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POLITICAL SCIENCE & INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (PSIR) MAINS OPTIONAL TEST SERIES & MENTORSHIP-UPSC MAINS 2020!

Hello Everyone, We are excited to enter into post-Prelims phase IASbaba's Political Science & International Relations Test Series & Mentoring Program for UPSC Mains 2020.  As you all know, our previously covered Weekly Tests & Assignments have made understanding of the subject very comprehensive & a fun learning process. If you have rigorously followed those Assignments & Weekly Tests, then rest assured that you are in possession of conceptual clarity needed to meet the demand of the paper.  Now in this post prelims phase we expect you to have two-pronged strategies of: 1) Making Micro Notes &  2) Writing Tests.  Practicing a paper within a stipulated time with questions on UPSC pattern remains very crucial. Exactly for the same reason, we will write full-length tests only.  If you are a new entrant to the program, then you may go through Assignments & Weekly Tests quickly and have a discussion with your mentor.  There will be 2 mentors who will be handling the PSIR Test Series in this phase. Both of them are serving civil Servants. Mr. MADHAV WANAVE is a serving Civil Servant and has scored 301 marks in PSIR. He has been teaching and mentoring students for the last 4 years. Mr. AAMIR KHAN currently working with govt of Rajasthan, one of the topper in political science (Had scored 269 in 2014 Mains. Please note, Mains 2014 the highest score was 294 of PSIR Optional). He has vast experience of mentoring political science students which eventually got one of the highest marks in the subject. Ankit Pannu (Rank 31 UPSC 2017), Jitendra Yadav (308 Marks, one of the highest) were mentored by Aamir Sir. To Download the MOCK TEST Timelines ->  CLICK HERE 1st Mock starting on 25th October Please Note that, those who had joined the program in November 2019, no need to enroll again! If any new student wants to join the test series (8 Full-length Mock Tests) can get enrolled by paying the fees mentioned below. FEES DETAILS: Total Fees: Rs.4,500 +  18% GST = 5310 Rs /- PAYMENT  -> CLICK HERE FOR ANY QUERIES  You can reach us on Email id: psir@iasbaba.com Contact: Madhav Sir - 9810787523  (Between 6pm - 8pm) Aamir Sir - 8078671780  (Between 6pm - 8pm) Office Address: BANGALORE CENTRE: IASbaba’s TLP Centre 2– No. 1443/1444, 2nd Floor, Above Carzspa, Ganapati Circle, Chandra Layout, Vijaynagar, Bangalore 560040. Delhi CENTRE: 5B, Pusa Rd, opposite to Metro Pillar Number 110, Block B, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005.   Thank You IASbaba

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [17th OCTOBER,2020] – Day 6

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [17th OCTOBER,2020] – Day 6   We will make sure, in the next 3 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. We are giving 5 Mains Questions on Daily basis so that every student can actively participate and keep your preparation focused. 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   Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. आप केवल एक बार जीते हैं, लेकिन अगर आप इसे सही करते हैं, तो एक बार पर्याप्त है। 2. The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. जीवन में सबसे बड़ा गौरव कभी नहीं गिरने में नहीं बल्कि हर बार गिरकर फिर खड़े होने में है। 3. Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. आपका समय सीमित है, इसलिए इसे किसी और की जिंदगी जीने में बर्बाद न करें। 4. If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavour.” अगर जिंदगी भविष्यवचनीय होती तो वह जिंदगी न कहलाती और स्वादहीन होती। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance: Book Review – The Golden Age of Zen – John Wu

The Golden Age of Zen: John Wu Sometimes life unravels the best of his mysteries when we are not trying to understand it. Sometimes, the best of things to do is nothing. Zen is all about the practice of doing nothing. There is a big difference between a zen doing nothing, and simply doing nothing. In Zen, one accomplishes many things by doing nothing. John Wu gives a wonderful introduction to the silent world of Zen. He unravels the mystery of doing nothing, and yet doing everything. He opens up a great path to self discovery and happiness. Zen is a complete philosopy of life, happines, well-being and beyond. This book helps one discover its magic. Zen is not inaction; it is about being silent amidst of lots of activity. It is about cultivating a mindset of inaction amidst action. Rest is the birthplace of wisdom, creativity and intelligence. Zen teaches how to cultivate this state of rest and make it your own.

Important Articles

[UPDATE] TLP Plus(+) 2020 UPSC Mains Test Series cum Mentorship program will be available OFFLINE!

Dear Students, We are getting a lot of queries related to TLP+ 2020, whether will it held Offline? The answer is Yes! This was clearly mentioned in the TLP Plus (+) 2020 post as well. We have come up with a separate post just to answer this query and clear your doubts if there are any. TLP+ 2020 Mains Test Series cum Mentorship program will be available both ONLINE and OFFLINE. Mentors will also be available at the offline centres (Bangalore and Delhi). Those who are interested in taking the tests offline and discuss with your mentors can visit the respective centers. P.S: Precautions have been taken and we have come up with guidelines pertaining to covid. We request all the students who will use the offline centres to strictly follow the guidelines. For Complete Details (Schedule, Special Features) of TLP+ Program -> CLICK HERE FOR ANY QUERIES (Related to TLP+): You can reach us on Email id: tlp@iasbaba.com Mobile No: 63664 56458 / 88829 79568 / 98992 91288 (Please call between 10 am – 6 pm ONLY) Office Address: BANGALORE CENTRE: IASbaba’s TLP Centre – No. 1443/1444, 2nd Floor,  Ganapati Circle, Chandra Layout, Vijaynagar, Bangalore 560040. DELHI CENTRE: IASBABA, 5B, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005. Landmark: Just 50m from Karol Bagh Metro Station, GATE No. 8 (Next to Croma Store) All the Best 🙂 IASbaba

Important Articles

[IMPORTANT UPDATE] Discount on TLP+ 2020 (Mains Test Series and Mentorship) for UPSC Mains 2020!

Dear Students, It is close to 2 weeks since the Prelims exam was held (on 4th October 2020). It is time that you have geared up for your Mains preparation. There are hardly 80 days left for the exam now! Inorder to give you the right guidance and direction we have come up with our most trusted Mains program for answer writing. Yes, we are talking about Think Learn and Perform Plus (TLP+ Mains Test Series and Mentorship) program. The 1st test was held on 12th October. For Complete Details of the Program (Schedule/Special features) -> CLICK HERE Ever since we published the post on TLP+, we have been receiving many mails and calls regarding the discount procedure for TLP+ . So this post will clear all your doubts on availing the discount. We had promised for TLP Connect/TLP+ 2020 (Offline & Online), PEP 2020 (Complete Program-Offline & Online), ILP Offline (Classroom) 2020 students, the mains phase of TLP+ will be free if one is clearing Prelims exam. Accordingly, mails have been sent with regard to discount and same is available in the respective portal (pep.iasbaba.com, ilp2020.iasbaba.com, tlpconnect.iasbaba.com). You need to fill up the google form provided in the portal. The TLP+ program is completely Free if you were TLP Connect/TLP+ 2020, PEP 2020, ILP Offline (Classroom) 2020 student. Mails have been sent to ILP Online 2020 students on the discount and its procedure. You can avail 15% discount on TLP+ 2020, if you had subscribed to any of IASbaba’s programs before. Procedure to Avail Discount: While making the Payment through the below given links Use Instamojo ID and Previous Registered Email while making Payment. Email to ilp@iasbaba.com for assistance in case you are not able to find your details. PAYMENT LINK-> CLICK HERE   If you have not received any update regarding the discount, then the same can be availed by filling in the below registration form provided and avail the above discount meant exclusively for IASbaba's previously enrolled/subscribed students (ILP, TLP, PEP). If you have been to interview (personality test) also, you can fill in the google form, special discount will be given on TLP+ 2020. REGISTRATION FORM -> CLICK HERE   Please Note: The Tests and Mentorship will be available OFFLINE (Both in Delhi and Bangalore centre). BANGALORE CENTRE: IASbaba’s TLP Centre – No. 1443/1444, 2nd Floor,  Ganapati Circle, Chandra Layout, Vijaynagar, Bangalore 560040. DELHI CENTRE: IASBABA, 5B, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005. Landmark: Just 50m from Karol Bagh Metro Station, GATE No. 8 (Next to Croma Store) Thank You IASbaba

Important Articles

MARKS of UPSC CSE 2019 (Prelims, Mains, Interview) Announced!

Dear Students,  After a long wait, UPSC has finally announced the marks of candidates who had appeared for UPSC CSE 2019 Exam. CIVIL SERVICES(MAIN) EXAMINATION, 2019 (FOR CANDIDATES QUALIFIED IN WRITTEN EXAMINATION) CIVIL SERVICES(MAIN) EXAMINATION, 2019 (FOR CANDIDATES NOT QUALIFIED IN WRITTEN EXAMINATION) CIVIL SERVICES (PRELIMINARY) EXAMINATION , 2019   In the comment section below, you can share your marks. Thank You IASbaba

IASbaba's Courses

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPTIONAL TEST SERIES -UPSC MAINS 2020 By Adesh Sir

Dear Students, We had started an initiative on Public Administration Optional in the month of August 2020. We were overwhelmed by the response that we received on this initiative. So continuing the same, we have come up with a Test Series cum Mentorship exclusively for Public Administration Optional targeted for UPSC Mains 2020 by Adesh Sir. Many of you might be speculating about the cut-off’s and might be discussing the controversial questions. This is not the time to speculate. It is high time to practice more questions to enhance your answer writing skills. Hardly there are 80 more days left for Mains 2020. This program is mainly focused on improving answer writing skills by simulating the UPSC level model questions (Especially current affairs, Paper -2, application-based questions in paper -1). Public Administration Optional Test Series Features of the Program: The program contains 12 tests. 8 of them are syllabus specific and 4 are the full syllabus tests. Synopsis will be posted on the next day of every test. Timely evaluation with effective feedback. Individual Mentorship. All the Tests are flexible. Benefits: High-quality questions that match the UPSC standards. Detailed synopsis with value addition. Precise evaluation and feedback. Hands-on mentorship with adaptive, reformative, and motivational guidelines. Faculty Profile: As a token of commandment and credibility, we would like to inform you that, three students of Adesh M H students (Public Administration)- whom our faculty had mentored personally, have attended the personality test of UPSC CSE-2019. (Note: He had mentored only these 3 students in his personal capacity, without charging any fees). Apart from his teaching and mentoring expertise in public administration, he has also been instrumental in planning the study, selection of resources, revision, and training the students in writing the best quality answers. He has the credentials of scoring 140 plus (in paper 1) and 170 plus (in paper 2) in Public Administration in the UPSC Civil Service Exam. To Download the SCHEDULE of the Test Series -> CLICK HERE The Test Series starts from 25th October 2020. FEES DETAILS: Total Fees: Public administration Test Series (Mains 2020) : Rs.8,000 +  18% GST = Rs. 9,440/- PAYMENT  -> CLICK HERE FOR ANY QUERIES (Related to Public Administration Optional Test Series) You can reach us on Email id: adeshmhhassanalike@gmail.com Contact Adesh MH: 889291167 Office Address: BANGALORE CENTRE: IASbaba’s TLP Centre 2– No. 1443/1444, 2nd Floor, Above Carzspa, Ganapati Circle, Chandra Layout, Vijaynagar, Bangalore 560040. Delhi CENTRE: B, Pusa Rd, opposite to Metro Pillar Number 110, Block B, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005. Thank You IASbaba                 

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [15th OCTOBER,2020] Day 4: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

  SYNOPSIS [15th OCTOBER,2020] Day 4: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Despite failing to achieve its stated objectives, the Non-Cooperation Movement was a landmark in India’s freedom struggle. Comment. Approach:   Student has to write brief introduction about Non-Cooperation Movement and how did it impact on British India’s freedom struggle during 20th century. Introduction: With the aim of self governance and obtaining full independence Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement(NCM) on 5th September; 1920. The movement was to be nonviolent and to consist of Indians resigning their titles; boycotting government educational institutions, the courts, government service, foreign goods, and elections; and, eventually, refusing to pay taxes. Gandhi declared that if the non-cooperation programme was implemented completely, Swaraj would be ushered in within a year.  Body: Impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement in India’s freedom struggle: Non-Cooperation Movement could not achieve its objective but the movement marked the transition of Indian nationalism from a middle-class to a mass basis.  The artisans, peasants, students, urban poor, women, traders, etc participated in the movement. With this movement nationalist sentiments reached every corner of the country. NCM politicized every layer of the population – from rich to poor, educated to un- educated, the politicization led to impart the revolutionary character to the national movement. This movement gave push to indigenous products by boycotting the foreign goods, thereby helping Indian companies and damaged Britain’s economic and commercial interests. Even though Gandhi's commitment to non-violence was not redeemed immediately after NCM, the fruit of the non-violence redeemed when, between 1930 and 1934, tens of millions again revolted in the Salt-Satyagraha which made India's cause famous worldwide for its unerring adherence to non-violence. Conclusion: Non corporation movement brought confidence in common people and encouraged the mass to be fearless in their political pursuit and made Self-rule as an important goal. Strategy used by Gandhi and their leadership goal gave new dimensions to India’s freedom struggle 2. Examine the factors that contributed to the rise of communalism during the first half of the 20th century.  Approach: It expects Students to write about factors contributed to the rise of communalism in first part along with legacy of communalism in India.  Introduction: Communalism is an important issue in India as it is the basic source of tension and violence. In Indian context, communalism in a broad sense means an aggressive and strong attachment to one’s religious identity. The stagnant economy of India during the British rule was an important factor for the growth of communalism in India. Body:  Factors responsible for rise of communalism in India during first half of 20th century: British rule and its policy of divide and rule: The British government used communalism to counter and weaken the growing national movement and the welding of the Indian people into a nation. Government used the policies of concessions, favoritism and reservations against the nationalist forces. To counter the growing influence of congress, British used communal sentiments of the various minority groups.  Separate Electorates for Minorities: Separatist tenancies started rising in first decade of 20th century. In 1906, a delegation headed by Agha khan put forward the demand of separate electorates for Muslims to the then viceroy lord Minto and it was awarded under Morley-Minto reform 1909.  It further extended to Sikh, Christians, and Anglo Indians by Montague-Chelmsford reforms in 1919. It increased minority thinking among Muslims and others who got separate electorates.    Muslim league: All India Muslim league was formed as a loyalist and communal political organization, which refused to criticize colonialism earlier, supported the partition of Bengal and thus while the national congress was taking up anti imperialistic economic and political issues, the Muslim league and its reactionary leaders preached that the interests of Muslims were different from those of Hindus. E.g. maintained distance from Civil disobedience movement and quit India movement.     Hindu Mahasabha: Formed in the 1915, Hindu Mahasabha focused on communal sentiments of Hindus by opposing the anti-imperialistic policies of Congress and asked Hindus to placate the British government to fight against Muslims.  Two nation theory: The two-nation theory believed in cultural, political, religious, economic and social dissimilarities between the two major communities, Hindus and Muslims of the Subcontinent. It’s popularity increased by extremists. Social-cultural conflicts: Hindus and Muslims have different rituals and practices. Such as Hindu treat cow as a sacred and Muslims consumes cattle beef. This created movement for cattle protection and several cattle protection related violence and riots happened during this period. In 1920 over 100 riots and 450 deaths were recorded in then Bengal. Two primary causes of this violence were Hindus Durga Pooja processions playing music continued as they passes Muslim Mosques, and Muslims killing cows in open during Eid-Ul-Adha. Communal history: A communal and distorted view of Indian history, particularly of the ancient and medieval period, was also responsible for its growth of communalism. However, communalism has been legacy of Indian society even before the 20th century.   Arya samaj’s movement of Shuddhi and tabligh movement by muslims increased communal tensions even before. There was constant fear of proselytizing activities of Christian missionaries by using unfair methods even before 20th century.  Riots were common phenomenon during religious processions in north Indian cities in 19th century also. Personal ambitions of some Muslim leaders played major role in rise of communal politics even without divide and rule policy of british government. E.g. Syed Ahmed khan, Mohammad ail Jinnah.  British only tried to exploit already available wedge between two communities.  Conclusion: Communal harmony is one of the basic requirements of peaceful existence of a country as diverse as India. Yet, we continue to live in an age where communalism is one of the biggest threats. Coexistence and acceptance of various religions is one of the best lessons Vivekananda taught us. 3. In terms of political ideology and commitment towards socialism, what differences do you notice between Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. Approach: It expects student to write about differences in political ideology in first half of question and in second half need to write about differences in commitment towards socialism. You can also write body part in table format. In third part you need to mention about similarities between both. Introduction: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi were infallibly dedicated to the cause of Indian freedom. They were loved by the masses and feared by the Raj. But between themselves, these two icons of India’s freedom movement shared a rather frosty relationship and history is replete with instances of trenchant differences between them. Body: Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose differed in their approach and had a different political ideology: Subhash Chandra Bose adopted violent means for the liberation of India and thus led Indian National Army. He used to say, ‘The enemy has already drawn the sword, he must therefore be fought with the sword.’  Gandhiji, on the other hand, was a firm believer of non-violence and led peaceful mass protests. Bose wanted to grab the opportunity provided by Second World War for India’s freedom, thus approached Germany, Japan while Gandhi saw fascism and Nazism a greater danger to Indian polity and society. Though he did not cooperate with British. They had a different understanding of the same event. Religious teachings had great importance in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, he believed in the change of heart rather than radical change. He was against cow slaughter but did not favour legislation to ban cow slaughter while Subhash Chandra Bose was a leftist and rationalist. Even though he was ready to compromise with religious political parties like Muslim League in Bengal for larger objective of freedom.  Gandhi’s idea of freedom was based on self-rule and rule over self. Bose viewed freedom not only in terms of the political self-rule but also freedom from socioeconomic inequalities, casteism, intolerance etc. The Gandhian vision of an ideal village or village Swaraj is that it is a complete republic, independent of its neighbours for its own wants and yet interdependent for many others in which dependence is necessary. Netaji’s idea of village development did not match with Gandhiji as he was proponent of rapid development.  At the same time, both differ in their commitment towards socialism: Ideologically, Gandhiji subscribed to some elements of socialist pattern of society where fruits of labour were evenly distributed and favoured trusteeship pattern. Gandhi was not of opinion to destroy capitalism; he wanted to regulate the relation between capital and labour. Subhash Chandra was a keen follower of radical leftist ideology and organized trade unions and was not against militant labour movement.  Netaji believed building new India in socialist way with industrial development. While Gandhiji believed in Village economy and thus Netaji writes in his Kabul Thesis that "major reason Gandhiji opposed me as candidate for Tripuri Congress Election was my industrialisation attitude". Gandhiji wanted Local schooling system all away from western while Netaji propagated for military education, technical education and administrative education on socialist pattern. Despite differences both has similar views as follows: Gandhi and Bose did not differ on their choices between communism and capitalism. Both were socialists, as per their stated positions, and disassociated themselves from Communism (Bose certainly did). Again, unlike what is commonly believed, Gandhi was not opposed to violence per se as he did not totally oppose violence during Quit India movement. Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose had the same objective of liberating the country from the yoke of British imperialism.  Until the political clash at Tripuri they worked more or less together under the common platform of the Indian National Congress for about two decades. Gandhi’s struggle i.e., averse mindset in the beginning of the Second World War and his uncompromising stance during the Quit India Movement, was in a way a victory of  Netaji’s strategy. Gandhi’s tone and temper clearly smacked of a revolutionary strategy quite akin to the soul and spirit of Bose. Ideologically they appeared to come nearer. Conclusion: In spite of all the differences in ideologies, both these great men admired and respected each other. In 1942 Gandhi called Subhash Bose the “Prince among the Patriots” for his great love for the country. Bose too admired Gandhi and in a radio broadcast from Rangoon in 1944, he called Mahatma Gandhi “The Father of Our Nation.” 4.The decade of 1930 was a truly remarkable one as it was decisive in many ways of the true shape that the political, social and economic discourse India was taking. Elucidate. Approach It expect student to write about how various events, decisions, acts, regulations etc. were decisive in shaping political, social and economical discourse. Try to address each subpoint in separate section. Introduction: The decade of 1930 played significant role in Indian freedom movement, which proven guiding for future course of national movement till independence in 1947. 1930's started with Civil Disobedience Movement, Salt Satyagraha and ended with individual satyagraha in 1940's. Body: Political: 26 January 1930 was celebrated as the first Independence (Swarajya) Day. Public meetings were organised all over the country in villages and towns and the independence pledge was read out in local languages and the national flag was hoisted. Increased influence & radicalism of the Congress w.r.t. to demands for complete independence. Congress winning the provincial councils changed the perception of power structures completely & the britishers were forced to compromise on certain issues. The freedom struggle reached new places & previously untouched people. There was an upsurge in leftists ideas in the country with rise of peasant & worker organisations & Movements like kisansabhas& trade union congress. Even within the INC socialist leaders like Subhas Bose & J. Nehru gained popularity & leadership. There was an increased involvement of national leaders(Haripura) in the princely state’s movements & in setting up of organisations & involvement in freedom struggle. The British rule increasingly tried to apply their strategy of Divide & rule (Communal award) by engaging with & encouraging radical groups like Hindu Mahasabha& Muslim league while also trying to create new divisions between congress & the lower caste. They used this effectively in the Round table conferences. Social: Increasing influence of Gandhiji within congress who increasing made the freedom movement a mass based movement (Civil disobedience) & also involved constructive works like abolition of untouchability,opening of temples & social reform.  For Indian women, Civil Disobedience Movement was the most liberating experience and can truly be said to have marked their entry into the public sphere. Congress Resolutions at Karachi on Fundamental right guaranteed universal adult franchise, neutrality of state in religious matters, free and compulsory primary education, protection to culture, language, script of minorities and linguistic groups. Government of India act 1935 extended franchise, women got the right on the same basis as men. Congress government in provinces took various social reforms including attention given to primary, technical and higher education and to public health and sanitation, Encouragement given to khadi through subsidies and other measures. Economic:  Congress Resolutions at Karachi on National Economic Programme included better conditions of work including a living wage, limited hours of work and protection of women workers in the industrial sector, right to workers and peasants to form unions, state ownership and control of key industries, mines and means of transport. Congress provincial government took efforts to develop planning through National Planning Committee set up under Congress president Subhash Bose in 1938. Conclusion: All these events laid the basis of nature of Independence & also the Communal politics & Partition of India& the later caste politics. However, these events & ideas also helped in creation of a welfare oriented Constitution with stress on Fundamental rights & social reform, in the smooth Integration of states & the post-colonial reorganisation & Development like National Planning, land reforms & Linguistic states. 5. Consolidation of the Muslim League was the worst fallout of the Quit India movement. Do you agree? Critically examine.   Approach:  As the directive is "Critically Examine", it expects from a candidate to  throw light on  both sides of an issue and come to a balanced conclusion. Here it is expected that Candidate should probe deeper in to details of whether consolidation of the Muslim league was the worst fallout of the quit India movement or not and arrive at a balanced conclusion. Introduction: On 8th August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave a clarion call to end the British rule and launched the Quit India Movement at the session of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai. In a small span of time the movement acquired national character due to swift and wide spread all over the nation. However, the movement faced numerous fallout during its deteriorating phase.  Body: The Quit India movement was the spontaneous participation of the masses compared to the other Gandhian movements like non-cooperation and civil disobedience. The great significance of this historic movement was that it placed the demand for independence on the immediate agenda of the national movement. Howvevr, consolidation of the Muslim League was the worst fallout for Quit India movement due to following reasons:  Britain could not evacuate India in the middle of the Second World War, with Japan looming on its eastern front. But the empty space created in politics by the Congress leaders being in prison gave the Muslim League its chance to rush in.  According to Jinnah, it was not in the interest of the Muslims for the British to abandon them in a potentially hostile swamp of Hinduism. The logical position of the League was actually to keep the British in India—at least for as long as it took to convince them of the case for Pakistan, and perhaps indefinitely. In 1937, the Muslim League was not able to form the government in any province in the provincial elections held that year as per the Government of India Act. Even in the 125 non-general constituencies out of which 59 were reserved for Muslims, the Congress managed to win 25 seats with 15 seats coming from the Muslim dominated North-West Frontier Province. In 1940, Jinnah gave a speech in Lahore in which he talked of the impossibility of living as one nation. In response to this, some members of the league who were opposed to the Two-Nation Theory broke away from the party and formed the All-India Jamhur Muslim League (AIJML). The AIJML later merged with the Congress party. The effect of Gandhi’s Quit India misstep, and the League’s hugely successful campaign during the 1940s, can be seen from the election statistics. The party, under Jinnah, spearheaded the campaign for Pakistan throughout the 1940s and was successful in its mission of dividing the country. The country was partitioned along communal lines along with independence in 1947. Muslim league grabbed the opportunity where the vacuum was created due to arrest of major political leaders. It led to Consolidation of Muslim league.  In the midst of World war - II Britain was not in position to neatly negotiate, this opportunity was also grabbed by Muslim league to put forth their demand.  Which in turn affected Quit India movement, culminated in to a major fall out for Quit India movement.  Conclusion: Hence, it becomes evident that Quit India, as a movement was aimed at pushing British out of India, and consolidating India as one nation. However, Consolidation of Muslim league turned to be a major setback for Quit India movement. TLP HOT Synopsis Day 4 PDF

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th October 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India’s Public Debt Ratio projected to increase  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news As per the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s public debt ratio is projected to increase by 17% to almost 90% because of an increase in public spending due to Covid-19. Key takeaways  The ratio is projected to stabilise in 2021.  It will slowly decline up to the end of the projection period, in 2025.  The pattern of public debt in India is similar to the pattern around the world.  Do you know?  This debt-to-GDP ratio is used to compare a country's public debt to its GDP.  It is often expressed as a percentage.  By comparing what a country owes (debt) with what it produces (GDP), the debt-to-GDP ratio indicates a particular country’s ability to pay back its debts.  A country with a high debt-to-GDP ratio finds it difficult to pay off public debts. Pakistan gets re-elected to the UNHRC Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Global Groupings In news Recently Pakistan was re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Pakistan is currently serving on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) since 1st January, 2018.  With its re-election, Pakistan will continue as a member for another three-year term starting from 1st January, 2021. This is the fifth time that Pakistan has been elected to the UNHRC. Key takeaways  A total of 15 countries were elected to the 47-nation council.  Russia and Cuba were elected unopposed.  Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Nepal and China were elected from the Asia-Pacific region. Pakistan has been re-elected despite opposition from activist groups over its low human rights records. With a number of countries with questionable rights records being elected, the current system of entry to UNHRC is in serious need of reform. Except for the Asia-Pacific contest, the election of 15 members was decided in advance because all the other regional groups had unopposed states. However, there is a silver lining to repressive countries being elected to the council. It is far more difficult for them to hide their own human rights abuses because of their position as the supposed guardian of human rights makes  Important value additions  United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) The Council was created through the resolution 60/251.  Established in: 2006. Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland Aim: (1) To Promote and protect human rights around the globe; (2) To investigate alleged human rights violations. Features: The UNHRC has 47 members elected for three-year terms on a regional group basis from 5 groups. Membership: To become a member, a country must receive the votes of at least 96 of the 191 states of the UN General Assembly (an absolute majority). Members are elected directly by secret ballot by the majority of the UN General Assembly. Five regional groups for membership: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Western Europe and Eastern Europe. The members are elected for a period of three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Sessions: The UNHRC holds regular sessions three times a year. DAY-NRLM Special Package for J&K; and Ladakh Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and interventions In news Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a special package worth Rs. 520 crore in the Union Territories (UTs) of J&K; and Ladakh for a period of five years under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). Key takeaways  The Centre aims to universalise all centrally sponsored beneficiary-oriented schemes in J&K; and Ladakh in a time-bound manner. The package has been approved for a period of five years till 2023-24.  It has been decided to ensure funding on a demand-driven basis without linking allocation with poverty ratio during the extended period.  Around two-third rural women from the UTs will be covered and 10.58 lakh women will get the benefit from the special package. Important value additions  Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission It is a centrally sponsored programme, Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development Aim: (1) To eliminate rural poverty through the promotion of multiple livelihoods and improved access to financial services for the rural poor households across the country; (2) To reach out to all rural poor households and impact their livelihoods. It involves working with community institutions through community professionals.  It is implemented in a Mission mode by special purpose vehicles.  The government plans to take the scheme to 10 crore women. Tur dal to be released from Buffer Stocks Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news The Union government plans to release 40,000 tonnes of tur dal from its buffer stock into the retail market in small lots, in order to cool down the recent hike in pulses prices. Key takeaways  Major consuming centres (Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Bihar and Tamil Nadu) of urad and tur dal have seen a 20% hike in prices recently.  At an all-India level, the average retail prices of urad have shot up almost 40% in comparison to 2019, while the average retail prices of tur dal have increased by almost 24%. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) has introduced retail intervention.  It is a mechanism to use the buffer stock of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED). For such retail intervention, offer prices are fixed on the basis of MSP itself. The DoCA has also decided to release 40,000 metric tonnes of tur from the buffer stock in Open Market Sale (OMS) Scheme in small lots so that the releases may reach the retail market sooner and help in cooling off rising prices. Important value additions  National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Registered under: Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Set up in: 1958  Objective: To promote cooperative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit the farmers. Agricultural farmers are the members of the General Body of NAFED, who participate in the decision-making process. Minimum Support Price It is the rate at which the government buys grains from farmers. Objective: To counter the price volatility of agricultural commodities due to the factors like variations in the supply, lack of market integration and information asymmetry. It is fixed on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Parasitic Infections found in One-Horned Rhinoceros Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity In news Recently, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India has published report - ‘Prevalence of Endoparasitic Infections in Free-Ranging Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros’ for Assam and West Bengal. Key takeaways  The report highlights the natural causes due to which these rhinos die along with poaching. These natural causes have not been studied in great detail yet. Since 2017, the Rhino Task Force of Assam and WWF India have been undertaking steps to study pathogens found in fresh rhino dung samples in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. According to the researchers, habitat degradation can lead to an increased exposure to pathogens From the samples from Assam and West Bengal, the study concluded that parasites from four genera were present in an estimated 68% of India’s rhino population. The overall prevalence of endoparasites was 58.57% in Assam and 88.46% in West Bengal.  Results from UP are pending. Do you know?  Endoparasites are parasites that live in the tissues and organs of their hosts, such as tapeworms, flukes, and protozoans of vertebrates. Important value additions  There are three species of rhino in Asia — Greater one-horned, Javan and Sumatran. Two greatest threats: Poaching for the horns and habitat loss  The five rhino range nations: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia and Malaysia. These Nations have signed a declaration ‘The New Delhi Declaration on Asian Rhinos 2019’ for the conservation and protection of the species. Protection Status IUCN Red List Javan and Sumatran Rhino: Critically endangered   Greater one-horned rhino:  vulnerable All three listed under Appendix I (CITES). Greater one-horned rhino: Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. In India, rhinos are mainly found in Kaziranga National Park (NP), Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Orang NP and Manas NP in Assam, Jaldapara NP and Gorumara NP in West Bengal and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in UP. Conservation Efforts by India Recently, the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has begun a project to create DNA profiles of all rhinos in the country. National Rhino Conservation Strategy: It was launched in 2019 to conserve the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Indian Rhino Vision 2020: It was launched in 2005. Aim: To attain a wild population of at least 3,000 greater one-horned rhinos spread over seven protected areas in the Indian state of Assam by the year 2020. Miscellaneous Madhuca Diplostemon Recently, Madhuca diplostemon tree has been rediscovered after a gap of more than 180 years from a sacred grove in Kollam district, Kerala. The tree is locally known as Kavilippa in Malayalam. It was identified by the scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) at Palode, Kerala. The threatened species of the Western Ghats was believed to be extinct. IUCN has included it in the endangered species list.  The JNTBGRI is planning to undertake the ex-situ conservation of this species through the institute’s species recovery programme. (MAINS FOCUS) HEALTH/ INTERNATIONAL/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 1,2: Contemporary World History (UN & its challenges) Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. The message in the Peace Nobel Context: 2020 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the World Food Programme (WFP).  Paradox of Present Times At a time when cross-national and global challenges have increased Nation states are less willing to cooperate and collaborate to tackle them effectively. When the lives of people are at stake, active collaboration would have enhanced our collective ability to overcome what has become a public health-cum-economic crisis (COVID-19 Pandemic) But we live in an era when nationalist urges, fuelled by a political opportunism, diminish the appeal of international cooperation.  One would have expected that countries, particularly those with technological and financial capabilities, would agree to pool their resources together to work on an effective and affordable anti-virus vaccine.  Instead, there are several parallel national efforts under way even as WHO has put together a Covax alliance for the same purpose. Do You Know? According to the WFP, 132 million more people could become malnourished as a consequence of the pandemic.  To the 690 million people who go to bed each night on an empty stomach, perhaps another 100 million or more will be added.  About World Food Programme (WFP) Founded in 1961, WFP is the food assistance branch of United Nations It deals with hunger eradication and promotes food security in the world. WFP is funded completely by voluntary donations.  It is a member of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and works in close tandem with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). WFP partners with more than 1,000 national and international NGOs to provide food assistance and tackle the underlying causes of hunger. WFP is the largest humanitarian organisation implementing school feeding programmes worldwide Significance of Nobel Peace Prize awarded to WFP Hunger as Weapon of War: For its efforts to combat hunger and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict, WFP was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.  Need for International Cooperation: The message this award is sending to the world — that we need multilateralism as an expression of international solidarity.  Dangers of Pandemic: The award is also a warning that the novel coronavirus pandemic is reversing the substantial gains made in the fight against hunger and poverty. The Nobel Prize to the WFP will nudge our collective conscience to come together and relieve this looming humanitarian crisis. Need for Funding: The WFP’s achievement are modest, not because it is an inefficient institution, but because it is perennially under-funded Food Security and need of multilateralism Food, energy and water security are inter-linked with strong feedback loops. There exists inter-connectedness among these challenges. Enhancing food security may lead to diminished water and energy security. It may also have collateral impact on health security.  Raising crop yields with current agricultural strategies means higher incremental use of chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides.  India’s unprotected farmers are exposed to serious health risks as a result and often get bankrupted not due to crop failure but debilitating health costs. One has to realize of these inter-connections and hence come together to work collectively in a multilateral framework. A narrow Nationalistic approach to global challenges like Climate Change, hunger and Poverty will not be sustainable in long run The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are cross-domain but also cross-national in character, and hence demand greater multilateral cooperation in order to succeed. Thus, there is need for a more democratic world order since lack of cooperation from even a single state may frustrate success in tackling a global challenge Conclusion A fresh pandemic may erupt in any remote corner of the world and spread throughout the globe. Prevention cannot be achieved through coercion, only through cooperation. It is only multilateralism that makes this possible. Connecting the dots: India, UN and Multilateralism FOOD SECURITY/ ECONOMY / GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 3: Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. The road to zero hunger by 2030 Context:  World Food Day being celebrated on October 16 Do You Know? In the year 2020 FAO is celebrating 75 years of fighting hunger in over 130 countries IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) become the first UN agency to receive a credit rating The World Food Programme (WFP) was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace What is a food system?  It is a framework that includes every aspect of feeding and nourishing people: from growing, harvesting and processing to packaging, transporting, marketing and consuming food.  To be sustainable, a food system must provide enough nutritious food for all without compromising feeding future generations. How did India’s food system work during Pandemic? During the COVID-19-precipitated lockdown, the FAO, IFAD and the WFP worked in close coordination to support the Government of India’s Empowered Group 5 on facilitating supply chain and logistics management, so necessary items such as food and medicines were available. Over the past few decades, India has gone from being a net importer to a net exporter of food grains. This strength has been evident through the pandemic.  During April to June 2020, Central and State governments were able to distribute around 23 million tonnes from India’s large domestic food grain reserves through Public Distribution System The government also successfully mobilised food rations for 820 million people from April to November 2020, including finding alternate solutions to provide food rations to 90 million schoolchildren.  During Pandemic’s initial days of lockdown, there were efforts to remove bottlenecks in the food supply chain to ensure that agricultural activities weren’t disrupted.  As a result, agriculture grew at 3.4% during the first quarter this financial year and the area cultivated this kharif exceeded 110 million hectares. Challenges Ahead for India High number of Malnourished: The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey 2016-18 revealed that over 40 million children are chronically malnourished, and more than half of Indian women aged 15-49 years are anaemic. Climate change continues to be a real and potent threat to agrobiodiversity, which will impact everything from productivity to livelihoods across food and farm systems. Small Land Size: Intensified food production systems with excessive use of chemicals and unsustainable farming practices cause soil degradation, fast depletion of groundwater table and rapid loss of agro-biodiversity. These challenges multiply with an increase in fragmentation of landholdings. Way Ahead The way we produce food must change through agroecology and sustainable production practices in agriculture and allied sectors India must stop the waste — one-third of the food we produce is wasted.  COVID-19 is an opportunity to adopt innovative solutions based on scientific evidence so they can build back better and make food systems more resilient and sustainable Everybody — governments, the private sector, civil society and local communities — has a role to play in transforming our food systems so they can withstand increasing volatility and climate shocks Connecting the dots: Sustainable Developmental Goals India’s Commitment to Paris Climate Deal (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 Which of the following is not among the five rhino range Nations?  India  Bhutan  Nepal  China Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding greater one horned Rhino:  It is included in endangered list of IUCN red list.  It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 Consider the following statements: The debt-to-GDP ratio indicates a particular country’s ability to pay back its debts.  A country with a low debt-to-GDP ratio finds it difficult to pay off public debts. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.4 Where is the headquarters of UNHRC located? Geneva The Hague Paris New York ANSWERS FOR 15th October 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 D 3 D Must Read About government regulating the TRPs: The Hindu About political turbulence in Thailand: The Hindu About DU cut-off and the criticism of Examination system: The Indian Express

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 16th Oct 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