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Important Articles

GEOGRAPHY OPTIONAL MAINS TEST SERIES 2020 (By Atyab Ali Zaidi Sir)

Hello Friends,   Many of you might be speculating about the cut-off’s and might be discussing about the controversial questions. This is not the time to speculate. It is high time to practice more questions to enhance your answer writing skills. We are launching a comprehensive Test Series for Geography Optional for Mains 2020. The Test series will be conducted by Atyab Ali Zaidi sir. He is an alumnus of NIT Allahabad, Chemical Engineering, and is one of the Core members of the IASbaba Team. He has been mentoring UPSC aspirants since past 5 years and many of his students have qualified this prestigious exam with flying colors. The testimony of the quality of the classes is the following feedback comments provided by the students of the last year’s batch.   Objectives of the program: The aim of the program is to groom the students with geography optional to approach the subject properly and learn how to write a proper geographical answer. There have been several misconceptions spread in the market which have made the aspirants believe that it is impossible to score well in Geography. However, every year there is at least one person to get a top 10 rank. It means that if you write according to the demand of the question, you are definitely going to score well. The mentorship will provide you this guideline. To provide enough practice to the students so that they can feel comfortable with slightly twisted questions also. Components of Geography Test Series: A total of 8 tests with 4 sectional test and 4 full test. (Only online) All the students will get personal mentorship. Mentor will point out the individual mistakes and help in overall guidance. (NOTE: Onus will lie on the student to call the mentor on time to discuss the issues.) Proper evaluation of the answer sheets and detailed feedback. Value Add notes for some specific topics will be provided YOU CAN DIRECTLY CALL ATYAB SIR AND DISCUSS ON THIS NUMBER- 9591106864 DOWNLOAD THE SCHEDULE OF THE TEST SERIES- CLICK HERE FEE AND PAYMENT LINK- CLICK HERE Thank You IASbaba  

Important Articles

SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL MAINS TEST SERIES 2020 By Dr.Vamshi Krishna NC

Dear Students, In these unprecedented times, a dose of positive news is always welcome and let’s starts with the first one. Ten students out of seventy from the recent Sociology batch have been selected for the final frontier –The personality test. We hope they find their name in the coveted final list.  This is quite a feat as we could not imagine this when we started our first series batch in late 2018. Many of you might be speculating about the cut-off's and might be discussing about the controversial questions. This is not the time to speculate. It is high time to practice more questions to enhance your answer writing skills. We are launching a comprehensive Test Series for Sociology Optional 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), unlike other test series programmes which repeat previous year questions.  Features of the Program: 1) Sectional and full-length tests (Total 14 tests). 2) All the tests are flexible!! 3) Timely evaluation with comprehensive feedback. 4) Comprehensive synopsis. 5) VAN consisting of Sociological analysis of current events and some important mind maps. 6) Specialized Video analysis of answers with nuances that will help aspirants answers to stand out. 7) Dedicated student dashboard. Note: The Test Series will start from 18th October 2020. Please find the Schedule @ end of the post. The test series is recommended only for those who have had prior exposure to the optional and are looking to improve their scores (Experienced students- from their second attempt)   FACULTY PROFILE: Dr.Vamshi Krishna NC (BDS, M.A.(Sociology) is today a known name in Sociology optional preparation especially known for tackling dynamic portions of paper-2 and has been one of the highest scorers in UPSC CSE Sociology(2014, 2015) thus well versed with the new format and its complexities. He is also an avid contributor for Sociology research papers on Academia and Research Gate website well known amongst the research community. He also has experience of teaching on Online platforms thus making the experience more user friendly and subject relatable to the students.       To Download the Schedule (Sociology Test Series Mains 2020) ->  CLICK HERE   FEES DETAILS: Total Fees: Sociology Test Series (Mains 2020) : Rs.14,000 +  18% GST = Rs. 16,520   PAYMENT LINK: Sociology Test Series (Mains 2020) -> CLICK HERE FOR ANY QUERIES (Related to Sociology e-CLP 2021 and All India Sociology Test Series 2020-21) You can reach us on Email id: sociology@iasbaba.com Contact Dr. Vamshi Krishna: 9966152157 Gopi Krishna: 6366456458 (Please call between 10 am – 5 pm ONLY) 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: 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

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 10th October 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Property Cards to be distributed under SVAMITVA scheme  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions In news Indian Prime Minister will launch the physical distribution of Property Cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme on October 11, 2020 to transform rural India. Important value additions  SVAMITVA scheme It was launched in April 2020.  Aim: To provide the record of rights to village household owners in rural areas and issue Property Cards. It is being implemented across India in a phased manner over a period of four years.  It will cover around 6.62 lakh villages  The launch will enable around 1 lakh property holders to download their Property Cards through the SMS link delivered on their mobile phones.  This would be followed by physical distribution of the Property Cards by the respective State governments. The move will pave the way for using property as a financial asset by villagers for taking loans and other financial benefits. Nobel Peace Prize For 2020 announced Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Poverty; Hunger; Global Organisations  In news The Nobel Peace Prize for 2020 will be given to the World Food Programme (WFP) for its efforts to combat hunger. Key takeaways  In 2019, the WFP provided assistance to close to 100 million people in 88 countries who are victims of acute food insecurity and hunger. The World Food Programme was an active participant in the diplomatic process that culminated in May 2018 in the UN Security Council’s unanimous adoption of Resolution 2417, which for the first time explicitly addressed the link between conflict and hunger. Do you know?  The World Food Programme (WFP) is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations.  It is the world's largest humanitarian organization focused on hunger and food security. In 2015, eradicating hunger was adopted as one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.  The WFP is the UN’s primary instrument for achieving this goal. Founded in: 1961.  Headquarter: Rome Contraction in GDP of India in 2020-21: World Bank Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news Recently, the World Bank has released its South Asia Economic Focus report which estimated that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can contract by 9.6% for the year 2020-21. Key takeaways  This estimate is lower than the earlier forecast of 3.2% contraction which was made in June, 2020 . It is due to the impact of the national lockdown against the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Households and small urban service firms experienced income shock . The manufacturing and exporting industries may face reduced growth. The construction sector may also face slowdown. These disruptions to jobs will increase the poverty rate. 2020 rates may go back to levels in 2016. The economic slowdown could lead to rising loan non-repayment and risk aversion impacting the financial markets also.  However, India’s growth is estimated to rebound to 5.4% in 2021-22. Arctic Amplification phenomenon Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Climate change In news A team of scientists have identified iodic acid (HIO3) which is driver of new aerosol particle formation in the Arctic.  This is responsible for Arctic Amplification or Arctic Warming. Also, presence of Iodic acid in the region had not been observed previously. Over the past 30 years, the Arctic has warmed at roughly twice the rate as the entire globe. This phenomenon is known as Arctic amplification. Global warming and climate change are impacting the Arctic more than the rest of the world. Changes have become much more pronounced since the 1980s. Key takeaways  These aerosol particles influence the formation of clouds.  These clouds reflect solar radiation which is known as Aerosol Radiative Forcing.  Also, clouds can retain heat on the Earth's surface. Thus, they have an influence on the warming of the Arctic. Reasons for Arctic Amplification  Change in Albedo: It is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed. Changing Ocean currents: Ocean currents normally bring in warmer water from the Pacific, and colder water exits out of the Arctic into the Atlantic. However, such currents may be changing because more melting ice is injecting the Arctic Ocean with freshwater.  Changing Weather: Ocean currents also drive the polar jet stream, which moves hot and cold air masses around the Northern Hemisphere. This happens due to temperature differences between the Arctic and the tropics. But as the Arctic warms, the jet stream now undulates wildly north and south due to which the Arctic gets warm air. Do you know?  There is no Antarctic amplification. Antarctic warming is not as alarming as Arctic Warming.  This is so because Antarctica is surrounded by the vast Southern Ocean, which is soaking up much of the atmosphere’s excess heat. (MAINS FOCUS) WOMEN/ GOVERNANCE/ SCIENCE & TECH Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill – Part II Context: Union Health Minister introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 (Bill) in the Lok Sabha on September 14. Click here for Part I (containing elaborate provisions of the Bill) The ART Bill has shifted to an altruistic model of gamete donation and fails to respond to the needs of the 27 million infertile Indian couples. Critical Analysis of the provisions of Bill Exclusion of segment of society to access ART The Bill allows for a married heterosexual couple and a woman above the age of marriage to use ARTs. It excludes single men, cohabiting heterosexual couples and LGBTQI individuals and couples from accessing ARTs.  This violates Article 14 (Right to Equality) of the Constitution  It also violates the right to privacy jurisprudence of Puttaswamy case. Unlike the Surrogacy Regulation Bill, there is no prohibition on foreign citizens accessing ARTs. Foreigners can access ART but not Indian citizens in loving relationships. The egg donor’s interests are subordinated The Bill requires an egg donor’s written consent but does not provide for her counselling or the ability to withdraw her consent before or during the procedure (unlike for commissioning parties). She receives no compensation or reimbursement of expenses for loss of salary, time and effort.  Failing to pay for bodily services constitutes unfree labour, which is prohibited by Article 23 of the Constitution. The commissioning parties only need to obtain an insurance policy in her name for medical complications or death; no amount or duration is specified.  Elements of Patriarchy The Bill restricts egg donation to a married woman with a child (at least three years old).  Even here, egg donation as an altruistic act is possible only once a woman has fulfilled her duties to the patriarchal institution of marriage. More Safeguards needed with regard to testing of embryos The Bill requires pre-implantation genetic testing and where the embryo suffers from “pre-existing, heritable, life-threatening or genetic diseases”, it can be donated for research with the commissioning parties’ permission. These disorders need specification or the Bill risks promoting an impermissible programme of eugenics.  Prior versions of the Bill regulated research using embryos, which must be brought back. SRB Bill and ART Bill needs further synchronisation Definitions of commissioning “couple”, “infertility”, “ART clinics” and “banks” need to be synchronised between the Bills.  A single woman cannot commission surrogacy but can access ART. Both Bills set up multiple bodies for registration which will result in duplication or worse, lack of regulation (e.g. surrogacy clinic is not required to report surrogacy to National Registry). Also, the same offending behaviours under both Bills are punished differently + punishments under the SRB are greater Offences under the ART Bill are bailable but not under the SRB.  Records have to be maintained for 10 years under the ART Bill but for 25 years under the SRB Other issues Children born from ART do not have the right to know their parentage, which is crucial to their best interests and protected under previous drafts. The Bill requires clinics and banks to maintain a grievance cell but these will be one-sided. Clinics must instead have ethics committees. Mandated counselling services should also be independent of the clinic. The Bill’s prohibition on the sale, transfer, or use of gametes and embryos is poorly worded and will confuse foreign and domestic parents relying on donated gametes. Conclusion The Bill raises several constitutional, medico-legal, ethical and regulatory concerns, affecting millions and must be thoroughly reviewed before passage. Connecting the dots: Surrogacy Regulation Bill Indian Human Genome Project HEALTH/ GOVERNANCE/ SOCIETY Topic: General Studies 2,3: Government policies and interventions for development in Health sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Boosting India’s Mental Health Care Apparatus Context: From being the neglected and stigmatised domain of health care, mental health has gained significance in the wake of the socio-economic upheaval caused by Covid-19. What are the myths associated with Mental Health Problems? Those who face mental health problems are weak Seeking help for mental health issues makes one dependent Psychiatric medicines prescribed by Mental Health Doctor are addictive;  Psychotherapy and counselling can alter people’s thinking instantly. Do You Know? In 2017, there were 197.3 million people with mental disorders, comprising 14·3% of India’s total population Mental disorders contributed 4.7% to the total Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) in India in 2017 as compared to approximately 2·5% in 1990 (one DALY essentially being one lost year of “healthy” life) What are the issues associated with mental health care services? Low Spending: India spends 1.3% of its health budget on mental health Low Accessibility: Access to psychological and social interventions for mental health problems is not available to most people. The treatment gap for mental health is as high as 95%. Treatment, even when available, is largely focussed on medicines Inequity in Access to Mental Health Services: The more vulnerable — children, women, homeless, people in conflict areas, those facing identity based discrimination — are the least likely to have access to mental health services. Shortage of Manpower: One of the key barriers to access is the lack of mental health human resources. WHO’s Mental Health Atlas in 2017 documents that India has around a total of 25,000 mental health worker for 1.3 billion population Inefficient Strategy for developing human resource: These are focussed primarily on training more psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatric social workers, whose numbers are woefully inadequate. What Strategy should be used to increase Mental Health Human resources? India needs to work towards a three-tiered mental health workforce comprising associates, practitioners and specialists. Associates The associates would be the primary level workers for mental health interventions at the village or urban cluster-level.  They would make up a new cadre of frontline community mental health workers which can be set up by repurposing the present Accredited Social Health Activist (Asha) cadre or women SHGs The mental health associates would be the first point of contact, and would be able to form empathetic relationships, support people in decision-making and work with an individual or a group of individuals under supervision. They would also work towards increasing awareness and linking people to crisis intervention and secondary and tertiary mental health services. Practitioners The next level, practitioners, would form the spine of mental health service delivery and would be graduates with specific training in community mental health. Their competencies would include supporting adaptive coping programmes; providing online behavioural and cognitive interventions; supporting care and protection processes in residential and community settings and facilitating informed choices  These practitioners would also start conversations and galvanise communities around initiatives to challenge stigma and facilitate inclusion. Specialists The specialists would include the current mental health professionals, but would also strategically allow post-graduates in psychology and social work to upgrade their skills through an advanced diploma in community mental health.  They will provide leadership, training, tertiary services and supervision. Conclusion If all commissions for women, child care and protection organisations, schools, universities and neighbourhood clinics were to integrate mental health in the services they provide (as required by the law), the need for mental health human resources would be a few hundred thousand skilled professionals. The current pandemic should precipitate a disruptive change to lay the foundations for a more comprehensive network of mental health services in India. Connecting the dots: Mental health care Act 2017 (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 SVAMITVA scheme is associated with which of the following?  Issuance of property cards in rural and urban areas. Issuance of property cards in rural areas only. Issuance of property cards in urban areas only. Issuance of property cards to businesswomen in both urban and rural areas.  Q.2 World Food Programme recently won Nobel Peace Prize for 2020 for its efforts to combat hunger. Consider the following statements regarding it: It is a private not-for-profit organization.  It is headquartered in Rome.  Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.3 Arctic Amplification could be due to which of the following factors?  Change in weather  Change in ocean currents  Increased fishing Decrease in biodiversity  Select the correct code: 1 and 2 only 2 only 1, 2 and 3 2 and 4 only ANSWERS FOR 9th October 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A 3 C Must Read About impending US elections: The Hindu About Caste Atrocity in Hathras Rape Case: The Hindu About Monetary Policy Committee’s recent meeting: The Indian Express

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Long Term Approach – Inspirational Educative Articles

Long Term Approach: It is very easy to keep looking at our feet to see where we are going, and forget the actual reason as to why we are going, and where exactly are we going. Life sometimes can be overwhelmingly complex that we forget to take a moment to assess our long term approach to it. There is nothing inherently wrong in focusing on what’s happening in the present, or the immediate future. But when we become too obsessed with what we are doing now, we can very easily forget that life is long, and we cannot simply be lost in what is happening around us right now. The reason why it is important to have a long term approach to life is obvious. Daily actions and activities are mainly necessity based; they are not based on the long term needs. When we become too occupied with the necessities of life, we can become blind to our actual long term needs and wants. Having a long term approach means looking at your life in chunks of five or ten years, or even more than that to see it in totality. Long term approach to life lends a very different perspective to life. The vantage point from where we can see our lives from changes when looked at it long term. The most important decisions of life about choosing the right people, finding the right job, choosing a place to live, or any other critical decision when approached with a long term perspective, will eventually seem to fall into place. Only on the longer run does life make any sense. Moment to moment, life is beautiful but totally meaningless. Making medium to long term plans and directing your life accordingly will help you to stay focused and driven. Without a long term approach, it is very easy to get discouraged or feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, the simplest thing that can help us to deal with the challenges of life is having a long term approach to it. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine SEPTEMBER 2020

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, This is the 64th edition of IASbaba’s Current Affairs Monthly Magazine. Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination is an important factor in this preparation. An effort towards making your Current Affairs for IAS UPSC Preparation qualitative. We hope you make the best use of it! This edition covers all important current affairs issues that were in news for the month of SEPTEMBER 2020. Kindly leave your feedback in the comment section below on the new design and presentation of the magazine. We would love to hear from you 🙂   DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- 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  

मासिक पत्रिका अगस्त 2020- हिन्दी IASbaba सामयिकी

ARCHIVES Hello Friends,   Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination is an important factor in this preparation. An effort towards making your Current Affairs for IAS UPSC Preparation qualitative. We hope you make the best use of it! This Hindi edition covers all important current affairs issues that were in news for the month of AUGUST 2020. Kindly leave your feedback in the comment section below on the new design and presentation of the magazine. We would love to hear from you 🙂 DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- 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  

MindMaps

MIND-MAPS: GEOGRAPHY BASICS (PLATEAUS & PLAINS) - General Studies - 1

MIND-MAPS: GEOGRAPHY BASICS (PLATEAUS & PLAINS) - General Studies - 1 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! PLATEAUS & PLAINS - General Studies - 1 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) PLATEAUS  PLAINS      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 Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 10th 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

Important Articles

[NEW BATCH] IASbaba’s PROGRAMS/COURSES –UPSC 2021: E-CLP, ILP, AIPTS, TLP – Prelims, Mains Integrated Programs and Test Series – ADMISSIONS OPEN!

Hello Everyone, We are happy to announce the second batch of Integrated Learning Programme -2021, All India Prelims Test Series 2021, e-classroom Learning Programme 2021 and Think Learn and Perform (TLP)-2021. Essence of these Programmes: e-CLP 2021 - Online Classroom Program for fresher’s. ILP 2021- Integrated (Prelims + Mains + Interview) Program for Fresher’s/Veterans. It includes both Prelims and Mains Test Series and Evaluation and Mentorship. AIPTS 2021 - Exclusive Prelims Test Series TLP Connect 2021 - Integrated (Prelims + Mains + Interview) Test Series Based Mentorship Program for those who have completed their syllabus atleast once or twice/who have given Mains/Interview. TLP+ 2021 - Exclusive Mains Test Series and Mentorship In UPSC 2019, 150+ (from ILP and TLP ONLY) students from IASbaba got an Interview call. It’s a Proud moment!  All Credit goes to the efforts of our students put in the right direction!  100+ Ranks UPSC CSE 2019 Topper’s from IASbaba – 5 in Top 20 Ranks makes it even more Special! -> CLICK HERE We are also thankful and overwhelmed by the response, thank you note and feedback from our previous years’ students after UPSC Prelims 2020. Getting such feedback and emails/calls always excite us. You should go through this PDF - Detailed Explanation of UPSC Prelims 2020 to understand and assess the quality. Do go through the PDF sincerely. Let us go through some unique questions asked by UPSC in Prelims 2020: Q.) With reference to cultural history of India consider the following pairs: Parivrajaka Renunciant and Wanderer Shramana Priest with a high status Upasaka Lay follower of buddhism Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1,2 and 3 Solution (b) REFERENCE: ILP Value Add Notes-Ancient India: All three were covered in VAN- Direct Hit Q.) With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’? The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval south India. Solution (c) REFERENCE: ILP Value Add Notes-Ancient India Q.) With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events? The Revolt of 1857 The Mappila rebellion of 1921 The Indigo revolt of 1859 – 60 Birsa Munda’s revolt of 1899-1900 Solution (d) REFERENCE: ILP Value Add Notes-Ancient India Q.) In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, ‘Pronuclear Transfer” is used for Fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm Genetic modification of sperm producing cells Development of stem cells into functional embryos Prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring Solution (d) REFERENCE: Prelims Exclusive Programme (PEP)-Handout: Value Add Notes Like this, we have a lot of direct hits in recent UPSC Prelims 2020. You can cross-check this in the given PDF above. UPSC is known to go against all expectations, predictions and pre-conceived notions of the candidates. That’s why most of the students who appear for the exam just get bamboozled by the question paper. Some feel that it is too easy and they were preparing for a much more difficult paper and some feel that they were preparing in a different dimension all together. Only a few are able to hit the bull’s eye. We are telling this so that if you have missed the mark this year, don’t beat yourself too hard. This year was full of turmoil and we are all facing situations that we had seen only in some Hollywood fiction movies. The pandemic, the lockdown and too much stress in the environment. Under these circumstances even the tougher ones can be thrown off the track. However, this is not the time to sulk, rather to mend your previous mistakes and look to the future. You knew it is going to be a difficult and long journey. So rather than wasting your time in thinking about what you could have done, invest your time in what you can do now. Start with positivity and have self-belief. At this point we would like to inform you that we will be starting a new batch for (Integrated Learning Program (ILP), All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS) and e – Classroom Learning program (e – CLP). We were getting a lot of requests from the students that they couldn’t join the program earlier as prelims was delayed. Now is the opportunity for you to get enrolled and get the right guidance under the best mentors/teachers. Please Note: Both TLP Connect and TLP+ Programs are available OFFLINE & ONLINE. But given the present conditions you can take the programme ONLINE and when conditions are back to normal you can change to OFFLINE Mode. 1. Integrated Learning Programme- 2021 Integrated (Prelims + Mains + Interview) Program for Fresher’s/Veterans. It includes both Prelims and Mains Test Series and Evaluation and Mentorship. In the last five years, ILP has been bang on target with a hit ratio of more than 65%, a figure remarkably high keeping in mind the unpredictable nature of UPSC. With a knack of getting it right ILP has become a reliable name. The new batch of ILP 2021 will be starting from 12th October 2020. Read the complete details of ILP-2021 -> Click Here It has three different programmes. ILP Basic ILP Plus ILP Connect Download the New Schedule -> Click Here Payment Links ILP Basic Price: Rs.12,000 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.14,160/- Make Payment - English ILP Plus Price: Rs.15,000 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.17,760/- Make Payment - English ILP Connect Plus Price: Rs.20,000 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.23,600/- Make Payment - English 2. All India Prelims Test Series-2021 Exclusive Prelims Test Series. IASbaba is known for its quality coverage and it is a testimony that we have been able to HIT the bull’s eye in Prelims and Mains both over the period of the last 5 years. The closeness and exact repetition of Questions from our Tests needs no mention. This is acknowledged by many Toppers every year. Well, apart from the fact that many toppers have recommended IASbaba for our quality, the overall results are a testimony of our meticulous planning and dedication towards students. We try to match the standards set by UPSC in our test series by keeping the questions of mixed difficulty level i.e. easy, moderate, difficult, and very difficult. We have two different courses under AIPTS 2021. AIPTS 2021 AIPTS Plus 2021 The new batch of ILP 2021 will be starting from 21st October 2020. Read the complete details of AIPTS-2021 -> Click Here It has two different programmes. AIPTS 2021 AIPTS PLUS 2021 Download the New Schedule -> Click Here Payment Links AIPTS Price: Rs.5,999 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.7,080/- Make Payment - English AIPTS Plus Price: Rs.7,999 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.9,440/- Make Payment - English 3. e-Learning Classroom Programme (e-CLP)-2021 If you are a Fresher and needs classroom programme with conceptual clarity, this programme is for you. Hybrid Model of Classes Integrated & the Most Comprehensive CLASSROOM Program Focus on Fundamentals through Strategy/Approach Classes Focus on Conceptual Understanding & Value Add Notes Daily Prelims and Mains Tests/Assignment and Fortnightly Full-Length tests Connecting the Dots – Sessions by Experts & Toppers Live Doubt Clearing Sessions Subject-wise Mentorship by Expert The new batch of ILP 2021 will be starting from 21st October 2020. Read the complete details of e-CLP-2021 -> Click Here Download the New Schedule -> Click Here Payment Links e-CLP​ Rs.61,000 + Rs.10,980(18% GST) = Rs. 71,980​ Pay Full Payment e-CLP 1st Installment​ Rs.24,400 +  Rs.4,392(18% GST) = Rs. 28,792 Pay 1st Installment 4. TLP CONNECT 2021 (Prelims + Mains+ Interview) INTEGRATED Mentorship Based Programme and TLP PLUS (+) 2021 MAINS Mentorship Based Programme (OFFLINE and ONLINE) TLP Connect 2021 Integrated (Prelims + Mains + Interview) Test Series Based Mentorship Program for those who have completed their syllabus at least once or twice/who have given Mains/Interview. In UPSC 2019, 150+ (from ILP and TLP ONLY) students from IASbaba got an Interview call. It’s a Proud moment!  All Credit goes to the efforts of our students put in the right direction! 100+ Ranks UPSC CSE 2019 Topper’s from IASbaba – 5 in Top 20 Ranks makes it even more Special! -> CLICK HERE For the past 5 years, TLP has become synonymous with quality and effectiveness. The testimony and recommendation of toppers and a hit ratio of more than 82% in Mains (in the last 4 Years) speak volumes about the quality of questions that IASbaba frames. In TLP, you will get a mix of thought provoking, opinion oriented, highly analytical and most probable questions apart from few direct questions to prepare you for any scenario that UPSC can throw at you. You can see it yourself here: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Going by the success of last year, we are re-launching both the versions of Think Learn Perform (TLP) Programme. Read the details below: TLP PLUS (+) 2021 (Available in BOTH OFFLINE and ONLINE) TLP CONNECT 2021 (Available in BOTH OFFLINE and ONLINE) Topper's Testimonials Previous Next Comparison Chart of all the Programmes-2021 Offline Payment Details Bank Details BANK Name CANARA BANK BANK BRANCH BANGALORE KLE SOCIETY ACCOUNT NAME IASBABA ACCOUNT NUMBER 8418201003836 IFSC CODE CNRB0008418 ACCOUNT TYPE CURRENT ACCOUNT  AFTER MAKING PAYMENT ONLINE You will receive a Receipt/Mail with Login Details. Do not worry it may take 2-3 hours time since it is automated. 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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th October 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Poverty and shared Prosperity 2020: Reversals of Fortune Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Social issues In news Recently, Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report was released.  Released by: The World Bank biennially According to the report, Global extreme poverty is expected to rise for the first time in 20 years because of the disruption caused by COVID-1 Key takeaways  The report provides the latest and most accurate estimates on trends in global poverty and shared prosperity. For more than two decades, extreme poverty was steadily declining.  Now, for the first time in a generation, the quest to end poverty has suffered its worst setback. The pandemic may push another 88 million to 115 million into extreme poverty or having to live on less than $1.50 per day.  Some 9.1% to 9.4% of the world will be affected by extreme poverty in 2020. Natural Gas Marketing Reforms approved  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Resources In news The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Natural Gas Marketing Reforms’ to move towards gas based economy. Key takeaways  Aim of the Policy: (1)To provide standard procedure for sale of natural gas in a transparent and competitive manner; (2) To discover market price by issuing guidelines for sale by contractor through e-bidding. Advantages: (1) This will bring uniformity in the bidding process across the various contractual regimes and policies; (2) Ambiguity shall be removed; (3) It shall contribute towards ease of doing business.  Affiliate companies can also participate in the bidding process to make it more open and transparent.  The policy will also grant marketing freedom to the Field Development Plans (FDPs) of those Blocks in which Production Sharing Contracts already provide pricing freedom. Pusa Decomposer to be used on trail basis Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment  In news According to Environment Ministry, Pusa Decomposer will be used on a trial basis in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi for 2020. Key takeaways  The burning of paddy stubble has been a cause of concern for the past several years as it contributes to air pollution.  It is a common practice in October and November across North West India, primarily in states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.  This is done to quickly clear crop residue from their fields before planting the rabi wheat crop. Important value additions  Pusa Decomposer ‘Pusa Decomposer’ is developed to tackle the issue of stubble burning.  Developed by: Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI). It is a fungi-based liquid solution that can soften hard stubble so that it can be easily mixed with soil in the field to act as compost. It will also help in retaining the essential microbes and nutrients in soil that are otherwise damaged due to the burning.  Miscellaneous Nobel Prize for Literature 2020 announced  The 2020 Nobel Prize for Literature has been awarded to American poet Louise Glück. A professor at Yale University, Glück made her debut in 1968 with her collection titled 'Firstborn'.  She is seen as one of the most prominent poets and essayists in American contemporary literature. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for her collection The Wild Iris and the National Book Award for her latest collection, Faithful and Virtuous Night, in 2014. She is the fourth woman to win the Nobel Literature Prize in the past decade. (MAINS FOCUS) RIGHTS/ JUDICIARY / GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Ethics in Public administration:  CAG: Keeping vigil even during unusual times Context: With the nation spending substantial resources to manage the pandemic the role of the supreme audit institution of India, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has assumed the significance. Karnataka Case - How emergency situation is misused for corrupt practices? Emergency calls for attention on outcomes rather than rules In the expediency of saving lives and alleviating suffering, there can be reasonable exceptions to compliance with established rules and standard operating procedures. As a result, questions of inconsistencies are likely to be overlooked. In Karnataka, there was political allegation that funds (to the tune of ₹2,000 crore) were siphoned off to purchase inferior quality of PPEs, sanitisers, ventilators, masks and other equipment at prices higher than those prevailing in the market In August 2020, the Karnataka State Legislature’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) directed the CAG to conduct a special audit into the purchase of COVID-19 equipment The panel also asked the CAG to ‘conduct an audit of expenditure incurred by the State government under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The government had used the SDRF amount for purchase of equipment in various districts’ What is the role of CAG during these times? Mandate: The statutory responsibility of CAG as an independent, objective, and non-partisan constitutional authority includes appraising disaster preparedness, ensuring that management, mitigation operations, procedures are complied with, and proper internal controls are in place. Realigning to COVID-times: The CAG has issued an order creating a new vertical — health, welfare and rural development on June 1 restructuring the office of the Director General of Audit, Central Expenditure Need to audit Health related expenditure: It is necessary that the CAG undertakes performance audits of COVID-19 related procurements, the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and Employee State Insurance (ESI) hospitals.  Audit objectives may include the procurement of equipment and drugs for CGHS wellness centres and polyclinics, laboratories and hospitals.  Quality of Governance: As the CAG’s performance audits are driven by economy, efficiency and effectiveness, the audit should also focus on expense tracking and achievement of outputs and outcome, in qualitative and quantitative terms. Leveraging Technology: The entire process of procurement of COVID-19-related equipment and drugs, proper documentation, and compliance with rules and regulations can be streamlined with data analytics and AI Significance of CAG Auditing during COVID-19 times Helps Prevent Spread of Pandemic: Auditing of hospitals, dispensaries and labs is expected to provide the assured health-care services including infection control and hygiene. Disaster Management: If all the major purchases by government entities at all levels are audited by the CAG, there can be substantial improvement in disaster management.  Good Governance: CAG audit will usher in better transparency, integrity, honesty, effective service delivery and compliance with rules and procedures and governance. Long term benefits: Audit recommendations can contribute improvements in various aspects of disaster preparedness, management and mitigation. Conclusion With corruption likely in pandemic management, the CAG’s audit can ensure checks and balances in the health sector Connecting the dots: Election Commission of India’s role in conducting elections during Pandemic WOMEN/ GOVERNANCE/ SCIENCE & TECH Topic: General Studies 2,3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.  Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill – Part I Context: Union Health Minister introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020 (Bill) in the Lok Sabha on September 14. Aim of the Bill To regulate ART banks and clinics Allow safe and ethical practice of ARTs  Protect women and children from exploitation To supplement the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 (that awaits consideration by the Rajya Sabha) Some of the key Provisions of the bill are: Definition of Assistive Reproductive Technology The Bill defines ART to include all techniques that seek to obtain a pregnancy by handling the sperm or the oocyte (immature egg cell) outside the human body and transferring the gamete or the embryo into the reproductive system of a woman. Examples of ART services include gamete (sperm or oocyte) donation, in-vitro-fertilisation (fertilising an egg in the lab), and gestational surrogacy (the child is not biologically related to surrogate mother).   ART services will be provided through: (i) ART clinics, which offer ART related treatments and procedures, and (ii) ART banks, which store and supply gametes. Regulation of ART Clinics and ART Banks The Bill provides that every ART clinic and bank must be registered under the National Registry of Banks and Clinics of India.  The National Registry will be established under the Bill and will act as a central database with details of all ART clinics and banks in the country.   State governments will appoint registration authorities for facilitating the registration process.   Clinics and banks will be registered only if they adhere to certain standards (specialised manpower, physical infrastructure, and diagnostic facilities).   The registration will be valid for five years and can be renewed for a further five years.  Conditions for gamete donation and supply A bank can obtain semen from males between 21 and 55 years of age, and oocytes from females between 23 and 35 years of age.   An oocyte donor should be an ever-married woman having at least one alive child of her own (minimum three years of age).   The woman can donate oocyte only once in her life and not more than seven oocytes can be retrieved from her.   A bank cannot supply gamete of a single donor to more than one commissioning couple (couple seeking services). Conditions for offering ART services ART procedures can only be carried out with the written informed consent of both the party seeking ART services as well as the donor.   The party seeking ART services will be required to provide insurance coverage in the favour of the oocyte donor (for any loss, damage, or death of the donor).   A clinic is prohibited from offering to provide a child of pre-determined sex.   The Bill also requires checking for genetic diseases before the embryo implantation. Rights of a child born through ART: A child born through ART will be deemed to be a biological child of the commissioning couple and will be entitled to the rights and privileges available to a natural child of the commissioning couple.   A donor will not have any parental rights over the child. National and State Boards:  The Bill provides that the National and State Boards for Surrogacy constituted under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019 will act as the National and State Board respectively for the regulation of ART services.  Key powers and functions of the National Board include: Advising the central government on ART related policy matters Reviewing and monitoring the implementation of the Bill Formulating code of conduct and standards for ART clinics and banks Overseeing various bodies to be constituted under the Bill.   Analysis of the provisions of the bill will be taken up in Part II of this article (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 the Conventional source of energy: The conventional sources of energy are the fossil fuels which took millions of years for the formation of fossil fuels; hence they are limited and non-renewable. Fossils are remains of organisms that lived in the past and fossil fuels are plants that got buried under earth that became rock over years. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct? 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report was recently launched by which of the following organisation? World bank International Monetary Fund World Economic Forum None of the above Q.3 Pusa Decomposer is associated with which of the following? Thermal Power Plants Organic Farming Stubble Burning Automobile Exhaust ANSWERS FOR 8th October 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 C 4 D Must Read About Nobel Prize in Chemistry: The Hindu About RBI’s Ni-Monthly Monetary Policy review: The Hindu About SC recent judgement on right to protest: The Hindu