Sep 1, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [1st September,2021] – Day 168

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 3 Questions [1st Sep,2021] – Day 168 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. In an age of rapid technological advancements, the role of bureaucracy must be reinvented. Comment. (10 Marks) तकनीकी प्रगति के युग में, नौकरशाही की भूमिका नवीनीकरण अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है। टिप्पणी करें। 2. What are the ways to ensure accountability of civil servants? How does accountability help in reducing corruption? (10 Marks) सिविल सेवकों की जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने के तरीके क्या हैं? भ्रष्टाचार को कम करने में जवाबदेही कैसे मदद करती है? 3. What role do civil servants play in strengthening democracy? Illustrate. (15 Marks) लोकतंत्र को मजबूत करने में सिविल सेवकों की क्या भूमिका है? उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट 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 :)

Aug 31, 2021 Important Articles

[FREE WORKSHOP] Know Everything about cracking UPSC/IAS 2022 in Bangalore on 5th September at 11 AM.

Hello Everyone, As a new session is going to start, a number of students are going to embark on their UPSC journey. The biggest problem which freshers face in the beginning, is how to start their preparation? There are so many sources, topper’s strategies, online guidance, and whatnot. Hence, in order to provide a streamlined approach, we are going to conduct a FREE WORKSHOP on the 5th of September, 2021 (SUNDAY) at 11 am. Many students have already been benefitted from this workshop in previous years. You can check the feedback of our previous workshop through the following link: Delhi Workshop- Feedback! | IASbaba Agenda of Workshop Interaction with the Real Heroes!! How to crack UPSC in First Attempt? How to tackle Current Affairs? How to approach Answer Writing? Interaction with REAL HEROES When we want to excel in a certain field, we have our role models. We look up to them and try to be like them, as our dream is their reality. The field of Civil Services is no different. We are honored that two stalwarts of the field have obliged us by agreeing to have an open discussion with the aspirants. They will be discussing about their vast experience in the system, the perks of the service, and its problems too. You will be able to ask your queries regarding Civil Services and about the attitude that a civil servant should have. The two eminent guests who will be sharing their life experiences with you are – Mr Sunil Oberoi Sir – Retd. IAS Sunil Oberoi Sir has worked on Civil Services Reforms in India with UNDP and DoPT. He was a government nominee in interview boards and Examiner in various govt. exams. He was also associated with induction training of new entrants of Civil Services and In-Service training of Senior Civil Servants. Mr Raghavendra H Auradkar – Ex. Commissioner of Police, Bangalore He is an IPS officer of the 1987 Batch, Karnataka cadre. He has served at different positions in the state and is famous for the ‘Auradkar’ Committee for Police Reforms. How to crack UPSC in First Attempt? In this session, we will be discussing about the approach towards UPSC. How should you plan and integrate your prelims and mains preparation? How to tackle Current Affairs and make notes? Current Affairs is an important aspect of preparation. It is also the biggest puzzle as even after several attempts students don’t get a knack of it. This session will be on the strategy for Current Affairs and how you can integrate your Static portions with Current Affairs. How to approach Answer Writing? Many candidates are not able to qualify the mains written exam despite having a very good understanding of the concepts. The main reason for their failure is their inability to articulate their thoughts and write an answer according to the demand of the question. In this session, we will explain the approach towards answer writing and how you can improve your score in the mains exam. The workshop can be a game-changer for you, so it's not a thing that you would want to miss. Workshop Details Date and Time - 5th September (SUNDAY) at 11 AM Venue of the Workshop: TLP CENTRE - Second floor, 80ft Main Road, Ganapathi Circle, Vijayanagar, Chandra Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560040 Admission Centre - First Floor, No. 38, 3rd Cross, 1st Phase, 2nd Stage, 60 Feet Mains Road, Chandralayout, Bengaluru-560040. Please Register here for the Workshop - CLICK HERE To know more about Baba's Foundation Course 2022 OFFLINE in BANGALORE - CLICK HERE  For More Details/Queries Email us at: support@iasbaba.com Mobile No: 91691 91888 (Please call between 10 am – 6 pm ONLY)   Thank You  IASbaba

Aug 31, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 31st August 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Small Industry Day Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III- Economy Context: Every year on August 30, the country celebrates National Small Industry Day.  India is home to more than 6.3 crore MSMEs and contributes 45% of the total exports. Some of the key reforms introduced by Ministry of MSME are: Revision of MSME definition:  The Government revised the MSME classification by inserting composite criteria of both investment and annual turnover.  Udyam Registration: Udyam is an online and simplified procedure of filing of registration which enables MSMEs to obtain registration without any documentation and fees. Ministry of MSME has also commenced integration of Udyam Registration portal with GeM so that MSEs can participate in Government procurement easily. Champions Portal: The platform facilitates a single window solution for all needs of MSMEs. It is an ICT based technology system aimed at making the smaller units big by solving their grievances, encouraging, supporting, helping and handholding throughout the business lifecycle.  National SC-ST Hub (NSSH): It has been launched to promote entrepreneurship culture in the SC-ST community and cater to the challenge of market linkages, finance facilitations, capacity building etc. It helps fulfill the 4% procurement target mentioned in the Public Procurement Policy order, 2018. Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund: The scheme is expected to facilitate equity financing of Rs.50,000 crore in the MSME Sector. The infusion of equity will also facilitate MSMEs to scale-up their business & growth and provide an opportunity to get MSMEs listed in stock exchanges. Procurement Policy: For providing marketing support to MSEs, all Central Ministries/Government Departments and Central PSUs are required to procure 25% of their annual requirements of goods and services from MSEs including 4% from MSEs owned by SC/ST and 3% from MSEs owned by women entrepreneurs under the Public Procurement Policy.  Establishment of Enterprise Development Centers (EDCs): With a view to provide Information related to MSMEs at one place, Enterprise Development Centres (EDCs)have been conceptualized. Till date Ministry of MSME has set up 102 EDCs across India. The aim of these centers is to build a network of entrepreneurial leaders by providing professional mentoring and handholding support services to existing as well as aspiring MSMEs with special focus on rural enterprises on continuous basis. Rights to free movement and residence Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- Fundamental Rights Context: The Supreme Court has held that the power of the State to pass an externment order (direction restricting certain people entry to specified areas) should be exercised only in “exceptional cases”. Key Takeaways The judgment was based on an appeal filed by a journalist, Rahmat Khan, who received an externment order passed by the Maharashtra police. He was banned from entering Amravati City or Amravati rural district for a year. The court said externment orders have their use in maintaining law and order. However, they cannot be employed as retaliatory measure.  A person cannot be denied his fundamental right to reside anywhere in the country or to move freely throughout the country on flimsy grounds Do You know? Article 19(1)(d) of the Indian Constitution entitles every citizen to move freely throughout the territory of the country. This right is protected against only state action and not private individuals. Moreover, it is available only to the citizens and to shareholders of a company but not to foreigners or legal persons like companies or corporations, etc. According to Article 19(1)(e) of the Constitution, every citizen of India has the right "to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India." The object of the clause is to remove internal barriers within India or any of its parts. Restrictions on these fundamental rights can only be imposed on two grounds that are mentioned in the Article 19(5) of the constitution -the interests of the general public and the protection of interests of any scheduled tribe. N. Korea may have restarted N-reactor: IAEA  Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- International Organisations Context: IAEA has reported that Nuclear-armed North Korea appears to have restarted its plutonium-producing reprocessing reactor indicating that North Korea is expanding its banned weapons programme. The development on the 5-megawatt reactor in Yongbyon — North Korea’s main nuclear complex — comes with nuclear talks between North Korea and US at a standstill. IAEA inspectors were kicked out of North Korea in 2009, and the agency has since monitored it from outside. About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) It is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.  The IAEA was established as an autonomous organisation on 29 July 1957.  Though established independently of the United Nations through its own international treaty, the IAEA Statute, the IAEA reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and UN Security Council. The IAEA has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.  India joined IAEA in 1957. In 2005, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for a safe and peaceful world. Leaded petrol eradicated - UNEP  Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-III - Environment Context: There is now no country in the world that uses leaded petrol for cars and lorries, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced. Key Takeaways Lead started being added to petrol in the early 1920s in order to improve engine performance. Leaded Petrol has contaminated air, soil and water for almost a century. It can cause heart disease, cancer and stroke, and has been linked to problems with brain development in children. The UN's environmental body UNEP has worked with governments, private companies and civic groups to end the use of leaded petrol since 2002. Most high-income countries had banned the fuel by the 1980s, but it was only in July that Algeria -  the last country to use the fuel — exhausted its supplies. Ending the use of leaded petrol will prevent more than one million premature deaths each year from heart disease, strokes and cancer, and it will protect children whose IQs are damaged by exposure to lead About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority established on 5th June 1972 in the aftermath of Stockholm Conference (Declaration on the Human Environment). Functions: It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection. Major Reports: Emission Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet. Major Campaigns: Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life. Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya. The UNEP engages in developing global conventions on the environment and related issues. It hosts the secretariats of various conventions such as: Minamata Convention on Mercury United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Basel Convention- Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes Stockholm Convention - on Persistent Organic Pollutants Rotterdam Convention – on Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade Vienna Convention - Protection of the Ozone Layer Montreal Protocol – on reducing substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer Convention on Migratory Species West Nile Virus Infections Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- Health Context: Recently, Russia warned of a possible increase in West Nile Virus (WNV) Infections this autumn as mild temperatures and heavy precipitation create favourable conditions for the mosquitos that carry it. About It is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae. WNV was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937. It was identified in birds in the Nile delta region in 1953. Before 1997, WNV was not considered pathogenic for birds. Human infections attributable to WNV have been reported in many countries for over 50 year. WNV is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. WNV is an infectious disease spread by infected mosquitoes. It spreads from birds to humans with the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. It can lead to a fatal neurological disease in humans. Symptoms: Those infected usually have no symptoms or mild symptoms. The symptoms include a fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. They can last a few days to several weeks, and usually go away on their own. If West Nile virus enters the brain, it can be life-threatening. It may cause inflammation of the brain, called encephalitis, or inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called meningitis. Treatment: There are no specific vaccines or treatments for human WNV disease. The best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. (News from PIB) Groundwater Mapping Part of: GS Prelims  Context: Government says, mapping groundwater sources by CSIR will help utilise groundwater for drinking purposes and supplement “Har Ghar Nal Se Jal” Mission In News:   Latest state-of-the-art technology is being employed by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) for mapping ground water sources in arid regions and thus help utilize ground water for drinking to supplement “Har Ghar Nal Se Jal” scheme. In just two years of the Jal Jeevan Mission, more than four and a half crore families have started getting water from taps. Govt. of India has entrusted the responsibility to CSIR-NGRI for mapping ground water sources in arid regions. The entire work will be completed by 2025 with more than 1.5 lakh square kilometers of area with an estimated cost of Rs. 141 Crores.  About CSIR initiative: CSIR, along with National Geophysical Research Institute NGRI, have undertaken High Resolution Aquifer Mapping & Management in Arid Regions of North Western India to augment the groundwater resources.  The ultimate aim of this project is to map the potential sites for groundwater withdrawal and conservation and results will be used to meet the broader objectives of aquifer mapping, rejuvenation and management of groundwater resources in the arid areas. The Heli-borne geophysical mapping technique of CSIR-NGRI provides a high-resolution 3D image of the sub-surface up to a depth of 500 meters below the ground. This technique is cost-effective, precise and is useful to map large areas (districts/states) within a short time to map the vast extent of groundwater resources in arid regions of our country.  Water issue in the North Western India: Arid areas in the north western India spread over parts of states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab cover nearly 12% of the total geographical area of the country and is home to more than 8 crore people. With an annual rainfall in the range of less than 100 to 400 mm, this area faces acute shortage of water throughout the year and it is proposed to take up high resolution aquifer mapping and management to augment the groundwater resources. News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) POLITY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Fundamental Rights GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Delhi High Court on Right to be Forgotten Context: The Delhi High Court, in a recent case, upheld the view that the “Right to Privacy” includes the “Right to be Forgotten” and the “Right to be Left Alone”. What are these rights? Right to be forgotten or the right to erasure, is the right to have personal information removed from the Internet and other directories. Right to be left alone - The State or the society will not interfere in the individual choices of a person so long as they do not cause harm to others. State intrusion is allowed only if necessitated by a just, reasonable, and fair law What is the High Court Case all about? A Bengali actor had filed a petition in the High Court to remove her audition/demo videos of the web series that were circulating on the internet. The videos are being portrayed in a manner that infringes her privacy. Even though the project fell through, she had not permitted the producer of the videos to publish them. Similarly, Ashutosh Kaushik who won reality TV shows Bigg Boss in 2008 and MTV Roadies 5.0 approached the Delhi High Court with a plea saying that his videos, photographs and articles etc. be removed from the internet citing his “Right to be Forgotten”. What are the Court’s remarks? The Court has already held that “right to privacy” includes the right to be forgotten and the right to be left alone as “inherent aspects”. The court held that explicit videos that are being circulated have a clear and immediate impact on the reputation of the person seen in the videos. The court thus called for protection of the plaintiff from invasion of her privacy on account of such publication/transmission of the videos. Do You Know? The Right to be Forgotten falls under the purview of an individual’s right to privacy, which is governed by the Personal Data Protection Bill that is yet to be passed by Parliament. In K.S.Puttaswamy Case of 2017, the Right to Privacy was declared a fundamental right by the Supreme Court. It held that the right to privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. Connecting the dots: Personal Data Protection Bill China’s New Data Privacy Laws & its impact  Data and A New Global Order WOMEN ISSUES/ GOVERNANCE GS-1: Issues relating to Women GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Marital rape: an indignity to women Context: Based on the allegations of wife, charges were framed on husband by a trial court under  Section 376 (rape),  Section 377 (carnal intercourse against the order of nature)  Section 498A (cruelty towards wife by husband or his relatives) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).  The Chhattisgarh High Court upheld charges under Sections 498A and 377 but discharged the husband under Section 376  Reason: Exception 2 to Section 375 (the definition of rape), sexual intercourse by a man with his own wife (provided she is over the age of 18) would not amount to the offence of rape.  Issues Inconsistent provisions Other sexual offences make no such exemption for marriage. Thus, a husband may be tried for offences such as sexual harassment, molestation, voyeurism, and forcible disrobing in the same way as any other man. A husband may be charged and tried for non-consensual penetrative sexual interactions other than penile-vaginal penetration with his wife under Section 377 (before Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India, 2018, consent was not relevant to Section 377, but it is now). Patriarchal beliefs The marital rape exception is an insult to the constitutional goals of individual autonomy, dignity and of gender equality enshrined in fundamental rights such as Article 21 (the right to life) and Article 14 (the right to equality). Non recognition of marital rape means that women’s husband is her sexual master and his right to rape her is legally protected. Presently, marriage signifies perpetual sexual consent by women. This reinforces Patriarchal belief and violates individual autonomy of woman. In Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018), SC held that the offence of adultery was unconstitutional because it was founded on the principle that a woman is her husband’s property after marriage. Similar principle is not applied while recognising marital rape. Arguments for providing exemption to marital rape Recognising it destroy the institution of marriage. This was the government’s defence in Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017) Since marriage is a sexual relationship, determining the validity of marital rape allegations would be difficult.  Conclusion In 2017, the Supreme Court, in Independent Thought, said that husbands who raped their minor wives could no longer hide behind exemptions provided in Section 375 of IPC. It is high time adult women are afforded the same protection and dignity in marriage. Connecting the dots: Women Issues Women Employment Women Friendly Cities Women with disabilities (AIR Spotlight) Spotlight 29 (Aug): Discussion on PM Man Ki Baat https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIZZRe1e5L8&list=PLcDghvQhYD9IOCPeVG4pQvLDCuTCit_D8&index=4 GOVERNANCE GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Discussion on PM Man Ki Baat Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on the 80th edition of Mann Ki Baat.  The prime minister touched upon a host of topics, including India's rich spiritual tradition and the boost the sporting culture has received after its performance in the Tokyo Olympics, in the address and also paid glowing tributes to hockey legend Dhyan Chand, saying he conquered the world of hockey for the country. During Sunday's 'Mann ki Baat', Modi also added that the advancements accomplished in the space sector in the country have caught people's imagination and expressed confidence that a large number of satellites in the coming days will be those on which youngsters from universities, labs and other sectors would have worked upon. key takeaways from Modi's address- Olympics and sports: August 29th is celebrated as National Sports Day in India and also marks the birth anniversary of legendary Major Dhyan Chand. PM Modi said the passion for sports in the youth of the country at the present times is the greatest tribute to Major Dhyan Chand further adding that Indians managed to win a medal in Olympics in the game of Hockey after 4 decades and Major Dhyan Chand will be extremely proud of this young generation, who are working hard to ensure a medal for the country and are putting their best foot forward at the international games. "Irrespective of the number of medals won, no citizen of India enjoys victory until a medal is won in hockey. And this time, in the Olympics, the medal that was won for hockey came our way after four decades," PM said. Janmashtami and Iscon Extending greetings for Krishna Janmashtami, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the countrymen to carry forward the great traditions of the nation. Start-up Stating that the toy industry has a huge market of around Rs 6 to 7 lakh crore in the world, the prime minister said that the country's youth have resolved to make an impact of Indian toys globally and that youth today is focussing on improving the processes, variety and technology in toy-making and experimenting with new things. Swachh Bharat Lauding the ongoing Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in the country, he lauded Indore city's progress and talked about the city's decision to maintain a 'Water Plus City'. Sanskrit Urging the citizens to cherish and preserve Sanskrit, he said the language helps nurture knowledge and strengthens national unity as Sanskrit helps nurture knowledge and also national unity, strengthens it.  (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Q.1) Consider the following statement about Article 19(1)(d) It entitles every citizen to move freely throughout the territory of the country. This right is protected against only state action and not private individuals. It is available to both citizens and legal persons like companies or corporations. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.2) Consider the following statement about International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) It was established by resolution of United Nations General Assembly and reports to UN Security Council The IAEA has its headquarters in New York  In 2005, it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for a safe and peaceful world. India joined IAEA in 2008 after signing Nuclear deal with USA. Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 and 2 only 2 and 4 only 1,2 and 3 only 1,2 and 4 only Q.3) Consider the following statements about United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection It was established in the aftermath of Rio Summit of 1992 Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 30th August 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 C 3 C Must Read On National Monetisation Pipeline: The Hindu On India’s commitment to green future: The Hindu On Taliban overtures to India: Indian Express

Aug 31, 2021 Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 93]: 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-93 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Aug 31, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 1 Questions [31st August,2021] – Day 167

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 1 Questions [31st August,2021] – Day 167 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. Panchayati Raj system in India requires second-generation reforms to secure grassroots development through democratic grassroots governance. Comment. (10 Marks) लोकतांत्रिक जमीनी शासन के माध्यम से जमीनी विकास को सुरक्षित करने के लिए भारत में पंचायती राज व्यवस्था को दूसरी पीढ़ी के सुधारों की आवश्यकता है। टिप्पणी करें। 2. Do you think lateral entry into the civil services would ensure better governance? Critically examine. (10 Marks) क्या आपको लगता है tकि सिविल सेवाओं में पार्श्व प्रवेश बेहतर शासन सुनिश्चित करेगा? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें। 3. There has been an impetus on ‘participative governance’ in recent times. What do you understand by this concept? Is governance in India truly participative? Give your views. (15 Mark) हाल के दिनों में ‘सहभागी शासन’ पर काफी जोर रहा है। इस अवधारणा से आप क्या समझते हैं? क्या भारत में शासन वास्तव में सहभागी है? अपने विचार दें। 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 :)

Aug 31, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 31st August 2021

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

Aug 30, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [27th August,2021] Day 165: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [27th August,2021] Day 165: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana as a poverty alleviation programme.    Approach  Introduce with the context of pandemic amid which the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana was introduced.In next part write what are the benefits of the scheme and what are its limitations .In conclusion make a critical statement and suggest some remedies. Introduction  COVID-19 pandemic forced all the economic activities to be shutdown amid the fear of its spread and mortality.This led to large scale migration of daily workers from cities towards their villages. These people neither had savings, nor access to welfare schemes or proper healthcare in the cities which led them to rush back to the villages.Thus to address the issue migrants government introduced ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna’ on 26, March,2020.This scheme has now been extended till November of year 2021 in view of second wave of COVID-19 and lagging economic recovery. Body About scheme  PMGKAY is a part of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) to help the poor fight the battle against Covid-19. Its nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance. It was initially announced for a three month period (April, May and June 2020), covering 80 crore ration cardholders. Later it was extended till November 2020. However in April 2021, the government had announced its decision to restart the PMGKAY. The scheme aimed at providing each person who is covered under the National Food Security Act 2013 with an additional 5 kg grains (wheat or rice) for free, in addition to the 5 kg of subsidised food grain already provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The new version of the PMGKAY lacks one of its important components which was there in 2020 PMGKAY i:e free-of-cost 1 kg pulses per month to each household covered under the NFSA. Positive Impacts of PM Garib Kalyan Yojana in alleviating poverty: It was the first step by the government when pandemic affected India.The scheme reached its targeted population feeding almost 80Cr people.These were further the groups which are most marginalised including mostly migrants, tribals, widows. It has proven to be more of a safety net to migrant people who had job and livelihood losses.Thus they were able to follow lockdown rules effectively without the need to worry about daily food requirements. Further the government by increasing the already existing allocation ensured that a family of 5 can easily sustain as earlier allocation might would not have been sufficient for whole family. This has also ensured nutrition security to children of the migrant workers.Thus the indicators of hunger will not be hampered in long run. This will also lead to savings in people’s hand to spend on other essential services such as health and education. Challenges of PM Garib Kalyan Yojana The effectiveness of PM Garib Kalyan will be more in states with well-functioning PDS. That is, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Odisha — but not Uttar Pradesh or Bihar.This will be counter productive as the main aim is to help the migrants which predominantly come from Uttarpradesh and Bihar.  The scheme has been affected by widespread corruption, leakages and failure to distribute grain to the intended recipients. Several of the states above have claimed that the ineffective distribution has been caused by the beneficiaries, especially migrant workers, not being available to receive their rations. Out of the 79.25 crore beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), only 55 crore have so far received their 5 kg. However, almost 90% of beneficiaries have received their regular subsidized grain for the month, raising questions over why the free grain has reached fewer beneficiaries. Many people were denied their share due to inability to access ration cards. Livelihood losses led to decline in aggregate demand and resulted into lowest ever consumption expenditure by the people owing to scarcity of cash. This in turn led to selling of the free grains obtained in the local markets for cash. Way Forward  There should be a all-encompassing database for migrant workers and their family. This should accurately capture the data on migration. The One Nation One Ration Card should be implemented in true spirit by all the states. Along with food security, there should be a sustainable income support through schemes like MGNREGA accompanied by free vaccines in nearest future. The leakages in PDS should be minimised through modernise PDS. To avoid leakages, there should be food-token system. Conclusion Pradhan Mantri GaribKalyan Yojna is a well intentioned scheme to help the vulnerable sectors in this difficult times.But as compared to other nations economic packages, the scheme falls short to alleviate people from poverty. Therefore the government should take more steps such as giving unemployment allowances, partial Universal basic income and free treatment of all people under Ayushman Bharat scheme.This will ensure a faster and equitable economic recovery. 2. How effective can be strategy of providing a universal basic income to the poor as a poverty alleviation measure in India? Critically evaluate while discussing its pros and cons.  Approach  Introduce UBI in the current context of Indian economy.Then write its positive and limitations in current Indian scenario.At last conclude with taking a balanced path of qualified UBI and other supporting measures. Introduction  The pandemic has caused unprecedented crises and disruptions around the world. It has inflicted the greatest pain on those who were already the most vulnerable, spurring hardship and unease among low-income families and micro-businesses. In the process, it uncovered existing inequities and created new ones.The crisis has once again brought to fore the idea of universal basic income (UBI)—periodic and unconditional cash payments to all citizens. The basic income idea has enjoyed a popular resurgence in recent years. Body Current context and the idea of universal basic income To deal with the economic inequality, unemployment and poverty created by the Covid-19 pandemic, many advocate Universal Basic Income (UBI) programme to be a solution. Read more on Coronavirus and its impact on the economy. In order to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, governments across the world have imposed measures like lockdown and social distancing. However, collateral damage has been caused by these measures to almost every sector of the economy, so much so that the International Monetary Fund- IMF held the current economic crisis could be the worst ever since the Great depression 1929. With almost 90% of India’s workforce in the informal sector without minimum wages or social security, micro-level circumstances in India are worse than anywhere else. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country was struggling to provide job opportunities for millions of job aspirants who were entering the job market. Read in detail bout the Unemployment in India on the linked page. Regular payments through UBI can ensure the sustenance of the workers engaged in the informal sector, at least till the economy normalises. The National Democratic Alliance government has already unfolded a limited version of the UBI in the form of the Pradhanmantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) which promises ₹6,000 per annum to farmers who own less than 2 hectares of land. Therefore, expanding it to other sectors is the question of the hour. Benefits of UBI Social Justice: UBI is firstly a test of an egalitarian society. Any society where all people do not earn income equally fails the test of justice. UBI propounds many of the basic values of a society that respects all individuals as equal. It promotes equality because it is anti-paternalistic, opens up the possibility of flexibility in labour markets. It promotes efficiency by increasing transparency in government transfers. Further information on Transparency in the Administration is available on the given link. Poverty Reduction: if the current financial system functions properly the UBI- Universal Basic Income may simply be the fastest way of poverty reduction. Know more about Poverty a social challenge on the given link. Agency: Our current welfare system, even when well-intentioned, inflicts an indignity upon the poor by assuming that they cannot take economic decisions relevant to their lives. An unconditional cash transfer treats them as agents, not subjects. UBI liberates citizens from paternalistic and clientele relationships with the state. By taking the individual and not the household as the unit of the beneficiary, UBI can also enhance agency, especially of women within households. Employment: UBI could open up new potentials for labour markets. It creates tractability by allowing individuals to have fractional or standardised engagements with the labour market without fear of losing benefits. They permit more non-exploitative negotiation since people will no longer be required to accept any working conditions, just so that they can survive. Administrative Efficiency: In India in particular, the case for UBI has been heightened because of the weakness of current welfare schemes that are riddled with misallocation, escapes and exclusion of the poor. When the trinity of JAM Jan-Dhan,-Aadhaar and Mobile is fully adopted the time would be apt for a mode of delivery that is administratively more efficient. Institutional credit: According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data from the 70th round, institutional credits account for less than 15% of the total borrowing by landless agricultural workers; The figure for marginal and small farmers is only 30%. These groups have to borrow from moneylenders and adhatiyas at exorbitant interest rates ranging from 24 to 60%. As a result, they do not stand to benefit much from the interest rate subsidy for the agriculture sector. Issues in implementation of UBI Lack of the political will because of the costs involved. The fiscal cost of a UBI pegged at Rs. 7,620, at 75% universality, was 4.9% of the GDP.The Economic Survey of India's (2016-17) model of UBI suggested providing Rs. 7,620 per annum to 75% of India's population.The income was based on Suresh Tendulkar's poverty line of 2011-12 inflation-indexed to 2016-17. A UBI on par with the numbers suggested by the Economic Survey could lead to targeted household incomes increasing by almost Rs. 40,000 per annum, since the average Indian household size is approximately five. Difficulty in reducing some of the existing subsidies to balance the resultant deficit. There is no guarantee that the given cash will be spent on productive activities, health & education, etc. It may be spent on tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and other luxury goods etc. Free cash to the people will increase the rate of inflation in the economy. Workers can refuse to work as a labourer or demand higher wages which can increase the cost of production of agricultural goods.  Gender Disparity: Gender norms may regulate the sharing of UBI within the household. Men are likely to exercise control over UBI spending, which may not always be the case in other in-kind transfers.  Political economy of universality – idea for self-exclusion: opposition may arise from the provision of transferring to the rich individual as it might seem to trump the idea of equity and state welfare of the poor. Conclusion A qualified Universal basic income can be an answer to the limitations mentioned above.This will make people who are really vulnerable to sustain and progress.However UBI is not necessarily a silver bullet or a cure-all to end inequality. It is a potentially important tool that works best as a complement to broader poverty eradication programmes. It needs serious attention because we owe an obligation to humanity to end the appalling inequalities. 3. What is fortified rice? How can it be helpful in addressing ‘hidden hunger’?Discuss. Approach  Define what is hidden hunger in introduction and contextualise to Indian context.In next part mention what are positives of fortifying rice in India.Further write some apprehension related to fortification of food.In conclusion take a balanced view on the fortification and suggest a way ahead. Introduction  When body lacks micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals like Iron, Vitamin B 12, Folic Acid in diet, even if a person is eating enough food, it can lead to devastating effects– from mental impairment, poor health, low productivity and a poor quality of life.This lack of vitamins and nutrients is termed as ‘Hidden Hunger’.India has one of the worst body wasting and stunting status in children below 5 years as per Global nutrition survey.Therefore in this context food fortification especially of rice which is a staple diet of majority in India can have great impact on reducing hunger and malnutrition. Body What is fortified rice . Rice can be fortified by adding a micronutrient powder to the rice that adheres to the grains or spraying of the surface of ordinary rice grains with a vitamin and mineral mix to form a protective coating. Rice can also be extruded and shaped into partially precooked grain-like structures resembling rice grains, which can then be blended with natural polished rice. Rice kernels can be fortified with several micro-nutrients, such as iron, folic acid and other B-complex vitamins, vitamin A and zinc. These fortified kernels are then mixed with normal rice in a 1:100 ratio, and distributed for consumption. Benefits of Fortified rice Fortified staple foods will contain natural or near natural levels of micro-nutrients, which may not necessarily be the case with supplements.This is necessary as according to Food and Agricultural organisation more than 50 percent of India are either not on balanced diet or the diet is unaffordable.Therefore fortifying will help in this regard. It provides nutrition without any change in characteristics of food or course of our meals.This will not make people apprehensive of changing their dietary habits, further no further extra cost has to be incurred on supply and purchases. If consumed on a regular and frequent basis, fortified foods will maintain body stores of nutrients more efficiently and more effectively than will intermittent supplements.This will help India to achieve the targets of Zero hunger and also lead to India been able to effectively utilise its demographic dividend. The overall costs of fortification are extremely low; the price increase is approximately 1 to 2 per cent of the total food value.Therefore the overall project will not be affecting the fiscal deficit of the government. Some issues with fortifications of rice Fortification and enrichment upsets nature’s packaging. Our body does not absorb individual nutrients added to processed foods as efficiently compared to nutrients naturally occurring. Supplements added to foods are less bioavailable. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient your body is able to absorb and use. Fortified foods and supplements can pose specific risks for people who are taking prescription medications, including decreased absorption of other micro-nutrients, treatment failure, and increased mortality risk. However these risks have not found to be to profound as per the ministry of health and family welfare which had given a go ahead to introduce the fortified rice in the mid day meal scheme. Conclusion Hidden hunger is a threat to individual development, burden on families and may affect the human capital of a nation.Therefore to tackle this menace there is a need to supply the essential nutrients in a faster and adequate quantity especially in India were the hunger indicators are worst.Further in long run the scientists should be incentivised to find solutions to the present limitations of food fortification and simultaneously an awareness campaign should be conducted to persuade people to adopt an balanced diet in the long run. TLP Synopsis Day 165 PDF

Aug 30, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th August 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- Government Schemes In News: The Scheme completes seven years of successful implementation Background Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, Banking/ Savings & Deposit Accounts, Remittance, Credit, Insurance, Pension in an affordable manner. Objectives: Ensure access of financial products & services at an affordable cost Use of technology to lower cost & widen reach Basic tenets of the scheme Banking the unbanked - Opening of basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account with minimal paperwork, relaxed KYC, e-KYC, account opening in camp mode, zero balance & zero charges Securing the unsecured - Issuance of Indigenous Debit cards for cash withdrawals & payments at merchant locations, with free accident insurance coverage of Rs. 2 lakh Funding the unfunded - Other financial products like micro-insurance, overdraft for consumption, micro-pension & micro-credit The scheme was launched based upon the following 6 pillars: Universal access to banking services – Branch and BC Basic savings bank accounts with overdraft facility of Rs. 10,000/- to every eligible adult Financial Literacy Program– Promoting savings, use of ATMs, getting ready for credit, availing insurance and pensions, using basic mobile phones for banking  Creation of Credit Guarantee Fund – To provide banks some guarantee against defaults Insurance – Accident cover up to Rs. 1,00,000 and life cover of   Rs. 30,000 on account opened between 15 Aug 2014 to 31 January 2015 Pension scheme for Unorganized sector Important approach adopted in PMJDY based on past experience: Accounts opened are online accounts in core banking system of banks, in place of earlier method of offline accounts opening with technology lock-in with the vendor Inter-operability through RuPay debit card or Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS) Fixed-point Business Correspondents Simplified KYC / e-KYC in place of cumbersome KYC formalities Extension of PMJDY with New features – The Government decided to extend the comprehensive PMJDY program beyond 28.8.2018 with some modifications Focus shift from ‘Every Household’ to Every Unbanked Adult’  RuPay Card Insurance - Free accidental insurance cover on RuPay cards increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh for PMJDY accounts opened after 28.8.2018. Enhancement in overdraft facilities - OD limit doubled from Rs 5,000/- to Rs 10,000/-;  OD upto Rs 2,000/- (without conditions). Increase in upper age limit for OD from 60 to 65 years Impact of PMJDY More than 43.04 crore beneficiaries banked under PMJDY since inception, amounting to Rs. 146,231 crore PMJDY Accounts have grown three-fold from 14.72 Crore in Mar’15 to 43.04 Crore as on 18-08-2021 55% Jan-Dhan account holders are women and 67% Jan Dhan accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas Out of total 43.04 crore PMJDY accounts, 36.86 crore (86%) are operative Total RuPay cards issued to PMJDY accountholders: 31.23 Crore Under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana, a total of Rs. 30,945 crore have been credited in accounts of women PMJDY account holders during Covid lockdown About 5.1 crore PMJDY accountholders receive direct benefit transfer (DBT) from the Government under various schemes. Jallianwala Bagh Smarak Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-I- Modern History In News: Prime Minister Modi dedicated the renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh Smarak to the nation. Elaborate heritage restoration works have been carried out in sync with the local architectural style of Punjab. The Shaheedi well has been repaired and restored with a redefined super structure About Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also called Massacre of Amritsar was an incident on April 13, 1919, in which British troops fired on a large crowd of unarmed Indians in an open space known as the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar in Punjab. A large but peaceful crowd had gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the arrest of pro-Indian independence leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlu and Dr. Satya Pal.  Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlu and Dr. Satya Pal opposed the passing of Rowlat Act in early 1919, which essentially extended the repressive wartime measures.  In response to the public gathering at Bagh, the British Brigadier-General R. E. H. Dyer surrounded the Bagh with his soldiers. After blocking the exit with his troops, he ordered them to shoot at the crowd, continuing to fire even as protestors tried to flee. The Jallianwala Bagh could only be exited on one side, as its other three sides were enclosed by buildings. At least 1000 people were killed and over 1,200 other people were injured The ineffective inquiry by Disorders Inquiry Committee (also known as Hunters Commission) together with the initial praise for Dyer, fuelled great widespread anger against the British among the Indian populace, leading to the Non-cooperation movement of 1920–22. This incident shocked Rabindranath Tagore (the first Indian and Asian Nobel laureate) to such an extent that he renounced his knighthood. Britain never formally apologised for the massacre but expressed "regret" in 2019. BCG vaccine: 100 years and counting Part of: GS Prelims and GS-3: Science  Context: The centenary celebrations of the first use of BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin), the vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) in humans. About TB TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, belonging to the Mycobacteriaceae family consisting of about 200 members.  In humans, TB most commonly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also affect other organs (extra-pulmonary TB). Despite being avery ancient diseases (existed in Egypt in 3000BC), it has not been eradicated or controlled to a large extent. According to the WHO’s Global TB Report, 10 million people developed TB in 2019 with 1.4 million deaths. India accounts for 27% of these cases. About BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) BCG was developed by two Frenchmen, Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin. They modified a strain of Mycobacterium bovis (that causes TB in cattle) till it lost its capacity to cause disease while retaining its property to stimulate the immune system. It was first used in humans in 1921. In addition to its primary use as a vaccine against TB, BCG also protects against respiratory and bacterial infections of the newborns, and other mycobacterial diseases like leprosy and Buruli’s ulcer.  In India, BCG was first introduced in a limited scale in 1948 and became a part of the National TB Control Programme in 1962. One intriguing fact about BCG is that it works well in some geographic locations and not so well in others. Generally, the farther a country is from the equator, the higher is the efficacy.  It has a high efficacy in the UK, Norway, Sweden and Denmark; and little or no efficacy in countries on or near the equator like India, Kenya and Malawi, where the burden of TB is higher. Currently, BCG is the only licensed vaccine available for the prevention of TB.  Over the last ten years 14 new vaccines have been developed for TB and are in clinical trials. Also Read Approaches to Vaccine making Nation’s first mRNA-based vaccine Indemnity and Vaccine Pricing Militancy in Assam’s Dima Hasao Part of: GS Prelims and GS-2: Governance Context: A suspected militant attack left five truckers dead in Assam’s Dima Hasao hill district. Intelligence inputs suggest that an outfit called the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) was behind the attack. What is the history of militancy in Dima Hasao? The hill districts of Assam — Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao (earlier North Cachar Hills) — have had a long history of insurgency by Karbi and Dimasa groups which peaked in the mid-1990s, and was rooted in a core demand of statehood. Both districts are now protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and allows for greater political autonomy and decentralised governance in certain tribal areas of the Northeast. They are run by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council respectively. In Dima Hasao, the demand for statehood began in the 1960s, along with other tribal sections of undivided Assam. A demand for a full-fledged state, ‘Dimaraji’, gathered steam, and led to the start of militancy through formation of armed groups. Who are the Dimasas? The Dimasas (or Dimasa-Kacharis) are the earliest known rulers and settlers of Assam, and now live in Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, Cachar, Hojai and Nagaon districts of central and southern Assam, as well as parts of Nagaland. Prior to Ahom rule, the Dimasa kings — believed to be the descendants of the rulers of the ancient Kamarupa kingdom — ruled large parts of Assam along the south bank of the Brahmaputra between the 13th and 16th centuries.  Their earliest historically known capital was Dimapur (now in Nagaland), and later Maibang in North Cachar Hills. Related Articles Assam Mizoram Border Dispute Naga Issue Bodo Issue (News from PIB) POSHAN Maah Part of: GS Prelims and Mains GS-II- Health & Governance In News:   Thematic POSHAN Maah will be Celebrated Across the Nation Throughout the Month of September as Part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. About POSHAN (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) Abhiyaan: Launched by Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoW&CD) on the occasion of International Women’s Day on 8 March, 2018 from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan, POSHAN Abhiyaan is Government of India’s flagship programmed to improve nutritional outcomes for children, adolescent Girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers.  The Abhiyaan targets to reduce  Stunting by 2% per annum Undernutrition by 2% per annum Anemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) by 3% per annum Reduce low birth weight by 2% per annum  It is an inclusive Jan Andolan or “People’s Movement” that involves participation of public representatives of local bodies, government departments of the States/UTs, social organizations and the public and private sector at large. Focusing on the aims of POSHAN Abhiyaan, Mission Poshan 2.0 (Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0) has been announced in the Budget 2021-2022 as an integrated nutrition support programme, to strengthen nutritional content, delivery, outreach and outcomes with focus on developing practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity to disease and malnutrition. In order to ensure community mobilization and bolster people’s participation, every year, the month of September is celebrated as POSHAN Maah across the country.  This year, the entire month of September has been subdivided into weekly themes for focused and assimilated approach towards improving Holistic Nutrition.  Details Theme 1 (1-7 September) Plantation Activity as “PoshanVatika” Plantation activity will focus on planting of saplings of nutritious fruit trees, local vegetables and medicinal plants and herbs. Theme 2 (8-15 September) Yoga and AYUSH for Nutrition Theme 3 (16-23 September) Distribution of ‘Regional Nutrition Kit’ to Anganwadi beneficiaries of High Burdened Districts Theme 4 (24-30 September) Identification of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) children and distribution of nutritious food News Source: PIB FDI Inflow Part of: GS Prelims  In news: Measures taken by the Government on the fronts of FDI policy reforms, investment facilitation and ease of doing business have resulted in increased FDI inflows into the country. About the trends in India’s Foreign Direct Investment: India has attracted total FDI inflow of US$ 22.53 billion during first three months of 2021-22, i.e., April, 2021 to June, 2021 which is 90% higher as compared to first three months of 2020-21 (US$ 11.84 billion). FDI equity inflow grew by 168% in the first three months of F.Y. 2021-22 (US$ 17.57 billion) compared to the year ago period (US$ 6.56 billion).  Automobile Industry emerges as the top sector during the first three months of F.Y. 2021-22 with 27% share of the total FDI Equity inflow followed by Computer Software & Hardware (17%) and Services Sector (11%) respectively. Karnataka is the top recipient state during the F.Y. 2021-22 (upto June, 2021) with 48% share of the total FDI Equity inflows followed by Maharashtra (23%) and Delhi (11%). News Source: PIB (Mains Focus) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation GS-3: Infrastructure; Developmental Challenges Hydropower Projects in the Himalayas Context:  The Environment Ministry, in an affidavit placed in the Supreme Court recently, has disclosed that it has permitted seven hydroelectric power projects, which are reportedly in advanced stages of construction, to go ahead.  Feb 2021 Uttarakhand floods washed away at least two hydroelectric power projects — the13.2 MW Rishiganga hydroelectric power project and the Tapovan project on the Dhauliganga river, a tributary of the Alakananda. This was due to the break in the Raunthi glacier that triggered floods in the Rishiganga river. What’s the history of hydropower projects in the Himalayas? In the aftermath of the Kedarnath floods of 2013 that killed at least 5,000 people, the Supreme Court had halted the development of hydroelectric projects in Uttarakhand pending a review by the Environment Ministry on the role such projects had played in amplifying the disaster.  A 17-member expert committee, led by environmentalist Ravi Chopra, was set up by the Ministry to examine the role of 24 such proposed hydroelectric projects in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basin, which contains the Ganga and several tributaries.  The Chopra committee concluded that 23 projects would have an “irreversible impact” on the ecology of the region. Following this, six private project developers, whose projects were among those recommended to be stopped, said that they should be allowed to continue since their projects had already been cleared for construction before the Kedarnath tragedy. The SC directed a new committee to be set up to examine their case. This committee led by Vinod Tare of IIT Kanpur, concluded that these projects could have a significant environmental impact.  The Environment Ministry in 2015 set up yet another committee led by B.P. Das, that recommended all six projects with design modifications to some, and this gives way to the Environment Ministry’s current stance (permitting these projects)w. The Power Ministry seconded the Environment Ministry’s stance. What are the challenges such projects face? Impact on Cleanliness of Ganga The Water Ministry has maintained that the cleanliness of the river was premised on minimum levels of water flow in all seasons and the proposed projects could hinder this Climate Change increases the risk of such projects Glacier melt and permafrost thaw are projected to decrease the stability of mountain slopes and increase the number and area of glacier lakes. This increases the chances of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Environmental experts have attributed the glacial melt to global warming. The thermal profile of ice is increasing, which means that the temperature of ice that used to range from -6 to -20oC, was now -2oC, making it more susceptible to melting.  It was these changing phenomena that made infrastructure projects in the Himalayan regions risky. Moreover, with increased instances of cloudbursts, and intense spells of rainfall and avalanches, residents of the region were also placed at increased risk of loss of lives and livelihood. What are the conflicts/dilemmas involved with hydropower projects in Himalayas? Developmental Obligations: The Uttarakhand government has said that it’s paying over ₹1,000 crores annually to purchase electricity and therefore, the more such projects are cancelled, the harder for them to meet their development obligations.  Disproportionate risk borne by residents: Several environmentalists, residents of the region, say that the proposed projects being built by private companies allot only a limited percentage of their produced power for the State of Uttarakhand itself. Thus the State, on its own, takes on massive environmental risk without being adequately compensated for it. Renewable Source of Energy: The Centre is committed to hydropower projects because it’s a renewable source of power and helps achieve the target set forth in Paris Climate Accords. Several environmental activists say that the government push to such projects often ignores the heavy environmental & ecological cost associated with it Way Forward Government should adhere to the recommendation made by the expert committees that there should be no hydropower development beyond an elevation of 2,200 metre in the Himalayan region.  The ecological damage of hydropower projects in Himalayan region (especially in Uttarakhand) combined with the reduced cost of solar power means that government should not favour any further greenfield hydropower projects in the region. Connecting the dots: Institutional Structure for Disaster Management On Himachal Pradesh Landslide Tragedy Floods in Europe  Urban Floods: Time for a ‘sponge cities’ mission in India EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation What’s new in Higher Education Context: The new National Education Policy is in the news again with Delhi University (DU) approving the introduction of the four-year undergraduate programme from 2022, amid opposition from teachers. The NEP proposes several reforms for higher education. A look at how, if implemented in letter and spirit, the NEP can change the classroom experience: Multidisciplinarity Higher education in India is focused on producing disciplinary experts. But the new NEP proposes to break disciplinary boundaries.  What this means is that B Tech students, for example, would no longer limit themselves to their engineering branch. Instead, their programmes will have a more significant component of arts and humanities.  “Students of arts and humanities will aim to learn more science, and all will make an effort to incorporate more vocational subjects and soft skills,” the policy states. IIT-Bombay’s new Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Engineering (LASE) Programme is one example of how the NEP’s vision translates on ground It gives students the option to graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in five fields or “concentrations” — engineering sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, art and design. The fifth option permits the student to design her own concentration.  Four-year undergrad programme Undergraduate programmes in India, except professional degrees such as B Tech and MBBS, usually last three years.  While the NEP doesn’t call for scrapping of the three-year format, it states that the four-year multidisciplinary Bachelor’s programme “shall be the preferred option”. The new policy proposes to increase the length of degree programmes to allow students to experience the full range of holistic and multidisciplinary education. While students pursuing undergraduate education will be studying an extra year, they will also have the option to exit early with the “appropriate certification”. Quitting after the  First year will earn - a certificate Second year -a diploma Third Year – a Bachelor’s degree.  Completing the entire programme would lead to a bachelor’s degree “with Research” if the student completes “a rigorous research project” in her major area(s) of study. Delhi University is the first to implement this NEP suggestion. Starting 2022, DU students can opt for either a three-year honours programme, or a four-year honours programme, or a four-year honours programme with research. They can also exit with appropriate certification. Academic Bank of Credit The University Grants Commission (UGC) had introduced a choice-based credit system (CBCS) before the NEP. Under this system, you earn credits for each course you take during your degree studies.  The Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) proposed by the NEP is where higher education institutions will digitally deposit credits earned by students for courses they studied. Under the ABC, students will be given multiple entry and exit options. This enables students to leave a degree or course and get a corresponding certification and rejoin studies after a certain time and be able to start from where they had left. It will also provide students with the flexibility to move between institutes while pursuing one degree or leave a course. Designating credits to each course would also mean that courses or projects in areas such as community service, environmental education, sciences, art, sports and value-based education would carry weight. This would go a long way in “attainment of a holistic and multidisciplinary education”. Regional languages The new education policy lays emphasis on promoting Indian languages, arts and culture through education. One of the ways it proposes to do so is by getting higher education institutions to adopt regional languages or the local tongue as the medium of instruction in the classroom.  To begin with, the government has allowed 14 engineering colleges to teach selected engineering programmes in five languages: Marathi, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu and Hindi.  This will help increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education as students who are not proficient in English will be encouraged to pursue further studies in regional languages. National Entrance Test Another proposal is a single university entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency. If this is implemented, students will not have to appear for multiple entrance tests.  Rather than having hundreds of universities each devising their own entrance exams, Universities can make use of this common entrance exam which drastically reduces the burden on students and the entire education system.  Connecting the dots: New Education policy 2020 All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20 NEP: Higher Education Institutions and Board Exams Higher Education in Regional Languages (AIR Spotlight) Spotlight 23 (Aug): Discussion on National Monetisation Pipeline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg5a3QRVwL0 ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Investment Model; Indian Economy & its challenges Discussion on National Monetisation Pipeline Context: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Monetization Pipeline (NMP). About National Monetization Pipeline (NMP): NMP comprises a four-year pipeline of the Central Government’s brownfield infrastructure assets with an aim to monetize core assets under the Central Government to the tune of Rs 6.0 lakh crores over a period of four years, from FY22 to FY25. Besides providing visibility to investors, NMP will also serve as a medium-term roadmap for the Asset Monetisation initiative of the Government. NMP does not include monetization plans through disinvestment or through programmes linked to non-core assets, as presently it only includes assets of central government line ministries and CPSEs in infrastructure sectors. Coordination and collation of asset pipelines from states are ongoing. It is expected to be included in due course. Aims and objectives: The aim of the NMP scheme is to develop a system and a transparent mechanism towards asset monetization and monitor the performance of the initiative as well as help investors plan future activities. The objectives include providing access to quality and affordable infrastructure for citizens by luring private sector investment for better infrastructure creation. It will Create employment opportunities and fuel economic growth along with integration of the rural and semi-urban areas for better public welfare. How the assets will be monetized? An empowered committee has been constituted to implement and monitor the Asset Monetization programme.  The Core Group of Secretaries on Asset Monetization (CGAM) will be headed by the Cabinet Secretary. The sectors in which assets are being identified to monetize include roads, ports, airports, railways, power generation and transmission, telecom, warehousing, gas & product pipeline, mining, stadium, hospitality and housing. Significance of the National Monetization Pipeline (NMP): Identified as the key means for sustainable infrastructure financing, the scheme prepares a monetization pipeline of potential brownfield infrastructure assets including roads, railways, aviation, power, oil and gas, and warehousing.  Brownfield stands for projects which aim at improving or operation infrastructures that are already build and are leased or purchased by an entity  The government has planned a 6-trillion rupees pipeline of assets that can be monetised, which will include a range of assets put on the block for private sector participation. Policy think tank NITI Aayog has finalised the NMP of potential brownfield infrastructure assets that has been created for a four-year period from the financial year 2021-22 to 2024-25. Can you answer this question now? Discuss the role of National Monetization Pipeline in monetizing the core assets under the Central Government to the tune of Rs 6.0 lakh crores over a period of four years. (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) Dimasas, often seen in news, are related to which State of India? Himachal Pradesh Gujarat Assam Odisha Q.2) Consider the following statement about BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) Vaccine BCG is the only licensed vaccine available for the prevention of TB.  In India, BCG became a part of the National TB Control Programme in 2016. BCG also protects against respiratory and bacterial infections of the newborns, and other mycobacterial diseases like leprosy and Buruli’s ulcer.  Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Q.3) Disorders Inquiry Committee during India’s freedom struggle is related to which of the following? Rowlatt Act Central Legislative Bombing Jallianwala Bagh Massacre None of the above ANSWERS FOR 28th August 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 C 3 A Must Read On Human Rights and Police: The Hindu On Biofortified food: The Indian Express On Skilling gaps: Financial Express

Aug 30, 2021 Rapid Revision (RaRe) Series for UPSC

[Day 92]: 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-92 of RaRe Series - Click here To Register - Click here For complete details of the RaRe Series -  Click here

Aug 30, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2021 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 30th August 2021

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