Feb 26, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [23rd February,2021] Day 38: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [23rd February,2021] Day 38: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What are the executive powers of the President? Discuss. What are the limitations on exercising the executive powers? Explain. Approach We have to mentions important executive powers of the President. Further, we need put arguments for relevance of conferring such powers to President and also mention its limitations. Introduction  Articles 52 to 78 in Part V of the Indian Constitution deal with the Union executive; from this Article 53 states that all the executive powers of the Union will be vested in the President of India and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers sub-ordinate to him in accordance with this constitution. Body Executive powers of the President: Head of the Union: All executive actions of the Government of India are formally taken in his name. (Article 77) Make rules specifying the manner in which the orders and other instruments made and executed in President’s name shall be authenticated. Make rules for more convenient transaction of business of the Union government, and for allocation of the said business among the ministers. Appointment of the prime minister and the other ministers. They hold office during his pleasure. Appointments: Appoint the attorney general of India and determines his remuneration. The attorney general holds office during the pleasure of the President. Appoint the comptroller and auditor general of India (CAG), the chief election commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners, the chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the governors of states, the chairman and members of finance commission, and so on. Seek any information relating to the administration of affairs of the Union, and proposals for legislation from the prime minister. Require the Prime Minister to submit, for consideration of the council of ministers. Appoint a commission to investigate into the conditions of SCs, STs and other backward classes. Appoint an inter-state council to promote Centre–state and interstate cooperation. Administer the union territories through administrators appointed by him. Declare any area as scheduled area and has powers with respect to the administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Supreme Commander: As head of State, the President is the supreme commander of armed forces of India and is entitled to declare war or conclude a treaty. These executive powers enable the President to: Preserve, protect and defend the constitution and the law of India.  Provide continuum to India’s administration and governance. Cause smooth and democratic transition of power. Limitations on exercising the executive powers: Absence of real powers: Under parliamentary system President is only a symbol of the executive authority who acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. 42nd and 44th amendment acts made ministerial advice binding on the President. Lack of accountability: President cannot be sued for any executive action of the State. Article 361 states that judicial proceeding may be brought against the Government of India but not against the President. Discretionary powers: The Constitution does not contain any specific procedure for the selection and appointment of the Prime Minister. The President can act on his discretion while appointing the Prime Minister when no party has a clear majority in the Lok Sabha or when the Prime Minister in office dies suddenly and there is no obvious successor. This power may be used with political bias favouring certain political party or coalition. President has no say in appointment of AG, CAG, CEC, etc. as it is done on advice of council of ministers or committees. Hence, such appointments lack transparency in most of the cases. President has no removal powers to remove CAG and CEC. Recommendations of the commission appointed to investigate into the conditions of SCs, STs and other backward classes are advisory in nature. Inter-state council is not a permanent institution. It is a platform for deliberation with advisory recommendations and no enforceable mandate. Conclusion The President is the head of the Indian State and is the first citizen of India. His executive powers combined with legislative, judicial, financial, emergency powers enable him to act as the symbol of unity, integrity and solidarity of the nation. 2. Discuss the role and composition of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Approach It’s a very straight forward question. Candidates are expected to write about cabinet committees and then discuss the role and composition of the cabinet committee on security.  Introduction The executive in India works under the Government of India Transaction of Business Rules, 1961. This rules sets the establishment of cabinet committees. The Cabinet Committee are institutional arrangements to reduce the workload of the Cabinet and  for smooth and convenient functioning of the government. They are based on the principles of division of labour and effective delegation.  Body Cabinet Committee on Security: Cabinet committee on security undertakes major decisions with respect to the significant appointments in the security apparatus, issues of national security, defence expenditure of India etc. Composition of Cabinet Committee on Security: Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs and Minister of External Affairs. It is chaired by the Prime minister.  The Prime Minister constitutes Standing Committees of the Cabinet and sets out the specific functions assigned to them. He can add or reduce the number of committees.  Many time public servant and member from defence staff, a non cabinet member are also called upon by the committee to discuss and deliberate on important issues. Role of Cabinet Committee of Security: It also facilitate in-depth examination of internal and external security policy issues and effective coordination.  Committees facilitates efficient utilisation of time and Human Resource’s with defence staffs and personnel by assigning the tasks and duty on broad contours of security of India. Discussing the issues concerning international deals that impact India’s security. The political issues revolving around the nation’s security. Evaluating the need for the national security apparatus and bringing in desired changes to enhance national security. They help in safeguarding principle of collective responsibility on Security matters. It also helps in facilitation of utilisation of ministerial expertise. For example MEA S. Jaishankar having expertise on external issues helps in assessing impact of changing geopolitical status on Indian security. The Committee deals with issues relating to law and order, internal security and policy matters concerning foreign affairs with internal or external security implications. It considers issues related to the Department of Defence Production and the Department of Defence Research and Development, Services Capital Acquisition plans and schemes for procurement of security-related equipment. And considers all cases involving capital expenditure of more than Rs. 1000 crores. It also consider all matters relating to atomic energy and nuclear weapons related matters. It will review the manpower requirements relating to national security and setting up new structures to deal with security-related issues. For example Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the setting up of a new National Security Directive on the telecommunication sector. It aims to classify telecom products and their sources under the ‘trusted’ and ‘non-trusted’ categories. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS), who will be the single-point military adviser to the government. Conclusion The cabinet committees wield real power of decision on important general policy matters. It device enables ministers to bargain and compromise with each other and this reduces pressure of work upon the cabinet. Consequently, the cabinet is left free to devote itself to more important matters. The committee system safeguards the principle of collective responsibility, which is an essential feature of the cabinet system. 3. Explain various writ jurisdictions. What role do writs play in protecting the interests of citizens. Approach- Question is straight forward. Candidate can start with the definition of the writ jurisdictions and then with the help of examples elaborate on the role they play in protecting rights of the citizens. Introduction Writs are a written order from the Supreme Court or High Court that commands constitutional remedies for Indian Citizens against the violation of their fundamental rights. Article 32 in the Indian Constitution deals with constitutional remedies that an Indian citizen can seek from the Supreme Court and High Court against the violation of his/her fundamental rights. The same article gives the Supreme Court power to issue writs for the enforcement of rights whereas the High Court has the same power under Article 226. Body Types of writs in India The Supreme Court of India is the defender of the fundamental rights of the citizens. For that, it has original and wide powers. It issues five kinds of writs for enforcing the fundamental rights of the citizens. The five types of writs are: 1.Habeas Corpus 2.Mandamus 3.Prohibition 4.Certiorari 5.Quo-Warranto Habeas corpus The Latin meaning of the word ‘Habeas Corpus’ is ‘To have the body of.’ This writ is used to enforce the fundamental right of individual liberty against unlawful detention. Through Habeas Corpus, Supreme Court/High Court orders one person who has arrested another person to bring the body of the latter before the court. The Supreme Court or High Court can issue this writ against both private and public authorities. Habeas Corpus can not be issued in the following cases: When detention is lawful, When the proceeding is for contempt of a legislature or a court, Detention is by a competent court, Detention is outside the jurisdiction of the court. Mandamus The literal meaning of this writ is ‘We command.’ This writ is used by the court to order the public official who has failed to perform his duty or refused to do his duty, to resume his work. Besides public officials, Mandamus can be issued against any public body, a corporation, an inferior court, a tribunal, or government for the same purpose. Unlike Habeas Corpus, Mandamus cannot be issued against a private individual. Mandamus can not be issued in the following cases: To enforce departmental instruction that does not possess statutory force, To order someone to work when the kind of work is discretionary and not mandatory, To enforce a contractual obligation Prohibition The literal meaning of ‘Prohibition’ is ‘To forbid.’ A court that is higher in position issues a Prohibition writ against a court that is lower in position to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction that it does not possess. It directs inactivity. Writ of Prohibition can only be issued against judicial and quasi-judicial authorities. It can’t be issued against administrative authorities, legislative bodies and private individuals or bodies. Certiorari The literal meaning of the writ of ‘Certiorari’ is ‘To be certified’ or ‘To be informed.’ This writ is issued by a court higher in authority to a lower court or tribunal ordering them either to transfer a case pending with them to itself or quash their order in a case. It is issued on the grounds of an excess of jurisdiction or lack of jurisdiction or error of law. It not only prevents but also cures for the mistakes in the judiciary. Pre-1991: The writ of Certiorari used to be issued only against judicial and quasi-judicial authorities and not against administrative authorities Post-1991: The Supreme Court ruled that the certiorari can be issued even against administrative authorities affecting the rights of individuals. It cannot be issued against legislative bodies and private individuals or bodies. Quo-Warranto The literal meaning of the writ of ‘Quo-Warranto’ is ‘By what authority or warrant.’ Supreme Court or High Court issue this writ to prevent illegal usurpation of a public office by a person. Through this writ, the court enquires into the legality of a claim of a person to a public office. Quo-Warranto can be issued only when the substantive public office of a permanent character created by a statute or by the Constitution is involved. It can’t be issued against private or ministerial office. Role of various writs In civil or criminal matters, the first remedy available to an aggrieved person is that of trial courts, followed by an appeal in the High Court and then the Supreme Court. When it comes to violation of fundamental rights, an individual can approach the High Court under Article 226 or the Supreme Court directly under Article 32. The Supreme Court is empowered to issue writs, including habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo-warranto and certiorari for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of an aggrieved citizen. In this regard, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in the sense that an aggrieved citizen can go directly to the Supreme Court, not necessarily by way of appeal. However, the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is not exclusive. The High Courts are also empowered to issue writs for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights. Writ jurisdictions play a vital role in ensuring justice for the aggrieved citizen. To ensure fundamental rights writ are necessary instrument which empower citizens. Conclusion Writs are essential to enforce not only fundamental rights but also useful for other purposes i.e. enforcement of an ordinary legal rights. They empower citizens to directly approach highest court in case of violation of FR’s. right to constitutional remedies is ensured by various writs. 4. Discuss the evolution of the tool of public interest litigation (PLI) in India. Approach  Since the question is asking you to discuss, it requires you to use your skill at reasoning, backed up by deliberately selected evidence to make a case for and against an argument, or point out the advantages and disadvantages of a given context. Introduction  PIL is generally instituted for the enforcement of the Constitutional and Legal Rights of the poor and Excluded groups as well as ensuring accountability of concerned government and public authorities towards issues of public importance. Persistent efforts by the NGOs and social action groups through PIL has, in many occasions, prompted the High Court Division to issue directives and orders that in turn addressed the socio-economic concerns of the poor and the marginalized groups. Body THE EVOLUTION OF THE TOOL OF PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION (PLI) IN INDIA  To understand how PIL began in India, it is necessary to recognize the propitious conditions under which it arose. During the 1970s, a majority of Indians suffered from a severe lack of access to justice. Legal fees were prohibitively expensive to the extent that only the few could afford representation.  The main reason why PIL has flourished in India is that the Constitution of India through its Fundamental Rights under Part III and the Directive Principles of State Policy under Part IV provides a framework to regulate the relation between the state and the citizens and also between citizens.   The seeds of the concept of public interest litigation were sowed for the first time by Justice Krishna Iyer In Mumbai Kamgar Sabha v Abdul Thai. It was the case about the payment of bonus to the workmen of an industry. It was held that “public interest is promoted by spacious construction of locus standi in our socio-economic circumstances and conceptual latitudinarianism permits taking liberties in the individualization of the right to invoke the higher courts where the remedy is shared by a considerable number, particularly when they are weaker.”   Hussainara Khatoon v State of Bihar9 was one of the earliest cases on Public Interest Litigation which focused on the inhuman conditions of the prisons and under trial prisoners. The Supreme Court held that right to speedy justice is a Fundamental Right in matters which are in the larger interest of the public, and it comes within the scope of ‘life’ and ‘personal liberty’ guaranteed under Article 21.  Subsequently, in S P Gupta v Union of India, a writ petition was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution by lawyers raising certain pertinent questions concerning High Court judges. The petition was maintainable because the lawyers practicing in the High Courts have an interest in the independence of the High Courts and speedy disposal of cases. Where the independence of the judiciary is threatened by illegal state action, the lawyers would be interested in challenging the constitutionality or legality of such action. This case paved the way for a new era of public interest litigation in India and it became a potent tool to enforce public duty which has otherwise been executed illegally resulting in injury to the public. This case was a precursor of public interest litigation in India.  Justice Bhagwati emphasized the need for PIL in India and held that “if public duties are to be enforced and social collective “diffused” rights and interests are to be protected, we have to utilize the initiative and zeal of public-minded persons and organizations by allowing them to move the Court and act for a general or group interest, even though they may not be directly injured in their own rights”.  Moreover, where a petitioner moves the Court in his private interest to seek redressal for his personal grievances, the Court in furtherance of public interest may enquire into the subject matter of the litigation in the interest of justice. Thus, public interest litigation relates to the nature of the proceedings and no one particular forum is competent to deal with such litigation.  Conclusion Public Interest Litigation which is also known as Social Action Litigation or Class Litigation has departed from the traditional system of litigation and brought about a legal system which involves initiating a legal action to enforce the interest of the public at large. Over the years it has become a potent tool for the poor, illiterate and underprivileged to have access to the Courts and seek judicial redress by filing an application under Article 226 to the High Court and Article 32 to the Supreme Court. Therefore, public interest litigation has democratized access to justice by relaxing the rule of locus standi. Thus, any public-spirited person or social activist or group can now approach the Court on behalf of a certain group or class of persons, especially the oppressed and marginalized. 5. Examine the criticality of the private sector for achieving high growth for the economy.  Approach:  Students should write the importance of the private sector in the overall economic growth of the country. They should provide a brief historical account of how private sector has fared in the past, especially since LPG reforms. Multi-dimensional sectoral assessment and role of private players in each sector would bring a balance to the answer.   Introduction  The private sector’s role in encouraging a country’s growth and economic development cannot be overstated. Private enterprises are the chief agents in creating employment, providing funds, building competitiveness and driving innovation - all essential instruments for growth.The private sector, in particular, takes entrepreneurial risks, which is central to how it translates investments into wealth creation and income generation. This role takes on further significance in the current context, as rising uncertainties in a rapidly changing global landscape cause economic growth concerns, particularly for emerging nations like India.   Criticality of Private Sector   In the past, India has shown strong resilience in the face of global volatility and has continued to grow steadily, placing it among the world’s fastest-growing economies. The Indian economy grew at a rate of 7 % in 2019-20 and was severely hit by the pandemic contracting it 7.7 %. The private sector has played a huge role in India’s development and is largely responsible for the phenomenal growth registered by the country since the economy was opened up in 1991. Amidst the pandemic too, the role of private sector in India is paramount to revive and push the Indian growth trajectory to reach to the desirable level it always deserved.  India has entered the 37-year period of its demographic dividend, which means the expansion of its working-age population will last until 2055. With arapidly changing employment landscape, including 11-12 million youth entering the labour force every year, jobs need to be created and effective skills initiatives put in place. The private sector plays a pivotal role in meeting this challenge.  The private sector has strong links to higher investments in education and vocational training to bridge skill gaps in the economy, facilitating skills and training programmes, creating partnerships with educational institutes andexperts and, most importantly, creating a future-ready and talented workforce. India has more than 900 universities and 39,000 colleges of which 78% are privately managed. In addition, most large, private enterprises have created in-house training and skills programmes to help build the capacities of young workers in line with industry needs  Private investments by the corporate sector are critical to higher growth rates and economic development. More investment creates a multiplier effect in the economy by generating both direct and indirect employment, boosting consumption and fostering further development.  The total gross capital formation in India as a proportion of GDP during 201718 stood at around 31%. The private sector, including small enterprises in the household sector, accounted for about two-thirds of this. Effective partnerships between the government and private sector in critical areas of infrastructure and long-term investments would expedite development.  The private sector has the power to harness and use technology to unleash greater prosperity for the nation, but it is also responsible for ensuring that the benefits of technology reach all sections of society. A focus on affordable technology to allow equal access is imperative for inclusive development. Corporates are integral to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and ensuring the future progress of an economy. Private sector investments provide necessary infrastructure that is sustainable, reliable, and can use modern technology to create new products and services. In most countries, the private sector plays the lead role in research and development spending, working with universities and institutions to translate new research into markets and crafting innovative business models and strategies.  India has emerged as a significant player when it comes to converging technology and entrepreneurship. It is the second-largest start-up nation in the world, with more than 14,000 start-ups recognized under the Startup India scheme.   Scarcity of natural resources and environmental degradation pose major threats to sustainable growth. Engaging the private sector has become critical to ensuring environmental efficiency through its greater adoption of cleaner, greener technologies and the adoption and sharing of best practices. The private sector’s use of new technologies in sustainable production, while coming at some cost, will promote sustainability, efficiency and better use of inputs and raw materials.   Conclusion: Considering the valuations of the PSU and the private sector companies, only three PSUs-ONGC, PGCI and SBI are valued over 1 lakh crore. In comparison, HDFC, ICICI, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Reliance, Adani Green valuations are 5-6 times over these PSUs. The Sensex too values the performance over the relative role of the PSUs in the Indian Economy. With government contemplating to disinvest further, privatisation assumes even a higher role for the economic development of the country. India’s push to improve on Ease of Doing Business Index, consolidation of Labour Codes, GST and framing of Insolvency and Bankruptcy are steps in the right direction, wherein the government feels to take in the minimum space in the major economic sectors and focuses on being the facilitator to Make for India and Make in India for a Atmanirbar Bharat.   TLP HOT Synopsis Day 38 PDF

Feb 26, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th February 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Black-browed Babbler rediscovered after 170 years Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III – Biodiversity In news Black-browed Babbler has been rediscovered after 170 years in the rainforests of Borneo, Indonesia.  Key takeaways  It was earlier assumed to be extinct. This bird is often called 'the biggest enigma in Indonesian ornithology.'  Photo courtesy: The Guardian Related articles: Leuser Ecosystem Significance of Dead Coral Reef Launch of India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX) Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Governance & GS - III – Information Technology In news India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX) was launched recently. Ministry: Housing and Urban Affairs  Key takeaways  IUDX has been developed in partnership between the Smart Cities Mission and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. IUDX serves as an interface for data providers and data users.  Objective: To share, request, and access datasets related to cities, urban governance, and urban service delivery. It is an open-source software platform.  It will ensure secured and authenticated exchange of data amongst various data platforms.  Related articles: Enrolment module for TECHNOGRAHIS launched Launch of National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Governance & GS - III – Information Technology In news The National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) has been launched recently.  Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Key takeaways  NUDM will create a shared digital infrastructure for urban India. It shall work across the three pillars of people, process, and platform to provide complete support to cities and towns. It will institutionalise a citizen-centric and ecosystem-driven approach to urban governance and service delivery.  It will be functional across all cities and towns in India by 2024. Private sector banks to conduct Government-related banking transactions Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III – banking; Economy In news The Government has lifted the embargo on private sector banks for the conduct of Government-related banking transactions.  Key takeaways  These will include taxes and other revenue payment facilities, pension payments, small savings schemes, etc. Only a few banks were permitted to carry out these functions earlier. Besides, there is now no bar on RBI for authorization of private sector banks for Government business.  For undertaking government agency business, the RBI pays a commission to banks.  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) carries out the general banking business through agency banks appointed under Section 45 of the RBI Act, 1934. Related articles: Annual Report of the Ombudsman Schemes released Small investors given direct access to Government Securities Production Linked Incentive Scheme For IT Hardware Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Economy; Manufacturing sector In news The Union Cabinet has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for IT Hardware. Key takeaways  The scheme proposes PLI to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the value chain of IT Hardware. The Scheme shall extend an incentive of 4% to 2% on net incremental sales (over base year 2019-20) of goods manufactured in India and covered under the target segment, for 4 years. It will benefit 5 major global players and 10 domestic champions in the field of IT Hardware manufacturing including Laptops, Tablets, All-in-One PCs, and Servers. Do you know?  Currently, the laptop and tablet demand in India is largely met through imports worth billions of dollars.  Related articles: Expansion of Production-Linked Incentive Scheme PLI For Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing Production Linked Incentive Scheme For Pharmaceuticals (Mains Focus) POLITY/ FEDERALISM Topic: GS-2: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers  Structural Problems with Union Territories Context: Recently, some MLAs of ruling Congress Party from the Puducherry legislative assembly resigned which reduced the party’s majority in the House abruptly and lead to the fall of the government. Do You Know? Resigning from the membership of the House is every member’s right.  But according to Article 190 of the Constitution, the resignation should be voluntary or genuine. If the Speaker has information to the contrary, he or she is not obliged to accept the resignation. What is the recent issue with Federalism? There is by now a familiar pattern to the resignations of MLAs. Such resignations take place largely from the ruling parties in the States which are opposed to the ruling party at the Centre thus leading to fall of state/UT government.  This mode of toppling the government has an advantage in that no MLA has to defect and face disqualification and get a bad name. However, this is not the only way where the elected governments in Union territories are undermined. There are many constitutional and legal provisions that reflect the structural fragility of UTs Structural Fragility of Union Territories Composition of the Legislature Article 239A was originally brought in 1962 to enable Parliament to create legislatures for the UTs (objective was to fulfil the democratic aspirations of people in UTs through providing legislatures & Council of Ministers) However, a simple amendment in the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 can create a legislature with more than 50% nominated members. The question remain as to how a predominantly nominated House promote representative Democracy. Issue of Nomination In a 33-member House for Puducherry, three are to be nominated by the Central government. However, no qualification is laid down either in Article 239A or the Government of Union Territories Act, making it liable to political misuse. So, when the Union government nominated three BJP members to the Assembly without consulting the government, it was challenged in the court.  Finally, the Supreme Court (K. Lakshminarayanan v. Union of India, 2019) held that the Union government is not required to consult the State government for nominating members to the Assembly and the nominated members have the same right to vote as the elected members. Administrators Power As per Section 44 of the Government of Union Territories Act and Article 239 AA(4) of Constitution, the administrator has the right to disagree with the decisions of the Council of Ministers and then refer them to the President for a final decision (on aid & advice of Union government). The weaponisation of this constitutional provision is done in full measure when the UT is ruled by a different political party. Although in NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2019), the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court had said that the administrator should not misuse this power to frustrate the functioning of the elected government in the territory, the ground reality has unchanged Conclusion Experience shows that the UTs having legislatures with ultimate control vested in the central administrator are not workable. The solution lies in the removal of the legal and constitutional provisions which weaken the structural fragility of UTs and instead provide them with more freedom so as to fulfil democratic aspiration of the people. Connecting the dots: Process of delimitation in respect of UT of J&K Jurisdictional conflict in the running of Delhi GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY Topic: GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation  GS-3: Awareness in the field of IT New Social Media Code Context: Citing instructions from the Supreme Court (Prajjawala case) and the concerns raised in Parliament about social media abuse, the government has released guidelines that aim to regulate social media, digital news media, and over-the-top (OTT) content providers The government had been working on these guidelines for over three years but the big push came from the recent Twitter controversy Key features of guidelines Ensuring Online Safety and Dignity of Users, Specially Women Users: Intermediaries shall remove or disable access within 24 hours of receipt of complaints of contents related to nudity including morphed images etc.  Such a complaint can be filed either by the individual or by any other person on his/her behalf. Grievance Redressal Mechanism Social media intermediaries have to appoint grievance officer, who shall register complaints in 24 hours and resolve it within 15 days of receipt The grievance redressal official must be resident in India. Two Categories of Social Media Intermediaries: To encourage innovations and enable growth of new social media intermediaries without subjecting smaller platforms to significant compliance requirement, the Rules make a distinction between social media intermediaries and significant social media intermediaries.  This distinction is based on the number of users on the social media platform (which will be notified by Government) The Rules require the significant social media intermediaries to follow certain additional due diligence. Additional Due Diligence to be followed by Significant Social Media Intermediary Significant Social media Intermediaries will now be required to appoint a chief compliance officer resident in India, who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the rules.  They will be required also to appoint a nodal contact person for 24×7 coordination with law enforcement agencies. Further, the platforms will need to publish a monthly compliance report mentioning the details of complaints received and action taken on the complaints, as well as details of contents removed proactively by the significant social media intermediary. Significant social media intermediary shall have a physical contact address in India published on its website or mobile app or both. In case, due diligence is not followed by the intermediary, safe harbour provisions (section 79 of IT Act, 2000) will not apply to them. Traceability Significant social media platforms will be required to disclose the first originator of the mischievous content as may be required by an court order or an order passed under Section 69 of the IT Act by the Competent Authority. The order would only be passed for the purposes of prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution or punishment of an offence related to the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, or public order, or of incitement to an offence relating in relation with rape, sexually explicit material or child sexual abuse material punishable with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years. Intermediary shall not be required to disclose the contents of any message or any other information to the first originator. Removal of Unlawful Information: The rules lay down 10 categories of content that the social media platform should not host. These include content that  threatens the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India, friendly relations with foreign States, or public order, or causes incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence or prevents investigation of any offence or is insulting any foreign States”; is defamatory, obscene, pornographic, paedophilic, invasive of another’s privacy, including bodily privacy;  insulting or harassing on the basis of gender;  libellous, racially or ethnically objectionable;  relating or encouraging money laundering or gambling, or  otherwise inconsistent with or contrary to the laws of India The rules stipulate that upon receipt of information about the platform hosting prohibited content from a court or the appropriate government agency, it should remove the said content within 36 hours Voluntary User Verification Mechanism: Users who wish to verify their accounts voluntarily shall be provided an appropriate mechanism to verify their accounts and provided with demonstrable and visible mark of verification.   Giving Users an Opportunity to Be Heard: In cases where significant social media intermediaries removes or disables access to any information on their own accord, then a prior intimation for the same shall be communicated to the user.  Users must be provided an adequate and reasonable opportunity to dispute the action taken by the intermediary.  Rules for OTT services Brought under ambit of IT Act, 2000: Issues relating to digital media and OTT and other creative programmes on Internet shall be administered by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting but the overall architecture shall be under the Information Technology Act, which governs digital platforms. Code of Ethics for online news, OTT platforms and digital media: This Code of Ethics prescribe the guidelines to be followed by OTT platforms and online news and digital media entities.  Self-Classification of Content: The OTT platforms, called as the publishers of online curated content in the rules, would self-classify the content into five age based categories- U (Universal), U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+, and A (Adult).  Platforms would be required to implement parental locks for content classified as U/A 13+ or higher, and reliable age verification mechanisms for content classified as “A”. Level Playing Field between Digital & Offline Media: Publishers of news on digital media would be required to observe Norms of Journalistic Conduct of the Press Council of India and the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act thereby providing a level playing field between the offline (Print, TV) and digital media.  A three-level grievance redressal mechanism has been established under the rules with different levels of self-regulation. Level-I: Self-regulation by the publishers; Level-II: Self-regulation by the self-regulating bodies of the publishers; Level-III: Oversight mechanism: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shall formulate an oversight mechanism. It shall publish a charter for self-regulating bodies, including Codes of Practices. It shall establish an Inter-Departmental Committee for hearing grievances Connecting the dots: Dominance of Big tech Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code (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 bird, assumed to be extinct, was recently rediscovered after 170 years in the rainforests of Borneo, Indonesia? Red Headed Vulture Forest Owlet Jerdon’s Courser Black-browed Babbler Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding • India Urban Data Exchange (IUDX): Sharing data related to urban governance between Urban Local Bodies will be smooth. It is a closed-source software platform.  Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Which of the following is/are associated with recently launched National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)? Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs  Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. NITI Aayog Both (a) and (b) ANSWERS FOR 25th February 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 D 3 B 4 D Must Read On Vaccine inequities: The Hindu On Single Party Dominance: The Hindu About India-China disengagement: The Indian Express

Feb 26, 2021 PIB

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (PIB) IAS UPSC – 14th February to 21st February – 2021

ARCHIVES GS-2 PLI scheme for Telecom Sector (Topic: Government policies in the Telecom sector) Pursuant to the extraordinary incentive of PLI being provided by Government of India in various sectors, the Cabinet approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Telecom and Networking Products. This approval comes in wake of very encouraging success of PLI related to Mobile and component manufacturing, which was announced in April 2020 during the height of Covid pandemic. Cabinet decision addresses another component of Atmanirbhar Bharat to make India a global hub of manufacturing telecom equipment including core transmission equipment, 4G/5G Next Generation Radio Access Network and Wireless Equipment, Access & Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) Access Devices, Other Wireless Equipment and Enterprise equipment like Switches, Routers etc. The core component of this scheme is to offset the huge import of telecom equipment worth more than Rs. 50 thousand crores and reinforce it with “Made in India” products both for domestic markets and exports. Financial Year 2019-20 shall be treated as the Base Year for computation of cumulative incremental sales of manufactured goods net of taxes. The Scheme will be operational from 1st April 2021. This scheme also addresses local manufacturing in MSME category because Government desires MSMEs to play an important role in the telecom sector and come out as national champions.  This scheme will lead to incremental production of around ₹2.4 Lakh Crores with exports of around ₹2 Lakh Crores over 5 years. It is expected that scheme will bring investment of more than ₹3,000 crore and generate huge direct and indirect employment and taxes both. Cabinet approves Amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Objective: To introduce measures for strengthening Child Protection set-up to ensure best interest of children. What is the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children Act) 2015? Updated Legislation: It was introduced and passed in Parliament in 2015 to replace the Juvenile Delinquency Law and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children Act) 2000.  Change in nomenclature: The Act changes the nomenclature from Juvenile to child or ‘child in conflict with law’. Also, it removes the negative connotation associated with the word “juvenile”. Special Provisions for Age 16-18 years: One of the main provisions of the new Act was that juveniles charged with heinous crimes and who are between the ages of 16-18 years would be tried as adults and processed through the adult justice system. This provision received an impetus after the 2012 Delhi gangrape in which one of the accused was just short of 18 years, and was therefore tried as a juvenile. Juvenile Justice Board: The nature of the crime, and whether the juvenile should be tried as a minor or a child, was to be determined by a Juvenile Justice Board (set up in every district). Also Child Welfare Committees must be set up in every district. Both must have at least one woman member each. Adoption Related Clauses: Another major provision was that the Act streamlined adoption procedures for orphans, abandoned and surrendered children and the existing Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) has been given the status of a statutory body to enable it to perform its function more effectively Inclusion of New Offences: The Act included several new offences committed against children (like, illegal adoptions, use of child by militant groups, offences against disabled children, etc) which are not adequately covered under any other law. What are the amendments passed by the Union Cabinet? 1. The inclusion of serious crimes apart from heinous crimes It has included for the first time the category of “serious crimes” differentiating it from heinous crimes, while retaining heinous crimes. Both heinous and serious crimes have also been clarified for the first time, removing any ambiguity. What this means is that for a juvenile to be tried for a heinous crime as an adult, the punishment of the crime should not only have a maximum sentence of seven years or more, but also a minimum sentence of seven years. This provision has been made to ensure that children, as much as possible, are protected and kept out of the adult justice system.  Heinous crimes with a minimum imprisonment of seven years pertain mostly to sexual offences and violent sexual crimes. Crime like the possession and sale of an illegal substance, such as drugs or alcohol, will now fall under the ambit of a “serious crime’’. 2. Expanding the purview of district and additional district magistrates The NCPCR report pf 2019-19 had found that not a single Child Care Institution in the country was found to be 100 per cent compliant to the provisions of the JJ Act. DM and ADMs will monitor the functioning of various agencies under the JJ Act in every district. This includes the Child Welfare Committees, the Juvenile Justice Boards, the District Child Protection Units and the Special juvenile Protection Units. Amendment says that no new children’s home can be opened without the sanction of the DM. They are also responsible now for ensuring that CCIs falling in their district are following all norms and procedures (earlier the process was relaxed and lacked effective oversight) The DM will also carry out background checks of Child Welfare Committee members, who are usually social welfare activists, including educational qualifications, as there is no such provision currently to check if a person has a case of girl child abuse against him. To hasten the process of adoption and ensure the swift rehabilitation of children into homes and foster homes, the amendment further provides that the DM will also now be in charge of sanctioning adoptions, removing the lengthy court process. The challenges: While the amendments have been welcomed by most, in its attempt to provide better protection to children in need of care, the challenge perceived is that of having given too many responsibilities to the DM.  The amendments, once approved by Parliament, will increase the role of district magistrates and empower them to undertake inspections of childcare institutions. Cabinet approves Comprehensive Economic cooperation and Partnership Agreement between India and Mauritius The India-Mauritius CECPA will be the first trade Agreement to be signed by India with a country in Africa.  The Agreement is a limited agreement, which will cover Trade in Goods, Rules of Origin, Trade in Services, Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Dispute Settlement, Movement of Natural Persons, Telecom, Financial services, Customs Procedures and Cooperation in other Areas Impact or benefits: CECPA provides for an institutional mechanism to encourage and improve trade between the two countries.  The CECPA between India and Mauritius covers 310 export items for India, including food stuff and beverages (80 lines), agricultural products (25 lines), textile and textile articles (27 lines), base metals and articles thereof (32 lines), electricals and electronic item (13 lines), plastics and chemicals (20 lines), wood and articles thereof (15 lines), and others. Mauritius will benefit from preferential market access into India for its 615 products, including frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral water, beer, alcoholic drinks, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment, and apparel. As regards trade in services, Indian service providers will have access to around 115 sub-sectors from the 11 broad service sectors such as professional services, computer related services, research & development, other business services, telecommunication, construction, distribution, education, environmental, financial, tourism & travel related, recreational, yoga, audio-visual services, and transport services. Both sides have also agreed to negotiate an Automatic Trigger Safeguard Mechanism (ATSM) for a limited number of highly sensitive products within two years of the Signing of the Agreement. Background: India and Mauritius enjoy excellent bilateral relations, sustained by historic cultural affinities, frequent high-level political interactions, development cooperation, defence and maritime partnership, and people to people linkages. Mauritius is an important development partner of India. India had extended a ‘Special Economic Package’ of USD 353 million to Mauritius in 2016.  The new Supreme Court building project is one of the five projects being implemented under this package and was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Mauritius PravindJugnauth in July 2020.  In October 2019, Prime Minister Modi and the PM of Mauritius had jointly inaugurated the Phase -I of the Metro Express Project and the 100-bed state of the art ENT hospital project in Mauritius, also built under the special economic package. Since 2005, India has been among the largest trading partners of Mauritius, and has been one of the largest exporters of goods and services to Mauritius. According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), in 2019, the main import partners of Mauritius were India (13.85%), China (16.69%), South Africa (8.07%), and UAE (7.28%).  The bilateral trade between India and Mauritius has registered a growth of 233% from USD 206.76 million in Financial Year (FY) 2005-06 to USD 690.02 million in FY 2019-20.  India’s exports to Mauritius surged 232% from USD 199.43 million in FY 2005-06 to USD 662.13 million in FY 2019-20, while India’s imports from Mauritius increased 280% from USD7.33 million in 2005-06 to USD 27.89 million in FY 2019-20. The India-Mauritius CECPA will further cement the already deep and special relations between the two countries. Forward Looking and Growth Oriented Budget for Chemical and Petrochemical Sector (Topic: Government policies in the Petrochemical sector) India is a net importer of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.  The gap of domestic demand and supply of Chemicals and Petrochemicals is being bridged through imports. To attract investment in the sector, there had been a need of spread in duty structure of raw materials and intermediates/finished products. With this intention the duty structure support is provided for crucial Tariff Lines to become domestic Chemical and Petrochemical industry, globally cost competitive and to become Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. Chemical and Petrochemical industry has been demanding since long back for reduction in import duty on feedstock such as ‘Naphtha’ to become globally cost competitive for production of Chemicals and Petrochemicals. This long standing demand has been taken care of by the Government in the budget 2021-22.  The massive emphasis on infrastructure spending is expected to result in additional consumption of petrochemicals like polymers and specialty chemicals.  Also, Agriculture focused measure like doubling of outlay for micro irrigation to Rs 10,000 crores will further fuel demand for polymer based irrigation products and services. The new vehicle scraping policy will boost the polymer and elastomer consumption in anticipation of requirement of new and additional vehicles. The increased outlay on healthcare and the fund for vaccination will boost polymer consumption with requirements of syringes and other polymer based healthcare products. In general, with increased government spending the requirement of petrochemicals and polymers which are required in very wide range of sectors will also increase and provide ad fillip to local demand. Government has announced opening up of seven mega textile parks in the country to boost the textile industry. The world is looking for sourcing of textile products from India and buyers will be happy to find alternative to source the product from India rather than focusing of these products from China and other South East Asian countries. This will support entire textile value chain including manmade fiber as a component of value chain by having efficient supply chain and infrastructure made available in these textile parks. Synthetic Industry has welcomed increase in import duty on raw cotton. This will support farmers to get better remuneration on cotton production and also eliminate cheap imports coming from neighboring countries. As such India is surplus of cotton and rather than exporting cotton. Industry also welcomes increase in BCD on silk and silk products. Synthetic Industry will be able to substitute silk products silk products by supplying silk like products out of synthetic fibres. On Naphtha Duty reduced from 4% to 2.5%; decreased custom duty on naphtha is likely to further improve the utilization of crackers resulting in availability of cost competitive olefins and aromatics. Low cost naphtha will also make a way into the availability of ethylene and propylene for petrochemical intermediates in value chain. Further boost to the production of major basic petrochemicals. On Carbon black Duty increased from 5% to 7.5%; Carbon Black is used in making tyres. With the growth of automobile industry this would lead to new capacity creation of carbon black and also improve capacity utilization of domestic players. On Builder’s ware of plastics Duty increased from 10% to 15%; It will help in Competitive prices of plastics for local plastic processors against cheaper imports. Further, it will increase in capacity utilization by the plastic processors. On Polycarbonates Duty increased from 5 to 7.5%: This is used to make shatterproof windows, lightweight eyeglass lenses, etc. The revised duty may attract new investment in the technology intensive polycarbonate market. On Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) Duty increased from NIL to 7.5%; it is being used in the production of polyurethanes for many applications, spandex yarn, etc. The revised custom duty will attract investments in India given the rising demand of polyurethanes and presence of no local players. GS-3 Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPPQ) (Topic: Agriculture) The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare performs regulatory, monitoring, surveillance and Human Resource Development functions through a scheme “Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPPQ)” with the aim of minimizing loss to quality and yield of agricultural crops from the ravages of insect pests, diseases, weeds, nematodes, rodents etc. and to shield our bio-security from the incursion and spread of alien species. Revalidation of more than 1200 pack houses, rice mills, processing units, treatment facilities, fumigation agencies, post entry quarantine facilities etc., to facilitate agri export has been done.  To promote Integrated Pest Management and judicious use of Pesticides, 14 crop specific and pest specific Package of Practices have been issued to the States during the lockdown period. To promote Make in India, 6788 Certificates of Registration (CR) have been issued to indigenous manufacturers of pesticides and 1011 CRs issued for export of pesticides. The Destructive Insect and Pests Act, 1914 and the Insecticides Act, 1968 provide the legal framework for the regulatory function. During 2020-21, India became the first country in the world to control locusts by using drones after finalizing protocols and Standard Operating Procedures. The largest locust control operation in Indian history has been conducted by the Central Government in collaboration with the States. Locust attack was controlled in more than 5.70 lakh hectare area of 10 States. Control capabilities of Locust Circle Offices (LCOs) have been strengthened by deploying helicopters for aerial spraying of pesticides for locust control.  Government announces liberalised guidelines for geo-spatial data (Topic: Science and Technology, new developments) By liberalizing the geo-spatial guidelines, the government has taken a historic decision that will lead to a One Lakh Crore Rupees Geo-Spatial economy. It will enable science to become a public movement and also to deliver a New India to people of the country. Maps and accurate geospatial data are crucial for national infrastructure projects such as linkages of rivers, creation of industrial corridors and deploying smart power systems.Emerging vibrant technologies like Digital India, Smart Cities, eCommerce, autonomous drones, delivery, logistics and urban transport require a leap forward in mapping with greater depth, resolution and precision. In every economic endeavor, spanning agriculture, finance, construction, mining and local enterprise, India’s farmers, small businesses and corporations alike stand to gain tremendously from the application of innovative technologies based on modern geospatial data technologies and mapping services. The next generation of technologies will use hyper-resolution maps.   Availability of comprehensive, highly accurate, granular and constantly updated representation of Geospatial Data will significantly benefit diverse sectors of the economy and will significantly boost innovation in the country and greatly enhance the preparedness of the country for emergency response/   The availability of data and modern mapping technologies to Indian companies is also crucial for achieving the vision of AtmaNirbharBharat and a five trillion-dollar economy. For Indian entities, there would be complete deregulation with no prior approvals, security clearances, licenses, etc. for acquisition and production of geospatial data and geospatial data services including maps All geospatial data produced using public funds, except classified geospatial data collected by security/law enforcement agencies, will be made accessible for scientific, economic and developmental purposes to all Indian Entities and without any restrictions on their use.  Government agencies and others need to collaborate and work towards openlinked geospatial data Stakeholders benefitted will include practically every segment of society, from industry to academia to government departments Successful user trials of DRDO-developed Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’ (Topic: Defence and technology) Joint User Trials for Helina (Army Version) and Dhruvastra (Air Force Version) Missile Systems have been carried out from Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) platform in desert ranges. The missile systems have been designed and developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Five missions were carried out for evaluating the missile capabilities in minimum and maximum range.The missiles were fired in hover and max forward flight against realistic static and moving targets. Some missions were carried out with warheads against derelict tanks. A mission was carried out against a moving target from a forward flying helicopter. The Helinaand Dhruvastra are third generation, Lock on Before Launch (LOBL) fire and forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles that can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The system has all-weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour. It is one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. Now, the missile systems are ready for induction. Increased outlay for BRO in Budget 2021-22  (Topic: Defence) Union Budget 2021-22 has proposed increased funding for Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to boost infrastructure in frontier areas.  Allocation for road development projects in border areas has been raised from Rs 5,586.23 crore to Rs 6,004.08 crore for Financial Year 2021-22.  The budget for maintenance of border roads has gone up from Rs 750 crore to Rs 850 crore, while the capital works allocation has been revised upwards to Rs 2,500 crore from budgetary provision of Rs 2,300 crore for Financial Year 2020-21. This increased allocation shall facilitate procurement of modern construction plants, equipment and machinery to enhance the pace of construction warranted by strategic imperatives. A large share of increased funding will be used for better upkeep of strategic roads in the border areas and it will also give a major boost to construction of strategically important roads, tunnels and bridges along the northern and north-eastern borders. Prelims-oriented News India's first full-fledged international cruise terminal: Kochi, Kerala Sultan of Oman: His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik International Mother Language Day: 21 February Mission "One Nation One Standard": To make India the leader in setting global benchmarks in setting standards. While all areas of production and services be included in this national mission, bringing a national uniformity and standardization in all kinds of public procurement and tendering can be an immediate deliverable. Lab testing in India should be world standards.  Modern equipments and latest technologies should be used there. He added that Gap analysis of BIS and Government labs be taken up on priority basis as well. Effort should be made to merge different standards under one standard  as much as possible. Industry should be invited for more dialogue, participation and collaboration in this mission of "one nation one standard".  Process of granting certification should be kept as simple as possible and duplication of work should be avoided. We should aim to be the world leader in having maximum industrial products under Indian Standards and no one should feel the need to go abroad to get quality certification. Delisting of Devendra Kula Vellalar community from SC community: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has clarified that the reports appearing in media about delisting of Devendra Kula Vellalar community from SC soon, is completely misinformed. The Cabinet has approved for categorising (7) SC communities into Devendra Kula Vellalar which would also be a part of the Scheduled Castes list of Tamil Nadu. The Devendra Kula Vellalar community is a Scheduled Caste community that has seven sub-sects and comprise over 17.05 per cent of the Scheduled Caste community in Tamil Nadu, according to Census 2011. The community has been demanding to be given a Most Backward status and remove SC status from their community, as they are agrarian and not manual scavengers. They also demanded a 6 per cent reservation for the community. This community is currently identified by seven different sub-sects, i.e., Devendrakulathan, Kudumban, Pannadi, Kaaladi, Kadayan, Pallan and Patharia. They had been demanding to bring all these sub-sects under one umbrella. On February 14, PM Modi on his visit to Tamil Nadu announced that the Union government has accepted the demand to bring seven sub-sects of the Devendrakula Vellalar community under one umbrella. Thus, now rather than being called by their independent sect name, they will all be called Devendrakula Vellalar. 11th IEA-IEF-OPEC Symposium on Energy Outlooks The symposium saw the presence of heads of all top inter-governmental energy agencies -IEF, IEA, OPEC, IRENA and the GECF. Also, dignitaries like, H.E. Norma RocíoNahle García, Secretary of Energy, Mexico and H.E. Timipre Sylva, Minister of State of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria participated in the event. Apart from the comparative analysis of short, medium, and long-term energy outlooks that OPEC and the IEA published in 2020, the trilateral symposium reflected on the long-term outlooks of key producer and consumer countries. On India: While the world’s total primary energy demand would increase at less than 1% per annum till 2040, India’s energy demand would grow at about 3% per annum till 2040. The recently-released IEA’s India Energy Outlook 2021 highlights that India has now emerged as the key centre for global energy demand, and is expected to become world’s largest energy consumer soon. Our share in global energy consumption is set to double in the next three decades. India has appealed to the oil-producing countries to have a rethink on continuing and increasing production cuts. In the collective interests of both producing and consuming countries, prices should be reasonable and responsible. The price-sensitive Indian consumers are getting adversely affected by rising petroleum product prices. It also affects demand growth, which could potentially impact the delicate aspirational economic growth trajectory not just in India but in other developing countries as well.  India-Singapore CEO Forum: Inviting businesses from both sides to bring in sparkle into India and Singapore's partnership, Minister of Railways; Commerce & Industry; Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution Shri Piyush Goyal said that ours is a strong & productive partnership, which can be taken to higher levels. The minister said that it is a partnership that will help us become Aatmanirbhar& also give opportunities for us to expand our global footprint. Urged businesses to look at ways how we can expand the engagement and encourage India's youth to use more innovative technologies.  India & Singapore are working together in cyber security & disaster relief, and Education and skill development can be taken up as pillars where we can work together and learn from Singapore’s experience.  E-Commerce, Fintech, smart manufacturing, healthcare are significant areas where India offers a large market. He said that our working together in these areas can truly transform India's own effort to give the best to our people. Singapore and the GIFT city which is our first operational smart city, have tied up with the Singapore exchange to boost international investment in India. Buddhism, Bollywood and Business can help in cementing the partnership Release of 3rd Edition of Indian Sign Language dictionary: Has 10,000 terms (including 6,000 earlier terms) The Dictionary has been brought out by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), an autonomous Institute under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The 3rd edition of the ISL Dictionary contains total 10,000 terms of everyday use, academic terms, legal & administrative terms, medical terms, technical terms and agricultural terms. The Dictionary also contains regional signs used in different parts of the country.  The 1st edition of the ISL Dictionary was launched on 23rd March 2018 with 3000 terms and the 2nd edition with 6000 terms (including earlier 3000 terms) was launched on 27th February 2019. All India Surveys: Being conducted by Labour Bureau, an attached office of Ministry of Labour & Employment  The five All India surveys on migrant workers, domestic workers, employment generated by professionals and transport sector have tremendous role to play at national level by providing data on the most effected labour market participants. This is the first time that the Bureau will collect data through greater use of information technology which will enable it to effectively meet the rapid demands for data in the field of labour and employment. Surveys will be conducted using AI based technology intervention with Speech-to-Text facility along with Geo-Fencing Technology, Travel Schedule, Message Broadcast functionalities inbuilt. Real time reporting and monitoring with advance dashboards, command and control centre are also being developed. The IT interventions in conduct of surveys will reduce the completion time of surveys by at least 30-40%. The Bureau will engage an IT partner for providing the technological support for these surveys. This success of Bureau in utilisation of this innovative technology will be worth emulating by other agencies involved in similar survey works. These ambitious surveys will provide a comprehensive picture of the employment scenario in the country thereby formulating sound National Employment policy of the country. All India Survey of Migrant workers, All India survey of Domestic Workers, All India survey of employment generated by Professionals, All India survey of employment generated in Transport Sector and All-India Quarterly Establishment based Employment Survey The Bureau is also going to launch All India Quarterly Establishment Based Employment Survey to assess the employment situation in establishments with more than 10 workers and also less than 10 workers. These surveys will fill the huge data gap that exists on the employment numbers in the unorganized sector. Sub-Mission on Seeds & Planting Materials: To Produce and Supply quality seeds to Farmers By: The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare To enhance production and productivity in the country through various components namely Seed Village Programme, Establishment of Seed Processing- cum- Seed Storage Godowns at Gram Panchyat Level, National Seed Reserve, Boosting Seed Production in Private Sector and Strengthening of Quality Control Infrastructure Facilities. Launch of E-Chhawani portal & mobile app: Through the portal, the residents of cantonment areas will be able to avail basic services like renewal of leases, application for birth & death certificates, water & sewerage connections, trade licences, mobile toilet locators and payment of different types of taxes and fees, with just a click of a button. The portal, jointly developed by eGov Foundation, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE) and National Informatics Centre (NIC), provides a platform to the residents to avail these services from the comfort of their home. ASI Athlete creates history by breaking National Record and Qualifying for Tokyo Olympics 2021 At the 8th National Race Walking Championship, held at Ranchi, Athletes of ASI created history by Qualifying for Tokyo Olympics 2021.  Nb Sub Sandeep Kumar of 16 JAT Regiment won Gold medal and created a new National Record with timing of 1:: 20.16sec & Gdr Rahul of 18 Grenadiers secured Silver medal with timing of 1::20.26sec both the athletes secured berth for Tokyo 2021. The Tokyo Olympics qualification time for men's 20 km race walk event is 1::21:00sec. A country can send a maximum of three athletes in an individual event. Amazon India to commence Electronic Devices Manufacturing in India: Amazon is going to start manufacturing of Amazon Fire TV stick from India. Amazon will commence its manufacturing efforts with contract manufacturer Cloud Network Technology, a subsidiary of Foxconn in Chennai and start production later this year. The device manufacturing program will be able to produce hundreds of thousands of Fire TV Stick devices every year, catering to the demands of customers in India. Amazon will continuously evaluate scaling capacity to additional marketplaces/cities depending on the domestic demand. India has taken several key steps to encourage electronics manufacturing in India. The Production Linked Manufacturing (PLI) for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing has emerged as a major success with many international companies commencing production of electronics goods from India.  Entry of Amazon in this sector adds to the success story of electronics manufacturing in India. This will enhance domestic production capacities, and create jobs as well Pey Jal Survekshan: To be conducted to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies through a challenge process Under Jal Jeevan Mission- Urban Data on drinking water, waste water management, non-revenue water and condition of 3 water bodies in the city will be collected through face-to-face interviews with citizens and municipal officials as per the approved questionnaire, on-call interviews, water sample collection and laboratory testing, and field survey for non-revenue water.  Mission will be monitored through a technology-based platform on which beneficiary response will be monitored along with progress and output-outcome. Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) (JJM (U)) is designed to provide universal coverage of water supply to all households through functional taps in all 4,378 statutory towns in accordance with SDG Goal- 6. Also, sewerage/septage management in 500 AMRUT cities with the objective of making them water secure are the major focus areas under JJM (U). Launch of ‘Mahabahu-Brahmaputra’, laying of the foundation of Dhubri Phulbari Bridge and performance of Bhumi Pujan for construction of Majuli Bridge: In Assam The launch of Mahabahu-Brahmaputra will be marked by the inauguration of the Ro-Pax vessel operations between Neamati-Majuli Island, North Guwahati-South Guwahati and Dhubri-Hatsingimari; Shilanyas of Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminal at Jogighopa and various tourist jetties on River Brahmaputra and launch of digital solutions for Ease-of-Doing-Business. The program is aimed at providing seamless connectivity to the Eastern parts of India and includes various development activities for the people living around River Brahmaputra and River Barak. These jetties will promote river cruise tourism, generate local employment and also generate growth for local business. Dhubri Phulbari Bridge: Between Dhubri (on North Bank) and Phulbari (on South Bank).  The proposed Bridge will be located on NH-127B It will connect Dhubri in Assam to  Phulbari, Tura, Rongram and Rongjeng in Meghalaya. The bridge will meet the long-standing demand of the people from Assam and Meghalaya who were depending on ferry services to travel between the two banks of the river. It will reduce the distance of 205 Km to be travelled by Road to 19 Km, which is the total length of the bridge. Majuli Bridge: A two-lane Bridge on the Brahmaputra between Majuli (North Bank) and Jorhat (South Bank). The bridge will be located on NH-715K and will connect Neematighat (on Jorhat side) and Kamalabari (on Majuli side).  The Construction of the bridge has been a long demand of the people of Majuli who for generations have been dependent on the ferry services to connect with the mainland of Assam. Father of Indian Cinema: Dada Saheb Phalke The Father of Indian Cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly known as Dada Saheb Phalke introduced the art of cinema in India and opened the door of unlimited imagination before our countrymen.  His visionary ambition laid a strong base for today’s flourished Indian entertainment industry. Paying tributes to the legend on his 77th Punyathithi and also as part of the on-going 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations, Films Division is screening select documentary and animation films on 16th February, 2021 on its website and You Tube channel. Laying of the foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev Memorial and development work of Chittaura Lake: In Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh marking the birth anniversary of Maharaja Suheldev Suhaldev or Suheldev is an Indian king from Shravasti, popularly known to have defeated and killed the Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud at Bahraich in 1034 CE. He is mentioned in the 17th century Persian-language historical romance Mirat-i-Masudi. Since the 20th century, various Hindu nationalist groups have characterized him as a Hindu King who defeated a Muslim invader. Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India, a novel by Amish Tripathi, is based on the legend of Suhaldev On 24 February 2016, BJP president Amit Shah unveiled a statue of Suhaldev in Bahraich.[16] On 29 December 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative stamp on Maharaja Suhaldev.[17] On 24 June 2019, Om Prakash Rajbhar - the president of Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party - unveiled a statue of Suhaldev in Indore village of Ghazipur district Shravasti was a city of ancient India and one of the six largest cities in India during Gautama Buddha's lifetime. The city was located in the fertile Gangetic plains in the present-day district of the same name, Shravasti, that belongs to Devipatan division of Uttar Pradesh near Balrampur, some 175 kilometres (109 mi) north-east of Lucknow. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India sign MoU to promote health research To identify opportunities to initiate scientific and technological collaborations; these will focus on developing and testing new preventions, therapies and interventions that can help to solve major health concerns that affect India and other developing countries. As per the MoU, areas of research collaboration would include genetic diseases that impact infant and neonatal mortality; new diagnostics and devices for infectious disease and environmental surveillance; development of cost-effective processes for drug, vaccines, biologics, and diagnostics manufacturing; novel microbiome-directed foods; socio-economic impact of science and technological tools; and other areas of health and development. Personality in News Sant Ravidasji  Ravidas was an Indian mystic poet-sant of the Bhakti movement and founder of Ravidassia religion during the 15th to 16th century CE. Venerated as a guru (teacher) in the region of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and mainly Punjab and Haryana. He was a poet-saint, social reformer and a spiritual figure. Ravidas's devotional verses were included in the Sikh scriptures known as Guru Granth Sahib. The Panch Vani text of the Dadupanthi tradition within Hinduism also includes numerous poems of Ravidas. He taught removal of social divisions of caste and gender, and promoted unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedoms. Medieval era texts, such as the Bhaktamal suggest that Ravidas was the disciple of the Brahmin bhakti-poet Ramananda The songs of Ravidas discuss Nirguna-Saguna themes, as well as ideas that are at the foundation of Nath Yoga philosophy of Hinduism.   He frequently mentions the term Sahaj, a mystical state where there is a union of the truths of the many and the one. Legends link him as the guru of Meera, another major Bhakti movement poet. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Birth - [February 19, 1630] Born at Shivner; Father: Shahji Bhosale (a Maratha general who held the jagirs of Pune and Supe under the Bijapur Sultanate),  Mother:  Jija Bai – Shivaji Jayanti is observed on this day. Inherited Jagir of Poona from his father in 1637 Shaishta khan captured Poona but Shivaji reclaimed it Displayed his military zeal for the first time in 1645 when as a teenager, he successfully got control of the Torna Fort which was under Bijapur Acquired the Kondana Fort, both these forts were under Adil Shah of Bijapur. Shah then got Shahaji imprisoned in a bid to contain Shivaji. Battle of Pratapgarh in 1659: Shivaji’s forces vanquished the Bijapur Sultanate’s army Aurangzeb sent Raja jai Singh of Amber, who besieged Purander fort →  Treaty of Purander, 1665 Shivaji surrendered 23 / 35 forts to Mughals and said to be loyal to Mughal empire It was agreed that Shivaji would meet Aurangzeb at Agra. Shivaji also agreed to send his son Sambhaji as well. At Agra in 1666, when Shivaji went to meet the Mughal emperor, the Maratha warrior felt he was insulted by Aurangzeb and stormed out of the court. He was arrested and kept prisoner. The clever escape of Shivaji and his son from imprisonment in disguise out of Agra is a legendary tale even today. In 1674, Shivaji recaptured all his lost territory & crowned himself at Raigarh assuming the title of Chhtrapati, Shakakarta, Kshatriya Kulavantas and Haindava Dharmodhhaarak. 3 April 1680 at Raigad: Death Shivaji: Considered a master of the guerrilla warfare Kanhoji Angre, his admiral, is called the ‘Father of Indian Navy’. Also on this day - Death of Gopal Krishna Gokhale Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915) A protégé of Ranade and influenced by the British philosopher-parliamentarian Edmund Burke, Gokhale worked towards realising constitutional ideals in India for three decades and abjured the use of reactionary or revolutionary ways. Gokhale first arrived on the national scene after cross-examining British colonial expenditure at the Welby Commission of 1897 in England. Gokhale’s work earned him praise in India as he laid bare British military financing policies that heavily burdened Indian taxpayers much to the chagrin of then Viceroy Lord Curzon — regarded among the most vituperative of racists to occupy that post. In 1899, Gokhale joined the Indian National Congress, emerging as one of the main leaders of its ‘moderate’ wing, and gave up teaching three years later to work as a lawmaker for the remainder of his life. At Bombay, Gokhale opposed the British government’s onerous land revenue policies, advocated free and compulsory primary education, and asked for the creation of equal opportunities to fight against untouchability. At the Imperial legislature, Gokhale played a key role in framing the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909 and advocated for the expansion of legislative councils at both the Centre and the provinces. A critic of British imperial bureaucracy, Gokhale favoured decentralisation and the promotion of panchayat and taluka bodies. He also spoke for the Indian diaspora living in other parts of the British Empire and opposed tooth and nail the indentured labour system, raising their problems in the Imperial legislature as well as at Congress sessions. Gokhale became Congress president at its Banaras session in 1905. This was also the time when bitter differences had arisen between his group of ‘Moderates’ and the ‘Extremists’ led by Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak among others. Matters came to a head when the two factions split at the Surat session of 1907. Historians note that despite ideological differences, Gokhale maintained cordial relations with his opponents. In 1907, he fervently campaigned for the release of Lala Lajpat Rai, who was imprisoned that year by the British at Mandalay in present-day Myanmar. After Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India, he joined Gokhale’s group before going on to lead the independence movement. Gandhi regarded Gokhale as his political mentor, and wrote a book in Gujarati dedicated to the leader titled ‘Dharmatma Gokhale’. Gokhale with the guidance of his mentor, M G Ranade started the Deccan Sabha in 1896 as a rival organisation to Poona Sarvajanik Sabha. In 1905, when Gokhale was elected president of the Indian National Congress and was at the height of his political power, he founded the Servants of India Society to specifically further one of the causes dearest to his heart: the expansion of Indian education. 1915: At the request of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, conveyed to him by C. F. Andrews, Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in January 9, 1915.

Feb 26, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1 – ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 4 Questions [26th February,2021] – Day 41

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies 4 Questions [26th February 2020] – Day 41 We will make sure, in the next 100 days not a single day is wasted and your mains preparation is solidified. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. We are giving 5 Mains Questions on a daily basis so that every student can actively participate and keep your preparation focused. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. How does integrity translate to success in one’s professional life? Examine.  ईमानदारी एक व्यक्ति के पेशेवर जीवन में सफलता कैसे सुनिश्चित करती है? जांच करें। 2. Explain the terms ‘impartiality’ and ‘non-partisanship’ with the help of suitable examples. Why are they important traits for a public servant? Discuss.   उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से 'निष्पक्षता' और 'गैर-प्रतिपक्षता' शब्द की व्याख्या करें। वे लोक सेवक के लिए महत्वपूर्ण गुण क्यों हैं? चर्चा करें। 3. Commitment to public service must be the foundational trait for a civil servant. Do you agree? Substantiate.  लोक सेवा के प्रति प्रतिबद्धता एक सिविल सेवक के लिए मूलभूत गुण होना चाहिए। क्या आप सहमत हैं? पुष्टि करें। 4. What are your views on the recently announced plan of privatising 100 public sector undertakings (PSUs)? What will be its economic impact? Discuss.  100 सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के उपक्रमों (PSU) के निजीकरण की हाल ही में घोषित योजना पर आपके क्या विचार हैं? इसका आर्थिक प्रभाव क्या होगा? चर्चा करें। 5. Comment upon the problem of unemployment in India. What suggestions do you have to create employment opportunities?  भारत में बेरोजगारी की समस्या पर टिप्पणी करें। रोजगार के अवसर पैदा करने के लिए आपके पास क्या सुझाव हैं? P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Feb 26, 2021 Ace The Prelims (ATP)

Ace The Prelims (ATP) – 2021– PRELIMS – [26th February, 2021] – Day 47

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s Ace The Prelims (ATP) – 2021 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [26th February, 2021] – Day 47   UPSC Quiz - 2021 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 26th February 2021 UPSC CSAT Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Practice Test – 26th February 2021 UPSC Static Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) – History [Day 47]   The way ATP molecules provide energy to every single cell of our body and help us in achieving our day to day tasks, similarly, the ‘Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021’ Programme will help in providing energy and direction to your prelims preparation and push you beyond the cutoff of Prelims 2021. Ace the Prelims (ATP) – 2021 will include Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) Daily CSAT Practice Test Daily Current Affair Quiz 60 Days Plan (starts from 2nd week of March) To Know More about Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021 - CLICK HERE   Thank You IASbaba

Feb 26, 2021 Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) – History [Day 47]

ARCHIVES DAILY STATIC QUIZ (PYQs) It will cover PYQs all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. Daily 5 questions (Monday to Saturday) will be posted from static topics (PYQs) The questions will be in the quiz format so you will be able to answer them directly on the portal. Schedule Week 1 – Polity Week 2 – Economics Week 3 – History and Art & Culture Week 4 – Geography Week 5 – Environment and Science & Technology Same cycle will be repeated from Week 6. Make the best use of the initiative. All the best! To Know More about Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021 - 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

Feb 26, 2021 IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Quiz

UPSC CSAT Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Practice Test – 26th February 2021

ARCHIVES DAILY STATIC QUIZ (PYQs) It will cover PYQs all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. Daily 5 questions (Monday to Saturday) will be posted from static topics (PYQs) The questions will be in the quiz format so you will be able to answer them directly on the portal. Schedule Week 1 – Polity Week 2 – Economics Week 3 – History and Art & Culture Week 4 – Geography Week 5 – Environment and Science & Technology Same cycle will be repeated from Week 6. Make the best use of the initiative. All the best! To Know More about Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021 - 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

Feb 26, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2021 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 26th February 2021

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. 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 Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021 - 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

Feb 25, 2021 Important Articles

[RESULT] Congratulations! 50 Students make it to the FINAL LIST of Baba's Gurukul

Hello Friends, We are happy to announce the results of Baba’s Gurukul Program. Before we talk about the results, it is important to share that we were so happy to see immense participation for the program. Many candidates appeared and gave their best to secure a seat in the program and get personally mentored by Mohan sir (Founder IASbaba). Over 4200 students had registered and around 2432 had taken the Entrance Test on 14th and 18th February in our online portal and offline Centres (Bangalore, Delhi, Lucknow). Based on the performance we had shortlisted 150 students to the next round – Personality Test. Even though we are overwhelmed by this positivity, we would like to tell you that it was really difficult for us to select a few students as the competition was fierce and seats were limited! The exam process was rigorous. “Baba's Gurukul Entrance  Test”, which comprised of Prelims, Mains, Interview (a Mock run of UPSC Exam Process). Congratulations to all those who made it to the Personality Test. We would like to tell you that don't lose heart. You were very good and IASbaba will be there to help you perform better in UPSC. You can always reach out to us. Coming to the selected candidates, we would like to inform everyone that we have selected 50 students for Gurukul. HEARTLY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE SELECTED STUDENTS! Phone calls have been made and Confirmation mails have been sent to the selected students. The Program will Start from 1st March, 2021. You will be given a customised plan according to your requirements and personally trained at our BANGALORE CENTRE by Mohan Sir. Apart from it, you will be provided with Study Centre facility and get access to the paid programs of IASbaba based on your strengths and weakness. We are in the process of making your UPSC journey a more intimate one. We are going to redefine the relationship between the teacher and the students to ensure that the UPSC aspirants get an opportunity to prepare in a highly focussed environment, under the close guidance of a Guru. Let’s usher into a new era with old values. Baba’s Gurukul is waiting for YOU.. Let’s join hands and create history together !! For Queries on Baba's Gurukul - You Can Reach Us On Email id: ilp@iasbaba.com Mobile No: 8429688885/9169191888 (Please call between 10 am – 6 pm ONLY) Address: BANGALORE ADMISSION CENTRE: #38, 3rd Cross Rd, 60 Feet Main Road, Chandra Layout, Bengaluru-560040 (Landmark: Opp BBMP Office / Cult Fit) Thank You IASbaba

Feb 25, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th February 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Devasthal Telescope assumes global importance  Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III – Sci & tech In news The optical telescope set up at Devasthal has assumed global importance for observing important cosmic explosive events such as Gamma-Ray Bursts and Supernovae. Important value additions  Devasthal is a mountain peak in Uttarakhand. It is a world-class 3.6 m optical telescope.  It is Asia’s largest fully steerable optical telescope.  Set up by: Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), an autonomous research institute of DST, with support from the Belgian government in 2016. It will also be helpful for future optical facilities such as the Thirty Meter Telescope.  Related articles: SN 2010kd: a super-luminous supernova Artisan-based SFURTI Clusters inaugurated  Part of: GS Prelims and GS - III – Economy In news 50 artisan-based SFURTI clusters, spread over 18 States were recently inaugurated. Ministry: Ministry of MSME Artisans shall be supported in the traditional segments of muslin, khadi, coir, handlooms, woodcraft, pottery, carpet weaving, agro-processing, etc. Important value additions  Objective of Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI): To organize traditional industries and artisans into clusters to make them competitive and increase their income. SFURTI clusters are of two types: Regular Cluster (500 artisans) with Government assistance of up to Rs.2.5 crore  Major Cluster (more than 500 artisans) with Government assistance up to Rs.5 crore The artisans are organized into SPVs which can be: a Society registered under Societies (Registration) Act, 1860, a Co-operative Society under an appropriate statute, a Producer Company under Section 465 (1) of Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) or (v) a Trust. Related articles: Guidelines to Support Artisans in Beekeeping & Pottery Activities Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Polity and Governance & GS - III – Infrastructure In news Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) was in news recently when Pravas Kumar Singh took oath as its Member.  Important value additions  Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)  Established by: Government of India  It is the Central Commission for the Electricity Act, 2003 which has repealed the ERC Act, 1998. Composition: Chairperson and four other Members including Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority who is the ex-officio Member of the Commission. Functions: (1) To regulate the tariff of generating companies owned or controlled by the Central Government; (2) To regulate the inter-State transmission of electricity; (3) To determine tariff for such transmission of electricity. CERC also advises the Central Government on the formulation of the National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy. Dutch Indian Water Alliance For Leadership Initiative (DIWALI) Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – International Relations & GS - III – Water Management In news Dutch Indian Water Alliance For Leadership Initiative (DIWALI) was established recently between India and Netherlands  Objective: To find solutions for water related challenges  Key takeaways  The experts from both counties would explore the potential and sustainability of Dutch Solutions to resolve challenges in specific water-challenged sites in India. Scalable, sustainable, and affordable solutions shall be given importance.  Led by: Dutch consortia titled “Water for Change. Integrative and Fit-for-Purpose Water Sensitive Design Framework for Fast-Growing Livable Cities” and IIT Roorkee as the lead and other consortia members - MANIT, Bhopal; CEPT University, Ahmedabad; IIT Gandhinagar; CWRDM, Calicut. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Health In news According to the Health Ministry, India has become the first country in the world to identify the need for action for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Key takeaways  Operational guidelines have been launched for the integration of NAFLD with the National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke. NAFLD is an umbrella term for a range of liver conditions affecting people who drink little to no alcohol.  Main characteristic of NAFLD is too much fat stored in liver cells. It is becoming increasingly common around the world, especially in Western nations. Some individuals with NAFLD can develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).  NASH is an aggressive form of fatty liver disease, marked by liver inflammation which may progress to advanced scarring (cirrhosis) and liver failure. Related articles: National Family Health Survey 2020 Health Data Management Policy Production Linked Incentive Scheme For Pharmaceuticals Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Economy; Manufacturing sector In news The Union Cabinet has approved Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme  for Pharmaceuticals for Financial Year 2020-21 to 2028-29. Key takeaways  The Scheme is expected to bring in investment of Rs.15,000 crore in the pharmaceutical sector. It will be part of the umbrella scheme for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry. Objective: (1) To enhance India's manufacturing capabilities by increasing investment; (2) Product diversification to include high-value goods.  Target Groups: The manufacturers who are registered in India will be grouped based on their Global Manufacturing Revenue (GMR) to ensure wider applicability of the scheme Quantum of Incentive: 15,000 crores. Category of Goods covered: Category 1: Biopharmaceuticals; Complex generic drugs; Patented drugs or drugs nearing patent expiry; Cell-based or gene therapy drugs; Orphan drugs; Other drugs as approved. Category 2: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Key Starting Materials, Drug Intermediates. Category 3: Drugs not covered under Category 1 and 2. Related articles: Expansion of Production-Linked Incentive Scheme PLI For Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing (Mains Focus) FEDERALISM/ SOCIETY Topic: GS-2: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.  Federalism and India’s human capital Context: Investing in human capital through interventions in nutrition, health, and education is critical for sustainable growth. India’s Human Capital In the World Bank’s Human Capital Index, the country ranked 116th.  The National Family Health Survey-5 for 2019-20 shows that malnutrition indicators stagnated or declined in most States.  The National Achievement Survey 2017 and the Annual Status of Education Report 2018 show poor learning outcomes. There is little convergence across States. India spends just 4% of its GDP as public expenditure on human capital (around 1% and 3% on health and education respectively) — one of the lowest among its peers. Various government initiatives in this regard -like Mission Poshan 2.0’ and the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan - are not leading to better outcomes. One reason may be India’s record with decentralisation.  Globally, there has been a radual shift in the distribution of expenditures and revenue towards sub-national governments.  These trends are backed by studies demonstrating a positive correlation between decentralisation and human capital. In recent years, India has taken some steps towards decentralisation. The Fourteenth Finance Commission increased the States’ share in tax devolution from 32% to 42%, which was effectively retained by the Fifteenth Finance Commission. Issues Lack of Devolution of Powers: Many States do not clearly demarcate or devolve functions for panchayats and municipalities  Disparities in role of Local Bodies: The 73rd and 74th Amendments bolstered decentralisation by constitutionally recognising panchayats. However, the Constitution lets States determine how they are empowered, resulting in vast disparities in the roles played by third-tier governments. Issue with Article 282: Article 282 of the Constitution is listed as a ‘Miscellaneous Financial Provision’, unlike Articles 270 and 275, which fall under ‘Distribution of Revenues between the Union and the State. Article 282 is normally meant for special, temporary or ad hoc schemes. Issue with Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs): These typically have a cost-sharing model, thereby pre-empting the States’ fiscal space.  Third-tier governments are not fiscally empowered. The collection of property tax, a major source of revenue for third-tier governments, is very low in India (under 0.2% of GDP, compared to 3% of GDP in some other nations). Institutional Failure: Many States have not constituted or completed State Finance Commissions (SFCs) on time. Way Ahead Centre should play an enabling role, for instance, encouraging knowledge-sharing between States.  For States to play a bigger role in human capital interventions, they need adequate fiscal resources. States should rationalise their priorities to focus on human capital development.  The Centre should refrain from offsetting tax devolution by altering cost-sharing ratios of CSSs and increasing cesses. Heavy reliance on CSSs should be reduced, and tax devolution and grants-in-aid should be the primary sources of vertical fiscal transfers. Panchayats and municipalities need to be vested with the functions listed in the Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules. Conclusion Leveraging the true potential of our multi-level federal system represents the best way forward towards developing human capital. Connecting the dots: Competitive and Cooperative Federalism SOCIETY Topic: GS-1: Diversity of India and challenges to it Endangered Languages There are 7,000 living languages in the world and around 3,000 are considered as ‘endangered’. This means that almost half of the planet’s current linguistic diversity is under threat. The situation in India is alarming. Some 197 languages are in various stages of endangerment in our country, more than any other country in the world. India may have lost 220 languages since 1961. There were 1,100 languages since 1961, based on the Census number of 1,652 mother tongues. Another 150 languages could vanish in the next 50 years. What happens when a language dies? When a language declines, that knowledge system is completely gone. With the loss of language comes the loss of everything in culture and loss of solidarity. When a language dies, its speakers decide to migrate. First, they migrate to another language and then they physically start migrating to another region.  The second thing that happens is that their traditional livelihood patterns go down. They may have some special skills and that disappears.  Thirdly, a unique way of looking at the world disappears. Every language is a unique worldview. Mother Tongue Based Multi-Lingual Education (MTBMLE)  It could play a key role in preserving tribal languages, claim linguistic experts.  Ignoring mother tongue- based intervention in early childhood for tribal children could potentially impede the early childhood learning process. Way Ahead Tribal languages should be endorsed through innovative, cultural and entertainment programmes, suggest linguistic experts. There is a need to promote tribal languages as a medium of communication and education in tribal-dominated districts. It can significantly reduce the communication gap and school dropout rate. It is important to integrate indigenous knowledge systems alongside modern sciences in the curriculum of schools.  Tribal languages are fundamental to understand the world we live in, our origin, the roots that we all came from and what humans are capable of. We need to create livelihood support for the speakers of the language. If they have livelihood available within their language, nobody would want to switch from their language to any other language. Connecting the dots: Challenges of non-scheduled languages  Yuelu Proclamation (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 Cirrhosis is a disease of which of the following organ of the human body? Liver Kidney Heart Skin Q.2 Consider the following statements: National Bamboo Mission was launched by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) was launched by the Ministry of Finance. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 DIWALI partnership was recently signed between India and Netherlands. It is related to which of the following? Student exchange program Solutions for water related challenges  Natural gas pipeline Waste management Q.4 Which of the following is/are covered under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme? Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Electronic/Technology Products Automobiles & Auto Components Pharmaceuticals drugs Select the correct code: 1 and 2 only 4 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 ANSWERS FOR 24th February 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 D 3 B 4 C Must Read On vaccine reluctance and vaccine hesitancy: The Hindu On structural fragility of Union Territories: The Hindu About asymmetrical recovery: The Indian Express