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[TOPPERS STRATEGY] JAGRATI AWASTHI AIR 2 - How to Approach Science & Technology and Environment for UPSC Prelims

Dear Students We are coming out with a series of videos by UPSC topper - Jagrati Awasthi, AIR 2 on tackling gray areas of UPSC Preparation - Science & Technology, Environment, Ancient History, Medieval History, and Art & Culture and Agriculture. In the below video, she has discussed 'How to Approach Science & Technology?' for UPSC Prelims. In the below video she has discussed 'How to Approach Environment?' for UPSC Prelims. In the next post, we will come out with videos on 'How to Approach Ancient History, Medieval History, and Art & Culture?' for UPSC Prelims. 'How to Approach 'Agriculture?' for UPSC Prelims.  

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

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Diabetes Part of: Prelims and GS - II - Health  Context A first-of-its kind report of long-term survivors of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) from India, a multi-centric study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics.  What is diabetes?  Diabetes is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose), or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Type I diabetes: It mostly affects children of age 14-16 years. This type occurs when the body fails to produce sufficient insulin. They must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive. Type 2 diabetes: While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did. The population with 45 and above age group is the most affected with it. This is the most common type of diabetes and it has strong links with obesity. Diabetes affects the five major organs - Kidney, Heart, Blood vessels, Nervous System, and Eyes (retina). Responsible factors: Unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, harmful use of alcohol, overweight/obesity, tobacco use, etc. Do you know?  Individuals with T1D have increased morbidity and excess premature mortality compared to those without diabetes  Their life expectancy is reduced by an estimated 15-20 years, even with the life-saving insulin to their assistance.  India is home to more than 95,000 children with T1D, reported to be the highest in the world, according to the 9th International Diabetes Federation Atlas.  Renunciation of Indian citizenship  Part of: Prelims and GS II - Citizenship Context The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has simplified the process for Indians who want to renounce their citizenship.  Provisions have been made for applicants to upload documents online, with an upper limit of 60 days for the renunciation process to be completed. About Citizenship  In India, Articles 5 – 11 of the Constitution deals with the concept of citizenship. The term citizenship entails the enjoyment of full membership of any State in which a citizen has civil and political rights. Termination of citizenship is possible in three ways according to the Citizenship Act, 1955. Renunciation: If any citizen of India who is also a national of another country renounces his Indian citizenship through a declaration in the prescribed manner, he ceases to be an Indian citizen.  Termination: Indian citizenship can be terminated if a citizen knowingly or voluntarily adopts the citizenship of any foreign country. Deprivation: The government of India can deprive a person of his citizenship in some cases. It is applicable only in the case of citizens who have acquired the citizenship by registration, naturalization, or only by Article 5 (c)  Landslide and Flood Early Warning System Part of: Prelims and GS-I - Geographical phenomena and GS III - Sci and tech  Context CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) has launched an ‘Environmental Seismology’ group to develop a ‘Landslide and Flood Early Warning System’ for the Himalayan region based on real-time monitoring with dense seismological networks, coupled with satellite data, numerical modelling and geomorphic analysis. This would enable a crucial warning several hours prior, which will save precious human lives and property in future during such events.  Climate change - Cause of landslides and floods Landslides are common in India’s northern Himalayan region, particularly in the current monsoon season when heavy rains lead to subsidence of earth and rocks. The situation is exacerbated by climate change making the monsoon more erratic and melting glaciers higher in the mountains.  Roads in the region are also often poorly maintained. About landslide and flood  A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope.  A high water level that overflows the natural banks along any portion of a stream is called a flood. Thus, Floods are commonly associated with a stream or river.  Do you know?  The National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) is a constituent research laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).  It was established in 1961 with the mission to carry out research in multidisciplinary areas of the highly complex structure and processes of the Earth system and its extensively interlinked subsystems. Ethanol production Part of: Prelims and GS III - Environment; Agriculture  Context Almost two million tonnes (MT) of sugar were diverted for ethanol production during the last sugar season (October 2020 to September 2021). About Ethanol and its production  Ethanol can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content. In India, ethanol is mainly produced from sugarcane molasses by fermentation process. Ethanol can be mixed with gasoline to form different blends. As the ethanol molecule contains oxygen, it allows the engine to more completely combust the fuel, resulting in fewer emissions and thereby reducing the occurrence of environmental pollution. Since ethanol is produced from plants that harness the power of the sun, ethanol is also considered as renewable fuel.  Meningitis Part of: Prelims and GS II - Health Context The Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030 was recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners. This is the first-ever global strategy to defeat meningitis. It aims to eliminate epidemics of bacterial meningitis and to reduce deaths by 70 per cent and halve the number of cases. Significance: The strategy could save more than 200,000 lives annually and significantly reduce disability caused by the disease. About Meningitis Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is predominantly caused by bacterial and viral infection. Meningitis caused by bacterial infection causes around 250,000 deaths a year and can lead to fast-spreading epidemics. It kills a tenth of those infected — mostly children and young people — and leaves a fifth with long-lasting disability. PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme Part of: Prelims and GS II - Policies and interventions  Context The existing Mid-Day Meal scheme, which provides hot meals to students, has been renamed as the National Scheme for PM Poshan Shakti Nirman. Key propositions in the PM POSHAN Scheme Supplementary nutrition: Supplementary nutrition for children in aspirational districts and those with high prevalence of anaemia. States to decide diet: It essentially does away with the restriction on the part of the Centre to provide funds only for wheat, rice, pulses and vegetables. Currently, if a state decides to add any component like milk or eggs to the menu, the Centre does not bear the additional cost. Now that restriction has been lifted. Nutri-gardens: They will be developed in schools to give children “firsthand experience with nature and gardening”. Women and FPOs: To promote vocals for local, women self-help groups and farmer producer organisations will be encouraged to provide a fillip to locally grown traditional food items. Social Audit: “Inspection” by students of colleges and universities for ground-level execution. Tithi-Bhojan: Communities would also be encouraged to provide the children food at festivals etc. DBTs to school: States will be asked to do direct benefit cash transfers of cooking costs to individual school accounts, and allowances to the bank accounts of cooks and helpers. Holistic nutrition: Use of locally grown traditional foods will be encouraged, along with school nutrition gardens. About the Mid-Day meal scheme The National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE) was launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in 1995.  Objective: To enhance enrolment, retention and attendance and simultaneously improve nutritional levels among children.  In 2001 it became a cooked Mid Day Meal Scheme. The Scheme covers children of classes I-VIII studying in government, government-aided schools, special training centres (STC) and madarsas/ maqtabs supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).  It is the largest school feeding programme in the world. It is covered by the National Food Security Act, 2013. (News from PIB) Indo-US Defence Industrial Security Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-II: International Relations Context: The Industrial Security Agreement (ISA) summit between India and the United States was organised to develop protocol for the exchange of classified information between the defence industries of both the nations.  The ISA was signed in December 2019 to  Facilitate the exchange of classified information between the defence industries of both the countries  Create a roadmap for the implementation of the ISA In-principle agreement to establish Indo-US Industrial Security Joint Working Group Group to meet regularly to align policies for defence industries to collaborate on critical defence technologies News Source: PIB National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-III: Environment, Conservation In News: Chacha Chaudhary declared Mascot for Namami Gange Programme. Content to be designed with the objective of bringing about behavioral change amongst children towards Ganga and other rivers. Proposal for conserving and sustainably managing Gangetic floodplain wetlands in Bihar: Major components of the project will be Wetland inventory and assessment, Wetland management planning, Wetland’s monitoring, and Capacity development and outreach. Aims at creating a knowledge base and capacities for effective management of floodplain wetlands in the 12 Ganga districts in Bihar to ensure sustained provision of wetlands ecosystem services and securing biodiversity habitats. Kalpvas: Simariya Ghat is popular for Kalpvas, an ancient tradition in which devotees live on ghats, sing and meditate during the Magh Mela. News Source: PIB The State Nutrition Profiles Part of: GS-Prelims  In News: NITI Aayog, in a joint effort with International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Indian Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), UNICEF and Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) has launched ‘The State Nutrition Profiles” for 19 States and Union Territories. Give insights on nutrition outcomes, immediate and underlying determinants and interventions based on NFHS-rounds 3, 4 and 5.  The SNPs include a comprehensive compilation of crucial data that can positively affect policy decisions and facilitate research in the area. The trend analysis of key indicators such as wasting, stunting, anemia, underweight and overweight and NCDs (Diabetes and High blood pressure) showcase the variability of performance across districts.  The reports highlight the best and worst performing districts, highest burden districts and top coverage districts of the country.  The SNPs are based on the headcount-based analyses and use of data from NFHS-5 to provide evidence that helps identify priority districts and number of districts in the state with public health concern as per WHO guidelines. Each SNP has incorporated key takeaways for children, women and men and identifies areas where the state has the potential to improve further. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) ETHICS/ MODERN HISTORY GS-4: Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders,  Gandhi as a Philosopher Philosophy & Ethics Philosophy was initially practised only in three civilisations — Chinese, Greek and Indian.  In these civilisations, philosophy functioned as a way of life distinct from other ways of life that were rooted in a belief in supernatural powers. But even the philosophical ways of life practised in those ancient times could be divided into two categories — a metaphysics-led philosophical way of life and an ethics-led philosophical way of life.  Except the philosophies given by the Buddha, Socrates and Confucius all other philosophies propagated metaphysics-led ways of life. In ethics-led philosophy, the attempt is to transform the person from his/her state of being to an ethically higher state of existence and in the process making him/her psychologically self-sufficient. In the metaphysics-led philosophical way of life, instead of a higher ethical state of being, the philosopher tries to achieve a higher state of understanding (insight) as well as a communion with the “ultimate”. Here, ethics has only a secondary role to play. Once Christianity banned all non-Christian ways of life in Europe in 529CE, philosophy re-emerged in 17th century Europe as a purely theoretical discipline without advocating life practices. With that, the idea of “philosophical ways of life” became extinct in Europe. This shift from philosophy as a way of life to philosophy as a theoretical discipline is celebrated as the birth of modern Western philosophy.  Gandhi & Philosophy Gandhi was spiritual, if spirituality means reduction of self-centredness. His shift from “God is Truth” to “Truth is God” in 1929, was aimed at making ethics the “first principle” of his philosophy. Gandhi’ stated way back in 1907 that “morality should be observed as a religion”. Gandhi, like the Buddha, was an ethical consequentialist in that the purpose of his ethical way was to reduce self-centredness and to promote a concern for the well-being of all (sarvodaya).  What makes Gandhi different from the Buddha is that Gandhi, apart from individual moksha (Buddha called it as Nirvana), wanted development of freedoms (through his constructive programmes) for humanity as a whole. Only through political action, according to Gandhian ethics, can we implement this constructive programme.  Therefore, Gandhi’s philosophical way of life is an explicit desire for a socialist society — since an ethics based on the reduction of selfishness can only approve a socialist way of life, for logical reasons. Even though socialist themes like the idea of a “simple life” were part of all philosophical schools of the Subcontinent, it was only in Gandhi that they achieved an explicit political/ideological dimension — Gandhi’s ashrams were such socialist communes. On numerous occasions Gandhi had said that he aspired to “reduce to zero”, that is, totally eliminate selfishness/self-centeredness. For the Buddha, too, the reduction of self-centeredness through the cultivation of virtues like satya, ahimsa, aparigraha, brahmacharya, etc., was crucial for fostering sarvodaya.  Conclusion The politically charged, non-violent and ethical style of philosophy propagated by Gandhi is intended to make one spiritual — a practitioner is encouraged to gravitate and work for the welfare of all other beings. GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Indian Economy & its challenges Dismantling the Ordnance Factory Board Context: The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the first of whose industrial establishments was set up in 1801, will cease to exist from October 1, and the assets, staff, and operations of its 41 ordnance factories will be transferred to seven defence public sector units (DPSUs). OFB also includes nine training institutes, three regional marketing centres, and five regional controllers of safety.  A large chunk of the weapons, ammunition, and supplies used by the armed forces, and paramilitary and police forces, come from OFB-run factories.  For-against corporatisation It has been argued that OFB’s monopoly has led to innovation drying up, apart from low productivity, high costs of production, and lack of flexibility at the higher managerial levels. Corporatisation of OFB: The restructuring of OFB into corporate entities (owned by the government i.e Public Sector Company) was recommended in one or the other form by at least three expert committees on defence reforms set up in the last two decades — TKS Nair Committee (2000) Vijay Kelkar Committee (2005) Vice Admiral Raman Puri Committee (2015).  A fourth committee, constituted by former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and chaired by Lt Gen D B Shekatkar, did not suggest corporatisation, but recommended regular audits of all ordnance units considering past performance. The central argument has been that corporatisation, which will bring these entities under the purview of The Companies Act, would lead to  Improvements in efficiency Make products cost-competitive Enhance their quality Employees argued that corporatisation was a “move towards privatisation”. They expressed fears of job losses, and said a corporate entity would not be able to survive the unique market environment of defence products with its unstable demand-supply dynamics. What has been the progress of Corporatisation of OFB? In May 2020, during fourth round of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Finance Minister announced the decision to corporatise OFB for “improving autonomy, accountability and efficiency in ordnance suppliers”. An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) for Corporatisation was formed with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as chairman “to oversee and guide the entire process, including transition support and redeployment plan of employees while safeguarding their wages and retirement benefits”. In October 2020, the government declared a proposed strike by workers’ federations “invalid and illegal”. As no reconciliation could be reached between government and protesting workers, the government announced this June that the OFB would be split into seven DPSUs - Munitions India Ltd, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd, Troop Comforts Ltd, Yantra India Ltd, India Optel Ltd, and Gliders India Ltd.  Each of these PSUs will run clusters of ordnance factories involved in manufacturing similar categories of products. Training and marketing establishments that have been part of the OFB will also be divided among the seven PSUs Connecting the dots: Privatisation Recent Reforms in Defence Sector  Challenges in India’s defence trade Grasping the Defence Self-reliance (SANSAD TV – PERSPECTIVE) Sep 17: 21st SCO Council Meet - https://youtu.be/Mj8L8_2a1ho INTERNATIONAL / SECURITY GS-II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.  GS-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.  21st SCO Council Meet In News: Prime Minister participated virtually in the 21st Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and through video-message in the Joint SCO-CSTO Outreach Session on Afghanistan, in Dushanbe in hybrid format.   Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It will be the first SCO Summit being held in a hybrid format and the fourth Summit that India will participate as a full-fledged member of SCO. Coming against the backdrop of the turbulence caused by the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the current meeting will be one of the most significant gatherings in its two-decade history. Iran has been accepted as the ninth full member of the organisation. India’s Stand -  Highlighted the problems caused by growing radicalisation and extremism in the broader SCO region, which runs counter to the history of the region as a bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values. The recent developments in Afghanistan could further exacerbate this trend towards extremism. Offered to share the open-source solutions that have been developed for its development programmes with other SCO members Connectivity projects should be transparent, participatory and consultative, in order to promote mutual trust.   Noting the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, India reiterated it’s solidarity with the Afghan people. Suggestions to SCO: SCO could work on an agenda to promote moderation and scientific and rational thought, which would be especially relevant for the youth of the region.   SCO could develop a code of conduct on 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism in the region, and highlighted the risks of drugs, arms and human trafficking from Afghanistan About Shanghai Cooperation Organization The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a political, economic, and Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of many important countries including India and its neighborhood.  India is full member of the SCO.  SCO Secretariat: Beijing Along with India and Pakistan (2017), this intergovernmental organisation has 8 members including Russia, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It also has several observers like Iran and Afghanistan.  The internal policy of the forum is inspired by the Shanghai Spirit: based on the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultations, and a desire for common development.  SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): RATS is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against terrorism, separatism, and extremism and is headquartered in Tashkent. History: Built on Shanghai Five: Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz Republic) and Tajikistan popularly known as Shanghai Five had come together in the post-Soviet era in 1996, in order to work on regional security, reduction of border troops, and terrorism. Initial Success in resolving Boundary Disputes: The 1996 meeting of the Shanghai Five resulted in an ‘Agreement on Confidence-Building in the Military Field Along the Border Areas’ between China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which led to an agreement on the mutual reduction of military forces on their common borders in 1997.  Inclusion of Uzbekistan: Subsequently, Shanghai Five helped resolve disputes between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on border issues and the Ferghana Valley enclaves. Institutionalisation: Subsequently a permanent intergovernmental international organisation called SCO was founded in June 2001. It is Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Expansion: Its membership was expanded to include India and Pakistan in 2017. SECURE: PM Modi’s mantra that is applicable to SCO ‘S’ for security of citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and ‘E’ for environmental protection Can you answer the following question? What are India’s stakes in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)? What benefits would accrue from India’s membership of the grouping? 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 Single citizenship in India has been taken from which country?  Britain Canada Both 1 & 2 USA Q.2 Which of the following is/are true regarding Meningitis Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is predominantly caused by fungal infection. Select the correct statements: 1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 Which of the following is not a cause of the landslide? Snow melting Blasting and mining Earthquake  None of the above  ANSWERS FOR 1st Oct 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A  2 A 3 B Must Read On MeToo movement: Hindustan Times On Green Hydrogen: Financial Express On Border Management: Tribune

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

IASbaba Now in Dev Bhoomi - Kangra, Himachal Pradesh!

Hello Everyone, One corollary of being alive and healthy is ‘Growth’. IASbaba is a living institution, thanks to all of you who have shown faith in us. And every year, the brilliant result of the candidates fuels this growth. And with growth comes expansion. So, we want to share a great news with you. More than 6 years of continued affection and trust from the civil services aspirants community have given us the motivation to go beyond our comfort zones and serve you in as many ways as possible. The educational revolution that we started from South, reached the North when we opened our centre in Delhi in 2019 and in Lucknow in 2021. When we launched IASbaba online 6 years back never had we anticipated the reception we would get! There are two things to celebrate - IASbaba's Results in UPSC CSE 2020 and the Opening up of a new centre in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. To improve the accessibility of the northernmost regions of India, we are opening a new branch at Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Our online presence has made us an integral part in the lives of the UPSC aspirants. However, many a times students want the physical presence of their teachers to stay motivated and grounded. We have also realised that while online education has democratised access to knowledge and created a level playing field, one can’t do away with brick and mortar classrooms. As an institution that revolutionised civil services preparation in 2015, we shall always be rooted to digital space. However, we also want to create the option of physical access to our teachers and experts. We are sure that the culture of excellence rooted in IASbaba’s professional ethos would help us deliver the best solutions to you preparation needs in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, the way we are doing at our centres in Bangalore, Delhi and Lucknow. Now you can study not only with the top-notch material of IASbaba but in the breathtaking view of the Himalayas. The journey of UPSC is tough, but you can make it beautiful. Center Details: Address: VPO and Tehsil Shahpur 176206, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh Contact No: 9015050742

Motivational Articles

[MI-STORIES]MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES - The old fisherman!

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 old fisherman!   Our house was directly across the street from the entrance of  a popular hospital in the city. We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to out patients at the clinic. One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door. I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. “Why, he’s hardly taller than my eight-year-old,” I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face–lopsided from swelling, red and raw. Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, “Good evening. I’ve come to see if you’ve a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there’s no bus ’till the morning.” He told me he’d been hunting for a room since noon but he had no success as no one seemed to have a room. “I guess it’s my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments…” For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: “I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.” I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were ready, I asked the old man if he would join us “No thank you. I have plenty.” And he held up a brown paper bag. When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn’t take a long time to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children, and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn’t tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was prefaced with a thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going. At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children’s room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, “Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won’t put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair.” He paused a moment and then added, “Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don’t seem to mind.” I told him he was welcome to come again. On his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they’d be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4:00 a.m. and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us. In the years he came to stay overnight with us there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these, and knowing how little money he had made the gifts more precious. When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made after he left that first morning. “Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!” Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice. But oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illnesses would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude. What do you think is the moral of the story?

Motivational Articles

[VIDEO] LAST 10 DAYS UPSC Prelims Exam 2021 – STRATEGY, MOTIVATION and Do’s & Don’ts by IASbaba’s Toppers!

Dear Friends, We are in the last phase of UPSC Prelims 2021 Preparation. Approximately 9-10 more days are left for the exam. You would be going through a range of emotions now, and quite a few questions popping up – whether what you are doing is right/wrong? We have been receiving many emails and calls on the same. So to answer all these, IASbaba and UPSC CSE 2020 Toppers have come up with this video, where we tried to address problems, which every aspirant faces. In this video, RANK 2, JAGRATI AWASTHI, RANK 16 ARTH JAIN, RANK 28 DIVYA MISHRA, RANK 30 DIVYANSHU CHOUDHARY, RANK 52 ASHSIH MISHRA, and RANK 62 APARNA MB have discussed - Fundamentals of Prelims Exam (3 Golden Rules) How to deal with Stress/Anxiety? What should be your strategy in the last week (last 10 days before the Exam) of the Prelims Exam? We would also request you to go through the PRELIMS SIMPLIFIED SERIES: How to crack UPSC PRELIMS- IMPORTANT TIPS & TRICKS (using Common Sense – KCT Approach) by Mohan Sir -  CLICK HERE We are also sharing some Prelims Strategies by our Previous Toppers which will be very helpful for you. TOPPER STRATEGY: Shreyans Kumat Rank 4, UPSC CSE 2018 a Regular Follower of IASbaba’s TLP shares his Exclusive PRELIMS Strategy! - CLICK HERE PRELIMS TIPS: Topper Abhijeet Sinha, Rank 19 UPSC CSE 2017 – IASbaba’s ILP Student, who has scored 163 and 152.6 in his 2 attempts shares his Preparation Strategy with a special focus on Prelims! - CLICK HERE   All The Best Team IASbaba

Topper's From IASbaba

[VIDEO] TOPPER’S STRATEGY- RANK 16 ARTH JAIN UPSC CSE 2020 TOPPER, IASbaba’s Prelims Test Series Student!

Hello Everyone, UPSC Topper 2020, ARTH JAIN Rank 16, IASbaba’s Regular Follower, Baba's Prelims Test Series Student, and Interview Mentorship Program (IMP) shares his preparation strategy with Mohan Sir. He cleared the exam in his 2nd Attempt with Mathematics as his optional subject. Everyone's Preparation Strategy is Unique!! Here is a Topper, whose entire preparation revolved around 'Test Series (Prelims + Mains)'. He had a different strategy for Revision. In this Topper Strategy Video, he has focussed on how to tackle the gray areas like Science & Technology, Environment, Art & Culture, Ancient History, Medieval History, etc. He has also shared his Strategy for Current Affairs in great detail. He has answered the frequently asked questions like How Many hours to spend on Newspaper reading? Which Newspaper to Read? etc. He has specially emphasised upon Ethics & Essay Strategy (especially Philosophical Essays). He talks about staying motivated and be disciplined which is the most important thing to clear this exam. We recommend every sincere and serious aspirant to watch this video to know how to tackle the UPSC exam. In the VIDEO, Divya has discussed- Important Timelines: 01:45 -Mistakes & Learnings from 1st Attempt 04:03 -How to Revise? 04:50 -Prelims Strategy for the Next 10 Days 06:09 -How to Remain Calm During Prelims? 07:30 -Strategy & Sources for Grey Areas in Prelims 08:11 - 1. Science & Technology Strategy 08:46 - 2. Environment Strategy 10:06 - Utility IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan & IASbaba’s Rapid Revision Series (RaRe) Series 10:34 - 3. Art & Culture Strategy 11:30 - 4. Ancient & Medieval History 12:28 -How to Prepare Art & Culture based on 'Themes' 13:46 -Current Affairs Strategy 14:44 -How Many Hours to Spend on Newspaper Reading? Which Newspaper to Read? 15:48 -Notes Making - Online or Offline? Topic Categorisation 18:39 -Mains Strategy 22:16 -Time Management in Answer Writing 23:48 -Ethics Strategy 24:39 -Essay Strategy - How to Handle Philosophical Essay? 26:20 -Strategy for Personality test 27:41 -How to Choose Optionals? & Mathematics Optional Strategy 29:33 -Do's & Don'ts in UPSC Preparation - Breaking the Myths! 31:18 -Should you Isolate Yourself During Preparation? 32:04 -Role of Luck in UPSC? 33:09 -Should one Read for 14 hours to Crack this Exam? 33:35 -Is it Possible to Study for more than 10 Hours for 1 Year with the Same Enthusiasm 34:41 -How to Keep Oneself Motivated? 36:00 -What it takes to be a Topper? 36:50 -Role of IASbaba in My Success 37:10- Importance of IASbaba's Monthly Magazine 37:35 -IASbaba's 60 Days Plan & Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series 37:52 -IASbaba's Prelims Test Series 38:01 -Revamped Baba’s Monthly Current Affairs Magazine     Kudos and Salute to his consistent efforts, determination, and hard work which has helped him to achieve Rank 16. Standing true to its Tagline – One Stop Destination for UPSC/IAS Preparation!! IASbaba has proved time and again how it has played a crucial role in helping one reach the destination. We will soon launch Baba's Prelims Test Series (ONLINE & OFFLINE) in all our centres for UPSC 2022. 125+ Ranks UPSC CSE 2020 Topper’s from IASbaba (20 in Top 100) - CLICK HERE For Enquiries: EMAIL ID: support@iasbaba.com CONTACT NO: 9169191888 (10 AM – 6 PM) Please do not make calls before or after the given timing.

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

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Part of: Prelims and GS - II - Civil society  Context The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the deadline till December 31 for NGOs to apply for renewal of their Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration certificates. The registration is mandatory for associations and NGOs to receive foreign funds. What is Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)? Foreign funding of persons in India is regulated under FCRA Act and is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Act ensures that the recipients of foreign contributions adhere to the stated purpose for which such contribution has been obtained. Under the Act, organisations are required to register/renew themselves every five years. Registered NGOs can receive foreign contributions for five purposes — social, educational, religious, economic and cultural. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020 Prohibition to accept foreign contribution: The Act bars public servants from receiving foreign contributions. Transfer of foreign contribution: The Act prohibits the transfer of foreign contribution to any other person not registered to accept foreign contributions. Aadhaar for registration: The Act makes Aadhaar number mandatory for all office bearers, directors or key functionaries of a person receiving foreign contribution, as an identification document. FCRA account: Foreign contribution must be received only in an account designated by the bank as FCRA account in such branches of the State Bank of India, New Delhi. Reduction in use of foreign contribution for administrative purposes: Not more than 20% of the total foreign funds received could be defrayed for administrative expenses. In FCRA 2010 the limit was 50%. Surrender of certificate: The Act allows the central government to permit a person to surrender their registration certificate. NASA's Lucy mission to probe Jupiter's mysterious Trojan asteroids Part of: Prelims and GS III - Sci and Tech Context NASA is poised to send its first spacecraft to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids to glean new insights into the solar system's formation 4.5 billion years ago. The Jupiter trojans, commonly called Trojan asteroids or simply Trojans, are a large group of asteroids that share the planet Jupiter's orbit around the Sun. Key takeaways  The probe, called Lucy after an ancient fossil that provided insights into the evolution of human species, will launch on October 16 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Mission: To investigate the group of rocky bodies circling the Sun in two swarms, one preceding Jupiter in its orbital path and the other trailing behind it. After receiving boosts from Earth's gravity, Lucy will embark on a 12-year journey to eight different asteroids -- one in the Main Belt between Mars and Jupiter and then seven Trojans. Trojans are present in a very small region of space and are very physically different from one another. The differences indicate how far away from the Sun they might have formed before assuming their present trajectory. Trojan asteroids number more than 7,000 in total. It will be the first solar-powered spaceship to venture this far from the Sun, and will observe more asteroids than any other spacecraft before it. OCI candidates can appear in general category Part of: Prelims and GS-II - Education Context The Supreme Court has permitted Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) candidates to participate in the NEET-UG 2021 counselling in the general category. The court clarified that the order allowing the OCIs to compete in the general category was confined to the 2021-2022 academic year alone. Background  Ministry of Home Affairs had directed OCI candidates to be treated on a par with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for the purpose of NEET.  This would have meant that successful OCI candidates would have to pay the higher fee paid by NRIs for medical seats in India. What is the difference between NRI and OCI? NRI is given to provide a residential status to a citizen of India with an Indian Passport who resides in a foreign country for the purpose of work/business, or education. OCI is an immigration status which is provided to a foreign citizen of Indian origin as an alternative for dual citizenship which is not allowed by the Indian Constitution. China can join Quad initiatives Part of: Prelims and GS II - International Relations  Context Recently Australian Prime Minister said that China is welcome to contribute to the objective of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific through QUAD initiatives. QUAD Full form: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue  Countries: USA, Japan, Australia and India  Location/Headquarter: – Aims: The main aim is to enable a regional security architecture for the maintenance of a rules- based order. It seeks to contain a ‘rising China’ and work against its predatory trade and economic policiesThe main Right to seek bail implicit in Constitution: Supreme Court Part of: Prelims and GS II - Rights And duties Context The Supreme Court has held that the right to apply for bail is an “individual right” implicit in the Constitution. The right of an accused, an undertrial prisoner or a convicted person awaiting appeal court’s verdict to seek bail on suspension of sentence is recognised in Sections 439, 438 and 389 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. If there is a blanket ban on listing of these applications, even for offences with lesser degree of punishment, it would effectively block access for seekers of liberty to apply for bail and suspend the fundamental rights of individuals in or apprehending detention.  Such an order also has the effect of temporarily eclipsing statutory provisions. Background A Single Judge of the Rajasthan High Court had in March passed an order to not to list bails, appeals, applications for suspension of sentence in appeals and revisions in the category of extreme urgent matters. Meghalaya Enterprise Architecture Project (MeghEA) Part of: Prelims and GS II - Policies and interventions  Context Recently, Meghalaya Enterprise Architecture Project (MeghEA) was launched. The project aims to improve service delivery and governance for the people using the power of Digital technologies. Enterprise Architecture (EA) is the process by which organizations standardize and organize IT (Information Technology) infrastructure to align with business goals. Key takeaways  The initiative is spread across 6 pillars i.e. Governance, Human Resources, Entrepreneurship, Primary Sector, Infrastructure and Environment, and envision to make Meghalaya a high income state by 2030. It is envisioned to make Meghalaya a high income state by 2030.  MeghEA is conceived to support the following digital government goals: A planned state government transformation initiative which demands efficient coordination between strategies, policies, processes, services and organizational capacity  Coordinate all ICT initiatives under one umbrella to get a better holistic perspective  Implement and ICT enable state government process reengineering to provide multi-channel service delivery  Ensure that state government applications and systems provide end-users with information they need Craft an ecosystem for the digital economy to boost shared prosperity, by leveraging ICT for employment and growth. India Enterprise Architecture (IndEA) It is a framework that enables the development and implementation of Enterprise Architectures independently and in parallel by all governments and their agencies across India, conforming to the same models and standards.  It was notified as an e-Governance standard by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in October 2018. The primary purpose of IndEA is to help state governments, ministries and departments in the governments at various levels to adopt a structured approach for developing their enterprise architecture. Extension of CPEC to Afghanistan Part of: Prelims and GS II - International Relations Context Recently, Pakistan has discussed Taliban-led Afghanistan joining the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure project. China has proposed construction of the Peshawar-Kabul motorway as an extension of CPEC in Afghanistan. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor The CPEC is a bilateral project between Pakistan and China. It is intended to promote connectivity across Pakistan with a network of highways, railways, and pipelines accompanied by energy, industrial, and other infrastructure development projects. It aims to link the Western part of China (Xinjiang province) to the Gwadar Port in Balochistan, Pakistan via Khunjerab Pass in the Northern Parts of Pakistan. It will pave the way for China to access the Middle East and Africa from Gwadar Port, enabling China to access the Indian Ocean. CPEC is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The BRI, launched in 2013, aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. India has been severely critical of the CPEC, as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. (News from PIB) International Day of Older Persons: 1st October By: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Dedicate the Elderly Line 14567 to the Nation Launch the Senior Able Citizens Reemployment in Dignity (SACRED) portal Launch the Senior Care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) Portal About the Senior Able Citizens Reemployment in Dignity (SACRED) portal An IT portal to be developed to bring the employment seeker senior citizens and employment providers on one platform The aim is to devise ways to ensure Senior Citizens live healthy, happy, empowered, dignified and self-reliant life About the Senior Care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) Portal Aimed at promoting private enterprises to bring out innovation in products to benefit elders Shaped on the recommendations of the empowered expert committee (EEC) report on startups for the elderly SAGE to select, support and create a 'one-stop access' of elderly care products and services News Source: PIB Launch of DigiSaksham Part of: GS-Prelims Context: DigiSaksham is a digital skills programme to enhance the employability of youth by imparting digital skills that are required in an increasingly technology driven era.  This joint initiative with Microsoft India is an extension of the Government’s ongoing programs to support the youth from rural and semi-urban areas. Through DigiSaksham initiative, free of cost training in digital skills including basic skills as well as advance computing, will be provided to more than 3 lakh youths in the first year. There will be basically three types of training viz. Digital Skills – Self paced learning, VILT mode training (Virtual Instructor led) and ILT mode training (Instructor led). News Source: PIB India extends support for protecting the Antarctic environment Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-III: Environment, Conservation In News: India has extended support for protecting the Antarctic environment and for co-sponsoring the proposal of the European Union for designating East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Essential to regulate illegal unreported and unregulated fishing India's decision to consider extending support and co-sponsoring the MPA proposals is driven by conservation and sustainable utilization principles and adhering to the global cooperation frameworks (such as Sustainable Development Goals, UN Decade of Oceans, Convention on Biodiversity, etc.) to which India is a signatory. India had embarked on Antarctic expedition in 1981, through the Southern Indian Ocean sector. Till date, India had completed 40 expeditions with plans for the 41st expedition in 2021-22. India has solidified its interests in upholding its Antarctic vision. About Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) CCAMLR is an international treaty to manage Antarctic fisheries to preserve species diversity and stability of the entire Antarctic marine ecosystem.  CCAMLR came into force in April 1982.  India has been a permanent member of the CCAMLR since 1986.  About Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) An MPA is a marine protected area that provides protection for all or part of its natural resources.  Certain activities within an MPA are limited or prohibited to meet specific conservation, habitat protection, ecosystem monitoring, or fisheries management objectives.  About Weddell Sea: Part of the Southern Ocean and contains the Weddell Gyre. Its land boundaries are defined by the bay formed from the coasts of Coats Land and the Antarctic Peninsula Do you know? The Indian Antarctic expeditions began in 1981.  The Indian Antarctic programme has now been credited to have built three permanent research base stations in Antarctica—named Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharati.  As of today, India has two operational research stations in Antarctica named Maitri and Bharati. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, manages the entire Indian Antarctic program. News Source: PIB Launch of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 Part of: GS-Prelims and Mains GS-I- Urbanisation Context: SBM-U 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 have been designed to realize the aspiration to make all our cities ‘Garbage Free’ and ‘Water Secure’. These flagship Missions signify a step forward in our march towards effectively addressing the challenges of rapidly urbanizing India and will also help contribute towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. About Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 envisions to  Make all cities ‘Garbage Free’ and ensure grey and black water management in all cities other than those covered under AMRUT,  Make all urban local bodies as ODF+ and those with a population of less than 1 lakh as ODF++ The Mission will focus on source segregation of solid waste, utilizing the principles of 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), scientific processing of all types of municipal solid waste and remediation of legacy dumpsites for effective solid waste management.  About AMRUT 2.0 Aims to provide 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 urban local bodies by providing about 2.68 crore tap connections and 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities by providing around 2.64 crore sewer/ septage connections, which will benefit more than 10.5 crore people in urban areas.  AMRUT 2.0 will adopt the principles of circular economy and promote conservation and rejuvenation of surface and groundwater bodies.  The Mission will promote data led governance in water management and Technology Sub-Mission to leverage latest global technologies and skills.  ‘Pey Jal Survekshan’ will be conducted to promote progressive competition among cities.  News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) POLITY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Legislature; Issues and challenges pertaining to elections Making Parties constitutional What is a Political Party? A political party is an organised group of citizens who hold common views on governance. They act as a political unit that seeks to obtain control of government with a view to further the agenda and policy they profess.  They are indispensable links between the people and the representative machinery of government.  Political parties maintain a continuous connection between the people and those who represent them either in government or in the opposition. Do You Know? The Indian Constitution, one of the longest Constitutions in the world, elaborately deals with the co-operative societies but not on Political Parties. The right to form co-operative societies is a fundamental right under Article 19 (1)(c), but the right to form political parties is not. What is the legal status of Political Parties? Political parties have extralegal growth in almost every democratic country.  The American Constitution does not presume the existence of political parties. In Britain too, political parties are still unknown to the law. Similarly, political parties in India are extra-constitutional, but they are the breathing air of the political system. Section 29A(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 is the only major statutory provision dealing with political parties in India.  It orders that a political party shall bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, and to the principles of socialism, secularism and democracy, and would uphold the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. What is German Model? The Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany (1949) gives constitutional status to political parties.  Article 21 of the Basic Law of Germany deals with their status, rights, duties and functions. It provides:  Political parties shall participate in the formation of the political will of the people. They may be freely established. Their internal organisation must conform to democratic principles. They must publicly account for their assets and for the sources and use of their funds.  Parties that seek to undermine or abolish the free democratic basic order or to endanger the existence of the Federal Republic of Germany shall be unconstitutional. The Federal Constitutional Court shall rule on the question of unconstitutionality Details of regulation of Political Parties shall be regulated by federal laws. The German model of constitutionalising political parties is more desirable for India than the U.S. and the U.K. models. What are the problems facing Indian Political Parties? Political parties in developed nations maintain high levels of internal democracy but this is lacking in India.  There are no periodical in-party elections in majority of Indian parties. Majority of political parties are family fiefdoms, where internal Democracy is lacking. Most of the parties are openly caste- or religious-based.  The finances of almost all political parties are dubious and opaque.  What is the way ahead? Political parties are the agents of democracy and safety valves in the political system. They desperately need reform.  Hence, it is high time to constitutionalise political parties to ensure in-party democracy, to impart transparency in their finances, and to de-communalise them. Connecting the dots: Electoral Reforms (NOTA, VVPAT) Electoral Bonds Scheme Presidential System vs Parliamentary System First Past the Post vs Proportionate Representation GOVERNANCE/ HEALTH GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in Health and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Failing on food: on child malnutrition and mid-day meals Context: PM POSHAN scheme was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs until 2025-26. This comes at a critical time when real income declines and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have affected the ability of families to ensure good nutrition.  Malnutrition Issue The findings in Phase I of the NFHS-5 for 22 States and UT in December 2020 were shocking:  Childhood stunting rose in 13 States High prevalence of anaemia among children and women Wasting was a serious concern in 12 States. The slippage over the previous survey period exposes the worsening case of malnutrition, threatening to deprive millions of children of a fully productive adult life.  Significance of nutrition schemes (POSHAN, Mid-Day Meals) at this juncture To address this hidden malnutrition crisis that has been accentuated by COVID-19 pandemic, mid day meals scheme becomes important. The centrally supported hot meal programme in Government and Government-aided schools, covering 11.8 crore children, will be supplemented with nutritional elements in identified aspirational districts and areas with high anaemia.  The revamped scheme, which is proposed to be extended to pre-primary children, provides for  social audit  creation of school nutritional gardens to source fresh produce  involvement of farmer-producer organisations as providers lays emphasis on local food traditions The new features of the scheme clearly shows that government is trying to address malnutrition in comprehensive manner that provides benefits to other stakeholders(ex: farmers & local) involved in the food chain. Way Ahead Momentum towards eradicating malnutrition depends on annual budgetary outlays and government has to ensure that any malnutrition programme doesn’t face funding constraints. The Government must demonstrate that Saksham Anganwadi-Mission POSHAN 2.0, which merges the POSHAN Abhiyan and schemes covering anganwadis, crèches and adolescent girls, is funded financially better than its previous component parts. Government has to monitor the progress of its policies or schemes through measurable outcomes to ensure that they are effective. On nutritional planning, the renewed plan should introduce a greater diversity of diets that compensates for micronutrient and protein deficiency. Patchy food distribution mechanisms in many States should be rectified on urgent basis. Food inflation needs to be addressed by authorities so that it doesn’t hurt poor people’s consumption pattern, which is already under stress due to decline in incomes caused by Pandemic. Connecting the dots: POSHAN Abhiyan National Family Health Survey (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 Where is Gwadar Port located?  Pakistan India Yemen Afghanistan Q.2 Which of the following is/are true regarding Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020: The Act bars public servants from receiving foreign contributions. It is implemented by the Ministry of External Affairs. Select the correct statements: 1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 Trojan asteroids share the orbit of which of the following planets?  Saturn Jupiter  Earth Mars  ANSWERS FOR 30th Sept 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B  2 C 3 D Must Read On benefits of GI Ecosystem: Indian Express On Communalism: Indian Express On Gandhi: Indian Express

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