IAS Baba

Jun 17, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [17th June,2020] Day 7: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

SYNOPSIS [17th June,2020] Day 7: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) 1. The Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) was in news recently. What is the mandate of AAR? Discuss. Bring out the significance of such institutions in reducing litigation. अथॉरिटी फॉर एडवांस रूलिंग (AAR) हाल ही में खबरों में थी। AAR का जनादेश क्या है? चर्चा करें। मुकदमेबाजी को कम करने में ऐसे संस्थानों के महत्व को सामने लाएं। Demand of the question: It expects students to write about the authority of advance ruling and its mandate along with significance of such institution in reducing litigation. Introduction: ID Fresh Foods approached the Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) in Karnataka to seek clarity on whether the preparation of whole wheat parotta and Malabar parotta should attract 5% GST. The Karnataka bench of AAR in its ruling differentiated between khakhra, plain chapati or roti and the parotta, and observed that ready-to-eat parotta needs additional processing by way of heating for consumption, and hence is liable for 18 percent GST. Body: Authority for advance ruling: Authority for Advance Rulings (AAR) is distinct quasi-judicial tribunal which delivers advance rulings in India regarding tax applicable. It started initially for foreign investments later on both residents and non residents could seek advance ruling where substantial tax impact involved. It is for both direct and indirect taxes. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the apex organisation of the direct tax administration, issues circulars for advance ruling on direct taxes. Regarding indirect tax: As per CGST/SGST Law and UTGST law, ‘advance ruling’ means a decision provided by the authority or the Appellate Authority to an applicant on matters or on questions specified in CGST/SGST Act as the case may be, in relation to the supply of goods and/or services proposed to be undertaken or being undertaken by the applicant. The broad objective for setting up such an authority is to provide certainty in tax liability in advance in relation to an activity proposed to be undertaken by the applicant, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), reduce litigation, pronounce ruling expeditiously in transparent and inexpensive manner. Authority for advance ruling’ (AAR) shall comprise one member CGST and one member SGST/ UTGST. They will be appointed by the Central and State government respectively. Mandate of AAR: Advance ruling can be of two types on direct taxes: The tax administration issues public rulings to clarify a particular provision of the tax law for all or a large class, in the form of interpretative ruling or clarification. It is binding on the tax authorities, and taxpayers can rely on them if applicable to their facts. They are not binding on taxpayers. Authority of Advance Ruling also issues Private Rulings. These rulings are issued to a taxpayer regarding the tax treatment of a specific transaction. In India, the AAR, an authority independent of the tax administration, gives these rulings, which are typically made public albeit the identity of the taxpayer concerned is kept anonymous. The direct tax dispute resolution scheme Vivad se Vishwas would not cover disputes, including those pending before Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR). Advance Ruling can be sought for the following questions of indirect taxes: Classification of any goods or services or both applicability of a notification issued under provisions of the GST Act(s). Determination of time and value of supply of goods or services or both. Admissibility of input tax credit of tax paid or deemed to have been paid. Determination of the liability to pay tax on any goods or services under the Act. Whether applicant is required to be registered under the Act. Whether any particular thing done by the applicant with respect to any goods or services amounts to or results in a supply of goods or services, within the meaning of that term. Significance of AAR in reducing litigation: A major source of tax uncertainty is the lack of a clear and timely dispute resolution mechanism, especially an advance resolution procedure, which reduces the likelihood of tax disputes arising in the first place. Tax authorities try to avoid tax disputes by issuing public rulings; in which they clarify the application of specific tax provisions to all (or a class of) taxpayers. Beyond this, recognising that individual taxpayers may need specific guidance, tax administrations also provide advance rulings. Tax litigation take huge time in Indian courts, the proportion of cases resolved in favour of tax administration in India is only 11.5% as against global average of 65%. Therefore, system of advance rulings in India that eliminates reliance on lengthy appeal process and provides certainty to taxpayers in a reasonable period. For GST an applicant can apply for advance ruling even before taking up a transaction proposed supply of goods or services or in respect of a supply which is being undertaken. Even though, ruling of AAR don’t have precedent value, it has persuasive value to avoid unnecessary litigation. If the applicant is aggrieved with the finding of the AAR, he can file an appeal with AAAR, similar for the concerned or jurisdictional officer. The CGST /SGST Act do not provide for any appeal against the ruling of Appellate Authority for Advance Rulings. However, regarding direct tax AAR, in the initial years, with timely and noteworthy decision making, the functioning of the authority addressed the needs of the taxpayers. The disposal rate was 80 percent in FY 2006- 07. From FY 2010-11 onwards the disposal rate came down as low as 6 percent in FY 2010-11 and 7 percent in 2014-15. Disposal rate remained in single digit after that except FY-17 even though number of new applications has reduced in recent five years and pendency has increased. Original intention was to make the AAR ruling non-appealable by both the taxpayer and the tax administration. The actual situation now is that either party can institute an appeal against an AAR ruling as per Indian constitution, writ Jurisdiction may lay before Hon’ble High Court or the Supreme Court. The SC ruled that an appeal against an AAR ruling should be first made before the HC. Conclusion: Issue of ID food product is not one off, diputes about Dabur, Nestle and Marico also exposed confusion of categorisation of products. There is need of more widespread thinking and broad categorisation to avoid disputes. About direct tax AAR, there is need to increase bench, term of members and reduce vacancy to reduce pendency. 2. What are your views on the frequent directions issued by the courts to the central and state governments with respect to governance and administration? Is it a good practice? Critically comment. न्यायालयों द्वारा केंद्र और राज्य सरकारों को प्रशासन सम्बंधित में मुद्दों में जारी किए गए निर्देशों पर आपके क्या विचार हैं? क्या यह एक सही है? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें। Demand of the question: It expects students to write about views about frequent directions issued by the courts to the central and state governments with respect to the governance and administration along with critical analysis about whether such practice is good. Introduction: Supreme Court directed Delhi government based on suo motu cognisance about treatment meted out to COVID-19 patients and the bodies of those who lost the battle with the disease. In recent time Supreme Court issued various orders and direction to states and centre about the response to the pandemic of COVID-19, which remains turf of administration and governance. Body: In State of Tamilnadu v K. Balu, the Supreme Court banned liquor shops within 500 m of highways, which was a legislative order. In Subhash Kashinath Mahajan case it amended the SC/ST Act. Supreme Court earlier fixed timings for bursting crackers on Deepavali, directed interlinking rivers and laid down regulations for the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Case of judicial activism: Supreme Court being apex court in the country under article 142 of Indian constitution allowed passing any order necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it. Judicial activism makes the top court the most powerful Supreme Court in the world in words of former CJI PN Bhagvati. Instrument of PIL- Public Interest Litigation has done tremendous amount of good. It has practically tried to wipe away every tear of the underprivileged, disadvantaged and illiterate sections of the society. Progressive societal change led by judicial activism like women entry into temple and rights of LGBTQ community were long ignored by state. Many times inadequacy of the law or regulation in concerned matter obliges court to issue guidelines regarding. E.g. Vishakha guidelines issued by Supreme Court because there was no Sexual harassment at workplace act put in place. However, the court is resorting more to judicial activism rather than judicial restraint, which is problematic. Recently, The Supreme Court asked Uttar Pradesh government to file a response on the quarantine norms being followed in the State. In positivist jurisprudence, the centre of gravity of the legal system is statutory law, i.e., law made by the legislature. It holds that lawmaking is not the job of the judges, but of the legislature. Hence, judges should be restrained and not activist in their approach. In view of the well-established principle of separation of powers of the three organs of the state, judges should not perform legislative or executive functions, and each organ of the state should remain within its own domain, in order to avoid chaos. Incursion on other’s turf entails unpredictability in the law. In the process, some of the personal opinions of the judges metamorphose into legal principles and constitutional values. In a parliamentary democracy, citizens are represented by Members of Parliament. The Supreme Court was never envisaged to perform the role of an unelected, third legislative chamber. Of all the three organs of the state, it is only the judiciary that can define the limits of all the three organs. The usage of judicial activism can be justified in very rare circumstances, such as in the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. Conclusion: The Supreme Court should limit its usage of the sociological school of jurisprudence to only the most exceptional situations, and employ the positivist school as far as possible as three pillars of the state are equal and coordinate departments. They cannot encroach upon each other’s powers 3. The mass exodus of migrant labourers and the resulting economic slump have brought in focus the need to create robust institutions that can handle such crises with more deft and compassion. Discuss. प्रवासी मजदूरों के बड़े पैमाने पर पलायन और इसके परिणामस्वरूप आर्थिक मंदी ने मजबूत संस्थानों को बनाने की आवश्यकता को और अधिक उभारा है जो इस तरह के संकटों को अधिक निपुणता और करुणा के साथ संभाल सकते हैं। चर्चा करें। Demand of the question: It expects students to write about need of robust institution to keep track of migrant labourers to handle crisis times with more deft and compassion. Introduction: The COVID-19 crisis for India has also become a humanitarian one involving inter-State migrants on return journeys home racked by pain and suffering and no surety of any income going ahead. For a majority of migrant labourers, migration is either a livelihood accumulation strategy or survival risk reducing strategy whichever way we define the nature of migration. Body: Field studies indicate that the lead source States of internal migrants are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu, whereas key destination areas are Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab and Karnataka. According to a UNESCO study, Surat at 58% has the highest percentage of migrant labour population in India, while the percentage of migrant population is 43% for Mumbai and Delhi. Need of more deft and compassion towards migrant labourers: Lack of robust data about migrants in real time: According to the Census of India, 2011, more than 450 million Indians (37%) are internal migrants who change their residence within a country’s national borders. About 30% of the migrants are youth aged 15-29 years and another 15 million are children. Women migrants are less represented in regular jobs and more likely to be self-employed than non-migrant women. Casual and informal nature of work: Domestic work has emerged as an important occupation for migrant women and girls. Facing relentless bouts of gender discrimination at home, and on the farms as wage workers, these migrant women are forced into various forms of servitude in the domestic spaces of affluent city dwellers. Lack of social security benefits: In between migration and settlement for employment and livelihoods, footloose army of migrants are often denied welfare rights in their destination place and imposed debilitating transaction costs in case they decided to negotiate their citizenship rights. Second class citizen: Lack voting rights, own home, fear son of soil politicians and casual nature of work make them second class citizen. A long pending issue is portability of migrant workers’ voting rights. The Election Commission of India is already working, so time has come to empower migrant workers so that they gather better bargaining power and political voice in the system. Food and job security: Another urgent issue is portability of the public distribution system (PDS) for migrant labourers and also allowing migrant labourers to use their NREGA job cards in any part of the country. This portability of NREGA will be a great relief, if any migrant labourer is in crisis like the pandemic, he or she can take up NREGA work at the destination site rather than returning home. Reforms for institutional framework for migrant labourers: The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 is largely a regulatory law failing to incorporate welfare rights of the migrant labourers. The most urgent revision is to introduce a National Migrant Workers Commission at the Central level backed up by State level Migrant Workers Commissions. Also, we need to expand the definition of migrant labourer and include next generation skills like IT, mobile repair, financial services related works. Act needs to include provisions for State-supported skill training services for migrant labourers. The proposal to establish the Migration Commission must interface with and build upon the National Migrant Information System, set up by National Disaster Management Authority, to create a robust and dynamic database for labour mobility in India. The commission must take up the registration of migrants as an urgent task. The lack of a unique worker identification number has prevented frequently mobile inter-state migrants from accessing existing social welfare mechanisms such as the Building and Other Construction Workers board (BOCW). Shramik cards used by states for identification of such workers have provided limited success. A coordinated single national ID for access to multiple benefits could introduce fiscal efficiencies as well. Migration Commission should have powers to coordinate among multiple ministries of the government of India. Deliberations of the Working Group on Migration, which submitted its report in 2017, revealed the importance of inter-ministerial coordination in resolving critical issues. The Migration Commission must also act as a hub for inter-state negotiations in creating protocols for the safe mobility of labour back to worksites, designing portability features in social welfare and reconciling fiscal issues that arise from portability. Other laws relating to workers must be synergised with the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act. For instance, the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Services) Act, 1996 should be integrated into the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act. And it needs to be implemented by the Secretary of the Migrant Workers Commission. In this digital age, we must stress more digital administrative techniques such as smart cards and leverage JAM— Jandhan/Aadhaar/mobile payment infrastructure for portability of all. Conclusion: Migrant labourers are a formidable force in India’s economic life. The government must look beyond the lure of political gestures that pacify hurt migrants and those voters outraged on their behalf. Instead, a Migration Commission is an opportunity to craft a well-planned long-term system to manage labour mobility in India. TLP HOT Synopsis DAY_7 PDF

Jun 17, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th JUNE 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th June 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) SIPRI Yearbook 2020 launched Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Security In News: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) launched the findings of SIPRI Yearbook 2020, which assesses the current state of armaments, disarmament and international security. Key takeaways Amount of nuclear weapons possessed by 9 nuclear-armed nations together decreased from 13,865 (2020) to 13,400 (2019). These nuclear-armed nations are: The United States Russia United Kingdom France China India Pakistan Israel North Korea Despite an overall decrease, all nuclear weapon-possessing states continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals. Russia and the United States together possess more than 90% of global nuclear weapons. China and Pakistan possess more nuclear weapons than India. In 2019, India had 130-140 warheads. China is developing a nuclear triad for the first time, made up of new land- and sea-based missiles and nuclear-capable aircraft. Important value additions Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) It is an international institute based in Stockholm, Sweden. It was established in 1966. It is dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. It provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. India’s First mobile COVID-testing laboratory installed Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Health In News: India has set up its first mobile testing laboratory in a bid to meet the growing demand to conduct coronavirus disease (COVID-19) tests. Key takeaways The mobile laboratory, with on-site Elisa, RtPCR & Bio-chem analysers, was created within eight days by a team from Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone Limited. The laboratory can be deployed at remote and inaccessible areas in the country, where there is no such facility. The laboratory belongs to the biosafety level 2 (BSL-II) category. Important value additions Biosafety Levels BSLs are ranked from one to four. They are categorised on the basis of the organisms that the researchers are dealing with. The organisms include viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc. SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19, belongs to the BSL-II category. BSL-I is considered to be the least hazardous, while BSL-IV poses the maximum safety risk. Each level builds on the previous category, adding more layers of constraints and barriers. Crew module of NASA’s Gateway Lunar Orbiting Outpost finalised Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Space In News: NASA recently finalised the contract for the initial crew module of the agency’s Gateway lunar orbiting outpost. NASA has issued this contract to design the habitation and logistics (HALO) support for the Gateway. Important value additions Gateway lunar orbiting outpost It is a part of NASA’s Artemis program. The Gateway is a small spaceship that will orbit the Moon. It is meant for astronaut missions to the Moon and for expeditions to Mars. It will act as a temporary office for astronauts, distanced at about 250,000 miles from Earth. It will have living quarters, laboratories for science and research and docking ports for visiting spacecraft. Astronauts will use the Gateway at least once per year and not stay around the year like they do on the International Space Station (ISS). Compared to the ISS, the Gateway is much smaller, NASA has targeted the completion of the Gateway for 2026, while work on the spaceship is already underway. By 2022, NASA plans to ready the power and propulsion for the spaceship, which will be launched on a partner-provided commercial rocket. Artemis program It is an on-going government-funded crewed spaceflight program of USA. It has the goal of landing the first woman and the next man on the Moon, specifically at the lunar South Pole region by 2024. The program is carried out by: NASA ( U.S. commercial spaceflight companies contracted by NASA European Space Agency (ESA) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Australian Space Agency (ASA). It is expected to advance Artemis as the next step towards the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon, laying the foundation for private companies to build a lunar economy, and eventually sending humans to Mars. India joins Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Artificial Intelligence In News: India joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI or Gee-Pay) as a founding member to support the responsible and human-centric development and use of Artificial intelligence (AI). Important value additions Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence It is an international and multi-stakeholder initiative to guide the responsible development and use of AI taking into account human rights, inclusion, diversity, innovation, and economic growth. This is also a first initiative of its type which involves better understanding of the challenges and opportunities around AI using the experience and diversity of participating countries. It will be supported by a Secretariat. It will be hosted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, as well as by two Centers of Expertise- one each in Montreal and Paris. Other countries who are part of this initiative other than India are: USA UK EU Australia Canada France Germany Italy Japan Mexico New Zealand Republic of Korea Singapore Delivery-based natural gas trading platform, Indian Gas Exchange (IGX), launched Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure (Energy) In News: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister launched the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) recently. Key takeaways It is the first nationwide online delivery-based natural gas trading platform. It is fully automated with a web-based interface. It has been incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Indian Energy Exchange, which is India’s energy market platform. The trading platform will enable market participants to trade in standardised gas contracts. It is expected to facilitate transparent price discovery in natural gas. It shall also facilitate the growth of the share of natural gas in India’s energy basket. It provides hassle-free trading experience to the customers. It will allow buyers and sellers of natural gas to trade both in the spot market (financial instruments, such as currencies are traded for immediate delivery) and in the forward market (an over-the-counter marketplace that sets the price of a financial instrument for future delivery). The trading of natural gas will be for imported natural gas across three hubs — Dahej and Hazira in Gujarat, and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Imported Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) will be regassified and sold to buyers through the exchange. The need for buyers and sellers to find each other shall be removed. The price of domestically produced natural gas is decided by the government which will not be sold on the gas exchange. Schizothorax Sikusirumensis: A new species of fish discovered Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity In News: A new species of fish has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. The fish species is named as Schizothorax sikusirumensis. The fish species belongs to genus Schizothorax. It was named after the rivers - Siku and Sirum in East Siang District at the junction, from where it was found. The fish inhabits the water logged area of torrential river drainage. Image source: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) JUDICIARY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Language in Judiciary Context: The Haryana government in May 2020 notified an amendment to its Official Language Act, that will mandate the use of Hindi in subordinate courts and tribunals across the state Although there was never a bar on the use of Hindi in Haryana’s courts, English had been the preferred choice in many courts and districts. What was the objective of the amendment? To ensure that people get justice in their own language To make the judicial system more litigant friendly. A brief history of Language in our Judiciary Colonial History: India’s legal system is an institutional inheritance of the British Raj and thus the English language is an integral part of its foundation Continuance of English in Post-Independent India: The familiarity of English for official work led the Constituent Assembly to retain it, in addition to Hindi, as the Official Language of the Union. Article 348 of the Constitution: It was categorically drafted to stipulate that proceedings in the high courts and the Supreme Court would be conducted in English, and that the authoritative text of all acts, orders, rules and regulations would be in English subject to Parliament enacting a law otherwise. Necessity of English: It was asserted that English had become critical to the interpretation and application of laws, which too were originally drafted in English. Hindi, or other Indian languages, could only be used for such a purpose once it developed the same kind of capacity, knowledge and analytical accuracy as required for legal interpretation. Absence of sustained effort: In the wake of inadequate efforts to develop and enrich Hindi, English continued to be the language of choice for the legal system. Challenges w.r.t amendments by Haryana government While the Amendment does envisage six months for building infrastructure and for training staff, it is unlikely to be adequate time for lawyers and judges to effectively re-equip themselves Also, there is a systemic and institutionalised predominance of English language in the State (as well as in the Country). Some of these are: Haryana’s own State Judicial Examination continues to be conducted in English, with Hindi only being a separate paper. Moreover, the Bar Council of India’s Rules of Legal Education prescribe English as the default medium of instruction for all law course Even those legal institutions which seek to allow instruction in language other than English, are required to conduct a compulsory examination for English proficiency. Major laws, judicial precedents, commentaries and other legal resources relating to Haryana are all primarily available in English only. A similar amendment was brought in by Punjab in 2008, but the progress on the ground has been meagre Justice B N Srikrishna had remarked that unless two generations of lawyers were trained in Hindi, such a move (introduction of Hindi in the SC and the high courts) would not be feasible Conclusion It would indeed be ideal for our justice delivery system to function in the common tongue. But an issue as important as this needs to be approached from a practical standpoint despite its moral and emotive charm. What is required is not an abrupt imposition of governmental choice, but the gradual creation of an atmosphere for all stakeholders to move towards adopting the language of their choice Connecting the dots: Reorganisation of States on linguistic lines Demand for regional benches of Supreme Court ENVIRONMENT/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources India gets its first Climate Change Assessment report Context: The first Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region published by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Findings of the report deal exclusively with India and the sub-continent unlike the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC), which is global in nature Some of the key findings of the report are: Between 1900 and 2018, the average temperatures of India rose by 0.7°C. This rise in temperatures has been largely attributed to global warming due to GHG emissions and land use and land cover changes Overall rainfall during the monsoon season has decreased by 6% between 1950 and 2015. In a worst case scenario, average surface air temperatures over India could rise by up to 4.4oC by the end of the century as compared to the period between 1976 and 2005 The rise in temperatures will be even more pronounced in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region where the average could reach 5.2°C By 2100, the frequency of warm days and warm nights might also increase by 55 per cent and 70 per cent respectively, as compared to the period 1976-2005 The incidences of heat waves over the country could also increase by 3-4 times. Sea level could rise by 30cm by the end of this century as compared to the recent 2-3 decades. Monsoon rainfall could change by an average of 14% by 2100 that could go as high as 22.5%. The report does not mention if this change will be an increase or a decrease but still represents variability. Key takeaways from the report Temperature rise in Himalayan region means glaciers and the snow that feeds some of India’s most important perennial rivers receding drastically, with disastrous implications for the northern part of India in terms of floods. The frequency of extreme rainfall in central and southern India—the kind that Kerala has seen of late—is also likely to rise drastically. The report seems to acknowledge that the 1.5oC (rise in global temperature over pre-industrial level) target may no longer be achievable, given how human activity so far has already set the planet on a warming pathway Against such a backdrop, the need for adapting to climate change effects becomes urgent, which is echoed by IPCC report as well The report also suggests solutions to Climate Change, some of which are More R&D to understand regional variations in climate change effects Water-harvesting Shifting to sustainable farming Accelerated afforestation efforts Transition to renewables from fossil fuels Carbon taxation Focus on building the climate resilience of the most vulnerable sections of the population Significance of the report This is the first ever climate change assessment report for India It gives a clear comprehensive view on the possible future climate change projections, that will be useful for policymakers and academia. This is the first important step where existing projections are put in the context of historical trends in land and ocean temperatures, monsoon rainfall, floods, droughts etc. However, the report doesn’t say anything on the need to get climate action off the ground in developing countries through increased funding from developed nations (This was perhaps outside the scope of the report) Conclusion The future assessments will have to start documenting the impacts of changes that have already occurred and the impacts that will be caused by future changes if projections come true Connecting the dots: Paris Climate deal of 2015 and India’s commitments towards it. (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 Which of the following is not a nuclear armed Nation? Italy Russia Japan India Pakistan Select the correct code: 1, 2 and 5 1 and 3 1, 2 and 4 2, 3 and 4 Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding biosafety levels (BSL): BSLs are categorised on the basis of the treatment required. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to BSL-II category. BSL-I is considered to be the most hazardous. Which of the above is/are incorrect? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 3 only Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding Artemis program: It is an on-going government-funded program of Europe. Its goal is to land the first woman and man on Mars. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence is being hosted by which of the following? United Nation Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Q.5 Which of the following country is not a part of Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence? Russia Australia New Zealand Singapore Q.6 Consider the following statements regarding Indian Gas Exchange: It is an online delivery-based trading platform for both imported and domestically produced natural gas. It will allow buyers and sellers to trade both in the spot market and in the Forward Market. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.7 Schizothorax sikusirumensis is a new fish species recently discovered in which of the following state of India? Arunachal Pradesh Sikkim West Bengal Kerala ANSWERS FOR 16th June 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 C 3 A 4 D 5 C Must Read About evolution of Nepal-India diplomatic ties by former Ambassador to Nepal: The Hindu About quota politics in Tamil Nadu (medical education): The Hindu About Indo-Pacific Supply Chain: The Financial Express

Jun 17, 2020 AIR

RBI decision and impact on economic growth - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES RBI decision and impact on economic growth Search 23rd May, 2020 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx Topic: General Studies 3: Economic crisis during COVID-19 In News: The latest monetary policy statement of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is proactive, forward-looking and path-breaking indeed. The monetary policy committee (MPC), meeting off-cycle amidst the corona pandemic, has opted to further lower the cost of funds in the banking system by duly factoring in weak macroeconomic trends. The RBI has also announced a series of measures to ease financial stress, which are most welcome. The Goals of the measures: To keep the financial system and financial markets sound, liquid and smoothly functioning To ensure access to finance to all, especially those that tend to get excluded by financial markets To preserve financial stability Measures to Improve the Functioning of Markets Refinance Facility to SIDBI extended for another 90 days: In order to enable increased supply of affordable credit to small industries Relaxation of Rules for Foreign Portfolio Investment under Voluntary Retention Route: The VRR is an investment window provided by RBI to Foreign Portfolio Investors, which provides easier rules in return for a commitment to make higher investments. The rules stipulate that at least 75% of the allotted investment limit be invested within three months; considering the difficulties being faced by investors and their custodians, the time limit has now been revised to six months. Measures to Support Exports and Imports Exporters can now Avail Bank Loans for Higher Period: The maximum permissible period of pre-shipment and post-shipment export credit sanctioned by banks to exporters has been increased from the existing one year to 15 months, for disbursements made up to July 31, 2020. Loan facility to EXIM Bank: The Governor has announced a line of credit of ₹15,000 crore to the EXIM Bank, for financing, facilitating and promoting India’s foreign trade. More time for Importers to Pay for Imports: Extended from six months to twelve months from the date of shipment. Measures to Ease Financial Stress Extension of Regulatory Measures by another 3 Months: These measures will now be applicable for a total period of six months (i.e. from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020). The aforesaid regulatory measures are: (a) 3-month moratorium on term loan instalments; (b) 3-month deferment of interest on working capital facilities; (c) easing of working capital financing requirements by reducing margins or reassessment of working capital cycle; (d) exemption from being classified as ‘defaulter’ in supervisory reporting and reporting to credit information companies; (e) extension of resolution timelines for stressed assets; and (f) asset classification standstill by excluding the moratorium period of 3 months, etc. by lending institutions. The lending institutions have been permitted to restore the margins for working capital to their original levels by March 31, 2021. Similarly, the measures pertaining to reassessment of working capital cycle are being extended up to March 31, 2021. Provision to convert Interest on Working Capital into Interest Term Loan: Lending institutions have been allowed to convert the accumulated interest on working capital facilities over the total deferment period of 6 months (i.e. March 1, 2020 up to August 31, 2020) into a funded interest term loan, to be fully repaid during the course of the current financial year, ending March 31, 2021. Increase of Group Exposure Limit to Increase Fund Flow to Corporates: The maximum credit which banks can extend to a particular corporate group has been increased from 25% to 30% of the bank’s eligible capital base. Measures to ease financial constraints faced by State Governments States allowed to borrow more from Consolidated Sinking Fund: The Consolidated Sinking Fund is being maintained by state governments as a buffer for repayment of their liabilities. The rules governing withdrawal from this Fund have now been relaxed, in order to enable states to enable them to repay their borrowings from the market, which become due in 2020-21. What will the impact be? Impact on Deposit Rate and Small Saving rates –With the latest repo rate cut, the deposit rates of the banks may come down further. The same story plays out with small savings schemes whose interest rates are revised on a quarterly basis. Those investing in FDs, especially senior citizens who are mainly dependent on the interest income from these deposits, are likely to see a reduction in their income. Loans will become Cheaper –The rate cut is expected to reduce EMIs (equated monthly instalments) of borrowers and also make it cheaper to take new loans. Now with the external benchmarking of floating rate loans from October 1, 2019 these loans compared to those linked to MCLR will become cheaper. So, for borrowers looking to take loans, they will get even more attractive rates. Shorter end of the curve will generate lower yields –Those investors who invest in short duration paper in debt market like overnight fund will see fall in the return. Even the return of liquid funds can fall amidst flush of liquidity in the system. Moratorium on Loan payment –RBI’s decision to further extend the moratorium on loan for the 3 months will ease the pressure on cash flows of the common people in a time when their income has fallen or is uncertain. However, this move along with the fear of rising NPAs, may put pressure on the banks’ balance sheet and cash flows. Economic Activity to get a boost –These measures are designed to help businesses stay afloat till the time the situation improves and there is more clarity on the areas in which support is required. Once clarity emerges on the areas that need support and the extent of support required, the government can then provide targeted support. But it is important to ensure that the businesses survive till then. Conclusion Indian GDP will shrink in 2020-21. This means everything will shrink – from incomes, to consumption to output. With this as the headline worry, the RBI set into motion a big change in stance from a hard inflation targeting to a directional approach and a sharp focus on getting growth back. However, while the monetary policy measures announced are certainly necessary, they can hardly be deemed to be sufficient, in the face of severely weakened demand conditions economy-wide, following two entire months of severe economic lockdown. The way forward is for government to set up one or more special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to buy bonds issued by non-bank finance companies (NBFCs), and back-to-back, RBI can purchase the bonds of such State-owned vehicles to channel funds to economic agents, say in manufacturing, retail and services sectors, and as debt and equity. "It is when the horizon is the darkest and human reason is beaten down to the ground that faith shines brightest and comes to our rescue." Connecting the Dots: Implications of negative GDP on the economy The crisis right now is growth and not inflation. Discuss.

Jun 17, 2020 INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020

[Day 7] INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN(IRP – हिंदी & ENGLISH) 2020 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [17th June, 2020]

For Previous IRP (हिंदी & English ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to [Day 7] INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN(IRP – हिंदी & ENGLISH) 2020 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [17th June, 2020] UPSC Static Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - POLITY [Day 7] UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 7] IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 2 Questions[17th June,2020] - Day 7 [Day 7] IASBABA का इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 - [17th June, 2020] 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

Jun 17, 2020 INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020

[Day 7] IASBABA का इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 - [17th June, 2020]

For Previous IRP (Hindi & English ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE हाल ही में UPSC द्वारा COVID-19 को देखते हुए प्रारंभिक परीक्षा-2020 के लिए नई तिथि 4 अक्टूबर, 2020 की घोषणा की गयी है। ऐसे में इन 100 दिनों का सदुपयोग सही दिशा में करना अति महत्त्वपूर्ण हो गया है। इसको देखते हुए IASBABA टीम द्वारा इष्टतम लाभ प्राप्त करने के लिए 10 जून 2020 से इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान-2020 लांच किया गया है, जिससे एक बार पुनः परीक्षा से संबंधित संपूर्ण पाठ्यक्रम का समुचित रिवीज़न किया जा सके। इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 के महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य: IRP 2020 एक निःशुल्क पहल है, जिसे आपको अगले 100 दिनों के लिए केंद्रित रखने के लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया है! कार्यक्रम 10 जून 2020 से आरंभ होगा। यह सप्ताह में 6 दिन चलेगा। रविवार को अवकाश होगा - आप इस समय का उपयोग रिवीज़न और वैकल्पिक विषय के लिए कर सकते हैं। इसमें आपकी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा और मुख्य परीक्षा दोनों की तैयारी शामिल हैं। प्रतिदिन आधार पर - प्रारंभिक परीक्षा - 5 करंट अफेयर्स संबंधी बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न, 10 स्टेटिक भाग जैसे इतिहास, भूगोल, राजव्यवस्था, अर्थशास्त्र एवं पर्यावरण आदि संबंधी बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न होंगे। प्रतिदिन आधार पर - मुख्य परीक्षा - TLP - 3 प्रश्न मुख्य परीक्षा संबंधी GS1, GS2, GS3 को कवर करते हुए पोस्ट किया जाएगा। इन 3 प्रश्नों में से 2 स्टेटिक भाग से और 1 करंट अफेयर्स से होंगे। GS 4 (नीतिशास्त्र) और निबंध पर विशेष जोर - प्रत्येक सप्ताह (शुक्रवार को) 3 प्रश्न पोस्ट किए जाएंगे। इसमें 2 नैतिकता सिद्धांत एवं 1 प्रश्न केस स्टडी पर आधारित होंगे। प्रत्येक शनिवार को 4 निबंध दिए जाएंगे (इसमें 2 सामान्य थीम आधारित और 2 दार्शनिक विषय पर आधारित होंगे) हिंदी माध्यम में प्रश्न शाम 5 बजे (5 PM) अपलोड किए जाएंगे। पहल के बारे में अधिक जानने के लिए -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - POLITY Q.1) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें अनुच्छेद 24 किसी भी कारखाने, खदान या अन्य खतरनाक गतिविधियों में 18 वर्ष से कम उम्र के बच्चों के रोजगार पर प्रतिबंध लगाता है। राज्य धार्मिक अभ्यास से जुड़ी किसी भी धर्मनिरपेक्ष गतिविधि को विनियमित कर सकता है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही नहीं है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.2) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें राज्य कोष से सहायता प्राप्त करने वाले किसी भी शैक्षणिक संस्थान में कोई धार्मिक निर्देश नहीं दिया जाएगा। राज्य द्वारा प्रशासित किसी भी शैक्षणिक संस्थान में कोई धार्मिक निर्देश प्रदान नहीं किया जाएगा, यहाँ तक कि जब यह धार्मिक शिक्षा प्रदान करने की आवश्यकता वाले किसी भी ट्रस्ट के तहत स्थापित हो। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.3) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें किसी भी नागरिक को निवास स्थान के आधार पर राज्य निधियों से सहायता प्राप्त करने वाले किसी भी शैक्षणिक संस्थान में प्रवेश से वंचित नहीं किया जाएगा। सार्वजानिक हित में दो या दो से अधिक निगमों के समामेलन के लिए प्रदान किया गया कोई भी कानून इस आधार पर शून्य नहीं माना जाएगा कि वह अनुच्छेद 14 का उल्लंघन करता है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.4) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: अनुच्छेद 31 A में 9 वीं अनुसूची के बारे में उल्लेख है। अनुच्छेद 39 (c) को प्रभावी करने वाला कोई कानून अनुच्छेद 19 के साथ उल्लंघन के आधार पर शून्य नहीं होगा। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही नहीं है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.5) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: अनुच्छेद 32 संविधान की मूल अवसंरचना (basic structure) का एक हिस्सा है। मौलिक अधिकारों के प्रवर्तन के मामले में, सर्वोच्च न्यायालय का क्षेत्राधिकार मूल (original) और अनन्य (exclusive) है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.6) राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांतों (DPSPs) के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें इन सिद्धांतों की उत्पत्ति ऑस्ट्रेलियाई संविधान में हुई है। वे देश के शासन में मौलिक (fundamental) हैं। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.7) निम्नलिखित में से कौन राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांतों से संबंधित नहीं है? बालकों के स्वास्थ्य विकास के लिए सुरक्षित अवसर ऐतिहासिक महत्व के स्मारकों, स्थानों और वस्तुओं को सुरक्षित रखना। भारत की संप्रभुता, एकता और अखंडता को बनाए रखना तथा उसकी रक्षा करना। आधुनिक और वैज्ञानिक तर्ज पर कृषि और पशुपालन को व्यवस्थित करना। Q.8) सर्वोच्च और उच्च न्यायालय के रिट क्षेत्राधिकार (writ jurisdiction) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: सर्वोच्च न्यायालय का रिट क्षेत्राधिकार उच्च न्यायालय की तुलना में व्यापक है। सर्वोच्च न्यायालय को मौलिक अधिकारों के प्रवर्तन और अन्य उद्देश्यों के लिए रिट जारी करने का अधिकार दिया गया है। जब किसी नागरिक के मौलिक अधिकारों का उल्लंघन किया जाता है, तो प्रभावित पक्ष के पास सीधे उच्च न्यायालय या सर्वोच्च न्यायालय जाने का विकल्प होता है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 3 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 1 और 2 Q.9) निम्नलिखित में से किस समिति ने मौलिक कर्तव्यों को संविधान में सम्मिलित करने की अनुशंसा की थी? न्यायमूर्ति शाह समिति न्यायमूर्ति वर्मा समिति स्वर्ण सिंह समिति फजल अली समिति Q.10) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: वैज्ञानिक स्वभाव तथा जांच और सुधार की भावना को विकसित करना। लोगों के जीवन स्तर और सार्वजनिक स्वास्थ्य को बढ़ावा देना। देश की सामासिक संस्कृति की समृद्ध विरासत को महत्व देना तथा संरक्षित करना। भारत की संप्रभुता, एकता और अखंडता को बनाए रखना तथा उसकी रक्षा करना। उपरोक्त में से कौन मौलिक कर्तव्यों के अंतर्गत आता है? 1, 2 और 3 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1, 3 और 4 केवल 2 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz Q.1) ‘हुली वेशा’ (Huli Vesha) या ‘पीली येसाइस’ (Pili Yesais) निम्नलिखित में से किस राज्य से संबंधित एक लोक नृत्य है? कर्नाटक तमिलनाडु ओडिशा छत्तीसगढ़ Q.2) 'डज़ुकौ घाटी' (Dzukou valley) के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह मणिपुर और मिजोरम के बीच स्थित है। यह एक विलुप्त ज्वालामुखी का क्रेटर आधार (crater base) है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.3) ‘RTGS’ और ‘NEFT’ भुगतान प्रणाली के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। RTGS ऑनलाइन उच्च-मूल्य लेनदेन के लिए सबसे बड़ा मोड है। RTGS के तहत लेनदेन वास्तविक समय के आधार पर निरंतर संसाधित किए जाते हैं, जबकि NEFT लेनदेन आधे घंटे के अंतराल पर बैचों में संसाधित किए जाते हैं। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.4) 'गेटवे लूनर ऑर्बिट आउटपोस्ट' (Gateway Lunar Orbit outpost) के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह यूरोपीय अंतरिक्ष एजेंसी का एक मिशन है। इसे अंतर्राष्ट्रीय अंतरिक्ष स्टेशन (ISS) को प्रतिस्थापित करने के लिए लॉन्च किया जा रहा है। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2 दोनों 1 और 2 न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.5) COVID-19 की जांच के लिए, निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा परीक्षण किया जाता है? RT-PCR एलिसा (ELISA) TrueNat रैपिड एंटीबॉडी (Rapid Antibody) सही कूट का चयन करें: 1, 2 और 3 2, 3 और 4 1, 3 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी उत्तर डाउनलोड करने के लिए नीचे क्लिक करें - Click Here

Jun 17, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 7]

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

Jun 17, 2020 Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - POLITY [Day 7]

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

Jun 17, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 2 Questions[17th June,2020] - Day 7

Hello Friends, Welcome toIASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies 2 Questions[17th June, 2020] - Day 7 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. The Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) was in news recently. What is the mandate of AAR? Discuss. Bring out the significance of such institutions in reducing litigation. अथॉरिटी फॉर एडवांस रूलिंग (AAR) हाल ही में खबरों में थी। AAR का जनादेश क्या है? चर्चा करें। मुकदमेबाजी को कम करने में ऐसे संस्थानों के महत्व को सामने लाएं। 2. What are your views on the frequent directions issued by the courts to the central and state governments with respect to governance and administration? Is it a good practice? Critically comment. न्यायालयों द्वारा केंद्र और राज्य सरकारों को प्रशासन सम्बंधित में मुद्दों में जारी किए गए निर्देशों पर आपके क्या विचार हैं? क्या यह एक सही है? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें। 3. The mass exodus of migrant labourers and the resulting economic slump have brought in focus the need to create robust institutions that can handle such crises with more deft and compassion. Discuss. प्रवासी मजदूरों के बड़े पैमाने पर पलायन और इसके परिणामस्वरूप आर्थिक मंदी ने मजबूत संस्थानों को बनाने की आवश्यकता को और अधिक उभारा है जो इस तरह के संकटों को अधिक निपुणता और करुणा के साथ संभाल सकते हैं। 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 :)

Jun 16, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [16th June,2020] Day 6: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

SYNOPSIS [16th June,2020] Day 6: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) 1. Is India’s federal polity coping well with the threats of COVID-19? Critically comment. क्या COVID-19 के खतरों से भारत की संघीय राजनीति अच्छी तरह से जूझ रही है? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें। Demand of the question: It expects students to write about the response of states and centre to the threats of COVID-19 and critical analysis of the challenges posed by India’s federal polity in a response to the threats of COVID-19. Introduction: Responsiveness of government becomes evident in the manner in which it addresses the crucial task of ameliorating suffering and reducing losses. India’s handling of the present COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted significant challenges due to federal polity of India. Body: Indian response to pandemic of COVID-19 exemplified flexible nature of Indian federalism coming handy in a crisis. In a first, several Indian states announced lockdown and sealed their borders announced even before the Central government took any decision on lockdown. States have shown effective response in on ground management of administrative machinery and fiscal preparedness despite of significant loss of revenue. Both laws of Epidemic Disease act 1897 and National Disaster Management act of 2005 provides broad legal architecture to take a variety of emergency measures to contain the pandemic. It allows both the central and state governments to regulate the spread of epidemic diseases. While the Centre can take preventive emergency measures to control epidemic diseases at ports of entry and exit, states are constitutionally empowered to adopt preventive administrative and regulatory measures to check the epidemic. Inter-state cooperation and coordination played important role in managing crisis of migrant exodus. Cooperation through health expertise witnessed in Kerala’s gesture to send 50 specialist doctors and 100 nurses to Maharashtra which has been worst hit by pandemic. Central government is getting actively involved in containment measures of national capital and recent cooperation between Delhi government and central government goes beyond petty politics. However, autonomy of states and the imperative of federal division of powers under constitutional obligations did not empower the center with authority or leverage to enforce compliance in emergency situations like pandemic. Challenges posed by federal polity to containment of COVID-19: Political bickering: Many states expressed dissatisfaction over extension of nationwide lockdown without consulting states in response to threat posed by COVID-19. However formulation of nationwide policy to deal with disaster remains domain of central government. Lack of preparation by many states: In the response stage, it consisted of emergency plans which included emergency support functions of procurement, hospital infrastructure, search and rescue teams, and communication networks. E.g. many states lie below the national level figure of 0.55 beds per 1000 population; these include Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam and Manipur. Overlapping Authority: Health is state subject, however, prevention of the extension from one State to another of infectious or contagious diseases or pests affecting men, animals or plants come under concurrent list. Siloed Approach: Country’s existing healthcare apparatus is highly regimented, with separate institutions in-charge of primary, secondary, and tertiary health care. Such a siloed approach is a serious impediment to the country’s efforts at tackling any epidemic such as the current COVID-19. The imperative is for the formulation of a seamless approach. Information asymmetry: Despite the governmental assurances and policy declarations, the vulnerability of migrant workers is unlikely to be taken care of due to the ensuing lack of communication and absence of information sharing between the Centre and the migrants sending and receiving States. Such lack of coordination is posing health as well as socio-economic insecurity for these millions of returnee migrants in their native States. Sub-national response: As the lockdown demanded the closing of the inter-State borders, the crisis has witnessed the rise of the salience of sub-national identities in many states. Such rise of the regional identities might spell an imminent crisis in the inter-State relations in the near future. Such a tussle can disrupt the response to threats of COVID-19. However, for a large federal country of a mind-boggling diversity, India’s ability to fight Covid-19 pandemic largely rests on how well it manages its Centre-state relation. When compared with other large federal countries such as the US, the country has done very well to minimize the frictions and provide a sense of direction to the states. The pandemic and the prolonged lockdown have given rise to unprecedented policy challenges that warrants systematic and sincere cooperation and coordination both between Centre and the States as well as amongst the States. In this regard, the existing institutional mechanisms like Inter-State Council which has remained largely moribund can be rejuvenated during this crisis. Conclusion: Along with the state specific responses to the pandemic of COVID-19, there is need of national plan with coordinated efforts. Uniformity in decision making and measures to be adopted is critical in opening economy. 2. Why is financial devolution a critical factor for the success of local governance? Substantiate your response with the help of suitable examples. स्थानीय प्रशासन की सफलता के लिए वित्तीय विकास एक महत्वपूर्ण कारक क्यों है? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की मदद से अपनी प्रतिक्रिया दें। Demand of the question: It expects students to write about criticality of financial devolution for the success of local governance along with examples to substantiate arguments. Students should also mentions limitations of financial devolution at local level. Introduction: The 15th Finance Commission recommended giving greater financial freedom and powers to panchayats and urban local bodies for year 2020-21. Fiscal decentralization is nothing but the devolution of taxing and spending powers to lower levels of government. Body: Devolution of more powers and finances to local bodies will strengthen third tier of governance in India. 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments provided recognition to the local bodies in constitution and paved way for establishment of political administrative system at local level. Criticality of financial devolution: Panchayats Urban local bodies. To strengthen democracy at grass root level. Financial devolution create situation for more innovative, independent and stronger city administration. Panchayats have very few revenue resources with them to provide services. Center and state can nudge local bodies for desired development agenda through financial devolution with conditions. With the subsumption of taxes like octroi into GST, financial devolution has become much more critical. Basic service delivery will improve in Indian cities due to the lesser jurisdiction area and focused attention. E.g., Municipality of Mumbai has decided to tax garbage to fulfill its revenue demand. It helps to avoid duplication of efforts by government machinery. There can be creation of knowledge innovation activity center to render advice and expertise to local authorities for planning and prioritizing development goals. Unique developmental projects can be executed. To improve creditworthiness, autonomous authority to set realistic tax-rates and user charges for the services provided by them and also for pursuing hiring-firing policies. To use local resources in cost effective service delivery. Example of Patoda village of Maharashtra: It started its own local voluntary taxation of very minimal amount in return of free services like clean RO drinking water, hot water, sanitary pads, CCTV cameras in public spaces, flour mill, spice grinder machine and tractor for agricultural needs on minimal rent indicates realization of development model at village level with understanding of local needs. International cooperation with sister city development initiative. E.g. Central government has allowed state government to borrow directly from the bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) partners for implementation of vital infrastructure projects same can be allowed for city administration. Financial devolution increases accountability to people so performance can be realized as direct contact with people. Center and state could provide intellectual and skill pool if necessary. Devolution based on capital asset creation, Human resource development, social indices and gender equality will bring desired results. Professional management of cities can be possible with reduction in wasteful expenditure. Though there are various issues associated with devolution of powers and finances at local level, reluctance of Politicians and bureaucrats to relinquish power to local bodies remain major hurdle. Issues like lack of expertise to plan development priorities and use resources optimally, lack of resources to implement development agenda with minimal avenues for taxation and income. Fewer sources of finances at center and state level to devolve, lack of checks and balances on authorities at local level, myriad of social issues at rural level which can neglect minority social groups and position of women. Non-uniformity of various programmes at local level can make regulatory oversight difficult, organized cartel of few individuals can indulge in corrupt activities; state government interference can continue to influence the decision making at local level. Municipalities have not succeeded in realizing the potential of the property tax, though property values are on rise. Conclusion: A vibrant India of the 21st Century, acting as an engine of inclusive growth, needs drastic reforms in the panchayat and municipal finance system of the country so as to broaden and deepen the resource base required to match the growing needs of infrastructure, socio-economic development, civic services including safe drinking water, clean air, sanitation, solid waste management for everyone. 3. What are the emerging geopolitical challenges for India during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic? How its India handling it? Examine. COVID-19 महामारी के दौरान भारत के लिए उभरती हुई भूराजनीतिक चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? भारत इसे कैसे संभाल रहा है? जांच करें। Demand of the question: It expects students to write about the emerging geopolitical challenges for India during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic along with the way of dealing these challenges and solutions to it in near term. Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic was a strategic surprise for rich and poor nations alike. The world still remains in the ‘fog of war’ phase; that the crisis will play out over a long time. It will accelerate the combination of forces that were already transforming international order and forces India to deal with challenges of emerging geopolitical environment. Body: Emerging geopolitical challenges during pandemic of COVID-19: Chinese assertion: China’s strategy focussed on disinformation campaign designed to obfuscate its role in spreading the pandemic, control the public narrative and stoke domestic nationalism. Thus, China peddles the tale that the source of the corona virus could be the US or Italy and the exemplary actions of the CCP leadership have been instrumental in rapidly bringing the pandemic under control, while democratic Western nations are still floundering, thereby highlighting the superiority of its own political system. China’s current belligerence on the LAC and increased physical tussles between Indian and Chinese soldiers rightly explained as reflection of endeavour to boost domestic nationalism. China’s increasing use of wolf-warrior diplomacy as response to growing Chinese criticism is evidenced not only in combative words but aggressive actions. For example, in early April, a Chinese coastguard ship allegedly sank a Vietnamese fishing trawler near the Paracel Islands. When Vietnam protested, the Chinese foreign ministry responded by saying Vietnam’s claims to the area are illegal. US retreat and Dynamics of Indo-Pacific: US has indicated retreat from world affairs with “leading from behind” of Obama times to President Trump’s “America first” and during the current crisis, the U.S.’s efforts at cornering supplies of scarce medical equipment and medicines and acquiring biotech companies engaged in research and development in allied states, show that this may mean “America alone”. Moreover, even as countries were losing trust in the U.S.’s leadership, its bungled response at home to the pandemic indicates that countries are also losing trust in the U.S.’s competence. The U.S. still remains the largest economy and the largest military power but has lost the will and ability to lead. This mood is unlikely to change, whatever the outcome of the election later this year. US retreat has become geopolitical challenge for India at multiple locations like Indo-pacific, Afghanistan and Central Asia. US continue to provide only verbal service to the increased Chinese expansion in South China Sea. ASIAN response remains fractured to Chinese pressure due to interlinked economies with China. Initiative of QUAD is yet to realise its full potential. China’s increasing footprint in the Indian Ocean remains concern for India. Instability in India’s west and Afghanistan: Pakistan continues to indulge in cross border terrorism despite of global health crisis. Recent mischief in Sopore and Kupwara underlines it. In Afghanistan, the peace process was already facing the difficult transition to intra-Afghan negotiations and a US drawdown. Travel restrictions and political opportunism will make the process of negotiation difficult, adding to the difficulties of finding a sustainable peace. Pakistan will gain upper hand in the post American Afghanistan as Pakistan has always supported Taliban overtly and covertly threatens India’s interest in the region. Iran is unlikely to wilt under sustained US pressure; in fact it may be tempted to increase its activities as the US elections draw near. The successful launch of Iran’s first military satellite on April 22, 2020 is indicative of this. Tumbling oil prices and increased US-Iran tensions: India relies both for energy and remittances from its eight million strong diaspora in west Asia, which in turn could face displacement from their jobs in the region. Rapidly changing geopolitical situation in Islamic world continues to be challenge for India at both humanitarian and economic level. Even though, this is also a time of opportunity for India to push reforms in international order and to gain place of responsible power. Prime Minister underlined that COVID-19 had shown us the limitations of the existing international system at G-20 virtual summit. A purely economic agenda had defined globalization so far, and we had cooperated more to balance competing individual interests, rather than advance the collective interests of all human kind. He called for a new template of globalization, based on fairness, equality and humanity in the post-COVID world. India’s handling of emerging geopolitical challenges indicates India’s belief in idea of global problems demand global responses. India’s export of hydroxychloroquine drug to the various countries, rescue operation of stranded population of neighbouring countries from china, belief in strengthening independent WHO to deal with contagion. India has responded both at military and diplomatic level to Chinese adventure in the eastern ladakh and Sikkim and continues to build robust border infrastructure. Zero tolerance to terrorism remains India’s stated policy to cross border terrorism and India repeatedly called out bluff of nuclear overhang of Pakistan. India remains committed to deal with every stakeholder in the Afghanistan to secure its interests. India’s new alliance with France in Indian Ocean patrols and exercises and increasing strategic closeness with Australia indicates India’s proactive geopolitical stance in indo-pacific. India has shown world that it is committed to fight pandemic in more responsible manner even at the cost of economic loss. However, India’s External Affairs Minister had observed that the real obstacle to the rise of India is not any more the barriers of the world, but the dogmas of Delhi. Traditional Indian strategic mindset of an inward looking third world nation concerned more with securing its borders than with shaping the regional and global environment in its favour remains concern. A multi-polar order inevitably calls for strategic coordination, or balancing, to prevent one pole overwhelming the others, one by one. Conclusion: A vaccine for the novel corona virus, possibly by end-2020, will help deal with the global health crisis but these unfolding trends have now been aggravated by the more pernicious panic virus. Rising nationalism and protectionist responses will prolong the economic recession into a depression, sharpening inequalities and polarisations. Greater unpredictability and more turbulent times lie ahead. TLP HOT Synopsis DAY_6 PDF

Jun 16, 2020 IASbaba's Monthly Magazine

IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine MAY 2020

IAS UPSC Current Affairs Magazine MAY 2020 ARCHIVES Hello Friends, This is the 60th edition of IASbaba’s Current Affairs Monthly Magazine. Current Affairs for UPSC Civil Services Examination is an important factor in this preparation. An effort towards making your Current Affairs for IAS UPSC Preparation qualitative. We hope you make the best use of it! This edition covers all important current affairs issues that were in news for the month of APRIL 2020. DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE- CLICK HERE To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- ? TELEGRAM Channel – https://t.me/IASbabaOfficialAccount ? YOUTUBE – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChvbVdio9Wgj7Z3nQz1Q0ZQ ? FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/iasbaba/ Also, SUBSCRIBE to the WEBSITE Below, so that you don’t miss out on important posts! Thank You IASbaba

Posts