Nov 28, 2021 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Understanding Your Self – Inspirational Educative Articles

Understanding Your Self: The moment you decide to explore and understand yourself better, you should embrace the fact that you are a seeker throughout the day, and not just when you are in trouble. You should be in a state of watching and observing, all the time. Every moment you watch what you are doing during the day, you are going deeper into the understanding of the self. In this sense, the most important progress in life happens when you are being mindful of your activities. Buddha said that if you can watch your thoughts continuously, without any interruption, for one hour, you will become Enlightened. That is all it takes – one hour of total focus and awareness. Now, to be able to get to the point where you are able to watch your thoughts for one hour uninterruptedly, you need to develop the habit of observing your thoughts throughout the day. You cannot expect to be lost in thoughts for twenty two hours in a day, and just dedicatedly seek answers for two hours, and reach to your best possible self. You are one single continuity – what you do all day gets reflected in your quality of life. The more aware you are during the day, the deeper you can understand yourself. Awareness is the difference between living in light and in darkness. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Nirvana Foundation and IASBABA.”

Nov 27, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th November 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Courts of Appeal Part of: Prelims and GS-II - Polity  Context Attorney General of India (AGI) K.K. Venugopal argued on the Constitution Day, for the revival of a 11-year-old proposal to set up National Courts of Appeal in four regions of the country. Key Takeaways from AGI Statements Intermediate appellate Courts: Attorney General said four ‘Courts of Appeal’ with 15 judges each could act as intermediate appellate courts between the State High Courts and the Supreme Court. Utility of such Courts: They would absorb matrimonial disputes, rent control cases and such like which burden the Supreme Court, adding to pendency. The judgments of these courts of appeal would be final. Increase in Judges Strength: These courts would also mean we are adding 60 judges who would be taking over these cases. Pendency would be cut down to a very great extent.  Unburden Supreme Court: Such intermediate court of appeals would unburden the Supreme Court, which could focus on interpreting constitutional questions of law, references, death sentence cases. Better Jurisprudence: Supreme Court judges could hear cases leisurely, read and write better judgments with time on their hands when their work load is decreased. Chances of Rationalising SC Strength: In fact, the Supreme Court would not need 34 judges. Just 15 would be ample. These judges of the Supreme Court could sit in three Constitution Benches. Enhanced Access to Justice: It is noted that cases remain pending in the Supreme Court for 10 years. It would have reached the Supreme Court after spending a decade each at the trial and high court levels. Omicron new variant of concern Part of: Prelims and GS-II - Health  Context: WHO has recently classified the B.1.1.529 variant detected in South Africa as a SARS-CoV-2 “variant of concern”, saying it may spread more quickly than other forms. Key Takeaways: Preliminary evidence suggested that there is an increased risk of reinfection and there had been a detrimental change in COVID-19 epidemiology. This variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage. WHO also noted current PCR tests continue to successfully detect the variant. While medical experts warned against any overreaction before the variant was better understood, nations have raced to halt air travel, markets fell sharply and scientists held emergency meetings to weigh the exact risks Classes of SARS-CoV-2 variants Variant of Interest A variant with specific genetic markers that have been associated with changes to receptor binding which affect its diagnosis and are expected to cause unique outbreak clusters. It is known for it predicted increase in transmissibility. It is classified based on factors such as genetic changes that are predicted or known to affect virus characteristics such as transmissibility, disease severity, immune escape etc. It represents a lower level of concern than a variant of concern (VOC). Variant of Concern A variant for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease (e.g., increased hospitalizations or deaths). It is known for its significant reduction in neutralization by antibodies generated during previous infection or vaccination, reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines, or diagnostic detection failures. Example – Alpha, Beta and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2. Fourth Submarine of Project-75 ‘Ins Vela’ Commissioned Part of: Prelims  In News: INS Vela, the fourth submarine in the series of six submarines of Project-75, was commissioned, and would form part of the Western Naval Command’s Submarine fleet and would be another potent part of its arsenal. The Scorpene submarines are extremely potent platforms, they have advanced stealth features and are also equipped with both long range guided torpedoes as well as anti-ship missiles.  These submarines have a state of the art SONAR and sensor suite permitting outstanding operational capabilities.  They also have an advanced Permanent Magnetic Synchronous motor (PERMASYN) as its propulsion motor. The delivery of Vela is yet another affirmation of the impetus being given by the Indian Navy towards consolidating its position as a ‘Builder’s Navy’ as also indicative of MDL’s capabilities as a premier ship and submarine building yard. News Source: PIB Gopal Ratna Award Part of: Main GS-III: Agriculture, Dairy  In News: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, is organizing National Gopal Ratna Awards to commemorate the birth centenary of Dr. Varghese Kurien (Milk Man of India), which is celebrated as National Milk Day, on November 26, 2021. Indigenous bovine breeds of India are robust and possess the genetic potential to play crucial role in the national economy. In the absence of a specific programme on development and conservation of indigenous breeds, their population has been declining and their performance is below the potential at present.  The objective of the programme is genetic up-gradation of Cattle and Buffaloes. To achieve this, Artificial Insemination (A.I.) service needs to be robust.  There are 302 million bovines in the country as per 20th Livestock census.  The average productivity is 5 kg per day per animal at present.  AI technicians have a crucial role in transforming the bovine population from the state of low productivity to optimal productivity.  Hence, after the Farmers who rear the animals, there is a need to identify the best AI technician striving hard towards 100% AI coverage so as to achieve the country’s flagship programme objective of doubling of farmers’ income. Similarly, 1.9 lakh Dairy cooperative societies and Milk producer Companies at village level are growth drivers as it involves about 2 cr dairy farmer as members and act as a rural institution to provide the farmers market access for their produce and help in earning remunerative price. About Gopal Ratna Award 2021 One of the highest National Awardsin the field of livestock and dairy sector, with an objective to encourage all individuals and Dairy cooperative societies / Milk Producer Company / Dairy farmers Producers Organizations working in this sector, are conferred in three categories, namely, Best Dairy Farmer Rearing Indigenous Cattle/buffalo Breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) and Best Dairy Cooperative/ Milk Producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization). News Source: PIB Launch of River Cities Alliance (RCA) Part of: Main GS-III: Climate Change and Conservation What: A dedicated platform for river cities in India to ideate, discuss and exchange information for sustainable management of urban rivers, here today.  This first of its kind Alliance in the world symbolizes the successful partnership of the two Ministries i.e., Ministry of Jal Shakti and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.  The Alliance will focus on three broad themes- Networking, Capacity Building and Technical Support. The primary objective of RCA is to  Provide the member cities with a platform to discuss and exchange information on aspects that are vital for sustainable management of urban rivers such as minimizing their water footprint, reducing impacts on river and water bodies, capitalizing on natural, intangible, architectural heritage and associated services and develop self-sufficient, self-sustainable water resources through recycle, reuse strategy.  The Alliance cities will work towards adopting and localizing national policies and instruments with key river-related directions, prepare their Urban River Management Plans and develop city-specific sectoral strategies that are required for sustainable urban river management.  The Alliance gives opportunities to these cities to strengthen governance aspects for river cities and improves their liveability to attract external economic investments, access state of the art knowledge and frameworks as well as an opportunity to serve as the site for unique demonstration projects which will be implemented by NIUA and NMCG. News Source: PIB Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the Pharmaceutical Sector Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Economy; Manufacturing sector  In News: The PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals is based on the strategy of “Atmanirbhar Bharat- Strategies for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities and enhancing exports in ten sectors”, which had been approved by the Union Cabinet. Objectives  To enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment and production in the sector and contributing to product diversification to high value goods in the pharmaceutical sector.  To create global champions out of India who have the potential to grow in size and scale using cutting edge technology and thereby penetrate the global value chains. About the Scheme The Scheme is expected to bring in investment of Rs.15,000 crore in the pharmaceutical sector. It will be part of the umbrella scheme for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry. Objective: (1) To enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment; (2) Product diversification to include high-value goods.  Target Groups: The manufacturers who are registered in India will be grouped based on their Global Manufacturing Revenue (GMR) to ensure wider applicability of the scheme Quantum of Incentive: 15,000 crores. Category of Goods covered: Category 1: Biopharmaceuticals; Complex generic drugs; Patented drugs or drugs nearing patent expiry; Cell-based or gene therapy drugs; Orphan drugs; Other drugs as approved. Category 2: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Key Starting Materials, Drug Intermediates. Category 3: Drugs not covered under Category 1 and 2. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-3: Indian Economy & its challenges GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Learning from Dairy Revolution Context: November 26, 2021 was Verghese Kurien’s 100th birth anniversary. Kurien’s deep understanding of Indian farming and the trust he earned from the farming community could have helped to find a possible solution to the current crisis over farm laws.  Initial Scepticism over V. Kurien There was a time when Kurien seemed to be an improbable architect of a rural revolution that would eventually transform the lives of millions of farmers in Gujarat.  There were many who saw him as an outsider to that world.  He hailed from distant Kerala, belonged to an upper middle-class Christian family, and was educated in a western university in a subject like metallurgy which is far removed from agriculture. Key Role Played by V. Kurien – Started White Revolution Despite the initial scepticism, Kurien quietly and with self-confidence, Kurien won the farmers over with his professional integrity and his vision of a central role for farmers in India’s journey of development.  It is on that foundation that Kurien went on to design his idea of Amul as a co-operative, turned it over the years into a global brand, and later launched the White Revolution that would make India the largest milk producing nation in the world.  Central to Kurien’s vision was the co-operative model of business development.  He decided that Amul would grow and establish its identity neither as a public sector undertaking nor as a private corporate entity.  Why did he choose Cooperative model for dairy sector? The co-operative model, he felt, was in the best interests of Gujarat’s milk producers. He had reservations about the social objectives of the private sector. Much of the corporate sector, he felt, was led more by a profit motive than by public good Kurien had a deep distrust over Public Sector model and Indian bureaucracy. He saw it as a leftover of the colonial mindset and the product of a western lifestyle. Kurien’s fascination for the co-operative model was also influenced by Gandhian thinking on poverty alleviation and social transformation.  He viewed co-operatives as the closest embodiment of Mahatma Gandhi’s powerful insight that “what the world needs is not mass production, but production by the masses”. Did he completely reject Corporate model? Notwithstanding his reservations, he did borrow from the ideas and the practices of the corporate world. In areas such as innovations in marketing and management, branding and technology, the private sector excels and sets benchmarks for businesses across the world to follow and adopt. At the same time, Amul was steadily emerging as a laboratory (priority to innovation), developing significant innovations and evolving technologies of its own, and these have strengthened its competitive power against multinational corporations. Its biggest success came when under the leadership of H.M. Dalaya, a distinguished dairy engineer, Amul achieved a breakthrough in converting buffalo milk into skim milk powder and condensed milk. It was one single innovation that gave Amul a distinct competitive advantage and profoundly changed the lives of milk producers in Gujarat and beyond. Two questions are central to evaluating Verghese Kurien’s legacy and his contributions to India’s growth story. One, how has Amul performed in the years after its iconic founder left the world in 2012? Amul has grown steadily on the strong foundation laid by its visionary leader, diversifying its product range and adding new ones.  Amul continues to remain one of India’s best-known food brands. It is an inspiration to other dairy cooperatives such as Nandini in Karnataka, Aavin in Tamil Nadu and Verka in Punjab. Second, how far has the cooperative movement in general met its professed objective of an economic transformation at the grass-roots level. Sadly, Amul’s success has not been the catalyst for similar movements across other agricultural commodities in India. For millions of farmers, life is still a struggle for survival. India’s digital revolution has bypassed the agriculture sector. India talks about smart cities, not smart villages, nor even liveable villages.  The cooperative movement in India has suffered due to lack of professional management, adequate finance and poor adoption of technology. Conclusion This is truly a moment to reflect on Verghese Kurien’s remarkable legacy and the unfinished task he has left behind. Connecting the dots: Ministry of Cooperation Green Revolution 2.0 SCIENCE & TECH/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Science & Technology in every da lives The hunt for coronavirus variants In News: Since early in the COVID pandemic, the Network for Genomics Surveillance in South Africa has been monitoring changes in SARS-CoV-2. This was a valuable tool to understand better how the virus spread. In late 2020, the network detected a new virus lineage, 501Y.V2, which later became known as the beta variant. Now a new SARS-CoV-2 variant has been identified, known as B.1.1.529. The science behind the search Hunting for variants requires a concerted effort. South Africa and the UK were the first big countries to implement nationwide genomic surveillance efforts for SARS-CoV-2 as early as April 2020. Variant hunting, as exciting as that sounds, is performed through whole genome sequencing of samples that have tested positive for the virus. This process involves checking every sequence obtained for differences compared to what we know is circulating in South Africa and the world. When they see multiple differences, this immediately raises a red flag and they investigate further to confirm what they’ve noticed. The beta variant spread much more efficiently between people compared to the “wild type” or “ancestral” SARS-CoV-2 and caused South Africa’s second pandemic wave. It was therefore classified as a variant of concern. During 2021, yet another variant of concern called delta spread over much of the world, including South Africa, where it caused a third pandemic wave. Very recently, routine sequencing by Network for Genomics Surveillance member laboratories detected a new virus lineage, called B.1.1.529, in South Africa. Seventy-seven samples collected in mid-November 2021 in Gauteng province had this virus. It has also been reported in small numbers from neighbouring Botswana and Hong Kong. The Hong Kong case is reportedly a traveller from South Africa. Whether B.1.1.529 will be classified as a variant of interest or of concern, like beta and delta, has not been decided by the World Health Organization yet. Why is this variant worrying? We still do not know but B.1.1.529 carries certain mutations that are concerning.  They have not been observed in this combination before and the spike protein alone has over 30 mutations. This is important, because the spike protein is what makes up most of the vaccines. B.1.1.529 has a genetic profile very different from other circulating variants of interest and concern. It does not seem to be a “daughter of delta” or “grandson of beta” but rather represents a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2. Some of its genetic changes are known from other variants and we know they can affect transmissibility or allow immune evasion, but many are new and have not been studied as yet. While we can make some predictions, we are still studying how far the mutations will influence its behaviour. Do early indications point to this variant causing different symptoms or more severe disease? There is no evidence for any clinical differences yet. What is known is that cases of B.1.1.529 infection have increased rapidly in Gauteng, where the country’s fourth pandemic wave seems to be commencing. This suggests easy transmissibility, albeit on a background of much relaxed non-pharmaceutical interventions and low number of cases.  COVID-19 is more likely to manifest as severe, often life-threatening disease in the elderly and chronically ill individuals. But the population groups often most exposed first to a new virus are younger, mobile and usually healthy people. If B.1.1.529 spreads further, it will take a while before its effects, in terms of disease severity, can be assessed. Fortunately, it seems that all diagnostic tests that have been checked so far are able to identify the new virus. Even better, it appears that some widely used commercial assays show a specific pattern Two of the three target genome sequences are positive but the third one is not. It’s like the new variant consistently ticks two out of three boxes in the existing test.  This may serve as a marker for B.1.1.529, meaning we can quickly estimate the proportion of positive cases due to B.1.1.529 infection per day and per area. This is very useful for monitoring the virus’s spread almost in real time. Are current vaccines likely to protect against the new variant? We do not know. The known cases include individuals who had been vaccinated. However we have learnt that the immune protection provided by vaccination wanes over time and does not protect as much against infection but rather against severe disease and death. Ultimately, everything known about B.1.1.529 so far highlights that universal vaccination is still our best bet against severe COVID-19 and, together with non-pharmaceutical interventions, will go a long way towards helping the healthcare system cope during the coming wave. (Sansad TV: Perspective) Nov 19: Aatmanirbhar in Defence– https://youtu.be/mDtVEoAFIcE  TOPIC: GS-3: Security Aatmanirbhar in Defence In News: To give a thrust to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, formally handed over indigenously designed and developed equipment to the Armed forces Service Chiefs.  Some Recent developments - HAL- designed and developed Light Combat Helicopter were handed over to the Chief of the Air Staff Drones and UAVs designed and developed by Indian startups were given to the Chief of the Army Staff DRDO designed and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) manufactured Advanced Electronic Warfare suite for naval ships were handed over to the Chief of Naval Staff  Besides, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Rs 400 crore project at Jhansi node of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor.  In addition to Jhansi, the corridor has nodes at Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Lucknow and Kanpur.  For the Jhansi Node, the state government has made nearly 1,034 hectares of land available. The facility will involve an investment of Rs 400 crore.  Aatmanirbharta in Defence A strong and well-equipped military provides a country the immunity to resist attack and thwart unprovoked aggression from external sources and deal with any kind of internal disturbance. It works as a defence mechanism and reflects the country’s military capability and capacity to defend itself against the hostile countries.  Equipping the military with the latest technology and modernising the existing inventory of weapons and surveillance systems is therefore crucial for any country. India too needs to build a strong military force armed with all types of technologically advanced defence equipment to strengthen its security and intelligence and to secure its territorial integrity. To maintain its regional autonomy:  India needs to assert its presence and sovereignty over the border regions and for that, it needs to have modernised defence products and strategic autonomy over such defence products.  This strategic autonomy can be achieved by having a self-reliant defence industry which would ultimately strengthen the Indian economy as well.  It is the need of the hour to increase the indigenous defence production to meet the requirements of the armed forces along with putting lesser burden on the exchequer.  To create a robust security framework:  India requires an overhaul of its defence products to meet the current requisites of modern warfare.  India needs to strengthen its surveillance system which requires inducting of modernised radars and drones so that suspicious activities and trespassing at the border areas could be detected at the earliest.  India also needs to understand that it cannot always depend on the emergency purchases of defence equipment during the times of crises, which has been seen during the recent border clashes with Chinese troops and the rising tension along the northern borders.  This has forced accelerated domestic and foreign purchase of weapons,2 however relying on the imports for emergency purchases leads to excessive spending. Promoting investments in R&D and production in the defence sector Will prove to be significant in enhancing the manufacturing of defence products and in creating employment opportunities.  Will reduce dependency on imports which will lead to a reduction in the foreign exchange expenditure and enhance the level of operational preparedness considerably.  Domestic manufacturing will promote the growth of many ancillary industries within the country and at the same time, it will generate a lot of revenue by exporting defence products to other countries.  Restructuring of approximately 200-year-old Ordnance Factory Board into seven State-owned corporate entities in line with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat would not only increase competitiveness, but will also improve quality, cost-efficiency while ensuring self-reliance in the defence sector. This will help in reducing the trade deficit as well.  Defence Acquisition Procedure, DAP-2020 has aimed to bring into line and support the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by focusing on self-reliance by boosting domestic manufacturing and encouraging private sector involvement. The Way Forward A time-bound defence procurement process through Overhauling trial and testing procedures to speed up the procurement process  Establishing a professional project management unit Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board.  OFBs structure, work culture and product range now need to be responsive to technology and quality demands of modern armed forces.  Corporatisation, including public listing of some units, ensures a more efficient interface of the manufacturer with the designer and end user Self-reliance should not be taken to extremes: Thrust for indigenous R&D should coexist with the import of cutting-edge military technologies to safeguard defence vulnerabilities Domestic Procurement: When we import weapon systems, we should plan for the ammunitions and spares for them to be eventually manufactured in India A long-term integrated perspective plan of the requirements of the armed forces is needed to give industry a clear picture of future requirements.  The definition of indigenisation itself needs to privilege technology over value or volume Export Promotion: Investment, Indian or foreign, will be viable only if the door to defence exports is opened, with a transparent policy.  Promoting indigenous research and development through tax incentives To give private industry a level playing field for developing defence technologies, conflicts of interest, created by the role of DRDO as the government’s sole adviser, developer and evaluator of technologies have to be addressed. Can you answer the following questions? How significant will the UP Defence Industrial Corridor defence corridor be as we strive to achieve strategic independence? Examine. How has the journey of becoming self-realint in the defence sector been so far? 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 Gopal Ratna Award is provided for achievements in which sector? Agriculture Marine Fisheries Dairy Space Technology Q.2 Project-75 often seen in news is associated with which of the following? Missiles Radars Gram Panchayat Empowerment Submarines  Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding National Courts of Appeal These are courts established not by Constitution but by Parliamentary Legislations  It helps unburden the Supreme Court Select the correct answer from the following codes: Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 26th Nov 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 C 3 C Must Read On the lessons of National Family Health Survey-5: The Hindu On the Buddhist circuit: Indian Express

Nov 27, 2021 Motivational Articles

[MI-STORIES]MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES - Steven Spielberg!

For Previous Story -> CLICK HERE Inspirational Stories: Here is the story for this week from the new series of Inspirational and Motivational stories. One of the oldest known forms of communication is story telling. There is something primordial within us that loves stories and their tremendous impact. In this series, we aim to bring you the best of real-life stories that can inspire and motivate you. Stories always try to teach us something useful. It is one of the best ways of learning from other's mistakes and avoiding our own. Although each story has its own moral, in the comments section you can share your opinion on the moral of the story. If you are able to see something that others might have missed, you can share it for the benefit of all. Apart from just reading these awesome stories, you can also share some of the stories that have inspired you. If we find the story appropriate and useful, we will share it with all. More importantly, read these stories every week without a miss, and stay inspired.   So Here is the story for this week - Steven Spielberg !   Steven Spielberg journey to becoming well, Steven Spielberg is a fantastic motivational story. Here’s why, Spielberg was rejected from USC film school three times. But that didn’t stop him, instead, he just tried a different school.  He applied to Cal State, Long Beach, and got into their film program.  And while still a student a Cal State, he landed an unpaid internship at Universal Studios.  It was a fortuitous gig that soon led his dropping out.  It was a calculated move that would allow him to rub elbows with movie makers at Universal Studios to shortening his path to fulfilling his dream. Unfortunately, his internship didn’t last long enough for him to break into the movie business like he had planned.  But, undeterred, Steven would still sneak in to the studios, pretending to work there so he could learn more about movies until he could catch his break. Legend has it, that he had an 8 mm film that he knew the studio executives would love, if only they would watch it.  He found a way to get it into their hands, but they flip flopped on him, and then said they would only watch it if he shot it on a 16-mm film.  So, Steven went out and rented a 16-mm camera and reshot the whole movie.  When he brought it back to the executives, they told him not to come back until it was on a 35-mm film.  Undeterred, he jumped through their hoops and reshot the movie on the 35-mm film. Finally, the executives decided to relent and gave his movie a look.  And the rest is history.  The movie went on to win a prize at the Atlanta film festival and helped Steven lock in a 7-year contract directing movies with Universal. No doubt, If you keep looking for your break, the day will come when you find it. What do you think is the moral of the story?

Nov 27, 2021 हिन्दी - Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 26th 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

Nov 27, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th November 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Govt. to revisit income criterion for EWS quota Part of: Prelims and GS-II - Policies and interventions  Context The Union Government has decided to revisit the criteria for determining the economically weaker sections (EWS) in terms of the provisions of the Explanation to Article 15 of the Constitution inserted by the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act 2019.  The committee would be set up to review the criteria and would take four weeks for the exercise. Background NEET aspirants had filed a case challenging a notification announcing 27% quota to OBCs and 10% reservation to the EWS in the All India Quota (AIQ) category. What is EWS quota?  The EWS quota was meant for persons belonged to the Economy Based Un-Reserved Category having an annual family income less than ₹8 lakh and who do not belong to any other category such as SC/ST/OBC  Three-rate GST structure Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Economy Context As per a National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) study, the Government can rationalise the GST rate structure without losing revenues by rearranging the four major GST rates (5%, 12%, 18% and 28%) with a three-rate framework of 8%, 15% and 30%.  The NIPFP is an autonomous think tank backed by the Finance Ministry.  Significance of the study The GST Council has tasked a Group of Ministers, headed by Karnataka CM to propose a rationalisation of tax rates and a possible merger of different tax slabs by December to shore up revenues. The NIPFP paper also  notes that raising rates on ‘high-value low volume goods’ like precious stones and jewellery ‘may encourage undisclosed transactions and revenue leakages. Current rate structure  GST is levied at four rates - 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.  The list of items that would fall under these multiple slabs are worked out by the GST council. Further, the tax on gold is kept at 3%. Rough precious and semi-precious stones are placed at 0.25% under GST. What is the Goods and Services Tax (GST)?          Value-added tax levied on most goods and services sold for domestic consumption. It was launched on 1st July 2017. It subsumed almost all domestic indirect taxes under one head. Paid by consumers, but it is remitted to the government by the businesses selling the goods and services.  The GST to be levied by the Centre is called Central GST (CGST) and that to be levied by the States is called State GST (SGST). Integrated Goods & Services Tax (IGST): Inter-State Import of goods or services   GST Council: Constitutional body (Article 279A) for making recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to GST. Rs. 10,000 cr. more allotted for MGNREGS Part of: Prelims and GS-II - Policies and interventions  Context The Finance Ministry has allocated additional funds of Rs. 10,000 crore as an interim measure for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) after it ran out of funds allocated in the budget. Consequences of Lack of funds  Suppression of demand for work Delayed payment of wages to workers.  Constrain economic recovery What is Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)? It was notified in 2005. Goal – To improve the livelihood security of people in rural areas. 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’. Implemented by: 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 Scorpene class submarine INS Vela Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Defence and security  Context The fourth Scorpene class conventional submarine, INS Vela , was commissioned into the Navy  Key takeaways  With this, the Navy currently has 16 conventional and one nuclear submarines in service.  Vela is named after a type of Indian fish belonging to the stingray family.  Navy’s Project-75 Six Scorpene submarines are being built under Project-75 by India under technology transfer from France under a $3.75-bn deal.  The first submarine INS Kalvari was commissioned in December 2017.  Second submarine INS Khanderi in September 2019.  Third one INS Karanj in March 2021.  The fifth submarine, Vagir , was launched in November 2020.  Sixth one Vagsheer is in the advanced stage of outfitting. India's further plans India plans to install Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) modules on all Scorpene submarines from 2023 to enhance their endurance. After the Project P-75I, the Navy intends to design and build conventional submarines indigenously.  Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Part of: Prelims and GS-II- International Relations  Context 20th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government was recently held. About Shanghai Cooperation Organization The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a political, economic, and Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of many important countries including India and its neighborhood.  India is full member of the SCO.  SCO Secretariat: Beijing 8 members: Russia, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Pakistan.   The internal policy of the forum is inspired by the Shanghai Spirit: based on the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultations, and a desire for common development.  SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.  It is headquartered in Tashkent. Classified military satellite of Russia Part of: Prelims and GS-II- International Relations and GS-III - Defence and security  Context Russia recently successfully placed a military satellite into orbit which is believed to be part of the Kremlin’s early warning anti-missile system. The launch could be delivering a Tundra satellite.  Russia has previously launched Tundra satellites in 2015, 2017 and 2019. The ground track of the launch “matched previous missions” delivering satellites for Russia’s missile warning system named Kupol or dome. Unveiled in 2019, Kupol is designed to detect launches of ballistic missiles and track them to their landing site, though its exact configuration is unknown. (News from PIB) Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) Part of: Main GS-III: Climate Change and Conservation In News: Cabinet approves Continuation of the umbrella scheme "Atmosphere' & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)" from the 14th Finance Commission to the next Finance Commission Cycle (2021-2026). Implemented by: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) Objective: To conduct R & D for improving forecast of weather, climate and other hazardous events in real-time for delivery of a reliable weather and climate service.  The entire gamut of weather/climate prediction involves assimilation of meteorological observations, understanding the processes, research and development of dynamical models and providing the forecast services.  Each of these aspects is incorporated as sub-scheme under the umbrella scheme “ACROSS” and is being implemented through India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting(NCMRWF). News Source: PIB India and USA agree on a transitional approach on Equalisation Levy 2020 Part of: Mains GS-II: International Laws and Acts In News: India and United States have joined 134 other members of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework (including Austria, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) in reaching agreement on the Statement on a Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalization of the Economy. India and United States have agreed that the same terms that apply under the October 21 Joint Statement shall apply between the United States and India with respect to India’s charge of 2% equalisation levy on e-commerce supply of services and the United States’ trade action regarding the said Equalisation Levy. News Source: PIB India, ADB sign $300 million loan Part of: Mains GS-II: Government Policies In News: The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $300 million loan to strengthen and improve access to comprehensive primary health care in urban areas of 13 states that will benefit over 256 million urban dwellers including 51 million from slum areas. The programme supports the Government of India’s key health initiatives - Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC) and Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana (PM-ASBY) - which has been renamed as Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) - by expanding availability and access to quality primary health care services particularly for vulnerable populations in urban areas. The programme complements the government’s efforts to bridge the health care gaps by strengthening institutional capacity, operation, and management of urban health and wellness centers at the central, state, and municipal levels. Beside the pandemic response, interventions through the program promote increased utilization of urban HWCs with provision of comprehensive primary health care packages including noncommunicable diseases and community outreach services such as awareness raising activities on health care options, particularly for women.  Delivery and health information systems for primary health care will be upgraded through digital tools, quality assurance mechanisms, and engagement and partnership with the private sector.    The programme is supported by a $2 million technical assistance grant from ADB’s Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction to provide support for programme implementation and coordination, capacity building, innovation, knowledge sharing and application of scalable best practices across the healthcare system. News Source: PIB New State of Monster black hole detected 5 Billion Light years away Part of: Mains GS-III: Science and Technology In News: Indian Astronomers have found an active galaxy in a very bright state with 10 times more X-ray emission than normal, equivalent to more than 10 trillion Sun, and located 5 billion light-years away that could help probe how particles behave under intense gravity and acceleration to the speed of light.  It could help study the role of strong gravity and acceleration of matter in the formation, interaction, and evolution of galaxies in the early universe. Every galaxy in the Universe is believed to host a supermassive black hole (SMBH) at its center. In some galaxies, the black hole is actively devouring a large amount of material and shooting a jet of plasma almost at the speed of light towards us. These are called blazars.  OJ 287 belongs to a class of blazars known as BL Lacerate objects which show very rapid and large amplitude flux variations but barely discernible emission line features. This class of sources emit in the whole electromagnetic spectrum, a rather uncommon phenomenon which requires extreme physical conditions.  Hence a study of such sources tells us about the behavior of matter in an extreme gravitational field where it is difficult for light also to escape from the vicinity of the black hole. Significant changes in the spectral state of blazars are very rare, and so are the binary SMBH systems in the universe. Multi-wavelength studies of such sources can establish the role of strong gravity and acceleration of particles to the speed of light in the formation of the most energetic jets in the universe, and the formation, interaction, and evolution of galaxies in the early universe. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) POLITY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Legislature & problems GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Pre- Legislative Consultation Policy (PLCP) Context: The Union Government has listed 29 Bills (26 new and three pending) to be tabled in the winter session of Parliament.  About Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy (PLCP) Objective: The PLCP was formulated based on the broad recommendations of the National Advisory Council headed by Sonia Gandhi (2013) and the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002). It aimed to create an institutionalised space for public participation in lawmaking processes. Mandating Placing in Domain: In 2014, the Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy was adopted which mandated that whenever the Government makes any law, it must place a draft version of it in the public domain for at least 30 days. Comprehensive details: The policy also says that along with the draft, a note explaining the law in simple language and justifying the proposal, its financial implication, impact on the environment and fundamental rights, a study on the social and financial costs of the bill, etc. should be uploaded.  Transparency on Public Feedback: The respective departments should also upload the summary of all the feedback that they receive on the circulated draft.  Why is it important?  Strengthen Democracy: This policy provides a forum for citizens and relevant stakeholders to interact with the policymakers. Managing Discontent: Protests in the recent past over laws such as the farm laws, the RTI Amendment Act, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, etc. have all highlighted that there is discontent among relevant stakeholders and the public at large since they were not looped in while framing such laws. Changed Citizen-State relationship: Public consultations enhance transparency, increase accountability and could result in the building of an informed Government where citizens are treated as partners and not as subjects. For example, concerns raised by civil society members (#SaveTheInternet campaign) were addressed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority in its framing of the net neutrality rules after extensive consultation and deliberation processes adopted by them.  What is the status of its implementation? Poor Implementation: Since the inception of the policy, 227 of the 301 bills introduced in Parliament have been presented without any prior consultation.  During the 16th Lok Sabha (May 2014 to May 2019) 186 bills were introduced in Parliament, of which 142 saw no consultation prior to introduction.  During the 17th Lok Sabha (June 2019 to present), 115 bills were introduced in Parliament, of which 85 saw no consultation prior to introduction.  Not Adhering to 30 day timeline: Of the 74 placed in public domain for comment, at least 40 did not adhere to the 30-day deadline. During the 16th Lok Sabha (May 2014 to May 2019) from the 44 bills placed in the public domain for receipt of comments, 24 did not adhere to the 30-day deadline.  During the 17th Lok Sabha (June 2019 to present), from the 30 bills placed in public domain for receipt of comment, 16 of them did not adhere to the 30-day deadline.  Why is implementation difficult?  Lacks Statutory Right: Though it is a requirement that should be heeded by all the Government departments, the absence of a statutory or constitutional right has watered down its effect. Requires Amendment in Parliamentary procedures: The effective implementation of the policy requires subsequent amendments in executive procedural guidelines like the Manual of Parliamentary Procedures and Handbook on Writing Cabinet Notes.  However, during a subsequent amendment to the Manual of Parliamentary Procedures, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs ignored the Ministry of Law and Justice when it requested them to incorporate PLCP provisions in the manual. Way Ahead Incorporation of pre-legislative consultation in the procedures of the Cabinet, Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha etc. should be prioritised.  Similarly, it must be required of ministers while introducing the bill to place an addendum note on the details of the pre-legislative consultation.  Empowering citizens with a right to participate in pre-legislative consultations through a statutory and a constitutional commitment could be a gamechanger. ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-3: Indian Economy & its challenges GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Oil for Emergencies Context: India has recently moved to release 5 million barrels of oil from its strategic reserves as part of a coordinated challenge led by the US against the OPEC+ producers’ cartel’s move to curb output.  This is the first time that New Delhi would be dipping into its reserves to leverage it as a geopolitical tool. The oil will be released “in parallel and in consultation with” the US, China, Japan and South Korea. The UK has announced that it will release 1.5 million barrels of crude; the US is set to release 50 million barrels. Why are these countries releasing oil from strategic reserves? It is part of a concerted effort to negate upward pressure on crude prices from OPEC+  that is keeping supply below demand leading to increase in prices.  India has called for an increase in the supply by OPEC+ at multiple international forums and in bilateral talks with oil producing countries. India argues that high crude oil prices are impacting the post-Covid economic recovery, especially in the developing countries. OPEC+, which controls about half the world’s oil output, had cut production by 10 million barrels a day in April 2020 when prices fell below $20 per barrel as global demand collapsed due to lockdowns. The cartel has been accused of being slow to restore production levels despite a sharp increase in crude prices in 2021.  Even after a scheduled increase in production of 400,000 barrels per day in December, the output of OPEC+ will still be lower than the reference levels of member countries by nearly 5.4 million barrels per day. How will this affect crude oil prices? Talk of a coordinated release of reserves by large oil consuming countries had already played a role in bringing down prices from a high of $86.4 in late October to under $80 per barrel. Brent, however, recovered to $82.3 per barrel on Wednesday with some analysts noting that the US had released less oil from its reserves than was expected.  It is expected that the coordinated release led by the US may add about 70-80 million barrels of crude supply, less than the more-than-100 million barrels the market has been pricing in. Saudi and Russia are the largest oil producers in the OPEC+ group, which has indicated it may revisit its plans to gradually increase production in the light of releases from strategic reserves. How have high crude oil prices impacted India? High global prices have contributed to consumers paying record high prices for petrol and diesel across the country. In Delhi, petrol is retailing at Rs 104.0 per litre, and diesel at Rs 86.7 per litre, up 27 per cent and 21 per cent respectively from a year ago.  Consumers are facing prices that are significantly higher than those prior to 2021, despite a recent move by the Centre to cut excise duty on petrol by Rs 5 per litre, and on diesel by Rs 10 per litre. The Centre had in 2020 increased central excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 13 and Rs 16 per litre respectively in an effort to shore up revenues as economic activity crashed due to the pandemic. Some states have also hiked VAT on fuels. What are India’s strategic petroleum reserves, and why are they needed? India’s strategic reserves are the effort of a broader plan to build an emergency stockpile with millions of barrels of crude oil, on the lines of the reserves that the US and its Western allies set up after the first oil crisis of 1973-74.  Under the first stage of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve project, underground rock caverns with total storage of 5.33 MMT, or about 38 million barrels of crude oil, have been commissioned at three locations —  Visakhapatnam (1.33 MMT) Mangalore (1.5 MMT) Padur in Karnataka (2.5 MMT). These facilities can provide for about 9.5 days of India’s crude oil requirements based on 2019-20 consumption levels.  The combined storage facilities of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the country can hold enough crude oil to meet 64.5 days of requirement, bringing the total national capacity for storage of crude oil and petroleum products to 74 days, according to the Centre.  India is in the process of expanding its strategic petroleum reserve storage by 6.5 MMT at two locations — Chandikhol in Odisha (4 MMT) and Padur (2.5 MMT). The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends that all countries hold crude oil stocks worth 90 days of imports.  India imports about 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements. Crude oil from the reserves are to be released by an empowered committee constituted by the government, in the event of any supply disruptions from abroad.  These include any natural calamity or unforeseen global event leading to an abnormal increase in prices. Conclusion This would be the first instance of India using strategic reserves to influence international prices, adding that India had also drawn down its reserves somewhat earlier this year to supply refineries as crude oil prices were rising. A release of 5 million barrels from strategic reserves would equate to about 13 per cent of India’s strategic petroleum reserves. A release of 50 million barrels of crude oil from the US strategic petroleum reserves would equate to about 8.3 per cent of the 604.5 million barrels of crude oil stored in US strategic petroleum reserves. (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 Missile warning system named Kupol belongs to which of the following countries?  USA UK France Russia Q.2 Which of the following is not a member of Shanghai cooperation organisation? China India  Japan  Pakistan  Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)? Employment under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement  It is is implemented by the gram panchayat  Select the correct answer from the following codes: Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 25th Nov 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 A 3 A Must Read On the lessons of National Family Health Survey-5: The Hindu On Crypto Asset boom: The Hindu On link between Mental Health & Death penalty: Indian Express

Nov 27, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Essay Questions [27th November, 2021] – Day 36

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 36 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 

Nov 27, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 26th 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

Nov 27, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th November 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) Part of: Prelims and GS II - Policies and interventions Context The central government has decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) until March 2022. What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana? Forms a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat to supply free food grains to migrants and the poor. 5 kg free wheat/rice per person / month along with 1 kg free whole chana to each family per month.  Wheat has been allocated to 6 States/UTs, - Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi and Gujarat. Rice has been provided to the remaining States/UTs.  This is over and above the regular monthly entitlements under National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA). Beneficiaries include Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) cardholders.  National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 Part of: Prelims and GS-II - Health Context National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 was recently released. It has captured population health indicators in 2017-19. Key findings of the survey Institutional births: Births in institutional facilities, such as a hospital, improved by nearly 8 percentage points. Stunted growth: Stunted Children or showing signs of wasting only dropped by a maximum of 3 percentage points. Total Fertility Rate (TFR): It has reduced to 2.0 from 2.2 (NFHS-4). According to the United Nations Population Division, a TFR of about 2.1 children per woman is called replacement-level fertility. If this fertility is sustained over a sufficiently long period, each generation will exactly replace itself. Contraceptives: Use of contraceptives improved from 53.5% to 66.7% Sterilisation: An increase in female sterilisation. Continued stagnation in male sterilisation uptake. It shows that the onus of family planning still lies with women. Full vaccination: Fully vaccinated Proportion of children (12-23 months) improved from 62%-76%. Exclusive breastfeeding: Improvement In Children under six months who were exclusively breastfed from 54.9% to 63.7%. Nutritional gains: Minimal improvement in children. Gains in women and men (15-49) with below normal BMI dropped roughly four percentage points. Those with higher BMI than normal increased by around 4 percentage points.  Abnormal BMIs are linked to an increase in obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCD) Anaemia: The proportion of anaemic children (6-59 months) increased from 58% to 67%.  Anaemic Women (15-49 years) increased from 53% to 57%. Anaemic Men of the same age increased from 29% to 31%. Lithium deposits Part of: Prelims and GS-II - International relations and GS-III - Mineral exploration Context Chinese companies have begun “on-site inspections” of possible projects to tap lithium deposits in Afghanistan. Afghanistan also has significant reserves of copper, gold, gemstones, beryllium, iron ore, marble, oil & gas, and rare earth elements. Recent estimates suggest the worth of untapped minerals could be as high as $3 trillion. About Lithium A 2010 US study revealed that Afghanistan could have among the world’s largest deposits of lithium. Lithium is considered key to global agenda of switching to electric vehicles Uses: Rechargeable batteries  ceramics and glass Lubricating greases  Polymer production  Lithium consumption for batteries has increased significantly in recent years The world has an identified lithium reserves of 80 million tonnes. Countries with Highest deposits: Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and USA. Israel and Morocco ink defence pact Part of: Prelims and GS-II- International Relations Context Israel and Morocco signed a landmark agreement that lays the foundation for security cooperation, intelligence sharing and future arms sales. Morocco established formal relations with Israel in 2020 as part of the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. Morocco, UAE, Bahrain and Sudan signed agreements to normalize relations with Israel in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, which were brokered by the Trump administration. About Morocco The northwesternmost country in the Maghreb region of North Africa.  It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west About Abraham Accords A joint statement between Israel, UAE, and USA, reached on August 13, 2020.  The term was also used to refer collectively to agreements between Israel, UAE and Bahrain. Full-stack ‘digital banks’ Part of: Prelims and GS-III- Economy  Context NITI Aayog recently proposed setting up of full-stack ‘digital banks’. Such banks would principally rely on the Internet and other immediate channels to offer their services and not physical branches. The proposal was made to mitigate the financial deepening challenges being faced in the country. Such Digital banks will issue deposits, make loans and offer the full suite of services that the Banking Regulation Act empowers them to.  (News from PIB) Light-touch regulation of PM-WANI framework Part of: Prelims  In News: Light-touch regulation of PM-WANI framework will encourage entrepreneurs to set up public wifi hotspots and generate additional revenue. Launched by: Department of Telecommunications Aims to setup Public Wi-Fi Networks by Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to provide public Wi-Fi services through Public Data Offices (PDOs) spread across length and breadth of the country to accelerate proliferation of Broadband Internet services. As per the National Digital Communication Plan, the Central government has set a target of setting up of 10 million Wi-Fi hotspots by 2022 and the PM-WANI scheme will facilitate this. The proliferation of public Wi-Fi networks in the country through PM WANI will accelerate the proliferation of public broadband services through Wi-Fi networks and it will enable local entrepreneurs such as chaiwalas, kirana stores and eateries to earn additional revenue.  News Source: PIB Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) Part of: Main GS-III: Climate Change and Conservation In News: Cabinet approves continuation of the umbrella scheme "Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)" By: Ministry of Earth Sciences Aim: Stepping up ocean research and setting up early warning weather systems, with the objectives for providing forecast and services based on the continuous observation of our oceans, development of technologies and exploratory surveys for sustainable harnessing of our oceanic resources (both living and non-living)  Milestones Achieved India's recognition as Pioneer Investor with International Seabed Authority (ISA) for conducting extensive research on deep sea mining of Poly Metallic Nodules (PMN) and hydrothermal sulphides in the allotted area of the India Ocean.  The technology development for desalination using low temperature thermal desalination installation of such facility in Lakshadweep islands is also a significant achievement. Moreover, India's ocean related activities are now extended from the Arctic to Antarctic region covering large ocean space which have been monitored by through in-situ and satellite-based observation.  India has taken leadership role in implementing Indian Ocean component of Global Ocean Observing System in Intergovernmental. Significance The present decade has been declared as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development by the United Nations (UN) and continuation of the scheme would strengthen our stand in the global oceanographic research and technology development.  This continuation of the scheme would contribute significantly towards national policy on blue economy for effective and efficient use of the vast ocean resources in a Sustainable way.  Efforts towards achieving United Nations sustainable Development Goal-14 to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources are being covered through the coastal research and marine biodiversity activities.  Significant contribution to the national GDP is being made and to be continued through the ocean advisory services and technologies developed benefiting communities and several sectors working in the marine environment, particularly in the coastal states of India. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-3: Infrastructure GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Bharat Gaurav Scheme Context: To promote and attract tourism business, the Indian Railways recently launched Bharat Gaurav trains that will be operated by private players and run on theme-based circuits. Through this policy, which offers operators the “Right of Use” of its rakes and infrastructure, the Railways has liberalised and simplified a part of operations that was otherwise carried out mostly by IRCTC. While any entity can run these trains, including state governments, it is implied that the policy is targeted at tour operators. What is the Bharat Gaurav policy? Leasing on theme based circuit: According to the Bharat Gaurav policy, any operator or service provider, or virtually anyone, can lease trains from Indian Railways to run on a theme-based circuit as a special tourism package.  Security of tenure: The tenure of the arrangement is a minimum of two years and maximum of the codal life of the coach.  Freedom of Operations: The operator has the freedom to decide the route, the halts, the services provided, and, most importantly, the tariff. The IRCTC runs such theme-based tourist trains, for instance, the Ramayana Express, which goes on a tour of several places connected to Lord Ram. In such packaged tours, typically the passengers stop over at a place, stay at hotels, undertake sightseeing, etc. — all organised by tour operators. No Eligibility: Anyone can approach Railways to lease the 3033 conventional Integral Coach Factory-design coaches earmarked for this segment. In fact, if the operator finds it feasible, then it can even purchase rakes from Indian Railway production units and run them. Obligation on operator: The operator has to, however, take care of end-to-end, comprehensive service like hotel stay, local arrangements, etc. These trains cannot be used as ordinary transport trains between an origin and destination. How will the Railways process such applications? Creation of Special Unit: There will be a special unit created in each zonal railway to process such applications and also handhold applicants, and see end-to-end procedural requirements for the operators.  Single Window System: These special units will help operators in creation of itineraries, public outreach, carrying out necessary approvals and the likes. The idea is to provide the operators a place to go to, like a single-window for all their needs when they interact with railways, and not run from pillar to post. What can the operators do within the contract? The spirit of the policy is to give operators complete freedom to run the business and develop a business model in which Indian Railways will only physically run the trains, maintain them and charge a fee. Freedom of Interior design: The operator can carry out its own furnishings of the interiors of the trains if it wants within safety norms. It can decide what kind of interiors or berth composition it wants. However, it cannot tinker with or dismantle critical parts of the coach that has a bearing on safety and operation. Naming Freedom: It can name the circuit, the train and sell advertisement space. It can carry out branding on the exterior and interior of the train.  Business Tie-ups: It can tie up with agencies and entities for business development and logistics, etc. It can decide the food and entertainment to add to the experience of the passengers. Legal Restrictions: However, it has to be ensured that things that are not allowed by railway laws are also not carried out onboard these trains. For instance, the operator cannot serve alcohol, states the policy. What will Indian Railways do? Staff: It will provide staff to drive the trains, guards and also maintenance staff on board for the coaches. Other staff, like housekeeping and catering, etc, will be deployed by the operator.  Safety: It will also ensure that its entire infrastructure is in place to safely and efficiently host the train in its network.  Priority in Operations: It will also give these priority in its paths, like the Rajdhanis and premium trains, so that these trains are not held up or sidelined to make way for regular trains. How much will it cost the operator? The money works out to be substantial as it is a sum of registration fee, security deposit for the rake, “Right of Use” charges, haulage charges and stabling charges payable by the operator to the Railways.  All these charges are linked to use of various components of railway resources, like fuel, manpower, depreciation, maintenance, lease, etc. To begin with, the Railways will take a one-time online registration fee of Rs 1 lakh from the applicant. The zonal railway concerned will revert after processing the application within10 days. Thereafter, after allotment of the rake, there is a security deposit of Rs 1 crore per rake (the physical assets comprise a collection of coaches pulled by an engine), irrespective of the size of the rake, for the duration of the Right of Use period. The annual ‘Right of Use’ charges calculated on the basis of the type of coach taken and the duration.  Delay in payment would result in a penalty equivalent to the bank’s prevailing interest rate plus 3% as administrative fee. If it is not paid within 30 days, the Right of Use may be terminated. The yearly Right of Use charge for one AC coach varies from Rs 3.5-1.4 lakh depending on class and age. A pantry car’s Right of Use charge is between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 65,000 depending on the age and type.  Connecting the dots: Bibek Debroy Committee on Railways National Rail Plan for Infrastructure Capacity Enhancement ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Indian Economy & its challenges GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  Cryptocurrencies Regulation Context: The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, listed for introduction in Parliament’s Winter Session starting November 29, seeks to create a facilitative framework for the creation of the official digital currency to be issued by RBI. The Bill seeks to prohibit all private cryptocurrencies in India, however, it allows for certain exceptions to promote the underlying technology of cryptocurrency and its uses. Prices of cryptocurrencies on local exchanges crashed overnight after the news broke, even though they remained largely unchanged in global markets. There was panic- selling by crypto holders fearing an impending ban or restriction.  There is currently no regulation or ban on cryptocurrencies in India; however, national responses to defining and regulating virtual currencies vary widely in jurisdictions around the world. How are cryptocurrencies regulated in countries around the world? The stance of countries and regulators has ranged from a total ban on these financial assets, to allowing them to operate with some regulations, to the other extreme of allowing virtual currency trading in the absence of any guidelines. Governments and regulators remain divided on how to categorise it as a currency or asset — and how to control it from an operational point of view.  As stated above, the regulatory and policy response can vary from complete openness of the kind seen in countries like El Salvador, which has approved bitcoin as legal tender, to a total clampdown like in China, which has imposed stringent regulations on both cryptocurrencies and service providers. Countries such as India are somewhere in between — still in the process of figuring out the best way to regulate cryptos after some policy and regulatory experimentation.  USA and EU have been proactive in trying to pin down the regulatory mandate, while discussions continue. Among the countries that haven’t issued detailed regulations, there are those that have recognised and defined these currencies. CANADA for example, through its Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Regulations, defines virtual currency as: (a) a digital representation of value that can be used for payment or investment purposes that is not a fiat currency and that can be readily exchanged for funds or for another virtual currency that can be readily exchanged for funds; or (b) a private key of a cryptographic system that enables a person or entity to have access to a digital representation of value referred to in paragraph (a). It is to noted that Canada has been among the early adopters of crypto, and the Canada Revenue Authority (CRA) generally treats cryptocurrency like a commodity for purposes of the country’s Income Tax Act. ISRAEL, in its Supervision of Financial Services Law, includes virtual currencies in the definition of financial assets.  The Israeli securities regulator has ruled that cryptocurrency is a security subject, while the Israel Tax Authority defines cryptocurrency as an asset and demands 25% on capital gains. In GERMANY, the Financial Supervisory Authority qualifies virtual currencies as “units of account” and therefore, “financial instruments”.  The Bundesbank considers Bitcoin to be a crypto token given that it does not fulfil typical functions of a currency.  However, citizens and legal entities can buy or trade cryptoassets as long as they do it through exchanges and custodians licensed with the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority. IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs, while not considering crypto assets to be currency or money, notes that cryptocurrencies have a unique identity and cannot, therefore, be directly compared to any other form of investment activity or payment mechanism. IN THE United States, different states have different definitions and regulations for cryptocurrencies.  While the federal government does not recognise cryptocurrencies as legal tender, definitions issued by the states recognise the decentralised nature of virtual currencies. While most of these countries do not recognise cryptocurrencies as legal tender, they do recognise the value these digital units represent — and indicate their functions as either a medium of exchange, unit of account, or a store of value (any asset that would normally retain purchasing power into the future). How would a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) work? RBI plans to launch its CBDC, a digital form of fiat currency that can be transacted using wallets backed by blockchain, and which is regulated by the central bank.  Though the concept of CBDCs was directly inspired by Bitcoin, it is different from decentralised virtual currencies and crypto assets, which are not issued by the state, and lack the ‘legal tender’ status declared by the government. CBDCs enable the user to conduct both domestic and cross-border transactions that do not require a third party or bank.  Since several countries are running pilot projects in this space, it is important for India to launch its own CBDC, making the rupee competitive in international financial markets. While CBDC too is a digital or virtual currency, it is not comparable to the private virtual currencies that have mushroomed over the last decade.  The private virtual currencies sit at odds with the historical concept of money — and they are certainly not currency as the word has come to be understood historically. Connecting the dots: China’s Digital Currency  Blockchain Technology (Down to Earth: Health) Nov 24: Anaemia in women and children on the rise– https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/health/anaemia-in-women-and-children-on-the-rise-assam-fares-worst-nfhs-5-80357    TOPIC: GS-2: Health Anaemia in women and children on the rise Context: Anaemia continues to remain widespread in India as its prevalence across age and gender groups has increased. Anaemia has increased by 2-9 per cent among children, pregnant and non-pregnant women and men according to data shared in the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5) released November 24, 2021. On Children:  The largest spike is seen in children between the ages of six and 59 months, where 67.1 per cent are anaemic.  In rural areas, 68.3 per cent children are anaemic, while the urban load stands at 64.2 per cent. On Women:  The second highest increase is recorded in women between the ages of 15 and 19. More young women in rural areas (56.5 per cent) are anaemic as compared to urban areas (60.2 per cent). All women between the ages of 15 and 49 years reported a four per cent increase in incidence of anaemia Meanwhile, the percentage of pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 49 years who are anaemic has increased to 52.2 per cent now. On Men Irrespective of age group, have reported the lowest increase in the incidence of anaemia, at 2.3 per cent for those between the ages of 15 and 49. Among them, younger men, between 15 and 19, have shown a 1.9 per cent increase to 31.1 per cent now. State wise Figures for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have shown an upward trend in anaemic cases between now and 2015-2016.  A 2-6 per cent increase has been recorded in all age groups for Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, while Rajasthan is the worst among them with a 9-12 per cent increase. Assam is among the worst performing states, with a huge spike in anaemic cases.  About Anaemia Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal. Haemoglobin is needed to carry oxygen and if you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or not enough haemoglobin, there will be a decreased capacity of the blood to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath, among others. The most common causes of anaemia include nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, though deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12 and A are also important causes; haemoglobinopathies; and infectious diseases, such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and parasitic infections. Must read: Rice Fortification: A complementary approach to address Nutritional Anaemia (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 countries do not have formal relations with Israel as part of Abraham Accords? UAE Jordan Sudan Morocco Q.2 Which of the following has the highest deposit of lithium currently? Bolivia Argentina Chile  USA Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding National Family Health Survey-5 Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has reduced to 2.0 from 2.2 (NFHS-4). Anaemic cases across all gender and age groups have seen tremendous decrease. Select the correct answer from the following codes: Only 1 Only 2 Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 25th Nov 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 A Must Read On Allahabad High Court verdict on child sexual assault: The Hindu On Possible Food Crisis: The Hindu On ending Child Marriage: Indian Express

Nov 27, 2021 हिन्दी - Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 25th 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

Nov 27, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 4 Questions [26th November, 2021] – Day 35

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 35 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