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Dec 21, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st December 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Indigenously developed DRDO systems handed over to Army, Navy and Air Force Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Defence and Security In news The Union Defence minister recently handed over three indigenously developed Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) systems to Army, Navy and Air Force. Key takeaways The Minister handed over the Indian Maritime Situational Awareness System (IMSAS) to the Chief of Naval Staff , ASTRA Mk-I Missile to Air Chief Marshal and Border Surveillance System (BOSS) to the Chief of Army Staff. BOSS is An all-weather electronic surveillance system. The system facilitates monitoring and surveillance by automatically detecting the intrusions in harsh high-altitude sub-zero temperature areas with remote operation capability. The IMSAS is high performance intelligent software system that provides Global Maritime Situational Picture, Marine planning tools and Analytical capabilities to Indian Navy. The ASTRA Mk-I is the indigenously developed first Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Missile, which can be launched from Sukhoi-30, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Mig-29 and Mig-29K. Indian Railways issues draft National Rail Plan Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In news Recently, Indian Railways issued draft National Rail Plan. Key takeaways The objective of the Plan is to create capacity ahead of demand by 2030, which in turn would cater to growth in demand right up to 2050 and also increase the modal share of Railways from 27% currently to 45% in freight by 2030. It aims to Reduce transit time of freight substantially by increasing average speed of freight trains from present 22Kmph to 50Kmph. Three Dedicated Freight Corridors, namely East Coast, East-West & North-South identified along with timelines. Assess Locomotive requirement to meet twin objectives of 100% electrification (Green Energy) by December 2023 and also the increasing traffic right up to 2030 and beyond up to 2050. Several new High Speed Rail Corridors have also been identified. Survey on Delhi-Varanasi High Speed Rail already under way. Do you know? As part of the National Rail Plan, Vision 2024 has been launched for accelerated implementation of certain critical projects by 2024 such as: 100% electrification, Upgradation of speed to 160 kmph on Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes, Upgradation of speed to 130kmph on all other Golden Quadrilateral-Golden Diagonal (GQ/GD) routes Elimination of all Level Crossings on all GQ/GD route. Government publishes a draft notification on E20 Fuel Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment In news The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published a draft notification seeking comments from the public for adoption of E20 fuel as an automotive fuel and for the adoption of mass emission standards for this fuel. The notification facilitates the development of E20 compliant vehicles. Important value additions E20 fuel is blend of 20% of ethanol with gasoline. It will also help in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, etc. It will help reduce the oil import bill, thereby saving foreign exchange and boosting energy security. The compatibility of the vehicle to the percentage of ethanol in the blend of ethanol and gasoline shall be defined by the vehicle manufacturer and the same shall be displayed on the vehicle by putting a clearly visible sticker. GalSafe Pigs approved by FDA Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health & GS-III - Biotechnology In news The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a first-of-its-kind intentional genomic alteration (IGA) in a line of domestic pigs referred to as GalSafe pigs. Key takeaways Genetically modified (GM) pigs have been approved for food and medical use in the USA. The pigs are only the second GM animal to be approved for food after GM salmon in 2015. The GM pigs have been engineered to eliminate alpha-gal, a sugar found in pigs that can cause allergic reactions. It was the first time a GM animal is approved for human food and medical use. Important value additions Intentional genomic alteration Intentional genomic alteration in animals means making specific changes to the genome of the organism using modern molecular technologies that are popularly referred to as “genome editing” or “genetic engineering”. However, there are other technologies that can be used to make IGAs in animals. Such changes in the DNA sequence of an animal may be carried out for research purposes, to produce healthier meat for human consumption and to study disease resistance in animals among other reasons. Human Freedom Index 2020 released Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Social Issues In news The Human Freedom Index 2020 released recently placed India at the 111th spot out of 162 countries. India ranked 94 on the index in 2019. Published by: American think tank Cato Institute and Fraser Institute in Canada Key takeaways India’s score: 6.30 out of 10 in personal freedom 6.56 in economic freedom. 6.43 in overall human freedom score Top countries: New Zealand, Switzerland and Hong Kong USA and UK: 17th rank War-torn Syria ranked the last on the list. India's neighbouring countries: (1) China - 129; (2) Bangladesh - 139; (3) Pakistan - 140. Do you know? The report takes into account 76 indicators of personal, civil, and economic freedoms to rank 162 countries from 2008 to 2018. The institutes noted that the world has seen a notable decline in personal freedom since 2008. India-Bangladesh Virtual Summit held Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In news Indian Prime Minister and Prime Minister of Bangladesh held a Summit in virtual format recently. Key takeaways The two sides jointly inaugurated the Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition. They jointly inaugurated a railway link between Haldibari in India and Chilahati in Bangladesh during the summit. Haldibari - Chilahati route will be beneficial for transit into Bangladesh from Assam and West Bengal. They also agreed to hold an early meeting of the Joint Boundary Conference to prepare a new set of strip maps along the stretch of Icchamati, Kalindi, Raimongol and the Hariabhanga Rivers. Beautification and city development project in Rajshahi City was also inaugurated. Construction of Khalishpur Collegiate Girl’s School in Khulna was inaugurated as well. List of MoUs/Agreements signed during the Summit: Framework of Understanding on Cooperation in the Hydrocarbon Sector MoU regarding Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects through Local Bodies and other Public Sector Institutions Protocol on Transboundary Elephant Conservation MoU for Supply of Equipment & Improvement of Garbage/Solid Waste Disposal Ground at Lamchori Area for Barishal City Corporation MoU on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture MoU between Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum, Dhaka, Bangladesh and the National Museum, New Delhi, India Terms of Reference of India-Bangladesh CEO’s Forum Any exploitation of Sentinel Island will wipe out tribals: AnSI Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions & GS-III – Environment In news Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) policy document warns of threat to endangered group from commercial activity. Key takeaways According to ANSI, any exploitation of the North Sentinel Island of the Andamans for commercial and strategic gain would be dangerous for its occupants - the Sentinelese. It also said that the Right of the people to the island is non-negotiable, unassailable and uninfringeable. The prime duty of the state is to protect these rights as eternal and sacrosanct. Their island should not be eyed for any commercial or strategic gain. The document also calls for building a knowledge bank on the Sentinelese. Since ‘on-the-spot study’ is not possible for the tribal community, anthropologists suggest the ‘study of a culture from distance’. Important value additions Sentinelese It is the most secluded, particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) who reside in complete isolation on the Andamans. It has a population of about 50 to 100 on the North Sentinel Island. They are not only among the most isolated of nearly 70 PVTGs across the country, but also among the five in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which include Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Shompens. Do you know? Though both Sentinelese and Great Andamanese are classified as PVTG, the tribes live in two completely different contact situation. While in the case of the Sentinelese their contact to the outside world is almost nil, the Great Andamanese had decades of exposure to the world outside their Island. (Mains Focus) SOCIETY/ EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 1,2: Social Empowerment Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Teacher vacancies at IITs and reservation Background of the issue Additional Seats due to reservation: The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have a large number of faculty vacancies, as the student intake capacity was raised by over 50% during 2008-10 after reservation for Other Backward Classes students was introduced. Recently reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) has been added. Expansion of IITs in recent decade: Also, more IITs were opened during 2008-17, currently, there are 23 IITs. Inadequate Teachers: Since the ratio of students to teachers has come under strain, and the high bar for entry of teachers, starting with a doctoral degree, has shrunk the pool of eligible aspirants from reserved categories Committee Formation: In this background, the Education Ministry formed a committee headed by the Director of IIT Delhi, V. Ramgopal Rao to look at implementing the reservation system effectively. Why is it difficult to find candidates in reserved categories? The Committee said in its report that the IITs, set up as institutions of national importance under a special law to contribute to national and even global development, had to pursue high quality teaching and research. Aspirants must therefore possess a PhD degree, as well as a superior academic record and “high research accomplishments” for teaching. About a decade ago, the student to faculty ratio was estimated at about 6:1, which facilitated closer monitoring and pursuit of projects that make IIT courses unique. This faculty ratio later fell to 12:1, and appears to be under further strain. The Education Ministry’s Committee has pointed out that the optimal is a ratio of 10:1, on the basis of which faculty numbers have been set. The reality is that not enough candidates belonging to the reserved categories are going into research in engineering and technology. Even among those who do, only a small group opt for a teaching career. This has sharply reduced the available pool from which the IITs can recruit teachers while adhering to reservation norms. The Committee was concerned that the absence of enough qualified faculty was coming in the way of the IITs improving their global ranking, although the academic system was capable of breaking into the top 50. What remedy is the Committee offering (recommendations)? Student admissions and teachers’ appointments are covered by the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006, and the CEI (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019. Beneficiaries belong to the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and EWS The Ministry Committee, met twice in the current year, and came up with two options and ans action point to increase the talent pool. Exemption by including in 2019 law: According to the first, government could include the IITs in the schedule to the 2019 law on teachers’ recruitment, which would exempt these institutes from reservation, just as it does other institutions of excellence such as the Homi Bhabha National Institute, TIFR, Space Physics Laboratory and others. De-reservation of positions if no suitable candidates are found in that year: As a second option, the panel suggested that faculty at the level of Assistant Professor Grade I and II be given reservation, including for EWS, and the vacancies considered for the institution as a whole, and not for each department. Where suitable candidates from the reserved category are unavailable, the posts should be de-reserved in the next year, with approval from the Board of Governors. Also, Associate Professor and Professor posts should be exempted from reservation. Government-sponsored preparatory programme to increase Pool: To provide for a talent pool from among the reserved sections, the Ramgopal Rao panel has suggested the launch of two-year research assistantships fully funded by the Centre, with an option for the candidates to take up PhD studies and acquire qualifications that meet the rigorous standards of the IITs The recommendations have evoked a strong reaction, as they are seen as negating the objective of affirmative action through reservation. What is the government’s position? The report of the Committee, which was obtained under the Right to Information Act by an interested citizen, is “under examination” by the government, according to the Ministry of Education. Although it aims at addressing a critical gap, the recommendation to do away with reservation is at odds with the stated position of the Central government. In November last year, the Education Ministry put out a notification pointing out that central educational institutions (CEIs), which would include IITs and IIMs, should ensure that faculty positions, including senior posts, fully met the norms of reservation. The Ministry now has a recommendation favouring no reservation, and a reiteration of the idea of treating an IIT as a single unit for the purpose of drawing up a roster of reserved posts, rather than go by individual departments. The single unit idea is also the intent of the 2019 law, which was first issued as an ordinance, to remove legal difficulties arising from court judgments that did not accept the logic. An analysis by PRS Legislative Research estimates that the composite method of calculation typically leads to a small rise in reserved posts, over the individual departments method. On the other hand, it also means that the reserved posts could be heavily represented in one department but there may be none in another. Way Forward Diversity achieved through affirmative action such as compensatory discrimination in favour of some classes of citizens corrects historical distortions. For it to be fully realised, however, the concomitant is massive investments in the education system at all levels, which can raise the capability of students Governments must aim for progressive redistribution, for which policy should actively expand equal opportunity, starting with a strong, liberal public school system. This will strengthen diversity, and lay the foundation for the kind of scholarship that institutions of excellence need. (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 Sentinelese are native tribe of which of the following? Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lakshadweep Western Ghats Chhattisgarh Q.2 Which of the following state of India does not border Bangladesh? Bihar Assam Tripua West Bengal Q.3 Recently, the Union Defence minister recently handed over three indigenously developed Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) systems to Army, Navy and Air Force. Consider the following regarding the same: BOSS is An all-weather electronic surveillance system. The IMSAS is high performance intelligent software system providing Global Maritime Situational Picture Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Human Freedom Index 2020 was recently released. Consider the following statements: India’s rank has significantly improved from last year. The world has seen a notable decline in personal freedom since 2008. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 19th December 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 C 3 B Must Read About inequitable labour-capital relation: The Hindu About laying foundations for faster growth: The Hindu About need for WTO reforms: Indian Express

Dec 21, 2020 Important Articles

[MUST WATCH for MAINS] ETHICS (GS Paper 4) ENRICHMENT SESSION by SUNIL OBEROI IAS (Retd.) – How to Approach Theory and Case Studies with the help of Examples!

The Ethics Enrichment Session is taken by SUNIL OBEROI Sir (former IAS Officer). He brings to you the rich experience of practical and theory and also what an examiner will be looking for in an ideal Ethics answer. This Session will not only help aspirants who are preparing for UPSC Mains 2020 but also an eye-opener for any aspirant who is looking for the right approach towards ethics theory and solving case studies. SUNIL OBEROI Sir has worked on Civil Services Reforms in India with UNDP and DoPT. He was a government nominee in interview boards and examiner in various government exams. He was also associated with induction training of new entrants of Civil Services and In-Service training of Senior Civil Servants. The video aims at improving the understanding of answer writing of GS Paper 4 (Ethics) - Theory & Case Studies with Examples. The lecture is divided into two parts. Part 1 deals with the Section A of GS paper 4 where candidates are required to write a Theoretical answer. Answer writing has been explained with the help of different types of questions which are asked by UPSC. Part 2 deals with the approach for Ethics Case Studies. Different types of case studies are taken as examples to explain different types of dilemmas asked in the exam. .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; } To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- 👉 TELEGRAM Channel - CLICK HERE 👉 YOUTUBE - CLICK HERE 👉 FACEBOOK - CLICK HERE Also, SUBSCRIBE to the WEBSITE Below, so that you don’t miss out on important posts! Thank You IASbaba

Dec 21, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 3 Questions[21st DECEMBER,2020] - Day 61

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 3 Questions[21st DECEMBER,2020] - Day 61 We will make sure, in the next 3 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. We are giving 5 Mains Questions on 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. What is your assessment of India’s recent commitment to global efforts for combating climate change? Comment. जलवायु परिवर्तन से निपटने के लिए वैश्विक प्रयासों के लिए भारत की हालिया प्रतिबद्धता का आपका आकलन क्या है? टिप्पणी करें। 2. Examine the problem of groundwater contamination in India’s agrarian states. What are the possible ways to address this challenge? Discuss. भारत के कृषि राज्यों में भूजल संदूषण की समस्या की जांच करें। इस चुनौती को संबोधित करने के संभावित तरीके क्या हैं? चर्चा करें। 3. What are the key principles and objectives of environmental impact assessment (EIA)? Illustrate with the help of suitable examples. पर्यावरणीय प्रभाव मूल्यांकन (ईआईए) के प्रमुख सिद्धांत और उद्देश्य क्या हैं? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से चित्रण करें। 4. What are the most potent ecological hazards in the coastal regions? Examine. तटीय क्षेत्रों में सबसे शक्तिशाली पारिस्थितिक खतरे क्या हैं? जांच करें। 5. What are the post disaster management strategies for combating the impact of earthquakes? Discuss. भूकंप के प्रभाव का मुकाबला करने के लिए आपदा प्रबंधन रणनीतियाँ क्या हैं? चर्चा 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 :)

Dec 21, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 21st Dec 2020

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. This is a part of our recently launched, NEW INITIATIVE IASbaba’s INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020 – Road Map for the next 100 Days! FREE INITIATIVE! We will make sure, in the next 4 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

Dec 21, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [19th DECEMBER,2020] – Day 60

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [19th DECEMBER,2020] – Day 60 We will make sure, in the next 3 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE 1. Globalisation will make our societies more creative and prosperous, but also more vulnerable. वैश्वीकरण हमारे समाजों को अधिक रचनात्मक और समृद्ध बना देगा, लेकिन अधिक संवेदनशील भी। 2. Wild globalisation has benefited some, but it's been a catastrophe for most. तीव्र वैश्वीकरण से कुछ लाभ हुआ है, लेकिन यह अधिकांश के लिए एक तबाही है। 3. A man may be wonderfully learned in the Western sense, yet he may not know the A B C of religion. एक आदमी को पश्चिमी अर्थों में आश्चर्यजनक रूप से सीखा जा सकता है, फिर भी वह धर्म के ए बी सी को नहीं जान सकता है। 4. Feminism is a struggle to end sexist oppression. नारीवाद सेक्सिस्ट उत्पीड़न को समाप्त करने के लिए एक संघर्ष है।

Dec 20, 2020 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Three Keys to Success – Inspirational Educative Articles

Three Keys to Success: Success is neither an art, nor a science – it is a knack. If success were an art, then only a selected few who are specially gifted with the necessary artistic skills would have succeeded. If success were a science, then everybody would have gotten to it by simply following the necessary steps. We know from our real world experiences that neither of them is true. Succeeding at anything takes a little more than just scientific approach or artistic gifts; it takes knack to succeed. And as with any knack, it only comes with practice. It is easy to teach science or art, but it is next to impossible to teach a knack. The reason for this is obvious. Knack is an intuitive ability to recognize patters that develop by repeatedly doing something, or trying out different things. Knack is a moment when our mind suddenly comes to a simple realization of some obvious fact that makes our journey toward success a little easier. We experience this all the time; while playing a sport, while preparing for exams, while competing, or while pretty much doing anything else. Suddenly there comes a moment when we intuitively learn how to do something better – that moment is called a knack. Knack to succeed cannot be taught, but there are a few key ingredients that are absolutely necessary in order to give yourself the best possible chance to stumble upon the knack of succeeding. Here are some of the most important ones: Perseverance: The single biggest contributor to developing the necessary knack of succeeding is perseverance. When you don’t give up too easily, you give yourself the best possible chance to stumble upon the knack of succeeding. This is why it is next to impossible to succeed without persevering. There are very few exceptions to this. As a rule, persistence is the most important ingredient necessary to cook success. Staying Positive: It is very easy to fall into the negative state of the mind. In fact, most of the time our minds are negative, constantly in some or the other fear, worry or frustration. If we are not putting in the necessary effort to stay positive, we will slip into a negative state of mind easily. It is impossible to succeed without knowing how to keep a positive state of mind. Embracing Effort: It is impossible to succeed without putting in the necessary effort to succeed. Success might come even if you skip one or two important steps, but you will never taste success if you are averse to the idea of effort. Unless you fully embrace the fact that effort is a constant companion in the journey toward success, you will find it difficult to succeed. Of course there are several other things that are needed to consistently succeed at something, but perseverance, a positive state of mind, and effort, are three absolute basic necessities. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

Dec 19, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th December 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Cabinet Committee on Security approves the setting up of a new National Security Directive Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In news Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the setting up of a new National Security Directive on the telecommunication sector. Key takeaways It aims to classify telecom products and their sources under the ‘trusted’ and ‘non-trusted’ categories. It will make its decision based on approval of the National Security Committee on Telecom. It will be headed by the deputy National Security Advisor (NSA). It will have members from other departments and ministries, independent experts and two members from the industry. The National Cyber Security Coordinator is the designated authority and will devise the methodology to designate trusted products. Eight-member committee makes Recommendations on Reservation in IITs Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Education In news Recently, an eight-member committee, appointed by the government made recommendations for effective implementation of reservation in students’ admissions and faculty recruitment in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Key takeaways It was chaired by IIT Delhi’s Director It had representatives of secretaries of the departments of Social Justice and Empowerment, Tribal Affairs, Department of Personnel and Training, Persons with Disabilities, among others. Its report was submitted to the Ministry of Education in June 2020. It has been made available under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 also. Recommendations Being established and recognised as institutions of national importance, IITs should be added to the list of “Institutions of Excellence” mentioned in the Schedule to the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2019 (CEI Act). Implementation of reservation policies for all categories including Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) be restricted just to Assistant Professor Grade I and Grade II and not for levels above. Vacancies not filled in a particular year due to non-availability, be de-reserved in the subsequent year. Conduct of special recruitment drives to attract candidates from reserved categories. A system emphasising targeted goals over a period of time and not specific quotas be followed so that IITs can compete with other top institutions in the world in terms of excellence, output, research and teaching. The panel proposes a two-year Research Assistantship for students from reserved categories aspiring to join PhD programmes. Hawker Culture in Singapore included in UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Culture & GS-II – International relations In news Hawker Culture in Singapore has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 15th session of the Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) that was held online. Important value additions Hawker Culture in Singapore It is a living heritage shared by those who prepare hawker food and those who dine and mingle over hawker food in community dining spaces called hawker centres. It reflects Singapore’s multicultural identity as a people and nation, and resonates strongly with Singaporeans across all races and social strata. UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage This list is made up of those intangible heritage elements that help demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage and raise awareness about its importance. Established in: 2008 when the Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage came into effect. Intangible Cultural Heritage of India, recognized by UNESCO: The Ministry of Culture has also launched the draft National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India Related article: Culture related terms: Click here India’s communication satellite CMS-01 was successfully launched by PSLV-C50 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Achievements of Indians in Sci & Tech In news India’s communication satellite CMS-01 was successfully launched by PSLV-C50 recently from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. Key takeaways CMS-01 is envisaged to provide services in the extended-C Band of the frequency spectrum that will cover the Indian mainland, the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. It provides services like tele-education, tele-medicine, disaster management support and Satellite Internet access. It was India's 42nd communication satellite with a mission life of over seven years. The satellite will be placed in the specified slot in the geosynchronous orbit. Subsequently, it will function as the continuation of GSAT11 launched 11 years back. PSLV-C50 is the 52nd flight of PSLV and 22nd flight of PSLV in 'XL' configuration (with 6 strap-on motors). (Mains Focus) AGRICULTURE / GOVERNANCE/ FEDERALISM Topic: General Studies 2,3: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. MSP — the factoids versus the facts Context: After the passage of the three controversial farm laws, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) — not mentioned in the laws — has gained a lot of attention. What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)? MSP is the price set by the government to purchase crops from the farmers, whatever may be the market price for the crops. The MSP is meant to set a floor below which prices do not fall, and is announced by the government for 23 commodities. It is the price at which the government ‘promises’ to buy from farmers if market prices fall below it. MSP is declared by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs before the sowing time on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) Support prices generally affect farmers’ decisions indirectly, regarding land allocation to crops, quantity of the crops to be produced etc MSP assures farmers agricultural income besides providing a clear price signal to the market The major objectives are to support the farmers from distress sales and to procure food grains for public distribution. Do You Know? Even for commodities for which MSP is announced, the proportion of sales via the mandi range is only between 10-64% The demand for the MSP originates because the prices paid outside the mandi tend to be much lower. Countrywide, sales to mandi or government procurement agencies fetched on average 13.3% higher prices for paddy and 5.8% for wheat. What are some of the misconceptions regarding MSP and arguments against it? Few (6%) farmers benefit One, the 6% figure from the NSS data 2012-13 relates to paddy and wheat alone. Even here, however, among those who sold any paddy/wheat, the numbers are higher — 14% and 16% Only farmers of Punjab and Haryana (to some extent, western UP) benefit. The Government of India has made a systematic effort to expand the reach of MSP to more States, via the Decentralized Procurement (DCP) Scheme. Introduced in 1997-98, it was not very popular in the initial years and began to be adopted by States in earnest only around 2005. Under the DCP scheme, the responsibility of procurement devolved to the State governments which were reimbursed pre-approved costs. FCI data suggest that by July 2015, as many as 15 States had taken up this programme, though not all were implementing it with equal enthusiasm. Largely on account of it, procurement began moving out of ‘traditional’ States (such as Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh). Until 2000, barely 10% of wheat and rice was procured outside the traditional States. By 2012-13, the share of the DCP States rose to 25-35%. Chhattisgarh and Odisha contribute about 10% each to the total paddy procurement in the country. For wheat, decentralised procurement has taken off in Madhya Pradesh in a big way, accounting for approximately 20% of wheat procurement. Only large farmers benefit Procurement has benefited the small and marginal farmers in much bigger numbers than medium and large farmers. At the all-India level, among those who sold paddy to the government, 1% were large farmers, owning over 10 hectares of land. Small and marginal farmers, with less than 2 hectares accounted for 70%. The rest (29%) were medium farmers (2-10 hectares). In the case of wheat, 3% of all wheat-selling farmers were large farmers. More than half (56%) were small and marginal farmers. In Madhya Pradesh, nearly half (45%) of those who sell wheat to government agencies are small or marginal farmers. Conclusion Getting the facts right is an important first step in resolving the issues facing the agricultural sector and farmers’ issues. To recap, the facts are as follows: One, the proportion of farmers who benefit from (even flawed) government procurement policies is not insignificant. Two, the geography of procurement has changed in the past 15 years. It is less concentrated in traditional States such as Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, as DCP States such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have started participating more vigorously. Three, perhaps most importantly — it is predominantly the small and marginal farmers who have benefited from the MSP and procurement, INTERNATIONAL / ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2,3: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. China’s Brahmaputra dam: Trans-boundary water governance in South Asia Context: On November 29, 2020, Chinese state media announced that Beijing will build a mega dam on the the Yarlung Zangbo river close to the Line of Actual Control in Tibet. The move could have a far-reaching impact on water security in India’s North East. South Asia and Transboundary rivers The whole of South Asia comes under ‘high’ to ‘extremely high’ water-stressed areas. This, even though it has a lot of fresh water. South Asia is separated from the rest of the continent by the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges. There are some 25 major rivers in South Asia. Of the 30 major river basins of the world identified as global level priorities for the protection of aquatic biodiversity, nine are in India, which constitutes the majority of South Asia. The Brahmaputra carries a flow volume that is greater than Europe’s 20 major rivers. The river passes through the world’s deepest gorge and three of its most populous countries — China, India and Bangladesh — before merging into the Bay of Bengal. Issues Transboundary Impact: Natural resources like rivers, forests and mountains pay no attention to political boundaries. They have evolved over millions of years of natural cycles. Dams or water diversion projects in the upstream areas of rivers have a significant effect on downstream countries through which river flows. Advantage to China: China has a clear advantage in building dams and other infrastructure to reduce or divert water flow from river systems originating in Tibet. Communities in the lower riparian areas have to accept what is being offered to them. Thus, there is a general feeling that China controls the headwaters. Ecological threats for Himalayan Ecosystem: The glaciers and snowlines of the Himalayas are retreating. If the current warming continues, there is a projection that the waterways of the Tibetan Plateau could first flood and then dry up gradually, turning the vast landscape into a desert. Water conflicts: Discontent and conflict result from a situation where water demand is more than its supply. They can also result from asymmetric power controls over access and allocation of water between competing users or between transboundary governments. Further, the lack of a cooperative framework for managing river systems in South Asia leads to unresolved conflicts. Unsustainable Approach: The reductionist engineering approach only looks at short-term gains on a model of competitive exploitation of river water resource. The supply-centric irrigation department talks in terms of diversions, dams, barrages, canals, tunnels and turbines. They do not know the science of bringing water into the river. Domestic Federal Issue: As water is a state subject, states assume exclusive powers over water governance. The cumulative outcomes at the national level do not inspire optimism about long-term security and sustainability. This is partly attributed to the poor devolution by states and weak institutions. Way Ahead- A change of Approach The real issue is not the scarcity of water resources. Rather, it is scarcity of ‘social resources’ and abundance of ‘power disparities’ between the riparians We have to reconsider the fluvial landscape approach to river basin management. This approach respects the integrity of the landscape and the catchments. It respects river behaviour and patterns, it respects the river’s legitimate rights to flood and cause droughts. They are inseparable parts of the hydrological cycle. The fluvial memory concept is not based on ‘solutionising’ at reach scales on an ad-hoc basis. It takes the entire flow-habitat-catchment perspective. Since the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin and the Himalayas are shared by all riparian states, the fluvial memory of the Brahmaputra should respected and it should be allowed to flow freely from source to mouth without any major obstructions. (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding National Security Directive recently approved by Cabinet Committee on Security: It shall classify telecom products and their sources under the ‘trusted’ and ‘non-trusted’ categories. It will be headed by the deputy National Security Advisor (NSA). Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Which of the following Intangible Cultural Heritage of India which are recognized by UNESCO: Kutiyattam Yoga Nowruz Kumbh Mela Kathak dance Select the correct code: 1 and 5 only 2, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 only 2 and 4 only Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding India’s recently launched satellite CMS-01: It will have frequency spectrum that will cover Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands only. It is launched in geosynchronous orbit. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 18th December 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 B 3 A 4 B 5 A Must Read About India- Bangladesh Virtual Summit: The Hindu About West Bengal and Home Ministry tussle: The Hindu

Dec 19, 2020 MindMaps

Mind Maps: Global Hunger Index - General Studies 1 and 2

Mind Maps: Global Hunger Index - General Studies 1 and 2 For Previous Important Topics (Mind Maps) - ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Recently we have come up with a NEW INITIATIVE - BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS! Mind-map is an incredible powerful thinking tool, an innate human language that will have immense benefit in your preparation. The main idea is to brainstorm different aspects of an issue - think in multi-dimensions; what we call 360 degrees of an issue. The whole of this exercise will unleash your creativity to push your brain cells to recall the data learnt and to make it more relevant for your preparation. It will help you to make your Revision and Retention a far better apart from giving you more Clarity in the topics/issue at hand and improve your Concentration. You can see the drastic impact mind-maps will have in a few weeks, provided you are regular with this exercise. So here we are with Today’s TOPIC! Global Hunger Index - General Studies 1 and 2 NOTE – Instructions to download Mind Maps/Images Right Click on the image and ‘Open image in new tab’ Remove/Delete the resolution part from the URL. Eg. “-1536x757” and Press Enter/Load Again Right Click and Save Image As/Download (You’ll get the maximum resolution) Global Hunger Index YOUR PARTICIPATION? – VERY IMPORTANT Unlike what we were doing before, in this initiative we want students to learn and brainstorm through mind-maps (It is not necessary that you use a software/tool to design mind maps. You can prepare mindmaps using a pen and a sheet of paper). We will share the final printable mind map twice a week. We will also provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping. To Know More about the initiative, Benefits and How to use a mind-map ->CLICK HERE Together we can, we will. The strength of the community is more powerful than individual effort. We have started it. You have to strengthen it” You can Start sharing Your Mind-maps (get feedback from IASbaba) & Topics of your interest in the comment section below!! Thank You IASbaba

Dec 19, 2020 RSTV Video

Sardar Patel - The Iron Man of India – Vishesh – RSTV IAS UPSC

Sardar Patel - The Iron Man of India Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present significant events, personalities, issues The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. “By common endeavour we can raise the country to a new greatness, while a lack of unity will expose us to fresh calamities.” These pragmatic but profound remarks defined the vision and the sterling character of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the principal unifier of modern India. First Deputy Prime Minister of India Widely considered to be the architect of modern India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played an important role in the integration of all the princely states (especially Hyderabad, Junagadh and Kashmir) into the Indian Union after the British left India in 1947. Provided good governance as an able administrator in diverse fields like modern farming and empowerment of tribal communities Organised peasants from Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against the British Raj, becoming one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat. He earned the title of “Sardar” after spearheading a no-tax campaign by peasants at Bardoli in Gujarat. He also led the relief and rehabilitation operations when Gujarat was ravaged by floods and worked tirelessly during a plague outbreak in Ahmedabad. He is also remembered as the “patron saint of India’s civil servants” for having established the modern all-India services system. “A civil servant cannot afford to, and must not, take part in politics. Nor must he involve himself in communal wrangles. To depart from the path of rectitude in either of these respects is to debase public service and to lower its dignity,” he had cautioned them on April 21, 1947. India without Sardar: Subcontinent would be divided into two regions, one part a democratic India surrounded by the other part—close to 560 smaller states ruled by kings and their descendants. Half of the Indians would be living under a democratic set-up with freedoms and the rest living under some monarchy. The principle of Unity, Liberty, Equality enshrined in the Constitution would exist in one part and not in the other. There would be restrictions on travelling and transporting goods from one part to another. One part of India would be governed by the ideas of Justice and Liberty, whereas the other would have survived devoid of these ideas. Chaos and anarchy would have followed, and the idea of India would have failed at the very start of its journey. Force behind unification Sardar Patel’s foresight and tactful navigation of the most turbulent period in post-Independence, and the resolve he demonstrated in integrating the more than 500 princely States into the Dominion of India is an unparalleled accomplishment in modern history. Hailing Patel’s feat, Lord Mountbatten declared the unification of India as the first great success of the new independent government. Patel was a statesman with a strong sense of realpolitik, a realist to the core and an earthy politician whose sole aim was to build a strong and united India. The princely rulers had the option at that time to either accede to India or Pakistan or remain independent. Patel’s wisdom, foresight, patriotism, tact, persuasive powers and abiding commitment to fair play enabled him to untangle a highly complex political and social problem without triggering any kind of revolt or civil unrest. Operation Polo (Hyderabad) and case of Junagarh Patel was also compelled to use coercion by launching ‘Operation Polo’ to liberate and integrate Hyderabad after the Nizam of Hyderabad entertained false hopes of either joining Pakistan or remaining independent. In a swift operation lasting five days, Hyderabad State was liberated in September 1948. It was the most critical time when the country’s political unity was in jeopardy, India found the man of the moment in Sardar Patel. He displayed amazing patience, tact and a steely determination in dealing with an intransigent ruler, who refused to see the writing on the wall and even wanted to take the issue to the United Nations. Displaying statesmanship of the highest order, Sardar Patel prevented the attempts to not only Balkanise India but internationalise the issue as well. The complicated case of Junagarh, Gujarat, was also handled with dexterity by Patel. The problem of Jammu and Kashmir may have been resolved long back had Sardar Patel been given a free hand to handle it at that time. A builder of India Patel himself termed the entire exercise as a “bloodless revolution” when he wanted the Constituent Assembly to consider privy purse settlements for the surrender by the rulers of all their ruling powers and the dissolution of the States as separate units. Patel was an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi and never swerved in his loyalty to his mentor, although there were occasions when he differed with him. Similarly, he did not see eye-to-eye with Jawaharlal Nehru on certain issues, including the handling of Jammu and Kashmir. But he did not allow these differences or personal ego to come in the way of protecting the larger interests of the country. He worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Nehru in building a modern India. Patel was a multifaceted personality. He was a dynamic political leader, an organiser par excellence, a competent administrator and a skilful negotiator. After coming under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, he became his loyal follower and successfully organised peasants against the imposition of taxes by the British at Kheda and Bardoli, Gujarat, and in the process he earned the title of ‘Sardar’ for his leadership qualities. The manner in which he marshalled the peasants and the unflinching stand taken by him eventually forced the authorities to roll back the taxes. Architect of the steel frame The Iron Man of India was the chief architect of India’s steel frame — the civil services. Thus, the All India Services were seen as an important cementing force in promoting the unity and integrity of the nation. It will be relevant to recall his famous address to the civil service probationers in 1947. when Patel told them that the service will have to adopt its true role of national service without being trammelled upon by traditions and habits of the past. He said: “Your (officers’) predecessors were brought up in the traditions in which they felt out of touch and kept themselves aloof from the common run of the people. It will be your bounden duty to treat the common men in India as your own or to put it correctly, to feel yourself to be one of them.” The man of integrity and intentions of “nation first” He readily accepted the Mahatma Gandhi’s advice to withdraw his candidacy for the post of Congress President in favour of Pandit Nehru in 1946, although a majority of State Congress committees supported his candidature. It was apparent that the Congress President would become the first Prime Minister of India. It once again proved his noble intention of placing the country’s interests above self. His love for the motherland was best described by Maulana Azad when he said: “He made his choice out of two courses that come before a man, namely would he live for his country or for himself? Sardar chose his country.” Criticisms: Patel’s idea of unity was incomplete. He may have created a united India, but this India remains full of contradictions and inequalities, both social and economic. Politically, we may be equal and united, but socially and economically we are not. Acknowledging the monumental contribution of Patel in nation building, Jawaharlal Nehru said, “History will call him the builder and consolidator of new India.” The remarks Patel made during the Quit India Movement are also relevant today. He said: “We have to shed mutual bickering, shed the difference of being high or low and develop the sense of equality and banish untouchability. We have to live like the children of the same father”. Statue of Unity On Sadhu Hill Standing at 182 meters in the middle of river Narmada at Kevadia in Gujarat’s Narmada district, the Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world– much taller than the 153 metre Spring Temple Buddha in China and almost twice the size of the Statue of Liberty in New York. (remember the places for Prelims) One can have a view of the Satpura and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, which also form the point where Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra meet. (Prelims centric fact) Visitors can also get a distant view of the 12-km-long Garudeshwar Reservoir (which will help ensure there is always water around the statue), which is located downstream from the Narmada dam. (Prelims centric – location of the reservoir) Man Behind the Statue: Shri Ram Vanji Sutar, the 93-year-old sculptor. Connecting the Dots: The strong man of India who made Idea of India possible was Sardar Patel—‘the Bismarck and architect of modern India’. Substantiate Discuss the contribution of Sardar Patel from unification of the country to creation of all India services.

Dec 19, 2020 AIR

India-ASEAN Summit - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES India-ASEAN Summit Search 12th Nov, 2020 Spotlight News Analysis here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx Topic: General Studies 2: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said enhancing all kinds of connectivity, including in social, digital and financial spheres, with the 10-nation ASEAN grouping is a major priority for India. He made the remarks at a virtual summit between India and the ASEAN. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners. The summit took place amid China’s aggressive behaviour in the disputed South China Sea as well as in eastern Ladakh. A number of ASEAN countries have territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. Theme: Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN The ASEAN leaders – Acknowledged India’s contribution towards promoting peace and stability in the region and welcomed India’s support to ASEAN centrality. The Leaders also welcomed the adoption of the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2021-2025. The discussions also covered regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including South China Sea and terrorism. Both sides noted the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region including through upholding adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS. The leaders affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the South China Sea, and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight. ASEAN and India The ties between India and ASEAN have been on an upswing in the last few years with focus being on ramping up cooperation in the areas of trade and investment as well as security and defence. The ASEAN region along with India together comprises a combined population of 1.85 billion people, which is one fourth of the global population and their combined GDP has been estimated at over USD 3.8 trillion. ASEAN-India strategic partnership stands on a strong foundation of shared geographical, historical and civilisational ties. India’s Act East Policy, underlining ASEAN centrality, reflects the importance, India attaches to engagement with ASEAN. India was one of the first countries to welcome ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific, which has a lot in common with India’s own Indo-Pacific Vision. New Delhi wants to see a strong, unified and prosperous ASEAN playing a central role in the Indo-Pacific region. With the increasing focus on oceans as providers of resources, the reservoirs of biodiversity, the highways of global trade and the frontiers of scientific research, cooperation in the maritime domain has become increasingly important under the overall rubric of ASEAN-India cooperation. ASEAN and India share land and maritime borders, and there is a lot of scope for enhancing connectivity through land, air and sea. India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway is an ongoing effort to enhance road connectivity between Northeast India and Southeast Asia. There is good air-connectivity between India and several ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Last year, Indigo and Vietjet started air-services between India and Vietnam. With the Indo-Pacific gaining salience in global discourse, the partnership between India and ASEAN is poised to achieve new strengths. India – Underlined the centrality of ASEAN in India's Act East Policy Noted that a cohesive, responsive and prosperous ASEAN is central to India's Indo-Pacific Vision and contributes to Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Underscored the importance of strengthening convergence between India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific, to ensure a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. He also invited the ASEAN countries to cooperate on various pillars of India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). On COVID-19 Highlighted India's response and broader support to the international community, and welcomed ASEAN's initiatives to fight the pandemic. Prime Minister announced a contribution of US$ 1 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund. On connectivity Underscored the importance of greater physical and digital connectivity between ASEAN and India Reiterated India's offer of US$ 1 billion Line of Credit to support ASEAN connectivity On trade and investment, underlined the importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains for post-COVID economic recovery. Connecting the Dots: What are India’s strategic and economic interests in the ASEAN? What measures have been taken for increasing outreach to the ASEAN countries? Examine.

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