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IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th November 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India’s GDP contracts 7.5% in second quarter Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news As per estimates released by the National Statistical Office, India’s GDP contracted 7.5% in the second quarter of 2020-21. In the first quarter, India had recorded 23.9% decline.  Key takeaways India has now entered a technical recession with two successive quarters of negative growth. Agriculture, which was the only sector to record growth between April and June this year, grew at the same pace of 3.4% in the second quarter. Manufacturing gross value-added (GVA) showed a sharp recovery to record 0.6% growth between July and September after collapsing 39.3% in the first quarter. Electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services also recorded 4.4% growth in the second quarter, recovering from a 7% contraction in Q1. But it remained a weak quarter for several sectors, including mining, services such as retail trade and hotels, construction and financial services. While the 7.5% contraction in GDP came as a positive surprise, there are concerns about a decline in government spending and the worsening fate of two key sectors compared to the first quarter. India Climate Change Knowledge Portal launched Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment In news India Climate Change Knowledge Portal was recently launched. Launched by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Key takeaways The portal will have all the major steps the Government is taking at both national and international levels to address the climate change issues. It will be a single-point information resource that provides information on the different climate initiatives taken by various Ministries enabling users to access updated status on these initiatives. According to the Central government, India has practically achieved its pre-2020 climate action targets. Brain Fingerprinting Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Sci & Tech In news The accused in Hathras rape case will undergo brain fingerprinting. Key takeaways Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature Profiling (BEOSP) is also known as brain fingerprinting. It is a neuro psychological method of interrogation in which the accused’s participation in the crime is investigated by studying their brain’s response. The BEOSP test is carried out via a process known as electroencephalogram, conducted to study the electrical behaviour of the human brain. Under this test, the consent of the accused is first taken and they are then made to wear caps with dozens of electrodes attached to them. The accused are then shown visuals or played audio clips related to the crime to check if there is any triggering of neurons in their brains which then generate brainwaves.  The test results are then studied to determine the participation of the accused in a crime. Blue Tide phenomenon observed in Maharashtra Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Science In news Over the last few days, visitors to beaches in Maharashtra have witnessed the fluorescent bluish glow when the waves hit the shoreline. Key takeaways The phenomenon is called ‘blue tide’. It appears when luminescent marine life makes the sea appear a deep shade of blue. It occurs when phytoplankton (microscopic marine plants), commonly known as dinoflagellates, produce light through chemical reactions in proteins.  Waves disturb these unicellular microorganisms and make them release blue light. Do you know? Bioluminescence is the property of a living organism to produce and emit light. Animals, plants, fungi and bacteria show bioluminescence. A remarkable diversity of marine animals and microbes are able to produce their own light.  It is found in many marine organisms such as bacteria, algae, jellyfish, worms, crustaceans, sea stars, fish and sharks. Luminescence is generally higher in deep-living and planktonic organisms than in shallow species. It is an anti-predatory response.  Bioluminescence is assumed to startle predators, causing them to hesitate. Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In news The Scottish parliament passed a landmark legislation that has made period products such as sanitary pads and tampons free of cost to those people who need them. The bill is titled, “Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill”. Key takeaways Scotland is the first country to take such a step. The bill was passed with the aim of tackling “period poverty”, which is when some people who need period products struggle to afford them. Central objective: To end the silence and stigma that surrounds menstruation. Aim: (1) To remove gendered barriers; (2) To ensure that those who menstruate have reasonably convenient access to period products free of charge. Do you know? What is ‘period poverty’? Certain circumstances make access to sanitary products difficult for women and trans people. These include homelessness, coercive, controlling and violent relationships and health conditions such as endometriosis. SDGs Investor Map For India launched  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In news United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Invest India have launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Investor Map for India. Key takeaways It laid out 18 Investment Opportunities Areas (IOAs) in six critical SDG enabling sectors, that can help the country push forward on the trajectory of Sustainable Development. The six focus sectors: Education, healthcare, agriculture and allied activities, financial services, renewable energy and alternatives and sustainable environment. Of the 18 IOAs identified, 10 are already mature investable areas that have seen robust Private Equity and Venture Capital activity.  The remaining eight IOAs are emerging opportunities, which have seen traction from early-stage investors. The map has also identified eight ‘white spaces’, which have seen investor interest and have the potential to grow into IOAs in five to six years with policy support and private sector participation. Do you know? Invest India is the national investment promotion agency under the Commerce & Industry Ministry. Agreements Between India-Bahrain Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In news Recently, India and Bahrain have agreed to further strengthen their ties, including in areas of defence and maritime security. Key takeaways The bilateral issues, and regional and global matters of mutual interest, included areas of defence and maritime security, space technology, trade and investment, infrastructure, IT, FinTech, health, hydrocarbon and renewable energy. Both countries affirmed to further strengthen their Covid-19 related cooperation. Bahrain appreciated the assistance provided by India during the pandemic through the supply of medicines, medical equipment and medical professionals. They expressed satisfaction on the operationalisation of the Air Bubble arrangement between the two countries. India renewed invitation to Bahrain for visiting India for the 3rd India-Bahrain High Joint Commission meeting to be held in the upcoming months. Do you know? Air bubbles (travel corridors or travel bubbles) are systems established between two countries that perceive each other to be safe and allow carriers of both the countries to fly passengers either way without any restrictions. (Mains Focus) HEALTH/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 1, 2: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.  Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Stepping out of the shadow of India’s malnutrition Context: Two recent reports — the annual report on “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020” by FAO and the 2020 Hunger report, “Better Nutrition, Better Tomorrow” by the Bread for the World Institute – document staggering facts about Indian food insecurity and malnutrition. The Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU) The PoU measures the percentage of people who are consuming insufficient calories than their required minimum dietary energy requirement. In India, malnutrition has not declined as much as the decline has occurred in terms of poverty. In terms of percentages, the PoU has declined 24.7% between 2001 and 2018 for India; whereas that for China (76.4%), Nepal (74%), Pakistan (42%), Afghanistan (37.4%) and Bangladesh (18.9%).  It must be noted that the decline in China is way higher than that of India, even though it had started with lower levels of PoU in 2000. In contrast, Afghanistan (47.8%) that started with a higher base than India (18.6%) had experienced higher rates of decline. Of note is the fact that, economically, while Afghanistan is relatively much poorer and has gone through several prolonged conflicts in last two decades, it has been more successful in reducing malnutrition than India. Therefore, irrespective of the base level of PoU, most of these countries have done better than India on this dimension. Prevalence of Moderate or Severe Food Insecurity (PMSFI) These findings also get substantiated through Food Insecurity Experience Scale survey, which covers almost 90% of the world’s population.  Because it is not allowed to be conducted in India, direct estimates are not available. However, estimates indicate that between 2014-16, about 29.1% of the total population in India was food insecure, which rose up to 32.9% in 2017-19.  In terms of absolute number, about 375 million of the total population was moderately or severely food insecure in 2014, which went to about 450 million in 2019. Why National Food Security Act – 2013 failed to tackle malnutrition? Despite the act ensuring every citizen “access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices”, two crucial elements that still got left out which were The non-inclusion of nutritious food items such as pulses  Exclusion of potential beneficiaries.  Dangers in coming days The problem of malnutrition is likely to deepen in the coming years with rising unemployment and the deep economic slump. The current COVID-19 pandemic would make the situation worse in general, more so for vulnerable groups. Way Ahead A major shift in policy has to encompass the immediate universalisation of the Public Distribution System which should definitely not be temporary in nature There has to be distribution of quality food items and innovative interventions such as the setting up of community kitchens among other things. The need of the hour remains the right utilisation and expansion of existing programmes to ensure that we arrest at least some part of this burgeoning malnutrition in the country. Connecting the dots: Global Hunger Index (GHI) Nobel Peace Prize 2020 POLITY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the executive  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Charting a reformed future for the police Context: Director General of Police (DGP) conference scheduled for early December. Conference through the years Foundation of Conference: Addressing the first in Independent India on January 12, 1950, Sardar Patel, the then deputy PM & home minister, expressed hope that the provincial police would handle law and order on their own, and not depend on the military as an aid to civil power. He also expected better results in criminal investigation with greater coordination between the states Impact of Conferences: The recommendations of the annual conference, in the early years, led to a great boost to police infrastructure, induction of human resources and technological upgradation.  Concern during 1950s to 1970s: Communal violence, crimes against women, vehicle-theft and a range of other issues reflected the concerns of the prevailing times. Concern during 1950s to 1970s: Terrorism in Punjab and the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir became dominant themes in the 1980s and 90s. Concerns of 21st Century: Modernisation of Police, Cyber Crimes, Money laundering, infodemics, mob lynching and hate crimes are new challenges that are being faced by Police of today’s times. However, important pronouncements by home ministers, during conferences in the past, have been largely ignored Police Commissionerate System In 1962, Lal Bahadur Shastri called for the introduction of the police commissioner system in cities with more than 500,000 people.  He felt that to handle crimes and law and order, the police should have all powers, even if it meant withdrawing some from the deputy commissioner, revenue.  Today, more than half of the one-million-plus towns are still without the police commissioner system. Organisational Changes in Police System In 1964, the idea of an All India Police Commission was strongly mooted In 1981, home minister Giani Zail Singh stressed on the need to post an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer as the home secretary or joint secretary in view of the specialised demands of the ministry. The home ministry shelved the proposal. Further, recommendations of Commissions under Dharamvira (1977), Ribeiro (1998), Padmanabhaiya (2000), Malimath (2000) lie buried as archival material.  The home ministry does not brief police chiefs on their status and the public, too, is unaware.  In 2005, Prime Minister (PM) Manmohan Singh announced a police mission and, in 2014, PM Narendra Modi called for a SMART Police. Both are still works-in-progress Key issues have escaped the attention of DGP conferences Police reforms, the police commissioner system, police autonomy, management of police cadre and the role of the home ministry are surprisingly never discussed The reason cited for not discussing these issues is that police is a state subject.  Ineffective Prosecution Ineffective prosecution is the bane of the criminal justice system.  While prosecution-guided investigation exists in other countries, there is no coordination between the two in India.  Way Ahead Postings at ground level: If police stations are to deliver, then posting of SHOs has to be done by superintendents of police and not on secretarial files.  Autonomy to DGP: The police should be declared a professional organisation where the CEO, here, the director-general of police (DGP), has unfettered right over transfers of his field commanders and is held accountable for his actions. Transparency in Conference: The public airing of DGPs’ resolutions would enlighten citizens and exert moral pressure on chief ministers (CMs) to implement them. Agenda of 2020 Conference: Some critical events drawing nationwide attention to the role and functioning of the police must figure on the agenda of conference this year such as the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act agitations, Delhi riots, the Vikas Dubey encounter, the Hathras incident, the deaths in Tuticorin police station and the Sushant Singh Rajput case.  DGPs must discuss and assess handling of agitations and riots this year, while suggesting a road map for the future.  Lack of critical forensic support at police stations has to be taken up.  Sparing use of Discretionary Powers: It is time for the DGPs to decide that sedition laws, defamation and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or National Security Act, are resorted to only in exceptional cases Avoid Politicization of Police: Finally, police leaders should resolve not to cede space to the political leadership or bureaucracy on professional matters and cooperate with each other, adhering to the spirit of the law of land Conclusion In a democracy, the police is the cornerstone for good governance and should not be taken for granted. Connecting the dots: Long History of attempted Police reforms: Click here Police reform and the crucial judicial actor (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 India Climate Change Knowledge Portal recently launched by India:  It will have all the major steps taken by the government at national levels.  It will provide information on the climate initiatives taken by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change only. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Which of the following is not correct regarding Brain Fingerprinting?  The accused’s participation in the crime is investigated by studying his brain’s response.  The test is carried out through a process known as electroencephalogram.  The consent of the accused is not required.  The accused is shown visuals or audio clips related to the crime to study the triggering of neurons that occurs in his brain. Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding bioluminescence:  Only fungi and bacteria show bioluminescence.  It is generally higher in shallow species than in the deep-living organisms.  It is an anti-predatory response. Which of the above is/are correct?  1 and 2 only  2 only  3 only  2 and 3 only ANSWERS FOR 27th November 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 C Must Read About India’s apps blocking spree: The Hindu About COVID-19 Vaccine race: The Hindu About QUAD: The Indian Express

MindMaps

Mind Maps: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - General Studies 2

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

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 28th Nov 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

RSTV Video

Tap Water for all in rural India – Desh Deshantar – RSTV IAS UPSC

Tap Water for all in rural India Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. General Studies 3: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Government of India has restructured and subsumed the ongoing National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) into Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household i.e., Har Ghar Nal Se Jal (HGNSJ) by 2024. Proposed Jal Jeevan Mission will be a decentralised, community-managed and sustainable water management scheme – Out of 17.87 crore rural households in the country about 14.6 crore which accounts for 81.67 percent are yet to have household tap connections for water.  JJM envisages a structural change in the provision of drinking water supply services. The service provision should change to ‘utility based approach’ centered on ‘service delivery’ The government had also integrated different ministries and departments dealing with water into one ministry — the Ministry of Jal Shakti. JJM aims at providing potable water at service level of 55 litre per capita per day (lpcd) to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024. The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States, 50:50 for other states, and 100% for Union Territories. Jal Jeevan Mission adopts a bottom to top approach, where the users and Paani Samitis (Water Committees) in the villages envision the whole project from its implementation to maintenance and operation. The mission has also ensured that at least 50% of the members of the water committee would be women. Work to be taken up under JJM:  In-village water supply (PWS) infrastructure for tap water connection to every household Reliable drinking water source development/ augmentation of existing sources Transfer of water (multi-village scheme; where quantity & quality issues are there in the local water sources) Technological intervention for treatment to make water potable (where water quality is an issue, but quantity is sufficient) Retrofitting of completed and ongoing piped water supply schemes to provide FHTC and raise the service level Grey water management Capacity building of various stakeholders and support activities to facilitate the implementation 73rd Amendment of Constitution of India Gram Panchayats or its sub-committees will play a crucial role in planning, designing, execution, operations and maintenance of the in-village infrastructure under the Jal Jeevan Mission – Every village is to prepare a village action plan (VAP) which will be essentially having three components namely;  Water source & its maintenance Water supply and  Grey water management. ‘Margadarshika for Gram Panchayats and Paani Samitis under Jal Jeevan Mission’ (Guidelines for the Village Panchayats and Water Committees) The Mardarshika Guidelines will guide the members of the Water Committee and Gram Panchayats in taking the right decisions. A special 100-day campaign is being launched on 2nd Oct this year under Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure drinking water connection to every school and Anganwadi in the country. Unburdening lives of women For a country with 16 per cent of the world’s population, and only 4 per cent of the world’s freshwater resources, with the changing weather patterns and frequent droughts, over 250 of the 700 districts of India’s districts are now water stressed. Two hundred and fifty six of our approximately 700 districts have groundwater levels which are “critical” or “over-exploited” as per the latest data from the Central Ground Water Board (2017). To put it simply, this means that fetching water in these districts is now that much harder, as the water table has fallen that much deeper. According to a report by the National Commission for Women, on an average, a rural woman in Rajasthan walks over 2.5 km to reach a water source. This is probably an underestimate, but the bottomline is that our women and girls spend a significant proportion of their time on fetching water. With women playing a leadership role in managing their community’s water resources, minus the drudgery of walking for miles to fetch water for their families, the Jal Jeevan Mission will provide a massive fillip to the ease of living for women, and they will no longer be beasts of burden. The Way Forward Need to relook at water-guzzling sugarcane —with a value chain that sucks is terrible in terms of subsidies at various stages  Need to reimagine the public health engineering department (PHED) as not just a technical body but also as a public utility that oversees water entitlements as well as pricing of such entitlements is a goal. Digital sensors could facilitate remote monitoring of household water supply and quality, and eliminate tedious meter readings. This devolution can be incentivised by GoI, linked to milestones state governments and gram panchayats must reach, and hand-held by NGOs. For instance, JJM could tie up with the skill development ministry to train village women to measure turbidity and quality. On the lines of the Swachh Bharat Mission, extensive information, education and communication will be needed to create a jan andolan for water management. The ongoing Jal Shakti Abhiyan will help in creating awareness about the importance of integrating source sustainability and water reuse with the provision of household water supply.  Note: Jal Shakti Ministry The new ministry has been formed by merging the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. All water related works will be merged under one ministry. The new ministry will encompass issues ranging from providing clean drinking water, international and inter-states water disputes, to the Namami Gange project aimed at cleaning Gang and its tributaries, and sub tributaries. Connecting the Dots: Enlightened water policy needs infrastructure. But more than that, it requires institutions with local and village ownership. Analyse. How severe is the problem of groundwater contamination in India? What are its most causative factors?

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [25th NOVEMBER,2020] Day 39: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [25th NOVEMBER,2020] Day 39: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. What are the various stages of vaccine development? Illustrate. How is efficacy of a vaccine calculated? Explain. Approach: In the introduction you can start with explanation of what is vaccine and how it works. It expects candidates to describe about various stages of vaccine development in the first half. In the next half it is expected to mention the method to   calculate efficacy. To fetch more marks giving a current relevance is necessary.  Introduction: Vaccine is a a mild form of a disease that is put (injected) into a person or an animal's blood using a needle (an injection) in order to protect the body against that disease. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has triggered an international effort to develop a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19, perhaps at breakneck speed.  Body: Stages in the development of a vaccine: According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are six stages of vaccine development: exploratory, pre-clinical, clinical development, regulatory review and approval, manufacturing and quality control. Exploratory: This is research-intensive phase of the vaccine development process which is designed to identify "natural or synthetic antigens that might help prevent or treat a disease". Pre-clinical: During this phase, researchers use tissue-culture or cell-culture systems and animal testing to determine whether the candidate vaccine will produce immunity or not. Clinical development: It is a three-phase process. During Phase I, small groups of people receive the trial vaccine. In Phase II, the clinical study is expanded and vaccine is given to people who have characteristics similar to those for whom the new vaccine is intended. In Phase III, the vaccine is given to thousands of people and tested for efficacy and safety.  For instance, Oxford vaccine shows 90% efficacy in Phase-3 trial. Moderna has completed enrolment of its late-stage phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine study, with 30,000 participants now enrolled in the study in October 2020.  Regulatory review and approval: If a vaccine passes through all three phases of clinical development, the vaccine developer submits a Biologics License Application (BLA) to the licensing authority. Manufacturing: Major drug manufacturers provide the infrastructure, personnel and equipment necessary to create mass quantities of vaccines. Quality control: Stakeholders must adhere to procedures that allow them to track whether a vaccine is performing as anticipated. Recently, Russia became the first country to officially register a Covid-19 vaccine and declare it ready for use.  Vaccine Efficacy calculation method:  Vaccine efficacy is the percentage reduction of disease in a vaccinated group of people compared to an unvaccinated group, using the most favourable conditions. It is best measured using double-blind, randomized, clinical controlled trials, such that it is studied under 'best case scenario". Vaccine efficacy studies are used to measure several possible outcomes such as disease attack rates, hospitalizations, medical visits, and costs. The outcome data (vaccine efficacy) generally are expressed as a proportionate reduction in disease attack rate (AR) between the unvaccinated (ARU) and vaccinated (ARV), or can be calculated from the relative risk (RR) of disease among the vaccinated group. Following is the formula through which Vaccine efficacy is Calculated. Here, VE = Vaccine efficacy, ARU  = Attack rate of unvaccinated people, ARV  = Attack rate of vaccinated people. The advantages of a vaccine efficacy have control for all biases that would be found with randomization, as well as prospective, active monitoring for disease attack rates, and careful tracking of vaccination status for a study population there is normally a subset as well, laboratory confirmation of the infectious outcome of interest and a sampling of vaccine immunogenicity. The major disadvantages of vaccine efficacy trials are the complexity and expense of performing them, especially for relatively uncommon infectious outcomes of diseases for which the sample size required is driven up to achieve clinically useful statistical power. Conclusion: Coronavirus pandemic has impacted almost every sector and left a disastrous impact on the affected sector or groups. Due to this sheer scale of impact it becomes imperative to expedite the vaccine development to unprecedented level so that its impact will be minimised and a pre-covid-19 normalcy can be brought in to lives of people. 2. Discuss the working principle of DNA and RNA vaccines.  Approach - It expects students to write about DNA and RNA and working principles of DNA and RNA vaccines. Introduction The two main types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. Both DNA and RNA are made from nucleotides, each containing a five-carbon sugar backbone, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base. Nucleic acid vaccination is a technique for protecting against disease by injection with genetically engineered DNA (as a plasmid) or RNA (as mRNA). Nucleic acid vaccines consist only of DNA or RNA, which is uptake by cells and transformed into protein. Body Vaccination is the process in which substances called antigens are introduced artificially into the body to stimulate the immune system, the set of cells that protects the body against infections. Development of nucleotide vaccines based on DNA, and the related molecule RNA, promising area of progress in the field. Working principle of the DNA and RNA vaccine: Vaccine mechanism:  An RNA is injected in the body. This RNA encodes the information to produce the antigen, which is a protein from a pathogen, which will stimulate the immune system. Inside the cells, the RNA is used to synthesise the antigen, which is exposed to the cell surface. Then, a subset of immune system cells recognises the antigen and trigger an immune response (direct response and long-term memory)  Mode of injunction: They can be injected in various ways (under the skin, in the vein or in lymph nodes) and then they can enter our body’s cells. Those cells will use the RNA sequence of the antigen to synthesise the protein. After this step, the mechanism is similar to classical vaccines: the antigen is presented at the surface of a subset of cells and triggers the activation of specific cells of the immune system. Disease prevention: Vaccination with RNA induces a primary response by instructing the body’s cells to produce an antigen that is presented to the immune system. This activates specific cells, which create a memory for this antigen. Later, when the real pathogen is present, those cells recognise the same antigen and react rapidly and strongly against the infectious agent secondary response. Different from conventional: For a classical vaccine, the antigen is introduced in the body to produce an immune response. However, in the case of DNA or RNA-based vaccines, no antigen is introduced, only the RNA or DNA containing the genetic information to produce the antigen. That is, for this specific class of vaccines, introduction of DNA and RNA provides the instructions to the body to produce the antigen itself. Advantages -  Inexpensive: There are several reasons why naked nucleic acids are attractive candidate vectors for the development of vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer. Genetics vaccines are relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture and use.  High Efficacy: Nucleic acid vaccines consist only of DNA or RNA, which is taken up and translated into protein by host cells. Their immunogenicity and efficacy have been analysed in a large number of systems, and the results of preclinical studies have supported human clinical trials. They may even be effective against non-infectious conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases, where conventional vaccines do not work. Stable in harsh conditions: DNA vaccines are also said to be more stable than conventional vaccines in warm climates if kept dry and/or sterile at pH8. They can be stored at room temperature without losing their activity, whereas traditional vaccines require refrigeration. Large scale production: A DNA or RNA vaccine, on the other hand, takes a small part of the virus' own genetic information. Experts say the virus' genetic information can be replicated and produced relatively easily. And that's what scientists want in a live situation, such as the SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 pandemic, where billions of people need protection very quickly. Disadvantages -  Problem which exists with all gene therapy, that is, the DNA of the vaccine may be integrated into the host chromosome, resulting in oncogenes or turn off tumour suppressor genes. Extended immune stimulation of exogenous antigens may cause chronic inflammation or autoantibody production. Limited to protein immunogens (not useful for non-protein based antigens such as bacterial polysaccharides).  Inducing antibody production against DNA. DNA vaccines may have a relatively poor immunogenicity. When will we see gene-based vaccines for COVID-19? Some DNA vaccines have been approved for veterinary use. And there are many others in clinical trials for human use, including those for SARS-CoV-2.  Many will use what's called an "adaptive clinical trial design" to speed up the process from discovery to development to trial and approval to production. Moderna is studying its messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine in the US. Conclusion Biotech companies have been touting mRNA and DNA vaccines as the ideal technologies for rapidly fighting new pathogens, and the coronavirus pandemic may be their best chance yet to prove their worth. There are no approved mRNA or DNA vaccines, and neither has ever been tested in a large-scale clinical trial for an infectious disease. The COVID crisis is a great opportunity for those technologies to be pushed.  3. Discuss the recent progress achieved in drone technology. What are its potential commercial applications? Examine. Approach: Students are expected to write about the recent progress achieved in drone technology in first part and examine its potential commercial applications in second part. Introduction: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) i.e. Drones are rapidly growing in popularity even though they are still in the infancy stage in terms of mass adoption and usage. Drones have already broken through rigid traditional barriers in industries which otherwise seemed impenetrable by similar technological innovations. Drones have given one side a clear age in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan ushering new age of warfare. Body: The new Unmanned aerial vehicle technology covers everything from the aerodynamics of the drone, materials in the manufacture of the physical UAV, to the circuit boards, chipset and software, which are the brains of the drone. For A typical unmanned aircraft is made of light composite materials to reduce weight and increase manoeuvrability. This composite material strength allows military drones to cruise at extremely high altitudes. Recent developments in drone technology: UAV drones are equipped with different state of the art technology such as infrared cameras, GPS and laser (consumer, commercial and military UAV).  An unmanned aerial vehicle system has two parts, the drone itself and the control system. Drones are controlled by remote ground control systems (GSC) and also referred to as a ground cockpit. Huge space for technological upgradation: Expect The nose of the unmanned aerial vehicle is where all the sensors and navigational systems are present. The rest of the body is full of drone technology systems since there is no space required to accommodate humans. Recently the engineering materials used to build the drone are highly complex composites designed to absorb vibration, which decrease the sound produced. These materials are very light weight. Growth of drone technologies achieved transformative design, 360* gimbals, higher value instrumentation, intelligent piloting modes etc Cutting age drone technology made possible commercial suitability, platform and payload adaptability, intelligent piloting models etc.  The emerging global market is more business services oriented, many corporations look to capitalize on these commercial opportunities. There are multiple ways through which wide range of companies are harnessing drone technology for commercial purposes across industries. Emergency response: Innovations in camera technology have had a significant impact on the growing use of drones. UAVs outfitted with thermal imaging cameras have provided emergency response teams with an ideal solution for identifying victims who are difficult to spot with the naked eye.  Disaster relief: drones have proved useful during times of natural disaster. In the aftermath of hurricanes and earthquakes, Disaster management companies used UAVs to assess damage, locate victims, and deliver aid. And in certain circumstances, they are helping to prevent disasters altogether. Healthcare: Many rural regions around the world lack access to high quality healthcare. While medical supplies can be delivered by traditional means, certain circumstances call for quick access to drugs, blood, and medical technology, commercial organisations can fulfil these needs with the help of drones.  Agriculture: Farmers across the world are continuously striving to reduce costs and expand yields. With the use of drones, agricultural workers are able to gather data, automate redundant processes, and improve efficiency.  Weather forecasting: Today, most data is collected through stationary structures or captured with geospatial imaging solutions. Drones, however, offer a versatile option that can physically follow weather patterns as they develop. Moreover to that water-based unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) are changing the way data is gathered. Maritime: Inspecting ships is also an important part of the industry hence, few companies has designed an underwater drone used to inspect hulls from below. Waste Management: Innovations in waste collection are still emerging, including drones that have help to clean oceans. Few companies focus on robots used to help maintain systems for wastewater management. Infrastructure Development: While drones serve a useful purpose in construction planning and management, they also have the potential to be used to develop physical infrastructure. Conclusion: Over the past few years, drones have become central to the functions of various businesses and governmental organizations and have managed to pierce through areas where certain industries were either stagnant or lagging behind. As these technologies continue to evolve and grow, drones will become safer and more dependable. This would allow for their subsequent mass adoption, provided the strict DGCA regulations drone technology and usage are loosened to some degree. 4. What do you understand by the ‘dark web’? Why is it a serious threat? Explain. Approach: It expects students to write about – in first part write about what do you know about Dark Web – in second part write about threats possess by Dark Web – in end write few advantages of it. Introduction: The dark web is the World Wide Web content that exists on darknets: overlay networks that use the Internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Body: Dark Web: The dark web refers to encrypted online content that is not indexed by conventional search engines. Sometimes, the dark web is also called the dark net.  The dark web is a part of the deep web, which just refers to websites that do not appear on search engines.  Most deep web content consists of private files hosted on Dropbox and its competitors or subscriber-only databases rather than anything illegal. Specific browsers, such as Tor Browser, are required to reach the dark web. Using the dark web often provides considerably more privacy than just using Tor to access the web.  Many dark web sites simply provide standard web services with more secrecy, which benefits political dissidents and people trying to keep medical conditions private.  Unfortunately, online marketplaces for drugs, exchanges for stolen data, and other illegal activities get most of the attention. Dark Web possess serious threats because: The dark web empowers ordinary people, but some people will inevitably abuse that power. The dark web can make it easier to commit some of the worst crimes.  For example, the combination of the dark web and cryptocurrencies theoretically makes it much easier to hire someone to commit a murder.  While the dark web promises privacy to its users, it can also be used to violate the privacy of others. Private photos, medical records, and financial information have all been stolen and shared on the dark web. Since there’s more content to analyze, Deep Web search engines tend to be slower than standard search engines. Searching the Deep Web also requires a more precise search string.  Deep Web searches should be reserved for serious, painstaking research, not for simple questions and basic Web surfing.  Deep Web searches may also return sensitive personal information from normally restricted databases, creating ethical dilemmas and leaving individuals susceptible to fraud and identity theft.  Everything on the deep web is completely untraceable and it’s only a matter of time before criminals take advantage of it. To put it simply, the deep web has become a corrupted hub of criminal activity.  The transfer of drugs, illegal weapons and the hiring of contract killers is an almost daily occurrence on this medium. Illegal bidding market places similar to E-bay have been set up on the deep web to sell these illegal goods and, no matter how hard they try; there is nothing the law can do to stop it.  These illegal market places are extremely efficient and even boast a user-friendly interface and search bar to help criminals save time in locating their illegal goods.  The currency used in these marketplaces is the cyber currency Bitcoin, which only adds to the impossibility of the transfers and guilty parties being traced. However, Dark web had some advantages like: The dark web helps people to maintain privacy and freely express their views. Privacy is essential for many innocent people terrorized by stalkers and other criminals.  The increasing tendency of potential employers to track posts on social media can also make it difficult to engage in honest discussions publicly.  Finally, the popularity of the dark web with criminals makes it a perfect way for undercover police officers to communicate. One of the biggest advantages of the dark web is the difficulty of blocking it. Common forms of censorship, which block traffic to websites at specific choke points along the Internet hierarchy, do not work with encrypted overlay networks.  For similar reasons, the dark web is more resistant to surveillance by governments and corporations.  Whistle blowers, journalists, and other professionals at risk of targeted surveillance use the dark web to communicate sensitive information. And organizations including Human Rights Watch and the Electronic Frontier Foundation support the use of and access to the dark web. Conclusion: The internet, like most things in life, is both a boon and a curse. In the right hands and with the right guidance, it can be a pathway to unparalleled opportunities for learning and growth. Without proper regulation, however, it can be extremely destructive and may negatively impact someone’s future.  5. Examine the current and potential applications of wearable devices. Approach: It is straightforward question where, it expects students to write about – in first part current applications of wearable devices – while in second part you need to write about potential applications of wearable devices. Introduction: Wearable technologies are smart electronic devices (electronic device with micro-controllers) that are worn close to and/or on the surface of the skin, where they detect, analyse, and transmit information concerning e.g. body signals such as vital signs, and/or ambient data and which allow in some cases immediate biofeedback to the wearer Body: Current applications: For Kids and Families: Wearable devices provide parental assistance. Whether kids are going to a school event or a friend's house, they will be accessible thanks to wearable tech all the time. You can get your kid a GPS tracker, a screen less smartphone or some other device among many more options.  Health and Wellness: If you feel overstressed at work, then it's time to give yourself a break.  Find the mind-body balance and meditate yourself after a long workday. Sometimes your mind can be tired along with your body, so it shouldn't be all about body health, but also mental health. From sleep tracking to heart rate monitoring, you can ask help from a smart assistant to check on what's going on in your body.  Music:  They offer the ability to take your podcasts and music to hangouts. Without the need of headphones, you and your friends can listen to music at the same time. Also, you can use these wearable speakers underwater, so the music will be with you even in the pool.  Adventure: Dealing with bigger cameras is a difficult task when you're trying to record your adventures. It causes many accidents, especially for those who like outdoor and underwater sports like hiking, skiing, or diving. Thanks to these lightweight wearable cameras, no need to carry additional gears in your backpack. Potential applications: The Public and Personal Safety: In contrast with the position that wearable technology will give harm to security, the wearable devices will provide the safety of the society. For example, in the near future Bio-censors will be integrated into the wearable devices, and these censors will monitor the brain activities. Business: The wearable technologies are expected to innovate the companies’ strategies and the way of doing business.  In  the near  future,  there will  be  no need  to go  to meetings  physically.  Instead  of  W/C meetings, the managers may meet in a virtual meeting room  formed  by  augmented  reality  and  all  the decisions  will  be  recorded. Research: Wearable technologies provides several opportunities for companies in the context of market research.  Researchers use  some  eye-tracking techniques  in  the  laboratory  experiments.  In  the future, they can gather real-life data via eye-tracking software built in a smart glasses.  Production: In  production  and  in  the  logistics workers  should work  very efficiently  and  find  and bring the necessary parts.  However, sometimes they can be confused about the location of the necessary parts  or  products.  With  Smart  glasses,  when  the factory  needs  some  parts,  the  list  may  be automatically uploaded to the glasses. It can put them in the order and may navigate the optimum route for the workers, and this lead to time and cost efficiency. Sales: Retailers can  use a  system that  customers upload  shopping  list  to  the  Smart  Glasses, and  the glasses will make the customers finish their shopping as fast as possible via indoor navigation. In addition, there may be no  need to  try  on  clothes in  the near future.  When  we  choose  a  dress the  smart  glasses may show the dress on the wearer virtually and it will be like looking at a mirror.  Tourism: Augmented  reality  integrated  wearable technologies  enable  people  to  visit  cities,  tourist attractions  virtually  without  going  there.  They also use virtual city sightseeing tours. New virtual tourism companies may emerge in  the near  future. Entertainment: With  the emergence  of  wearable technologies, there will also be a paradigm shift in the gaming  industry.  Oculus  Rift,  which  is  a  virtual reality head-mounted  display,  can  be  considered as the  preliminary  version  of  this  shift.  When  a  user wears this head-mounted display he/she can view the virtual environment almost as real. Conclusion: Today, the diffusion of the wearable technologies is just at the early adopter stage both for the society and companies. In the near future the evolution of wearable technologies, especially smart glasses and smart watches, will almost be completed their evolutions and these technological devices will be adopted by the societies and companies. Wearable technologies will be a milestone both for daily life of people and the way of doing businesses of the companies in the future. TLP HOT Synopsis Day 39 PDF

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [28th NOVEMBER,2020] – Day 42

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [21st NOVEMBER,2020] – Day 36   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. True patriotism hates injustice in its own land more than anywhere else.  सच्ची देशभक्ति कहीं और से ज्यादा अपने देश में अन्याय से नफरत करती है। 2. Bravery is not the absence of fear, it is overcoming it.  बहादुरी डर की अनुपस्थिति नहीं है, बल्कि उस पर काबू पाना है। 3. Nationalism has nothing to do with democratic values: Authoritarians can be nationalists; indeed, most are. राष्ट्रवाद का लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों से कोई लेना-देना नहीं है: सत्तावादी राष्ट्रवादी हो सकते हैं; वास्तव में, अधिकतर  हैं। 4. Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. एक साथ आना एक शुरुआत है; साथ रहना प्रगति है; साथ मिलकर काम करना सफलता 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 :)

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th November 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Portal For Transgender Persons Launched Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Society & GS-II – Policies and interventions  In news  ‘National Portal for Transgender Persons’ was recently launched. Launched by: Ministry for Social Justice & Empowerment Key takeaways National Portal for Transgender Persons was developed after the Notification of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020 was released. This Portal would help a transgender person in applying for a Certificate and Identity card digitally from anywhere in the country. The most important benefit is that it helps the transgender person to get the I-Card without any physical interface and without having to visit any office.  Through the Portal, they can monitor the status of their application that ensures transparency in the process. Getting Transgender Certificate and Identity Cards as per their self-perceived identity is an important provision of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Garima Greh: A Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’ e-inaugurated Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Society & GS-II – Policies and interventions  In news A ‘Garima Greh: A Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’ was recently e-inaugurated in Vadodara, Gujarat. Inaugurated by: Ministry for Social Justice & Empowerment  Key takeaways Under the Scheme of ‘Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’, the ministry has decided to set up shelter homes for transgender persons who have been forced to leave their homes or abandoned by the family.  This is first such home in Vadodara. By March 31st, 2021, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Kolkata, Jaipur, Raipur, Bhubaneswar and Manipur will also have such homes to be called “Garima Greh” with a capacity for 25 persons. They will be run by transgender community-led organisations.  These shelters will also provide skill training to connect the community members with livelihood opportunities. This is a pilot project. On its successful completion, similar schemes will be extended to other parts of the country. Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health & GS-III – Sci & Tech In news The Indian government is using eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) in association with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to identify primary beneficiaries and vaccine distribution networks. Key takeaways eVIN is an indigenously developed technology.  It digitises vaccine stocks and monitors the temperature of the cold chain through a smartphone application. The innovative eVIN was first launched across 12 states in 2015 to support better vaccine logistics management at cold chain points. eVIN supports the central government’s Universal Immunization Programme by providing real-time information on vaccine stocks and flows, and storage temperatures across all cold chain points across states and UTs. Do you know? The government has begun its preparations for introduction of Covid-19 vaccine and a National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC) has been formed as the highest group that will guide the strategies for vaccine introduction. Decisions taken regarding Ensuring Adequate Numbering Resources for Fixed Line and Mobile Services Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In news With the consideration of TRAI Recommendation on “Ensuring Adequate Numbering Resources for Fixed Line and Mobile Services”, Department of Telecommunications shall implement certain decisions. Decisions taken All Fixed to Mobile calls will be dialed with prefix ‘0’ from 15th January, 2021. There will be no change in dialling plan from fixed to fixed, mobile to fixed and mobile to mobile calls. An announcement shall be played whenever a subscriber dials a fixed to mobile call without prefixing ‘0’. All fixed line subscribers will be provided with ‘0’ dialling facility. A total of approximately 2539 million numbering series is expected to be generated from the above.  This will free up sufficient numbering resources for future use. With the freeing up of sufficient numbering resources, more number of connections can be added in future which will be beneficial to the mobile customers at large. FDI in Telecom Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure; FDI In news Union Cabinet approved ₹2,480 crore FDIin ATC Telecom Infra Pvt Ltd.  ATC Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd is looking to acquire 12.32% stake in ATC Telecom Infra Pvt Ltd through the FDI route. FDI up to 100% is allowed in Telecom Services Sector wherein 49% under automatic route and beyond 49% through government route subject to observance of licensing and security conditions by the licensee as well as investors as notified by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) from time to time. NIIF’s Debt Platform approved Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In news To drive infrastructure creation in India, the Union Cabinet approved the infusion of ₹6,000 crore equity in National Infrastructure Investment Fund’s (NIIF’s) debt platform in the next two years. Key takeaways Out of the proposed amount, ₹2,000 crore will be infused in the current financial year. NIIF Debt Platform is sponsored by National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). Under NIIF, there are several funds. The NIIF’s debt platform will raise debt from the bond market and will provide debt/loan to infrastructure companies. It will act as an intermediary between the bond market and the infrastructure projects. Infrastructure projects do not directly raise money from the bond markets because they lack credibility in such markets.  The NIIF and its platforms’ ratings are good because government has invested 49% equity into it.  Do you know? Any fund can raise money through two routes - Equity and Debt and can then invest this money into Equity and Debt again. Draft Merchant Shipping Bill, 2020 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In news Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has issued a draft of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2020 for public consultation.  It aims to repeal and replace the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and the Coasting Vessels Act, 1838. Key takeaways The Bill has provisions for repatriation of abandoned seafarers to improve their welfare on abandoned vessels. The Bill does away with requirement of general trading licence for Indian vessels to promote ease of doing business.  It also enables electronic means of registration, and grants statutory recognition to electronic agreements, records, and log-books. The Bill has clauses to increase India’s tonnage and to make the vessel a tradeable asset. It also seeks to introduce for the first-time statutory framework for regulating maritime emergency response against maritime incidents to promote India as a bankable shipping jurisdiction and avoid situations leading to wreck. To make India an active enforcement jurisdiction, the Bill incorporates powers of the Director-General to take action against vessels that are unsafe, and pose a threat to safety of life at sea and environment It also encourages active enforcement of pollution prevention standards. Land-attack Version of BrahMos Missile successfully test-fired Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Defence and Security In news Recently, India has successfully test-fired a land-attack version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Key takeaways The range of the missile has been extended to 400 km from the original 290 km. Its speed has been maintained at 2.8 Mach or almost three times the speed of sound. The test was done in a “top-attack” configuration. In top attack mode, the missile is required to climb sharply after launch, travel at a certain altitude and then fall on top of the target. In direct attack mode, the missile travels at a lower altitude, directly striking the target. Miscellaneous Lok Virasat organised India’s Films Division (FD) is organising Lok Virasat.  It is a festival of films on folk art and painting. The films being streamed include: The Kingdom of God: It is a film on the great Indian heritage of art and culture with focus on various folk art traditions. Bhavai - Fading Memories: A film on Bhavai which is a folk art of Gujarat. Naman – Khele: A film on the ancient folk art performed in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Sahi Jata - The Fusion Cult: A film on the unique fusion of muscle and music in the form of folk art on the back-drop of the ancient Orissa town of Puri  Therukoothu - Dancing For Life: A film depicting the age old Tamil folk art. (Mains Focus) SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology. Brain Fingerprinting Context: A team of CBI officers probing the alleged rape and murder of a 19-year-old Dalit girl in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, arrived at the Gandhinagar-based Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) with the four accused. A brain electrical oscillation signature profiling (BEOSP) test will be conducted on all four What exactly is the BEOSP test? Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature Profiling (BEOSP) also known as brain fingerprinting is a neuro psychological method of interrogation in which the accused’s participation in the crime is investigated by studying their brain’s response.  The BEOSP test is carried out via a process known as electroencephalogram, conducted to study the electrical behaviour of the human brain. Under this test, the consent of the accused is first taken and they are then made to wear caps with dozens of electrodes attached to them.  The accused are then shown visuals or played audio clips related to the crime to check if there is any triggering of neurons in their brains which then generate brainwaves.  The test results are then studied to determine the participation of the accused in a crime To be fair to the accused, forensic experts also prepare probes on the basis of their alibis and then present two hypothesis in front of them to invoke their brain’s reaction.  The tests are based on the phenomenons of ‘knowledge’ and ‘experience’. A person’s brain might have knowledge of the crime committed and the alibi they have come up with. But it is the ‘experience’ of having participated in the crime that determines their guilt. What differentiates a BEOSP test from a polygraph or a lie detector? The BEOSP procedure does not involve a question answer session with the accused and is rather a neuro psychological study of their brain.  In a polygraph test, the accused person’s physiological indicators are taken into account which include blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration and skin conductivity.  However, experts say that while a person might be able to control their pulse rate and BP even in times of distress, a BEOSP test offers a much more credible result. Why were the accused brought to Gandhinagar FSL? Founded in 1974, the Gujarat state FSL in Gandhinagar is India’s premier laboratory for forensic sciences and technical investigation.  The FSL has a total of 1100 staff and offers varied services including suspect detection system, computer forensics, narco analysis as well as an accredited ‘cow meat’ testing mobile laboratory. Other states refer their cases here because of the latest cutting edge technological advancements in the laboratory along with sufficient expertise of the staff which are to the international standards Among the high-profile cases that were studies by Gujarat FSL were the Nithari serial killings, the Aarushi murder case, the Godhra train burning case, the Shakti Mill gangrape case and the on-going Narcotics Control Bureau case involving Bollywood. Can these tests be admitted as evidence? Not as a standalone.  In 2010, the Supreme Court passed a judgment in the Selvi versus State of Karnataka case where the bench observed that narco analysis, polygraph and brain mapping tests cannot be forced upon any individual without their consent and the test results cannot be admitted solely as evidence.  However, any information or material discovered during the tests can be made part of the evidence, observed the bench. GOVERNANCE/ SOCIETY Topic: General Studies 1, 2: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Women Friendly Cities Context: Urban planning in India does not factor in gender perspectives. Cities need to be redesigned to address the concerns of women. Issues Personal security, digital security and infrastructure security All these have a multiplier effect on the position of women — these can negatively affect their access to public spaces, jobs and even how much leisure time they can spend.  Indifference to concerns of women results in a difficult commute and poor childcare facilities. The segregation of commercial and residential areas automatically increases the commute from work to home and creates entry barriers to mobility for women. Shared transport has been found to be generally unsafe. But in the absence of dedicated footpaths or cycle tracks, women commuters have little option. Way Ahead To make cities women-friendly, urban planners must focus on two core issues —greater safety from violence and adequate childcare support. Mixed land-use, by encouraging office space and commercial areas in residential localities, makes for regular use of streets, better lighting and encourages women to use public spaces. Chandigarh Model - This city factored in local markets, commercial offices, schools, public parks, post offices, police posts and medical clinics into the design of each small locality or sector. Reliable childcare facilities, are necessary if we expect women to enter the job market, sustain jobs and also pursue leisure activities.  Ensuring that enough creches are available throughout the city is important to set women free and support them in discharging their parental duties.  For construction sites, mobile creches could be the answer. (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: Bhavai is a folk art of Rajasthan. Naman – Khele is the ancient folk art performed in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Which of the following sectors allow FDI? Manufacturing of cigars Atomic  Energy Telecom services Pharma sector Which of the following is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 2 and 4 only 3 and 4 only 3 only ANSWERS FOR 26th November 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 A 3 D Must Read About reining in Vaccine Nationalism: The Hindu About regulation of Online media: The Hindu Long winter for economy: The Indian Express

RSTV Video

India's Nuclear Doctrine – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

India's Nuclear Doctrine Archives TOPIC: General studies 3 Security challenges and their management in border areas In News: India has said that it is committed to no first use of strategic weapons under its nuclear doctrine.  Speaking at the Conference on Disarmament, at 75th Session of the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, India said that its nuclear weapons are meant to maintain a posture of minimum deterrence. Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said nuclear disarmament can be achieved through an agreed multilateral framework. India also reiterated its commitment to a universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. India believes that nuclear disarmament can be achieved through a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework. India remains convinced of the need for meaningful dialogue among all States possessing nuclear weapons, for building trust and confidence India's reiteration of its nuclear doctrine is significant, as it comes at a time when the armed forces are on alert at the borders, both at the LoC with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, and also in readiness for any contingency to face a “two-front war”, a euphemism for a hypothetical Sino-Pakistani joint attack on India. Both these neighbours also possess nuclear weapons. India’s N-weapons journey  India embarked on the path of nuclear weapons development after its face-off with China in the 1962 war, followed by China carrying out nuclear tests in 1964 and in the subsequent years. In 1974, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India conducted its first nuclear tests, Pokhran-I, dubbed as a “peaceful nuclear explosion”.  Despite more than two decades of international pressure that followed to make India abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons, India again carried out a test in May 1998, Pokhran-II, involving a fission device, a low-yield device, and a thermonuclear device. Its successful execution meant that India had the ability to introduce nuclear warheads into its fast-developing missile programme.  A fortnight after the Pokhran-II tests, Pakistan also carried out similar tests, confirming progress with its nuclear weapons programme; since that time its nuclear arsenal has expanded rapidly. In 1999, India came out with an explicit nuclear doctrine that committed, among other things, to NFU — that is it would never carry out a nuclear first-strike. This doctrine emphasised “minimal deterrence, no first use and non-use against non-nuclear weapon states”, in the words of former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon. The NFU promise thus went together with credible minimum deterrence (CMD). India has been tabling an annual resolution in the UNGA on ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger’ since 1998. The annual resolution calls for immediate and urgent steps to reduce the risks of unintentional and accidental use of nuclear weapons, including through de-alerting and de-targeting. Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/4l6p4w/article29248428.ece/alternates/FREE_615/Nuclear-escalation  What does CMD mean for the Indian nuclear doctrine? Credible minimum deterrence does not imply indefinite expansion of the nuclear arsenal; rather it is built on an assured second-strike capability. This implies that in the event of another nation carrying out a first nuclear strike of any magnitude against India, India’s nuclear forces shall be so deployed as to ensure survivability of the attack and the capability to carry out a massive, punitive nuclear retaliation aimed at inflicting damage that the aggressor will find “unacceptable”. Additionally, CMD requires a robust command and control system; effective intelligence and early warning capabilities; comprehensive planning and training for operations in line with the strategy; and the will to employ nuclear forces and weapons. Currently, the Nuclear Command Authority is responsible for command, control and operational decisions on nuclear weapons; specifically it is the Cabinet Committee on Security and ultimately the office of the Prime Minister of India, that is responsible for the decision to carry out a nuclear attack. Do we need to revisit the NFU policy? After the 1998 nuclear tests in India and Pakistan, the CMD was established in the sense that in the following decade, including the aftermaths of the attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001 and the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, neither country felt inclined to instigate all-out war. In 2013, Shyam Saran, convener of the National Security Advisory Board, said: “India will not be the first to use nuclear weapons, but if it is attacked with such weapons, it would engage in nuclear retaliation which will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage on its adversary. The label on a nuclear weapon used for attacking India, strategic or tactical, is irrelevant from the Indian perspective.” However, there may be some concerns with this idea that India will retaliate massively even if Pakistan uses tactical nuclear weapons — possibly on Indian forces operating on Pakistani soil — against it. This strategy would take both countries back into the old-world deterrence paradigm of “mutually assured destruction”, because any surviving forces in Pakistan after India’s retaliation would surely launch a devastating attack against targets across India. Conclusion The Balakot strikes that followed the Pulwama attack (both in February 2019) demonstrate that the Narendra Modi government is not shy of taking cross-border military action. If another sub-conventional attack, say a terror attack, occurs on Indian soil anytime soon, these theories will likely be tested. What remains unclear is how high up the escalation ladder both countries will be willing to go. MUST READ: In stand-off, keeping an eye on the nuclear ball Connecting the Dots: What are your views on India’s ‘No First Use’ nuclear doctrine? Should it be reviewed keeping in view the changing security dynamics in the region? Critically examine. The nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in 1998 helped to get the global high table to make space for India. Do you agree? Critically comment. Enumerate the top nuclear challenges the world faces today. As nuclear states push the line against other nuclear states, even if they do not want a war… war may find them. Comment.  

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [24th NOVEMBER,2020] Day 38: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [24th NOVEMBER,2020] Day 38: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   Q 1. Do you think river interlinking is the most suitable way forward for water management in India? Critically examine. Approach: As the directive here is critically examine, it is necessary to cover various angles and arrive at a fair judgment.  In the introduction explain what is river interlinking or National River Linking programme. In the main body part give both sides views regarding river water interlinking. Adding a way forward with supplementary techniques to address the issue is necessary.  Introduction: The river interlinking, envisages the transfer of water from water 'surplus' basins where there is flooding, to water 'deficit' basins where there is drought/scarcity, through inter-basin water transfer projects. Body: The National River Interlinking Project (NRLP) is such a project. NRLP will comprise of 30 links to connect 37 rivers across the nation through a network of nearly 3000 storage dams to form a gigantic South Asian Water Grid. It includes two components, Himalayan Rivers Development Component and Southern Water Grid.  Pros of river interlinking for water management in India: Hydropower generation: This project envisages the building of many dams and reservoirs. For instance, NRLP can generate about 34000 MW of electricity if the whole project is executed. Round the year water availability: River interlinking will help in dry weather flow augmentation. That is when there is a dry season, surplus water stored in the reservoirs can be released. This will enable a minimum amount of water flow in the rivers.  Irrigation benefits: River interlinking  project will provide irrigation facilities in water-deficient places. For instance, Indian agriculture is primarily monsoon-dependent. This leads to problems in agricultural output when the monsoons behave unexpectedly. This can be solved when irrigation facilities improve.  River interlinking project will also help commercially because of the betterment of the inland waterways transport system. For instance, as shown in Map 1, it will help to have intricate network of rivers across India where NRLP will implement river interlinking. Thereby it will increase transportation capacity.  Moreover, the rural areas will have an alternate source of income in the form of fish farming, etc. It will also augment the defence and security of the country through the additional waterline defence. Map 1: National River Interlinking Programme Cons of River Interlinking Programme:  Ecological issues: One of the major concerns is that rivers change their course in 70–100 years and thus once they are linked, future change of course could create huge practical problems for the project. Aqua life: A number of leading environmentalists are of the opinion that the project could be an ecological disaster. There would be a decrease in downstream flows resulting in reduction of fresh water inflows into the seas seriously jeopardizing aquatic life. Deforestation: Creation of canals would need large areas of land resulting in large scale deforestation in certain areas. Areas getting submerged: Possibility of new dams comes with the threat of large otherwise habitable or reserved land getting submerged under water or surface water. Fertile deltas will be under threat, with coastal erosion expected to threaten the land and livelihoods of local economies that support 160 million people. Displacement of people: As large strips of land might have to be converted to canals, a considerable population living in these areas must need to be rehabilitated to new areas. Dirtying of clean water: As the rivers interlink, rivers with dirty water will get connected to rivers with clean water, hence dirtying the clean water. Disrupting of ecological flow for instance, on implementation of NRLP, water discharge in 23 out of 29 rivers will reduce considerably, they say. The Ganga will see a 24% decrease in flow. Its tributaries Gandak (-68%) and Ghaghara (-55%) will be the worst affected.  While the Brahmaputra will see only a 6% loss, its tributaries will see massive flow reductions: Manas (-73%), Sankosh (-72%) and Raidhak (-53%). Changes in water flow and trapping of silt in reservoirs will see a dip in the sediment deposited by rivers. This raises questions about India’s Rs. 11 lakh crore ($165 billion) plan to transfer water from "surplus" to "deficit" basins. However, Australia's failure of  Snowy River Scheme  where Australia ended up destroying-the river’s wetland habitat in its lower reaches is cited by the conservationist as a North star to not to give green signal to this project. Due to these reasons river interlinking can't be the only solution to address the water management issue. Following alternative methods also needs to implemented.  Alternatives for water management in India:  Local solutions (like better irrigation practice) and watershed management, should be focused on.  For instance, Artificial glaciers in the regions of Ladakh can be one such example. It resulted in significant increase in agricultural production, thereby increasing income of the locals. Farm ponds, filled during rainy season, can effectively act supplementary to tubewells and canals, leading to lesser stress on both govt and farmer. For instance, Maharashtra's Jalyukt Shivar is such a scheme.  The Bundelkhand region of central India is the hotspot of water scarcity. Bundelkhand. Project Bhujal specifically aimed in rejuvenating the watershed and it created a storage capacity of 100 million liters of water. After this intervention the cropping intensity increased up to 30% and there was a significant increase the ground water recorded up to 2 to 5 meters. The government should alternatively consider the National Waterways Project (NWP) which "eliminates" friction between states over the sharing of river waters since it uses only the excess flood water that goes into the sea unutilized. Conclusion: With a bird's eye view it seems river interlinking has the potential to address the water stress issue of India. However, it is necessary to look at this issue on the basis of necessity and feasibility of river-interlinking. Most suitably it should be seen on case to case basis, with adequate emphasis on easing out federal issues. Besides as a supplementary measure we can incorporate traditional water harvesting and water management techniques which will help India to have a water security.   2. Comment on India’s recent achievements on the front of border infrastructure expansion. What benefits would accrue with such expansion? Examine. Approach - It expects students to write about recent border infrastructure expansion and how it will be beneficial in border security management in coming days. Introduction India shares its border with seven different countries. Most of these borders are man-made and do not follow any natural barrier. India’s vast coastline and island territories also make it open to attacks and infiltration. In addition, political instability, cultural radicalism and patronage of mafia and terrorism in the few neighbouring countries make border management an important aspect to guard India’s sovereignty.  Body India’s recent achievements on the front of border infrastructure: Bridge construction: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 44 major bridges at strategic locations along the western, northern and north-eastern borders. This included eight major bridges in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh each, along with 28 other bridges located across different border sectors.  Tunnel construction: Atal Tunnel in Rohtang, which is the highest altitude tunnel in the world and has strategic significance. The tunnel was constructed using drill and blast NATM (New Austria Tunnelling Method) techniques. 10 new such tunnel construction has been planned. Infrastructure Development along the LAC: India is close to completing a major upgrade of border roads, including a strategic military-use road that connects an airfield at Daulat Beg Oldie in the northern tip of the western sector with the villages of Shyok and Darbuk toward the south. Frontier highways: Roads spread across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim — BRO has reportedly completed 40 roads and 12 more roads will be completed by March 2021. For example Chardham project. Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System: The CIBMS is a robust and integrated system that is capable of addressing the gaps in the present system of border security by seamlessly integrating human resources, weapons, and high-tech surveillance equipment. The Border Area Development Programme (BADP): Under BADP, for projects in areas of States/UTs inhabited along the Indo-China border i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand. The fund is distributed to the Border States and Union Territories (UTs) depending on various criteria such as the length of the international border and population. Benefits of border infrastructure projects: Bridges will facilitate faster movement of heavy civil and military traffic in the border areas, provide connectivity to the border population and aid in the faster deployment of troops when needed in sectors of strategic importance. For example project Sampark of BRO. DS-DBO road greatly facilitates the lateral movement of Indian forces along the western sector, reducing travel time by 40%. The tunnels are being built in areas where road traffic is disrupted every year for up to six months due to heavy snowfall during the winter months. The opening of the tunnels will enable the rapid movement of troops throughout the year, even in winter months. CIBMS has three components which are using a number of different devices for surveillance, efficient and dedicated communication network and data storage for a composite picture. Sensors like Thermal Imager, Unattended Ground Sensor (UGS), Fibre Optical Sensors, Radar, Sonar, satellite imagery are used in CIBMS. Under BADP the projects for developing strategically important villages and towns in border areas will be given priority. Construction of roads, bridges, primary schools, health infrastructure, playfields, irrigation works, etc. will be undertaken within 10 km of the border. Way forward : Improving the functionality and efficiency of BRO: with Manageable Workload, Greater Financial Autonomy, Delinking Pay and Allowances, Higher Incentives and changes in the organisation structure in order to meet the deadlines. Leveraging technology: Integrated command and communication centres, scaling up of CIBMS, use of AI and moving a step closer to smart border management as recommended by Madhukar Gupta committee. Cross-border cooperation (CBC): The core principle of cross-border cooperation (CBC) is the information sharing and collaborative approach between neighbouring countries for border security threats like human trafficking arms smuggling, terrorist threats, etc. Conclusion Work on critical border infrastructure such as roads and bridges has gone up by nearly 75 per cent across seven states and union territories sharing borders with China and Pakistan in the last two years, defence ministry data has showed. The creation of infrastructure would help integrate these areas with the hinterland, create a positive perception of care by the country and encourage people to stay on in the border areas leading to safe and secure borders. 3. What is the ‘Blue Flag’ certification of beaches? Explain. Why was it in news recently? Discuss. Approach: Students are expected to write about the ‘blue flag’ certification in first part and discuss its recent significance in Indian context.  Introduction: Blue Flag is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The award is given to the safest, cleanest, and environment-friendly beaches of the world. Recently India became the first country in the world to receive the Blue Flag Certification for 8 beaches in a single attempt. This is a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development efforts Body: Blue Flag Certification: The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification that can be obtained by a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator, and serves as an eco-label. It is awarded annually to beaches and marinas in FEE member countries. Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world. The Blue Flag programme was started in France in 1985. It promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas through four main criteria those are Water quality, Environmental management, Environmental education, Safety. Forty-seven countries currently participate in the program, and more than 4000 beaches, marinas, and boats have this certification worldwide.  Recently, India is the first country in “Asia-Pacific” region which has achieved this feat in just about 2 years’ time whereas Japan, South Korea and UAE are the only other Asian nations who have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches, however, in a time frame of about 5 to 6 years. However according to the new notification, few activities and facilities would be permitted in the CRZ in order to meet the requirements of Blue Flag certification. Minimum distance: 50 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL) area was under imposition for development on the beach as per the earlier CRZ guidelines which is now changed to 10 meters from the High Tide Line. Infrastructure development permitted on Beaches: India has permitted certain types of development on beaches focusing on the criteria of blue flag certification such as Portable toilet blocks, change rooms and shower panels, Solid waste management plant, Solar power plant, Purified drinking water facility, Beach access pathways, Outdoor play / fitness equipment, CCTV surveillance and control room, First aid station, environment information boards and other signages, Other associated facilities or infrastructure, as per requirements of Blue Flag Certification. New initiatives by Government: To take this project forward India has launched its own eco-label BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project which is an attempt to achieve sustainability. Although Blue Flag is the most popular eco-award, however there are certain issues which are harmful for the environment High levels of human influence: The beaches are not characterized for their naturalness; instead they show high levels of human influence and artificialization. There are lot of services for the humans, but no real management for the conservation of the naturalness of the beach. Detrimental to beach ecosystem: The concession of Blue Flag award is strictly focused on services offered to the users of the beach, they do not take in account of environmental and ecological issues related to the behaviour of beaches as fragile systems. Ultimately it will cause damage the fragile species of beach ecosystem. Conclusion: India has now entered the bloc of 50 “BLUE FLAG” nations. The central government is planning to take this journey forward to 100 such beaches in the country in the next five years. As the ocean hosts the world’s largest connected ecosystem and provide an increasing amount of energy, food, materials to the society, development of beaches in line with the sustainable development goals will ensure healthy and productive marine environment.  4. What is the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)? What are its intended benefits? Examine.  Approach: It expects student to write about – in first part write about what is National Infrastructure Pipeline – in second part write different intended benefits of National Infrastructure Pipeline – in the end write few challenges before it. Introduction: Recently, the Government has released a report of the task force on National Infrastructure Pipeline for 2019-2025. To augment infrastructure and create jobs in the country, the government task force on National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), which in its report projected total investment of Rs 111 lakh crore in infra projects over five years. It said that 18 per cent of the targeted investment is expected to be made in the road sector. Body: National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP): NIP is a first-of-its-kind initiative to provide world-class infrastructure across the country and improve the quality of life for all citizens. It will improve project preparation, attract investments (both domestic & foreign) into infrastructure, and will be crucial for attaining the target of becoming a $5 trillion economy by FY 2024. Covers both economic and social infrastructure projects. During the fiscals 2020 to 2025, sectors such as Energy (24%), Roads (19%), Urban (16%), and Railways (13%) amount to around 70% of the projected capital expenditure in infrastructure in India. It has outlined plans to invest more than ₹102 lakh crore on infrastructure projects by 2024-25, with the Centre, States and the private sector to share the capital expenditure in a 39:39:22 formulas. There are following intended benefits of NIP: It is estimated that India would need to spend $4.5 trillion on infrastructure by 2030 to sustain its growth rate. The endeavour of the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), is to make this happen in an efficient manner. Well-planned NIP will enable more infrastructure projects, grow businesses, create jobs, improve ease of living, and provide equitable access to infrastructure for all, making growth more inclusive. Well-developed infrastructure enhances level of economic activity, creates additional fiscal space by improving revenue base of the government, and ensures quality of expenditure focused on productive areas. National Infrastructure Pipeline will ensure that infrastructure projects are adequately prepared and launched. It will provide better view of project supply, provides time to be better prepared for project bidding, reduces aggressive bids/ failure in project delivery, ensures enhanced access to sources of finance as a result of increased investor confidence. It will strengthen agricultural and rural infrastructure. Irrigation and rural infrastructure projects would account for 7.7 lakh crore each. It will further increase the connectivity in India, especially in rural areas. Road projects will account for Rs. 19.63 lakh crore while another Rs. 13.68 lakh crore would be for railway projects. There is a lack of private investment due to ongoing NPA crisis and lack of credit creation in the economy. So the government needs to invest from its own resources to give a push to the economy However, following challenges needs to addressed: Credit availability is the biggest challenge in the backdrop of the NPA crisis. Envisaged Private sector participation in capital expenditure (22%) may largely suffer due to this. State governments’ financial commitment may not be realised because of fiscal concerns. Presently, more than 20 states already have a debt-GSDP ratio of above 25 per cent. Land acquisition is a big challenge for the completion of infrastructure projects. Conclusion: Availability of quality infrastructure is a prerequisite to achieve broad-based and inclusive growth on a sustainable basis. If the concerns regarding fiscal availability are addressed properly, National Infrastructure Pipeline would be a massive exercise to realise the vision of becoming a 5 trillion $ economy by 2024. 5. Examine the significance of rural infrastructure schemes for the economy.  Approach: It expects student to write about – in first part write about significance of rural infrastructure schemes for the economy – in second part write about different rural infrastructure schemes (you can also write first and second part as one) – in third part write challenges before it – in end write few way forwards. Introduction: Infrastructure plays a critical role in the economic development of any country. Presently 65% of India’s population resides in its rural areas.  If we talk about rural infrastructure in the country, then it is crucial for agriculture, agro-industries and poverty alleviation in the rural areas.  Body: Significance of rural infrastructure schemes for the economy: Basically, rural infrastructure has the potential to provide basic amenities to people that can improve their quality of life. To give an example, development of rural infrastructure can lead to improved access to market centres for the rural producers, better availability of inputs and raw materials at reduced prices and improved mobility. Rural road infrastructure scheme: It provides mobility and connectivity to people living in rural areas. It also provides the much needed boost to agricultural activities by making available water, seeds and other raw materials to the farmers. By improving connectivity, rural roads also enhance employment opportunities for the rural people in non-agriculture sector, thereby, increasing livelihood opportunities. Rural roads also ensure that the rural areas are served with better public services and all the benefits offered by the state reach the far-flung areas easily. They can even provide access to education and health services. Rural electrification infrastructure scheme: It basically caters well to the requirements of agriculture and other activities including irrigation pumpsets, small and medium industries, khadi and village industries, cold storage chains, healthcare and education Rural water supply scheme: It can lead to sustainability of systems and sources and tackle the problem of water quality, thereby, increasing good health of people. Rural housing infrastructure scheme: It has the potential to improve living standard of the people. Overall and as per various studies, development of rural power, irrigation, water, sanitation and road infrastructure can increase productivity, savings, income and tourism and result in better jobs and health of rural people. Keeping all the above factors in mind, the government of India (GoI) has initiated critical schemes for the upliftment of rural infrastructure. Such as: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY - Gramin):  Providing Housing for All by 2022. PMAY-G aims to provide pucca (permanent) houses and other basic civic amenities such as piped drinking water, power supply and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connection in convergence. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Improving rural connectivity, by providing all-weather roads to connect eligible habitations in rural areas. As on December 31, 2019, road length worth Rs. 2.9 lakh crore had been sanctioned and expenditure of Rs. 2.17 lakh crore incurred. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Providing Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household i.e., Har Ghar Nal Se Jal by 2024.  There have been several factors that have posed a challenge to development:   Land availability: There is a continuous tussle for land for agriculture, agro-based industries, and housing in the rural areas, which is a severe constraint to meet the housing demands of the rural population. This implies that the vision of ‘Housing for All’ will require acquisition/ supply of large land parcels on a regular basis.  Inadequate financing: Inadequate access to formal sources of finance for the rural population has been an issue in the rural housing sector. Lack of proper documentation/ steady source of income for rural population has been a hindrance in securing formal finance. Legal constraints: There is a barrier for major players in real estate in tapping the vast land potential in rural areas reinforced by poor enforcement of laws against encroachment of public lands. There is an absence of clear titles to private lands causing an artificial scarcity of land in rural areas. Another major issue is the absence of large-scale digitisation of land records and easy access to such records for checking land-holding titles. Poor condition of rural road network:  India has one of the largest and densest rural road networks around the world. However, 2.7 million kilometres of rural road network is in poor condition. At present, most of the rural roads are not all-weather roads and lack connectivity to remote areas.  Several reforms that are identified as imperative in the development of Rural infrastructure are as follows:  Boosting rural affordable housing to ensure ‘Housing for All by 2022’: However, for the affordable housing initiative to succeed there needs to be efficient land usage and easy access to finance and innovative financing mechanism. For that the government is setting up an affordable housing fund in the National Housing Bank (NHB) that can be funded from the priority sector lending shortfall.  Improving condition of roads under PMGSY:  All roads to be covered by five-year maintenance contracts, to be entered into along with the construction contract with the same contractor in accordance with standard bidding document (SBD). Policy Framework for road maintenance by National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to be implemented on a state level. Ensuring greater fund availability, acknowledging feedback from the Meri Sadak App and Improving last-mile connectivity in rural areas. Improving coverage of basic civic amenities: By increasing accountability of GPs by decentralising service delivery model, improving the capacity of local government to undertake and implement quality infrastructure projects in the rural areas. And Creating awareness among the rural population regarding user charges/ fees for quality services/ amenities.  Improving supply of drinking water: By bringing structural changes in the regulatory environment, a shift is needed in the institutional framework of the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) to make water management more holistic and multidisciplinary. Restructuring and unifying the CWC and CGWB to form a new National Water Commission (NWC). A model law on water resource regulatory mechanisms can also be drafted and implemented on state level.  Conclusion: Rural infrastructure can give impetus to overall growth and special need of Atmanirbhar Bharat can be fulfilled by bringing 69% of Indian population together with good infrastructure connectivity of all sorts.   TLP HOT Synopsis Day 38 PDF

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 27th Nov 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

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