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

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Tributes being paid to Indian Bodo social activist  Part of: GS Prelims and GS- I – Culture In news  Tributes are being paid to Shri Upendra Nath Brahma by opening an institute in his name. Important value additions  Upendranath Brahma (1956 – 1990) was an Indian Bodo social activist and the former president of All Bodo Students' Union. The title of Bodofa (Guardian of Bodos) was posthumously conferred upon Brahma on 8 May 1990 in recognition of his vision and leadership.  His life is celebrated each year on the anniversary of his death, which is now called Bodofa Day. Bodos The Bodo is the largest ethnolinguistic group in the Assam.  They are concentrated mainly in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam. The Bodo  are a Tibeto-Burmese-speaking ethnic group.  The Bodo people speak the Bodo language, a Tibeto-Burman language recognized as one of twenty-two scheduled languages in the Indian Constitution. The Bodo people are recognized as a plains tribe in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.  Related articles: Bodoland University develops fungal powder to boost immunity: Click here Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC): Click here Cost of issuing green bonds remains higher than other bonds  Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Economy In news  A study by RBI noted that the cost of issuing green bonds has generally remained higher than other bonds in India, largely due to asymmetric information. Key takeaways  The average coupon rate for green bonds issued since 2015 with maturities between 5 to 10 years have generally remained higher than the corporate and government bonds with similar tenure. For the US dollar-denominated green bonds with tenure of more than or equal to 10 years, the coupon rate was lower than the corporate bonds. Most of the green bonds in India are issued by the public sector units or corporates with better financial health. Green bonds constituted only 0.7% of all the bonds issued in India since 2018, Developing a better information management system in India may help in reducing maturity mismatches, borrowing costs and lead to efficient resource allocation in this segment. Important value additions  A green bond is a fixed-income instrument designed specifically to support specific climate-related or environmental projects. Green bonds typically come with tax incentives to enhance their attractiveness to investors. The World Bank issued the first official green bond in 2009. Around $157 billion worth of green bonds were issued in 2019. The Indian Sunderbans home to 428 species of birds: ZSI Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Biodiversity; Environment In news  A recent publication of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) states that the Indian Sunderbans, which is part of the largest mangrove forest in the world, is home to 428 species of birds.  Of the 428 birds listed, some, like the masked finfoot and the Buffy fish owl, are recorded only from the Sunderbans. The area is home to nine out of 12 species of kingfishers found in the country and rare species such as the Goliath heron and the spoon-billed sandpiper. Important value additions  The Indian Sunderbans also includes the Sunderban Tiger Reserve.  It is home to about 96 royal Bengal tigers as per the last census in 2020. It is a world heritage site and a Ramsar site.  The masked finfoot  The masked finfoot or Asian finfoot is an aquatic bird from the fresh and brackish wetlands of the eastern Indian subcontinent, Indochina, Malaysia and Indonesia.  The buffy fish owl The buffy fish owl, also known as the Malay fish owl, is a fish owl in the family Strigidae.  It is native to Southeast Asia and lives foremost in tropical forests and wetlands.  Due to its wide distribution and assumed stable population, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2004 Framework For Telemedicine Use In Management Of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease And Stroke In India Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Health In news  Recently, Union Health Minister released the Framework for Telemedicine use in Management of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in India. Key takeaways  Telemedicine with its components of tele-consultation, tele-monitoring, tele-triage can be integrated to build continuum of care model for major Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The increasing burden of NCDs in India requires multipronged interventions that can address promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative aspects of NCD care and management. Telemedicine can bridge and link all these aspects. It can be adapted and used by medical practitioners from primary to tertiary health care level in India, through the national teleconsultation network and other similar platforms.” National Non-Communicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS) Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Health In news  Union Health Minister released the 'National Non-communicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS)’, the largest comprehensive national Survey on risk factors and health systems preparedness of NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE (NCDs). Key takeaways  While two in five adults have three or more risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in India, the status of health system in responding to the disease burden is also underscored. Overweight or obese: More than 1 in every 4 adults and 6.2% adolescents   Raised blood pressure: Almost 3 out of 10 adults  Raised blood glucose: 9.3%. Insufficient physical activity: More than 2 in 5 adults and 1 in 4 adolescents  One in every three adults and more than one-fourth proportion of men used any form of tobacco and consumed alcohol in past 12 months respectively. Do you know?  Conducted during the period of 2017–18, the purpose of the survey was to collect reliable baseline data on key indicators (risk factors, select NCDs and health systems response) related to the National NCD monitoring framework and NCD Action Plan. This is the first of its kind of a comprehensive survey on NCDs using standardised tools and methods, covering the age groups of 15-69 years, males and females residing in urban and rural areas of the country. Miscellaneous Padma Awards 2021 This year the President has approved conferment of 119 Padma Awards.  Important ones are listed below. Padma Vibhushan - Second-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna Shinzo Abe (Japan) - Public Affairs S P Balasubramaniam (Posthumous) - Art Belle Monappa Hegde - Medicine Maulana Wahiduddin Khan - Others: Spiritualism Padma Bhushan - Third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan and followed by the Padma Shri Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra - Art Tarun Gogoi (Posthumous) - Public Affairs Chandrashekhar Kambara - Literature and Education Sumitra Mahajan - Public Affairs Kalbe Sadiq (Posthumous) - Others: Spiritualism (Mains Focus) INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests GS-2:  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment Tech Giants vs Regulators Context: Parliament in Australia is debating legislation that would require Google and Facebook to enter into payment negotiations with media companies for using their content, with an arbiter mandated to adjudicate in the event an agreement cannot be reached. Response from Tech giants Counter arguments: Facebook & Google argued that the media industry was already benefiting from traffic routed to them by the digital platforms, and that the proposed rules would expose them to “unmanageable levels of financial and operational risk”. Threats of withdrawal: Google threatened to remove its search engine from Australia. Facebook said it could block Australian users from posting or sharing news links if the proposed norms on royalty payments were put into operation. What is the Core Issue in Australia? Importance of news for Tech Giants: While links to news may not be direct advertising money-spinners for Facebook or Google, both see the presence of news as an important aspect of audience engagement with their products. Payment of royalties not an issue for Tech Giants: While both companies are prepared to give some money to news publishers, they want to make deals on their own terms.  Control over payout process: The fight in Australia is evidently centred on how much control these companies would be able to retain on their payout process — operational aspects such as deciding the quantum of payments for news feed sources, and having to reveal changes in their algorithms. Balance of Bargaining Power: But Google and Facebook are two of the largest and most profitable companies in history – and each holds far more bargaining power than any news publisher. The news media bargaining code sets out to undo this imbalance. Commercial Agreement preferred: The media bargaining code being introduced is far too systematic for them to want to accept it. They would rather pick and choose commercial agreements with “genuine commercial consideration”, and not be bound by a one-size-fits-all set of arbitration rules. Difference with EU regulation: European authorities have specifically linked payments to copyright, without putting a forcing device into the agreements. Australia’s code, on the other hand, is almost entirely focused on the bargaining power of news outlets vis-a-vis the tech majors, and has some coercive features as well.  Issue of Power Equations: It is more of a competition issue in Australia, of power equations between traditional news outlets and tech platforms, with the question of abuse of dominance by the latter hanging in the balance Case Study: South Korea Naver Online Platform: Nearly four years previously, Naver, South Korea’s most popular news site and biggest search engine (like Google), had thrashed out an unusual model for working with Korean news publisher. New Business model to deal with News Media: Naver started designating some 125 outlets as “Naver News in-link partners”, and paying them for published stories on Naver. Another 500 odd news outlets are unpaid “search partners”. The total payout was over $40 million in 2017. Criticism of model: While this may not be the perfect model — news outlets have generally been unsatisfied with their share; and there are allegations that Naver manipulated the ranking of articles critical of South Korea’s top football association on the latter’s request — the template remains operational in a nation where nearly 85% of the population accesses news online. What has been the Firms’ response elsewhere? Facebook plans to launch its news tab feature (available in the US since 2019) in the UK, with likely tie-ups with The Guardian, The Economist, and The Independent.  Google is rolling out its news offering platform, Google News Showcase which features story panels that allow participating publishers to package the stories that appear within Google’s news products. It has on board more than 450 publications across a dozen countries,  Google had announced in December 2020 that it would “soon start offering people access to paywalled content in partnership with select news publishers”. It had said it would pay participating partners to provide limited access to paywalled content for News Showcase users. Both the platforms of Facebook and Google aim to formalise payment pacts with news outlets However, Google’s first response to France adopting the EU copyright rules was to stop displaying news snippets – until the French competition regulator stepped in, in October last year.  Google also stopped its Google News service in Spain, which made payments to publishers mandatory. Do You Know? In India, digital advertising spends in 2019 grew 24% year-on-year to Rs 27,900 crore, according to EY estimates, and are expected to grow to Rs 51,340 crore by 2022. Globally, Facebook and Google together command 61% of the market share in digital ad spends, according to Edelweiss Research; Google leads with 37%.  The debate in India Big Market: According to a FICCI-EY report on India’s media and entertainment sector for 2020, there are 300 million users of online news sites, portals and aggregators in the country — making up approximately 46% of Internet users and 77% of smartphone users in India at the end of 2019. With 282 million unique visitors, India is the second largest online news consuming nation after China Dominance of Intermediaries:  Policymakers in India have so far focused on the dominance of intermediaries such as Google and Facebook, which are positioned in a way that service providers cannot reach customers except through these platforms. Lacks adequate discussion: A substantial discussion on the impact of intermediary platforms on the health of news media outlets is yet to commence in any meaningful way here. Struggling Startups: Other major news aggregators in India are Dailyhunt and InShorts. According to a January 2020 report by Harvard University’s Nieman Lab, publishers were initially paid between Rs 5-6 lakh monthly for content hosted on Dailyhunt — but they started going off the platform after terms were changed. Implication of Australia Events: The tussles in Australia and elsewhere could have broader implications for the regulation of the digital economy in India in the longer term. Conclusion Google and Facebook have locked horns with Australian govt over laws that propose to make them pay news organisations for using their content. The outcome of the fight will have implications for India as well. Connecting the dots: Dominance of Big Tech: Click here Google Search Monopoly: Click here SCIENCE & TECH/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life GS-2: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.  Transfats and FSSAI Context: In, 2020, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reduced the permissible limit of trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022, against the earlier cap of 5%. About new regulation The decision was effected by an amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations.  The new rules apply to edible refined oils, vanaspati (partially hydrogenated oils), margarine, bakery shortenings, and other cooking media like vegetable fat spreads and mixed fat spreads.  In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) had called for a global elimination of industrially produced TFAs by 2023. Different types of fats/ fatty acids All natural fats and oils are a combination of  Monounsaturated fatty acids Polyunsaturated fatty acids Saturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids.  Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated fats are ‘healthy’ fats as apart from being a major source of energy, they help absorb some vitamins and minerals and build cell membranes and the sheaths surrounding nerves. These fats are free-flowing. About Transfats and their harmful nature There are two broad types of trans fats found in foods: naturally-occurring and artificial trans fats.  Artificial trans fats, which are considered harmful, are created in an industrial process that adds hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid, increase their shelf life, and for use as an adulterant as they are cheap.  They are present in baked and fried foods as well as adulterated ghee, which becomes solid at room temperature. Saturated fats or Trans fats are considered harmful as they clog arteries and result in hypertension, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues. The WHO estimates that over 5 lakh people with cardiovascular issues die globally every year due to the consumption of industrially produced TFAs. As per FSSAI, about 77,000 deaths take place annually in India due to TFAs. How did India and other nations start acting on it? In 2018, the WHO called for elimination of industrially produced TFAs by 2023, and brought out a step-by step guide called ‘REPLACE’ to help countries frame policies.  This prompted accelerated action by member states and other stakeholders.  However, threats posed by non-communicable diseases started gaining attention much earlier in the 1980s, following which Denmark became the first country to ban TFAs in 2003. In the next five years, Chile and Switzerland banned TFAs too.  During the same period, several U.S. States, such as New York, implemented local bans.  In its report in 2020, the WHO said that 58 countries had introduced laws that will protect 3.2 billion people from TFAs by the end of 2021.  But more than 100 countries still needed to take action. Last year, 11 of the 15 countries that account for two-thirds of deaths linked to trans fats still needed to act. These were Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Iran, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Republic of Korea. In India, action against trans fats coincided with the setting up of the FSSAI. Though it came into existence in 2006, civil society organisations say that its functioning picked up by 2011-12.  It was in 2011 that it imposed a cap of 10% on trans fats in oils and fats in India, which was further revised to 5% in 2015. Civil society organisations in India are pushing for a cap of 3% for 2021 and 2% for 2022 to be imposed not just on trans fats in oils and fats, but in “all” foods.  About FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). The Act aims to establish a single reference point for all matters relating to food safety and standards, by moving from multi- level, multi-departmental control to a single line of command. FSSAI works under the overall guidance of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The FSSAI comprises of a Chairperson and twenty two members out of which one – third are to be women. The Chairperson of FSSAI is appointed by the Central Government. The Food Authority is assisted by Scientific Committees and Panels in setting standards and the Central Advisory Committee in coordinating with enforcement agencies. The primary responsibility for enforcement is largely with the State Food Safety Commissioners. Landmark cases with FSSAI: Nestle India Limited Maggi Case: The maggi noodles were reported with excess lead unfit for human consumption and FSSAI prescribed for ban. Cadbury India: It was reported that worms was found in Cadbury's Dairy Milk. The FSSAI declared packaging was not proper or airtight and made it mandatory to change the packaging. Challenges and Shortcomings of FSSAI Large Exemption: The “petty manufacturers, retailers and hawkers” are exempted from FSSAI ambit. These segments greatly contributes to unorganised food sector and due to its low prices, most of the population prefer food consumption from these segments. Inadequate infrastructure: Many states don’t have sufficient food testing laboratories. There are only 87 National Accreditation Board for testing and calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited Labs, where as there are more than 1500 private labs in India. Shortage of Human Resources: Shortage of qualified manpower and functional food testing equipment in state food laboratories and referral laboratories resulted in deficient testing of food samples. Also, there is an acute shortage of licensing and enforcement officers in the states which severely affected food safety measures. Improper functioning: The body has been only prescriptive in nature and failed to ensure safety, quality and hygiene in food industry.  Also, there are no standard practices for food inspection, the process being mostly discretionary. Moreover, the list of FSSAI regulated items is not regularly reviewed. Bureaucratic Hindrances: FSSAI is highly underfunded to monitor the widening ambit of food laws. Cumbersome and lengthy approval procedures have delayed the pre-launch approvals for products from the FSSAI for over a year. Differences of opinion between the food regulator and the food processing ministry also handicap the FSSAI functioning. Federal Issues: Regulations are made by FSSAI in accordance with international norms & trends, but the challenge lies in implementation which is a State subject. Instances of Irregularities: The CAG has found that "licenses were issued on the basis of incomplete documents in more than 50 per cent of cases, checked in Audit". Conclusion: The FSSAI will need to pursue local governments to improve surveillance, inspection of food premises, sampling of food products, regular training of officers, upgradation of food labs, etc.,  (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 Bodo tribe belongs to which of the following state of India? Assam Meghalaya Jharkhand Manipur Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding green bond: It typically come with tax incentives to enhance their attractiveness to investors. The first official green bond was issues by United Nations Environment Programme in 2009. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 25th January 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 A 3 D Must Read On Nepal’s Political Crisis: The Hindu On US President Biden rejoining Paris Accord: The Hindu About how China controlled its domestic narrative in 2020 about COVID-19 Pandemic: The Indian Express

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1 – ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 2 Questions [26th JANUARY,2021] – Day 14

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies 2 Questions [26th January 2020] – Day 14 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. The basic structure doctrine has maintained the integrity of the Indian Constitution. Elucidate. मूल संरचना सिद्धांत ने भारतीय संविधान की अखंडता को बनाए रखा है। स्पष्ट करें।  2. The 42nd amendment is considered a watershed in India’s constitutional history. Why? Justify.  42 वें संशोधन को भारत के संवैधानिक इतिहास में एक वाटरशेड माना जाता है। क्यों? समायोजित करें। 3. How does the principle of checks and balances operate in the Indian polity? Explain in the light of constitutional provisions. भारतीय राजव्यवस्था में जाँच और संतुलन का सिद्धांत कैसे संचालित होता है? संवैधानिक प्रावधानों के आलोक में स्पष्ट कीजिए। 4. What is vaccine diplomacy? How is it shaping India’s image and stature in the world? Examine. वैक्सीन कूटनीति क्या है? यह दुनिया में भारत की छवि और कद को कैसे आकार दे रहा है? जांच करें। 5. Bailing out distressed airlines is a bad economic precedent. Do you agree? Critically comment. व्यथित एयरलाइंस को बाहर करना एक खराब आर्थिक मिसाल है। क्या आप सहमत हैं? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें। 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 :)

Ace The Prelims (ATP)

Ace The Prelims (ATP) – 2021– PRELIMS – [26th Jan, 2021] – Day 20

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s Ace The Prelims (ATP) – 2021 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [26th Jan, 2021] – Day 20   UPSC Quiz - 2021 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 26th January 2021 UPSC CSAT Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Practice Test – 26th January 2021 UPSC Static Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) – GEOGRAPHY [Day 20]   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

Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) – GEOGRAPHY [Day 20]

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.   [WpProQuiz 844]

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

ARCHIVES Daily CSAT Practice Test Everyday 5 Questions from Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension will be covered from Monday to Saturday. 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

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

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) CSIR-CMERI unveils India’s First-ever Aqua Rejuvenation Plant Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Infrastructure; Environment In news  CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur (West Bengal) unveiled the first-ever Waste Water Treatment Technology Model which purifies Waste Water for Irrigation/Farming purposes. It facilitates an Organic Farming Model through treated Waste Water. Key takeaways Aqua Rejuvenation Plant (ARP) is an Integrated Waste Water Rejuvenation Model which has Six-Stage purification profile for comprehensive treatment of Waste Water, based upon diverse purification parameters. The approx. 24,000 litres of Water that can be rejuvenated using ARP will be sufficient for almost 4 acres of Agricultural Land (barring seasonal variations in water requirements). The used filtration media have been specially developed to handle Indian Sewage Water Parameters and based upon Geographical Variations they may be modified. The system has dual benefit. While the treated water is being used for irrigation purpose, the filtered sludge generated is also utilized as manure / fertilizer. The bio char prepared from dry leaves falling in autumn season is also used for mixing in soil as it reduces the water requirement for irrigation thus saving precious water. Two new species of a rare ant genus discovered in India Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Biodiversity; Environment In news  Two new species of a rare ant genus have been discovered in India.  The species of the ant genus Ooceraea found in Kerala, and Tamil Nadu add to the diversity of this rare genus. Key takeaways One of them found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala, has been named Ooceraea joshii, in honour of Prof. Amitabh Joshi, a distinguished evolutionary biologist. The newly discovered ant species with ten segmented antennae, establish an old world lineage that contains a species emerging as the only model organism among the ant subfamily. Draft ‘Arctic’ Policy Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Environment In news  India has unveiled a new draft ‘Arctic’ policy that, among other things, commits to expanding scientific research, sustainable tourism and mineral oil and gas exploration in the Arctic region. Key takeaways India expects the Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research to lead scientific research and act as a nodal body to coordinate activities under it. Aim: (1) To put in place Arctic related programmes for mineral/oil and gas exploration in petroleum research institutes; (2) To encourage tourism and hospitality sectors in building specialised capacities and awareness to engage with Arctic enterprises. Arctic research will help India’s scientific community to study melting rates of the third pole — the Himalayan glaciers, which are endowed with the largest freshwater reserves in the world outside the geographic poles. Do you know? India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic in 2007. Himadri is India's first permanent Arctic research station located at Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway.  It was set up during India's second Arctic expedition in 2008. RBI suggests a tougher regulatory framework for NBFCs Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Banking; Economy In news  The RBI has suggested a tougher regulatory framework for the non-banking finance companies’ (NBFC) sector to prevent recurrence of any systemic risk to the country’s financial system. Key takeaways RBI released a discussion paper on the revised regulatory framework which is formulated on a scale-based approach, and sought comments within a month. The regulatory and supervisory framework of NBFCs will be based on a four-layered structure — the base layer (NBFC-BL), middle layer (NBFC-ML), upper layer (NBFC-UL) and the top layer. If the framework is visualised as a pyramid, the bottom of the pyramid, where least regulatory intervention is warranted, can consist of NBFCs currently classified as non-systemically important NBFCs (NBFC-ND), NBFCP2P lending platforms, NBFCAA, NOFHC and Type I NBFCs. The next layer may comprise NBFCs currently classified as systemically important NBFCs (NBFC-ND-SI), deposit-taking NBFCs (NBFC-D), HFCs, IFCs, IDFs, SPDs and CICs. The extant regulatory framework for NBFC-NDs will now be applicable to base layer NBFCs.  The extant regulatory framework applicable for NBFC-NDSI will be applicable to middle layer NBFCs.  NBFCs residing in the upper layer will constitute a new category. The current threshold for systemic importance, which is ₹500 crore now, is proposed to be revised to ₹1,000 crore. As per the proposals, the extant NPA classification norm of 180 days will be reduced to 90 days. Important value additions  Non-Banking Financial Company It is a financial institution that does not have a full banking license or is not supervised by a national or international banking regulatory agency.  The most important difference between non-banking financial companies and banks is that NBFCs don’t take demand deposits.   Related articles: RBI introduces risk-based internal audit norms for NBFCs, UCBs: Click here Structured Finance and Partial Guarantee Programme to NBFC-MFIs launched: Click here Special liquidity scheme for NBFCs/HFCs approved: Click here USA’s new President restores America’s participation in Paris Climate Agreement Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Environment In news  Joe Biden assumed office as President of the USA recently. Among the first orders he signed was one to restore America’s participation in the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change. Key takeaways America’s return will take effect on February 19. USA has promised enforcement mechanism to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050, including a target no later than the end of his term in 2025, aided by a planned federal investment that will total $1.7 trillion over ten years, besides private investments. The plan revolves around 10 million well-paying clean energy jobs with a focus on solar and wind power. This year’s UN climate conference in Glasgow will see the new administration engaging UNFCCC member-nations to raise global ambition. Do you know? The withdrawal from the Paris Agreement meant that the U.S. was no longer bound by its national pledge made under the pact: to achieve an economy-wide reduction of its GHG emissions by 26%-28% below the 2005 level in 2025. America also stopped its contribution to the UN’s Green Climate Fund, to which it had pledged $3 billion, after transferring an estimated $1 billion. In the past, the U.S., under George W. Bush, had pulled out of the previous pact, the Kyoto Protocol, in 2001. Important value additions What is the Paris Agreement? In December 2015, 195 countries signed an agreement (came into force on Nov 2016) within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC), dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance Objective: To slow the process of global warming by limiting a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Another crucial point in this agreement was attaining “net zero emissions” between 2050 and 2100. Nations have pledged “to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century”.  Developed countries were also told to provide financial resources to help developing countries in dealing with climate change and for adaptation measures.  As part of a review mechanism, developed countries were also asked to communicate every two years the “indicative” amount of money they would be able to raise over the next two years, and information on how much of it would come from public financial sources.  In contrast, developing countries have only been “encouraged” to provide such information every two years on a voluntary basis. The agreement also includes a mechanism to address financial losses faced by less developed nations due to climate change impacts like droughts, floods etc. However, developed nations won’t face financial claims since it “does not involve or provide a basis for any liability or compensation”. Related articles: US and Paris Agreement: Click here Paris Climate Deal: India’s Progress, Pandemic and Challenges: Click here Miscellaneous Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2021 To recognize and honour the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organizations in India in the field of Disaster Management, Government of India has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar. For the year 2021, (i) Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (in the institutional category) and (ii) Dr. Rajendra Kumar Bhandari (in the Individual category) have been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar for their excellent work in Disaster Management. The award is announced every year on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual Bhawana Kanth Flight lieutenant Bhawana Kanth is set to become the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the Republic Day parade. She will be a part of the Indian Air Force's (IAF's) tableau that will showcase mock-ups of the light combat aircraft, light combat helicopter and the Sukhoi-30 fighter plane. She is currently posted at an airbase in Rajasthan where she flies the MiG-21 Bison fighter plane. Kanth is also one of the first women fighter pilots in the IAF. (Mains Focus) AGRICULTURE/ ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  GS-3: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies; Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints. GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment  In agri-credit, small farmers are still outside the fence Context: Farmers on the warpath would mean that agriculture reforms have again occupied centrestage not just in the minds of the politicians but also policymaker. Why farmers are protesting against farm laws: Click here and here Why earlier government negotiations have failed: Click here What is the long term solution advocated by experts: Click here Do You Know? As in the Agriculture Census, 2015-16, the total number of small and marginal farmers’ households in the country stood at 12.56 crore. These small and marginal holdings make up 86.1% of the total holdings.  RBI has set a cap that out of a bank’s overall adjusted net bank credit, 18% must go to the agriculture sector, and within this, 8% must go to small and marginal farmers and 4.5% for indirect loans Farm Credit and Small Farmers Institutional Credit avoids Debt Trap: To enable small farmers to diversify their crops or improve their income they must have access to credit at reasonable rates of interest. This prevents them from going to private moneylender who charge exorbitant rate of interest leading to debt trap Subsidised Agri-credit Increasing every year: The central government announces an increase in the target of subsidised agriculture credit limit every year and banks surpass the target. In 2011-12, the target was ₹4.75-lakh crore; now, agri-credit has reached the target of ₹15-lakh crore in 2020-21 with an allocated subsidy of ₹21,175 crore. Agri-credit has become less efficient in delivering agricultural growth: Unfortunately, while the volume of credit has improved over the decades, its quality and impact on agriculture has only deteriorated. Over 85% of farmers’ income remain stagnant over the years. Agri-Credit not reaching Small Farmers: In the last 10 years, agriculture credit increased by 500% but has not reached even 20% of the 12.56 crore small and marginal farmers. Households with the lowest land holding (up to two hectares) getting only about 15% of the subsidised outstanding loan from institutional sources (bank, co-operative society). The share is 79% for households having land more than two hectares. Agri Machinery still financed by non-subsidised loans: Despite an increase in agri-credit, even today, 95% of tractors and other agri-implements sold in the country are being financed by NBFCs, at 18% rate of interest or by Banks at 11%. Bulk of subsidised agri-credit is grabbed by big farmers and agri-business companies: A loose definition of agri-credit has led to the leakage of loans at subsidised rates to large companies in agri-business. In 2017, 53% of the agriculture credit that NABARD provided to Maharashtra was allocated to Mumbai city and suburbs, where there are no agriculturists, only agri-business.  Institutional Credit is Unevenly Distributed: RBI’s internal working group in 2019 found that in some States, credit disbursal to the farm sector was higher than their agriculture GDP and the ratio of crop loans disbursed to input requirement was very unevenly distributed. Examples are in Kerala (326%), Andhra Pradesh (254%), Tamil Nadu (245%), Punjab (231%) and Telangana (210%).  Diversion of credit for non-agriculture purposes: The subsidised credit disbursed at a 4%-7% rate of interest is being disbursed to other purposes due to corruption and loopholes in the system. At times these loans are refinanced to small farmers in the open market at a rate of interest of up to 36%. Ignored by new farm laws: Even new farm laws have not addressed the reform in the agriculture credit system Way Forward Direct Income Support: One way to empower small and marginal farmers is by giving them direct income support on a per hectare basis rather than hugely subsidising credit.  Promoting Farmer Producer Organisations(FPO): Streamlining the agri-credit system to facilitate higher crop loans to farmer producer organisations, or the FPOs of small farmers against commodity stocks can be a win-win model to spur agriculture growth Leveraging Technology: With mobile phone penetration among agricultural households in India being as high as 89.1%, the prospects of aggressive effort to improve institutional credit delivery through technology-driven solutions can reduce the extent of the financial exclusion of agricultural households.  Promoting New Age Agri-Entrepreneurs: There are reports that farmers have been able to avail themselves of loans through mobile phone apps. These apps use satellite imagery reports which capture the extent of land owned by farmers in States where land records are digitised and they grow the crop to extend the Kisan Credit Card loans digitally Cooperative Federalism: Other steps needed are reforming the land leasing framework and creating a national-level agency to build consensus among States and the Centre concerning agriculture credit reforms to fill the gap and reach out to the most number of small and marginal farmers. GOVERNANCE/ SOCIETY Topic: GS-2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests  GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation USA re-joining Paris Accord Context: Joe Biden assumed office as President of the United States on January 20, 2021, and among the first orders he signed was one to restore America’s participation in the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change, that premised on voluntary targets for national emissions cuts His decision on America’s return will take effect on February 19, which would be 107 days after its withdrawal under the Donald Trump administration became formal on November 4, 2020. US and Pollution Share in Global GHG Emission: The U.S. accounts for 15% of global GHG emissions, but it is the biggest legacy contributor of atmosphere-warming gases.  Sectoral Contribution to GHG Emission: Transport (28%) and power (27%) are the two biggest national sectors contributing to GHG emissions, followed by industry (22%), agriculture (10%) and Commercial and residential emissions together make up only 13% Major Contributor of Methane Pollution: Significantly, 10% of U.S. emissions are methane, which has a greater warming effect than CO2, and 81% is carbon dioxide. The rest is made up of nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. Do You Know? On the long road to Paris, the U.S., under George W. Bush, had pulled out of the previous pact, the Kyoto Protocol, in 2001. Since Trump Presidency (2016 onwards), US has Quit the U.N. Human Rights Council and U.N. cultural agency UNESCO Pulled out of Iran nuclear deal  Cut funding for the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) and U.N. agency that helps Palestinian refugees (UNRWA)  Opposed a U.N. migration pact Withdrew U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) What changes did the Trump administration make on climate? No more bound by pledges: The withdrawal from the Paris Agreement meant that the U.S. was no longer bound by its national pledge made under the pact -to achieve an economy-wide reduction of its GHG emissions by 26%-28% below the 2005 level in 2025 and to make best efforts to reduce emissions. Global Funding Stopped: America also stopped its contribution to the UN’s Green Climate Fund, to which it had pledged $3 billion, after transferring an estimated $1 billion. Supported Fossil fuel based industries: On the contrary, the Trump regime focused on relaxing controls on emissions from fossil fuel-based industries, diluting standards on air quality and vehicular emissions, hydrofluorocarbon leaking and venting from air-conditioning system. Revoked Protection to Natural Habitats: Trump administration loosened the way the government calculated the social cost of carbon, restraining individual States such as California from setting higher standards, revoking protection for natural habitats, including the Arctic sought by the oil and gas industry, and for individual wildlife species Tweaked Environmental legislations: In all, more than 100 environmental rules were tinkered with by the administration, with some rule reversals remaining in process when the presidential election took place, and others taken to court. Nullified Clean Power Plan: It was a major provision from the Obama-era to cut power sector emissions by 32% over 2005 levels by 2030. This was initially replaced with the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, with a reduction effect of only 0.7%. (However, the ACE rule was struck down by a court, giving Mr. Biden the freedom to reformulate a strong rule) What areas will Mr. Biden focus on to cut emissions? Dedicated Team: Mr. Biden, who has formed a high-powered team including special presidential envoy for climate, John Kerry, to lead clean development, has placed climate change front and centre among his priorities. Carbon Neutrality: New President Biden has promised an “enforcement mechanism to achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050”, including a target no later than the end of his term in 2025 Enhanced Financing: The plan to achieve carbon neutrality is being aided by a planned federal investment that will total $1.7 trillion over ten years, besides private investments. Comprehensive Plan for Climate Action: The plan revolves around 10 million well-paying clean energy jobs with a focus on solar and wind power, close linkages between university research and the private sector, active support for carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and a renaissance in green transport. Multilateralism and Accountability: In his Plan for Climate Change and Environmental Justice released before the election, Mr. Biden says America will strongly support multilateralism again, but also call for accountability from other countries, including the top emitter, China, on GHG emissions What does Mr. Biden’s policy mean for other countries?  Increased participation from US in international forums and seeking accountability from others means that nations that default could face carbon adjustment fees or quotas.  This year’s UN climate conference in Glasgow will see the new administration engaging UNFCCC member-nations to raise global ambition. It also means that there are hopes for developing countries like India who can get aid through Green Climate Fund that will help access cleaner expensive technologies from developed nations. (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 Where is Periyar Tiger Reserve situated? Kerala Tamil Nadu Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Q.2 The first-ever Waste Water Treatment Technology Model which purifies Waste Water was recently unveiled for which of the following purpose?  Farming Household purposes in rural areas Processing wood to make paper  In producing steel for automobiles Q.3 Which of the following is India's first permanent Arctic research station? Dakshin Gangotri Maitri Bharati Himadri ANSWERS FOR 23rd January 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 A 3 A Must Read On tightening scrutiny of large NBFCs: The Hindu On China setting new villages across disputed territories: The Hindu About imbalances in cereal economy: The Indian Express  

Ace The Prelims (ATP)

Ace The Prelims (ATP) – 2021– PRELIMS – [25th Jan, 2021] – Day 19

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s Ace The Prelims (ATP) – 2021 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [25th Jan, 2021] – Day 19   UPSC Quiz - 2021 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 25th January 2021 UPSC CSAT Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Practice Test – 25th January 2021 UPSC Static Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) – GEOGRAPHY [Day 19]   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

Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) – GEOGRAPHY [Day 19]

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.   [WpProQuiz 840]

UPSC CSAT Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Practice Test – 25th January 2021

ARCHIVES Daily CSAT Practice Test Everyday 5 Questions from Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension will be covered from Monday to Saturday. 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