Nov 16, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 2 Questions[16th NOVEMBER,2020] - Day 31

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 2 Questions[16th NOVEMBER,2020] - Day 31   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 state funding of electoral campaigns can address the misuse of money power during elections? Critically examine. क्या आपको लगता है कि चुनावी अभियानों का राज्य वित्त पोषण चुनाव के दौरान धन शक्ति के दुरुपयोग को दूर कर सकता है? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें। 2. The office of Governor has ceased to be apolitical in recent years. Do you agree? Substantiate your response. हाल के वर्षों में राज्यपाल का कार्यालय अराजनैतिक नहीं रह गया है। क्या आप सहमत हैं? अपनी प्रतिक्रिया की पुष्टि करें। 3. India’s Election Commission is an embodiment of institutional excellence and professionalism. Comment. भारत का चुनाव आयोग संस्थागत उत्कृष्टता और पेशेवरता का प्रतीक है। टिप्पणी करें। 4. Critically evaluate the performance of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in ensuring executive accountability. कार्यकारी जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने में भारत के नियंत्रक और महालेखा परीक्षक के प्रदर्शन का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें। 5. Examine the role of the Finance Commission in India’s federal political economy.  भारत की संघीय राजनीतिक अर्थव्यवस्था में वित्त आयोग की भूमिका का परीक्षण 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 16, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 16th 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 16, 2020 Important Articles

GEOGRAPHY OPTIONAL (e-Classroom Learning Program(e-CLP)) 2021 and MAINS TEST SERIES 2021 By Atyab Ali Zaidi

Hello Everyone, First of all, very warm wishes for Diwali. May the festival of light bring happiness, prosperity, and good health to all of you. As we got several requests to start a full-fledged course for the Geography Optional Subject. We have come forward with the e- Learning Classroom (Online)-Geography Optional Programme.  It covers Online Videos (Complete Geography Optional) Test Series Doubt Clarification etc. Before we let you know the merits of Geography as an optional, please remove the notions and biases from your mind that might have developed as a result of your discussions on various online forums and maybe with your friends and seniors. UPSC doesn’t intentionally “butcher” a subject. All the optionals have their distinct advantages and drawbacks but by no stretch of imagination would UPSC give preference to one optional over the other. What may happen though is that some optionals might have scored more than the others in a particular year but that trend gets reversed also. That is the unpredictability of the Civil Services Examination that we have to live with. In fact, till the time optionals remain a part of CSE, this unpredictability will remain. Also every year there is at least one person getting a top 10 rank with the Geography optional and many who are failing by taking other optional subjects. So, learn to live with it rather than blaming it. Most of the time, the answers to one’s failure or unexpected performance lies within and not externally. So the message is clear for all- Before blaming UPSC for its so-called “bias” for or against any optional, try to find the reasons for not doing well by looking inward! So coming to the point, let us enumerate the merits of Geography as an optional to help you decide whether it’s the subject for you: Geography is scoring: If you maintain the essence of Geography in your answers, it will definitely fetch you good marks in Mains. Geography is interesting: You will have a fun ride with geography as most of the concepts relate to the physical and social environment of which you are an integral part. Geography has a maximum overlap with GS syllabus: If you prepare Geography optional, more than 30-40% of your GS syllabus is automatically prepared. Moreover, you develop better perspectives for Essay paper and interview as well. . This year in GS paper 1, 110 marks were asked from geography. Also, International Relation, Disaster Management, Agriculture, exports, resources etc. are part of geography which helps in scoring well in GS 2 and GS 3. Geography is logic driven and scientific: Unlike some other humanities subjects, the study of Geography entails logic, scientific theories and empirical evidence. This makes Geography easy to understand and apply. Geography has an abundance of sources to refer: There is no dearth of quality materials and good books in Geography. You don’t have to dig too much into bookstores to find good books on Geography. Geography Optional e – Classroom Program Features of the Program: The aim of the program is to groom the students with geography optional to approach the subject properly. All the topics in the syllabus will be covered in detail keeping the new trend of UPSC in mind. Small topic-wise lectures will be provided so that students can clearly understand what portion of the syllabus has been covered. Also, it will help in revision. The syllabus will be covered within 4 months. So that enough time is left for prelims preparation. Access to the program will be open till the mains 2021. So even if some students are not able to cover some topics now, they will be able to watch the lectures later. Live discussion sessions will be taken to clarify your queries. Students will be made to learn how to write a proper geographical answer to provide enough practice to the students so that they can feel comfortable with slightly twisted questions also. Components of Geography Test Series: A total of 8 Tests with 4 Sectional Tests and 4 Full-length Test. (Only online) All the students will get personal mentorship. Mentor will point out the individual mistakes and help in overall guidance. Quality Evaluation of the Answer Sheets and detailed feedback. Value Add notes for some specific topics will be provided. Tests will be held in accordance with the completion of the syllabus. FEE STRUCTURE: 27000/- plus Tax Starting on 1st December 2020 PAYMENT LINK- CLICK HERE Faculty Profile: The Faculty needs no introduction due to his immense popularity with UPSC aspirants for geography. The Programme will be conducted by Atyab Ali Zaidi sir. He is an alumnus of NIT Allahabad, Chemical Engineering and is one of the Core members of the IASbaba team. He has been mentoring UPSC aspirants for the past 5 years and many of his students have qualified for this prestigious exam with flying colors. FOR ANY QUERIES (Related to Geography Optional Classes) You can reach us on Email id: support@iasbaba.com; atyab@iasbaba.com Contact: 9591106864 Office Address: BANGALORE CENTRE: IASbaba’s TLP Centre 2– No. 1443/1444, 2nd Floor, Above Carzspa, Ganapati Circle, Chandra Layout, Vijaynagar, Bangalore 560040. Delhi CENTRE: B, Pusa Rd, opposite to Metro Pillar Number 110, Block B, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005. With best wishes, IASbaba Team.

Nov 15, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 14th November 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) India enters phase of technical recession: RBI Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news In RBI's monthly bulletin of November, it has started “nowcasting” or “the prediction of the present or the very near future of the state of the economy”. Key takeaways  The very first “nowcast” predicts that India’s economy will contract by 8.6% in the second quarter (July, August, September) of the current financial year. This pace of contraction is considerably slower than the 23.9% decline in the real GDP during the first quarter.  However, the contraction of Q2 is crucial because it implies that India has entered a “technical recession” in the first half of 2020-21— for the first time in its history. Important value additions  Recessionary phase It is a phase when the GDP contracts from one quarter to another.  Recession When a recessionary phase sustains for long enough, it is called a recession. During a recession, a significant decline in economic activity spreads across the economy and can last from a few months to more than a year. Technical recession When real GDP has declined for at least two consecutive quarters. 17th ASEAN-India Summit held Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In news Recently, India participated in the 17th ASEAN-India Virtual Summit.   The current Chair of ASEAN is Vietnam. Key takeaways  The summit focused on measures to recover from the economic turmoil triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and ways to further broad-base strategic ties. India placed the ASEAN at the centre of India’s Act East policy.  It held that a cohesive and responsive ASEAN is essential for security and growth for all in the region. India highlighted the importance of strengthening convergence between India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific, to ensure a free, open, inclusive and rules-based region. It also highlighted the importance of cooperation by ASEAN for the Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) Vision. India would explore ways to increase trade despite its exit from the 15-nation RCEP agreement in 2019. India affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace in the South China Sea.  It also underscored the importance of cooperation and regular exchanges in the field of traditional medicines as a source of healthy and holistic living. India called for an early review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), which is pending for a long time. Important value additions  Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)  It is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation. It was established on 8th August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).  Founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Present Ten Members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Chairmanship rotates annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States. It is India’s 4th largest trading partner with about USD 86.9 billion in trade. New Species of frog in Andaman found  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity In news Recently a group of scientists has reported a new genus of treefrog from the Andaman Islands called Striped Bubble-nest frog. Important value additions  Striped Bubble-nest frog Biological name: Rohanixalus vittatus It belongs to the genus of the Old World treefrog family Rhacophoridae. This is the first report of a tree frog species from the Andaman Islands. They are also known as Asian Glass Frog or see through frogs The female (mother) attends the egg clutches until hatching and assists in release of the tadpoles into the water. A large number of egg clutches (over 50) of different developmental stages may be found on a single leaf or plant.  Multiple females usually attend such clutches in a behaviour termed as ‘community’ egg attendance. Frequent male-male combats involving pushing, kicking and dislodging to mate with a female were also reported. Miscellaneous Spacex’s Crew Dragon Spacecraft Recently, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft will lift off carrying a crew of four people to the International Space Station (ISS) on a six-month-long mission. The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.  Objective: To make access to space easier in terms of its cost, so that cargo and crew can be easily transported to and from the ISS, enabling greater scientific research. At the ISS, the Crew-1 team will conduct microgravity studies and deliver new science hardware and experiments that they will carry with them to space aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. It is the first spacecraft certified by NASA. This means SpaceX can now operate regular flights to the space station. Earlier in May, NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight lifted off for the ISS, becoming the first crewed flight to launch from American soil since the conclusion of the space shuttle era in 2011. (MAINS FOCUS) ECONOMY/ INTERNATIONAL Topic: General Studies 2,3: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.  Digital taxation & OECD: On a weak pillar Context: The tax challenges pertaining to the digitalisation of the economy have been a contentious issue over the past decade. In recognition of this, OECD identified it as one of the main areas of focus of the OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project, leading to the 2015 BEPS Action 1 report.  What is Base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS)? BEPS refers to tax planning strategies used by multinational enterprises that exploit gaps and mismatches in tax rules to avoid paying tax.  Although some of the schemes used are illegal, most are not BEPS practices cost countries USD 100-240 billion in lost revenue annually.  Working together within OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS, over 135 countries and jurisdictions are collaborating on  The implementation of 15 measures to tackle tax avoidance,  Improve the coherence of international tax rules  Ensure a more transparent tax environment. What are the concerns with BEPS? Reduced Tax Revenue: Developing countries’ higher reliance on corporate income tax means they suffer from BEPS disproportionately.  Disproportionately impacts domestic small firms: Such tax planning strategies undermines the fairness and integrity of tax systems because businesses that operate across borders can use BEPS to gain a competitive advantage over enterprises that operate at a domestic level. Sets wrong precedent: Moreover, when taxpayers see multinational corporations legally avoiding income tax, it undermines voluntary compliance by all taxpayers What is 2015 BEPS Action 1 report? In 2015, when the OECD released Action Plan 1 report, that contained the pillars that should guide taxation of the digital economy. It recognised  Neutrality Efficiency Certainty and simplicity Effectiveness and fairness Flexibility  OECD, Taxation on digitalisation and BEPS The debate and focus on taxing digital companies peaked when countries started implementing uncoordinated, unilateral measures.  In January 2019, the OECD released a policy note that said the renewed international discussions will focus on two central pillars: Pillar One and Pillar Two. Pillar One will address the broader challenges related to the digitalisation of the economy and will focus on the allocation of taxing rights. The aim of Pillar One is to reach a global agreement on adapting the allocation of taxing rights on business profits in a way that expands these rights for market jurisdictions. The OECD Blueprint on Pillar one provides a solid foundation for a future agreement that would adhere to the concept of net taxation of income, avoid double taxation and be as simple and easy to administer as possible. Pillar Two will sort out the remaining BEPS concerns (collectively, BEPS 2 project) Concerns Changes in International Rules: The reallocation of taxing rights under Pillar One could lead to significant changes in the international tax rules under which multinational businesses operate and could have important consequences on the overall tax liability of businesses and tax revenues of the countries. Policy Note lacks Consensus: The Blueprint recognises that it is not a consensus document and that there are several key features of the solution that can only be resolved through political decisions.  Requires further Political Action: The Blueprint notes that political decisions are required on several issues, including the amount of residual profit to be allocated under the new taxing right, the scope of mandatory binding dispute resolution etc. Short on Principles: The Blueprint falls short on a number of principles detailed in 2015 Action 1 report by OECD. Conclusion In the absence of a consensus, the uncertainty caused by the unilateral measures is expected to add to the tax woes of multinationals. Connecting the dots: Dominance of Big Tech ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2,3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation Indian economy and mobilization of resources Calibrated Economic Package (Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0) – Part 1 Context: On 12th November, the Union Finance Ministry made a series of announcements comprising the third stimulus package that includes additional expenditure of Rs 2.65 lakh crore. About Previous Packages The first stimulus focused on containing the damage of the lockdowns by addressing the cash-flow mismatch. This was done using emergency credit facilities, macro-prudential policies, deferred taxes and regulatory forbearance. The objective was to prevent massive bankruptcies The second stimulus was given to primarily the government employees as they did not witness an income shock as such, with the objective of incentivising them to spend. Additionally, the government reiterated its commitment towards maintaining its expenditure and pushed state governments to keep up with their expenditure commitments, including those on capital outlays. Image Source: Livemint About the Third Package Atmanirbhar Bharta Rozgar Yojana:  The new employees hired by the EPFO-registered organisations will receive benefits during COVID-19. If the EPFO registered establishments take in new employees or those who lost jobs earlier will get benefits from government. Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) for MSMEs, businesses, MUDRA borrowers and individuals (loans for business purposes), has been extended till March 31, 2021.  New Credit Guarantee Scheme: A credit guarantee support scheme for health care sector and 26 sectors stressed due to COVID-19 pandemic was also launched. Under this new credit scheme, banks will be able to lend to stressed companies from 26 sectors identified by the K.V. Kamath committee earlier this year. Production-Linked Incentive: The PLI scheme worth ₹ 1.46 lakh crore is being offered to 10 champion sectors which will help boost the efficiency and competitiveness of domestic manufacturing. A total amount of ₹ 1.5 lakh crore has been earmarked across sectors, for the next five years. Pradhan Mantri Awaaz Yojana Urban: An additional outlay of ₹ 18,000 crore over budget estimate towards PM Awaaz Yojana Urban has been announced which will help ground 12 lakh houses and complete 18 lakh houses. This will create additional 78 lakh jobs and improve the production and sale of cement and steel. Income Tax Relief for Developers and Home Buyers for houses up to ₹ 2 crore which provides an incentive to the middle class to buy homes. Equity Investment in Debt Platform by NIIF: The government will make ₹ 6,000 crore equity investment in debt platform of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), which will help NIIF raise ₹ 1.1 lakh crore by 2025 for financing infrastructure project Total Support: It comes at a time when the worst seems to be over and the economy seems to be transitioning from the normalisation of economic activity stage to the growth recovery stage. The support totalled  ₹2.65 trillion. The analysis of the package will be covered in Part-2 of the article. (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: A recession is a period of declining economic performance across an entire economy that lasts for several months. Depressions are often identified as recessions lasting longer than three years or resulting in a drop in annual GDP of at least 10%. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Which of the following is not a founding member of ASEAN? Indonesia  Malaysia Philippines Brunei ANSWERS FOR 13th November 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 B Must Read About The Western bias in science: The Indian Express About Criticism of Judiciary’s action in Arnab Goswami Bail case: The Indian Express

Nov 15, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [14th NOVEMBER,2020] – Day 30

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - ESSAY [14th NOVEMBER,2020] – Day 30   We will make sure, in the next 3 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE   1. Forgiveness isn’t approving what happened. It’s choosing to rise above it. क्षमा, जो हुआ है, उसका अनुमोदन नहीं है बल्कि उससे ऊपर उठना है। 2. We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles. हमें बदलते समय के साथ तालमेल बिठाना चाहिए और फिर भी अपरिवर्तनीय सिद्धांतों पर पकड़ बनाए रखनी चाहिए। 3. Power really is a test of character. In the hands of a person of integrity, it is of tremendous benefit; in the hands of a tyrant, it causes terrible destruction. शक्ति वास्तव में चरित्र की परीक्षा है। ईमानदारी के व्यक्ति के हाथों में, यह जबरदस्त लाभ है; एक अत्याचारी के हाथों में, यह भयानक विनाश का कारण बनता है। 4. Supporting the truth, even when it is unpopular, shows the capacity for honesty and integrity.  सत्य का समर्थन करते हुए, भले ही यह अलोकप्रिय हो, ईमानदारी और अखंडता के लिए क्षमता दिखाता है। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Nov 15, 2020 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Stop Procrastinating – Inspirational Educative Articles

Stop Procrastinating: If there is any one single biggest enemy of success that takes a lion share of the blame for failures, it has to be procrastination. If you actually think about it, it is not a lack of desire or motivation to achieve something that stops people from succeeding. What stops them instead, is almost always procrastination. It is important to understanding how detrimental a simple habit of procrastination can be to your dreams and your quality of living. On the surface, procrastination does not appear to be that harmful. It seems like a bad habit, but nothing to be totally alarmed about. After all, who doesn’t procrastinate? It is a very common problem. Procrastination is a very common problem, and so is failure. As common is the habit of procrastination, that much common is failure. The correlation between them is obvious. Those who have accepted procrastination as a nothing to be worried about common habit will eventually come to see its full effects. The reason why procrastination is such a negative habit is because it falls into a grey area between doing something and not doing something. It is easier to recognize the difference between something you are doing and something you have chosen not to do. But it is that much harder to recognize an activity that you want to complete, but have pushed it somewhere in the future. Procrastination disguises itself as a perfectly justified excuse. It is a lot easier for your mind to say, “I will do this later”, as opposed to saying “I don’t think I am going to do this”. When you chose not to do something, the consequences of that action is clear. But when you chose to postpone doing something, you can never be sure of the consequences, as you can never be sure if you will complete that particular activity or not. Procrastination is the grey area of the mind you have to learn to avoid. No activity has ever been completed in the future. Everything that has ever happened has happened in the present moment. When you chose to postpone just for the sake of postponing, you are choosing to   give in to the most common negative habit of the mind. And this can quietly but surely come to hurt you. The easiest way to move beyond procrastination is to get into the habit of now. Instead of categorizing your activities into easy and difficult activities, categorize them into important and unimportant activities, and always be in the now to complete the most important activity at hand. Every time you are presented with a choice to either do something or push it into the future, chose to act on it now. Soon this will become a habit and before you realize, you will be out of the nasty habit of procrastinating. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

Nov 14, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz 14th 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 13, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th November 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) International Financial Services Centres Authority (Banking) Regulations, 2020 approved Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) approved the International Financial Services Centres Authority (Banking) Regulations, 2020. Key takeaways  The salient aspects of the Banking Regulations include Laying down the requirements for setting up IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) Permitting persons resident outside India (having net worth not less than USD 1 Million) to open foreign currency accounts in any freely convertible currency at IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) Permitting persons resident in India (having net worth not less than USD 1 Million) to open foreign currency accounts in any freely convertible currency at IBUs to undertake any transaction under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) of the RBI. Laying down the permissible activities of IBUs including credit enhancement, credit insurance, and sale, etc.  Permitting the Authority to determine business that a Banking Unit may be permitted to conduct in INR with persons resident in India and persons resident outside India.  The above mentioned regulations will be notified by the Government of India in due course. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme approved for 10 more sectors Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news The Union Cabinet has given its approval to introduce the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in the following 10 key sectors for Enhancing India’s Manufacturing Capabilities and Enhancing Exports. Sectors and Implementing Ministry/Department are as follows Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery: NITI Aayog and Department of Heavy Industries Electronic/Technology Products: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Automobiles & Auto Components: Department of Heavy Industries Pharmaceuticals drugs: Department of Pharmaceuticals Telecom & Networking Products: Department of Telecom Textile Products (MMF segment and technical textiles): Ministry of Textiles Food Products: Ministry of Food Processing Industries. High Efficiency Solar PV Modules: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. White Goods (ACs & LED): Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Speciality Steel: Ministry of Steel. Do you know?  Notified PLI schemes are already available in the following sectors: Mobile Manufacturing and Specified Electronic Components: MEITY. Critical Key Starting materials/Drug Intermediaries and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients: Department of Pharmaceuticals. Manufacturing of Medical Devices: Department of Pharmaceuticals Religion in news: Sarna Religion Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Culture In news The Jharkhand government has passed a resolution to send the Centre a letter to recognise Sarna religion and include it as a separate code in the Census of 2021. Important value additions  Sarna religion The followers of Sarna faith believe in praying to nature.  The motto of the faith is “Jal, Jungle, Zameen”.  Its followers pray to the trees and hills while believing in protecting the forest areas. Do you know?  It is believed that 50 lakhs tribals in the entire country put their religion as ‘Sarna’ in the 2011 census, although it was not a code. Jharkhand has 32 tribal groups of which 8 are from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Kalvari-Class Submarine INS Vagir launched Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Defence & Security In news Indian Navy’s fifth Kalvari-class Diesel Electric attack submarine INS Vagir was launched at Mazgaon Dock in Mumbai. Key takeaways  Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vagir is the fifth among the six Kalvari-class submarines. The other vessels in the class are INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela and INS Vagsheer. Of these Kalvari and Khanderi have been commissioned in 2017 and 2019.  Vela and Karanj are undergoing sea trials.  Vagsheer is under construction. Technical details The design of Kalvari class of submarines is based on Scorpene class of submarines.  This class of submarines have Diesel Electric transmission systems.  These are primarily attack submarines or ‘hunter-killer’ type which means they are designed to target and sink adversary naval vessels. It can reach the highest speeds of 11 knots when surfaced and 20 knots when submerged. These submarines have the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) which enables non-nuclear submarines to operate for a long time without access to surface oxygen. Do you know?  Like Kalvari (which means Tiger Shark), Vagir has been named after a Sand Fish, a predatory marine species.  Khanderi has been named after an Island Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji. Karanj has also been named after an Island located South of Mumbai. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and interventions & GS-III - Economy In news Union Minister for Finance announced a new scheme of AATMANIRBHAR BHARAT ROZGAR YOJANA to incentivize job creation during COVID-19 recovery  Key takeaways  If EPFO-registered establishments take in new employees without EPFO registration or those who lost jobs earlier, the Yojana will benefit these employees. Beneficiaries / New Employees under the scheme would be: any new employee joining employment in EPFO registered establishments on monthly wages less than Rs.15,000 EPF members drawing monthly wage of less than Rs.15,000 who exited from employment during COVID Pandemic from 1st March to 30th September, 2020 and is employed on or after 1st October, 2020. Central Govt. will provide subsidy for two years in respect of new eligible employees engaged on or after 1st October, 2020 at following scale: Establishments employing up to 1000 employees: Employee’s contributions (12% of Wages) & Employer’s contributions (12% of wages) totalling 24% of wages Establishments employing more than 1000 employees: Only Employee’s EPF contributions (12% of EPF wages) The scheme will be effective from October 1, 2020 and operational till 30th June 2021. Finance Minister Announces Measures On Aatmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Policies and interventions & GS-III - Economy In news Union Minister for Finance announced various measures, as part of Government of India’s stimulus to the economy, under AatmaNirbhar Bharat 3.0. Key takeaways  Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs, businesses, MUDRA borrowers and individuals (loans for business purposes), has been extended till March 31, 2021. 10 more Champion Sectors will be covered under the Production Linked Incentives Scheme to help boost competitiveness of domestic manufacturing. A sum of Rs 18000 crore is being provided for PM Awaas Yojana - Urban over and above Rs. 8000 Crore already allocated this year. Support for Construction & Infrastructure – Relaxation of Earnest Deposit Money & Performance Security on Government Tenders To provide ease of doing business and relief to contractors whose money otherwise remains locked up, performance security on contracts has been reduced from 5-10% to 3%.It will also extend to ongoing contracts and Public Sector Enterprises. Differential between circle rate and agreement value in real estate income tax under Section 43 CA of IT Act has been increased from 10% to 20%. Government will make ₹6,000 Crore equity investment in debt platform of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), which will help NIIF provide a debt of ₹ 1.1 Lakh Crore for infrastructure projects by 2025. Additional outlay of ₹10,000 Crore is being provided for PM Garib Kalyan Rozgar Yojana to provide rural employment. This will help accelerate rural economy. Around ₹3,000 Crore boost is being provided to EXIM Bank for promoting project exports under Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS Scheme). ₹900 Crore is being provided to Department of Biotechnology for Research and Development of Indian COVID Vaccine. (MAINS FOCUS) GOVERNANCE/ RIGHTS/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2,3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation  Awareness in the field of IT Media regulation that is quite over the top Context: The government in its latest move has brought online news and current affairs portals along with “films and audio-visual programmes made available by online content providers” under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In other words, the Union government has brought Over The Top (OTT) platforms, or video streaming service providers such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and others, under the ambit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Do You Know? The Press Council of India regulates the print media,  News Broadcasters Association (NBA) represents and regulates the news channels,  Advertising Standards Council of India regulates advertising,  Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) monitors films. However, there is no law or autonomous body governing digital content.  Brief Background to the issue From time to time, the government had indicated the necessity to monitor these platforms.  In October 2019, the government had indicated that it will issue “negative” list of don’ts for the video streaming services like Netflix and Hotstar. Government also wanted the platforms to come up with a self-regulatory body on the lines of the News Broadcasting Standards Authority. Anticipating the government’s intervention, in January 2019, eight video streaming services had signed a self-regulatory code that laid down a set of guiding principles for content on these platforms What was the self-regulatory Code adopted by OTT platforms? The code adopted by the OTTs prohibited five types of content. This includes  Content that deliberately and maliciously disrespects the national emblem or national flag Any visual or story line that promotes child pornography Any content that “maliciously” intends to outrage religious sentiments Any content that “deliberately and maliciously” promotes or encourages terrorism  Any content that has been banned for exhibition or distribution by law or court. The government had refused to support this code. Implication of the Bringing digital media under the I&B Ministry No more unregulated: This will give the government control over OTT platforms, which were unregulated till now Treats to freedom of speech: Such regulatory powers would arm the executive with control over the free press, thereby essentially making it unfree. Matter is being heard in Supreme Court: Passing such executive orders hijacks public interest litigation in the Supreme Court relating to content on “Over The Top” (OTT) platforms It seeks to divide and rule the press by creating an artificial distinction between the new-age digital media (the stand-alone news portals which are already struggling to stay afloat) — which is the media of the future, the media of the millennial generation — and the older print and TV news media. Disincentives Innovation: The fate of the digital media under the control of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting leaves little scope for hope, and dooms the sector for both the media practitioner and the media entrepreneur and for the startups that have been the new vibrant face of contemporary journalism. Not in Democratic Spirit: The move is tantamount to nipping in the bud a promise of combative journalism. It makes our democracy the poorer for it. Conclusion Government should walk a tight rope to ensure that content on digital medium doesn’t affect the Nation’s & Society’s interest but should also make sure that regulations don’t stifle the freedom of speech & expression. Connecting the dots: Sudarshan TV Case: Click here Net Neutrality Shreya Singhal Case INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2: International Politics UK-Japan: A deal for the post-Brexit era? Context: The trade agreement was sealed between the U.K. and Japan, marking the UK's first big post-Brexit deal on trade. Key features of the trade deal Britain has said the deal meant 99% of its exports to Japan would be tariff-free, and that it could increase trade by 15.2 billion pounds ($19.9 billion) in the long run, compared with 2018. The deal removes Britain's tariffs on Japanese cars in stages to zero in 2026, which is the same as in the Japan-EU trade agreement. Britain's has expressed its interest in joining the 11-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) free trade deal. Japan has welcomed Britain’s eagerness to join this trade deal. Japan is already a member of the CPTPP, which also links Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Significance of the deal UK will now be able to access Japan’s agricultural market, which was earlier done under the ambit of European Union. The trade deal is modelled on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, that provides for smooth trade between the nations with reduced duties & procedures Japan’s auto industry will get benefitted in the wake of intense competition unleashed by electric automotive industry of USA.  The agreement has some flexibility on rules of origin and data sharing, besides recognition for additional number of geographical indications The deal gives UK the breathing space when it exits the European Union (EU) on December 31, 2020. UK wants to make an example of this trade deal with Japanese so to strike accords with other countries. Britain views the trade pact with Japan as a gateway for London’s entry into the 11-member CPTPP Challenges in the deal Absence of preferential trading terms in agriculture: U.K. has not won major concessions compared to the EU on farm quotas from Japan. Slow Opening of UK auto sector: Tokyo has not been able to secure the elimination of British tariffs on cars sooner than (in 2026) under the deal with the EU.  Stakes on UK-EU deal: The Japanese have emphasised the considerable stakes in an EU-U.K. deal, as the country’s businesses based in the U.K. rely on European supply chains. Similar demands from EU: In relation to rules on government aid for ailing companies and subsidies, the U.K. would face pressure from the EU to extend similar conditions in a future relationship Modest Benefit for UK: As per the assessment of the trade deal between UK & Japan, of the £15.66 billion increase in bilateral trade, 83% of the projected benefits would accrue to Japan. In any case, the overall gain from the pact is a modest 0.07% boost to the U.K.’s GDP, compared to loss of trade after leaving the EU. Conclusion The Trade deal reflects UK government’s recognition of the new and complex reality, wherein Britain must strike out on its own as it engages with countries around the world. (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 Sarna religion was in news recently. It is associated with which of the following state of India? Madhya Pradesh Jharkhand Chhattisgarh Bihar Q.2 which of the following Kalvari-class Diesel Electric attack submarine was recently launched? INS Kalvari INS Vagir INS Khanderi INS Karanj ANSWERS FOR 12th November 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 D Must Read About criticism of Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Arnab Goswami: The Hindu About right to work: The Hindu About need to tap the demographic dividend: The Indian Express

Nov 13, 2020 RSTV Video

Stockholm Agreement: Pollution & Health – Desh Deshantar – RSTV IAS UPSC

Stockholm Agreement: Pollution & Health Archives TOPIC: General Studies 3 Environment Pollution In news: The Union Cabinet has approved the ratification of seven chemicals listed under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). India had ratified the Stockholm Convention on January 13, 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default "opt-out" position such that amendments in various Annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification/ acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depositary. Considering its commitment towards providing safe environment and addressing human health risks, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, on March 5, 2018 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The regulation inter alia prohibited the manufacture, trade, use, import and export seven chemicals namely  Chlordecone,  Hexabromobiphenyl,  Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Heptabromodiphenylether (Commercial octa-BDE) Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether (Commercial penta-BDE) Pentachlorobenzene Hexabromocyclododecane Hexachlorobutadiene, which were already listed as POPs under Stockholm Convention. The Cabinet's approval for ratification of POPs demonstrates  India's commitment to meet its international obligations with regard to protection of environment and human health It also indicates the resolve of the Government to take action on POPs by implementing control measures, develop and implement action plans for unintentionally produced chemicals, develop inventories of the chemicals' stockpiles and review as well as update its National Implementation Plan (NIP).  The ratification process would enable India to access Global Environment Facility (GEF) financial resources in updating the NIP. Do you know? A. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and environment from POPs Signed in 2001 and effective from May 2004. India had ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2006. Objectives: Support the transition to safer alternative Target additional POPs for action Cleanup old stockpiles and equipment containing POPs Work together for a POPs-free future The Stockholm Convention focuses on eliminating or reducing releases of POPs. B. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) POPs which are identified chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio-accumulate in living organisms, adversely affect human health/ environment and have the property of long-range environmental transport (LRET).  Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central & peripheral nervous systems, diseases of immune system, reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development.  Examples of persistent organic pollutants include: (1) Aldrin; (2) Chlordane; (3) DDT; (4) Dieldrin; (5) Endrin; (6) Heptachlor; (7) Hexachlorobenzene; (8) Mirex C. The Global Environment Facility (GEF)  Established with the Rio Earth Summit of 1992 Headquarter: Washington, D.C., USA. Serves as a financial mechanism for the following conventions: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Minamata Convention on Mercury

Nov 13, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 4 Questions[13th NOVEMBER,2020] - Day 29

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 4 Questions[13th NOVEMBER,2020] - Day 29 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. Examine the significance of political impartiality for a civil servant in a democracy.  लोकतंत्र में एक सिविल सेवक के लिए राजनीतिक निष्पक्षता के महत्व की जांच करें। 2. Integrity requires self-discipline and will power to resist the temptation. Illustrate.  आत्मनिष्ठा के लिए आत्म-अनुशासन और प्रलोभन का विरोध करने की इच्छा शक्ति की आवश्यकता होती है। उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट करें। 3. Why is non-partisanship a foundational value for the civil service? Substantiate.   गैर-पक्षपात सिविल सेवा के लिए एक मूलभूत मूल्य क्यों है? पुष्टी करें। 4. What sort of emotional aptitude is needed for a successful career in the civil services? Examine.  सिविल सेवाओं में एक सफल करियर के लिए किस तरह की भावनात्मक योग्यता की जरूरत होती है? जांच करें। 5. While attitude is associated with character or virtues; aptitude is associated with competence. Elucidate.  जबकि मनोदृष्टि चरित्र या गुणों से जुड़ी होती है; अभिदृष्टि योग्यता से जुड़ी है। स्पष्ट 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 :)