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Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) SEBI clears norms for gold exchanges Part of: Prelims and GS III - Economy Context The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the framework for a gold exchange as well as for vault managers, facilitating trading in securities tied to the gold. Key takeaways Gold exchanges will be set up for trading in ‘Electronic Gold Receipts’ (EGRs) like in the case of other securities. Existing stock exchanges will be allowed to provide the platform for trading of EGRs. The denomination for trading the EGRs and conversion of EGRs into gold would be decided by the exchanges with the approval of SEBI. EGR holders, at their discretion, could withdraw the underlying gold from the vaults after surrendering the EGRs. SEBI-accredited vault managers would be responsible for the storage and safekeeping of gold deposits, creation of EGRs, withdrawal of gold, grievance redressal and periodic reconciliation of physical gold with the records of depository. The vault manager would have to have a net worth of at least Rs. 50 crore. Significance: The exchanges would enable transparent price discovery, investment liquidity and assurance in the quality of gold. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) It is the regulator of the securities and commodity market in India owned by the Government of India. It was established in 1988 and given statutory status through the SEBI Act, 1992. SEBI is responsible to the needs of three groups: Issuers of securities Investors Market intermediaries Functions: Quasi-legislative – drafts regulations Quasi-judicial – passes rulings and orders Quasi-executive – conducts investigation and enforcement action Powers: To approve by−laws of Securities exchanges. To require the Securities exchange to amend their by−laws. Inspect the books of accounts and call for periodical returns from recognised Securities exchanges. Inspect the books of accounts of financial intermediaries. Compel certain companies to list their shares in one or more Securities exchanges. Registration of Brokers and sub-brokers Dissolution of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) Part of: Prelims and GS-III - Defence and security Context The Defence Ministry has issued an order for the dissolution of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) with effect from October 1 2021 upon which its assets, employees and management would be transferred to seven newly constituted defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs). Key takeaways Once implemented, the OFB will cease to exist. There will be no change in service conditions of the employees. On June 16, the Union Cabinet had approved a long-awaited reform plan to corporatise the OFB, which has 41 factories, into seven fully government-owned corporate entities on the lines of DPSUs. Benefits Make the country self-sufficient in defence manufacturing Transform the ordnance factories into productive and profitable assets, Deepened specialisation in the product range Enhanced competitiveness Improved quality Help in overcoming various existing shortcomings like eliminating inefficient supply chains About Ordnance Factory Board Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), consisted of the Indian Ordnance Factories. It was an organisation, under the control of department of defence production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India. It was engaged in research, development, production, testing, marketing and logistics of a product range in the areas of air, land and sea systems. OFB was the world's largest government-operated production organisation, and the oldest organisation in India. Deadline for promotion quotas for the disabled Part of: Prelims and GS II - Policies and interventions Context The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to issue instructions “at the earliest and not later than four months” for giving reservation in promotions to persons with disabilities (PwDs). In a January 14, 2020 judgment of the apex court confirming that PwDs have a right to reservation in promotions. The judgement is famously known as Siddaraju v/s State of Karnataka. It said instructions should be issued in accordance with Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It provides that “every appropriate government shall appoint in every government establishment not less than 4% of the total number of vacancies in the cadre strength in each group of posts meant to be filled with persons with benchmark disabilities. About Siddaraju v/s State of Karnataka case In the case of Siddaraju v/s State of Karnataka, the Supreme Court affirmed the Reservation of Persons with Disability (PWDs) under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. In the given case, the decision given under Indra Sawhney's Case was reconsidered. The Court was of the view that the basis for providing reservation for PWD is a physical disability and not any of the criteria forbidden under article 16(1). Further, the reservation of persons with disability has nothing to do with 50% ceiling. Therefore, the rule of no reservation promotions as laid down in Indra Sawhney has clearly and normatively no application to persons with disability. Other landmark judgements with regard to Reservation in promotion In the Indira Sawhney case (1992), SC held that the reservation policy cannot be extended to promotions. However, the 77th Constitutional Amendment inserted clause 4A in article 16 and restored provision of reservations in promotions. In Nagaraj judgement (2006), Court laid down three controlling conditions that the state must meet prior to granting SC/ST a reservation in promotion: state must show that backwardness of the class class is inadequately represented in position or service reservations are in the interest of Administrative efficiency In Jarnail Singh case (2018), it struck down the demonstration of backwardness provision from Nagaraj judgement. Pantanal wetland Part of: Prelims and GS I - Geography Context A long-standing drought followed by devastating wildfires have posed a threat to Pantanal jaguars. About Pantanal wetland The Pantanal is located at the geographical centre of the South American continent. It is a natural region encompassing the world’s largest tropical wetland area, and the world’s largest flooded grasslands. It is located mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it extends into Mato Grosso and portions of Bolivia and Paraguay. It constitutes an enormous internal river delta, in which several rivers flowing from the surrounding plateau merge, depositing their sediments and erosion residues. The vegetation of the Pantanal, often referred to as the “Pantanal complex”, is a mixture of plant communities– moist tropical Amazonian rainforest plants, semiarid woodland plants, Brazilian cerrado savanna plants and plants of the Chaco savannas of Bolivia and Paraguay. The apple snail is a keystone species in Pantanal’s ecosystem. The Pantanal is home to one of the largest and healthiest jaguar (Panthera onca) populations on Earth. Among the rarest animals to inhabit the wetland of the Pantanal are the marsh deer, the giant river otter, hyacinth macaw, the crowned solitary eagle, the maned wolf, the South American tapir and the giant anteater. Herbicide-Tolerant Rice Varieties Part of: Prelims and GS III - Cropping patterns Context Recently, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed the country’s first-ever non-GM (genetically modified) herbicide-tolerant rice varieties (Pusa Basmati 1979 and Pusa Basmati 1985). These varieties can be directly seeded and significantly save water and labour compared to conventional transplanting. ICAR-IARI is a deemed university. About the New Varieties of Rice: The new varieties contain a mutated AcetoLactate Synthase (ALS) gene making it possible for farmers to spray Imazethapyr, a broad-spectrum herbicide, to control weeds. Imazethapyr, effective against a range of broadleaf, grassy and sedge weeds, can’t be used on normal paddy, as the chemical does not distinguish between the crop and the invasive plants. The plants can now “tolerate” application of the herbicide, and hence it kills only the weeds. It is important to note that, as there is no foreign gene involved in the process, the herbicide-tolerance is through mutation breeding. Thus, it is not a Genetically modified organism. Zojila tunnel work Part of: Prelims and GS - I - Geography Context Minister for Road Transport and Highways recently reviewed the construction work at the Zojila tunnel which is likely to be ready by September 2026. About the Zojila tunnel The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh on NH-1 and will bring about an all-round economic and socio-cultural integration of Jammu and Kashmir. It takes 3.5 hours to travel between Srinagar and Ladakh. The tunnel will reduce the travel time to 15 minutes The 14.15-km tunnel will be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel (News from PIB) Elder Line Part of: GS-Prelims In News: Country’s first pan-India helpline for senior citizens: Elder Line (Toll Free No- 14567) is functional One platform that will provide free information and guidance on pension issues, legal issues, extends emotional support, and even intervenes on field in cases of abuse, and rescues homeless elderly. Rabies Part of: GS-Prelims In News: The National Action Plan for dog Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030 (NAPRE) was unveiled on the occasion of World Rabies Day (28th September). Rabies is 100% fatal but 100% vaccine preventable. 33% of global rabies deaths are recorded in India. Senior officials to use the more familiar term ‘Hadakwa’ in popularizing the activities to be taken up under the Plan. To undertake extensive IEC to make people aware of the difference between vaccine and medicine with regard to Rabies; many people are confused and mistake the vaccine, a precautionary step with medicine, a curative solution after the onset of the disease. Although each Rabies death is preventable by vaccine, there are no medicines once the disease develops in a human. Echoing the consensus of greater focus on One Health approach, the institutionalization of an umbrella body for better co-ordination between inter-ministerial bodies and other stakeholders should be made. Environmental factors like rainfall, heat-wave can also contribute to the trajectory of the pathogen and the disease which calls for more research and greater awareness in this area. News Source: PIB Shaheed Bhagat Singh Part of: GS-Prelims GS-I – Personalities in Indian national movements In News: PM pays tributes to Shaheed Bhagat Singh on his Jayanti Contributions Member of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association Defined nation and nationalism: At a young age, Bhagat Singh defined nation and nationalism for us. On Universal Brotherhood: At age 17, he published his first article (in 1924) in Matwala, a Hindi magazine from Calcutta. The subject was ‘Universal Brotherhood’. He imagined a world where “all of us being one and none is the other. It will really be a comforting time when the world will have no strangers.” He emphatically exclaimed that “as long as words like black and white, civilized and uncivilized, ruler and the ruled, rich and poor, touchable and untouchable, etc., are in vogue there was no scope for universal brotherhood”. He went on to say, “We will have to campaign for equality and equity. Will have to punish those who oppose the creation of such a world.” (Today, when many are busy “othering” and creating strangers out of their own fellow citizens need to grapple with Bhagat Singh’s views, instead of merely glorifying him as a martyr.) Strongest critique of untouchability and communalism: He wrote series of articles on ‘Anarchism’ and was fiercely frank and bold enough to critically comment on the politics of senior leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai and express his differences. He was also conscious of the international revolutionary struggles and ideologies. He was aghast that we claimed to be a spiritual country, yet discriminated against fellow human beings while the materialist West had done away with such inhuman obscenities long ago. (Even today, untouchability and communalism continue to torment us as a nation.) On inclusiveness: Bhagat Singh steadfastly remained committed to the idea of a plural and inclusive India. He founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in Lahore in 1926, whose manifesto said, “Religious superstitions and bigotry are a great hindrance in our progress. They have proved an obstacle in our way and we must do away with them. ‘The thing that cannot bear free thought must perish’.” In 1928, Bhagat Singh was acutely conscious of the divisiveness of mixing religion with politics. He wrote – “If religion is separated from politics, then all of us can jointly initiate political activities, even though in matters of religion we might have many differences with each other. We feel that the true well-wishers of India would follow these principles and save India from the suicidal path it is on at present.” He even had authored masterly essay, ‘Why I am an Atheist’. Bhagat Singh observed: “Our retrogressive thinking is destroying us. We keep ourselves entangled in futile discussions about God and heaven, and remain busy in talking about the soul and God. We are quick to dub Europe as capitalist and don’t think about their great ideas or pay any attention to them. We love divinity and remain aloof from the world.” (Even today, many continue to peddle religion to promote political prospects.) Thus we can see here the evolution of his ideas on politics, society, religion and even faith in god. The lessons from the lives of these revolutionaries remain as relevant today as they were during the independence movement. Their lives are proof that one is never too young to be politically aware, to educate oneself about the truth of the world at large, and to actively play a role in shaping the society one wants to live in. In these rancorous times, Bhagat Singh’s intellectual bequest should be a beacon to build a new India News Source: PIB Trivia First Indian woman fencer to qualify for Olympics: Bhavani Devi 28th September: 44th World Maritime Day + World Rabies Day (Mains Focus) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-3: Indian Economy & Challenges GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Tourism and Inclusive Growth Context: The Statue of Unity and the cluster of projects around it are directly benefiting local communities in a 100 square-kilometre radius, and are providing inclusive sustainable growth in the region. Potential for Tourism India has 41 UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions, many iconic destinations, 10 eco-friendly blue flag beaches, immense natural beauty, many wildlife sanctuaries, and intangible cultural heritage through festivals and performing arts. There is an opportunity to build tourism clusters around these so that local communities can benefit from them. Some of these areas are inhabited by marginalised communities such as tribals and forest-dwellers. Tourism is a tool to deliver prosperity to these people as that it brings jobs and development opportunities. In the wake of Covid-19, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has designated this year’s World Tourism Day on September 27 to focus on inclusive growth. The reason for the tourism sector’s ability to create inclusive growth is also because of the relatively low investment that is required to create sustainable jobs and generate employment Way Ahead Government has to empower local communities by skilling them and integrating them into the tourism supply-chain so that they can run their own homestays, operate logistics, act as guides and tour operators. While international tourism could take longer to open up, as international air travel is still constrained, government has a tremendous opportunity to promote domestic tourism as a large percentage of the population will be fully vaccinated by year end. Connecting the dots: Sustainable Tourism Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism SOCIETY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of health GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Digital Health ID Context: Recently PM launched the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) that involves the creation of not just a unique health ID for every citizen, but also a digital healthcare professionals and facilities registry. What is the unique health ID, and how does one get it? If a person wants to be part of the ABDM, she must create a health ID, which is a randomly generated 14-digit number. The ID will be broadly used for three purposes: Unique identification Authentication Threading of the beneficiary’s health records, only with their informed consent, across multiple systems and stakeholders. One can get a health ID by self-registration on the portal or by downloading the ABMD Health Records app on one’s mobile. Additionally, one can also request the creation of a health ID at a participating health facility, which may include government or private hospitals, community health centres, and wellness centres of the government across India. The beneficiary will also have to set up a Personal Health Records (PHR) address for consent management, and for future sharing of health records. Aadhar is not mandatory for createion of Health ID. One can use one’s mobile number for registration, without Aadhaar. What is a PHR address? It is a simple self-declared username, which the beneficiary is required to sign into a Health Information Exchange and Consent Manager (HIE-CM). Each health ID will require linkage to a consent manager to enable sharing of health records data. An HIE-CM is an application that enables sharing and linking of personal health records for a user. At present, one can use the health ID to sign up on the HIE-CM; the National Health Authority (NHA), however, says multiple consent managers are likely to be available for patients to choose from in the near future. What is the security of data? The National Health Authority (NHA) says ABDM does not store any of the beneficiary health records. The records are stored with healthcare information providers as per their “retention policies”, and are “shared” over the ABDM network “with encryption mechanisms” only after the beneficiary express consent. Can a person delete his health ID and exit the platform? Yes, the NHA says ABDM, supports such a feature. Two options are available: a user can permanently delete or temporarily deactivate her health ID. On deletion, the unique health ID will be permanently deleted, along with all demographic details. The beneficiary will not be able to retrieve any information tagged to that health ID in the future, and will never be able to access ABDM applications or any health records over the ABDM network with the deleted ID. On deactivation, the beneficiary will lose access to all ABDM applications only for the period of deactivation. Until she reactivates her health ID, she will not be able to share the ID at any health facility or share health records over the ABDM network. What facilities are available to beneficiaries? One can access digital health records right from admission through treatment and discharge. Second, one can access and link your personal health records with your health ID to create a longitudinal health history. Upcoming new features will enable access to verified doctors across the country. Other features include The beneficiary can create a health ID for her child, and digital health records right from birth. There will be much inclusive access, with the health ID available to people who don’t have phones, using assisted methods. How do private players get associated with a government digital ID? The NHA has launched the NDHM Sandbox: a digital architecture that allows helps private players to be part of the National Digital Health Ecosystem as health information providers or health information users. The private player sends a request to NHA to test its system with the Sandbox environment. The NHA then gives the private player a key to access the Sandbox environment and the health ID application programming interface (API). The private player then has to create a Sandbox health ID, integrate its software with the API; and register the software to test link records and process health data consent requests. Once the system is tested, the system will ask for a demo to the NHA to move forward. After a successful demo, the NHA certifies and empanels the private hospital. Why is this initiative significant? The initiative has the potential to “increase the ease of living” along with “simplifying the procedures in hospitals”. At present, the use of digital health ID in hospitals is currently limited to only one hospital or to a single group, and mostly concentrated in large private chains. The new initiative will bring the entire ecosystem on a single platform. The system also makes it easier to find doctors and specialists nearest to you. Currently, many patients rely on recommendations from family and friends for medical consultation, but now the new platform will tell the patient who to reach out to, and who is the nearest. Also, labs and drug stores will be easily identified for better tests using the new platform. Connecting the dots: Digital India Ayushman Bharat Scheme Pandemic & inequality in Digital world Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) (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 The currently under construction 14.15 km long Zojila Tunnel will connect which two places? Srinagar to Leh Ladakh to Leh Sikkim to Darjeeling Spiti to Kullu Q.2 Which of the following is/are true regarding The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill - 2016? Reservation in vacancies in government establishments has been increased from 3% to 5% for certain persons or class of persons with benchmark disability. The Constitution and the functions of District level committees would be prescribed by the Union Government. Select the correct statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 The primary objectives of SEBI include : To protect interest of investors in securities to regulate securities market to promote the development of securities market all of the above ANSWERS FOR 28th Sept 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 C 3 B Must Read On Maoist Insurgency: The Hindu On pendency of cases: The Hindu On CBDC: Financial Express
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
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
Hello Everyone, UPSC Topper 2020, DIVYA MISHRA Rank 28, IASbaba's TLP PLUS Student shares her preparation strategy with Mohan Sir. She is one of the best examples of consistency, perseverance, and hardwork. She has reached the Interview Stage in all her three attempts. In her 1st attempt, she missed the rank list by just 4 marks. In her 2nd attempt, she was able to get a Rank of 312 which assured her a Group A Service (IRTS). In her 3rd attempt, she was able to clear the exam with an amazing Rank of 28. 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: 00:09 - Introduction & Divya’s Achievements 03:57 - How were you able to clear Prelims & Mains in all the 3 times & Get Rank in 2 attempts 04:53 - Mains & Interview Strategy 06:25 - How to Keep oneself Motivated? 07:34 - Prelims Strategy 08:51 - Mains Strategy 10:24 - Importance of Diagrams in Mains Answers 11:35 - Different Strategy for Different Paper 13:16 - Strategy for Personality Test 14:22 - Philosophy Optional Strategy & How to choose an Optional? 17:19 - What was the strategy to improve your Rank from 312 to AIR 28? 19:57 - Current Affairs Strategy 23:58 - How to Revise? 25:23 - Time management / Daily Schedule - How many hours did you study per day? 26:44 - Role of IASbaba in my Success 27:30 - Quality of Baba’s Current Affairs, Test Series 27:48 - TLP Answer Writing Program 28:30 - My 2 Cents - Prelims Strategy in Last 2 Weeks 30:10 - What it takes to be a Topper? Advice to the future Civil Servants Kudos and Salute to her consistent efforts, determination, and hard work which has helped her to achieve Rank 28. 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 TLP CONNECT and TLP PLUS - Mains Test Series with Mentorship 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.
Dear Students, UPSC has come out the Marks of Recommended Candidates. MARKSHEET OF RECOMMENDED CANDIDATES - CLICK HERE UPSC has also come out with the mark list of candidates who have written the Mains Examination. You can find it below. CIVIL SERVICES(MAIN) EXAMINATION, 2020 (FOR CANDIDATES QUALIFIED IN WRITTEN EXAMINATION) - CLICK HERE CIVIL SERVICES(MAIN) EXAMINATION, 2020 (FOR CANDIDATES NOT QUALIFIED IN WRITTEN EXAMINATION) - CLICK HERE In the comment section below, you can share your marks. Thank You IASbaba
Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) All-India Quarterly Establishment-based Employment Survey Part of: Prelims and GS III - Employment Context All-India Quarterly Establishment-based Employment Survey was recently released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Major findings of the report In the first quarter of this fiscal (April-June 2021) 27% of the establishments surveyed reported COVID-19-related retrenchment (reduction). However, the overall employment numbers had increased by 29% from the base year of 2013-14. Overall, employment stood at 3.08 crore in the first quarter, an increase from 2.37 crore as reported in the Sixth Economic Census (2013-2014). Top employment sectors: IT/BPO sector (152%), followed by health (77%), transport (68%). There was a decline in employment in trade (25%) and accommodation and restaurants (13%). Trend in female employment: The number of female workers showed a decline too, from 31% in the Sixth Economic Survey to 29%. Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India Part of: Prelims and GS-I- Population and Census Context The Union government had recently told the Supreme Court that the caste data enumerated in the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) of 2011 was “unusable”, but in 2016, the Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India had informed the Standing Committee on Rural Development that 98.87% of the data on individual caste and religion was “error free”. What is the Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India? Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, was founded in 1961 by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs. Role: Arranging, conducting and analysing the results of the demographic surveys of India including Census of India and Linguistic Survey of India. The position of Registrar is usually held by a civil servant holding the rank of Joint Secretary. What is the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC)? Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), which collected the first figures on caste since 1931, is the largest exercise of the enumeration of caste. SECC supplies data to differentiate the socio-economic status of households based on housing, educational status, landholding, differently abled, occupation, possession of assets, SC/ST households, incomes etc. The Census thus provides a portrait of the Indian population, while the SECC is a tool to identify beneficiaries of state support. Article 30(2) of Indian Constitution Part of: Prelims and GS II - Fundamental Rights Context The Supreme Court held in a judgment that the right of an institution, whether run by a majority or minority community, to get government aid is not a fundamental right. Both have to equally follow the rules and conditions of the aid. Key takeaways Whether it is an institution run by the majority or the minority, all conditions that have relevance to the proper utilisation of the grant-in-aid by an educational institution can be imposed. The Bench said if the government made a policy call to withdraw aid, an institution cannot question the decision as a “matter of right”. An institution is free to choose to accept the grant with the conditions or go its own way. About Article 30(2) It states that The state shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language DRDO tests Akash Prime missile Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Defence and Security Context The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested a new version of the Akash surface-to-air missile Akash Prime from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements also ensure more reliable performance under low temperature environment at higher altitudes, It can intercept aerial targets mimicking enemy aircraft. Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. It is working to establish a world class science and technology base for India and provides Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions. It was established in 1958 after combining Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO). It is responsible for carrying out Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). Dark energy Part of: Prelims and GS III - Sci and Tech; Space Context Recently, an international team of researchers made the first recognized direct detection of dark energy. XENON1T experiment and key findings- The XENON1T experiment is the world’s most sensitive dark matter experiment and was operated deep underground at the INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy. The finding also suggests that experiments like XENON1T, which are designed to detect dark matter, could also be used to detect dark energy. What is Dark energy? Dark energy is an unknown form of energy that affects the universe on the largest scales. The first observational evidence for its existence came from measurements of supernovae, which showed that the universe does not expand at a constant rate and rather, the expansion of the universe is accelerating. What is dark matter? First, it is dark, meaning that it is not in the form of stars and planets that we see. Observations show that there is far too little visible matter in the universe to make up the 27% required by the observations. Second, it is not in the form of dark clouds of normal matter, matter made up of particles called baryons. Third, dark matter is not antimatter, because we do not see the unique gamma rays that are produced when antimatter annihilates with matter. Are Both Dark matter and Dark energy the same? About 27% of the universe is dark matter and 68% is dark energy. While dark matter attracts and holds galaxies together, dark energy repels and causes the expansion of the universe. Despite both components being invisible, we know a lot more about dark matter, since its existence was suggested as early as the 1920s, while dark energy wasn’t discovered until 1998. Miscellaneous Places in news: Marib and Taiwan Strait Marib: Sixty-seven Yemeni rebels and pro-government troops have been killed as fighting intensifies for the key city of Marib. This city is rich in oil. Taiwan Strait: A British warship was sailing through the Taiwan Strait recently, a move that challenges Beijing’s claim to the sensitive waterway and marks a rare voyage by a non-U.S. military vessel. Canadian, French and Australian warships have all made voyages through the Taiwan Strait in recent years, sparking protests from China. The Taiwan Strait is a 180-kilometer-wide strait separating the island of Taiwan and continental Asia. The strait is part of the South China Sea and connects to the East China Sea to the north. (News from PIB) Indo-US Health Dialogue 2021 Part of: GS-Prelims ad GS-II: India and other countries In News: The two-day Dialogue will be leveraged as a platform to deliberate upon multiple ongoing collaborations in the health sector between the two countries. The issues planned for deliberations in this round also encompass areas of concern pertaining to strengthening of epidemiological research and surveillance, vaccine development, One Health, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, health systems and health policies etc. An MoU between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and the Department of Health and Human Services of the United States of America, in the field of health sector has been finalized, with major areas of cooperation covering issues like Health Safety and Security; Communicable Diseases & Non-Communicable Diseases; Health Systems; and Health Policy. There is a need to focus on these emerging areas to prevent and control infectious diseases relying on well-designed and validated scientific approaches and collaboration between countries to aid in advance scientific discovery and management of global health threats. Public and private sector should work together and combine its strengths in fighting the inequities of the health systems through innovations. News Source: PIB Azaadi@75: Swachh Survekshan 2022 Launched Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In News: Launch of the seventh consecutive edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey conducted by Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U). Designed with ‘People First’ as its driving philosophy, Swachh Survekshan 2022 is curated towards capturing the initiatives of cities for the overall welfare and well-being of frontline sanitation workers. Incorporated specific indicators that drive cities to improve working conditions and livelihood opportunities for these frontline soldiers in urban India’s sanitation journey. About Swachh Survekshan (SS) It was Commissioned by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It has been a vehicle for creating a Janandolan (people’s movement). Districts are ranked based on their performance on key quality and quantitative parameters. The weights to different elements of the SSG 2021 are as below: Direct Observation of sanitation at public places – 30% Citizen’s Feedback – 35% Service Level Progress on sanitation related parameters – 35% News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-3: Indian Economy & Challenges GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Cartelisation: CCI Penalty on Beer Companies Context: Recently, the Competition Commission of India found that three beer companies — United Breweries Ltd (UBL), Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd (CIPL) and Anheuser Busch InBev India (AB InBev)— had colluded to fix beer prices for a full decade — between 2009 and 2018. As a result, the CCI slapped a penalty of Rs 873 crore on the companies as well as the All India Brewers Association (AIBA) and 11 individuals for cartelisation in the sale and supply of beer in 10 states and Union Territories. AB InBev received a 100% relief from the penalty because its officials helped the CCI investigation into the functioning of the cartel. Oddly enough, the companies blamed government rules, which require them to seek approvals from state authorities for any price revisions, as the main reason for forming a cartel. What is a cartel? Cartels can be difficult to define. According to CCI, a “Cartel includes an association of producers, sellers, distributors, traders or service providers who, by agreement amongst themselves, limit, control or attempt to control the production, distribution, sale or price of, or, trade in goods or provision of services”. The International Competition Network (ICN), which is a global body dedicated to enforcing competition law, has a simpler definition. The three common components of a cartel are: an agreement; between competitors; to restrict competition. The agreement that forms a cartel need not be formal or written. Cartels almost invariably involve secrecy. How do cartels work? According to ICN, four categories of conduct are commonly identified across jurisdictions (countries). These are: price-fixing; output restrictions; market allocation and bid-rigging Overall, participants in hard-core cartels agree to insulate themselves from the rigours of a competitive marketplace, substituting cooperation for competition. How do cartels hurt? Directly hurt the consumers as cartel raises the price above the competitive level and reduces output. In other words, by artificially holding back the supply or raising prices in a coordinated manner, companies either force some consumers out of the market by making the commodity (say, beer) more scarce or by earning profits that free competition would not have allowed. Consumer’s helplessness and lack of power to bargain for better prices ensure transfer of wealth to the cartel operators. Due to the explicit agreement of non-competition and profit guarantees among cartels, any incentive to improve one’s product is removed. Therefore, cartelisation undermines innovations and the overall economic efficiency. How to stop the spread of cartelisation? Cartels are not easy to detect and identify. However, there has to be strong deterrence to those cartels that are found guilty. Typically, this takes the form of a monetary penalty that exceeds the gains amassed by the cartel. The penalty has to be high enough so as to offset any gain realised by the cartel. Along with penalties, leniency has to be provided (like 100% relief for AB InBev) to firms in order to incentivise whistleblowers exposing cartels and their functions Connecting the dots: Competition Commission of India CCI imposes Rs 200 crore penalty on Maruti SOCIETY/ GOVERNANCE GS-1: Issues relating to Women and Children GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Mandatory Registration of Marriages Context: Recently, Rajasthan amended the Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2009, which provides for mandatory registration of marriages, including child marriages. What is the new amendment about? The amendment provides that if the bride hasn't completed 18 years of age and/or the groom hasn't completed 21 years of age, then their parents or their guardians should register the marriage within 30 days. It was alleged by opposition that it justifies child marriage for the state giving certificates to minor kids. But the government argues that the bill doesn’t make the marriage legal and the District Collector can take action against them. According to the National Family Health Survey-4 data collected in 2015-16, 16.2% of the girls aged 15 to 19 years were married before the age of 18 in the State, Many claim that registration of child marriages will encourage/legitimise child marriage. Is this true? Registration of child marriages is not meant to legitimise them. Every minor still has the right to get his or her marriage annulled upon becoming major. The government has contended that the amended provisions will only streamline the registration process, without changing the status of nuptial ties of minors. The registration signals that marriage has taken place, secures a status for the girl especially the legal rights of the underage party It may even help in prosecution of those solemnising child marriages and implement provisions relating to maintenance and residence of the girl whose marriage is invalidated later. Also, by a Supreme Court order in in Seema vs. Ashwini Kumar, 2006, all marriages including child marriages have to be registered, and this is not a new development. SC has stated that the reason for ‘registering’ a child marriage, or any marriage, is to ensure the rights of the bride. Supreme Court observed that even though registration itself could not be proof of a valid marriage as such, it would have great evidentiary value in the matters of custody of children, right of children born from the wedlock of the two persons whose marriage is registered and the age of parties to the marriage. Therefore, registration does offer advantage to the girl as it secures her matrimonial rights making it possible for her to claim these rights in a court of law Legality of Child Marriage in India The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 is enacted for the prohibition of solemnisation of child marriages. A male who has not completed 21 years of age and a female who has not completed 18 years of age is a 'child' for the purpose of this Act. Under the law, child marriages are not void, but only voidable at the instance of one of the parties, who may approach the court for nullifying the marriage within two years of attaining majority. Conclusion As a fallout of this controversy, Parliament ought to consider the Law Commission’s recommendation to amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, to make child marriages below 16 years void, and those solemnised when either party was between 16 and 18, voidable. Connecting the dots: Marital Rape Women Issues Women Employment (Sansad TV- Perspective) Sep 20: Indianisation of Judiciary- https://youtu.be/umbLO0QH54Q POLITY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Judiciary Indianisation of Judiciary Context: India has the oldest judiciary system in the world. Our legal and judicial history dates back to 5000 years. In fact no other judicial system has a more ancient and acclaimed pedigree like Bharat-Varsh. Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has called the Indianisation of the country's legal system the need of the hour. According to him it is crucial to make the justice delivery system more accessible and effective. What does he mean by Indianisation of the country's legal system? Courts need to be litigant-centric while simplification of justice delivery should be the pressing concern. Very often our justice delivery poses many barriers for the common people. The working and the style of courts do not sit well with the complexities of India. Our systems, practice, rules being colonial in origin, it may not be best suited to the needs of the Indian population. The need of the hour is the ‘Indianisation’ of our legal system to make it more ‘litigant-centric’. Indianisation means the localization of the justice delivery system – the need to adapt to the practical realities of our society. Being litigant-centric means - as the common man is the ultimate beneficiary, and the focal point of any justice delivery system is “the litigant — the justice seeker”. Earlier recommendations include that of – Malimath Committee Report (2000) on reforms in the Criminal Justice System of India (CJS): The Committee suggested that a Schedule to the Code be brought out in all regional languages so that the accused knows his/her rights, as well as how to enforce them and whom to approach when there is a denial of those rights. Law Commission, 1958: The All India Judicial Services (AIJS) was first proposed by the 14th report of the Law Commission in 1958. The common man should not be scared of courts Colonial system of judiciary established more or less from the master-servant point of view and not from the public’s point of view. Language is an issue: Parties from a rural place fighting a family dispute are usually made to feel out of place in the Court. They do not understand the arguments or pleadings which are mostly in English, a language alien to them. Lengthy Days: These days judgments have become lengthy, which further complicates the position of litigants. As of today, there are more than 4.5 crore cases pending in the judiciary. More money: For the parties to understand the implications of a judgment, they are forced to spend more money. Even after spending money justice is not guaranteed. State of Justice Delivery: The lack of timely judgement has led to erosion of trust. Justice delivery should be more transparent, accessible and effective. Procedural barriers often undermine access to justice. Unapproachable courts and Judges: While approaching the Court, the common man should not feel scared of the Judges and courts. He should be able to speak the truth. It is the duty of lawyers and judges to create an environment which is comforting for the litigants and other stakeholders. Unavailability of Judges: Currently India has only 19.78 judges per million people. Representation of Women in Higher Judiciary is very Low: The first-ever woman judge (Justice Fatheema Beevi) in the Supreme Court (SC) was appointed in 1989, 39 years after the apex court came into existence. Since then, only 10 women have become judges in the apex court. In High Courts, women judges account for only 11%. In five HCs (Patna, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura and Uttarakhand high courts), no woman served as a judge. The Way Forward Simplification and Localisation of the Rules: The executive has to match these efforts by way of simplifying the corresponding rules. Most importantly, the executive and the legislature should function in unison in realising the Constitutional aspirations. It is only in this situation that the judiciary will not be compelled to step in as a lawmaker and only be left with the duty of applying and interpreting the laws. There is a need to dispel the notion that it the court’s responsibility to make the law. Enable People to Decode Justice System: There is a need to strengthen the legal outreach programmes along with improving the judicial infrastructure. The top court has decided to launch a country-wide legal awareness mission in the coming week. Lack of proper infrastructure and funds curtail the activities of legal services institutions, reducing the number of beneficiaries. Alternate dispute mechanisms like mediation and conciliation would go a long way in reducing pendency, unnecessary litigation and save resources. The notion that ordinary people want black robed judges, well-dressed lawyers in fine courtrooms as settings to resolve their disputes is incorrect. People with problems, like people with pains, want relief and they want it as quickly and inexpensively as possible. (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 Marib city, recently seen in news, is located in Which of the following countries? Syria Afghanistan Russia Yemen Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding XENON1T experiment: The XENON1T experiment is the world’s most sensitive dark matter experiment. It was operated deep underground at the INFN Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy. Select the correct statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 In which part of the Indian Constitution, the Fundamental Rights are provided? Part II Part III Part V Part IV ANSWERS FOR 27th Sept 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 B 3 B Must Read On QUAD: The Hindu On PM KUSUM: The Hindu On Dysfunctional Parliament: Hindustan Times
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
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
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