Posts

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 67]

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

TLP Public Administration Optional

TLP [OPTIONAL]: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Paper 1- UPSC Mains Answer Writing [26th August, 2020] – Day 16

For Previous PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Topics Development Dynamics: Concept of development; changing profile of development administration; ‘Anti-development thesis; Bureaucracy and development; Strong state versus the market debate; Impact of liberalization on administration in developing countries; Women and development, the self-help group movement;   To know more about this initiative - Click Here SCHEDULE -> CLICK HERE 1. Women have been neglected from the top to bottom and length to breadth of administration. Comment critically.                                   20 marks (300 words) 2. A strong bureaucracy hinders development, but the development is impossible without bureaucracy. Discuss.                             10 marks (150 words) 

Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz - 2020: IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - GEOGRAPHY [Day 67]

For Previous Static Quiz (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE DAILY STATIC QUIZ will cover all the topics of Static/Core subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. This is a part of our recently launched, NEW INITIATIVE IASbaba’s INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020 – Road Map for the next 100 Days! FREE INITIATIVE! We will make sure, in the next 4 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Important Note After completing the 10 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken and solutions. Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) To take the Test - Click Here

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 3 Questions[26th August,2020] - Day 67

For Previous TLP (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2- ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies 3 Questions[26th August, 2020] - Day 67 This is a part of our recently launched, NEW INITIATIVE IASbaba’s INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020 – Road Map for the next 100 Days! FREE INITIATIVE! We will make sure, in the next 4 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. We are giving 3 Mains Questions on Daily basis (unlike our regular TLP which has 5 questions) so that every student can actively participate and keep your preparation focused. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE   Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. Evaluate the status of inland waterways in India. How can the untapped potential of waterways be exploited? What economic benefits would accrue with the expansion of waterways? Discuss.  भारत में अंतर्देशीय जलमार्ग की स्थिति का मूल्यांकन करें। जलमार्ग की अप्रयुक्त क्षमता का दोहन कैसे किया जा सकता है? जलमार्ग के विस्तार से क्या आर्थिक लाभ होंगे? चर्चा करें। 2. Do you support the idea of privatising the operations of railways? Substantiate your views with the help of suitable examples.  क्या आप रेलवे के संचालन के निजीकरण के विचार का समर्थन करते हैं? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से अपने विचारों को प्रतिस्थापित करें। 3. Airport modernisation has gained much momentum in the last few years. Why is it important to expand and upgrade the airport networks? Explain.  हवाई अड्डे के आधुनिकीकरण ने पिछले कुछ वर्षों में बहुत गति प्राप्त की है। हवाई अड्डे के नेटवर्क का विस्तार और उन्नयन क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है? समझाएं। 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 :)

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [24th August,2020] Day 65: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)

  SYNOPSIS [24th August,2020] Day 65: IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2): UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)   1. Can a market driven economy ensure the welfare of citizens, especially the poor populations, during times of distress? Critically comment. क्या बाजार संचालित अर्थव्यवस्था संकट के समय नागरिकों, विशेष रूप से गरीब आबादी के कल्याण को सुनिश्चित कर सकती है? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें। Demand of the question – You need to comment on both sides of argument where in a market driven economy’s effectiveness in terms of welfare of citizens, especially the poor populations is highlighted during times of distress like the present times. Introduction As the coronavirus continues its march around the world, governmental measures to stop the virus have severed the flow of goods and people, stalled economies, and in the process have raised questions on market economy’s role in welfare of citizens, especially the poor sections during such times of distress. Body A market economy, also known as a free market or free enterprise, is a system in which economic decisions, such as the prices of goods and services, are determined by supply and demand. The forces and the flaws that threaten the market economy arise within a complex and dynamic socio-political system which generates positive and negative feedback loops.  This feedback loop is disrupted during times of distress like one’s induced by external factors to market economy like present Covid-19 crisis or like one’s induced by internal forces in market economy like the 2008 financial crisis. A market driven economy can ensure the welfare of citizens, especially the poor populations, during times of distress in the following manner: Unlike other types of economies, a market economy increases the efficiency of government. Their limited role promotes increased efficiency of government in critical roles, especially during emergency situation. Eg- Governments focusing on basic essential services to citizens during lockdowns due to COVID pandemic. Increased productivity is also associated with a market economy. Such a phenomenon helps during times of distress as the surplus helps in fighting off the pressures of the situation. Eg- Increase in manufacture of PPE kits in India during the times of COVID. A country with a market economy also has increased innovation. Consequently, such an innovative attitude is essential during times of distress for improved ability to fight off the problem. Eg- Innovative new ways of manufacturing ventilators as well as new solutions to problems due to pandemic like work from home. Market economies also foster an environment of growth and innovation of wide ranging products which become effective tools in fighting a common global problem for welfare of citizens as well as poor populations. Eg- Cheaper tests during the ongoing pandemic. But at the same time, market economies also become a hindrance in the measures towards welfare of citizens, especially poor populations, due to the following factors: Asymmetric information, also known as "information failure," which typically manifests when the seller of a good or service possesses greater knowledge than the buyer. During times of distress, a market economy has comparatively lesser avenues towards tackling such issues where invariably the poor are worst affected. Wealth inequality is a recurring issue in market economies where workers don’t earn enough to save for a rainy day. Compounding the problem is that workers often need to work to earn the money necessary to survive and support themselves and their families. In times of distress like during the COVID pandemic, lockdown led to closing of all revenue earning sources for workers. Given the policy response of the national lockdown to arrest the spread of the virus, it is plausible to assert that children from the poorest strata will succumb to dietary shock both in terms of quantity as well as quality. These shocks can be possible weight-loss among children of the poorest households, including casual labourers.  Currently, it is estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in history, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries and all continents. Here, poor populations are most affected as they lack alternative tools for learning. Way Forward-  Directing the policy focus towards the poorest section is recommended as they are most vulnerable to these shocks and economic distress.  Ensuring smooth and uninterrupted supply of nutritious meals and food supplements is particularly imperative to maintain the nutritional status of poor children.  Measures such as direct cash benefits/transfers to those from the lowest economic strata, as done by the government a few months ago, may need to be extended.  Enabling ground-level functionaries (ASHA, AWWs) to maintain their active participation in preserving ongoing nutrition efforts will also be critical. Conclusion Effective disaster risk financing instruments and strategies can be developed by joining hands with other market economies. Thus, a well-designed social insurance scheme can become a permanent feature in market economy which can assist the poor in times of distress, alleviating poverty and increasing prosperity by safeguarding development gains. 2. What is the present policy of disinvestment being pursued by the Government? What are your views on this policy? Is it healthy for the economy in general? Critically comment. सरकार द्वारा विनिवेश की वर्तमान नीति क्या है? इस नीति पर आपके क्या विचार हैं? क्या यह सामान्य रूप से अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए अच्छी है? समालोचनात्मक टिप्पणी करें। Demand of the question – The existing policy of disinvestment is to be commented upon where your views on this policy are to be discussed and also it’s utility for economy in general where both sides of the arguments are to be focused upon. Introduction Disinvestment means sale or liquidation of assets by the government, usually Central and state public sector enterprises, projects, or other fixed assets. It introduces competition and market discipline and helps to depoliticize non-essential services. This policy has undergone wide ranging changes during recent times in India. Body Disinvestment in India is aimed at reducing the financial burden on the government due to the inefficient and poorly functioning PSUs (called sick units) and to improve public finance. The government in its interim budget 2019, set the disinvestment target for FY 2019-20 at Rs. 90,000 crore, higher than the Rs. 80,000 crore budgeted for the ongoing year that it said would be exceeded. The present policy of disinvestment being pursued by the Government can be seen from the below given salient features: Public Sector Undertakings are the wealth of the Nation and to ensure this wealth rests in the hands of the people, promote public ownership of CPSEs. While pursuing disinvestment through minority stake sale in listed CPSEs, the Government will retain majority shareholding, i.e. at least 51 per cent of the shareholding and management control of the Public Sector Undertakings. Strategic disinvestment by way of sale of substantial portion of Government shareholding in identified CPSEs up to 50 per cent or more, along with transfer of management control. In February 2018, the cabinet had cleared the institutional framework for monetisation of identified non-core assets of the CPSEs under strategic disinvestment. As per the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), the current policy on strategic sale entails that the Niti Aayog will identify CPSEs for strategic disinvestment and it will also advise on mode of sale, percentage of shares of the CPSEs to be sold and method for valuation. Strategic disinvestment is the transfer of the ownership and control of a public sector entity to some other entity (mostly to a private sector entity). Unlike the simple disinvestment, strategic sale implies a kind of privatization. Some of the views on Disinvestment can be seen as given below: Disinvestment assumes significance due to the prevalence of an increasingly competitive environment, which makes it difficult for many PSUs to operate profitably. This leads to a rapid erosion of the value of the public assets making it critical to disinvest early to realize a high value. Disinvestments can be seen as necessary to diversify the ownership of PSU for enhancing efficiency of individual enterprise as well as raise funds for technological up gradation, modernization and expansion of PSUs. Public sector companies can only be on an equal footing with the private sector if their shareholders give them the desired flexibility. Therefore, the public good is the best served if the government focuses on providing a stable, clear and effective regulatory system and gets out of the business of running industries. Disinvestment and Economy: The Good-  In the context of macroeconomics, time has shown us how countries like Chile, UK, China, New Zealand, and Poland successfully used disinvestment to achieve new economic heights. Disinvestment allows government to have much better control over the market economy without upsetting norms of market behaviour. Many countries used disinvestment as a sure means of restoring budgetary balance & to revive growth on a sustainable basis after facing economic crisis in 80s. Disinvestment is extremely positive for the Indian equity markets and the economy. It will draw lot of foreign and domestic money into the markets. It will allow PSU to raise capital to fund their expansion plans and improve resource allocation in the economy.  Disinvestment will allow the government to stimulate the economy while resorting to less debt market borrowing. Private borrowers won’t be crowded out of the markets by the government and will have to pay less to borrow from the open market.  The Bad- Sale of profit-making and dividend paying PSUs would result in the loss of regular income to the Government and also affects labour forces' social security. There would be chances of “Asset Striping” by the strategic partner. Most of the PSUs have valuable assets in the plant and machinery, land and buildings, etc. Strategic and National Security Concerns: Strategic Disinvestment of Oil PSUs is seen by some experts as a threat to National Security since Oil is a strategic natural resource and possible ownership in the foreign hand is not consistent with our strategic goals. Using funds from disinvestment to bridge the fiscal deficit is an unhealthy and a short term practice. It is said that it is the equivalent of selling 'family silver' to meet short term monetary requirements. Way forward- Caution against undervaluation: The government, however, must ensure that it is not taken for a ride.  Asset creation from the proceeds: Instead of using the proceeds from the disinvestment to fund revenue deficit the proceeds must be utilized strictly for new asset creation. To allay concerns of cronyism, the strategic sale process needs to be fair and transparent with a minimum reserve price that does justice to the valuable assets being auctioned off.  Conclusion Disinvestment may be a magic solution to raise revenues, but it is a tamed tiger—the performance depends on how to tame it in accordance to the sectoral policies, strength and presence of the public sector, etc. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to reflect how to develop a symbiotic relationship between competent public and private sectors to foster India’s potential as an industrial powerhouse. 3. What economic benefits have accrued in the last three decades with the progressive liberalisation of different sectors? Illustrate. पिछले तीन दशकों में विभिन्न क्षेत्रों के प्रगतिशील उदारीकरण के क्या आर्थिक लाभ हुए हैं? उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट करें? Demand of the question – Illustrating the evolution of liberalisation of different sectors over a period of three decades, its economic benefits are to be enumerated in the answer while also giving a brief view about its shortcomings. Introduction Economic liberalization refers to a country "opening up" to the rest of the world with regards to trade, regulations, taxation and other areas that generally affect business in the country. There has been a revolutionary change in Indian Economy since the espousal of the New Economic Strategy in 1991. When a nation becomes liberalised, the economic effects can be intense for the country.  Body In this regard, the economic benefits of liberalisation in the last 3 decades can be seen as given below: Major goals of economic liberalization are the free flow of capital between countries and the effectual allocation of resources and competitive advantages. This is generally done by decreasing protectionist strategies such as tariffs, trade laws and other trade barriers. In general, when a country becomes liberalized, stock market values also rise. Fund managers and investors are always on the lookout for new opportunities for profit. The situation is similar in nature to the anticipation and flow of money into an initial public offering (IPO). Liberalization reduces the political risk. These are areas that support and foster a willingness to do business in the country, such as a strong legal foundation to settle disputes, fair and enforceable contract laws, property laws, and others that allow businesses and investors to operate with confidence. Impact on Agriculture: In the area of agriculture, the cropping patterns has undergone a huge modification, but the impact of liberalisation cannot be properly measured. Banking: In banking sector, liberal policies have great impact in Indian economy. Since improvements, there have been three rounds of License Grants for private banks. Private Banks such as ICICI, HDFC, Yes Bank and also foreign banks, raised standards of Indian Banking Industry. Telecom Sector: Usually, Telecom sector was a government owned domination and therefore service was not very efficient. But after reforming polices, private telecom sector reached zenith of success. Indian telecom companies are progressing at global scale.  Small scale industry exists and still remains strength of Indian Economy. It contributes to major portion of exports and private sector employment. But overall value addition, product innovation and technology adoption remains miserable and they exist only on back of government support. Their products are challenged by cheaper imports from China. Industrial Growth Rate: Barring few years, industrial growth rate has not been so much inspiring. Share of Industry still remains stagnantly low at 25%. It is discouraging that India has transitioned to be a service led economy, directly from an agrarian one.  Impact on Services Sector: Due to historic economic inequality between two groups, human resources have been much cheaper in developing economies. This was further aided by information technology revolution and this all culminated in migration of numerous jobs from developed countries to developing countries. Economic reform is a continuing process and not a one-time action. The present dispensation– which recently opened the defence and aviation sector for 100 percent foreign investment – is carrying forward the legacy of the 1991 reforms.  Conclusion Economic liberalization is generally thought of as a beneficial and desirable process for emerging and developing countries. The underlying goal is to have unrestricted capital flowing into and out of the country to boost growth and efficiencies within the home country.  TLP HOT Synopsis Day 65 PDF

TLP Public Administration Optional

SYNOPSIS: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION OPTIONAL - Paper 1- TLP UPSC Mains Answer Writing [24th August, 2020] – Day 14

For Previous PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE 1. Comparative Public administration is a quest for searching patterns and regularities in administrative behaviour and action, and to characterize them in present day nation states- Haroon A. Khan. Comment.                                                                                                                                    15 marks (250 words) Approach  The question asks to explain, how Comparative Public Administration aims at searching the administrative best practices all around the past and present world; and incorporating it in our respective nations. Here, we need to provide good examples of cross national and the cross temporal administrative practices that have been searched, unearthed and being incorporated. From Paper2 In the course of bringing in examples from other countries, quoting some of the examples from Indian administration will settle the job here. Introduction While the Comparative Public Administration envisaged by the CAG (Comparative Administrative Group) aimed at studying various administrations of the world and framing one grand theory. The approach of Haroon Khan was bit different and was a practical one. He not only propounded to study the administration comparatively, but also to inculcate the best ones, that have been studied, into the current administrative system. Body In his famous essay “The Study of Administration”, Woodrow Wilson said that some principles of public administration might be borrowed from the administrative systems of Europe, but caution and intelligence must be adopted.  This wrote a prelude to the practice of Comparative Public Administration wherein; the trend began to search the administration patterns around the world, so that they can be learnt and adopted by various nation states.  Further, F.W.Riggs in his Agraria-Industria studies compared US to the Industria Society, and Thailand to the Agraria System. This implicitly meant that there is an essentiality for Thailand and the like nations to incorporate the behaviours and action of administration practiced in the US.  Later, Robert Jackson finally broke the block when he said; there are different patterns of administrations in different ecologies. And these should be explored, standardized, generalized and then implemented into our administration. These initiations provided by various scholars, along with the oncoming of various critical circumstances; forced various nations to search for the best standards of administration, so that they can be characterized into their nation states. The First World War ended the colonialism in almost every parts of the world. As a result of it several new nations were born, which were badly in need of new patterns of administrative behaviours to administrate their nation. After the Second World War, US came up with the Marshall Plan which aimed at providing funds to several nations to help them develop. However, various nations of Asia and Africa were not in a position of utilizing the funds effectively. This once again prompted the exploration of new standards of administration around the world. As the time roled, the words of Khan came to be a reality when, various best practices were searched and also implemented by these nascent nation states. The administration of Germany is carried out on the basis of Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Kameralwissenschaft or the Cameralism. Japan’s concept of renunciation of war is being emulated by various African and Latin American countries. And many of the nations like Costa Rica, Granada and Samoa, etc have completely demilitarized their military forces. They rather spend the saved defence expenditure in welfare programmes. The concept of Ombudsman of Scandinavian Countries is being adopted by almost all the nations of the world today. Ex: In India we have the Lokpal Act which is inspired from this very concept. Lastly, the practices like rule of law, principle of natural of natural justice, freedom of speech, fundamental rights, etc are the very basic tenets of governance that are popular all over the world. However, these patterns of administration got popularized by the process of searching and emulation by various nation states (the very idea of Comparative Public Administration). Conclusion Thus we can conclude that there is no bar of time and space for the search and characterization of best administrative behaviors. And, due to the advent of some of the trends like the Development Administration, Good Governance, Sustainable Development Goals etc, the current nation states are on a war footing to inculcate the best practices of administration, so that they compete in equal strengths with the other nations in the development race.  2. Prismatic societies face problems of greater heterogeneity, formalism and overlapping; in their bid to absorb exogenous change in shortest time. Explain.                                                                    10 marks (150 words)  Approach  Here we need to explain how the developing nations suffer from these in three problems; due to their ambitious desires of incorporating international best practices within the shortest possible times.  From Paper2 Again it is easy to bring in the content from paper 2 here. We just need to provide some examples from the Indian administration, which we obviously do.  Introduction F. W. Riggs in his book “The Administration of Developing Countries: the Theory of Prismatic Society” says that, the transitia societies suffer from the problems of Heterogeneity, Formalism and Overlapping as they try to import new administrational practices from abroad. Body This is because, as a result of the import of the new things the administration gets differentiated easily, but the integration of new things with the old ones takes time. And all these 3 problems, as per Riggs, occur due to hurried up differentiation and not giving enough time for integration. Heterogeneity: Heterogeneity is the presence of heterogeneous society with multiple ideas, beliefs and practices.  Here when an alien practice is brought in to a particular society without doing the actual ground work for its oncoming. The citizens who are habituated for the older practice feel it a surprise. And it is very difficult to convince the people to change all of a sudden. This creates both the Chamber as well as Bureau in the same society. I.e. Chamber wherein people are stratified on the basis of class creed and religion on the one hand (who are aligned for older ideologies); and Bureau wherein the section of people demanding merit based social status on the other(who get adopted to the new ideology).   Ex: There was lot of conflicts and clashes when India tried to bring in electoral representations, in the erstwhile princely states after independence. Here, though India had an urgency to bring in democracy there, the people and the monarchs were not yet ready to accept it. Hence the conflicts arose between the two ideologies, the democracy and the monarchy. Formalism: Again when hurried attempts are made to bring in any international practice in the administration. It happens that, the new practice only gets implemented formally, but the system remains to be archaic in practice.  Riggs called the officials of the formal administration as the Salacrats. Ex: Bringing Right to information in the otherwise opaque bureaucracy. Here the Right to information will be present only on the face of it. However, the bureaucracy tries to, maintain secrecy by delaying to respond to the RTIs, deny the information by stating security and other reasons, levy hefty fees, etc. Overlapping:  Overlapping is the condition in which the powers, jurisdictions, and functions of a department overlaps with others. Riggs states it as the presence of both Clubs and Sects, combining to form Clects. Even here, it is advised that while incorporating any institution from the external environment; the decks have to be cleared so that the current institution, that is performing the function earmarked for the newcomer, is completely repealed and a vacuum is created. Else there will always be an overlap between the former and the latter organizations. Ex: In spite of having various institutions that deal with corruption in India, we brought in Lokpal Bill.  This has lead to the overlapping of Central Vigilance Commission, Anti-Corruption bureaus of state governments, Central Bureau of Investigation with the Lokpal. Conclusion Thus, the untimely introduction of exogenous reforms can lead to various problems described by Riggs in his transitia model. However, as pointed out by some of the critics like Valson and Milne; these, 3 problems are not the problems in the first place. They are the natural phenomenon of a transitia society and they are even beneficial to the society many a time. DOWNLOAD- Public Administration Synopsis Day 14 PDF

PIB

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (PIB) IAS UPSC – 17th August to 23rd August – 2020

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 17th to 23rd August, 2020 ARCHIVES GS-2 Setting up of National Recruitment Agency (Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment) Cabinet approves creation of National Recruitment Agency (NRA), paving the way for a transformational reform in the recruitment process for central government jobs NRA: A multi-agency body to encompass the first level test by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) and the Institute of Banking Service Personnel (IBPS) Common eligibility Test (CET) to screen candidates at the first level for SSC, RRBs and IBPS A computer based online Common Eligibility Test (CET) for the Graduate, the Higher Secondary (12thpass) and the Matriculate (10th Pass) candidates as a path-breaking reform. CET in Every District: Ease of Access to Rural youth, women and disadvantaged candidates Multiplicity of exams will not be there Robust use of ICT to eradicate malpractices CET Score to be valid for three years, no bar on attempts Recruitment Reform - a major boon for the youth At present, candidates seeking government jobs have to appear for separate examinations conducted by multiple recruiting agencies for various posts, for which similar eligibility conditions have been prescribed. Candidates have to pay fee to multiple recruiting agencies and also have to travel long distances for appearing in various exams. These multiple recruitment examinations are a burden on the candidates, as also on the respective recruitment agencies, involving avoidable/repetitive expenditure, law and order/security related issues and venue related problems. On an average, 2.5 crore to 3 crore candidates appear in each of these examinations. A common eligibility Test would enable these candidates to appear once and apply to any or all of these recruitment agencies for the higher level of examination. This would indeed be a boon to all the candidates. Boosting Toy manufacturing in India (Topic: Economy) Aim: To boost manufacturing and global imprint of Indian toys India is home to several toy clusters and thousands of artisans who produce indigenous toys which not only have cultural connect but also helps in building life-skills and psychomotor skills among children at an early age. Such clusters should be promoted through innovative and creative methods. Indian toy market has huge potential and can bring a transformative change in the industry by promoting ‘Vocal for Local’ under AatmaNirbhar Bharat campaign. Focus should be on use of technology & innovation and towards manufacturing quality products that meet global standards Toys aligned with Indian culture and ethos should be used as pedagogical tools across all Anganwadi Centres and Schools for all-round development of children India should tap the huge potential in digital gaming arena by developing games that are inspired from Indian culture and folk tales Measures to improve viability of sugar industry (Topic: Economy) Government has taken various measures to improve viability of sugar industry, thereby enabling sugar mills to make timely payment of cane dues of farmers. Going forward, diversion of excess sugarcane and sugar is the long term solution for addressing the problem of excess stock and improving viability of sugar industry. Ethanol is a green fuel & its blending with petrol also saves the country’s foreign exchange. Tri-partite agreement (TPA): As producers of ethanol (sugar mills), buyers of ethanol (OMCs) and the lenders (banks) are willing to enter into a tri-partite agreement (TPA) about producing, buying and paying for the ethanol through an escrow account etc., the banks can consider giving loans to sugar mills even with weak balance sheets Facilitate mills to avail loans from banks to set up new distilleries or to expand their existing distilleries, thereby enhancing the overall distillation capacity in the country and thus would help in achieving the blending target under Ethanol Blended with Petrol programme.  It was assured by the States and industry that efforts would be made to increase supply of ethanol in the current as well as in ensuing ethanol supply years. Divert excess sugarcane: To encourage sugar mills to divert excess sugarcane to produce ethanol for blending with petrol, the Government has allowed production of ethanol from B-Heavy Molasses, sugarcane juice, sugar syrup and sugar; and has also fixed the remunerative ex-mill price of ethanol derived from these feed-stocks. The State-wise targets for ethanol manufacture have also been fixed. Reasons for Ethanol Blending: It is estimated that a 5% blending can result in replacement of around 1.8 million Barrels of crude oil. As the ethanol molecule contains oxygen, it allows the engine to more completely combust the fuel, resulting in fewer emissions and thereby reducing the occurrence of environmental pollution. The renewable ethanol content, which is a by-product of the sugar industry, is expected to result in a net reduction in the emission of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC). Challenges in Ethanol Blending: Less Production: Currently, domestic production of bioethanol is not sufficient to meet the demand for bio-ethanol for blending with petrol at Indian OMCs. Sugar mills do not have the financial stability to invest in biofuel plants. There are also concerns among investors on the uncertainty on the price of bioethanol in the future as the prices of both sugarcane and bio-ethanol are set by the central government. Water Footprint: While India has become one of the top producers of ethanol but it lags top producers, the USA and Brazil, by a huge margin and remains inefficient in terms of water usage. India’s water requirements for producing ethanol are not met through rainwater and the groundwater is used for drinking and other purposes. Water footprint, that is water required to produce a litre of ethanol, includes rainwater at the root zone used by ethanol-producing plants such as sugarcane, and surface, ground water, and fresh water required to wash away pollutants. Limited Sugarcane Availability: Sugarcane is another limited resource that affects the ethanol blending in the country. In order to achieve a 20% blend rate, almost one-tenth of the existing net sown area will have to be diverted for sugarcane production. Any such land requirement is likely to put a stress on other crops and has the potential to increase food prices. India’s biofuel policy stipulates that fuel requirements must not compete with food requirements and that only surplus food crops should be used for fuel production, if at all. Lack of Alternatives: Producing ethanol from crop residue can be a good alternative but the annual capacity of biorefinery is still not enough to meet the 5% petrol-ethanol blending requirement. Other biofuels such as Jatropha have often proven to be commercially unviable. Utilization in making alcohol-based hand-sanitizers and for blending in Petrol Ethanol is considered an effective substance against a large spectrum of microorganisms which can linger on the skin. A 2004 study published in the Clinical Microbiology Reviews journal says the best antimicrobial efficacy can be achieved with ethanol (60-85%), isopropanol (60- 80%) and n-propanol (60-80%).  Alcohol attacks viruses and other disease-causing pathogens by damaging their cell structures. Some alcohols damage the layers that envelop the virus, while some just break down the cells.  The novel coronavirus, for instance, is an enveloped virus surrounded by a fat layer. Lipid membrane viruses—like the coronavirus—can be killed using alcohol-based disinfectants and hand sanitizers. They simply break down the membrane or the layer of fat, leaving the virus unable to infect an individual. Oral nanomedicine may bring relief for Kala-Azar & other neglected diseases (Topic: New development in medicine) Patients affected by Kala- Azar, scientifically called Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), one of the most neglected tropical diseases may soon find relief in an oral nanomedicine from India. The oral therapeutics could help in the control and elimination of VL, around 95 % of which is reported from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan. There has been a development of an oral nanomedicine with the help of surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles based combinational cargo system for combating visceral leishmaniasis by the Institute of Nano Science & Technology (INST), Mohali. This study by INST team may lead to product and process patent enhancing the role of our country for developing innovative therapy against neglected diseases. The usage of lower therapeutic dose of the purified drugs through nanomodifications will be a boon in reducing toxicity, which has been a major hindrance in the existing conventional treatment when administered orally. Kala Azar (Visceral leishmaniasis) Also called as black fever or dumdum fever Disease caused by the protozoan parasites This disease is second largest parasitic killer in the world (after Malaria) The parasite migrates to internal organs such as liver, spleen (hence “visceral”) and bone marrow, and, if left untreated, will almost always result in the death of the host. Signs and symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and substantial swelling of the liver and spleen. A Tattoo sensor for monitoring vital health parameters (Topic: New development in medicine) Wearable sensors that can retract information from human body using its largest organ, the skin The sensor promises inconspicuous and continuous monitoring of vital health parameters of an individual, like pulse rate, respiration rate, and surface electromyography.  The sensor serves as a single conduit for sensing respiration rate and pulse, dispensing with the need of mounting multiple sensors.  Its remarkably high sensitivity with a gauge factor (GF) has been ascribed to the development of nano-cracks and their propagation through the film upon application of strain.  The fast response and highly repeatable sensor follows easy fabrication steps and can be patterned into any shape and size using a laser. The Need: Active research in the field of epidermal electronics has spawned an important class of wearable sensors that aim to deliver point of care diagnostics with comfortable and robust user experience. Conventional medical devices are bulky, rigid, and non-practical because they do not allow continuous monitoring of vital health parameters while continuing day to day life schedule. The soft and curvilinear shape of human body needs skin like sensors that can be tattooed on the body with an easy transfer process. Prelims oriented News The first Parkash Purab of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji The first Prakash Purb marks the installation of Guru Granth Sahib in Harmandir Sahib, also known as Golden temple, in 1604. Gatka: A traditional Sikh martial art ‘eSanjeevani’ telemedicine service: The digital platform of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has completed 2 lakh tele-consultations.  eSanjeevani platform has enabled two types of telemedicine services viz. Doctor-to-Doctor (eSanjeevani) and Patient-to-Doctor (eSanjeevani OPD) Tele-consultations. The former is being implemented under the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre (AB-HWC). It aims to implement tele-consultation in all the 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres in conjunction with identified Medical College hospitals in a ‘Hub and Spoke’ model. eSanjeevani has been implemented so far by 23 States and other States are in the process of rolling it out. Swachh Survekshan-2020 Awards for Swachh Survekshan 2020 was recently announced.  It is the fifth edition of the annual cleanliness urban survey.  Conducted by: the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).  Cleanest City of India  (> 1 lakh population category): Indore (1st) Surat  (2nd) Navi Mumbai (3rd)  Indore has created record by winning title of cleanest city fourth time in a row. Cleanest State of India (> 100 Urban Local Bodies category) : Chhattisgarh. Cleanest State of India (<100 ULB category) : Jharkhand  Cleanest town along the banks of river Ganga: Varanasi  Cleanest capital city: New Delhi Cleanest city with over 40 lakh population: Ahmedabad Harit Path A mobile app to monitor the plantations through geo-tagging and web-based GIS enabled monitoring tools.   The app has been developed by NHAI to monitor location, growth, species details, maintenance activities, targets and achievements of each of its field units  for each and every plant under all plantation projects. Nuakhai Juhar: Celebrating the hardwork of our farmers Celebrated in: Western Odisha and adjoining areas of Simdega in Jharkhand. It is observed to welcome the new rice of the season, on the fifth day of the lunar fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada or Bhaadra (August–September), the day after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. People offer the newly harvested crop called Nabanha to their respective presiding deities, as a part of the rituals Also called Nuakhai Parab or Nuakahi Bhetghat Atal Innovation Mission partners with India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre to expand Start-up ecosystem Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and Business Sweden on behalf of India Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre are collaborating to promote the disruptive potential of Indian entrepreneurs, and, boost the vibrant start-up ecosystem across the country. Through this collaboration, these initiatives are set to receive support by the means of conducting programs, awareness campaigns, various activities and events that would promote the overall innovation grid of both the countries through these programmes. National Food Security Act 2013 Government of India enacted the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).  The Act covers upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population.  The targeted population shall receive subsidized foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System, thus covering about two-thirds of the population. Ministry involved: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Jal Jeevan Mission JJM aims at providing potable water at service level of 55 litre per capita per day (lpcd) to every rural household through Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024. The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and states is 90:10 for Himalayan and North-Eastern States, 50:50 for other states, and 100% for Union Territories. Every village will prepare a Village Action Plan (VAP) which will have three components: Water source and its maintenance Water supply and Grey-water (domestic wastewater) management. Kisan Credit Cards  The Kisan Credit Card Scheme aims at providing adequate and timely credit support from the banking system under a single window with flexible and simplified procedure to the farmers to meet the short-term credit requirements for cultivation of crops, investment credit requirements for agriculture and allied activities and other needs. The KCC is necessary to procure good quality inputs to raise productivity and production. In an effort to buffer the agricultural sector from the shock of COVID-19, a special saturation drive is underway to provide concessional credit to farmers through Kisan Credit Card (KCC). 1.22 crore KCCs have been sanctioned with credit limit of Rs. 1,02,065  crore. This will go a long way in reviving the rural economy and accelerating agricultural growth. Launch of Tribal Health & Nutrition Portal – ‘Swasthya’ A first of its kind e-portal, providing all health and nutrition related information of the tribal population of India in a single platform.  Swasthya will also curate innovative practices, research briefs, case studies, and best practices collected from different parts of India to facilitate the exchange of evidence, expertise and experiences. The need: Although the public health standards have improved over time, the differences between tribal and non-tribal populations remain. Going Online as Leaders (GOAL)’ Programme By: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) in partnership with Facebook India to digitally skill and empower5000 youth from tribal communities to become leaders of tomorrow by leveraging the power of digital technology. The digitally enabled program envisages to act as a catalyst to explore hidden talents of the tribal youth, which will help in their personal development as well as contribute to all-round upliftment of their society. To upskill and empower 5,000 tribal youths in the current phase to harness the full potential of digital platforms and tools to learn new ways of doing business, explore and connect with domestic and international market. Designed with a long term vision to develop the potential of tribal youth and women to help them acquire skills and knowledge through mentorship in various sectors including horticulture, food processing, bee keeping, tribal art and culture, medicinal herbs, entrepreneurship among others. Demonstrates affirmative action which will go a long way to reduce the gap between tribal and non-tribal youth and will enlist participation of tribal youth in nation-building. Project Lion According to June 5, 2020 census, the number of Asiatic lions have now risen by 29% over five years to an estimated 674 in the Gir forest region and other areas of coastal Saurashtra, Gujarat. During 2015, their population was 523 lions. Geographically, distribution area has also increased by 36%. Project Lion will entail habitat development, engage modern technologies in lion management and address the issues of disease in lion and its associated species through advanced world class research and veterinary care. The project will also be addressing the Human-Wildlife conflict which will involve local communities living in the vicinity and will also provide livelihood opportunities.  Using the latest technology, the focus will be on health management and holistically providing world standard care, addressing all that is required to conserve a species Project Dolphin will aim at the protection and conservation of the Dolphins in the rivers and oceans of the country.  The project will involve the conservation of aquatic habitat and Dolphins through the use of modern technology, especially in anti-poaching activities and enumeration. Project Dolphin will engage the fishermen and other rivers and ocean dependent populations to improve the livelihood of the local communities.   The conservation of Dolphin will also envisage activities which will also help in the mitigation of pollution in rivers and the oceans.  This is also a centre of attraction for tourism. Will empower the stakeholders like the river-dependent population in reducing river pollution and allowing sustainable fishery and river-based other livelihood options through scientifically oriented conservation methods. Pandit Jasraj Known for his unique voice which had both depth and softness, Pandit Jasraj was one of a handful of remaining old school musical giants of the Indian classical world, alongside artists like Bhimsen Joshi and Kishori Amonkar. Incredibly, he was performing and teaching online until the end with a remarkably robust, age-defying voice. Jasraj was a pioneering artist well known for his egalitarian approach. He incorporated Indian devotional music such as haveli sangeet and bhajans (devotional songs/hymns) into a classical milieu, transforming them into serious pieces; people loved his devotional music and he maintained mass appeal in a style where bhava (emotion) and devotion were paramount, yet all the while based on a very serious classical foundation. Over time he evolved the Mewati gharana to its greatest heights of ornamentation and sophistication, and proved himself to be a gifted composer, adding many compositions to the Mewati canon. Ornamentation like meend (sliding from one note to the next), kan swar (the use of grace notes), gamak (oscillation between notes), murkhi (a short cluster of notes) and laykari (rhythmic work), were all facets of the traditional classical way of singing which he emphasised in the Mewati style. Read: National Sports Awards 2020

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th AUGUST 2020

Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Council for Transgender Persons constituted  Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-I – Society; GS-II – National Councils  In News: National Council for Transgender Persons has been recently constituted.  Ministry: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.  Key takeaways  Council’s chairperson: The Social Justice Minister.  Members:  Officials from some other Ministries. Five nominated members from the transgender community.  Associated Act: Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.  Functions: Advising the central government on the formulation of policies, with respect to transgender persons Monitoring and evaluating the impact of policies  Reviewing and coordinating the activities of all the departments Redressing grievances of transgender persons Performing other functions as prescribed by the Centre. Three-day Naval Commanders Conference (NCC) recently held  Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Security In News: A three-day Naval Commanders Conference (NCC) was recently held.  Key takeaways  According to the Indian Defence Minister, the Navy has effectively carried out Mission Based Deployments (MBD).  They were carried out to protect maritime interests.  Under MBD, ships and aircraft at major and sensitive locations were deployed.  Under MBD concept, Indian ships were Mission Deployed for: Anti-piracy Operation ‘GULFDEP’ in the Persian Gulf Operation ‘CENTDEP’ in the central Indian Ocean Region Operation ‘NORDEP’ in the northern Bay of Bengal Operation ‘MALDEP’ in the Andaman Sea and approaches to the Malacca Strait. National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE): 2020-2025 released Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Education; GS-III - RBI In News: The National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE): 2020-2025 document was released.  Released by: RBI. Key takeaways  This NSFE is the second one after the 2013-18 NSFE. Prepared by: The National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE)  Consultation by:  All the Financial Sector Regulators (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and PFRDA),  Various Indian Central Ministries Stakeholders under the aegis of the Technical Group on Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy Recommendations:  Development of relevant content in curriculum in schools, colleges and training establishments Developing capacity among intermediaries involved in providing financial services Leveraging the positive effect of community-led model for financial literacy through appropriate communication strategy Enhancing collaboration among various stakeholders DNA Bill can be misused: Draft report Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Legialations; GS-III – Science and Technology In News: A draft report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology has flagged the DNA bill. Headed by: Jairam Ramesh The report is yet to be finalized.  Key takeaways  According to the Committee:  The bill could be misused for caste or community-based profiling.  DNA profiles can reveal extremely sensitive information of an individual such as pedigree, skin colour, health status and susceptibility to diseases. Disregard to an individual’s privacy and other safeguards is another concern.  Consenting provision can be easily overridden by a magistrate, thereby, making consent perfunctory (no real effort).  No guidance in the Bill as to when the magistrate can override consent. Important value additions  DNA Bill It proposes DNA sampling and profiling of Indian citizens accused of crime or reported missing.  It shall store their unique genetic information for administrative purposes.  Nearly 60 countries have enacted similar legislation, with the U.S. bringing in a law in 1994. China launches warship for Pakistan Navy Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – International Relations; GS-III – Security challenges In News: China has launched first of the four advanced naval warships for Pakistan.  The launching ceremony for the first warship was held at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai.  First ship is of Type-054 class frigate.  Equipped with: Latest surface, subsurface, anti-air weapons, combat management system, and sensors.  It will be one of the technologically advanced surface platforms of the Pakistan Navy fleet.  Miscellaneous  Thumbimahotsavam 2020 First-ever State Dragonfly Festival, named Thumbimahotsavam 2020, shall be held in Kerala.  ‘Pantalu’ is the official mascot for the festival. Organised by: WWF-India (Kerala unit), the Society for Odonate Studies (SOS) and Thumbipuranam  A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata. Image source: The Hindu  (MAINS FOCUS) POLITY/ GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive  Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.  Government Budgeting (Fiscal Policy) India does need a Fiscal Council Context: The fiscal situation in India has been under severe stress even before COVID-19 and the novel coronavirus pandemic has worsened it. Fiscal Situation of Union The fiscal deficit of the Centre in 2019-20 as estimated by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) was 4.6%, 0.8 percentage point higher than the revised estimate.  For the 2020-21, even without any additional fiscal stimulus, the deficit is estimated at about 7% of GDP as against 3.5% estimated in the Budget due to a sharp decline in revenues. The consolidated deficit of the Union and States could be as high as 12% of GDP and the overall debt could go up to 85%. Criticism w.r.t Fiscal Consolidation Unaccounted Liabilities: When off Budget liabilities are considered, the situation looks even more alarming. Transparency: Besides large deficits and debt, there are questions of comprehensiveness, transparency and accountability in the Budgets.  Obscure Actions undertaken to keep the liabilities hidden: These include  Special banking arrangements for covering arrears of fertilizer subsidy Issuing short-term bonds Unsecured loans and borrowing from the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) by the Food Corporation of India towards meeting food subsidy and its arrears. Financing irrigation projects from the Long Term Irrigation Fund (LTIF) created by the NABARD  Financing of railway projects through borrowings from the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC)  LIC buying out the Industrial Development Bank of India and the Power Finance Corporation buying out the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and remitting the money to the government as disinvestment proceeds. To address the above challenges, 14th Finance Commission recommended the establishment of an independent Fiscal Council  This council should be appointed by and reporting to Parliament by inserting a new section in the FRBM Act. What is the mandate of Fiscal Council? A Fiscal Council is an Independent fiscal institution (IFI) with a mandate to promote stable and sustainable public finances The council assist in calibrating sustainable fiscal policy by making an objective and scientific analysis. The important tasks of these IFIs include:  Independent analysis, review and monitoring and evaluating of government’s fiscal policies and programmes Developing or reviewing macroeconomic and/or budgetary projections Costing of budget and policy proposals and programmes Presenting policy makers with alternative policy options  Merits of Fiscal Council Watchdog of Public Finance: An unbiased report to Parliament helps to raise the level of debate and brings in greater transparency and accountability.  Reduces Populism: Costing of various policies and programmes can help to promote transparency over the political cycle to discourage populist shifts in fiscal policy and improve accountability. Public Awareness: Scientific estimates of the cost of programmes and assessment of forecasts could help in raising public awareness about their fiscal implications and make people understand the nature of budgetary constraint. Upholds Spirit of Constitution: The Council will work as a conscience keeper in monitoring rule-based policies, and in raising awareness and the level of debate within and outside Parliament. International Trend: According to IMF, there were 36 countries with IFIs in 2014 and more have been established in recent years How effective have these institutions been?  A study by the IMF (“The Functions and Impact of Fiscal Councils”, July 2013) shows that countries with IFIs tend to have stronger primary balances and more accurate macroeconomic & budgetary forecasts.  In Belgium, the government is legally required to adopt the macroeconomic forecasts of the Federal Planning Bureau and this has significantly helped to reduce bias in these estimates.  In Chile, the existence of two independent bodies on Trend GDP and Reference Copper Price has greatly helped to improve Budget forecasts.  In the U.K., the Office for Budget Responsibility has been important in restoring fiscal sustainability.  Cross-country evidence shows that fiscal councils exert a strong influence on fiscal performances, particularly when they have formal guarantees of independence. Conclusion A Fiscal Council is an important institution needed to complement the rule-based fiscal policy. Of course, it is not a ‘silver bullet’; if there is no political will, the institution would be less effective Connecting the dots: Fifteenth Finance Commission HEALTH / GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health Reversing health sector neglect Context: The pandemic has highlighted the need for effective universal health coverage (UHC)  What steps have been taken by government to achieve UHC? The government is poised to employ Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PM-JAY) health insurance as the tool for achieving UHC. Plans are reportedly under way to extend coverage to the non-poor population under AB-PM-JAY, which currently covers the bottom 40% of the population.  Challenges/Criticism of Government’s approach on achieving UHC Private Sector Prioritised: Taking the health insurance route to UHC driven by private players, rather than strengthening the public provisioning of health care, is reflective of the non-negotiability of private health care in India.  Urban Bias in Private Health Services: There is stark maldistribution of private health-care facilities -almost two-thirds of corporate hospitals concentrated in major cities  Coverage doesn’t ensure access: Low budgetary appropriations for insurance could mean that universal insurance does not translate to universal access to services, much akin to what was seen under the Affordable Care Act in the U.S.  Experience points to different direction: Insurance-based incentives to drive private players into the rural countryside have been largely unsuccessful, and experience suggests that the public sector could be the only effective alternative.  Little homework before expansion: Envisaging universal health insurance without enough regulatory robustness to handle everything from malpractices to monopolistic tendencies, will only lead to distorted results.  Need for Legislations: Government should enact ‘Clinical Establishments Act’ for effective monitoring & compliance, before embarking on a universal scheme involving large-scale public-private collaboration Path-dependent resistance to reform: The bigger and deeper the reform, the more the resistance. Covering the remaining population under the AB-PM-JAY presents massive fiscal and design challenges. Fiscal Challenges: Meeting requirements of Universalisation through general revenue financing would greatly strain the exchequer and looks very unlikely especially in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. Administrative Challenges: Turning AB-PM-JAY into a contributory scheme based on premium collections would be a costly and daunting undertaking, given the huge informal sector and possible adverse selection problems. Technical Challenges: Harmonising benefits and entitlements among various beneficiary groups, and a formalisation and consolidation of practices in a likely situation of covering outpatient care, are formidable additional challenges Challenges with National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) that complements the UHC Scheme Integration and improved management of patient and health facility information are very welcome.  However, in the absence of robust ground-level documentation practices and its prerequisites, it would do little more than helping some private players and adding to administrative complexity and costs like the electronic health records did under the US ACA. Way Ahead While upheavals offer windows for pushing reform, a protracted presence of the pandemic in the country could undermine its gravity and the perceived urgency for major reform. Civil society would need to utilise this opening to generate widespread public consensus and pressure for health-care reform At the same time, politics would need to recognise the unprecedented populist significance of health and marshal enough will to negotiate organised opposition to change. Connecting the dots Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PM-JAY) (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 First-ever State dragonfly festival is going to be held in which of the following state of India? Kerala Himachal Pradesh Rajasthan Delhi Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding National Strategy for Financial Education (2020-2025): It is released by NCERT. It is prepared by RBI. Which of the above is/are correct?  1 only 2 only 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Under Mission Based Deployment by Indian Navy, Indian ships were mission deployed for which of the following? Operation GULFDEP for Persian Gulf. Operation CENTDEP for Central Pacific region Operation MALDEP for Maldives. Select the correct code: 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4 Consider the following statements regarding National Council for Transgender Persons: The Social Justice Minister will be its Chairman. The Council is formed under Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. It shall advise the Government on the formulation of policies related to the transgender community. Which of the above is/are correct?  1 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 ANSWERS FOR 24th August 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 B 3 A Must Read About Pakistan’s move to tackle terrorism: The Hindu About resumption of Political activity in J&K: The Hindu About India’s Strategic Autonomy: The Indian Express

INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN (IRP) 2020

[Day 66] INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN(IRP – हिंदी & ENGLISH) 2020 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [25th AUGUST, 2020]

For Previous IRP (हिंदी & English ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   Hello Friends, Welcome to [Day 66] INTEGRATED REVISION PLAN(IRP – हिंदी & ENGLISH) 2020 – PRELIMS & MAINS – [25th August, 2020]   UPSC Static Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - ECONOMICS [Day 66] UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 66] IASbaba’s TLP (Phase 2 - ENGLISH & हिंदी): UPSC Mains Answer Writing - General Studies Paper 3 Questions[25th August,2020] - Day 66 [Day 66] IASBABA का इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 - [25th AUGUST, 2020]   The Intention behind this Initiative: IRP 2020 – Road Map for the next 100 Days! We will make sure, in the next 4 months not a single day is wasted. All your energies are channelized in the right direction. Trust us! This will make a huge difference in your results this time, provided that you follow this plan sincerely every day without fail. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” To Know More about the Initiative -> CLICK HERE विस्तृत विवरण के लिए नीचे क्लिक करें -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Thank You IASbaba

हिन्दी Initiatives

[Day 66] IASBABA का इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 - [25th AUGUST, 2020]

For Previous IRP (Hindi & English ARCHIVES) - CLICK HERE   हाल ही में UPSC द्वारा COVID-19 को देखते हुए प्रारंभिक परीक्षा-2020 के लिए नई तिथि 4 अक्टूबर, 2020 की घोषणा की गयी है। ऐसे में इन 100 दिनों का सदुपयोग सही दिशा में करना अति महत्त्वपूर्ण हो गया है। इसको देखते हुए IASBABA टीम द्वारा इष्टतम लाभ प्राप्त करने के लिए 10 जून 2020 से इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान-2020 लांच किया गया है, जिससे एक बार पुनः परीक्षा से संबंधित संपूर्ण पाठ्यक्रम का समुचित रिवीज़न किया जा सके।   इंटीग्रेटेड रिवीज़न प्लान (IRP) 2020 के महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य: IRP 2020 एक निःशुल्क पहल है, जिसे आपको अगले 100 दिनों के लिए केंद्रित रखने के लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया है! कार्यक्रम 10 जून 2020 से आरंभ होगा। यह सप्ताह में 6 दिन चलेगा। रविवार को अवकाश होगा - आप इस समय का उपयोग रिवीज़न और वैकल्पिक विषय के लिए कर सकते हैं। इसमें आपकी प्रारंभिक परीक्षा और मुख्य परीक्षा दोनों की तैयारी शामिल हैं। प्रतिदिन आधार पर - प्रारंभिक परीक्षा - 5 करंट अफेयर्स संबंधी बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न, 10 स्टेटिक भाग जैसे इतिहास, भूगोल, राजव्यवस्था, अर्थशास्त्र एवं पर्यावरण आदि संबंधी बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न होंगे। प्रतिदिन आधार पर - मुख्य परीक्षा - TLP - 3 प्रश्न मुख्य परीक्षा संबंधी GS1, GS2, GS3 को कवर करते हुए पोस्ट किया जाएगा। इन 3 प्रश्नों में से 2 स्टेटिक भाग से और 1 करंट अफेयर्स से होंगे। GS 4 (नीतिशास्त्र) और निबंध पर विशेष जोर - प्रत्येक सप्ताह (शुक्रवार को) 3 प्रश्न पोस्ट किए जाएंगे। इसमें 2 नैतिकता सिद्धांत एवं 1 प्रश्न केस स्टडी पर आधारित होंगे। प्रत्येक शनिवार को 4 निबंध दिए जाएंगे (इसमें 2 सामान्य थीम आधारित और 2 दार्शनिक विषय पर आधारित होंगे) हिंदी माध्यम में प्रश्न शाम 5 बजे (5 PM) अपलोड किए जाएंगे। पहल के बारे में अधिक जानने के लिए -> CLICK HERE SCHEDULE/DETAILED PLAN – > CLICK HERE Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - ECONOMICS Q.1) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: कॉपीराइट (Copyright) आमतौर पर अपने साहित्यिक और कलात्मक कार्यों में लेखकों के अधिकारों को संदर्भित करता है। भौगोलिक संकेतक (Geographical Indication) एक संकेत या संकेतों का एक संयोजन है जो एक उद्यम की वस्तु या सेवाओं को दूसरे से अलग करने के लिए उपयोग किया जाता है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा / से सही नहीं है /हैं ? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.2) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: औद्योगिक डिजाइन (Industrial design) को आम तौर पर तकनीकी विशेषताओं के बजाय किसी वस्तु के सजावटी या सौंदर्य संबंधी पहलू को संदर्भित करने के लिए प्रयोग किया जाता है। ट्रिप्स समझौते (TRIPS Agreement) के तहत, मूल या नए औद्योगिक डिजाइनों को कम से कम दस वर्षों तक संरक्षित किया जाता है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा / से सही है /हैं ? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.3) एशियाई विकास बैंक (ADB) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: ADB के सभी सदस्य एशिया और प्रशांत क्षेत्र के हैं। ADB अपने सदस्यों और भागीदारों को सामाजिक और आर्थिक विकास को बढ़ावा देने के लिए ऋण, तकनीकी सहायता, अनुदान और इक्विटी निवेश प्रदान करके सहायता करता है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा / से सही है /हैं ? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.4) एशियन इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर इन्वेस्टमेंट बैंक (AIIB) के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: AIIB बोर्ड ऑफ गवर्नर्स में प्रत्येक सदस्य देश द्वारा नियुक्त एक गवर्नर और एक वैकल्पिक गवर्नर होते हैं। AIIB में सदस्यता पुनर्निर्माण और विकास के लिए अंतर्राष्ट्रीय बैंक या एशियाई विकास बैंक के सदस्यों के लिए खुली है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा / से सही है /हैं ? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.5) अफ्रीकी विकास बैंक (AfDB) समूह के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: AfDB का मुख्य उद्देश्य अफ्रीकी और एशियाई देशों को आर्थिक विकास और सामाजिक प्रगति प्राप्त करने के उनके प्रयासों में सहायता करना है। AfDB विश्व के पाँच बहुपक्षीय विकास बैंकों में से एक है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा / से सही है /हैं ? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.6) IMF के विशेष आहरण अधिकार (Special Drawing Rights) के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: SDR, IMF की एक आरक्षित मुद्रा है और सदस्य देशों को उनके IMF कोटा के अनुपात में आवंटित किया जाता है यदि किसी देश की SDR होल्डिंग उसके आवंटन से ऊपर है, तो वह IMF इस अतिरिक्त होल्डिंग पर ब्याज अर्जित करता है उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा / से सही है /हैं ? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.7) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा युग्म सही सुमेलित है? विश्व विकास रिपोर्ट - IBRD (World Bank) वैश्विक वित्तीय स्थिरता रिपोर्ट - IMF विश्व निवेश रिपोर्ट - UNCTAD वैश्विक प्रतिस्पर्धात्मकता रिपोर्ट - विश्व आर्थिक मंच (World Economic Forum) नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 3 केवल 1, 2 और 4  केवल 2 और 4 1, 2, 3 और 4 Q.8) SARTTAC (साउथ एशिया ट्रेनिंग एंड टेक्निकल असिस्टेंस सेंटर) सदस्य देशों और निम्नलिखित में से किस संगठन के बीच एक सहयोगी उपक्रम है? विश्व बैंक (WB) अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मुद्रा कोष (IMF) विश्व व्यापार संगठन (WTO) एशिया और प्रशांत के लिए संयुक्त राष्ट्र आर्थिक और सामाजिक आयोग (ESCAP) Q.9) बहुआयामी गरीबी सूचकांक (Multidimensional Poverty Index- MPI) के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: MPI को OECD के सहयोग से World Bank द्वारा विकसित किया गया था। MPI संसाधनों के प्रभावी आवंटन में मदद कर सकता है और रणनीतिक रूप से कुछ SDG को लागू कर सकता है। यह जल, स्वच्छता और बिजली की पहुंच में कमी पर विचार करके गरीबी के मौद्रिक उपायों के लिए पूरक का कार्य करता है। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.10) दूसरे विश्व युद्ध के बाद सबसे ऐतिहासिक घटना ब्रेटन वुड्स सम्मेलन (Bretton Woods Conference) हुई। इस संबंध में निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है / हैं? द्वितीय विश्व युद्ध के बाद संयुक्त राष्ट्र के मौद्रिक और वित्तीय सम्मेलन (UN Monetary and Financial Conference) ने व्यापार और शुल्क पर सामान्य समझौते (General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs) नामक अंतर्राष्ट्रीय व्यापार शासन की स्थापना की। विश्व व्यापार संगठन (WTO), UNO के पूरे सेट का हिस्सा है और इसलिए इसे इसके सदस्य निकायों की क्रियाओं द्वारा निर्देशित किया जाता है। IMF सर्वसम्मति द्वारा मतदान का पालन करता है जिसके द्वारा प्रत्येक सदस्य को यह सुनिश्चित करने के लिए मिलता है कि उनके विचार पर ध्यान दिया जाएगा। विश्व व्यापार संगठन (WTO), विश्व बैंक या IMF के भारित मतदान का पालन नहीं करता है और इसने एक सदस्य एक वोट की प्रणाली को अपनाया है। IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz Q.1) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा राज्य नेपाल के साथ सीमा साझा नहीं करता है? उत्तराखंड उत्तर प्रदेश झारखंड पश्चिम बंगाल Q.2) पंजीकृत विदेशी पोर्टफोलियो निवेशकों (Foreign Portfolio Investors) द्वारा विदेशी निवेशकों को ऑफशोर डेरिवेटिव इंस्ट्रूमेंट्स (ODIs) जारी किए जाते हैं, जो स्वयं को सीधे पंजीकृत किए बिना भारतीय शेयर बाजारों का एक हिस्सा बनना चाहते हैं, उनको कहा जाता है पार्टिसिपेटरी नोट्स (Participatory notes) ट्रेजरी बिल  (Treasury bills) वाणिज्यिक पत्र (Commercial papers) डिबेंचर (Debentures) Q.3) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: राजीव गांधी खेल रत्न पुरस्कार, युवा मामले और खेल मंत्रालय द्वारा दिया जाने वाला सर्वोच्च खेल पुरस्कार है राष्ट्रीय खेल दिवस 29 अगस्त को पूरे भारत में मनाया जाता है निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.4) हरित राजमार्ग के निर्माण के लिए NHAI द्वारा विकसित मोबाइल ऐप का नाम क्या है? हरित पथ (Harith Path) लाल पथ पर्यावरण पथ हरा पथ (Green path) Q.5) नुआखाई जुहार त्योहार, जो हाल ही में खबरों में है, यह किस क्षेत्र से सम्बंधित है: ओडिशा का राज्य त्योहार  कृषि त्योहार मार्शल आर्ट त्योहार जनजाति उत्सव   उत्तर डाउनलोड करने के लिए नीचे क्लिक करें - Click Here

Website
Terms and Conditions Privacy Refund Policy Learning Management System by Testpress