Britain’s water, while Britain is saying that it is issuing licenses to vessels that meet their criteria. France has also said that if the talks between the two countries did not make any progress, France will put sanctions including extra customs checks on British goods from November 2. France now wants that all the provisions that are set out within the Trade and Cooperation Agreement are applied fully. How were fishing rights shared before Brexit? Fisheries in the EU – which included the UK until December 31, 2020 – are governed by the bloc’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Under the CFP, fleets from every EU member state can fish in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of all the other members, meaning the part of the sea that stretches up to 200 nautical miles from a nation’s coast, excluding its territorial waters – which end at 12 nautical miles from the coast. The EU as a bloc, and not individual countries, decides every December the volume of fish from each species that can be caught from the combined EEZs of its members, which are together considered a common resource. Fishing rights are then divided as per national quotas. As long as the UK remained a part of the EU, the CFP has allowed fleets from the rest of the bloc to trawl in British waters, which are considered to be very rich. How will the fishing rights be shared after Brexit? Regaining control over UK waters was a key part of the Leave campaign in 2016.  EU boats will continue to fish in UK waters for some years to come But UK fishing boats will get a greater share of the fish from UK waters That shift in the share will be phased in between 2021 and 2026, with most of the quota transferred in 2021 After that, there'll be annual negotiations to decide how the catch is shared out between the UK and EU The UK would have the right to completely exclude EU boats after 2026 But the EU could respond with taxes on exports of British fish to the EU or by denying UK boats access to EU waters Connecting the dots: BREXIT and India UK-Japan: A deal for the post-Brexit era? (Sansad TV: Perspective) Oct 30: 16th G-20 Summit: People, Planet & Prosperity - https://youtu.be/6B2Ao2sBBlc  TOPIC: GS-II: International relations 16th G-20 Summit: People, Planet & Prosperity Context: The 16th G-20 Summit is very significant in view of COVID-19 pandemic.  With the theme- ‘People, Planet, Prosperity’ discussions are being held on  Recovery from the pandemic & strengthening global health governance Economic recovery & resilience Climate change & energy transition  Sustainable development & food security About G20 G20 has emerged as the premier global forum for international cooperation. The grouping represents  80% of the world's GDP 75% of global trade 60% of the world's population Italy is holding the Presidency of the G20 this year and India will take on the G20 Presidency during 1 Dec, 2022-30 Nov 2023 term. Key Points to Note On Climate Change & energy transition Made a commitment to reach carbon neutrality “by or around mid-century”; G20 will ‘put an end to the provision of international public finance for new unabated coal power generation abroad by the end of 2021’ Called for “meaningful and effective” action to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius (no reference to a specific 2050 date to achieve net-zero carbon emissions; Net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible, until a country is absorbing the same amount of emissions from the atmosphere that it is putting out. ) This is the first time that G20 has identified sustainable and responsible consumption and production, along with the provision of finance and technology as “critical enablers” for achieving climate goals of keeping 1.5 degrees within reach. On Economic recovery & resilience Endorsed a landmark global agreement that seeks to block large corporations from shifting profits and jobs across borders to avoid taxes - An initiative to stop companies from sheltering profits in tax havens, where tax rates are low and corporations often maintain little physical presence beyond an official headquarters. On Recovery from the pandemic & strengthening global health governance Indicated they are against premature withdrawal of support measures initiated by the various countries to boost Covid-hit economy. Committed themselves to work together to monitor and address challenges facing the global economy and take steps to support stability. Vowed to take steps to boost its supply in developing nations and remove relevant supply as well as financing constraints for advancing toward the global goal of vaccinating at least 40 per cent of the population in all countries by the end of 2021 and 70 per cent by mid-2022. Leaders are still unsure about… Removed references in a previous draft to the target to “reduce emissions significantly”. Instead, it stated that it recognises that the reduction of emissions is one of the quickest, most feasible and most cost-effective ways to limit climate change. Did not touch upon the dispute over vaccine patent waivers States current national plans on how to curb emissions will have to be strengthened “if necessary” and includes a pledge to halt financing of overseas coal-fired power generation by the end of this year. However, the communique set no target for phasing out coal domestically, a clear nod to top carbon polluters China and India. Coal is still China’s main source of power generation, and both China and India have resisted attempts for a G-20 declaration on phasing out domestic coal consumption. India’s Stand India fully supports the priority areas of this summit and G -20 has also acknowledged India’s Leadership on global concerns and has supported views of India on wide array of issues.  PM Modi –  On Recovery from the pandemic & strengthening global health governance Underlining the need to address vaccine inequity across the world, especially in developing countries, told G-20 leaders that India is ready to produce over 5 billion vaccine doses by the end of next year. Used the opportunity to convey that the early emergency approval to Covaxin by WHO will facilitate India’s efforts to help other countries. Emphasized on vaccine research, manufacturing and innovation.  Spoke about facilitating international travel and spoke about the mechanism of mutual recognition of vaccine certification as a means of achieving this. Highlighted India’s contribution in the fight against Covid-19. In this regard, mentioned India’s medical supply to over 150 countries, and India’s vision of “One Earth One Health”, or the need for a collaborative approach in the international domain in the fight against the pandemic.  On Economic recovery & resilience Stressed on the need for resilient global supply chains and invited G-20 countries to make India their partner in economic recovery and supply chain diversification. Expressed “satisfaction” over the G-20’s decision to come up with a 15-per cent minimum corporate tax to make the global financial architecture “more just and fair” (ensures that companies don’t go to the lowest possible tax haven in order to minimise their tax burden, and that the large multinational corporations pay their share of taxes to countries that they are located in.) On Climate Change & energy transition Introduces Action Language to Reach Climate Goals On Sustainable development & food security India pushed for and was able to obtain a commitment from G20 nations on improving livelihoods for small and marginal farmers. The focus of the members will now be on the marginal farmers rather than just the prosperous ones Can you answer the following questions? Essay: 'If Glasgow fails, the whole thing fails' The figure 1.5°C is at the heart of any discussion on climate change. Discuss. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 Which if the following is not an endangered species as per IUCN? Tiger Indus River dolphin Ganges dolphin Four-toed Terrapin  Q.2 Consider the following statements: The highest share of informal activity is in agriculture. Recent report has shown that the share of the informal sector has increased sharply due to COVID-19. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 What is blue carbon? Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas Carbon present in the atmosphere ANSWERS FOR 30th Oct 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 D 3 D Must Read On Joe Biden’s social security and climate change plan: The Hindu On case for Energy Ministry: Indian Express

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 1st November 2021

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

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 1st November 2021

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [1st November, 2021] – Day 13

Archives Hello Students   TLP has been an integral ingredient of success for many toppers is no secret. In the ‘must do’ list for the civil services exam, TLP is by far the most popular initiative. 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 Mains.   You already know the features of TLP. Just to reiterate briefly, in the TLP initiative, we post 5 questions daily for a certain number of weeks (11 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.   This year onwards TLP will have a Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation (tlpmains.iasbaba.com). There will be a separate dedicated portal similar to (RaRe Series) which students loved and appreciated. The Portal will help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. We are charging a token amount of 10/- for registration to the dedicated portal. We are doing it because we want to create a community of sincere aspirants who are focused and motivated till the Mains Examination. Please don’t take it otherwise. It is our honest effort to give you the best and at the same time expect students to come with the same energy and dedication to the dedicated platform specially designed for YOU! Join our bandwagon, you won’t regret it. UPSC 2022 Aspirants are encouraged to participate as well. Register Here - CLICK HERE  To Know More About TLP 2022 (Phase 2) - CLICK HERE To Access Day 13 Questions - 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 

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Why can't we sit quiet? – Inspirational Educative Articles

Why can't we sit quiet? We are afraid to face the real questions of our existence, and our easiest escape from facing those important questions of life is to get busy. We are contented to busy ourselves to accomplish as many things as possible, instead of taking some time to reflect in silence and solitude about the nature of life and our place in it. This is why one of the most difficult things to do is to simply sit quiet. This is also why meditation is such a difficult proposition for many - not because meditation is inherently difficult, but because we have become too accustomed to losing ourselves in the various activities of life. This is why watching a movie, meeting friends, going on a vacation, or planning for the future is infinitely easier when compared to sitting quiet in meditation. The very fact that sitting quiet is difficult should tell us something very important. It tells us that there is a lot of pain within us that we don’t want to see. We prefer to be distracted by some external activity because we are afraid to face the reality of our inner nature. We are afraid of discovering something about ourselves that we don’t already know. It is almost like we are afraid of ourselves. Why else should sitting quiet be such a big problem? “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Nirvana Foundation and IASBABA.”