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Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 4th September 2021

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

TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [2nd September,2021] Day 169: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [2nd September,2021] Day 169: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What strategic leverage can India enjoy by maintaining close ties with the Maldives? Explain.  Approach  Introduce in general terms how are the historical relations of India and Maldives.In next part mention the importance of Maldives in strategic sense for India.Further write recent initiatives taken by the government and at last mention some irritants in the relationship.Make a summary based conclusion showing positive efforts taken by Indian government in recent times. Introduction India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity and enjoy close, cordial and multi-dimensional relations. India was among the first to recognise the Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country. India established its mission at the level of CDA in 1972 and resident High Commissioner in 1980. The Maldives opened a full-fledged High Commission in New Delhi in November 2004, at that time one of its only four diplomatic missions worldwide.This shows how historically both the countries have been maintaining close relationships. Body In this regard, India can have following strategic leverages by maintaining close relations with Maldives : Strategic location – In the Indian Ocean, Maldives archipelago comprising 1,200 coral islands lies next to key shipping lanes which ensure uninterrupted energy supplies to countries like China, Japan, and India. This can be leveraged by India in times of strategic need. At the Heart of International Geopolitics – Since China started to send naval ships to the Indian Ocean roughly 10 years ago and right up to the Gulf of Aden in the name of anti-piracy operations Maldives’ significance has steadily grown as it falls right in the middle of Ocean. Regional Security – As the pre-eminent South Asian power and a ‘net security provider’ in the Indian Ocean region, India needs to cooperate with the Maldives in security and defence sectors. Further, India can tackle extremism in the region with the help of Maldivian authorities. Member of SAARC – It is important for India to have the Maldives on board to maintain its leadership in the region especially in SAARC due to the constant acrimony with Pakistan. Diaspora – There are 25,000 Indian nationals living in the Maldives (second largest expatriate community). Indian tourists also account for close to 6% of tourists Maldives receives every year. UNSC Support – Maldives has extended its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed UN Security Council. The Maldives also has reiterated support for India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21. China’s footprint: The Maldives has undoubtedly emerged as an important “pearl” in China’s “String of Pearls” in South Asia. This can be countered by having a close strategic relationship with Maldives. Consequently, India has taken the following measures to boost the India-Maldives Strategic relationship: The signing of the US$800 million Dollar Line of Credit Agreement in March 2019, for assisting the Maldives to achieve sustainable social and economic development.  The recent joint exercise Ekatha conducted in April 2019 to strengthen coordination in enhancing maritime security in the region, through coordinated patrolling and aerial surveillance, exchange of information, and capacity building. Technical agreement on sharing ‘White Shipping Information’ between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force was also signed, enabling the exchange of prior information on the movement of commercial, non-military vessels. Potent Irritants in Relations of India and Maldives  Political Instability: India’s major concern has been the impact of political instability in the neighbourhood on its security and development.The February 2015 arrest of Maldives’ opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed on terrorism charges and the consequent political crisis have posed a real diplomatic test for India’s neighbourhood policy. Radicalisation: In the past decade or so, the number of Maldivian’s drawn towards terrorist groups like the Islamic State (IS) and Pakistan-based madrassas and jihadist groups has been increasing.Political instability and socio-economic uncertainty are the main drivers fuelling the rise of Islamist radicalism in the island nation.This gives rise to the possibility of Pakistan based terror groups using remote Maldivian islands as a launch pad for terror attacks against India and Indian interests. China Angle: China’s strategic footprint in India’s neighbourhood has increased. The Maldives has emerged as an important 'pearl' in China’s “String of Pearls” construct in South Asia.Given the uncertain dynamics of Sino-Indian relation, China’s strategic presence in the Maldives remains a concern.Also, the Maldives have started using the China card to bargain with India. Conclusion It is important for India to have Maldives in its sphere of strategic influence. India should reach out to all governmental and nongovernmental actors of the atoll in economic, socio-cultural and political arenas. Further the recent India-Maldives defence cooperation will enhance India’s capability to monitor Chinese maritime and naval movements along vital sea lanes of communication that run alongside the Maldives.In accordance with the “Neighbourhood First Policy” of the government, India remains a committed development partner for a stable, prosperous and peaceful Maldives. 2. How can India’s soft power be leveraged in the subcontinent and to what advantage? Suggest. Approach  Define soft power and contextualise to the demand of the question.In next part mention what soft power advantages does India posses in subcontinent.In next part mention the advantages of this soft power.In conclusion make an affirmative statement on India’s soft power and mention some recent initiatives in this direction. Introduction According to Harvard political scientist Joseph Nye, who coined the term, soft power is the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without resorting to force or coercion.Soft power lies in a country’s attractiveness and comes from three resources: its culture, its political values, and its foreign policies.India boasts an amazing variety and wealth of soft power resources.This soft power has been used by India to leverage its needs, relations in the Indian sub continent as well as the world over the years. Body How can India’s soft power be leveraged in the subcontinent India’s spiritualism, yoga, movies and television, classical and popular dance and music, its principles of non-violence, democratic institutions, plural society, and cuisine have all attracted people across the continent.Further all these culture, arts forms are being practised in subcontinent whose historical heritage rests with India. International Day of Yoga reflects yoga’s immense popularity worldwide, underscoring its richness as a soft power resource.To further this India organised Yoga day in more than 156 countries including the subcontinent. Indo-ASEAN music festival in Delhi was a bridge between the youth of India and ASEAN.This helps in establishing people to people contacts and further spread Indian heritage . India is a civilisation which has offered refuge to cultural and religious freedoms to Jews, Parses, Christens and Muslims.In today’s context India has provided refuge to Srilankan Tamils, Rohingya’s and recently Afghans this boasts India’s soft power in humanitarian way. Buddhism is an important bridge between not just India and South East Asia and East Asia, but also with South Asia.Countries like Srilanka and Myanmar are majorly buddhists ,this serves a spiritual connect between the nations. India is a country in which all major religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Sikhism – coexists which has been the strength of India’s soft power.This in contrast to Indian neighbourhood which have been a strife ridden area. India is dipping into its soft power resources in its diplomatic engagements abroad.Personal visits by Indian prime minister to Maldives, Afghanistan,Bangladesh highlights the diplomatic connections. Offer subsidised courses in foreign capitals to teach appreciation of Indian culture. Indian Diaspora is seen as ambassadors of carriers of our soft power. India’s successful Aadhaar programmes which can help countries do similar things and India’s IT capabilities are huge source of soft power. Student exchange programs, increase in scholarships, medical tourism and research scholars have resulted in a vibrant democracy. Indian Diaspora is seen as ambassadors of carriers of our soft power. Recently India provided vaccines, essential medicines to fight against covid to all the subcontinent countries.This shows India’s medical superiority and thus helps in leveraging in relationships. India’s Soft Power proposal in budget 2020-21 Proposal to consider issuing Aadhaar Card for NRIs with Indian Passports on their arrival without waiting for 180 days. Mission to integrate traditional artisans with global markets proposed, with necessary patents and geographical indicators. 18 new Indian diplomatic Missions in Africa approved in March, 2018, out of which 5 already opened. Another 4 new Embassies intended in 2019-20. Revamp of Indian Development Assistance Scheme (IDEAS) proposed. 17 iconic Tourism Sites being developed into model world class tourist destinations. Present digital repository aimed at preserving rich tribal cultural heritage, to be strengthened. Potential Advantages gained by India through soft power Diplomacy need not backed by the military and economic hard power. This presents a ‘technology’ in our hand to compete and overtake Chinese ‘check book’ diplomacy.  It gives moral high ground at world forum especially due to non-violent manner in which we had achieved our independence and have been thriving democracy in contrast to the neighbourhood.Indian election commissioners have been sent as observers in elections to Maldives,Srilanka . International Support for tough decisions like abrogation of article 370.No neighbourhood country other than the traditional rival Pakistan commented on the decision taken by India. India have gained access to both economic projects and strategic projects in countries like Maldives, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Myanmar.This help both in development and strategic hold. India receives highest tourism flow from its neighbouring countries, this helps in giving boost to Indian economy and further spread of Indian values. India gains backing in important decision at world stage such becoming a permanent member of security council , nuclear supplier group, etc. Bhutan and Nepal have traditionally being aligned to Indian point of view.This helps in leveraging its positions vis a vis China.In 2017 , Bhutan asked fo Indian support explicitly. Conclusion It is imperative that India expands its soft power and civilisational strength, both for national unity and to gain the proper place in the continent for its magnificent heritage that can benefit all humanity. India has the cultural and civilisational depth to lead the world to a new era of peace and higher consciousness, but needs the political will and the diplomatic skill in order to do so.Recent initiatives such mission SAGAR, South asian satellite, opening credit lines of support will help in leveraging soft power further. 3. What are the major issues of convergence and confrontation between India and Afghanistan? Examine. Approach  Introduce the historical relations between India and Afghanistan with the present context.In next part write what are the points of convergence in the current context.Further write what are points of confrontation in present context.In conclusion make a pragmatic statement on the current situation. Introduction  India and Afghanistan have had a strong relationship based on historical and cultural links.The relationship was not limited to the governments and had its foundations in the historical contacts and exchanges between the people.In recent past, Indo-Afghan relations have been further strengthened by the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between the two countries in 2011.But the recent events of Taliban take over of Afghanistan after withdrawal of Western forces have put India- Afghanistan relationships at the crossroads.In this context it becomes imperative to evaluate what are the points of convergence and divergence between both nations in current context. Body Points of convergence between both the nations in past and future. Bilaterally, India has played a significant role in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Afghanistan. India's extensive developmental assistance programme, which now stands at around US 3 billion, is a strong signal of its abiding commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan during this critical period of security and governance transition.This area of support can be sustained further if the current Taliban takeover doesn’t harm Indian interests. India fully recognises the pre- eminence of Afghanistan as a junction of trade routes between central, south and west Asia.This will become a new point of convergence between both the nations as India’s goal to reduce the distance between India and Central Asia can benefits both the nations. Afghanistan is important for India not just from the strategic viewpoint but also because it holds business potential for Indian companies. The peaceful Afghanistan can be beneficial for Indian trade and which in return will prosper and stabilise the Afghan country from the current war torn scenario and fear on the street. Major Indian exports to Afghanistan are man-made filaments, apparels and clothing accessories, Pharma products, cereals, dairy and poultry products. Afghan exports to India primarily comprise of dry and fresh fruits.This will remain a link between both the nations as the new Afghanistan government would want to diversify its financial resources. India has a vast experience in handling democratic setup and to govern people from diverse backgrounds.This can become a point for both countries to talk upon and share knowledge for better transition. The current Taliban takeover will need legitimacy before the world government and India being current head of security council can help it gain legitimacy ,given that India’s concerns are not hampered and the new government gives consideration to the humanitarian values. India wants to check Pakistan influence in the new Afghanistan government and the Taliban itself may want to come out of the hold of Pakistan if it wants a peaceful Afghanistan.This can be a potent point between both nations to build upon. The current situation of Covid-19 can be a opportunity to converge for both nations to help Afghanistan in essential  medicines and vaccines. Given the current situation and how it evolves these all points will remain a theoretical scenario as the practicalities on the ground may change drastically given the past history of Taliban and its antagonism towards the moderate forms of Islam and non muslim countries. Issues of confrontation between India and Afghanistan. Terrorism : The current government in Afghanistan have been a state supporter of terrorism.In past it has launched Mujahideen attacks in Kashmir in 1990s and also had a role in Hijack of plane in 1998.Thus India cannot work with a state supporter terrorism and it will create friction. India has invested heavily in Afghanistan both in material and moral support over the years.The current government may do away with all these linkages which might hurt India both economic and strategically. Drug Trafficking : Afghanistan is the hotbed of drug trafficking as it is largest producer.The inability to curb the movement of opium can become a point of friction between both the nations. India being the current head of UNSC and being at forefront of handling the crises created by Taliban takeover can itself become a point of confrontation. Migrants : The huge population Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan and the atrocities and forceful conversions as created in past can lead to friction.Further the open offer of India to help Afghans citizens can be creating issues . The alignment of Pakistan- Taliban – China can pose a threat to Indian security and can lead to confrontation not only with the current Afghanistan but also with China and Pakistan  Conclusion The situation in Afghanistan has evolved very rapidly.Therefore the most prudent step for India will be to align with the opinion of the world and also start a diplomatic dialogue with Taliban to secure its strategic and economic assets and leverage historical relationships with the people of Afghanistan.A peaceful Afghanistan is very essential for India from both security and strategic point of view.Therefore India should wait and take appropriate steps to through Security council and direct diplomacy to reduce future frictions between both nations.   TLP Synopsis Day 169 PDF

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd September 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Turtle Conservation Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Environment  Context Indian biologist Shailendra Singh has been awarded the Behler Turtle Conservation Award for bringing three critically endangered turtle conservation species back from the brink of extinction. The award has been bestowed by several global bodies involved in turtle conservation such as Turtle Survival Alliance, IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle Conservancy, and the Turtle Conservation Fund. He and his team’s efforts now span much of India, impacting well over half of its turtle and tortoise species, many of which are among the most endangered turtles on the planet For some species, such as the red-crowned roofed turtle ( Batagur kachuga ), northern river terrapin ( Batagur baska ), and black softshell turtle ( Nilssonia nigricans ), Dr. Singh and his team’s efforts are the last hope for their wild survival in the country. Red-crowned roofed turtle  Northern river terrapin Black softshell turtle Distribution  It is native to India, Bangladesh and Nepal.  Currently in India, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is the only area with a substantial population of the species, but even this Protected Area and habitat are under threat. It is found in India and Bangladesh (Sundarbans), Myanmar, Malaysia (peninsular), Indonesia (Sumatra), Thailand, and Cambodia They are found in ponds of temples in northeastern India and Bangladesh.  Its distribution range also includes the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries. Characteristics  It is a freshwater turtle species, and found in deep flowing rivers with terrestrial nesting sites.Diet of the species consists exclusively of water plants. It lives in coastal mangrove estuaries and creeks, but ventures far upstream during the breeding season. It is a freshwater turtle species. Threats Loss or degradation of habitat due to pollution and large scale development activities  Sand mining and growing of seasonal crops Drowning by illegal fishing nets. Poaching and illegal trade. Hunting and harvesting of eggs. Pollution and loss of habitat Drowning by illegal fishing nets. Siltation and sedimentation due to watershed activities such as logging. Consumption of turtle meat and eggs,  Encroachment of wetlands  Change in flooding pattern. IUCN Critically endangered  Critically endangered  Critically Endangered CITES Appendix II Appendix I Appendix I Blue Straggler Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Sci and Tech; Space  Context Blue stragglers are a class of stars on open or globular clusters that stand out as they are bigger and bluer than the rest of the stars.  They have intrigued scientists who have for long probed their origin. Carrying out the first-ever comprehensive analysis of blue stragglers, Indian researchers recently found that half of the blue stragglers in their sample are formed through mass transfer from a close binary companion star.  What is Blue Straggler?  A bunch of stars born at the same time from the same cloud form a star cluster.  As time passes, each star evolves differently depending on its mass.  The most massive and bright stars evolve and move off the main sequence creating a bend in their track, known as the turnoff.  Stars above this bend or brighter and hotter stars are not expected in a cluster, as they leave the main sequence to become red giants.  But in 1953, Allan Sandage found that some stars seem to be hotter than the turnoff of the parent cluster.  Initially, these blue stars, still straggling above the turnoff, were not part of these clusters. However, later studies confirmed that these stars are indeed cluster members, and they were termed “Blue Stragglers”.   Recent findings of the Indian researchers The researchers utilised the Gaia telescope launched in 2013 by the European Space Agency with its excellent positional accuracy to select the blue stragglers in clusters  They found that among the clusters they scanned, 228 have a total of 868 blue stragglers. This is the first-ever comprehensive analysis of blue stragglers.  It showed that these stars are primarily present in the older and massive star clusters.  And due to their large mass, they are segregated towards the centre of the clusters.  The researchers compared the mass of the blue stragglers to the mass of the turnoff stars (which are the most massive ‘normal’ stars in the cluster) and predicted the formation mechanisms.  Significance of the recent findings: The study will help improve understanding of these stellar systems to uncover exciting results in studies of large stellar populations, including galaxies.  Hurricane Ida Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Disaster management  Context Recently, Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana, US. It is an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm and one of the most powerful storms ever to hit the US. What are Hurricanes?  Hurricanes are the biggest and most violent storms on the planet. Tropical cyclones or hurricanes use warm, moist air as fuel, and therefore form over warm Equatorial water. Mechanism of the hurricanes When the warm, moist air rises upward from the surface of the ocean, it creates an area of low air pressure below. When this happens, the air from the surrounding areas rushes to fill this place, eventually rising when it becomes warm and moist too. An eye forms in the centre. It is the calmest part of the cyclone. Before the wind reaches the centre it gets warmed up and rises upwards. When the warm air rises and cools off, the moisture forms clouds. This system of clouds and winds continues to grow and spin. This disturbance is fuelled by the ocean’s heat and the water that evaporates from its surface. Such storm systems rotate faster and faster. Storms that form towards the north of the equator rotate counterclockwise, while those that form to the south spin clockwise because of the rotation of the Earth. Names in Different Regions of the World: Typhoons: Tropical cyclones are known as Typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes: In the West Indian islands in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Willy-willies: In north-western Australia  Tropical Cyclones: In the Indian Ocean Region. Categorization of Hurricanes: Hurricanes are categorized on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which rates them on a scale of 1 to 5 based on wind speed. Hurricanes that reach category three or higher are classified as major hurricanes. No SC, ST, OBC quota for NRIs appearing for NEET Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II -  Policies and interventions  Context Recent clarification by the Ministry of Health that aspiring candidates for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) can only opt for one quota category. About NRI students belonging to SC, ST and OBC communities can no longer enjoy the reservation benefits provided to them in the upcoming NEET examinations Aspiring NRI students have also pointed out how they are denied seats under NRI quota in central, state and deemed institutions if they opt for ‘Indian’ as their nationality.  Such method of classification discriminates against NRI even though they hold an Indian citizenship Who is considered as a Non-resident? (Check out the pic below) About NEET examination NEET is the qualifying test for MBBS and BDS programmes in Indian medical and dental colleges.  It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). (News from PIB) TB Free India by 2025 Part of: GS Prelims  In News:   Union minister of health and family welfare Shri Mansukh Mandaviya chairs High Level Meet with all States to review Public Health gains against Tuberculosis. Key takeaways from the meet: The minister assured that the Union government is open to all suggestions from the States/UTs on Tuberculosis in its mission to fulfil Prime Minister’s dream of a TB Free India by 2025.  He also encouraged the States and UTs to provide suggestions on the Public Health Management of COVID and other programs and initiatives of the Union Health Ministry. On the threat to the gains made against TB due to COVID-19, he spoke on the ramping up of COVID Vaccination in the recent days and also highlighted the importance of vaccinating all teachers by the 5th of September for which additional doses are being provided to the States. He encouraged states to ensure that COVID protocols are continued to be followed and no laxity in shown due to improved situation in the country. He emphasised on encouraging the common people to join us in this mission for eradicating TB. It has to be made a people’s initiative. TB and COVID-19: The World Health Organization (WHO) is advising Member States that are leading the response to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic.  The WHO Global TB Programme, along with WHO regional and country offices, has developed an information note, in collaboration with stakeholders.  This note is intended to assist national TB programmes and health personnel to urgently maintain continuity of essential services for people affected with TB during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by innovative people-centred approaches, as well as maximizing joint support to tackle both diseases.  It is important that the progress made in TB prevention and care is not reversed by the COVID19 pandemic. Finding and treating people with TB remain the fundamental pillars of TB prevention and care and those would require maintained attention. News Source: PIB DefExpo-2022 Part of: GS Prelims  In News:   Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani jointly reviewed the preparations of DefExpo-2022, at Kevadia, Gujarat on September 02, 2021.  The 12th edition of DefExpo, which is India’s flagship event showcasing the land, naval, air as well as homeland security systems, will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between March 10-13, 2022. The Gujarat Government aims to utilise the opportunity to further its aerospace & defence vision and seek foreign investments. In February 2021, India was the first country to conduct a hybrid aerospace exhibition, Aero India-2021 at Bengaluru, in compliance with strict COVID-19 protocols. The event, under the aegis of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, had witnessed tremendous global response. DefExpo-2022 The DefExpo, the premier event in the international aerospace and defence calendar, has witnessed year-on-year growth, both in the quantity and quality of participation. The aim of DefExpo-2022 is to build upon the vision to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and reach USD five billion defence exports target by 2024.  The objective is to make India a major destination of land, naval, air & homeland security systems and defence engineering.  Keeping with future warfare in mind, the event aims to recognise the impact of disruptive technologies on conflicts and its consequent impact on the equipment and platforms required. The DefExpo-2022 will be organised keeping with the COVID-19 protocols and aims to ensure maximum international and domestic participation.  The events planned include Conclave, Hybrid events, live demonstrations & business seminars. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) POLITY/ JUDICIARY GS-1: Fundamental Freedoms & Restrictions GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Monoculture in Punjab Context: Amidst the ongoing farmers’ protests are also questions that are being raised on the sustainability of paddy-wheat cultivation, especially in Punjab. What is the extent of paddy-wheat monoculture in Punjab? Punjab’s gross cropped area in 2018-19 was estimated at 78.30 lakh hectares (lh).  Out of that, 35.20 lh was sown under wheat and another 31.03 lh under paddy, adding up to 84.6% of the total area planted to all crops.  That ratio was just over 32% in 1960-61 and 47.4% in 1970-71. This has been at the expense of pulses (after 1960-61), maize, bajra and oilseeds (after 1970-71) and cotton (after 1990-91) Wheat replaced chana, masur, mustard and sunflower, while cotton, maize, groundnut and sugarcane area got diverted to paddy.  The only crops that have registered some acreage expansions are vegetables (especially potato and pea) and fruits (kinnow), but they hardly amount to any diversification Why is monoculture such a problem? Growing the same crops year after year on the same land increases vulnerability to pest and disease attacks.  The more the crop and genetic diversity, the more difficult it is for insects and pathogens to infect.  Wheat and paddy cannot also, unlike pulses and legumes, fix nitrogen from the atmosphere.  Their continuous cultivation without any crop rotation, then, leads to depletion of soil nutrients. As a result, crops will have to increasingly depend on chemical fertilisers and pesticides. In Punjab’s case, the issue isn’t as much with wheat, which is naturally adapted to its soil and agro-climatic conditions.  Wheat is a cool season crop that can be grown only in regions – particularly north of the Vindhyas – where day temperatures are within early 30oC range through March (temperature sensitive) Its cultivation in Punjab is also desirable from a national food security standpoint.  Punjab’s wheat yields – at 5 tonnes-plus per hectare, as against the national average of 3.4-3.5 tonnes – are far too high to make any reduction in its cultivation area. So, it is basically paddy that needs fixing? Yes, there are two reasons for it.  The first has to do with paddy being a warm season crop not very sensitive to high temperature stress. It can be grown in much of eastern, central and southern India, where water is sufficiently available.  Punjab contributed 10.88 mt of rice (milled paddy) out of total Central pool procurement of 52 mt in 2019-20. Probably half of this rice of Punjab can, instead, be procured from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal or Assam. The second has to do with water usage. Farmers usually irrigate wheat five times. In paddy, 30 irrigations or more are given.  Punjab’s groundwater table has been declining by 0.5 m/annum on an average – largely due to paddy cultivation and the state’s policy of supplying free power for irrigation.  This has encouraged farmers to grow long-duration (160 days) water-guzzling paddy varieties like Pusa-44. Long duration meant that nursery-raising happened in April last week and transplanting by mid-May. But being peak summer time, it also translated into very high water requirement. Crops were then harvested from October leaving ample time for planting of the next wheat crop (by mid-November). Before Pusa-44’s release in 1993, Punjab farmers were mostly cultivating PR-106, which required less water and was short duration(145 days). Has the Punjab government done anything to address this? The one significant step that it took was enacting the Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act in 2009, that prohibited any nursery-sowing and transplanting of paddy before May 15 and June 15, respectively.  Therefore, transplanting of Pusa-44 was permitted only after the monsoon rains arrived in mid-June. This was done to address the water requirements.  As a result, harvesting was pushed to October-end, leaving a narrow time window for sowing wheat before the November 15 deadline.  Farmers, then, had no option other than burning the paddy stubble left behind after harvesting.  Simply put, groundwater conservation in Punjab ended up causing air pollution in Delhi. Has there been any way to avoid this trade-off? One thing that scientists at the Punjab Agriculture University (PAU), Ludhiana have done is breed shorter-duration paddy varieties. These take between 13 and 37 days less time to mature than Pusa-44, while yielding almost the same (see table 2).  PR-126, a variety released in 2017, has a mere 123 days duration (inclusive of 30 days post nursery-raising) and its yield is 30 quintals per acre. In 2012, 39% of Punjab’s non-basmati paddy area was under Pusa-44. That was down to 20% in 2021, while the share of shorter-duration varieties, mainly PR-121 and PR-126, has crossed 71%.  While Pusa-44 requires around 31 irrigations, it is only 23 in PR-126 and 26 in PR-121. There would be further 3-4 irrigation savings if farmers adopt direct seeding of paddy, as opposed to transplanting in flooded fields. A single irrigation consumes roughly 2 lakh litres of water per acre. Way forward A sensible strategy could be to limit Punjab’s paddy area and ensure planting of only shorter-duration varieties.  Further water savings can be induced through metering of electricity and direct seeding of paddy. Connecting the dots: Agriculture Infrastructure Fund New Agricultural Bills & opposition to it  How has agri-marketing policy changed over years ENVIRONMENT/ GOVERNANCE GS-3: Environment Conservation GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. A hydro onslaught the Himalayas cannot take Context: The affidavit filed recently by Union Ministry of Environment in an ongoing matter in the Supreme Court has recommended the construction of seven partially constructed hydroelectric projects in the Uttarakhand Himalaya. Expert Committees on Hydro Projects in Himalayas After the Kedarnath tragedy of 2013, under guidance of SC,an expert body (EB-I) was constituted to investigate whether the increasing number of hydro-power projects in Uttarakhand was linked to the disaster.  In its findings, EB-I said there was a “direct and indirect impact” of these dams in intensifying the disaster.  Later, Union Government formed committee after committee until it got approval for these projects with some design changes. Concerns/ Criticisms Short-Term gains long-term loss: Dam lobby who promote hydro projects as green energy, wants to go ahead with such projects for short-term monetary gains despite the dire warnings of climate change threats and environmental challenges. Questions over sustainability of the dams: Hydropower solely relies on the excess availability of water. Retreating glaciers and the alternating phases of floods and drought will impact the seasonal flows of rivers. Existence of sediment hotspot paraglacial zones, which at the time of a cloud burst, contributes huge amounts of debris and silt in the river, thereby increasing the river volume & endangering dams.  Social Displacement: Hydro projects are capital intensive ventures that negatively impact local communities and their livelihoods.  Intensifies Natural Disasters: The proliferation of the hydroelectric projects in these eco-sensitive Himalayan regions accelerate the intensity of flash floods, avalanches, and landslides. Ex: Rishi Ganga tragedy and the disasters of 2012 (flashfloods) was aggravated by dams. Sinking of mountain slopes: The construction and maintenance of an extensive network of underground tunnels carrying water to the powerhouses contribute to the failure of mountain slopes. Economic Feasibility issues: By the time they are constructed, the cost of electricity generated will also be phenomenally high and would have no buyers.  Way Forward It is high time the MoEFCC formulated a written position on climate change adaptation with respect to the hydropower sector, after a thorough public discourse. Considering the environmental and cultural significance of these areas, it is imperative that the Government declares the upper reaches of the Ganga as eco-sensitive zones. It must allow the river to flow unfettered and free. Connecting the dots: Extreme Weather Events and Climate Change Climate Change and India in 2021 Floods in Europe 2021 Uttarakhand Disaster Himachal Landslide Tragedy (AIR Spotlight) Spotlight 24 (Aug): Discussion on New Education Policy and The road ahead https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWxchc0QcKg EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Education GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Discussion on New Education Policy and the road ahead  Union Education and Skill Development Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar jointly launched the booklet on One-year New Education Policy (NEP) – 2020 Achievement. They also launched some major initiatives of the New Education Policy- 2020 such as  NIPUN Bharat foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) tools and resources on DIKSHA;  Virtual School of National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS);  Alternate Academic Calendar of NCERT;  Release of ‘Priya’- accessibility booklet developed by the NCERT and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. NEP 2020 envisages education as a continuum without any segmentation. With this perspective, the Department of School Education and Literacy has taken up a multitude of initiatives at all levels of school education and has achieved 62 major milestones which will eventually transform the school education sector. Vidya Pravesh: The Vidya Pravesh scheme is 3 months play preparation program for the students studying in class one that aims at education for all in the country. It aims at spreading the concept of playschools to the remotest parts of the country and to ensure that no student is deprived of education.  Through this scheme, all the remote students will have access to playschools.  Priya -The Accessibility Warrior It provides glimpses into the world of a girl named Priya who met an accident and could not walk, due to plastered leg with depiction of how Priya managed to participate in all activities at school, and in the process learnt the importance of the accessibility thus taking the pledge of being an accessibility warrior.  The comic book is also available with Indian Sign Language (ISL) explanatory videos. NIPUN Bharat FLN: The full form of NIPUN Bharat Programme is the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy Bharat Programme.  NIPUN Bharat FLN is a program with a vision to ensure every child achieves the desired learning competencies in reading, writing and numeracy by the end of Grade 3, by 2026-27 NIPUN Bharat FLN tools and resources has been made available under a separate vertical for FLN resources developed under DIKSHA to assist and mentor States/UTs and teachers for implementing NIPUN Bharat guidelines.  Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 for providing a digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with the teacher community. This vertical has infographics and videos on learning outcomes and assessment tools for teachers to facilitate them. Challenges and way ahead: Acceptability by all universities is the first and foremost challenge in the effective implementation. Credits earned in first institution when taken forward to another institution, both institutions must be of equivalent standards otherwise it will create problem in encashing the credits in the new institution. So, we need to have a standardised definition of credits valuation. For example, there is 10-point system or an 8-point system or 6-point system. So there has to be a framework to exchange from one system to the other, it has been prepared by committee already and is yet to be approved, regulated and also different institutions have to be given choices of joining hands together.  (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 Which of the following statement is/are true about Hurricane? A hurricane is a violent storm originating over tropical or subtropical waters. It is constituted by a low pressure centre, a closed low level atmospheric circulation, and strong winds. It is accompanied by a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms which produce heavy rain. All the above Q.2 Consider the following statements: The most massive and bright stars evolve and move off the main sequence creating a bend in their track, known as the turnoff stars  Blue stragglers are a class of stars on open or globular clusters that are bigger, hotter and bluer than the rest of the stars.   Select the correct statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 The National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is the only area with a substantial population of which of the following species?  Leatherback turtle Red-crowned roofed turtle  Northern river terrapin Black softshell turtle  ANSWERS FOR 2nd Sept 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 B Must Read On MGNREGA: Scroll.in On India’s Presence in South China Sea: ORF

Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 96]: UPSC PRELIMS 2021- Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

Highlights/Features of Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series:  It is a FREE initiative! Program Duration - 120 Days (31st May, 2021 to 27th September, 2021). 1. Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation There will be a separate dedicated portal to help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined for the next 120 Days. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. 2. 120 Days Integrated (Prelims + Mains) Time Table This year’s RaRe Series will include Integrated Revision Plan (IRP) where we will be syncing your mains and prelims syllabus together over next 120 Days. The Revision Plan is designed by integrating IASbaba's famous flagship initiatives - 60 Day Plan and TLP Mains Answer Writing. 3. Daily RaRe Series (RRS) Videos on High Probable Topics (Monday - Friday) In video discussions, special focus is given to topics which have high probability to appear in UPSC Prelims Question Paper. Each session will be of 20 mins to 30 mins, which would cover rapid revision of 10 high probable topics (both static and current affairs) important for Prelims Exam this year according to the schedule. 4. Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday - Friday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 10 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule and in the RaRe videos. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Note: Should be integrated with the 60 Days Plan 2021. This will expose you to diverse questions from the same topics. 5. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday - Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday. Note: Current Affairs questions covered in the 60 Days Plan and Daily Quiz Monthly Compilations should be covered retrospectively. 6. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday - Friday) CSAT has been an achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. 7. Daily Mains Answer Writing (Monday - Friday) GS Mains will be covered along with Prelims in an integrated manner. Daily three Mains questions will be covered syllabus-wise according to the topics mentioned in the schedule. In total, it covers 250+ Mains Questions along with synopsis. 8. Brainstorming on Ethics & Essay (BEE) (Saturday & Sunday) Each week, Sunil Oberoi Sir (Retd. IAS) will take 3 sessions, two for Essay and one for Ethics. The two sessions earmarked for Essay will have a topic-based discussion where he will discuss the approach to write issue-based and philosophical essays. The topics will be picked from previous year question papers of UPSC and TLP initiative of IASbaba. 9. Full Mocks 3 GS Paper 1 Full Mocks will be provided along the lines of UPSC Prelims. 3 CSAT Paper 2 Full Mocks will be provided so that you are not overwhelmed during the D-Day. 10. Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes Right material plays important role in clearing the exam and Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes will have Prelims specific subject-wise refined notes. The main objective is to help students revise most important topics and that too within a very short limited time frame. Day-96 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 3rd September 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

TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [3rd September,2021] – Day 170

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [3rd Sep,2021] – Day 170 TLP (Phase 1) just got over on 8th May (Saturday) and we are extremely thankful for your active participation to make this program a success. Well, though TLP (Phase 1) got over, ‘Picture abhi baaqi hai mere dost’. There is a surprise for you. Since prelims is bound to get delayed once again this year, its not wise to leave the writing practice just now. Hence, we are extending the TLP program  We will be posting 3 questions per day (Monday to Friday). The questions will be based on Current Affairs, so that you don’t have to invest your time separately on exclusively mains oriented topics. So, keep practicing and keep improving. To Know More about TLP  -> CLICK HERE For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. What are the major international financial institutions? Discuss their organizational structure and mandate. (10 Marks) प्रमुख अंतरराष्ट्रीय वित्तीय संस्थानों कौन से हैं? उनकी संगठनात्मक संरचना और जनादेश पर चर्चा करें। 2. What is the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)? What are its objectives and mandate?  Discuss. (10 Marks) फाइनेंशियल एक्शन टास्क फोर्स (FATF) क्या है? इसके उद्देश्य और अधिदेश क्या हैं? चर्चा करें। 3. In terms of objectives and foundational philosophies, discuss the similarities and differences between the World Bank and The IMF? (15 Marks) उद्देश्यों और मूलभूत दर्शन के संदर्भ में, विश्व बैंक और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मुद्रा कोष (IMF) के बीच समानता और अंतर पर चर्चा करें। AWARE ( Answer Writing REdefined) Series - 7 Steps to Master Answer Writing Skills by Mohan Sir - CLICK HERE P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm every day. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each other's answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [1st September,2021] Day 168: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [1st September,2021] Day 168: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. In an age of rapid technological advancements, the role of bureaucracy must be reinvented. Comment. Approach  Define what is the role of bureaucracy in traditional sense.In next part write what are the various technological changes which the bureaucracy is going trough.In next part write what measures can be taken to equip the bureaucracy for this changes lWrite  a summary based conclusion . Introduction Bureaucracy or the Civil Service constitutes the permanent and professional part of the executive organ of government. It is responsible for implementation of policies and serves as a link between the government and the people. However, due to rapid technological advancements, its role is undergoing transformation in the 21st century. Body Changes in role of bureaucracy: Service provider to service enabler- Due to digital technologies it has become a facilitator of services ensuring their hassle free operation.So rather than the earlier role of gatekeepers of essential services now they have become partners in the development process. Record keeping to database management- From keeping big logs of paperwork, it has shifted to maintain online database.Further the data is not just kept for posterity but rather with new age technologies of Big data, data mining the bureaucracy takes fact based decisions and make course corrections after analysing data regularly. Increased scrutiny in administration- Advent of social media and a hyper active media have increased scrutiny in bureaucratic functioning.The bureaucracy now has to be always on toes with performance parameters being constantly changing and also administration being made more transparent and and accountable.The previous mindset of master mentality doesn’t go well with the new generation, which constantly wants better and efficient administration. Changed public relations- Direct benefits, use of social media platforms like twitter are connecting government and public directly, minimising the role of bureaucracy in this sphere.Thus the bureaucracy are no longer the primary interface between the people and government. Online administration- Online grievance redressal, financial benefits to bank, public advisory over internet etc. have modified the way administration used to run.This has made decisions quicker, transparent and accountable.Thus the previous mechanism of corruption, middleman etc have to be shunned. Cybercrimes- Increased incidence of cybercrimes has made it a necessity for bureaucracy to be vigilant.The new crimes such as online bullying, identity theft, anonymous threats have to be tackled in a new way of administration. Ways to reinvent the role of bureaucracy: Technical knowhow- Technical trainings need to be imparted to help bureaucrats deal with the existing tech challenges.This is done in Indian bureaucracy with officers being sent to universities for specific courses on data management, big data etc. Active social presence- Instead of being unapproachable to public, civil servants should try to address concerns and build public opinion about issues through social media. Be more media friendly: People want to learn what the government is doing and therefore in times of crises the bureaucrats should give information to media and therefore there should be skill development on media interactions. Empathy: The new age bureaucracy should be trained in empathy and compassion as the old role of controller has been done away. Conclusion The bureaucracy’s role changes with the change in environment in which it operates.Therefore with the rapid technological revolution the bureaucracy also needs to be tech savvy, people friendly, facilitator of business, empathetic towards vulnerable population, and innovative and creative.Therefore to achieve this government of India has recently launched the mission Karmayogi to reinvent the bureaucracy. This along with the change in education policy in longterm will be beneficial for bringing changes in the bureaucratic setup. 2. What are the ways to ensure accountability of civil servants? How does accountability help in reducing corruption?  Approach  Define what is accountability in introduction.In next part write what are different ways to ensure accountability of civil servants and mention specific measures about India.Further write how does accountability helps in reduction of corruption.In conclusion add some points on what can be done to ensure accountability in better way. Introduction Accountability can broadly be defined as the obligation of those holding power to take responsibility and be held answerable for their behaviour and actions. Further Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.Accountability is one of the important ethical and administrative principle in public administration. Body Measures to ensure accountability Improve transparency around the feasibility of major projects: Make use of technology to digitise the information pertaining to major projects and fix deadlines for projects. Clarify what public services citizens get for their money: Strengthen the citizen charter at every major department and also make the utilisation of funds received by every department and how they have been spent every year transparent Reward   for excellent work and review for failures: Promotion need to be based on excellent work done and not on basis of seniority. Also failures to achieve goals need to be accounted. Mandatory Social Auditing:  States like Meghalaya have adopted social audit law, should be extended  pan India Instil code of ethics among civil servants in line of  code of conduct Clear delegation of roles and responsibilities with commensurate powers and resources: There needs to be a clear basis upon which specific roles and activities are assigned to specific levels of the system. Second, the delegation of roles and responsibilities must be accompanied by the delegation of resources that would allow functionaries to fulfil their roles. In the absence of this, delegation could end up confounding rather than strengthening accountability. Measures to ensure accountability in India Accountability to Parliament: India has adopted Parliamentary democracy wherein the government is responsible to the Parliament which represents the people. The administrators are responsible to the political executives, who in turn are answerable to the Parliament. Judicial Accountability: The vast discretionary powers conferred on administrative authorities are required to be properly checked and controlled. If a citizen is aggrieved with any action or inaction of the administration, he may seek redress through a court of law. Lokpal and Lokayukta: It aims to prevent and control corruption at the central level and state level that would receive complaints relating to corruption against most categories of public servants and ensure that these are properly investigated and, where warranted, effectively prosecuted. Central Vigilance Commission: Designated Agency to receive written complaints for disclosure on any allegation of corruption or misuse of office and recommend appropriate action. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is an important constitutional functionary. He is a facet of the entire principle of accountability, which is the cornerstone of the Indian Constitution.  Through RTI Act to citizens: The Right to information has been a revolutionary act in reducing the corruption in administration and making administration accountable.Various corruptions have been exposed in past from various land deals to fodder scams. Further Citizens’ oversight committees, Civil society/watchdog bodies have helped to make administration responsible to people’s need and to meet the targets of the concerned ministries. Media have been an important pillar in the accountability mechanism.The recent work done by the Dainik Bhaskar news paper in exposing the medical services in second wave of Covid has made many states accountable to the plight of citizens  Citizens charter: This has made administration stick to the definite timelines which have made decision making quicker, erroneous officials are punished as done by government in granting of domicile in Jammu and Kashmir and state services in Telangana. Accountability  help reducing corruption in following ways. Accountability lead to the obligation of an individual or an organisation (either in the public or the private sectors) to accept responsibility for their activities, and to disclose them in a transparent manner. This includes the responsibility for decision-making processes, money or other entrusted property. Accountability result in answerability (the duty of an individual or organisation to answer to their decisions and actions) and punishments in case of malpractice. When the transparency and accountability is ensured the level of overall corruption tends to decrease in society. High levels of corruption and poor quality of public services, especially in developing countries, enhanced the demand for accountability from the civil society.RTI, redressal portals, CAG, article 311 have ensured this in India. Social accountability have been highly valued to curb corruption, especially in countries with a systematic problem of corruption and weak institutional systems.Therefore the social audits in MGNREGA and other services have made bureaucracy more accountable. Way Forward Thus accountability is very necessary to weed out corruption and ensure the lives of citizen are improved.Therefore these further measures can be taken. Resilient accountability: Governments today operate in a very complex environment with stakeholders consisting of different interest groups, competing demands on limited resources and complex legal requirements, therefore a more resilient accountability mechanism is required that encourages responsible governance. Ensuring public trust: Accountability facilitates a feedback mechanism between the Government and its citizens. So the accountability to the citizens is most critical in order to ensure sustenance of public trust and confidence in the existing democratic systems. The accountability mechanisms also need to keep pace with developments of modern government structures particularly in the era of digitalisation. There is also a need to sensitise the functionaries towards their responsibilities and duties in context of the accountability frameworks. Minimum element of discretion: For better transparency, not only should there be a Citizen's Charter but also well-defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for performing a job. Element of discretion needs to be minimised for ensuring responsiveness, transparency and accountability. 3. What role do civil servants play in strengthening democracy? Illustrate.   Approach Define civil services and contextualise to the democratic setup in India.In next part write what role they play in strengthening democracy with help of some examples.In next part mention some concerns.In conclusion mention what is the current issues in modern democracies and how civil servants are critical in this view. Introduction India is a democratic country and in this system, power is conferred to the people. The power is exercised through its designated representatives who have the command to manage them for particular period. The civil services by quality of its knowledge, experience and understanding of public affairs support the chosen representatives to device effectual policy and have great responsibility to implement these policies for the welfare of society and enhancement of nation.Thus the overall role of civil servants revolves around strengthening the democratic setup, protecting it and nurturing it for future generations. Body In following ways civil servants strengthens the democracy Rule of Law: The civil servants play a key role in ensuring the rule of law in the country.In various roles such as district magistrate, superintendent of police, revenue officers their role is to implement law to everyone equally regardless of any privileges and distinction. Making Institutions Vibrant, Responsive and Accountable : The civil servants are responsive towards people’s need as its their role to handle problems pf citizens.Further the leadership of civil servants have imparted accountability and credibility in past to institutions such as CAG, election commission to carry out their constitutional role without fear and fervour.This have ensured greater trust from public and confidence in governance. Active Citizens’ Participation – Decentralisation and Delegation : The civil servants have taken help from citizens in various  programs such as Swachh Bharat mission to beach cleaning exercise in Kerala and also the community policing measures in Mumbai after the riots to govern the area more effectively and make people part of government. Transparency : The policies of Right to information, citizens charters, public service delivery guarantee formulated and framed by bureaucracy have led to increased transparency. Civil Service Reforms: The reforms in appraisals mechanism  which impart accountability in civil servants, make them more responsive to public have led to deepening the spirit of democracy and republic. Ethics in Governance : Various policies such as helping to formulate a rehabilitation policy for tribal population, handling of riots in different parts without any bias, empathy towards the citizens protesting, all these qualities have enhanced people’s trust. Periodic & Independent Evaluation of the Quality of Governance Innovations in governance and constitutionalism: This has led to out of box thinking which has rebuilt confidence of people in civil servants.The initiatives like reformed response process in age of twitter with helping bust child smuggling models, reducing child pornography, solving cases of rape and abduction in quick manner have led to increased confidence of people. Some examples: Since Independence of India, framing all sorts of democratic policies such as free and fair elections, establishment of heavy industries etc. are the works of civil servants for strengthening of newly formed democracy in India. K.C. Sivaramakrishnan, a civil servant, was the architect of 73rd and 74th amendment acts. Local governance institutions created by these acts led to strengthening of democracy to new level. Ashok Khemka is another renowned example of civil servant holding democratic values dear to him. The most recent “collector bro” of Kerala, Prasanth Nair, is known for his citizen centric approach. Similarly, Prime minister gave “Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration” to those civil servants who adopt innovative ideas and try to take public policies to every citizen of India. Concerns remains Lack of professionalism and poor capacity building; especially in lower strata of services. Inefficient incentive systems that do not appreciate upright and outstanding civil servants Outmoded rules and procedures that restrict the civil servant from performing effectively Lack of adequate transparency and accountability procedures – there is also no safety for whistle blowers Arbitrary and whimsical transfers and promotions, insecurity in tenures impedes institutionalisation. Political interference and administrative acquiescence Gradual erosion in values and ethics Conclusion At a time when politics almost everywhere is leaning dangerously towards a centralised, authoritarian, national security state with a strong leader committed to the ideology of cultural nationalism, role of permanent arm of governance that is ‘civil services’ becomes important in India.By virtue of its allegiance to the Constitution civil servants can keep strengthening democracy in India in future as well.It was for this reason that B.R Ambedkar had referred to civil services as strategic importance in nations democratic setup. TLP Synopsis Day 168 PDF

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Ladakh adopts State animal and bird Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Environment  Context Ladakh recently adopted two endangered species, snow leopard and black-necked crane, as the State animal and the State bird. Black-necked crane, only found in the Ladakh region, was the State bird of J&K; before August 5, 2019. About Snow Leopard It is also known as Ghost of the mountains.  They are positioned as the top predator in the food web. It acts as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem in which they live.  Habitat: Higher Himalayan and trans-Himalayan landscape in  J&K;, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Snow Leopard’s capital of the world: Hemis, Ladakh. Threats: Reduction in prey populations, illegal poaching and increased human population infiltration into the species habitat and illegal trade of wildlife parts and products  Conservation Efforts by India:  Himal Sanrakshak: It is a community volunteer programme, to protect snow leopards, launched on 23rd October 2020 In 2019, First National Protocol was also launched on Snow Leopard Population Assessment SECURE Himalaya: Global Environment Facility (GEF)-UNDP funded project on conservation of high altitude biodiversity Project Snow Leopard  launched in 2009 Snow Leopard is in the list of 21 critically endangered species for the recovery programme of the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change. About Black-necked crane  It has A conspicuous red crown that adorns the head. The juveniles have a brownish head and neck and plumage is slightly paler than that of an adult. The bird is revered by the community of Monpas (major Buddhist ethnic group of Arunachal Pradesh) as an embodiment of the sixth Dalai Lama (Tsangyang Gyatso). Habitat and Breeding Grounds : The high altitude wetlands of the Tibetan plateau , Sichuan (China), and eastern Ladakh (India)  In Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh, it only comes during the winters. Threats: Damage to the eggs and chicks; Loss of habitat due to humans Development Projects; Increased grazing pressure on the limited pastures near the wetlands. Steps for their Conservation: World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF-India) in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu & Kashmir, has been working towards conservation of high altitude wetlands, with black-necked cranes as a priority species in Ladakh region.  Protection status Snow Leopard  Black-necked crane  IUCN Vulnerable Near Threatened CITES Appendix I Appendix I Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Schedule I Schedule I Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Appendix I - Sri Lanka declares economic emergency Part of: Prelims and GS - II - International  Relations   Context Sri Lanka has declared an economic emergency, after a steep fall in the value of the South Asian country's currency caused a spike in food prices. The Sri Lankan rupee has fallen by 7.5 per cent against the US dollar this year. Steps to be taken to control price rise The President has promulgated emergency regulations under the Public Security Ordinance on the supply of essential goods. A former army general has been appointed by the government as the commissioner of essential services, with the power to seize stocks held by traders and retailers. Authorities say they will take control of the supply of basic food items, including rice and sugar, and set prices in an attempt to control rising inflation. Month-on-month inflation rose to 6% in August, mainly due to high food prices. The authorised officers will take steps to provide essential food items at a concessionary rate to the public by purchasing stocks of essential food items  These items will be provided at government guaranteed prices or based on the customs value on imported goods to prevent market irregularities. The wide-ranging measure is also aimed at recovering credit owed to state banks by importers’= Reasons for rising prices The increase in the foreign exchange rate  The country, which is a net importer of food and other commodities, is witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases and deaths which has hit tourism, one of the country's main foreign currency earners. Over 4 billion don’t have social protection: ILO Part of: Prelims and GS - II - International Relations  Context In a report on the state of social protection globally, the UN’s International Labour Organization said that 4.1 billion people were living without any social safety net of any kind Over half of all people in the world have no social protections, Social protection includes access to health care and income security measures related especially to old age, unemployment, sickness, disability, work injury, maternity or the loss of the main breadwinner in a family, as well as extra support for families with children. In 2020, only 46.9% of the global population benefitted from at least one such protection, according to the report About International Labour Organization It is the only tripartite U.N. agency.  Tripartite principle means The negotiations within the organization are held between the representatives of governments, trade unions, and member-states’ employers. It brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men. Established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League of Nations. Became the first affiliated specialized agency of the United Nations in 1946. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland Founding Mission: social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace. Promotes internationally recognized human and labour rights. Chhattisgarh’s state animal, Wild buffalo, close to extinction Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III -  Environment  Context The sole female wild buffalo in a conservation centre at Chhattisgarh’s Sitanadi-Udanti tiger reserve died recently.  Key takeaways  Chhattisgarh’s state animal is on the verge of extinction with less than 20 individuals of the species left in the state. The conservation centre had only one female and three males and now no more female wild buffalos are left in the reserve. The reserve is also contiguous to Khariar Forest Division of Odisha State and acts as Buffer for Sunabeda Wildlife sanctuary. About Wild water Buffalo The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), also called Asian buffalo, is a large bovine native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It has an ash-gray to black skin. They are both diurnal and nocturnal. Both sexes carry horns. It is among the heaviest living wild bovid species, and is slightly smaller than gaur. It is associated with wet grasslands, swamps, flood plains and densely vegetated river valleys. It is included in CITES Appendix III. It is legally protected in Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand. IUCN Red List status: Endangered since 1986. The remaining population totals less than 4,000 out of which around 91% live in India, mostly in Assam. It is found in the following National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries: Assam: Kaziranga, Manas and Dibru-Saikhowa National Parks, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary and Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary   Arunachal Pradesh: D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary  Meghalaya: Balphakram National Park  Chhattisgarh: Indravati National Park and Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary. Neelakurinji Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Environment  Context Neelakurinji flowers have bloomed in Kodagu district of Karnataka after 12 years. This kind of mass flowering is known as gregarious flowering.  About the flower It is a shrub that is found in the shola forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Locally known as Kurinji, the flowers grow at an altitude of 1,300 to 2,400 metres.  Nilgiri Hills, which literally means the blue mountains, got their name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that bloom only once in 12 years.  Kurinjimala Sanctuary of Kerala protects the kurinji in approximately 32 km2 core habitat in Kottakamboor and Vattavada villages in Idukki district. Kurinji Andavar temple located in Kodaikanal of Tamil Nadu dedicated to Tamil God Murugan also preserves these plants. The Paliyan tribal people living in Tamil Nadu used it as a reference to calculate their age.  Karnataka has around 45 species of Neelakurinji and each species blooms at intervals of six, nine, 11 or 12 years.  Besides the Western Ghats, Neelakurinji is also seen in the Shevroy in the Eastern Ghats, Sanduru hills of Bellary district in Karnataka. Milky Sea Effect Part of: Prelims and GS - III - SCI and tech Context New satellite technology Day/Night Band is being used by scientists to find glow-in-the-dark milky seas of marine lore. About  Milky Sea effect The Milky Sea effect refers to an unusual marine phenomenon in the ocean in which a large amount of sea water appears to glow brightly (eerie blue glow)at night. Also called mareel, the milky sea is caused by bioluminescent bacteria, billions of trillions of them, that live throughout the water column from the surface to the sea floor. Some point out that Mareel is typically caused by Noctiluca scintillans (popularly known as “sea sparkle”), a dinoflagellate that glows when disturbed and is found in oceans throughout much of the world. Bioluminescent bacteria are light-producing bacteria that are predominantly present in sea water, marine sediments, the surface of decomposing fish and in the gut of marine animals. Stress, caused by the movement of the sea and waves, leads the plankton to emit light, or bioluminescence as a defence mechanism in a similar way to some fireflies. Such occurrences glow brightly enough at night to be visible from satellites orbiting Earth. In 2005, scientists announced that for the first time, they had obtained photographic evidence of this glow. Between 1915 and 1993, 235 sightings of milky seas were documented, most of which are concentrated in the northwestern Indian Ocean and near Indonesia. The luminescent glow is concentrated on the surface of the ocean and does not mix evenly throughout the water column. (News from PIB) President’s Colour to Be Awarded to Naval Aviation Part of: GS Prelims  In News:  Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Hon’ble President of India, will award the President’s Colour to Indian Naval Aviation at the ceremonial parade to be held at INS Hansa, Goa on 06 Sep 21. About Presidents colour: The President’s Colour is the highest honour bestowed on a military unit in recognition of its exceptional service to the nation.  The Indian Navy was the first amongst the Indian Armed Forces to be awarded the President’s Colour on 27 May 1951 by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India.  About Indian Naval Aviation: Indian Naval Aviation came into being with acquisition of the first Sea land aircraft on 13 Jan 1951 and commissioning of INS Garuda, the first Naval Air Station, on 11 May 1953.  Arrival of the armed Firefly aircraft in 1958 added an offensive punch, and the naval aviation steadily expanded its inventory to become an integral part of a formidable Navy.  Today, Indian Naval Aviation boasts of nine air stations and three naval air enclaves along the Indian coastline and the in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  Over the past seven decades, it has transformed into a modern, technologically advanced and highly potent force with more than 250 aircraft comprising Carrier-borne fighters, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).  The Fleet Air Arm can support naval operations in all three dimensions and will remain the first responder for maritime surveillance and HADR in the Indian Ocean Region. News Source: PIB Exercise Zapad 2021 In Russia Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III- Security In News:  A 200 personnel contingent of Indian Army will participate in Exercise ZAPAD 2021, a Multi Nation exercise being held at Nizhniy, Russia from 03 to 16 September 2021. About Exercise ZAPAD 2021: ZAPAD 2021 is one of the theatre levels exercises of Russian Armed Forces and will focus primarily on operations against terrorists.  Over a dozen countries from Eurasian and South Asian Region will participate in this signature event. The exercise aims to enhance military and strategic ties amongst the participating nations while they plan & execute this exercise. The Indian Contingent has been put through a strenuous training schedule which encompasses all facets of conventional operations including mechanised, airborne & heliborne, counter terrorism, combat conditioning and firing. The NAGA Battalion group participating in the exercise will feature an all Arms combined task force.  News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) POLITY/ JUDICIARY GS-1: Fundamental Freedoms & Restrictions GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation On weeding out ‘fake journalists’ Context: The Madras High Court has directed the State government to constitute a body named the Press Council of Tamil Nadu (PCTN) within three months to protect the interests of genuine journalists and weed out fake journalists What was the case about? The original case was initiated by a man claiming to be a journalist whereby  he alleged against the special team investigating theft of idols from various temples.  This case was disposed of with a direction to the Idol Wing CID to proceed with the investigation in accordance with the law.  As there was suspicion over the petitioner’s credentials, the Bench has proceeded to address the larger problem of fake journalists. Do You Know? As of now, the Press Council of India performs the watchdog role about public complaints, but without any substantive enforcement powers.  Accreditation and dealing with journalist bodies are now the functions of the respective governments.  ‘Newspapers, books and printing presses’ are in the Concurrent List. What will be the composition of PCTN? It will be headed by a retired judge of either the Supreme Court or the High Court.  Experienced and reputed journalists, both working and retired, retired civil servants and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers must be its members. What are the Powers & Functions of PCTN? The council shall have sole authority to recognise press clubs and journalists’ associations or unions in the State of Tamil Nadu It shall not allow or recognise the formation or continuation of unions or associations based on caste, community or State boundaries.  The council shall conduct and approve elections to these clubs, unions and associations. If elections are not held under the directive of Council, then such organisation will be brought under PCTN control. It would also have the authority to decide on the number of journalists’ associations that could be permitted in each city or town. Journalists’ associations should disclose their sources of income and obtain the council’s permission before conducting State conferences and meetings The PCTN shall have the power to identify fake journalists and lodge complaints against them to the jurisdictional police.  Members of the public can send their complaints regarding fake journalists to the welfare board, which will inquire and initiate criminal action against such fake journalists, because they are a menace and a threat to the civil society, It shall also regulate the distribution of identity and accreditation cards, which enables them to obtain certain benefits (ex: Bus  & rail passes, welfare measures etc) Why such a body was required?  Fake journalists generally indulge in illegal and unethical practices such as blackmailing industrialists, businessmen, government officials and politicians for their unjust enrichment. Also, they run letter-pad publications, or even print some copies of unknown journals, and work for vested interests, but seek benefits of journalists. Having a body like PCTN will help weed out such fake journalists and thus enahance the integrity of the Journalism. What are the associated concerns? Such a body is being created by judicial direction while disposing of public interest litigation somewhat unrelated to the case at hand.  Creating such body is normally done by law and after wider consultations, thus it can be considered as Judicial Overreach. Connecting the dots: Social Media Regulation On regulation of Digital media (Sudarshan TV Case) INTERNATIONAL/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings affecting India’s interests. US Exit from Afghanistan & South East Asia Context: Several Southeast Asian governments were forced to hurriedly evacuate their citizens from Afghanistan as the result of US decisions, and there are concerns that a surge of Islamic extremism in Afghanistan could increase the threat of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia. Evolving US Policy towards South East Asia  In the decades after the end of the Vietnam War, US interest in Southeast Asia was typified in foreign policy circles as a form of “benign neglect.” However, with the rise of the region’s economies, as well as the threat of a more assertive China, Southeast Asia became a key region for Washington, marked by the so-called pivot to Asia policy from the Obama administration in 2011. The United States is a key economic and security partner of most Southeast Asian governments and has a treaty alliance with Thailand and the Philippines, as well as close defense ties to Singapore and Vietnam. Washington has taken the side of Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia in their disputes with China over territory in the South China Sea. What is the concern now? The hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan has forced some S.E.Asian countries to question whether US will come to their defense if a violent conflict broke out with China. However, Southeast Asian governments are aware that US interests in their region are vastly different from what the US has tried to achieve elsewhere. While US intervention in countries like Afghanistan revolved around anti-terrorism efforts and nation-building, in Southeast Asia, US’s interests focus on improving already close relations with stable states. Moreover, the US in Afghanistan tasked itself with providing much of the country’s security, as well as bankrolling a weak and impoverished state. Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, from which American businesses can profit. The Southeast Asian bloc is America’s fourth-largest trading partner, according to US government data. Will Southeast Asia now get more US attention? Many Southeast Asian governments expressed confusion during the last years of the Trump administration, especially after he seemingly neglected the region by not sending a senior official to the ASEAN summit in 2019. The Biden administration came to office stating that it intended to recalibrate from Central Asia and the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. Withdrawing from Afghanistan was part of this plan, except that it was very poorly executed. What matters most for Southeast Asian governments will be how quickly the United States moves to reinforce the message that the Indo-Pacific lies at the heart of American foreign policy. Vice President of US, Kamala Harris has said that “US partnerships in Singapore, in Southeast Asia, and throughout the Indo-Pacific are a top priority for it”. It is the fact that Southeast Asia is a key area in USA’s rivalry with China. From the US perspective, it is unrealistic to leave Southeast Asia, with its geographical, economic, historical and social connections, which are now compounded by the competition with China Conclusion Southeast Asia wants the US and China to compete for their attention, but countries in the region resent being forced to choose [between the two] Connecting the dots: RCEP and India India- ASEAN Summit (AIR Spotlight) Spotlight 28 (Aug): Special program on the renovated Jallianwala Bagh memorial inauguration. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZOlgZEJIPo INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY GS-2: Modern History Jallianwala Bagh memorial TOPIC: Special program on the renovated Jallianwala Bagh memorial dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister who dedicated the renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh Smarak to the nation. What’s new at Jallianwala Bagh? Four Museum galleries have been created through adaptive reuse of redundant and underutilized buildings.  The galleries showcase the historical value of events that unfolded in Punjab during that period, with the fusion of audio-visual technology, including projection mapping and 3D representation, as well as art and sculptural installations. A Sound and Light show has been set up to display the events that happened on 13th April, 1919. Multiple development initiatives have been undertaken at the complex. Elaborate heritage restoration works have been carried out in sync with the local architectural style of Punjab.  The Shaheedi well has been repaired and restored with a redefined super structure.  The heart of the Bagh, the flame monument, has been repaired and restored, water body rejuvenated as a lily pond, and the pathways made broader for better navigability. Several new and modern amenities have been added, including redefined paths of movement with appropriate signages, illumination of strategic spots, landscaping and hardscaping with native plantation and installation of audio nodes throughout the garden.  Also, newer areas have been developed for housing the Salvation Ground, Amar Jyot and Flag Mast. Controversy around the renovation: The Jallianwala Bagh has undergone several repairs and touch-ups over the years. But the narrow alley leading to the Bagh had remained untouched for almost 100 years.  While many other things changed, the constricted entrance made of Nanakshahi bricks, through which Dyer’s soldiers marched into the Bagh, continued to evoke the horrors of that day.  Last year in July, it was rebuilt into a gallery with murals, leaving no trace of the old alley. It’s this break from the past that has led many to question the latest makeover of the memorial.  The narrow lane — which was blocked by British soldiers making it impossible for anyone to escape from the Bagh on that horrific day — now has a shiny new floor.  Besides this, it has been partially covered to keep the birds from sitting on the sculptures. Before and after photos of this lane, shared by a historian, have led to a storm on social media, with some netizens calling the revamp a bid to erase history. Can you answer this question now? Critically analyze the renovation of Jallianwala Bagh memorial dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister.  (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 Which of the following was adopted as state animal by Ladakh recently? Wild buffalo  Snow Leopard Mithun  One horned rhinoceros  Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding bioluminescence: It is observed only in marine species.  It is a kind of Defence mechanism caused due to Stress which is caused by the movement of the sea and waves.  Select the correct statements: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 The Shola forest is found in: The Himalayas The Western Ghats The Vindhyan The Eastern Ghats ANSWERS FOR 1st Sept 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 D 3 C Must Read On Net Zero Emissions: The Hindu On Israel’s Climate solutions: Indian Express On Russia-Japan-India Trilateral possibilities: Hindustan Times

Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 95]: UPSC PRELIMS 2021- Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series

Highlights/Features of Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series:  It is a FREE initiative! Program Duration - 120 Days (31st May, 2021 to 27th September, 2021). 1. Dedicated Portal for Focused Preparation There will be a separate dedicated portal to help you stay focused and keep your preparation streamlined for the next 120 Days. The Registration link for the dedicated portal is given at the end of the post. 2. 120 Days Integrated (Prelims + Mains) Time Table This year’s RaRe Series will include Integrated Revision Plan (IRP) where we will be syncing your mains and prelims syllabus together over next 120 Days. The Revision Plan is designed by integrating IASbaba's famous flagship initiatives - 60 Day Plan and TLP Mains Answer Writing. 3. Daily RaRe Series (RRS) Videos on High Probable Topics (Monday - Friday) In video discussions, special focus is given to topics which have high probability to appear in UPSC Prelims Question Paper. Each session will be of 20 mins to 30 mins, which would cover rapid revision of 10 high probable topics (both static and current affairs) important for Prelims Exam this year according to the schedule. 4. Daily Prelims MCQs from Static (Monday - Friday) Daily Static Quiz will cover all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 10 questions will be posted daily and these questions are framed from the topics mentioned in the schedule and in the RaRe videos. It will ensure timely and streamlined revision of your static subjects. Note: Should be integrated with the 60 Days Plan 2021. This will expose you to diverse questions from the same topics. 5. Daily Current Affairs MCQs (Monday - Saturday) Daily 5 Current Affairs questions, based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, would be published from Monday to Saturday. Note: Current Affairs questions covered in the 60 Days Plan and Daily Quiz Monthly Compilations should be covered retrospectively. 6. Daily CSAT Quiz (Monday - Friday) CSAT has been an achilles heel for many aspirants. Daily 5 CSAT Questions will be published. 7. Daily Mains Answer Writing (Monday - Friday) GS Mains will be covered along with Prelims in an integrated manner. Daily three Mains questions will be covered syllabus-wise according to the topics mentioned in the schedule. In total, it covers 250+ Mains Questions along with synopsis. 8. Brainstorming on Ethics & Essay (BEE) (Saturday & Sunday) Each week, Sunil Oberoi Sir (Retd. IAS) will take 3 sessions, two for Essay and one for Ethics. The two sessions earmarked for Essay will have a topic-based discussion where he will discuss the approach to write issue-based and philosophical essays. The topics will be picked from previous year question papers of UPSC and TLP initiative of IASbaba. 9. Full Mocks 3 GS Paper 1 Full Mocks will be provided along the lines of UPSC Prelims. 3 CSAT Paper 2 Full Mocks will be provided so that you are not overwhelmed during the D-Day. 10. Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes Right material plays important role in clearing the exam and Rapid Revision (RaRe) Notes will have Prelims specific subject-wise refined notes. The main objective is to help students revise most important topics and that too within a very short limited time frame. Day-95 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2nd September 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

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