Sep 11, 2021 Yojana

IAS UPSC YOJANA & KURUKSHETRA Magazine ‘AUGUST’ 2021

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Here we are with the AUGUST 2021, edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra. Yojana/Kurukshetra: AUGUST 2021 – Download You can access the previous YK Gist here - CLICK HERE

Sep 11, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 11th September 2021

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

Sep 10, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th September 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) NIRF Rankings 2021 Part of: Prelims and GS - II - Education  Context Union Education Ministry released its India Rankings 2021 under the National Institutional Ranking Framework. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras was ranked the best higher education institution in the country for the third year in a row Key highlights of the India Rankings 2021  The IITs dominated the overall rankings, grabbing seven of the top 10 positions.  Overall toppers: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru was ranked second, followed by the IITs in Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Roorkee and Guwahati.  Top Non-IITs University: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) were at rank nine and 10. Top universities: (1) IISc; (2) JNU; (3) the BHU; (4) the University of Calcutta; (5) the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore; (6) Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Top engineering institutions: The IIT, Madras followed by the IITs in Delhi, Bombay, Kanpur, Kharagpur Top management institutions: IIM-Ahmedabad followed by IIM-Bangalore, IIM-Calcutta, IIT-Kozhikode, IIT-Delhi Top Pharmacy institute: Jamia Hamdard Top dental institute: Manipal College of Dental Sciences What is NIRF? NIRF is an annual report card on the performance of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).  It was launched in 2015, outlines a methodology to rank institutions across the country.  The NIRF ranks institutions based on five parameters:  Teaching Learning and Resources (TLR), Research and  Professional Practice (RP),  Graduation Outcome (GO),  Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) and  Perception.   News source: TH  13th BRICS summit Part of: Prelims and GS - II - International Relations  Context The 13th BRICS summit was held virtually. The virtual summit was chaired by a Indian Prime Minister and was dominated by the developments in Afghanistan Key highlights of the summit The summit adopted the BRICS Counter Terrorism Action Plan. The document, titled the New Delhi Declaration was unveiled which called for addressing the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, and urged the need to uphold rights of women, children and minorities. It called for an “inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue” to ensure stability, civil peace, law and order in the country. The agreement on Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation was signed between BRICS countries’ space agencies. What is BRICS? BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Headquarters: Shanghai, China The BRICS Leaders’ Summit is convened annually. The Chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S. Together, BRICS accounts for about 40% of the world’s population and about 30% of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), making it a critical economic engine. Objectives: To deepen, broaden and intensify cooperation for more sustainable, equitable and mutually beneficial development. To ensure relations are built on the respective country’s economic strengths and to avoid competition where possible. Components of financial architecture of the BRICS: New Development Bank: NDB’s key areas of operation are clean energy, transport infrastructure, irrigation, sustainable urban development and economic cooperation among the member countries. Contingent Reserve Arrangement: It aims to provide short-term liquidity support to the members through currency swaps to help mitigate the BOP crisis situation and further strengthen financial stability. News source: TH  C-295 aircraft deal Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Defence and Security Context The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the procurement of 56 C-295 MW transport aircraft from M/s Airbus Defence and Space S.A., Spain, giving a big boost to the Indian Air Force. This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India under technology transfer by a private company and is expected to cost close to $3billion. Key takeaways  The C-295MW transport aircraft is a transport carrier that has a 5-10 tonne capacity with a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para-dropping of troops and cargo. The transport aircraft will gradually replace the ageing Avro fleet of the IAF. The IAF has 56 Avros procured in the 1960s and they are in urgent need of replacement. All 56 aircraft will be installed with indigenous Electronic Warfare Suite. The project will give a boost to the aerospace ecosystem in India wherein several MSMEs spread over the country will be involved in manufacturing of parts of the aircraft. The programme is in line with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and will augment domestic aviation manufacturing resulting in reduced import dependence and expected increase in exports. The programme will also lead to employment generation in the aerospace ecosystem  News source: TH  India’s first dugong conservation reserve Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III -  Environment Context The Government of Tamil Nadu will set up India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in the Palk Bay Dugong. About the Conservation Reserve The Conservation Reserve will cover an area of 500kms. The proposed conservation area has the highest concentration of dugongs in the country. The reserve will span the northern part of the Palk Bay from Adirampattinam to Amapattinam. AS part of the CAMPA-Dugong Recovery Project, various surveys were conducted in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, from November 2016 to March 2019. Gulf of Mannar is a shallow bay area between the south eastern end of Tamil Nadu and western Sri Lanka. About Dugongs The dugong , also called the sea cow, is a herbivorous mammal.  It is the only living representative of the once-diverse family Dugongidae. The dugong is strictly a marine mammal. They graze on seagrass and come to the surface to breathe. They are found in over 30 countries and in India are seen in the Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to Wildlife Institute of India (WII) estimates, only 200-250 Dugongs are left in the wild, of which 150 are found in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu. Threats:  The loss of seagrass habitats water pollution degradation of the coastal ecosystem due to developmental activities accidental entanglement in fishing nets  collision with boats, trawlers. Conservation status IUCN- Vulnerable CITES: Appendix I Wild (Life) Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I The Government of India is also a signatory to the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) since 1983 where it has signed non-legally binding Memorandums of Understanding on the conservation and management of Siberian Cranes (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Dugongs (2008) and Raptors (2016).  Proper conservation is the only way to save dugongs from extinction. Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services, 2021 Rules Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II -  Policies and interventions  Context Recently, the Ministry of Defence has released the Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services (DFPDS), 2021 rules. The primary focus is to overcome procedural delays, bring about greater decentralisation and operational efficiency. Key Highlights of DFPDS 2021 Financial Powers Devolved to Field Formations: Enhanced the delegation of revenue procurement powers for the Army, Navy and Air Force. 10% increase in Delegated Financial Powers of Vice Chiefs of Services. Focus on Operational Preparedness: Critical equipment can be hired for short periods  Field Commanders and below can procure equipment in a speedy manner for urgent operational necessities and meeting essential sustenance requirements. Promoting Ease of Doing Business: Up to three times increase in funding related to Indigenisation/R&D to achieve ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. (News from PIB) EXERCISE ZAPAD 2021 Part of:  GS Prelims  In News: The Exercise ZAPAD 2021 has commenced at Nizhniy in Russia. Aim: To train troops to undertake joint operations in conventional battlefield scenario.   The exercise aims at strengthening long standing strategic partnership between India and Russia and also enhance better understanding, cooperation with all other participating Nations. News Source: PIB Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Part of:  GS Prelims  In News: On the basis of the data collected in PLFS, the quarterly bulletin for the quarter October- December 2020 has been released. Considering the importance of availability of labour force data at more frequent time intervals, National Statistical Office (NSO) launched Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in April 2017. To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS). To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ (ps+ss) and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually. Conceptual Framework of Key Employment and Unemployment Indicators for the Quarterly Bulletin:  The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) gives estimates of Key employment and unemployment Indicators like the Labour Force Participation Rates (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Unemployment Rate (UR), etc. These indicators, and the and ‘Current Weekly Status’ are defined as follows: Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons in labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population. (Male: 73.6, Female: 20.6; Total: 47.3) Worker Population Ratio (WPR): WPR is defined as the percentage of employed persons in the population. (Male: 66.7, Female: 17.9; Total: 42.4) Unemployment Rate (UR): UR is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force. (Male: 9.5, Female: 13.1; Total: 10.3) News Source: PIB Coal Gasification Based Methanol Production Plant  Part of: GS-III: Energy In News: BHEL R&D centre at Hydrabad began working on Indian high ash coal gasification in 2016 with support from the NITI Aayog to produce 0.25 ton per day methanol. The project was supported by the Department of Science and Technology with a Rs 10 crore grant. With four years of hard work BHEL successfully demonstrated a facility to create 0.25 TPD Methanol from high ash Indian coal using a 1.2 TPD Fluidized bed gasifier.  India's first demonstration plant of its kind, designed entirely in-house to work on high-ash Indian coal - BHEL R&D centre at Hydrabad The methanol purity of the crude methanol produced is between 98 and 99.5 percent.  This endeavor led to the formation of in-house design expertise in BHEL for designing greater capacity coal gasification facilities, which will provide necessary impetus to the vision of ‘Atam Nirbhar Bharat.' This in-house capability will assist India's Coal Gasification Mission and Coal to Hydrogen Production for Hydrogen Mission After achieving this feat BHEL is further developing in house some critical processes such as catalytic conversion of syngas to methanol.   About Methanol Methanol is utilized as a motor fuel, to power ship engines, and to generate clean power all over the world.  Methanol is also used to generate di-methyl ether (DME), a liquid fuel that is very similar to diesel — existing diesel engines simply need to be minimally changed to use DME instead of diesel.  Methanol could be the most promising option for large-scale market penetration of a natural gas-based fuel for light-duty vehicles because of its low fuel cost and low additional cost relative to powering a vehicle with gasoline. Methanol, like ethanol but unlike hydrocarbon fuels, is water soluble. As a consequence, it is transported through diffusion and convection through the environment at much faster rate than hydrocarbons. In addition to fast migration, methanol bio-degrades much faster than hydrocarbons. Fast transport and degradation result in short lifetimes. Hydrocarbons, on the other hand, comprise many stable compounds, which include some, such as aromatics, that are highly toxic to bio-organisms and degrade slowly Promoted under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) initiative The majority of worldwide methanol production is derived from natural gas, which is a relatively easy process. Since India doesn’t have much of the natural gas reserves, producing methanol from imported natural gas lead to outflow of foreign exchange and sometimes uneconomical due to excessive prices of natural gas.  The next best option is to utilise India's abundant coal. However, due to the high ash percentage of Indian coal, most internationally accessible technology will not be adequate for our demands. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources  GS-3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation What India must do to expand higher education enrolment Context: According to the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20, the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher or tertiary education increased to 27.1% (38.5 million), from 26.3% (37.4 million) in the preceding year. This indicates that the remaining 72.9% of the population in the 18-23 age group is not enrolled in higher education institutions (HEIs).  NEP and HEI Enrolment Target The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 sets the target of 50% GER by 2035. To achieve this target, GER is required to grow at 3.53% per annum.  The target is attainable given that the compounded growth rate of GER between 2011-12 and 2019-20 was 3.58%.  Increasing Higher education enrolment requires a multipronged, multi-tiered strategy.  Improving the transition ratio from secondary to higher secondary, and then, to HEI is required. For Ex: In 2018-19, the net enrolment ratio at higher secondary level was only 30.8%, which limits the possibility of an increase in HEI. Geography is also critical to HEI. For instance, college density remains highly concentrated in urban areas. Policy intervention to expand HEIs to the hinterland along with increasing the enrolment capacity is urgent. Policy that Favour Larger HEIs: Earlier, the Radhakrishnan University Education Commission (1949) and Kothari Commission (1964-66) favoured small, high-quality HEIs. This is in sharp contrast with the policy of China, USA & Europe. In 2016, India’s 51,649 HEIs had 35.7 million students, when China’s 2,596 institutions had 41.8 million students.  Larger HEIs with high enrolment are easier to manage and more resource-friendly. Expanding Open Learning: The share of distance and open learning in India has remained stagnant at around 11% for many years. Massive online open courses (MOOCs) through SWAYAM provide an avenue but only 10.7% of Indian households have access to a computer, with only 23.8% to the internet Improving Teacher Shortage & Quality: India needs 3.3 million more teachers in HEIs to improve the teacher-student ratio, from 1:28 to an ideal 1:15. This requires efforts to help get the best minds to choose teaching as a profession by ensuring a steady and significant career trajectory.  India can learn from the education systems in countries such as Finland and South Korea, where teaching is a coveted profession. Improving Employability: Various surveys have found that graduates lack both the technical and communication skills required for skilled work. Vocational courses by HEIs in collaboration with local employers, can help improve these levels More Scholarships: The financial support given through scholarships is currently inadequate. The transition from “mass education” to “universal education” is through financial support to the most vulnerable. Conclusion India’s GER has steadily increased over the last few years. This growth has also seen a substantial increase in the GER of Women, SCs & STs. This growth must continue. The future, therefore, lies in empowering subgroups, which will thereby accelerate GER.  This must go hand in glove with India’s efforts to strengthen the policy of greater social inclusion proposed by NEP 2020. Connecting the dots: New Education policy 2020 Higher Education in Regional Languages  Criticism of Board Exams Formative Assessment ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Big Tech & Financial Services Context: The involvement of large tech players in the financial services segment is something that has been specifically flagged by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Recent Developments  Amazon’s financial services unit Amazon Pay has partnered with investment platform Kuvera to offer wealth management services to the former’s customers.  This follows Google Pay’s deal with Equitas Small Finance Bank for fixed deposits. What is Amazon Pay’s partnership with Kuvera? Under the partnership, Kuvera will provide services, products and technology know-how to Amazon Pay that will facilitate investments in mutual funds, fixed deposits, etc for its customers.  Through this partnership, there will be democratisation of investing and wealth management in India. Have there been other partnerships like this? The most recent partnership involving a big tech company and a financial services firm for wealth management was Google Pay’s deal with Equitas Small Finance Bank for fixed deposits. Several tech companies, though, have tied up with banking partners for short-term financing instruments.  These include Amazon Pay that has tied up with Capital Float and IDFC FIRST Bank for the Amazon Pay Later instrument, and Paytm, which has tied up with Clix Finance India Pvt. Ltd for its postpaid service.  Credit card payment platform -CRED also has an online lending platform in partnership with IDFC FIRST Bank. What has the RBI said about involvement of tech companies in the financial services space? While the RBI hasn’t commented on specific deals, in the Financial Stability Report released in July 2021, the central bank flagged concerns with big tech firms offering digital financial services. Big techs offer a wide range of digital financial services and have a substantial footprint in the payment systems, crowdfunding, asset management, banking and insurance of several advanced and emerging market economies. While this holds the promise of supporting financial inclusion and generating lasting efficiency gains, including by encouraging the competitiveness of banks, important policy issues arise. Big techs foraying into financial services present at least two unique challenges.  First, they operate at many different (non-financial) lines of business with sometimes opaque overall governance structures. Second, they have the potential to become dominant players in financial services within short span of time by exploiting network effects. Therefore, their regulations cannot be post their establishment in the sector. More specifically, the concerns have intensified around  A level-playing field with banks Operational risk given the huge customer base they enjoy Too-big-to-fail issues Challenges for antitrust rules Cyber security and data privacy Connecting the dots: MFIs: Digital and Physical Micro-lending New Social Media Code  Dominance of Big tech Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code (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 States will set up India’s first Dugong conservation reserve  Gujarat  Tamil Nadu  Odisha  West Bengal Q.2 Consider the following Statements regarding BRICS:  Its headquarters is in Beijing, China New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are the components of financial architecture of the organisation. Select the correct statements: 1 only  2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 India Rankings 2021 under the National Institutional Ranking Framework is released by which of the following?  NITI Aayog  Azim premji Foundation  Ministry of Education  Both (a) and (C) ANSWERS FOR 9th Sept 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 C 3 B Must Read On Marital Rape: The Hindu On Taliban, Central Asia and India: ORF

Sep 10, 2021 WEEKEND WITH BABA

[WEEKEND WITH BABA] Tenth Live Session - Anthropology Optional by C.A. Vijaya Sarathy Sir on 11th September (5 PM)

Dear Students The session on Anthropology will be taken by C.A.Vijaya Sarathy sir on 11th September (Saturday) from 5 PM - 6 PM. Zoom Session Details  Topic: Anthropology Optional Session Time: Sep 11, 2021 05:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87603165803?pwd=WnpHU2srL0hVY2k1NGRta0dDTzdydz09 Meeting ID: 876 0316 5803 Passcode: 172186 Note The Zoom link will be active only on the scheduled time and date. Students will be allowed to participate in the session on a 'first come first serve' basis. To Watch Previous 'Weekend With Baba' Sessions - CLICK HERE Anthropology Optional Foundation Course - CLICK HERE To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- TELEGRAM Channel – CLICK HERE YOUTUBE  –  CLICK HERE FACEBOOK  – CLICK HERE

Sep 10, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 10th September 2021

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

Sep 9, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th September 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Jharkhand House clears Bill for 75% quota for locals Part of: Prelims and GS - II - Policies and interventions  Context The Jharkhand Assembly passed a Bill, which provides 75% reservation for locals in private sector jobs with a monthly salary of up to Rs. 40,000.  Once notified, Jharkhand will become the third State, after Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, to pass such a law. Key takeaways  'The Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates Bill, 2021’ was tabled in the House in March but was later referred to a six-member select committee. It was named ‘The Jharkhand State Employment of Local Candidates in Private Sector Bill, 2021’.  The monthly salary cap was increased from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 40,000.  Every employer shall register such employees receiving gross monthly salary as wages not more than Rs. 40,000 on the designated portal Concerns with regard to the bill If skilled personnel are not available for the jobs at hand, these industrial units cannot ‘import’ labourers from elsewhere; the burden of imparting the requisite skills to, and of employing, locals will fall on the units. It will almost certainly push up the cost of doing business in such geographical entities that embrace this policy, and make a mockery of the concept of the ‘Indian Common Market’, which rests on the foundational premise of unfettered labour mobility. Significantly, a reservation for local populations is also a violation of the constitutionally guaranteed right of every citizen to work, live and move freely within the country. News Source: TH  PLI plan for India’s textile sector Part of: Prelims and GS - III - Economy  Context The Union Cabinet recently approved a Rs. 10,683 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the textile sector Objective: To help India regain its historical dominant status in global textiles trade. Key features of the scheme The incentives shall encourage investment in new capacities in man-made fibre (MMF) apparel, MMF fabrics, and 10 segments or products of technical textiles.  The scheme shall help attract investment of more than Rs. 19,000 crore, creating an additional 7.5 lakh direct jobs. There will be two levels of investment with different sets of incentives.  In the first category, any person or firm can invest a minimum Rs. 300 crore in plant, machinery, and civil works to produce the identified products to ensure eligibility for the PLI. In the second category a minimum investment of Rs. 100 crore would make an individual or firm eligible to apply for the incentives. Priority would be given for investment in aspirational districts, tier-three, tier-four towns and rural areas.  The scheme is expected to benefit States such as Gujarat, U.P., Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Andhra, Telangana and Odisha. Applicants would have two years as investment period and 2024-2025 would be the ‘performance’ year. The incentive flow would start in 2025-2026 and extend for five years. Significance of the Textiles Sector Textiles & garments industry is a labour intensive sector that employs 45 million people in India.  It is second only to the agriculture sector in terms of employment. It contributes 2.3% to Indian GDP, 7% of Industrial Output, 12% to the export earnings of India and employs more than 21% of total employment. India is the 6th largest producer of Technical Textiles with 6% Global Share, largest producer of cotton & jute in the world. Technical textiles are functional fabrics that have applications in industries such as automobiles, civil engineering and construction,  India is also the second largest producer of silk in the world and 95% of the world’s hand woven fabric comes from India. Two-thirds of India’s textile exports now are cotton based whereas 66-70% of world trade in textiles and apparel is MMF-based and technical textiles.  What are Major Initiatives by India in the textile sector? Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS): For technology upgradation of the textiles industry (2015) Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks (SITP): To assist small and medium entrepreneurs in the textile industry to clusterize investments in textile parks by providing financial support for world class infrastructure in the parks. SAMARTH (Scheme For Capacity Building In Textile Sector): To address the shortage of skilled workers.  North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS): This is a scheme for promoting textiles industry in the NER by providing infrastructure, capacity building and marketing support to all segments of the textile industry. Power-Tex India: It comprises new research and development in power loom textiles, new markets, branding, subsidies and welfare schemes for the workers. Silk Samagra Scheme: It focuses on improving the quality and productivity of domestic silk thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imported silk. Jute ICARE: This pilot project launched in 2015 is aimed at addressing the difficulties faced by the jute cultivators by providing them certified seeds at subsidized rates, and by popularizing several newly developed retting technologies under water limiting conditions. National Technical Textile Mission: It aims to position the country as a global leader in technical textiles and increase the use of technical textiles in the domestic market. It aims to take the domestic market size to USD 40 billion to USD 50 billion by 2024. News source: TH  Assam to phase out fossil fuel-based vehicles by 2030 Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III -  Environment; Economy  Context The Assam government has unveiled an electric vehicle (EV) policy for phasing out vehicles running on fossil fuels by 2030.  Key features of the scheme The mission entails converting all government vehicles and fleet of public buses to electric and deploying 2 lakh EVs within the next five years.  The policy also offers a set of incentives for people to switch to EVs.  These include 100% exemption on registration charges and road tax.  Entrepreneurs setting up EV charging stations have been assured of 90% exemption of electricity duty. About Electric Vehicles (EVs) An electric vehicle uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. An electric vehicle may be powered through a self-contained battery, solar panels or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity. Why is there a need for EVs in India?  Climate change: EV are less polluting in nature. Rapid urbanization:  India is home to 14 out of 20 most polluted cities in the world. EVs will help in tackling this problem by reducing local concentrations of pollutants in cities. Energy security: EVs can reduce dependence on imported crude oil promoting India’s energy security.  Employment: Promotion of EVs will facilitate employment growth in a sun-rise sector. What are the Government Initiatives?  Government has set a target of electric vehicles making up 30 % of new sales of cars and two-wheelers by 2030 from less than 1% today. To build a sustainable EV ecosystem initiatives like – National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric vehicles in India (FAME India) have been launched by India. News Source: TH  Right to Sit Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II -  Indian Constitution  Context Recently, the Tamil Nadu government has tabled a bill to amend Tamil Nadu Shops and Establishments Act, 1947. The bill sought to add a subsection to mandatorily provide seating facilities for the employees. Key Highlights of the Bill Proposed Amendment: The proposed Section 22-A to the Act reads that the premises of every establishment shall have suitable seating arrangements for all employees so that they may take advantage of any opportunity to sit. Need of the Bill: Persons employed in shops and establishments are made to stand throughout their duty time resulting in varied health issues. Significance: It would benefit thousands of employees of large and small establishments, particularly those working in textile and jewellery showrooms. Similar Legislation: A few years ago, workers of textile showrooms in Kerala had gone on a protest demanding the ‘Right to Sit’. This prompted the Kerala government to amend the Kerala Shops and Establishments Act in 2018 to provide seating arrangements for them. News Source: TH  India, Australia to hold 2+2 meet Part of: Prelims and GS - II - International Relations  Context India and Australia will hold the inaugural ‘2+2’ Ministerial meeting in New Delhi.  The meeting will be part of Australia's engagements with regional partners as the Ministers will visit Indonesia, India, South Korea and the United States for Indo-Pacific consultations.  These inaugural 2+2 discussions are a cornerstone of the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is founded on a shared commitment to a secure, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.  The discussion will cover economic issues, cyber security, climate change, critical technology and supply chains. The defence cooperation related meeting will also be held with the Indian Defence minister.  Bilateral economic and trade relationship between India and Australia  The India-Australia economic relationship has grown significantly in recent years. India’s growing economic profile and commercial relevance to the Australian economy is recognized, both at the federal and state level in Australia. India's exports to Australia stood approximately at US$ 4.6 billion (A$6.1 bn) in 2016 while India's import from Australia during the same period stood at US$ 11 billion (A$14.6 bn).  India’s main exports to Australia are Passenger Motor Vehicle & machinery, Pearls, Gems and Jewellery, Medicaments and Refined Petroleum while India’s major imports are Coal, Non-monetary Gold, Copper, Wool, Fertilizers and Education related services. News Source: TH  Miscellaneous River Bhogdoi The rampant coal mining in Nagaland, coupled with waste discharge from tea estates and encroachment are contaminating waters of River Bhogdoi in Assam. In 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declared Bhogdoi as one of the most polluted rivers in Assam and 351st among the polluted rivers in the country. The river originates from Mokokchung in Nagaland where it is also known as Tsujenyong nullah and is the south bank tributary of the River Brahmaputra. It is an inter-state river (flowing between Assam and Nagaland) and joins Dhansiri river near its confluence with Brahmaputra. Other Tributaries of Brahmaputra: Dihing River, Dibang River, Lohit River, Dhansiri River, Kolong River, Kameng River, Manas River, Beki River, Raidak River, Jaldhaka River, Teesta River, Subansiri River. (News from PIB) PMGDISHA campaign for 100 percent digital literacy in Digital Villages launched  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation In News: The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) drive for 100% Digital Literacy of all digital villages has been launched under PMGDISHA scheme, a flagship Digital Literacy scheme of the Government for rural areas. Under the campaign, a three day certification drive for rural citizens especially women and disadvantaged communities will be conducted.  Post that, a certification  drive for PMGDISHA scheme will be conducted in a similar manner. Apart from this Common Service Center (CSC) also proposed to make all the Digital Villages 100 percent Digital Literate.  PMGDISHA and CSCs have emerged as the enablers for digital literacy and they are important in realizing the vision of transforming lives of common people and to bridge the gap between government and citizens through digital technology.  About PMGDISHA Programme Envisages to make six crore persons in rural areas, across States/UTs, digitally literate, reaching to around 40% of rural households by covering one member from every household where there is no digitally literate person. Digitally literate persons: Digitally literate persons would be able to operate computers/digital access devices (like tablets, smart phones, etc.), send and receive emails, browse internet, access Government Services, search for information, undertaking cashless transactions, etc. and hence use IT to actively participate in the process of nation building. News Source: PIB FOSS4Gov Innovation Challenge Part of: GS Prelims  In News: A virtual roundtable discussion ‘Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Government’ was organized by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to increase awareness about the usage of FOSS in governance and government functioning, and adoption of FOSS, MeitY. On the occasion of 7-year anniversary of MyGov, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched #FOSS4Gov Innovation Challenge to accelerate adoption of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Government and build Indian FOSS Ecosystem Through this challenge, various innovators, start-ups, working professionals, academics and students in India are invited to showcase their existing FOSS based innovations and/or build new, implementable, open-source product innovations in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with possible applications for Govtech in Health, Education, Agriculture, Urban Governance etc. The winners of the Challenge will receive cash rewards and incubation support to scale their products for listing on Government e Market (GeM). News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources  GS-3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation A reality check for higher education dreams Context: The UGC will soon implement its two recent regulations — the Academic Bank of Credits and Multiple Entry and Exit. Significance of these two regulations Promotes flexibility of curriculum framework Promotes interdisciplinary and academic mobility for students across higher education institutions. Facilitates students to choose their own learning path to attain a degree, diploma or certification with multiple entry-multiple exit options.  Education will be student-centric learning, customised for each student’s strengths, needs, skills, and interests.  Addresses the criticism that Indian education is too structured, rigid and expensive Helps in student retention & increasing enrolment. Students tend to drop out because of lack of relevance & unable to sustain their interest. The regulations are, therefore, being showcased as star recommendations of NEP and game-changers for higher education. At theoretical level these look good, but there are challenges in making it a reality. Concerns Maturity of Student: A young student of 15 or 16 may not be in a position to meaningfully select the best courses or combination of courses to suit her aptitude. Nomenclature of Degree: Even if she selects the courses, she may not be able to tailor her degrees as she wishes. This is because the control over the nomenclature of the degree rests solely with the UGC.  Not a full-fledged flexibility: Regarding flexibility in the choice of subjects, if 50 per cent of the curriculum must be carried out within the degree-granting institute, then there is actually little flexibility left for the student Previous Experience: A similar concept of a “Meta University” was attempted in 2012 that failed to take off despite a UGC regulation, primarily due to the silo mentality and lack of coordination among institutions. National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) has similar enabling provisions (multiple entry & Exit) for vocational education but has nothing tangible to show for it. Limited Options: If flexibility with quality were the basis, government shouldn’t limit courses only to those available on SWAYAM, NPTEL, V-Lab, etc, for credit transfer and credit accumulation. Foreign Credits can also be tapped into. Employability Factor: If a student chooses to drop a year or two into a degree programme, the issue of his employability remains unresolved. Similar argument was used while pulling down Delhi University’s Five-Year UG Programme in 2014. Bureaucracy Constraints: Given the challenges a student faces in getting migration certificate or transcript due to bureaucratic processes, there are apprehensions with smooth implementation of these initiatives. Training Manpower: The faculty will need to be reoriented to become guides and mentors, from just teachers.  Funds: Implementation of these initiatives requires funds both for IT infrastructure & manpower (teachers).  However, the total central education budget has been falling constantly by 4.14 per cent in 2014-15, 3.4 per cent in 2019-20. Way Ahead Great commitment will be required from every stakeholder, from the Centre and UGC to VCs, faculty and non-faculty staff to make these innovative ideas a success. Connecting the dots: New Education policy 2020 Higher Education in Regional Languages  Criticism of Board Exams Formative Assessment ECONOMY/ INTERNATIONAL GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Semi-Conductor Shortage Context: The global shortage of semiconductor chips has started making its effect felt in the small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector in India. As Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) slow down production, smaller players are being impacted as their business orders & hence the revenues drying up. Reasons for Semiconductor Shortage Rise in Covid-19 cases in supplying countries, especially those in Asia, led to disruption of production (shutdown of factories) thereby causing the current shortage. An atrocious winter storm in Texas shutdown semiconductor factories, and a fire at a plant in Japan caused similar delays. Also, relatively low margins of Substrate manufacturing have led to its underinvestment and added to the pain of a global chip shortage  Substrates connect chips to the circuit boards that hold them in personal computers and other devices.  Made up of thin copper wire sandwiched in resin, substrates help transmit user instructions to a computer’s chips and relay the answers.  They are necessary because the ultrathin wiring that comes out of chips can’t tolerate a direct soldered connection to a circuit board  Substrate Manufacturing is therefore seen as a backwater of the global chip supply chain. Supplies of substrates is very tight and small disruption in this underinvested sector is causing big worries to chip manufacturers The chief executives of Intel and IBM have both said recently that the chip shortage could last two years. Semiconductor chips and Automobile sector Semiconductor chips are integral parts of the power train, chassis, safety systems, advanced driver assistance systems, and other parts of automobiles.  They are used more in passenger vehicles compared to commercial vehicles or two-wheelers The move to electric vehicles has led to increased demand of chips. For example, a Ford Focus typically uses roughly 300 chips, whereas one of Ford’s new electric vehicles can have up to 3,000 chips With supply of semiconductor chips slowing down, the production in automobile sector is also adversely impacted. Consequences of chip shortage on automobile sector: Due to longer lead time — the time between when the order is placed and the shipment is delivered — the automobile sector has been forced to cut down on its production. The slowing down of production by big automotive players has led to reduction in new orders being placed to MSME vendors (who supply parts) The MSMEs who are vendors and sub-vendors of the automobile industry are now working just 8 hours instead of the 12 hours they normally do. This has not only affected their earning but is also making them to migrate to other sectors.  While the local MSME industrial sector was slowly coming back to normal after the second wave of Covid-19, the recovery has been hampered by the high price of raw material and low orders. What is being done to address the situation? Firms like Samsung, Tata Group are sinking huge investments into semi-conductor production The US, Europe and China have committed billions in subsidy to on-shoring production. Long-term supply contracts are being signed by automakers How can India play its role? Since, chip fabrication is capital-intensive (an average sized facility costs $7-10 billion) with long gestation and rapid technology, it is difficult for India to strive for self-sufficiency on chip fabrication. But, government-owned semi-conductor facilities already operated by ISRO and DRDO can be expanded and upgraded Government can attract global manufacturers by showcasing skilled talent pool in R&D, low labour costs, large market and policy support (Production-linked incentive scheme) Connecting the dots: Production Linked Incentive Scheme Current Challenges of Indian Economy ORF - India and Sri Lanka: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/charting-a-new-trajectory-in-india-sri-lanka-relations/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: India and its neighbour – Sri Lanka Charting a New Trajectory in India-Sri Lanka Relations Context: India and Sri Lanka have enjoyed a cordial and relatively stable relationship since their independence. In the post-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) era, the neighbours align over key security and economic objectives, which includes maintaining freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean region, combating the threat of terrorism, and working together towards a more prosperous South Asian neighbourhood. Yet the relationship is in need of a fresh impetus.  Over the years, Sri Lanka has drifted towards China for economic support and views her as a more reliable partner in enabling domestic economic development. This has generated concern in New Delhi over the state of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, which views Beijing’s proximity to its neighbours as undermining India’s influence in the island nation. Why is India concerned? Sri Lanka’s drift towards China as a more reliable partner in enabling domestic economic development Sri Lankans continue to be suspicious about India’s motives vis-a-vis the Tamil cause.  India’s slow bureaucratic processes that delay approvals incite suspicions of India’s commitment to Sri Lanka. Last year, the Indian government took five months to approve a loan moratorium sought by Colombo while Beijing approved an additional US $500 million loan from its development bank in no time. China’s quicker decision making, and its far larger assistance makes them a more attractive partner. However, Sri Lanka has been forced into a debt trap, and has had to sell its strategic assets though debt-equity swaps leading to creation of zones where its own sovereignty has been negated. This is bad news for Sri Lanka and a lesson to accord higher priority to diversity and balance in its foreign policy and international relations. Killing of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy The cancellation of the East Container Terminal port contract to India  The Sri Lankan government led by the Rajapaksa family are historically known to be closer to China than India. China is also set to commence the construction of a US $13 billion city on Sri Lanka’s seafront close to Colombo, according to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal. India’s Strengths: In education, healthcare, and tourism, India is a far stronger partner than China. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Scheme and the Colombo Plan, Sri Lankan nationals can benefit from 400 slots for short- and medium-term training courses in a variety of technical and professional disciplines. Since 2017, students from the island nation can also appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and IIT JEE (Advanced) exams. Therefore, despite the convergence of objectives and interests, there is an urgent need for India and Sri Lanka to carefully and deliberately reinvigorate their bilateral relationship. The Way Forward India can build on the existing educational exchanges by establishing an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT in Sri Lanka’s planned education zone). In the country’s northeast, India can set up technical and English language training centres like the Sri Lanka-India Centre for English Language Training (SLICELT) in Kandy.  In addition, India and Sri Lanka  should look forward to extensive cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing, as announced in the joint statement issued during Jaishankar’s visit earlier this year. In the technology sector, India could create job opportunities by expanding the presence of its information technology companies in Sri Lanka. These organisations can create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost the island nation’s service economy. Aside from a special economic zone (SEZ) for pharmaceuticals, the two sides could also look into similar provisions for information technology and education, among other sectors. As Sri Lanka embarks on the arduous project of drafting a constitution, India can lend its own experience in managing minority rights and diverse populations. It can help Sri Lanka draft policies ensuring linguistic and cultural freedom, access to grievance redressal, and reservation in representative bodies. India and Sri Lanka must look for ways to boost people-to-people contacts. The island nation’s greatest number of tourists come from India, but the scope of religious tourism is yet to be explored. Through Prime Minister Modi’s US $15 million grant for promotion of Buddhist ties with Sri Lanka announced last year, the two countries can look to create a Buddhism knowledge and tourism corridor.  Finally, the grandeur and prevalence of cricket in both countries ought to be leveraged. Expanding the Indian Premiere League (IPL) to Sri Lanka in partnership with Lanka Premier League (LPL) will encourage people-to-people contact and boost tourism. Cooperation in these sectors does not diminish concerns on issues where the two neighbours might not align: Tamil minority rights and China’s importance in Sri Lanka’s economy. However, history, cultural closeness and the constraints of geography poise India and Sri Lanka as natural and permanent partners to tide over these issues and explore synergies in new avenues to further their respective economic and developmental aspirations jointly. Can you answer this question now? What are the major issues of convergence and confrontation between India and Sri Lanka? Examine. Sri Lanka has immense strategic importance for India. Do you agree? Comment in the light of the evolving geopolitics in the Indian Ocean region. (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 the largest number of freshwater riverine islands formed by the River Brahmaputra? Majuli Dibru Saikhowa Srirangam Bhavani Island Q.2 Consider the following Statements About Electric Vehicles (EVs): An electric vehicle may be powered through a self-contained battery, solar panels or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity. FAME II scheme of the Indian government was launched to build a sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem in India. Select the correct statements: 1 only  2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Which of the following countries is the largest producer of jute in the world? Bangladesh India China Pakistan  ANSWERS FOR 8th Sept 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 C 3 C Must Read On Green Hydrogen: The Hindu On India’s Food System: Indian Express On Biodiversity: The Statesman

Sep 9, 2021 Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 102]: 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-102 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Sep 9, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 9th September 2021

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

Sep 8, 2021 IASbaba's Courses

[MOST AWAITED COURSE] Baba's GURUKUL under the overall guidance of Mohan Sir (Founder, IASbaba) - Available OFFLINE & ONLINE!

Hello Everyone, Finally, we are here with detailed information about the most awaited program of this year. Yes, we are talking about Baba’s Gurukul 2022. As already discussed in the previous write-up, Gurukul Course is a personal mentorship-based integrated course where we will groom a selected batch of students to aim for that Top Rank in UPSC. Let’s see, How Gurukul will help you in becoming a Topper? 1) The Program will be under the OVERALL GUIDANCE of Mohan Sir (Founder, IASbaba) – There will be one on one interaction with Mohan sir on a regular basis, and sir will be grooming you personally. One important value-addition this year is that there will also be a team of MENTORS who will be available and accessible to you on a daily basis. They will keep a check on your performance in the tests conducted and guide you according to your strengths and weaknesses. 2) MENTORSHIP & FEEDBACK – Based on your individual Strengths & Weaknesses focus areas will be told to you so that you will be able to enhance your overall score. 3) ONE SINGLE COMPREHENSIVE & INTENSIVE COURSE - The Program runs for 8 months starting from October 2021 to May 2022.  As you can see in the detailed schedule, we have made this program comprehensive with an intensive plan, materials/notes, regular tests, discussions, classes & guidance so that you are on your toes and this one program is enough for you to crack this exam. 4) A STRONG PEER GROUP (Each selected after an Extensive Process of ‘EntranceTest’ which involves Prelims, Mains & Interview) & A DEDICATED STUDY CENTRE for Gurukul Students – A good peer group is required to push you to your limits. All of you will be able to interact with each other. This will boost healthy competition. This will also help you in gauging your level of preparation in comparison with the best of the bests. 5) CLASSES – Special Strategy sessions will be taken to make you learn How to Tackle each Subject and How to make Notes like a Topper! Prelims: Strategy Class - For Prelims on how to clear the cut-off & maximise your score with Previous Year Question (PYQ) Analysis. CSAT Classes - Since it has become an Achilles heel for many aspirants. Mains: Approach Class – On how to approach/read each Paper (GS1, GS2, GS3), value additions & expectations from UPSC along with PYQ Analysis. Strategy Class - On nuances of Answer Writing - how to start with answer writing, Time Management, value additions in each paper & maximize your marks in Mains etc.  Discussion Class after each Mains Test. Special Approach Class for Ethics - Focusing on Theory and Case Studies Special Approach Class for Essay - Focusing on both Theme based and Philosophical Essays. 6) STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM – Total 138 Tests (75 MAINS Tests + 63 PRELIMS Tests including 10 CSAT) Exclusive CURRENT AFFAIRS TESTS for both Prelims and Mains. Every 5th Day – Mains Test (Static Test followed by a CA Test) Every 6th Day – Prelims Test Prelims Tests are divided into (Total 63 Tests) 22 Current Affairs Tests 17 Module Wise Tests  6 Subject wise Revision Sectional Tests 3 Exclusive Tests (Map based, Economic Survey & Budget, Government Schemes & Policies)  5 Full-Length Tests  10 CSAT Full-Length Tests Mains Tests are divided into (Total 75 Tests) 24 Micro Current Affairs Tests – 45 Mins 24 Sectional Tests (GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4)  – 1 Hour 30 Mins 12 Full-length MOCK Tests (GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4) – 3 Hours 15 Full-length ESSAY Tests – Theme based and philosophical Note: Every Mains Test will be Evaluated & Synopsis will be provided along with Discussion & Strategy Classes before & after the Mains Tests. 7) STRUCTURED AND PRACTICAL PLANNING - The Schedule is designed in such a way that the targets are achievable for a sincere and serious aspirant. The schedule is practical, in the sense that adequate time is given to prepare for each test.  We have tried to sync the Prelims and Mains Tests wherever possible. One will have adequate time between every test to work upon the shortcomings and improve on it. We have made sure that you are able to devote 3-4 hours every day for your optional subject. Two Months of exclusive focus on Prelims 2022. Strategic Coverage of Syllabus - Questions for both Prelims and Mains Tests will be framed in such a way that the complete syllabus will be covered. Also, the topics are selected in such a way that you can cover the syllabus 4 times before your Prelims exam. The program is designed in such a way that your progress is smooth and you can learn time management right from the beginning. Step by Step improvement in answer writing along with better time management.It is important that you learn how to divide your time in a 3 hour Test. This you will be able to learn only when you are writing module-wise tests. DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE - CLICK HERE 8) STUDY MATERIAL Value Add Notes (VAN) – Access to all the VANs will be given so that you don’t have to refer to multiple sources. VANs are very detailed and cover all the Prelims & Mains topics in the UPSC syllabus. Babapedia (Prelimspedia & Mainspedia) – Your One Stop Destination for Current Affairs which is provided in the most organised way. This will cater to your daily Current Affairs needs. Babapedia is updated daily with topics relevant for both Prelims and Mains. Mind-maps for important Mains topics – effective ways to recollect things & declutter complex issues. You need to understand that Baba’s Gurukul is the modern avatar of a tried and tested method of imparting knowledge which has been existing in India for centuries. The way we are going to reinvent the concept of Guru Shishya Parampara in UPSC preparation will definitely be a game-changer for you. So, register soon for the entrance test. Here is what the students of GURUKUL 2021 have to say about the program .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } [testimonial_rotator id=119383] DETAILS OF THE ENTRANCE TEST The entrance test will be exactly like UPSC-CSE where you will be facing a Prelims test, a Mains test, and a Personality test. Prelims and Mains exam will be on the same day and based on the merit list, students will be short-listed for the interview. The selection process will be similar to UPSC standards, comprising of one Prelims Test (75 MCQ’s – 150 marks; Syllabus will include current affairs of last six months and static GS topics + Objective CSAT questions), one Mains Test – 150 marks (it will include an essay based on Current Issues and case studies of Ethics to check the approach of candidates) and a Personality Test (it will be conducted to check the dedication of candidates and their level of understanding of Current Issues). The 1st entrance test will be held on 18th September (Saturday) at 11 AM. The test will be held ONLINE and OFFLINE (Bangalore, Delhi, and Lucknow Centres) The Results of the 1st Entrance Test will be out on 20th of September (Monday) Interviews will be starting from 22nd September (Wednesday) Final Results will be out on 25th September (Saturday) NOTE - The 2nd Entrance will be held on 16th October (Saturday) at 11 AM.  REGISTER HERE - CLICK HERE P.S:  The last date to register for the 1st Entrance Test - 16th September (10 PM). The login credentials of the 1st Entrance Test will be shared with registered students on 17th September. FEES DETAILS The total fees for GURUKUL 2022 will be 49,000 + GST. Also, please note that the payment link will be active ONLY to those who clear the Gurukul 2022 entrance test. Remember, Life is too short to commit all the mistakes on your own and learn from them. The path of success is laid for you, learn from the experience of others and succeed. For ANY QUERIES: Email ID: support@iasbaba.com Contact No. : 9169191888 (10 AM – 6 PM) Please do not make calls before or after the given timing. You can also reach us on – BENGALURU CENTRE: IASbaba Admission Centre: No.38, 3rd Cross, 1st Phase, 2nd Stage, 60 Feet Mains Road, Chandralayout, Bengaluru-560040. Landmark: Opposite to BBMP Office/ CULT Fitness DELHI CENTRE: 5B, PUSA Road, Opposite to Metro Pillar 110, Karol Bagh, New Delhi -110005 (Landmark: CROMA Store) All the best :) IASbaba  

Sep 8, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

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

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [3rd September,2021] Day 170: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What are the major international financial institutions? Discuss their organisational structure and mandate. Approach  Define what are international financial institutions and what is their role in introduction.In next part mention the various organisations and their structure and mandate simultaneously.In conclusion make some reformative suggestions. Introduction  International economic institutions are vital for the growth of international trade and financial stability maintenance. These institutions aim to provide a level playing field for all the countries to develop their full potential and get concessional loans, direction for development of a nation and neighbourhood region.For example: India recently got loans from Asian development bank, World bank and New Development bank for tackling the Corona virus pandemic. Body Major international financial institutions. 1)International Monetary Fund  The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 189 member countries, each of which has representation on the IMF's executive board in proportion to its financial importance, so that the most powerful countries in the global economy have the most voting power. Mandate of IMF The IMF promotes monetary cooperation and provides policy advice and capacity development support to preserve global macroeconomic and financial stability and help countries build and maintain strong economies.  The IMF also provides short- and medium-term loans and helps countries design policy programs to solve balance of payments problems when sufficient financing cannot be obtained to meet net international payments obligations.  IMF loans are funded mainly by the pool of quota contributions that its members provide. IMF staff are primarily economists with wide experience in macroeconomic and financial policies. Structure of IMF 24 member executive board chaired by a managing director. Joint IMF-World Bank development committee responsible for development project assistance. Subsidiary bodies including Area development boards, Functional and special service departments, office of budget and planning etc. 2) World Bank Mandate  of world bank The World Bank promotes long-term economic development and poverty reduction by providing technical and financial support to help countries reform certain sectors. Implement specific projects—such as building schools and health centre’s, providing water and electricity, fighting disease, and protecting the environment. World Bank assistance is generally long term and is funded both by member country contributions and through bond issuance. World Bank staff are often specialists on particular issues, sectors, or techniques. Structure of world bank Together, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and International Development Association (IDA) form the World Bank, which provides financing, policy advice, and technical assistance to governments of developing countries. While the World Bank Group consists of five development institutions. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) provides loans, credits, and grants. International Development Association (IDA) provides low- or no-interest loans to low-income countries. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) provides investment, advice, and asset management to companies and governments. The Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA) insures lenders and investors against political risk such as war. The International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) settles investment-disputes between investors and countries.  Governance of IBRD: IBRD Boards of Governors: The Boards of Governors consist of one Governor and one Alternate Governor appointed by each member country. The office is usually held by the country's minister of finance, governor of its central bank. The Board of Governors delegates most of its authority over daily matters such as lending and operations to the Board of Directors. IBRD Board of Directors: The Board of Directors consists of currently 25 executive directors and is chaired by the President of the World Bank Group. Executive Directors are appointed or elected by the Governors. Executive Directors select the World Bank President, who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Executive Directors are authorised for daily matters such as lending and operations. 3) Asian Development Bank Mandate: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) envisions a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty in the region. Despite the region's many successes, it remains home to a large share of the world's poor: 263 million living on less than $1.90 a day and 1.1 billion on less than $3.20 a day. ADB assists its members, and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. ADB maximises the development impact of its assistance by facilitating policy dialogues, providing advisory services, and mobilising financial resources through cofinancing operations that tap official, commercial, and export credit sources. Structure of ADB The highest decision making tier at ADB is its Board of Governors, to which each of ADB’s 67 members nominate one Governor and an Alternate Governor to represent them. The Board of Governors meets formally once a year at an Annual Meeting held in a member country. The Governors’ day to day responsibilities are largely delegated to the 12-person Board of Directors, which performs its duties full time at ADB’s Head Quarters in Manila. The ADB President, under the Board’s direction, conducts the business of ADB. The President is elected by the Board of Governors for a term of five years and may be re-elected. The world bank, IMF and Asian development bank were all the institutions which were developed in the post war era.These were developed mainly by USA, European countries and mostly were dominated by the developed countries.These institutions while serving the needs of developing countries were also directing policies and interfering the policy making of the nation.To overcome this the developing countries came together to launch their own banks which would not interfere in any nations decision making.Thus. AIIB was launched by China and predominantly Asian developing nations and NDB was launched by the BRICS  nations. 4)Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Mandate To foster sustainable economic development, create wealth and improve infrastructure connectivity in Asia by investing in infrastructure and other productive sectors. To promote regional cooperation and partnership in addressing development challenges by working in close collaboration with other multilateral and bilateral development institutions. To promote investment in the public and private capital for development purposes, in particular for development of infrastructure and other productive sectors. To utilise the resources at its disposal for financing such development in the region, including those projects and programs which will contribute most effectively to the harmonious economic growth of the region; To encourage private investment in projects, enterprises and activities contributing to economic development in the region when private capital is not available on reasonable terms and conditions. Structure of AIIB AIIB shares its overall governance structure with many other MDBs, with a common hierarchy of three governance levels: Board of Governors, Board of Directors and President. The Board of Governors is the Bank’s highest authority, composed of one Governor appointed by each member, meeting annually. The Board of Directors is responsible for the direction of the general operations of the Bank and is composed of Directors elected by one or more Governors representing particular members, meeting at least quarterly. The President, elected by the Board of Governors, conducts the current business of the Bank, under the direction of the Board of Directors. 5)New development bank Mandate: The bank aims to contribute to the development plans established nationally through projects that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Taking this into account, the main objectives of the NDB can be summarised as follows Promote infrastructure and sustainable development projects with a significant development impact in member countries. Establish an extensive network of global partnerships with other multilateral development institutions and national development banks. Build a balanced project portfolio giving a proper respect to their geographic location, financing requirements and other factors. Structure of NDB The Agreement on the New Development Bank entered into force in July 2015, with the official declaration of all five states that have signed it. The five founding members of the Bank include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Bank's Articles of Agreement specify that all members of the United Nations could be members of the bank, however the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55% of voting power. Expanding the NDB's membership is considered by some experts to be crucial to its long-term development by helping boost the bank's business growth.[25] According to the Bank's General Strategy: 2017–2021, the NDB plans to expand membership gradually so as not to overly strain its operational and decision-making capacity. Conclusion The international financial institutions have played a major role in aiding development in developing countries on various issues such as poverty alleviation, Sanitation, public distribution system, irrigation, sustainable development gaols and so on which have been helpful to alleviate the socioeconomic indicators in last decades.Further the goal should be to reform these institutions especially the IMF, World bank and Asian development bank to do away with dominance of major countries and prescription of rules which interfere in domestic policy making.Further the current crises of post Covid economic depression needs to be tackled by all institutions collectively for a better and prosperous world. 2. What is the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)? What are its objectives and mandate?  Discuss. Approach  Make a general introduction on FATF and contextualise to India.In next part write its objectives and Mandate.Further add information on the Indian relations with FATF. Write a summary based conclusion and add information on current context. Introduction The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organisation that was established by the G7 nations in 1989 during a summit in Paris, France. The task force was created in response to the difficulties nations experienced in trying to cooperate and enforce an effective global Anti-Money-Laundering (AML) policy.Recently it has been in news do to its constant vigil on terrorist funding and keeping Pakistan on grey list. Body Information about FATF The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. The inter-governmental body sets international standards that aim to prevent these illegal activities and the harm they cause to society. As a policy-making body, the FATF works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas. With more than 200 countries and jurisdictions committed to implementing them.  The FATF has developed the FATF Recommendations, or FATF Standards, which ensure a co-ordinated global response to prevent organised crime, corruption and terrorism. They help authorities go after the money of criminals dealing in illegal drugs, human trafficking and other crimes.  The FATF also works to stop funding for weapons of mass destruction. The FATF reviews money laundering and terrorist financing techniques and continuously strengthens its standards to address new risks, such as the regulation of virtual assets, which have spread as cryptocurrencies gain popularity.  The FATF monitors countries to ensure they implement the FATF Standards fully and effectively, and holds countries to account that do not comply. Objective of FATF The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.  Starting with its own members, the FATF monitors countries’ progress in implementing the FATF Recommendations; reviews money laundering and terrorist financing techniques and counter-measures; and, promotes the adoption and implementation of the FATF Recommendations globally. Mandate of FATF The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established in July 1989 by a Group of Seven (G-7) Summit in Paris, initially to examine and develop measures to combat money laundering.  Click here to see the Economic Declaration from that G-7 Summit. In October 2001, the FATF expanded its mandate to incorporate efforts to combat terrorist financing, in addition to money laundering.  In April 2012, it added efforts to counter the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Since its inception, the FATF has operated under a fixed life-span, requiring a specific decision by its Ministers to continue.  Three decades after its, creation, in April 2019,  FATF Ministers adopted a new, open-ended mandate for the FATF.  The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. Starting with its own members, the FATF monitors countries' progress in implementing the FATF Recommendations; reviews money laundering and terrorist financing techniques and counter-measures; and, promotes the adoption and implementation of the FATF Recommendations globally. The FATF's decision making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year. FATF and India India plans to share more evidence with the key FATF members on the narco-terror cases linked to Pakistan-based syndicates, through which funds are allegedly being supplied to the terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The Enforcement Directorate and the National Investigation Agency have been probing several such cases. Conclusion Thus FATF played an import role of acting as a standard body to put pressure on terrorism funding and money laundering. Any blacklisting of a country cuts the lifeline of terrorist activity supported by the state through blockage of funds. Thus FATF act as a pressure group helping in combating terrorism and money laundering.Further in the COVID-19 aftermath and the collapse of Afghanistan its role becomes more important to curb the terror financing and money laundering. 3. In terms of objectives and foundational philosophies, discuss the similarities and differences between the World Bank and The IMF? Approach  Make a general introduction defining what are IMF and world bank.In next part mention their similarities and differences.To add value write criticisms of these institutions ,In conclusion take a balanced view and contextualise to current economic situation. Introduction  The World Bank (WB) is an international organisation which provides facilities related to “finance, advice and research to developing nations” in order to bolster their economic development. It plays a stellar role in providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries across the globe. It is a unique financial institution that provides partnerships to reduce poverty and support economic development. While,The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organisation that aims to promote global economic growth and financial stability meant to encourage international trade and reduce poverty. It is working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, and promote high employment and sustainable economic growth. Body Similarities between the WB and IMF Both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank were formed together at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, in July 1944. They are called Brettonwoods twins. Both were created to support the world economy in their own unique ways. Both are headquartered in Washington D.C, the U.S.A. They have the same membership as no admission to the World Bank is possible without the IMF membership. The management structure of the World Bank is largely similar to that of the IMF. Voting rights in these institutions depend primarily on capital contribution of the member countries. Differences between the WB and the IMF Despite similarities, however, the Bank and the IMF remain distinct. Following differences exist between them: The World Bank is primarily a development institution but the IMF is a cooperative institution that seeks to maintain an orderly system of payments and receipts between nations. The IMF exists to preserve an orderly monetary system whereas the World Bank performs an economic development role. Both have different purposes. The IMF supervises the economic policies of its members and expects them to allow free exchange of national currencies. To keep this financial order, the IMF also acts as a provider of emergency loans to members who run into difficulties, in exchange for a promise from the member to reform its economic policies. The World Bank finances economic development among poorer nations by funding specific and targeted projects, aimed at helping to raise productivity. The World Bank consists of two organisations: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). The IBRD lends to developing nations at preferential interest rates, while the IDA only lends to the poorest nations, on an interest-free basis. They have different funding sources. The IMF raises its money through membership fees, known as quotas. Each member country pays a quota based on its relative economic size so that the larger economies pay more. The World Bank raises most of its money through borrowing by issuing bonds to investors. It also receives grants from donors. The IMF exists primarily to stabilise exchange rates, while the World Bank’s primary goal is to reduce poverty. Criticism of the WB and the IMF The International Monetary Fund promotes monetary cooperation internationally and offers advice and assistance to facilitate building and maintaining a country’s economy. The IMF also provides loans and helps countries develop policy programs that solve balance of payment problems. However, the loans offered by the IMF are loaded with conditions. Critics are concerned about the ‘conditionalities’ imposed on borrower countries. The World Bank and the IMF often attach loan conditionality’s based on what is termed the ‘Washington Consensus’, focusing on liberalisation—of trade, investment and the financial sector—, deregulation and privatisation of nationalised industries. Often the conditionality’s are attached without due regard for the borrower countries’ individual circumstances. Additionally, the prescriptive recommendations by the World Bank and IMF fail to resolve the economic problems within the countries. Both the WB and the IMF have been accused of coercing poor countries to undertake structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) under the aegis of economic globalisation. Sometimes, this has led to under-development of these economies bringing severe domestic crisis in multiple dimensions. This contributes to a yawning economic gap between different countries across the globe. The World Bank’s role in the global climate change finance architecture has also caused much controversy. Civil society groups see the Bank as unfit for a role in climate finance because of the conditionality’s and advisory services usually attached to its loans. The WB has been accused of financing unsustainable carbon-intensive developmental projects. Hence, there is an increasing call from environmental activists that the WB and IMF should finance only carbon-neutral sustainable development projects. There are also concerns related with the accountability of the projects run by them especially in the Third World countries. The WB and the IMF have also been criticised for being western-dominated undemocratic bodies. Decisions are made and policies implemented by leading industrialised countries because they represent the largest donors without much consultation with poor and developing countries. The IMF has quota system which is yet to give adequate weightage to the emerging economies like India, China and Brazil despite their increased economic importance in contemporary times. The global economic centre of gravity has shifted from the “global North” to the “global south”. But these Brettonwoods institutions are yet to realise that even though there has been the formation the BRICS bank and the AIIB. There are also ethical issues related to the funding of types of projects by the World Bank. For example, the funding of hydroelectric dams in some countries by the WB has resulted in massive displacement of the indigenous peoples. The WB’s propensity to privilege the private sector and market forces has brought about justifiable concerns regarding the sovereign decision-making capabilities of states getting tied funds from the World Bank. The Bank’s private sector lending arm – the International Finance Corporation (IFC) – has also been criticised for its business model, the increasing use of financial intermediaries such as private equity funds and funding of companies associated with tax havens. Critics of the World Bank and the IMF are also apprehensive about the role of the Bretton Woods institutions in shaping the development discourse through their research, training and publishing activities. Their views and prescriptions may undermine or eliminate alternative perspectives on development. Conclusion Many of the criticisms aimed against the WB and IMF are historical and may not hold true in contemporary times. The two institutions are trying to reorient themselves as per the changed geo-economic realities and changing developmental requirements. The internal assessment has also been catalysed by the geopolitical and geo-economic impact of the BRICS bank and the AIIB as a challenge to the Bretton Woods institutions.Therefore in the present economic situation there is need for both these institutions to come together and help in funding for vaccination, medical supplies, to the developing and African countries. TLP Synopsis Day 170 PDF