May 12, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 12th May 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Christchurch Call to Action Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - International Relations & GS-III - Terrorism  In news USA will join the Christchurch Call to Action to Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content Online.  It is a New Zealand-led global campaign to stamp out violent extremism online. Key takeaways  The Christchurch Call is named after the New Zealand city in which 51 people from the Muslim community were killed in terrorist attacks broadcast live on the Internet on 15 March 2019. The Christchurch Call is an action plan that commits governments, international organizations and Internet players to take a series of measures, in particular: developing tools to prevent the downloading of terrorist and violent extremist content; combating the causes of violent extremism; improving transparency in the detection and removal of content; and ensuring that the algorithms designed and used by businesses do not direct users towards violent extremist content, so as to reduce their viral nature. Shortage of anti-fungal injection, Amphotericin B Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II - Health & GS-III - Sci & tech  In news Acute shortage of anti-fungal injection ‘amphotericin’ and other anti-fungal medicines used to treat mucormycosis, is now adding to difficulties of patients. Mucormycosis is a life-threatening infection that follows Covid-19 in roughly 30% diabetics.  Important value additions Amphotericin B injection is used to treat serious and potentially life-threatening fungal infections. It is in a class of medications called antifungals.  It works by slowing the growth of fungi that cause infection. It is typically given by injection into a vein. Amphotericin B was isolated from Streptomyces nodosus in 1955 and came into medical use in 1958.  It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - International Relations; Health  In news WHO approved the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.  It is the first Chinese jab to receive the WHO’s green light. Key takeaways  It is the two-dose vaccine, which is already being deployed in dozens of countries around the world. The WHO has already given emergency use listing to the vaccines being made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, J&J, and the AstraZeneca jab being produced at sites in India and in South Korea. How does this vaccine work? The Sinopharm vaccine is an inactivated coronavirus vaccine, like Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech India (BBIL) in collaboration with the National Institute of Virology (NIV). Inactivated vaccines take the disease-carrying virus (in this case SARS-CoV-2) and kill it using heat, chemicals or radiation.  WHO notes that these vaccines take longer to make and might need two or three doses to be administered. The flu and polio vaccines use this approach as well. Out of the major vaccines being used in the world, Sinopharm, Covaxin and Sinovac (also developed by China) are the only ones that use inactivated virus. Others such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are mRNA vaccines.  Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sputnik and Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose vaccines use a viral vector. India-EU Leaders’ Meeting  Part of: GS Prelims and GS - II -  International Relations  In news At the invitation of the President of the European Council, Indian Prime Minister participated in the India-EU Leaders’ Meeting. Key takeaways  The meeting was held in a hybrid format.  Leaders of all the 27 EU Member States, President of the European Council and the European Commission participated.  This is the first time that the EU hosted a meeting with India in the EU+27 format.  It will further build on the momentum witnessed in the relationship since the 15th India-EU Summit in July 2020.  During the meeting, the leaders exchanged views on three key thematic areas: i) foreign policy and security; ii) COVID-19, climate and environment; and iii) trade, connectivity and technology. Do you know?  India and the EU launched an ambitious and comprehensive ‘Connectivity Partnership’ which is focused on enhancing digital, energy, transport and people-to-people connectivity. India welcomed the EU’s decision to join CDRI. India and the EU also agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on digital and emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, Quantum and High-Performance Computing including through the early operationalization of the Joint Task Force on AI and the Digital Investment Forum. A finance contract of Euro 150 million for the Pune Metro Rail Project was signed by the Ministry of Finance and European Investment Bank. (Mains Focus) ENVIRONMENT/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. COVID lessons for Climate Crisis Context: Once-in-a-century occurrence, the Covid-19 pandemic was a black swan, overwhelming health systems, administrative capacity and community resilience.  The pandemic offers four lessons that could inform how we prepare for the climate crisis Political borders cannot stop planetary risks: The origins of the virus may have been in China, but no country is immune. Climate risks are no different.  Shocks come in waves: Like the pandemic, climate shocks come not at once, but in waves. The probability of climate risks increases with time. A failure of the monsoons in one year compounds when rainfall is below normal for three or four years in a row. Some are more vulnerable than others: Daily wage earners, migrant workers, industrial labour and people with co-morbidities have suffered the most during the pandemic. Similar will be vulnerability with any extreme weather events/ Climate Crisis. Economic Vulnerability: The more dynamic your economy, the more you have to lose: The need to restore economic activity demands that there is also a readiness to respond to pandemic aftershocks. Ignoring the risks can jeopardise economic recovery. Similarly, the climate crisis will impact the world’s engines of growth badly. These lessons must translate into action.  First, create a Climate Risk Commission  The commission will be a statutory authority to analyse and report on climate risks on a periodic basis.  Like the finance commission, it must consult with not just climate experts but also state governments, academia, industry, the media and civil society.  The commission’s report should be tabled and debated in Parliament. Prepare for climate shocks with decentralised capacity.  The national and state disaster management agencies are a start. Similar structures are needed at district levels.  Decentralised infrastructure, from distributed power sources, distributed water storage, revamped primary health centres (using off-grid power), or nature-based solutions to reduce coastal floods can greatly boost community resilience. Assess critical vulnerabilities for hard infrastructure.  This is not limited to reducing physical losses to power plants, bridges, airports, or telecom infrastructure. India must understand financial risks.  RBI should demand regular reporting of climate risks in the lending portfolios of banks. SEBI must mandate the same from listed companies.  There is a need to assess risks to legacy investments in coal, ongoing investments in natural gas, and exposure to supply chain risks for critical minerals needed for low-carbon technologies. India needs a restructured economy The restructured economy values and monetises the preservation of natural capital, invests in sectors that are both low-carbon and employment-intensive It also creates an ecosystem to stimulate innovation (batteries, green hydrogen, carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture, sustainable freight and transport, among others). Conclusion The tragedy of the pandemic will be aggravated if we do not heed its lessons.  Connecting the dots: Paris Climate Accord GOVERNANCE/ HEALTH Topic: GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Pandemic & Inequality in Digital World Context: The novel coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the use of digital technologies in India, even for essential services such as health and education, where access to them might be poor. Digital Issues in Education Access to computer: According to National Sample Survey data from 2017, only 6% rural households and 25% urban households have a computer.  Access to internet: Smartphones with data will have improved access over the past four years, yet a significant number of the most vulnerable are struggling. Access to Internet facilities is not universal either: 17% in rural areas and 42% in urban areas. Structural Obstacles in accessibility: As per survey by Azim Premji Foundation, between 27% and 60% could not access online classes for a range of reasons: lack of devices, shared devices, inability to buy “data packs”, etc.  Challenges in Online Examination: Lack of stable connectivity jeopardises their evaluations (imagine the Internet going off for two minutes during a timed exam). Lack of learning Environment at home: A quiet space to study is a luxury for many. For instance, 25% Indians lived in single-room dwellings in 2017-19.  Disproportionate Burden on girls: For girls, there is the additional expectation that they will contribute to domestic chores if they are at home. Peer learning has also suffered due to shift to online mode of learning. Digital Issues in Health Developing App is seen as solution: Right now, the focus is on the shortage of essentials: drugs, hospital beds, oxygen, vaccines. In several instances, developing an app is being seen as a solution for allocation of various health services Additional bureaucracy: Digital “solutions” create additional bureaucracy for all sick persons in search of these services. Along with paper work, patients will have to navigate digi-work.  Challenges for Poor & illiterate: Platform- and app-based solutions can exclude the poor entirely, or squeeze their access to scarce health services further. The use of CoWIN to book a slot makes it that much harder for those without phones, computers and the Internet. Misuse of situation to expand UHID: Pandemic is being used to create an infrastructure for future exploitation of people’s data. The digital Universal health ID (UHID) project is being pushed during the pandemic when its merits cannot be adequately debated. Conclusion Digital solutions are not the magic pill which solves all the problems of Pandemic. Digital solution is only the means to address the shortages being faced by health infrastructure of our country. (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 major vaccines being used in the world against COVID-19 are the only ones that use inactivated Virus?  Sinopharm  Covaxin  Sinovac Covishield  Select the correct code: 1 and 2 only  2 and 4 only  1, 2 and 4 only  1, 2 and 3 only  Q.2 Mucormycosis, recently seen in news, is caused by which of the following?  Fungi Bacteria Virus Protozoa ANSWERS FOR 11th May 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A Must Read On Ladakh crisis and keeping China at bay: The Hindu On political turmoil in Nepal: The Hindu About criticism of COVID profiteers: The Indian Express

May 12, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1 – ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – HOT Questions [12th May,2021] – Day 1

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1 – ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – HOT Questions [12th May,2021] – Day 1 TLP (Phase 1) just got over on 8th May (Saturday) and we are extremely thankful for your active participation to make this program a success. Well, though TLP (Phase 1) got over, ‘Picture abhi baaqi hai mere dost’. There is a surprise for you. Since prelims is bound to get delayed once again this year, its not wise to leave the writing practice just now. Hence, we are extending the TLP program for a month - HOT (High Order Thinking) Questions! With the HOT initiative, we will be posting 3 questions per day (Monday to Friday). The questions will be based on Current Affairs, so that you don’t have to invest your time separately on exclusively mains oriented topics. So, keep practicing and keep improving. To Know More about TLP  -> CLICK HERE For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. What factors can be attributed for instances of violence during polls in certain states? What measures would you suggest to control poll-related violence in India?    कुछ राज्यों में मतदान के दौरान हिंसा के मामलों के लिए किन कारकों को जिम्मेदार ठहराया जा सकता है? भारत में चुनाव संबंधी हिंसा को नियंत्रित करने के लिए आप क्या उपाय सुझाएंगे? 2. With the number of COVID cases increasing in rural India, India requires urgent ramping up of health infrastructure and resources. Comment. ग्रामीण भारत में COVID मामलों की संख्या बढ़ने के साथ, भारत को स्वास्थ्य अवसंरचना और संसाधनों को मजबूत करने की तत्काल आवश्यकता है। टिप्पणी करें। 3. What are your views on the ongoing violence in Palestine. What strategic priorities should India keep in mind while taking a stand on the issue? Discuss. फिलिस्तीन में जारी हिंसा पर आपके क्या विचार हैं। इस मुद्दे पर स्टैंड लेते समय भारत को कौन सी रणनीतिक प्राथमिकताएँ ध्यान में रखनी चाहिए? चर्चा करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm every day. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each other's answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

May 11, 2021 RSTV Video

India-China Pullback – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 India and its relations with China In News: India and China reached an agreement on disengagement of troops from the north and south banks of the Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh. This is the first significant movement in negotiations to ease tensions in at least eight months -- disengagement in Galwan valley took place in early July 2020 but it did not progress in other areas. The Agreement Six months after PLA troops came in 8 km west of the point which India says marks the Line of Actual Control on the north bank of Pangong Tso to trigger a military standoff in Ladakh, China has proposed moving its troops back to Finger 8, and return of troops by the two sides to their original locations on the south bank of the lake. The proposal also includes moving back tanks and artillery to the depth areas on either side to reduce chances of any incident in a region where tensions are already high, and troops are battling the harsh Ladakh winter. Under the agreement, both sides will cease their forward deployments in a phased, coordinated and verified manner in these areas.  India has not conceded anything while entering into the disengagement process. However, there are some outstanding issues with regard to deployment and patrolling at some other points along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.  The Chinese side will keep its troop presence in the North Bank area to east of Finger 8. Reciprocally, the Indian troops will be based at their permanent base.  A similar action would be taken in the South Bank area by both sides.  These are mutual and reciprocal steps and any structures that had been built by both sides since April 2020 in both North and South Bank areas will be removed. This is the second attempt to disengage frontline troops to resolve the standoff that began last May. Disengagement in Galwan valley took place in early July, but it didn’t progress in other areas. India has consistently pushed for comprehensive disengagement at all friction points and restoration of the status quo ante of early April 2020. Background In June, 20 Indian soldiers were killed when the two sides clashed with iron rods and stones in the Galwan Valley, the first combat losses on the border in 45 years. China also suffered an unspecified number of casualties. Where have the incidents (army clashes) happened? The Pangong lake in Ladakh Naku La in Sikkim Galwan valley and Demchok in Ladakh Why did the face-off occur? Non-Demarcation of LAC: LAC that has never been demarcated. As a result, India and China have overlapping claim lines along LAC which leads to such clashes Non-implementation of protocols: Additionally, the Protocols agreed to in 2005 and 2013 regarding rules of engagement to prevent such incidents, have not always been adhered to. Why has not the LAC been clarified? India has long proposed an exercise to clarify differing perceptions of the LAC to prevent such incidents.  The exercise could pave the way to regulate activities in contested areas until a final settlement of the boundary dispute. Maps were exchanged in the Middle Sector, but the exercise fell through in the Western Sector where divergence is the greatest. China has since rejected this exercise, viewing it as adding another complication to the on-going boundary negotiations.  What is the state of boundary negotiations? In 2005, an agreement on political parameters and guiding principles completed the first of three stages of the talks.  The 2005 agreement said both sides “shall safeguard due interests of their settled populations in border areas”. The current, and most difficult, stage involves agreeing a framework to resolve the dispute in all sectors.  The final step will involve delineating and demarcating the boundary in maps and on the ground. What are the prospects of a settlement? The likelihood appears remote.  The main differences are in the Western and Eastern sectors.  India sees China as occupying 38,000 sq km in Aksai Chin. In the east, China claims as much as 90,000 sq km, extending all across Arunachal Pradesh.  One particular sticking point appears to involve China’s claims to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, which has been increasingly raised by China in recent years A swap was hinted at by China in 1960 and in the early 1980s, which would have essentially formalised the status quo.  Both sides have now ruled out the status quo as a settlement, agreeing to meaningful and mutual adjustments.  At the same time, the most realistic solution will involve only minor adjustments along the LAC, considering neither side will be willing to part with territory already held. What is the Strategic Calculation behind boundary dispute? India insists that its relations with China won’t improve fundamentally until the border dispute is resolved China appears to view an unsettled border as holding some leverage with India, one of the many pressure points it could use to keep India off-guard Conclusion: Any movement toward disengagement is good, but it has to be real and sustained, and verified not just in Pangong but eventually elsewhere as well. It can’t be China pretending to disengage and India pretending to believe it. Some experts opine that China must withdraw to a distance from where swift build up is not possible. De-escalation of the military build-up to a sufficient depth is more critical than disengagement. On the other hand, China is building villages on our borders. It‘s a ploy as those villages house soldiers. These areas will serve as logistics hubs to support future ingress and will minimise troop build-up signatures This will not only avoid a continued decline of Sino-Indian relations but also ease tensions along the border, and reduce the possibility of friction and conflict in the short term. Connecting the Dots: India must reset the terms of its economic reliance on China. Suggest steps. Panchsheel agreement between India & China in 1954  

May 11, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

[ANSWER WRITING] HOT Questions - Extending TLP (Phase 1) Free Initiative starting from 12th May 2021

Hello Everyone, It is generally metaphorically said that time flies. And it is indeed felt that way when one is busy preparing for Civil Services. It seems that just yesterday we started the phase 1 of our Think Learn and Perform (TLP) Mains answer writing Program. Every year we prepare a meticulous and detailed plan for 100 days to finish the entire mains syllabus. It is one of our most famous programmes which has been followed and recommended by many toppers. We put in a lot of effort in preparing the relevant questions, in making good synopsis and more importantly in evaluating your answers. However, the real reason for the success of this program is not all this, the real reason for the success of the program are you. Because its your effort and dedication that pushes us to put our best foot forward. It is said that you can only walk with the help of crutches, you can’t win a race. We are not your crutches; we are a system that will push you to win the race. TLP (Phase 1) just got over on 8th May (Saturday) and we are extremely thankful for your active participation to make this program a success. Well, though TLP (Phase 1) got over, ‘Picture abhi baaqi hai mere dost’. There is a surprise for you. Since, prelims is bound to get delayed once again this year, its not wise to leave the writing practice just now. Hence, we are extending the TLP program for a month - HOT (High Order Thinking) Questions! With the HOT initiative, we will be posting 3 questions per day (Monday to Friday). The questions will be based on Current Affairs, so that you don’t have to invest your time separately on exclusively mains oriented topics. So, keep practicing and keep improving. To Know More about TLP  -> CLICK HERE For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE All the best. Make your future Shine. IASbaba

May 11, 2021 हिन्दी Initiatives

मासिक पत्रिका मार्च 2021- 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 मार्च/MARCH 2021. 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  

May 11, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th May 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) ‘Connected Commerce: Creating a Roadmap for a Digitally Inclusive Bharat’ report Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Economy  In news NITI Aayog and Mastercard released a report titled ‘Connected Commerce: Creating a Roadmap for a Digitally Inclusive Bharat’. Key takeaways  The report identifies challenges in accelerating digital financial inclusion in India.  It provides recommendations for making digital services accessible to its 1.3 billion citizens. Key recommendations  Strengthening the payment infrastructure to promote a level playing field for NBFCs and banks. Digitizing registration and compliance processes and diversifying credit sources to enable growth opportunities for MSMEs. Building information sharing systems, including a ‘fraud repository’, and ensuring that online digital commerce platforms carry warnings to alert consumers to the risk of frauds. Enabling agricultural NBFCs to access low-cost capital and deploy a ‘phygital’ (physical + digital) model for achieving better long-term digital outcomes.  To make city transit smoothly accessible to all with minimal crowding and queues, leveraging existing smartphones and contactless cards and make it an inclusive, interoperable, and fully open system  Lineament among four factors behind frequent earthquakes in northern Assam Part of: GS Prelims and GS - I - Geography  In news An unfamiliar lineament is among four factors behind frequent earthquakes in northern Assam’s Sonitpur area. Key takeaways  A lineament is a linear feature in a landscape dictated by an underlying geological structure such as a fault. According to the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Sonitpur district lies within a tectonically complex triangular area bounded by the east-west trending Atherkhet Fault, the northwest-southeast trending Kopili Fault and a north-south trending lineament. The two faults and the lineament, along with the convergence of the Indian plate, have caused frequent earthquakes. The National Centre of Seismology recorded 29 earthquakes of magnitude varying from 2.6 to 4.7 in Sonitpur after the 6.4 tremblor on April 28 that damaged several buildings, bridges and a river embankment. Do you know?  The north-east India is demarcated as Seismic Zone V, which indicates a zone with high vulnerability.  The Indian plate is moving northeast toward the Eurasian plate in the Himalayan region, their slanting collision and release of stress and strain accumulated in the local tectonic or fault environments lead to earthquakes. South Sudan's Parliament dissolved Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - International Relations  In news South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dissolved Parliament.  Lawmakers from opposing sides of the country’s civil war shall now be appointed under a 2018 peace accord. Key takeaways  The setting up of a new legislative body was part of an accord signed in September 2018 between Mr. Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.  In accordance with the 2018 accord, the new assembly will number 550 lawmakers, the majority — 332 — from Mr. Kiir’s governing SPLM party.  The parliamentarians will be nominated by the different parties. Important value additions  South Sudan is a landlocked country in east/central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Ethiopia, to the north by Sudan, to the west by the Central African Republic, to the south by Uganda.  It gained independence from the Republic of the Sudan in 2011, making it the most recent sovereign country  Its capital is Juba. It includes the vast swamp region of the Sudd, formed by the White Nile and known locally as the Bahr al Jabal meaning "Mountain River". The White Nile passes through the country, passing by Juba. S. Janakiraman advisory Group Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III - Economy In news An advisory group has been constituted to assist the second Regulatory Review Authority (RRA) RRA was set up by the RBI recently to streamline regulations and reduce the compliance burden of regulated entities. Key takeaways  Headed by: SBI Managing Director S. Janakiraman.  The group will assist the RRA by identifying areas, regulations, guidelines, returns which can be rationalised It shall submit reports periodically to RRA containing the recommendations/suggestions. Do you know?  In 1999, the RBI had set up a Regulations Review Authority (RRA) for reviewing the regulations, circulars, reporting systems, based on the feedback from the public, banks, and financial institutions. (Mains Focus) HEALTH/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Challenge ahead in vaccinating India Context: Covid-19 vaccines were developed at an astonishing pace. No other disease has seen so many vaccines developed so fast. Out of 250 candidate vaccines that were being developed, at least 10 have already been approved for emergency use in different parts of the world. Even after so many vaccines having been approved, why is there a huge shortage of supply, and unjustifiable and inequitable access to these vaccines? High Demand: With about seven billion people to be vaccinated worldwide, with mostly two jabs each, the demand for vaccines all across the world is obviously very high. Stockpiling by Developed Nations: The rich nations have behaved as they always do. More than 80% of available vaccines have been ordered and/or already stocked by a few countries representing only about 20% of the world population Vaccination plans of Rich Nations: Western countries, which have already immunised a significant portion of their adult populations, will proceed to vaccinate young children and, perhaps, even babies. It will therefore become even more difficult to access these vaccines in the free market. New Virus Mutants: New waves the world over are driven by mutants and although current vaccines seem effective against these, the chances of emergence of immune-escape mutants will only increase Fragile healthcare system: India’s poor healthcare system, has come under immense pressure as never before. There is an acute shortage of medical oxygen, and there is a big gap in the supply chain of the ambitious programme to vaccinate all its adult population. Huge Population in India: Although India ranks number three after the US and China in the absolute number of vaccines administered, only about 13% of its population has received a single jab and about 2% fully vaccinated Ramping up of existing production takes time: India is well known as the hub of vaccine manufacturing, however, vaccines are complex formulations of many components and depend on a seamless supply of raw materials that are mostly imported. Ramping up of existing production, even after adequate funds are available, will inevitably take a minimum 2-3 months. Way Ahead With at least three or four more vaccines, including Sputnik V, Janssen, and Novavax, already slated to be produced in India and several more being indigenously developed, India would certainly be producing vaccines to vaccinate its population. The proposed IP waiver might open up space for production of Covid vaccines with emergency use authorisations (EUA) on a larger scale in middle-income countries like India.  Connecting the dots: Vaccine Nationalism POLITY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-3: Issues pertaining to federalism. GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Decentralisation and COVID Context: We need to respond with speed and agility to turn the tide of COVID Second Wave that is ravaging our country. Merits of Decentralized approach Local Knowledge: Giving freedom to local bodies is the key because they have the advantage of ‘on ground’ information, monitoring and immediate action when it comes to tackling a public health emergency like COVID. Decentralization encourages ownership and sharing of responsibility, while a centralized command-and-control approach leads to passing the buck for crisis decisions to alternative sources of authority Community participation is key: If covid-appropriate behaviour and vaccinations are to be effectively enforced, it will need the active participation of everyone at the community level across the country. Lessons from success stories: The decentralized approach during covid first wave had led to the creation of success stories such as the ‘Kerala model’, the ‘Bhilwara model’, the ‘Dharavi model’ or the ‘Karnataka model.’ Likewise, lessons from successful models (Ex: Kerala Model) needs to be learnt this time. Tiered vaccine pricing: Vaccines need to be offered to the Central and state governments at a uniform price. The private sector, may be provided price flexibility based on the volumes procured. This may speed up vaccination drive Conclusion In the next few days, industry associations, corporate entities, self-help groups, RWAs, traders’ associations and political parties will have to join forces and act locally down to the ward, district and panchayat levels if we are to win the battle against the virus at the national level. (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 the most recent sovereign country?  Somalia Libya South Sudan Sudan Q.2 Consider the following statements: A lineament is a linear feature in a landscape dictated by an underlying geological structure such as a fault. The north-east India is demarcated as Seismic Zone V, which indicates a zone with low vulnerability.  Which of the above is/are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 10th May 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 D 3 D Must Read On international pressure on Israel: The Hindu On decoding inequality in digital world: The Hindu About National Task Force on oxygen supply: The Indian Express

May 11, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

[COMPILATIONS] MARCH 2021 -IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains 2021 Answer Writing

For TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Hope you all have enjoyed the daily 5 questions from TLP. Here, we have come up with the much-awaited compilations of  TLP. Make the best use of it. To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE DOWNLOAD THE  TLP COMPILATIONS - MARCH 2021 CURRENT AFFAIRS - Click Here General Studies 1 - Click Here General Studies 2 - Click Here General Studies 3 - Click Here General Studies 4 - Click Here DOWNLOAD THE  TLP COMPILATIONS (Phase 1) - FEBRUARY 2021 -> Click Here DOWNLOAD THE  TLP COMPILATIONS(Phase 1) - JANUARY 2021 -> Click Here DOWNLOAD THE  TLP COMPILATIONS - DECEMBER 2020 -> 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

May 11, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

Hello everyone, We have a piece of good news for you. We have decided that we will be resuming with our Daily Current Affairs Quiz. Even though Current Affairs questions are being posted every day with the 60-day plan, those questions are covering the monthly current affairs from the last one and a half years. Now, looking at the situation it can be inferred, that this year also, prelims will be postponed. In such a case, it is important that the students practice daily current affairs through reverse engineering i.e. through the questions. Also, aspirants preparing for 2022, who have started their preparation now, can also get benefitted from this. Daily, 5 Current Affairs Questions will be posted on the platform, covering the most relevant issues from multiple newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, Mint, and also PIB. Apart from imparting knowledge, these questions will also make you understand how UPSC will be framing the questions from Current Affairs. Current Affairs preparation is the most challenging frontier as far as UPSC is concerned. We hope that with the help of this initiative, you can definitely make a positive difference in your preparation. All the best IASbaba 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. 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

May 11, 2021 IASbaba Prelims 60 Day Plan

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan - IAS Prelims Test Series 2021 - GEOGRAPHY, CURRENT AFFAIRS & CSAT [Day 44]

For Previous (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends,  ARCHIVES OF 60 DAYS NOTE: IASbaba's 60 DAY questions will be posted around 10 AM. The solution will be released around 5 PM Daily.  Let us pledge to make it a big game-changer (better than last year) in the next 60 days!  Note- Download the OMR Sheet and attempt the questions exactly like UPSC Prelims. After you are done, please post your OMR in the comment section. Once the solution key is released (around 5 PM), cross-check the answers and, comment the marks (you scored) in the same comment thread. This will keep you accountable, responsible and sincere in days to come.  You can also take part in the discussion with peers.   GEOGRAPHY [DAY 44] - Click Here NOTE- Follow this for Comments Mention- Time Taken after solving the Test After the release of Solution, Edit your Comment to Mention-  Correct/Incorrect and Score 2 Marks for Correct/0.66 minus for Incorrect. What IMPACT can the ‘60 Day’ have on the final results? We will explain by taking a small example. Imagine you are sitting in the examination hall, appearing in Prelims Paper I. You have attempted 70 questions already but still unsure about a few. Then you stumble upon a question that was asked in 60 Day (and believe us, it has happened to hundreds of students countless times). You choose the right answer and submit your paper hoping for the best! Eventually, you go on to clear Mains as well as Personality Test and secure a good rank as well. When the cut off gets announced by UPSC, you realize that you have scored just one mark more than the cut off! Yes, that one mark can change your life (and it has done so to many of our students in the past). Now, imagine the kind of impact 60 to 80 marks can have! Isn’t that so fascinating to imagine?   One’s level of preparedness is always different for different subjects. Even within a subject, one’s comfort level may vary with topics. For example, one might be more comfortable in solving questions of Polity than Economics and within Polity also, one might be at ease with questions on fundamental rights than Parliament. The level of comfort and ease that one has with a subject/ topic gets manifested in the examination. However, there is no conscious effort by aspirants to micro analyze these aspects. Now, coming to the second aspect i.e. the mistakes that one commits in answering MCQs, it can be said that there are mainly four reasons behind incorrect responses in the OMR sheet. They are: Lack of information Lack of analytical ability Silly mistakes Excessive risk-taking Let’s analyze them one by one: Lack of information: You simply don’t know the information. You are clueless and that’s why you don’t attempt the question. For example, you may have never come across a regime called the ‘Wassenaar Agreement’ during your preparation and you can’t do much about it. The lack of information is pardonable and rectifiable. You can read more and gather more information. That is within your reach. Lack of analytical ability: You know the concept but the question is a twisted one and you are not able to apply the concept. For example, in a question asking you to identify the climate type of a region based on certain given parameters like precipitation, temperature, and air density, you might find it difficult to mark the correct option even if you are aware of all the options given in the question! That is clearly a lack of application and you can overcome it by developing a habit of framing questions in your mind while you study any topic. Silly mistakes: This habit is unpardonable. You know the concept, you become happy, you misread the question, you mark the incorrect answer and you are out of the race! Such mistakes reveal your hurriedness while answering the question. A simple mistake of reading ‘chose the incorrect option’ as ‘chose the correct option’ can destroy your chances. It means that you need to have patience and focus while attempting the paper. Excessive risk-taking: You are confused between the options and just in order to increase your attempts, you make wild guesses and try your luck only to repent eventually. Risk-taking is an art and one must be very careful while doing the guesswork in confusing questions. If you are not lucky enough, it can spoil your chances. You will realize that these problems will have different meanings for different people. For example, one might find a lack of information as the main culprit in answering wrong the questions on Culture while in Polity, lack of analytical ability is usually the culprit. The point here is that you must analyse your preparation on these yardsticks by applying them on different subjects/ topics. If one is having a headache, he/ she can’t have the same medicine for fever. Isn’t it. This is where our revamped '60 Day’ comes into the picture. It will give you an opportunity to micro analyze your preparation and perform better in the examination. Finally, it is up to you to take advantage of this framework. We are sure of only one thing- if you follow this program, assess yourself on the basis of the given framework and keep improving your weaker areas, success will be yours. We are providing you with the right platform, the right guidance, and the right competition. Do you have the right motivation to make full use of this initiative? We think you have. Come, be a part of this initiative and take the first step towards SUCCESS! Importance of self - tracking: We could have provided all of you with login id and passwords to monitor your daily performance in the 60-day program. Instead, a simple and most beautiful way which Disqus provides is profile based commenting! Yes, we have seen the most successful candidates who have taken the maximum benefit from this program monitoring themselves by commenting on their answers in the box given (Disqus comment). And reviewing their performance themselves once in 10 days on the progress meter.  DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2021 All the Best!  IASbaba  

May 10, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [5th MAY,2021] Day 99: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [5th MAY,2021] Day 99: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What has been the recent trend of Indo-Nepal relations? Discuss. What are the major irritants creating problems for the relationship? Approach A straightforward question where in the candidate needs to address the question in two parts with first part discussing the recent trend of Indo-Nepal relations while in the second part, candidate needs to elaborate upon the major irritants creating problems for the relationship. Introduction Nepal is an important neighbour of India and occupies special significance in its foreign policy because of the geographic, historical, cultural and economic linkages/ties that span centuries. However, certain differences crop up in the relations between the two countries, from time to time, like in the year 2020 when ties between the two soured. Body Recent Trend of Indo-Nepal relations – Last year in 2020, ties between the two soured after both India and Nepal — one after the other — published maps in which they included Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura region in their side of the territory. This became a flashpoint in the relations between the two close neighbours and led to deterioration of relations. But recently, there was a thaw in relationship with the Nepalese and Indian authorities reviewing an all-important gamut of bilateral issues in the Sixth Meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission (JC) in New Delhi on 15 January 2021. Further, the air services between Nepal and India were resumed. Vaccine Diplomacy: India provided one million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca’s Covishield vaccine to Nepal as grant assistance to generate goodwill among the Nepalese people. This came after the JC. Further, Nepal expressed support for India’s permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council (UNSC) to reflect the changed balance of power. Also, close cooperation between the two sides in combating the COVID-19 pandemic has been in place. Development Partnership: Expansion of the Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum products pipelines to Chitwan and the establishment of a new pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal. The joint hydropower projects, including the proposed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, is getting a positive momentum along with the recently inaugurated Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at Birgunj and Biratnagar have helped in the seamless movement of people and trade between the two countries. But at the same time, there have been major irritants in the relationship, like – Nepal’s new constitution and its aftermath: A new constitution was promulgated in Nepal in 2015.It gave extensive political privileges to the ruling hill tribes and discriminated against the people living in plains including Madhesis. This issue has emerged as a contentious issue between India and Nepal that was seen in form of economic blockade including blockade of gas supply, fuel etc. by India. Border issues: Nepal and India have some contentious issues relating to the border, including the two major areas of dispute at Susta and Kalapani (India-China-Nepal tri-junction). Countries agreed to start talks at the foreign secretary-level in order to resolve the problem. Nepal’s growing proximity to China: In recent times China’s presence has increased in Nepal that has heightened India’s security concerns. China plans to extend the Tibet railway to Kathmandu across the border in the next few years. Nepal signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Framework agreement with China last year. Nepal use of China as a counterforce against India has been a major irritant. Big Brother attitude: There is a widespread perception in Nepal that India does not respect the country’s sovereignty and that it often intervenes in Nepal’s domestic affairs. India has been perceived to be playing a role of big brother in the region. Peace and friendship treaty: The India-Nepal treaty of 1950 has been criticised by the Nepali political elite as an unequal one. Treaty obliged Nepal to inform India and seek its consent for the purchases of military hardware from third countries. Nepal wants to change this provision. Demonetisation: Demonetisation has badly affected Nepali nationals because those notes were legal tender in Nepal too. Nepal has time and again requested that the Indian government make arrangements for the exchange of those notes held by Nepali nationals and its central bank. Way Forward – India should also try to convey to Nepal’s leadership about the congenial and friendly environment. Therefore, any thoughtless erosion of this centuries old togetherness may prove difficult for both countries. The existing bilateral treaties between India and Nepal should take the shifting of Himalayan Rivers into consideration.  Conclusion Centuries of social, cultural, political, strategic, and economic ties can only remain strong if they can remain relevant to changing times. The governments of India and Nepal must reset the narrative, modernize their policies, and get out of the way so that the ties between people thrive again. 2. In your opinion, what is the most suitable strategic response to China’s confrontationist policy towards India? Substantiate your views.   Approach Candidates are expected to write about India’s strategic response towards China in recent times and then express what will be most suitable strategic response to confrontationist policy of China. Introduction There have been plenty of warnings about the consistent Chinese opposition to India: the 2017 Doklam confrontation, China’s continuing insistence on opposing India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and the neighbour’s stand on Masood Azhar are the prominent ones but not the only examples. Body Indian response: India’s response to all these friction points was based on the assumption that they were all misunderstandings, something that could be corrected through dialogues and ‘informal summits’.  The informal summits in Wuhan (April 2018) and Mamallapuram (October 2019) between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping were the result of this assumption. Indian and Chinese troops scuffled at Pangong Tso in Ladakh on 5/6th May. India has moved in additional divisions, tanks and artillery across the LAC to match Chinese deployments. The preference given recently to summit diplomacy over traditional foreign policy-making structures proved to be a severe handicap. Summit diplomacy cannot be a substitute for carefully structured foreign office policymaking. Personal bonhomie with leaders will not result in friendly ties with countries. Prime Minister Nehru had a good equation with Premier Zhou En-lai. The internal pressures that have been generated within China — in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are also influencing Chinese behaviour. Therefore India must have holistic strategy rather than just responding strategically such as: India could choose to leverage the sensitivity of the Chinese to the one-China policy and other vulnerabilities like the Tibet issue and Hong Kong protests, to force a change in China’s attitude. This would allow India to signal to China that it has options, and that China would be wise not to escalate these situations too far. A closer alignment with the U.S. represents India’s opportunity to counter China, while efforts to foster regional partnerships and cultivate domestic military capabilities, although insufficient by themselves, could play a complementary role. The events in Galwan Valley should be a wake-up call to many of India’s Asian friends and partners enabling a high-resolution envisioning of Chinese aggressiveness and confrontation policy. India cannot continue to remain in a “reactive mode” to Chinese provocations and it is time to take an active stand. Since India’s choices vis-à-vis China is circumscribed by the asymmetry in military power, resort must be sought in realpolitik.  India can't deter China from using Himalayan skirmishes unless it goes on the offensive elsewhere. New Delhi's message must be 'Do not poke us here and we won't poke you there'.  India should demonstrate that it is willing and capable of influencing the maritime balance in East Asia, where China faces off a combination of the United States, Vietnam, Australia, Indonesia and sometimes Malaysia and the Philippines as well. Conclusion We have to deter China from using Himalayan skirmishes to throw us off balance unless we go on the offensive elsewhere. The South China Sea/Indian Ocean Region maritime domain presents us with the best options they are far from our borders but not too far we have the military capabilities to pursue the option naval power is flexible and the regional geopolitical context is favourable. 3. For India’s trade to flourish, strengthening ties ASEAN must become a priority. Comment. Approach- Candidate can outline the opportunities in increasing the trade with ASEAN region while stating the challenges. In the second part of the body, way ahead can be given factoring the China aspect. Introduction The economic relationship between India and ASEAN began in 1992 as both regions recognized each other’s trade capabilities. ASEAN is India’s fourth largest trading partner with about $86.9 Billion in trade between India and the ten ASEAN nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Body Why India- ASEAN trade relations must become a priority? The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a regional organization which was established to promote political and social stability amid rising tensions among the Asia-Pacific’s post-colonial states. India's relationship with ASEAN is a key pillar of her foreign policy and the foundation of Act East Policy. The two regions share similarities in their levels of economic development; they are home to rapidly expanding markets and aim to address infrastructure challenges. Economic engagement in terms of the free movement of goods, services, and capital, thus, offers mutual benefits for India and ASEAN. This was the rationale that propelled the signing of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) in 2009. India’s merchandise exports to ASEAN increased from $23 billion in 2010 to US$36 billion in 2018 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about five percent, while its merchandise imports from the 10-member bloc increased from $30 billion in 2010 to $57 billion in 2018, at a CAGR of about eight percent. India’s exports to ASEAN in 2019-20 were worth $31.49 billion while its imports from the bloc reached $55.37 billion. In 2019, 47.8 percent of India’s exports by value were delivered to fellow Asian countries; 19.3 percent were sold to European importers and 18.8 percent worth of goods were shipped to North America. What are the issues in trade relations? In its trade with ASEAN, India has moved to eliminate tariffs on up to 75 percent of 12,000 tariff lines. A report from the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) found that this had led to the trade balance worsening in 13 out of 21 sectors.  India’s trade deficit with ASEAN countries is currently around $24 billion and is why New Delhi remains keen to renegotiate the terms of the ASEAN-India FTA to ensure a more level playing field for Indian exports to ASEAN. India wants strict rules of origin to prevent Chinese goods from flooding the country through ASEAN member countries that may have lower or no duty levels. India dropped out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in November 2019 at ASEAN+3 summits, because of increasing trade deficits with partner nations and increasing China-India tensions. What can be done? An immediate review of the agreement and the effective utilisation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement will contribute to the realisation of the 2020 trade target of 200 billion USD set by India and ASEAN. Over dependence of India and other countries on China can be decreased by developing a common forum/platform with ASEAN countries. ASEAN is one of the fastest growing economic region in the world, staying out of the opportunities can hamper India’s prospects of integration with the region. The importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the South China Sea in particular freedom of navigation and over flight is in interest of both India and ASEAN hence we must strive to maintain the dialogue and sort out differences. Conclusion In India- ASEAN trade relations, it is a win game for both of the partners. China dumping products in India through ASEAN route is major cause of concern, platform to address the same is already making progress. Reducing trade deficit and increasing trade with the region will further strengthen our goal of look east and act east.  4. How has the COVID pandemic affected global trade? Illustrate. What course Corrections would be required in the post pandemic world? Approach Since the question is asking you to illustrate you have to demonstrate knowledge of the subject of the question and to further explain or clarify your answer with several examples. Introduction  The fact that COVID-19 is affecting international trade patterns should not surprise anyone. The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic is a consequence of international trade and globalisation, with the virus spreading along established trade and travel routes. However, the pandemic also affects international trade through reductions in both supply and demand. Body  HOW HAS THE COVID PANDEMIC AFFECTED GLOBAL TRADE  The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented disruption to the global economy and world trade, as production and consumption are scaled back across the globe.  The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immediate and negative impact on foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2020. The outlook remains dire, with further deterioration projected in 2021. The exceptional global circumstances as a result of the pandemic led to delayed implementation of on-going investment projects and the shelving of new projects, as well as the drying up of foreign affiliate earnings of which normally a significant share is reinvested in host countries. Global production and employment have been slashed. In the past, remittances have been countercyclical, where workers send more money home at times of crisis and hardship back home. This time, however, the pandemic has affected all countries, creating additional uncertainties. Microenterprises and SMEs constitute the backbone of the global economy, accounting for over two thirds of employment globally and for 80 to 90 per cent of employment in low-income countries and they are unfortunately amongst the most vulnerable groups to pandemic-related shocks for several reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic is primarily a health crisis, but it has become clear that it has ramifications that extend to many aspects of the international order. International trade is especially hard hit. Global merchandise trade recorded its largest ever one-period decline in the second quarter of 2020, falling 14·3% compared with the previous period. Although there has since been a partial rebound as lockdowns eased during summer in the northern hemisphere, total global merchandise trade for 2020 fell by 9% in 2020, and a recovery to the precrisis trend is unlikely for several years. These changes to the global trading landscape have wide-ranging consequences for physical and mental health, as they affect supplies of drugs and medical equipment, nutrition and food security, and government income necessary to pay for health services. WHAT COURSE CORRECTIONS WOULD BE REQUIRED IN THE POST PANDEMIC WORLD In the future, policy makers engaged in the use of trade instruments to mitigate the health effects of the trade collapse induced by COVID-19 should consider carefully the wide-ranging links between trade, trade policy, and the determinants of health and health inequalities that this Viewpoint has discussed. Effective global governance of trade and health will be crucial, and there might be fresh hope for a more co-ordinated global response, given President-elect Joe Biden's favourable view of multilateralism.  These deliberations should be done in a transparent manner, using participative trade governance structures that give health experts a seat at the table, and with meaningful public participation. Otherwise, the world will face even greater health risks in future. National governments and global institutions should be preparing to create a pathway for post-pandemic recovery after the collapse of the global economy and trade.  Looking ahead, there should be great pressure to further liberalise rules on trade to encourage economic recovery, but it is essential that trade policy be informed by its many consequences for health to ensure that the benefits are maximised and threats are minimised through active identification and mitigation.  As part of this recovery, there should be a precious opportunity to reform trade arrangements in ways that ensure healthy and sustainable lives for all—something that governments committed to do when they signed up to the increasingly fragile UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. With the lives and livelihoods of billions of people globally now hanging in the balance, the opportunity must not be squandered. Conclusion The scope of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is captured by the “5 Ps” – people, planet, prosperity, partnership and peace. While trade is an important instrument for achieving prosperity through economic recovery, trade policy alone would not be able to ensure that the recovery would contribute concurrently to people and planet. A comprehensive recovery package for building a stronger, fairer, more inclusive, and greener (and bluer) economy would require cooperation-oriented trade policy and effective competition policy and consumer protection policy, with the aspiration of green growth at the centre of a long-term objective. 5. What is vaccine passport? Explain its need and associated issues. Approach Since the question is straight forward and has two parts each part needs to be addressed equally. Introduction As the nations across the globe are focussed on vaccination and breaking the transmission chain, governments and airlines suggest 'vaccine passports' as a feasible coronavirus vaccine certificate that would make travelling amid the pandemic era hassle-free. As sales of fake Covid-19 negative test results become more widespread, experts have also pointed out that it is important to develop digital passes that are secure and reliable at the same time. For decades, people travelling to some countries have had to prove that they have been vaccinated against diseases such as yellow fever, rubella and cholera. Body A vaccine passport is an e-certificate that stores and records jabs and Covid-19 test status. It can be kept in a smartphone app or in other digital formats. Its contents can be flashed at security checkpoints when people travel across borders. Vaccination against the novel coronavirus has been considered to be the inflection point at which life would start to get back to normal. Israel’s “vaccine passport” is meant for public facilities such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels in the country — but certification of this kind has a bearing on the full resumption of international air travel as well. The idea is modelled on the proof of vaccination that several countries required even before the pandemic. Travellers from many African countries to the US or India are required to submit proof that they have been vaccinated against diseases such as yellow fever. Even though the nomenclature comes from passports, most vaccine passports have been envisaged as digital documents. They are supposed to function as proof that the holder has been vaccinated against Covid-19 and is, therefore, “safe”. Need of vaccine passport- As countries are in lockdown phase because of covid-19 pandemic global economies have been hit hard also income levels have gone down vaccine passport will allow having a safe virus free environment which will allow economies to function. The primary benefit will be to the tourism and the hospitality industries, which are both seen as being at the heart of Covid-19 spread and are the worst hit by the pandemic. The international air travel, which suffered massively because of the outbreak. It will also help to have a virus free environment which will stop trans boundary spread of the new mutant strains. Issues associated with vaccine passports- The World Health Organisation (WHO) is against the introduction of Covid-19 vaccination proofs as a requirement for international travel. Lack of Uniformity: The major difficulty in implementation will be the lack of uniformity across jurisdictions in requirement and issuance of proofs of vaccination. Inadequate Availability of Vaccines: Preferential vaccination of travellers could result in inadequate supplies of vaccines for priority populations considered at high risk of severe Covid-19 disease. Introducing a requirement of vaccination as a condition for travel has the potential to hinder equitable global access to a limited vaccine supply and would be unlikely to maximize the benefits of vaccination for individual societies and overall global health. Perpetuate Discrimination and Inequality: Experts argue that vaccine passports, in any form, might make travel inequitable. Adoption of these digital passports can perpetuate discrimination and inequality, increasing the divide between socioeconomic groups. Privacy Concerns: These are mainly digital certificates that are accessed by a particular service provider to check for proof of vaccination; there is a possibility that they would be used by authorities to track the movement of their holders. Conclusion Immunity passports promise a way to go back to a more normal social and economic life. But the strategy raises the prospect of further dividing the world along the lines of wealth and vaccine access, experts warn, creating ethical and logistical issues that have alarmed decision-makers around the world.   TLP HOT Synopsis Day 99 PDF