Nov 25, 2020 RSTV Video

Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan – Special – RSTV IAS UPSC

Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan Archives TOPIC: General Studies 1 Indian Freedom Movement Indian freedom fighters Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Narayan’s birthday (11th October, 1902) is celebrated as “Save Democracy Day” for his invaluable contribution to anti-emergency agitation during 1975-76. His entire life is one of supreme sacrifice and commitment to the nation In 1921 he joined the Non-cooperation movement and was influenced by Gandhian Ideology Later he went to US, where he was deeply influenced by Marxist ideology. However, he rejected the ultimate solution of “revolution” to bring down the capitalism as being advocated by the Marxists. On the contrary, he advocated Socialism. In 1929 he joined the INC at the invitation of J Nehru In 1934 he formed Congress Socialist Party with the following members Acharya Narendra Deva Ram Manohar Lohia Minoo Masani Achyut Patvardhan Ashok Mehta Congress Socialist Party 1st President : Acharya Narendra Dev General Secretary: JP Narayan Ideology: Democratic Socialism He also participated in Quit India Movement in 1942. He advocated non-rebellion & non-violence During the period of emergency starting from 1975, he gave a call for “Total Revolution” or “Sampoorna Kranti” to completely transform the society. He advocated Party-less democracy Sarvodaya Rejection of Parliamentary Democracy After the death of J Nehru, JP had increasingly involved in national politics During the second half of 1960s, he involved in resolving disputes in Kashmir He also played a pivotal role in the Nagaland issue in 1960s During the Bangladesh crisis, it was JP who became India’s ambassador to persuade about the rightness of India’s cause The voice of JP favouring human rights found relevance in Hungarian crisis, Czech crisis, and Tibetan crisis during his times In 1999, he was posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna Part of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), whose 117th birth anniversary falls on October 11, was among the twelve apostles of the Mahatma and had been a front-soldier during the Indian freedom struggle. In this fight, JP imbibed a combination of ahimsa and aggression. His call for ‘sampoorna kranti’ or total revolution to fight against rampant corruption, unemployment and systematic weakening of democratic institutions back in 1974, and the subsequent events, led to the imposition of the infamous Emergency. It eventually paved the way for a realignment of political forces in the country and gave a new direction to the politics of the country, with far-reaching ramifications. He firmly believed that youngsters should be in the forefront of changing the system. Those entrenched in power, the status quoists, would naturally resist any change, but only the energy and force of youth can bring about revolutionary transformation – this was his firm belief. And that’s precisely what happened in the seventies. After blessing the Nav Nirman Andolan in Gujarat, where people had risen against the corrupt state government, JP mobilised students in Bihar to fight against authoritarianism and corruption. He had such a mesmerising influence on the political scene that under his mentorship a host of splinter parties of the Congress, like Congress (O), Jana Sangh and Swatantra Party, and other socialists came together to form the Janata Party. He could have easily occupied the top post during the Janata regime. Although people clamoured for his leadership, he said that power was not his aim.  He participated in the freedom struggle and led the Quit India movement in 1942 in the absence of senior leaders. He remained detached from electoral politics after Independence, but as such was not indifferent to politics. He also took active part in Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan movement. The legacy of JP is akin to that of the Mahatma and echoes him on issues that have cropped up in the post-Gandhi era.  All of them are topical and in JP’s own words: Freedom “Freedom became one of the beacon lights of my life and it has remained so ever since… Above all it meant freedom of the human personality, freedom of the mind, freedom of the spirit. This freedom has become a passion of my life and I shall not see it compromised for food, for security, for prosperity, for the glory of the state or for anything else.” Democracy “India’s democracy is to rise storey by storey from the foundation, consisting of self-governing, self-sufficient, agro-industrial, urbo-rural local communities — gram sabha, panchayat samiti and zilla parishad—that would form the base of Vidhan Sabhas and the Lok Sabha. These politico-economic institutions will regulate the use of natural resources for the good of the community and the nation. Development “Idea of development envisages independent India as sui generis, a society unlike any other, in a class of its own that would not follow the western pattern of mega industrialisation, urbanisation and individuation. India’s would be agro-based people’s economy that would chart out a distinct course in economic growth, which would be need-based, human-scale and balanced while conserving nature and livelihoods. Such a ‘development’ process would be democratic and decentralised.  The best development model for India is diversified, democratic decentralised and value-added agriculture as the root, manufacturing small/medium industries as trunk and branches and widespread service sector as a canopy. The almost universal tendency for a centralised political, economic model, and social system that is associated with both of them should be abandoned.” Communalism “Although almost every religious community had its own brand of communalism, Hindu communalism was more pernicious than the others because Hindu communalism can easily masquerade as Indian nationalism and denounce all opposition to it as being anti-national.” Hindutva “Those who attempt to equate India with Hindus and Indian history with Hindu history are only detracting from the greatness of India and the glory of Indian history and civilisation. Such person, paradoxical though this may seem, are in reality the enemies of Hinduism itself and the Hindus. Not only do they degrade the noble religion and destroy its catholicity and spirit of tolerance and harmony, but they also weaken and sunder the fabric of the nation, of which Hindus form such a vast majority.” Hindu Rashtra In the long struggle for national freedom there emerged a clear enough concept of a single, composite, non-sectarian Indian nationhood. All those who spoke about divisive and sectarian nationalism were therefore outside the pale of this nationalism, evolved during the freedom struggle. The hostile and alienating nationalism we hear about today is antithetical to the ethos of freedom struggle and against the belief of all those who helped it evolve.” Connecting the Dots: “JP was an embodiment of freedom, quest for human dignity and the expression of true democracy.” Explain the role of JP in the nation building. What are the events/causes that led to the JP Movement? Highlight the role played by JP during the movement. “Despite being a huge mass movement that virtually shook the roots of the constitutional principles, JP movement is considered as a flawed movement.” Critically examine the JP movement and its flaws. “Emergency imposed during the 1975 is seen as a dark period in the history of post-independent India.” Give a critical account on the outcomes of emergency and what are the lessons that we have learnt from the 40 years of emergency.

Nov 25, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [23rd NOVEMBER,2020] Day 37: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [23rd NOVEMBER,2020] Day 37: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Critically evaluate the impact of liberalisation in addressing the twin problem of poverty and unemployment in India. Approach: As the directive here is critically evaluate, it is necessary to arrive on the overall analysis of the pros and cons backed by evidence. In the first part of answer it is expected to show what were expected outcomes of liberalisation in addressing  the twin problem of poverty and unemployment in India. In the next part you can show what are positive impacts and what are the negative ones. A constructive way forward will fetch you more marks.  Introduction: In the economic history of India major economic reforms occurred in 1991 when  a new economic policy was announced. This policy focussed on three aspects i.e. liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. Though the macro objective of these reforms was to dismantle the excessive regulatory framework, micro objectives were focussed at increasing growth rate of per capita income and achieving full employment there by reducing income inequality, reducing number of people living below poverty line.  Body: Liberalization  refers to the process of making policies less constraining of economic activity and also reduction of tariff or removal of non-tariff barriers. Poverty and unemployment are inseparable twins as unemployment leads to lack of a regular income, which in turn leads to the inability of a person to be able to maintain the basic needs, such as having sufficient healthy foods, availing health care and having adequate shelter and lack of education. However, even it is possible to live in poverty even while employed. For instance, A low paid worker may suffer much the same hardships. Positive impacts of liberlisation on Poverty and Unemployment:  There are two conclusions on trends in poverty. The first one, shown in a World Bank study by Gaurav Datt and others, is that poverty declined by 1.36 percentage points per annum after 1991, compared to that of 0.44 percentage points per annum prior to 1991. The second conclusion is that in the post-reform period, poverty declined faster in the 2000s than in the 1990s. Around 138 million people were lifted above the poverty line during this period. The poverty of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes also declined faster in the 2000s. The Rangarajan committee report also showed faster reduction in poverty during 2009-10 to 2011-12. Higher economic growth, agriculture growth, rural non-farm employment, increase in real wages for rural labourers, employment in construction and programmes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) contributed to higher poverty reduction in the 2000s compared to the 1990s. Unemployment rate is reduced: In 1991 unemployment rate was 4.3% but after adoption of new LPG policy more employment is generated because of globalization many new foreign companies came in India and due to liberalization many new entrepreneurs have started new companies because of an abolition of Industrial licensing / Permit Raj so, employment is generated, and due to which India’s unemployment rate is reduced from 4.3% in 1991 to 3.6% in 2014.  Strongest revolution of new century has been one of Information Technology, which started in last years of past century. This revolution was different because it made globalization even more obvious and stark. It made possible transfer of real time human labour across nations, without transfer humans themselves. There by it increased the employment rate in India.  Negative impacts of liberalisation on Poverty and Unemployment:  Liberalisation benefits to those who have the skills and technology in the country. The higher growth rate achieved by an economy can be at the expense of declining incomes of people who may be rendered redundant. Hence, liberalisation has widened the gap between the rich and poor, rises inequalities and thereby increasing the number of poor in the country.  In 1991, agriculture provided employment to 72 percent of the population and contributed 29.02per cent of the gross domestic product. However, in 2018 the share of agriculture in the GDP went down drastically to15% and employment to nearly 50% . This has resulted in a lowering the per capita income of the farmers and increasing the rural indebtedness which in turn grappled more and more farmers in to poverty.   Rising suicides of farmers in Maharashtra is one such example.  As per the methodology of the Suresh Tendulkar Committee report, the population below the poverty line in India was 354 million (29.6% of the population) in 2009-2010 and was 269 million (21.9% of the population) in 2011–2012.Till 2014 unemployment rate came down to 3.6%. However, after 2014  due to jobless growth unemployment rate has increased to 6.1% in 2018.  Former vice chairperson of NITI aayog, Arvind Panegariya also pointed out that Underemployment, and not unemployment is the key challenge facing India. He also argued that, it is not possible to grow at 7% and have no jobs growth. Most people are employed but earn low wages, especially in agriculture output per worker is one-fifth of that in industry.  Way forward to overcome the twin problem of poverty and unemployment:  India needs to continue to follow the two-fold strategy of achieving high economic growth and direct measures through social protection programmes. The focus should also be on increase in urban growth and income as the share of urban poverty will rise with urbanization. It is necessary to focus here on the two important measures: creating productive employment and providing quality education for reduction in poverty and inequality. Employment focus is the major part of equity approach. Studies have shown that agricultural growth leads to reduction in poverty twice as that of non-agriculture. We need more diversified agriculture for raising the income of farmers. However, future employment has to be created in manufacturing and service. In this context, the Make in India initiative, focus on start-ups, Mudra, financial inclusion, etc., are steps in the right direction. Equally, service sector employment has to be promoted. Over time, the share of the organized sector has to be raised while simultaneously improving productivity in the unorganized sector. Efficient delivery systems of public services. Many reckon that poor governance is the biggest constraint in achieving the aspirations of a new generation and reduction in poverty, inequality and unemployment. Conclusion: Sustainable Development Goal 1, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015, calls for "no poverty". Though Liberalisation focused on creating employment and thereby reducing poverty, some of the issues still remain a challenge for the policymakers.  There is a need of an effective anti-poverty programme at solving the unemployment problem through structural, institutional and technological reforms in the economic sectors for speeding up the pace of economic growth, and reduction in poverty. If the expected reforms are implemented in their letter and spirit we can realise true meaning of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas'.  2. How do tax policies affect the investment climate? Illustrate. Approach - It expects students to write about tax policies and how it affect the investment climate and analyze with different examples. Introduction To foster economic growth and development governments need sustainable sources of funding for social programs and public investments. Programs providing health, education, infrastructure and other services are important to achieve the common goal of a prosperous, functional and orderly society. And they require that governments raise revenues. Taxation not only pays for public goods and services; it is also a key ingredient in the social contract between citizens and the economy. And also impacts the investment business cycle in economy. Body Tax policies affecting investment climate:  Retrospective tax: The policy of retrospective taxation has acted as an “irritant” and adversely affected the inflow of foreign capital to India. Abrupt Policy Changes: There has been a lack of certainty about tariff and taxes. This uncertainty needs to be resolved soon to boost business and investments ties. Plethora of Taxation Laws: There have been many taxation laws of the Central and many State Governments which increases complexities and litigation and reduces predictability, fairness and automation. High price reduce investable amount: Multiple governments levy so many taxes on businesses that "taxes" is the highest budget items on the ledger sheets of most businesses. Businesses have to raise prices to get money to pay these taxes. So product prices go up. In return it reduces the investment in business cycle. Recession due to taxation policy: The high taxation takes so much away from the economy that it enters a permanent form of recession. If government tries to boost the economy with increased government spending, the result is stagflation (simultaneous high inflation and unemployment) instead of prosperity.  Reduction in Investable Income: First of all, taxes reduce your investable income, that is, the amount of income you can invest. When you pay taxes before you invest, you have less money to invest into the stock market and other investments. Recent government taxation policies and its effect on investment: Vodafone case: Following a setback from Supreme Court decision the government, made amendment to the Finance Act in 2012 to give retrospective effect to its claims. This was the trigger for Vodafone to seek arbitral recourse. And spoiled the investment environment in India. Re-introduced long-term capital gains tax 2018: LTCG tax on sale of equities will be applicable on gains exceeding Rs1 lakh. The tax rate is 10%. The tax roiled equity markets on budget day. Its worst budget-day performance in the five years of this government. Tax holiday for SEZ: SEZs typically feature liberal tax laws. Such zones have generated significant interest in investment in developing countries, demonstrating sharp increase in international trade and economic activity. This investment in SEZ have helped in employment generation with almost 1.8 million people being employed by SEZ units in the country. GST implementation: GST implementation is a breakthrough tax-reform with respect to Foreign Direct Investments in India. Increased tax compliance will ensure reduced litigations and increased investor confidence. In a slow global economy, GST will provide the required boost to international trade and FDI, which will aid in the economic growth of the country. Corporate tax cut in 2019: Lowering of corporate tax rate has made India a globally competitive and favoured destination for investment and the impact of this landmark reform will be felt in the coming years. Way Forward Reducing Scope of Litigation: There is a need to focus on signing Advance-pricing Agreements to avoid Transfer pricing disputes.  Need to Bring More Clarity on Tax laws: India has already rolled out Anti-tax avoidance regulations i.e. the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR) from assessment year 2018-19. However, there is a need to bring more transparency for avoiding issues related to retrospective taxation. Indian Finance Code: There is a need for simplification of taxation laws in India. In this context there is a need to implement recommendations of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission. Adopting International Best Practice: India may explore the option to revise the standard of treatment clause to align it with international practices and include the traditional standard of protection of fair and equitable treatment. Conclusion Thus, taxation creates both favourable and unfavourable effects on various parameters. Unfavourable effects of taxes can be wiped out by the judicious use of progressive taxation. Further, if India really wants to become an international hub of global investment, there is a need for ensuring transparency and certainty in India’s tax regime. 3. Examine the ways in which digital technologies can improve the ease of doing business in India. Approach: Student are expected to Examine the ways in which digital technologies can improve the ease of doing business in India in first part and explain the other concerns pertaining to Ease of doing business in second part.  Introduction: The ease of doing business index is an index created by the World Bank Group. India has jumped 14 places to rank 63rd out of 190 countries in the World Bank's Doing Business 2020 report on account of significant improvement in its various parameters. India’s success in boosting its ease of doing business ranking is spectacular and Digitalisation played a great role in ranking up of ease of doing business.  Body: On the back of multiple policy reforms, digital led process transformation and capacity building in government has change things for good. COMPACT and GePG: This initiative targets the ‘Selling to Govt’ parameter of EoDB. The Government e-Payment Gateway at the Pay and Accounts Offices of the Government of India has reduced the average payment cycle from 20-25 days to 4-5 days. The automation of payment process helps the corporate citizens who sell to the government. Selling to the government also became easier after the launch of the e-procurement module in various government departments. Tendering process has become online and transparent because of it. e-biz portal: This initiative targets the ‘Starting the Business’ parameter of EoDB. The e-biz portal provides various services to the entrepreneurs in starting and running a business. The entrepreneur can create an account and avail the industry specific services at one location. e-Courts: This initiative targets the ‘Enforcing Contract’ parameter of EoDB. Automation of courts through e-courts which allow the complainants to file cases electronically. This ultimately reduces the time of companies which earlier required during physical process.  MCA 21: This initiative targets the ‘Starting the Business’ parameter of EoDB. The MCA 21 project is instrumental in the incorporation process and application is designed to fully automate all processes. It impacts the starting a business parameter in ease of doing scores. With this project in place the ministry of corporate affair offers a broad bouquet of e-services to the corporate citizens. GST: This initiative targets the ‘Paying Taxes’ parameter of EoDB. Multiplicity of indirect taxes, multiplicity of institutions managing & collecting indirect taxes became history now. GST clubs all the indirect taxes into one and hence there is uniform and easy procedures of payment. Digitization of Land records and property registration: This initiative targets the ‘Registering Property’ parameter of EoDB. Digitization of land records and property registration helps businesses to have a seamless experience. Digital records are less prone to forgery and hence offer better enforceability. Power Sector Reforms: This initiative targets the ‘Getting Electricity’ parameter of EoDB. India’s score on getting an electricity connection is good for the EODB ranking. This can be attributed to the power sector reforms in general and digitalization of application process in particular. Shram Suvidha Portal: This initiative targets the ‘Labour Market Regulation’ parameter of EoDB. Shram Suvida Portal is a one-stop-shop for Labour Laws compliance. It consolidates information of labour inspection and its enforcement. It promotes the use of a common Labour Identification Number (LIN) to comply with more than 40 labour laws. Taxpayers services and TRACES: This initiative targets the ‘Paying Taxes’ parameter of EoDB. Corporate Income Tax is adding value to the score of EoDB. Through multiple projects, the Income Tax Department has facilitated various e-services to the individuals as well as the corporate citizens. These services include e-filing of income tax return, online payment of taxes, e-TDS reconciliation etc. EDI for eTrade: This initiative targets the ‘Trading across borders’ parameter of EoDB. This Mission Mode Project seeks to simplify procedures, introduce electronic delivery of services, provide 24/7 access to users, increase transparency, reduce transaction cost and time. Even though through the digitalisation India have climbed up the position, these are not the only factors which helps. There are certain business-oriented factors which needs to address.  Operating cost of Business: The big milestone for the EoDB is a reduced cost of doing business through lower regulatory burden and management of factors of production. While the National Infrastructure Pipeline is a step in the right direction to reduce logistics costs and improve infrastructure, reducing the cost of land, power, and capital can significantly ease the burden for businesses.  Faster implementation of initiatives: Faster implementation of the initiatives that we have taken so far will also help India consolidate its location-product matrix and realise its potential in high value-add segment.  Burden of Statutory compliances: The Indian regulatory landscape has 1,536 Acts, more than 69,233 compliances and 6,618 regulatory filings across the Centre and states. This is an indication that ease of doing business for companies still remains a work-in-progress for India despite an improvement in the rankings. Overburdened Courts: Even though e-court initiative reduce the time for filling the cases there are still much to achieve in it as courts are already overburdened. Infrastructural developments are much needed part of Indian Legal system faster closer of cases.  Special Focused for MSME’s: As CII suggested in its report, Micro, small and medium enterprises need a special helping hand, and should be exempted from approvals and inspections for three years under state laws while following all rules.  Low performance in few parameters: In the four parameters i.e. enforcing contracts (163rd), starting a business (136th), registering property (154th), and paying taxes (115th) India still far behind than actual rank. Huge Improvements in these parameters are require to achieve government’s target to take India among top 50.  Conclusion: India has sought to improve its ease of doing business index ranking as a means to attract investments to achieve the targets set for ‘Make in India’. Central and state governments have introduced a plethora of reforms across various sectors, such as UP government launched ‘Nivesh Mitra’ e-portal to facilitate various business process. These reforms have contributed to achieving it. Sustaining this reform momentum can drive new investments including from overseas. This is a sign that we are travelling on the road of “minimum government and maximum governance”. Q.4 What is the role of government in a liberalised economy? Discuss. In this light, assess the performance of the Indian governments post 1991 economic reforms. Approach: In the introduction part candidate can explain what is a liberalised economy and in brief explain what role government plays. In the main body part, it is expected to give in detail the role of government in a liberalised economy. In the next part it is necessary to assess the performance of the Indian government post 1991 economic reforms.  Introduction: Liberalised economy is the economy where elimination of the control of the state over economic activities takes place. It provides greater autonomy to the business enterprises in decision-making and eliminates government interference. Body: Role of government in a liberalised economy: Ensuring efficiency of services: The government could attempt to correct market failures like monopoly and excessive pollution to ensure efficient function­ing of the economic system. Externalities (or social costs) occur when firms or people impose costs or benefits on others outside the marketplace. Infrastructure building: The government could provide an integrated infrastructure. Infrastructure (or social overhead capital) refers to those activities that enhance, directly or indirectly, output levels or effi­ciency in production. Essential elements are systems of transportation, power generation, communication and banking, educational and health facilities, and a well-ordered government and political structure. Since the cost of providing these essential services are very high and benefits accrue to numerous diverse groups, such activities are to be financed by the government. Promotes and ensures Equity: Markets do not necessarily produce a distribution of income that is regarded as socially fair or equitable. As market economy may produce unacceptably high levels of inequality of income and weather. Government programmes to promote equity use taxes and spending to redistribute income toward particular groups. Economic Growth or Stability: Governments rely upon taxes, expenditures and monetary regulation to foster macroeconomic growth and stability to reduce unemployment and inflation while encouraging economic growth. Macroeconomic policies for stabilisation and economic growth includes fiscal policies (of taxing and spending) along with monetary policies (which affect interest rates and credit conditions). Since the development of macro­economics in the 1930s governments have succeeded in bringing inflation and unemployment under control. Performance of the government post 1991 reforms: India’s New Economic Policy was announced on July 24, 1991 known as the LPG or Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation model. Positive performance:  End of license raj which was characterized by overarching dominance of slow moving bureaucracy.  The key objective was to plunge Indian economy into the arena of  "Globalization" and to give it a new thrust on market orientation. The policy was intended to move towards higher economic growth rate and to build sufficient foreign exchange reserves. End of state owned enterprises monopoly in capital intensive sectors thus giving rise to competition and fair market price discovery and gradual decline of complacency of State owned enterprises.  India’s GDP growth rate increased. During 1990-91 India’s GDP growth rate was only 1.1% but after 1991 reforms GDP growth rate increased year by year and in 2015-16 it was estimated to be 7.5% by IMF. In the field of agriculture, it has brought many agricultural practices like the usage of technology and investing in the R&D sector of the agricultural economy. In the industrial sector it has brought in competition and variety of goods which made our Indian industries make the goods more competent and various techniques of manufacturing goods. In the service sector India has become of the top player in the providing services in the field of Information Technology which brings valuable FOREX to the country with the companies investing in India. Since 1991, India has firmly established itself as an attractive foreign investment destination and FDI equity inflows in India in 2019-20 (till August) stood at US$ 19.33 billion. In 1991 the unemployment rate was high but after India adopted new LPG policy more employment got generated as new foreign companies came to India and due to liberalisation many new entrepreneurs started companies. Per Capita income increased due to an increase in employment. Infrastructure, improved considerably because of PPP model adoption in various projects. Negative performance:  In 1991, agriculture provided employment to 72 percent of the population and contributed 29.02 percent of the GDP. Now the share of agriculture in the GDP has gone down drastically to 18 percent. This has resulted in a lowering the per capita income of the farmers and increasing the rural indebtedness. Due to opening up of the Indian economy to foreign competition, more MNCs are competing local businesses and companies which are facing problems due to financial constraints, lack of advanced technology and production inefficiencies. Globalization has also contributed to the destruction of the environment through pollution by emissions from manufacturing plants and clearing of vegetation cover. It further affects the health of people. LPG policies have led to widening income gaps within the country. The higher growth rate is achieved by an economy at the expense of declining incomes of people who may be rendered redundant. Conclusion: Thus economic reforms of 1991 have brought out mixed results however it is to be noted that India has since been able to grow at a very fast pace. On the whole the GDP has witnessed rise from ~USD 275 million in 1991 to ~USD 2 trillion in 2014.  But in this process our economy has jumped from primary sector to tertiary i.e. service sector, overlooking manufacturing (secondary) sector which encompasses sustainability. Schemes like Make in India need an impetus to make India 'Aatmnirbhar' in its true sense which will help the government to balance its role as a regulator and facilitator. Q.5 The MSME sector holds the key to engender fast and equitable socio-economic growth in India. Do you agree? Substantiate. Approach: As the directive here is substantiate, it is necessary to give examples to support the arguments. In the introduction candidate can explain about the MSME sector. In the main body simply explain the potential of MSME sectors potential to speed up the inclusive socio-economic growth in India. These arguments need to be substantiated by examples. Candidate can conclude by showing how this sector will contribute to the development of India to achieve inclusive development.  Introduction: Micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have always been vital in the socio-economic development of India. Spread across both urban and rural areas, MSMEs produce a diverse range of products and services and provide large-scale employment at low capital cost. They not only support in industrialisation of rural and backward areas, but also help in reducing regional imbalances and assuring equitable distribution of national income and wealth. Body: MSME sector holds the key to engender fast and equitable socio-economic growth in India:  MSMEs are part of the larger industrial ecosystem and act as ancillary units for large enterprises. They cater to the needs of local markets as well as to national and international value chains.  Employment generation potential: MSME is the second largest employment generating sector after agriculture. For instance, as per present estimates, the Indian MSME sector, including khadi, village and coir industries, consists of 51 million units and provides employment to over 117 million persons. Contribution to GDP: With around 36.1 million units throughout the geographical expanse of the country, MSMEs contribute around 6.11% of the manufacturing GDP and 24.63% of the GDP from service activities.  It also accounts for contributing 7 per cent to India’s GDP while accounting for 45 per cent of the total manufacturing output and 40 per cent of the exports from India. Besides, it contributes around 45% of the overall exports from India. Inclusive growth: MSMEs promote inclusive growth by providing employment opportunities in rural areas especially to people belonging to weaker sections of the society.  For example: Khadi and Village industries require low per capita investment and employs a large number of women in rural areas. Financial inclusion: Small industries and retail businesses in tier-II and tier-III cities create opportunities for people to use banking services and products. Promote innovation: It provides opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to build creative products boosting business competition and fuels growth. Thus, Indian MSME sector is the backbone of the national economic structure and acts as a bulwark for Indian economy, providing resilience to ward off global economic shocks and adversities. It thereby also engenders fast and equitable socio-economic growth in India. However, there are some challenges which needs to be addressed.  As per 2015-16 survey of the National Statistical Office, two most important problems mentioned were a lack of demand and unpaid dues. MSME sector is also affected by the political economy of state intervention, which seems biased in favour of large corporations. Unlike the ₹1.5 trillion tax bonanza that large companies received as part of a pre-pandemic stimulus, there was no such bounty for the MSME sector. Less access to credit, less access to market, low technological improvement, have plagued the growth potential of this sector.  Also, the MSME sector has to now compete with a corporate sector that has easy access to capital, cheap and unregulated labour and a lower tax burden than before. Considering these challenges government came up with some of the initiatives such as launch of the Udyami Mitra Portal, launched an e-commerce platform on the lines of "Amazon and Alibaba" to sell products from MSMEs and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, simplification of government procedures, MSME Sambandh etc. These programmes hold the potential to solve the challenges posed in front of MSME sector.  Conclusion: MSME ministry has set a target to up its contribution to GDP to 50% by 2025 as India becomes a $5 trillion economy. As recommended by 'India MSME Report 2018', we need an entitlement approach that can have the potential of compelling all related stakeholders to work on a common national agenda and provide solutions under a scientifically structured framework which will supplement the 'vocal for local' campaign there by engendering fast and equitable socio-economic growth in India. TLP HOT Synopsis Day 37 PDF

Nov 25, 2020 Yojana

IAS UPSC YOJANA & KURUKSHETRA Magazine ‘OCTOBER’ 2020

Archives Hello Friends, Here we are with the OCTOBER 2020, edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra. Yojana/Kurukshetra: OCTOBER 2020 – Download  

Nov 25, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 25th 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

Nov 25, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 3 Questions[25th NOVEMBER,2020] - Day 39

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 3 Questions[25th NOVEMBER,2020] - Day 39   We will make sure, in the next 3 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. We are giving 5 Mains Questions on Daily basis so that every student can actively participate and keep your preparation focused. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE   Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. What are the various stages of vaccine development? Illustrate. How is efficacy of a vaccine calculated? Explain.  टीका विकास के विभिन्न चरण क्या हैं? उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट करें। टीके की गणना कैसे की जाती है? समझाएं। 2. Discuss the working principle of DNA and RNA vaccines.  डीएनए और आरएनए टीके के कार्य सिद्धांत पर चर्चा करें। 3. Discuss the recent progress achieved in drone technology. What are its potential commercial applications? Examine.   ड्रोन तकनीक में हालिया प्रगति पर चर्चा करें। इसके संभावित वाणिज्यिक अनुप्रयोग क्या हैं? जांच करें। 4. What do you understand by the ‘dark web’? Why is it a serious threat? Explain.  'डार्क वेब' से आप क्या समझते हैं? यह एक गंभीर खतरा क्यों है? समझाएं। 5. Examine the current and potential applications of wearable devices.  पहनने योग्य उपकरणों के वर्तमान और संभावित अनुप्रयोगों की जांच करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Nov 24, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 24th November 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Coronavirus patients develop Neutralising Antibodies Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health & GS-III – Sci & Tech In news A new study in Pune has revealed that nearly 85% of the people who had been found infected with novel coronavirus in a serosurvey had developed neutralising antibodies. Important value additions  Immunity from a disease-causing virus comes from what are known as “neutralising” or “protective” antibodies. Neutralising antibodies, like other antibodies that are created to fight the disease, are proteins. These are a small subset of the disease-specific antibodies that are generated once an infection has occurred. The neutralising antibodies become special because they have the ability to prevent the entry of the same virus inside human bodies in the future.  The other antibodies help in fighting off the virus once the infection has already happened. Delirium: One of the symptoms for older Covid-19 patients  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health In news A new study supports evidence that delirium can predict coronavirus infection in older patients who show no other typical symptoms of Covid-19. Important value additions  Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment.  The start of delirium is usually rapid — within hours or a few days. Delirium can often be traced to one or more contributing factors, such as a severe or chronic illness, changes in metabolic balance (such as low sodium), medication, infection, surgery, or alcohol or drug intoxication or withdrawal. Do you know?  Delirium and dementia Dementia and delirium may be particularly difficult to distinguish, and a person may have both.  Onset: The onset of delirium occurs within a short time, while dementia usually begins with relatively minor symptoms that gradually worsen over time. Attention: The ability to stay focused or maintain attention is significantly impaired with delirium. A person in the early stages of dementia remains generally alert. Fluctuation: The appearance of delirium symptoms can fluctuate significantly and frequently throughout the day. While people with dementia have better and worse times of day, their memory and thinking skills stay at a fairly constant level during the course of a day. Five technologies recommended in Drinking Water and Sanitation to provide Field Level Solutions to the States Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and Interventions & GS-III – Sci & Tech In news A multi-disciplinary Technical Committee in the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has recommended five technologies in Drinking Water and Sanitation to provide Field Level Solutions to the States. The Ministry of Jal Shakti gives importance to the infusion and deployment of innovative technological solutions to realize the objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide Functional Household Tap Connection to every rural home by 2024. Key takeaways  The first technology recommended is Grundfos AQpure, a solar energy based water treatment plant based on ultra-filtration. The Second is Janajal Water on Wheel, an IoT based electric vehicle based on GPS location to enable delivery of safe water to the doorstep of households. Another technology is Presto Online Chlorinator, a non-electricity dependent online chlorinator for disinfection of water for removal of bacterial contamination. Johkasou technology recommended is an inbuilt sewage and Kitchen and bath water treatment system having advanced anaerobic-aerobic configuration that can be installed underground. The last innovative technology is FBTec®, a site assembled in a decentralised sewage treatment system using fixed filter media. Important value additions  Jal Jeevan Mission It envisages supply of 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024. It focuses on integrated demand and supply-side management of water at the local level. Creation of local infrastructure like rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and management of household wastewater for reuse, would be undertaken in convergence with other government programmes/schemes. It is based on a community approach to water and includes extensive Information, Education and Communication as a key component of the mission. Funding Pattern: 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. Miscellaneous India International Cherry Blossom Festival India International Cherry Blossom Festival is the calendar event of Meghalaya which attracts a large number of tourists annually in Shillong.  It was cancelled recently due to  COVID-19 pandemic. It is the only Cherry Blossoms festival in India. Cherry blossom  It is a flower of many trees of genus Prunus. Prunus cerasoides is also called wild Himalayan cherry, Indian wild cherry, and sour cherry.  It is known in Hindi as padam, pajja, or padmakashtha. Among Hindus in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, it is considered sacred and associated with Vishnu and Shiva. SITMEX Indian Navy (IN) Ships participated in the 2nd edition of India, Singapore and Thailand Trilateral Maritime Exercise SITMEX-20, recently in Andaman Sea. The ships included indigenously built ASW corvette Kamorta and missile corvette Karmuk.  The SITMEX series of exercises are conducted to enhance mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices between IN, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN). The 2020 edition of the exercise is being hosted by RSN. SIMBEX Indian Navy is scheduled to host the 27th edition of India - Singapore Bilateral Maritime Exercise SIMBEX-20 from November 23 in Andaman Sea.  The exercises are aimed at enhancing mutual inter-operability and imbibing best practices from each other. The 2020 edition of SIMBEX will witness participation by Indian Navy ships including destroyer Rana with integral Chetak helicopter and indigenously built corvettes Kamorta and Karmuk. Rodchenkov Act The Rodchenkov Act was recently in news.  It is passed by the US Senate and will become a law once the US president signs it. It allows the USA to initiate legal proceedings against those involved in running doping rings even if they are not residents of the USA or if the act of doping took place outside the USA.  The main objective of the Rodchenkov Act is to bring to book Facilitators of drugs amongst athletes.  (MAINS FOCUS) WATER/ FEDERALISM/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2, 3: Issues relating to development and management of Water Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure  Inter-State River Water Disputes(Amendment) Bill Context: The Interstate River Water Disputes Amendment Bill 2019 and the Dam Safety Bill 2019, passed by Lok Sabha and pending approval in Rajya Sabha. The Inter-State River Water Disputes are one of the most contiguous issues in the Indian federalism today. In extreme cases, it may hamper the relationship between the different states. Issues with the Inter State River Water Dispute Act, 1956 Multiple Tribunals: Under this Act, a separate Tribunal has to be established for each dispute. There are eight inter-state water dispute tribunals, including the Ravi and Beas Waters Tribunal and Krishna River Water Dispute Tribunal. Lacks Robust Governance Framework: Currently there is no time limit for adjudication or publication of reports. There is lack of clarity in the institutional framework and guidelines that define these proceedings to ensure compliance. Protracted Proceedings: Only three of the eight tribunals have actually given awards accepted by the states. Tribunals like those on the Cauvery and Ravi Beas have been in existence for over 26 and 30 years respectively without any award. Composition of the tribunals: These are not multidisciplinary and it consists of persons only from the judiciary. There is no upper age limit for the chairman or the members. Data Issue: The absence of authoritative water data that is acceptable to all parties currently makes it difficult to even set up a baseline for adjudication. Subversion of resolution mechanisms: Though award is final and beyond the jurisdiction of Courts, either States can approach Supreme Court under Article 136(Special Leave Petition) under Article 32 linking issue with the violation of Article 21 (Right to Life). Complicated process involving too much discretion: India’s colonial legacy, complicated federal polity and politicisation of water issue all leads to procedural complexities involving multiple stakeholders across governments and agencies.  Key Provisions of Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill Disputes Resolution Committee (DRC): The bill requires the central government to set up a DRC for resolving any inter-state water dispute amicably.  The DRC will get a period of one year, extendable by six months, to submit its report to the central government. Members of DRC:  Members of the DRC will be from relevant fields, as deemed fit by the central government. Permanent Tribunal: The Bill envisages to constitute a standalone Tribunal with permanent establishment and permanent office space and infrastructure. It can have multiple benches. All existing tribunals will be dissolved and the water disputes pending adjudication before such existing tribunals will be transferred to this newly formed tribunal. Composition of the Tribunal:  The tribunal shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and not more than six nominated members (judges of the Supreme Court or of a High Court), nominated by the CJI.  The central government may appoint two experts serving in the Central Water Engineering Service, not below the rank of Chief Engineer, as assessors to advise the bench in its proceedings. Time allotted to Tribunal to take its decision:  Under the Bill, the proposed tribunal has to give its decision on a dispute within a period of two years.  This period is extendable by a maximum of one year.  Decision of the Tribunal:  Earlier, the decision of the tribunal must be published by the central government in the official gazette.  After publication, the decision has the same force as that of an order of the Supreme Court. Under the Bill, the requirement of publication in the official gazette has been removed.   The Bill also adds that the decision of the bench of the tribunal will be final and binding on the parties involved in the dispute.  This decision will have the same force as that of an order of the Supreme Court. Maintenance of data bank and information:  The Bill also calls for the transparent data collection system at the national level for each river basin and a single agency to maintain data bank and information system. Additional rule -making powers:  The Bill gives the central government powers to make rules in which water will be distributed during stress situations arising from shortage in the availability of water. Key Issues and Analysis of the Bill Issues with DRC Its role has been elevated from that of a perfunctory “techno-legal” body to an agency with a proactive role.  An officer of secretary rank will head the DRC and the body will have senior officers from the states that are party to a river water dispute, as members. However, there are concerns of it being adequately empowered. There is challenge to make the DRC process neutral and ensure meaningful participation by states that are party to a river water dispute There is also lack of clarity whether the DRC function as part of the Permanent Tribunal or will it work separately.  The Cauvery Supervisory Committee (CSC) which had a similar composition as that of DRC did not have much success The DRC aims at a politically negotiated settlement, for river water disputes are deeply political at their core. Its raison d’être is to avoid legal adjudication, not to supplement it. There are doubts whether this can be achieved Conflict with Judiciary The court had in December 2016 said that it was within its jurisdiction to hear appeals against the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award after the centre and Puducherry opposed the appeals, saying that the Constitution of India expressly disallows the apex court from intervening in interstate river water disputes. This means that the party states can now appeal against the decisions of the tribunal.  The Court followed it up with another order in February 2018 where it modified the allocations of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Final award of 2007. The bill does not address the implications of these decisions.  The bill has to resolve this conundrum first. In simple terms, the Supreme Court says it has jurisdiction over interstate river water disputes while the legislature says it doesn’t. Selection of Tribunal Judges One cannot miss the inclusion of a committee to select the tribunal judges.  The committee comprises the prime minister or a nominee as the Chairperson, the Minister of Law and Justice, the Minister of Jal Shakti and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.  This composition will now risk states politicising not just the disputes, but their adjudication by the tribunal. This creates a situation where the dispute could escalate to the Supreme Court. SOCEITY/ GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 1, 2: Social empowerment Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation  Paternity Leave Context: Indian Cricket Team Captain Virat Kohli asked for, and was granted, paternity leave in the middle of a competitive Test series against Australia. Unlike maternity leave, there is no law governing leave for fathers in India. Do You Know? The time-use survey report released last month by the National Sample Survey Office shows that Indian women spend nearly four hours more on unpaid work than men, with grim consequences for women’s participation in the workforce. India remains among the 90 out of the 187 countries in the world that do not have national policies to ensure that new fathers get adequate paid time off with their babies.  The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 allows for pregnant women to take leave for a total of 26 weeks out of which up to 8 weeks can be claimed before delivery. The woman is also supposed to get paid a benefit at the rate of her daily wage for three months before she goes on maternity leave. What are the merits of providing Paternity Leave? To Promote Gender Equality: Until men have equal opportunities to be caregivers, there will be an inevitable pressure on women to bear the bulk of responsibilities around the household.  To defeat Patriarchy: There’s a culture that perceives nurturing and parental duties as womanly. This toxic belief promotes the idea of women having to carry the sole responsibility of up-bringing, while the men go out and chase their professional goals. Parenting Skills: Just like maternity leave, paternity leave allows new-dads to take time off work and spend time with and around the new baby and mother. As a result, father’s attach to their babies in ways similar to mothers. This helps fathers to develop the parenting skills and sense of responsibility that then allows them to be active co-parents rather than helpers to their female partners. Changed family Set Up: In today’s world with nuclear families working couples don’t have the luxury of large joint family setups. Therefore, the husband/father needs to get time off from work to take care of his wife and newborn child.  Work-life balance and good for Women’s Careers: Paid Paternity leave helps find a balance between work and life for moms and dads, and in turn, help moms advance in their careers and achieve their own successes Helps Control Population: A study in Spain, which now gives 12 weeks of paternity leave, had found that it has lowered the fertility rate. International Trend: In Britain, Sweden and Norway, parents are granted about a year of paid parental leave to tend to their newborns during that particularly crucial and difficult period. The post-COVID reality makes it even more urgent for workplaces to incentivise men to take more responsibility at home, if more women are not to drop off the work grid. Do Public Sector employees in India get Paternity Leave? Public sector employees get 15-day paternity leave. The government made provisions for paternity leave for all public sector employees in 1999 through the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rule 551 (A).  This allows any male central government employee (including trainees and probationers) with less than two children to avail a 15-day paternity leave either 15 days before or within six months from the date of delivery of child. This also extends to cases where a child has been adopted. Many companies have adopted the same model. How is Private Sector dealing with Paternity Leave? Paternity leave is a rather new concept in the Indian corporate setup and most companies have started offering it in the last few years  The private sector in India is free not to offer paternity leave, but many large organizations are formulating their own policies.  Equality as well as higher productivity resulting from the security and contentment of a better work-life balance may be their aim. Tech giants Facebook, Deloitte and Microsoft offer their employees 17, 16 and 12 weeks of paternity leave respectively. There is no set time duration for paternity leave in corporate India. Most companies offer paternity leave between 5-15 days. Was there any effort made to pass law regarding Paternity Leave? A Paternity Benefit Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by MP Rajeev Satav in 2017.  The bill, which emphasises upon equal parental benefits for both parents, proposes that all workers, including those in the unorganised and private sector, can avail paternity leave of 15 days, extendable up to three months.  However, the bill has not yet been passed by the Parliament. Judiciary on Paternity Leave A 2009 judgment in the matter of Chander Mohan Jain v. N.K Bagrodia Public School, where a private school teacher approached the Delhi High Court to challenge the rejection of his paternity leave application and deductions from his salary for availing paternity leaves.  The Delhi High Court held that "all male employees of unaided recognized private schools were entitled to paternity leave".  The court directed the school to refund the money that was deducted from the teacher's salary.  While this judgment may not have pioneered the need to have a paternity benefit act in place, it does go to show that there has been some traction in India to give men the opportunity to bond with their new born. What are the Challenges associated with Paternity leave?  Even though several companies have progressive policies, the people executing them are still rigid. Employees are forced to take work from home and not a long leave. In our social set-up, where men are still considered the “breadwinner”, men may not be comfortable availing paternity leave. For many men, the worry that a six-month break may become a career setback, is quite real. The absence of a law to support it, unlike the maternity leave, contributes to the paternity leave needs not being taken seriously. The idea of legislating for paternity leave in the organised sector are viewed with suspicion as there are fears that Indian men would turn it into a paid holiday. Conclusion Paternity Leave is an important development in the context of gender discrimination at the workplace, but it will also have broader implications on the patriarchal mindset of Indian society. (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:  Antibodies are made up of fats.  Neutralizing antibodies have the ability to prevent the entry of the same virus inside human body is in the future. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Consider the following differences between dementia and delirium:  The onset of delirium occurs within a short time. Dementia worsens over gradually. The ability to maintain attention is significantly impaired with Dementia. A person in early stages of delirium remains generally alert. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Consider the following Technologies which were recommended recently for better drinking water and sanitation facilities:  Presto Online Chlorinator is a electricity based online chlorinator for disinfection of water. Johkasou technology is an inbuilt sewage and kitchen treatment system having only aerobic configuration which can be installed underground. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Consider the following statements regarding Jal Jeevan Mission:  It aims to supply 55 litres of water per family.  It aims to supply water to every rural household through functional household tap connections by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 ANSWERS FOR 23rd November 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B (1 only) 2 D Must Read About Time for Asian Century: The Hindu About India’s Strategic Possibilities with the Gulf: The Indian Express

Nov 24, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [20th NOVEMBER,2020] Day 35: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [20th NOVEMBER,2020] Day 35: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Perfect objectivity is an unrealistic goal; fairness, however, is not. Critically Comment. Approach – You need to critically comment on the aspect of perfect objectivity as an unrealistic goal whereas being fair has no such impediment. You need to substantiate this argument with proper examples. Introduction Objectivity is considered one of the most fundamental values because it helps the people to make correct decisions on the merit of evidence. It compliments other values like Integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, empathy, tolerance and compassion but pursuit of perfectness in objectivity can be counterproductive, which leaves the space for fairness. Body  Objectivity in one’s daily life helps in taking right decisions in case of ethical moral dilemmas and further helps in enhancing professionalism. It also helps to overcome biases, favouritism and helps in management of conflict of interest. Whereas absolute objectivity limit’s the flexibility in decision making. In real life it is almost impossible to maintain hundred percent rationality. Flexibility in decision making is essential in actual life. Sometimes such situations and circumstances arise where in the spirit of taking justiciable decisions the objectivity needs to be compromised. Due to complexities in the nature of laws in India, it is sometimes impossible to attain hundred percent adherence to a law without breaching a few other laws. In such a situation absolute objectivity in decision making is not suggested, a pragmatic approach becomes very necessary when such ethical dilemmas occur. Maintaining basic flexibility in objectivity requires allowing exceptions in extraordinary situations. For example, adopting violent methods is against the constitutional spirit of Justice but in extraordinary situations like terrorist attack and riots, sometimes it becomes necessary to issue orders of shoot at sight. Indian society being pluralistic, it is necessary to give scope for implementation of laws according to diverse sociocultural and economic needs. Absolute objectivity in governance would eliminate such administrative space for adjustment. Further, following absolute objectivity in governance could cause delays, inaction and inability to take policy decisions by the government or its various departments and agencies which run the country and the economy. On the other hand, the concept of fairness is closely related to a number of other moral concepts, such as equality, impartiality, and justice. It centres on how people are treated by others, especially the requirement that they be treated alike, in the absence of significant differences between them. The distinctive focus of fairness is decision-making processes or institutions that apply rules. For instance, in regard to the application of rules, a fair procedure is one that applies them similarly to all cases, unless there are strong reasons for making exceptions in particular cases. Presence of fairness and justice in civil services increases the confidence of the citizens in administration. It ensures the people that decisions are being made in an objective manner. Fairness also leads to equitable distribution of resources in the society. Fairness is concerned with actions, processes, and consequences that are morally right honourable, and equitable. In essence, the virtue of fairness establishes moral standards for decisions that affect others. Fair decisions are made in an appropriate manner based on appropriate criteria. In this COVID-19 crisis when big insurance companies were offering COVID-19 insurance, which in turn gave a tough competition to small insurance companies. Here, IRDAI intervened & mandated all general and health insurers to offer to have a COVID-19 specific product, addressing basic health insurance needs of insuring public related to the pandemic and have a standard product with common policy wordings across the industry. It ensured fairness. Failure to tackle discrimination and to provide equal opportunities hurts individuals and families, negatively impacts our society, and costs the economy. Crucially, a society that is fair and equal also helps improve all other public value outcomes. At the same time, perfect objectivity is a reality in places where pure facts are available in fields like science (Physics, Chemistry, etc.). Here fairness can’t be the target as it would be professional dishonesty. Conclusion Perfect objectivity may not be ethical solution in all cases like same fine cannot be imposed on both rich and poor, which may be objective but not fair. In public life objectivity as a value must strives for in all interaction but at many times being objective become difficult. Fairness as a value closest to objectivity can be practiced which progressively leads to objectivity. 2. Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself. Elucidate. Approach - Student are expected to write about the meaning of the term tolerance and also discuss in detail as to why it is an essential value considered in the society.  Introduction According to UNESCO, “Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human “Tolerance involves acceptance of differencing of the opinions with a fair, objective, and positive attitude. Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace. Body Tolerance is restraining from reacting to unfavourable happenings and respect for contradictory views. Tolerance is learning of giving respect to others as well as their opinions and should not impose our opinions on them because everyone has the same and equal rights. As famous saying, “treat others the way you want to be treated”. At personal level it helps individual to widen his perspective and thinking with multiple angles for the same issues.  Example- A Specific food may be religiously banned for a person, but it should not become issue for him if the other consuming it. Same applies for vegetarian – Non-vegetarian group. Tolerance is the responsibility that upholds human rights, pluralism (including cultural pluralism), democracy and the rule of law. It is vital because it promotes acknowledging new ideas which ultimately helps to break social norms. Tolerance is needed in complex society like India where people with varied belief stays together. Every person has right to choose His/her life partner and as it is individual’s choice of choosing, there should not be a problem on the basis of religion. Example- Recently in Tanishq advertisement, they implicitly indicated interreligious marriage. Still the whole outrage and withdrawal of advertisement shows lowered tolerance level of society Being a Democracy, we as a nation also expect tolerance from elected govt as there is always scope for criticism on govt. Easy permissions to peaceful rallies builds legitimacy of the govt and, build the confidence among the different group. In order to enjoy the rights, people should be free from ruling parties’ moral burden.  Example- As recently Former PM Manmohan Sing quote to Voltaire in the "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"  Tolerance as virtue is important to pursue high ideal of secularism enshrined in constitution. Intolerance would breed injustice and violence which are antidotes to a balanced development of a diverse nation. Example: A civil servant posted in a state other than his own if not tolerant may face problem in adapting and dedicating himself to the service of people. Conclusion Historically tolerance has been the central virtue of some of the greatest empires. Be it Asoka’s Dhamma or Akbar’s Sul-i-kul, tolerance was a key principle. Being tolerant of each other and caring for each other is what makes us human. This is why we have believed tolerance is important and an essential aspect of a healthy, liveable society. In fact, it is the only way in which a country as diverse as India (Politically, religiously, economically) can function and use each and every difference to make its people thrive rather than suffer. 3. Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself. Illustrate. Approach - It expects students to write about – ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place leads to empathy. Introduction Empathy is, at its simplest, awareness of the feelings and emotions of other people. It is a key element of Emotional Intelligence, the link between self and others, because it is how we as individuals understand what others are experiencing as if we were feeling it ourselves. Body Empathy involves essentially putting yourself in someone else’s position and feeling what they must be feeling. When you see another person suffering, you might be able to instantly envision yourself in the other person’s place and feel sympathy for what they are going through. Empathetic people care about others and show interest in and concern for them. It is the ability to non-judgmentally put into words your understanding of the other person’s perspective on the world, even if you do not agree with it, or even if you find that perspective ridiculous. Empathy facilitates prosocial or helping behaviours that come from within, rather than being forced, so that people behave in a more compassionate manner.  Empathy stands in contrast to sympathy which is the ability to cognitively understand a person’s point of view or experience, without the emotional overlay. It should also be distinguished from compassion, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. Compassion is an empathic understanding of a person’s feelings plus a desire to act on that person’s behalf.  There are individual differences in empathy between individuals, and there are certain conditions in which empathy is blunted or altogether absent.  Psychopaths are capable of empathic accuracy, or correctly inferring thoughts and feelings, but they have no experiential referent: a true psychopath does not feel empathy. There are a number of benefits of being able to experience empathy. Some of these include: Empathy allows people to build social connections with others. By understanding what people are thinking and feeling, people are able to respond appropriately in social situations. Empathizing with others helps you learn to regulate your own emotions. Emotional regulation is important in that it allows you to manage what you are feeling, even in times of great stress, without becoming overwhelmed. Empathy promotes helping behaviours. Not only are you more likely to engage in helpful behaviours when you feel empathy for other people; other people are also more likely to help you when they experience empathy. Despite claims that empathy comes naturally, it takes arduous mental effort to get into another person’s mind and then to respond with compassion rather than indifference.  It's role in Civil services: It's essential for CS, they can't have impartiality, compassion, objectivity without feeling of empathy. Empathy also deals with emotional intelligence which is essential for quality of decision making. Since our society, there are 'stereotyping' can be related to caste, religion, region, gender. Such negative feeling can be overcome by imbibing values of empathy in people through socialisation. Conclusion While empathy might fail sometimes, most people are able to empathize with others in a variety of situations. This ability to see things from another person’s perspective and sympathize with another’s emotions plays an important role in our social lives. Empathy allows us to understand others and, quite often, compels us to take action to relieve another person’s suffering. 4. There is no higher calling in terms of a career than public service, which is a chance to make a difference in people's lives and improve the world. Comment. Approach - It expects students to write about –in first part write how someone can make difference through public service in someone’s life – while in second part write about how public service is not only career to transform someone's life. Introduction Public service is a service intended to serve all members of a community. It is usually provided by the government to people living within its jurisdiction, either directly (through the public sector) or by financing provision of services. The term is associated with a social consensus (usually expressed through democratic elections) that certain services should be available to all, regardless of income, physical ability or mental acuity. Body Making difference through career in public service: A primary reason many people undertake public interest work is to further the public good.  Helping underserved people, groups, and causes can provide a feeling of personal satisfaction and achievement that you might not gain defending large corporations in private practice. Public interest work can allow you to achieve greater goals beyond earning a pay check, such as working to effect societal change, supporting an important public cause, or providing equal access to justice for needy individuals and organizations. In fact, the lowest-paid public servant report the highest levels of happiness. Working in the public sector offers many benefits: a sense of purpose, the opportunity to learn and grow, and a means of making a difference in the world. Selflessness: Holders of public office act solely in terms of public interest. They not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends. For e.g. TukaramOmble of Maharashtra police tackled Kasab one of the terrorists of Mumbai attack so that he couldn’t attack his fellow servicemen. Thus showing exemplary courage and the highest degree of selflessness by giving away his life for the cause of his nation. However, public service is not only career to transform someone's life: Innovator and entrepreneur regularly attempted to make a difference and ease the life of people. Professionals like Doctor, lawyers etc. help people in various ways by providing their service free of cost. Many NGO's, Social activist, pressure groups do make difference in people's life as they bring and act towards issues concerning the vulnerabilities of ignored people. Anand Kumar, founder of Siuper30 has been doing an impactful service by providing free classes to IIT aspirants and securing their admissions in good colleges. Conclusion Hence public service is not restricted to any specific profession but depends upon one's mind-set. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others" - Mahatma Gandhi. 5. True compassion means not only feeling another's pain but also being moved to help relieve it. Examine the significance of this statement for a public servant. Approach - In the introduction candidate needs to explain the meaning of given statement in short and in sub intro it is expected to explain the meaning by considering various angles. In the next part of answer, candidate is expected to give significance of the 'statement' for a public servant.  Introduction The simple meaning of the given statement that can be deciphered is, compassion is empathy followed by action. Hence, it is said that the real compassion is about taking action to relieve the pain of other after feeling other person’s pain, suffering.  Body Practise of true compassion is about feeling another's pain and being moved to relive it: Practise of true Compassion offers the possibility of responding to suffering with understanding, patience, and kindness rather than, say, fear and repulsion. It is a readiness to help or to want to do something ourselves about another person’s situation.  For instance, IAS Amit Gupta felt the pain and suffering of manual scavangers while serving in Uttar Pradesh. He started the movement 'Daliya Jalao' which led to improvement eradication of manual scavenging besides providing rehabilitation package and another livelihood opportunity for the 2750 liberated manual scavengers.  Significance of the statement for a public servant:  Implementation of govt schemes requires the co-op and trust of the public and the public will respond well to a civil servant who practises compassion. For instance, Popularly known as ‘Collector Bro’, a civil servant from Kozhikode started the ‘Compassionate Kozhikode’ and ‘Compassionate Keralam’, winning the trust and volunteer help from the locals to successfully clean ponds, feed the hungry, help and improving lives after the recent floods and involving youth in the betterment of the society. Practise of true Compassion allows the public servant to have a feeling of self-satisfaction and self-contentment of helping others whether an animal, human or even a plant.   For instance, moved by the plight of vulnerable sections of society, IAS S.R. Shankaran (Andhra Pradesh cadre) took steps for empowerment of vulnerable sections of society. He started anti-poverty programme through land reforms, distributing land to S.C. and S.T., irrigation techniques were applied to cultivable lands which provided livelihood opportunity. With this he got the feeling of fulfilling his duty and up-liftment of vulnerable sections of people took place.  The paraphernalia around a civil servant already elevates him & sets him apart and creates a distance b/w the people and the Govt (which is represented by the civil servant). Empathy and subsequent action i.e. Compassion could help reduce this distance and make the Govt appear more accessible to the people. For instance, IAS Omprakash Chouhary in Dantewara region took up educational initiaitve for childern residing in the region affected by Naxalims. This initiative provided not only improved literacy rate in the region but also provided 98% employment to the educated people. There by it reduced the distance between government and people.  Self-actualization and societal growth: When such a society evolves having compassion for others and helps others in need, each individual is taken care of by the society and in turn he also helps the society.  Strong social capital: Strongly integrated social capital grows with a co-operative and co-existing ecosystem, resulting in reduced toxic or criminal outbreaks and instances. For instance, IPS J.K. Tripathi broadened the normal police role by instituting "community policing". It reduced crime rate and localised police system was established. Conclusion Practise of true compassion ensures a Civil servant to act sensitively and act in the public interest. This is far more important in a country like India where people are not aware of their rights and obligation due to their socio-economic conditions. With the practise of true compassion administration becomes more accountable, transparent and  efficient towards solving people's problems. Hence, a public servant needs to empathise with the pain of another and take subsequent action to relieve the pain i.e. a public servant needs to practise true compassion to ensure that she abides to the obligation of duty.    TLP HOT Synopsis Day 35 PDF

Nov 24, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 24th 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

Nov 24, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 3 Questions[24th NOVEMBER,2020] - Day 38

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 3 Questions[24th NOVEMBER,2020] - Day 38 We will make sure, in the next 3 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. We are giving 5 Mains Questions on Daily basis so that every student can actively participate and keep your preparation focused. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. Do you think river interlinking is the the most suitable way forward for water management in India? Critically examine.  क्या आपको लगता है कि भारत में जल प्रबंधन के लिए रिवर इंटरलिंकिंग सबसे उपयुक्त तरीका है? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें। 2. Comment on India’s recent achievements on the front of border infrastructure expansion. What benefits would accrue with such expansion? Examine.  सीमा अवसंरचना विस्तार के मोर्चे पर भारत की हालिया उपलब्धियों पर टिप्पणी करें। ऐसे विस्तार से क्या लाभ होगा? जांच करें। 3. What is the ‘Blue Flag’ certification of beaches? Explain. Why was it in news recently? Discuss.  समुद्र तटों का ब्लू फ्लैग प्रमाणन क्या है? समझाएं। यह हाल ही में खबरों में क्यों था? चर्चा करें। 4. What is the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)? What are its intended benefits? Examine.   नेशनल इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर पाइपलाइन (NIP) क्या है? इसके इच्छित लाभ क्या हैं? जांच करें। 5. Examine the significance of rural infrastructure schemes for the economy.  अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए ग्रामीण अवसंरचना योजनाओं के महत्व की जांच करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Nov 23, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [19th NOVEMBER,2020] Day 34: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   SYNOPSIS [19th NOVEMBER,2020] Day 34: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. How does structural discrimination lead to vulnerability? Illustrate. Approach – You need to highlight what is structural discrimination and show its linkages to vulnerability with the help of suitable examples.      Introduction Discrimination is a multifaceted phenomenon, it is in particular about social exclusion as a process. Structural discrimination refers to rules, norms, routines, patterns of attitudes and behavior in institutions and other societal structures that represent obstacles to groups or individuals in achieving the same rights and opportunities that are available to the majority of the population.  Body  It is also important to recognize that the consequences of rules, norms and behaviors are that some are affected negatively and others positively. Such discrimination may be either open or hidden, and it could occur intentionally or unintentionally. Structural discrimination is about "them" and "us". Discrimination on the grounds of people’s ideas of ethnicity, religion, gender, race, culture, age, sexual orientation, etc. must be seen from a structural perspective. Vulnerable group simply means the group of people who could easily be harmed physically, mentally or emotionally. According to World Bank “one that has some specific characteristics that make it at higher risk of falling into poverty than others” are said to be as vulnerable groups. Vulnerable Groups are groups of persons that experience a higher risk of poverty, social exclusion, discrimination and violence than the general population, including, but not limited to, ethnic minorities, migrants, and people with disabilities, isolated elderly people and children. Structural discrimination can be hidden in what is perceived as "normal" or "natural". In this way it helps to influence how practices are established and reproduced - often the aim is to be inclusive or well-meaning. It is therefore not just about ethnicity, religion or the idea of race, but also about other minority positions, such as gender or sexuality. In India, members of gender, caste, class, and ethnic identity experience structural discrimination that impact their health and access to healthcare.  Women face double discrimination being members of specific caste, class or ethnic group apart from experiencing gendered vulnerabilities.For example, one of the key indicators of maternal mortality is the MMR, defined as the number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births. In India, this is around 113 in 2016-17. Dalits suggests a group who, historically are in a state of oppression, social disability due to the discrimination based on their low status on the caste hierarchy. This kind of structural discrimination has led to SC’s having lowest indicators on all aspects where their vulnerability further increases. The Scheduled Tribes are landless and usually face discrimination. In India, their population is around 84.3 million and is considered to be socially and economically disadvantaged. They are socially, economically & fundamentally isolated. This structural isolation led to their present vulnerability. Structural discrimination against these groups takes place in the form of physical, psychological, emotional and cultural abuse which receives legitimacy from the social structure and the social system. Physical segregation of their settlements is common in the villages forcing them to live in the most unhygienic and inhabitable conditions. The vulnerability among the elderly is due to an increased incidence of illness and disability, economic dependency upon their spouses, children, and other younger family members, changes in the family structure and characteristics, changing role of women within families and migration resulting from globalisation. Further, persons with disabilities face several forms of discrimination. Disabled persons have reduced access to education, employment, and other socio-economic opportunities. About one-third of the disabled population have disability since their birth.  Migrants and their denial of rights have to be understood from the existing contradictions within and across countries—from skilled and voluntary migrants at one end of the spectrum to the poor and unskilled migrant population on the other end destined to be excluded from the fabric of the host nation/areas.India has a large number of international as well as domestic migrants and Covid-19 has exposed their inherent vulnerabilities. Conclusion The fight against discrimination should step out of the courts and into the sphere of education and politics. The State should lead the way by multi-layered activities against structural discrimination. The State is the actor that should create the framework and the general atmosphere of equality through a holistic approach - implementation in all the spheres of public life, regardless of acting within the public or private structures or individuals, and regardless of the ground of discrimination. 2. Empowerment is the best way to address the life cycle vulnerabilities of the girl child in India. Do you agree? Substantiate.  Approach: Student are expected to write about the vulnerabilities face by girl child in India in first partandwrite how empowermentmeasures are addressing it in second part.  Introduction: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on the launch of the expanded BetiBachaoBetiPadhao, “Daughters are not a burden, but the pride of the whole family. For a nation to progress, it is always essential to empower women. Life cycle vulnerabilities of girl child means the vulnerabilities a woman has to go through at different stages of life. There are several challenges and key issues in Indiawhich need to be addressed urgently.  Body: Life cycle vulnerabilities of girl child in India: Girl child in Womb: Indian parent’s mentality for Son preferences and easy availability of Preconception sex selection facilities may be a catalyst in the declining child sex ratioand a girl child gets less opportunity to come to the world.  Infant: In a study conducted by the Centre for Social Research, fear of violence against women is a major cause of female foeticide in India. Also, there is neglect of health care need of girl child in India.  Adolescent: Educational opportunity is further restricted for girl child due to problems of transportation, patriarchy etc so We have huge disparity in education as female literacy is still 65% as compared to male literacy 80% (2011 census). Girl’s enrolment rates in schools are as high as 96% at primary level and Right to Education Act has a clear positive role here, but it drops to 80% at the secondary level (UDISE 2016-17).  Child marriage: Today there are around 12 million married children in India of which 75% are girls (Census 2011). Looking at the decadal trends between Census 2001 and 2011, child marriage has barely reduced by 2% for girls within the 15-19 year age group. In fact, during that decade, there is an increasing trend in marriage among girls between 10-14 years of age. A CRY study ‘Educating the Girl Child (2018)’ revealed that more than 95% of parents interviewed knew the legal age for marriage. Adult: There is huge economic opportunity gap for woman in work life. As per NITI Aayog, female labour force participation rate is only 26% in India. Further, there is also gender pay gap at workplace for woman. As per data published by ILO gender pay gapin India is 34%. Low Female representation in Parliament is also shows Political backwardness for woman. There is only 14% female members in 17th Lok Sabha.  Married: Exorbitant dowry demand is still there in India and it is not limited to rural/uneducated people. Furthermore12% of the female population of the country suffers from repeated pregnancy & lack of nutrition which ultimately reduces their ability to work efficiently. the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India has declined to 113 in 2016-18 from 122 in 2015-17. Old age: Desertion of old women is very high in India.Health care requirements of old ladies are neglected.Violence against old women still factor for worry in India. Women's empowerment and achieving gender equality is essential for our society to ensure the sustainable development of the country. Ways to address the address the life cycle vulnerabilities of a girl child:  Economic empowerment: Economic empowerment increases women's agency, access to formal government programs, mobility outside the home, economic independence, and purchasing power. More formal education opportunities for womenwould have more access to higher wages outside the home; and as a result, it will increase control of her in her own life. Establishing Microfinance institutions aim to empower women in their community by giving them access to loans will make woman an entrepreneur. This can be achieved through various govt measures likeRashtriyaMahilaKosh (RMK), Working Women Hostel, National Creche Scheme etc for economic empowerment. Political empowerment: Political empowerment supports creating policies that would best support gender equality and agency for women in both the public and private spheres. This can be achieved by creating affirmative action policies that have a quota for the number of women in policy making and parliament positions. For examples various schemes like Gender Budgeting Scheme, Scheme for Adolescent Girls etc Empowerment through Education: It is said that education increaseswoman’s self-confidence and also enables them to find better employment and they can work shoulder to shoulder with men. Govt initiatives like, BetiBachaoBetiPadhao, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme etc are trying to address it.  Addressing vulnerabilities through govt policies is not just only way. Society also has major role to play.  Role of the Society:  Many of the barriers to women's empowerment and equity lie ingrained in cultural norms. Many women are scared of disrupting the status of the women and continue to let societal norms get in the way of development.Recent studies also show that women face more barriers in the workplace than do men. Equal treatment for son and daughter by parents is also boost confidence in woman and improves the mindset of male child towards every woman. Community participation for addressing these are important. Various govt schemes also focuses on Community participation for empowerment. Examples, Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme, Swadhargreh scheme,  Conclusion It is said when you educate a girl child, you educate an entire family. India is at the brink of change and is blessed with tremendous potential in its next generation of girls. But this potential can only be tapped if their vulnerabilities are acknowledged and concerted efforts are made towards addressing them by the policymakers and other responsive system. 3. Critically evaluate the efficacy of reservation as a tool for the socio-economic upliftment of the backward classes. Approach: It expects students to write about - in first part in short write about need of reservation - in second part write how reservation helps in socio-economic upliftment of the backward classes - in third part write various issues created by reservation - in end write way forward. Introduction: In simple terms, reservation in India is all about reserving access to seats in the government jobs, educational institutions, and even legislatures to certain sections of the population. Also known as affirmative action, the reservation can also be seen as positive discrimination. Reservation in India is a government policy, backed by the Indian Constitution. Body: Need of reservation: To correct the historical injustice faced by backward castes in the country. To provide a level playing field for backward section as they cannot compete with those who have had the access of resources and means for centuries. To ensure adequate representation of backward classes in the services under the State. For advancement of backward classes. To ensure equality as basis of meritocracy i.e. all people must be brought to the same level before judging them on the basis of merit. Reservation helps in socio-economic upliftment of the backward classes as follows: Due to historical negligence caste based reservation are a political necessity in India. Affirmative Action has helped many backward communities in getting education and jobs, which were denied them since long. Though Meritocracy is important aspect, but is meaningless without equality. To the great extent caste based reservation reduced the gap between upper and lower castes. A study to measure the impact of reservations on efficiency, concluded that reservations have not hampered the efficiency of administration, rather they have enhanced quality. The example of the Indian railways proves that where SC/ST employees are more in number, the results have been better However, reservation creates some issues as follows: Reservation in state services led to divisions and enmity among government employees, vitiating the atmosphere at workplace. Eradication, not perpetuation of caste was the objective of the reservation policy but Caste Based Reservation only perpetuate the notion of caste in society. Reservation was introduced to ensure that the historically underprivileged communities were given equal access to resources but irrespective of the economic progress they continue to remain socially disadvantaged. Reservation destroys self-respect, so much so that competition is no longer on to determine the best but the most backward. Reservations are the biggest enemy of meritocracy which is the foundation of many progressive countries. It has become a tool to meet narrow political ends through invoking class loyalties and primordial identities. The dominant and elite class within the backward castes has appropriated the benefits of reservation and the most marginalised within the backward castes have remained marginalised. Reservation has become the mechanism of exclusion rather than inclusion as many upper caste poor’s are also facing discrimination and injustice which breeds frustration in the society. Way forward: Country needs a better basis of reservation which includes the poor and the backward groups and excludes the rich and the dominating sections among all castes. The present reservation system requires serious amendments. Before extending reservation to more groups, the entire policy needs to be properly examined, and its benefits over a span of nearly 60 years have to be gauged. The benefits should flow to the vast majority of underprivileged children from deprived castes; not to a few privileged children with a caste tag. We have to address the anger and aspirations of poor families among unreserved communities. Along with improving school education outcomes, a more rational model of reservation based on equity and common sense must be envisaged. The government’s responsibility now is to conduct regular surveys and re-examine the reservation policy in the present scenario. Conclusion: In Ashok Kumar Thakur v. Union of India, Justice Ravindranopined that when more people aspirefor backwardness instead of forwardness, the Country itself stagnates. If we would demand more and more backwardness, then it is obvious we cannot move forward, and our progress would ultimately get stagnant. The idea of reservation policy should be maintained, and the actual backward classes who are inreal and not fiction denied access to education, job opportunities etc. be benefitted. 4. Examine the factors that make Indian farmers vulnerable. Discuss the measures taken in recent years to address those. Approach: It expects students to write - in first part write about factors which making Indian farmers vulnerable - in second part write various measures taken by government - in end write about what further steps government should take to reduce vulnerabilities of farmers. Introduction: Indian agricultural sector employs more than 50% of India's population and contributes to only 14% of the GDP. This indicates the drastic inequality in terms of earning when compared to urban population who are mostly employed in either manufacturing or service sectors. Body: Following factors make Indian farmers vulnerable: Poor policy and Planning: In the past, Government strategy primarily focused on raising agricultural output and improving food security rather than recognising the need to raise farmer’s income, Absence of direct measure to promote farmer’s welfare. Declining average size of farm holdings: Increasing demographic pressure, disguised employment in agriculture and conversion of agricultural land for alternative uses, have drastically reduced the average land holding. Dependence on rainfall and climate: Indian agriculture is heavily dependent on monsoon and ever-increasing global temperature has made agriculture more prone to extreme weather events. Collapsing farm prices: Low global prices have affected exports and the cheaper imports have hurt domestic prices in the country. Lack of easy credit to agriculture and dependence on money lenders. Fragmented supply chains: Large gaps in storage, Cold chains Limited connectivity Absence of marketing infrastructure Lack of Mechanisation: Introduction of latest technology has been limited due to various reasons like accessibility for credit and low awareness. Crop production is always at risk because of pests and diseases. Shortage of inputs like seeds and irrigation facilities. Deficiencies in Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) Act. Profiteering by middlemen. It has following impact on Indian farmers: The above factors have resulted in low income for farmers which is evident from the incidence of poverty among farm households. The low and highly fluctuating farm income is causing a detrimental effect on the interest in farming and farm investments and is also forcing more and more cultivators, particularly younger age group, to leave farming. The country also witnessed a sharp increase in the number of farmers suicides in the last decades. This can cause an adverse effect on the future of food security and the state of agriculture in the country. Governments measures to reduce farmer’s vulnerabilities: The goal set to double farmers' income by 2022-23 is central to promote farmer’s welfare, reduce agrarian distress and bring parity between the income of farmers and those working in non-agricultural professions. In recent years, the Central government has taken various measures like the PM FasalBimaYojana (PMFBY), PM KrishiSinchaiYojana (PMKSY), electronic National Agricultural market (e-NAM), Soil health card, Neem-coated urea etc. Agriculture is a major component of Priority Sector Lending (PSL), and the target for bank lending to agriculture has been revised upwards every year. In addition to food subsidy under PDS, the government also provides fertilizer subsidy year after year. In the budget of 2018 for farmers, the Union budget has announced MSPs at 50% above the production cost. It also proposed to launch “Operation Greens” in the agriculture sector on the same lines of the milk sector’s “Operation Flood”. The 2019 budget announced a farm support scheme (PM-KISAN) for farmers owning up to 2 hectares of lands. Some States have introduced farm support schemes, examples being the RythuBandhu Scheme (Telangana) and the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme (Odisha) However, government needs to take further steps like: Improvements in allied sectors: Many small farmers cannot leave agriculture because of a lack of opportunities in the non-farm sector. Hence, allied sectors like horticulture, food processing, poultry etc. needs to be pushed. For instance, government initiative like Project CHAMAN, AGRI-UDAAN programme, Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA) etc. are notable. Cooperative Farming: In this context, consolidation of land holdings also becomes important to raise farmer incomes. Farmers can voluntarily come together and pool land to gain the benefits of size. Through consolidation, farmers can reap the economies of scale both in input procurement and output marketing. There is a need to make a shift from rice and wheat-centric policies to millet, pulses, fruits, vegetables, livestock and fish. The creation of a competitive, stable and unified national market is needed for farmers to get better prices. Conclusion: The need is to educate the farmer regarding the use of proper quantity of manure, fertilizer and good quality seeds to get desired output of the produce. Optimal utilization of water along with above mentioned elements is essential. Government initiatives with the help of agriculture colleges and universities in association with gram panchayats are crucial for the implementation of the policies.  5. Gender identity is a fluid concept. do you agree? Do you think, Indian society has matured enough to internalise this reality? Critically examine.   Approach: As the directive here is critically examine it is necessary to cover various angles representing both side views and arrive at a  fair judgment based on it. In the introduction explain what does fluidity of gender identity means. In the first half of main body part give your views regarding gender identity as a fluid concept. In the next half give both sides arguments whether Indian society internalised gender identity as a fluid concept or not. A constructive way forward will fetch you more marks. Citing recent examples will be a value addition.  Introduction: Gender identity is defined as a personal conception of oneself as male or female (or rarely, both or neither). In societal terms sexual identity is a biological term whereas gender identity is a social term. Because of  its social nature gender identity is either fluid or non-fluid and accordingly its internalisation varies in different societies and Indian society is not an exception to it. Body: Gender identity as a fluid concept: Gender identity is not limited to just being a male or female but now it is extended to being a transgender i.e. people who are being identified as trans-men and trans-women, persons with intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons with socio-cultural identities, such as kinnar and hijra. Change in gender orientation of a person: A person can be born with any of the sexual identity. However, that person's gender identity can change over the period of time once that person realises  the change.  Conception of identifying  work of a person with their gender also makes the gender identity as fluid concept. For instance, pink colorization of jobs is usually associated with female gender. However now a days many of the jobs being done by female gender are now acceptable in the male gender community too. For example, a male can be a nurse.  The pace of change in current civilisation is phenomenal. For instance, 30 years ago we would not have even thought about giving voting rights to transgender people. However, due to changed perception in our society, we extended voting rights to transgender people too. It indicates gender identity is a fluid concept.   However, the coin has other side too. Still some of the elements in society see gender identity in the context of rigidity.  For instance, Existence of barrier for development of transgender people in society. No availability of livelihood opportunity, lack of social acceptance make the gender identity rigid. There by creating hurdles for its fluidity. In a conservative or orthodox society, less acceptance of third gender makes the process of inclusion difficult. It increases their vulnerability. Which makes the gender identity rigid. Still in some sections of Indian society gender based work culture is practised. For instance, in rural areas woman is usually associated with household chores and man is associated with 'masculine works'. It makes the gender identity less fluid.  Indian society is matured enough to internalises fluidity of gender identity:  In the view to protect the rights of transgender persons, the Parliament passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019. The Bill prohibits discrimination against a transgender person, including denial of service or unfair treatment in relation to employment, healthcare, Access to or enjoyment of goods, facilities, opportunities available to the public, right to movement, right to reside, rent, or otherwise occupy property, opportunity to hold public or private office, access to a government or private establishment in whose care or custody a transgender person is. In a step towards tightening the noose around child sexual offenders and iterating gender identity as a fluid concept, the government introduced the  Protection of Children from sexual offences( Amendment) bill, 2019 which is gender neutral.  A humanitarian socialisation of gender based identities is taking place. For instance, to protect and educate girl child, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme is launched. However, the same scheme will supplement the enlargement of choices for girl students to choose their career.  For instance, science and technological research is widely seen as a male dominated area. However, now a day's women are also dominating it. For instance, The most recent women to be awarded a Nobel Prize is  Andrea M. Ghez in Physics. The general perception in a society gets transferred in to policy making through policymakers. For instance, now a day's transgender people are recognised in a society just like other genders. In this light Tamilnadu as a progressive state recognised transgenders as third gender and allotted reservation for them in jobs and education.  UGC (University Grant Commission) recognized gender identity and sexual orientation as grounds for ragging in 2016. Bilingual manual, ‘A Teacher’s Guide To Gender Non-conforming Students’, (that gives some insight about what is sexual orientation, gender identity, why some children are different from others, how to identify a gender non conforming child) was distributed free of cost in Tamilnadu schools. Honourable supreme court also granted a permanent commission to women in army which is a right step in the direction of giving equal parity to women with men. It clearly shows that gender identity as a fluid concept is acceptable in Indian society. Media, Cinema's represent the perception of society. In this light we can see a clear shift in presentation of transgender in a movie. For instance, recent Laxmi bomb a bollywood movie and Jayjaykar movie in Marathi film industry showed the life of transgenders and made statements through the movies that, transgender are also same as that of other genders. If given an opportunity  they can also play a pivotal role in the development of society.  In section 377 judgment, the supreme court had made it clear that Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and this applies to all classes of citizens thereby restoring 'inclusiveness' of LGBTQ Community. Also Navtej Singh Johar & Ors. v. Union of India thr. Secretary Ministry of Law and Justice is a landmark decision of the Supreme Court of India in 2018 that decriminalised all consensual sex among adults, including homosexual sex. Which clearly indicates that gender identity as a fluid concept is somewhat  internalised in the Indian society.  Indian society is not matured enough to internalises fluidity of gender identity: Stereotyping of gender based identities and gender based roles has made society more resilient towards accepting gender identity as a fluid concept.  UNESCO with Sahodaran, a male sexual health initiative in Chennai, conducted  a community-based study on SOGI-based bullying in Tamilnadu. Which found that, Across India, students are bullied because of their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), forcing many to drop out from schools. Moral Policing by community affects the mental health of a person. Thereby it shows that people are not ready to accept gender identity as a fluid concept.  Domestic violence against women based on dowry issues and sex selective abortion is still prevalent is some sections of Indian society.  In this light following  reforms if implemented will be a right step towards internalising gender identity as a fluid concept in society.  Every person must have the right to decide their gender expression and identity, including transsexuals, transgenders, transvestites, and hijras. They should also have the right to freely express their gender identity. This includes the demand for hijras to be considered female as well as a third sex. There should be a special legal protection against this form of discrimination inflicted by both state and civil society which is very akin to the offence of practicing untouchability. A comprehensive sex-education program should be included as part of the school curricula that alters the heterosexist bias in education and provides judgement-free information and fosters a liberal outlook with regard to matters of sexuality, including orientation, identity and behavior of all sexualities.  Vocational training centers should be established for giving the transgender new occupational opportunities. The Press Council of India and other watchdog institutions of various popular media (including film, video and TV) should issue guidelines to ensure sensitive and respectful treatment of these issues. Conclusion: It is an open secret that nobody selects their own identity based on gender. It's the society which practices this differentiation. However, gender identity due to its fluidity has changed the structure of society to a larger extent. However still miles to go to achieve parity for all based on their gender identities as Indian society is in transition stage. Necessary steps in the right direction will ensure Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.  TLP HOT Synopsis Day 34 PDF