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[MI-STORIES]MOTIVATIONAL AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES - Smile !

For Previous Story -> CLICK HERE Inspirational Stories: Here is the story for this week from the new series of Inspirational and Motivational stories. One of the oldest known forms of communication is story telling. There is something primordial within us that loves stories and their tremendous impact. In this series, we aim to bring you the best of real-life stories that can inspire and motivate you. Stories always try to teach us something useful. It is one of the best ways of learning from other's mistakes and avoiding our own. Although each story has its own moral, in the comments section you can share your opinion on the moral of the story. If you are able to see something that others might have missed, you can share it for the benefit of all. Apart from just reading these awesome stories, you can also share some of the stories that have inspired you. If we find the story appropriate and useful, we will share it with all. More importantly, read these stories every week without a miss, and stay inspired.   So Here is the story for this week - Smile ! Smile: Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other—it doesn't matter who it is—and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other. Mother Teresa Many are familiar with The Little Prince, a wonderful book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. This is a whimsical and fabulous book and works as a children's story as well as a thought-provoking adult fable. Far fewer are aware of Saint-Exupery's other writings, novels and short stories. Saint-Exupery was a fighter pilot who fought against the Nazis and was killed in action. Before World War II, he fought in the Spanish Civil War against the fascists. He wrote a fascinating story based on that experience entitled The Smile (Le Sourire). It is this story which I'd like to share with you now. It isn't clear whether or not he meant this to be autobiographical or fiction. I choose to believe it is the former. He said that he was captured by the enemy and thrown into a jail cell. He was sure that from the contemptuous looks and rough treatment he received from his jailers he would be executed the next day. From here, I'll tell the story as I remember it in my own words. "I was sure that I was to be killed. I became terribly nervous and distraught. I fumbled in my pockets to see if there were any cigarettes which had escaped their search. I found one and because of my shaking hands, I could barely get it to my lips. But I had no matches, they had taken those. "I looked through the bars at my jailer. He did not make eye contact with me. After all, one does not make eye contact with a thing, a corpse. I called out to him 'Have you got a light, por favor?' He looked at me, shrugged and came over to light my cigarette. "As he came close and lit the match, his eyes inadvertently locked with mine. At that moment, I smiled. I don't know why I did that. Perhaps it was nervousness, perhaps it was because, when you get very close, one to another, it is very hard not to smile. In any case, I smiled. In that instant, it was as though a spark jumped across the gap between our two hearts, our two human souls. I know he didn't want to, but my smile leaped through the bars and generated a smile on his lips, too. He lit my cigarette but stayed near, looking at me directly in the eyes and continuing to smile. "I kept smiling at him, now aware of him as a person and not just a jailer. And his looking at me seemed to have a new dimension, too. 'Do you have kids?' he asked. "'Yes, here, here.' I took out my wallet and nervously fumbled for the pictures of my family. He, too, took out the pictures of his ninos and began to talk about his plans and hopes for them. My eyes filled with tears. I said that I feared that I'd never see my family again, never have the chance to see them grow up. Tears came to his eyes, too. "Suddenly, without another word, he unlocked my cell and silently led me out. Out of the jail, quietly and by back routes, out of the town. There, at the edge of town, he released me. And without another word, he turned back toward the town. "My life was saved by a smile."

TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [15th JULY,2021] Day 134: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [15th JULY,2021] Day 134: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. In India’s growth story, there are reasons to focus attention on agriculture and allied sector, which will continue to play a significant role in providing employment and sustainable livelihoods for the growing population in India. Elucidate. Approach  The question is based on agriculture and it allied sector.First make a general introduction on agriculture based on the data.Then address the sole demand of question on why its  important to focus on it.In conclusion write some recent measures and schemes by government to revitalise the sector. Introduction Agriculture continues to be the most crucial sector of the Indian economy. With 19.9 percent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing employment to nearly 2/3rd of the work force, agriculture is so much at the centre stage in the Indian economy that any situational change in this sector, positive or negative, has a multiplier effect on the entire economy. The largest industries of the country like sugar, jute, textiles, food processing, milk, etc. are dependent on agriculture for their raw materials. Body Reasons for focus on agriculture and allied sector: Agricultural influence on national income: The contribution of agriculture during the first two decades towards the gross domestic product ranged between 48 and 60%. In the year 2001-2002, this contribution declined to only about 26%. Agriculture plays vital role in generating employment: In India at least two-thirds of the working population earn their living through agricultural works. In India other sectors have failed generate much of employment opportunity the growing working populations. Agriculture makes provision for food for the ever increasing population: The existing levels of food consumption in these countries are very low and with a little increase in the capita income, the demand for food rise steeply (in other words it can be stated that the income elasticity of demand for food is very high in developing countries).Therefore, unless agriculture is able to continuously increase it marketed surplus of food grains, a crisis is like to emerge.  Contribution to capital formation: There is general agreement on the necessity capital formation. Since agriculture happens be the largest industry in developing country like India, it can and must play an important role in pushing up the rate of capital formation. If it fails to do so, the whole process economic development will suffer a setback. Supply of raw material to agro-based industries: Agriculture supplies raw materials to various agro-based industries like sugar, jute, cotton textile and vanaspati industries. Food processing industries are similarly dependent on agriculture. Therefore the development of these industries entirely is dependent on agriculture. Market for industrial products: Increase in rural purchasing power is very necessary for industrial development as two- thirds of Indian population live in villages. After green revolution the purchasing power of the large farmers increased due to their enhanced income and negligible tax burden. Influence on internal and external trade and commerce: Indian agriculture plays a vital role in internal and external trade of the country. Internal trade in food-grains and other agricultural products helps in the expansion of service sector. Contribution in government budget:Right from the First Five Year Plan agriculture is considered as the prime revenue collecting sector for the both central and state budgets. However, the governments earn huge revenue from agriculture and its allied activities like cattle rearing, animal husbandry, poultry farming, fishing etc. Indian railway along with the state transport system also earn a handsome revenue as freight charges for agricultural products, both-semi finished and finished ones. Need of labour force: A large number of skilled and unskilled labourers are required for the construction works and in other fields. This labour is supplied by Indian agriculture. Greater competitive advantages:Indian agriculture has a cost advantage in several agricultural commodities in the export sector because of low labour costs and self- sufficiency in input supply. Women empowerment: women form major part of labour in agriculture and also have large role in dairy farming.This provides them independence, dignity and economic heft to determine their destiny. Conclusion Therefore keeping in mind the importance of Agriculture and its allied activities government have introduced various reforms such as new farm laws to do away with middlemen, establishing of Agriculture Infrastructure fund  and reducing policy uncertainty.This will help to revitalise agriculture sector which was a sole positive sector in pandemic. Further this will help to achieve India’s target of food security, accessibility, increase in employment and doubling of farmers income in long run. 2. Micro irrigation scores over conventional irrigation techniques on several fronts and is a must for Indian agriculture keeping in mind the water stress scenario. Comment.  Approach  The question is straightforward.In introduction define what is micro irrigation and contextualise to India.In next part write what is the need for micro irrigation in India and then go on to write what are its benign which will be boon .In conclusion take an optimistic stand. Introduction Micro irrigation is a modern method of irrigation; by this method water is irrigated through drippers, sprinklers, foggers and by other emitters on surface or subsurface of the land. Major components of a micro irrigation system is as follows. Micro-irrigation system is popular these days for its low cost and water-efficiency.Therefore government of India has been implementing ‘Per Drop More Crop’ scheme from the year 2014 for sustainable agricultural production practices. Body Reasons why Micro irrigation is an imperative for India India is facing the twin challenge of water scarcity and population explosion. The ongoing water crisis has affected nearly 600 million people and is expected to only worsen: The country’s population is touted to increase to 1.6 billion by 2050. Agriculture may have to face the brunt: Water would be diverted to other sectors and agriculture would have to make its peace with lesser and poorer quality of water. Climate change too has aggravated water scarcity concerns: It can, through its impact on weather patterns, affect livelihoods and well-being of our farming community. The impact of climate change is much more evident in Indian agriculture, where around 85 per cent farmers are small and marginal and 60 per cent agriculture is dependent upon the vagaries of monsoon. The role of irrigation, therefore, takes the front seat. The continued irrigation through traditional practices since the introduction of Green revolution in the 1960’s, however, has begun to show its multitudinous ill effects on groundwater quality and height, water logging, soil salinity, soil health, crop productivity, partial factor productivity and cost economics of farm practices. This is where micro-irrigation assumes significance.These are the benefits of Micro irrigation which will be important for India. Water saving: Micro-irrigation (MI) is proved to be an efficient method in saving water and increasing water use efficiency as compared to the conventional surface method of irrigation, where water use efficiency is only about 35-40%. Increased irrigation efficiency: The on-farm irrigation efficiency of properly designed and managed drip irrigation systems is estimated to be about 90%. Farmers using a pumping system to irrigate their fields should ensure that the pump and pipe size are fitting with their needs, thus avoiding water and energy overuse and consequent leakages. Higher yields: The yields are higher than traditional flood irrigation. Productivity gain due to use of micro-irrigation is estimated to be in the range of 20 to 90% for different crops. Yields of crops increase up to 45% in wheat, 20% in gram and 40% in soybean. Less water loss: There is also less loss of water due to reduction in loss of water in conveyance and also reduction in loss of water through evaporation, run off, and by deep percolation. Energy efficient: The reduction in water consumption in micro-irrigation also reduces the energy use (electricity) that is required to lift water from irrigation wells. Lower consumption of fertilizers: An efficient drip irrigation system reduces consumption of fertiliser through fertigation. Weed and disease reduction: It helps in inhibiting growth of weeds as it keeps limited wet areas. Under this condition the incidence of disease is also reduced. Cost savings: There are substantial reductions in irrigation costs and savings on electricity and fertilisers. Precision farming: Emerging computerised GPS-based precision irrigation technologies for self-propelled sprinklers and micro-irrigation systems will enable growers to apply water and agrochemicals more precisely and site specifically to match soil and plant status and needs as provided by wireless sensor networks. Conclusion Government of India has also accorded high priority to water conservation and its management. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has been formulated with the vision of extending the coverage of irrigation ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ and improving water use efficiency ‘More crop per drop’ in focused manner using sprinkler & drip method of irrigation. This irrigation method has several advantages over furrow systems, including reduced water use. 3. The Indian farmer should adopt a stable pattern of sowing to benefit in the long run. Why? Critically examine. Approach  In introduction mention what is sowing and why its important that it should be stable.In next part address what is the need for stable sowing, what hinders it and what measures are needed for this purpose.In conclusion make a poitive future oriented statement  Introduction  Sowing is a process of planting seeds into the soil. During this agricultural process, proper precautions should be taken, including the appropriate depth, proper distance maintained, and soil should be clean, healthy and free from disease and other pathogens including fungus. This sowing process starts the beginning of agricultural cycle in India and therefore when each year this sowing pattern which gets affected due to myriad reasons have an overall impact on farm productivity, agricultural GDP and farm income. Body  Agriculture in India Agriculture continues to be the most crucial sector of the Indian economy. With 19.9 percent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing employment to nearly 2/3rd of the work force, agriculture is so much at the centre stage in the Indian economy that any situational change in this sector, positive or negative, has a multiplier effect on the entire economy. The sowing patter each year decides what will be the total production of different crops in Indian economy which will have a effect on farmers income, total production,India’s imports and exports, inflation in the country and availability of raw materials to various sectors  Need for stable sowing pattern  Stable income: A stable sowing pattern will lead to stable production regime where the farmers income will not fluctuate with external factors such as market and monsoon.  Controlled Food inflation: Inflation is a cyclical phenomenon in India as seen with commodities such as onions, tomato and pulses.This can be mitigated with stable sowing which will remove the uncertainty factor and impart more predictability.It will also give more room to monetary policy to impart growth. No more Glut and scarcity : Farmers depending upon previous years prices tend to adopt sowing for this year which leads to glut in the market and which further affects farmers income.While in some years there is scarcity pf other commodities due to failure of crops or monsoon. Stable exports: India is not seen as a reliable exporter as there are constant announcements of bans on exports.This image can be changed if farmers follow a stable sowing pattern. Optimum Buffer stocks : India has been facing a problem of huge buffer stocks.This is due to skewed sowing of paddy crops when India has already achieved sufficiency.A stable sowing includes sustainable sowing in its ambit.Thus this extra buffer stock can be brought down with stable sowing of diverse crops  Issues which are hindrance to stable sowing  Erratic Monsoon: Due to climate change an global warming the monsoon patter has changed is last decades.This has affected the sowing pattern as the monsoon acts as an important indicator of sowing of different crops.For example this year the sowing of different crops is less due to low rainfall in June end. Information asymmetry: The farmers do not have a longterm estimation of demand in the next year and the total production in stocks.Further majority are unaware about the global prices.This impacts sowing  which results into haphazard sowing. Government policies: Government of India has not been able to maintain a stable policy in agricultural sector.The policies are rather reflexive after an event has occurred.This is seen in export ban on onions and recent order on limit on storage of pulses.This sends a wrong signal to the farmers and market. Lack of economies of scale: 86 percent farms in India are very small in size and therefore for them to have astable sowing pattern is near to impossible as they depend upon high price fetching crops to sustain themselves.This results in constant change in pattern. Lack of food processing: Lack of food processing capabilities leads to wastage of crops and thus it affects the mindset of farmers in long run.This affects its sowing pattern. Measures to be taken to overcome these issues  A common market which is integrated for better price discovery.This is being implemented by the present government trough eNAM program. There should be stable policies over a long period to avoid frequent changes and uncertainties to framers. Irrigation reach should be increased as still only 45% of India agricultural land is irrigated.The dependence on monsoon has caused frequent changes in sowing .The adoption of micro irrigation in water deficit areas can be more beneficial. The market should be given free hand to determine the demand and supply.The government has done this trough bringing three farm laws which will corporatise and commercialise the farm sector. There needs to be value addition through agro industries.The government is doing it trough mega food parks and Sampada Yojana. Conclusion Therefore the sowing pattern needs to be stable fo better productivity, farm income, affordable pricing and better exports.The government should work in this direction as in 21st century its not right for India and its farmer to depend upon chance rather than pattern to prosper and progress.   TLP Synopsis Day 134 PDF

Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 47]: 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-47 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th July 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) World Youth Skill Day Programme Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Skill development In news Indian Prime Minister recently addressed World Youth Skill Day Programme. Key notes from the address Skill development of the new generation is a national need and is the foundation of Aatmnirbhar Bharat More than 1.25 crore youth have been trained under ‘Pradhanmantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna’ India providing smart and skilled man-power solutions to the world should be at the core of our strategy of skilling our youth Mission of skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling the youth should go on relentlessly Skill India Mission is fulfilling visionary dream of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar by skilling weaker sections Skill Development Programmes of India Name Year Type Objective Industrial Training Centres (ITIs) 1950 Central Sector To expand and modernize the existing Long-Term Training ecosystem in India. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2015 Central Sector To provide free skill training avenues to youths of India. National Career Service Project  2015 Central Sector To offer free online career skills training through its National Career Service (NCS) project for job-seekers registered with it. Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE)  2016 World Bank assisted-Government of India project To improve the performance of ITIs. To improve the relevance and efficiency of skills training provided through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and apprenticeships. Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana (Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyan) 2016 Centrally sponsored To create an enabling ecosystem for Entrepreneurship development through Entrepreneurship education and training; Advocacy and easy access to entrepreneurship support network and Promoting social enterprises for inclusive growth. Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood (SANKALP) 2018 Centrally Sponsored Scheme collaborated with the World Bank. District-level skilling ecosystem through convergence and coordination.  Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS)  2019 Central sector To provide industry apprenticeship opportunities to the general graduates exiting in April 2019 through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). Atma Nirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM)  2020 To help skilled people find sustainable livelihood opportunities. Skill Management and Accreditation of Training Centres (SMART) It provides a single window IT application that focuses on the accreditation, grading, Affiliation and Continuous monitoring of the Training Centres (TC) in the skill ecosystem. News Source: PIB School Innovation Ambassador Training Program Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II - Education In news Union Education Minister and Tribal Affairs Minister will jointly launch the ‘School Innovation Ambassador Training Program’ for 50,000 School Teachers.  It is innovative and one of its kind training program for School Teachers.  Aim: Training 50,000 school teachers on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, IPR, Design Thinking, Product development, Idea generation etc. The training will be delivered in online mode only. Designed by: Innovation Cell of the Ministry of Education and AICTE for School Teachers. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is a statutory body established by AICTE Act, 1987 for proper planning and co-ordinated development of a technical education system throughout the country and regulation & proper maintenance of norms and standards in the technical education system News Source: PIB Cloud Computing Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Information Technology In news Google Cloud announced expanding its footprint in India with its second ‘Cloud Region’ in the country.  It will be located in Delhi-NCR. With this new region, Google Cloud customers operating in India will benefit from low latency and high performance of their cloud-based workloads. What is Cloud Computing? Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”)  It is the pool of shared resources such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and services that can be provided to the consumer rather than the consumer managing them on her own which is costly and time-consuming. Rather than owning their own computing infrastructure or data centres, companies or individuals can rent access to storage (or application or services) from a cloud service provider. Advantages  Low capital expenditure Flexible resources Economies of scale Improved disaster recovery and reliability Do You Know about Edge Computing?  Edge computing is a distributed IT architecture in which client data is processed at the periphery of the network, as close to the originating source as possible. It doesn’t mean the cloud will disappear. It means the cloud is coming to you. It means running fewer processes in the cloud and moving those processes to local places, such as on a user’s computer or an edge server. In edge computing data is analysed locally, closer to where it is stored, in real-time without latency. Edge Computing allows data from internet of things devices to be analysed at the edge of the network before being sent to the data centre or cloud The global edge computing market is forecasted to reach more than $ 8 Billion by 2025 valued growing at more than 32% between 2019-2025. News Source: TH UV-C technology Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III – Science & Technology In news Ultraviolet-C or UV-C Disinfection Technology will soon be installed in Parliament for the “mitigation of airborne transmission of SARS-COV-2’’. What is UV radiation? UV radiation is the portion of the Electromagnetic spectrum between X-rays and visible light. The most common form of UV radiation is sunlight, which produces three main types of UV rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB, and UVC rays which have the shortest wavelengths. While UVA and UVB rays are transmitted through the atmosphere, all UVC and some UVB rays are absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer.  So, most of the UV rays you come in contact with are UVA with a small amount of UVB. How is it being used? UV radiations are normally used to kill microorganisms. Particularly, UV-C, also known as Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is a disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying their nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions and stops their replication. UVGI is used in a variety of applications, such as food, air, and water disinfection. UVC lamps used for disinfection purposes may pose potential health and safety risks depending on the UVC wavelength, dose, and duration of radiation exposure.  Direct exposure of skin and eyes to UVC radiation from some UVC lamps may cause painful eye injury and burn-like skin reactions. Some UVC lamps generate ozone. Ozone inhalation can be irritating to the airway. However, studies have shown that far-UVC light (207–222 nm) does not harm mammalian skin as they have a very limited range and cannot penetrate through the outer dead-cell layer of human skin About the UV-C air duct disinfection system Developed by CSIR-CSIO (Central Scientific Instruments Organisation). The system is designed to fit into any existing air-ducts and the UV-C intensity can be calibrated according to the existing space. The virus will get deactivated in any aerosol particles by the calibrated levels of UV-C light. It can be used in auditoriums, malls, educational Institutions, AC buses, and in railways. News Source: IE Commission to examine the issue of Sub-categorization Part of: GS Prelims and GS -I - Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. In news Cabinet approves Extension of term of the commission constituted under Article 340 of the constitution to examine the issue of Sub-categorization within other Backward Classes in the Central List. What is the background? National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) proposed the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) back in 2015. In October 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 340 of the Constitution, appointed a commission to examine the issue of sub-categorisation of OBCs, chaired by retired Justice G. Rohini, to ensure social justice in an efficient manner by prioritising the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs). What is Article 340? It lays down conditions for the appointment of a Commission to investigate the conditions of the backward classes. The President may by order appoint a Commission consisting of such persons as he thinks fit to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes within the territory of India. What is National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC)? Two Backward Class Commissions were appointed under Kaka Kalelkar in 1953 and under B.P. Mandal in 1979. In Indra Sawhney case of 1992, Supreme Court had directed the government to create a permanent body to entertain, examine and recommend the inclusion and exclusion of various Backward Classes for the purpose of benefits and protection. In pursuant to these directions parliament passed NCBC Act in 1993 and constituted the NCBC (statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment) 102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018 provided constitutional status to NCBC. The amendment act also inserted new Articles 338 B and 342 A. Article 338B provides authority to NCBC to examine complaints and welfare measures regarding socially and educationally backward classes. Article 342A empowers President to specify socially and educationally backward classes in various states and union territories. He can do this in consultation with Governor of concerned State. However, law enacted by Parliament will be required if list of backward classes is to be amended. What is the Need for sub- categorization? Sub categorization of the OBCs will ensure that the more backward among the OBC communities can also access the benefits of reservation for educational institutions and government jobs. At present, there is no sub-categorisation and 27% reservation is a monolithic entity. News Source: PIB Special Livestock Sector Package Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III - Economics of Animal Rearing In news The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved implementation of a special livestock sector package. About the Package Aim: To boost growth in the livestock sector and thereby making animal husbandry more remunerative to 10 crore farmers engaged in Animal Husbandry Sector. The Central government will spend Rs. 9,800 crore on livestock development over the next five years  All the schemes of the Department will be merged into three broad categories as: Development Programmes: It includes Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), National Livestock Mission (NLM) and Livestock Census and Integrated Sample Survey (LC & ISS) as sub-schemes. Disease Control Programme: It is renamed as Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC) which includes the present Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC) scheme and National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP). Infrastructure Development Fund: it includes the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development fund (AHIDF), the Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF), scheme for support to Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in Dairy activities  About Animal Husbandry in India It supports the livelihood of almost 55% of the rural population. As per the Economic Survey-2021, the contribution of Livestock in total agriculture and allied sector Gross Value Added (at Constant Prices) has increased from 24.32% (2014-15) to 28.63% (2018-19). India is the highest livestock owner of the world. News Source: TH (Mains Focus) GEOGRAPHY/ SCIENCE Topic: GS-2: Fundamental Rights & Democracy GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. A strong Indian state must be humane too Context: Father Stan Swamy passed away in a Mumbai hospital recently while his case for bail was going on in the Bombay High Court. He 84-year-old Jesuit priest and a tribal rights activist based in Jharkhand.  He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), in the Bhima Koregaon case. NIA had alleged that he was a CPI (Maoist) cadre which is a banned organisation and carrying on activities to overthrow the democracy of the nation” Criticism International Ire: The Indian system’s treatment of Fr. Swamy has attracted substantial and pointed criticism from significant international quarters like UNHRC, US & EU. Government’s refusal to engage with liberal opinion: Indian diplomatic engagement with international liberal opinion on Stan Swamy’s death was wooden and inflexible assertions of general principles only. There was expectation of sensitivity in the response which was belied. Red-Tapism in Indian Prisons:  There are criticism that it took almost a month for the jail authorities to provide a straw, sipper and winter clothes to Fr. Swamy, as Parkinson’s disease made it difficult for him to hold cups or glasses.  The stringent nature of UAPA renders it difficult for one held under it to obtain bail. Under Section 43D(5) of UAPA Act, bail cannot be granted to a suspect if the court is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the charges are prima facie true.  A Supreme Court judgment on this has clarified that this meant that the court considering bail should not examine the evidence too deeply, but must go by the prosecution version based on broad probabilities. This means that the onus is on the accused to show that the case is false but without inviting the court to evaluate the available evidence.  UAPA presumes a person is guilty until proven innocent, contrary to the spirit of Constitution. This is why human rights defenders feel that the provision is draconian, virtually rendering it impossible for anyone to obtain bail until the completion of the trial. Way Ahead A strong and effective state can and must also be a humane state, which it hardly was in the case of Fr. Swamy.  Government needs to be reminded that the principle to achieve development in India should not through an authoritarian polity but a democratic and liberal one. Superior judiciary needs to redress the situation of misuse of UAPA through an audit of such cases. Fr. Stan Swamy’s case should provide an impetus to put such an audit machinery in place. Conclusion Yes, special laws were, and continue to be required to meet the challenges that arise from violence that cannot be confronted under the ordinary criminal statute. Their application, however, requires constant review Connecting the dots: Misuse of UAPA: Delhi HC bail to student activists Delhi Riots & SC on Public Protests Sedition Law & the debate ENVIRONMENT/ INTERNATIONAL Topic: GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Amazon forests are no longer acting as a carbon sink Context: The Amazon forests in South America, which are the largest tropical forests in the world, have started emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of absorbing carbon emissions The Amazon basin Covering over 6 million square kilometres, it is nearly twice the size of India. The Amazon rainforests cover about 80 per cent of the basin  Also, it is home to nearly a fifth of the world’s land species and about 30 million people including hundreds of indigenous groups and several isolated tribes. The basin produces about 20% of the world’s flow of freshwater into the oceans What changes are being witnessed in recent times? Over the last few years, the forest has been under multiple threat  Forest fires have doubled since 2013. One reason that they happen is when farmers burn their land to clear it for the next crop. In 2019, fires in the Amazon were visible from space. Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, which comprises about two-thirds of the area of the rainforest, started in the 1970s and 1980s when large-scale forest conversion for cattle ranching and soy cultivation began State policies that encourage economic development, such as railway and road expansion projects have led to “unintentional deforestation” in the Amazon and Central America. Amazon is therefore teetering on the edge of functional destruction New Research Findings Over the years as fossil-fuel emissions across the world have increased, the Amazon forests have absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to moderate the global climate. However, the eastern Amazon forests are no longer carbon sinks, whereas the more intact and wetter forests in the central and western parts are neither carbon sinks nor are they emitters. Another reason for the eastern region not being able to absorb as much CO2 as it did previously is the conversion of forests into agricultural land, which has caused a 17% decrease in the forest cover, an area that is almost the size of continental US. In the southeast region, which forms about 20 per cent of the Amazon basin and has experienced about 30% of the deforestation in the last four decades, scientists have recorded  25% reduction in precipitation  Temperature increase of at least 1.5 degrees Celsius during the dry months of August, September and October. Not only the Amazon rainforests, some forests in Southeast Asia have also turned into carbon sources in the last few years as a result of formation of plantations and fires. Conclusion The study shows that if the ability of tropical forests to act as carbon sinks is to be maintained, fossil fuel emissions need to be reduced and temperature increases need to be limited as well. Connecting the dots: Paris Climate Accord Amazon Forest Fires Australia Wildfires Simlipal Forest Fires (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 TRIFED comes under which of the following Ministry? Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Tribal Affairs Ministry of Commerce Ministry of Skill Development Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding UV radiation UV radiation is the portion of the Electromagnetic spectrum between X-rays and visible light. The most common form of UV radiation is sunlight Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 only Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 SMART, SHREYAS, SANKALP are schemes related to which of the following field/sector? Education Skill Development Tribal Products Information Technology ANSWERS FOR 15th July 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 A Must Read On Social Justice & Caste: Indian Express On India-China relations: The Hindu On Unorganised Workers: Financial Express

RSTV Video

Raisina Dialogue – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. In News: Due to the ongoing Covid Pandemic, 6th Edition of the prestigious Raisina Dialogue is being held virtually from 13-16 April, 2021.  Jointly organised by: The Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation Theme: ViralWorld: Outbreaks, Outliers and Out of Control WHOse Multilateralism? Reconstructing the UN and Beyond Securing and Diversifying Supply Chains Global ‘Public Bads’: Holding Actors and Nations to Account Infodemic: Navigating a ‘No-Truth’ World in the age of Big Brother The Green Stimulus: Investing Gender, Growth and Development The event will be seeing the presence of Former PM of Sweden, Carl Bildt; Former Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Abbott and Former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark. The Foreign Ministers of Slovenia, Portugal, Singapore, Romania, Nigeria, Italy, Sweden, Japan, Kenya, Australia, Chile, Iran, Maldives, Bhutan, and Qatar will also be participating in the event. The 2021 edition will have 50 sessions with the participation of 150 speakers from 50 countries and multilateral organisations. More than 2,000 attendees have pre-registered from over 80 countries and a large number of participants are likely to join the Dialogue through various social media platforms. PM Modi’s address –  The current edition of the Raisina Dialogue was taking place at a watershed moment in human history in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic which has been ravaging the world for more than a year. The Prime Minister called upon the global community to introspect on some pertinent questions in the present context. Emphasized that global systems should adapt themselves, in order to address the underlying causes and not just the symptoms. There is a need to humanity at the centre of our thoughts and action, and creating systems that address the problems of today and the challenges of tomorrow. India has “walked the talk” on helping the world counter the coronavirus pandemic despite its “limited resources”. Despite rising numbers and a “second wave” of cases in India, the government has decided not to ban the export of Indian-made vaccines, most of which have been committed as commercial consignments, or as part of the COVAX global alliance. Since January 21, the government has allowed the supply of 6.51 crore doses of the two Indian-made vaccines, of which about 1.05 crore are donations or grants from the government to 90 countries worldwide. The world was “under-prepared” for the COVID-19 pandemic. Pointing to the post-Second World War order, the United Nations and other multilateral structures that he said had been created only in order to prevent “the Third World War”, Mr. Modi said the world should have instead focused on hunger, poverty and humanitarian issues. While the humanity has not faced the Third World War, the threat of violence has not reduced in people’s lives. With a number of proxy wars and unending terror attacks, the prospect of violence is ever present. About Raisina Dialogue A multilateral conference, held every year, designed on the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue of Singapore. First held in 2016 and since its inception, has emerged as India’s flagship conference on geoeconomics and geopolitics The name Raisina Dialogue comes from Raisina Hill. It is an elevation in New Delhi, the seat of the Government of India and the Presidential Palace of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan. Raisina Dialogue is India’s contribution to the global efforts for discovering solutions, providing stability, and identifying opportunities to a century that has already witnessed an eventful two decades. 2020 theme: Navigating the Alpha Century’s; The focus was on Indo-Pacific, including the naval or military commanders from QUAD

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 16th JULY 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 [16th JULY,2021] – Day 135

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [16th JULY,2021] – Day 135 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. Why does Delhi-NCR experience high levels of air pollution during the month of November? What can be the sustainable remedies to this problem? Discuss. (10 Marks) नवंबर के महीने में दिल्ली-एनसीआर में उच्च स्तर का वायु प्रदूषण क्यों होता है? इस समस्या का स्थायी उपचार क्या हो सकता है? चर्चा करें। 2. Examine the factors that have led to the formation of the ‘great garbage patch’ in the Pacific ocean? Also explain its damaging effects on the marine ecosystem. (10 Marks) उन कारकों की जांच करें जिनके कारण प्रशांत महासागर में 'महान कचरा पैच' का निर्माण हुआ है? समुद्री पारितंत्र पर इसके हानिकारक प्रभावों की भी व्याख्या कीजिए। 3. Are global negotiations on climate change heading in the right direction? Critically examine. (15 Marks) क्या जलवायु परिवर्तन पर वैश्विक वार्ता सही दिशा में जा रही है? समालोचनात्मक जाँच 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 :)

WEEKEND WITH BABA

[WEEKEND WITH BABA] Eighth Live Session - Integrated Learning Program (ILP) – 2022 (हिंदी)

Dear Students You can watch the discussion on the Integrated Learning Program (ILP) – 2022 (हिंदी) by Wafi Rizvi Sir इंटीग्रेटेड लर्निंग प्रोग्राम (ILP) - 2022 - यहाँ क्लिक करें To Know More About Integrated Learning Program (ILP) 2022 - CLICK HERE To Watch Previous 'Weekend With Baba' Sessions - CLICK HERE P.S: 'CONNECT WITH BABA' consists of the following - Hotline, #AskBaba, Phone-a-Friend, (Monday - Friday between 10 AM to 6 PM), and 'Weekend with Baba' (Every Saturday on YouTube from 6 PM - 7 PM). To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- TELEGRAM Channel – CLICK HERE YOUTUBE  –  CLICK HERE FACEBOOK  – CLICK HERE

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th July 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) New Global Biodiversity Framework Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Environment; Conservation; Infrastructure In news A new Global Biodiversity Framework by The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was recently released. What is the framework? It is a new framework that will guide actions worldwide through 2030, to preserve and protect nature and its essential services to people. Aim: To spur urgent and transformative action by Governments and all of society to contribute to the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, its Protocols, and other biodiversity related multilateral agreements, processes and instruments. The framework is built around a theory of change which recognizes that urgent policy action globally, regionally and nationally is required to transform economic, social and financial models. The trends that have exacerbated biodiversity loss will stabilize in the next 10 years (by 2030) and allow for the recovery of natural ecosystems in the following 20 years, with net improvements by 2050 to achieve the Convention’s vision of “living in harmony with nature by 2050”. What are the four goals of the new framework (to be achieved by 2050)?  To halt the extinction and decline of biodiversity.  The rate of extinctions should reduce at least tenfold  The risk of species extinctions across all taxonomic and functional groups should reduce by half  Genetic diversity of wild and domesticated species should be maintained by at least 90%  To enhance and retain nature’s services to humans by conservation.  To ensure fair and equitable benefits to all from use of genetic resources.  To close the gap between available financial and other means of implementation  What are the key targets?  The framework has 21 action-oriented targets for urgent action over the decade to 2030, which includes: Ensure at least 30% of land and sea areas globally are conserved through systems of protected areas. Prevent or reduce the rate of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by 50%. Reduce nutrients lost to the environment by at least half, pesticides by at least two thirds, and eliminate discharge of plastic waste. Use ecosystem-based approaches to contribute to mitigation and adaptation to climate change Redirect, repurpose, reform or eliminate incentives harmful for biodiversity in a just and equitable way, reducing them by at least $500 billion per year. Increase international financial flows to developing countries by at least $10 billion per year Do you know? The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) entered into force on 29 December 1993.  Nearly all countries have ratified it (notably, the US has signed but not ratified). The CBD Secretariat is based in Montreal, Canada and it operates under the United Nations Environment Programme. India enacted Biological Diversity Act in 2002 for giving effect to the provisions of the CBD. News Source: DTE National Maritime Security Coordinator Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Defense and Security In news Two decades after the Kargil Group of Ministers' recommendation, the Central government shall create and appoint a National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) with the objective of enhancing security architecture and energy security of India.  What will be the role of NMSC? Interface between the civilian and military maritime domain NMSC will work under Indian National Security Advisor. It will be the principal advisor to the government on maritime security domain. What is the significance of NMSC? The appointment fills the need of the hour as the Navy, Coast Guard and state maritime boards all tend to work with overlapping jurisdictions. It is part of Act East Policy vision that includes SAGAR (Security and Growth of All in the Region), Deep Ocean Mission and the Sagarmala project to make India’s 12 major ports into world class standard. Over 70% of Indian trade including vital crude oil is transported through sea and protection of sea shipping lanes is vital to India’s security. Having NMSC will provide better security to our trade. Who is the National Security Advisor? The NSA is the senior official on the National Security Council (NSC) of India. S/he is the chief adviser to PM on national and international security policy.  He also advises the Prime Minister on all matters relating to internal and external threats and opportunities to India. He oversees strategic and sensitive issues on behalf of the Prime Minister. He also serves as the Prime Minister’s Special Interlocutor with China as well as the envoy to Pakistan and Israel on security affairs. NSA is assisted by the Deputy National Security Advisers. News Source: Hindustan Times Palaeolithic Cave Paintings in NCR Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I - Ancient History In news Archaeologists have discovered cave paintings in a rocky and forested corner of Haryana that they believe belong to the Upper Palaeolithic age. The Upper Paleolithic Age began around 40,000 years ago and lasted till around 10,000 years ago. About the findings? The caves are nestled amid a maze of quartzite rocks in the Aravalli mountain ranges, near a patch of primary forest, a holy grove called Mangar Bani. The paintings are in continuation with the Soanian culture which has been found in Shivalik hills, Narmada and Aravallis. The Aravallis are India’s and the world’s oldest mountain range. Cave paintings comprised images of human figurines, animals, foliage, and geometric.  Rock art and open-air ceremonial sites were also found.  The caves and the paintings themselves are reminiscent of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, which is home to the oldest known cave art in India, dating back to the Mesolithic Age (around 10,000 years ago).  However, these Mangar cave art is 20,000-40,000 years old. The findings, therefore,  could potentially make the paintings one of the oldest cave arts in the country. Most of the paintings are ochre, but some are white.  Experts say cave paintings in white are usually from a later stage (early contemporary era), while Stone Age paintings are more often than not, ochre. After the finding, the Mangar Bani forest shall be brought under state protection under the section 4 of Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964. News Source: Hindustan Times Suborbital Flight Part of: GS Prelims and GS -III - Space In news Recently, a six person crew on Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity spaceship undertook a brief trip to the “edge of space” which is known as Suborbital Flight. Sirisha Bandla, an astronaut born in India, was a part of the crew. She was the third woman of Indian origin to go to space after Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams. Virgin Galactic is a British-American spaceflight company, operating in the USA. What is Suborbital Flight/Trajectory? An object traveling above atmosphere at a horizontal speed of ~28,000 km/hr (orbital velocity or escape velocity) or more goes into orbit around the earth Such a satellite would be accelerating towards the Earth due to gravity, but its horizontal movement is fast enough to offset the downward motion so that it moves along a circular path. Any object travelling slower than 28,000 km/hr must eventually return to Earth. Any object that launches to space but does reach sufficient horizontal velocity to stay in space falls back to Earth. This is known as flying in a suborbital trajectory. It means that while these vehicles will cross the ill-defined boundary of space & atmosphere (known by Karman Line), they will not be going fast enough to stay in space once they get there & thus fall back to earth (see the projector in the figure below) What is the significance of Suborbital Flights? Increased Access for design innovation and experimental manipulation due to high projected flight rates. They would be far less expensive than carrying experiments and people to the International Space Station. Helpful for microgravity research.  They could also be an alternative to parabolic flights in aeroplanes that space agencies currently use to simulate zero gravity. News Source: IE Section 66A of the Information Technology Act Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II - Judiciary; Important Judgements In news The Union Home Ministry has asked the States and the Union Territories to withdraw immediately the cases registered under the repealed Section 66A of the Information Technology Act,2000 Recently, The Supreme Court (SC) has expressed shock that the provision was still being used to book people, though SC held it as unconstitutional and a violation of free speech in the Shreya Singhal judgment, 2015 About Shreya Singhal judgment  Section 66(A) of the Act criminalizes the sending of offensive messages through a computer or other communication device. Section 66A gives arbitrary powers to the police to make arrests for any “offensive” message - an entirely subjective term. This has the potential for being abused by authorities for curbing dissent Over the past few years, incidents related to comments, sharing of information, or thoughts expressed by an individual on the Internet have attracted criminal penalties under Section 66(A)  Aseem Trivedi, a cartoonist, was arrested invoking the same provision for making sketch on the state of parliamentary conduct of the politicians and was charged with sedition  In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India case, the entire provision was struck down by Supreme Court, which is considered a watershed moment for online free speech in India. The judgment had found that Section 66A was contrary to both Articles 19 (free speech) and Article 21 (right to life) of the Constitution.  Describing the law as "vague in its entirety," the Supreme Court said, it encroaches upon the public's right to know.  Further, the mere causing of annoyance, inconvenience, danger, etc., or being grossly offensive or having a menacing character are not offences under the Indian Penal Code at all.  After that the government had appointed an expert committee (T.K. Viswanathan committee) which proposed legislation to meet the challenge of hate speech online. News Source: TH Longevity Finance Hub Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III - Economy In news International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has constituted an Expert Committee to recommend approach towards development of Longevity Finance Hub in GIFT IFSC  The expert committee is being co-chaired by Ms. Kaku Nakhate (Bank of America India Head) and Mr. Gopalan Srinivasan (former CMD, New India Assurance Company). International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has been established as a unified regulator to develop and regulate financial products, financial services, and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India. What is the need for Longevity Finance Hub? 'Longevity Finance Hub' will cater to the investment and wealth management needs of the 'silver generation' comprising individuals aged 60 years and older. Global estimates suggest that there are one billion people in the silver generation. Their combined spending power is worth $15 trillion and the size is ever expanding. Development in medicinal science and technology will support extending lifespan and longevity of the silver generation.  It is estimated that by 2040, there will be more members of the silver generation than people under 20.  This demographic change will throw open new challenges and opportunities especially in the areas of wealth management, health, insurance, and other investment products, thus necessitating the dedicated Longevity Finance Hub. News Source: PIB Kanwar Yatras Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-I- Culture The Kanwar Yatra is a pilgrimage organised in the Hindu calendar month of Shravana (Saavan).  Saffron-clad Shiva devotees generally walk barefoot with pitchers of holy water from the Ganga or other holy rivers.  In the Gangetic plains, the water is taken from pilgrimage sites such as Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, Sultanganj in Bihar, and Prayagraj, Ayodhya or Varanasi from Uttar Pradesh. Devotees carry the pitchers of holy water on their shoulders, balanced on decorated slings known as Kanwars.  The water is used by the pilgrims to worship Shiva lingas at shrines of importance. An important festival with similarities to the Kanwar yatra in North India, called the Kavadi festival, is celebrated in Tamil Nadu, in which Lord Muruga is worshipped. (Mains Focus) GEOGRAPHY/ SCIENCE Topic: GS-2: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami etc GS-3: General Science Lightning Context: Recently, thirty people were killed in separate incidents of lightning in various parts of India. Lightning is the biggest contributor to accidental deaths due to natural causes. What is lightning? It is the process of occurrence of a natural ‘electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud’, accompanied by a bright flash and sound, and sometimes thunderstorms. How does lightning occur? It is a result of the difference in electrical charge between the top and bottom of a cloud. As water vapour moves upwards in the cloud, it condenses into water due to decreasing temperatures. A huge amount of heat is generated in the process, pushing the water molecules further up. As they move to temperatures below zero, droplets change into small ice crystals. As they continue upwards, they gather mass, until they become so heavy that they start descending. It leads to a system where smaller ice crystals move upwards while larger ones come down. The resulting collisions trigger release of electrons, in a process very similar to the generation of electric sparks.  The moving free electrons cause more collisions and more electrons leading to a chain reaction. The process results in a situation in which the top layer of the cloud gets positively charged while the middle layer is negatively charged. In little time, a huge current, of the order of lakhs to millions of amperes, starts to flow between the layers. It produces heat, leading to the heating of the air column between the two layers of cloud. It is because of this heat that the air column looks red during lightning.  The heated air column expands and produces shock waves that result in thunder sounds. The Earth is a good conductor of electricity. While electrically neutral, it is relatively positively charged compared to the middle layer of the cloud. As a result, an estimated 20-25% of the current flow is directed towards the Earth. It is this current flow that results in damage to life and property. Do you know? Lightning has a greater probability of striking raised objects on the ground, such as trees or buildings. Lightning Conductor is a device used to protect buildings from the effect of lightning. If lightning hits the structure, it will preferentially strike the rod and be conducted to ground through a wire, instead of passing through the structure, where it could start a fire or cause electrocution. The most lightning activity on Earth is seen on the shore of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela. Lightning incidents is directly related to the climate crisis, and the availability of more moisture over land due to global warming. An increase of one degree Celsius would increase the frequency of lightning strikes by 12%, warned California University in a study published 2015. Connecting the dots: Forest Fires Thunderstorms & Tornadoes ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-3: Economy & Banking GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Cooperative Banking Context: The RBI released a draft circular on ‘Issue and regulation of share capital and securities — Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks’(UCBs), following the changes mandated by certain amendments to the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. What is Cooperative Banking? A Co-operative bank is a financial entity which belongs to its members, who are at the same time the owners and the customers of their bank. It is registered under the State’s Cooperative Societies Act.  The Co-operative banks are also regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and governed by  Banking Regulations Act 1949  Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955. Features: Customer Owned Entities The members democratically elect a board of directors and they have equal voting rights A significant part of the yearly profit is usually allocated to reserves and a part of it can also be distributed to the members They have played a significant role in the financial inclusion of unbanked rural masses. Structure of Cooperative Credit Institutions in Rural India The short-term co-operative credit structure operates with a three-tier system –  Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) at the village level Central Cooperative Banks (CCBs) at the district level  State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) at the State level.  PACS are outside the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and hence not regulated by RBI.  StCBs/DCCBs are registered under the provisions of State Cooperative Societies Act of the State concerned and are regulated by RBI.  Powers have been delegated to National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) under Banking Regulation Act to conduct inspection of CCBs & StCBs About Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) Primary Cooperative Banks (PCBs), also referred to as Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), cater to the financial needs of customers in urban and semi-urban areas. UCBs are primarily registered as cooperative societies under the provisions of either the State Cooperative Societies Act of the State concerned or the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 if the area of operation is two or more states. Though the Banking Regulation Act came in to force in 1949, the banking laws were made applicable to cooperative societies only in 1966 through an amendment to the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.  Since then there is duality of control over these banks with  Banking related functions being regulated by RBI  Management related functions regulated by respective State Governments/Central Government i.e by State Registrar of Co-operative Societies and Central Registrar of Co-operative Societies.  RBI regulates the banking functions of StCBs/DCCBs/UCBs under the provisions of Sections 22 and 23 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Connecting the dots: Ministry of Cooperation Farmer Producer Organisation (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. Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC)?  It shall be created on the basis of Kargil Group of Ministers' recommendation. NMSC will work under Indian National Security Advisor Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 only Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Which of the following are the objectives of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):  The conservation of biological diversity The sustainable use of the components of biological diversity The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources Select the correct statements 1 and 2 Only 2 Only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3  Q.3 Which of the following Article of the constitution deals with Freedom of Speech and Expression? Article 19 Article 20 Article 21 Article 22 ANSWERS FOR 14th July 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 C 3 C Must Read On UP Population Bill: The Hindu On impact of Pandemic on Women Workforce: Hindustan Times On CAG Audit report of Karnataka’s ULBs: The Print

Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 46]: 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-46 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

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