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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

Jun 16, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th JUNE 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th June 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) Road Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III- Security; GS-I- Geography In News: In the reporting on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) stand-off, the Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DSDBO) road has often appeared. The Chinese build-up along the Galwan River valley region poses a direct threat to the DSDBO road. It is the 255-km long all-weather road built by India’s Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in eastern Ladakh. It runs almost parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Aksai Chin. In October 2019, Defence Minister inaugurated a 500-m-long Bailey Bridge on the road. The bridge is named after Colonel Chewang Rinchen, an Indian Army hero from Ladakh. Located at 14,650 ft, it is believed to be the world’s highest such bridge. DSDBO connects Leh to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), the northernmost corner of Indian territory in Ladakh. DBO has the world’s highest airstrip. Image source: Click here Mass sowing of GM seeds to be undertaken during kharif season Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Agriculture; Biotechnology In News: In the current kharif season, farmers would undertake mass sowing of Genetically modified (GM) seeds for maize, soyabean, mustard brinjal and herbicide tolerant (Ht) cotton. Cultivating GM seeds is not approved in India. Important value additions Conventional plant breeding involves crossing species of the same genus to provide the offspring with the desired traits of both parents. Genetic engineering aims to go beyond conventional breeding by introducing an alien gene in the seeds to get the desired effects. The alien gene could be from a plant, an animal or even a soil bacterium. Bt cotton, the only GM crop that is allowed in India, has two alien genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that allows the crop to develop a protein toxic to the common pest pink bollworm. In Bt brinjal, a gene allows the plant to resist attacks of fruit and shoot borer. In DMH-11 mustard, genetic modification allows cross-pollination in a crop that self-pollinates in nature. Legal position of GM crops in India In India, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body that allows for commercial release of GM crops. In 2002, the GEAC had allowed the commercial release of Bt cotton. Use of the unapproved GM variant can attract a jail term of 5 years and fine of Rs 1 lakh under the Environmental Protection Act ,1989. Kharif season The Kharif season varies by crop and region, starting at the earliest in May and ending at the latest in January. In India, the season is popularly considered to start in June and to end in October. Kharif crops are usually sown with the beginning of the first rains during the advent of the south-west monsoon season, and they are harvested at the end of monsoon season (October-November). The National Tiger Conservation Authority asked to intervene with regard to tigress Sundari. Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Biodiversity; Conservation In News: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has been asked to intervene in the ongoing tension between Odisha and Madhya Pradesh forest departments with regard to tigress Sundari. Background information: The Odisha forest department had asked Madhya Pradesh to take back the translocated tigress 'Sundari', after she killed two people in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR). Sundari was shifted from MP's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) to Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha's Angul district in 2018. She had been moved to Odisha a week after translocation of MB2 - a male tiger from Kanha. This pair was part of the country's first Interstate tiger translocation project. MB2 was later killed by poachers in late 2018. Important value additions Inter-state tiger translocation project The Rs 19 crore ambitious tiger relocation exercise was conceived by the Union ministry of environment and forests, National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India. It was started in June 2018 under which six tigers (three pairs) from different reserves of Madhya Pradesh were to be sent to Odisha. NTCA had initially okayed the translocation of six tigers from MP to Odisha, but only two were shifted. The project which was shared between Centre and state governments has now been suspended following furious protests by Odisha villagers. National Tiger Conservation Authority It was established in December 2005 following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force which was constituted by the Prime Minister of India for reorganised management of Project Tiger and the many Tiger Reserves in India. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 was amended in 2006 to provide for its constitution. It is responsible for implementation of the Project Tiger to protect endangered tigers. It is set up under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Environment and Forests. Composition: The Inspector General of Forest will be ex-officio Member Secretary 8 experts having qualifications and experience in wildlife conservation and welfare of people including tribals 3 Members of Parliament (2 from Lok sabha and 1 from Rajya Sabha) Functions: Lay down normative standards, guidelines for tiger conservation in the Tiger Reserves, National Parks and Sanctuaries. Provide information on protection measures. Facilitate and support tiger reserve management in the States through eco-development and people's participation Efforts to enhance cultivation of Heeng and Saffron initiated Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Science and Technology; Agriculture In News: To increase the production of Heeng and Saffron in India, the Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh (HP), have forged strategic and implementation partnership based on their mutual strengths. Key takeaways This partnership is expected to provide immense benefits to HP by way of: increased farm income livelihood promotion rural development. A number of steps will be undertaken: Transfer of innovations by means of capacity building Skill development Other extension activities. Introduction of these crops will reduce the import. CSIR-IHBT will: provide technical know-how to the farmers impart training to state agriculture department officers and farmers. set up corm and seed production centres of Saffron and heeng, respectively. IHBT has developed the production technology for Saffron and introduced its cultivation in non-traditional areas of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It has also developed tissue-culture protocol for the production of disease-free saffron. It has introduced six accessions of heeng from Iran through the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, and standardized its production protocols under Indian conditions. Technical supervision of Saffron production areas shall also be undertaken. Exposure visits of farmers will also be done. A total of 750 acres of land will be covered under these crops in the state in the next five years. A state-of-the-art tissue-culture lab will be established for large-scale production of quality planting material of these crops. Important value additions Saffron and Heeng (asafoetida) are the most valuable spices of the world and widely used in Indian cuisine since time immemorial. In India, the annual demand for Saffron spice is 100 tons per year but its average production is about 6-7 tons per year. Hence, a large amount of Saffron is being imported. Similarly, there is no production of heeng in India and currently about 1200 tons of raw heeng worth Rs 600 crore is being imported from Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Heeng It is a perennial plant and it produces oleo-gum resin from the roots after five years of plantation. It can be grown in unutilized sloppy land of cold desert regions. Saffron It is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. It has long been the world's most costly spice by weight. Railway stations to be classified on waste water output Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure (Railways); Environment; Climate change In News: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will classify railway stations under the red, orange and green categories based on the quantity of waste water generated and the disposal of untreated water into the municipal drain systems. Key takeaways Railway stations generating waste water equal to or more than 100 Kilo Litres per Day (KLD) would be categorised as Red. Railway stations generating waste water greater than 10 KLD but less than 100 KLD would come under the Orange category. Railway stations with less than 10 KLD waste water generation would be branded Green. Integrated Flood Warning System (IFLOWS-Mumbai) inaugurated Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-I – Geography; GS-III – Science and technology In News: Integrated Flood Warning System - IFLOWS was inaugurated in Mumbai by Union Minister for Earth Sciences and Maharashtra Chief Minister. Key takeaways It is developed by the Union Ministry for Earth Sciences on the request of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM). It is a state-of-art system for Mumbai and is expected to enhance Mumbai’s resilience by providing early warning for flooding specially during high rainfall events and cyclones. It comprises seven modules: Data Assimilation Flood Inundation Vulnerability Risk Dissemination Module Decision Support System. The system has provisions to capture the urban drainage within the city and predict the areas of flooding, which will be incorporated in the final system. Discussion Paper on ‘Governance in Commercial Banks in India' released by RBI Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Economy; Banking system In News: The RBI released a Discussion Paper on ‘Governance in Commercial Banks in India’ for public comments. Key takeaways The objective of the discussion paper is to align the current regulatory framework with global best practices while being mindful of the context of the domestic financial system. Based on the feedback, fresh guidelines will be issued. The new norms will come into effect within six months after being placed on the RBI’s website or April 1, 2021, whichever is later. The norms will be applicable to private, foreign and public sector banks. Some of the major highlights of the paper are as follows: Board members should not be a member of any other bank’s board or the RBI. They should not be either a Member of Parliament or State Legislature or Municipality or other local bodies. Board of directors of a bank should not be less than six and not more than 15, with a majority being independent directors. The board shall meet at least six times a year and at least once every 60 days. A director on the board of an entity other than a bank may be considered for appointment as director on a bank’s board, if the person is not an owner of an NBFC or a full-time employee and that the NBFC does not enjoy a financial accommodation from the bank. Appointment, re-appointment and termination of wholetime directors (WTDs) and chief executive officers (CEOs) should be with the previous approval of RBI. The upper age limit for CEO and WTDs of banks is suggested at 70 years. Banks will be free to set a lower age for such appointments. Advisory for import of exotic species issued Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Health & GS-III - Biodiversity In News: Union Ministry of Environment has issued an advisory for import of exotic species. The move comes as the outbreak of COVID-19 has raised global concern about illegal wildlife trade and zoonotic diseases. Key takeaways The advisory defines ‘Exotic Live Species’ as animal or plant species moved from their original range (location) to a new one. ‘Exotic live species’ shall be interpreted to mean only “the animals named under the Appendices I, II and III of the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora”. Species covered by the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 cannot be traded. People importing such species will have to make a voluntary disclosure. For new ‘Exotic Live Species’, the importer should obtain a no-objection certificate from the Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) of the State. It will create a process where all imports will be screened. As of now, the imports are being made through the Director General of Foreign Trade. State Forest departments were not kept in the loop. Miscellaneous Challenger Deep On June 7, 2020, astronaut and oceanographer, Kathy Sullivan became the first woman and the fifth person in history to descend to the Challenger Deep. She is now the only human who has walked in space and reached the deepest point in the ocean. The Challenger Deep is the deepest known point in the Earth's oceans with a depth of 10,902 to 10,929 metres. It is located in the Western Pacific Ocean, at the southern end of the Mariana Trench near the Mariana Islands group. This location is in the ocean territory of the Federated States of Micronesia. The depression is named after the British ship HMS Challenger, whose expedition of 1872–1876 made the first recordings of its depth. Image source: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: General Studies 2,3: India and its neighborhood- relations. Security challenges and their management in border areas Remaining non-aligned is good advice Context: The India-China stand-off and the both countries agreeing to step back marginally from positions adopted at the beginning of May. What exactly happened? During May 2020, Chinese forces came in sizeable numbers and crossed the undemarcated LAC at quite a few points in the Ladakh and Sikkim sectors. These were in the vicinity of Pangong Tso (Lake), the Galwan Valley, the Hot Springs-Gogra area (all in Ladakh), and at Naku La in the Sikkim sector This led to physical engagement with Indian soldiers who opposed Chinese activities Chinese action is primarily to oppose India’s efforts to bridge the infrastructural gap at the border areas i.e. at Line of Actual Control (LAC) China has sizeable military presence along the LAC, comprising armoured vehicles, artillery units and infantry combat vehicles in far larger numbers than that of India China also insists that India stop road construction in the border area on the ground that it is taking place in Chinese territory, which India contests, insisting that it is taking place within Indian territory. Due to diplomatic efforts, both sides agreed for partial disengagement and to handle the situation in line with the agreement that had been reached. So is the issue resolved? No, the statements may actually conceals many a truth. This time, it would appear, the Chinese are here to stay in places such as the Galwan Valley. It is also unclear, as of now, whether the Chinese would withdraw from Pangong Tso, any time soon. Restoration of the status quo ante which existed in mid-April is thus nowhere on the horizon More Weightier reasons for China’s actions To say that India’s decision to strengthen its border infrastructure was the main trigger for the recent show of strength by China, would be simplistic. Leadership factor: Chinese President Xi Jinping disdains Deng Xiaoping’s policy “to keep your head low and bide your time” Geopolitical Factors: India’s increasing shift towards US and emergence of Quad (the U.S., Japan, Australia and India) has a definite anti-china stance. China thus views India as being in opposite camps in the wider geopolitical game Bilateral Relationship: Despite public bonhomie at the level of Mr. Xi and PM Modi, relations between the two countries have been steadily deteriorating. India opposes China’s Belt & Road Initiative. China views India’s assertions regarding Gilgit-Baltistan, as an implicit attack on the CPEC China’s internal dynamics: Internal criticism of China’s handling of COVID-19 pandemic, growing opposition within party ranks to some of Xi’s policies and Chinese economic miracle losing steam has put pressure on Mr. Xi to deflect attention & showcase the strongman image (through border clashes with India) Lesson from History There were similar circumstances that led to the India-China war of 1962 Faced with the disaster of the Great Leap Forward (internal pressure), and increasing isolation globally (even from USSR), China under Mao chose to strike at India rather than confront Russia or the West. Therefore, a single misstep by India could lead to a wider conflagration, which both sides must avoid Way Ahead This is not the time for India to be seen as the front end of a hostile coalition of forces seeking to put China in its place India has consistently followed a different policy in the past, and it is advisable that it remains truly non-aligned and not become part of any coalition that would not be in India’s long-term interest. Connecting the dots: India-China war of 1962 – reasons and critical analysis Similarities & differences between NATO and QUAD AGRICULTURE/ GOVERNANCE/ FEDERALISM Topic: General Studies 2,3: Marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Challenges pertaining to the federal structure New agri-markets: A game-changer Context: The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (promotion and facilitation) Ordinance 2020 was promulgated on June 5th 2020. The virtual monopoly of Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) is expected to end sooner rather than later. Key Provisions of Ordinance Trade of farmers’ produce: It seeks to provide for barrier-free trade (both intra-state & inter-state) of farmers’ produce outside the markets notified under the various state agricultural produce market laws (state APMC Acts). The Ordinance will prevail over state APMC Acts. Electronic trading: The Ordinance permits the electronic trading of farmers’ produce in the specified trade area. New electronic trading platforms are also allowed to be set up in these areas by private individuals, FPOs and co-ops. Payment to farmers: A person transacting with a farmer will be required to make payments to the farmer on the same day, or within three working days in certain conditions, for any transaction of scheduled farmers’ produce. No fees to be levied by states: The Ordinance prohibits state governments from levying any market fee, cess or levy on farmers, traders, and electronic trading platforms for any trade under the Ordinance. Dispute resolution mechanism: The parties involved in a trade-related dispute may apply to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate for relief through conciliation. The Magistrate will appoint a Conciliation Board and refer the dispute to the Board. Centralised System of Information dissemination: Mandi prices are the biggest sources of localised price information for the farmer. The ordinance tries to address this by providing for a central government organisation, which will develop a price information and market intelligence system, and produce a framework for disseminating such information A brief history of Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) The pre-APMCs days were dominated by misinformation and price arbitrage. Traders with better communications between themselves got a sense of prevailing prices and used this information to their advantage. APMCs were thought to be the answer to these problems. APMCs were institution created for price discovery through a competitive auction process, proper weighing, payment on time, quality grading, etc Institutional and physical infrastructure were set up to ensure that all farm produce was brought to the designated markets, traders with licences were allowed to participate in auctions of graded produce and timely payments were made. Market yards and market committees were set up at the district and sub-district levels to cater to farmers in every part of country. These changed the market dynamics (at least, partially) in favour of the farmers in the early day What went wrong with APMCs? APMCs were democratic institutions managed by a board/committee of mostly elected members from among the farmers and traders. The state governments, obsessed with revenue collection, found it convenient to supersede these boards and appoint administrators for long periods of time Over time, they ceased to represent farmers’ interests. APMC system somehow deteriorated into a cartelised operation (licensing becoming the tool); cess collection became an obsession, and price discovery and transparency were side stepped APMCs, undisputedly, created market infrastructure, and used the cess collections to improve agrarian infrastructure. However, now they had no interest in investing beyond their market yards. Why reform of APMCs failed? Multiple efforts to reform APMCs failed, primarily due to opposition from state governments who felt their cess collections will go down, and also from powerful vested interests. Merits of Ordinance Wider Choice to Farmers: The ordinance carves out a new space called ‘trade area’ which includes everything(like farm gates, silos, factory premises, etc) except the market yards operated by APMCs and private mandis. This gives the farmer three choices, APMC, private market yard or a trade area Price Advantage: No market fee or cess is leviable in the trade area which is huge benefit for both farmer and trader Power with Centre: The central government has retained with itself the power to give licences to traders who can operate in this new area, so as to protect the farmers. Promotes Transparency: As electronic trading platforms is encouraged, there is openness in the transactions Promotes Private investment: The new set up will encourage large companies, food processing firms, exporters, etc, to invest and source good-quality material from the origins, thereby, reducing the risk of mixing with lower grade produce Encourages FPOs: This ordinance does open up a new and profitable avenue for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) which can take their rightful place as aggregators and ‘reliable’ suppliers Challenges Ahead Enforcement of provisions by Central government could see the birth of a new set of inspectors. Despite the provision of dispute settlement mechanism farmer would like to settle rather than litigate due to economic reasons If the APMCs lose most of the business, there are doubts whether they will continue doing price discovery and reporting prices For the average farmer, who sells his crop at minimum support prices (MSP), mandis may remain the preferred option unless prices in the ‘trade area’ are above MSP which is unlikely to be the case. If it stays below, the purpose of ordinance is lost. Conclusion This is the last chance for APMCs to reform. But, the ordinance that creates the new agri-markets replaces a decentralised structure with a highly centralised one Connecting the dots: Doubling Farmers Income- Ashok Dalwai Committee e-NAM and its functioning over the years (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 Genetically Modified crop BT cotton: It has two alien genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. The crop develops a protein which protects it from Pink bollworm. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Consider the following statements: The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is the Apex body for allowing commercial release of GM crops in India. Use of the unapproved GM variant can attract punishment under Environmental Protection Act, 1989. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Where is Satkosia Tiger Reserve situated? Odisha Chhattisgarh Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan Q.4 Interstate Tiger Translocation project was conceived by which of the following? Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate change National Tiger Conservation Authority Wildlife Institute of India All of the above Q.5 Consider the following statements regarding National Tiger Conservation Authority: It was constituted in 2006 by amending the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It is responsible for implementation of Project Tiger. It is set up under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of India. Which of the above is/are incorrect? 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 3 only 1, 2 and 3 ANSWERS FOR 15th June 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 A 3 B 4 B Must Read About bridging the gulf with West Asia: The Hindu About India-Pakistan ties: The Hindu About need for Police reforms: The Financial Express

Jun 16, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th JUNE 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th June 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Reservation not a Fundamental Right: SC Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Fundamental Rights; Constitution In News: The Supreme Court has recently observed that the Right to reservation is not a fundamental right. Key takeaways It has ruled that nobody can claim right to reservation as a fundamental right. Not giving the quota benefits cannot be construed as a violation of any constitutional right. The petitions filed in Tamil Nadu said that 50 per cent of OBC candidates must get admissions in the medical colleges out of seats surrendered under the all India Quota, except for central government institutions. The Supreme Court questioned the petition emphasising that Article 32 could not be applied since there was no fundamental right to have reservation benefits. Important value additions In February 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that there is no fundamental right to claim reservation in public jobs and no court can order a state government to provide for reservation to SC/STs. Article 32 is available only for violation of fundamental rights, but right to reservation is not a fundamental right. First population estimation exercise of the Indian gaur carried out Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity In News: The first population estimation exercise of the Indian gaur, carried out in the Nilgiris Forest Division over the last few years, has revealed that more than an estimated 2,000 Indian gaurs inhabit the entire division. Important value additions Indian Gaur Its Scientific name is Bos Gaurus. It is one of the largest existing bovines. It is also one of the largest species among the wild cattle. Gaurs are found on the forested hills and grassy areas of South to South-east Asia. They are found in India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. The Western Ghats in southern India constitute one of the most extensive extant strongholds of gaur, in particular in the Wayanad – Nagarhole – Mudumalai – Bandipur complex. It is also the State Animal of Goa and Bihar. Status: It is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. It is included in the Schedule I of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972. It is listed in CITES Appendix I. CAPTAIN ARJUN launched to intensify the screening and surveillance at railway stations Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Artificial Intelligence; Indigenisation; Science and Technology In News: Railway Protection Force, Pune, under the Central Railways, has launched a Robotic ‘CAPTAIN ARJUN’ (Always be Responsible and Just Use to be Nice) to intensify the screening and surveillance. Key takeaways This Robot is launched to screen passengers while they board trains and keep a watch on anti-social elements. It can be deployed for multiple uses and it is an effective element in station access control and will augment the station security plan. It is equipped with a motion sensor, one PTZ camera and one Dome Camera. The Cameras use Artificial Intelligence algorithms to track suspicious and antisocial activity. It does thermal screening and records the temperature in a digital display panel. Lunar Polar Exploration (LPE) Mission between Japan and India Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – International Relations & GS-III – Space In News: Japan and India will be launching a joint lunar mission called the Lunar Polar Exploration (LPE). Key takeaways The mission aims to put a lander and rover on Moon’s surface. The mission will be launched after 2023. Japanese space agency JAXA would be building the overall landing module and the rover, while ISRO would develop the lander system. It will be launched from Japan, and the designated launch vehicle is the H3 rocket. The mission intends to obtain data on the quantity and forms of water resources present, in order to determine the feasibility of utilizing such resources for sustainable space exploration activities in the future. P K Mohanty Committee constituted by RBI Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Economy In News: The RBI has constituted a five-member Internal Working Group to review present ownership guidelines and corporate structure for Indian Private Sector Banks. Key takeaways RBI Central Board Director P K Mohanty will head the committee. It will submit its report by 30th September, 2020. Terms of Reference of the Committee are: To review the present licensing guidelines and regulations relating to ownership and control in Indian private sector banks and suggest appropriate norms. To examine and review the eligibility criteria for individuals/ entities to apply for banking licenses. To study the current regulations on holding of financial subsidiaries through non-operative financial holding company (NOFHC) and suggest the manner of migrating all banks to a uniform regulation in the matter. To examine the norms for promoter shareholding at the initial/licensing stage and subsequently, along with the timelines for dilution of the shareholding. Joint Science Communication Forum constituted Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Science and technology In News: The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has constituted a joint Science Communication Forum to facilitate interaction and coordination amongst various public sector science communication institutions and agencies. It is represented by senior officials from various central ministries and departments which include: Agriculture Health Culture Defense Space Atomic Energy Information & Broadcasting Science & Technology The Forum would be served by a Secretariat at the National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science & Technology. It brings together science communication efforts spread across various institutions and can help adoption of a common policy and best practices at a wider scale. Oil leak at Norilsk due to permafrost thaw Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Climate change In News: The principal reason that led to the recent 20,000-tonne oil leak at Norilsk at an Arctic region power plant in Russia is the sinking of ground surface due to permafrost thaw. The plant is built entirely on permafrost, whose weakening over the years due to climate change caused the pillars supporting a fuel tank at the plant to sink. Important value additions Permafrost Permafrost is any ground that remains completely frozen — 32°F (0°C) or colder — for at least two years straight. It is defined solely based on temperature and duration. It covers large regions of the Earth. Almost a quarter of the land area in the Northern Hemisphere has permafrost underneath. It is made of a combination of soil, rocks and sand that are held together by ice. The soil and ice in permafrost stay frozen all year long. Near the surface, permafrost soils also contain large quantities of organic carbon due to the cold. Lower permafrost layers contain soils made mostly of minerals. A layer of soil on top of permafrost does not stay frozen all year. This layer, called the active layer, thaws during the warm summer months and freezes again in the fall. Impact of Climate Change on Permafrost As Earth’s climate warms, the permafrost is thawing. That means the ice inside the permafrost melts, leaving behind water and soil. Thawing permafrost can have dramatic impacts on our planet. Thawing permafrost can destroy houses, roads and other infrastructure. When permafrost is frozen, plant material in the soil (organic carbon) can’t decompose. As permafrost thaws, microbes begin decomposing this material which releases greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Due to thawing, ancient bacteria and viruses in the ice and soil can also unfreeze which could make humans and animals very sick. Miscellaneous Raja Parba Festival It is Odisha’s three-day unique festival celebrating the onset of monsoon and the earth’s womanhood. It is believed that during this time the Mother Earth or Bhudevi undergoes menstruation. As a mark of respect towards the earth, all agricultural works are suspended for the three days. AarogyaPath It was recently launched by a CSIR. It is a National Healthcare Supply Chain Portal that aims to provide real-time availability of critical healthcare supplies. It is launched to serve manufacturers, suppliers and customers to effectively deal with the Covid-19 pandemic. The vision of this initiative is to set up an information management and forecasting database platform at national level. It will capture demand and supply scenarios for key healthcare needs items. Lonar Lake The 56,000-year-old Lonar crater sanctuary lake in Buldhana district, Maharashtra has turned red/pink, most probably due to salinity and presence of algae in the water body. Lonar Lake was created by a meteor impact during the Pleistocene Epoch. It is the only known hyper velocity meteorite crater in basaltic rock anywhere on Earth. It was notified as a National Geo-heritage Monument in 1979 by Geological Survey of India (GSI). Two other similar ones are in Dhala and Ramgarh in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan respectively but both are relatively unknown. Image source: The Hindu (MAINS FOCUS) POLITY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Finance Commission must reset the balance Context: The COVID-19 has deepened the faultlines in Centre-state fiscal relations. Against this backdrop, the 15th Finance Commission is expected to submit its report by October 2020 The Commission’s report will be critical on two counts: First, it will determine how India’s fiscal architecture is reshaped Second, how Centre-state relations are reset as the country attempts to recover from the COVID-19 shock Challenges ahead for 15th FC Dominance of Centre: The present dispensation is at unease with extending greater fiscal autonomy to states. This was apparent in the framing of the terms of reference of the 15th FC. Centralisation of political power may well lead to demands for centralisation of resources. Issue of tax devolution to states: 42% of Central divisible pool of resources were allotted to States on recommendation of 14th FC. There is pressure by Centre to get back the fiscal space it ceded to the states and assert its dominance over the country’s fiscal architecture States Vs Centre: Challenge for 15th FC to balance the contesting claims of Centre (reduced devolution and conditional funds) and the states (more untied funds) Containing Debt-to-GDP ratio: FRBM review committee had envisaged bringing down general government debt to 60% of GDP by 2022. However,the debt-to-GDP ratio may well be over 80% this year which 15FC has to factor in. Sharing of debt reduction: In the wake of increase in Debt-to-GDP ratio, 15th FC will have to lay out a new fiscal path to be followed by both Centre and states. There is challenge of ensuring the burden of debt reduction fall equally upon the Centre and states Leeway for Centre: The Commission may allow the Centre to have greater leeway when it comes to fiscal consolidation as the fiscal multiplier of central government capital spending is greater than that by the states Issue of state borrowings: Recently, the Centre increased the State’s borrowing limits, linking it with reforms. There is challenge that FC, in line with its terms of reference, go along with the Centre’s stance and recommend imposing conditions on additional borrowing of states and formalise this arrangement Issue of the GST compensation cess: The GST council is yet to give its views on the extension of the compensation cess to offset states losses beyond the five-year period. 15th FC has to consider this too. It may argue in favour of extending the compensation period, as states desire, but, perhaps, lowering the assured 14% growth in compensation and linking it to nominal GDP growth Need to relook at the Centre’s expenditure priorities Over the past decades, there has been a substantial increase in the Centre’s spending on items on the state and concurrent list This shift has occurred even as grants by the Centre to states exceed the former’s revenue deficit. This, as some have pointed out, effectively means that the Centre is borrowing to transfer to states. Additionally, any attempt to shift the uneasy balance in favour of the Centre will dilute the government’s agenda of Cooperative Federalism and reinforces its centralising tendencies Thus, there is a need to review some of the Centre’s own spending programme. Way Ahead The fiscal stress at various levels of the government necessitates a realistic assessment of the country’s macro-economic situation There is a need to prepare medium-term fiscal roadmap, as well as careful calibration of the framework that governs Centre-state relations. 15th FC could request for another year’s extension to present its full five-year report citing the prevailing uncertainty. Connecting the dots: 15th Finance Commission’s interim report- Click here N.K. Singh panel on review of FRBM Act. INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: General Studies 2,3: India and its neighborhood- relations. Security challenges and their management in border areas India-Nepal border dispute: Kalapani and Lipulekh Context: The Nepal government’s decision to pass the constitutional amendment ratifying a change in its maps that include Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, territories that India controls, marks a decidedly new phase in ties. Treaty of Sugauli The Nepalese kingdom had stretched from the Sutlej river in the west to the Teesta river in the East. However, Nepal lost the Anglo-Nepalese War and the resulting Treaty of Sugauli, 1816 limited Nepal to its present territories. The Sugauli Treaty stated that Nepal ceded to British the whole of the lowlands between the Rivers Kali and Rapti. The Kali River is formed by the union of two headwaters: the Kalapani river that originates below the Lipulekh Pass and the Kuthi Yankit river that rises below the Limpiyadhura range. Both the streams have been termed ‘Kali River’ on different occasions. The valley of Kalapani, with the Lipulekh Pass at the top, forms the Indian route to Kailash–Manasarovar. The Kali River serves as the boundary between Uttarakhand (Kumaon region) and Nepal from Limpiyadhura. In addition to Mahakali/Sharda (West), Gandak/Narayani (South) and Mechi (East) are two other rivers which demarcate the border between India and Nepal. By 2007, the Nepal-India Technical Level Joint Boundary Working Group agreed on 182 strip maps covering almost 98% of the boundary, except the two disputed areas of Kalapani and Susta. Image Source: Karvaan India Issue of Kalapani area Over the decades, these rivers have changed courses several times, giving rise to disputes, claims and counterclaims on land. The Nepal government claims that by taking advantage of Nepal’s negligence in guarding its borders, India has encroached on its borderland. The former director-general of the Department of Survey of Nepal, claims that maps from 1850 and 1856, prepared by the Survey of India with the participation of Nepali authorities, clearly state that the Mahakal River originates from Limpiyadhura, 16 km northwest of Kalapani, thereby proving that Kalapani belongs to Nepal. However, India has consistently refused to accept those maps as proof. Indian officials insist that a map drawn up by the British colonial government in 1875 should be considered instead. The 1875 map allegedly shows the origin of the Mahakali River to the east of Kalapani. Unlike the maps from 1850 and 1856, the 1875 map does not have Nepal’s certification. Controversy about Lipulekh pass The Lipulekh pass, as well as the Limpayadhura pass (or Limpiya pass), are on Nepal border with Tibet. The Lipulekh Pass links Uttarakhand with China’s Tibetan Autonomous Region. The pass is near the tri-junction of India, Nepal and China The Lipulekh Pass is situated at an altitude of 5,000 metres. Nepal claims that the Indian army has encroached 372 km2 towards Limpiyadhura from Kalapani since the 1962 Indo-China war. At that time, Nepal, as a friendly neighbour, granted permission to the Indian army to set up a camp in the region. Subsequently, despite several firm requests by Nepal’s prime minister at the time, to evacuate the camp, Indian troops stayed put. Because of the asymmetric power relationship between the two countries, Nepal has not been able to force India to withdraw its troops from the area India carried out four escalatory actions in a row – First, in May 2015 it signed an agreement with China to use the Lipu Lekh Pass for trade; Kathmandu immediately protested to both New Delhi and Beijing. Second, in November 2019 India published a new map that showed Kalapani within its territory. Third, India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a road link to Lipu Lekh amid Covid-19 and an ongoing political crisis in Kathmandu. Fourth was the statement by Indian Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, implying China had instigated Nepal to lay claims on the area. Danger of Crisis snowballing into At the base of the rift is the lack of diplomatic manoeuvring by India to de-escalate the issue. While New Delhi contends that it was willing to discuss matters at a mutually convenient date, Kathmandu says the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected two dates suggested by the Nepal Nepal also alleges India has routinely dismissed requests from the Nepal Ambassador for a meet with the Foreign Secretary. Also, MEA said Kalapani talks could wait until both countries had dealt with the coronavirus pandemic first, which further enraged the Nepali government. This was in contrast with India’s participation by videoconference in bilateral and multilateral meetings. Meanwhile, Mr. Oli’s (Nepal PM) push towards the amendment at exactly the same time as the India-China border stand-off bolstered the belief that he is speaking with confidence borne from Beijing’s backing. The Oli government, which seeks to build its legacy by overturning what it calls “unequal” agreements made by the monarchy, could also cause a security nightmare for India If Nepal opens up other parts of their long boundary, and reverses old commitments on open and unsecured border posts, the bilateral relationship will worsen benefitting China. Conclusion It is necessary the two nations resolve their issues through dialogue lest they face more serious consequences. Connecting the dots: India-China border flare up India-Bangladesh relationship and the peaceful resolution of boundary issues (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 Lonar lake is situated in which of the following state of India? Rajasthan Gujarat Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Q.2 Raja Parba festival is three-day unique festival of which of the following state of India? Odisha West Bengal Chhattisgarh Sikkim Q.3 Which of the following is not true about permafrost? It is any ground that remains completely frozen for two straight years. Near the bottom, permafrost soils contain large quantities of organic carbon due to cold. Microbes decompose plant material which releases greenhouse gases due to permafrost thawing. A quarter of the land area in Northern hemisphere has permafrost underneath. Q.4 RBI has recently constituted P K Mohanty committee to review ownership guidelines and corporate structure of which of the following bank? Foreign banks Private sector banks Public sector banks Regional rural banks ANSWERS FOR 13th June 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A 3 A 4 D Must Read About GST compensation to states: The Hindu About the need for anti-discrimination law: The Hindu About agri-market reforms: The Financial Express

Jun 16, 2020 INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020

[Day 6] INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN(IRP – हिंदी & ENGLISH) 2020 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [16th June, 2020]

For Previous IRP (हिंदी & English ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to [Day 6] INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN(IRP – हिंदी & ENGLISH) 2020 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [16th June, 2020] UPSC Static Quiz – 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Static Quiz – POLITY [Day 6] UPSC Quiz – 2020 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 6] IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 – ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing – General Studies Paper 2 Questions[16th June,2020] – Day 6 [Day 6] IASBABA का इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 – [16th 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 16, 2020 INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020

[Day 6] IASBABA का इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 - [16th 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 12 में उल्लिखित ‘राज्य’ की परिभाषा के अंतर्गत LIC आता है। अनुच्छेद 12 के अंतर्गत, अपने न्यायिक कार्यों का निष्पादन करते समय उच्च न्यायालय को ‘राज्य’ नहीं माना जा 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 अनुच्छेद 14 विदेशियों के लिए भी लागू है। ‘विधि के समक्ष समता’ (Equality before law) यह बताता है कि बिना किसी भेदभाव के समान व्यवहार किया जाना चाहिए। 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 अनुच्छेद 15 (2) राज्य और निजी व्यक्तियों, दोनों द्वारा भेदभाव पर रोक लगाता है। संविधान में आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्गों को सूचित करने वाले संकेतकों में से एक के रूप में पारिवारिक आय (family income) का उल्लेख 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 17 के तहत अधिकार, निजी व्यक्तियों के विरुद्ध भी उपलब्ध हैं। अनुच्छेद 19 के तहत अधिकार, निगमों जैसे विधिक व्यक्तियों (legal persons) के लिए उपलब्ध नहीं हैं। 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: भारत में किसी भी क्षेत्र में निवास करने और बसने का अधिकार, किसी भी अनुसूचित जनजाति के हितों की सुरक्षा के आधार पर प्रतिबंधित किया जा सकता है। भारतीय संविधान में 'निवारक निरोध' का प्रावधान संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका के संविधान से लिया गया 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) भारतीय संविधान में मौलिक कर्तव्यों के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: ये भारत के सभी निवासियों पर उनकी जाति, पंथ, लिंग और धर्म के बावजूद लागू हैं। संसद मौलिक कर्तव्यों के उल्लंघन के खिलाफ कानूनी दंड का आरोपण नहीं कर सकती है। उपरोक्त 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.7) 'आर्थिक न्याय', भारतीय संविधान के उद्देश्य को कहाँ सम्मिलित किया गया है प्रस्तावना और मौलिक अधिकार प्रस्तावना और राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांत मौलिक अधिकार और राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांत प्रस्तावना, मौलिक अधिकार और राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांत। Q.8) डॉ. बी. आर. अम्बेडकर के अनुसार, निम्नलिखित में से कौन भारतीय संविधान की ‘अद्वितीय विशेषता’ है? प्रस्तावना मौलिक अधिकार राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांत मौलिक कर्तव्य दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 2 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 और 4 केवल 3 Q.9) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कार्यक्रम या योजना राज्य के नीति निर्देशक सिद्धांतों को लागू करने का प्रयास करता है? गोजातीय प्रजनन और डेयरी विकास के लिए राष्ट्रीय कार्यक्रम (NPBBDD) कानूनी सेवा प्राधिकरण अधिनियम, 1987 मातृत्व लाभ अधिनियम, 1961 पहाड़ी क्षेत्र विकास कार्यक्रम दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 2 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 और 4 1, 2, 3 और 4 Q.10) मिनर्वा मिल्स केस (1980) में, सर्वोच्च न्यायालय के अनुसार, निम्नलिखित में से कौन सामाजिक क्रांति (social revolution) के लिए प्रतिबद्धता का मूल नहीं है। मौलिक अधिकार मौलिक कर्तव्य राज्य नीति के निर्देशक सिद्धांत नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 3 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz Q.1) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा युग्म सही रूप से सुमेलित है? समाचारों में स्थान राज्यों / संघ राज्य क्षेत्रों फोटोकसर - लद्दाख रूपकुंड - हिमाचल प्रदेश ब्रह्म ताल - उत्तराखंड सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.2) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें तथा संरक्षित क्षेत्र की पहचान करें। यह अरावली पहाड़ियों में स्थित है। यहाँ किसी को एक कांकेरी किले के खंडहर और 10 वीं शताब्दी के नीलकंठ मंदिर मिल सकते हैं। सही कूट का चयन करें: सरिस्का टाइगर रिजर्व रणथंभौर राष्ट्रीय उद्यान मुकुंदरा हिल्स टाइगर रिजर्व असोला भट्टी वन्यजीव अभयारण्य Q.3) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें और नदी की पहचान करें यह केरल की सबसे लंबी नदी है। इसे प्राचीन लिपियों और दस्तावेजों में "पेरार" (Peraar) भी कहा जाता है। यह एक पश्चिम की ओर बहने वाली नदी है। सही कूट का चयन करें: पेरियार नदी निला नदी (Nila River) पम्पा नदी (Pampa River) काबिनी नदी Q.4) ‘साइलेंट वैली गॉर्ज’ (Silent Valley Gorge) निम्नलिखित में से किस राज्य से संबंधित है? ओडिशा कर्नाटक तमिलनाडु उत्तराखंड Q.5) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा युग्म सही रूप से सुमेलित है? कला शहर / राज्य लकड़ी के खिलौने और लाख के बर्तन (lacquerware) - चन्नपटना, कर्नाटक रोज़वुड जड़े हुए शिल्प (Rosewood inlay craft)- मैसूर, कर्नाटक नक्षि कंठ (Nakshi Kantha) - औरंगाबाद, महाराष्ट्र सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी उत्तर डाउनलोड करने के लिए नीचे क्लिक करें - Click Here

Jun 16, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 6]

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 16, 2020 Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - POLITY [Day 6]

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 16, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 2 Questions[16th June,2020] - Day 6

Hello Friends, Welcome toIASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies 2 Questions[16th June, 2020] - Day 6 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. 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। 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। 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। 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 :)

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