Posts

Motivational Articles

[MI-STORIES]MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES - The Brooklyn Bridge!

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 - The Brooklyn Bridge! In 1883, a creative engineer named John Roebling was inspired by an idea to build a spectacular bridge connecting New York with the Long Island. However bridge building experts throughout the world thought that this was an impossible feat and told Roebling to forget the idea. It just could not be done. It was not practical. It had never been done before. Roebling could not ignore the vision he had in his mind of this bridge. He thought about it all the time and he knew deep in his heart that it could be done. He just had to share the dream with someone else. After much discussion and persuasion he managed to convince his son Washington, an up and coming engineer, that the bridge in fact could be built. Working together for the first time, the father and son developed concepts of how it could be accomplished and how the obstacles could be overcome. With great excitement and inspiration, and the headiness of a wild challenge before them, they hired their crew and began to build their dream bridge. The project started well, but when it was only a few months underway a tragic accident on the site took the life of John Roebling. Washington was also injured and left with a certain amount of brain damage, which resulted in him not being able to talk or walk. “We told them so.” “Crazy men and their crazy dreams.” “It’s foolish to chase wild visions.” Everyone had a negative comment to make and felt that the project should be scrapped since the Roeblings were the only ones who knew how the bridge could be built. In spite of his handicap Washington was never discouraged and still had a burning desire to complete the bridge and his mind was still as sharp as ever. He tried to inspire and pass on his enthusiasm to some of his friends, but they were too daunted by the task. As he lay on his bed in his hospital room, with the sunlight streaming through the windows, a gentle breeze blew the flimsy white curtains apart and he was able to see the sky and the tops of the trees outside for just a moment. It seemed that there was a message for him not to give up. Suddenly an idea hit him. All he could do was move one finger and he decided to make the best use of it. By moving this, he slowly developed a code of communication with his wife. He touched his wife’s arm with that finger, indicating to her that he wanted her to call the engineers again. Then he used the same method of tapping her arm to tell the engineers what to do. It seemed foolish but the project was underway again. For 13 years Washington tapped out his instructions with his finger on his wife’s arm, until the bridge was finally completed. Today the spectacular Brooklyn Bridge stands in all its glory as a tribute to the triumph of one man’s indomitable spirit and his determination not to be defeated by circumstances. It is also a tribute to the engineers and their team work, and to their faith in a man who was considered mad by half the world. It stands too as a tangible monument to the love and devotion of his wife who for 13 long years patiently decoded the messages of her husband and told the engineers what to do. Perhaps this is one of the best examples of a never-say-die attitude that overcomes a terrible physical handicap and achieves an impossible goal. Often when we face obstacles in our day-to-day life, our hurdles seem very small in comparison to what many others have to face. The Brooklyn Bridge shows us that dreams that seem impossible can be realised with determination and persistence, no matter what the odds are. What do you think is the moral of the story?

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 9th 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 9th 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

Important Articles

[WORKSHOP] By IASbaba’s TOPPERS for FUTURE TOPPERS! @ Delhi on 9th October( Saturday) - OPEN For All UPSC 2022 & 2023 Aspirants!

Hello everyone, As the tradition of IASbaba goes, every year we organise a Free Detailed Workshop to guide students on every aspect of UPSC preparation. This year also the workshop is going to be held in Delhi-NCR on 9th October 2021 (Saturday) for the students preparing for 2022 and 2023. This year, however, there is a slight change. This time all the sessions will be taken by IASbaba's Toppers of UPSC 2020.  The toppers taking the session are - DIVYA MISHRA - RANK 28 ANANT DWIVEDI - RANK 40 ASHISH KUMAR MISHRA - RANK 52 SALONI VERMA - RANK 70 AYUSH GUPTA - RANK 98 DEEPAK AGGARWAL - RANK 118 In every IASbaba workshop, we believe in providing concrete information rather than just 'gyaan' so that there is optimum utilisation of the time of the students as your time is precious. Hence, the topics discussed in the workshop will be - Understanding the demand of Exam – What UPSC wants from you? Prelims – The Art of Intelligent Guessing! Answer Writing Strategy – The Key to clear the Exam! Current Affairs – Demystified! How to Revise? Approach for Personality Test. Time Management / Daily Plan How to Make Notes? How to Approach Ethics and Essay? How to stay Motivated? Apart from all these,  toppers will be coming from different backgrounds and will be sharing their journey and success story so there will be a lot to learn for you. Not only that, after the workshop there will be a question-answer (Q&A) session where you will be able to interact with the toppers. Since the workshop, will be 4-5 hours long, lunch will be provided at the venue. Hence you'll have 'Food for Thought' and 'Food for Belly'. Now the important part, since we have to follow the covid protocol, entry will be strictly on a first come first serve basis. So if you are interested to attend the workshop, do fill the following Google Form. People who have already filled up the form need not do it again. We will close the registrations at 10 PM. REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP - CLICK HERE Details Regarding the Workshop Date and Time - 9th October (Saturday) at 11 AM. Venue - BFF Resto, 26, Pusa Road, Block 1, WEA, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005 Landmark: Near Karol Bagh Metro Station, Above FBB Showroom For Enquiries: Email ID - support@iasbaba.com Mobile No. - 91691 91888   Thank You TEAM IASbaba  

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 8th October 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India’s Newest Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh Part of: Prelims and GS III - Environment; Conservation  Context The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved Chhattisgarh’s proposal to declare the combined areas of the Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary and the Guru Ghasidas National Park as a Tiger Reserve. Part of Sanjay Dubri National Park originally, Guru Ghasidas Park was set up as a separate entity in Sarguja region of Chhattisgarh after the state came into being in 2001. Key takeaways  The new Reserve also borders Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.  This will be Chhattisgarh’s fourth Tiger Reserve after the Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Indravati Reserves. the proposal was approved under Section 38V(1) of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Significance Guru Ghasidas National Park is significant as the Asiatic cheetah’s last-known habitat in India.  Wildlife activists and experts believe that converting Guru Ghasidas into a Tiger Reserve is an important step as it connects Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand and provides the tigers with a corridor to move between the Palamau and Bandhavgarh reserves. On the other hand, Bhoramdeo connects Chhattisgarh’s Indravati Tiger Reserve with Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha Tiger Reserve. National Tiger Conservation Authority It was established in December 2005 following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force which was constituted by the Prime Minister of India for reorganised management of Project Tiger and the many Tiger Reserves in India. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was amended in 2006 to provide for its constitution.  It is responsible for implementation of the Project Tiger to protect endangered tigers. IIT-M study finds contaminants in Cauvery  Part of: Prelims and GS III - Pollution  Context A study done by researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras(IIT-M) has found that contaminants, including pharmaceutically active compounds, personal care products, plastics, flame retardants, heavy metals and pesticides, pollute the Cauvery. Key takeaways  This highlights the need to regularly monitor the river and its tributaries for pharmaceutical contamination. The contamination is particularly serious because India is the second largest pharmaceutical manufacturer. Harmful effects: Drug compounds, when released into water bodies even in minuscule amounts, can harm human beings and the ecosystem in the long term. The study also highlighted the need to assess the long-term impact of such contamination on human health and the ecosystem. About Cauvery River The Cauvery River (Kaveri) is designated as the ‘Dakshin Bharat ki Ganga’ or ‘the Ganga of the South’. The Cauvery River rises at Talakaveri on the Brahmagiri range near Cherangala village, Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka. It flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and descends the Eastern Ghats in a series of great falls. Before emptying into the Bay of Bengal south of Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu the river breaks into a large number of distributaries forming a wide delta called the “garden of southern India” It is bounded by the Western Ghats on the west, by the Eastern Ghats on the east and the south, and by the ridges separating it from the Krishna basin and Pennar basin on the north. Supreme Court allows girls to appear for RIMC test Part of: Prelims and GS - II - Education Context Supreme Court has allowed girls to appear in the entrance examination scheduled for December 2021 for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC). Recently, SC had asked the armed forces to allow women to write the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam in November 2021 as well. About RIMC Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) is a military school for boys situated in Doon Valley, Dehradun in India. It was established in 1922. The RIMC is a feeder institution for the National Defence Academy, Indian Naval Academy and subsequently the Indian Armed Forces. Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit Part of: Prelims and GS I - Art and culture and GS-III - Tourism Context Chhattisgarh Chief Minister inaugurated the redeveloped ancient Mata Kaushalya temple, part of the “Ram Van Gaman” Tourism Circuit. He inaugurated the first phase of the project in Chandrakhuri village of Raipur district. Chandkhuri is believed to be the maternal home of Lord Ram. About Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit The State government is developing the tourism circuit at a cost of Rs. 137.45 crore.  Nine sites are being developed to attract tourists to the circuit, The circuit shall cover the route believed to be taken by Lord Ram during his 14-year exile. The nine sites are Sitamarhi-Harchaika (Koriya), Ramgarh (Ambikapur), Shivrinarayan (Janjgir-Champa), Turturiya (Baloda Bazaar), Chandkhuri, Rajim (Gariaband), Sihawa-Saptarishi Ashram (Dhamtari), Jagdalpur (Bastar) and Ramaram (Sukma). About Mata Kaushalya temple Mata Kaushalya temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Mata Kaushalya, mother of Lord Ram.  It is the only temple in the world dedicated to Mata Kaushalya.  It is located on Chandkhuri village 27 km away from the Raipur in Chhattisgarh The temple is believed to have been constructed in the 8th century Indian forces to carry out exercise with U.K. Part of: Prelims and GS III - Defence and security  Context India’s armed forces are scheduled to carry out an exercise with the U.K.’s Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group later this month (October). As part of training, both the Armies would familiarise with each other’s weapons, equipment, tactics, techniques and procedures for carrying out joint military operations. Other developments between India and UK The second meeting of the India-U.K. Joint Working Group (JWG) on cyber capacity-building was held recently through videoconferencing. The Army also said that the sixth edition of the India-U.K. joint company-level military training, Exercise Ajeya Warrior, had commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, and would culminate on October 20. India and the U.K. are also in talks for a bilateral logistics support agreement. Do you know? In July, India and the U.K. participated in a two-day bilateral Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG-21), led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, in the Bay of Bengal as the carrier was passing through. Nobel Prize in Literature Part of: Prelims Tanzanian novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah, 72, won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature “for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee. Mr. Gurnah is the first African writer to win the award since the Zimbabwean Doris Lessing in 2007, and only the second writer of colour from sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria’s Wole Soyinka, who won in 1986. His novels include Paradise, which is set in colonial East Africa during the First World War and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction, and Desertion . (News from PIB) India Joins High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-III: Climate change In News: India has joined the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, a group of more than 70 countries encouraging the adoption of the global goal to protect 30x30. Initiated at the “One Planet Summit” in Paris in January 2021, this coalition aims to promote an international agreement to protect at least 30 % the of world's land and ocean by 2030. HAC members currently include a mix of countries in the global north and south; European, Latin American, Africa and Asia countries are among the members.  India is the first of the BRICS bloc of major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) to join the HAC. News Source: PIB Sources of aerosols in the central Himalayan region  Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-III: Climate change Sources: Mineral dust, biomass burning, secondary sulfate, secondary nitrate from northwest India and Pakistan, polluted cities like Delhi, the Thar Desert, and the Arabian Sea area, and long-range transported marine mixed aerosols. This dust transport and forest fires are the main sources of total suspended particles (TSP), particularly in pre-monsoon period (March-May) when TSP concentration peaks in the region. There was predominance of mineral dust in spring and summer and biomass burning and secondary sulfate in winter.  The transported marine mixed aerosol source was mainly associated with SW monsoon air masses during the summer season. Carbonaceous aerosols (Organic Carbon (OC) and Elemental Carbon (EC) were the maximum in winter due to the intensification of biomass burning over the Indo Gangetic Plains and the Himalayas because of domestic heating and shallower mixing layer. Background With a unique role in the Asian climate, the Himalayan region is considered a vulnerable environment. Several chemical speciation studies have been performed for carbonaceous aerosols and inorganic species over the western and central Himalayan regions during the last decade, reporting the dominance of transported aerosol plumes from the Indo-Gangetic Plains.  News Source: PIB PM Cares For Children Scheme Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-II: Policies and interventions In News: The Ministry of Women and Child Development has issued the detailed guidelines for PM CARES for Children Scheme. Corpus of Rs. 10 Lakh: A corpus of Rs. 10 lakh will be allocated to each of these children from the PM CARES fund. It will provide monthly stipend from 18 years of age.  On attaining 23 years, he/she will get the corpus amount. Education to the Children (under 10 years): Ensure admission to Kendriya Vidyalayas/ private schools. PM CARES will pay for the uniform text books and notebooks If the child is admitted in a private school the fees as per the RTE norms will be provided Education to the Children (11-18 years): The child will be given admission in any Central Government Residential School In case the child is to be continued under the care of guardian, he/she will be given admission in the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya/private school Higher education: Provision of either a scholarship equivalent to the tuition fees/ educational loans.  Interest on the loan will be paid by the PM-CARES fund. Health Insurance: All children will be enrolled as a beneficiary under Ayushman Bharat Scheme  The premium amount will be paid by PM-CARES till a child turns 18. MOU: Ministry of Textiles and GIZ Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-II: International Relations In News: An MOU was signed between Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Ministry of Textiles Govt. of India  on Implementation Agreement of Indo German Technical Cooperation Project on ‘Sustainability and Value Added  in the Cotton Economy’.  The objective of the project is `to increase the value addition from sustainable cotton production in India by focusing on sustainable cotton, and strengthening of downstream processing’.  It is focussing on 4 majorly cotton producing states- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu  Follows "From shelf to field” approach, with the strategy to link consumers to the cotton growers in India and work along the entire supply chain.  To create the “pull” factor for improved market access by the farmers for their sustainably grown cotton – promotion of sustainable cotton cultivation methods emphasizing on implementation of good agriculture practices. Focusing on creation and promotion of transparency about the prevalence and application of internationally recognized/accepted sustainability standards and promoting measures that reduce the water footprint in cotton production. This will help reduce vulnerability of cotton sector to ever-increasing water-stress worsened by climate vagaries. GIZ project is aimed at   Increasing volume of cotton production at least on 90,000 hac  Participation of 1.50 lakh cotton farmers with yield increase by 10% This will enable capacity building of the 1.50 lakh farmers& entrepreneurs of which about 30% will be women beneficiaries. India is the largest cotton producer in the world and also the 2nd largest consumer of cotton in the world with estimated consumption of 303 lakh bales (5.15 Million Metric Tones i.e. 20% of world cotton consumption of 1505 lakh bales (25.59 Million Metric Tones). It plays a major role in sustaining the livelihood of an estimated 6 Million cotton farmers and about 50 Million people engaged in related activity such as cotton processing & trade. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) AGRICULTURE/ 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 and issues relating to it. GS-3: Agriculture Data Revolution in Indian agriculture Context: Recently, a document on “Indian Agriculture: Ripe for Disruption” was released by a private organisation Bain and Company. Key Takeaways of the report The Bain report is a data-based prediction on agri-business scenarios  It includes targeting the production of alternative proteins, and food cell-based food/ingredients and initiating ocean farming, etc.  The agriculture sector (currently worth $370 billion), is estimated to receive an additional $35 billion investment.  The two enabling conditions for such investment opportunities are  Changes in the regulatory framework, especially recent changes in the Farm Acts  Digital disruption through government initiative of IDEA – ‘India Digital Ecosystem for Agriculture’. The Indian agriculture sector in future will encompass farm to fork and pave the way for a single national market with a national platform with better connection between producer and consumers.  The report has convincingly demonstrated the business opportunity available in supply chains between farm to Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) mandi and mandi to the customer, which can be realised with the support of digital disruption and the latest agriculture reforms.  The report argues that benefiting from the huge investments into the agri-ecosystem, doubling farmers’ income targets can be achieved in near future.  Concerns or Challenges The IT industry has opposition to IDEA mainly due to the ethics of creating a Unique Farmer ID based on one’s Aadhaar number and also the potential for data misuse.  There is a general assumption that more investments into the agriculture sector will benefit farmers; ‘but how’ has not been convincingly answered in the report.  Majority of small and marginal farmers are under-educated and not technology-savvy. However, capacity building of farmers is ignored amidst these ambitious developments.  Protest of farmers against the reforms can act as a barrier or risk factor resulting in a repealing of these new farm laws.  Way Forward While agreeing on the fact that a data revolution is inevitable in the agriculture sector, given its socio-political complexities, we cannot just count on technology fixes and agri-business investments for improving farmers’ livelihoods.  There need to be immense efforts to improve the capacities of the farmers, by establishing support systems, through FPOs and other farmers associations. Considering the size of the agriculture sector of the country this is not going to be an easy task but would need a separate programme across the country with considerable investment.  Connecting the dots: New Farm Acts and opposition to it  How has agri-marketing policy changed over years IDEA- India Digital Ecosystem for Agriculture POLITY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Federalism and challenges GS-3: Disaster Management PRIs and Disaster Management Context: The Panchayati Raj, first adopted by Nagaur in Rajasthan on October 2, 1959, has expanded vastly. There are now 2,60,512 Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) represented by about 31 lakh elected members across India.  The People’s Plan Campaign and Vibrant Gram Sabha Dashboard, rolled out this year, aspire to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system by making gram sabhas more vibrant. People Plan campaign or “Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas” aims to draw up Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) in the country and place them on a website where anyone can see the status of the various government’s flagship schemes. Vibrant Gram Sabha Dashboard will help in increasing maximum participation from Panchayats through the meeting of Gram Sabha, the Standing Committee meeting of Gram Panchayat, meeting of elected Panchayat public representatives throughout the year. Crucial Panchayat Raj Institutions(PRI) during Pandemic When the traditional top-down disaster response system was compromised during the bad months of the pandemic, it was PRIs that played a remarkable role.  They helped reduce risks, responded swiftly and thus helped people recover quickly. The PRIs provided essential leadership at the local level.  They performed both regulatory and welfare functions.  For instance, during the nationwide lockdown, PRIs set up containment zones, arranged transport, identified buildings for quarantining people and provisioned food for the incoming migrants.  Moreover, effective implementation of welfare schemes like MGNREGA quickened the pace of recovery while ensuring support to the vulnerable population. Regular engagement with frontline workers like ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers through committees bridged the trust gap between the community and the officials. More recently, PRI’s role in mobilising citizens for COVID-19 vaccination is exemplary helping India move towards universal vaccination by end of the year. What measures can be taken to further improve PRIs role during disasters (like Pandemic)? The Yokohama strategy,1994 emphasised that it is important to focus on disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness rather than disaster response alone, to reduce vulnerability. In this respect, certain initiatives can be taken to build the capacity of PRIs. Legal Recognition: It is crucial to include disaster management chapters in Panchayat Raj Acts and make disaster planning and spending part of Panchayati Raj development plans and local-level committees. This will ensure citizen-centric mapping and planning of resources.  Strengthening Capacities: Conducting regular location-specific training programmes for the community will strengthen individual and institutional capacities. Sharing of best practices, assigning roles to individual members and providing them with the necessary skills can make such programmes more meaningful. Disaster Management Plans: Since the community is usually the first responder in case of a disaster, community-based disaster management plans would help.  These would provide a strategy for resource utilisation and maintenance during a disaster.  Such plans should tap the traditional wisdom of local communities which will complement modern practices.  Mobilising Funds: Financial contributions from the community should be encouraged through the establishment of community disaster funds in all gram panchayats.  Conclusion It is imperative to make disaster resilience an inherent part of the community culture now more than ever. Connecting the dots: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act Hanumantha Rao Committee (1983), G.V.K. Rao Committee (1985), L.M.Singhvi Committee (1986) and the Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State relations (1988), P.K. Thungan Committee (1989) and Harlal Singh Kharra Committee (1990). (AIR – Perspective) Oct 6 – Cooperative and Competitive Federalism - https://youtu.be/NuyINLiSby0  ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Indian Constitution, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure Cooperative and Competitive Federalism Context: Federalism is a system of government in which states or provinces share power with a national government. The quasi-federal structure of the Indian nation was settled in after the country became free of colonialism and gained independence from the British. This style of federalism is responsible for the introduction of its cooperative as well as competitive variants in the country. The Constitution of India has created a strong Central government, but at the same time, it has not made the state governments weak and has not reduced them to the level of administrative agencies for the execution of policies of the Central government. Rather, the states have an independent constitutional existence.  Cooperative federalism The concept of cooperative federalism professes a horizontal relationship between the Central as well as the State governments. This essentially means that the legislature at the Union as well as the State levels cooperate to serve the larger public interest.  Such an arrangement, if executed successfully, would be a significant leap in enabling the participation of States in determining national policies. Usually cooperative federalism is seen in socialist economies where most of the resources are controlled by the government. It is being promoted in India through steps like the formation of NITI aayog, passing of GST etc. The essence of co-operative federalism is that the Centre and the State Governments should be guided by the broader national concerns of using the available resources for the benefit of the people.  Co-operative federalism encourages the Government at different levels to take advantage of a large national market, diverse and rich natural resources and the potential of human capabilities in all parts of the country and from all sections of the society for building a prosperous nation.  Co-operative federalism makes it possible to raise all the available resources by the Government at different levels in a co-ordinated way and channel them for use for the common good of the people. This requires a harmonious relationship and co-operative spirit between the Centre and the States and among the States themselves.  Co-operative federalism is intended to ensure a minimum bundle of basic services and a nationally acceptable level of living for all the people of the country. Must Read: Cooperative federalism amidst COVID-19 Competitive federalism In competitive federalism, the States share a vertical relationship with the Central government while competing amongst themselves. Essentially, States individually work towards attracting funds and investment to aid their developmental activities. This leads to the formation of a free market scenario amongst the States wherein they play the role of the sellers and the investors become the buyers. A type of Competitive federalism is seen in India where states want more funds and perks from the state government for growth. Also states can be involved in International treaties and business deals. They are also trying to woo MNCs to get more FDI. Competitive federalism follows the concept bottom-up approach as it will bring the change from the states. It ensures inclusive development in the country. It instill a spirit of positive competition and help utilization of successful models of development across many states. Thus, it helps in reducing inter-states and intra-states inequalities through development. It ensures that every limb of the whole country is developing. E.g. there are many disparities between various cities in terms of development, competitive sub-federalism reduces such disparities. It helps in instilling sense of responsibility in city administrations, ensuring no one have been left out. The policy of one-size-fit-all is replaced with different policies of various states based on the own priorities with in the state. Each state will design their own policies for development of the cities with self-fund. The concept also promotes discipline among the states. Conclusion: Cooperation as well as Competition on a national level is not a small feat to achieve and thus it requires a mutual understanding between the Central and State governments.  While prosperous States may be able to execute both policies effectively but economically backward States would require the Centre’s support to achieve their goals. Hence, there is a need for more cooperative federalism than competitive federalism in present times where states come together to help each other develop. Can you answer the following questions? Cooperative federalism is the only democratic way for the smooth functioning of Centre-State interactions. Illustrate. What is competitive federalism? Is it good for a developing country like India? Substantiate by taking suitable examples (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 Guru Ghasidas National Park was recently in news. Where is it located? Chhattisgarh  Jharkhand  Gujarat  Madhya Pradesh  Q.2 Which of the following peninsular rivers is westward flowing? Mahanadi Godavari Tapi Cauvery Q.3 Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit is launched by which of the following states? Karnataka Uttar Pradesh  Madhya Pradesh  Chhattisgarh ANSWERS FOR 7th Oct 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 A Must Read On water scarcity: Deccan Herald On Caste Politics: Deccan Herald On evictions and development: Indian Express

UPSC हिन्दी Quiz– 2021: IASbaba Daily Current Affairs Quiz 8th 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। To take the test - Click Here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 8th 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

[CURRENT AFFAIRS] IAS UPSC REVAMPED Current Affairs Magazine SEPTEMBER 2021

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, This is September 2021 of IASbaba’s REVAMPED Current Affairs Monthly Magazine. 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 edition covers all Important current affairs issues that were in news for the month of SEPTEMBER 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  

Motivational Articles

[VIDEO] PRELIMS- 6 Do’s & Don’ts on the D-Day of the UPSC PRELIMS 2021 EXAM by Mohan Sir - MOTIVATION & STRATEGY!

Dear Students You have already worked hard and sustained through the ups and downs of this pandemic. October 10th is just another day, albeit one that warrants more care and safety. We are sure that with power-packed initiatives like, 60 Day Plan, and Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series, you have the wherewithals to perform extremely well in the paper. So, have faith in yourself and give your best. A couple of days are left before the Prelims Exam and there are a few Do's and Don'ts which we would like to share with you which is very important for 10th October 2021. Approaching the exam with the right attitude and handling those four (2 +2) crucial hours becomes very important in clearing this exam. So here, in this video, Mohan Sir discusses the Practical Aspects  – 6 Do’s & Don’ts ON THE DAY of the Exam and DURING those 4 crucial hours. IMPORTANT TIMELINES: 01:29 -Right things to do on the Day of the Exam 05:02- The Right Attitude – Mind Set & How to Handle Anxiety? 09:40 – How to handle those 2 crucial hours Calmly and Confidently? 14:15 – Elimination Method 15:58 – Mistakes to avoid during the Exam 11:50 – How many rounds one should go about in the exam? 12:35 – CSAT Strategy during the Exam 18:25 – (Minimum)No. of Questions to Attempt 20:10 -Importance of Emotional Intelligence 24:00 – What not to do during the break between GS and CSAT Paper? 25:39 – Final piece of advice – Gyan! .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } It’s finally, You that is going to help yourself!! Believe in yourself. Stay calm. The rest will flow as you always wanted. You will do well.   All the Best  IASbaba Team

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th October 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) WHO recommends first anti-malarial vaccine Part of: Prelims and GS II - Health  Context The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the widespread rollout of the first malaria vaccine. This could save tens of thousands of children’s lives each year across Africa. Key takeaways  After a successful pilot programme in three African countries the RTS,S vaccine will be made available more widely. The RTS,S vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, was developed by the British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and has been administered to more than 800,000 children in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi since the pilot programme began in 2019. A study has also found that when young children were given both the RTS,S and antimalarial drugs there was a 70% reduction in hospitalisation or death. About Malaria  Malaria is a life threatening mosquito borne blood disease caused by plasmodium parasites.  It is predominantly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, South America as well as Asia. The parasites spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans. 2 of these species – Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat. Symptoms: Fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. It is preventable as well as curable. This disease causes hundreds of millions of infections each year, risking lives and livelihoods, trapping people in poverty. Status of India India is the only high endemic country which has reported a decline of 17.6% in 2019 as compared to 2018. India’s National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination shifted focus from Malaria control to elimination and provided a roadmap to end malaria in 571 districts out of India’s 678 districts by 2022. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recently established ‘Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India) which is a conglomeration of partners working on malaria control. Uttar Pradesh largest emitter of PM2.5: CEEW Part of: Prelims and GS III - Pollution  Context According to an analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Uttar Pradesh is the largest emitter of PM2.5, the class of particulate matter considered most harmful to health. Key takeaways  The high emissions from U.P. were largely due to a significant share of PM2.5 emissions from solid-fuel use in households and, by virtue of being India’s most populous State, it had a higher proportion of households relying on this form of fuel. Other top polluters: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan Common pollutants that were analysed: PM2.5, PM10, NOx (nitrous oxides), SO2 (sulphur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), NH3 (ammonia), and NMVOC (non-methane volatile organic compounds). Indian Government’s initiatives The Government of India has launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008 outlining eight National Missions on climate change. These include: National Solar Mission: To establish India as a global leader in solar energy by creating the policy conditions for its deployment across the country National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency: To promote the market for energy efficiency by fostering innovative policies and effective market instruments. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: To promote understanding of climate change, its adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency and natural resource conservation. National Water Mission: Conservation of water, minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem: To develop a sustainable National capacity to continuously assess the health status of the Himalayan Ecosystem National Mission for a Green India: Protecting; restoring and enhancing India's diminishing forest cover National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: Enhancing agricultural productivity especially in rainfed areas focusing on integrated farming, water use efficiency, soil health management and synergizing resource conservation National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change: To build a vibrant and dynamic knowledge system that would inform and support national action for responding effectively to the objective of ecologically National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Food processing and related industries in India  Context Arunachal Pradesh has finalised the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) implementing it across 1.33 lakh hectares soon. Besides, Integrated oil palm development firm 3F Oil Palm plans to invest Rs. 1,750 crore in oil palm cultivation in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Oil palm area under cultivation in the two States would increase in the next five years by about 31 times to 62,000 hectares and employment opportunities would be created. What are the key features of the NMEO-OP Scheme?  Objective: To ensure self-sufficiency in edible oil production. Aim: To reduce import dependence from 60% to 45% by 2024-25, by increasing domestic edible oil production from 10.5 million tonnes to 18 million tonnes which is a 70% growth target.  Farmers will get all needed facilities, from quality seeds to technology.  Along with promoting the cultivation of oil palm, this mission will also expand the cultivation of our other traditional oilseed crops.  What is the need for such schemes?  India is the largest consumer of vegetable oil in the world.  India’s Palm oil imports are almost 60% of its total vegetable oil imports. Recently, India’s dependence on expensive imports has driven retail oil prices to new highs. In India, 94.1% of its palm oil is used in food products, especially for cooking. Thus, palm oil is extremely important to India’s edible oils economy. Top consumers: India, China, and the European Union (EU). Do you know?  The NMEO-OP’s predecessor was the National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm. Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and its report Part of: Prelims and GS III - Conservation and Pollution related issues Context Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) has released a report on the status of coral reefs across the world. The report, the first of its kind in 13 years, underlined the catastrophic consequences of global warming but said that some coral reefs can be saved by arresting greenhouse gases. Highlights of the report In the last decade, the world lost about 14 percent of its coral reefs. Threats: Ocean-acidification, warmer sea temperatures and local stressors such as overfishing, pollution, unsustainable tourism and poor coastal management. Impact of global warming: Coral reefs across the world are under relentless stress from warming caused by climate change. Coral bleaching events caused by rise in elevated sea surface temperatures (SST) were responsible for coral loss. Loss of hard coral cover: There has been a steady decrease in hard coral cover in the last four decades since 1978 when the world lost nine per cent of its corals. The decrease is disconcerting because live hard coral cover is an indicator of coral reef health. Algal bloom: Algal bloom on coral ridges are a sign of stress on the structures. Since 2010, the amount of algae on the world’s coral reefs has increased by about 20 per cent. Why should we conserve corals? Corals occupy less than one per cent of the ocean floor but over one billion people benefit directly from the reefs. The value of goods and services provided by coral reefs is estimated to be $2.7 trillion per year. This includes $36 billion in coral reef tourism. The net economic value of the world’s coral reefs could be nearly tens of billions of dollars per year. What is bleaching? Bleaching occurs when healthy corals become stressed by changes in ocean temperatures, causing them to expel algae living in their tissues which drains them of their vibrant colours. Bleaching was first seen on the reef in 1998 — at the time, the hottest year on record — but as temperature records continue to tumble its frequency has increased, giving coral less time to recover. Nobel Prize for Chemistry 2021 Part of: Prelims and GS III - Sci and tech Context Germany’s Benjamin List and U.S.-based David MacMillan won the Nobel Chemistry Prize for developing a tool to build molecules which has helped make chemistry more environmentally friendly. Key takeaways  Their tool, which they developed independently of each other in 2000, can be used to control and accelerate chemical reactions, exerting a big impact on drug research. Prior to their work, scientists believed there were only two types of catalysts — metals and enzymes. Catalysts are substances that control and accelerate chemical reactions, without becoming part of the final product. The new technique relies on small organic molecules and is called “asymmetric organocatalysis”. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, allowing drug makers to streamline the production of medicines for depression and respiratory infections, among others. Organocatalysts allow several steps in a production process to be performed in an unbroken sequence, considerably reducing waste in chemical manufacturing. Hara Bhara campaign Part of: Prelims and GS III - Sci and Tech Context The Telangana government recently launched the drone-based afforestation project named ‘Hara Bhara’. About the campaign India’s first aerial seeding campaign by a Seedcopter drone at the KBR Park in Hyderabad was launched by Actor Rana Daggubati, who is the brand ambassador of the project. Aerial seeding is a technique of plantation wherein seed balls — seeds covered with a mixture of clay, compost, char and other components, are sprayed on the ground using aerial devices, including planes, helicopters or drones. These pellets will then sprout when there is enough rain, with the nutrients present within them helping in the initial growth. The state Department of Information technology, and Department of Forest have partnered with Marut Drones, a Hyderabad-based drone technology startup, for the first-of-its-kind project in India. This project uses drones to disperse seed balls prepared by the local women and welfare communities,  over thin, barren and empty forest lands to turn them into lush green abodes of trees.  Under rapid reforestation by drones, 50 lakh trees will be planted in about 12,000 hectares of land in forests across all the 33 districts in the state. The campaign is expected to accelerate the mission of Green Telangana under the ‘Haritha Haram’ programme. The process begins with a field survey and mapping of the terrain area to understand the ecosystem and demarcate the areas needing urgent attention. (News from PIB) PM MITRA Parks Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-III: Indian Economy In News: Government has approved setting up of 7 Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks with a total outlay of Rs. 4,445 crore in a period of 5 years. Will be developed by a Special Purpose Vehicle which will be owned by State Government and Government of India in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mode. World-class industrial infrastructure would attract cutting age technology and boost FDI and local investment in the sector Will offer an opportunity to create an integrated textiles value chain right from spinning, weaving, processing/dyeing and printing to garment manufacturing at 1 location Intended to generate ~1 lakh direct and 2 lakh indirect employment per park The Park will have –  Core Infrastructure: Incubation Centre & Plug & Play facility, Developed Factory Sites, Roads, Power, Water and Waste Water system, Common Processing House & CETP and other related facilities e.g. Design Centre, Testing Centres etc. Support Infrastructure: Workers’ hostels & housing, logistics park,  warehousing, medical, training & skill development facilities '5F' Formula encompasses - Farm to fibre; fibre to factory; factory to fashion; fashion to foreign News Source: PIB SVAMITVA scheme Part of: GS-Prelims The acronym SVAMITA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.  It is a Central Sector Scheme (100% by Union Government) implemented by Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj It is aimed at “providing ‘record of rights’ to village household owners possessing houses in inhabited rural areas in villages and issuance of property cards to the property owners.” The government aims to provide such property cards to each household in the next three to four years in every village across the country. The plan is to survey all rural properties using drones and prepare GIS based maps for each village. News Source: PIB Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health In News: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) has completed the target of opening of 8,300 Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), thus achieving the target of FY 2021-22 in just 6 months. All the districts of the country have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).  Effective IT-enabled logistics and supply-chain systems for ensuring real-time distribution of medicines at all outlets have also been introduced. Product basket of PMBJP presently comprises 1,451 drugs and 240 surgical instruments. Further, new medicines and nutraceutical products like glucometer, protein powder, malt-based food supplements, protein bar, immunity bar, etc. have been launched. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)  It is being run by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India  Vision: To bring down the healthcare budget of every citizen of India through providing “Quality generic Medicines at Affordable Prices”. Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Kendra is a medical outlet opened under the scheme which makes quality medicines available at affordable prices for all. Janaushadhi Sugam a mobile application for Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) facilitates the public by providing a digital platform at the tip of their fingers. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) INTERNATIONAL/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Foreign Policy & International Relations A strategy for India in a world that is adrift Context: Today, we are neither in a bipolar Cold War nor in a multipolar world, though perhaps tending towards a world of several power centres.  The lack of a coherent international response to the COVID-19 pandemic is proof of an absence of international order and of the ineffectiveness of multilateral institutions. Changing Geopolitical Development Secular stagnation in the global and Indian economies  The regionalisation of trade Rise of China The geopolitical and economic centres of gravity have shifted from the Atlantic to Asia Structural China-United States strategic rivalry. Inequality between and within states has bred a narrow nationalism and parochialism.  Retreat from globalisation Emergence of new polarised information age Ecological crises and climate change as an existential threat.  Rise of China & its implication on India Over the next decade Asia will become the main platform for geopolitical rivalries. U.S. remains the most formidable power, though its relative power is declining. China sees a window of opportunity but acts in a hurry believing that window may close or is already closing due to pushback from the West and others.  China’s crowded geography constrains her both on land and at sea.  There is a slim prospect of Chinese hegemony in Asia with its expanding profile & power, particularly in our periphery.  The result is likely continued friction, some cooperation, and quasi-adversarial relations between India and China, which others will take advantage of.  As neighbours and in the present situation, a mix of confrontation and cooperation is likely to continue to mark India’s relations with China. Overall, we do not expect conventional conflict between the great powers in Asia, though other forms and levels of violence and contention in the international system will rise, with Taiwan a special case. Opportunities for India amidst this transformation Increasing security congruence with the U.S. could enable growing cooperation in fields significant for India’s transformation: energy, trade, investment, education and health.  Other areas in which India and the U.S. could increase cooperation are: climate change and energy, on tech solutions for renewable energy, and on digital cooperation.  Several middle powers are now India’s natural partners.  There is also an increasing possibility of working with partners in the developing world building broader coalitions on issues of common interest. This time of transition between orders is also when new standards and norms are being developed, particularly in the digital space. India can and must be present while devising these new norms. Way Forward for India Creation of a Maritime Commission, a Bay of Bengal Initiative with partner countries, to further cement India’s favourable position in maritime arena. Increasing what India does with South East Asia in maritime security, cybersecurity and counter-terrorism. India should aim for multipolarity in Asia. India’s foreign policy should be based on the core strategic principles in Non-Alignment 2.0 which are still relevant:  Independent judgement Developing our capacities Creating an equitable and enabling international order for India’s transformation. India has no choice but to engage with the uncertain and more volatile world. One productive way to do so would be through issue-based coalitions including different actors, depending on who has an interest and capability. Self-strengthening to reinvigorate India’s interests in neighbourhood The over securitisation of policy towards our neighbours has driven trade underground, criminalised our borders, and enabled large-scale entry of Chinese goods destroying local industry in the northeast.  While lessening dependence on China, and seeking external balancing, our primary effort has to concentrate on self-strengthening.  Globalisation has been central to India’s growth. Self-reliance in today’s world and technologies can only be realised if India is a part of the global economy. Connecting the dots: Non-Alignment Policy QUAD AUKUS SCIENCE & TECH GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology. Deep Brain Stimulation Context: Physicians at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have successfully treated a patient with severe depression by recognising and tapping into the brain circuits linked with depressive brain patterns.  The physicians have tried to reset these patterns, which they have said is the equivalent of using a pacemaker for the heart. The doctors used an existing technique called deep brain stimulation (DBS), customising it for this patient’s case. What is deep brain stimulation (DBS)? DBS is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted into certain brain areas.  These electrodes, or leads, generate electrical impulses that control abnormal brain activity. The electrical impulses can also adjust for the chemical imbalances within the brain that cause various conditions Traditional DBS has three components (refer above figure):  The electrode, or lead. This is a thin, insulated wire inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted into a specific brain area. The extension wire. This too is insulated, and is passed under the skin of the head, neck and shoulder, connecting the electrode to the third component of the system. The internal pulse generator (IPG) is the third component. It is usually implanted under the skin in the upper chest. What diseases can be treated with DBS? Conditions that are traditionally treated using DBS include dystonia, epilepsy, essential tumour, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Parkinson’s disease.  In treating depression, however, previous clinical trials with DBS has shown limited success because most devices are only able to deliver constant electrical stimulation to one area of the brain. During the latest research & treatment, scientists customised a new DBS device, which would stimulate the brain whenever it recognised the depressive pattern.  Additionally, scientists had also found a neural biomarker that indicated the onset of symptoms. Using the customised DBS device, they were able to stimulate a different area of the brain, which in turn created immediate therapy for the brain. Connecting the dots: Brain Fingerprinting (AIR – Perspective) Sep 16 – Helping hand for Telecom - https://youtu.be/QQDo7LMUVMI  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 and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. GS-3: Infrastructure: Telecommunications etc. Helping hand for Telecom Context: Indian telecom industry has grown exponentially over the last two decades. It has also gone through consolidation. However, increasing competition, costly spectrum and decline in revenue has hurt the industry. The government has tried it's best to bail it out. In its recent effort, the cabinet announced a number of decisions, which might help the industry to recover from its bad phase. In October 2019, the Supreme Court had ordered telecom operators to pay Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the Department of Telecommunications as pending AGR-dues However, in September 2020, the Supreme Court had granted 10 years to the telecom companies to clear their AGR dues of around Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the Centre. These AGR dues (along with disruption caused Jio’s entry) had impacted the cash flow of various telecos that had wider impact on the Telecom sector itself. There were fears about a duopoly emerging with just two major telecom players — Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio. However, the government was keen on ensuring that there were more players in the sector and customer retaining choices. Competition in the sector will always lead to better prices and better technology.  Decisions by Cabinet to provide Relief Four-year moratorium on payment of statutory dues by telecom companies, both AGR and spectrum charges  Simplified Definition of AGR: The definition of AGR has been rationalised by excluding non-telecom revenue of telecom companies on a prospective basis (from now onwards) Telecom operators are required to pay licence fees and spectrum charges in the form of ‘revenue share’ to the government The revenue amount used to calculate this revenue share is termed as Adjusted Gross Revenue or AGR Relaxation in FDI: 100 per cent FDI in telecom via the automatic route has been approved (earlier 49%) Charges Rationalised: The regime of heavy interest, penalty and interest on penalty on payment of licence fees, spectrum charges and all kinds of charges has been rationalised.  Reduced Interest: The Centre will do annual compounding of interest instead of the monthly compounding. The interest would be charged at a ‘reasonable’ rate of MCLR plus 2%. MCLR refers to the lowest lending rate banks are permitted to offer — the marginal cost of funds-based lending rate. Long periods of spectrum usage: Spectrum auctions will be held in the last quarter of every financial year. Spectrum auction will be done for 30 years, instead of 20 years. After completing 10-years lock-in period, the buyer will have the option to surrender by paying surrender charges.  Ease of doing business: Spectrum sharing has been completely allowed and made free. Also, shifting between prepaid, post-paid to not require fresh KYC Significance of the Decisions taken Relief to multiple Telecos: The package provides relief for debt-ridden Vodafone Idea which still owes roughly Rs 50,000 crore to the government as AGR dues. It also provides relief to Tata group (dues of Rs. 12,601 crores) and Aircel (Rs. 12,389 crores).  Relief for the cash-strapped telecom sector.: Moratorium on AGR dues provides an annual cash flow relief of around ₹14,000 crore for the industry while the moratorium on spectrum dues gives another ₹32,000 crore of annual cash flow relief as a whole. The reform package, therefore, provides telcos the flexibility to manage their cash flows better and boosts growth in the telecoms industry Safeguards Banking Health: Banking sector’s exposure to the telecom players is significant at over Rs 1 lakh crore. The telecom package comes as a relief to the banks as it prevents the possibility of default by vulnerable telecos (Vodafone). This would help in stabilising and reducing the non-performing assets in the sector.  Boost to Digital future: These fresh reforms will further boost telecos efforts to invest in future digital technologies and preparing the infrastructure for India’s digital economy. Measures such as streamlining of the auction calendar and removal of the spectrum usage charges (SUC) from auctions, too, are likely to bring down the dues outgo, while helping telcos plan their auction purchase. For the telcos to benefit from the reduced SUC, however, they will have to buy more spectrum in upcoming auctions. How far can the measures be expected to help save Vodafone Idea’s market? Although the government insists these measures would be for everyone, it is Vodafone Idea, with a net debt of close to Rs 1.9 lakh crore, that will benefit the most in the near future. The company, however, will need to raise adequate capital urgently, and go for a sizeable hike in 4G tariff for prepaid customers. Vodafone Idea will also have to fend off increased competition from Reliance Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel, which have more breathing space and manageable debt situation. The option of moratorium is open for all. While Vodafone Idea focuses on revival, which is a possibility now, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel can go back to being more aggressive whether it is in terms of offering better network and services or extremely competitive tariffs and add-ons. How do the reforms impact the government’s finances? The government has insisted that since all the moratorium offerings are done with net present value protected, it will face some revenue loss in the next four financial years even if two of the three private players opt for it. For the current financial year, the government had estimated receipts of Rs 53,987 crore from spectrum usage charges, licence fee levies and other levies. The bulk of this, however, will have to be forgone for four financial years once the telcos opt for the moratorium. At the end of the moratorium period, the government will have to provide an option to the telecom player to pay the interest arising out of the deferment of payment by way of equity, and at the option of the government, to convert the due into equity. This will be a challenge for the government to offload the stake later if market conditions do not improve. Concerns Past Dues remain: The change in definition of AGR that will reduce the burden on telcos, applies only prospectively, so those past dues remain payable. Temporary Measure: While it provides time to put their house in order, the telcos’ overall liability does not come down and ultimately they will have to raise tariffs to generate sufficient cash flows. AGR dues will have to be paid with interest.  Unfulfilled Demands: A long-standing demand for the government’s intervention in setting telecom floor tariffs, as it has done in the civil aviation sector to protect competition, did not find a place in the relief package Can you answer the following question? How did the financial condition of the telcos deteriorate? Examine the Supreme Court verdict. (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 Mosquirix recently seen in news is associated with which of the following? Vaccine for Dengue Vaccine for Malaria Drug for treating symptoms of Rabies Genetic Engineering technique to change genes of mosquitoes Q.2 The PM MITRA Parks scheme is associated with which of the following? Medicinal equipment Textile Private mandis Foreign education  Q.3 Hara Bhara campaign has been launched by which of the following states? Telangana Uttar Pradesh  Madhya Pradesh  Punjab ANSWERS FOR 6th Oct 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C 3 D Must Read On WTO Issues: The Hindu On Urbanisation Policy: Indian Express