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IASbaba's Monthly Magazine

IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine NOVEMBER 2020

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, This is the 66th edition of IASbaba’s Current Affairs Monthly Magazine. Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination is an important factor in this preparation. An effort towards making your Current Affairs for IAS UPSC Preparation qualitative. We hope you make the best use of it! This edition covers all important current affairs issues that were in news for the month of NOVEMBER 2020. Kindly leave your feedback in the comment section below on the new design and presentation of the magazine. We would love to hear from you 🙂   DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- CLICK HERE To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- TELEGRAM Channel – https://t.me/IASbabaOfficialAccount YOUTUBE – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChvbVdio9Wgj7Z3nQz1Q0ZQ FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/iasbaba/ Also, SUBSCRIBE to the WEBSITE Below, so that you don’t miss out on important posts! Thank You IASbaba  

AIR

World Food Day - Issues, Challenges and The Way Forward - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES World Food Day - Issues, Challenges and The Way Forward Search 16th Oct, 2020 Spotlight News Analysis here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx   TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes In News: The World Food Day was observed globally on October 16th. It is observed every year in honour of the Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations which was founded in 1945. The principal reason behind launching and celebrating world food day is to secure and advance the food security across the world, particularly in days of the crisis. Theme for 2020: “Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together. Our actions are our future.” India’s Global Hunger Index  India ranked 102nd on the Global Hunger Index, despite high food production.  Nutritional security requires measures to improve protein and vitamin deficiencies. What are the four pillar of food security?  The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) states that the four pillars of food security are   Availability  Access  Stability   Utilisation COVID-19 and Food Security An invisible crisis is building in the wake of COVID-19. According to a UN report titled The State of Food Security and Nutrition 2020, the pandemic will add 83 – 132 million more people to the total number of undernourished in the world. This is one of the most severe and long-term impacts of the pandemic.  Nationwide lockdowns, extreme weather conditions, altered environment conditions, crop-damaging locust attacks have disturbed food systems. A more significant number of families will be forced to opt for nutrient-low substitutes, resulting in malnourished children and affecting pregnant women and nursing mothers. There is an urgent need for governments and society to address the coming crisis. An additional 135 million people could face acute food insecurity in the coming months, and millions more could lose their jobs. To recover and build resiliency, we must create new innovative food partnerships. How did India’s food system work during Pandemic? During the COVID-19-precipitated lockdown, the FAO, IFAD and the WFP worked in close coordination to support the Government of India’s Empowered Group 5 on facilitating supply chain and logistics management, so necessary items such as food and medicines were available. Over the past few decades, India has gone from being a net importer to a net exporter of food grains. This strength has been evident through the pandemic.  During April to June 2020, Central and State governments were able to distribute around 23 million tonnes from India’s large domestic food grain reserves through Public Distribution System The government also successfully mobilised food rations for 820 million people from April to November 2020, including finding alternate solutions to provide food rations to 90 million schoolchildren.  During Pandemic’s initial days of lockdown, there were efforts to remove bottlenecks in the food supply chain to ensure that agricultural activities weren’t disrupted.  As a result, agriculture grew at 3.4% during the first quarter this financial year and the area cultivated this kharif exceeded 110 million hectares. Challenges Ahead Labour shortages may impact the harvest of upcoming produce leading to shortages Shortage of fertilizers, veterinary medicines and other input could also affect agricultural production. Closures of restaurants diminishes the demand for fresh produce and fisheries products, impacting small & marginal farmers that has long term consequences on Urban areas Food processing sector will face difficulties due to shortage of working capital and workers Countries adopt restrictive trade measures to safeguard their own national food security Restricted trade practices will lead serious disruptions in the world food market resulting in increased price volatility & price hikes. Low-income food-deficit countries will be the worst hit in cased of restrictive global food markets, thus precipitating humanitarian crisis (hunger deaths) Initiatives by India POSHAN Abhiyaan Ministry: Ministry of Women & Child Development  Objective: To improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. FSSAI's Eat Right India movement targets to promote safe and healthy food for everyone in an environmentally sustainable way. It is a part of its mandate to provide safe and wholesome food for all citizens. This will improve the food safety ecosystems and lift the hygiene and health of our citizens Promotion of the production and consumption of nutri-cereals (millets):  High in dietary fibre, nutri-cereals are a powerhouse of nutrients including iron, folate, calcium, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, vitamins and antioxidants. They are not only important for the healthy growth and development of children but have also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes in adults. Usually grown by small and poor farmers on dry, low-fertile, mountainous, tribal and rain-fed areas, millets are good for the soil, have shorter cultivation cycles and require less cost-intensive cultivation. These unique features make millets suited for and resilient to India’s varied agro-climatic conditions. Moreover, unlike rice and wheat, millets are not water or input-intensive, making them a sustainable strategy for addressing climate change and building resilient agri-food systems. The three major millet crops currently growing in India are jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet) and ragi (finger millet). Along with that, India grows a rich array of bio-genetically diverse and indigenous varieties of “small millets” like kodo, kutki, chenna and sanwa. Major producers include Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana. Steps taken by Govt.: The government hiked the MSP of nutri-cereals, which came as a big price incentive for farmers. Included millets in the public distribution system to provide a steady market Running a Rs 600-crore scheme to increase the area, production and yield of nutri-cereals. With a goal to match the cultivation of nutri-cereals with local topography and natural resources, the government is encouraging farmers to align their local cropping patterns to India’s diverse 127 agro-climatic zones. Setting up nutri-gardens, promoting research on the interlinkages between crop diversity and dietary diversity and running a behaviour change campaign to generate consumer demand for nutri-cereals. Elimination of trans-fat from the food supply chain Aim is to make India free of trans-fat by 2022, a year ahead of WHO's target. Present in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils such as vanaspati, shortening and margarine, trans-fat is a major contributor to the rise in non-communicable diseases in India The Way Forward Investing in nutrition is a fast and smart strategy to drive development, address poverty and protect human rights. The World Bank says that the return of nutritional investments can be as high as 1: 35 – that’s a Rs 35 return on every rupee invested in a quality diet. The FAO recommends improved information systems and collaborating with the private sector to solve distribution problems.   Nutrition-centric programmes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and mid-day meals need to keep going strong even though Anganwadi Centres and schools (nodal agencies for the schemes) might not open soon.  As frontline warriors, India’s 1.4 million Anganwadi workers, who are the core of India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, play an essential role in breaking the cycle of malnourishment by identifying under nourished children in the local communities and providing sustainable learning to mothers and families on basic, health, nutrition, immunisation, the importance of micronutrients to combat malnutrition in India. To improve the nutritional status in rural India, more support must be provided to empower the Anganwadi workers. Providing access to digital technology and financial benefits can help multiply the difference they make in addressing the nutritional crisis. The technology will enable them to review their interventions better and prioritise their actions for improved outcomes. Inter-state collaboration and learning can be a viable solution in India’s case. For ex: States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have responded well even during lockdown times by providing dry ration, under these schemes, from door-to-door.  Direct cash transfers into the accounts of eligible beneficiaries have worked in states like Rajasthan to reduce stunting, wasting and underweight among children and can be launched at the national level.  Successful and sustained nutrition initiatives need the collaboration of government agencies, non-governmental organisations, policymakers, schools, civil society, food industry, and media. These partnerships will ensure attain the long-standing goal of zero malnutrition. Note: A. Sustainable Development Goal 2 – “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture” B. In the year 2020 FAO is celebrating 75 years of fighting hunger in over 130 countries IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) become the first UN agency to receive a credit rating The World Food Programme (WFP) was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace C. 2020 Nobel Peace Prize: To the UN agency World Food Programme (WFP), “for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war and conflict”. Established in 1961 Headquartered in Rome, Italy Months after it was set up, the WFP faced a humanitarian crisis when more than 12,000 people died in an earthquake in Boein Zahra in northern Iran. The WFP sent tonnes of wheat, sugar and tea. Thereafter, it played an important role in providing food aid in Thailand and Algeria. Launched its first development programme in 1963 for Nubians in Sudan. In the same year, the WFP’s first school meals project – in Togo – was approved. Two years later, WFP became a full-fledged UN programme. Today, the WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency combating hunger. D. According to State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2020 report – The world is not on track to meet the goal of zero hunger by 2030. Around 8-13 crore people globally are likely to go hungry this year due to the economic recession triggered by COVID­19. Almost 690 million people around the world went hungry in 2019. (up by 1 crore in 2018) Hunger continues to be on the rise since 2014 and the global prevalence of undernourishment, or overall percentage of hungry people, is 8.9%. Asia remains home to the greatest number of under nourished (38 crore). Africa is second (25 crore), followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (4.8 crore). SOFI report is a join report issued annually by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, UNICEF, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization. E. FAO supported India's proposal to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Global Hunger Index (GHI) Report  Prepared by the Concern Worldwide (an Irish agency) and the Welt Hunger Hilfe (a German organization)  The report is based on four GHI indicators namely, undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality.  India’s child wasting rate was extremely high at 20.8% – the highest  India’s rank has slipped from 95th position (in 2010) to 102nd (in 2019) F. Child wasting: Child wasting refers to the share of children under the age of five who are wasted, i.e, they have low weight with respect to their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.  Connecting the Dots: Hunger is not related as much to food production as to access and distribution. Comment.  What do you understand by ‘hidden hunger’? Which sections of the population are affected most by hidden hunger? Analyze.

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [3rd DECEMBER,2020] Day 46: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [3rd DECEMBER,2020] Day 46: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. How does plate tectonics lead to orogeny? Illustrate. Approach: It is straiforward question where it expects students to illustrate how does plate tectonics process leads to orogeny. Try to draw diagram in such questions. In end for extra information we mentioned ongoing orogenies examples. Introduction: Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of seven large plates and the movements of a larger number of smaller plates of Earth's lithosphere, since tectonic processes began on Earth between 3.3 and 3.5 billion years ago. Body: Orogeny: Mountains Created by Plate Tectonics: The Earth is made up of layers of rock and minerals. The surface of the Earth is called the crust. Just below the crust is the upper mantle. The upper mantle, like the crust, is relatively hard and solid. The crust and upper mantle together are called the lithosphere. While the lithosphere doesn't flow like lava, it can change. This happens when gigantic plates of rock, called tectonic plates, move and shift. Tectonic plates can collide, separate, or slide along one another. When this occurs, the Earth's surface experiences earthquakes, volcanoes, and other major events. Orogeny (or-ROJ-eny), or orogenesis, is the building of continental mountains by plate-tectonic processes that squeeze the lithosphere. It may also refer to a specific episode of orogeny during the geologic past. Even though tall mountain peaks from ancient orogenies may erode away, the exposed roots of those ancient mountains show the same orogenic structures that are detected beneath modern mountain ranges.  In classical plate tectonics, plates interact in exactly three different ways: they push together (converge), pull apart, or slide past each other. Orogeny is limited to convergent plate interactions; in other words, orogeny occurs when tectonic plates collide. The long regions of deformed rocks created by orogenies are called orogenic belts, or orogens. In actuality, plate tectonics is not at all that simple. Large areas of the continents can deform in blends of convergent and transform motion, or in diffused ways that do not give distinct borders between plates. Orogens can be bent and altered by later events, or severed by plate breakups. The discovery and analysis of orogens is an important part of historical geology and a way to explore plate-tectonic interactions of the past that do not occur today. Ongoing Orogenies examples: The Mediterranean Ridge is the result of the African plate sub ducting (sliding) underneath the Eurasian plate and other smaller microplates. If it continues, it will eventually form extremely high mountains in the Mediterranean.  The Andean Orogeny has been occurring for the past 200 million years, although the Andes have only arisen in the past 65 million years. The orogeny is the result of the Nazca plate sub ducting underneath the South American plate.  The Himalayan Orogeny started as the Indian subcontinent began moving towards the Asian plate 71 million years ago. The collision between the plates, which is still ongoing, has created the largest landform of the past 500 million years; the combined Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan Mountain range. These landforms, along with the Sierra Nevada range of North America, may have induced a global cooling around 40 million years ago. As more rock is lifted to the surface, more carbon dioxide is sequestered from the atmosphere to chemically weather it, thus decreasing Earth's natural greenhouse effect.  Conclusion: Orogenic belts can form from the collision of an oceanic and continental plate or the collision of two continental plates. There are quite a few ongoing orogenies and several ancient ones that have left long-lasting impressions on the Earth's surface.  2. How do local weather conditions affect pollution? Discuss with the help of suitable examples.  Approach: As the directive here is discuss, it is necessary to cover the topic from various angles. In the introduction in brief tell what is pollution and what are major forms pollution. In the main body part explain those local weather conditions which affect pollution. Giving a way forward with relative examples will fetch you more marks.  Introduction: Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Major forms of pollution include air pollution, light pollution, litter, noise pollution, plastic pollution, soil contamination, radioactive contamination, thermal pollution, visual pollution, and water pollution.  Body: There are six components of weather:  Effect of local weather conditions on pollution:  Atmospheric Pressure: Atmospheric pressure affects the level of rise or fall of air pollutants. During high atmospheric pressure systems, the air is usually still which allows pollution levels to build up but during low pressure systems the weather is often wet and windy, causing pollutants to be dispersed or washed out of the atmosphere by rain.  For instance, with the onset of winter in Delhi and nearby region, atmospheric pressure is high which makes the air still, thereby it increases the pollution level due to stabilisation of air. Wind: Pollutants tend to pile up in calm conditions, when wind speeds are not more than about 10kmph. Speeds of 15kmph or more favour dispersal of pollutants, which, literally, clears the air. Winds of up to 35kmph brought AQI down from 458 ('severe') to 215 ('poor') in less than 48 hours in Delhi. Temperature: Hot air rises while cold air stays close to the ground. This is why pollution in north India peaks in winter. Temperatures are the key determinant of 'mixing height' - which is the depth of the layer of air closest to the ground within which pollutants and aerosols move. In cold conditions, pollutants are trapped close to the ground because of low mixing height. The effect of temperature  is also connected to the water pollution and soil pollution, as in the cooler regions there is less scope for microorganisms activity. Which increases the degrading time of organic contents. There by it increases the pollution in water as well as in soil.  Cloudiness: In general, overcast skies lead to cool days and low mixing heights while sunny days have the opposite effect. Most smog episodes in NCR this month coincided with cloudy skies. Low clouds increase humidity, which can lead to fog formation. Rain washes away pollutants and can quickly clean the air. It also supplements cleaning of water pollution by increasing the fresh flow of water.  However, wet spells leave behind high humidity, which can lead to fog under calm winds. Fog increases pollution as water droplets act as secondary particles interacting with pollutants.  Humidity affects the natural deposition of particulate matter in the air. With an increase in humidity, the size of the particulate matter also increases. Eventually, it becomes too heavy to remain in the air and begins to fall off. This is what is called the dry deposition of particulate matter. These types of pollution affects the human health as shown in following Figure 1: Figure 1: Adverse effects of pollution on human health As the types and  sources of pollution are diverse their solutions are diverse, solutions and government initiatives to tackle the menace of pollution are as mentioned below:  Appropriate political will and aware citizenry is a prerequisite to tackle the menace, otherwise, all the measures will remain on paper only and greater public transparency is essential to the success of winning the war on air pollution. The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) is a national initiative introduced by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to measure the air quality of a metropolitan city, by measuring the overall pollution level and the location-specific air quality of the city. An active citizen is better watchdog, a citizen centric pollution monitoring will not only help to tackle the issue of pollution but it will also reduce the pollution also. All compreshive approach of Reduce, Reuse and recycle is necessary. Conclusion: Our planet and resources on it make life possible on earth. If we lose these resources, it would hard for human to survive on earth. However, with increasing level of pollution these resources are either getting destroyed or are depleting with fast pace. We only have one planet, to save it, it is necessary to have a well worked out plan. Tackling the  menace of pollution would not only help the humankind to survive but will also help to conserve our beautiful planet in its true essence.   3. What are the pieces of evidence of seafloor spreading? Discuss. Approach - It expects students to write about seafloor spreading and pieces of evidence of seafloor spreading. Introduction Seafloor spreading is a process that occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed through volcanic activity and then gradually moves away from the ridge. The idea that the seafloor itself moves (and carries the continents with it) as it expands from a central axis was proposed by Harry Hess. Body Mechanism of seafloor spreading:  Seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift in the theory of plate tectonics. When oceanic plates diverge, tensional stress causes fractures to occur in the lithosphere. Basaltic magma rises up the fractures and cools on the ocean floor to form new seafloor. Older rocks will be found farther away from the spreading zone while younger rocks will be found nearer to the spreading zone. Pieces of evidence of seafloor spreading: Origin and composition of rocks: The rocks obtained on land were having similar characteristics to that of oceanic rocks. The composition of rocks contain various minerals and deposits that are of oceanic origin. This gives evidence of the way the rocks were formed. Mid oceanic ridges: Mid oceanic ridges discovered under sea provides evidence of Magma activity that resulted in formation of rocks. The rock cycle provides the indication of rock recycling. The width of ridges vary continuously indicating an intense activity shows evidence of seafloor spreading. Wagner’s theory: Wegner proposed continental drift theory that gave evidence of how continental mass separated. The force or event that resulted in continental drift was explained by sea floor spreading. Thus, both theories filled the missing pieces of the puzzle. Evidence From Drilling Samples: The final proof of sea-floor spreading came from rock samples obtained by drilling into the ocean floor. The Glomar Challenger, a drilling ship built in 1968, gathered the samples. The youngest rocks were always in the center of the ridges. This showed that sea-floor spreading really has taken place. Modern study: Latest studies have indicated that continents are moving away from each other. The rock samples collected from deep oceans are younger in nature. This shows that new crust is continuously formed and old ones destroyed. The age of rocks of continents are older than that of ocean. Evidence From Molten Material: In the 1960s, scientists found evidence that new material is indeed erupting along mid-ocean ridges. Such rocks form only when molten material hardens quickly after erupting under water. These rocks showed that molten material has erupted again and again along the mid-ocean ridge. Subduction – Process by which the ocean floor sinks beneath a deep-ocean trench and back into the mantle; allows part of the ocean floor to sink back into the mantle. Deep-Ocean Trench – This occurs at subduction zones. Deep underwater canyons form where oceanic crust bends downward. Shows evidence of seafloor spreading. Conclusion Seafloor spreading helps explain continental drift in the theory of plate tectonics. Sea floor spreading proposed the magma as the cause of new crust and subduction of crust at the ocean-continent boundaries. This was further expanded by scholars to propose plates and their movement due to this magma. It is these tectonic plates and not the continents that have been moving since the inception of earth. 4. While discussing their origin, explain the differences between tsunami and tides. Approach: Students are expected to write about the differences between tsunami and tide with reference to their origin.  Introduction: Although both are sea waves and it is assumed that there is no difference between a tide and a tsunami, but actually both are two different and unrelated phenomena. While both of the waves carry the power of destruction, the greatest difference is how each is born. A tidal wave is directly impacted by the atmosphere and it is a ‘shallow water wave’ however Tsunamis is an ocean wave and are powered by a geological force. Body: Differences between tsunami and tides: Difference Tsunami Tides Origin The principal generation mechanism of a tsunami is the displacement of a substantial volume of water or perturbation of the sea. This displacement of water is usually attributed to either earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, glacier calving.  The origin of the tsunami is much deeper. It is caused by a deep disturbance along the ocean floor. The deeper origin of the tsunami creates a more emphatic wave. It will often carry itself across hundreds, or even thousands, of miles of ocean before making landfall. The tsunami has the potential to develop anywhere. The placement of the earthquake or landslide, or even the unique event of an underwater eruption, compels the start of the wave. Just like the tidal wave, the tsunami also follows the currents.  A tide is directly impacted by the atmosphere. The correlating factors between the sun, moon, and Earth cause a disturbance in the sea, and a ‘shallow water wave’ is formed which is called tide. Shallow water waves imply that the development of a tidal wave is much closer to the shoreline of a land mass, that will ultimately be in its path. The tidal wave has what we would call regional preferences. It is unlikely that a tidal wave would make landfall in areas of temperate climates, or northern countries. The various elements which cause its development form, in their precise manner, in lower latitudes, creating a higher possibility for landfall in places like the West Indies, for example. The tidal wave follows the currents, and therefore, is only able to strike areas within the current flow. Intensity Tsunamis can have wavelengths of up to 200 kilometres and can travel over 800 kilometres per hour. When tsunamis approach shallow water near land masses, the speed decreases, and the amplitude increases very rapidly. The intensity of a changing tide is noticeable only in certain parts where it’s high enough (As high as 55 feet in the Bay of Fundy, Canada) Location A majority of tsunamis (80%) occur in the Pacific Ocean but can occur in any large body of water if the underlying causes are present. Tidal waves are phenomena seen most at coastal areas. Occurrence Tsunamis occur only when there is seismic disturbance in large water bodies. Tsunami originate in deep sea under impact of crustal movement Tidal waves occur daily at a coastal area Tide originate on surface of water under impact of gravity of moon and the sun Size Tsunami become giant wave on reaching the shore Tides may become big but not as big as Tsunami Potential Tsunami usually leads to destruction and disaster along coastline. Example-The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was among the deadliest natural disasters in human history. At least 230,000 people killed or missing in 14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean. Tides can be harnessed to create energy, transportation for inland ports etc Frequency Tsunami are non-frequent and occurs only due to disturbance in natural movement of water body.  Tides are frequent and can be predicted on basis of position of moon and sun i.e spring tide and neap tide. Prediction A tsunami cannot be precisely predicted, even if the magnitude and location of an earthquake is known. Tide prediction method follows the method of harmonic analysis introduced in the 1860s by William Thomson. It is based on the principle of astronomical theories of the motions of Sun and Moon.  Conclusion: Tsunamis, though infrequent, are significant natural hazards that can cause great destruction and loss of life within minutes on shores near and far. The great Sumatra earthquake of 2004, with magnitude 9.1, rated as the world’s third largest recorded earthquake. Tsunami safeguard measure like early warning system, standardised operation protocol, capacity building for rapid deployment of navy and NDRF personnel etc have been developed in the wake of Chennai Tsunami disaster.  5. What are permafrost’s? What is their ecological significance? Discuss. Approach: It is straiforward question where it expects to write about – in first part write what is permafrost – while in second part write permafrost’s ecological significance. Introduction: The principal reason that led to the recent 20,000-tonne oil leak at an Arctic region power plant in Russia that is now being recognised is the sinking of ground surface due to permafrost thaw. Body: Permafrost: Permafrost is ground that remains completely frozen at 0 degrees Celsius or below for at least two years and is defined solely based on temperature and duration. It is composed of rock, sediments, sand, dead plant and animal matter, soil, and varying degrees of ice and is believed to have formed during glacial periods dating several millennia. It is mainly found near the polar zones and regions with high mountains covering parts of Greenland, Alaska, Russia, Northern Canada, Siberia and Scandinavia.  Its thickness reduces progressively towards the south and is affected by a number of other factors, including the Earth’s interior heat, snow and vegetation cover, presence of water bodies, and topography. Ecological significance of permafrost: An estimated 1,700 billion tonnes — twice the amount currently present in the atmosphere — of carbon is locked in all of the world’s permafrost. Even if half of that were to be released to the atmosphere, it would be game over for the climate. Albedo of Snow is high which helps balancing heat budget of earth melting of permafrost will disrupt the balance Health Risk: microbes that have been frozen in the permafrost for millennia can come back to life after the thaw. There has already been the re-emergence of ancient viruses like anthrax, as recently discovered by French and Russian researchers. Roadways are warping and foundation shifting:  Bethel, Alaska, roadways are literally rippling and warping as the ground beneath them becomes less solid. In other places, the melting permafrost is creating craters and sinkholes.  Buildings can lose structural integrity and become unstable even with modest increases in ground temperature, well before all-out melt. In Alaska alone, the destruction of buildings and infrastructure due to permafrost thaw over the next century could cost more than $2 billion, according to a 2017 study Methane and Mysterious craters: Ice like mixtures of methane and water, trapped below and within the permafrost, expands as they warm, heaving up the ground until it erupts. This will be like a ticking time bomb. The upper air circulation due to polar winds might get effected .This will alter movement of temperate cyclones . However, few positives of perma frost melting could include: Reviving ancient plants which were frozen for longest time: In 2012   when researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences sprouted three dozen Silene stenophylla, herby white tundra flowers, from 30,000-year-old fruits. It would promote floral growth in the region, thereby creating additional carbon sink, helping somewhat neutralize the global warming trend. It might provide refuge to the faunal species from neighbouring temperate regions, which too are facing temperature rise. Conclusion: Paris Climate Accord seeks to limit global warming to 2° Celsius rise from 1990 levels. The extent to which permafrost melts would be reflection of the leaders’ commitment and dedication to this target. TLP HOT Synopsis Day 46 PDF

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [5th DECEMBER,2020] – Day 48

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [5th DECEMBER,2020] – Day 48   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. Is cultural nationalism good for a country?  क्या सांस्कृतिक राष्ट्रवाद देश के लिए अच्छा है? 2. Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs.  संस्कृति वह कला है जो विश्वासों के एक समूह को उन्नत करती है। 3. A people without the knowledge of their past, origin and culture is like a tree with no roots.  अपने अतीत, उत्पत्ति और संस्कृति के ज्ञान के बिना एक व्यक्ति बिना जड़ों वाले एक पेड़ की तरह है। 4. Does cultural heritage define the national identity of a country? क्या सांस्कृतिक विरासत किसी देश की राष्ट्रीय पहचान को परिभाषित करती है? 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 :)

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 5th 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

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th December 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) ‘Damaru’ Inspired Lattice Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Culture & GS-III – Sci & Tech In news IIT Kanpur Researchers have developed ‘Damaru’ Inspired Lattice that finds applications in stealth submarines and high speed trains. Sponsored by: A SPARC project of Ministry of Education. Key takeaways With the use of a micro-structured hour-glass shaped meta-structure in the lattice unit, one can get a wider variation of propagation and stop bands. Inspiration of the lattice has come from a two-headed drum called ‘Damaru’ or which is used in ancient Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism.  It is said that Lord Shiva has produced a special sound through this musical instrument to create and regulate the universe. In this application, the researchers have also shown that the nature of stiffness of a vibrating medium could be altered drastically by controlling the lattice micro-structure from regular honeycomb to auxtetic honeycomb structure. This has wide applications in the field of vibration isolation in high speed trains, stealth submarines and helicopter rotors. International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) obtained membership of International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS). With this membership IFSCA would have access to IAIS’s global network and would be able to exchange ideas and information with other global regulators.  This would help in developing a vibrant global Insurance hub in IFSC at GIFT City. Important value addition International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) Established in: 1994 Headquarter: Switzerland. It is a voluntary membership organization of insurance supervisors and regulators from more than 200 jurisdictions, constituting 97% of the world's insurance premiums.  Some of the leading members of IAIS are: (1) United Kingdom- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); (2) USA- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NIAC); (3) India- Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) etc. It is the international standard-setting body responsible for developing and assisting in the implementation of principles, standards and other supporting material for the supervision of the insurance sector. Artpark set up in Bengaluru Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & Tech In news An AI & Robotics Technologies Park (ARTPARK) was recently set up in Bengaluru.  It will promote technology innovations in AI (Artificial Intelligence) & Robotics leading to societal impact by executing ambitious mission mode R&D projects. Key takeaways ARTPARK, is a unique not-for-profit foundation established by Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru with support from AI Foundry in a public-private model. It received seed funding of Rs. 170 Cr ($22mn) from Department of Science & Technology(DST), Govt. of India, under the National Mission on Inter-disciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).  It will bring about collaborative consortium of partners from industry, academia and government bodies. ARTPARK will develop DataSetu - that will enable confidentiality and privacy-preserving framework to share data and run analytics spurring the data-sharing ecosystem and create a data marketplace, boosting AI applications and solutions. Important value addition National Mission on Inter-Disciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) Implemented by: Department of Science & Technology  Period of: five years NM-ICPS covers entire India which includes Central Ministries, State Governments, Industry and Academia. It would address technology development, application development, human resource development & skill enhancement, entrepreneurship and start-up development in Cyber Physical System (CPS) and associated technologies. Aim: Establishment of 15 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIH), six Application Innovation Hubs (AIH) and four Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRP). Four focused areas: (1) Technology Development; (2) HRD & Skill Development; (3) Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Ecosystem Development; (4) International Collaborations. Muni Bonds Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news Bonds issued by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) were listed on the BSE, raising Rs 200 crore for Uttar Pradesh's capital. Key takeaways According to UP Chief Minister, Ghaziabad will be the next to issue a municipal issue and it will be followed by Pragyaraj, Varanasi, Agra and Kanpur. Lucknow is the ninth city in the country to raise capital through municipal bonds. Until now, a cumulative amount of Rs 3,600 crore has been raised via muni bonds in the country.  The money raised using such bonds is typically used for infra projects such as roads, water and housing. In 2015, market regulator SEBI had issued the framework for raising capital by way of muni bonds. Among the key eligibility criteria for issuing these bonds is that the local body shouldn’t have negative net worth in any of the three preceding financial years and shouldn’t have defaulted on payments in the last one year. Indian Peacock Softshell Turtle rescued Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity In news Indian peacock softshell turtle, a turtle of a vulnerable species was rescued from a fish market in Assam’s Silchar. Important value addition The Indian peacock softshell turtle [Nilssonia hurum] is a species of turtle found in South Asia. IUCN Red list status: Vulnerable species. Schedule I species in the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 This species is confined to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. In india, it is widespread in the northern and central parts of the Indian subcontinent. These are found in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds with mud or sand bottoms. Major Threats: (1) Heavily exploited for its meat and calipee; (2) Reduction of fish stock, due to overfishing, pollution, increase in river traffic, and sand-mining, among others. Do you know? According to a report by Guwahati-based conservation NGO, Help Earth, 29 species of turtles have been recorded in India, out of which 20 are found in Assam. SCO Online International Exhibition launched Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity In news Recently, the Vice President of India has launched the first ever SCO Online Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage. Key takeaways Developed by: National Museum, New Delhi, in active collaboration with SCO member countries. Participants: Museums from India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The launch happened during the 19th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of Government (SCO CHG), held in New Delhi. India highlighted that the crossborder terrorism is the biggest challenge for the SCO countries. Buddhist philosophy and art of Central Asia connects SCO countries to each other and presents an excellent opportunity for visitors to access, appreciate and compare Buddhist art antiquities from SCO countries on a single platform. The visitors can explore the Indian Buddhist treasures from the Gandhara and Mathura Schools, Nalanda, Amaravati, Sarnath, etc. in a 3D virtual format. The international exhibition gives a glimpse of the artistic wealth displayed in various museums across Asia and also represents the artistic excellence embedded within an eclectic historical timeline. Important value addition Shanghai Cooperation Organisation It is a permanent intergovernmental international and a Eurasian political, economic and military organization. Aim: To maintain peace, security and stability in the region created in 2001. The SCO is widely regarded as the "Alliance of the East", due to its growing centrality in Asia-Pacific, and has been the primary security pillar of the region. It is the largest regional organisation in the world in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population. Members: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. Observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia. Dialogue Partners: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka. influenza makes people more susceptible to bacterial infections. Influenza makes people more susceptible to bacterial infections: Sweden’s Karolinska Institute Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health In news Recently, researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute have come out with findings on superinfections. They have highlighted that influenza makes people more susceptible to bacterial infections. Key takeaways When an individual is infected by influenza different nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, leak from the blood. The absence of nutrients and antioxidants creates a favourable environment for bacteria in the lungs. The bacteria adapt to the inflammatory environment by increasing the production of an enzyme called High temperature requirement A (HtrA). The presence of HtrA weakens the immune system and promotes bacterial growth in the influenza-infected airways. The ability of pneumococcus to grow seems to depend on the nutrient-rich environment with its higher levels of antioxidants that occurs during a viral infection, as well as on the bacteria’s ability to adapt to the environment and protect itself from being eradicated by the immune system. The results could be used to find new therapies for double infections between the influenza virus and pneumococcal bacteria. The information can contribute to the research on Covid-19. Important value addition Superinfections These are infection occurring after or on top of an earlier infection, especially following treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.  It is an overgrowth of an opportunistic pathogen from the bacterial or yeast imbalance of systemic antibiotics. For example, influenza is caused by a virus, but the most common cause of death in influenza patients is secondary pneumonia, which is caused by bacteria. Influenza It is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system i.e. nose, throat and lungs. It is commonly called the flu. Symptoms: Fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Flu is primarily treated with rest and fluid intake to allow the body to fight the infection  Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk. Pneumonia It is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.  The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus. Cause: Variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. Symptoms: Cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing. The infection can be life-threatening to anyone, but particularly to infants, children and people over 65. (Mains Focus) AGRICULTURE / GOVERNANCE/ FEDERALISM Topic: General Studies 2: 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 Punjab & Haryana farmers’ protests, the core is procurement Context: The Farmers’ protests have erupted once again in north India primarily in opposition to the new farm acts What are the farmer’s concern? Their main worry is about a possible withdrawal of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a dismantling of the public procurement of grains.  They also contend that by leaving farmers to the mercy of the open market, the stage has been set for large private players to take over agriculture. The farmers’ unions want nothing short of a complete withdrawal of the recently enacted Farm Acts, which they claim will ruin small and marginal farmers.  It needs to be noted that the protests are largely in the States of Punjab and Haryana.  What is government’s contention? The government claims that the Acts will only increase options for farmers in the output markets, that the MSP-procurement system will continue, and that there is absolutely no plan to dismantle the system.  To support its claims, the government points to the fact that there is absolutely no mention of either MSP or procurement in the Acts. It is true that a large-scale public procurement of paddy is going on in Punjab as the protests are raging, thus assuaging the fears of farmers in the region. Why are farmers primarily from Punjab & Haryana are protesting vociferously? The Public Distribution System (PDS) is the lifeline in these States. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana are heavily dependent on public procurement and assured price through MSP.  This is far greater than farmers in any other State.  Nearly 88% of the paddy production and 70% of the wheat production in Punjab and Haryana (in 2017-18 and 2018-19) has been absorbed through public procurement. In contrast, in the other major paddy States such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, only 44% of the rice production is procured by public agencies.  In the case of wheat, this percentage is even lower. In the major wheat States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, only a quarter (23%) of the production is procured by public agencies This clearly shows the heavy dependence of farmers in Punjab and Haryana on MSP and the public procurement system. Therefore, any disruption to the system, real or perceived, will cause a major upheaval What are Government’s obligation with regard to Food Security of Nation? Obligation under NFSA: If farmers of Punjab and Haryana need the procurement system, the government needs it even more. This is because of its obligations under the PDS and the National Food Security Act (NFSA) that is a legal and rights-based entitlement. Large Number of people to be supported by PDS: There are nearly 80 crore NFSA beneficiaries and an additional eight crore migrants who need to be supported under the PDS. The government needs an uninterrupted supply of grain, particularly from these two States, to maintain the PDS.  Procurement is needed to supply PDS: In the last three years, nearly 40% of the total paddy production in the country (45 million tons) and 32% of wheat production (34 million tons) has been procured by public agencies to supply the PDS. Impact of Pandemic: This year, due to the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the migrant crisis, the government has earmarked much larger quantities for public distribution — about 58 million tons of rice and 37 million tons of wheat. This translates into nearly half of the rice production (49%) and 35% of the wheat production in the country. Open Market Procurement is not feasible: Due to Pandemic, government needs to procure a huge quantum of grains than in previous years as the government cannot afford to go to the open market. That is a sure recipe for disaster as prices will skyrocket, and with the stock restrictions gone under the recent Essential Commodities Act Amendment, there is a possibility of large-scale hoarding too. Why these States matter for government? If the government intends to procure such huge quantities of grains, then it needs to turn to these two States, because it is these States that have always been in the forefront in supplying grains to procurement agencies.  Nearly 35% of the rice and 62% of the wheat procured in the last three years has been from these States. Also, nearly 50% of the total coarse grains came from these two States.  Thus, the government has little option but to continue its procurement from these States in the foreseeable future. Even after the COVID-19 situation improves and the migrant crisis abates, the obligations under the NFSA will continue. Way Ahead Engage with Protestors: It is clear that dismantling the procurement system is neither in the interests of farmers nor the government. Therefore, it is imperative that the government reaches out to the farmer groups and assures them of the indispensability of MSP-procurement system.  Diversify Procurement: The government has to diversify its procurement away from two States of Punjab & Haryana Build Consensus: The severe trust deficit that resulted from the way the Farm Bills have been rushed through needs to be addressed by adopting a conciliatory approach towards farmers and the States. INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: General Studies 2: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act  Powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies (ECI) NRI Voting Context: The Election Commission (EC) approached the Law Ministry to permit NRIs to cast their votes from overseas through postal ballots. The Commission informed the government that it is “technically and administratively ready” to extend the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) to voters abroad for elections next year in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. What is the current process of voting for Indian citizens living abroad? An NRI can vote in the constituency in which her place of residence, as mentioned in the passport, is located.  She can only vote in person and will have to produce her passport in original at the polling station for establishing identity.  Voting rights for NRIs were introduced only in 2011, through an amendment to the Representation of the People Act 1950. What is current of strength of NRI voters? According to a UN report of 2015, India’s diaspora population is the largest in the world at 16 million people.  Registration of NRI voters, in comparison, has been very low: a little over one lakh overseas Indians registered as voters in India, according to the EC.  In last year’s Lok Sabha elections, roughly 25,000 of them flew to India to vote. If approved, how will voting by postal ballots work for NRIs? According to the EC proposal, any NRI interested in voting through the postal ballot in an election will have to inform the Returning Officer (RO) not later than five days after the notification of the election.  On receiving such information, the RO will dispatch the ballot paper electronically.  The NRI voters will download the ballot paper, mark their preference on the printout and send it back along with a declaration attested by an officer appointed by the diplomatic or consular representative of India in the country where the NRI is resident. It’s not clear, at this moment, if the voter will return the ballot paper herself through ordinary post or drop it off at the Indian Embassy, which may then segregate the envelopes constituency-wise and send them to the Chief Electoral Officer of the state concerned for forwarding to the RO How and when did the proposal originate? The EC began to look for options to enable NRIs to vote from overseas after it received several requests, including one from former Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist Naveen Jindal and the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, and three writ petitions were filed by NRIs in the Supreme Court in 2013 and 2014.  A 12-member committee was set up after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections to study mainly three options — voting by post, voting at an Indian mission abroad and online voting. The committee ruled out online polling as it felt this could compromise “secrecy of voting”.  It also shot down the proposal to vote at Indian missions abroad as they do not have adequate resources.  In 2015, the panel finally recommended that NRIs should be given the “additional alternative options of e-postal ballot and proxy voting”, apart from voting in person. Under proxy voting, a registered elector can delegate his voting power to a representative. The Law Ministry accepted the recommendation on proxy voting. What has been the response of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)? The MEA expressed strong reservations over attesting the declaration that NRI voters will have to send along with their marked ballot papers.  The MEA had said “diplomatic missions do not have the logistical wherewithal to handle attestation for a large number of overseas electors” and that they would have to seek the permission of the host country for organising such activity, which may be difficult in non-democratic countries What happened to the proposal to grant proxy voting rights to overseas electors? The Union Cabinet passed the proposal on proxy voting rights for NRIs in 2017. The government then brought a Bill amending the Representation of the People Act 1950.  The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha and was awaiting Rajya Sabha’s approval when it lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. This proposal hasn’t been revived yet. In its latest letter, the EC pushed only for postal voting rights for NRIs, not proxy voting. To extend the postal voting facility to overseas voters, the government only needs to amend the Conduct of Election Rules 1961. It doesn’t require Parliament’s nod. Conclusion At present, postal ballots are allowed for certain categories of voters living in India. The new proposal is for overseas voters. (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 focused areas of National Mission on Inter-Disciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS): Technology Development HRD & Skill Development Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Ecosystem Development International Collaborations. Select the correct code: 1 and 4 only 1, 2 and 4 only 1,2 3 and 4 2 and 3 only Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding Indian peacock softshell turtle: Its IUCN Red list status is endangered. This species is confined to India and Bangladesh only. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 3rd December 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A Must Read About Special Marriages Act: The Hindu About India’s GDP in recent two quarters: The Hindu

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [2nd DECEMBER,2020] Day 45: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [2nd DECEMBER,2020] Day 45: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What is the CRISPR-Cas9 technique? What are its potential applications? Examine.  Approach:  It is straightforward question where it expects students to write about - in first part write about CRISPR-Cas9 technique - while in second part write about potential applications of CRISPR-Cas9 technique. Introduction: Recently, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2020 was given to two women scientists namely Emmanuelle Charpentier (France) & Jennifer A. Doudna (Germany). The Nobel prize was given to them for the development of a method for genome editing. The two scientists have pioneered the use of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) – Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) system as a gene-editing tool. Body: CRISPR-Cas9 technique: It is a method of genome editing in which genetic genes can be added, deleted, or changed. This system mainly consists of two molecules which are the factors of transformation in DNA. Cas9 is an enzyme used in this method and acts as a molecular scissor and it cuts the strand of DNA from a specific location in the genome to convert the desired DNA. The function of guide RNA is also important in this technique with Cas 9. It is a part of the RNA sequence whose function is to find and bind to a specific sequence of DNA. The guide RNA contains an RNA base that complements the targeted DNA sequence in the genome. It will help diagnose genetic diseases and diseases like cancer, Hepatitis B, HIV. Scientists are still working to determine how it will be used for the general public. Potential applications: Embryonic stem cell and transgenic animals: CRISPR-Cas systems can be used to rapidly and efficiently engineer one or multiple genetic changes to murine embryonic stem cells for the generation of genetically modified mice.  Disease modelling: Disease animal models have been essential resources in advancing the biomedicine field. With the help of genome editing technologies, many applicable models with specific mutations which could mimic clinical phenotypes have been generated. Cancer models: With the help of genome editing tools, numerous studies have been carried out through modifying key genes for generating accurate and specific cancer models. Cancer models are the most effective ways to study mutational functions which result in cancer. Productivity improvement: Continuous decrease in the availability of land and water for agriculture, uncertain weather conditions and a growing population are signals for the urgent need for an alternative approach in the country. In this scenario, scientists are optimistic about the possibilities of genome editing for enhancing crop productivity to overcome the shortcomings of traditional transgenic methods like irregular breeding cycles, lack of precision in intended trait selection and uncertainty in getting desirable mutations. Allergy-free food: Food allergies affect a huge percentage of the population and can be life-threatening in some cases. With CRISPR, it could be possible to make milk, eggs or peanuts that are safe for everyone to eat.  Greener fuels: Gene editing could improve the production of biofuels by algae. Using CRISPR-Cas9, the company Synthetic Genomics has created strains of algae that produce twice as much fat, which is then used to produce biodiesel. In particular, the gene-editing tool allowed scientists to find and remove genes that limit the production of fats. Eradicating pests: CRISPR could help us control the numbers of animal species that transmit infectious diseases or that are invasive in a particular ecosystem. The gene-editing technology can be used to create ‘gene drives’ that ensure a genetic modification will be inherited by all the offspring, spreading throughout an animal population over several generations. Conclusion: This CRISPR technology is indeed a path-breaking technology, to alter genes in order to tackle a number of conventional and unconventional problems, especially in the health sector. However, experiments and tests to validate its use must be subjected to appropriate scrutiny by the regulators, and their use must be controlled to prevent commercial misuse. 2. What are the commercial prospects of IoT in India? What are the challenges in its adoption? Discuss. Approach: As the directive here is discuss it is necessary to consider various angles and provide a solution to challenges. In the introduction you can start by explaining what is IoT. In the first half of main body part give commercial prospective applications of IoT in India. In the next half give challenges. A brief way forward with conclusion will fetch you more  marks.  Introduction: Internet of Things (IoT) is the interconnection of digital devices, electronic appliances, human, machines,  and other objects with one another across a wireless networks. It is the next step in evolution of internet and has the potential to improve public utility services thereby improve their efficiency. Body: Commercial prospects of IoT in India:  As per Nasscom, the Indian IoT market is expected to reach $15 billion by 2020 and constitute 5 % of the global market. Investing in IoT will boost India’s economy on par with global leaders. Many of global counterparts have already begun reaping the rewards of investing in IoT-based infrastructure. It will bring in investments, boost job creation and improve Indian public infrastructure. With a network of interconnected devices, the economy becomes digital, the healthcare network and services will get interconnected. For instance, voice-enabled systems to remind people to take their medication in time. It has tremendous potential to improve commercial prospects for the  care/service of vulnerable sections of society. For instance, Japan is using humanoid smart robots as elder care robots.  In the field of agriculture, it can be used to improve overall productivity by having enhanced weather forecasting, soil nutrient content, pest infestation, etc. Besides in Industry, IoT can be used to reduce human error, increase efficiency, and improve productivity, etc.   Commercial prospects of IoT in the transportation sector has humongous potential. It has commercial prospects to  revolutionise the transportation sector. For instance, IoT can be used on toll booths, traffic management, driverless cars, etc. Also, Indian government has outlined a plan to leverage IoT as part of the Digital India mission and the  National Digital Communications Policy has come out with a machine-to-machine (M2M) roadmap, with an aim to put regulators, industry agencies that develop standards, users and manufacturers on the same page. Challenges in adoption of IoT: Complexity: The designing, developing, and maintaining and enabling the large technology to IoT system is quite complicated. Evolution of IoT faces the threat of data security. The Data Protection framework submitted by the Justice Srikrishna Committee had provisions for personal data protection. Job loss threat: Automation in Industries will naturally bring in job losses. It will lead to replacement of humans with machines.  Lack of Transparency: As per IoT Security Foundation report, many of the IoT brands did not want to share vulnerabilities in their application/service with the public.  Adaptation only with Artificial Intelligence: Processing the tremendous amount of real-time IoT data is possible only through artificial intelligence or AI algorithms. If AI systems power essential functions of smart cities, preventing hackers and miscreants from accessing it and manipulating its data still remains a challenge. Specifically with respect to India, its data security concerns are widened as Justice BN Srikrishna commission recommended Aadhaar Act 2016 should be amended to ensure the autonomy of the UIDAI and to "bolster data protection". Justice BN Srikrishna commission also expressed concerns citing RTI act. It also recommended that RTI Act 2003 should be amended so, that there is no obligation to reveal personal information which was not related to "public activity or interest". Although IoT technology has tremendous potential to change the world, with greater advantage comes a potential risk to privacy. Hence, following steps are needed to be taken up:  Across the world, legislators, device manufacturers, and law enforcement agencies should come together to figure out how to benefit from IoT while mitigating risks.  The government also permitted 100% FDI in the telecom sector. This should also aid the development of IoT in India. The Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeiTY) also published a draft policy for IoT in India. Which needs to be modified as per requirement of the time.  Conclusion: IoT technology has the potential to facilitate the 'convergence of real and virtual world'. An integrated, concerted and collaborative policy approach is necessary to fully utilise the potential of IoT. It will not only  boost growth and development of India but it will also ensure better facilitation of products and services to the Indian citizens thereby easing their lives.  3. What are the challenges posed by deepfakes? What can be the possible strategy to counter it? Suggest. Approach - It expects students to write about deepfakes and its challenges, also suggest possible strategy to counter it. Introduction The word deepfake combines the terms “deep learning” and “fake,” and is a form of artificial intelligence. In simplistic terms, deepfakes are falsified videos made by means of deep learning. Deep learning is “a subset of AI,” and refers to arrangements of algorithms that can learn and make intelligent decisions on their own. This technology can be used to make people believe something is real when it is not. Body Challenges posed by deepfakes: Damage to Personal Reputation: Deepfake can depict a person indulging in antisocial behaviours and saying vile things. These can have severe implications on their reputation, sabotaging their professional and personal life. Even if the victim could debunk the deep fake, it may come too late to remedy the initial harm. Further, Deepfakes can be deployed to extract money, confidential information, or exact favours from individuals. Disrupting Electioneering - A high-quality deepfake can inject compelling false information that can cast a shadow of illegitimacy over the voting process and election results. Leaders can also use them to increase populism and consolidate power. Deepfakes can become a very effective tool to sow the seeds of polarisation, amplifying division in society, and suppressing dissent.  Undermining Democracy - A deepfake can also aid in altering the democratic discourse and undermine trust in institutions and impair diplomacy. False information about institutions, public policy, and politicians powered by a deepfake can be exploited to spin the story and manipulate belief. Targeting Women - The malicious use of a deepfake can be seen in pornography, inflicting emotional, reputational, and in some cases, violence towards the individual. Pornographic deep fakes can threaten, intimidate, and inflict psychological harm and reduce women to sexual objects. Deepfake pornography majorly targets women. New Front of Warfare - A deepfake could act as a powerful tool by a nation-state to undermine public safety and create uncertainty and chaos in the target country. Nation-state actors with geopolitical aspirations, ideological believers, violent extremists, and economically motivated enterprises can manipulate media narratives using deepfakes. It can be used by insurgent groups and terrorist organisations, to represent their adversaries as making inflammatory speeches or engaging in provocative actions to stir up anti-state sentiments among people. Catfish accounts - Catfishing refers to the practice of setting up fictitious online profiles most often for the purpose of luring another into a fraudulent romantic relationship. Spreading distrust - Distrust through victimisation, extortion business, factual relativism, communal chaos, hate speeches Possible strategy to tackle deepfakes -  Detect and amplify: We also need easy-to-use and accessible technology solutions to detect deepfakes, authenticate media, and amplify authoritative sources. Need for Regulation: Meaningful regulations with a collaborative discussion with the technology industry, civil society, and policymakers can facilitate disincentivizing the creation and distribution of malicious deep fakes. Technological Interventions: There is also a need for easy-to-use and accessible technology solutions to detect deep fakes, authenticate media, and amplify authoritative sources. Enhancing Media Literacy: Media literacy for consumers and journalists is the most effective tool to combat disinformation and deep fakes. Improving media literacy is a precursor to addressing the challenges presented by deepfakes. As consumers of media, they must have the ability to decipher, understand, translate, and use the information. Even a short intervention with media understanding, learning the motivations and context, can lessen the damage. Conclusion To counter the menace of deepfakes, we all must take the responsibility to be a critical consumer of media on the Internet, think and pause before we share on social media, and be part of the solution to this infodemic. To defend the truth and secure freedom of expression, there is a need for a multi-stakeholder and multi-modal approach. Collaborative actions and collective techniques across legislative regulations, platform policies, technology intervention, and media literacy can provide effective and ethical countermeasures to mitigate the threat of malicious deep fakes. 4. What are the applications of big data in governance? In this regard, discuss the recommendations of Kris Gopalan panel. Approach: Students are expected to write about the applications of big data in governance in first part, and discuss the recommendations of Kris Gopalan panel in the second part. Introduction: Big data is a term that describes the large volume of data – both structured and unstructured – that inundates a business on a day-to-day basis. Big data can be analysed for insights that lead to better decisions and strategic moves. The use and adoption of big data within governmental processes allows efficiencies in terms of cost, productivity, and innovation. Data analysis often requires multiple parts of government (central and local) to work in collaboration and create new and innovative processes to deliver the desired outcome. Body: By implementing a big data platform, governments can access vast amounts of relevant important information of daily functions. Applications of big data in governance: Income tax dept has initiated Project insight. Under this project an integrated data warehousing business intelligence platform being rolled out in phased manner. Under this project a dedicated compliance portal would be used to capture response on compliance issue in structured manner for effective compliance monitoring and evaluation. It shows the transparency attribute of good governance.   National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) an Information Technology (IT)-enabled platform, is being created to help the security and law enforcement agencies across the country by sharing information relating to crime in real time and keep track of such incidents in the best interest of national security. It will use modern technologies like big data and to analyse vast amounts of data to track suspected terrorist and crime related activities to help prevent them. It shows the responsive nature of good governance.  GeoMGNREGA’, as geo-tagging of assets created under MGNREGA is known, involves generation of an asset ID after completion of work and marking it as a primary asset. Geo-tagging of completed assets is done through the Bhuvan mobile platform, which involves capturing of the GPS location of the asset along with two photographs. It shows the transparency and accountability attributes of good governance.  Smart city’s network would be based on Big Data. Big data systems are stored, processed, and mined in smart cities efficiently to produce information to enhance different smart city services. In addition, big data can help decision makers plan for any expansion in smart city services, resources, or areas. It shows the Effective and efficient attributes of good governance.  The government has rolled out the direct benefits transfer scheme (DBT) in various states where benefits and subsidies are transferred to the bank accounts seeded with the Aadhaar numbers of the individuals directly in order to do away with the intermediaries involved in the flow of funds, thereby reducing leakages. It shows the transference attribute of good governance.  CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Network Tracking System) is an e-governance project under the Digital India mission which seeks to use IT for better provision of citizen-centric services, connect about 14000 police stations across the country and facilitate investigation, detection and prevention of crime. It shows the accountable attribute of good governance.  Recommendations of Kris Gopalan panel  The Committee has defined three categories of Non-Personal Data – 1) Public Non-Personal Data 2) Community Non-Personal Data & 3) Private Non-Personal Data. The Committee has also defined a new concept of ‘sensitivity of Non-Personal Data’, as even Non-Personal Data could be sensitive from the following perspectives – 1) It relates to national security or strategic interests. The Committee recommends that the data principal should also provide consent for anonymisation and usage of this anonymized data while providing consent for collection and usage of his/her personal data. Define Non-Personal Data Roles Articulating a legal basis for establishing rights over Non-Personal Data and Create a new category / taxonomy of business called ‘Data Business’ that collects, process, store, or otherwise manages data, and meets certain threshold criteria. Data Business is a horizontal classification and not an independent industry sector. Many existing businesses in various sectors, collecting data beyond a threshold level, will get categorized as a Data Business. Data Businesses will provide, within India, open access to meta-data and regulated access to the underlying data. The compliance process will be light-weight and fully digital. Data Sharing Purpose or Sovereign purpose in this, Data may be requested for purposes of national security, legal purposes, etc. Core Public Interest purpose – Data may be requested for community benefits or public goods, research and innovation, policy making, for better delivery of public-services etc. Data may be requested in order to encourage competition and provide a level playing field or encourage innovation through start-ups activities (economic welfare purpose), or for a fair monetary consideration as part of a well-regulated data market. Conclusion: ‘Governance’ is the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented or not implemented. Big data technology is vitally important for governments. It can’t solve every problem, but it’s a step in the right direction. It’s giving leaders the tools necessary to enact important changes that will be of benefit for citizens now and in the future. 5. What is the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)? What are its objectives? Approach:  It is straightforward question where it expects students to write about - in first part write about Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) - while in second part mention it's objectives. Introduction: India joins Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) as a founding member to support the responsible and human-centric development and use of AI. Body: Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI): GPAI is an international and multi-stakeholder initiative to guide the responsible development and use of AI, grounded in human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth. It is the league of leading economies including India, USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, and Singapore. GPAI will be supported by a Secretariat, to be hosted by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, as well as by two Centres of Expertise- one each in Montreal and Paris. This is also the first initiative of its type for evolving better understanding of the challenges and opportunities around AI using the experience and diversity of participating countries. Objectives of GPAI: Initiative will look to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities. In collaboration with partners and international organizations, it will bring together leading experts from industry, civil society, governments, and academia to collaborate to promote responsible evolution of AI. It will help to evolve methodologies to show how AI can be leveraged to better respond to the present global crisis around COVID-19. Conclusion: By joining GPAI as a founding member, India will actively participate in the global development of Artificial Intelligence, leveraging upon its experience around use of digital technologies for inclusive growth.   TLP HOT Synopsis Day 45 PDF

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd December 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Third stimulus package for Mission Covid Suraksha Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions  In news The Indian Government recently announced the third stimulus package of Rs. 900 Crore for the Mission COVID Suraksha - The Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission. This grant will be provided to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for Research & Development of Indian COVID-19 vaccines. Important value addition Mission COVID Suraksha - The Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission The COVID-19 Vaccine development Mission with end-to-end focus from preclinical development through clinical development and manufacturing and regulatory facilitation for deployment would consolidate all available and funded resources towards an accelerated product development. Led by: Department of Biotechnology  Implemented by: Mission Implementation Unit at Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) The existing activities under National Bio Pharma Mission (NBM) and Ind-CEPI Mission will provide complementary strengths to this Mission. MARCOS being deployed in the Eastern Ladakh Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Defence & Security In news MARCOS are being deployed in the Eastern Ladakh alongside the Indian Army against the Chinese military.  They are present in the vicinity of the Pangong Tso lake where they will soon be conducting missions using boats. Important value addition  The Marine Commandos are abbreviated as MARCOS and officially called the Marine Commando Force (MCF). It is the special forces unit of the Indian Navy that is responsible for conducting special operations. MARCOS was founded in February 1987.  MARCOS are capable of operating in all types of environments; at sea, in air and on land. The force has gradually acquired experience and an international reputation for professionalism.  The MARCOS regularly undertake specialised maritime operations in Jammu and Kashmir through the Jhelum River and Wular Lake. Migrant workers engaged in Honey Mission Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions  In news Responding to the Prime Minister’s call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) engaged hundreds of migrant workers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar with its flagship scheme like Honey Mission. The distressed migrant workers who were engaged with KVIC’s Honey Mission in Uttar Pradesh in the month of August, have reaped their first honey harvest and are awaiting a bumper yield. Important value addition  Honey Mission Aim of the Honey Mission: Creating employment for farmers, Adivasis, women and unemployed youth by roping them with beekeeping and increasing India’s honey production. Launched by: KVIC 3 years ago Under the Honey Mission, KVIC provides training and 10 bee boxes with live colonies to beneficiaries including farmers, beekeepers and unemployed youth.  KVIC also runs beekeeping training programmes and courses. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)  It is a statutory body formed in April 1957 (as per an RTI) by the Government of India, under the Act of Parliament, 'Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956'.  It is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.  Vision – To plan, promote, facilitate, organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development wherever necessary. In April 1957, it took over the work of former All India Khadi and Village Industries Board. Head office: Mumbai Six zonal offices: Delhi, Bhopal, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati.  US drugmaker Moderna applies for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & Tech In news US drugmaker Moderna said it was applying for emergency use authorisation for its Covid-19 vaccine.  In India, Serum Institute of India, which is trialling a version of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, has said it expects to seek emergency use authorisation within the next two weeks. Key takeaways Vaccines, medicines, diagnostic tests and medical devices, require the approval of a regulatory authority before they can be administered.  In India, the regulatory authority is the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). For vaccines and medicines, approval is granted after an assessment of their safety and effectiveness, based on data from trials.  This is a long process, designed to ensure that a medicine or vaccine is absolutely safe and effective. In emergency situations, like COVID-19, regulatory authorities around the world have developed mechanisms to grant interim approvals if there is sufficient evidence to suggest a medical product is safe and effective. Final approval is granted only after completion of the trials and analysis of full data; until then, emergency use authorisation (EUA) allows the medicine or the vaccine to be used on the public. Apex Committee For Implementation Of Paris Agreement (AIPA) constituted Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment In news The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has constituted a high-level inter-ministerial Apex Committee for Implementation of Paris Agreement (AIPA) under the chairmanship of Secretary, MoEFCC. Key takeaways Purpose: To generate a coordinated response on climate change matters that ensures India is on track towards meeting its obligations under the Paris Agreement including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Senior officials from fourteen ministries will serve as Members to AIPA who will oversee the progress in implementation of India’s NDC Key functions: (1) Operate as a National Authority to regulate carbon markets in India under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement; (2) Formulate guidelines for consideration of projects or activities under Article 6; (3) Issue guidelines on carbon pricing, market mechanism, and other similar instruments that have a bearing on climate change and NDCs. World Malaria Report, 2020 released Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health In news The World Malaria Report (WMR), 2020 was recently released by WHO.  It indicates that India has made considerable progress in reducing its malaria burden. Key takeaways India is the only high endemic country which has reported a decline of 17.6% in 2019 as compared to 2018. The Annual Parasitic Incidence (API) reduced by 27.6% in 2018 compared to 2017 and by 18.4% in 2019 as compared to 2018.  India has sustained API less than one since year 2012. India has also contributed to the largest drop in cases region-wide, from approximately 20 million to about 6 million.  The percentage drop in the malaria cases was 71.8% and deaths was 73.9% between 2000 to 2019. India achieved a reduction of 83.34% in malaria morbidity and 92% in malaria mortality between the year 2000 and 2019, thereby achieving Goal 6 of the Millennium Development Goals (50-75% decrease in case incidence between 2000 and 2019). States of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh disproportionately accounted for nearly 45.47% of malaria cases and 70.54% of falciparum Malaria cases in 2019.  64% of malaria deaths were also reported from these states. Do you know? WHO has initiated the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) initiative in 11 high malaria burden countries, including India.  Implementation of HBHI initiative has been started in four states i.e. West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in July, 2019. National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) was launched in India in 2016 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2017-22) was launched by the Health Ministry in July, 2017 which laid down strategies for the next five years. Miscellaneous Kaavan Following years of public outcry and campaigning, the "world's loneliest elephant" embarked on a mammoth move from Pakistan to retirement in a Cambodian sanctuary. Kaavan is dubbed the "world's loneliest elephant" after languishing alone for years in a Pakistani zoo. BNT162b2 Britain became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for use. It will be rolled out from early next week. The British regulator Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) declared that the vaccine offers protection of up to 95% and is safe to be used for immunisation against Covid-19. The American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech last month concluded phase 3 study of their mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine candidate BNT162b2, meeting all primary efficacy endpoints. It is an RNA vaccine composed of nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding a mutated form of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, and is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. (Mains Focus) HEALTH / GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Antimicrobial Resistance Context: While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our daily lives, a silent pandemic (AMR) has been brewing in the background for decades In India, the largest consumer of antibiotics in the world, this is a serious problem.  AMR Data Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is growing at an alarming rate. Globally, about 35% of common human infections have become resistant to available medicines.  About 700,000 people die every year because available antimicrobial drugs — antibiotics, antivirals, antiparasitic and antifungals — have become less effective at combating pathogens.  Resistance to second- and third-line antibiotics — the last lines of defence against some common diseases — are projected to almost double between 2005 and 2030.  According to a study published in The Lancet, an estimated 58,000 new-born children die annually from sepsis in India alone because antibiotics can no longer treat certain bacterial infections. Reasons Natural process catalyzed: Microorganisms develop resistance to antimicrobial agents as a natural defence mechanism. But, human activity has significantly accelerated the process. Misuse of Antibodies: The misuse and overuse of antimicrobials for humans, livestock and agriculture is probably the biggest reason for this, but other factors also contribute. Waste releases:  Once consumed, up to 80% of antibiotic drugs are excreted un-metabolised, along with resistant bacteria. Also, they are release in effluents from households and health and pharmaceutical facilities, and agricultural run-off, is propagating resistant microorganisms.  Ineffective Wastewater treatment: An analysis of single wastewater discharge from a treatment facility in India catering to drug manufacturers found concentrations of antibiotics high enough to treat over 40,000 people daily. Thus, Wastewater treatment facilities are unable to remove all antibiotics and resistant bacteria. Pollution: Research points to the role of environment and pollution in AMR.  Other reasons: Water, then, may be a major mode for the spread of AMR, especially in places with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene. Wildlife that comes into contact with discharge containing antimicrobials can also become colonised with drug-resistant organisms. Interventions UN agencies are working together to develop the One Health AMR Global Action Plan (GAP) that addresses the issue in human, animal, and plant health and food and environment sectors. Centre and State governments in India can strengthen the environmental dimensions of their plans to tackle antimicrobial resistance.  Promote measures that address known hotspots such as hospitals and manufacturing and waste treatment facilities. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and MoEF&CC constituted the inter-ministerial Steering Committee on Environment and Health, with representation from WHO and UNEP. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) issued draft standards which set limits for residues of 121 antibiotics in treated effluents from drug production units. Conclusion Antimicrobial resistance is growing exponentially and needs to be tackled before it is late AGRICULTURE/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Policy Making and Farm Protests Context: Need to have detailed discussions and consultations while making law and policy. Issues Discontent over the new farm laws is a result of sidestepping debate and discussion in Parliament. The Bills were initially enacted through ordinances.  The Bills to replace the ordinance were introduced in Lok Sabha and passed within three days without being referred to a Standing Committee. While the jurisdiction of Parliament to enact these laws seems to be clear, they affect agricultural markets, which are governed by State laws. It was important to address the concerns of various stakeholders, including farmers and State governments.  The absence of proactive engagement with affected parties has led to the current crisis. Discussions & Consultations The process of building consensus and addressing concerns may be time-consuming, but it leads to greater acceptance of policy objectives. Parliament is perhaps the most important forum for this.  It has a well-established process to get inputs of experts and stakeholders, and to build cross-party consensus while enacting a law.  This is usually done through its committees.  The government can also use other consultative mechanisms, such as expert committees and consultative groups, to get feedback and tailor policy. Parliamentary committees perform a very important role in the lawmaking process. These committees have helped negotiate a path through conflicting interests. Way Ahead Stable policy-making needs a broad agreement on the benefits of the policy. Such consensus has to be built through conversations with stakeholders. Parliament should revitalise its committees to enable wider public participation.  It should insist that every Bill is deliberated upon in a committee, much like what the British Parliament does.  Parliament needs to perform its function as a deliberative body that enables compromises to assuage concerns. (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 a Pangong Tso lake: It is a landlocked lake. It is fresh water lake. It is a part of the Indus river basin area. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 only 1 and 3 only Q.2 Implementation of the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) initiative has been started in which of the following states: West Bengal Jharkhand Chhattisgarh  Uttar Pradesh Select the correct code: 1,2 and 3 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 4 only 4 only ANSWERS FOR 2nd December 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 B 3 A Must Read About Free Speech & need to take criticism: The Indian Express About China’s Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: The Hindu On higher GST inflows: The Hindu

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 4th 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

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 4 Questions[4th DECEMBER,2020] - Day 47

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 4 Questions[4th DECEMBER,2020] - Day 47   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. The future depends on what we do in the present. Examine the relevance of this quote by Mahatma Gandhi in public life. भविष्य इस बात पर निर्भर करता है कि हम वर्तमान में क्या करते हैं। सार्वजनिक जीवन में महात्मा गांधी द्वारा इस उद्धरण की प्रासंगिकता की जांच करें। 2. How does work culture impact organisational efficiency in governments? Illustrate. सरकारों में कार्य संस्कृति संगठनात्मक दक्षता को कैसे प्रभावित करती है? उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट करें। 3. How do digital technologies aid in the efficient utilisation of public funds? Examine. सार्वजनिक धन के कुशल उपयोग में डिजिटल प्रौद्योगिकियां कैसे सहायता प्रदान करती हैं? जांच करें। 4. What are the different components of quality service delivery? Discuss. How do citizen charters help in this? गुणवत्ता सेवा वितरण के विभिन्न घटक क्या हैं? चर्चा करें। नागरिक चार्टर्स इसमें कैसे मदद करते हैं? 5. How can institutional reforms address the challenges of corruption? संस्थागत सुधार भ्रष्टाचार की चुनौतियों का समाधान कैसे कर सकते हैं? P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

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