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Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 14th August 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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[OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT] UPSC PRELIMS 2022 Exam to be on 5th June, 2022

Dear Students UPSC has come out with the Annual Calendar for the Year 2022. UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2022, and Indian Forest Service (Preliminary) Examination, 2022 will be held on 5th June 2022. Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2022 will start from 16th September 2022. Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2022 will start from 20th November 2022. You can access the UPSC Annual Calendar 2022 - CLICK HERE There are less than 10 months left for the Prelims Exam. So, gear up and start working towards your goals. IASbaba has come out with multiple programmes to ease and aid your preparation! Baba's Foundation Course (Baba's FC) 2022 - CLICK HERE Integrated Learning Programm (ILP) 2022 - CLICK HERE इंटीग्रेटेड लर्निंग प्रोग्राम (ILP) 2022 in हिंदी - CLICK HERE If you have any queries  E-MAIL: support@iasbaba.com and ilp@iasbaba.com CONTACT: +91 91691 91888  

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प्रिय अभ्यर्थियों  आशा है कि आप और आपका परिवार कुशल एवं सुरक्षित होगा। आईएलपी (ILP)2022 - यूपीएससी अभ्यर्थियों के लिए सबसे व्यापक ऑनलाइन कार्यक्रम जो परीक्षा के सभी चरणों (प्रारंभिक, मुख्य परीक्षा और साक्षात्कार) को कवर करता है, 22 अगस्त (22nd August) से आरंभ हो रहा है। यदि आप एक ईमानदार अभ्यर्थी हैं और यूपीएससी परीक्षा - 2022 को गंभीरता से लक्ष्य बना रखा है, तो आईएलपी (ILP) 2022 सामान्य अध्ययन ( प्रारंभिक, मुख्य परीक्षा) की आवश्यकताओं के लिए वन-स्टॉप डेस्टिनेशन साबित होगा। व्यापक कार्यक्रम - प्रारंभिक परीक्षा एवं मुख्य परीक्षा पाठ्यक्रम, साक्षात्कार को एकीकृत रूप से कवर करने हेतु विस्तृत अध्ययन योजना (≈ 1 वर्ष) दैनिक लक्ष्य/योजना के साथ VALUE ADD NOTES (VAN) – मुख्य परीक्षा + प्रारंभिक परीक्षा BABAPEDIA - समसामयिकी/ करंट अफेयर्स की तैयारी के लिए वन-स्टॉप डेस्टिनेशन MAINSPEDIA - मुख्य परीक्षा संबंधी समसामयिकी (GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4 और निबंध)PRELIMSPEDIA - प्रारंभिक परीक्षा संबंधी समसामयिकी BABA’s PRELIMS TEST SERIES (PT) कुल प्रीलिम्स टेस्ट - 63 करेंट अफेयर्स टेस्ट - 22 (50 प्रश्न)मॉड्यूल आधारित टेस्ट - 17 (100 प्रश्न)विषयवार रिवीज़न टेस्ट - 6 (100 प्रश्न)विशिष्ट विषय संबंधी टेस्ट (मानचित्र आधारित, आर्थिक सर्वेक्षण और बजट, सरकारी योजनाएं और नीतियां) - 3 (100 प्रश्न)FULL LENGTH TESTS - 5 (100 प्रश्न)CSAT FULL LENGTH TESTS - 10 (80 प्रश्न)आल इंडिया रैंकिंगस्व-मूल्यांकन प्रणाली (SELF-ASSESSMENT SYSTEM) मुख्य परीक्षा और SYNOPSIS कुल मुख्य परीक्षा मॉक टेस्ट- 66  मॉड्यूल आधारित टेस्ट - 24 टेस्ट (10 प्रश्न)करेंट अफेयर्स टेस्ट - 22 टेस्ट (10 प्रश्न)FULL LENGTH TESTS - 10 टेस्ट (GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4, निबंध - 2 चक्र)निबंध - 10 टेस्ट GS मुख्य परीक्षा के लिए MIND MAPS निबंध मार्गदर्शन विषयवार निर्देशात्मक वीडियोमॉडल निबंध/ सर्वोत्तम मूल्यांकन निबंध उत्तर प्रतियां/ टॉपर प्रतियांमेन्सपीडिया सामग्री STUDENTS FORUM (ILP का सोशल मीडिया) – एक मंच, जहाँ आप USPC तैयारी के संबंध में अपने संदेह / प्रश्नों का समाधान पा सकते हैं। इसमें एक सहभागी-प्रणाली भी शामिल है, जिसमें समान वैकल्पिक विषय, कॉलेज या पृष्ठभूमि वाले छात्र ग्रुप बना सकते हैं तथा विचार-विमर्श कर सकते हैं! यह न केवल आपको एक अच्छा सहभागी-समूह / अध्ययन मंडली बनाने में सहायता करेगा, बल्कि एक-दूसरे को अपने लक्ष्यों को प्राप्त करने के लिए प्रेरित भी करेगा।  इसमें आप यूएसपीसी की तैयारी के संबंध में IASbaba टीम की सहायता से अपनी शंकाओं/प्रश्नों का समाधान कर सकते हैं। ILP 2022 'न केवल एक टेस्ट सीरीज़' है, बल्कि यह उससे कहीं अधिक है, जो इसे UPSC-CSE 2022 के लिए वन-स्टॉप डेस्टिनेशन बनाता है। विस्तृत विवरण के लिए दिए गए लिंक पर क्लिक करें  Payment Details   ILP 2022 (Hindi) - ENROL NOW ILP 2022 with Mentorship (Hindi) - ENROL NOW Contact Us If you have any queries/issues/doubts with respect to ILP 2022 (Hindi), please Email: ilp@iasbaba.com Call:  9911778098   Thank You! IASBaba

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

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) World Elephant Day Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III - Environment; Conservation  The World Elephant Day is celebrated on 12th August every year to spread awareness for the conservation and protection of the largest mammal on land. The day was launched in 2012 to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants. Asian Elephants: There are three subspecies of Asian elephant which are the Indian, Sumatran and Sri Lankan. Global Population: Estimated 20,000 to 40,000. More than 60% of the world’s elephant population is in India.  IUCN Red List Status: Endangered. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I. African Elephants: There are two subspecies of African elephants, the Savanna (or bush) elephant and the Forest elephant. Concerns: Escalation of poaching. Habitat loss. Human-elephant conflict. Mistreatment in captivity. Abuse due to elephant tourism. Steps Taken by India for Conservation Gaj Yatra which is a nationwide awareness campaign to celebrate elephants and highlight the necessity of securing elephant corridors. The Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) programme, launched in 2003, is an international collaboration that tracks trends in information related to the illegal killing of elephants from across Africa and Asia, to monitor effectiveness of field conservation efforts. Project Elephant: It is a centrally sponsored scheme and was launched in February 1992 for the protection of elephants, their habitats and corridors. Elephant Information Network (EIN) Has enabled human-elephant coexistence in southern India Acts as an early warning mechanism to alert people when elephants are nearby, minimizing negative human-elephant interactions, and increasing people’s tolerance towards elephants. By Mr. Ananda Kumar News Source: TH GSLV-F10 Failure Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - International relations; Health  In news A technical anomaly prevented the ignition of the GSLV-F10 rocket’s cryogenic upper stage and ISRO could not accomplish the mission to launch earth observation satellite EOS-03 into the intended orbit. About EOS-03 EOS-03, intended to be positioned in the geostationary transfer orbit initially, was supposed to reach the final geostationary orbit. It was expected to provide near real-time imaging of a large area of interest at frequent intervals, which could be used for quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events and any short-term events.  The mission life of the satellite was 10 years. GSLV-F10 was ISRO’s eighth flight with indigenous cryoengine. While the first stage of the GSLV is solid fuel, the second is liquid fuel and the third the cryogenic engine. Cryogenic rocket engine uses a cryogenic fuel and oxidizer, i.e. both its fuel and oxidizer are gases liquefied and stored at very low temperatures. News Source: TH AL – Mohed AL – Hindi: India & Saudi Arabia Naval Exercise Part of: Prelims and GS - III - International Relations In news Maiden bilateral naval exercise ‘AL – Mohed AL – Hindi’ between India and Saudi Arabia got under way on 12th August off the coast of Al Jubail.  Indian Navy participated with its indigenously built stealth destroyer Kochi with two integral Sea King helicopters. It saw the two navies undertake co-ordinated action against asymmetric threat, replenishment at sea procedures, anti-piracy and boarding operations, weapon targeting drills etc. to enhance synergy and interoperability between the two navies. News Source: TH Vacancies in Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III - Dispute Redressal Mechanism In news Recently, the Supreme Court, has expressed displeasure over delay in filling up vacancies in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions. It directed the centre and states to complete the process within eight weeks. The Court also asked the Centre to submit a report on legislative impact study on Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in four weeks time. Legislative Impact Study or Assessment is the study of the impact of a law (being made and enforced) on the society over a period of time. About National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is a quasi-judicial commission in India which was set up in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. Its head office is in New Delhi. The commission is headed by a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. The Consumer Protection Act of 1986 provided for a three-tier consumer dispute redressal machinery at the National (NCDRC), State and District levels. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 establishes the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) whose primary objective will be to promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers. News Source: IE International Baccalaureate Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II -  Education In news Recently, the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Baccalaureate (IB) to implement IB programmes in 30 government schools, including 20 of its new Schools of Specialised Excellence in 2021. With the signing of this MoU, government school students will get access to international level of educational facilities. Students of these schools will be issued joint certification by the IB and the Delhi board when they complete schooling. About International Baccalaureate (IB) It is a worldwide, non-profit education program founded to give to students aged 3 to 19 the opportunity to receive an education fit for a globalizing world.  Its Foundation Office is in Geneva (Switzerland). It emphasizes personal student development as one of its main achievements. There are four IB education programs, all of which are intended to develop students’ intellectual, emotional, personal and social skills. It has around 5,000 schools globally. There are currently 193 IB schools in India, all of which are top-end elite private schools. News Source: IE (News from PIB) Installed Renewable Energy Capacity Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II -  Education The total installed renewable energy capacity in India, excluding large hydro, has crossed the mile-stone of 100 GW. If large hydro is included the installed RE capacity increases to 146 GW. Another 50 GW is under installation and 27 GW is under tendering Currently, India stands at 4th position in the world in terms of installed RE capacity, 5th in solar and 4th in wind in terms of installed capacity. India has also enhanced its ambition to install 450 GW of renewable energy  capacity by 2030. India’s Paris Climate Goals In 2015, ahead of the UN significant climate conference in Paris, India announced three major voluntary commitments called the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC): Improving the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33–35% by 2030 over 2005 levels Increasing the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity to 40% by 2030. Enhancing its forest cover, thereby absorbing 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide Source: PIB Common Survey to Count Elephants and Tigers Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III - Environment; Conservation  In news From December, India will move to a system that will count tigers and elephants as part of a common survey.  The announcement was made on 12th August which is celebrated as World Elephant Day. The tiger survey is usually held once in four years and elephants are counted once in five years. How are the Tiger and elephant numbers estimated till now? Since 2006, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, which is affiliated to the Environment Ministry, has a standardised protocol in place which is used by States to estimate tiger numbers.  Based on sightings in camera traps and indirect estimation methods, tiger numbers are computed. Elephant numbers largely rely on States directly counting the number of elephants.  In recent years, techniques such as analysing dung samples have also been deployed to estimate birth rates and population trends in elephants. There were 2,997 tigers (2018-19 survey) and 29,964 elephants (2017 survey) in India.  Need for common survey Given that 90% of the area occupied by elephants and tigers is common, and once estimation methods are standardised, having a common survey can significantly save costs.  Source: PIB (Mains Focus) GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  E-RUPI & Governance In news: Recently launched by the PM Modi, e-RUPI is a digital prepaid, purpose- and person-specific payment utility.  How will e-RUPI work? e-RUPI is basically a digital voucher which a beneficiary gets on his phone in the form of an SMS or QR code.  It is a pre-paid voucher, which he/she can go and redeem it at any centre that accepts its. For example, if the Government wants to cover a particular treatment of an employee in a specified hospital, it can issue an e-RUPI voucher for the determined amount through a partner bank.  The employee will receive an SMS or a QR Code on his feature phone / smart phone.  He/she can go to the specified hospital, avail of the services and pay through the e-RUPI voucher received on his phone.  e-RUPI will connect the sponsors of the services (govt) with the beneficiaries (BPL Card holder) and service providers (hospitals) in a digital manner without any physical interface. Thus e-RUPI is a one-time contactless, cashless voucher-based mode of payment that helps users redeem the voucher without a card, digital payments app, or internet banking access. The system has been built by National Payments Corporation of India on its UPI platform, and has onboarded banks that will be the issuing entities.  e-RUPI’s Application in Vaccination  Its immediate and first-use case can be to facilitate cashless service at paid Covid vaccination centres (CVCs).  For instance, corporates and philanthropies can buy services in bulk to vaccinate employees and those in need.  The intended beneficiaries will receive an SMS or QR code on their feature/smartphone, redeemable for cashless vaccination at participating centres.  e-RUPI’s Application in PDS The inefficiency of the programme is rooted in high overhead costs, leakages, exclusion and inefficiencies.  A food-specific e-RUPI voucher will allow beneficiaries to buy rations from an outlet of their choice.  e-RUPI could make the PDS programme more efficient.  One Nation, One Ration Card has the potential to make the redemption of the voucher at market price by merchants within and outside the PDS network. e-RUPI’s Application in Fertilizer Subsidy e-RUPI will enable farmers to buy fertiliser at nominal prices with direct credit of the subsidy amount into the account of the authorised dealers. e-RUPI’s Application in Education Identified students receive vouchers to pay school fees and expenses at empanelled institutions of their choice, public and private, which compete to get full fee-paying students.  The resultant option and competition benefits students and schools while enhancing transparency and accountability. e-RUPI’s Application in Ayushman Bharat healthcare initiative. Identified beneficiaries will receive e-RUPI vouchers of designated value tenable at empanelled healthcare facilities, providing them portability and facility choice.  The service provider will benefit from the immediate payment. Significance of e-RUPI Benefits to Consumers: e-RUPI does not require the beneficiary to have a bank account, a major distinguishing feature as compared to other digital payment forms.  It ensures an easy, contactless two-step redemption process that does not require sharing of personal details either. Another advantage is that e-RUPI is operable on basic phones also, and hence it can be used by persons who do not own smart-phones or in places that lack internet connection. Benefits to Sponsors: e-RUPI is expected to play a major role in strengthening Direct-Benefit Transfer and making it more transparent.  Since, there is no need for physical issuance of vouchers, it will also lead to some cost savings as well. Benefits to Service Provider: Being a prepaid voucher, e-RUPI would assure real time payments to the service provider. Huge Potential: Built on the UPI platform, e-RUPI is easy to scale by the issuer. In the days to come the user base of e-RUPI is expected to widen, with even private sector using it to disburse non-cash benefits to employees and support focussed CSR programmes. MSMEs can adopt it for Business to Business (B2B) transactions. Later, individuals could use it for gifting. Enhances efficiency of Governance Delivery: It can bring ease and simplicity of UPI to government welfare measures. As a one-to-many payments facilitator, it will help the government sharpen targeted welfare programmes.  Way Ahead The adoption of e-RUPI in various government programmes will enhance business efficiency, simplicity, transparency, and accountability in these programmes. Making the distribution and acceptance of e-RUPI incentive-compatible is recommended, as demonstrated by the popularisation of Aadhar for multiple governance initiatives. Light regulation and the opening of e-RUPI to competition will spur innovation and adoption. All banks, small and big, NBFCs, non-bank PPI issuers, and telcos may be allowed to issue it later Connecting the dots: China’s Digital Currency Cryptocurrency and RBI Blockchain Technology RIGHTS/ JUDICIARY GS-2: Fundamental Rights GS-2: Judiciary & its role. Public Interest & Restriction on Free Speech  In news: In a recent decision, a division bench in the Bombay high court introduced an additional restriction to the fundamental right to free speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a). What is the background of the case? The matter involved nine petitions that challenged Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) regulations in broadcasting. The thrust of the petitioners’ argument was that TRAI’s economic regulations restrict the circulation of broadcaster programming, violating the broadcaster’s right to disseminate and consumer’s right to receive information, both of which are core components of the right to free speech. The Bombay high court upheld TRAI’s economic regulations and held that “public interest” serves as an additional ground on which the State may issue diktats to restrict free speech.  The Bombay High Court Judgement is being criticised on three counts. Judicial Overreach Additional restriction on Free Speech is supposed to have been introduced by Parliament through Constitutional Amendment to Article 19(2) Through this judgement, the high court overstepped its jurisdiction and stepped onto turf reserved for democratically elected legislators. A primary duty of the judiciary is to interpret laws, not create them. Encourages more interference by State  Public interest is a fluid construct in Indian legal parlance, it is not defined, and it finds mention across a host of statutes, often justifying the more non-transparent elements of governance.   By reading in a vague notion such as public interest as a valid restriction on free speech in broadcasting, the court paved the way for greater State interference in television content, particularly news It is alleged that High Court failed to uphold the rights of citizens and operate as a check against abuses of State power. Against Judicial Precedence set by Supreme Court  The Bombay high court did not adhere to the judicial precedent on the matter of reading public interest as an implicit restriction on free speech.  The Supreme Court has remained mindful of the political dimensions of public interest and what might result if it allowed the State to restrict free speech on this ground.  While the right to free speech in India is not absolute and comes with certain restrictions listed under Article 19(2) of the Constitution, public interest never operated as a legitimate restriction on it. Also, courts do not permit its entry as an implicit restriction on Article 19(1)(a). Do You Know? In Indian Express Newspapers vs. Union of India, SC observed that the framers of the Constitution purposefully omitted public interest from 19(2) to ensure that the State did not hold the right to free speech ransom when it wished to impose excessive burdens on the press. Conclusion The Bombay high court, with due respect, usurped the jurisdiction of the legislature, failed to uphold press freedom on television, and disregarded for the precedent set down by higher courts. The order merits wider discussion and a review. Connecting the dots: Shreya Singhal Judgement Social Media Code  On regulation of Digital media (Sudarshan TV Case)  (RSTV Debate) RSTV 30 July, 2021: The Big Picture: Quota for OBC & EWS reservation in medical education  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Y1e1Ux3us EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Quota for OBC & EWS reservation in medical education The Union Health Ministry has announced 27% reservation for the OBCs (Other Backward Classes) and 10% quota for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the all-India quota (AIQ) scheme for undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental courses from 2021-22. What is NEET? The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is the entrance examination for entry to all undergraduate (NEET-UG) and postgraduate (NEET-PG) medical and dental courses in the country. What is the All-India Quota Scheme (AIQ) The All-India Quota (AIQ) Scheme was introduced in 1986 under the directions of the Supreme Court to provide for domicile-free merit-based opportunities to students from any State to aspire to study in a good medical college located in another State. A student domiciled in Uttar Pradesh, for example, may be eligible for admission to a seat in a state government medical college in West Bengal, provided she scores high enough in the national merit list. If her score is not high enough for AIQ, she may still hope for admission under the state quota in her home state. AIQ consists of 15 per cent of total available UG seats and 50 per cent of total available PG seats in State medical and dental colleges. Significance of the move: The above decision is the reflection of the Government’s commitment to provide due reservation for backward and EWS category students. This would benefit nearly 1,500 OBC students in MBBS and 2,500 OBC students in postgraduate courses, and also around 550 EWS students in MBBS and around 1,000 EWS students in postgraduation. This will immensely help thousands of our youth every year get better opportunities and create a new paradigm of social justice in our country. The Reservation Policy followed so far and the change now  Until 2007, no reservation was implemented within the All-India Quota for medical admission.  On January 31, 2007, in Abhay Nath v University of Delhi and Others, the Supreme Court directed that reservation of 15% for Scheduled Castes and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes be introduced in the AIQ. The same year, the government passed the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2007 providing for 27% reservation to OBC students in central government institutions such as AMU, BHU, etc. but it wasn’t extended to all India quota seats of state medical and dental colleges. The 10% EWS quota under the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act, 2019, too, has been implemented in central educational Institutions, but not in the NEET AIQ for state institutions. In order to provide benefit to students belonging to EWS category in admission to higher educational Institutions, a Constitutional amendment was made in 2019 which enabled the provision of 10% reservation for EWS category.  Accordingly, seats in medical / dental colleges were increased over two years in 2019-20 and 2020-21 to accommodate this additional 10% EWS reservation so that the total number of seats available for unreserved category do not reduce. In the AIQ seats, however, this benefit had not been extended so far. The Government initiatives in improving the health system of India: This particular pandemic has taught us many issues with the health system of our country. It has highlighted that good infrastructure is as important as the good institution so that we do have a trained manpower when we are talking of the health sector.  The Steps taken by the government to ensure good infrastructure and quality medical education is imparted to the talent includes: Entry should be standardized: Government introduced NEET (single standardized exam) to deal with this problem. This will ensure entry of quality medical students. Second step that the government is proposing is that the national medical commission to start with NEXT exam that is the exit exam. This is most likely to start from 2023 that will ensure that every student should pass common exit exam before getting the license. This will ensure good quality of talent passing out of college. Can you answer this question now? Discuss the reforms in medical education. Also illustrate the government’s efforts in improving the health system of India. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1 Which of the following is not correct?  The World Elephant day was launched in 2012 to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian elephants only. The Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) programme, launched in 2003, is an international collaboration that tracks trends in information related to the illegal killing of elephants.  Project Elephant is a centrally sponsored scheme.  More than 60% of the world’s elephant population is in India Q.2 Consider the following statements: While the first stage of the GSLV is solid fuel, the second is liquid fuel and the third the cryogenic engine. Cryogenic fuels are fuels that require storage at extremely low temperatures in order to maintain them in a liquid state. Select the correct statements: 1 only 2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 Maiden bilateral naval exercise ‘AL – Mohed AL – Hindi’ is being held between which of the following countries?  India and Oman India and Bangladesh  India and UAE India and Saudi Arabia  ANSWERS FOR 12th August 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 C Must Read On various shades of Intolerance: The Hindu On decline of Parliament: Indian Express On Criminalisation of Politics: Indian Express

[Day 75]: 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-75 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 13th August 2021

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken, and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [13th August,2021] – Day 155

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [13th August,2021] – Day 155 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 is the mandate of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)? Do you think India’s federal polity creates a hinderance in the effective working of the NIA? (10 Marks) राष्ट्रीय जांच एजेंसी (NIA) का जनादेश क्या है? क्या आपको लगता है कि भारत की संघीय राजनीति एनआईए के प्रभावी काम में बाधा पैदा करती है? 2. What is NATGRID? Examine its significance for India’s internal security? Why hasn’t the NATGRID project really taken off? Analyse. (10 Marks) NATGRID क्या है? भारत की आंतरिक सुरक्षा के लिए इसके महत्व की जांच करें? NATGRID परियोजना पूर्ण रूप से शुरू क्यों नहीं हो पायी है? विश्लेषण करें। 3. What is the mandate of the National Security Guard (NSG)? What makes NSG an elite security agency? Discuss. (15 Marks) राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा गार्ड (NSG) का जनादेश क्या है? एनएसजी को एक कुलीन सुरक्षा एजेंसी क्या बनाती है? 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 :)

SYNOPSIS [11th August,2021] Day 153: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [11th August,2021] Day 153: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Examine the ways in which the social institution of ‘marriage’ has undergone changes in India.   Approach  Define what is marriage as an institution and contextualise to India with mentioning modern times.In next part mention all the changes which have been happening over the period of time and complement it with which traditional issues still persists.In conclusion make a reformative argument of society and institution of marriage. Introduction Marriage is considered to be the oldest, the most basic and fundamental institutions in the sub-systems of the society. In ancient Indian society, marriage was regarded as a highly sacred institution which involves the meeting of the minds between the spouses for material as well as psychological satisfaction.This institution has further gone trough changes in modern times. Body:  The institution of marriage has undergone several changes over a period of time as follows: Polygamy to Monogamy: Ancient Indian society followed polygamy among upper castes which have been replaced with monogamy. The practice of Bigamy or polygamy is prohibited by law and punishable.  Union of a family to individuals: Before, marriage was considered as the union of two families but off late it has given way for individual preferences. Olden days, Bride and Groom would not even meet or talk before marriage but now the tables have turned.  Male domination to Equality: Husband was seen as lord or master in marriage setup and women were always lower in the hierarchy. Even though it is still present certain pockets, but in urban spaces, the concept of equality has prevailed between couples and matches is made between equals.  Divine protection to Legal protection: There was no concept of registration of marriage in early days but now marriages have to be registered and given legal protection under the law.  Remarriage: In olden days, if women attain widowhood, she dies a widow and looked down upon in society. But of late, there is an increased number of widow remarriage and sati as a practice is extinct.  Inter-caste marriage: Though frowned upon and avoided in major regions, but it is slowly gaining acceptance in urban spaces. Though a concept called honor killings happens in certain pockets of the country. Child marriage: Child marriage was widely practiced and prevalent in past, but it is punishable by law if practiced in present times.  Divorce: There was no concept of divorce in ancient Indian society. It was believed that marriage is not only for a lifetime but seven lives. At present, in the case of non-compatibility, there is an option of divorce through legal means.  Dowry: Dowry was an accepted practice in India whether Bride family giving it to groom or vice versa, even though present unofficially, it is banned by law and punishable if practiced.  Acceptance of singlehood: Traditionally marriage was considered the ultimate goal of life for both men and women. Unmarried women or men were considered inauspicious and attracted a lot of suspicions but at present, there is increased acceptance of singlehood and career has become a major goal and marriage has taken back seat.  Live in relationships: The trend of live in relationships started lately after globalisation in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune.It was further legitimised by Supreme court ruling. Traditional issues still dominating in Indian marriages: Male dominance : Majorly even after independence and various statutory laws the male dominance from the family system has not waned.Still majority decisions are taken by husband in society. Rituals: Ritualistic part of marriage is still intact.Further the social media and new technologies have incentivised couple’s to get married with all the ceremonies of marriage. Caste still has major factor to play in making a match of groom and bride.The classified ads in newspaper are testimonies to influence of caste on marriage system. Heterosexual norm: Marriage is still considered match between opposite sexes.The new forms of same sex marriages is still a taboo in India. Conclusion Indian marriage system has gone a major change after the independence with intervention of government, social reforms by various groups and urbanisation and globalisation in world.This has given couples more independence, women have gained agency, and family has been democratised.But these changes have largely been restricted to more educated and urbanised people.Therefore more efforts should be taken to bring reforms in rural population, such as incentivising intercaste marriages, increasing reporting and conviction in dowry cases, increasing avenues for women empowerment.This will create a egalitarian and modern society. 2. Why does caste remain a dominant and pervasive social reality in India? Contextualise.  Approach  Define caste in introduction and contextualise to present situations.In next part mention various reasons for why caste still remains prevalent in India.In conclusion write what can be done to reduce this prevalence along with summary of the body. Introduction Caste can be defined as hereditary endogamous group, having a common name, common traditional occupation, common culture, relatively rigid in matters of mobility, distinctiveness of status and forming a single homogeneous community. However, in the changing situation caste has adapted too many new features like having formal organisations, becoming less rigid and having a link with politics. Body Caste remains a very dominant and pervasive social reality in India due to several factors : Caste-based census: Starting from 1881, census including caste of people were carried out which is continued to this day. Also, there was an attempt to build a hierarchy of caste based on the census data. The censuses became a catalyst for an increased consciousness about their caste and its status among the Indian people. GOI Act, 1935: The legal framework under this act led to the formation of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Dominant caste: The practice of land holding on basis of caste further increased the importance of the system and this created dominant caste groups which control political and public space till today. Biased picture: a Biased study of historians to depict wide segregation in Hindu society existing from ancient times also played a big role in entrenching caste-based divisions. Aryan-Dravidian theory: The “Aryan invasion” theory deepened the caste system on lines of upper and lower castes along with original inhabitants (Tribals and Dalits) as well as North-South divide within India. Reservations: Reservations in government jobs, Educational institutions etc. based on caste has further established caste as a dominant factor that is hard to do away with. Politics: All political parties give great weight to the caste factor in selecting their candidates, in allocating constituencies to their candidates and in canvassing support for their nominees in the election. Caste-based associations and pressure groups: The formation of caste association and the important role they have in influencing voting pattern. Even political parties are considering caste as a vote bank. Inequality: Economic inequality, Lack of access to better livelihood, caste-based jobs, Unemployment etc. have further deepened assertions by caste groups.  Pride: Wearing caste as a badge of honor based on ancient/Mythical stories (like Martial race, Royal Priest class), victories in wars, ancient kingdoms etc.  The upper castes owing to western education moved on to caste-neutral jobs like clerks, lawyers, doctors etc. but the lower castes were still following their traditional jobs which increased their solidarity. Education system: Indian education system starting from admission forms to providing various benefits gives importance to caste which creates a caste based identity in new generation. Media reporting: Media reports highlights the caste breakdowns of elections.Elections being a constant phenomenon in India makes caste identity part of daily vocabulary and makes people remember their caste groups. Marriage system: Majority of marriages in India are intra-caste  which perpetuates the caste system with all its rituals. Conclusion Caste system has evolved over the years  with the intervention of Britishers , social reformers and intervention of government after Independence.The abhorrent practices of untouchability, concept of purity and pollution and taboo of intercaste marriages have been diluted to a large extent.But the different agencies such as media, political parties, education system and marriage system which have perpetuated traditional mindsets needs an urgent reform.Caste should not be caste in a stone for modern India. 3. Working women in India face challenges on multiple fronts. Do you agree? Illustrate  Approach  Introduce with the present situation and statistics of women employment in India.In next part write multiple social, economic, cultural and occupational challenges which women face. Write a way forward at the end to mention various reforms needed. Introduction: India continues to struggle to provide its women with equal opportunity. In 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, female labor force participation in India was 23.5%, according to ILO estimates.This is due to various obstructions which women’s in India face from social to security issues. Body Challenges faced by working women: Mental harassment : It is an age old convention that women are less capable and inefficient in working as compared to men. The attitude which considers women unfit for certain jobs holds back women. In spite of the constitutional provisions, gender bias creates obstacles in their recruitment. In addition to this, the same attitude governs injustice of unequal salaries for the same job. The true equality has not been achieved even after 61 years of independence. Working in such conditions inevitably puts strain on women to greater extent as compared to men, thus making them less eager in their career. Sexual harassment:Today, almost all working women are prone to sexual harassment irrespective of their status, personal characteristics and the types of their employment. They face sexual harassment on way on transports, at working places, educational institutions and hospitals, at home and even in police stations when they go to file complaints. It is shocking that the law protectors are violating and outraging modesty of women. Most of the women tend to be concentrated in the poor service jobs whereas men are in an immediate supervisory position, which gives them an opportunity to exploit their subordinate women. Discrimination at Workplace:However, Indian women still face blatant discrimination at their workplaces. They are often deprived of promotions and growth opportunities at work places but this doesn’t apply to all working women. A majority of working women continue to be denied their right to equal pay, under the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 and are underpaid in comparison to their male colleagues. This is usually the case in factories and labor-oriented industries. No Safety of Working Women While Traveling :Typically, the orthodox mindset in the Indian society makes it difficult for a working woman to balance her domestic environment with the professional life. In some families, it may not be acceptable to work after six o’clock. Those families that do accept these working hours may experience considerable anxiety every day about a woman’s safety while traveling. So many issues affect a working woman because she is closely protected or watched by her family and the society. Lack of Family Support : Lack of proper family support is another issue that working women suffers from. At times, the family doesn’t support women to leave the household work and go to office. They also resist for women working till late in office which also hampers the performance of the women and this also affects their promotion. Insufficient Maternity Leaves : Insufficient maternity leave is another major issue that is faced by a working mother. This not only affects the performance of women employees at work, but is also detrimental to their personal lives. Job insecurity : Unrealistic expectations, especially in the time of corporate reorganizations, which sometimes puts unhealthy and unreasonable unreasonable pressures on the employee, can be a tremendous source of stress and suffering. Increased workload extremely long work hours and intense pressures to perform at peak levels all the time for the same pay, can actually leave an employee physically and emotionally drained. Excessive travel and too much time away from family also contribute to an employee’s stressors. Workplace Adjustment : Adjusting to the workplace culture, whether in a new company or not, can be intensely stressful. Making oneself adapt to the various aspects of workplace culture such as communication patterns of the boss as well as the co-workers, can be lesson of life. Maladjustments to workplace cultures may lead to subtle conflicts with colleagues or even with superiors. In many cases office politics or gossips can be major stress inducers. Other reasons : it include Personal demographics like age, level of education, marital status, number of children, personal income and number of jobs currently had where you work for pay and Work situation characteristics like job tenure, size of employing organization, hours worked per week. Way forward: Adequate maternity, crèches at the workplace, child support centers etc. The corporate glass ceiling which discourages in higher management roles for women needs to be broken. The Gender Wage gap needs to be removed.  Safety of women in public needs to be ensured through effective policing and judicial system. Resources like land, houses in the name of women as being done under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Providing land ownership rights to women especially female farmers. Effective implementation of the Maternity Benefits Act, Women reservations, Vishaka Guidelines, and MUDRA scheme etc. Digital divide needs to be breached for better opportunities in pandemic.   TLP Synopsis Day 153 PDF

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 12th August 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III- Economy In news The government will soon free up unused built-up area worth about ₹30,000 crore and idle land inside Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for other economic activities. The move to free up unutilised land parcels is likely to be operationalised by the end of August 2021, as part of a simpler regulatory regime that the government is ringing in for SEZs, which account for about 30% of India’s exports. What is Special Economic Zone (SEZ)?  It is a specifically delineated duty-free enclave, deemed to be foreign territory for the purposes of trade operations and duties and tariffs.  Goods and services going into the SEZ area from Domestic Tariff Area (whole India except SEZ) shall be treated as exports and goods coming from the SEZ area into DTA shall be treated as imports.  SEZ units may be set up for manufacture of goods and rendering of services.  The business and trade laws are different from the rest of the country.  SEZs are located within a country's national borders. Their aims include increasing trade balance, employment, increased investment, job creation and effective administration News Source: TH Minority Institutions and RTE: NCPCR Survey Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II -  Governance In news Recently, the National Commission for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (NCPCR) conducted a Nationwide Assessment of Minority Schools.  The report was titled “Impact of Exemption under Article 15 (5) with regards to Article 21A of the Constitution of India on Education of Minority Communities”. The aim was to assess how the 93rd Amendment to Indian Constitution, which exempts minority institutions from otherwise mandatory provisions of the Right to Education, affected children belonging to minority communities. What are the key highlights of the report? Minority Schools Catering to the Non-Minorities: Overall, 62.5% of the students in these schools belonged to non-minority communities. Only 8.76% of the students in minority schools belong to socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Disproportionate Numbers: In West Bengal, 92.47% of the minority population is of Muslims and 2.47% are Christians. On the contrary, there are 114 Christian minority schools and only two schools with Muslim minority status. Similarly, in Uttar Pradesh, though the Christian population is less than 1% there are 197 Christian minority schools in the state. This disproportion takes away the core objective of establishing minority educational institutions. It found that the largest number of out-of-school children – at 1.1 crore – belonged to the Muslim community. Non-Uniformity in Madarsas: According to the report, there are three kinds of madrasas in the country: Recognised Madrasas: These are registered and impart both religious as well as secular education. Unrecognised Madrasas: These have been found deficient for registration by state governments as secular education is not imparted. Unmapped Madrasas: These have never applied for registration. According to the NCPCR, the Sachar Committee report 2005, which says 4% of Muslim children (15.3 lakh) attend madrasas, has only taken into account the registered madrasas. Further, the syllabi of madrasas, that have evolved over centuries, are not uniform, and that “being left ignorant of the world around them”. It also says that madrasas do not have any teachers training programmes. What is National Commission for Protection of Child Rights? NCPCR is a statutory body set up in March 2007 under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Women & Child Development. The Commission's mandate is to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the child rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It enquires into complaints relating to a child's right to free and compulsory education under the Right to Education Act, 2009. It monitors the implementation of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. News Source: IE Government to completely exit erstwhile PSUs Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Economy  In news The government is planning to sell its residual stakes in public sector firms like Paradeep Phosphates, Hindustan Zinc and Balco, which were privatised during the Atal Behari Vajpayee regime.  The firms are staying highly profitable after the transfer of management control to a private player. Thus, selling these stakes could yield a significant revenue for the government.  The government intends to complete the privatisation of Air India, BPCL, Shipping Corporation of India, BEML, Pawan Hans and Nilanchal Ispat Nigam Limited. More airports would also be offered as public-private partnership ventures.  These are the transactions where there is sufficient interest from bidders and are the second stage of the due diligence and financial bidding is near completion.  GAIL is also likely to come up with an offering soon through the Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) structure.  What are Infrastructure Investment Trusts? InvITs are instruments that work like mutual funds.  They are designed to pool small sums of money from a number of investors to invest in assets that give cash flow over a period of time. Part of this cash flow would be distributed as dividend back to investors. The minimum investment amount in an InvIT Initial Public Offering (IPO) is Rs 10 lakh, therefore, InvITs are suitable for high networth individuals, institutional and non-institutional investors. InvITs are listed on exchanges just like stocks — through IPOs. However, the Indian InvIT market is not yet mature and has supported the formation of 10 InvITs till date of which only two are listed. The InvITs listed on the stock exchange are IRB InvIT Fund and India Grid Trust. InvITs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014. News Source: TH Marburg virus Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Health In news Recently, Guinea confirmed the first recorded case of Marburg virus death in West Africa. About Marburg virus Marburg virus disease (MVD) was formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever. Marburg virus disease is a highly virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, with a fatality ratio of up to 88%.  It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease.  Two large outbreaks that occurred simultaneously in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1967, led to the initial recognition of the disease.  The outbreak was associated with laboratory work using African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) imported from Uganda. Symptoms: Headache, vomiting blood, muscle pains and bleeding through various orifices. Many patients develop severe hemorrhagic signs within seven days. Case fatality rates have varied from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks depending on virus strain and case management. Transmission Rousettus aegyptiacus, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, are considered to be natural hosts of Marburg virus.  The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through human-to-human transmission. Once an individual is infected with the virus, Marburg can spread through human-to-human transmission via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids.  Treatment and vaccines: Currently there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved for MVD. However, supportive care rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improves survival. The worst epidemic was in Angola in 2005, with 252 infections and a 90% death rate. This epidemic apparently spread through the reuse of contaminated transfusion equipment in a paediatric ward News Source: HT Democracy summit Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II - International Relations  In news USA President Joe Biden will host a ‘Summit for Democracy’, virtually, on December 9-10.  About the summit It will be held around three themes:  Defending against authoritarianism,  Fighting corruption,  Promoting respect for human rights.  The summit will gather together Heads of State, civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector.  The Summit is seen as one way to counter growing Chinese influence. There would be country-wise commitments made at the first summit.   A second summit which will be in-person, will follow in 2022. Following a year of consultation, coordination, and action, President Biden will then invite world leaders to gather once more to showcase progress made against their commitments.  China Approves First Mixed-Vaccine Trial  Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - International relations; Health  In news China’s drug regulator has approved the country’s first mixed-vaccine trial as the rapid spread of the Delta variant raises concern about the efficacy of domestically produced jabs. The trial will test the efficacy of combining an “inactivated” vaccine made by China’s Sinovac with a DNA-based one developed by U.S. pharmaceutical company Inovio.  Preclinical work has found that “two different vaccine applications produce an even stronger and more balanced immune response.  Do you know?  There are several types of COVID-19 vaccines, including those using an inactivated or weakened virus to generate an immune response, and RNA- or DNA-based vaccines that use engineered versions of the coronavirus’ genetic code to create a protein that safely prompts an immune response. The World Health Organization has said there is still not enough data to say whether using two different vaccines together is safe or can boost immunity. Read Approaches to Vaccine Making for more understanding the science part of Vaccines (News from PIB) Policy on Illegal Migrants Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-I- Society All foreign nationals, including those who enter into the country without valid travel documents or overstay beyond the validity of their visa period, are governed by the provisions contained in:  The Foreigners Act, 1946 The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920  The Citizenship Act, 1955, and rules and orders made thereunder.  Exemptions are given from the provisions of The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 and the Foreigners Act, 1946 on a case-to-case basis. Government’s efforts or Policy on Illegal Migrants Some illegal migrants sneak into India in a clandestine and surreptitious manner mainly through difficult mountainous and riverine terrains along the international borders.   Central Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to ensure effective surveillance and domination of land borders to check infiltration of illegal migrants.  Physical infrastructure in the form of border fencing, floodlighting, construction of border roads and establishment of border outposts has been created.  Vulnerable border outposts are regularly reviewed and strengthened by deploying additional manpower, special surveillance equipment and other force multipliers.  A technological solution in the form of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) has been implemented in some vulnerable border areas.  Border guarding forces conduct regular patrolling, lay nakas and establish observation posts and carry out anti-tunnelling exercises to stop illegal infiltration.  Central Government has issued advisory to Border Security Force and Assam Rifles to maintain strict vigilance and surveillance and to take all possible steps for preventing illegal infiltration at International Borders. News Source: PIB Beggars Rehabilitation Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- Government Schemes As per the Census of 2011 data available on the website of Registrar General of India, there are 4,13,670 beggars and vagrants in the Country.  The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated a scheme “SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”. SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise The SMILE Scheme includes sub-scheme - ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging’.  The focus of the scheme is on providing  Basic necessaries like food, shelter homes, medical facilities Counselling, rehabilitation and basic documentation,  Education, skill development and economic linkages of the persons found to be engaged in begging. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has identified ten cities namely Ahmadabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur and Patna for undertaking pilot projects on Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons engaged in the act of Begging. The pilot projects on Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons includes whole range of services including awareness generation, identification, rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, education, skill development and sustainable settlement of persons engaged in begging. News Source: PIB Quality of Life for Elderly Index  Part of: GS Prelims  Quality of Life for Elderly Index was released by Dr Bibek Debroy, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).  Quality of Life for Elderly Index: The Index has been created by the Institute for Competitiveness at the request of EAC-PM and it sheds light on an issue often not mentioned- problems faced by the elderly and identifies the regional patterns of ageing across Indian States and assesses the overall ageing situation in India.  The Index framework includes: Four pillars: Financial Well-being, Social Well-being, Health System and Income Security, and  Eight sub-pillars: Economic Empowerment, Educational Attainment & Employment, Social Status, Physical Security, Basic Health, Psychological Wellbeing, Social Security and Enabling Environment. Key Highlights from the Report: The Health System pillar observes the highest national average, 66.97 at an all-India level, followed by 62.34 in Social Well-being.  Financial Well-being observes a score of 44.7, which is lowered by the low performance of 21 States across the Education Attainment & Employment pillar, which showcases scope for improvement States have performed particularly worse in the Income Security pillar because over half of the States have a score below the national average, i.e., 33.03 in Income Security, which is the lowest across all pillars.  Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are top-scoring regions in Aged and Relatively Aged States, respectively. Chandigarh and Mizoram are top-scoring regions in Union Territory and North-East States category.  The Aged States refer to States with an elderly population of more than 5 million, whereas Relatively Aged States refer to States with an Elderly population of less than 5 million. Significance: These pillar-wise analyses help States assess the state of the elderly population and identify existing gaps that obstruct their growth News Source: PIB Atmanirbhar Narishakti se Samvad Part of: GS Prelims  In news: PM to participate in ‘Atmanirbhar Narishakti se Samvad’ on 12th August PM Modi will interact with women Self Help Group (SHG) members/community resource persons promoted under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) via video conferencing.  During the event, a compendium of success stories of women SHG members from all across the country, along with a handbook on universalization of farm livelihoods will also be released by the Prime Minister.  About DAY-NRLM It is a centrally sponsored programme, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in June 2011. Objective: To eliminate rural poverty through the promotion of multiple livelihoods and improved access to financial services for the rural poor households across the country. To reach out to all rural poor households and impact their livelihoods. DAY-NRLM aims at mobilizing rural poor households into Self Help Groups (SHGs) in a phased manner and provide them long-term support to diversify their livelihoods, improve their incomes and quality of life.  Most of Mission’s interventions are being implemented and scaled up by the SHG women themselves who are trained as community resource persons (CRPs) – Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Bank Sakhis, Bima Sakhis, Banking Correspondent Sakhis etc.  The Mission is also working on empowering the SHG women through awareness generation and behaviour change communication on issues like domestic violence, women’s education and other gender related concerns, nutrition, sanitation, health etc. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) GOVERNANCE GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Patent to an Artificial Intelligence system In news: In a world first, South Africa grants patent to an artificial intelligence system What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? It describes the action of machines accomplishing tasks that have historically required human intelligence. It includes technologies like machine learning, pattern recognition, big data, neural networks, self algorithms etc AI involves complex things such as feeding a particular data into the machine and making it react as per the different situations. It is basically about creating self-learning patterns where the machine can give answers to the never answered questions like a human would ever do. AI is different from hardware driven robotic automation. Instead of automating manual tasks, AI performs frequent high volume computerised tasks reliably. Benefits and Potential of AI Multi-sectoral applications: Already, AI has helped increase crop yields, raised business productivity, improved access to credit and made cancer detection faster and more precise. Boosts Economic Growth: It could contribute more than $15 trillion to the world economy by 2030, adding 14% to global GDP. Google has identified over 2,600 use cases of “AI for good” worldwide. Enabler for SGDs: A study published in Nature reviewing the impact of AI on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) finds that AI may act as an enabler on 134 — or 79% — of all SDG targets. What’s the issue with South Africa granting Patent? At first glance, a recently granted South African patent relating to a “food container based on fractal geometry” seems fairly mundane. The innovation in question involves interlocking food containers that are easy for robots to grasp and stack. On closer inspection, we notice that the inventor is not a human being — it is an artificial intelligence (AI) system called DABUS. The invention was entirely devised by the DABUS. The patent application listing DABUS as the inventor was filed in patent offices around the world, including the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South Africa. But only South Africa granted the patent (Australia followed suit a few days later after a court judgment gave the go-ahead). The United States Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office rejected these applications in the formal examination phase. What is the DABUS? DABUS stands for “device for the autonomous bootstrapping of unified sentience”. It is an AI system created by Stephen Thaler, a pioneer in the field of AI and programming. The system simulates human brainstorming and creates new inventions. DABUS is a particular type of AI, often referred to as “creativity machines” because they are capable of independent and complex functioning. What are the ‘Creativity machines’? Creativity machines can process and critically analyse data, learning from it. This process is known as machine learning. Once the machine learning phase has occurred, the machine is able to “autonomously” create without human intervention.  Prior to DABUS, Thaler built another AI which created novel sheet music, and which he credited with inventing the cross-bristle toothbrush design. Why are some experts opposing this move? First, their respective patent laws only provide for human inventors — not AI — as indicated by the use of pronouns such as “him” and “her” in their text. Second, ideas, for the purposes of patents, require the element of “mental conception” — something of which only a human mind is capable. Finally, inventorship comes with rights, which AI is not legally capable of possessing. The critics argued that it was the incorrect decision in law, as AI lacks the necessary legal standing to qualify as an inventor. Critics feel that if South Africa instead had a substantive search and examination system in place, the DABUS patent application would have been rejected.  Conclusion Given the policy environment and the vast potential of AI, the granting of the patent makes sense. Perhaps this will turn out to be a strategic masterclass by the South African office which will lead to a much more innovative nation. Connecting the dots: Responsible Artificial Intelligence Blockchain Technology and Voting Fourth Industrial Revolution News Source: TH GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors  An urban jobs safety net In news According to World Economic Outlook by IMF, the global GDP shrunk by 3.3%. The contraction in the U.S., Brazil, Japan, Canada and Euro Area was in the range of 3.5%-7%. India’s GDP plummeted by 8%.  China, on the contrary, posted a growth of 2.3%.  The report stated that 95 million people have fallen into the ranks of the extreme poor category.  Unemployment and Pandemic The unemployment rate in the Euro Area, the U.S. and Canada shot up to 7.1%, 8.1% and 9.6%, respectively. Spain, Greece, Turkey, the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru among others are grappling with unemployment rates in double digits.  As per the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy’s estimates, the unemployment rate in India peaked to 23.5% in April 2020 before falling to 6.9% in February 2021. In the wake of economic deceleration, the challenge is to minimise livelihood losses. Given the contemporary realities, the need is to approach this from a rural-urban perspective for two reasons.  First, when there is an economic shock, it is essential to provide people with formal access to a livelihood safety net.  Second, the livelihood safety net must have comprehensive coverage. Such a net, provided by the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), exists only in rural areas. Urban India does not have any such cushion. Isn’t there any scheme which caters to Urban employment? Though the Indian government operates the National Urban Livelihoods Mission, which is focused on self-employment through skill up-gradation and credit linkages through banks, the scheme does not have guaranteed wage employment provisions akin to what MGNREGS provides.  Last year’s migration tragedy and the economic slowdown have highlighted the need for a MGNREGA type safety net in urban India. A few States have experimented with a wage employment-based urban livelihood scheme. Insights from Himachal Pradesh (HP) HP launched the Mukhya Mantri Shahri Ajeevika Guarantee Yojana (MMSAGY) in 2020 with the objective of enhancing livelihood security in urban areas by providing 120 days of guaranteed wage employment to every household at minimum wages in FY 2020-21.  Any adult member of a household, less than 65 years of age, residing in the jurisdiction of the urban local body (ULB) and willing to engage in unskilled work at projects being provided by the municipality can register under the scheme.  A job card is issued to the beneficiary within seven days of registration and employment is provided within a fortnight. Otherwise, the beneficiary is eligible to be compensated at a rate of ₹75 per day. Funding  was from the grants already available to ULBs under the State and Central Finance Commissions.  Output: In a year of its operation, a quarter million man-days, benefiting about 3% of the total urban households in H.P., were generated.  Himachal Pradesh’s experience has provided some crucial insights.  Fiscally Possible: One, an urban livelihood scheme can be launched within the existing fiscal space. If not, the Union and States can provide resources together.  Curbs Migration: Two, separate minimum wages for rural and urban areas do not cause migration to urban areas since the higher cost of living in urban areas has an offsetting effect.  Urban areas require shift in focus: The focus of the Urban Employment Guarantee scheme must shift from asset creation to service delivery. Restricting it to asset creation or wage-material ratios may be sub-optimal in urban settings. The focus should be on enhancing the quality of municipal services.  Needs to be replicated at National Level: Such a scheme is like an ‘economic vaccine’ and will protect people against unemployment. It should be administered at the national level rather than at the State level. Connecting the dots: DUET (Decentralised Urban Employment and Training) for urban areas A moment to revive MGNREGA Rights based governance framework Union Government’s Four Labour Codes  (RSTV Debate) RSTV 29 July, 2021: The Big Picture - One year of NEP reform: New initiatives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PS5e3vpjGE EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. One year of NEP reform: new initiatives The July 29th 2021 marked the completion of one year of the new National Education Policy.  The policy document was launched in 2020, paving the way for transformational reforms in school and higher education systems, also improve understanding and employability of graduates in the country and to make India a global knowledge superpower.  To mark one year of these reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed policy makers in the domain of education and skill development, students and teachers.  The Prime Minister also launched multiple initiatives in the education sector such as the academic bank of credit (ABC) that will provide multiple entry and exit options for students in higher education first year engineering programmes in regional languages guidelines for internationalization of higher education. The National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) and the National Education Technology Forum (NETF) were also launched at the event.  As per the government, these initiatives will help in realizing the goals of NEP 2020 and will make education more holistic, accessible, and affordable.  What is Academic bank credit  Academic Bank of Credit referred to as ABC is a virtual storehouse that will keep records of academic credits secured by a student.  Courses undergone by the students through the online modes through National Schemes like SWAYAM, NPTEL, V-Lab etc. or of any specified university, shall also be considered for credit transfer and credit accumulation. Credits obtained by students by undergoing Skill-courses from Registered Higher Education Institutions offering vocational Degree or Diploma or Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate programmes are also eligible for accrual and redemption of credits through the Academic Bank of Credits. NEP is trying to help student in deciding the pace of their studying courses through Academic Bank of Credit by giving multiple entry and exit options in their courses. Flexibility options are being discussed. If student don’t want to graduate, based on the credits student have accumulated he will be given the degree. In short more flexibility in deciding the pace depending on students own reasons. Significance of the Academic bank credit  Drafted on the lines of the National Academic Depository, the ABC will give multiple entry and exit options to the students enabling them to leave a degree or course and get a corresponding certification and re-join studies after a certain time and be able to start from where they had left. The ABC Regulations intend to give impetus to blended learning Mode, allowing students to earn credits from various HEIs registered under this scheme and through SWAYAM, an online repository of courses. The student can earn up to 50 per cent credits from outside the college/university where she/he is enrolled for the degree/diploma program. It will function as a commercial bank where students will be the customers and ABC will offer several services to these students. It will also provide students with the flexibility to move between institutes while pursuing one degree or leave a course. Issues in implementation: There are speculations that ABC Regulation 2021 will only lead to the dilution of degrees and that these policies ignore the key ideas of equity, quality, access and efficacy.  It is absolutely critical to create new institutional mechanisms at the national level that are vested with the responsibility of implementing the NEP. One of the major challenges of implementing any policy is the absence of legislative backing and statutory support. Conclusion: In recent years, India’s education sector has considered a host of reforms and accelerated economic outlays. These reforms could perchance transform India into a knowledge haven. Especially reforms through NEP will probably lead to extensive increment in education in the country. Can you attempt these questions now? Critically discuss the significance of the NEP reforms. What are the different NEP reforms? Discuss the significance of Academic bank credit.  (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 Consider the following statements regarding Marburg virus: Rousettus aegyptiacus, fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, are considered to be natural hosts of Marburg virus.  The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and does not spread among humans It is in the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 and 2 only  2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 2 only  Q.2 All foreign nationals are governed by the provisions contained in which of the following acts The Foreigners Act, 1946 The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920  The Citizenship Act, 1955 Select the correct answer from below.  1, 2 and 3 only  2, 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1,2,3 and 4  Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding Infrastructure Investment Trusts: It is regulated by security and exchange Board of India These are listed on exchanges just like stocks through IPOs Select the correct statements:  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 11th August 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 C Must Read On India’s North East Region: ORF On IPCC latest report: Hindustan Times On India’s Parliamentary Democracy in Crisis: Hindustan Times

[Day 74]: 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-74 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here