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SYNOPSIS [25th JANUARY,2021] Day 13: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [25th JANUARY,2021] Day 13: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What do you understand by the term ‘liberty’? Discuss. What are the key constitutional provisions related to personal liberty? Examine.  Approach The above question has two parts, first part demands explanation of the term Liberty very comprehensively, also it is important to define the term in Indian context as well and its importance in constitutional democracy like India. In the second part of the question, detailed explanation of constitutional provisions related to liberty is needed. Introduction “I have never thought, for my part, that man's freedom consists in his being able to do whatever he wills, but that he should not, by any human power, be forced to do what is against his will.”        Jean-Jacques Rousseau The above quote from Rousseau underlines the importance of liberty as the epitome of human progress, and that individual is the master if his own will and liberty is the expression of the same human will which allows him to live freely without subjugation. In modern societies liberty is the backbone of a functional constitutional democracy which allows people to freely express their choices and opinions. Body Liberty in its literal sense means the absence of restraints and rights to do whatever one likes. Liberty, therefore, means freedom to do everything provided it does not injure other’s freedom. It implies necessary restraint on all to ensure the greatest possible amount of liberty for each. In this sense, Liberty can be maximized only when there is mutual respect and goodwill, and all follow a simple rule of social behaviour. The simple rule of man’s sociability tends to harmonise his liberty with that of his fellows. It entails such restraints as reasonable and necessary to promote and ensure the greatest possible extent of liberty. Reasonable Restraints and restrictions do not destroy liberty; it is destroyed only When such restraints are arbitrary and unjust. It constitutes the enjoyment of those rights, and the creation of such opportunities as help man grow to be the best of himself, develop his faculties, and plan his life as he deems best. The true test of liberty lies in the laws of the State and the extent to which they help a citizen to develop all that is good in him. Liberty is, thus, a product of rights. It thrives best where rights are guaranteed to all without distinguishing sex, creed, caste, colour, or status in society. In Indian context- Preamble of the constitution secures to all the citizens Liberty of thought, belief, faith, Expression and worship through their fundamental rights enforceable in the court of law. Liberty as elaborated in the preamble is very essential for the successful functioning of the Indian democratic system and all-round development of the individual’s capabilities. Constitutional Provisions- Liberty is the basis on which the pivots of our own freedom struggle stood, therefore, our forefathers ensured that the future generations immerse in this beautiful concept which enables every individual the right life with dignity.  The Preamble of the Indian Constitution too proclaims that one of its objectives is to secure Liberty "Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship”. Article 19 is the most important and key article which embodies the “basic freedoms”. Article 19 provides that all citizens shall have the right to:         -Freedom of speech and expression.         -Assemble peaceably and without arms.         -To form associations or unions.         -Move freely throughout the territory of India.         -Reside and settle in any part of the territory of India.         -Practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business. Article 21-Protection of Life and Personal Liberty- No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. This fundamental right is available to every person, citizens and foreigners alike. Article 21 provides two rights-Right to life and Right to personal liberty. The Supreme Court of India has described this right as the ‘heart of fundamental rights. The right specifically mentions that no person shall be deprived of life and liberty except as per the procedure established by law. This implies that this right has been provided against the State only. State here includes not just the government, but also, government departments, local bodies, the Legislatures, etc. Right to Freedom of Religion (Articles 25 – 28)- This indicates the secular nature of Indian polity. There is equal respect given to all religions. There is freedom of conscience, profession, practice and propagation of religion. The State has no official religion. Every person has the right to freely practice his or her faith, establish and maintain religious and charitable institutions. Preventive Detention (Article 22)- Preventive detention means detention of a person without trial and conviction by a court but merely on suspicion in the minds of the executive authority. Preventive detention is a specific law in which the executive is authorized to impose restrain upon the liberty of a man who may not have committed a crime but who it is apprehended, is about to commit acts that are prejudicial to the public safety etc. Conclusion In India the concept of liberty has received a far more expansive interpretation. The Supreme Court of India has rejected the view that liberty denotes merely freedom from bodily restraint and has held that it encompasses those rights and privileges that have long been recognized as being essential to the orderly pursuit of happiness by free men. The meaning of the term personal liberty was considered by the Supreme Court in the Kharak Singh’s case, which arose out of the challenge to Constitutional validity of the U. P. Police Regulations that provided for surveillance by way of domiciliary visits and secret picketing. The concept of personal liberty is not a simple or isolated issue. Its protection through law inevitably conflicts with other important values. Personal liberty is an unusually broad term, encompassing both fundamental Constitutional rights such as freedom from government intrusions into homes and the right of citizens to make decisions about marriage, contraception and abortion and less well defined and arguably less critical issues. 2. What were the objectives of including fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution? Discuss. Have those objectives been met? Critically examine. Approach A straightforward question where in you need to discuss the objectives of including fundamental duties in the Indian constitution while in the second part you need to critically examine whether those objectives have been met or not. Introduction The Constitution of India, the longest written Constitution of the world, has envisaged a holistic approach towards civic life in a democratic polity. Since human conduct cannot be confined to the realm of Fundamental Rights, the Constitution has envisaged certain duties, which are correlated to the rights, and those duties have been described as Fundamental Duties Body Constitution is the supreme law of India. Fundamental Duties of the citizens of India are mentioned in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution. By the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution, adopted in 1976, Fundamental Duties of the citizens have been enumerated after the Swaran Singh Committee suggested for inclusion in the Constitution of certain Fundamental Duties and obligations which every citizen owes to the nation. In this regard, the objectives for including fundamental duties in the Indian constitution can be seen from the following points –  The Fundamental duties have been incorporated in the constitution to remind every citizen that they should not only be conscious of their rights but also of their duties. The concept of Fundamental Duties was taken from the constitution of USSR along with the concept of Five Year Plan. No democratic polity can ever succeed where the citizens are concerned only about their rights and are not willing to be active participants in the process of governance by assuming responsibilities, discharging citizenship duties and coming forward to give their best to the country. The Government thought that non-declaration of citizen’s duty was a missing part of the ‘social contract’ which the citizens’ are deemed to have entered into with the Government under the framework established by and under the Constitution of India. The general objectives behind were also to “remove the difficulties in achieving the objective of socio-economic revolution, to end poverty, ignorance, disease, inequality, etc.” The incorporation of Fundamental Duties in the Constitution was an attempt to balance an individual’s civic ‘freedoms’ with his civic obligations. It is expected that a citizen of India, while enjoying Fundamental Rights, should also perform these duties. Inclusion of this Article has brought our Constitution in line with Article 29(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which provides that: “Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of the personality is possible.” While examining whether the objectives of fundamental duties have been met, following points can be considered – Fundamental duties act as a constant reminder that the citizens while enjoying their fundamental rights should not forget about their duties towards the nation. These duties act as a warning signal for the people against any type of antisocial activities.  Some duties are of such a nature that they are being performed by the citizen in each and every case like paying respect to the National Flag and National Anthem. These duties have given a chance to the people to have an active participation in the society rather than being a spectator. These duties promote a sense of discipline and commitment towards the society. For example, the Supreme Court of India ordered cinema halls to play National Anthem while portraying the Nation Flag. This was a remarkable step taken by the Supreme Court while giving the importance to the fundamental duties. The courts use fundamental duties for determining constitutionality of law. If any law is challenged in court for its constitutional validity and if that law is providing force to any of the fundamental duties then that law has been held reasonable.  For example, in AIIMS Students Union v. AIIMS (1983), it has been held that Fundamental Duties though not enforceable by writ of the court, yet provide a valuable guide and aid to interpretation of constitutional and legal issues. At the same time, it is pertinent to note that most of the objectives of fundamental duties are far from being achieved, as is evident from the following points –  Some of the duties are vague and terms used therein are complex which even a highly educated man would find difficult to grasp like it is difficult to identify the noble ideas that inspired our national struggle for freedom. Thus, some duties are ambiguous in nature. There has been very less awareness in the general public with regards to fundamental duties where focus in general discourse is provided to fundamental rights but hardly anyone focuses on fundamental duties. There is no specific provision nor any sanction as to implementation and enforcement of Fundamental Duties. Thus, these duties cannot be enforced by a court of law so, many feel that it is of no use to include these duties in the Constitution. Critics don’t consider the list of fundamental duties as exhaustive. They feel that many more important duties like paying taxes, casting votes that were also suggested by the Swaran Singh Committee were not included in this list. These duties are placed in Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution that is after the Directive Principles of the State Policy, that’s why not much importance is given to them. According to the experts, it should be placed in Part III after the Fundamental Rights.  Lip service is being paid to the doctrine of gender equality. The fact remains that generally women are still regarded as inferior both at home and workplace although there has been an improvement, however the degree of the improvement has been minimal. Way Forward –  The first and foremost step required by the Union and State Governments is to sensitise the people and to create a general awareness of the provisions of fundamental duties amongst the citizens on the lines recommended by the Justice Verma Committee. Further, the NATIONAL COMMISSION TO REVIEW THE WORKING OF THE CONSTITUTION recommends - Preamble to the Constitution of India and the 10 clauses of article 51A on Fundamental Duties to be appropriately displayed on all government publications, diaries, calendars and at public places so that they always remain in the focus of the citizens. It also recommends that Article 51A be shifted to Part II (Citizenship) of the Constitution and suitable changes may be carried out to make Fundamental Duties to form a compendium with the Fundamental Rights. Need to set up an autonomous body to act like ombudsman on Citizenship Values which could create a mechanism to act as catalyst towards overseeing operationalization of Fundamental Duties.  Conclusion In modern context, it has become increasingly important to instil a reinvigorated sense of civic responsibility among Indian citizens. This can be achieved by adding new duties to the existing list of Fundamental Duties while also laying emphasis on the performance of the existing ones. Awareness of our citizenship duties is as important as awareness of our rights. Thus, the Fundamental Duties act as the foundation of human dignity and national character. Those duties actually constitute the conscience of our Constitution. 3. Discuss the underlying principles of the DPSP? How relevant are the Gandhian principles for a free market democracy? Comment. Approach Students are expected to write about the DPSP in the introduction and underlying principles of the DPSP in 1st part of body. And also write about how much Gandhian principles are relevant for a free market democracy.  Introduction  The Directive Principles of State Policy are guidelines to the central and state governments of India, to be kept in mind while framing laws and policies. These provisions, contained in Part IV of the Constitution of India, are not enforceable by any court, but the principles laid down therein are considered fundamental in the governance of the country, making it the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws to establish a just society in the country. Body Underlying principles of DPSP: Many scholars believe that DPSPs is the kernel of the Constitution. The DPSPs lay down the guidelines for the state and are reflections of the overall objectives laid down in the Preamble of Constitution.  The expression “Justice- social, economic, political” is sought to be achieved through DPSPs. DPSPs are incorporated to attain the ultimate ideals of preamble i.e. Justice, Liberty, Equality and fraternity. Moreover, it also embodies the idea of the welfare state which India was deprived of under colonial rule. The provisions contained in this Part cannot be enforced by any court, but these principles are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. Gandhian principles are based on Gandhian ideology used to represent the programme of reconstruction enunciated by Gandhi during the national movement. Relevance of Gandhian principles for a free-market democracy are as follows: Gandhi was a first-rate egalitarian and a socialist whose ideas on socialism were an improvement on present-day notions of socialism and communism. His idea was that power is to be as decentralised as possible. Gandhi had a different take on diffusing powers to the grass-root level later it culminated into 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment as directed under Article 40.  And 97th Amendment Act for cooperative societies as per Artcile 43B. The powers were decentralised and the responsibility of every individual was to be performed effectively. Globalisation has turned the world into a global village while Gandhi wanted to promote a Globe of Villages. He said that developing a village is to make it self sufficient and capable enough to develop itself against the world. The village industries are still abiding by the Gandhian Model of development. As directed under Article 43. Globalisation and consumerism have in fact made people’s lives tougher. The gulf between the rich and poor is widening day by day. Gandhian principle of self-sustenance and serving others is a significant requirement in present times as ever. But some people repudiate the Gandhian idea of self-reliance. They are of the view that this principle has become obsolete in contemporary times, as it seems like a form of a protectionist barrier. But his values of self-empowerment and self-control are crucial in current times because people seem to have succumbed under the worldly temptations. Social justice is also one of the basic principle of Gandhianism. He was of the view that absolute equality is impossible but we can try to bridge the gap between the rich and poor as far as possible. Starting from universal healthcare under Ayushman Bharat, Reservation programmes for SC, ST and other weaker section of society as directed under Article 46, scheme like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to Obamacare policy in the United States of America, the contemporary world has adopted the concept of social justice as a guiding principle in recent times. His principle of Swadeshi is quintessential in times of globalisation. Globalisation results in local producers being harmed. Gandhi always said to wear Khadi and use products which are made in India, but in present times this is not the case. Government and even the citizens need to work and encourage the producers to use local resources and make local products. The central government’s initiative of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat  is one step ahead to achieving self-sufficiency. The main tenet that he propagated was Satya. As opposed to this, in contemporary times, people are not truthful and they are not presented with the existing reality of the system. Here, technology plays its part. Technology can help bring the reality and truth out of the systems. It can curb our main evil, corruption. Information and Communications Technology plays a significant role in this. Conclusion All the climate deals, environment conservation treaties and Sustainable Development Goals follow the Gandhian principle of self-sustenance directed in DPSP. The Gandhian idea of trusteeship is one of the most significant principles in these dire times. We need to realize that we don’t own the universe and how our behaviour disrupts nature and sustainable living is the need of the hour. 4. What are your views on the ongoing farmers protest over the farm bills? Substantiate your views. Approach Candidate is required to give a brief about background of protests, what are the farmer’s demands, what is the objective behind. With the analysis of current agrarian crisis and farm reforms views can be put suggesting a way forward in the end. Introduction Since 26th November 2020, the borders of Delhi have been witnessing a huge agitation being carried out by farmers, most of them from Punjab and Haryana. The farmers are protesting against 2 Farm Bills that the Rajya Sabha recently passed: (1) the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, and (2) the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020. Body The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020: This Bill allows the farmers to sell their produce outside the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) regulated markets. So, the farmers clearly have more choice on who they want to sell. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020: This Bill makes provisions for the setting up of a framework for contract farming. The farmer and an ordained buyer can strike a deal before the production happens.  According to PRS India, a "Standing Committee on Agriculture (2018-19)" observed the APMC laws needed reforms as cartelization had begun to crystallise due to a limited number of traders in mandis.  What are objections of farmers? There was no consultation undertaken by the central government at the time of promulgating the ordinances, and subsequently while pushing the bills through the Parliament. The global experience across agricultural markets demonstrates that corporatisation of agriculture without a concomitant security net in the form of an assured payment guarantee to the farmers results in the exploitation of farmers at the hands of big business. This posses threat to small and marginal farmers who constitutes 86% of total farmers. Dismantling of the APMC mandis, which have stood the test of time and have provided farmers the remuneration to keep themselves afloat. The farm laws open the field to an alternate set of markets/private yards, where the buyer will have no statutory obligation to pay the minimum support price (MSP). What can be negotiated? According to Harish Damodaran agriculture economist, Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act has to do with providing a regulatory framework for contract cultivation. This specifically concerns agreements entered into by farmers with agri-business firms. There is little rationale for objecting to an Act that merely enables contract farming. Such exclusive agreements between companies and farmers are already operational in crops of particular processing grades, for example potatoes, tomatoes. contract cultivation is voluntary in nature and largely for crops not amenable to trading in regular APMC or meant for exports. Act formalises contract cultivation through a “national framework” and explicitly prohibits any sponsor firm from acquiring the land of farmers – whether through purchase, lease or mortgage. Hence this provision is reformative in nature. When it comes to APMC, Farmers, for their part, would want no restrictions on the movement, stocking and export of their produce. In case of marketing — especially dismantling of the monopoly of APMCs — farmers, especially in Punjab and Haryana, aren’t very convinced about the “freedom of choice to sell to anyone and anywhere. The reason for this contention is Much of government procurement at minimum support prices (MSP) of paddy, wheat and increasingly pulses, cotton, groundnut and mustard happen in APMC.  In a scenario where more and more trading moves out of the APMCs, these regulated market yards will lose revenues. Additional demand of making MSP legal right will cause a big burden on fiscal calculations. FCI which is responsible for procurement at MSP is debt ridden with total debt of $5.8 billion which is out of proportion. Conclusion Way ahead can only be found if farmers and government compromise to find a middle ground. Elephant in the room is legal right of MSP, which is economically not prudent and should be negotiated hardly. Earlier laws related to agriculture were product of the times when drought and external calamities were regular. New farm laws are in coherence with changing times, for next revolution in agriculture a leap of faith has to be taken with a compromise made by both parties.   5. What role should electronic media play in a democracy like India? Are you satisfied with the present status of media in the country? Introduction  In the words of Benito Mussolini- “Democracy is a kingless regime infested by many kings who are sometimes more exclusive, tyrannical and destructive than one, if he be a tyrant”. It is the fear of being exposed by the media before the public that most of the politicians keep themselves under control to some extent”.  Freedom of speech and expression subject to reasonable restrictions is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.  The recent years saw a greater interface between the common man and media. It is the media which has become a part of the life of those people of India, who are mostly dependent on it for various wants including information and entertainment. Media keeps the peoples awakened and there is no denying the fact that it has become one of the major instruments of social change Body WHAT ROLE SHOULD ELECTRONIC MEDIA PLAY IN A DEMOCRACY LIKE INDIA The media should work as a watchdog of the government and carry every report of the action of administration thereby keeping the people informed about the day-to-day happenings taking place around them.  The media is considered as fourth pillar of democracy. It should make us aware of various activities like politics, sports, economic social and cultural activities etc. It should act like a mirror which shows the bare truth and sometimes it may be harsh. The media should also expose loopholes in the democratic society, which ultimately helps government in filling the vacuums of loopholes and making a system more accountable, responsive and democratic friendly. Thus, the democracy without media is like a vehicle without wheels.  Media should act as a bridge between the people and the government and also a very powerful tool with the ability to make and break the opinion of the people. It has the capacity to swing perceptions or evoke emotions. This is why it has gained faith of the public. Media, through its various means of newspapers, television and cinema is what rules the heart and mind of people.  The media should help to shape the democratic society by giving emphasis to issues that are at one point in time, would have been considered strictly private such as child birth, child care, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.  Media in exercise of freedom of expression is essential to communicate the thoughts, views, ideas, philosophy, ideals and activities. Communication keeps society together and cohabitate. For healthy growth of civilization world, the free flow of information and ideas is essential.  Modern Methods of interpersonal Media communication include seminars dramas, public meeting and workshops etc. these are effective media methods to address small and medium gatherings, which can be used as grounds for advocating the Human Rights and building public opinion.  In any democratic country the media plays a vital role in creating moulding and relating public opinion. Over the years the media became so powerful that it soon acquires the status of forth state as it was aptly described by the British politician Edmund Burke. Media today touches almost every aspect of our public life. Media should play a very important and crucial role in enlisting and educating the people and aiding public involvement through advocating issues and transferring knowledge, skill and technologies to the people.  SATISFACTION WITH THE PRESENT STATUS OF MEDIA IN THE COUNTRY The present status media in the country is not at all satisfactory. The jingoism of a major section of the media is not new, nor is it unique to India. All democracies, at one time or another, get swept up by the rhetoric of revenge and war. People in the United Kingdom know this only too well. But what makes the blood lust of the Indian media especially alarming is the coming together of three broad trends that have adversely affected the independence and integrity of the news industry by allowing the government, the ruling party and big business houses a greater than ever role in shaping and determining the agenda of the media. The first is the increasing unviability of the existing business model as the move to digital reading habits has further undermined the revenue base for all but the biggest players. This has both increased the dependence of the media industry on advertisers and made them more vulnerable to government pressure of one kind or another. The second is the effective use of social media as a disciplining device whenever individual reporters or editors or even media houses stray too far from the officially mandated line. The third is the growing resort to legal means – sedition law, the Official Secrets Act, SLAPP suits etc – as well as extra-legal means as a way of penalising individuals and media who refuse to fall in line. Conclusion The Media is considered as fourth pillar of democratic society. For better working of democracy free press is must. But it does not mean an unrestrained press. The question here arises how and who to control press. The simple answer is there shall be an uplifting the standards of journalism can only be solution. Every reporter must honourably and wilfully make an effort not to fall in any trap and raise the standard of journalism. India being a democratic country, where the decision of the masses is supreme, mass media is in instrumental in ensuring that the people make informed decisions. Further, it is through the media that the masses are able to voice their opinions. Appreciation of the role of the media in good governance is essential to societal development.   TLP HOT Synopsis Day 13 PDF

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]