Oct 21, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [20th OCTOBER,2020] Day 8: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE SYNOPSIS [20th OCTOBER,2020] Day 8: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) 1. What do you understand by multi-level planning? What are its benefits? How has it evolved in India? Discuss. Approach: As the directive is discuss, a candidate is expected to discuss various perspectives and present a logical argument. For introduction, candidate can adopt an approach where he/she defines the multi-level planning and then in brief explains how it is beneficial. In main body part, candidate has to write in detail on multi-level planning and its benefits. In the later part of body candidate has to explain how it is evolved in India besides explaining its benefits and drawbacks with respect to India and in general, along with it a way forward while explaining how it can be utilised more efficiently for betterment of India.  Introduction: Multi-level Planning (MLP) opposed to centralized planning is an exercise where local institutions are actively involved not only at the implementation level but MLP is a more integrative effort that seeks to involve all hierarchies of administrative, geographical, political and regional levels in the planning process. It is more beneficial than centralised planning as it ensures people's active participation, cost effectiveness, checks corruption, maintains regional parties and balances etc. Body: It seeks to ensure the active participation of the lower hierarchical levels in information generation, data collection, policy suggestions, plan implementation & monitoring of all developmental activities. With respect to India, various levels of planning in India are as follows: at National level, at State level, at district level, at Block level and at village level.  A planning process can be either single-level or multi-level. In the single-level planning, the formulation of plans and decision making are done at the national level; the process is centralized and the lower territorial levels come into the picture only at the implementation stage. Whereas, in the multi-level planning process, the national territory is divided into small territorial units, their number depending upon the size of the country, the administrative, the geographical and cultural settings. The concept of multi-level regional planning may be defined as 'planning for a variety of regions which together form a system and subordinate systems'. In such plans, there is direct participation of the people in the planning process. In multi-level planning, every region/unit constitutes a system and hence, the planning process becomes more effective. Similarly, the higher-level regional plans provide the basic frame-work for the lower-level plans. In multi-level planning, the various levels of planning provide bases for higher-level planning. which can be observed in Figure 1 below. Figure 1: Multi-level planning  Benefits of Multi-Level Planning:  Financial integration of all levels takes place because of responsibility sharing.  Active popular participation increases: As a natural corollary to the decentralisation of planning, mechanisms for peoples' involvement need to be intensively explored for each level for more 'relevant' policy since interests cannot be adequately articulated without the active participation of people who are the intended beneficiaries. Affordable operations: Multi-level planning is expected to make operations affordable by providing better linkages between relevant sectors and ready access to required information, which would remove many implementation blockages. Addresses regional disparities and imbalances: Through inclusive decisions, Multi-level planning is expected to reduce regional disparities and bring more equity in development, since the chief factor behind persistent regional imbalances has been diagnosed as an unstudied application of the macro plan at micro levels without necessary modifications/detailing by the local development planners to address the particular requirements of an area/target group. Checks Corruption: Corruption is a persistent problem. For instance, the main problem with poverty alleviation programs has been the identification of beneficiaries and articulation of their needs, which has been far from orderly. Omissions/commissions alleged/inadvertent have largely thwarted efforts. Addresses local demands: Local development planners can decide on the territorial level based on its needs and requirements, viz. gram sabha, Samiti or Zilla Parishad, where a function can be performed with maximum impact and economy. Realisation of "Gram Swaraj": As per the MLP approach, the establishment of local "self-government" would renew local administration, which would have positive spin-off effects on business generally. It's in general realisation of Gandhji's dream of 'Gram Swaraj', as people at local level take their own decisions and govern themselves.  Evolution of Multi-level planning in India:  The 1st and 2nd Five Year Plans (FYP) gave the concept of community development where planning scope was expanded from mere law & order maintenance towards welfare and development oriented objectives.  In 1960's formal lower level organisations were recognised because in 1957 Balwant Rai Mehta committee recommended 3 tier Panchayati Raj system for decentralisation and effective democracy.  In 1967, ARC suggested that district level planning should be related to local area planning. Every plan must indicate resource availability at local level. Districts should have authority to decide sectorial financial outlay.  In 1978, Dantewala working group suggested block level planning while Ashok Mehta Committee recommended strengthening of planning at Jila Parishad level by placing district level officers under DRDA (District Rural Development Agency). Today DRDA is at the lowest level in plan implementation.  In 1982 Hanumantharao committee suggested Sharing resources for administrative and financial independence. The main objective of this kind of recommendations was to absorb local labour surpluses and greater involvement of people in the formulation and implementation of development plans. Hence, by the end of 1983 adopt system of block-level planning integrated into national system was available. In 1985 Sarkaria commission suggested for setting up of state finance commissions for financing of districts.  At the apex of multilevel planning, in 1992, 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments took place to planning as a subject devolved up to local levels.  Here, Panchayati Raj institutions attained Constitutional status with mandates as was envisaged under Article 40 of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).  Further to this development, PESA was enacted by Government of India to cover the "Scheduled Areas", which are not covered in the 73rd Constitutional amendment. This particular act extends the provisions of Part IX to the Scheduled Areas of the country. PESA brought powers further down to the Gram Sabha level. In this way evolution of multi-level planning in India took place. However, it has some drawbacks which needs to be addressed. Though powers are devolved to local levels, they are not that much empowered to act decisively. For instance, a village Panchayat has very low economic resources to collect as a tax or revenue from the people.  Due to this they are more of dependent on the state governments and central governments for finances. Hence, their decision making also gets hampered. Sometimes planning at local levels gets hijacked by the dominating class, which makes vulnerable classes more vulnerable and pushes them out of decision making process.  Conclusion: In determining appropriate area levels, there is a need to take into account not only planning requirements in terms of techniques and processes but also social, political and administrative structures. There is a need to introduce Constitutional provisions to ensure continuity and authenticity to such arrangements, particularly in regard to elections for bodies at sub-state levels which will help us to realise Gandhiji's dream of 'Swaraj' in true sense.  2. How can e-governance initiatives empower Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI). Illustrate. Approach:  One needs to explain about e-governance or facts (e-governance) in the Introduction. In body, objective of e-governance initiatives in empowering Panchayat Raj Institution. (Student needs to mention the examples as well). Illustrate: Such an answer will generally involve the use of many examples, such as tables, figures, graphs, or concrete research statistics and evidence. The aim is to use these examples to demonstrate knowledge of the subject of the question and to further explain or clarify your answer). Introduction: E-Governance is the application of Information Technology to improve the ability of the government to address the needs of society. It includes the publishing of policy and program-related information to transact with citizens, integration of various stand-alone systems between government to citizen (G2C), government-to-business (G2B), and government-to-government (G2G). It extends beyond the provision of online services and covers the use of IT for strategic planning and reaching the development goals of the government.  (Note: One can also explain about e-governance providing facts (ranking or performance of PRIs pre-digitalization or post-digitalization)) Body: National e-Governance Plan was launched with the objective “Make all Public Services accessible to the common man in his locality, through common service delivery outlets and ensure efficiency, transparency and reliability of such services at affordable costs to realize the basic needs of the common man”. (To reduce the word limit, students can use the block diagram) Figure: Objectives of e-governance Some of the e-governance initiatives which help to bring governance in PRI mentioned below: E-Panchayat – This Project intends to improve quality of governance in PRIs. Further, it also enhances the coordination between Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India and PRIs. The central objective of this project is to ensure local area development and strengthen local self-governance by providing variety of services to its stakeholders. Bhoomi Project (Karnataka government’s initiative): Online Delivery of Land Records, Bhoomi is a self-sustainable e-Governance project for the computerized delivery of 20 million rural land records to 6.7 million farmers of Karnataka. It helps farmers to access instant information about the land. KHETI – The Knowledge Help Extension Technology Initiative – This Information Communication and Technology (ICT) design solution, has helped to bridge socio-economic divide digitally. KHETI uses participatory interactive designing methodologies which have resulted in a customized solution for so called ‘less privileged groups’ such as poor farmers. PFMS, e-FMS & Geo-tagging – has been stated for bringing transparency & accountability in management of finances available to Panchayat under Fourteenth Finance Commission award, helps in financial inclusion. Digital Inclusiveness in Auditing a Success Story – Good governance practices of e-initiative in the field of audit has revealed effectively the responsiveness and accountability to public money and its usage issues. This has aired the spirit of transparency and inclusiveness with the financial governance agenda. There has been success in e-auditing application by the state of Madhya Pradesh in MGNREGS fund monitoring. Every individual are getting benefited and helped to reduce the ghost accounts. Sevana is a major software solution developed by Information Kerala Mission (IKM). The Sevana civil registration is utilized to register deaths and births in Panchayats and municipalities. Through these kiosks, deaths and births are registered instantly. Citizen can download birth/death certificates within 24 hours of registration at the kiosk. It helps to reduce the travelling time of the public to the nodal office, Increases the efficiency.   Sulekha software was developed to monitor the annual plans of local government institutions in the State. Annual plans are prepared, evaluated and approved in a time bound manner through this software. It is helping to provide the better service to citizen. Conclusion: The effective decentralization lies in its contribution towards people’s empowerment by way of providing them a significant role in decision-making and in the entire process of governance. Implementing ICT in the governance will helps to achieve political democracy.  3. What are the merits of Indian federalism? With the help of suitable examples, explain the ways in which India’s federal polity has shaped governance. Approach: It expects students to write about merits of Indian federalism in the first part. In the second half write about ways in which India’s federal polity has shaped governance with the help of examples.  Introduction: The term federalism refers to the constitutionally allocated distribution of powers between two or more levels of government in the modern nation-state system. In the words of Granville Austin Indian federalism is cooperative federalism, which is exemplified by innovations like interstate council, GST council and NITI Aayog.  Body:  Merits of Indian federalism:  The most salient aspect of a federal form of government is that the governments at both the national and the state level function in their respective jurisdictions with considerable independence from one another. Division of Powers: In a federation both the federal and state governments are independent and autonomous in the spheres of their powers. 'One is not subordinate to the other. Both derive their powers from the constitution which is the supreme law of the land. The powers enjoyed by the units are, therefore, original and not delegated by the centre. E.g. Schedule 7 divided subjects under union, state and concurrent areas. Separate Government: In a federal form of government both the centre and the units have their separate set of governmental apparatus like state legislature or Gram Sabha. Still all India services provide connect between them. Written constitution and amendment regarding federal issue need consent of at least half number of states. Supreme Court also regarded federalism as part of basic structure doctrine; it helps in decentralized form of government. States cannot secede from Indian union; single citizenship allows Indians to reside in any part of the country yet states can make special provisions for reservations for domiciled residents. A Better Understanding of Local Issues and Demands: State Governments can be More Responsive to Citizen Needs. The closer a government entity is to its citizens, the more likely it is the respond to the needs of citizens.  Protection against Tyranny: Spreading the national government’s power among three branches that serve as a check and balance on each other, is that it serves as a deterrent to tyranny and runaway power.     Linguistic reorganization of states yet there is no ‘one language-one state’ formula. Concurrent powers improve cooperation and collaboration among union and states.  Competitive spirit among states proves healthy for overall development. Post 1991, state governments now got relative autonomy to initiate business endeavors and bring in foreign investments to their respective states. Ways in which India’s federal polity shaped governance:  Nations are described as federal or unitary, depending on the way in which governance is organized. Governance is nothing but process of decision making and implementation.  Decentralization of governance: The diverse regional aspirations have managed to constantly assert themselves, resulting in the decentralization of governance in India. E.g. creation of new states, Autonomous district councils. Effective and efficient governance: India realized one size fits all approach cannot sustain. Importance of states in economic development policies, replacement of powerful planning commission by more facilitating NITI Aayog.  Innovation in Law and Policy: Indian union and states adopted each other’s best practices of policy to replicate in their own jurisdiction. E.g. Mid day meal scheme of Tamilnadu. It also facilitated to create new system altogether. E.g. Policy innovations like GST council. Participatory governance: 73rd and 74th constitutional amendment helped to increase participatory democracy in India. Federal structure also helped to bring consensus based governance at grass root level.  Accountability and transparency in governance also improved due to federalism as government went close to people. In apparatus like Gram Sabha, it is lot more easy to ask question to representatives.  The most important moment for federalism in this phase is the revelation of the vital role of state governments on the ground in managing the COVID-19 crisis. After initial challenges, the Union government ceded adequate space and autonomy to the states for strengthening their healthcare facilities, managing the localized lockdowns, and implementing social security measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.  However, there is need to bring some reforms to improve federal governance in India like the contentious role of the governor in suppressing the states for the Centre’s interest needs to be reviewed, proper utilization of the institutional mechanism of the Inter-state Council must be ensured to develop political goodwill between the Centre and the states on contentious policy issues and the gradual widening of the fiscal capacity of the states has to be legally guaranteed Conclusion: In culturally diverse, developing countries like India; federalism is chosen not merely for administrative requirements but for the very survival of the nation. Strong federalism and good governance are necessary to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16 as it is dedicated to improvement in governance, inclusion, participation, rights, and security. 4. With its focus on equity and critical learning, NEP addresses present, future challenges. Elucidate. Approach: It expects students to write - in first part about present challenges faced by Indian education system - in second part write how different provisions of NEP addressed present and future challenges while focusing equity and critical learning. In end write 1-2 points about few lacunas.   Introduction: The Union Cabinet approved the National Education Policy (NEP) in July 2020. This policy will usher in sweeping changes to the education policy of the country, including a renaming of the Ministry of Human Resource Development as the Education Ministry. The NEP 2020 aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower”. Body: Currently Indian Education system faces following challenges:  School Education Inadequate public funding in the sector. Disproportionate focus on school infrastructure as opposed to learning outcomes. Challenges in governance and monitoring mechanisms for learning outcomes. Accountability systems in government schools. Inadequate teacher training, large number of teaching vacancies and rampant absenteeism. Limited options for vocational education in the school system. Inadequate support and counselling given to children in schools. Higher education Outdated and multiple regulatory mechanisms limit innovation and progressive change. Outdated curriculum results in a mismatch between education and job market requirements, dampens students’ creativity and hampers the development of their analytical abilities. Quality assurance or accreditation mechanisms are inadequate. There is no policy framework for participation of foreign universities in higher education. There is no overarching funding body to promote and encourage research and innovation. Public funding in the sector remains inadequate. There are a large number of faculty posts lying vacant, for example in central universities, nearly 33 per cent of teacher posts were vacant in March 2018; faculty training is inadequate. NEP 2020 addressed present and future challenges by focusing on equity and critical learning as follows: NEP is important for several quantitative, and more importantly, qualitative changes. These range from pre-school to higher education with thrust on practicality and skill development; breaking the stereotypical divide of arts, commerce and science streams in high school; reorganising schooling years; making the education system more inclusive; permission to foreign universities to establish branches in India; and thrust on Indian and ancient languages.  Other transformative changes relate to education in the local language or mother tongue at least up to the fifth grade and if possible, eighth and beyond; universal access and early childhood education; curriculum change leading to learning outcomes (LOs) and competencies; stress on equity, gender, special needs and promotion of multilingualism. It focuses on early child development, the endeavour to reduce the dropout rate, putting in place different forms of assessment, the emphasis on essential learning and critical thinking and the centrality of the teacher and teacher education.  The NEP will bring two crore out-of-school children back into the mainstream. The policy aims at a 100 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030 and 50 GER in higher education by 2025 – it’s currently about 25 per cent. Some elements of the overarching Universal Access to Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) framework relate to the NCERT’s National Curricular and Pedagogical Framework for Early Childhood Education (NCPFECE). It also involves aligning NCPFECE with the latest research on ECCE and national and international best practices. The integration of vocational education with basic education in all institutions by identifying focus areas based on skills gap analysis and mapping of local opportunities will develop entrepreneurial competencies. Innovations in the higher education ecosystem include high-quality universities and colleges, multidisciplinary education, learning optimisation, extension of the graduate course from three to four years, multiple entry and exit points, college teachers’ education, replacement of the UGC, AICTE and NAAC, dispensing with the MPhil programme and the proposed National Research Foundation. The key principles of the NEP relate to accessibility, equality, accountability, affordability, and quality of education.  The “fragmented” ecosystem of higher education will be integrated once NEP’s vision of combining different institutions into multidisciplinary universities and “higher education institution clusters” or “knowledge hubs” is realised. By upgrading the digital infrastructure, emphasising on learning at your own pace and underlining the importance of online courses, the NEP attempts to bridge the digital divide. The policy talks of solving mathematics problems through a variety of innovative methods, including the regular use of puzzles and games. There is a provision to teach coding at the middle-school level.  The philosophy of access, equity, infrastructure, governance and learning has ultimately to be grounded in action to drive India’s growth, modernisation and structural transformation. The policy justifiably aims to increase the spending on education from the current 3.2 per cent of GDP to 6 per cent of the GDP.   However, mobilising funds could be difficult because of the resource crunch, low tax-to-GDP ratio, kick-starting the economy, strife with neighbours and competing development requirements. The policy’s success will also hinge on its integration with the government’s other polices — the New Industrial Policy, Digital India, Skill India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and the “vocal for local” programme. Conclusion: NEP 2020 present wide-ranging reforms in the policy are aimed at making the Indian education system more contemporary and skill-oriented. Proper implementation of the reforms and ideas envisioned in the NEP 2020 will fundamentally transform India. With the emphasis on knowledge-economy driven growth in the 21st century, this is precisely what India needs to dominate in the future decades of growth and drive the education requirements of our young population. 5. The Quad offers a great opportunity for reforming China-centred economic globalisation. Comment. Approach: As the directive is comment, it is important to pick out the main points and give one's opinion based on the information or the arguments originated from the reading. One should take a neutral ground and write facts and viewpoints. Introduction for this question may start with explanation of what is quad, what are subsequent developments and what is the main focus of this group.  Introduction: The Quad, or the quadrilateral security dialogue between India, US, Japan and Australia, is now emblematic of the geopolitical churn in the eastern hemisphere. Less noted but equally significant is its geo-economic agenda that has drawn South Korea, Vietnam and New Zealand into the post-pandemic consultations in the so-called "Quad Plus" format. In both the domains, China is the natural focus. Body: The policy discourse is about blunting Beijing’s ambition to exercise regional hegemony and preventing it from bending the global economic order in China’s favour. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia with a shared objective to ensure and support a “free, open and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region. The idea of Quad was first mooted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. However, the idea couldn’t move ahead with Australia pulling out of it, apparently due to Chinese pressure. In December 2012, Shinzo Abe again floated the concept of Asia’s “Democratic Security Diamond” involving Australia, India, Japan and the US to safeguard the maritime commons from the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. In November 2017, India, the US, Australia and Japan gave shape to the long-pending "Quad" Coalition to develop a new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in the Indo-Pacific free of any influence (especially China). China has been the chief beneficiary of the globalisation of the world economy which began accelerating since the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s.   This phase of relatively free movement of capital and technology and goods and services enabled China to transform itself into a low-cost manufacturing hub for the world.  It became an export powerhouse leveraging its access to the large consuming markets of the US, Europe and Japan. Thanks to its brand of state capitalism and managed markets, China emerged relatively unscathed from the global financial and economic crisis (GFEC) of 2007-8 while the advanced capitalist economies of the West faced prolonged disruption and stagnation. The Western consensus behind globalisation has been eroded as competition from China has sharpened. As China, accelerated its ambition of becoming a world super power through its Belt and Road Initiative, Cheque book diplomacy etc. and by becoming a hub of global manufacturing industry. Due to this there is a rise in protectionist sentiments in the West, a greater scrutiny of inward investment particularly for acquisitions in the high-tech sector, and growing sensitivity over loss of intellectual property to Chinese firms. Also, Chinese aggression with its neighbours regarding Land boundary and maritime boundary issues forced the global leaders to think about opening a wide front against China on diplomatic table.  QUAD a great opportunity for reforming China-centred economic globalisation:  As of now, it is an ad hoc grouping that has the potential to develop itself into a full-fledged economic and security-based international organisation. It is clear by now that India’s foreign and domestic policies have started countering China’s rise with the banning of several Chinese Apps and upholding the 'self-reliance' model of economic growth. The US has described China, along with Russia, as a strategic rival in its National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and the Pentagon’s report on Indo-Pacific Strategy. Quad is an opportunity for like-minded countries to share notes and collaborate on projects of mutual interest. Members share a vision of an open and free Indo-Pacific. Each is involved in development and economic projects as well as in promoting maritime domain awareness and maritime security. It is one of the many avenues for interaction among India, Australia, Japan and the US and should not be seen in an exclusive context. Confronting an expansive Chinese aggression on its frontiers and Beijing’s growing strategic influence in the subcontinent and the Indian Ocean, Its and opportunity for Delhi to explore security coalition-building with its Quad partners. India has also been a pioneer in economic decoupling from China. For instance, its withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in 2019 and its opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative first articulated in 2017. USA has laid out a comprehensive framework for addressing the ideological, political, economic, technological and security challenges posed by China. But disentangling the web of economic interdependence woven over the last four decades is not easy. Free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region serves the long-term interests of all countries in the region and of the world at large. Hence, Quad shows a great potential to check China’s ambitions be it in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. However, global community is of the opinion that China’s rise cannot be halted but can only be countered with an equally strong economic and security-oriented organisation and the Quad fits the setting. However, some of the following challenges persists in-front of QUAD grouping.  Undefined Vision: Despite the potential for cooperation, the Quad remains a mechanism without a defined strategic mission. Maritime Dominated: The entire focus on the Indo-Pacific makes the Quad a maritime, rather than a land-based grouping or an economic counter grouping, raising questions whether the cooperation extends to the Asia-Pacific and Eurasian regions. India’s Aversion of Alliance System: The fact that India is the only member that is averse to a treaty alliance system, has slowed down the progress of building a stronger Quadrilateral engagement. Conclusion: The challenge before the quad grouping lies in finding areas of mutual interest. However, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe’s "Confluence of Two Seas” address to the Indian Parliament gave a fresh impetus to the Quad concept. Which recognises the economic rise of India at par with the developed nations in the west. Hence, QUAD holds the potential to reform China-centred economic globalisation besides ensuring a multi-polar world.  TLP HOT Synopsis Day 8 PDF

Oct 21, 2020 Yojana

IAS UPSC YOJANA & KURUKSHETRA Magazine ‘SEPTEMBER’ 2020

Archives Hello Friends, Here we are with the SEPTEMBER 2020, edition of Yojana and Kurukshetra. Yojana/Kurukshetra: SEPTEMBER 2020 – Download  

Oct 21, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st October 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Asafoetida (Heeng) cultivation to be introduced in India Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy; Agriculture In news CSIR constituent laboratory, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, recently made history by introducing asafoetida (Heeng) cultivation in Indian Himalayan region. Key takeaways The cultivation shall take place in the Lahaul valley in Himachal Pradesh. India imports about 1200 tonnes of raw asafoetida annually from Afghanistan, Iran and Uzbekistan and spends approximately 100 million USD per year. CSIR-IHBT has now introduced six accessions of seeds from Iran through ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi. In the past thirty years, this has been the first attempt for introduction of asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) seeds in the country. However, the challenge for the scientists is that heeng seeds remain under a prolonged dormant phase and the rate of seed germination is just 1%. Important value additions Heeng It is a herbaceous plant of the umbelliferae family.  It is a perennial plant. Its oleo gum resin is extracted from its thick roots and rhizome. The plant stores most of its nutrients inside its deep fleshy roots. It is endemic to Iran and Afghanistan, which are also the main global suppliers of it.  It thrives in dry and cold desert conditions.  It can tolerate temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees. It can also survive in temperatures up to minus 4 degrees. Ideal growth conditions: Sandy soil, very little moisture and annual rainfall of not more than 200mm  However, during extreme weather, the plant can get dormant. It has medicinal properties, including relief for digestive, spasmodic and stomach disorders, asthma and bronchitis. The herb is used to help with painful or excessive bleeding during menstruation and premature labour. Do you know? Asafoetida is one of the top condiments and is a high value spice crop in India. Although there are about 130 species of Ferula found in the world, only Ferula assa-foetida is the economically important species used for the production of asafoetida. In India, Ferula assa-foetida is not found, but other species Ferula jaeschkeana is reported from the western Himalaya (Chamba, HP), and Ferula narthex from Kashmir and Ladakh Ayushman Sahakar scheme launched Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health In news Ayushman Sahakar scheme was recently launched. Launched by: Ministry for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Formulated by: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), the apex autonomous development finance institution under the Ministry of Agriculture. It is a unique scheme to assist cooperatives to play an important role in creation of healthcare infrastructure in the country. Key takeaways NCDC would extend term loans to prospective cooperatives to the tune of Rs.10, 000 Crore in the coming years. There are about 52 hospitals across the country run by cooperatives. The NCDC fund would give a boost to provision of healthcare services by cooperatives. Ayushman Sahakar specifically covers establishment, modernization, expansion, repairs, renovation of hospitals and healthcare and education infrastructure. Any Cooperative Society with suitable provision in its byelaws to undertake healthcare related activities would be able to access the NCDC fund.  NCDC assistance will flow either through the State Governments/ UT Administrations or directly to the eligible cooperatives. The scheme shall provide working capital and margin money to meet operational requirements. The scheme shall also provide interest subvention of 1% to women majority cooperatives. It is in line with the National Digital Health Mission and National Health Policy, 2017. Do you know? NCDC was set up under an Act of Parliament in 1963 for promotion and development of cooperatives.  Since 1963, it has extended around Rs.1.60 lakh crore as loans to cooperatives. District Development Councils (DDCs) to be set up in J&K Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Governance In news The Central Government recently amended the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. The amendment shall facilitate the setting up of District Development Councils (DDC). The members will be directly elected by voters in J&K. Key takeaways The DDCs will act as a new unit of governance in J&K.  This structure will include a DDC and a District Planning Committee (DPC). J&K Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996, have also been amended to establish DDCs. This system shall replace the District Planning and Development Boards in all districts. It will also prepare and approve district plans and capital expenditure. The term of the DDC will be five years.  The electoral process will allow for reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women. The Additional District Development Commissioner (or the Additional DC) of the district shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the District Development Council. CMIE data highlights paradoxes in Indian Economy Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Economy In news Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) data has recently highlighted some paradoxes for India during the economic recovery after the lockdown.  Key takeaways The data shows that there is a revival in employment but a fall in labour force participation.  However, the usual trend is when more people find jobs, a greater number should have looked for jobs. This unusual trend could be due to a rural-urban disaggregation of the data.  Rural India is seeing an increase in jobs due to post harvest activity whereas employment in urban India is decreasing. Besides, better quality and higher paying jobs in urban areas are not available. These are getting replaced by lower-paid rural jobs. This also points to the fact that a reversal of migration back to the cities is not happening as expected level. The lower rates of supply side due to lockdown have led to an increase in headline inflation leading to increase in food prices. However, there is a rise in core inflation also which is unusual. Ideally, the reduced demand due to lockdown should have decreased core inflation. Also, households have reported better prospects or hopes for the future. Do you know? Headline inflation is a measure of the total inflation within an economy, including commodities such as food and energy prices. Core inflation is the change in the costs of goods and services but does not include those from the food and energy sectors. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2,3: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests. Strategic implications of Bangladesh’s economic rise Context:  The International Monetary Fund’s latest update on the World Economic Outlook. Key Findings of Report In the IMF’s estimation, in 2020, growth of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) will witness a contraction of over 10% But more than the sharp contraction, what has caught everyone’s attention is that in 2020, the per capita income of an average Bangladeshi citizen would be more than the per capita income of an average Indian citizen. For Critical analysis of the report from economic perspective: Click Here Five key Strategic implications of Bangladesh’s economic success are: Altering the International Perception of Subcontinent First, rapid and sustained economic growth in Bangladesh has begun to alter the world’s mental maps of the subcontinent. Over the last five decades and more, South Asia, for most purposes, has meant India and Pakistan. The economic rise of Bangladesh is changing some of that. Changing Weights of Pakistan & Bangladesh in region The second implication is about the changing economic weights of Bangladesh and Pakistan in South Asia.  A decade ago, Pakistan’s economy was $60 billion larger than Bangladesh. Today, Bangladesh’s weight is bigger than Pakistan by the same margin.  A US dollar today gets you 85 Bangladeshi taka and 162 Pakistani rupees. The trend is unlikely to change in future: Bangladesh has controlled its population growth and Pakistan has not. Dhaka has a grip over its inflation and Islamabad does no Scope for acceleration Regional Integration in India’s East Third, Bangladesh’s economic growth can accelerate regional integration in the eastern subcontinent.  Instead of merely praying for the revival of Saarc, Delhi could usefully focus on promoting regionalism among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal. Attracting Investments Fourth, the economic success of Bangladesh is drawing attention from a range of countries in East Asia, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.  The US, which traditionally focused on India and Pakistan, has woken up to the possibilities in Bangladesh. Impetus to India’s Act East Policy Finally, the economic rise of Bangladesh could boost India’s national plans to accelerate the development of its eastern and north-eastern states.  Bangladesh’s economy is now one-and-a-half times as large as that of West Bengal; better integration between the two would provide a huge boost for eastern India. So would connectivity between India’s landlocked Northeast and Bangladesh. Conclusion In using Dhaka’s impressive economic performance to attack Delhi’s government, India is missing the bigger story about the strategic consequences of Bangladesh’s economic rise Connecting the dots: SAARC vs BIMSTEC 1971 Indo-Pakistan war and the lingering Bangladeshi migrant issue INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: General Studies 3: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.  India-US defence deals Context:  India and the US are preparing for the third 2+2 ministerial meeting (Defence & Foreign Ministers of both countries) In the last two meetings, agreements known as LEMOA and COMCASA were signed One of the items on the agenda of this year’s (2020) 2+2 meeting will be the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) — a pact with deep military implications.  What is BECA? The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement largely pertains to geospatial intelligence, and sharing information on maps and satellite images for defence.  Anyone who sails a ship, flies an aircraft, fights wars, locates targets, responds to natural disasters, or even navigates with a cellphone relies on geospatial intelligence. Signing BECA will allow India to use the US’s advanced geospatial intelligence and enhance the accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones.  It will give access to topographical and aeronautical data and products that will aid navigation and targeting. To use an everyday example, just like an Uber cab needs a good GPS to reach its destination quickly and efficiently, BECA will provide Indian military systems with a high-quality GPS to navigate and missiles with real-time intelligence to precisely target the adversary. This could be key for Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation. About the Other two agreements LEMOA: The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement  It was signed between India and the US in August 2016. It allows the military of each country to replenish from the other’s bases: access supplies, spare parts and services from the other country’s land facilities, air bases, and ports, which can then be reimbursed.  This is extremely useful for Navy-to-Navy cooperation, since the US and India are cooperating closely in the Indo-Pacific. Again, to put this simply, it is like going to a friend’s garage and workshop to refuel one’s car and getting repairs done. But, by doing this, one is also exposing one’s car and technology to the friend, and that requires trust. If signing LEMOA needed trust, its application enhances the trust. It took almost a decade to negotiate LEMOA.  COMCASA: The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement  It was signed in September 2018, after the first 2+2 dialogue. It allows the US to provide India with its encrypted communications equipment and systems so that Indian and US military commanders, aircraft and ships can communicate through secure networks in peace and war. To explain in lay terms again, it is like WhatsApp or Telegram for the two militaries, which is safe and real-time communication is possible hassle-free. COMCASA paved the way for transfer of communication security equipment from the US to India to facilitate “interoperability” between their forces — and potentially with other militaries that use US-origin systems for secure data links. So, what do these three pacts put together mean? LEMOA means one partner trusts the other enough to expose its valuable assets. COMCASA means one is confident that it can rely on encrypted systems to connect the two militaries. BECA means it can share highly classified information in real time without fear of being compromised.  All this signals the level of trust that has developed between the two countries and their militaries, faced with an increasingly aggressive China So, what does this mean in the context of the ongoing border standoff? Amid the longest stand-off on the India-China border in three decades, India and the US have intensified under-the-radar intelligence and military cooperation at an unprecedented level, especially since June. The cooperation includes sharing of high-end satellite images, telephone intercepts, and data sharing of Chinese troops and weapons deployment along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Indian defence establishment also has enhanced capability with some American equipment. The armed forces have used at least five American platforms at the LAC which are—  C-17 Globemaster III for military transport Boeing’s Chinook CH-47 as heavy-lift helicopters Boeing’s Apache as tank-killers P-8I Poseidon for overland reconnaissance Lockheed Martin’s C-130J for airlifting troops. Now, with these key defence pacts in place, cooperation can happen in a more structured and efficient way, rather than episodic. What are the obstacles/Challenges ahead? Apprehensions of US: The US wants India to move away from Russian equipment and platforms, as it feels this may expose its technology and information to Moscow.  So far, India is going ahead with the purchase of the S-400 air defence missile system from Russia, and this has been a sticking point for American interlocutors. Apprehensions of India: For its part, India is wary of Pakistan’s deep-rooted ties with Pentagon, and US dependence on Pakistan military for access to Afghanistan as well as its exit strategy. Conclusion Chinese aggressive behaviour being the clear and present danger, New Delhi’s strategic embrace of Washington is the obvious outcome. Every administration in the last 20 years have left the Indo-US relationship in a better shape than how they inherited it. Connecting the dots: Indo-US Nuclear deal and its progress (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 Ayushman Sahakar scehme was launched by which of the following Ministry? Ministry of Health Ministry of Education Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises Q.2 Consider the following statements: In India, Ferula assa-foetida is found but not cultivated. Assafoetida crop remains dormant under extreme weather conditions. Which of the above is or are correct?  1 only  2 only  Both 1 and 2  Neither 1 nor 2  ANSWERS FOR 21st October 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 A 3 A 4 B Must Read About India and Innovation potential: The Hindu On working of Foreigners Tribunal: The Hindu About Punjab’s three new farm bills: The Indian Express

Oct 21, 2020 MindMaps

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

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

Oct 21, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

Oct 21, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

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

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies 2 Questions[21st October, 2020] - Day 9   We will make sure, in the next 3 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. We are giving 5 Mains Questions on Daily basis so that every student can actively participate and keep your preparation focused. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE   Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. Bring out the most striking differences between the Indian and the US constitutions with respect to federalism, separation of powers and electoral system.  भारतीय और अमेरिकी संविधान में संघवाद, शक्तियों के पृथक्करण और चुनावी प्रणाली के संबंध में सबसे महत्वपूर्ण अंतर सामने लाएं। 2. How does the Indian Parliament ensure executive accountability? Explain with the help of suitable examples. भारतीय संसद कार्यकारी जवाबदेही कैसे सुनिश्चित करती है? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से समझाएँ। 3. Deference to parliamentary processes builds public trust. Do you agree? Comment in the light of the recent controversy related to the passing of important legislations in the parliament. संसदीय प्रक्रियाओं के प्रति समर्पण सार्वजनिक विश्वास का निर्माण करता है। क्या आप सहमत हैं? संसद में महत्वपूर्ण विधानों के पारित होने से संबंधित हालिया विवाद के प्रकाश में टिप्पणी करें। 4. The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the plight of working people in the informal sector in urban areas. What measures would you suggest to address it? Discuss.  कोरोनावायरस महामारी ने शहरी क्षेत्रों में अनौपचारिक क्षेत्र में कामकाजी लोगों की दुर्दशा को उजागर किया है। आप इसे सुलझाने करने के लिए क्या उपाय सुझाएंगे? चर्चा करें। 5. What are asset reconstruction companies? What role do they play in the economy? Discuss.  परिसंपत्ति पुनर्निर्माण कंपनियां क्या हैं? अर्थव्यवस्था में उनकी क्या भूमिका है? चर्चा करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Oct 20, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

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

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

Oct 20, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

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

Oct 20, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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

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

Oct 20, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

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

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies 2 Questions[20th October, 2020] - Day 8   We will make sure, in the next 3 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. We are giving 5 Mains Questions on Daily basis so that every student can actively participate and keep your preparation focused. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE   Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. What do you understand by multi-level planning? What are its benefits? How has it evolved in India? Discuss.  बहु-स्तरीय योजना से आप क्या समझते हैं? इसके क्या लाभ हैं? यह भारत में कैसे विकसित हुआ है? चर्चा करें। 2. How can e-governance initiatives empower Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)? Illustrate.  पंचायती राज संस्थाओं (PRI) को सशक्त बनाने के लिए ई-गवर्नेंस पहल कैसे मददगार हो सकती है? उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट करें। 3. What are the merits of Indian federalism? With the help of suitable examples, explain the ways in which India’s federal polity has shaped governance.  भारतीय संघवाद के गुण क्या हैं? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से संघीय राजनीति का भारतीय शासन पर प्रभाव की व्याख्या करें। 4. With its focus on equity and critical learning, NEP addresses present, future challenges. Elucidate.  समानता और महत्वपूर्ण शिक्षा पर अपने फोकस के साथ, एनईपी वर्तमान और भविष्य की चुनौतियों का समाधान करने में सक्षम है। स्पष्ट करें। 5. The Quad offers a great opportunity for reforming China-centred economic globalisation. Comment.  चीन केंद्रित आर्थिक वैश्वीकरण में सुधार के लिए क्वाड एक महान अवसर प्रदान करता है। टिप्पणी करें। P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)