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Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 5]

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

Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - POLITY [Day 5]

For Previous Static Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE DAILY STATIC QUIZ will cover all the topics of Static/Core subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. 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 After completing the 10 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken and solutions. Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :)  To take the Test - Click Here

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 2 Questions[15th June,2020] – Day 5

Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies 2  Questions[15th June, 2020] – Day 5.  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. We are giving 3 Mains Questions on Daily basis (unlike our regular TLP which has 5 questions) 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. Critically evaluate the significance of the amendment provisions in the Indian Constitution. भारतीय संविधान में संशोधन प्रावधानों के महत्व का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन करें। 2. The ‘basic structure’ doctrine has gone a long way in ensuring that the State doesn’t circumvent the implicit foundational principles enshrined of the constitution. Critically comment 'मूल संरचना' का सिद्धांत यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए एक लंबा रास्ता तय कर चुका है कि राज्य संविधान के निहित मूलभूत सिद्धांतों को दरकिनार नहीं कर सकता। समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें 3. Agriculture and rural industry could be India’s strength post COVID-19. Do you agree? Substantiate your response. कृषि और ग्रामीण उद्योग COVID-१९ के बाद भारत की ताकत हो सकते हैं। क्या आप सहमत हैं? आपकी प्रतिक्रिया को सारगर्भित 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 :)

Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Knowledge and Information – Inspirational Educative Articles

Watching Your Breath: Watching the disturbance of the mind is the whole purpose of meditation. Relaxation will eventually happen as a natural consequence of observing and accepting your thoughts, but this won’t happen in a day or two - it will take a little longer. A day will come when you will be sitting in meditation as usual, and you will suddenly realize that both your mind and body are very quiet, but you are fully awake. For the first time, in that purity, in that clarity, in that magnanimous moment, when both your body and mind have become quiet, your Self awakens to a totally different reality. That is all the difference there is between Awakening and being asleep. This is the Buddha’s middle path. What is the middle path? The middle path is not about avoiding the extremes of life; he was talking about avoiding the extremes of the mind and the body. The middle path is just keeping your mind alert enough to stay awake, and your body relaxed enough to be here in the present moment. Buddha’s middle path is quite literally the path between the mind and the body, where you are. Buddha taught for almost 40 years after his Enlightenment, and the only method he taught was “Watching the Breath”. Just a simple process of watching your breath will reveal the secrets of your mind and body. The effort you put in to stay with the breath will help you to understand the actual functioning of your mind. What exactly is your mind saying when you are meditating? Your mind is just trying to qualify your actions. Every time you express your desire to watch the breath, it begins to think about it. The mind simply does not know the difference between watching the breath and thinking about it. All the mind knows is thoughts. It just cannot understand a simple process of watching the breath. It has to make it complicated by constantly talking about it. It tries to qualify the action of watching the breath in every which way it can. This will continue to happen until you develop the necessary confidence and understanding of watching the breath. The mind continues to interfere because you are not sure about the process of watching the breath. The day you become sure about your meditation, your mind will begin to quieten. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

MindMaps

MIND-MAPS: DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (DPSP) & FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES – General Studies 2

MIND-MAPS: DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (DPSP) & FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES – General Studies 2 For Previous Important Topics (Mind Maps) - ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Recently we have come up with a NEW INITIATIVE - BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS! Mind-map is an incredible powerful thinking tool, an innate human language that will have immense benefit in your preparation. The main idea is to brainstorm different aspects of an issue - think in multi-dimensions; what we call 360 degrees of an issue. The whole of this exercise will unleash your creativity to push your brain cells to recall the data learnt and to make it more relevant for your preparation. It will help you to make your Revision and Retention a far better apart from giving you more Clarity in the topics/issue at hand and improve your Concentration. You can see the drastic impact mind-maps will have in a few weeks, provided you are regular with this exercise. So here we are with Today’s TOPIC! DPSPs & Fundamental Duties - General Studies 2 NOTE – Instructions to download Mind Maps/Images Right Click on the image and ‘Open image in new tab’ Remove/Delete the resolution part from the URL. Eg. “-1536x757” and Press Enter/Load Again Right Click and Save Image As/Download (You’ll get the maximum resolution) LIBERAL-INTELLECTUAL PRINCIPLES   FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES  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 on every Wednesday & Sunday (2 times a week). We will also provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping.  So, Enlist the topics you feel as important for MAINS Issues in Current Affairs you find difficult to understand Share your own mind-maps on the given topics in the comment section of the post published on WEDNESDAYS and SUNDAYS (every week). We will provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping. TOPICS FOR NEXT WEEK* - PRESIDENT & GOVERNOR 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

Important Articles

RESCHEDULING in IASbaba's Courses/Programs 2021- ILP, AIPTS -To Start from 15th July 2020!

Hello Friends, This is to inform you, that IASbaba's flagship Programme ILP, AIPTS – 2021 has been delayed by 15 days. The new date for the start of ILP, AIPTS is 15th July 2020. The new date for the start of ILP in Hindi is 1st August 2020. The above step has been taken due to following reasons – Firstly, many students who have enrolled have requested us to start the plan a little late as Prelims of UPSC 2020 has been delayed. The request was justified. However, we couldn’t extend it by that margin so have postponed it by 15 days. Secondly, extrapolating from the current revised calendar, we expect that prelims of 2021 will also be extended atleast by a month. We are expecting that prelims 2021 will also be conducted by late July or August. In order to space the tests evenly, a slight delay of the program is required. Last but not the least, some students requested us to provide them some time for payment of the fees so that they can appear for the Super 300 scholarship test. As we don’t want to miss any bright candidate to miss out on this opportunity, the step has been taken. The new dates for Super 300 (ILP) Scholarship test is 10th July.  To Know More about Super 300, ILP, AIPTS 2021 Programs, FAQ's, Comparison Chart -> CLICK HERE P.S: The Revised Schedule will be published soon! ILP, AIPTS 2021 will start from 15th July, 2020.   We hope that you have gone through the beginner's strategy given on the site and started your warm-up before the start of your ILP 2021. Be prepared and geared up. Now coming to the most obvious question – Now that I have enrolled (paid) for the ILP/AIPTS 2021 Programme, what should I do, since the programme starts only on 15th July, 2020? Firstly, there are two things you need to have trust on On Yourself – that you will crack this exam in this attempt. On the materials or the program that you have enrolled to (IASbaba’s ILP Program, the course plan/schedule). If you want to crack this exam, you need to blindly follow the plan. Trust us! We will be giving our best possible support from our end and we would expect the same 100% effort from your side. Success will be yours! We would answer the question in 3 Parts – General Planning, Current Affairs and Optional. General Planning: Go through the schedule and make sure you have the books mentioned in the course plan. We have mentioned only 2 Sources for every Subject – Standard Books / NCERT or VAN. IASbaba’s VAN will be provided as per the schedule once the programme starts. Then, go through the below link- Especially the GS Prelims Strategy, Previous Years Papers under the heading Prelims Focus GS Mains Strategy (Paper 1, 2, 3 4), Mind Maps –Syllabus, Previous Year Question Papers under the heading Mains Focus. https://iasbaba.com/use-iasbabas-initiatives-beginners/ Current Affairs: Start reading Hindu Newspaper. But before going through it, follow the below links- How to Read Hindu News Paper https://iasbaba.com/how-to-read-the-hindu/ https://iasbaba.com/2020/05/how-to-study-a-newspaper-for-civil-service-preparation-by-abhijit-gupta-abg-irps-2017-batch-rank-53-in-ifos-rank-45-in-indian-engineering-services/ And follow our Daily Current Affairs https://iasbaba.com/current-affairs-for-ias-upsc-exams/  Optional: Choose your Optional Subject and try to complete as much as possible during next two months.   All the best IASbaba

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: MANDALA DURGA DRAWING by SWARNA & POEM by SHUBHAM SHEKHAR

ARCHIVES Hello Friends, You must be aware of the term ‘catharsis’. It is the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. Recently we have launched a new initiative by the name Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity! Today's work is MANDALA DURGA DRAWING by SWARNA & POEM by SHUBHAM SHEKHAR ! Well done, Keep it up !! MANDALA DURGA DRAWING by SWARNA         POEM by SHUBHAM SHEKHAR ! The Illusionist A soul awoke from a deep slumber and stepped into this planet of wonder. Strolling incessantly in search of bliss around, like a crazy, maniac and being spellbound. The spell of the Illusionist was so intense, and in the pursuit for bliss immense, he forgot his own identity divine and lost his intrinsic quality pristine. To his wonder, the illusion was everywhere. The world was such a captivating labyrinth. But still, he was fathoming the sea of despair, as he failed to find the Illusionist. And of course, nowhere on this planet, he could reach the beatitude. And being tired of his blind pursuit, again he fell into deep quietude. Contemplating now he comes to a conclusion, he was looted by the desperadoes of illusion. Now certainly this saga of the soul has come to an end. As now he is determined to find that brilliant ILLUSIONIST. SHUBHAM SHEKHAR UPSC CSE ASPIRANT & ILP Student University Gold Medalist in UG Programme at JNU, New Delhi. 2016 Batch. Be creative and find your catharsis in whichever form of creativity you are comfortable with.  It could be anything- a song, a painting, a poem, a story, a dance performance, rangolis, jokes/humor, culinary skills, mimicry and whatnot. There is no limit to creativity. Just unleash and share it with everyone! Why don’t you share your moments of catharsis with us? UPSC is not only about academics but personality as well. And your personality is shaped by the creativity that you possess.   We encourage you to keep the comment section alive by sharing your talents and also by commenting and encouraging the talent of your peers. We are also going to be a regular visitor here and will keep on posting the creative works by our talented team members and staff. NOTE- You can also nominate by tagging anyone (if you know about the talent of your friend or anyone) ? You can share your talent/creativity with us on support@iasbaba.com P.S: Kindly share it in a format that can be published on the website. We believe each one of you have some hidden talent. It’s time that you explore more about yourselves and remain positive throughout this journey. Make the best use of this opportunity! Thank You IASbaba

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 Final COMPILATIONS

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 Final COMPILATIONS Dear Friends,  We hope that the UPSC IAS Prelims Test Series 2020: 60 Days Prelims 2020 Programme is and will be your best companion for UPSC IAS Prelims 2020. We are releasing the Final Compilations- Subject Wise, to ease your preparation.  We have some more exciting things coming up for Prelims 2020- Stay Tuned! DOWNLOAD THE COMPILATIONS CURRENT AFFAIRS- ENGLISH/HINDI ENVIRONMENT- ENGLISH/HINDI POLITY- ENGLISH/HINDI ECONOMY- ENGLISH/HINDI HISTORY- ENGLISH/HINDI GEOGRAPHY- ENGLISH/HINDI SCIENCE & TECH- ENGLISH/HINDI FOR WEEKLY COMPILATIONS- CLICK HERE PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): JOIN NOW! Now that the date of UPSC Prelims Exam 2020 is announced (4th October) . What should be your Preparation Strategy for the next 4 Months? How to make the best use of the next 120 days? Mohan Kumar S Founder IASbaba, gives more clarity on these aspects. Thank You IASbaba Team!

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 13th June 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Formulation of National Science Technology and Innovation Policy initiated  Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Innovation  In News: Recently, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (Office of PSA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have jointly initiated the formulation of a new national Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP 2020). Key takeaways  It will be the 5th STIP of India.  It will integrate the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic including the building of an Atmanirbhar Bharat by taking advantage of India’s strengths in research and development, science and technology, huge markets, demographic dividend and data. The STIP 2020 formulation process will be six-months long.  It has been organised into 4 highly interlinked tracks: Track I: It involves an extensive public and expert consultation process through Science Policy Forum.  Track II: It comprises experts-driven consultations to formulate recommendations for the policy. Track III: It involves extensive intra-state and intra-department consultation with Ministries and States. Track IV: It constitutes an apex level multi-stakeholder consultation. Important value additions  Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser It was set-up in November 1999 by the Cabinet Secretariat. Objectives: To evolve policies, strategies and missions for the generation of innovations and support systems for multiple applications. To generate science and technology tasks in critical infrastructure, economic and social sectors.  To function as the Secretariat to the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet.  The Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) is an overarching council that facilitates the PSA’s office. International Criminal Court targeted with sanctions over Afghanistan war crimes case Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In News: The US government has recently issued an executive order authorising sanctions against individuals who were involved in an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into whether U.S. forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan.  Important value additions  The International Criminal Court (ICC)  It is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague, Netherlands.  It has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of: genocide crimes against humanity  war crimes  crime of aggression.  It is intended to complement existing national judicial systems.  It may exercise its jurisdiction only when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute criminals.  It may only investigate and prosecute crimes committed within member states, crimes committed by nationals of member states, or crimes in situations referred to the Court by the United Nations Security Council. The ICC lacks universal territorial jurisdiction.  Indian Railways runs First double-stack container train in OHE electrified territory  Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure (Railways) In News: The Indian Railways has created a world record by commissioning the first high rise Over Head Equipment (OHE) and successfully running double-stack containers in the electrified territory on the Western Railway. This achievement is a first of its kind in the entire world.  It will also boost the Green India Mission.  The operations successfully commenced on June 10 from Palanpur and Botad stations in Gujarat.  Important value additions  Green India mission  It is one of the missions that come under the umbrella of National Action Plan on Climate Change.  It was launched in 2014.  The primary aim is to protect, restore and enhance India’s diminishing forest cover  Ministry of Environment and Forests is the nodal Ministry for the mission.  Some of its objectives are: Growth in forest or tree cover to 5 million hectares (mha).  Increase the quality of forest cover in another 5 million hectares of forest or non-forest lands.  Increase the quality of degrading moderately dense forests.  Ecologically restore open forests which are being degraded.  Grasslands revival – 0.4 million hectares QS World University Rankings, 2021 released  Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Education  In News: The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2021 were released recently.  Key takeaways  The top 10 universities of the world comprised mainly the top-notch Ivy League colleges from the US, the UK and even one from Switzerland. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) of the United States secured Rank 1.  Status of Indian universities: No Indian institute secured a position among the top 100 universities of the world. Like last year’s QS rankings, IIT Bombay, IISc Bengaluru, and IIT Delhi featured in the top 200 list.  All three saw a drop in their ranks this year.  IIT Bombay dropped 20 spots -- from 152 to 172, IISC Bengaluru dropped one spot from 184 to 185, and IIT Delhi dropped 11 spots from 182 to 193. The total number of Indian institutions in the top 1,000 global list has also fallen from 24 to 21. Important value additions  QS World University Rankings  It is published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British company specialising in the analysis of higher education institutions around the world. It measures the world’s top 1,000 universities on 6 factors: Academic reputation (40%) Employer reputation (10%) Faculty/Student Ratio (20%) Citations per faculty (20%) International Faculty Ratio (5%) International student ratio (5%) Sahakar Mitra: Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP) launched  Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Agriculture  In News: Union Agriculture Minister launched Sahakar Mitra: Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP). Key takeaways  Its objective is to help cooperative institutions access innovative ideas of young professionals while the interns will gain experience of working in the field to be self-reliant. The scheme is an initiative by National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), the cooperative sector development finance organization. Professional graduates in disciplines such as Agriculture and allied areas, IT etc. will be eligible for internship. Professionals who are pursuing or have completed their MBA degrees in Agri-business, Cooperation, Finance, International Trade, etc. will also be eligible. Each intern will get financial support over a 4 months internship period.  Miscellaneous  Spectrin Scientists from Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science &Technology have found out that Spectrin act as ‘shock absorbers’ to protect axons from stretch-induced damage. Spectrin are flexible rod-shaped molecules present in axons.  Axons are long tubular extensions of nerve cells that transmit electrical signals across long distances and can be up to a meter long in the case of humans. The study can help in understanding and treatment of concussion from head injuries as well as stretch-induced nerve injuries. Ramon Magsaysay Awards  Awards have been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Ramon Magsaysay award is popularly known as Asia’s Nobel Prize. It is given to individuals and organizations in Asia regardless of race, creed, sex, or nationality, who have achieved distinction in their respective fields. It is named after Ramon Magsaysay, the third president (1953-57) of Philippines.  Awardees are presented with a certificate and a medal. SPIC MACAY's International Convention Recently, the Prime Minister of India addressed the SPIC MACAY's International Convention via video conference. SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth) is a non-political, nationwide, voluntary movement founded in 1977 by Dr Kiran Seth. It is a participatory student movement registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 It is supported nationally by the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Ultra Swachh The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a disinfection unit named Ultra Swachh to disinfect a wide range of materials, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), electronics items, fabrics, etc. The system uses an advanced oxidative process (ozonation). Ozonation is a type of advanced oxidation process, involving the production of very reactive oxygen species able to attack a wide range of organic compounds and all microorganisms. (MAINS FOCUS) EDUCATION/ GOVERNANCE/ S&T Topic: General Studies 2,3: Government policies and interventions for development in Education sector Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.  Streamed education is diluted education Context: The COVID-19 lockdown has given impetus to online learning which is being seen as substitution of Classroom learning experience Analogy of Helmet usage There are broadly two kinds of helmets, namely, one which protects the head and the other which protects the wallet. The most significant difference is that of design intentions.  One is designed keeping safety in mind, made of durable, impact-absorbing material The other, on the other hand, is designed to get by police fines and is made of quality-compromising, low-cost material. Thus, there is a dilution in our conception of a helmet from being a safety gear to protect lives to being a gear to protect us from being fined. Something that is of value (helmet as measure of safety) is being diluted into the functional  The University Grants Commission (UGC) scheme In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UGC issued a circular to universities encouraging them to adopt massive open online courses (MOOCs) offered on its SWAYAM platform for credit transfers in the coming semesters The SWAYAM platform has, however, left out courses in engineering, medicine, dental, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, agriculture, and physiotherapy on the grounds that they involve laboratory and practical work. Criticism of UGC Scheme/ MOOC-based e-learning Tool to increase GER: MOOC-based e-learning platforms poses danger since it is also being seen as an instrument to achieve the country’s target Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education (envisioned to be 30% by 2021; it was 25.8% in 2017–18). Similar to Helmet Usage: This is another instance of a dilution of meaning (GER numbers over learning) and subsequent flattening of the learning curve Neglecting Physical Infrastructure: Instead of expanding the network of higher educational institutions across the country and increasing seats, the government plans to make online degree programmes available for students  Reduction of Education: The scheme views education as a combination of content and consumption, and this diluted meaning is being put to the service of achieving increased GER. Uni-directional: MOOC-based e-learning platforms tend to reinforce a top-down teacher-to-student directionality of learning whereby the teacher ‘creates’ and the student consumes Role of Teacher Changed: The teacher is traditionally considered as an intellectual midwife who facilitates in the birth of students’ ideas and insights through engaging in critical dialogue. This interaction will be reduced to great extent in online learning Overlooking Sacred Spaces: Taking higher education online is much like taking up a sport such as cricket, football or boxing online. One has not actually learnt the sport unless one has engaged with it in one’s gully, stadium, field, or ring.  Narrow view of Humanities: Science stream being left out of SWAYAM portal is welcome. However, arts, social sciences, and humanities curricula are considered largely lecture- and theory-based, and, therefore, readily adaptable to the online platform, which is a misconception Loss of inclusiveness: Classroom and campus spaces offer the potential for solidarity in the face of discrimination, social anxiety, and stage fear, paving the way for a proliferation of voluntary associations This could also dilute norms of evaluation, whereby a good lecture might mean merely a lecture which “streams seamlessly, without buffering”. Conclusion MOOC-based e-learning platforms will help us get by with the pandemic just as a “helmet” would help us get by with traffic police waving penalty slips Therefore, such platforms must be seen only as temporary arrangements that help us get by under lockdown situations and complement classroom lectures.  Connecting the dots: Privatization of Education Right to Education HEALTH/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in Health sectors Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources  Calls for universal health coverage: Rethink insurance route Context: While COVID-19 has exposed the fault lines of Indian Healthcare, it has strengthened the calls for Universal Health Coverage(UHC) as a long-term reform In this regard, there seems to be an emerging consensus around expanding the coverage through Ayushman Bharat initiative About Ayushman Bharat Ayushman Bharat adopts a continuum of care approach, comprising of two inter-related components, which are: Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). It aims to bring quality healthcare to around 50 crore poor and vulnerable Indians (based on the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data) PM-JAY is world’s largest health insurance fully financed by government which will provide free coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year at any government or even empanelled private hospitals all over India for secondary and tertiary medical care facilities. Centrally sponsored scheme with contribution from both Centre and State  Cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service. Wellness Centres: The 1.5 lakh sub-centres that are converted into wellness centres will cater to majority of services such as detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, screening for common cancers, mental health, care of the elderly, eye care, etc Measures taken by Maharashtra Universalising its state health insurance scheme,  Free Covid-19 testing/ treatment under AB–PMJAY  Express empanelment to encourage private sector participation in AB–PMJAY Significance: These steps could be a prelude to universalisation of health insurance. Learnings from COVID-19 pandemic Strong public sector comes in handy during times of crisis. States with higher per-capita public health spending have tackled Covid-19 better Private healthcare interests aren’t particularly aligned with managing infectious diseases and emergencies.  Private hospitals under health insurance often prefer high-paying, non-communicable disease-related interventions .  The private sector’s weak response to Covid-19 under AB–PMJAY till date could be evidence of above observation. Advantages of Universalisation of healthcare(UHC) In ideal conditions, universal health coverage would extend to currently uninsured citizens and reduce financial barriers to care, both over a short period.  Helps bring a large chunk of private healthcare under the public ambit Reduces informality in healthcare provision,  Paves the way for better regulation and oversight,  Allows monopsonistic power to the state to negotiate for better and affordable care.  It may also contribute to reducing regional disparities in healthcare services  It helps foster the adoption of cost-effective healthcare innovations Challenges with expansion of PM-JAY While the lesson from the pandemic is to strengthen public healthcare, the insurance route to UHC could further weaken the public sector.  Private providers would likely comprise an unduely large proportion of empanelled facilities under PM-JAY, and public providers, with their weak infrastructure, are bound to lose out.  Expanding AB–PMJAY to the uncovered population through premium collections would be unpredictable given our huge informal sector Typically, under-regulated private-sector-led insurance models fail to address the problem of the out-of-pocket expenses on health, and do little to address issues of equity and access Insurance & Private sector led UHC also leads to large, unfruitful administrative expenses and pervasive malpractices. Way Ahead – Robust Public Health Sector While there is a need to carefully rethink the insurance route to UHC, the pandemic has indicated that strengthening public healthcare is unquestionably indispensable.  Not only can a robust public sector enable mounting an effective response to future emergencies, but even if the insurance route is opted, it can provide a counterweight to the private sector through its efficient functioning. Connecting the dots: National Health System model of UK vs US Insurance Model Increasing burden of non-communicable diseases – Critical analysis (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding the office of the principal scientific Adviser (Office of PSA): The Prime Minister's science technology and innovation Advisory Council facilitates PSA's office.  It functions as the secretariat to the scientific advisory committee to the Cabinet.  Which of the above is/are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  Q.2 Where is the International Criminal Court located?  Netherlands  Switzerland  France  Great Britain Q.3 Recently, the International Criminal Court (ICC) was targeted with sanctions over Afghanistan war crimes case. Consider the following statements regarding ICC:  It has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals who are involved in the crimes of genocide.  It can investigate the crimes committed outside the member states also.  It has Universal territorial jurisdiction.  Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only  3 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only Q.4 Which of the following country's recently created world record by successfully running first Double-Stack Container Train in its electrified territory?  Japan  China Russia India ANSWERS FOR 12th June 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 C 3 A 4 A Must Read About racial crisis in USA: The Hindu About measuring the pandemic: The Indian Express About criticism of government’s handling of Pandemic: The Indian Express

INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN(IRP – हिंदी & ENGLISH) 2020 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [13th June, 2020] – Day 4

For Previous IRP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN(IRP) 2020 : [13th June, 2020] – Day 4.  UPSC Static Quiz – 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz – HISTORY [Day 4] UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 4] IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – Essay [13th June,2020] – Day 4 IASBABA का इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 - [13th June, 2020] Day 4   The Intention behind this Initiative: IRP 2020 – Road Map for the next 100 Days!  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 विस्तृत विवरण के लिए नीचे क्लिक करें -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Thank You IASbaba