Feb 5, 2021 RSTV Video

Health Data Management Policy – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Health Data Management Policy Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Issues relating to development and management of health e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential In News: The Health Ministry approved a policy under the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) to protect and manage personal data of patients using the digital services of the scheme. The government said that this policy is to be read along with, and not in contradiction to, any applicable law, or any instrument having the effect of any law together with the Blueprint, the information security policy, the data retention and archival policy and any other policy, which may be issued for the implementation of the NDHM. Data collected across the National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE) will be stored in at the central level, the state or Union Territory level and at the health facility level, by adopting the principle of minimality at each point. The policy was approved “after over a month” of soliciting feedback from various stakeholders and the public. It would also apply to any healthcare provider who collects, stores and transmits health data in electronic form, insurers, charitable institutions, pharmaceuticals and all individuals, teams, entities who collect or process personal or sensitive data of any individual as part of the NDHE. The NDHM will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of health services in India. National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) The policy acts as a guidance document across the National Digital Health Ecosystem (NDHE).  One of the main objectives of the draft policy is to provide adequate guidance and to set out a framework for the secure processing of personal and sensitive personal data of individuals who are a part of the national digital health ecosystem. This will be in compliance with all applicable laws and international standards that define the set of frameworks of consent for the collection and processing of health data by healthcare practitioners and other entities and other relevant standards related to data interoperability and data sharing. The NDHM envisages creating a national health ID for every Indian, an idea mooted by the NITI Aayog in 2018 when it recommended creating a centralised system to manage healthcare in the country.  The NDHM is part of the Centre’s National Digital Health Blueprint, which aims to enhance healthcare delivery by setting up a core e-health database of international standards and, on paper, allowing patients to have control over their health data.  With its key building blocks or applications, HealthID, DigiDoctor, Health Facility Registry, Personal Health Records, Telemedicine, and e-Pharmacy, the mission will bring together disparate stakeholders and radically strengthen — and, thus change — India’s healthcare delivery landscape. The NDHM is supposed to cover all government health programmes to begin with. This will be a huge exercise, akin to the Aadhaar project, and would require more resources than the currently allocated ₹144 crore, making private participation a necessity given the strained finances of the Centre. However, unlike Aadhar, the health ID isn’t mandatory and is only one of the components of the Mission, which the government reckons will go a long way in providing universal health coverage to over 1.3 billion people.  The core building blocks of the NDHM — the Health ID and Health Facility Registry —shall be owned, operated and maintained by the government. However, private operators will have equal opportunities to integrate with these systems and create products for the market. Such linkages across public and private players could enhance medical efficiency and improve the patient’s experience. Patients can choose the documents they would like to share, with whom and for how long. Merits of NDHM Creates Digital Health Ecosystem: It will reduce the existing gap between various stakeholders such as doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers by bringing them together and connecting them in an integrated digital health infrastructure. Voluntary Scheme: The NDHM is a holistic, voluntary healthcare programme. While option of digital Health ID will be there, in case a person does not want Health ID, then also treatment needs to be provided. Data Safeguards: All products by private participants shall be as per official guidelines taking care of security, privacy and standards of the NDHM ecosystem Improves Healthcare Service Efficiency: The created Digital Health infrastructure enables users to obtain a longitudinal view of their healthcare records. Electric Medical Records will increase accountability, improves patient outcomes, and advances evidence-based policymaking.  Addresses Healthcare Challenges: The Digital Health infrastructure greatly reduces the risk of preventable medical errors and significantly increase quality of care.  Reduces Information Asymmetry: The Digital data will empower all Indians with the correct information and sources enabling them to take an informed decision to avail the best possible healthcare. Aligned with International Goals: NDHM will be a major stride towards achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 of Universal Health Coverage, including financial risk protection Last Mile Connectivity Issue: The provision of promoting e-pharmacy & Telemedicine will enable people in rural areas access quality healthcare providers. Data Ownership issues addressed: The health data will reside at individual hospital servers in a federated architecture.  Citizen will own his/ her health data and would require consent to share data. All the basic registries of patients/hospital/medical professionals that enable data sharing will be owned by a government entity. Challenges Ahead Cannot be a Substitution: Digitalisation is welcome but is no substitute for inadequate human resources and infrastructure in the health sector.  Doesn’t address core concern of Health care sector: The real issue in India’s health sector is the abject lack of primary health facilities in much of India.  Digital awareness about the utility of the scheme is needed for its successful adoption by beneficiaries so that it eases the process and not  To enable seamless data exchange, all users (pharmacists, laboratories, radiology clinics, insurers and hospitals) must be incentivised to adopt a standard language of communication Prone to digital theft: Considering that the mission involves government collaboration between hospitals in both public as well as private sectors, laboratories, insurance firms, pharmacies and telemedicine, there is a risk of exposing individual healthcare data to hacking and commercial misuse.  Voluntary or involuntary: Although the NDHM is now a voluntary exercise, like the Aadhaar was at the outset, it could become mandatory for availing government health services. In such a context, ensuring the safety of individual health data becomes paramount. The government must gain the confidence of all stakeholders, including rights groups, before going ahead.  Clarity required: There should be more clarity on questions such as: who will maintain and manage the centralised repository of citizen’s health data; who will own the data — the individual or the state; whether individuals can transfer the data between service providers (which is an opaque and cumbersome exercise in the offline world today) and whether the individual has the right to erase irrelevant healthcare data and maintain ‘his or her right to be forgotten’— an issue that has raked up a controversy in the European Union.  Insurance companies should not be allowed to misuse personal data.  The NDHM must also be in compliance with the global best practices on data privacy, such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation. Conclusion Such centralised data, combined with real-time Big Data analytics, can become a surveillance tool. Considering the way healthcare data from wearable devices are getting mainstreamed, with healthcare providers, doctors and patients using them for diagnosis, if not for treatment, the NDHM should spell out its stand on collecting such data from individuals and integrating it with the unique health ID. The country’s data protection law — in the works for almost three years — will have to factor in such concerns, arm patients with safeguards. In the coming months and years, the government and the country’s legal, IT and medical systems will have to come together to translate the NDHM’s patient-centric vision into reality. Connecting the Dots: The potential and pitfalls of digitisation of health data How will the National Digital Health Mission change India’s health delivery landscape? Discuss.

Feb 5, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th February 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) 1st India-Bahrain Joint Working Group meeting in the field of Renewable Energy Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – International relations In news  The 1st meeting of the Joint Working Group in the field of Renewable Energy between India and the Kingdom of Bahrain was held recently.  Key takeaways  A Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bahrain was signed in July 2018 for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy. Now, both sides have underscored the importance of renewable energy to meet climate change goals.  They presented the initiatives taken, progress made and future targets set by their respective governments and opportunities available in this sector. They agreed on sharing experience, expertise, and best practices.  Both sides agreed to forge deeper engagement in capacity building and focused cooperation between concerned agencies and the private sector of the two countries in this sector, particularly in the field of solar, wind, and clean hydrogen. India Post and Tata Memorial Centre release a Special Cover on World Cancer Day  Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Health In news  India Post, Mumbai Region, in collaboration with the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai released a Special Cover on World Cancer Day (February 4). Important value additions  World Cancer Day Objective: To save millions of preventable deaths each year through raising awareness and by pressing governments to take action against Cancer. Organized by: Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), an International NGO that exists to help the global health community accelerate the fight against cancer.  NGO was founded in 1933 and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Origin of World Cancer Day: Paris Charter adopted at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium in Paris in 2000. Theme: In 2019, Union for International Cancer Control, launched a new 3-year campaign with the theme: “I Am and I Will.”  The campaign is an empowering call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future. Chairman of National Safety Council appointed  Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Policies and Interventions In news  The Ministry of Labour & Employment has appointed Shri S.N. Subrahmanyan, CEO and Managing Director, L&T Ltd, as the Chairman of the National Safety Council for three years. Important value additions  National Safety Council  National Safety Council is a non-profit, self-financing apex body at the national level in India. Objective: To generate, develop and sustain a voluntary movement on Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) at the national level. It is an autonomous body.  Set up by: Ministry of Labour and Employment in 1965. It was registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and subsequently, as a Public Trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950. MoU For Composite Raw Materials signed Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Defence and Security In news  Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and production of composite raw materials during Aero India 2021 in Bengaluru  Key takeaways  This is the first time that such an MoU has been signed for composite raw materials. Composites raw materials, mainly in the form of prepregs (carbon, aramid, glass types, etc) are used in platforms like Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).  These are currently imported. This is the major step forward in the area of composite materials.  The HAL is not only taking care of frontline aircraft production but also raw materials. There is no equivalent proven Indian approved/qualified supplier for various types of prepregs for the aircraft applications.  This creates a dependency on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).  Aligned with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, these efforts shall help in developing and manufacturing such prepregs in India through collaboration. The usage of composites in aerospace is going to continue and increase, particularly for fighter aircraft/helicopters because of its inherent advantages over metallic raw materials. Related articles: Aero India – 2021 – Click here Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Policies and Interventions  In news  Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports informed Lok Sabha about Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram. Important value additions  Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK) The Scheme Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK) is an ongoing Central Sector Scheme. The budget allocation of the scheme RYSK for the year 2020-21 is Rs.486.48 Crores. It is an umbrella scheme.  The 7 sub-schemes under scheme RYSK are: Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan. National Youth Corps. National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development. International Cooperation. Youth Hostels. Assistance to Scouting and Guiding Organisations. National Young Leaders Programme. KAPILA campaign launched for Intellectual Property Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Intellectual Property In news  KAPILA campaign was in news recently. Important value additions  KAPILA The Government launched a campaign namely Kalam Program for Intellectual Property Literacy and Awareness Campaign (KAPILA) for Intellectual Property Literacy and creating patent awareness on 15th October 2020. Objectives:  creating awareness regarding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Higher Education Institutions(HEIs), enabling of IP protection of inventions originating from faculty and students of HEIs, development of Credit Course on IPR, training program on IPR for faculty and students of HEIs and sensitization and development of a vibrant IP filing system. So far, total of 46,556 users have been registered for KAPILA. Related articles: Objectives of India’s IPR Policy: Click here (Mains Focus) POLITY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-2: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Sub-categorisation of OBCs: G Rohini Commission  Context: On January 21, the Centre has extended the tenure of The Commission to Examine Sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) headed by Justice G Rohini, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court. The commission now has until July 31 to submit its report. Three decades of Mandal Movement: Click here What is sub-categorisation of OBCs? OBCs are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central government.  In September 2020, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court reopened the legal debate on sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for reservations.  The sub-categorisation debate arises out of the perception that only a few affluent communities among the over 2,600 included in the Central List of OBCs have secured a major part of this 27% reservation.  The argument for sub-categorisation — or creating categories within OBCs for reservation — is that it would ensure “equitable distribution” of representation among all OBC communities. Formation of Commission To examine this inequitable enjoyment of benefits of reservation, the Rohini Commission was constituted on October 2, 2017.  At that time, it was given 12 weeks to submit its report, but has been given several extensions since, the latest one being the 10th.  The other member in the Commission is former journalist Jitendra Bajaj, director of the Centre for Policy Studies.  Before the Rohini Commission was set up, the Centre had granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC). The Rohini Commission operates out of an office at Vigyan Bhawan Annexue and its expenses are borne by the NCBC. Until December 2020, over Rs 1.92 crore have been spent on the Commission including salary, consultant fee and other expenses. What are the Commission’s terms of reference? It was originally set up with three terms of reference: To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among the castes or communities included in the broad category of OBCs with reference to such classes included in the Central List; To work out the mechanism, criteria, norms and parameters in a scientific approach for sub-categorisation within such OBCs; To take up the exercise of identifying the respective castes or communities or sub-castes or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classifying them into their respective sub-categories. A fourth term of reference was added on January 22, 2020, when the Cabinet granted it an extension: To study the various entries in the Central List of OBCs and recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription. This was added following a letter to the government from the Commission on July 30, 2019 that said the Commission has noted several ambiguities in the list and these needs to be clarified before sub-categorising the central list. What progress has it made so far? In its letter to the government on July 30, 2019, the Commission wrote that it is ready with the draft report (on sub-categorisation).  It is widely understood that the report could have huge political consequences and face a judicial review. Following the latest term of reference given (on January 22, 2020) to the Commission, it is studying the list of communities in the central list.  A hurdle for the Commission has been the absence of data for the population of various communities to compare with their representation in jobs and admissions.  The commission initially proposed all-India survey for an estimate of the caste-wise population of OBCs but later said that it has dropped the idea of undertaking such survey. On August 31, 2018, then Home Minister had announced that in Census 2021, data of OBCs will also be collected, but since then the government has been silent on this, whereas groups of OBCs have been demanding enumeration of OBCs in the Census. What is the extent of OBC recruitment in central jobs? As per the report submitted to the NCBC by the Department of Personnel and Training on July 24, 2020, OBC representation is  16.51 % in group-A central government services 13.38 % in group-B 21.25 % in group-C (excluding safai karmacharis)  17.72 % in group-C (safai karmacharis).  This data was for only 42 ministries/departments of the central government. It is reported that a number of posts reserved for OBCs were being filled by people of general category as OBC candidates were declared “NFS” (None Found Suitable). Home Minister has asked the NCBC to collect countrywide data on this and NCBC is yet to collect and process the data of the “NFS”. The government is also contemplating revision of the income limit for the creamy layer for the OBCs. What have its findings been so far? In 2018, the Commission analysed the data of 1.3 lakh central jobs given under OBC quota over the preceding five years and OBC admissions to central higher education institutions, including universities, IITs, NITs, IIMs and AIIMS, over the preceding three years. The findings were: 97% of all jobs and educational seats have gone to just 25% of all sub-castes classified as OBCs;  24.95% of these jobs and seats have gone to just 10 OBC communities;  983 OBC communities — 37% of the total — have zero representation in jobs and educational institutions;  994 OBC sub-castes have a total representation of only 2.68% in recruitment and admissions. ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. MFIs: Digital and Physical Micro-lending Context: Micro-lending is in the news again for the wrong reasons – first is related to Assam and the second is related to Digital Micro Lending. What is microfinance? Microfinance is a basis of financial services for entrepreneurs and small businesses deficient in contact with banking and associated services.  The two key systems for the release of financial services to such customers include ‘relationship-based banking’ for individual entrepreneurs and small businesses along with ‘group-based models’ where several entrepreneurs come together to apply for loans and other services as a group.  The interest rates charged by microfinance institutes (MFIs) are lower than those charged by normal banks. Usually, their area of operations of extending small loans are rural areas and among low-income people in urban areas. The model had its genesis as a poverty alleviation tool, focused on economic and social upliftment of the marginalised sections through lending of small amounts of money without any collateral to women for income-generating activities Lack of security and high operating costs are some of the major limitations faced by the banks while providing loans to poor people. These limitations led to the development of microfinance in India as an alternative to provide loans to the poor with an aim to create financial inclusion and equality. MFIs act as supplements to Banks as they not only offer micro credit but they also provide other financial services like savings, insurance, remittance and non-financial services like individual counseling, training and support to start own business etc. Salient Features of Microfinance Borrowers are from the low income group Loans are of small amount – micro loans Short duration loans Loans are offered without collaterals High frequency of repayment Loans are generally taken for income generation purpose Microfinance in India SEWA Cooperative Bank was initiated in 1974 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, by Ela Bhatt which is now one of the first modern-day microfinance institutions of the country.  MFIs in India exist as NGOs (registered as societies or trusts), Section 25 companies and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).  The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) offered financial services to the unbanked people, especially women and later decided to experiment with a very different model, which is now popularly known as Self-help Groups (SHGs).  Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), cooperative societies and other large lenders have played an important role in providing refinance facility to MFIs.  Banks have also leveraged the Self-Help Group (SHGs) channel to provide direct credit to group borrowers. Do You Know? MFI loan portfolio has reached Rs 2.31 lakh crore at the end of FY2020, touching the lives of 5.89 crore customers.  Some of the MFIs, that qualify certain criteria and are non-deposit taking entities, come under RBI wings for Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) Regulation and supervision. These “Last Mile Financiers” are known as NBFC MFI. The objective of covering them under RBI was to make these NBFC MFIs healthy and accountable.  What is the issue of MFI in Assam? Assam government passed a bill which barred micro-finance institutions (MFIs) from lending to vulnerable sections of society. It was a response to a backlash against MFIs.  A large number of borrowers working in tea plantations had taken loans from MFIs. RBI noted that the economic slowdown in tea plantations and anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act disruptions led to rise in the delinquencies.  MFIs started sending collectors for recoveries to the borrowers, leading first to the backlash and then the political response in terms of the bill. In 2010, the Andhra Pradesh government also passed similar legislation like the one in Assam against MFIs leading to a crisis in the industry.  Though the scale of lending is lesser in Assam and is unlikely to drive MFIs to a crisis, finance is not about scale alone but interconnectedness of the players. What is the issue with Digital Micro-lending? Digital lending platforms have mushroomed and there are criticisms of high interest rates, hidden charges, unacceptable recovery methods and misuse of data of borrowers. RBI expressed caution against digital lending platforms and constituted a working group to study both regulated and unregulated digital lending so that an appropriate regulatory approach can be put in place. Fintechs will soon be criticised for being Shylocks and loan sharks. Pre-2008 crisis, financiers were the cynosure of all eyes and post-crisis they were branded as devils of the game.  Way Ahead In 1870s, a similar backlash emerged in Poona and Ahmednagar districts of the Bombay presidency. The agriculture boom in the early 1860s led farmers to take loans from moneylenders. As the boom went bust, farmers were unable to pay these loans. The moneylenders took away land placed as collateral, fuelling protests and riots. Government responded by passing the Deccan Agricultural Relief Act in 1879 that barred the arrest of the agriculturist-debtor and saved his immovable property from attachment and sale, unless specifically pledged. However, this and other related legislations enacted did not have the desired impact. Therefore, government of the day must learn from the previous incidents before passing laws that restrict the working of MFIs. One should go for an honest review of the entire issue by engaging with all the stakeholders involved in this sector. Connecting the dots: Challenges with MFI and need for Social Impact Monitoring: Click here (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 KAPILA campaign is launched for which of the following?  Education  Agriculture  IPR Outer Space Q.2 The World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millenium where a charter was adopted and which marks Origin of World Cancer Day was held at which of the following?  Paris  Amsterdam South Korea India Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding National Safety Council  It is an autonomous body.  It is set up by the Ministry of Environment  Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.4 Which of the following are the sub-schemes under scheme under Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakram (RYSK)?  Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan National Youth Corps National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development International Cooperation Youth Hostels Select the correct code: 1, 4 and 5 only 1, 2 and 4 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 4 and 5 only ANSWERS FOR 4th February 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 D 3 D Must Read On Gandhian imprint in present day farmer’s protest: The Hindu On critical gaps in the response to the pandemic: The Hindu About criticism of Budget w.r.t Health Expenditure: The Indian Express

Feb 5, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1 – ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 4 Questions [5th February,2021] – Day 23

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies 4 Questions [5th February 2020] – Day 23 We will make sure, in the next 100 days not a single day is wasted and your mains preparation is solidified. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. We are giving 5 Mains Questions on a daily basis so that every student can actively participate and keep your preparation focused. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. Is it possible to excel professionally without having a supportive family? Critically examine. क्या सहायक परिवार के बिना पेशेवर रूप से उत्कृष्टता प्राप्त करना संभव है? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें। 2. What were the merits of the Guru-Shishya tradition? Discuss. गुरु-शिष्य परंपरा के गुण क्या थे? चर्चा करें। 3. Should a person always his/her values to the prevalent social norms? Share and substantiate your views. क्या किसी व्यक्ति को हमेशा अपने मूल्यों को प्रचलित सामाजिक मानदंडों के अनुरूप बनाना चाहिए? अपने विचार को साझा कर उनकी पुष्टि करें। 4. Time and place change the moral yardsticks. Do you agree? Illustrate with the help of suitable examples. समय और स्थान नैतिक यार्डस्टिक्स को बदलते हैं। क्या आप सहमत हैं? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से चित्रण करें।  5. Is the current breed of actors and cinema professionals an ideal role model for the young generation? Critically comment. क्या अभिनेताओं और सिनेमा पेशेवरों की वर्तमान नस्ल युवा पीढ़ी के लिए एक आदर्श रोल मॉडल है? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें।  P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Feb 5, 2021 Ace The Prelims (ATP)

Ace The Prelims (ATP) – 2021– PRELIMS – [5th February, 2021] – Day 29

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s Ace The Prelims (ATP) – 2021 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [5th February, 2021] – Day 29   UPSC Quiz - 2021 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 5th February 2021 UPSC CSAT Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Practice Test – 5th February 2021 UPSC Static Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) – Environment and Sci & Tech [Day 29]   The way ATP molecules provide energy to every single cell of our body and help us in achieving our day to day tasks, similarly, the ‘Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021’ Programme will help in providing energy and direction to your prelims preparation and push you beyond the cutoff of Prelims 2021. Ace the Prelims (ATP) – 2021 will include Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) Daily CSAT Practice Test Daily Current Affair Quiz 60 Days Plan (starts from 2nd week of March) To Know More about Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021 - CLICK HERE   Thank You IASbaba

Feb 5, 2021 Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz (PYQs) – Environment and Sci & Tech [Day 29]

ARCHIVES DAILY STATIC QUIZ (PYQs) It will cover PYQs all the topics of static subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. Daily 5 questions (Monday to Saturday) will be posted from static topics (PYQs) The questions will be in the quiz format so you will be able to answer them directly on the portal. Schedule Week 1 – Polity Week 2 – Economics Week 3 – History and Art & Culture Week 4 – Geography Week 5 – Environment and Science & Technology Same cycle will be repeated from Week 6. Make the best use of the initiative. All the best! To Know More about Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021 - CLICK HERE Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

Feb 5, 2021 IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Quiz

UPSC CSAT Quiz – 2021: IASbaba’s Daily CSAT Practice Test – 5th February 2021

ARCHIVES Daily CSAT Practice Test Everyday 5 Questions from Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension will be covered from Monday to Saturday. Make the best use of the initiative. All the best! To Know More about Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021 - CLICK HERE Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

Feb 5, 2021 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2021 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 5th February 2021

For Previous Daily Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. We will make sure, in the next 4 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about Ace the Prelims (ATP) 2021 - CLICK HERE Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken and solutions. To take the Test - Click Here

Feb 4, 2021 Important Articles

IASbaba’s Workshop in LUCKNOW – OPEN TO ALL!!

IASbaba’s Workshop in LUCKNOW – OPEN TO ALL!!     Even though, we are a newcomer in Lucknow, the kind of response we are getting right from the announcement of the center at Lucknow has a heartwarming effect on us. Your love and trust in us have made us make a decision. We have decided to organize a Workshop at Lucknow on 7th February 2021 (Sunday) at 11 AM. The purpose of organizing this workshop is- Make you understand the Philosophy, Structure and approach of UPSC Civil Services Exam.  To send you back with certain takeaways that will become a part of your intellectual repository, that will streamline your UPSC preparation. To provide you a clear path to success. Some of the most common Queries of the aspirants include: How to study for UPSC Prelims 2021 in the last 5 Months? How to tackle the Unpredictable nature of UPSC Prelims? Which Sources to study and how to Revise them effectively? How to cover Current Affairs? Importance of Solving Tests and Analyzing the solved Tests. All these questions will be addressed in detail by our Founder Mohan Sir, Sunil Oberoi Sir (Retd. IAS) and a serving IRS officer. Invitee for the Workshop- Workshop is OPEN/FREE but preference will be based on first-come-first-served basis. Register if you are interested to come so that we are in a position to know the sincere candidates. We will send an invite to all the registered candidates. Register soon since seats are limited! This session could be the turning point in terms of your perspectives of UPSC Prelims 2021.  REGISTER -> CLICK HERE Also, many students have been messaging and emailing regarding some demo classes of the Program. Even though we have posted some videos of last year’s PEP on YouTube, in order to maintain the goodwill, we have kept the first two sessions of PEP – 2021  ‘OPEN FOR ALL’ !! The session will be on Polity and Prelims Strategy Classes on the 8th and 9th of February @ 10 am. These classes will be Open for All. Prelims strategy classes will be taken by SUNIL OBEROI Sir (Retd. IAS) and Polity classes by SUDEEP Sir, experienced and renowned faculty for Polity. Also, as a cherry on top there will be a surprise event - 'Try your Luck now in Lucknow!' on all the 3 days (7th, 8th, 9th February) Make sure you don’t miss it!   Workshop Date and Time: 7th February 2021@ 11 AM PEP 2021 Open Session Date and Time : 8th & 9th February 2021@ 10 AM Venue: B-1/66, Sector J, Lucknow, – 226024 Landmark: Near Mr Brown / Opp to Sahu Studio For any Queries: You can also reach us on Contact:  8429688885 /9169191888 Email: pep@iasbaba.com/support@iasbaba.com   All the Best See you in Lucknow IASbaba Team

Feb 4, 2021 TLP Mains Answer Writing

SYNOPSIS [3rd February,2021] Day 21: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [3rd February,2021] Day 21: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 1): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. How has the fiscal scenario panned out during COVID-19? What are your views on the mid-year budgetary allocations announced by the government during the previous year? Discuss. Approach  Since question is asking you to discuss it necessitates a debate where reasoning is backed up with evidence to make a case for and against an argument and finally arriving at a conclusion. In simple terms an examiner expects one to discuss various perspectives and present a logical argument. Introduction  Amidst the economic slowdown triggered by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in India's there have been many demands for the government to announce a large fiscal stimulus to support the economy. Economic growth and tax revenues remain uncertain in 2020-21 making it challenging for the government to finance any addition to the fiscal deficit.  Body HOW HAS THE FISCAL SCENARIO PANNED OUT DURING COVID-19?  India's fiscal support measures can be divided into two broad categories:  Above-the-line measures which include government spending (about 3.2 percent of gdp, of which about 2.2 percent of gdp is expected to fall in the current fiscal year), foregone or deferred revenues (about 0.3 percent of gdp falling due within the current year) and expedited spending (about 0.3 percent of gdp falling due within the current year); and  Below-the-line measures designed to support businesses and shore up credit provision to several sectors (about 5.2 percent of gdp).  In the early stages of the pandemic response, above-the-line expenditure measures focused primarily on social protection and healthcare. These include in-kind (food; cooking gas) and cash transfers to lower-income households (1 percent of gdp); wage support and employment provision to low-wage workers (0.5 percent of gdp); insurance coverage for workers in the healthcare sector; and healthcare infrastructure (0.1 percent of gdp).  The more recent measures that were announced in october and november include additional public investment (higher capital expenditure by the central government and interest-free loans to states, of about 0.2 percent of gdp) and support schemes targeting certain sectors. The latter includes a production linked incentive scheme targeting 13 priority sectors and is expected to cost about 0.8 percent of gdp over 5 years, a higher fertilizer subsidy allocation benefiting the agriculture sector (0.3 percent of gdp) and support for urban housing construction (0.1 percent of gdp).  Several measures to ease the tax compliance burden across a range of sectors have also been announced, including postponing some tax-filing and other compliance deadlines, and a reduction in the penalty interest rate for overdue gst filings.  Measures without an immediate direct bearing on the government’s deficit position aim to provide credit support to businesses (1.9 percent of gdp), poor households, especially migrants and farmers (1.6 percent of gdp), distressed electricity distribution companies (0.4 percent of gdp), and targeted support for the agricultural sector (0.7 percent of gdp), as well as some miscellaneous support measures (about 0.3 percent of gdp).  Key elements of the business-support package are various financial sector measures for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and non-bank financial companies, whereas additional support to farmers will mainly be in the form of providing concessional credit to farmers, as well as a credit facility for street vendors. Agricultural sector support is mainly for infrastructure development. VIEWS ON THE MID-YEAR BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR The Finance Minister has announced a package (“Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan” package) of policy initiatives targeted at low-income households and micro, small and medium enterprises which are likely to be most vulnerable in the broad-based economic slowdown. The total amount of the package has been announced to be Rs 20 trillion (or roughly 10% of GDP).  This allocation focussed on land, labour, liquidity and laws, and would deal with such sectors as cottage industries, MSMEs, the working class, middle class and industry. He also talked of focusing on empowering the poor, labourers and migrant workers, both in the organised and unorganised sectors. However, a careful analysis reveals that the actual amount of fiscal stimulus offered by the government has been around 2-3% of GDP. As a result, demand for a larger fiscal stimulus has been emerging from various quarters. Several economists have argued that spending on welfare measures should be increased significantly, by 5 percent of GDP or more. Increase in government spending beyond the levels already announced would then mean an increase in the fiscal deficit beyond the levels discussed above. This may be financed either if disinvestment revenue turns out to be higher this year due to additional efforts made to sell off Public Sector Enterprises.  Conclusion The economic impact of COVID-19 has been substantial and broad-based. GDP contracted sharply in 2020Q2 (-23.9 percent year-on-year) due to the unprecedented lockdowns to control the spread of COVID-19. However, if the fiscal deficit is even higher and puts the government’s debt trajectory on an unsustainable path, longer term considerations will come into play. 2. What are your views on recent budgetary announcement regarding disinvestments and privatisation? Discuss. Approach: The question is very much straight forward, students need to put forward their views regarding recent budgetary provisions in terms of disinvestment and privatisation, also mention some data regarding disinvestment policies of the previous budgets as well. Introduction: Privatization is the process of transferring the ownership of a business of a public sector to the private sector. In a broader sense, privatization refers to transfer of any government function to the private sector including governmental functions like revenue collection and law enforcement whereas disinvestment means sale or liquidation of assets by the government, usually Central and state public sector enterprises, projects, or other fixed assets. The government undertakes disinvestment to reduce the fiscal burden on the exchequer, or to raise money for meeting specific needs, such as to bridge the revenue shortfall from other regular sources.  Disinvestment allows a larger share of PSU ownership in the open market, which in turn allows for the development of a strong capital market in India. Body: Historical context of disinvestment and privatisation- Central public sector Enterprises policy was reset in 1991 when the government decided to disinvest upto 20% in select public sector undertakings. The first disinvestment commission set up in 1996 recommended strategic sales meant to bring down the government’s share to less than 50% in select PSU’S. Strategic sales were part of policies being pursued between 1998-2004. In last five financial years attempted disinvestments through buy-backs, exchange traded funds and in some cases transfer of stake to other public sector entities. In 2020 a new public sector policy was put in place, accordingly maximum of four public sector companies in strategic sectors will be retained and other firms will eventually be privatised. Provisions in budget 2021-22: Budget 2021-22 projected 1.75 lakh crore from stake sale in public sector companies and financial institutions including 2 PSU banks and one insurance company. According to new PSE policy barring four strategic areas like Atomic energy, Space and defence, Transport and telecommunications power petroleum coal and other minerals and banking insurance and financial services, all CPSEs in other sectors will be privatised, in four strategic areas a bare minimum number of firms will be retained and rest will be privatised. Views: The government has no business to be in Business, guided by the basic principle that government should not be in the business to engage itself in producing and manufacturing goods where competitive markets have come of age, examining the realised efficiency gains from privatisation in the Indian context economic survey 2019-20 analysed the before and after performance of 11 CPSEc that had undergone strategic disinvestment during 1999-2004 comparing such CPSEs with their peers in the same industry group showed that on an average they performed better post privatisation in terms of their net worth, net profit and sales growth this indicated that privatised CPSEs could generate more wealth from same resources. Providing employment was one of the objectives of the CPSEs in the years that followed several PSUs became white elephants serving neither social nor economic cause, many of them naturally became black holes for public money they were often the text book case of poor management and aggressive trade unionism and became umpireless playfields for political parties with myopic objectives. Confronted with an unprecedented fiscal deficit and worried by economy in crisis the government has to find resources and Disinvestment is a preferred option for ideological and practical reasons. Privatisation will give ample space for creative and innovative thinking as well as systematic and strategic planning to realize the full potential of economy. Privatising PSUs will incentivise the employees to work more efficiently in order to serve the interests of company which will ultimately help in making market more competitive and efficient. However, the process of disinvestment and privatisation has some issues which are as follows- With disinvestment government would get some cash in hand and could carry out some capital formation, but there are multiple claims on government funds and only a fraction of capital receipts from the sale of PSUs is likely to be channelled into new investment. At the time of crashing growth and low animal spirits the competition to buy up public enterprises on the block would be anaemic and government will get significantly lower. With rising unemployment figures of about 23% due to COVID containment measures it would be hazardous to tamper with PSEs that employ over 15 lakh people at this juncture. Privatisation is one element of the overall reform policy but it can’t be adopted as a foremost plank of reforms in sectors like banking and insurance simple solutions like privatising all PSUs may be no panacea. Conclusion: Privatisation only weighs well when there is transparency of process and effectiveness of the regulators, every government has an obligation to reconcile growth with equity and privatising government assets is a step in that direction, however It must be accompanied by competition in the post privatised scenario in order to improve the performance of inefficient units creation of competitive market environment is absolutely essential eventually it is the people who will benefit, as an arm of overall reforms disinvestment and privatisation need to be carefully proceeded. 3. The economy will get the required impetus with sustained focus on expanding physical infrastructure? Do you agree? Substantiate your views. Approach The candidate needs to give his views regarding the sustained focus on expanding physical infrastructure and its effect on economy where the views should be well substantiated with proper facts, examples, etc. Introduction Development can be defined as improving the welfare of a society through appropriate social, political, and economic conditions. The expected outcomes are quantitative and qualitative improvements in human capital as well as physical capital such as infrastructures (utilities, transport, telecommunications, etc.) which clearly showcases the importance of expanding physical infrastructure. Body Good quality infrastructure is the most critical physical requirement for attaining faster growth in a competitive world and also for ensuring investment in backward regions.  This includes all-weather roads; round-the-clock availability of power at a stable voltage and frequency; water for irrigation; railways that are not overcrowded, which run on time and do not overcharge for freight; ports with low turnaround time to reduce costs of imports and exports; etc.  Physical infrastructure development is an essential driving force for achieving rapid economic growth. Higher investment in physical infrastructure reduces transaction costs as well as other input costs, fosters trade and investment, opens up new markets, improves competitiveness, creates employment opportunities, raises productivity, and stimulates economic activities, which contributes to economic growth. Greater access, especially for the deprived population, to transport, telecommunications, energy, electricity, water and sanitation, education and health services are needed to bring inclusive growth and development.  All these facilities play both direct and indirect role in the development process by increasing the factor productivity of land, labour, and capital in the production process, which promotes economic growth. Lack of infrastructure continues to be a major obstacle to achieve growth and development. Recently, the Indian government estimated that there is a need for nearly $4.5 trillion for reducing physical infrastructure deficit in the country. Continuous supply of good quality electrical power from the grid is critical for industries, but the situation in this regard is very unsatisfactory. Large-scale units can deal with this problem by setting up captive power plants, but this is not an economical option for small and medium units.  Manufacturing also entails movement of large volumes of goods in order to compete in a globalized context and manufacturers need transport infrastructure which can ensure speedy and reliable movement.  Deficiencies in the road infrastructure must be addressed urgently to increase the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing. Much the same is true of ports where insufficient port capacity and inadequate navigation aid facilities. Without substantial improvement in all these aspects of the transport infrastructure, growth in manufacturing cannot be sustained. The COVID-19 crisis has just reinforced the idea of the failing infrastructure in India. To add to this, almost half the country is exposed to severe climate-induced disasters. India desperately needs to buckle up its infrastructure, and while it does so, it can give it a green boost.  The Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd (IRFC) recently established a Green Bond Framework for fundraising, for financing the Dedicated Freight Corridor project and electrification of the railways. India can look into establishing an agency for green financing, to fund the green infrastructure projects of the country to make development more environment friendly.  But at the same time, it is important to consider other investments that would also provide short-term stimulus. To be sure, spending money on pretty much anything will spur growth in a recession if it is debt-financed.  It has been an article of faith for decades that traditional physical infrastructure—concrete and steel—boosts long-term growth, but evidence suggests that the growth benefits are limited when compared to other areas, especially 21st century digital infrastructure. In contrast, investments in digital infrastructure can generate greater overall economic returns. These include both dedicated digital infrastructure (infrastructure that is innately digital, such as broadband, 5G, cloud computing centres) and hybrid infrastructure (adding digital components to traditional infrastructure, such as smart meters, smart grid, and smart cities).  Further, India’s dismal performance in social indicators shows urgent need to invest more in social infrastructure rather than only physical infrastructure. This does not imply that physical infrastructure should be ignored. There are potential projects that can have big payoffs, but a policy makers should avoid the notion that massive investment in infrastructure will pay long-term economic dividends. For example, reviving the nationwide smart cities program to help cities and towns use digital technologies to improve operations and improve quality of life can help. Conclusion India’s goal of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy rests on the completion of critical infrastructure under the National Infrastructure Pipeline. Given the sudden shock to the economy and the resultant recessionary pressures, there is a need for strong re-prioritization of resources towards majors sectors with emphasis on physical infrastructure sector. 4. What are the intended benefits of graded water tariff? Examine. Approach Students are expected to write about graded water tariff and also examine the intended benefits of graded water tariff. Introduction As per the UN’s Dublin Principle (1992), water is an economic good and hence should reflect its scarcity value. Fortunately, this has been recognised by successive National Water Policies. The 1987, the policy envisaged that the water rates should reflect the scarcity value of the resource and foster economy in water use. The 2002 policy envisaged that the water charges for various uses should cover at least the operation and maintenance charges of providing the service initially, and a part of capital costs subsequently. Body Graded water tariff:  Graded water tariff is to fix an appropriate price for water on a graded basis, wherein higher consumption entails higher charges. The government has accepted the recommendation of the 15th Finance Commission, which has suggested fixing a graded water tariff to reform the water sector. Per capita water availability has been declining over the years, and it has now touched the scarcity benchmark of 1,000 cubic meter annually. In such situation we need to study importance of graded water tariff and it’s intended benefits such as: According to the 15th finance commission, fixing water tariff is necessary because “inappropriate water pricing” is one of the major causes of over-exploitation of water in the domestic sector. Graded water tariffing can work on controlling over exploitation. It will enhance the revenue collection. Tariff do not get revised on a periodic basis, resulting in a large gap between the cost of supply of water and the revenue collected. Thus it will create revenue for local bodies and state governments from heavy water usage industries which can be used to subsidies water vulnerable section of society. Help in increasing the water use efficiency. Tariff of water will reflect its efficient use and reward its conservation. Graded water tariff will roll out equitable access of water for all and its fair pricing for drinking and other uses will be undertaken by a statutory regulatory authority. It will refrain water determined directly on a volumetric basis. It will be beneficial if Water charges  be determined on volumetric basis after taking into consideration equity and efficiency. With graded water tariff there will be establishment of water regulator. The water regulator can be made a statutory body and be given a mandate to regulate various water uses and their fair pricing. The irrigation sector, which accounts for 90 per cent of the groundwater consumed, which was exempted earlier from levy of Ground Water Conservation Fee (GWCF) can be taken under fold.  Through graded water tariffing, it is expected to discourage setting up of new industries in overexploited and critical areas and to deter large scale groundwater extraction by industries in these areas. However, moving towards an elaborate water tariffing is not that easy. There are few challenges involved in it: To make a case for water tariffing at a time when the most vulnerable to water shortage are already reeling under severe economic hardship. To introduce graded water tariff in the entrenched political economy in different parts of India. Severe water crisis in some parts of the country are in stark contrast to flourishing fields in some other parts.  The public procurement policies also promote cultivation of water-intensive crops, sometimes in those very states where the usage is most inefficient. The most important challenge is the inherent design problems associated with graded water pricing. This is because the government does not exercise control over the sources of water as it does over other natural resources. Wayforward: The government should make people realise that without a price on water usage, it is they who will suffer the worst consequences of a drought. Groundwater has to be priced through proxies electricity or diesel used by farmers to pump the water. The strategy for pricing should be such that the cost of migration from one method of irrigation to another or from electricity to diesel offsets the difference in cost between the two. It is also important to target irrigation water for pricing purposes because it alone comprises more than 78% of the total water usage in India. Also, irrigation consumption is an area where the scope for increase in efficiency is very high and provide sustainable control over water guzzling crops. Conclusion Graded water tariffing is a complex subject and its imposition has huge political overtones. The determination of water-use charges has to be rational, consultative and transparent. And, the role of the statutory water regulator should be recognised. 5. What is a Development Finance Institution (DFI)? Discuss. What are its key objectives?  Approach- Question is straight forward. Candidate is required to define development finance institution and then discuss its importance by giving examples of such institutions. Introduction The development finance institutions or development finance companies are organizations owned by the government or charitable institution to provide funds for low-capital projects or where their borrowers are unable to get it from commercial lenders. Body What is Development Finance Institution? These are specialized institutions set up primarily to provide development/ Project finance especially in developing countries. These DFIs are usually majority-owned by national governments. The source of capital of these banks is national or international development funds. This ensures their creditworthiness and their ability to provide project finance in a very competitive rate. How is it different from commercial banks? It strikes a balance between commercial operational norms as followed by commercial banks on the one hand, and developmental responsibilities on the other. DFIs are not just plain lenders like commercial banks but they act as companions in the development of significant sectors of the economy. Objectives of Development Finance Institutions The prime objective of DFI is the economic development of the country These banks provide financial as well as the technical support to various sectors DFIs do not accept deposits from people They raise funds by borrowing funds from governments and by selling their bonds to the general public It also provides a guarantee to banks on behalf of companies and subscriptions to shares, debentures, etc. Underwriting enables firms to raise funds from the public. Underwriting a financial institution guarantees to purchase a certain percentage of shares of a company that is issuing IPO if it is not subscribed by the Public. They also provide technical assistance like Project Report, Viability study, and consultancy services. Some important DFI’s (sector specific) Industry IFCI – 1st DFI in India. Industrial Corporation of India was established in 1948. ICICI – Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India Limited established in 1955 by an initiative of the World Bank. It established its subsidiary company ICICI Bank limited in 1994. In 2002, ICICI limited was merged into ICICI Bank Limited making it the first universal bank of the country. Universal Bank – Any Financial institution performing the function of Commercial Bank + DFI It was established in the private sector and is still the Only DFI in the private sector. IDBI – Industrial Development Bank of India was set up in 1964 under RBI and was granted autonomy in 1976 It is responsible for ensuring adequate flow of credit to various sectors It was converted into a Universal Bank in 2003 IRCI – Industrial Reconstruction Corporation of India was set up in 1971. It was set up to revive weak units and provide financial & technical assistance. SIDBI – Small Industries development bank of India was established in 1989. Was established as a subsidiary of IDBI It was granted autonomy in 1998 Foreign Trade EXIM Bank – Export-Import Bank was established in January 1982 and is the apex institution in the area of foreign trade investment. Provides technical assistance and loan to exporters Agriculture Sector NABARD – National Bank for agriculture and rural development was established in July 1982. It was established on the recommendation of the Shivraman Committee It is the apex institution in the area of agriculture and rural sectors It functions as a refinancing institution Housing NHB- National Housing Bank was established in 1988. It is the apex institution in Housing Finance Conclusion India needs DFI’s to boost economic growth which would increase capital flows and energize capital markets. To improve long term finances, provide credit enhancement for infrastructure and housing projects. As India does not have a development bank, DFI would fulfil the need for us to have an institutional mechanism.   TLP HOT Synopsis Day 21 PDF

Feb 4, 2021 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th February 2021

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Stardust 1.0: The first rocket to run on biofuel Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Sci & Tech In news  On January 31, Stardust 1.0 was launched from Loring Commerce Centre in Maine, US, a former military base. Key takeaways It became the first commercial space launch powered by biofuel, which is non-toxic for the environment as opposed to traditionally used rocket fuel. Stardust 1.0 is a launch vehicle suited for student and budget payloads.  The rocket is 20 feet tall and has a mass of roughly 250 kg.  The rocket can carry a maximum payload mass of 8 kg. These rockets will help to launch small satellites called cubesats into space in a way that is relatively cheaper than using traditional rocket fuel and is less toxic for the environment.  Important value additions Biofuels are obtained from biomass, which can be converted directly into liquid fuels that can be used as transportation fuels. The two most common kinds of biofuels in use today are ethanol and biodiesel. They both represent the first generation of biofuel technology.  Ethanol is renewable and made from different kinds of plant materials.  Biodiesel is produced by combining alcohol with new and used vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. Do you know? Other companies are working towards making access to space easier.  One of them is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s Space Company called Blue Origin.  Last year in October, the company tested a rocket system called New Shephard.  The rocket system is meant to take tourists to space eventually and offers flights to space over 100 km above Earth and accommodation for payloads.  Such efforts are a part of a growing number of commercial space companies that are working to provide easier and cheaper access to space to laypeople and also to make access to space cost-effective for purposes of academic research, corporate technology development, and entrepreneurial ventures among others. Related articles: How biofuels can double farm incomes: Click here New Start Nuclear Arms Control Treaty Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – International relations In news  United States has extended the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) nuclear arms control treaty with Russia for five years. Key takeaways USA President and his Russian counterpart reportedly discussed it and subsequently, Russian President signed it into law on Friday. It is a treaty on measures for the further reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms. It came into force on 5th February, 2011. It is a successor to the START framework of 1991 (at the end of the Cold War) that limited both sides to 1,600 strategic delivery vehicles and 6,000 warheads. It continues the process of verifiably reducing the USA and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals by limiting both sides to 700 strategic launchers and 1,550 warheads. Related articles: Russia proposes to Extend New START Treaty: Click here Metroneo: Innovative system of mass transport Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Infrastructure In news  By making a sizeable budgetary allocation for MetroNeo in the Union Budget, the way has been paved for the innovative system of mass transport, which could soon be replicated across the country. Key takeaways To be adopted for the first time in the country in Maharashtra’s Nashik, MetroNeo is a comfortable, rapid, energy-efficient, and less noisy transport medium. The central government recently urged all state governments to consider using MetroNeo technology in their tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The MetroNeo service consists of electric bus coaches – their lengths varying from 18 to 25 meters – with a carrying capacity of 200 to 300 passengers at a time. The buses will have rubber tyres and draw power from an overhead electric wire with 600-750 V DC supply, similar to railways or trams. The buses will be air-conditioned, with an automatic door closing system, level boarding, comfortable seats, passenger announcement system, and an information system with an electronic display.  The stations will be similar to other Metro rail stations. South African Covid Variant Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – Health In news  The WHO has identified three new variants of coronavirus originating in the UK, Brazil, and now in South Africa. Key takeaways Of the three, the latest South African variant known as 20H/501Y.V2 or B.1.351 appears to be more infectious than the original virus. This potentially more concerning variant, which has been spotted since December 22 last year and spread to nearly 40 countries including the United States. The South African variant carries a mutation called N501Y that appears to make it more contagious or easy to spread.  This variant “is less susceptible to antibody neutralization” than previous variants. This South African variant has become a major cause of worry because of its unusually large number of mutations, especially in the spike protein, which the virus uses to gain entry into the cells within the human body. Related articles: Coronavirus variant circulating in the UK defined by many mutations: Click here B.1.1.7 Lineage: New variant of SARS-CoV-2: Click here Miscellaneous Aero-India 2021 The Inaugural ceremony for Aero India 2021, is being held at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru between February 03-05, 2021. It is Asia’s largest Aerospace and Defence Exhibition. Aero India is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bengaluru, India at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. It is organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation, Ministry of Defence. The first edition of the air show was held in 1996. Aero India 2021 is the 13th edition of Aero India.  This year Aero India 2021 has been organized in hybrid mode with a concurrent virtual exhibition to encourage maximum participation. Bhimsen Joshi The year-long Birth Centenary celebrations of the doyen of music Pandit Bhimsen Joshi will begin on February 4, 2021. Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi (1922 –2011) was an Indian vocalist from Karnataka, in the Hindustani classical tradition. He is known for the khayal form of singing, as well as for his popular renditions of devotional music (bhajans and abhangs). Bhimsen Joshi belongs to the Kirana Gharana tradition of Hindustani Classical Music. In 1998, he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, the highest honor conferred by Sangeet Natak Akademi. He received the Bharat Ratna in 2009. (Mains Focus) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: GS-1: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.  GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. GS-3: Infrastructure: Roads Issues with Urban Mobility Context: Urbanization is supposed to bring modernity and prosperity. The Western example showed how a mass movement off the farm and into cities went together with great leaps in productivity. The hope that a similar experience would be repeated in India resulted in vesting a great deal of hope in cities The Union Budget 2021-22 has recognised the multiplier effects of Urbanization and has made provisions for it. What are the key provisions made for Urbanization in Budget 2021? Expansion of Metro rail network: A total of 702 km of conventional Metro lines were in operation and 1,016 km of Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System lines were under construction in 27 cities. Government announced Central funding of ₹1,957 crore, ₹63,246 crore and ₹14,788 crore for the Kochi, Chennai and Bengaluru Metro projects, Augmentation of city bus service: A new scheme will be launched at a cost of ₹18,000 crore to support augmentation of public bus transport services. The scheme will facilitate deployment of innovative PPP models to enable private sector players to finance, acquire, operate and maintain over 20,000 buses Metro Connectivity in Tier-2 areas: Two new Metro technologies, MetroLite and MetroNeo, would be used in tier-2 cities and peripheral parts of tier-1 cities to provide connectivity at a lower cost compared to conventional Metro systems. Issue with Urban Commuting Poor Bus Infrastructure: India’s ratio of buses to population is a low 1.2 per 1,000 people, compared to 8.6 in Thailand and 6.5 in South Africa, although some States like Karnataka are well ahead of the national average Pandemic shifted people to personal transport: COVID-19 has had the perverse effect of driving people away to the safety of personal car and two-wheeler bubbles. Private Sector Participation in bus transport: Licensed private urban bus services remain a politically sensitive topic in many States, where State monopolies coexist with unregulated paratransit, and it will take a major effort to convince them that a bus renaissance is a good post-pandemic recovery strategy.  Weak Regulations by umbrella authorities: State governments, which retain effective control over urban development rather than city administrations, have failed to operationalise the umbrella authorities to regulate transport. Vehicular Exhaust causing Pollution: As per a WHO study, 14 out of top-15 most-polluted cities in the world are in India. Rising pollution levels also translate into economic losses. As per current estimates the World Bank, the losses amount to 7.7% of the nation’s GDP. Traffic Congestion: Vehicles in some metros move at an average speed of 17kph. The congestion on the roads doesn’t exist in silos, and its adverse effects are carried forward to productivity and economic growth. As per the BCG-Uber report, the combined estimate of losses caused due to congestion in the top-four metro cities of India is worth more than $22 billion per annum. Multi-purpose use of roads in business zones: Roads in cities are multi-purpose public goods, used by various classes of motorized and non-motorized vehicles to travel, park, street-selling etc. Non-transportation uses of the roadway do slow down motorized vehicles. Innovative Products still at nascent stage: Common mobility cards that would help citizens use bus, train and feeder networks seamlessly were largely in pilot project mode even before the pandemic Expensive Mass Transport: There is valid criticism that the existing paradigm is one of “exclusionary urbanisation”, which makes Metro and bus services expensive for the majority, particularly for those forced to live in the suburbs due to housing costs, and sometimes making the per kilometre cost of using a two-wheeler more attractive. Poor Recognition of Urban areas: Census 2011 showed that the number of Census Towns, which are urban for census purposes but not named urban local bodies, grew tremendously over a decade. They lack access to funding, infrastructure and capacity to meet the needs of large populations even now Way Forward Enhanced Investments: Standard policy recommendations such as congestion pricing or other types of travel restrictions may do little to improve mobility. Instead, potentially costly travel infrastructure investments may be the only way to improve urban mobility Comprehensive Approach: Centre is required to work with State governments to integrate key areas with its transport vision, such as affordable inner-city housing, including rental projects, access to civic services and health care, and enhanced sustainability, greenery and walkability Connecting the dots: Smart Cities Mission Hyperloop Technology: Click here INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY Topic: GS-2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.  Towards a ‘healthy’ India-Africa partnership Context: The Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on India has been especially grim. Given the interconnectedness of world systems, it is crucial to examine how partnerships can be built around the process of recovery, especially with countries in Africa. Pandemic in Africa  Lower cases due to young demography: While Africa was one of the last regions to be hit by the virus, and with deaths over 35,000, it has reported lower case numbers than Asia and even Europe in terms of containing the spread, likely due to its young demography. Multi-stakeholder response controlled spread: Cooperation among African leaders, the African Union, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has led to an increase in testing capacity, resource mobilisation, and measures to contain the spread of the virus. In addition to state efforts, civil society organisations and young activists across African countries have been crucial to mobilise resources, spread awareness, and find solutions. Economic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Africa Reduced Trade: Africa has been deeply affected by reduced intra-African trade numbers, with dwindling demand from the EU, US, China, and other markets causing a supply-and-demand shock. Could erode progress made on poverty front: Sub Saharan Africa’s real per capita GDP could shrink by -5.4 per cent this year, which could effectively roll back a decade of progress with 49 million Africans likely to be pushed into poverty. Unemployment: It is estimated that 30 million jobs will probably disappear in the wake of economic disruption caused by the Pandemic Longer time to recovery: Larger economies like Nigeria, South Africa and Angola are not expected to see real GDP growth return to pre-Covid-19 levels until 2023 and 2024, respectively.  Exposed weak welfare state: The pandemic has also laid bare the relatively weak state of social welfare schemes and health infrastructure in the region. How India can help Africa at this crucial juncture? Build on the momentum Already, the India-Africa health cooperation is multidimensional, comprehensive, and involves national, state, and subnational actors working toward augmenting African institutional and individual capacities.  It includes exporting low-cost generics, building health infrastructure, providing aid, technical assistance, and hosting medical tourists. In the recent past, India-Africa relationship has picked up momentum— with regular high-level visits, increasing diplomatic footprint, diversified engagement across sectors, and a vibrant diaspora — which it can build upon during this unprecedented crisis. Partner in supplying low-cost Covid-19 vaccines to the region As the “pharmacy of the world,” while India has already dispatched medicines including hydroxychloroquine and other drugs to over 25 African countries, it could also become a critical partner in supplying low-cost Covid-19 vaccines to the region While the Serum Institute of India (SII) has stated that it will begin sending supplies to the WHO-backed COVAX initiative, the South African health ministry has confirmed that it has entered an agreement with SII and would get 1.5 million doses of vaccine in the next two months. Comprehensive strengthening of Africa’s health systems. Indian pharmaceutical companies can also play a role in boosting African pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity The Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa, a business idea developed in 2007, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA), which became operational on January 1, 2021, can boost pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa. Private actors in India’s health sector already have a significant presence in Africa. The recent MoU between the Health Federation of India (NATHEALTH) and the Africa Health Federation (AHF) aimed at building healthcare ecosystems, increasing investments, and creating cross-country partnerships recognises the sheer business potential of a robust partnership in health. Boosting e-initiatives The Indian government could also play the role of a facilitator and create working groups with medical professionals to host video or teleconferences with counterparts from African countries.  The e-ArogyaBharti (Tele-medicine) Project, part of the e-VBAB launched in October 2019, seems to be a step in that direction The e-VBAB project which also includes e-VidyaBharti (Tele-education), is entirely funded by the Indian government. It builds on the Pan-Africa e-network Project and promises access to premier Indian education institutions and to medical experts in the country.  Multilateral Efforts Indian actors can also take the lead in initiating and pushing for more multilateral efforts by stakeholders like the WHO or the UN to do more for African recovery. Conclusion While it can be argued that the Covid-19 crisis has had serious implications for India and the country has huge domestic obligations to deal with, partnering with Africa at this critical juncture in our shared reality will add immense value to the rich historicity of India-Africa solidarity. Connecting the dots: India’s neighbourhood Policy (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Where is the Asia’s largest Aerospace and Defence Exhibition held? Japan China Singapore India Q.2 Which of the following imaginary line does not passe through Africa? Tropic of Cancer Equator Tropic of Capricorn International Date line Q.3 Metroneo, recently seen in news, shall be adopted in which of the following state of India for the first time? Kolkata Delhi Punjab Maharashtra ANSWERS FOR 3rd February 2021 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B 3 B Must Read On Vaccine Nationalism: The Hindu On Biden Presidency: The Hindu About Budget’s turn to fiscal activism could have multiplier effect: The Indian Express