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MindMaps

MIND-MAPS: LEGAL AGE OF MARRIAGE - General Studies - 1

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

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 2 Questions[21st OCTOBER,2020] - Day 9

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies 2 Questions[21st October, 2020] - Day 9   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. Bring out the most striking differences between the Indian and the US constitutions with respect to federalism, separation of powers and electoral system.  भारतीय और अमेरिकी संविधान में संघवाद, शक्तियों के पृथक्करण और चुनावी प्रणाली के संबंध में सबसे महत्वपूर्ण अंतर सामने लाएं। 2. How does the Indian Parliament ensure executive accountability? Explain with the help of suitable examples. भारतीय संसद कार्यकारी जवाबदेही कैसे सुनिश्चित करती है? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से समझाएँ। 3. Deference to parliamentary processes builds public trust. Do you agree? Comment in the light of the recent controversy related to the passing of important legislations in the parliament. संसदीय प्रक्रियाओं के प्रति समर्पण सार्वजनिक विश्वास का निर्माण करता है। क्या आप सहमत हैं? संसद में महत्वपूर्ण विधानों के पारित होने से संबंधित हालिया विवाद के प्रकाश में टिप्पणी करें। 4. The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the plight of working people in the informal sector in urban areas. What measures would you suggest to address it? Discuss.  कोरोनावायरस महामारी ने शहरी क्षेत्रों में अनौपचारिक क्षेत्र में कामकाजी लोगों की दुर्दशा को उजागर किया है। आप इसे सुलझाने करने के लिए क्या उपाय सुझाएंगे? चर्चा करें। 5. What are asset reconstruction companies? What role do they play in the economy? Discuss.  परिसंपत्ति पुनर्निर्माण कंपनियां क्या हैं? अर्थव्यवस्था में उनकी क्या भूमिका है? चर्चा करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [19th OCTOBER,2020] Day 7: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [19th OCTOBER,2020] Day 7: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) 1. What do you understand by the concept of checks and balances in a constitutional democracy? Explain with the help of relevant examples in the Indian context.   Approach:  As the directive is explain, a candidate here is expected to clarify with relevant facts and implications. Here, for introduction part candidate can start by defining what are checks and balances in a constitutional democracy besides showing how it is a characteristic feature of Indian democracy. For main body part it is expected to explain in detail concept of checks and balances besides showing importance of checks and balances in a constitutional democracy with relative examples in Indian democracy. For value addition  we also need to explain performance of this concept of checks and balances in Indian context. While in conclusion one can state in brief what is the output of this system in general and what are the advantages or disadvantages continuing with this concept.  Introduction: The concept of checks and balances is to safeguard that different branches of government control each other internally (checks) and serve as counter weights to the power possessed by the other branches (balances). Despite there being no express provision recognizing the doctrine of separation of powers in its absolute form, the Constitution of India does make the provisions for a reasonable separation of functions and powers between the three organs of Government. Rather it is more of a version of "checks and balances". Body: Checks and balances, principle of government under which separate branches are empowered to prevent actions by other branches and are induced to share power. Checks and balances are applied primarily in constitutional governments. They are of fundamental importance in tripartite governments, such as that of the United States, which separate powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Checks and balances, which modify the separation of powers, may operate under parliamentary systems through exercise of a parliament’s prerogative to adopt a no-confidence vote in a government; the government, or cabinet, in turn, ordinarily may dissolve the parliament. For instance, Indian Constitution envisages such provision.  In simple form, the objective of separation of functions and employees is to limit the power; to make the branches of government accountable to each other. It can be clearly observed from Figure 1.  The most noticeable example of a check is the power of the judiciary to appraise executive conduct and ordinary laws for the compliance with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Judicial review in this case constitutes neither executive nor judicial function, it is a mere check on the exercise of executive and legislative power. It is a power exercised by the judiciary to guarantee constitutional compliance and not to exercise the power of another specialist. Figure 1 Indian constitution have meticulously defined powers and functions of the different organs of the state. Legislature, executive and judiciary have to function within their own spheres demarcated under the constitution. Unlike the US constitution, instead of having strict separation of power India follows the principle of ‘checks and balance’ which is evident from the various constitutional provisions dealing with executive, legislative and judicial organs.  For instance, Under the constitutional provision, Parliament in India includes the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha and the President. Parliament, the legislative body, has the head of executive as its integral part.  Accordingly, the parliament uses different motions like censure motion, no confidence motion, etc., to check the functioning of the council and hold them responsible. Further, the Parliament under article 61, can impeach the President for violation of the Constitution. Within the constitutional provision India has an independent judiciary with the Supreme Court at its apex. Provision of judicial review and writ under Article 32 and 226 empowers the Supreme Court and the High Court's respectively to check the constitutional validity of the executive and legislative actions.  Independence of the judiciary has been ensured in the constitution but the same has been interlinked with executive and legislative organ of the government.  For instance, appointment and transfer of judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court is done by the executive. Further, the removal of the judges of the High Courts and Supreme court is done by the Parliament. Idea behind the doctrine of separation of powers is to create separate power centres rather than having all power concentrated in a single institution. Though on the whole, the doctrine of separation of power in the strict sense is not possible in modern political system, its value lies in emphasis of checks and balance, which are necessary to prevent abuse of power and uphold the rule of law.  All three of them are strong pillars of India which support and strengthen each other. Thus, keeps a check and ensures smooth functioning of the whole system and the nation. Performance of concept of Checks and balances with respect to Indian constitution:  Since its inception Indian Constitution has undergone various amendments, however, our constitution hadn't undergone major changes as changing the constitution entirely due to its principle of separation of power and checks and balances.  For instance, the Parliament wields more power when it comes to amendment of the Constitution. However, In the Keshavananda Bharati Case (1973), the SC ruled that the Parliament cannot amend those provisions which form the 'basic structure' of the Constitution'. This ensured that no arbitrary amendment can pass the test.  Also, the Executive (i.e. the political Executive the Council of Ministers) remains responsible and the administration accountable to Parliament. It is the function of Parliament to exercise political and financial control over the Executive and to ensure parliamentary surveillance of administration. Thus, Executive is collectively responsible to Parliament for its actions. Also, recent stay order by honourable Supreme Court regarding the Maratha reservation which breached the constitutional limit of 50% reservation is also a fine example of Judiciaries check on arbitrary use of power by legislature.  Conclusion: Checks and balances in constitutional democracy ensure that the different branches control each other. This is intended to make them accountable to each other – these are the 'checks'; It also ensure to check arbitrary use of power by any organ of the government. Also the constitution divides power between the different branches of government – these are the 'balances'. Balance aims to ensure that no individual or group of people in government is 'all-powerful'. Hence, checks and balances ensure that power is shared, no arbitrary use of power takes place and it is not concentrated in one branch. 2. Examine the powers and limitations of different commissions for the protections of the rights of the vulnerable sections. Approach:  The demand of the question is quite direct. Body of the answer should include two subheadings – Powers and Limitations.  Since, the directive is “EXAMINE”, mere listing of powers or limitations pointers won’t fetch marks. Students should try to understand, inspect, investigate and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.  Introduction:  Vulnerable sections like women, children, SC/STs, minorities, OBCs and differently able are facing multiple socio-economic disadvantages in terms of health, education, mobility, economic opportunity, etc., in India. To redress it, the Constitution of India as well as various legislations has provided for different commissions and the prime intention is to protect their constitutional rights, coordination in socio-economic and educational development, and address atrocities related matters. Body: Some of the different Commissions mandated to oversee and ensure social justice and protection of the vulnerable and backward sections of the society are- Powers of the commission:  Commissions are empowered to investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards for vulnerable sections under the constitution and any other law or any order of the government 🡪 This has helped to evaluate the working of such safeguards as the vulnerable sections are often prone to violence. They inquire into specific complaints dealing with the vulnerable sections 🡪 This has helped to protect and safeguard vulnerable sections, as they are deprived from their rights.  They participate and advice on planning process of socio-economic developments of vulnerable sections 🡪 This helps to evaluate the progress of the development of vulnerable section under the union and any state, as these sections are not aware of their beneficial schemes. Present report to the President upon the working of those safeguards annually and at such other times as the commission deems fit, because of free from political interference in the process. Make recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the centre and states for the effective implementation of those safeguards and other measures implementation of those safeguards and other measures for the protection, welfare and socio-economic development of the vulnerable sections. To discharge such other functions for protection, welfare and development and advancement of Vulnerable sections as the president may, subject to the provisions of any law made by parliament by rule specify. Limitations of the commissions: Compositions of the commission 🡪 Respective Commission Chairperson/members should have representation from vulnerable section and should be inclusive. Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society 🡪 has led to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions.  Currently, Commissions are not empowered to issue binding directions or injunction orders and its reports, unlike the decrees of civil courts, could not be enforced and executed, therefore commissions should get constitutional backup. As the commission is not an adjudicatory body that could issue binding directions or injunction order therefore reports are not an alternative to the hierarchical judicial system envisaged under the constitution, it has no jurisdiction over service matters of an institution like the ITBP. Most of the Commissions are toothless and need to get the binding powers to punish the accused. Other limitations 🡪 Low financial independence and politicization of commissions, absence of checks and balances, National and State Commissions do not trespass their respective jurisdiction etc Conclusion/Way ahead: All the commissions need to be empowered truly by – making them free of political interference,  manning them with adequate and suitable manpower,  providing them enough funding for carrying out basic research etc.  more powers, specially to impose penalty, making their decisions binding on executive.  In cases where executive decides not to implement the decisions, it should provide reasons behind not doing so. Constitutional mandate of putting yearly reports by these bodies in parliament should be done in true spirit and parliamentarians should spend decent time to discuss the report. Above everything political will is required on part of both central and state governments to make these bodies truly effective and thus improve the conditions of the vulnerable in country. 3. What are the constitutional provisions for separation of powers in India’s three tiered government? Are they effective? Critically examine. Approach:  It expects students to write about the constitutional provisions for separation of power in India’s three tiered government and analyze effectiveness of such provisions in critical manner.  Introduction:  Division of powers between different tiers of government is mentioned in the constitution. Union government has overridden and invaded powers of state government under emergency and certain other eventualities. It cannot destroy the essential federal feature of the Constitution but questions effectiveness of arrangement of separation of powers.   Body:  Table for Constitutional provisions of separation of power between union, state and local government: Union government State government Local government Article 52 to 151 provides provisions for union government under Part 5 like executive, parliament, legislative powers of President, union judiciary and comptroller and auditor general of India. Article 152 to 237 provides provisions for state government under Part 6 like state executive, state legislature, legislative powers of Governor, High Courts and Subordinate Courts. The 73rd Amendment Act added part 9 and a new Schedule 11 to the Constitution for rural local bodies i.e. panchayati raj.  Similarly, the 74th Amendment Act added part 9-A and new schedule 12 to the Constitution. Article 243 to 243ZH contains provisions for local government. Schedule 7 provides Union list of subjects on which parliament has exclusive powers of law making and concurrent list of subjects on which parliament has shared power with states. Along with it center also enjoy residuary powers over subjects not mentioned under any list.   Schedule 7 also provides state list on which state legislature has exclusive powers of law making subject to some exceptions.  Schedule 11 contains list of 29 subjects under purview of panchayats.  Schedule 12 contains list of 18 items under purview of urban local bodies.  Power of appointment of members of Election commission (Article 324) and UPSC (Article 315-323) resides with President. Finance Commission (Article 280) is constituted by President of India every five years.   It also enjoys powers to appoint members of State Public Service Commission (Article 315-323) and State Finance commissions.  Gram Sabha in rural local government provide way for direct democracy in which accountability and transparency can be achieved efficiently.   Article 343 mentions official languages of the Union which are Hindi and English as of now. Article 345 provide official language or languages of a State- subject to the provisions of articles 346 and 347, the legislature of a State may by law adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the State or Hindi.  It uses respective state official language for communications.    Effectiveness of constitutional provisions to maintain separation of powers:  Decentralization and separate government apparatus: States are not subordinate to the Union. Both derive their powers from the constitution which is the supreme law of the land. The powers enjoyed by both are, therefore, original and not delegated by the center. E.g. Innovations like Autonomous District council provided ways for more decentralization. Separate list of subjects has by and large avoided turf wars between union and states.  Since the SR Bommai case verdict, misuse of Article 356 has reduced significantly. Supreme Court can reinstate state governments arbitrarily removed by President’s rule.  Compulsory provision under 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment act mandated to have elections every five years, state finance commission for financial relations of state/intra state and local bodies. It makes local government more efficient and avoids interference of state government.  Only in exceptional cases, parliament can override state legislature or executive powers like, emergency national or financial, President’s rule or if state/states pass resolution to that effect.  Increased role of finance commission as constitutional body and increased share of states in central divisible pool helped to increase autonomy of states in economic development. Competitive spirit between states has helped union government to achieve its own objective of economic development.  However, effectiveness of separation of power has been questioned multiple times in independent Indian history, Provision of Emergency powers (Article 352-360) under constitution keep scope for totalitarianism violates principle of separation of power. Use of instrument of President’s rule by more than 125 times by union government to remove state governments in different states. It was envisaged as dead letter which proved deadly weapon against states and hampered separation of powers.  Governor’s office: Constitutional and situational discretions are used by office of governor in inappropriate manner.  Political activism shown by governor’s office in West Bengal and Maharashtra in recent time reduces the stature of constitutional office in Indian polity. It also exemplifies violation of constitutional morality by indulging in jurisdiction of state’s powers.  Use of central investigation agencies: It has been used by union governments to influence decisions of opposition political parties ruling in states. Enquiry commissions for chief ministers and important functionaries.  One nation one policy initiatives erode the federal independence and innovation in their own jurisdiction like taxation, social sector schemes and electoral matters. E.g. push for one nation one election, one nation one tax.   Terms of reference used by Finance commission like forest cover, total fertility rate, per capita GDP create feeling of injustice in some states. Dependence of states and local governments on union vis-e-vis financial security erodes principle of separation of power. Sheer number of subjects under state list is much less than union list; still there is constant encroachment by union on the subjects of state list.  E.g. Farmers acts of 2020.  Conclusion: However, despite of challenges, India’s 3 tiered government models succeeded to maintain robustness and effectiveness with cooperation, collaboration and consultations recently witnessed joint pandemic response. There is need to achieve objective of ‘minimum government and maximum governance’ without hampering effectiveness of separation of power between different tiers of governments in India. 4. While self-reliance is important, India does not have the luxury of abandoning export orientation. Elucidate. Approach: It expects students to write answer in two parts - In first part write your argument as why India focusing on self-reliance; while in second part write about why India does not have the luxury of abandoning export orientation.   Introduction: Only a self-reliant nation can serve the diverse needs of its population and provide them with choices. A content nation can also contribute to the welfare of other counties with a sense of self-pride. The COVID-related pressures and the unfortunate border tensions with its largest import partner, China, present a rare opportunity for India to reinvent itself, economically. Body: India now focussing on Self Reliance due to following reasons: COVID-19 took very little time to spread across the world economy. International trade has been constricted and global supply chains have, by and large, been disrupted.  Each nation has been left to fend for itself. India’s dependence on other countries has been exposed in several areas. The country should now refocus on manufacturing, and be self-reliant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a call to fellow Indians to be “Vocal for Local” in May. This essentially means, as PM Modi explained, not only to buy and use local products, but to also take pride in promoting them.  The Centre announced a well-considered programme, the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (ANBA), as part of the post-pandemic economic revival package. Rs. 20 lakh crore (10% of India’s GDP) was earmarked for the purpose. Nevertheless, experts and industrialists do assert that the ANBA is an excellent initiative and gives India the opportunity to embark on the self-reliance drive. However, while focusing of self-reliance, India does not have the luxury of abandoning export orientation because: India has focused on domestic-demand led growth not just as a short-run response to Covid – 19, but as a medium-term growth strategy. All the evidence across the world and in India has shown that rapid and sustained economic growth requires export dynamism.  Only growth can rehabilitate balance sheets; stressing balance sheets further cannot realistically revive growth. Consumption growth will be limited by the fact that household debt has grown rapidly in the last few years. Consumption now can grow only if incomes grow. Government spending could be a short run option, but COVID has limited that possibility. Post-COVID, India’s debt is expected to rise from about 70 per cent of GDP to about 85-90 per cent and deficits are likely to be in the double-digit range. The fiscal space for spending will be severely limited both because of high levels of deficits and indebtedness and because debt dynamics will be adverse unless growth picks up substantially. India may well have scope for expansionary fiscal policy in the short run but not as a medium run growth strategy. India’s financial system was badly impaired even heading into the COVID crisis and will come out more seriously damaged. Given the limited progress in fixing the financial system, prospects for investment remain weak. In short, in India’s current circumstances, India does not have the luxury of abandoning export orientation because the alternatives are so limited. We estimate that India is producing and exporting about $60-$140 billion (2-5 per cent of GDP) less of low-skilled activity annually than it should be. There are, of course, two ways to look at this finding. On the one hand, it is an indictment of past performance. On the other, it is also an indicator of potential future opportunity if the underlying problems are addressed. In recent years, because China’s wages are rising as it has become richer, it has vacated about $140 billion in exports in unskilled-labour intensive sectors, including apparel, clothing, leather and footwear. Post-COVID, the move of investors away from China will probably accelerate as they seek to hedge against supply chain disruptions because of trade actions against China.  India did not take advantage of the first China opportunity. Now, a second opportunity stemming from geo-politics has been created and that is India’s big prize waiting to be seized. Importantly, exploiting this opportunity in unskilled exports requires more not less openness.  Export success will also require genuine easing of costs of trading and doing business in India. As India contemplates atmanirbharta, two deeper advantages of export orientation are always worth remembering. First, foreign demand will always be bigger than domestic demand for any country. Second, there is also a fundamental asymmetry: If domestic producers are competitive internationally, they will be competitive domestically and domestic consumers and firms will also benefit. The reverse is not true: Being competitive only domestically is no guarantee of efficiency and low cost. In sum, resisting the misleading allure of the domestic market, India should zealously boost export performance and deploy all means to achieve that.  Conclusion: Pursuing rapid export growth in manufacturing and services should be an obsession with self-evident justification. Abandoning export orientation will amount to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs and indeed killing the only goose laying the eggs.  5. As global supply chains have disrupted during pandemic, India has a tremendous opportunity to reindustrialise. Comment. Approach: It expects students to write - in first part, write about how pandemic disrupt global supply chain - in second part write about why India has a tremendous opportunity to reindustrialise - in third part in short you can mention few constraints for reindustrialisation - while in fourth part write about How India can seize the global supply chain opportunity in the post COVID-19 era Introduction: COVID-19 took very little time to spread across the world economy. International trade has been constricted and global supply chains have, by and large, been disrupted. With pandemic crisis, both regional and global supply chains stand fractured. There is a pressing need to re-evaluate the global supply chains wherein fundamental assumptions may need to be re-examined, manufacturing bases may need to be diversified, trade channels may need to be re-engineered, and investment destinations may see a shift. Body: Pandemic disrupt global supply chain as follows: Economic activities stagnated Transportation halted Labour movement restricted Some MSME's shutdown Unemployment Fall in demand Import substitution India has a tremendous opportunity to reindustrialise because:  India has strongest demography: According to National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship - 54% are below 25yrs and 62% are aged between 15-59yrs. India's continuous efforts to improve infrastructure by various projects like Bharatmala, Sagarmala, National Infrastructure Pipeline etc. Recently amended labour laws can attract foreign investment which can be utilised for industrialisation.  With the disruptions in supply chains, every company that relied on inputs from abroad has been severely impacted. It is becoming evident that the supply chain strategies that were most celebrated in pre-COVID-19 world can no longer be relied upon.  For instance, the lean or the ‘just-in-time’ inventory strategies that entail manufacturers to maintain minimum raw material, may need to be revaluated. There is thus a pressing need to re-engineer the global supply chains wherein the fundamental assumptions may need to be re-examined, manufacturing bases may need to be diversified, trade channels may need to be altered, and investment destinations may see a shift. In line with the urge to create a resilient supply chain system, the consumption-driven developed economies such as the EU, Americas and Asia are not only rethinking their business strategies, but also are beginning to look at other nations to mitigate their supply chain risks.  However, following are some challenges for reindustrialisation: Regulatory uncertainty: Regulatory risks and policy uncertainty in the past have dented investor confidence. Investment: There has been a cyclical slowdown in fresh investment since 2011-12. Technology adoption: The adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, machine-to-machine communications, robotics and related technologies, collectively called “Industry 4.0”, are a bigger challenge for SMEs than for organized large-scale manufacturing. Data security, reliability of data and stability in communication/transmission also pose challenges to technology adoption. Exports and insufficient domestic demand:  There has been no export driven industrial growth. Domestic demand alone may not be adequate for sustained, high value manufacturing. Challenges to doing business: Despite recent improvements in our global EODB rank, it continues to be a drag on the system. This is also true of investment conditions in the states. Getting construction permits, enforcing contracts, paying taxes, starting a business and trading across borders continue to constrain doing business. India can seize the global supply chain opportunity in the post COVID-19 era by following interventions: Under the above-mentioned groupings, some of the immediate measures the governments may undertake include: Immediate release of incentives under the industrial and sectoral policies. Enact ease of not just doing business but resuming, diversifying and expanding too. Allow extended operating hours. Provide plug-n-play infrastructure and common facility centers (CFCs) in each district, with focus on technological support and export promotion. Establish helpdesks and digital platform to bridge information gap between suppliers, buyers and logistics service providers. Revisit, renegotiate and enforce FTAs, especially with respect to value addition clauses and change in import-export basket of India. Conclusion: With the newly defined objectives of global companies and countries to reduce their supply chain risks in the long term and fix the broken value chains in the short term, India has an exclusive opportunity to emerge as the preferred destination during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.   TLP HOT Synopsis Day 7 PDF

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 20th October 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Centre Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Innovation; Science and Technology In news NITI Aayog recently announced the establishment of a Frontier Technologies Cloud Innovation Centre (CIC) with Amazon Web Services (AWS).  Objective: To address societal challenges through digital innovation It is the first of its kind in India. Key takeaways It is a part of the AWS CIC Global Programme. The programme provides an opportunity for government agencies, non-profits and educational institutions, to come together on pressing challenges, apply design thinking, test new ideas, and access the technology expertise of AWS. The NITI Aayog Frontier Technologies CIC will be a great enabler to budding innovators and start-ups. It shall help in piloting state-of-the-art, cloud-centric digital innovations by making use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet Of Things, robotics, blockchain. India’s First-Ever Multi-Modal Logistic Park in Assam Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In news The first-ever multi-modal logistic park shall come up in Assam on October 20, 2020. Ministry: Ministry for Road Transport and Highways  The Rs 694 crore park will provide direct connectivity to air, road, rail and waterways to the people. It will be developed under the ambitious Bharatmala Pariyojana of the Government of India. Framework For Regulatory Sandbox introduced Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has introduced a Framework for Regulatory Sandbox to tap into innovative FinTech solutions. Key takeaways Under this Sandbox framework, entities operating in the capital market, banking and insurance and financial services space shall be granted facilities to experiment with innovative FinTech solutions in a live environment with a limited set of real customers for a limited time frame. These features shall be fortified with necessary safeguards for investor protection and risk mitigation.  The Regulatory Sandbox shall operate within the IFSC located at GIFT City. The creation of an “Innovation Sandbox” is proposed as an additional step towards creating an innovation-centric ecosystem in the IFSC. The Innovation Sandbox will be managed and facilitated by the Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) operating within the IFSC. Do you know? IFSCA has an objective to develop a world class FinTech hub at the IFSC in GIFT City, Gandhinagar (Gujarat). Thus, it endeavours to encourage the promotion of financial technologies (‘FinTech’) initiatives in financial products and services across the fields of banking, insurance, securities and fund management. “Regulatory Sandbox” is a step towards attaining this vision. Malabar 2020 Naval Exercise to see Australian Navy participation Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In news This year Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy as well.  Objective: To increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain; To increase defence cooperation with Australia  The participants of Exercise Malabar 2020 shall engage to enhance safety and security in the maritime domain.  They collectively support free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific and remain committed to a rules based international order. Do you know? The Malabar series of Naval exercises started in 1992. It started as a bilateral Indian Navy-US Navy exercise.  Later on, Japan joined the Naval exercise in 2015. This annual exercise is expected to be held in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea later this year. SCO Startup Forum to be launched Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In news The first-ever SCO Startup Forum will be launched on 27th October 2020. Key takeaways The forum will lay the foundation for multilateral cooperation and engagement among the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States. Objective: To develop and improve startup ecosystems collectively. The Forum shall identify areas of cooperation by launching multiple entrepreneurial activities like startup showcases through a dedicated virtual platform, mobilizing capital for startups, sharing of best practices, procuring social innovations etc. Also, Innovation and Startups will be the key focus area of SCO Heads of Government meeting on 30th November 2020 to be hosted by India. Important value additions Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO or Shanghai Pact is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. Its formation was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Current Members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan Headquarters: Beijing, China Do you know? India is currently the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world with over 35,000 startups. Close to 25% of Startups are core technology based operating in areas of AI, Robotics, Cloud Computing, IoT, Digital Health, Financial & Education Technology. The ‘Startup India’ has launched 10 bilateral bridges since its inception and has helped many technology-based startups to expand their businesses to global markets. Ghar Tak Fibre Scheme inaugurated in Bihar Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Government Policies and Interventions In news Recently, Indian Prime Minister inaugurated ‘Ghar Tak Fibre’ scheme in Bihar. Implemented by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Key takeaways Aim: To connect all 45,945 villages of Bihar with high-speed optical fibre internet by 31st March 2021. Under the scheme, Bihar has to provide at least five fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections per village and at least one WiFi hotspot per village. The Scheme will lead digital services including e-Education, e-Agriculture, Tele-Medicine, and other social security schemes in Bihar. It shall boost the local employment generation with the implementation of Bharat Net initiative which will be done by recruiting local workers. Dolphins make a comeback in Pearl River Estuary Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity In news According to a recent report, Chinese pink dolphins/Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are making a comeback in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). Key takeaways Dolphins use echolocation to find their way in the water. The ships often disturb them in finding their way and even kill them. However, dolphin numbers in the waters between Hong Kong and Macau have seen a rebound in 2020 because Covid-19 pandemic has stopped ferries and hence reduced their traffic. The number of pink dolphins in the waters has roughly increased by a third according to scientists. Important value additions Pearl River Estuary It includes Hong Kong, Macau and the mainland Chinese cities of Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan.  The Pearl River Delta is the low-lying area which surrounds the PRE where the Pearl River flows into the South China Sea. The Delta is one of the world’s most densely urbanised, heavily industrialised and busiest shipping lanes on Earth. Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Scientific Name: Sousa Chinensis. Habitat: Coastal waters of the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans. The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has seen a decline in their numbers in the past 15 years by 70-80%. Threats: (1) Agricultural, industrial, and urban pollution; (2) Overfishing; (3) Marine construction; (4) Transport; (5) Selling into captivity at marine entertainment parks and aquariums IUCN Status: Vulnerable Do you know? Echolocation is a technique used by bats, dolphins and other animals to determine the location of objects using reflected sound. This allows the animals to move around in pitch darkness, so they can navigate, hunt, identify friends and enemies, and avoid obstacles. Zoological Survey of India lists 62 species of Skinks Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity In news A recent publication by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) reveals that India is home to 62 species of skinks. Title of the publication: Skinks of India. Key takeaways It gives a phylogenetic (evolutionary development) and bio-geographical analysis of distribution of these species in all the 11 bio-geographic zones of India. India is home to less than 4% of the skinks across the globe.  62 species of skinks are found in India. About 57% of them (33 species) are endemic. The four genera of skinks which are endemic to India are: (1) Sepsophis punctatus is endemic to the northern part of Eastern Ghats; (2) Barkudia are limbless skinks found in the hills and coastal plains of the eastern coast; (3) Kaestlea, also known as blue-tailed ground skinks, are endemic to the Western Ghats; (4) Ristella, also known as Cat skinks, are endemic to the southern part of Western Ghats. Important value additions Skinks It is the largest family of lizards. There are 1,602 species of skinks across the world. It has long body relatively small or no legs, no pronounced neck and glossy scales. It is found around homes, garages, and open spaces such as sparks and school playgrounds, and around lakes. Skinks are non-venomous, highly alert, agile and fast moving. They actively forage for a variety of insects and small invertebrates. They have a prominent role in maintaining ecosystems.  However, not much is known about their breeding habits, and ecology because identification of the species can be confusing. In India skinks are found in all kinds of habitats in the country, from the Himalayas to the coasts and from dense forests to the deserts. Do you know? Barkudia insularis is believed to be found only in the Barkud Island in Chilka lake in Odisha. Barkudia melanosticta is endemic to Visakhapatnam. Miscellaneous Important Bilateral and Multilateral Defence Exercises Indra India-Russia Naval Exercise Malabar US-India-Japan Naval Exercise Varuna France and India Naval Exercise Simbex India and Republic of Singapore Naval Exercise Ibsamar India, Brazil and South Africa Naval Exercise Konkan India and Britain Naval Exercise Ausindex India and Australia Naval Exercise Naseem Al-Bahr India-Oman Naval Exercise (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2,3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Transparent taxation Context: Prime Minister launched the platform ‘Transparent Taxation—Honouring the Honest’ on August 13, 2020, comprising of faceless assessments, faceless appeals and a taxpayer’s charter. What are the issues plaguing Tax administration in India? High Tax Dispute ratio The Receipt Budget 2020-21 indicates that the amount of taxes on income which is under dispute was Rs 8 lakh crore at the end of 2018-19. This is 5.8 times the tax amount not under dispute (Rs 1.38 lakh crore) Of this, the corporation tax amount under dispute at the end of 2018-19 was Rs 4.06 lakh crore—4.9 times the corporation tax amount not under dispute (Rs 0.83 lakh crore). High Refund:  A significant portion of corporation tax collected during the first quarter of a financial year is used to refund previous year’s excess collection.  It was about 48% during the first quarter of 2018-19 and 39.8% during first quarter of 2017-18. The CAG indicates in its 2020 report that “the possible reason for this higher refund could be exaggerated demands raised by the department during the previous financial years to meet their revenue collection targets.” Indiscriminate usage of Appeal Process When it comes to appeals, tax officers needlessly pursue these at higher levels, regardless of the outcome since there is no penalty on the ITD and its officers.  Cases pending with the ITAT increased 2.4 times in 2018-19, to 92,205, compared to 37,572 cases in 2017-18.  The total cases pending at higher levels (ITATs, high courts, the Supreme Court) increased to 1.35 lakh in 2018-19 compared to 0.82 lakh cases in 2017-18 Long time to resolve Tax disputes Any tax dispute in India normally takes 15-20 years from the time an assessment is completed to the time the Supreme Court possibly takes a decision Aggressive Targets leads to Tax Terrorism The CBDT is known to set high tax collection targets for field officers, which forces them to be aggressive in collecting advance tax, issuing inappropriate assessment orders, leading to tax terrorism, As a result, demands difficult to recover have been increasing year after year, and accounted for 98.8% of the total arrears of demands in 2018-19 Significance of the Transparent Taxation initiative Faceless assessment and appeals aim to eliminate physical interface between taxpayers and tax authorities, thereby bringing in greater efficiency and transparency to the assessment and appeal process This helps in reducing tax officer’s discretion Tax terrorism and scope for corruption is minimised Faceless assessment system should reduce litigation since taxpayers will no longer be attached to a specific office or territory or jurisdiction for assessments. Instead, the National e-Assessment Centre (NeAC) will be the main gateway for communication between taxpayers and tax authorities. Way Ahead Clearing Backlogs: While the faceless assessment and appeal system will address the administration issues, the CBDT should focus on resolution of the high number of pending appeals before various authorities Publishing Progress: The CBDT should publish on its homepage on a monthly basis a report on the total number of appeals pending at the beginning of the month, disposed of during that month and the pending appeals at month-end Regular Monitoring: The monthly updates to be released by CBDT needs to be reviewed every month by the FM, just as the PM reviews infrastructure projects.  Prevent Frivolous filing of Cases: The CBDT should enhance monetary limits for filing appeals by the ITD to Rs 1 crore before ITATs, Rs 5 crore before HCs and Rs 10 crore before the SC. These enhanced limits would prevent tax officers from filing routine frivolous cases and enable judicial authorities to focus on high-value litigations. Ease the process for Obtaining refunds: The tax officer faces no prescribed time limit for issuing the refund. A time period of 30 days should be set for refunds consequent to such orders, and if the refund is not paid within time period interest should be levied on the refund amount Connecting the dots: Retrospective Taxation: Vodafone Case GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 3: Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.  e-governance and its applications Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. SVAMITVA Scheme Context:  On October 11, Prime Minister Modi launched the distribution of property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme through video conferencing. What is the SVAMITVA card? The acronym SVAMITA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.  It is a Central Sector Scheme (100% by Union Government) implemented by Union Ministry of Panchayat Raj It is aimed at “providing ‘record of rights’ to village household owners possessing houses in inhabited rural areas in villages and issuance of property cards to the property owners.” The government aims to provide such property cards to each household in the next three to four years in every village across the country. The plan is to survey all rural properties using drones and prepare GIS based maps for each village. During the current financial year, the scheme is being implemented as a pilot project in about 1 lakh villages across 8 states – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan.  How is a SVAMITVA property card generated? MoU with States: The framework for implementation of SVAMITVA scheme provides a multi-stage process of generating a property card, which starts with signing of a memorandum of understanding between Survey of India (SoI) and respective state governments.  Use of technology: The SoI is responsible for preparing the National Topographic database on all scales, using technology (drones, Satellite images) Setting up of Network: Once the MOU is done, a Continuously Operating Reference System (CORS) network is establishes that supports in establishing ground control points, which is an important activity for accurate Geo-referencing Public Awareness: The next step is the identification of villages to be surveyed during the pilot phase, and make people aware of the process of mapping properties.  Preparation of GIS Database: The abadi area (residential area) of the village is demarcated and each rural property is marked with limestone (chunna). Then, drones are used for large scale mapping of rural abadi areas. Based on these images, a GIS database on 1:500 scale, and village maps — Gram Manchitra — are drawn.  Verification: After creation of maps, a ground verification process by drone survey teams follows, on the basis of that corrections, if any, are made. At this stage, inquiry/objection process – conflict/ dispute resolution is completed Issuance of Property Cards: After verification, final Property Cards/Title deeds or “Sampatti Patrak” are generated. These cards will be available on digital platforms or as hard copies to the village household owners. How will the SVAMITVA property data and maps be updated in the future? The framework states, “Once the GIS database is prepared encompassing the 6.62 lakh villages, state governments will be responsible for conducting future surveys and updating the GIS database.” They will also decide the update frequency of the re-survey. Who will own the SVAMITVA data? According to the framework, the orthorectified base maps shall be jointly owned by the Survey of India, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the state government. The GIS data will also be jointly owned by Centre and State.  However, the data related to property details will be owned by the State Revenue Department as it has the authority to mutate the Right of Records (RoRs) and update the maps.  Hence, the State Revenue Department will be the owner/host of this data and others will have a right to view What is the benefit of issuing a SVAMITVA property card? Access Credit & Benefits: It will enable rural households to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.  Tax Collection: The database will help in determination of property tax, which would accrue to the Gram Panchayats directly in states where they are empowered to collect such taxes Enhances Liquidity of assets: The cards will help increase liquidity of land parcels in the market and increase the financial credit availability to the village. Developmental Planning: The scheme will also pave the way for creation of accurate land records for rural planning. All the property records and maps will be available at Gram Panchayat, which will help in taxation of villages, construction permits, elimination of encroachments, etc. Conclusion State governments and local authorities need to be enthusiastic about the scheme for it to become successful. Connecting the dots: 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (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:  India is one of the founding members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.  Its headquarter is situated in Shanghai, China. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2 India's first ever Multi-Modal Logistic Park is said to be constructed in which of the following state of India?  Assam  Gujarat  Uttar Pradesh  Karnataka Q.3 Ghar Tak fibre scheme was recently inaugurated in which of the following state of India? Bihar  Uttar Pradesh  West Bengal  Odisha Q.4 Burkud Island is situated in which of the following lake of India?  Loktak Lake  Chilika Lake  Wular Lake   Pulicat Lake ANSWERS FOR 20th October 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A 3 A Must Read About AP Higher Judiciary: The Hindu On India-China relationship: The Indian Express About Terror threat in today’s time: The Hindu

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 20th Oct 2020

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

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 2 Questions[20th OCTOBER,2020] - Day 8

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies 2 Questions[20th October, 2020] - Day 8   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 do you understand by multi-level planning? What are its benefits? How has it evolved in India? Discuss.  बहु-स्तरीय योजना से आप क्या समझते हैं? इसके क्या लाभ हैं? यह भारत में कैसे विकसित हुआ है? चर्चा करें। 2. How can e-governance initiatives empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)? Illustrate.  पंचायती राज संस्थाओं (PRI) को सशक्त बनाने के लिए ई-गवर्नेंस पहल कैसे मददगार हो सकती है? उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट करें। 3. What are the merits of Indian federalism? With the help of suitable examples, explain the ways in which India’s federal polity has shaped governance.  भारतीय संघवाद के गुण क्या हैं? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से संघीय राजनीति का भारतीय शासन पर प्रभाव की व्याख्या करें। 4. With its focus on equity and critical learning, NEP addresses present, future challenges. Elucidate.  समानता और महत्वपूर्ण शिक्षा पर अपने फोकस के साथ, एनईपी वर्तमान और भविष्य की चुनौतियों का समाधान करने में सक्षम है। स्पष्ट करें। 5. The Quad offers a great opportunity for reforming China-centred economic globalisation. Comment.  चीन केंद्रित आर्थिक वैश्वीकरण में सुधार के लिए क्वाड एक महान अवसर प्रदान करता है। टिप्पणी करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

RSTV Video

The Labour Code Bills – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

The Labour Code Bills Archives Topic: General Studies 2: Fundamental Rights Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. In News: Parliament has passed 3 labour code bills aimed at labour welfare reforms covering more than 50 crores organized and unorganized workers in the country. This also includes gig, platform and also opens up the doors for social security to those in the self-employment sector.   These three bills have been re-introduced after incorporating 174 out of 233 recommendations given by Standing Committees These three bills are part of four labour code envisaged incorporating 29 labour laws. First code on wages has already been enacted. These three Bills are : Industrial Relations Code, 2020  Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020  Social Security Code, 2020 What are the key proposals? In the Industrial Relations Code Bill, 2020, the government has proposed to  New conditions for legal strike – no person employed in an industrial establishment shall go on strike without a 60-day notice and during the pendency of proceedings before a Tribunal and sixty days after the conclusion of such proceedings. Earlier such restrictions applied only to public utility services. Raised the threshold for requirement of a standing order — rules of conduct for workmen employed in industrial establishments — from the existing 100 to 300 workers Reskilling Fund – To set up a re-skilling fund for training of retrenched workers with contribution of the employer of an amount equal to 15 days last drawn by the worker. The Social Security Code has following provisions  National Social Security Board which shall recommend to the central government for formulating suitable schemes for different sections of unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers No more ambiguities: The bill has defined various terms like “career centre”, “aggregator”, “gig worker”, “platform worker”, “wage ceiling” , etc. Social security for gig workers: Also, aggregators employing gig workers will have to contribute 1-2 per cent of their annual turnover for social security of workers The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code has the following objectives To employ women in all establishments for all types of work. They can also work at night, that is, beyond 7 PM and before 6 AM subject to the conditions relating to safety, holiday, working hours and their consent To Promote Formalisation: Issuing of appointment letter mandatorily by the employer of an establishment to promote formalisation in employment Inclusion of inter-state migrant workers in the definition of worker: Inter-state migrant workers are defined as the worker who has come on his own from one state and obtained employment in another state, earning up to Rs 18,000 a month.  The proposed definition makes a distinction from the present definition of only contractual employment. Portability Benefits: An Inter-State Migrant Worker has been provided with the portability to avail benefits in the destination State in respect of ration and availing benefits of building and other construction worker cess However, the Code has dropped the earlier provision for temporary accommodation for workers near worksites.  It has though proposed a journey allowance — a lump sum amount of fare to be paid by the employer for to and fro journey of the worker to his/her native place from the place of his/her employment What are the concerns raised over the new labour codes? Dilutes rights of Workers: Workers in small establishments (with up to 300 workers) will have their rights watered down with no protection of trade unions, labour laws.  Workers safety safeguards diluted: The new rules will enable companies to introduce arbitrary service conditions for workers. Corporate Friendly: The new rules provides more flexibility to employers for hiring and firing workers without government permission Restricts Freedom of Speech: Restrictions on strikes and demonstrations is akin to assault on the freedom of industrial actions.  Ambiguity about reskilling Fund: The Code lacks clarity on the substantive and procedural aspects of reskilling Fund which will fizzle out like the National Renewal Fund in the 1990s Women’s Safety: Allowing women to work during night time despite various safeguards imposed may increase their vulnerability to sexual abuse. Connecting the dots: Can work from home be the new normal for India? Comment. Bring out the significance of labour reforms for sustained economic growt and employment generation.

AIR

UN Reforms - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES UN Reforms Search 22nd September, 2020 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx      TOPIC: General Studies 2 Role of UNSC; International organization Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.  In news: India taking a seat at the powerful UN Security Council as an elected non-permanent member for a two year term beginning January 1, 2021. As the UN marks 75 years of its existence, the 193-member UN General Assembly adopted a forward-looking political declaration that gave a clarion call for – Strengthening mechanism to combat terrorism, Reformed multilateralism,  Inclusive development Better preparedness to deal with challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic Reform of the United Nations itself How has International Politics affected UN functioning over the years? Realism at the core of UN System: UN, was meant, by design, to be a concert of great powers who had a permanent seat in the Security Council. Cooperation among the great powers was the precondition for its success in the security arena. During the Cold War, Washington and Moscow were at each other’s throats and the UNSC was deadlocked.  During the brief unipolar moment of the 1990s, post-Soviet Russia was willing to acquiesce to the sweeping US agenda for global security. China was feeling its way around multilateral institutions and avoided any challenge to the US and West. In 2000s, Russia and China began to offer resistance to US dominance.  Present Situation is that of Political Fragmentation: The conflict between the US on the one hand and China and Russia on the other has become full-blown. To make matters more complicated, the West itself is divided G4 countries call for urgent steps for reform of UN and Security Council The move is in line with India’s position on the reforms of the UN, including the expansion of the permanent and non-permanent membership of the Security Council, its main decision-making organ. The G4 countries – Brazil, India, Japan and Germany – have expressed disappointment at attempts to derail reforms of the United Nations and called for text-based negotiations within a fixed timeframe to revamp the world body. They highlighted the urgency of reforming the world body and updating its main decision-making bodies to better reflect contemporary realities. “We cannot fight today's challenges with outdated structures. Without comprehensive reforms, the UN faces a crisis of confidence.” – Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi The world needs a reformed multilateralism that reflects today's realities, gives voice to all stakeholders, addresses contemporary challenges and focuses on human welfare. The world of today is very different from what it was when the United Nations was created 75 years ago. There are more countries, more people, more challenges but also more solutions. Our working methods need to keep pace and adapt. Opined that the expansion of the Security Council in both categories will be indispensable to make this body more representative, legitimate and effective, enhancing therefore its capacity to deal with the complex challenges the world faces today on questions of international peace and security. Broader membership of the Security Council, with increased and enhanced representation of countries with the capacity and willingness to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, including from Africa, will allow it to preserve its credibility and create the political backing needed for the peaceful resolution of today’s international crises. India and UNSC India has been spearheading decades-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying a structure set up in 1945 does not reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century and is ill-equipped to handle current challenges. There is widespread support, including by four of the five permanent members of the Security Council - US, UK, France and Russia - for a permanent seat for India at the Council. China, part of the permanent five (P5) of the UNSC with veto power, has been stonewalling India's efforts to become a member of the UN's powerful body for years, pointing to lack of consensus even though the other four members have supported New Delhi's membership. Did You Know? In 2020, India was the only candidate for the vacancy from the Asia Pacific and was endorsed unanimously by the Asia Pacific group, which comprises 55 countries, including Pakistan and China. India has earlier been a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92 and 2011-12. Significance of India’s win  India’s Growing Credibility: Broad based support for India’s candidature means world places faith on India’s commitment to multilateralism and reforms. Diplomacy with agenda: A “new orientation for a reformed multilateral system” (NORMS), as laid out by India’s Minister of External Affairs, would be India’s overall objective during the two-year tenure Voice of developing countries: UN’s agenda has often been hijacked by the interests of five permanent members. India win means that it has got a platform to voice the issues of emerging countries. The History: India & UNSC The idea of India being a permanent member of UNSC was first floated in 1950 by the US. The UNSC had been formed a few years ago after the end of the Second World War with the US, the Soviet Union, the UK, China and France as its permanent members. However, things became complicated after the communist revolution in China in 1949. The old leadership escaped to modern-day Taiwan, forming the Republic of China (RoC). Meanwhile, a new communist leadership established the People’s Republic of China  (PRC) in mainland China. As US foreign policy was driven by curbing the spread of communism, it did not recognise the legitimacy of the PRC and ROC continued to represent China at the UNSC. In January 1950, the USSR even walked out of the UN in protest against the US refusal to recognise the PRC. It was in this backdrop that the US approached Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Nehru’s sister and diplomat, with the idea of unseating China from the UNSC and putting India in her place. India was seeming to be a potential ally for the US in an Asia that was rapidly becoming red. This seemed even more plausible after India supported a few US-backed resolutions in the UNSC to thwart North Korean aggression in the Korean War. But to the US offer, Nehru responded to Pandit saying: “India because of many factors, is certainly entitled to a permanent seat in the Security Council. But we are not going in at the cost of China.” Nehru held the UN to be a robust forum for conflict resolution and its sound functioning required it to be truly representative of the world’s nation states. So, the representation of PRC at the UN was a vital component of his foreign policy. He also did not wish to build any animosity with India’s biggest neighbour by delving into Cold War politics. Moreover, by the time the idea was put forward, USSR was back in the UNSC and even if India would have responded positively, the Soviets would have vetoed it. So, the matter ended there. In 1955, Soviet Prime Minister Nikolai Bulganin brought up the same issue on Nehru’s visit to Moscow. Their exchange has been recorded in verbatim. It has not been reproduced here for the sake of brevity but when Bulganin indicated that Soviets have considered proposing India’s place in the Security Council, Nehru responded by saying that this would only create tensions between India and China, and it should not be done until China’s admission into the body. In response, Bulganin agreed that it was not the right time to push for India’s membership. The exchange gives the impression that the Soviets were only testing India’s views on the matter and the offer was not sincere. Even if it was, the US would have vetoed it since India’s relations with them had deteriorated by then. Thus, India was seemingly offered the UNSC membership twice but in both cases the offer could not have materialised since multiple forces were at play. History can, therefore, be a tough taskmaster if inferred without context. The history wars that are increasingly taking place in the current political arena should be wary of such limited outlook. It is crucial that through these dialogues, Rawls’ reasoning be followed and sweeping judgements with the benefit of hindsight be avoided. When history is distorted to be used for partisan battles, the people risk losing their touch with the past and with it a sense of commonality and belonging. Challenges Ahead Implementation hurdles: Achieving the objective laid out in NORMS, would depend on how India will conduct diplomacy in the global body, build alliances and raise issues that go beyond the interests of the big five Declining Multilateralism: The COVID-19 pandemic has already shaken up the global order and sharpened the rivalry between the U.S. and China. This has opened up fresh debates on strengthening multilateralism and multilateral institutions.  Polarised world: India should avoid the temptation of taking sides at a time when the Security Council is getting more and more polarised, especially in the wake of US-China tensions Connecting the Dots: WHO and its funding What are some of the longest pending and most pressing reforms in the United Nations (UN)? Is UN losing its significance? Critically comment. Does the composition and rights in the Security Council represent 21st century world dynamics? Critically examine.

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ANTHROPOLOGY MAINS OPTIONAL TEST SERIES- UPSC MAINS 2020 by Gagan Sir

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