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TLP Mains 2020

[COMPILATIONS] DECEMBER 2020 -IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains 2020 Answer Writing

For TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Hope you all have enjoyed the daily 5 questions from TLP. There are 10 more days to go for Mains Exam. Make sure that you go through all the compilations. Believe in yourself and stay confident. The Mock tests will be held on 31st December 2020 (GS 1 and GS 2), 1st January 2021 ( GS -3 and GS - 4) and 2nd January 2021 (Essay). In order to get the real feel of the exam, try to take the tests diligently on time. Here, we have come up with the much-awaited compilations of  TLP. Make the best use of it. To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE DOWNLOAD THE  TLP COMPILATIONS - DECEMBER 2020 CURRENT AFFAIRS - Click Here General Studies 1 - Click Here General Studies 2 - Click Here General Studies 3 - Click Here General Studies 4 - Click Here TO DOWNLOAD OCTOBER and NOVEMBER 2020 COMPILATIONS -> CLICK HERE To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- TELEGRAM Channel – https://t.me/IASbabaOfficialAccount YOUTUBE  –  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChvbVdio9Wgj7Z3nQz1Q0ZQ FACEBOOK  – https://www.facebook.com/iasbaba/ Also, SUBSCRIBE to the WEBSITE Below, so that you don’t miss out on important posts! Thank You IASbaba

RSTV Video

India, ASEAN Summit: Enhancing Ties – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

India, ASEAN Summit: Enhancing Ties Archives Topic: General Studies 2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.  Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said enhancing all kinds of connectivity, including in social, digital and financial spheres, with the 10-nation ASEAN grouping is a major priority for India. He made the remarks at a virtual summit between India and the ASEAN.  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners.  The summit took place amid China’s aggressive behaviour in the disputed South China Sea as well as in eastern Ladakh. A number of ASEAN countries have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.  Theme: Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN The ASEAN leaders – Acknowledged India’s contribution towards promoting peace and stability in the region and welcomed India’s support to ASEAN centrality.  The Leaders also welcomed the adoption of the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2021-2025. The discussions also covered regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including South China Sea and terrorism.  Both sides noted the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region including through upholding adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS.  The leaders affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the South China Sea, and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight. ASEAN and India The ties between India and ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence.  The ASEAN region along with India together comprises a combined population of 1.85 billion people, which is one fourth of the global population and their combined GDP has been estimated at over USD 3.8 trillion. ASEAN-India strategic partnership stands on a strong foundation of shared geographical, historical and civilisational ties. India’s Act East Policy, underlining ASEAN centrality, reflects the importance, India attaches to engagement with ASEAN. India was one of the first countries to welcome ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific, which has a lot in common with India’s own Indo-Pacific Vision. New Delhi wants to see a strong, unified and prosperous ASEAN playing a central role in the Indo-Pacific region. With the increasing focus on oceans as providers of resources, the reservoirs of biodiversity, the highways of global trade and the frontiers of scientific research, cooperation in the maritime domain has become increasingly important under the overall rubric of ASEAN-India cooperation. ASEAN and India share land and maritime borders, and there is a lot of scope for enhancing connectivity through land, air and sea. India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is an ongoing effort to enhance road connectivity between Northeast India and Southeast Asia. There is good air-connectivity between India and several ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Last year, Indigo and Vietjet started air-services between India and Vietnam. With the Indo-Pacific gaining salience in global discourse, the partnership between India and ASEAN is poised to achieve new strengths. India –   Underlined the centrality of ASEAN in India's Act East Policy   Noted that a cohesive, responsive and prosperous ASEAN is central to India's Indo-Pacific Vision and contributes to Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).  Underscored the importance of strengthening convergence between India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific, to ensure a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.  He also invited the ASEAN countries to cooperate on various pillars of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). On COVID-19 Highlighted India's response and broader support to the international community, and welcomed ASEAN's initiatives to fight the pandemic.  Prime Minister announced a contribution of US$ 1 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. On connectivity Underscored the importance of greater physical and digital connectivity between ASEAN and India Reiterated India's offer of US$ 1 billion Line of Credit to support ASEAN connectivity On trade and investment, underlined the importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains for post-COVID economic recovery. Connecting the Dots: What are India’s strategic and economic interests in the ASEAN? What measures have been taken for increasing outreach to the ASEAN countries? Examine.

MindMaps

Mind Maps: Article 356 & Judicial Overreach - General Studies 2

Mind Maps: Article 356 & Judicial Overreach - General Studies 2 For Previous Important Topics (Mind Maps) - ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Recently we have come up with a NEW INITIATIVE - BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS! Mind-map is an incredible powerful thinking tool, an innate human language that will have immense benefit in your preparation. The main idea is to brainstorm different aspects of an issue - think in multi-dimensions; what we call 360 degrees of an issue. The whole of this exercise will unleash your creativity to push your brain cells to recall the data learnt and to make it more relevant for your preparation. It will help you to make your Revision and Retention a far better apart from giving you more Clarity in the topics/issue at hand and improve your Concentration. You can see the drastic impact mind-maps will have in a few weeks, provided you are regular with this exercise. So here we are with Today’s TOPIC! Article 356 & Judicial Overreach - General Studies 2 NOTE – Instructions to download Mind Maps/Images Right Click on the image and ‘Open image in new tab’ Remove/Delete the resolution part from the URL. Eg. “-1536x757” and Press Enter/Load Again Right Click and Save Image As/Download (You’ll get the maximum resolution) Article 356 & Judicial Overreach   YOUR PARTICIPATION? – VERY IMPORTANT Unlike what we were doing before, in this initiative we want students to learn and brainstorm through mind-maps (It is not necessary that you use a software/tool to design mind maps. You can prepare mindmaps using a pen and a sheet of paper). We will share the final printable mind map twice a week. We will also provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping.  To Know More about the initiative, Benefits and How to use a mind-map ->CLICK HERE Together we can, we will. The strength of the community is more powerful than individual effort. We have started it. You have to strengthen it” You can Start sharing Your Mind-maps (get feedback from IASbaba) & Topics of your interest in the comment section below!!   Thank You IASbaba

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th December 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Financial grants distributed to Namghars Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Culture & GS-II – Policies and Interventions In news  The Union Home Minister distributed financial grants to 8,000 Namghars under the Assam Darshan programme. Important value additions  Namghars are traditional Vaisnavite monasteries of Assam.  Namghars (literally meaning Prayer House) are places for congregational worship associated with the entire Assamese community and the Ekasarana sect of Hinduism, in particular, that is native to Assam. Besides forming the primary structure used for worship, they also function as meeting houses and theatres for dramatic performances (bhaona). The Namghar, also called the kirtanghar, is also the central structure in the Sattras (monasteries of the Ekasarana religion) where the other buildings are positioned around it. Namghars were introduced in Assam by the Vaishnavite saints Damodaradeva, Madhavadeva and Sankaradeva for Assamese people where they can culture and practice naam (devotional songs) and Bhakti of God (devotion). Government introduces mandatory physical verification of business premises for GST registration Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – GST; Taxation In news  The government has introduced mandatory physical verification of business premises for the purposes of obtaining GST registration. Key takeaways  The move is aimed at controlling the menace of GST fake invoice frauds.  Recommended by: GST Council’s law committee. Separately, a new rule has been introduced by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs that mandates businesses with monthly turnover of over ₹50 lakh to pay at least 1% of their GST liability in cash instead of using input tax credits to discharge their entire liability. The validity of e-way bills has also been changed, doubling the distance to be covered for each day of validity, effective January 1.  Till now, an e-way bill for transporting goods under GST allowed transporters to cover 100 km in one day.  Now, that distance for each day of validity has been increased to 200 km. Related articles: GST compensation: Click here Global energy companies demand Natural Gas under GST regime: Click here CAG report on GST: Click here BBX11: A gene that facilitates in the greening of plants Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & tech In news  Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) have identified a gene that facilitates in the greening of plants.  This gene plays a crucial role in regulating the levels of protochlorophyllide which is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of the green pigment chlorophyll. Key takeaways  IISER scientists have identified the gene ‘BBX11'.  The study was recently published in the British journal New Phytologist. The synthesis of chlorophyll in plants is a lengthy, multi-step process.  When a seedling emerges from under the soil it must quickly synthesise chlorophyll to start supporting its own growth. In order to facilitate quick synthesis of chlorophyll, plants make a precursor of chlorophyll called ‘protochlorophyllide’ in the dark, which glows red when blue light is shone on the plant. As soon as the plant comes out into the light from under the soil, light-dependent enzymes convert protochlorophyllide to chlorophyll. The amount of protochlorophyllide synthesised needs to be proportional to the number of enzymes available to convert them to chlorophyll. If there is excess of free protochlorophyllide, then exposure to light converts it into molecules that cause ‘photobleaching’. Scientists find first possible radio signal from a planet beyond our solar system Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & tech In news  An international team of scientists has collected the first possible radio signal from a planet beyond our solar system, emanating from an exoplanet system about 51 light-years away. Key takeaways  Using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR), a radio telescope in the Netherlands, the researchers uncovered emission bursts from the Tau Bootes star-system hosting a so-called hot Jupiter, a gaseous giant planet that is very close to its own sun. Tau Bootes is an F-type main-sequence star approximately 51 light-years away in the constellation of Bootes.  It is a binary star system, with the secondary star being a red dwarf. If confirmed through follow-up observations, this radio detection opens up a new window on exoplanets and provides a novel way to examine alien worlds that are tens of light-years away. Coronavirus variant circulating in the UK defined by many mutations Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & tech In news  The coronavirus variant circulating in the UK is defined by many mutations. Key takeaways  A mutation means an alteration in genetic material. In an RNA virus such as SARS-CoV-2, proteins are made of a sequence of amino acids.  Such a virus contains some 30,000 ‘base pairs’, which are like bricks placed next to each other to form a structure.  An alteration in this base can be a mutation, effectively changing the shape and behaviour of the virus. In the UK variant, one mutation has made the virus more likely to bind with human proteins called receptors. This is called N501Y. N501Y In simple words, the amino acid represented by the letter N, and present at position 501 in the coronavirus genetic structure, has been replaced in that position with another amino acid, represented by Y. The position where this alteration has taken place is in the spike protein’s receptor-binding domain. Therefore, the mutation has increased the binding affinity of the coronavirus. The mutated virus reportedly accounts for 60% of recent infections in London. Do you know?  According the WHO, other than N501Y, mutations that “may influence the transmissibility of the virus in humans” are P681H and HV 69/70. P681H: This mutation has occurred in the amino acid present at 681. The amino acid P has been replaced with H. HV 69/70: This mutation is the result of a deletion of amino acids at positions 69 and 70.  These positions are again in the spike protein of the virus.  This deletion has been observed in France and South Africa as well. 1000-yrs Old Monpa Handmade Paper Industry brought alive in AP Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Policies and Interventions In news  The 1000-year old heritage art – the Monpa Handmade Paper of Arunachal Pradesh – which was driven to the extinction has been revived with the committed efforts of  Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). Key takeaways  The art of making Monpa handmade paper originated over 1000 years ago.  This handmade paper was a major source of livelihood for the locals. However, the handmade paper industry almost disappeared in the last 100 years. Recently, KVIC commissioned a Monpa handmade paper making unit in Tawang which aims at reviving the art and engaging the local youths with this art professionally and earn.  The Monpa handmade paper, will be made from the bark of a local tree called Shugu Sheng, which has medicinal values too. Hence availability of raw material will not be a problem. Do you know?  The fine-textured handmade paper, which is called Mon Shugu in the local dialect, is integral to the vibrant culture of the local tribes in Tawang.  The paper has great historic and religious significance as it is the paper used for writing Buddhist scriptures and hymns in monasteries.  Apart from handmade paper, Tawang is known for two other local crafts – handmade pottery and handmade furniture – that are also getting extinct with passage of time.  It was announced that within six months, plans will be rolled out for revival of these two local arts Important value additions  The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)  It is a statutory body formed in April 1957 (as per an RTI) by the Government of India, under the Act of Parliament, ‘Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956’.  It is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.  Vision – To plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary. In April 1957, it took over the work of former All India Khadi and Village Industries Board. Head office: Mumbai Six zonal offices: Delhi, Bhopal, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati.  Indian Army to request waiver to take Kamov-226T Utility Helicopters Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III –Defence and Security In news  The Indian Army is going to approach the Defence Ministry for a waiver to take the Kamov-226T (Ka-226T) utility helicopters with Russia. Key takeaways  In 2015, India and Russia concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 200 Ka-226T helicopters estimated to cost over USD 1 billion. The Kamov-226T is meant to replace Cheetah and Chetak fleets of the Indian Army and the Air Force. The Ka-226T is a design of Russia's famed Kamov design bureau. It is a light helicopter, with a maximum take-off weight of over 3.5 tonnes and can carry a payload of up to 1 tonne. The Ka-226T uses coaxial rotors which is especially advantageous in high-altitude environments.  The Ka-226T also has a unique, detachable 'mission' compartment which allows the helicopter to be adapted for different roles such as surveillance and cargo delivery. Issues with the Old Fleet of Helicopters About 75% of the Army’s fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters is over 30 years old which need urgent replacements. Operational capability has been impacted due to deficiencies and non-availability of replacement. Miscellaneous India International Science Festival (IISF)-2020 concluded The 6th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF-2020) concluded recently.  IISF is an annual event.  Organised jointly by: Science & technology-related Ministries and Departments of the Government of India and Vijnana Bharati (Vibha). The first and second IISF were held in New Delhi, the third in Chennai, the fourth in Lucknow, and the fifth IISF was held in Kolkata. It is a festival to celebrate the achievements of India’s scientific and technological advancements with students, innovators, craftsmen, farmers, scientists and technocrats from India and abroad. IISF-2020 was held at virtual platform. Theme: ‘Science for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Global Welfare’. Thoubal Multipurpose Project Thoubal Multipurpose Project was recently launched in Imphal by Union Home Minister.  (Mains Focus) HEALTH/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Towards an effective vaccination distribution policy Context: India plans to vaccinate 300 million people against COVID-19 over the next 6-7 months. Key Challenges for the government Vaccination large numbers in quick time: The government plans to give priority to healthcare workers and other front-line workers, followed by everyone who is above 50 years of age. This will mean that roughly 20% of the population will be vaccinated by July or August 2021. Procurement of Vaccines: Since all the vaccines that are currently in the spotlight require two doses, the government will have to acquire 600 million doses. Steps taken by Government towards Vaccination Pune’s Serum Institute of India is the world’s largest producer of vaccines. There are reports that the government has already struck a deal with the Serum Institute to acquire 500 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.  Emergency authorisation for this vaccine is likely to follow soon.  There are other vaccine frontrunners including Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and the Russian Sputnik V whose clinical trials in India are being conducted by Reddy’s Labs.  So, provided that there are no last-minute setbacks, the government should have no problems in acquiring the required number of doses. What should be the guiding principle of Vaccination drive? A vaccination drive such as this should have two distinct objectives:  one, providing protection to those vaccinated,  Two, to minimise or at least slow down the speed and spread of the viral transmission. Who gets Priority? The government’s strategy of giving priority to front-line workers and elderly people is in line with the practice being followed in the U.K. and the U.S., the two major countries that have been the leaders in the COVID-19 vaccination drive.  The rationale for this is to protect those who are most likely to be infected in the future as well as those who are most vulnerable to the health consequences of the infection.  Vaccinating healthcare professionals satisfy both the above mentioned objectives: these are individuals who have high levels of exposure and they also act as active disease vectors since they interact with large numbers of people.  However, the priority given to older people may not actually minimise the total social and economic cost inflicted by the virus in the long run. The elderly are less mobile, have a lower level of social interaction, and are hence less likely to spread the virus. Alternative Suggestions: A younger person who interacts with a larger number of people is both more likely to be infected and subsequently infect others. This suggests that densely populated areas — for instance, the Dharavi slum — should receive far more attention than they are likely to get under the current strategy.  What about involving Private hospital in vaccination drive? The government’s procurement strategy seems to depend entirely on domestic sources. It also plans to rely entirely on public resources for distribution without involving private hospitals.  Moreover, the government plans to bear the entire cost of vaccination.  Alternative proposition: Suppose Pfizer or some other multinational pharmaceutical company approaches the government both for authorisation of a vaccine as well as for permission to import and sell (for a profit) to those who can afford it. Any approval from the government for private players will enable the affluent to jump the vaccination queue. This will inevitably attract the charge that the government is catering to the interests of the richer groups in the population. But perhaps a more dispassionate analysis would suggest that allowing the private sector will help provide additional supplies of the vaccine especially when interests of the poor are taken into account by government. The government will and should continue to procure all available domestically produced vaccines and supply them through its own distribution channel to people especially the poorer sections of society  Another potential benefit of allowing private players is that the larger the numbers who get vaccinated, the lower will be the speed of virus transmission amongst the non-vaccinated. Conclusion The government must examine the principle underlying the vaccination scheme and whether private players should be allowed space Connecting the dots: Vaccine Nationalism SCIENCE & TECH/ HEALTH/ GOVERNANCE/ Topic: General Studies 2, 3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  Virus Mutation: New SARS-CoV-2 strain Context: A year after the novel coronavirus announced itself in China, there was yet another critical update in December 2020 — the emergence of a new strain of the virus, caused by mutations, that seemed to be 70% more transmissible. Mutations were reported from different parts of the world, including Denmark, Australia, England and South Africa, but the rapid domination of the new strain — lineage B 1.1.7 — in the south of England set off a chain of events, including curbs on travel and Christmas celebrations. What is the WHO saying? WHO Chief cited a basic fact of virology, that viruses mutate over time and it is natural and is to be expected.  Trying to counter many ill-informed discussions triggered by panic from the usage of the word ‘mutation’, WHO Chief said the U.K. had reported that the transmission was higher, but there was no evidence that it causes a more severe disease.  He also added that ongoing studies will clear the air on this angle. Why do viruses mutate? Mutation is part of the life cycle of a virus.  Once the virus latches on to a host, it begins to replicate and make copies of itself.  During the process of virus replication, random errors arise, one or two protein molecules change, possibly induced by the immune response mounted within infected people. These changes in the genomic structure of the virus can be considered mutations. Not all mutations are significant, but those that affect the virus’s ability to survive or replicate are important. How was the new strain identified? The English variant was identified in genomic surveillance by COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK), a consortium that analyses genome sequencing data from the U.K. The variant is the result of multiple mutations in the spike protein (the point of viral entry into the host) of SARS-CoV-2, as well as mutations in other genomic regions of the RNA virus. COG-UK reportedly identified one of these mutations as ‘N501Y’, in an area of the spike protein that binds to a key protein in the human cell, the ACE2 receptor. This was an indication that the alterations may, theoretically, result in the virus becoming more infectious. As of December 13, according to Public Health England (PHE), there were 1,108 cases of the variant identified “predominantly in the South and East of England”.  The U.K. government’s website explains that backwards tracing using genetic evidence suggests this variant emerged in September 2020 and then circulated at very low levels in the population until mid-November. The increase in cases linked to the new variant first came to light in late November when PHE was investigating why infection rates in Kent were not falling despite national restrictions.  They then discovered a cluster linked to this variant that was spreading rapidly into London and Essex. Can it be detected through PCR tests? The PCR test is used to identify a number of gene targets and will pick up this variant too.  The U.K.’s Chief Medical Officer has said that current swab tests are able to identify the new variant. Is it known how a vaccine will react? Various studies are on to determine the impact of the vaccine on severity of disease or mortality. Also, scientists are working to know about the implication of mutated viruses for the vaccine that has already been developed. Scientists advocate for continuation of vaccination drives already started in many countries like UK, US and Russia. This is because vaccines will offer protection even from a mutant virus.  By their very nature, vaccines will make a variety of different antibodies and memory cells that will help fight off the infection Vaccines will reduce the number of people who get infected, reduce the number of people spreading the infections, lower the number of hosts, lower the chances of further mutations, and allows to get things under control How can you protect yourself? Simply by following the original advice on COVID-19 hygiene. Using a face mask, regularly washing hands, and maintaining distance with others when in a public setting will continue to be the best practical ways to prevent the infection. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding Namghar:  These are traditional Vaishnavite monasteries.  These are particularly native to Assam. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 BBX11 gene was in news recently for which of the following?  It facilitates in the greening of plants. It will help in treatment of autoimmune diseases through gene therapy.  It is a herbicide resistant gene identified in Maize plant The new mutation of Covid-19 was identified in this gene. Q.3 Recently scientists have found first possible radio signal from a planet beyond our solar system. Consider the following statements regarding the same.  It was discovered for the first time from the Tau-Bootes star system.  Tau-Bootes is a binary star system which is 51 light years away from our planet. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Consider the following statements regarding the Khadi and Village Industries Commission:  It is an autonomous body.  It functions under the ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 25th December 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 D Must Read About aggressiveness of China in 2020: The Hindu On 2020 being the year of Unease by former NSA- M.K.Narayanan: The Hindu About the state of prisons: Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 28th Dec 2020

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. This is a part of our recently launched, NEW INITIATIVE IASbaba’s INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020 – Road Map for the next 100 Days! FREE INITIATIVE! We will make sure, in the next 4 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE 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

Motivational Articles

[NEW INITIATIVE] INSPIRATIONAL STORIES- You are Special !!

Inspirational Stories: Here is the first story from the new series of Inspirational and Motivational stories that we will be posting every saturday morning from next week. One of the oldest known forms of communication is story telling. There is something primordial within us that loves stories and their tremendous impact. In this series, we aim to bring you the best of real-life stories that can inspire and motivate you. Stories always try to teach us something useful. It is one of the best ways of learning from other's mistakes and avoiding our own. Although each story has its own moral, in the comments section you can share your opinion on the moral of the story. If you are able to see something that others might have missed, you can share it for the benefit of all. Apart from just reading these awesome stories, you can also share some of the stories that have inspired you. If we find the story appropriate and useful, we will share it with all. More importantly, read these stories every week without a miss, and stay inspired.   So here is the first story- "You are Special" Here is a story by Jonathan Safran Foer, that beautifully illustrates how important each individual is to existence: “I read the first chapter of 'A Brief History of Time’ when Dad was still alive, and I got heavy boots about how relatively insignificant life is, and how, compared to the universe and compared to time, it didn’t even matter if I existed at all. When Dad was tucking me in that night and we were talking about the book, I asked if he could think of a solution to that problem. “What problem?” “The problem of how relatively insignificant we are.” He said, “Well, what would happen if a plane dropped you in the middle of the Sahara Desert and you picked up a single grain of sand with tweezers and moved it one millimeter?” I said, “I’d probably die of dehydration.” He said, “I just mean right then when you moved that single grain of sand. What would that mean?” I said, “I don’t know, what?” He said. “Think about it.” I thought about it. “I guess I would have moved a grain of sand.” “Which would mean?” “Which would mean I moved a grain of sand?” “Which would mean you changed the Sahara.” “So?” “So?” So the Sahara is a vast desert. And it has existed for millions of years. And you changed it!” “That’s true!” I said, sitting up. “I changed the Sahara!” “Which means?” he said. “What? Tell me.” “Well, I’m not talking about painting the Mona Lisa or curing cancer. I’m just talking about moving that one grain of sand one millimeter.” “Yeah?” “If you hadn’t done it, human history would have been one way ...” “Uh-huh?” “But, you did do it, so ...?” I stood on the bed, pointed my fingers at the fake stars, and screamed: “I changed the universe!” “You did.” What do you think is the moral of this story?  

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Why you should dream big – Inspirational Educative Articles

Why you should dream big: There are as many ways of living life as there are number of people on this planet. No two lives are ever the same, and yet, there are few common mistakes that a majority of people tend to make that they eventually come to regret. They say hindsight is 20-20. Yes, life makes sense only when we look back at our experiences, but there are a few mistakes that we can avoid just so that we don’t regret later. The number one mistake people make is settling for less. Ask anybody who has been successful, and they will tell you that the single biggest regret they have is not dreaming big. It is easy to settle for less – the mind feels comfortable – you don’t have to work too hard – more importantly, you don’t have let go of what is familiar. But, you will surely come to regret your decision to settle for less. It is in the very nature of the human mind that the smaller the desires, the smaller the goals, the less interested and enthusiastic our mind is in accomplish it. There is a very important part of the mind that draws most of its energy from trying to strive for something bigger. Bigger doesn’t just mean size or scale. Big is always about what moves you. Dreaming big is about pursuing your highest possible desire or goal; a desire that can have a grander purpose, something that you would like to be defined as. The single biggest mistake people make while pursuing a goal is choosing one based on the limitations of the life that they have already lived. There is something magical about pursuing a big goal. It gives you enough motivation and strength to move towards it. It takes away unwanted distractions and helps you to stay focused. It helps you to prioritize and avoid pitfalls. It is that much more difficult to get your mind to do all this when you are pursuing a goal just for the sake of pursuing it. When you have not given a strong enough reason for your mind to pursue a goal, it will simply not be interested in it. This is where people find it hard to stay motivated. If you are struggling to stay motivated, go back and relook at your goals. Most probably they are not big enough, strong enough, or deep enough for your mind to get enthusiastic about it. If you want to change just one thing, change the way you set goals. More importantly, change the way you visualize your goals. Instead of worrying too much about whether you can achieve it or not, spend more time understanding why is it important for you to get to that goal. The more you understand the why of your goals, the how will automatically fall into place. At the end of the day, it’s only the biggest of goals that gets accomplished. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [25th DECEMBER,2020] Day 65: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [25th DECEMBER,2020] Day 65: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   Q.1 Deepak is posted as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in a busy urban district of a Metropolitan city. The students of a reputed university are planning a massive protest rally against a bill passed by the Central Government. Although, the permission has been granted by the administration for peaceful assembly, Deepak has a strong and highly reliable Intel that some miscreants might disguise as students and cause violence in the rally. Deepak requests his superior and persuades him to put a stay on the rally. The students are enraged by this decision and launch a campaign on social media demanding the resignation of top police officials including Deepak’s for having denied the permission for a democratic and peaceful protest. In a matter of hours, Deepak becomes the centre of online vitriol and thousands of memes. It hurts Deepak a lot. Even his family is highly perturbed by the series of events in Deepak’s professional life.   How do you read this situation? Don’t you think social media has made governance difficult? With social media having become an integral part of public life, is it even possible to get completely detached from the virtual world and do one’s job? What qualities Deepak must possess to overcome this phase in his life? Should he respond to these personal attacks and mudslinging on the social media platforms or should he remain silent and just keep doing his job? Analyse. Approach - It expects students to write about stakeholders involved and evaluate the ethical issues involved and address various issues asked in case study. Introduction  The situation presents a very real ethical dilemma faced by many hard working and dedicated civil servants. The core issue in situation is managing freedom of expression also managing personal and professional lives which are intrinsically linked. Body Stakeholders involved: Deepak as DCP. Deepak’s family disturbed by situation arising. Deepak’s superior officials and top police officials. Central government with certain bill passed. Genuinely protesting students and others with public interest. Miscreants planning to cause violence. Different values involved in case: Honesty Transparency Objectivity Anonymity Commitment to public welfare The ethical moral issues involved in the case: Responsibility to act against a social menace. Public service values and maintaining integrity of the office prone to political influence. Consequences of actions and inactions which have the potential to change discourse. Courage of conviction. Freedom of Speech v/s Public Safety. Social media making governance difficult: The rise of polarising and divisive content has been a defining moment in social media platforms. Which is fed by fake news propagation through social media channels.  Social media has enabled a style of populist politics, which on the negative side allows extreme speech to thrive in digital spaces that are unregulated, particularly in regional languages. Therefore it’s difficult for governance agencies mostly police force involved in such cases.  But at same time Social media has made Indian politics and society more inclusive by allowing different people, who were traditionally excluded from politics and larger society due to geography and demography, to gain direct entry into the sociopolitical process. Detaching from social media: Yes it’s possible to be detached from social media. It will keep Deepak away from baseless criticism. Multiple studies have found a strong link between social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Social media may promote negative experiences such as Inadequacy about your life or appearance. Qualities to be possessed by Deepak to overcome such situations: Deepak must have fortitude to balance work and professional life. Respond situation with humility and grace, positivity can help in tackle the situation. He must have qualities in managing public pressure v/s carrying out one’s duty.  Taking decisions based on objectivity and ensuring freedom of expression as per constitutional values.  Also strike a balance between the rights of the individual and the concerns of the state. With use of test of proportionality as per Supreme Court judgment in Anuradha basin case. Any restraint made on a fundamental freedom must be necessary and proportionate to the goal that it seeks to achieve. Responding to personal attacks on social media: Social media attacks can terrify and paralyze us. Aggressors aim to silence, shame, humiliate, bully, intimidate, threaten, terrorize and virtually destroy their human target. They wield weapons like rumours, innuendo, lies, hate speech and violent imagery. From online forums to community groups, research and experience shows people are more willing to insult and use menacing language online than in person, especially when there's the protection of anonymity behind a computer Social media aggressors want to single you out, isolate you and cut you off from allies. Don’t let them. Reach out to people you trust those who will listen, validate, respect and support you. Whatever you say will reward them and feed the attack. They did not target you because they wanted to reason with, understand or respect you. Their goal is to shame, condemn and terrorise you.  They want you to live in fear and silence your voice. So we should refuse to engage or even acknowledge them.  Following the DoPT social media guidelines must be priority.  Not to remain silent students/public has right to know on which grounds permit of protest was stayed with basic reasonable facts which can be publicly shared must be given.  Conclusion Social media has become an integral part of our modern daily lives. It can help us stay connected with our loved ones and larger public, but it can also be used to inflict pain, suffering and terror. Learning and creating ways to build online communities where people can protect one another is a vital step toward social justice and a better world for all of us. Q.2 You have joined as the Director of Operations in a government department. After joining the office, you start getting signals from your colleagues and subordinates that your’s is a plum posting. Your predecessors have made fortunes out of this post and you are lucky to have got this position without actually even having bribed the superiors. They also start sharing ideas on how to extract quick fortunes by misusing your powers. Being an honest officer, you squarely refuse the ideas and tell them you have no such intentions. Within a week, you are called by your reporting officer who ridicules you for being naive and stupid for having refused to earn good money. He tells you that he is fine with your honesty though and that you are free to choose your saintly path. However, you must keep your mouth shut and don’t interfere with the processes already defined and established by your predecessors. He also threatens that you shall be shunted to a remote location if you don’t follow his directions. How would you respond to this situation? Don’t you think being honest doesn’t only mean non-participation in corrupt activities but also standing firm against them? But if the entire system is against you and forcing you to follow suit, what are the options available to you? Which one would you choose and why? Substantiate. Approach - It expects students to consider about fundamental principles or criteria that integrate and rearrange the process of dealing with ethical dilemmas in public administration such democratic accountability of administration,  the rule of law and the principle of legality, professional integrity and write about stakeholders and different ethical values involved. Introduction  This case involves a dilemma between professional obligations of a public servant in-charge as director of operations in office and his personal values. With highlighting the different stakeholders you have to write about different issues asked in question. Body Ethical values pertaining to case: Probity and integrity Ethical neutrality Transparency Good governance Honesty Moral righteousness Dedication to Public Service Stakeholders involved in the situation: Myself as Director of operations. Colleagues and subordinate in the office. Predecessors in the office. Reporting officer. Public and there larger interest. Being honest and standing firm against corruption activities: Being trustworthy, loyal, fair, and sincere. An honest person is free of deceit, is truthful and sincere. Moreover, an honest person does not tell lies and always speaks the truth.In a nutshell, Honesty is being truthful and open. In these type of case officers need to have value of probity.  Probity is act of strict adherence to highest principles and ideals (integrity, honesty) and avoiding corrupt or dishonest conduct. It exhorts for prioritisation of public interest in the actions of civil servants. This ensures to participate in matter and try to avert corrupt practices.  Ensuring the system is incorruptible is the biggest objective of probity. Hence it will avoid the potential for misconduct, fraud and corruption. Course of action: Following advise of colleagues and subordinate: It will help in meeting expectations of colleagues and subordinate. Also avoiding dereliction of duty. It will ensures predecessors standards to be in place and will not disturb the chain of command. But being honest and fair it will go against moral and ethical values and can create crisis of conscience.  Following such an order is not only against individual dignity but also against code of conduct of civil services. Not showing accountable behaviour. Showing escapist tendency by avoiding the situation. Going against advice, not following colleagues and subordinate: It will ensure Deontological approach of Immanuel Kant suggests that it is immoral to take the bribe and one must adhere to his duty. It creates positive role models in the society and ensures behavioural regulation at personal level. Help in discharging the duties in an impartial, unbiased non-partisan and incorruptible manner. It will help in avoiding moral dissonance. Avoiding any conflict of interest. Opportunity to show administrative leadership. Showing impartial attitude of administration. Following such step would disrupt the relationship with colleagues and subordinate and nexus of corruption which was set by all and my predecessors. And may harm the working environment. Asking for written orders on issues pertaining to corruption: Written order is a legal proof of involvement and clearly delineates the chain of command. Asking for a written order from my reporting officer might act as a deterrent insomuch as the senior might refuse to do so. However, communicating clearly the illegality of the act is important. The reporting officer might refrain from issuing such an order knowing the illegality of the act. Even after knowing the illegality if the act if the senior issues a written orders the onus is on me. The written order would protects me in terms of culpability as far as my initiative is concerned. I can cite on being questioned that I acted under orders. This might be technically correct however it is not ethically sound and amounts to abdication of responsibility.  In effect following this option still makes the act illegal as well as unethical. It can be questioned in a court of law and the defence that you were acting under orders might not hold a ground there. Similarly, this option does not augur well for probity in governance. Taking counsel and advise for proactive action from senior: Talking to the highest authority seems to be a logical corollary of duly considered action when communicating clearly to the senior fails. I must clearly and objectively explain the situation to him while seeking his counsel.  This might result in the highest authorities censoring the reporting officer and supporting you in following the due process in consonance with the call of your duty. However, on the other side it might earn me the ire of my reporting officer and he might hold a grudge against me. Another flipside of this option depends on the approach of the highest authority . If he is also in conformity with the chain of corruption and the other colleagues then this step might prove to be counterproductive and add pressure on me. If such be the case then it does not resolve the larger concerns of prevailing law and order conditions as well. Taking matter to vigilance department: The Central Vigilance Commission is mandated under the CVC Act, 2003, to enquire or cause an enquiry into complaints against public servants wherein allegations of corruption are involved. The Commission can cause an enquiry through the Chief Vigilance Officer of the organisation concerned or CBI or any other anti-corruption investigating agency under the Government of India. I will Choose Whistle Blower Provision and inform the vigilance department: As such plum post was given to me without any bribery there must be government’s intention to act against such nexus of corruption. And bring them to the due process of law. Lodging a complaint under Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers Resolution (PIDPIR) in CVC.  CVC is mandated not only to maintain the secrecy of the complainant’s identity but also provide protection to the complainant against any physical threat, harassment or victimization.  This will help to maintain the highest value probity and integrity in administration without harming self and working towards larger public interest.  Conclusion  Corruption has a disproportionate impact on the poor and most vulnerable, increasing costs and reducing access to services, including health, education and justice. Corruption erodes trust in government and undermines the social contract. This is cause for concern across the globe, but particularly in contexts of fragility and violence, as corruption fuels and perpetuates the inequalities and discontent that lead to fragility, violent extremism, and conflict. Hence it is imperative that all forms of corruption are rooted out for a “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. TLP HOT Synopsis Day 65 PDF

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th December 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Water Quality Testing Innovation Challenge launched Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions In news  The National Jal Jeevan Mission has launched an innovation challenge in partnership with Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade to develop portable devices for water testing. The National Jal Jeevan Mission invites applicants to join the Innovation Challenge to develop portable devices for water testing and become a part of this life changing Jan Aandolan.  Key takeaways  Aim of the innovation challenge: To ensure that water sources are tested at various locations, at different levels; thereby, helping the policy framers to design programs which address the water contamination issues. Main objective: To bring an innovative, modular, and cost-effective solution to develop portable devices that can be used at the household level to test the drinking water quality instantly, easily and accurately.   People receiving piped water supply in their homes do not have any means to test the potability of water coming from their taps.  This leads to a situation where people are reluctant to consume tap water directly.  People in urban areas also end up installing household water treatment units incurring additional expenditure. The challenge aims to address these issues in an innovative, modular and cost-effective manner. Important value additions  Jal Jeevan Mission  In August, 2019, Government of India launched Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). JJM aims at providing potable water at service level of 55 litre per capita per day (LPCD) to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024. The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States, 50:50 for other states, and 100% for Union Territories. It is under implementation in partnership with the States to enable every rural home to have tap water connection by 2024. Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti Aim of the mission: To provide every rural household potable tap water in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality on a regular and long-term basis. Water quality testing is one of the priority areas under Jal Jeevan Mission, the flagship programme of Union Government. Since announcement of the Jal Jeevan Mission, till 23rd December, 2020, so far 2.90 Crore households have been provided tap water connections, thus increasing the tap water supply from 3.23 Crore (17%) in August, 2019 to 6.13 Crore (32%) rural households of the country.  Do you know?  The Uniform Drinking Water Quality Protocol, 2019 has specified some important parameters to be monitored for assuring portability of drinking water as per BIS IS 10500:2012 and subsequent amendments. Related articles: Jal Jeevan Mission: Click here Margadarshika for Gram Panchayats and Paani Samitis: Click here Endangered Species Research authors suggest existence of unknown Whale Population  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity In news  In a paper published in the journal Endangered Species Research, authors described a new whale song, suggesting the existence of a population that was previously unknown. Key takeaways  Researchers have recorded the unique song off the coast of Oman in the northern Arabian Sea, off the western Chagos Archipalego, and off Madagascar in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Since it is the only blue whale song identified by them in the western Arabian Sea, researchers have called it the “Northwest Indian Ocean”. Researchers believe the source is either the blue whale or Bryde’s whale since both species have been documented off Oman previously. Significance: Given that this song-type has not been reported before, the presence of it across a large geographic region indicates the likely existence of a previously undefined population of blue whales in the Western Indian Ocean. Do you know?  Not all whales sing.  Only some, such as the baleen whale, have been found to sing songs. Whales use songs to communicate and socialise.  Their songs can be characterised as clicks, whistles and pulsed calls or a composition of “moans, snores, chirps and cries”. Whales use clicks to navigate and identify their surroundings as the sound bounces off objects, helping whales determine their shapes. These use whistles and pulses during social activities. Their songs can last between 6-35 minutes, and some individual whales have been found to sing for 22 hours. Whale songs are typically below 4 kHz in frequency, thus being inaudible to human ears. Human hearing range is between 20 Hz to 20 kHz.  E-Sampada: A new Web Portal and Mobile App launched  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions In news  The Directorate of Estates, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recently launched a new Web Portal and Mobile App, e-Sampada. Key takeaways  The new application provides a single window for all these services including allotment for over one lakh government residential accommodations, office space allotment to government organisations, etc. In its endeavour to provide ‘One Nation, One System’, the erstwhile four websites (gpra.nic.in, eawas.nic.in, estates.gov.in, holidayhomes.nic.in), and two Mobile Apps (m-Awas & m-Ashoka5) of the Directorate of Estates have been integrated into one. ISRO released to public the initial data from Chandrayaan-2 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & Tech In news  The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released to public the initial data from Chandrayaan-2.  It was India’s second Moon mission, which was launched on July 22, 2019. Key takeaways  The Orbiter, which was injected into a lunar orbit on September 2, 2019, carried eight experiments/payloads, all of which have been performing well and sending data received. The public release data archived at the Indian Space Science Data Center (ISSDC) in Byalalu (Bengaluru) is prepared in the standard, globally followed planetary data system-4 (PDS4) format for public release. The ISSDC is the nodal center of planetary data archive for planetary missions of ISRO. Chandrayaan-2 key facts: 1st space mission to conduct a soft landing on the Moon’s south polar region 1st Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface with home-grown technology It is India’s first interplanetary mission to be steered by two women: project director M Vanitha and mission director Ritu Karidhal. 1st Indian mission to explore the lunar terrain with home-grown technology 4th country ever to soft land on the lunar surface India’s First Driverless Metro to be inaugurated  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In news  Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to flag off the country’s first ‘driverless’ metro in Delhi on December 28. It will mark a milestone in India’s urban mass rapid Transit.  Key takeaways  The first ‘driverless’ train will roll out on Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro.  Delhi metro is a network spread across the national capital and adjoining cities such as Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Bahadurgarh. The Centre has also notified changes in the Metro Railways General Rules, 2020 as the previous norms did not allow driverless services. The trials of DMRC's new 'driverless trains' were started in December 2017 where the automation of the new metro trains, that were equipped with Unattended Train Operations (UTO) and CBTC (Communication Based Train Control) signalling systems were tested . The driverless train operation (DTO) will only be applicable for Line 7 and Line 8 of the DMRC network which comes under the Phase III expansion. These corridors are equipped with an advanced signalling technology which makes the transition possible. Indian Institute Of Skills, Mumbai inaugurated Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Education & GS-III – Skill generation In news  The first batch of Indian Institute of Skills in Mumbai was recently inaugurated Ministry: Ministry for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Key takeaways  The institute is a joint initiative between Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India and Tata Indian Institute of Skills. The first batch at TATA-Indian Institute of Skills will commence training with two courses in Factory Automation, envisaged to be the foundation for future courses and Smart Manufacturing (Industry 4.0) technology and applications. Foundation stone for highway projects in Assam inaugurated Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In news  Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs recently inaugurated and laid foundation stone for 27 highway projects in Assam.  Key takeaways  Benefits: (1) Ease the transportation of commercial goods within and across the State; (2) Improve connectivity at the borders; (3) Enhance employment opportunities; (4) Save time and fuel; (5) Improve tourism and infra development; (6) Result in providing connectivity for agricultural produce up to larger markets. A life-size bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also unveiled.  Construction of a multi modal logistic park (MMLP) in Silchar was also announced.  This will be the second MMLP in Assam after the one being made in Jogighopa. This will benefit the people by way of development of Road and waterways connectivity. Construction of Dhuvri-Phoolbari bridge in the coming month was also announced . (Mains Focus) POLITY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Challenges associated with Judiciary & executive Judicial Accountability A.P. High Court order and Article 356 Context: In October, in the Andhra Pradesh high court order Justice Uma Devi converted the hearings on a batch of habeas corpus petitions and pleas alleging police excess into a hearing on whether there is a “constitutional breakdown” in Andhra Pradesh, requiring a declaration of President’s rule. What has the State argued? Unprecedented: The order of the High Court, on October 1, came while deciding habeas corpus petitions filed by relatives of persons remanded in judicial custody or on bail. The High Court had suo motu summoned the State counsel to assist it in deciding “whether in circumstances prevailing in the State of AP, the court can record a finding that there is constitutional breakdown in the State or not”. Lacks Basis: The state government then asked for that order to be recalled, saying none of the original applications had asked the question of “Constitutional Breakdown”. Against Article 356: Judiciary has no role in deciding whether there is Constitutional breakdown in the state, necessitating President’s rule. This power is vested in the executive under Article 356 of the Constitution. Against Doctrine of Separation of Powers: The HC Order is a “serious encroachment” on the powers of the executive as enumerated under the Constitution and is thus violative of doctrine of Separation of powers. Appealed to Supreme Court: The order was clearly seen as a case of judicial over-reach by the A.P. High Court and was thus appealed to Supreme Court What did Supreme Court say? The Supreme Court stayed the order issued by the AP High Court asking the Andhra Pradesh government whether there was breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state. Supreme Court observed that they had not seen any order issued like this by the AP High Court in any case and the apex court found it to be disturbing. The Court directed issue of notice and stay and ordered the registry to list the case after the Supreme Court vacation. Significance of the Incident The HC was shocking as it opens up the possibility of use or even misuse of Article 356 by the judiciary.  The Supreme Court’s order comes in the wake of incidents pointing to a tussle between the judiciary and the elected government in Andhra Pradesh.  CM Jagan Mohan Reddy had, in an unprecedented letter to the CJI, complained about the alleged hostile attitude of the High Court against him and his government besides making controversial allegations against a senior Supreme Court judge. The onus is now on the Supreme Court to put an end to the unseemly tussle between the judiciary and government in the State. Ordering an internal inquiry into the Chief Minister’s letter would be a good beginning.  A clear nullification of the High Court order will also ensure that such legal adventures impinging upon the separation of powers in the State are not repeated. Value Addition about Article 356 Article 356 of the Constitution empowers President to proclaim President’s rule in the state if he, on receipt of report from the Governor of the State or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. No liberal democratic Constitution in the world has a provision such as Article 356 that gives the central government the power to dismiss a democratically-elected State government except the Constitution of Pakistan.  Both India and Pakistan borrowed this provision from the Government of India Act, 1935.  Interestingly, the leaders of our freedom struggle were so very opposed to this provision that they forced the British government to suspend it; thus, Section 93 of the Government of India Act, 1935 was never brought into effect.  The provision which we had opposed during our freedom struggle was incorporated in the Constitution strangely in the name of democracy, federalism and stability. Connecting the dots: National Judicial Appointments Commission Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill POLITY/ GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2,3: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development  Urban Local bodies (ULBs) & Municipal Bonds Context: The inability of urban local bodies (ULBs) to raise resources has limited the growth of municipal income and led to a fiscal crisis. What are the key financial issues plaguing ULBs? Decline in Municipal Revenue: Although it is envisaged that municipal revenue should be 1% of GDP, between 2010 and 2018 revenues declined from 0.48% to 0.43%. This reduction came on the back of a decline in own-source revenue from 56 to 44%. Delay in Salaries: Low municipal incomes affects the low-levels of municipal services and translates into salary delays for employees. Low Property Tax Collection: Property taxes only account for 0.15% of GDP, whereas in developing economies they account for 0.6% and the global average is 1.04%. Way Ahead Property tax base needs to be expanded using GIS mapping, cross-checking with building licenses, ration cards, mutations, electricity/gas accounts, and review of exemptions. This also needs to cover government properties as per GoI circular 2009 and the SC judgement in Rajkot Corporation vs Railways. The value capture taxes need to include upward revision of building license fee and new sources like impact fee, as imposed in Telangana, exactions and betterment levy like the one imposed in Gujarat. Local fee/charges - An advertisement fee needs to be levied as there are large number of Unauthorized boards. Recovery on user charges (water, etc) which is only 20%, Right of way from gas/electricity and fibre optic lines, Cell tower, Leasing electricity poles and giving maintenance of parks to RWAs. Potential of participatory funding (private sector, CSR and local community) needs to be tapped as has been done by Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Mathura (Hybrid Annuity project), Indore and Pune. Article 243X needs suitable revision to allow larger inclusion of fiscal instruments above within the scope of a municipality’s own sources. Municipal Bonds can be tapped into by ULBs to raise their revenues and reduce the dependence on Government support. What is Municipal Bond? A municipal bond is a kind of debt instrument where investors offer loans to local governments. They are issued by civic bodies for specific projects and usually have a 10-year tenure. The ULB pays the annual interest on the bonds to the investor at the decided rate Benefits of Municipal Bonds: The bond helps raise funds from the stock market. The bond also increases the number of investors available to the civic body, as compared to a loan from a single bank. Bonds help ensure improved credit profiles, direct transfer of funds by the Centre, transparency and efficient revenue generation Support from Centre: Under AMRUT (ULBs) are encouraged to tap the bond market. Union government also pays ULBs Rs 13 crore for every Rs 100 crore raised via bonds, subject to a ceiling of Rs 26 crore for each. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, in 2018-19, eight ULBs issued bonds and were incentivised with Rs 181.33 crore by the ministry The difference between a bank loan and a municipal bond is that any institution can secure a bond only if it has favourable credit ratings. The interest rates for the bond is usually market determined, where Bank Loans are much more opaque and politicised in nature Fair Process: The bidding for Bonds takes place on an electronic trading platform after the bond is listed on the exchange. The bidding is open to all investors and is facilitated by the transaction agent appointed by the ULB, who usually gets a commission of 0.10% after the money is transferred to the account of the ULB. There could be a single investor as in the case of Ahmedabad and Surat, where Gujarat State Financial Services (GSFS) picked the entire bond of Rs 200 crore each, or there could be multiple investors, who can bid for any number of slots having a value of Rs 10 lakhs each Value Addition Ahmedabad was the first city in south Asia to launch a municipal bond of Rs 100 crore in 1998, which was completely subscribed. Surat Municipal Corporation was the second city in Gujarat to announce bonds in 2018, to fund a sewage treatment project worth Rs 450 crore Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is expected to launch municipal bonds in January, and will become the third Urban Local Body (ULB) in Gujarat to use this method to raise money to fund development work sanctioned under AMRUT Scheme. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Assam borders which of the following states? West Bengal Arunachal Pradesh Nagaland Meghalaya Select the correct code: 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 only 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.2 E-Sampada, a new Web Portal and Mobile App was recently launched by which of the following Ministry? Ministry of Jal Shakti Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Defence Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs ANSWERS FOR 25th December 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 D 4 D Must Read About 100% FDI in DTH television distribution sector: The Hindu On U.K.-EU post-Brexit deal: The Hindu About Goa in its 60th year of liberation: Indian Express

RSTV Video

20th Summit of SCO Council of Heads of State – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

20th Summit of SCO Council of Heads of State Archives Topic: General Studies 2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.  Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. In news: The SCO Summit adopted 16 documents including key ones on countering spread of extremist ideologies and promoting digital economy.  The leaders discussed the current state and priority goals of SCO activities in the context of the dominant global political and economic processes.  While speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Tuesday, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised on the importance of countries respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  PM Narendra Modi, during his virtual speech, also pointed out the attempts being made to hinder with the SCO’s agenda.  The prime minister was virtually addressing the 20th summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State, and it was the first time that PM Modi and Xi Jinping were coming face to face after the India-China border conflict. Chaired by: The President of the Russian Federation Mr. Vladimir Putin This was the first SCO Summit held in Virtual Format and third meeting that India participated after becoming a full member in 2017. Key takeaways Anti-epidemic cooperation: a united front Need to bolster each other's containment efforts, and to refocus future security concerns on the growth and protection of the people. China's proposal to constitute "hotline contacts ... between SCO members' centers for disease control (CDCs)" serves as a viable blueprint for preventing cross-border transmission of communicable diseases, and helps strengthen SCO's long-standing resistance to any politically motivated crisis response. Transformative headway on peaceful coexistence In terms of economic considerations, the elimination of trade barriers, simplified customs procedures and external market stimulus through win-win cooperation can generate patterns of interconnectivity, which in turn can have a lasting impact on how healthcare interventions are distributed and whether their access is inherently multilateral. Similarly, SCO members that have cultivated a sense of "sovereign, united, peaceful and democratic" statehood in their immediate neighborhoods, strengthen the organization's collective spirit of state-to-state capacity building, both within and outside its borders. Conflict resolution: a borderless prerogative SCO members contextualized prevailing geopolitical tensions by standing firmly committed to an international order based on the supremacy of international law. All parties remained invariably cognizant of the perils of World War II – 75 years on – and the coordinating role played by the United Nations in offsetting a recourse to unilateralism. Prime Minister Modi –  On multilateralism Highlighted the imperative of a reformed multilateralism to meet the expectation of a world suffering from the social and financial after-effects of the pandemic.  India, as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, beginning from 1 January 2021, will focus on the theme of ‘reformed multilateralism’ to bring about desirable changes in global governance. Regional Peace and Security India believes that to enhance connectivity, it is important that we move forward while respecting one another’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Reiterated India’s firm belief in regional peace, security and prosperity and raising voice against terrorism, smuggling of illegal weapons, drugs and money-laundering.  India’s brave soldiers participated in about 50 UN peacekeeping missions India's Pharma industry supplying essential medicines to more than 150 countries during the pandemic. Strong cultural ties Underlined India’s strong cultural and historical connect with the SCO region and reiterated India’s firm commitment towards strengthening connectivity in the region with initiatives like International North-South Transport Corridor, Chabahar Port and Ashgabat Agreement.  Extended full support to observing the 20th anniversary of SCO in 2021 as the "SCO Year of Culture” and spoke of India’s own initiatives to hold the first SCO exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage to be organized by National Museum of India, SCO Food Festival in India next year and the translation of Ten regional language literary works into Russian and Chinese. India, as the next host Expressed India’s readiness to host the next regular Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government on November 30, 2020 in virtual format.  India has also proposed to set up a Special Working Group on Innovation and Startups and a Sub Group on Traditional Medicine within SCO.  Elaborated on India's vision of a "Aatma Nirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India) in the post-pandemic world that could prove to be a force multiplier for the global economy and the economic progress of the SCO region. Important Value Additions What was SCO founded and what is its historical background? Built on Shanghai Five: Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyz Republic) and Tajikistan popularly known as Shanghai Five had come together in the post-Soviet era in 1996, in order to work on regional security, reduction of border troops, and terrorism. Initial Success in resolving Boundary Disputes: The 1996 meeting of the Shanghai Five resulted in an ‘Agreement on Confidence-Building in the Military Field Along the Border Areas’ between China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which led to an agreement on the mutual reduction of military forces on their common borders in 1997.  Inclusion of Uzbekistan: Subsequently, Shanghai Five helped resolve disputes between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on border issues and the Ferghana Valley enclaves. Institutionalisation: Subsequently a permanent intergovernmental international organisation called SCO was founded in June 2001. It is Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Expansion: Its membership was expanded to include India and Pakistan in 2017. Observer States: The SCO also has four observer states — Afghanistan, Iran, Belarus and Mongolia — which may be inducted at a later date. What is the Organisational Structure of SCO? The organisation has two permanent bodies — the SCO Secretariat based in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent.  The SCO Secretary-General and the Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO RATS are appointed by the Council of Heads of State for a term of three years.  However, the venue of the SCO council meetings moves between the eight members  Current Members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan Headquarters: Beijing, China Why does it stand out? It can be considered as the first in the history of building an equal partnership of unbalanced, multi-scale states with different economic and political potential, cultural and civilizational features via Voluntary membership Equality of participants A consensus model of decision-making The SCO’s driving philosophy — emphasises harmony, working by consensus, respect for other cultures, non-interference in the internal affairs of others, and non-alignment. A Bearing Structure for Future World Order The current global trends, the heightening of geopolitical tensions, the complex nature of threats and challenges, in fact, require collective efforts to create a more fair and polycentric model of the global structure. And SCO is becoming a bearing structure for future world order. Fight against ‘three evils’: Against terrorism, separatism, and extremism First of all, practical work is being conducted on the basis of the SCO Regional Antiterrorist Structure (RATS), which demonstrates significant results in countering terrorism, separatism and extremism. In order to improve practical skills, joint anti-terrorism exercises are conducted through law enforcement agencies and the armed forces. A significant place in the activities of the SCO is the problem of information security. Over the past years, in the framework of countering the use of the Internet for terrorism and extremism purposes, the RATS SCO has limited access to 80,000 Internet resources containing 500,000 materials and stopped the activities of 360 participants in Internet communities related to terrorism and religious extremism. Contribute to global anti-drug efforts: Over the past five years, the competent authorities of the SCO member states have seized about 40 percent of the total amount of heroin and marijuana confiscated throughout Eurasia Restore peace in Afghanistan: Among the topical issues on the international agenda of the SCO is to restore peace and stability in Afghanistan. In 2018, meetings of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group were held in Moscow and Beijing, which made an important contribution to common efforts at the inter-regional and international levels. In addition to facilitating the negotiation process, member states provide substantial material and technical assistance to Afghanistan, especially with regard to infrastructure and railway construction. Besides, hundreds of Afghan students go to universities in member states. Explore the economic potential: As the key goals and objectives of the SCO economic agenda, the SCO Charter provides for the promotion of comprehensive and balanced economic growth, social and cultural development in the region. In recent years, transport, energy, e-commerce, information and communication technologies, tourism, agriculture, banking and finance are considered as priority areas for the organization, with the prospect of expanding the use of national currencies in trade and investment activities. Taking into account the unfavorable situation in the world market and growing protectionism on a global scale, it becomes clear how necessary it is to work together in the framework of the SCO. How does West perceive SCO? The SCO describes one of its main goals as moving towards the establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international political and economic order. In 2005, the Astana declaration called for SCO countries to work on a “joint SCO response to situations that threaten peace, security and stability in the region”, indicating the group’s strategic ambitions As a result, the SCO was eyed with some misgivings by the U.S. and Europe. It was even dubbed the “Anti-NATO” for proposing military cooperation.  Western and NATO concerns were heightened when they placed heavy sanctions against Russia for its actions in Crimea, but China came to Russia’s aid, signing a 30-year, $400 billion gas pipeline framework agreement. Note: SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): RATS is a permanent organ of the SCO which serves to promote cooperation of member states against terrorism, separatism, and extremism and is headquartered in Tashkent. SCO Startup Forum to be launched: The forum will lay the foundation for multilateral cooperation and engagement among the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States. Objective: To develop and improve startup ecosystems collectively. The Forum shall identify areas of cooperation by launching multiple entrepreneurial activities like startup showcases through a dedicated virtual platform, mobilizing capital for startups, sharing of best practices, procuring social innovations etc. Also, Innovation and Startups will be the key focus area of SCO Heads of Government meeting on 30th November 2020 to be hosted by India. SECURE: PM Modi’s mantra that is applicable to SCO ‘S’ for security of citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and ‘E’ for environmental protection Connecting the Dots: The SCO summit gives India an opportunity to showcase the kind of power it wants to be. Do you agree? Explain. What are India’s stakes in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)? What benefits would accrue from India’s membership of the grouping? Discuss.