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मासिक पत्रिका अगस्त 2021- हिन्दी IASbaba सामयिकी

ARCHIVES Hello Friends,   Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination is an important factor in this preparation. An effort towards making your Current Affairs for IAS UPSC Preparation qualitative. We hope you make the best use of it! This Hindi edition covers all important current affairs issues that were in news for the month of अगस्त/AUGUST 2021. Kindly leave your feedback in the comment section below on the new design and presentation of the magazine. We would love to hear from you 🙂 DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- CLICK HERE To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- TELEGRAM Channel – https://t.me/IASbabaOfficialAccount YOUTUBE  –  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChvbVdio9Wgj7Z3nQz1Q0ZQ FACEBOOK  – https://www.facebook.com/iasbaba/ Also, SUBSCRIBE to the WEBSITE Below, so that you don’t miss out on important posts! Thank You IASbaba  

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th October 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Global Hunger Index ranks India at 101 out of 116 countries Part of: Prelims and GS I - Society Context The Global Hunger Index ranked India at 101st out of a total 116 countries.  India is also among the 31 countries where hunger has been identified as serious.  India ranked 94 among 107 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) released last year. Key takeaways Only 15 countries fare worse than India which includes countries like Papua New Guinea (102), Afghanistan (103), Nigeria (103), Congo (105), Mozambique (106), Sierra Leone (106), Timor-Leste (108), etc. India is also behind most of the neighbouring countries. Pakistan was placed at 92 rank, Nepal at 76 and Bangladesh also at 76. Somalia has the highest level of hunger according to the 2021 GHI ranking Current projections based on the Global Hunger Index (GHI) show that the world as a whole — and 47 countries in particular — will fail to achieve even low hunger by 2030. After decades of decline, the global prevalence of undernourishment is increasing. This shift may be an indication of reversals in other measures of hunger. What is the Global Hunger Index? The GHI is an annual peer-reviewed publication by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.  It aims to track hunger at global, regional and national levels.  It uses four parameters to calculate its scores –  Undernourishment child wasting child stunting and  child mortality. Information from the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the United Nations are taken to calculate these parameters. All these international organisations draw from national data, which, in India’s case, includes the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS). UN Human Rights Council Part of: Prelims and GS - II - International Relations Context India has been re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council (2022-24) for a record 6th term with an overwhelming majority. It vowed to continue to work for the promotion and protection of Human Rights through "Samman, Samvad and Sahyog." Key takeaways India's current term was set to end on December 31 2021. Countries elected by the UN General Assembly through secret ballot: Argentina, Benin, Cameroon, Eritrea, Finland, Gambia, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Montenegro, Paraguay, Qatar, Somalia, UAE and the US. USA, which had quit the council in 2018 under the previous Donald Trump's regime, was re-elected to the global rights body for a period of three-and-a-half years. About UN Human Rights Council  It is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations which consists of 47 Member States elected directly and individually by secret ballot by the majority of the members of the General Assembly. Location: Geneva. Establishment: It was founded in 2006. Functions: (1) It investigates allegations of breaches of human rights in UN member states; (2) It also addresses important thematic human rights issues such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, LGBT rights, and the rights of racial and ethnic minorities. The members of the Council shall serve for a period of three years and shall not be eligible for immediate re-election after two consecutive terms. The membership is based on equitable geographical distribution. One Health Consortium Part of: Prelims and GS II - Health Context The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, supported a mega consortium on ‘One Health’ and launched the First ‘One Health’ project of DBT. Key takeaways  This Consortium consists of 27 organisations led by DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad. It is one of the biggest one health programs launched by Govt of India in post-COVID times. This programme envisages carrying out surveillance of important bacterial, viral and parasitic infections of zoonotic as well as transboundary pathogens in India. Use of existing diagnostic tests and the development of additional methodologies when required are mandated for the surveillance and for understanding the spread of emerging diseases. UFill Part of: Prelims and GS-III - IT  Context Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) - a PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced the launch of “UFill”. It is a digital customer experience which ensures that their customers have complete control over Time, Technology and Transparency as part of their fuelling experience. Key takeaways The UFill proposition has been launched in 65 cities across India and will soon be launched across the country. The technology provides the customer with control of fuel as well as touch less pre-payment solution. The dispensing unit can be automatically preset for the value of fuel paid for by him/her in advance and eliminates any manual intervention at the point of sale. Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2021 Part of: Prelims and GS III - Defence and security Context As part of the ongoing Indo-US Defence Cooperation, the Joint Military Training Exercise “Ex Yudh Abhyas 2021” will be conducted at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska (USA) from 15 to 29 October 2021. Exercise YudhAbhyas is the largest running joint military training and defence cooperation endeavor between India and USA. This will be the 17th Edition of the joint exercise which is hosted alternately between both countries. The previous version of this exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Bikaner, Rajasthan in February 2021. Vishwakarma Vatika Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Skill development; employment  Context Union Minister for Minority Affairs announced that “Vishwakarma Vatika” will be set up at “Hunar Haats”. Objective:  to promote and preserve precious traditional skills of artisans and craftsmen  The first such “Vishwakarma Vatika”, which has been set up in “Hunar Haat” at Rampur, Uttar Pradesh will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on 16th October, 2021 Proficient craftsmen, sculptors, stonemasons, blacksmiths, carpenters, potter and other artisans from across the country, will give live demonstrations of how India’s traditional exquisite and elegant indigenous handmade products are made. What is Hunar Haat? Hunar Haat is an exhibition of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans from the Minority communities.  It is organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Hunar Haat is organized under USTTADscheme (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development). The artisans who participate in the event will get national and international markets for their indigenous handmade products through “Hunar Haat”. It has proved to be Empowerment & Employment Exchange for master artisans and craftsmen Government has decided to organise about 100 “Hunar Haat” in the next five years across the country to provide market and employment opportunities (News from PIB) World Standards Day: 14th October Theme: Shared Vision for a Better World’ Standards for Sustainable Development Goals Implementation of standards facilitate access to national and international markets Standards play a critical role in ensuring the integration of diverse technologies and interoperability of innovations required for propelling smart cities of the future.  In view of the pandemic, the path to move towards Sustainable Development Goals has become an absolute necessity, for which relevant, faster and better standards are essential. Note: The International Organization for Standards was created in 1947 but this day was first celebrated in 1970. BIS is the National Standard Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016 for the harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods PLI Scheme: Promoting Telecom and Networking Products Manufacturing in India Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II: Governance In News: India is set to receive an investment of about ₹3,300 crore from 31 domestic and multinational companies over a period of four years under the ambitious production-linked incentive or PLI scheme that is expected to employ as many as 40,000 individuals in the telecom sector. To boost domestic manufacturing in the telecom and networking products by incentivising incremental investments Will help in reducing India’s dependence on other countries for import of telecom and networking products with incentives and support to promote world class manufacturing in the country Would boost research and development (R&D) activities locally with companies committed to spend 15% of their revenues for the development of new products. Details The support under the Scheme shall be provided for a period of five (5) years, i.e. from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. 31 companies comprising 16 MSMEs and 15 Non-MSMEs (8 Domestic and 7 Global companies), gets approval under the Scheme Expected Incremental production of around ₹1.82 Lakh Crore The scheme for the telecom sector includes  Manufacturing of transmission equipment,  Next generation (4G and 5G) radio access network and wireless equipment,  Customer premise equipment (CPE), access devices, routers and switches News Source: PIB Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for 1000 MWhourproject Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-III: Energy In News: Government has given go ahead for inviting the expression of interest for installation of 1000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as a pilot project.  A joint effort of both Ministry of New and renewable energy and Ministry of Power - to provide a road map for the installation of the energy storage system in the country. Why: To support the ambitious goal of achieving 450 GW renewable energy target by 2030 India plans to use energy storage system under following business cases: Renewable energy along with the energy storage system Energy storage system as grid element to maximize the use of transmission system and strengthening grid stability and also to save investment in the augmentation of transmission infrastructure. Storage as an asset for balancing services and flexible operation.  The system operator i.e. load dispatchers (RLDCs and SLDCs) may use storage system for frequency control and balancing services to manage the inherent uncertainty/variations in the load due to un-generation. Storage for distribution system i.e. it may be placed at the load centre to manage its peak load and other obligations. As a merchant capacity by the energy storage system developer and sell in the power market Any other future business models as a combination of the above. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY GS-2: India and its neighbourhood GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests India-Sri Lanka: Colombo Port Context: On September 30, 2021, the Gujarat-headquartered Adani Group signed a Build Operate Transfer (BOT) agreement with Sri Lankan company John Keells Holdings and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to jointly develop the Colombo West International Container Terminal (CWICT) at the strategically advantaged Colombo Port. As per the 35 year-long BOT agreement inked by the three parties, the Adani Group will have majority, 51%, stakes, while John Keells would hold 34%, and the SLPA, 15%.  The more than $700-million investment is said to be the largest foreign investment in the island nation’s port sector. Colombo Port is located amidst one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. Primarily a container port, the Colombo Port has handled over 5 million TEU of containerised cargo. It has five functional terminals. What is the backstory? Sri Lanka, led by different governments, has been keen to further develop its port and emerge a formidable regional hub, but roping in private foreign investor Adani Group directly was not Colombo’s first choice. In May 2019, the Maithripala Sirisena-Ranil Wickremesinghe government signed a tripartite agreement with the governments of India and Japan, to jointly develop the partially-functional East Container Terminal (ECT) at the same port. For India, the deal meant a potential advantage, both commercially and strategically, especially next to the China-backed Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT), where China holds 85% stakes in a BOT agreement spanning 35 years. Those making a case for an Indian presence at the port argue that over 70% of the transshipment business at the Colombo Port is linked to India. What happened to the 2019 agreement? In a cabinet decision on February 1, 2021, Sri Lanka unilaterally removed India and Japan out of the agreement, instead opting to develop the ECT with its own investment, citing persisting protests by port workers unions, nationalist groups and Buddhist monks vehemently opposing any foreign role in a strategic national asset. Sri Lankan government’s move took New Delhi by shock, as there was no prior indication of Colombo backtracking on the deal.  The cancellation of the ECT deal caused considerable diplomatic strain between all three countries How did the WCT deal come to be? Shortly thereafter, early in March 2021, a cabinet decision was taken to develop the West Container Terminal (WCT) at the Colombo Port along with India and Japan.  India had “nominated” Adani Ports and the deal was pitched as a “compromise”. Recently, Adani Group signed an agreement with John Keells and SLPA to commence development work.  Japan is yet to decide on its involvement in the WCT project, according to diplomatic sources.  Whether it was the former ECT deal or the current WCT agreement, it remains unclear how the Adani Group became the chosen investor from India.  Until now, there is no indication of a competitive bidding process or of the selection process. or the rationale used to select the investor.  Colombo has repeatedly referred to the Adani Group as a “nominee” of the Indian government, although India sought to deny it had nominated anyone for the project. Is there opposition? While some political commentators and social media users have questioned the deal, the opposition to the WCT is not comparable to that against the ECT.  Curiously so, because Adani Group now holds majority stakes with its local partner John Keells, while SLPA holds just 15% in the WCT project, unlike in the ECT deal when SLPA had 51% controlling stakes. Analysis of the development Colombo’s number 1 customer is the Indian shippers and the carriers who give connectivity to the region and the world via Colombo. A partner from India is, therefore, a welcome development to Sri Lanka to build new relationships in the maritime and logistics sector with India The presence of multiple global players in Sri Lankan ports would also help balance different geopolitical actors and ease current tensions. However, there has been questions on whether Sri Lankan government followed due process in selecting the contractor — whether it is Chinese, American or Indian. There are allegations on the “deviations” from a competitive bidding process, lack of transparency and lack of sound data-driven decision-making,  Connecting the dots: Hambantota Port by China in Sri Lanka India-Sri Lanka relationship News Source: The Hindu GOVERNANCE GS-2: Governance & Public Administration Reforming Indian Bureaucracy Context: India’s civil services have some of the best and brightest as also some of the worst, just like in any collection of people.  However, the bureaucracy that took India through the last 75 years can’t be the one to take it through the next 75 — we need a proactive, imaginative, technology-savvy, enabling bureaucracy. Some of the changes required are: Doing away with outdated rules Bureaucracy, unlike the private sector, is a creature of the Constitution and is bound by multiple rules, laws, and procedures which has its origin in Colonial rule. Thus there is a need to do away with or repeal some of the outdated rules & laws Increasing the staff strength As per estimates compiled by the Institute of Conflict Management, the government of India (GOI) has about 364 government servants for every 1,00,000 residents, with 45 per cent in the railways alone.  About 60 per cent and 30 per cent are in Groups C and D, respectively, leaving a skeletal skilled staff of just about 7 per cent to man critical positions That political masters must get bureaucrats out of those sectors which are best handled by private players. Additionally, government has fill up its vacancies quickly. There is a need to automate every major touchpoint between the government, citizens, and businesses so as to reduce the requirement of manned bureaucracy. Lateral entry needs to expand to up to 15 per cent of Joint/Additional and Secretary-level positions in GOI. Incentivising officers’ willingness to take decisions Excessive scrutiny by Judiciary, enforcement agencies & media has made bureaucracy obsessed with accountability to processes and not to results. This mind set has eventually turned them into inactive bureaucracy. For example, the progress of last-mile connectivity and electronics for BharatNet, the recapitalisation and reform of failing banks, the distribution and transmission sectors and the privatisation of space are moving, although slowly.  In order to increase the officers’ willingness to take decisions, there is a need to legally prevent enforcement agencies from taking punitive action, like arrest for purely economic decisions without any direct evidence of kickbacks.  Instead, a committee of experts with commercial experience constituted by the government should suggest whether it’s corruption or just a decision gone wrong. Improve Human Resource Management Changes in recruitment procedures, like the interview group spending considerable time with the candidates and not deciding based on a half-hour interview, along with psychometric tests, will improve the incoming pool of civil servants.  Most importantly, after 15 years of service, all officers must undergo a thorough evaluation to enable them to move further. One has to realign incentives institutionally, to promote those who are honest and send home those who steal/are non-performers  Conclusion India cannot hope to get to a $5-trillion economy without a modern, progressive, results-oriented bureaucracy. Connecting the dots: Mission Karmayogi Lateral Entry into Civil Services News Source: Indian Express (Sansad TV – Perspective) Oct 14: Plastic Waste Management - https://youtu.be/vjiZVGaAmHQ  ENVIRONMENT GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Plastic Waste Management In 5 minutes, around the time it takes to read this piece, around 5 million plastic bottles will be bought around the world, many of those in India. If not recycled, plastic can take a thousand years to decompose. According to a report on Plastic Waste Management released by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the global average of plastic per capita consumption is 28 kg and India has a per capita plastic consumption of 11 kg.  The CPCB Report of 2019-20 states that 3.4 million metric tonnes of plastic waste is generated in India annually.  Managing plastic waste is increasingly becoming a global environmental and economic challenge. Plastic waste is a risk to public health as it enters our food chain, creates congestion problems in drains, causing flooding, ends up in river beds and oceans, depleting ecosystems and marine biodiversity, and makes solid waste management more expensive as landfills and open incineration do not provide an acceptable solution for disposal. The production process for plastic produces greenhouse gas, thus contributing to climate change. At landfills, it disintegrates into small fragments and leaches carcinogenic metals into groundwater. Plastic is highly inflammable — a reason why landfills are frequently ablaze, releasing toxic gases into the environment. It floats on the sea surface and ends up clogging airways of marine animals. Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, has notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. These rules prohibit identified single use plastic items which have low utility and high littering potential by 2022. The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of single-use plastic, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from the 1st July, 2022. In order to stop littering due to light weight plastic carry bags, with effect from 30th September, 2021, the thickness of plastic carry bags has been increased from 50 microns to 75 microns and to 120 microns with effect from the 31st December, 2022. Currently the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of carry bags and plastic sheets less than 50 microns in thickness in the country. The plastic packaging waste shall be collected and managed in an environmentally sustainable way through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) of the Producer, importer and Brand owner. For effective implementation of EPR, the Guidelines for the same being brought out have been given legal force through Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. The Central Pollution Control Board, along with state pollution bodies, will monitor the ban, identify violations, and impose penalties already prescribed under the Environmental Protection Act. States/UTs have been requested to constitute a Special Task Force for elimination of single use plastics and effective implementation of the rules. A National Level Taskforce has also been constituted for coordination efforts. The Way Forward As individuals: We can reduce our plastic pollution and be more environmentally conscious by avoiding single-use plastics (e.g. straws, cups, cutlery, etc.) and packaging materials (e.g. polybags). Instead we can use jute bags, glass bottles or jars, steel or ceramic cutleries and utensils, and paper-made tetra packs. The private sector needs to invest more in producing alternatives and biodegradable plastics and in phasing out the production of plastic. More research and technology investment and development is required to make alternatives to plastic that are economically viable and affordable. The government should play a leading role by Enacting strong policies and regulations that will encourage a more sustainable model for the design and production of plastics – Local bodies mandated under rules to ensure segregation, collection and transfer of waste to registered recyclers have spectacularly failed to fulfil their responsibilities. The State Level Monitoring Committees provided for under the rules have not been made accountable. The waste management framework is dysfunctional Technical and financial incentives from the government are instrumental for the transformation of the existing production system to a more sustainable one. Urban local bodies: Urban local bodies across states should adopt the material recovery facility (MRF) model & implement it as a public-private partnership model for sustainable management of urban plastic waste. Urban local bodies are mandated under the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, to manage municipal solid waste and plastic waste at the city level.  Can you answer the following questions? Essay: There is no Plan B because we do not have a Planet B. What are the sustainable strategies to address the problem of plastic including e-waste? 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 Hunar Haat is organised under Which of the following Ministries? Ministry of education  Ministry of Skill development  Ministry of Minority Affairs Ministry of External Affairs Q.2 consider the following statements regarding One Health Consortium? It is launched under the Ministry of Health and Family welfare It is one of the biggest one health programs launched by the Government of India in post-COVID times. This programme envisages carrying out surveillance of important bacterial, viral and parasitic infections of zoonotic as well as transboundary pathogens in India. Which of the above is or are correct  1 and 2 only 1 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3 India’s campaign of Samman, Samvad and Sahyog is associated with which of the following? Non performing Assets Human rights Settlement of disputed tax  Special economic zone ANSWERS FOR 14th Oct 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 B Must Read On Space Security: ORF On Violence in Kashmir: Indian Express

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 15th October 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 15th October 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

Baba's Gurukul 2022

[LAST 24 HOURS TO REGISTER] Baba's GURUKUL 2022 - ENTRANCE TEST on 16th OCTOBER (Saturday)

Dear Students Last two days are left to register for Baba's Gurukul 2022 Entrance Test which will be held on 16th October 2021. Hurry Up and Register Now!! Also, we are happy to share over 125+ students of IASbaba have secured ranks in UPSC CSE 2020 Out of 50 Baba's Gurukul Students, two of them made it to the final list - Priyanga RA (AIR 181) and Anand Patil (AIR 325). Baba's Gurukul 2022 is a personal mentorship-based integrated course where we will groom a selected batch of students to aim for that Top Rank in UPSC. Baba's GURUKUL 2022 is available in both ONLINE and OFFLINE (DELHI and BANGALORE) mode. After a rigorous process of screening on the lines of UPSC, out of 1824 registrations, we have selected 60 Students. The Second Entrance Test for Baba's Gurukul 2022 will be held on 16th October (Saturday) at 11 AM. Those who could not appear for the First Entrance Test and still wish to be part of the Program can take the 2nd Entrance Test on 16th October. DETAILS OF THE ENTRANCE TEST The entrance test will be exactly like UPSC-CSE where you will be facing a Prelims test, a Mains test, and a Personality test. Prelims and Mains exam will be on the same day and based on the merit list, students will be short-listed for the interview. The selection process will be similar to UPSC standards, comprising of one Prelims Test (75 MCQ’s – 150 marks; Syllabus will include current affairs of last six months and static GS topics + Objective CSAT questions), one Mains Test – 150 marks (it will include an essay based on Current Issues and case studies of Ethics to check the approach of candidates) and a Personality Test (it will be conducted to check the dedication of candidates and their level of understanding of Current Issues). The 1st entrance test will be held on 16th October (Saturday) at 11 AM. The test will be held ONLINE and OFFLINE (Bangalore, Delhi, and Lucknow Centres) The Results of the 1st Entrance Test will be out on 18th October (Monday) Interviews will be starting from 19th Octoberber (Tuesday) Final Results will be out on  22nd October (Friday) REGISTER HERE – CLICK HERE P.S:  The last date to register for the 2nd Entrance Test – 15th October (8 PM). The login credentials of the 2nd Entrance Test will be shared with registered students on 15th October. Please note that the Programme will start from 25th October 2021. To Know the Details, Schedule, Fees, etc. about Baba's Gurukul 2022 - CLICK HERE For ANY QUERIES: Email ID: support@iasbaba.com Contact No. : 9169191888 (10 AM – 6 PM) Please do not make calls before or after the given timing. You can also reach us on – BENGALURU CENTRE: IASbaba Admission Centre: No.38, 3rd Cross, 1st Phase, 2nd Stage, 60 Feet Mains Road, Chandralayout, Bengaluru-560040. Landmark: Opposite to BBMP Office/ CULT Fitness DELHI CENTRE: 5B, PUSA Road, Opposite to Metro Pillar 110, Karol Bagh, New Delhi -110005 (Landmark: CROMA Store) LUCKNOW CENTRE:  IASbaba, B-1/66, Sector J, Aligunj, Lucknow – 226024. Landmark: Near Mr Brown / Opp to Sahu Studio All the best  IASbaba

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th October 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Economy Context In a bid to curb the persistently high inflation in edible oils, the government has decided to exempt crude palm, soya-bean and sunflower seed oils from customs duty, and slash the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) levied on their imports from October 14 till March 31, 2022. Key takeaways Imports of crude palm, soya-bean and sunflower seed oils attract a basic customs duty of 2.5% and an AIDC of 20%.  The customs duty has been dropped to zero, while the cess has been reduced to 5% for crude soya-bean and sunflower seed oil. In the case of crude palm oil, the AIDC cess has been reduced to 7.5% instead of the original 20%. Benefits: The decision would help in reducing price burden on ultimate consumers amid the surging edible oil prices. What is Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC)? Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) was proposed in the Budget 2021-22. Purpose: To raise funds to finance spending on developing agriculture infrastructure aimed at not only boosting production but also in helping conserve and process farm output efficiently. The new cess will be levied on 29 products, prominent among which are gold, silver, imported apple, imported alcohol (excluding beer), imported pulses, imported palm oil, imported urea, and petrol/diesel including branded ones. It will only offset the reduction in customs or excise duty and thus will not raise the tax incidence for consumers. Do you know? Drawing power from Articles 270 and 271 of the Constitution, the Centre collects cess and deposits it in the Consolidated Fund of India.  However, the money is then supposed to be transferred to a segregated fund to be used for specific purposes. India, Iran discuss ways to fight drug trafficking from Afghanistan Part of: Prelims and GS II - International relations Context Indian and Iranian officials held a virtual meeting following the largest seizure of heroin at the Mundra port in Gujarat managed by the Adani Ports recently. Key takeaways  The operation led to the largest drug haul in the history of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). Initial reports had indicated that the containers carrying the substance originated from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. The drug haul also impacted Iran’s trade as the Adani Group declared that containers from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan will not be handled at the port from November 15. Both The countries discussed and examined ways and means of mutual cooperation in fighting drug trafficking which accordingly resulted in some positive outcomes.  It is for many decades that narcotic drugs production and organised drug trafficking from Afghanistan has posed a major threat to the world. India-China Trade Part of: Prelims and GS II - International relations  Context India’s trade with China is set to cross the $100 billion mark for the first time in 2021, an almost 30% jump from pre-pandemic levels. India’s biggest exports to China are iron ore, cotton, and other raw material-based commodities.  India imports mechanical and electrical machinery in large quantities, while imports of medical supplies have also increased in the past two years. The growth in trade with India was among the fastest for China’s major trading partners. International Energy Agency (IEA) Part of: Prelims and GS II - International Relations  Context The International Energy Agency (IEA) has invited India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer, to become its full-time member. The proposal if accepted will require New Delhi to raise strategic oil reserves to 90 days requirement. India’s current strategic oil reserves equal 9.5 days of its requirement. In March 2017, India became an associate member of IEA. About IEA It was established in the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. IEA is an autonomous intergovernmental organisation. Its mission is guided by four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide. Headquarters: Paris, France. Roles and functions: to help its members respond to major oil supply disruptions, a role it continues to fulfil today. tracking and analyzing global key energy trends, promoting sound energy policy,  fostering multinational energy technology cooperation. Composition: It has 30 members at present. IEA family also includes eight association countries. A candidate country must be a member country of the OECD. But all OECD members are not IEA members. Three countries are seeking accession to full membership: Chile, Israel, and Lithuania. Reports Global Energy & CO2 Status Report. World Energy Outlook. World Energy Statistics. World Energy Balances. Energy Technology Perspectives. Input Tax Credit (ITC) Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Economy Context GST Network has said it has blocked Rs 14,000 crore worth of input tax credit (ITC) of 66,000 businesses registered under the Goods and Service Tax. What is Input Tax Credit (ITC)? ITC is a mechanism to avoid cascading of taxes. Cascading of taxes, in simple language, is ‘tax on tax’. Input Tax Credit refers to the tax already paid by a person at time  of purchase of goods or services and which is available as deduction from tax payable . In simple terms, input credit means at the time of paying tax on output, you can reduce the tax you have already paid on inputs and pay the balance amount. Exceptions: A business under composition scheme cannot avail of input tax credit. ITC cannot be claimed for personal use or for goods that are exempt. Concerns over its misuse Currently there is a time gap between ITC claim and matching them with the taxes paid by suppliers. There could be a possibility of misuse of the provision by businesses by generating fake invoices just to claim tax credit. As much as 80% of the total GST liability is being settled by ITC and only 20% is deposited as cash. Under the present dispensation, there is no provision for real time matching of ITC claims with the taxes already paid by suppliers of inputs. (News from PIB) Northwest Europe Cooperative Event  Part of: Mains GS-II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In News: India participated in the Ministerial session of the Green Grids Initiative-One Sun One World One Grid (GGI-OSOWOG) Northwest Europe Cooperative Event, which saw a multi-layered dialogue for developing cross-border trading of renewable electricity. India Affirmed its commitment to the environment and the cause of clean energy and energy transition Highlighted India’s target of achieving 450 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 Underlined that India is well on its way to achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) relating clean energy and emission reduction well ahead of the target date. Presented the GGI-OSOWOG initiative as a possible solution for driving down the need for storage and in effect reduce the costs of the energy transition. Sustainable development and climate change mitigation are at the heart of the GGI-OSOWOG initiative, and that the scale of the project could very well make it the next biggest modern engineering marvel. Background The idea for the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative was put forth by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018. He had called for connecting solar energy supply across borders.  In May 2021, the United Kingdom and India agreed to combine forces of the Green Grids Initiative and the One Sun One World One Grid initiative and jointly launch GGI-OSOWOG at the COP26 summit being hosted by the UK at Glasgow in November 2021. News Source: PIB Climate Resilience Information System and Planning (CRISP-M) tool  Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-II: Governance In News: Govt. of India launched Climate Resilience Information System and Planning (CRISP-M) tool under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. For integration of climate information in Geographic Information System (GIS) based watershed planning Open up new possibilities for our rural communities to deal with the issues of climate change - to cope with climate change and protecting them from weather-related disasters. News Source: PIB GI tag for 177 potential tribal products Part of: Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions In News: In addition to marketing 56 GI products, TRIFED is working to get GI tag for the 177 potential products that have been identified from the states under operational areas across the country. TRIFED’s GI intervention and setting up of Atmanirbhar corner in Indian Missions abroad aims at: To safeguard the interests of the original producers as well as that of the product and ensure that the producer avails optimum cost for their premium goods even in the highly competitive market scenario. To ensure recognition of indigenous products both in India and global market.   To revive diminishing art and craft from a Tribal specific geographical location. Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED)  A national-level apex organization, came into existence in 1987 Objective: To provide good price of the ‘Minor Forest Produce (MFP) collected by the tribes of the country. It functions under Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India. TRIFED has its Head Office at New Delhi and has a network of 13 Regional Offices located at various places in the country. News Source: PIB Miscellaneous  Philately day: 13th October Philately is considered the king of hobbies as the collectors through various philatelic items develop a better appreciation of the history, culture, personalities and of their societies.  Philately documents the authentic history. Mass Emission Standards for E12 AND E15 fuels Part of: Prelims In News: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified mass emission standards for  E 12 (12% Ethanol with Gasoline)  E15 (15% Ethanol 12 with gasoline) fuels This will enable the Automotive Industry to manufacture E 12 and E 15 compliant motor vehicles. 100 new Sainik Schools to be set up Part of: Prelims and GS-II - Education  Context The 100 new Sainik Schools to be set up under public-private partnership was recently approved by the Union cabinet. Government also envisages to provide an annual fee support of 50% subject to an upper limit of Rs. 40,000 per annum, for 50% of the class strength, subject to an upper limit of 50 students per year from Class 6 to Class 12, on a merit-cum-means basis. About Sainik schools The Sainik Schools are a system of schools in India established and managed by the Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).  They were conceived in 1961 by V. K. Krishna Menon, the then Defence Minister of India, to rectify the regional and class imbalance amongst the Officer cadre of the Indian Military, and to prepare students mentally and physically for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy. (Mains Focus) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Infrastructure & Economy GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Gati Shakti Context: In his Independence-day speech, the PM has announced a ₹100 lakh crore “Gati Shakti” infrastructure plan. What is Gati Shakti Master Plan? It is a Rs. 100 lakh-crore project for developing ‘holistic infrastructure’. The plan is aimed at easier interconnectivity between road, rail, air and waterways to reduce travel time, improve industrial productivity and developing synergies towards building a more harmonised infrastructure. The push for infrastructure is in line with the government’s efforts to step up capital expenditure in infrastructure to promote economic growth. Significance Logistics Grid: With Gati Shakti, India will be able to build an integrated, harmonised transportation and logistics grid. Such a grid will help bring down logistics & supply cost of India. Enhances Supply Chain Efficiency: It helps build new supply-side capacities & enhances supply chain efficiency that can set the wheels of growth in motion and move towards the ambitious mission of a $5-trillion economy Coordinated Governance: To have all utility and infrastructure planning under an umbrella framework will ensures coordinated planning, cut down ministerial delays, and leads to faster decision making. Attracts FDI: Having an umbrella framework under Gati Shakti provides clarity & stability to investors thereby attracting Foreign Direct investment into infrastructure sector. Scope for New Economic Corridors: Increased investment by domestic & foreign investors for new infrastructure creations open the doors for new future economic zones Improves Connectivity: It will ensure last-mile connectivity to economic zones in a definite timeframe.  Increased Competitiveness of exports: Supply chain inefficiencies add to product costs, and thus, run the risk of making our exports uncompetitive vis-à-vis other international export players. Dedicated infrastructure development under Gati Shakti, therefore, improves India’s infrastructure capacity and global export competitiveness with regard to manufacturing in India.  Data for Policy Making: The geographic information system (GIS)-enabled digital platform under Gati Shakti will provide useful data — including a region’s topography, satellite images, physical features, maps of existing facilities and so on — for ministries, thus, helping them save on funds and time for approvals. Enhances India’s share in cargo business: India’s share in the international cargo business was worth ₹1,686 crore in 2019-20, which rose to ₹2,644 crore in 2020-21 (a 57% increase). Having a harmonised & integrated logistics hub will help increase this share. Conclusion Thus, Gati Shakti could pave the way for a culture of multimodality, where sea, road, rail and air transport modes do not compete with each other, but rather, complement each other. Connecting the dots: PM Gram Sadak Yojana Railway Freight Corridors Industrial Corridors  INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests GS-3: Economy & Challenges Rising Natural Gas Prices Context: The is supposed to be an off season. Winter is yet to set in. But natural gas prices soared over the past few months, especially in Europe. The price of natural gas in Europe is now six times higher than what it was last year. Across the continent, natural gas inventories are falling. What’s driving up the prices? Supply Constraints Global energy demand fell in 2020 when economies slipped into COVID-induced lockdowns.  When growth returned this year, especially to Asian economies, demand shot up and energy producers struggled to meet the growing demand, pushing up prices.  Even in the U.S., the world’s largest natural gas producer, prices rose from $1.7 per million British thermal units on March 31 to $6.3 per mBtu on October 5.  Europe, which is heavily dependent on imports to meet its energy demand, was particularly hit hard.  As part of Europe’s shift towards cleaner energy, many countries had moved away from coal to gas to produce electricity. This increased Europe’s reliance on gas.  On the other side, the Europe’s natural gas production has shrunk over the years, as many countries shut down production fields over environmental concerns.  If Europe’s natural gas production (excluding Russia) was about 300 billion cubic metres in 2005, it fell to less than 200 bcm in 2021. Europe’s main producer of natural gas, has seen its production shrink from 117.6 bcm in 2015 to 105.3 bcm in 2021. This has left Europe largely dependent on Russia.  Energy Geopolitics As prices shot up amid growing worldwide demand and falling production in Europe, supplies from Russia via a pipeline that passes through Ukraine and Poland also reduced, which made the situation worse. Russia has built another gas pipeline, Nord Stream 2, which will take Russian gas directly to Germany bypassing Ukraine and Poland (who are critical of Putin). But supplies to Europe through Nord Stream 2 are yet to start as the pipeline is awaiting approval from European authorities.  US & several countries in Europe remain critical of Nord Stream-2 pipeline, because they believe that the pipeline will enhance Russia’s leverage over Europe and would also allow Russia to economically punish Ukraine and Poland.  In the past when Europe’s energy demand shot up, Russia had stepped up supplies. However, Russian exports to Europe this year were lower than they were in 2019.  This has fuelled speculation that Mr. Putin is using the energy crunch in Europe to get approval from the EU for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Russia has dismissed such criticism, saying Russia has no role in the energy crunch. What lies ahead? The situation has calmed after Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Europe of increasing the supplies.  But Mr. Putin didn’t say how Russia was going to increase it supplies — through the existing pipeline or Nord Stream 2? It is to be seen if additional supplies would be tied to a quick approval for the Nord Stream- 2 pipeline.  Furthermore, the Russian domestic gas market also remains tight. Inventories are running low, and winter is coming, which would shoot up demand constraining Russia’s export capacity.  And demand is rising not only in Europe and the Americas, but also in Asia. Coal shortages in India and China could drive up prices of natural gas further. Connecting the dots: Nord Stream-2 Pipeline India’s Coal Crisis (Sansad TV – Perspective) Oct 12: China-Taiwan Rift - https://youtu.be/DwHBysl5uNw  INTERNATIONAL GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests China-Taiwan Rift Context: Democratically ruled Taiwan has complained of stepped-up military and political pressure from Beijing to force it to accept Chinese rule.  Over the last weekend, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated a vow to reunify Taiwan.  This was followed by People's Liberation Army Daily's official newspaper in a brief report on its Weibo microblogging account, saying China's military had carried out beach landing and assault drills in the province directly across the sea from Taiwan, though it did not link these exercises to current tensions with Taipei.  According to reports China’s air force has also carried out a series of aerial intrusions into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone recently with a record 38 aircraft on October 1, when China marked its National Day, followed by 39 on October 2, 16 on October 3 and 56 on October 4.  While Taiwan’s Defence Minister described the current tensions between the two nations as the worst in 40 years, Taiwanese President has said that her country will not be forced to bow to China.  Also, Taiwan is entirely dependent on the US for its defence against possible Chinese aggression — and that is why every spike in military tensions between China and Taiwan injects more hostility in the already strained relationship between Washington and Beijing. Image source: https://images.indianexpress.com/2021/10/map-china.jpg  Background Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China (ROC) (earlier known as Formosa), is an island off the southern coast of China that has been governed independently from mainland China since 1949.  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) views the island as a province, while in Taiwan—a territory with its own democratically elected government that is home to twenty-three million people—political leaders have differing views on the island’s status and relations with the mainland. The PRC asserts that there is only “one China” and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of it. Beijing says Taiwan is bound by an understanding reached in 1992 between representatives of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) political party then ruling Taiwan.  Referred to as the 1992 Consensus, it states that there is only “one China” but allows for differing interpretations, by which both Beijing and Taipei agree that Taiwan belongs to China, while the two still disagree on which entity is China’s legitimate governing body.  The tacit agreement underlying the 1992 Consensus is that Taiwan will not seek independence. In Taiwan, the Chinese government’s objective has long been what it calls “peaceful reunification” — “reunification” even though Taiwan has never been under the jurisdiction or control of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party.  To achieve that goal, Beijing has for years tried to simultaneously coax and coerce Taiwan’s adhesion with both the promise of economic benefits and military threats. Challenge for the US President Joe Biden has so far walked a thin line between pledging support for Taiwan, and keeping the lid on tensions with Beijing.  After speaking with Xi earlier this month, he said they had agreed to abide by the “Taiwan Agreement”, under which US support for the “One China Policy” is premised on Beijing not invading Taiwan. The AUKUS pact among the US, UK, and Australia, under which Australia will be supplied with nuclear submarines, has imparted a new dimension to the security dynamics of the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan has welcomed the pact, while China has denounced it as seriously undermining regional peace. Implications for India India should review its One China Policy — it should use the Tibet card, and develop more robust relations with Taiwan to send a message to Beijing. India and Taiwan currently maintain “trade and cultural exchange” offices in each other’s capitals. In May 2020, the swearing-in of Tsai was attended virtually by BJP MPs Meenakshi Lekhi (now MoS External Affairs) and Rahul Kaswan. In 2016, New Delhi had dropped plans to send two representatives for Tsai’s first inaugural at the last minute. Talks with Taipei are ongoing to bring a $7.5-billion semiconductor or chip manufacturing plant to India. Chips are used in a range of devices from computers to 5G smartphones, to electric cars and medical equipment (the need to build a “safe supply chain for semiconductors”). Can you answer the following question? What is the reason for the long-running tensions between Beijing and Taipei? What implications does it have for the Indo-Pacific region and for India? (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 Bandar Abbas, recently seen in news, is located in Which of the following countries? Afghanistan Iran Iraq Bangladesh Q.2 consider the following statements regarding International Energy Agency (IEA): It was established in the framework of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. It works under United Nations Security Council  India is its full-time member Which of the above is or are correct  1 and 2 only 1 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3 Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC) is not levied on which of the following? Imported apple Imported beer  Imported pulses  Imported palm oil ANSWERS FOR 13th Oct 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 All are correct 3 D Must Read On Terrorism: The Hindu On Climate Finance: The Hindu

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 14th October 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 14th October 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

Baba's Gurukul 2022

[2 DAYS TO GO] Baba's GURUKUL 2022 - ENTRANCE TEST on 16th OCTOBER (Saturday)

Dear Students Last two days are left to register for Baba's Gurukul 2022 Entrance Test which will be held on 16th October 2021. Hurry Up and Register Now!! Also, we are happy to share over 125+ students of IASbaba have secured ranks in UPSC CSE 2020 Out of 50 Baba's Gurukul Students, two of them made it to the final list - Priyanga RA (AIR 181) and Anand Patil (AIR 325). Baba's Gurukul 2022 is a personal mentorship-based integrated course where we will groom a selected batch of students to aim for that Top Rank in UPSC. Baba's GURUKUL 2022 is available in both ONLINE and OFFLINE (DELHI and BANGALORE) mode. After a rigorous process of screening on the lines of UPSC, out of 1824 registrations, we have selected 60 Students. The Second Entrance Test for Baba's Gurukul 2022 will be held on 16th October (Saturday) at 11 AM. Those who could not appear for the First Entrance Test and still wish to be part of the Program can take the 2nd Entrance Test on 16th October. DETAILS OF THE ENTRANCE TEST The entrance test will be exactly like UPSC-CSE where you will be facing a Prelims test, a Mains test, and a Personality test. Prelims and Mains exam will be on the same day and based on the merit list, students will be short-listed for the interview. The selection process will be similar to UPSC standards, comprising of one Prelims Test (75 MCQ’s – 150 marks; Syllabus will include current affairs of last six months and static GS topics + Objective CSAT questions), one Mains Test – 150 marks (it will include an essay based on Current Issues and case studies of Ethics to check the approach of candidates) and a Personality Test (it will be conducted to check the dedication of candidates and their level of understanding of Current Issues). The 1st entrance test will be held on 16th October (Saturday) at 11 AM. The test will be held ONLINE and OFFLINE (Bangalore, Delhi, and Lucknow Centres) The Results of the 1st Entrance Test will be out on 18th October (Monday) Interviews will be starting from 19th Octoberber (Tuesday) Final Results will be out on  22nd October (Friday) REGISTER HERE – CLICK HERE P.S:  The last date to register for the 2nd Entrance Test – 15th October (10 AM). The login credentials of the 2nd Entrance Test will be shared with registered students on 15th October. Please note that the Programme will start from 25th October 2021. To Know the Details, Schedule, Fees, etc. about Baba's Gurukul 2022 - CLICK HERE For ANY QUERIES: Email ID: support@iasbaba.com Contact No. : 9169191888 (10 AM – 6 PM) Please do not make calls before or after the given timing. You can also reach us on – BENGALURU CENTRE: IASbaba Admission Centre: No.38, 3rd Cross, 1st Phase, 2nd Stage, 60 Feet Mains Road, Chandralayout, Bengaluru-560040. Landmark: Opposite to BBMP Office/ CULT Fitness DELHI CENTRE: 5B, PUSA Road, Opposite to Metro Pillar 110, Karol Bagh, New Delhi -110005 (Landmark: CROMA Store) LUCKNOW CENTRE:  IASbaba, B-1/66, Sector J, Aligunj, Lucknow – 226024. Landmark: Near Mr Brown / Opp to Sahu Studio All the best  IASbaba

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th October 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Covaxin cleared for emergency use in 2-18 age group Part of: Prelims and GS II - Health Context Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin (BBV152) has been recommended for emergency use authorisation (EUA) for 2-18-year-olds by the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO). Once approved, it will emerge as the first COVID-19 vaccine globally to be used for vaccinating children as young as 2 years. What is the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO)? The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, is the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India.  Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CDSCO is responsible for approval of Drugs, Conduct of Clinical Trials, laying down the standards for Drugs,  Headquarters: New Delhi About Covaxin Covaxin is India's first indigenous, whole-virion, inactivated vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Medical Research Council (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV). It has been formulated with ‘Algel-IMDG’, which contains chemically absorbed TLR7/8 as an adjuvant onto aluminium hydroxide gel to generate the requisite type of immune responses without damaging the body. Yakshagana Part of: Prelims and GS - I - Art and Culture Context Yakshagana Bhagavatha (singer-cum-director) Padyana Ganapathi Bhat passed away recently. About Yakshagana Yakshagana is a traditional theater of Karnataka.  It is also performed in Kasaragod district in Kerala. It combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form. It is believed to have evolved from pre-classical music and theatre during the period of the Bhakti movement Yakshagana is traditionally presented from dusk to dawn.  Its stories are drawn from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and other epics from both Hindu and Jain and other ancient Indic traditions. Government announces plastic waste recycling targets Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Pollution Context The Environment Ministry has issued draft rules that mandate producers of plastic packaging material to collect all of their produce by 2024  The producers have to ensure that a minimum percentage of it be recycled as well as used in subsequent supply. Key takeaways  It has also specified a system whereby makers and users of plastic packaging could collect certificates — called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates — and trade in them. Only a fraction of plastic that cannot be recycled would be eligible to be sent for end-of-life disposal such as road construction, waste to energy, waste to oil and cement kilns.  Only methods prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) would be permitted for their disposal. Producers of plastic would be obliged to declare to the government, via a centralised website, how much plastic they produce annually.  Companies would have to collect at least 35% of the target in 2021-22, 70% by 2022-23 and 100% by 2024. If entities cannot fulfil their obligations, they would on a “case by case basis” be permitted to buy certificates making up for their shortfall from organisations that have used recycled content in excess of their obligation.  The CPCB would develop a “mechanism” for such exchanges on an online portal.  Non-compliance would not invite a traditional fine. Instead an “environmental compensation” would be levied. Categories of Plastic packaging Plastic packaging shall fall into three categories.  The first category is “rigid” plastic;  Category 2 is “flexible plastic packaging of single layer or multilayer, plastic sheets and covers made of plastic sheet, carry bags, plastic sachet or pouches;  The third category is called multilayered plastic packaging, which has at least one layer of plastic and at least one layer of material other than plastic. In 2024, a minimum 50% of their rigid plastic (category 1) would have to be recycled as would 30% of their category 2 and 3 plastic.  Every year would see progressively higher targets and after 2026-27, 80% of their category 1 and 60% of the other two categories would need to be recycled. Kunming biodiversity fund Part of: Prelims and GS II - International relations and GS - III- Climate change Context China pledged to inject $233 million into a new fund to protect biodiversity in developing countries during the recently held UN biodiversity summit. China has called on all parties to contribute to the fund. Key takeaways  Beijing — the world’s biggest polluter — has sought to play a more prominent role internationally on biodiversity conservation in recent years. Its pledge came as delegates from about 195 countries gathered in the southern Chinese city of Kunming for the first of a two-part summit on safeguarding plants, animals and ecosystems. The summit aims to establish a new accord setting out targets for 2030 and 2050.  China will take the lead in establishing the Kunming biodiversity fund with a capital contribution of 1.5 billion yuan ($233 million) to support the cause of biodiversity conservation in developing countries. France unveils $35 bn revival plan Part of: Prelims and GS II - International Relations and GS-III - Economy; Environment  Context French President has unveiled a five-year, €30 billion ($35 billion) investment plan for developing innovative technology and industrial activity. Key takeaways  The goal of the state-funded France 2030 plan is to boost France’s economic growth over the next decade amid growing global competition with China and the U.S. The plan includes €8 billion to develop energy technology that would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The funding would finance the building of small, modular nuclear reactors in France, which relies on nuclear power for 70% of its electricity. The plan calls for €4 billion to be used to develop about 2 million electric and hybrid cars by the end of the decade. France will invest in building its first “low-carbon plane” by 2030.  The plan also provides money to develop by 2026 a reusable launch system to propel spacecraft. Carbon-neutral Economy EU leaders have agreed that nuclear energy could be part of its commitment to making its economy carbon-neutral by 2050, giving member countries the option of using it in their national energy mixes. However, Germany and some other countries argue that nuclear power should not be included in plans to finance greener energy because it requires mining and long-term storage of radioactive waste. France has vowed to become “the leader of green hydrogen” power by 2030 Green hydrogen is a  form of energy which does not emit carbon dioxide and can be used in industries such as steel and chemical manufacturing that currently rely on fossil fuels. Sea rise to continue for centuries Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Economy; Environment  Context The researchers have warned that even if humanity caps global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, seas will rise for centuries to come and swamp cities currently home to half-a-billion people. Key takeaways  If temperature rises another half-degree above that benchmark, an additional 200 million of today’s urban dwellers would regularly find themselves knee-deep in sea water and more vulnerable to devastating storm surges. Worst hit in any scenario will be Asia, which accounts for nine of the 10 mega-cities at highest risk. Land home to more than half the populations of Bangladesh and Vietnam fall below the long-term high tide line.  Built-up areas in China, India and Indonesia would also face devastation. Most projections for sea level rise run to the end of the century. But oceans will continue to swell for hundreds of years beyond 2100 — fed by melting ice sheets, heat trapped in the ocean and the dynamics of warming water — no matter how aggressively greenhouse gas emissions are drawn down. Do you know? Sea Level rise (SLR) takes place by three primary factors:   Thermal Expansion  Melting Glaciers   Loss of Greenland and Antarctica’s ice sheets. Bioethanol: A reliable aviation fuel Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Economy; Environment  Context According to the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Bioethanol can be a sustainable fuel for the aviation sector. It can provide 80% savings on greenhouse gas emissions and be blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuels without any modification.  It has already been tested and approved by the Indian Air Force.  With the roll out of flex-fuel vehicles that run 100% on bioethanol, the demand for ethanol will jump four to five times. What is Bioethanol? The principal fuel used as a petrol substitute for road transport vehicles is bioethanol.  Bioethanol fuel is mainly produced by the sugar fermentation process, although it can also be manufactured by the chemical process of reacting ethylene with steam. Ethanol or ethyl alcohol (C2H5OH) is a clear colourless liquid. Ethanol burns to produce carbon dioxide and water. Energy Crops required to produce ethanol:  corn, maize and wheat crops, waste straw, willow and poplar trees, sawdust, reed canary grass, cord grasses, jerusalem artichoke, myscanthus and sorghum plants. Benefits:  Renewable; biodegradable Less toxic Reduced greenhouse gas emissions greater fuel security Boost to farmers (News from PIB) G20 Extraordinary Summit on Afghanistan Part of: Mains GS-II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests In News: India participated virtually in the G20 Extraordinary Summit on Afghanistan Convened by Italy (holds the G20 Presidency) Issues: related to the humanitarian situation; concerns relating to terrorism; and human rights in Afghanistan. India’s Views on Afghanistan  Over the last two decades, India has contributed to promoting socio-economic development and capacity building of youth and women in Afghanistan (over 500 development projects) Emphasized the need for the international community to ensure that Afghanistan has immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. There’s a need to enhance our joint fight against the nexus of radicalization, terrorism and the smuggling of drugs and arms in the region. Conveyed support for the important role of the United Nations in Afghanistan and called for renewed support of the G20 for the message contained in UN Security Council Resolution 2593 on Afghanistan. What is G20? The G20 is the international forum that brings together the world’s major economies. Its members account for more than 80% of world GDP, 75% of global trade and 60% of the population of the planet. The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union. The 19 countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States The forum has met every year since 1999 and includes, since 2008, a yearly Summit, with the participation of the respective Heads of State and Government. News Source: PIB Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In News: Cabinet approved the continuation of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) till 2025-26, with focus on  Sustainability of Open Defecation Free (ODF) outcomes,  Achieving scientific processing of Solid Waste in all cities, and  Managing Wastewater in cities with less than 1 lakh population in Census 2011 [cities not covered under (AMRUT)]. Key Components Sustainable Sanitation: Ensuring complete access to sanitation facilities to serve additional population migrating from rural to urban areas in search of employment and better opportunities over the next 5 years.  Complete liquid waste management in cities in less than 1 lakh population –ensure that systems and processes are set up in every city so that all wastewater is safely contained, collected, transported and treated and no wastewater pollutes our water bodies. Sustainable Solid Waste Management: 100 percent source segregation of waste along with functional Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in every city,  with a focus on phasing out single use plastic Setting up of construction & demolition (C&D) waste processing facilities and deployment of mechanical sweepers in National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities and in cities with more than 5 lakh population Remediation of all legacy dumpsites, so that 14,000 acres of locked up land lying under 15 crore tonnes of legacy waste are freed up. Objectives of SBM(U)  Eradication of open defecation in all statutory towns 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste in all statutory towns Effecting behaviour change through Jan Andolan News Source: PIB AMRUT 2.0 Part of: Prelims and Mains GS-II: Governance In News: Cabinet has approved the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0) till 2025-26, with aim of making the cities ‘water secure’ and ‘self-sustainable’ through circular economy of water.  This will be achieved by  Providing functional tap connections to all households,  Undertaking water source conservation/ augmentation,  Rejuvenation of water bodies and wells,  Recycle/re r use of treated used water and rainwater harvesting Key features: Mission will be monitored on a robust technology based portal.  The projects will be geo-tagged.  Cities will assess their water sources, consumption, future requirement and water losses through a city water balance plan. Based on this, city water action plans will be prepared which will be summed up as State Water Action Plan and will be approved by the Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs.  Pey Jal Survekshan which will encourage competition among cities for benchmarking urban water services.  Mission will also encourage mobilization of market finance by mandating implementation of 10% of worth of projects in cities with population above ten lakh through Public Private Participation.  Mission will also bring in the leading technologies in water sector in world through technology sub-Mission.  Entrepreneurs/ start-ups will be encouraged in water eco-system. Information Education and Communication (IEC) campaign will be undertaken to spread awareness among masses about water conservation. Mission has a reform agenda focussed towards financial health and water security of ULBs. Meeting 20% of water demand through recycled water, reducing non-revenue water to less than 20% and rejuvenation of water bodies are major water related reforms.  Reforms on property tax, user charges and enhancing credit worthiness of ULBs are other important reforms.  News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY GS-2: International Institutions & their workings Controversy over Ease of Doing Business Rankings  Context: Recently, there were allegations of data tampering by Kristalina Georgieva (Former WB Chief & currently MD of IMF) in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings in favour of China.  What is the controversy around Georgieva? Georgieva is a Bulgarian economist who held several high-profile positions in European politics. In January 2017, she was appointed the chief executive of the World Bank group.  In January 2019, she took over as the interim president of the WB group. In October 2019, she took over as Managing Director of the IMF. The trouble started when in January 2018, Paul Romer, then the chief economist of the World Bank told The Wall Street Journal that the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings were tweaked for political reasons.  Soon Romer resigned. Incidentally, Romer was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics later that year for showing how knowledge can function as a driver of long-term growth. Romer’s comments and resignation kick-started a series of queries both inside and outside the World Bank about the integrity of EoDB rankings. In particular, it was alleged that the EoDB rankings were tweaked to inflate the ranks for China (in EoDB 2018) and Saudi Arabia, UAE and Azerbaijan (EoDB 2020). What has happened since the controversy broke out? In August 2020, the World Bank suspended its EoDB rankings after finding some “data irregularities”. The World Bank initiated a full review and an independent investigation. One such effort was to engage WilmerHale, a law firm, in January 2021.  In its report, submitted September 2021, Wilmerhale’s investigations found that the World Bank staff did indeed manipulate data to help China’s ranking and they did so under pressure from Georgieva. The WilmerHale report states that at one point, when Georgieva took direct control of China’s ranking and was looking for ways to raise it, it was suggested to just take the average of the two best performing cities — Beijing and Shanghai — as they do for several other countries (such as India) instead of taking a weighted average of several cities. By cherry-picking the top two cities, China’s ranking would go up. These findings are particularly damning because China is the third-largest shareholder in the World Bank after the US and Japan, and it is being seen as manipulating its way to higher rankings. The investigation report did not find any evidence of wrongdoing with respect to the rankings of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Azerbaijan. What are the EoDB rankings, and why do they matter? The EoDB rankings were started in 2002 to rank countries on a number of parameters to indicate how easy or difficult it is for anyone to do business in a country.  Given the apparently extensive nature of rankings and that the World Bank was doing it, the EoDB soon became the go-to metric for international investors to assess risk and opportunity across the globe.  Billions of dollars of investments started becoming predicated on where a country stands on EoDB and whether it is improving or worsening.  It also acquired massive political significance as leaders in different countries started using EoDB rankings to either claim success for their policies. How can the ranking methodology be improved? On September 1, the World Bank also published the findings of an external panel review of its EoDB methodology. It stated that “the current methodology should be significantly modified, implying a major overhaul of the project. Some of the key recommendations are: Any ranking based on such a small sample ignored the ease of doing business in other cities & regions of the country. Thus, there is a need for broad basing the data collection from a larger representative samples of “actual” business owners and operators. Not to ignore the government functions that provide essential public goods to the private sector: transport and communications infrastructure, a skilled workforce, law and order, etc. Do not rank countries on their tax rates. From a societal standpoint, collecting taxes is necessary, and thus lower tax rates are not necessarily better. Eliminate the indicators “Protecting Minority Shareholders” and “Resolving Insolvency.” Make the “Contracting with Government” indicator more relevant. Restore and improve the “Employing Workers” indicator, but do not rank countries based on this information. Improve the transparency and oversight of Doing Business. Is this the first time the head of the IMF and/or World Bank has been in a controversy? No. In recent years, several heads of the World Bank and IMF have been found guilty of some wrongdoing or the other. In 2011, Dominique-Strauss Kahn, then the MD of IMF, had to resign after he was arrested in the US following allegations of sexual assault.  Rodrigo Rato, IMF’s MD between 2004 and 2007, was jailed in Spain for a credit card scandal in 2017.  Christine Lagarde, who was IMF MD between 2011 and 2017, has been found guilty of negligence in allowing the misuse of public funds in 2016 for a case dating back to 2011. Paul Wolfowitz, president of the World Bank between 2005 and 2007, had to resign following ethical violations and his romantic links with a World Bank employee.  The role of Jim Yong Kim, who was World Bank president until 2019, is also being questioned in the rankings controversy. INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Pandora Papers What is Pandora Papers? The Pandora Papers is a leak of almost 12 million documents and files that reveals hidden wealth, tax avoidance and, in some cases, money laundering by some of the world's rich and powerful. The data was obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists in Washington DC, which has been working with more than 140 media organisations and more than 600 journalists from 117 countries on its biggest ever global investigation. The ICIJ has also said that the “data trove covers more than 330 politicians and 130 Forbes billionaires, as well as celebrities, drug dealers, royal family members and leaders of religious groups around the world”. Is this the first time that such financial papers have been leaked? Since at least 2008, files indicating the manipulations by the rich have been stolen from financial institutions. In 2008, a former employee of the LGT Bank of Liechtenstein offered information to tax authorities.  Again in 2008, Hervé Falciani obtained confidential data on HSBC bank accounts from remote servers and gave the data to then French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, who then passed it on to the various governments, including India.   In 2017, the Paradise Papers were leaked out mostly from the more than 100-year-old offshore law firm, Appleby, which operates globally.  In 2016, the Panama Papers were obtained by hacking the server of the Panamanian financial firm, Mossack Fonseca. The leaked documents from Luxembourg, the “Luxembourg Leaks”, appeared in 2014. The modus operandi The leaked papers now and even earlier have exposed the international financial architecture and illicit financial flows.  For instance, Panama Papers highlighted the template used in other tax havens. The Pandora Papers once again confirm this pattern.  Tax havens enable the rich to hide the true ownership of assets by using: trusts, shell companies and the process of ‘layering’.  The process of layering involves moving funds from one shell-company in one tax haven to another in another tax haven and liquidating the previous company. This way, money is moved through several tax havens to the ultimate destination.  Since the trail is erased at each step, it becomes difficult for authorities to track the flow of funds.  Financial firms offer their services to work this out for the rich. They provide ready-made shell companies with directors, create trusts and ‘layer’ the movement of funds. Only the moneyed can afford these services.  It appears that most of the rich in the world use such manipulations to lower their tax liability even if their income is legally earned. Even citizens of countries with low tax rates use tax havens. Implications Rise of Tax Havens: Over the three decades, tax havens have enabled capital to become highly mobile, forcing nations to lower tax rates to attract capital. This has led to the ‘race to the bottom’,  Impairs Welfare Provision of Government: Layering of money through tax havens results in a shortage of resources with governments to provide public goods, etc., in turn adversely impacting the poor. Legally correct but morally wrong: Strictly speaking, not all the activity being exposed by the Pandora Papers may be illegal, however, it is morally wrong for the rich to evade taxes which could have otherwise the poor people.  Complex Legal Process: The authorities will have to prove if the law of the land has been violated in each of these revelations. Each country will have to conduct its investigations and prove what part of the activity broke any of their laws.  In the United Kingdom, the laws regarding financial dealings are very favourable to the rich and their manipulations. Misplaced Focus on Unorganised Sector: Indian Government’s focus on the unorganised sector as the source of black income generation is also misplaced since data indicate that it is the organised sector that has been the real culprit and also spirits out a part of its black incomes through Tax Havens & layering. Conclusion An interesting recent development (October 8) has been the agreement among almost 140 countries to levy a 15% minimum tax rate on corporates. Though it is a long shot, this may dent the international financial architecture.  Other steps needed to tackle the curse of illicit financial flows are ending banking secrecy and a Tobin tax on transactions. Connecting the dots: Global Minimum Corporate Tax Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS) (Sansad TV – Perspective) Oct 11: Global Tax Reforms – https://youtu.be/JQYdB01MMw8 INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources Global Tax Reforms Context: After years of intensive negotiations to bring the international tax system into the 21st century, 136 countries have reached an agreement on the Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy. This will ensure big companies pay a minimum tax rate of 15%, making it harder for them to avoid taxation. What is the global minimum tax deal? The global minimum tax agreement does not seek to eliminate tax competition but puts multilaterally agreed limitations on it.  Under Pillar One of the agreements, taxing rights on more than 125 billion US Dollars of profit are expected to be reallocated to market jurisdictions each year. Pillar Two of this agreement introduces a global minimum corporate tax rate at 15%. The new minimum tax rate will apply to companies with revenue above 750 million Euros and is estimated to generate around 150 billion US dollars in additional global tax revenues annually.  Further benefits are also expected from the stabilisation of the international tax system and the increased tax certainty for taxpayers and tax administrations. Why a global minimum tax? With budgets strained after the COVID-19 crisis, many governments want to discourage multinationals from shifting profits and tax revenues to low-tax countries regardless of where their sales are made. Increasingly, income from intangible sources such as drug patents, software and royalties on intellectual property has migrated to these jurisdictions, allowing companies to avoid paying higher taxes in their traditional home countries. The minimum tax and other provisions aim to put an end to decades of tax competition between governments to attract foreign investment. The Impact The OECD, which has steered the negotiations, estimates the minimum tax will generate $150 billion in additional global tax revenues annually. Taxing rights on more than $125 billion of profit will be additionally shifted to the countries were they are earned from the low tax countries where they are currently booked. The deal will encourage multinationals to repatriate capital to their country of headquarters, giving a boost to those economies. However, various deductions and exceptions included in the deal are at the same time designed to limit the impact on low tax countries like Ireland, where many US groups base their European operations. Can you answer the following questions? What is the global minimum tax deal and what will it mean for developing countries like India? (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 India's first indigenous, whole-virion, inactivated vaccine against COVID-19? Covishield Covaxin Sputnik India has not been able to develop any vaccine so far Q.2 The Environment Ministry has issued draft rules that mandate producers of plastic packaging material to collect all of their produce by 2024. Which of the following is incorrect about the rules? It has specified a system whereby makers and users of plastic packaging could collect Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates and trade in them. Only methods prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) would be permitted for disposal of the plastics. Companies would have to collect at least 35% of the target in 2021-22, 70% by 2022-23 and 100% by 2024. Non-compliance would not invite a traditional fine. Instead an “environmental compensation” would be levied Q.3 Which of the following Energy Crops can be grown to produce ethanol? Reed canary grass Cord grasses Jerusalem artichoke All of the above ANSWERS FOR 12th Oct 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 A 3 A Must Read On India-US and CAATSA: The Hindu On Boosting Tourism: The Hindu On Gati Shakti: Hindustan Times