IAS Baba

May 3, 2020 Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent and Creativity

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: SKETCHING by RANJEET PANDEY & CREATIVE WRITING by DHRUV RAVAL!

May 3, 2020 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Finding Yourself – Inspirational Educative Articles

Finding Yourself: Isn’t it kind of a revelation to know, “Wow, there is something real?” We don’t know it, because we’re distracting ourselves with so many other things. We can all get something from the beautiful passage … “You cannot find yourself: You’re not a ten-dollar bill that is lost somewhere in a jacket pocket to find.” You are already found. You only have to step away from the distractions. We are the sky that is always cloudy; that is the human experience. It’s always filled with something. A cloud is filled with something – that is all a cloud is. If what it is filled with disappears, the idea of the cloud disappears, and the sky behind it will automatically reveal itself. If we are able to understand the nature of our identity, the identity of the body, the identity of the mind, and how we are using this identity to accomplish things in the world, then we would ask, “What is it that we are really trying to attain to?” We are constantly thinking about tomorrow. We are reflecting on what has happened, we want to change a few things, we have certain desires, and we are projecting that into the future. That is the very nature of the mind, and that is how we have always been, at least in this life. That has been our life: Constantly keep thinking about something, and keep your entire attention and focus on doing those futuristic things. Once you accomplish that, you start dreaming about other things, and you keep on moving on. If we can clearly understand: Is this the only process that we call life, or is there something more to life? Is the experience of life all about moving on, moving ahead, or is there something in reality? Is there something in this moment? We keep distracting ourselves because once the clouds have gathered, you look up – you’re looking for the sky, No matter how hard you try, you’re only looking at the clouds. Once thoughts have invaded us, we have chosen to attach ourselves to this world, this life, this thinking process. That itself is the distraction. There is no other distraction. In that sense, there is nobody who is not distracted. Even the most peaceful, relaxed, individual is still distracted by his thoughts, if you want to use the word distraction. In a way, finding ourselves is going beyond the most basic assumptions that we have made about life. That requires a very strong will that requires consistent effort, consistent learning, and consistent understanding. We would not be able to just do it using a momentary thought. But what is a thought at the end of the day? All thoughts are connected to each other. When one thought is giving instructions to another thought, they’re still secretly conspiring to keep you blinded. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

May 2, 2020 Important Articles

Love you 3000!!! IASbaba’s HOTLINE and #ASKBABA Initiative

Love you 3000!!! IASbaba’s HOTLINE and #ASKBABA Initiative Hello Friends, We have reached an astonishing feat of attending more than 3000 calls on IASbaba HOTLINE within a month. We have actually received many more calls than that but because of paucity of time and also because many candidates call at a different time other than the allotted time slot we have not been able to attend them. Apart from queries related preparation strategy for each subject, we have been receiving one common distress call from the aspirants where you are anxious and frustrated. Anxious as you are waiting for your prelims exam and you have no timeline in front of you and frustrated as you are locked in your homes and cannot plan your future course of action. Friends, you need to remember that desperate times need desperate measures. The calamity that we are all facing is real. It is important for us to think as ‘WE’ rather than ‘ME’. We request you to maintain social distancing and follow the guidelines given by the government. You are all aspiring to be the part of government; hence it is important, especially for you, to follow the instructions. We as mentors would like to suggest you not to make long term plans right now. Since things are uncertain, it is important that you keep yourself away from distractions and maintain the momentum. Many candidates are feeling low and they have become slightly laidback. Remember, that your peers are not waiting for you to catch up. Your lackadaisical attitude can push you back in the race. So, pull up your thinking caps and start mental workouts. Make weekly plans and targets and try to achieve them. Start multiple revisions and solve as many questions as you can. This time gap can be an opportunity for you. Grab it. And if you need any help, don’t forget we are here to support and help you. This is the least we can do from our team in time of uncertainty. Through HOTLINE initiative students/aspirants can share their queries and get it cleared on real-time from the Founders and Core team of IASbaba. Sorry, if we could not answer all your calls, as the phones kept ringing and students had many things to ask. Hope you understand. You can always call us any day of the week between 5pm -7pm (except on Sundays). You can also use #ASKBABA (a separate initiative) on 60 day posts and get your Subject-specific doubts cleared between 11am – 10 pm on the website. To know more about HOTLINE & #ASKBABA initiative ->CLICK HERE FOR PRELIMS STRATEGY: Questions like – How to increase my scores in test? How to read and revise current affairs? Optimum number of questions to be attempted? Time management? How to use 60 day plan effectively and many more were taken up in this Live Youtube Session. MUST WATCH – STRATEGY [VIDEO]: PRELIMS Tips (Do's & Don'ts) from Mohan Sir, IASbaba Founder TOPPER’S STRATEGY (PRELIMS): Muthu Somasundaram, Rank 23 Indian Forest Service (IFoS) 2019, a regular follower of IASbaba -> CLICK HERE NEW INITIATIVES: Beat the Heat of Current Affairs this year (2020) –PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE: CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): JOIN NOW! LOCKDOWN & YOU – Unlock Your Talent & Creativity! -> CLICK HERE BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS! -> CLICK HERE MUST READ – For Motivation: Coronavirus: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba MUST READ: PRELIMS in Testing Times – Don’t Forget the ‘WHY’; IASbaba’s dedicated HOTLINE for Aspirants and Prelims Postponing Rumours [STRATEGY] MUST READ: 21 Days of Lockdown -What to do? Introspect, Ideate and Improve !! To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- 👉 TELEGRAM Channel – https://t.me/IASbabaOfficialAccount 👉 YOUTUBE – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChvbVdio9Wgj7Z3nQz1Q0ZQ 👉 FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/iasbaba/ Also, SUBSCRIBE to the WEBSITE Below, so that you don’t miss out on important posts! Have Faith! All the Best IASbaba Team

May 2, 2020 Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent and Creativity

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: PHOTOGRAPHY by VAIBHAV S BHAT!

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity Hello Friends, You must be aware of the term ‘catharsis’. It is the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. Recently we have launched a new initiative by the name Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity! Today's work is PHOTOGRAPHY by VAIBHAV S BHAT. Well done, Keep it up !! PHOTOGRAPHY by VAIBHAV S BHAT Beautiful and Heartfelt message by This Talented Photographer to IASbaba for its Catharsis Initiative. Thank you Vaibhav S Bhat for your inspirational words. This keeps us driving towards giving our best in everything we do and support our Students. "Sometimes we make ourselves so much strict in this journey, that makes to forget our passion it-selves. When you started this initiative, I gave a thought to myself that what is my Skill? After sometime the thought came inside shocked me and made me sad too. The days when I used to keep my camera with me always. The days when I used to roam with that. The days when I used to take photos which was giving a joyful feeling. The process of editing and so much more. Yesterday when I saw my Old gallery and my camera in a wardrobe, my feeling was mixed with happiness, sad, missing etc etc I can’t explain that feeling. It completely refreshed me once. Maybe no person or money can give such a feeling for me… Thank you soooo much team IASbaba for this creative initiative and for that wonderful moment." Be creative and find your catharsis in whichever form of creativity you are comfortable with. It could be anything- a song, a painting, a poem, a story, a dance performance, rangolis, jokes/humor, culinary skills, mimicry and whatnot. There is no limit to creativity. Just unleash and share it with everyone! Why don’t you share your moments of catharsis with us? UPSC is not only about academics but personality as well. And your personality is shaped by the creativity that you possess. To know more about Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity' Initiative and the Previous Creative work -> CLICK HERE We encourage you to keep the comment section alive by sharing your talents and also by commenting and encouraging the talent of your peers. We are also going to be a regular visitor here and will keep on posting the creative works by our talented team members and staff. NOTE- You can also nominate by tagging anyone (if you know about the talent of your friend or anyone) 🙂 You can share your talent/creativity with us on support@iasbaba.com and ilp@iasbaba.com P.S: Kindly share it in a format that can be published on the website. We believe each one of you have some hidden talent. It’s time that you explore more about yourselves and remain positive throughout this journey. Make the best use of this opportunity! Thank You IASbaba

May 2, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd MAY 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd May 2020 Archives Railways start Shramik Special Trains to move migrant workers and other stranded persons Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Disaster Management; Infrastructure (Railways) In News: As per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, “Shramik Special” trains shall start running from May 1 (Labour Day). The trains shall move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to lockdown which is in force due to COVID-19 pandemic. Key takeaways: These special trains will run from point to point on the request of both the concerned State Governments as per the standard protocols for sending and receiving such stranded persons. The passengers shall be screened by the sending states. Passengers who are found asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) would be allowed to travel. Passengers shall be brought to the railway station in batches in sanitized buses while maintaining strict social distancing norms by the sending state governments. It will be mandatory for every passenger to wear face cover. Meals and drinking water would be provided. On arrival at the destination, passengers will be received by the State Government, who would make all arrangements for their screening, quarantine if necessary and further travel from the Railway Station Kisan Sabha App: To connect farmers to supply chain and freight transportation Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Welfare Schemes In News: Kisan Sabha App was launched recently by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi. The app is developed to connect farmers to supply chain and freight transportation management system. Key takeaways: The portal connects the farmers, transporters, Service providers (like pesticides/ fertilizer/ dealers, cold store and warehouse owner), mandi dealers, customers (like big retail outlets, online stores, institutional buyers) and other related entities for timely and effective solution. The portal acts as a single stop for every entity related to agriculture. Kisan Sabha has 6 major modules taking care of: Farmers Mandi Dealers Transporters Mandi Board Members Service Providers Consumers. Kisan Sabha aims to provide the most economical and timely logistics support to the farmers. The goal of the app is to increase farmers' profit margins by minimizing interference of middlemen and directly connecting with the institutional buyers. It will also help in providing best market rates of crops by comparing nearest mandis, booking of freight vehicles at cheapest cost. Shobhana Narasimhan elected as an International Honorary Member to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Achievements of Indians in science & technology. In News: Professor Shobhana Narasimhan from the Theoretical Sciences Unit (TSU) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), has been elected as an International Honorary Member to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Important value additions: Prof Narasimhan heads the Computational Nanoscience group at JNCASR. She became a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India in 2011. She has also received awards like the Stree Shakti Samman Science Award in 2010 and the Kalpana Chawla Woman Scientist Award of the Government of Karnataka in 2010. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences It is one of the oldest learned societies in the United States. It was founded in 1780. The Academy is dedicated to honoring excellence and leadership, working across disciplines and divides, and advancing the common good. It honours scholars and leaders who have distinguished themselves in the sciences, arts, humanities and public life. Membership in the academy is considered a high honor of scholarly and societal merit. The list of previous International Honorary Members includes Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and Nelson Mandela. Miscellaneous Chakma and Hajong The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) has directed the Arunachal Pradesh government to include the Chakma and Hajong communities in the COVID-19 relief programme. The Chakmas and Hajongs are ethnic people. Chakmas are predominantly Buddhists while Hajongs are Hindus. They were inhabitants of the Chittagong Hill Tracts of erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) who migrated to India due to: Submergence of their land by the Kaptai dam on the Karnaphuli River in the 1960s. religious persecution they faced in East Pakistan as they were non-Muslims. The Indian government set up relief camps in Arunachal Pradesh and a majority of them continue to live there even after 50 years. IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd May 2020 Image source: Click here Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai Kovilpatti kadalai mittai (chikki or sweet made of peanuts and jaggery) has got geographical indication (GI) tag. It is produced in Kovilpatti and adjacent towns of Tamil Nadu. The uniqueness about the sweet are the ingredients used for its manufacture which are procured from the geographical area of Kovilpatti. The ingredients include groundnuts grown in the native black soil of Kovilpatti, organic jaggery and water sourced from the Thamirabarani river. It is produced using ‘veragu aduppu’ (firewood stove). Kashmir Saffron Kashmir saffron has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry. It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) of Jammu and Kashmir. The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are: longer and thicker stigmas natural deep-red colour high aroma bitter flavour chemical-free processing high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness). It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m above mean sea level. It is renowned globally as a spice. It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes. It is associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine. (MAINS FOCUS) GOVERNANCE/ SECURITY/ INTERNATIONAL Topic: General Studies 2 & 3: Government policies and interventions for development in Health sectors Challenges to National Security International Organisation and their mandates COVID-19: Countries should commit for Universal Bio-deterrence Context: COVID-19 pandemic has awakened the world to the destructive potential of a possible biological weapon. Many see COVID-19 as a quasi-biological war in its scale, scope, duration and impact. Health and biosecurity have, thus, become paramount in national security in 2020. Challenges of Biological Weapons Difficult to differentiate between intentional harm and accidental transmission. New biological agents cannot be anticipated Highly transmissible and deadly The time lag in finding treatment and vaccines inflicts high morbidity and mortality on defenceless populations. The latency period and mutation into different strains makes disease detection and control difficult. It affects the armed forces’ capacity to deal with other conventional and terrorist threats Amenable to be used by non-state actors: Bioterrorism by non-state actors through accidental release or theft of biological disease agents from research facilities Mass contagion and fatalities can bring even the most powerful economies to a halt. Societies can be put into turmoil and governance can suffer serious crises. What measures are need to tackle dangers of Bio-weapons? Integration with National Security Biosecurity should be mainstreamed into our defence, security and counterterrorism strategies. A dedicated National Rapid Deployment Biosecurity Force should be established This would consist of armed forces, police and health responders who perform frontline pandemic-related bio-defence, and disaster relief and response roles. Developing Bio-intelligence Effective, credible, national and international, bio-intelligence systems — especially for new diseases and potential bioweapons — should be put in place. National defence intelligence should incorporate medical intelligence and infectious diseases-risk assessment, and pandemic predictions. Countries should develop National strategies for bio-intelligence and cooperate with other friendly biosecurity powers Bio-safety of Research facilities Governmental and private R&D labs, biotech and virology centres need to be catalogued according to established safety levels, especially for dangerous biological toxins. Protocols in case of accidents and theft need to be established for them. Developing multilateral bio-surveillance mechanisms. Empowering WHO’s health security mechanisms to surveil and access facilities in countries free from geopolitical pressures. Non-proliferation and export control on dual-use biological materials and technologies. All countries need to recommit to a doctrine of universal bio-deterrence. Changes in Governance Countries need to make all normal laboratories and medical facilities transformable into a seamless biosecurity infrastructure for quick and reliable testing Countries should pursue national self-sufficiency in medical and healthcare supply chains Conclusion India needs to propel the early reinforcement of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention with a comprehensive, legally-binding protocol on credible biosurveillance, verification and compliance mechanism at the 2021 review conference. Connecting the dots: Chemical Weapons Trade control regimes: Wassenaar agreement, Australia Group, MTCR and NSG ECONOMY/ GOVERNANCE Topic: General Studies 2 & 3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors Indian Economy and challenges with regard to resource mobilization RBI’s job involves trade-offs, not conflicts Context: The economic crisis caused by COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the role of Central Banks. This is to avoid the repeat of history where central bankers of the 1920s failed to fight the Great Depression. The job of Central Bank involves complex trade-offs — Next quarter(Short term) vs quarter century (Long term) Growth vs stability Mandates (accountability) vs Expectations (autonomy) Some of the measures taken by Central Banks to tide over COVID crisis are: Buying corporate bonds to improve liquidity in system Making corporate loans to boost economic cycle Cutting interest rates to spur investments Conducting open market operations to keep rates low & adequate liquidity Reducing reserve ratios to avoid banks parking their funds with Central Banks Additionally, banks have been permitted to Grant loan moratoriums Hold less capital Restructure loans Pay lower deposit insurance premiums Delay bad loan recognition Majority of these measures have been undertaken by RBI also – Part I and Part II RBI’s COVID measures is constrained by pre-existing conditions in Indian banking, some of which are as follows: Bad loans (peaked at Rs 14 lakh crore but still large) Inadequate competition (scheduled commercial bank numbers have remained between 90 and 100 since 1947) Private bank governance (CEO so powerful that boards and shareholders are weak) Public sector bank governance (shareholder so powerful that boards and CEOs are weak) Way Ahead for RBI Acting cautiously to balance the next quarter and quarter century It must ensure that debt levels are not very high which imposes burden on future generations RBI cannot mimic the model of developed countries as India’s position is different. For ex: US fiscal deficit is expected to be around 15 per cent of GDP and Japan’s public debt levels is nearly 240 per cent of GDP. An analogy here will be “We are all in the same storm but we are all not in the same boat” Acting flexibly to blunt this economic crisis RBI’s mandate of Inflation targeting needs to be relooked in the light of economic disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic Other flexibility options include repayment moratoriums and bank windows for NBFC/Mutual Fund liquidity. Acting within its mandate to ensure institutional legitimacy and immunity RBI must build on its track record of wisely balancing the trade-offs between depositors vs borrowers, companies vs banks, and stability vs growth. RBI must continue to stay out of excessive government interference. Conclusion Creating a prosperous India needs many things. One of them is an independent, accountable, and boundaried central bank that listens. Connecting the dots: Keynesian Economics 2008 Financial crisis and measures taken to come out of the crisis (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 With regard to the Shramik special trains, consider the following guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs: It will be mandatory for every passenger to wear face cover. Passengers, irrespective of symptoms would be allowed to travel. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding Kisan Sabha App: It will increase the interference of middlemen by connecting the farmers with institutional buyers. It will have only one major module taking care of the farmers Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Which of the following is/are correct about the American Academy of Arts and Sciences: Recently Indian Professor Shobhana Narasimhan has been elected as an International Honorary Member. It is one of the recently established learned societies in the United States. Select the correct code: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Majority of Chakma and Hajong communities live in which of the following state of India? Assam Manipur Nagaland Arunachal Pradesh Q.5 With regard to Kashmir saffron, which received GI tag recently, consider the following statements: It is the only Saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1600 metres to 1800 above mean sea level It has high quantity of Crocin which gives the product to which it is added, a strong colour. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.6 Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai which receive GI tag recently belongs to which of the following state of India? Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Telangana Kerala ANSWERS FOR 1st May 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 C 3 A 4 A 5 A 6 A Must Read About economic slowdown in India: The Hindu About Taiwan’s model in fighting COVID-19: The Hindu About life vs livelihood in today’s time of COVID-19 pandemic: The Indian Express

May 2, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 (COMPILATIONS-WEEK 7 & 8)

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 (COMPILATIONS-WEEK 7 & 8) Dear Friends, We hope that the UPSC IAS Prelims Test Series 2020: 60 Days Prelims 2020 Programme is and will be your best companion for UPSC IAS Prelims 2020. We are releasing the 7th-8th weeks of Compilations- Subject Wise, to ease your preparation. We have some more exciting things coming up for Prelims 2020- Stay Tuned! DOWNLOAD THE COMPILATIONS CURRENT AFFAIRS- ENGLISH/HINDI ENVIRONMENT- ENGLISH/HINDI POLITY- ENGLISH/HINDI ECONOMY- ENGLISH/HINDI HISTORY- ENGLISH/HINDI GEOGRAPHY- ENGLISH/HINDI SCIENCE & TECH- ENGLISH/HINDI PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): JOIN NOW! Mohan Sir, Founder of IASbaba LIVE on YouTube on 8th April 2020 from 7.30 pm – 8pm Thank You IASbaba Team!

May 2, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan [Day - 54]- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 ENVIRONMENT & CURRENT AFFAIRS

ARCHIVES OF 60 DAY PLAN PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): STARTING ON 16 APRIL JOIN NOW! Dear Students, The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 54 is here! It is time to Introspect, Ideate and Improve!! We have come-up with articles to instil confidence, motivate you in the present situation. Do read these articles. Mark the words/lines in your dairy. These very lines can be the driving force’ in the time of uncertainty. [STRATEGY] MUST READ: 21 Days of Lockdown-What to do? Introspect, Ideate and Improve !! MUST READ: PRELIMS in Testing Times – Don’t Forget the ‘WHY’; IASbaba’s dedicated HOTLINE for Aspirants and Prelims Postponing Rumours Coronavirus[VIDEO]: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba To ensure that your preparation goes smoothly and keeping up with our promise, we have come up with a Dedicated HOTLINE (Communication channel) - Connect with BABA for all UPSC/IAS Aspirants. From today, you will be able to speak with the Founders and Core Team of IASbaba on telephone regarding ‘any queries’ related to UPSC preparation in general or Subject-specific doubts. This Hotline, will be in addition to the 'ASK YOUR BABA' (#ASKBABA) thread opened on a daily basis for our 60 Day plan. We will try to make sure that with so much going around these days, you have at least one less thing to worry about. How to make use of HOTLINE and ASK YOUR BABA (#ASKBABA)? There are 2 initiatives which will be running parallely. 1. HOTLINE - Connect with BABA (5pm - 7pm) The communication channel will be open ONLY for 2 hours Daily (except on Sundays - holiday) from 5pm to 7 pm. Please do not make calls before or after the specified time. As we will be occupied with other daily initiatives running on the website and mentorship. Hope you understand our time constraints. Please note that, call facilities are mainly for queries related to preparation per se like strategies, difficulties in reading a subject, what to read, what not to read, how to manage time, revision, motivation etc. You can call on the numbers given below. For any queries related to - UPSC Preparation (Prelims, Mains, Interview) Strategy & Current Affairs – contact 9986190082 Environment & Science and Technology – contact 9986193016 Polity & Economics – contact 9899291288 Geography & History – contact 9591106864 We have separated General Strategy (Preparation per se – Pre, Mains, Interview) and Current Affairs from other subjects. You can make use of the HOTLINE, as per your needs. 2. ASK YOUR BABA (#ASKBABA) - clear your doubts on the 60 Day Platform (Online from 11 am - 10 pm) Use the disqus comment section of that particular day (60 Day post - For Ex: Today is Day 25) to clear all your subject specific doubts of the day. You can post your queries/doubts with #ASKBABA !! Here, doubts related to the 60 day questions or conceptual clarity in a particular subject can be asked. Your doubts will be cleared on real-time basis (or max within hour it will be answered from the subject experts) If you are genuinely finding difficulty interms of preparing with that particular subject, then you can use 5pm-7pm window to make calls. If you are not able to speak to IASbaba's Team, then you can still post your doubts/queries in the same post of the 60 day initiative. As mentioned above, your doubts will be cleared on real-time basis (or max within hour it will be answered from the subject experts). Make the best use of the communication channel (Ask Your Baba/comment section on daily 60 Day post and calls) provided. We will make sure that, all your queries will be answered to. So we have tried our bit, to ensure your preparation goes smoothly, you can do your bit by keeping in touch with us via phone/ website to keep yourself going, keep yourself engaged and staying positive during the rough times. How to make the maximum use of this HOTLINE and #ASKBABA (Disqus comment of 60 Day Plan) on Daily basis? Now, that I have solved 30 mcq’s, what to do next? How to Analyse my Performance? For Answers to the above Questions ->CONNECT WITH BABA: IASbaba’s Dedicated HOTLINE for UPSC/IAS Aspirants !! Note- Download the OMR Sheet and attempt the questions exactly like UPSC Prelims. After you are done, please post your OMR in the comment section. Once the solution key is released (5 PM), cross-check the answers and again, comment the marks (you got) in the same comment thread. This will keep you responsible and sincere in days to come. Also, we need more sets of scores for releasing the cut offs in the night so, requesting all of you to sincerely put your scores in comment section. You can also take part in discussion with peers. Q.1) Terrestrial part of biosphere is divided in to many Biomes. In this context consider the following. The most important climatic determinants are temperature, precipitation and soil. No two biomes are alike Savannah has landscape of tall grasses with scattered tress and huge animal diversity Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above Q.1) जैवमंडल (biosphere) के स्थलीय भाग कई बायोम में विभाजित हैं। इस संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित पर विचार करें। सबसे महत्वपूर्ण जलवायु निर्धारक तापमान, वर्षा और मिट्टी हैं। कोई भी दो बायोम एक जैसे नहीं होते हैं सवाना में बिखरे हुए वृक्षों और विशाल पशु विविधता के साथ लंबी घास का भू-दृश्य होता है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.2) Consider the following statements: Aquatic systems are not called biomes Estuaries are highly productive as compared to the adjacent river or sea. Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: जलीय प्रणालियों को बायोम नहीं कहा जाता है आसन्न नदी या समुद्र की तुलना में ज्वारनदमुख (Estuaries) अत्यधिक उत्पादक होते हैं। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.3) Biosphere is a part of the earth where life can exist. With reference to this consider the following statements: The energy required for the life within the biosphere comes from the sun. Living organisms are not uniformly distributed throughout the biosphere. Diversity of living organism increases from Temperate to Tundra region Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above Q.3) जैवमंडल पृथ्वी का एक हिस्सा है, जहाँ जीवन मौजूद हो सकता है। इसके संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: जैवमंडल के भीतर जीवन के लिए आवश्यक ऊर्जा सूर्य से मिलती है। जीवित जीव संपूर्ण जैवमंडल में समान रूप से वितरित नहीं होते हैं। शीतोष्ण क्षेत्रों की तुलना में टुंड्रा क्षेत्र में, रहने वाले जीवों की विविधता अधिक होती है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.4) Consider the following statements: A Grazing food chain Always starts with producers The source of energy to ecosystem is Always from Sun Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: एक चारागाह खाद्य श्रृंखला हमेशा उत्पादकों (producers) के साथ आरंभ होती है पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में ऊर्जा का स्रोत सदैव सूर्य होता है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.5) Consider the following statements: The flow of energy and nutrients in ecosystem is unidirectional The hydrological cycle is driven by solar energy Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium circulate by means of the sedimentary cycle. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.5) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में ऊर्जा और पोषक तत्वों का प्रवाह एक-दिशीय (unidirectional) होता है जलीय चक्र (hydrological cycle), सौर ऊर्जा द्वारा संचालित होता है फॉस्फोरस, कैल्शियम और मैग्नीशियम अवसादी चक्र (sedimentary cycle) के माध्यम से प्रसारित होते हैं। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.6) Consider the following Durban Declaration and Program of Action Bali Action Plan Copenhagen Accord Cancum Agreement Which of the above includes commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 3 and 4 only Q.6) निम्नलिखित पर विचार करें डरबन घोषणा और कार्य योजना (Durban Declaration and Program of Action) बाली कार्य योजना (Bali Action Plan) कोपेनहेगन समझौते कानकुन समझौता (Cancun Agreement) उपरोक्त में से कौन, ग्रीनहाउस गैस उत्सर्जन को कम करने के लिए प्रतिबद्धताओं में शामिल है? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 3 और 4 Q.7) According to “United Nations Convention on The Law of Seas (UNCLOS)”. Consider the following: Territorial waters are up to 12 nautical miles. Contiguous Zone is up to 35 nautical miles from the shore The coastal nation has sole exploitation rights over all natural resources in Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only All of the above Q.7) ‘संयुक्त राष्ट्र समुद्री कानून संधि (UNCLOS)’ के अनुसार, निम्नलिखित पर विचार करें: प्रादेशिक जल (Territorial waters) 12 समुद्री मील तक होता है। सन्निहित क्षेत्र (Contiguous Zone) तट से 35 नॉटिकल मील तक का होता है विशेष आर्थिक क्षेत्र (EEZ) में सभी प्राकृतिक संसाधनों पर तटीय राष्ट्र का एकमात्र अधिकार होता है। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.8) TRAFFIC, The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network is a joint conservation programme of? WWF and IUCN UNEP and IPCCC WWF and UNDP UNEP and UNCBD Q.8) ‘TRAFFIC, वन्यजीव व्यापार निगरानी नेटवर्क’ किसका एक संयुक्त संरक्षण कार्यक्रम है? WWF और IUCN UNEP और IPCCC WWF और UNDP UNEP और UNCBD Q.9) The decisions on REDD+ enumerate some "eligible activities" that developing countries may implement to reduce emissions and enhance removals of greenhouse gases. Identify the activities Reducing emissions from deforestation Reducing emissions from land degradation Conservation of forest carbon stocks Enhancement of forest carbon stocks Sustainable management of non-renewable energy Choose correct option from below: 1 and 2 only 1, 3 and 4 only 1, 2 and 3 only All of the above. Q.9) REDD + पर निर्णय कुछ "पात्र गतिविधियों" को शामिल करते हैं, जो विकासशील देश उत्सर्जन को कम करने और ग्रीनहाउस गैसों के निष्कासन को बढ़ाने के लिए लागू कर सकते हैं। उन गतिविधियों को पहचानें वनों की कटाई (deforestation) से उत्सर्जन को कम करना भूमि निम्नीकरण (land degradation) से उत्सर्जन को कम करना वनीय कार्बन स्टॉक का संरक्षण वनीय कार्बन स्टॉक में वृद्धि अक्षय ऊर्जा का सतत प्रबंधन नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1, 3 और 4 केवल 1, 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.10) Readiness for Investment in Sustainable Energy (RISE) is developed by? International Energy Agency International Monetary Fund United Nations Development Programme World Bank Group Q.10) सतत ऊर्जा में निवेश के लिए तत्परता (Readiness for Investment in Sustainable Energ- RISE) किसके द्वारा विकसित किया गया है? अंतर्राष्ट्रीय ऊर्जा एजेंसी अंतरराष्ट्रीय मुद्रा कोष संयुक्त राष्ट्र विकास कार्यक्रम विश्व बैंक समूह Q.11) Consider the following statements regarding National Mission on Sustainable Habitats: It is one of the missions under National Action Plan on Climate Change. It aims to make cities sustainable through improvements in energy efficiency The mission works on development of green corridors to connect protected areas of India. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only All of the above Q.11) सतत आवास पर राष्ट्रीय मिशन (National Mission on Sustainable Habitats) के बारे में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: यह जलवायु परिवर्तन पर राष्ट्रीय कार्य योजना के तहत मिशनों में से एक है। इसका उद्देश्य ऊर्जा दक्षता में सुधार के माध्यम से शहरों को सतत बनाना है मिशन भारत के संरक्षित क्षेत्रों को जोड़ने के लिए ग्रीन कॉरिडोर के विकास पर कार्य करता है। उपरोक्त में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.12) World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is a flagship initiative by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) UNESCO United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Q.12) विश्व सतत विकास शिखर सम्मेलन (WSDS) किसकी एक प्रमुख पहल है खाद्य और कृषि संगठन (FAO) ऊर्जा और संसाधन संस्थान (TERI) यूनेस्को संयुक्त राष्ट्र विकास कार्यक्रम (UNDP) Q.13) The term “Arribada” is related with? Ecological Niche Ecosystem efficiency Pollution Index Mass nesting of turtles Q.13) "अरीबड़ा" (Arribada) शब्द किससे संबंधित है? पारिस्थितिक आला (Ecological Niche) पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र की दक्षता प्रदूषण सूचकांक कछुओं का सामूहिक घोंसला बनाना Q.14) Consider the following statements: Important Bird Area (IBA) was developed and sites are identified by BirdLife International. Not all animals migrate by choice is launched by UN Environment India and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) Sambhar is largest inland saltwater lake in India and also important Ramsar site Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only None of the above Q.14) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: बर्डलाइफ इंटरनेशनल द्वारा महत्वपूर्ण पक्षी क्षेत्र (Important Bird Area- IBA) विकसित किया गया था और स्थलों की पहचान की गई थी। संयुक्त राष्ट्र पर्यावरण भारत और वन्यजीव अपराध नियंत्रण ब्यूरो (WCCB) द्वारा ‘सभी जानवर अपनी इच्छा से प्रवास नहीं करते हैं (Not all animals migrate by choice), लॉन्च किया गया है। सांभर भारत की सबसे बड़ी अंतर्देशीय खारे पानी की झील है और महत्वपूर्ण रामसर स्थल भी है उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.15) With reference to homeostasis, consider the following statements: It refers to the maintenance of the constancy of an organism’s internal environment despite varying external environmental conditions Only mammals are capable of maintaining homeostasis. Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.15) समस्थिति (homeostasis) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: यह बाह्य पर्यावरणीय परिस्थितियों के परिवर्तित होते रहने के बावजूद किसी जीव के आंतरिक वातावरण की निरंतरता को बनाये रखने को संदर्भित करता है केवल स्तनधारी समस्थिति को बनाए रखने में सक्षम होते हैं। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.16) Consider the following statements: While eurythermal organisms are those organisms which can survive in a wide range of temperatures, stenothermal organisms are restricted to a narrow range of temperatures. While all vertebrates are stenothermal, all invertebrates are eurythermal. Which of the above statement is/are incorrect? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.16) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: पृथुतापी जीव (eurythermal organisms) वे जीव हैं, जो तापमान की एक विस्तृत श्रृंखला में जीवित रह सकते हैं, जबकि तनुतापी जीव (stenothermal organisms) तापमान की एक संकीर्ण सीमा तक सीमित होते हैं। सभी कशेरुकी तनुतापी होते हैं, जबकि सभी अकशेरुकी पृथुतापी होते हैं। उपरोक्त कथन में से कौन गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.17) An Ecological Pyramid is a diagrammatic presentation to describe trophic levels. How does the knowledge of Ecological Pyramid can help us in conservation of an ecosystem? It helps us in recognizing the keystone species. It helps us to identify bioaccumulation It helps us to identify biomagnifications. It helps us recognize Invasive species Choose correct option from below: 1, 2 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 3 and 4 only All of the above. Q.17) एक पारिस्थितिक पिरामिड पोषक स्तरों का वर्णन करने के लिए एक आरेखीय प्रस्तुति है। पारिस्थितिक तंत्र के संरक्षण में पारिस्थितिक पिरामिड का ज्ञान हमें कैसे मदद कर सकता है? यह कीस्टोन प्रजाति को पहचानने में हमारी मदद करता है। यह हमें जैवसंचयन (bioaccumulation) की पहचान करने में मदद करता है यह हमें जैव आवर्धन (biomagnifications) की पहचान करने में मदद करता है। यह हमें आक्रामक प्रजातियों को पहचानने में मदद करता है नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें: केवल 1, 2 और 3 केवल 2, 3 और 4 केवल 1, 3 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.18) Which one of the following is the best description of the term 'standing crop' in ecology? It is the mass of living material at a particular time in each trophic level It is the amount of biomass of a forest It is the number of primary producers in an ecosystem It is the total amount of energy produced in a food chain. Q.18) पारिस्थितिकी में 'खड़ी फसल' (standing crop) शब्द का सबसे अच्छा वर्णन निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा है? यह प्रत्येक पोषक स्तर (trophic level) में एक विशेष समय में जीवित सामग्री का द्रव्यमान है यह एक जंगल के जैवभार की मात्रा है यह एक पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र में प्राथमिक उत्पादकों की संख्या है यह एक खाद्य श्रृंखला में उत्पादित ऊर्जा की कुल मात्रा है। Q.19) The ecological footprint is a measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems. It measures? How much of the biological capacity of the planet is demanded by a given human activity or population Ecological Footprints is calculated for overall activity of a nation or population and activities such as industrialization etc. The disadvantage of Ecological Footprint is that it cannot be calculated for individual people or area Choose correct option from below: 2 only 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only All of the above. Q.19) पारिस्थितिकीय पदचिह्न (ecological footprint) पृथ्वी के पारिस्थितिक तंत्र पर मानव मांग की एक माप है। यह माप है? किसी दी गई मानव गतिविधि या जनसंख्या द्वारा ग्रह की जैविक क्षमता की कितनी मांग है पारिस्थितिक पदचिह्न की गणना किसी राष्ट्र या जनसंख्या की संपूर्ण गतिविधि और औद्योगिकीकरण आदि गतिविधियों के लिए की जाती है। पारिस्थितिक पदचिह्न का नुकसान यह है कि इसकी गणना व्यक्तिगत लोगों या क्षेत्र के लिए नहीं की जा सकती है नीचे से सही विकल्प चुनें: केवल 2 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.20) The Term “Bio-Mining is recently seen in news, it refers to? Extraction of minerals using enzymes Use of genetic information of ores to extract minerals from microbes Use of biomedical devices in the recovery of minerals from ores Use of microorganisms in the recovery of minerals from ores Q.20) "जैव खनन" (Bio-Mining) शब्द को हाल ही में समाचारों में देखा गया है, यह संदर्भित करता है? एंजाइमों का उपयोग करके खनिजों का निष्कर्षण सूक्ष्म जीवों द्वारा खनिजों को निकालने के लिए अयस्कों की आनुवंशिक जानकारी का उपयोग अयस्कों से खनिजों के निष्कर्षण में जैव-चिकित्सा उपकरणों का उपयोग अयस्कों से खनिजों के निष्कर्षण में सूक्ष्मजीवों का उपयोग Q.21) Consider the following statements: The Reserve Bank of India has put in place a central fraud registry, which is a searchable database to help banks detect instances of fraud by borrowers. Frauds of ₹ 5 crore and above will be monitored by the Central Fraud Monitoring Cell (CFMC) of the central bank. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.21) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक ने एक केंद्रीय धोखाधड़ी रजिस्ट्री (central fraud registry) बनायी है, जो बैंकों द्वारा उधारकर्ताओं द्वारा धोखाधड़ी के मामलों का पता लगाने में मदद करने के लिए खोज योग्य डेटाबेस है। 5 करोड़ रूपए और उससे अधिक के धोखाधड़ी की निगरानी केंद्रीय बैंक के केंद्रीय धोखाधड़ी निगरानी सेल (CFMC) द्वारा की जाएगी। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.22) With reference to Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Act, 2020, Consider the following statements: The Act provides a mechanism for resolution of pending tax disputes related to both income tax and corporation tax. Every order passed under this act (regarding determining the amount payable under this act) shall be conclusive and no matter covered by such order shall be reopened under any law, including the income tax act. This mechanism will not cover disputes involving undisclosed foreign income or assets. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct? 1 and 2 only 1 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.22) प्रत्यक्ष कर विवाद से विश्वास अधिनियम, 2020 के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: अधिनियम आयकर और निगम कर दोनों से संबंधित लंबित कर विवादों के समाधान के लिए एक तंत्र प्रदान करता है। इस अधिनियम के तहत पारित प्रत्येक आदेश (इस अधिनियम के तहत देय राशि का निर्धारण करने के संबंध में) निर्णायक (conclusive) होगा तथा इस तरह के आदेश द्वारा कवर किए गए किसी भी मामले को आयकर कानून सहित किसी भी कानून के तहत फिर से खोला नहीं जाएगा। यह तंत्र अघोषित विदेशी आय या संपत्ति से जुड़े विवादों को कवर नहीं करेगा। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 केवल 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.23) With reference to Marakkars, Consider the following statements: The leaders of Marakkar clan were naval chieftains of the Zamorin of Calicut during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Marakkars were mostly muslims. Which of the statements given above is/are Not Correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.23) मराक्कर (Marakkars) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: मराक्कर कबीले के नेता 16 वीं और 17 वीं शताब्दी के दौरान कालीकट के ज़मोरिन के नौसेना प्रमुख थे। मराक्कर अधिकतर मुसलमान थे। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही नहीं है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2 1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.24) With reference to Epidemic Act 1897, Consider the following statements: Any person disobeying any regulation or order made under this Act shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under section 195 of the Indian Penal Code. The law also safeguards officials and gives them overarching superintendence of power who acts under the provisions of this law to contain the outbreak. According to Section 4 of the act, no suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against any person for anything done in good faith under the act. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct? 1 and 2 only 1 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.24) महामारी अधिनियम 1897 के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: इस अधिनियम के तहत किए गए किसी भी विनियमन या आदेश की अवहेलना करने वाले किसी भी व्यक्ति को भारतीय दंड संहिता की धारा 195 के तहत दंडनीय अपराध माना जाएगा। यह कानून अधिकारियों को भी सुरक्षित करता है तथा उन्हें व्यापक अधीक्षण की शक्ति देता है, जो इस कानून के प्रावधानों के तहत कार्य करता है। अधिनियम की धारा 4 के अनुसार, अधिनियम के तहत कोई भी मुकदमा या अन्य कानूनी कार्यवाही सद्भाव में की गई किसी भी चीज के लिए किसी व्यक्ति के खिलाफ नहीं होगी। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 केवल 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.25) With reference to Disaster Management Act, Consider the following statements: It defines a disaster as a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising only from natural causes, which results in substantial loss of life or human suffering. It also provides for one year's imprisonment for anyone circulating a false alarm. The act allows government to get access to the National Disaster Response Fund, the State Disaster Response Fund and the District Disaster Response Fund. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct? 1 and 2 only 1 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.25) आपदा प्रबंधन अधिनियम के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: यह किसी भी क्षेत्र में तबाही, दुर्घटना, आपदा या गंभीर घटना के रूप में एक आपदा को परिभाषित करता है, जो केवल प्राकृतिक कारणों से उत्पन्न होती है, जिसके परिणामस्वरूप जीवन या मानव को काफी नुकसान होता है। यह किसी को गलत चेतावनी प्रसारित करने के लिए एक साल की कैद का प्रावधान भी करता है। यह अधिनियम सरकार को राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रतिक्रिया कोष, राज्य आपदा प्रतिक्रिया कोष और जिला आपदा प्रतिक्रिया कोष से निकासी की अनुमति देता है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 केवल 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.26) ‘Multi-party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA)’ was in news recently. It is associated with? European Union World Trade Organisation World Bank ASEAN Q.26) ‘बहु-पक्षीय अंतरिम अपील मध्यस्थता व्यवस्था (Multi-party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement- MPIA)’ हाल ही में समाचारों में थी। यह किसके साथ संबद्ध है? यूरोपीय संघ विश्व व्यापार संगठन विश्व बैंक आसियान Q.27) Which of the following Acts was amended to bring in the concept of “Significant Economic Presence” for establishing “business connection” in the case of non-resident in India? Income-tax Act, 1961 Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 Companies Act, 2013 Q.27) भारत में अनिवासी के मामले में "व्यावसायिक संबंध" स्थापित करने के लिए "महत्वपूर्ण आर्थिक उपस्थिति" की अवधारणा को लाने के लिए निम्नलिखित में से किस अधिनियम में संशोधन किया गया था? आयकर अधिनियम, 1961 विदेशी मुद्रा प्रबंधन अधिनियम, 1999 भगोड़ा आर्थिक अपराधी अधिनियम, 2018 कंपनी अधिनियम, 2013 Q.28) ‘Guindy National Park’ is located in Tamil Nadu Kerala Odisha Goa Q.28) 'गिंडी राष्ट्रीय उद्यान' कहाँ स्थित है तमिलनाडु केरल ओडिशा गोवा Q.29) The ‘Gormati Art’ which was in news recently is associated with which of the following communities? Dhangar Banjara Gonds Bhils Q.29) ‘गोरमाटी कला’ (Gormati Art) जो हाल ही में समाचारों में थी, निम्नलिखित में से किस समुदाय से संबंधित है? धनगर बंजारा गोंड भील Q.30) Which of the following pairs are correctly matched? Places in News - Country Jizan – Iran Wonsan – China Latakia – Syria Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 Only 1, 2 and 3 Q.30) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी जोड़ी सही ढंग से सुमेलित है? समाचार में स्थान - देश जीजान (Jizan) - ईरान वॉनसन (Wonsan)- चीन लताकिया (Latakia) - सीरिया सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 केवल 3 1, 2 और 3 DOWNLOAD THE SOLUTION ENGLISH HINDI NOTE- Follow this for Comments Mention- Time Taken after solving the Test After the release of Solution Edit your Comment to Mention- Correct/Incorrect and Score 2 Marks for Correct/0.66 minus for Incorrect. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020 PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): STARTING 15 APRIL- JOIN NOW! All the Best! IASbaba

May 1, 2020 MindMaps

NEW INITIATIVE: BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS!

NEW INITIATIVE: BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS! Hello Everyone, Let’s discuss a scenario. If you have appeared for UPSC civil services exam before, or any other exam for that matter, you must have experienced that many a times you look at a question and you think that you have read it somewhere, but at that very moment, you are unable to recall. This is a very common issue that has been discussed with us on HOTLINE calls every single day. The main reason for this is lack of systematic studies and proper revision. Since most of the aspirants are facing the same issue, we thought that we will introduce a program that will specifically target this problem. In order to solve the problem, first of all you need to understand the main cause of this problem. The fact is that our brain is like an empty room. When you study something you add that information in some corner of your room. After a while this room gets filled and it becomes a store room of information. While filling up this room you forgot to put information in a systematic manner. Now think of such a store room. If we ask you suddenly to go and fetch a ball from that room, there are three possibilities. Case 1 – You will immediately find the ball as you open the door and fetch it. Case 2 – You may take some time in looking for the ball and then find it. Case 3 – You may try to look for the ball but amidst all of that cluttering you might not find it at a given time. This is what exactly happens with you in exam, when a question is asked. You try to think about that information, if you are lucky it strikes you in a second, but if you are not, you keep thinking about it and may not recall in the examination hall. The moment you step out of exam hall, suddenly the correct answer rushes to your head, but then it’s too late. Only if you had sorted all that information before, you would have known where to look for it in your head. You might have found your ball immediately at all times. For this, your learning process has to change and you need to deliberately learn – How to learn? One such tool for learning is called a MIND MAP. In fact, IASbaba was the first one to start mind-maps technique to simplify the preparation. We started off with UPSC MAINS Syllabus. It will surely ease your understanding of the syllabus and things to keep in mind while preparing from basic texts or current affairs. FOR MIND-MAPS on UPSC MAINS SYLLABUS -> CLICK HERE FOR MIND-MAPS on IMPORTANT TOPICS -> CLICK HERE FOR OUR PREVIOUS INITIATIVE on MIND-MAPS -> CLICK HERE So what is a mind map?? An incredible powerful thinking tool. An Innate Human language. How to Mind map? A good Mind Map has three essential characteristics: (as defined by Tony Buzan) A central image that captures the main subject under consideration. For example, if you were using a Mind Map to plan a project, you could put a sketch of a folder in the center. No special artistic skill is needed to create a good Mind Map. Thick branches radiating out from the central image. These branches represent the key themes relating to the main subject, and each one is represented by a different colour. In turn, the main branches sprout subsidiary branches – twigs, if you like, in the form of second- and third-level branches – which relate to further associated themes. A single key image or word is placed on each branch. In practicality, many times you have to defy the rule no 2 & rule no 3 as many students complained that using different color pens increases the time and the efforts is not that worthy, So, here we will not push you to use these color pens. You can use whatever suits/available with you. The main idea is to brainstorm, and the important thing is every mind map is unique so you can do it in whatever manner you like to do it. Secondly, you can add multiple words instead of sticking to only single key word as mentioned in rule 3. The whole of this exercise is to unleash your creativity to push your brain cells to recall the data learnt and to make it more relevant for your preparation. Mind Mapping is most effective when undertaken in bursts of about 20 minutes. Advantages/benefits of using a mind map? Revision: THE MOST IMPORTANT, it reduces time for revision and converts pages of notes into few sheets. Retention: Incremental knowledge is so much easier to maintain in a rich way. Recall: Quicker recall as it helps you to structure your memory and data in it. Clarity of thoughts, ideas, concepts Interesting/creative & Engaging: There is no limit or rule for deciding the key words and using Pictures. Every mind map is unique. So, you can always give a personal touch to your mind map and expand it whenever you come across any new idea/data. Thinking: It will develop the ability to think in a systematic manner. Concentration: In Mind mapping, you must dig into your own memory to focus on what is important and what is not. So, it helps you to really focus on learning. It, in fact, many folds the speed of learning. How can we use Mind map for our preparation? Notes making Before reading any article in Newspaper, magazine or even a book you can make a mind map by following below instructions. If you have any previous knowledge about anything related to the topic then try to recall it once and give it a shape of mind map. Or else just start with few basic questions like WHY, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, HOW etc. and try to arrange things accordingly. It will not only increase your understanding but also helps you in 360 ° learning. After making the rough mind map, now go and read that article or chapter. Your mind map will help in identifying loopholes in your data, clear your misunderstanding and give perspective to the data given in the article/chapter. Especially in Essay paper, it helps you in creating a basic structure of your essay. SO WHAT WILL WE DO IN THIS INITIATIVE - BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS? Firstly, we will post 2 Topics every week. One from Conventional or the Static part of the Mains Syllabus And the other from Current Affairs Unlike what we were doing before, in this initiative we want students to learn and brainstorm through mind-maps (how to use mind-maps in your preparation and the benefits of this exercise is already mentioned above). 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 as explained above. We will share the final printable mind map on every Wednesday and Sunday (2 times a week). We will also provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping. OTHER ASPECTS of this Initiative: We will also provide Puzzles or Half drawn mind maps which you will be able to fill (It is like guessing the Keywords, Guess What - Art & Culture, etc.) We will share Summary Maps on a regular basis for various subjects for quick revision. We will also share INFOGRAPHICS; this will help you in better visualization of information, data, or knowledge which is very important from Prelims and Mains Perspective. YOUR PARTICIPATION? Enlist the topics you feel as important for MAINS. Issues in Current Affairs you find difficult to understand. Share your own mind-maps on the given topics in the comment section of the post published on Wednesdays and Sundays (every week). We will provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping. “Together we can, we will. Strength of community is more powerful than individual effort. We have started it. You have to strengthen it” So Today’s Topic is on “PRIVATIZATION”. The mind-map will be published this Sunday (3rd May, 2020). The TOPICS for Next week will be published on the same post. You can Start sharing Your Mind-maps & Topics of your interest in the comment section below!! Thank You IASbaba

May 1, 2020 Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent and Creativity

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: ART WORK & CULINARY by AISHWARYA JOSHI

May 1, 2020 AIR

RBI new announcement to Boost Economy - All India Radio (AIR) IAS UPSC

ARCHIVES RBI new announcement to Boost Economy Search 17th April, 2020 Spotlight here: http://www.newsonair.com/Main_Audio_Bulletins_Search.aspx Topic: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues Measures to revive the economy during COVID-19 crisis “…In the midst of death life persists, in the midst of untruth truth persists, in the midst of darkness light persists.” – Mahatma Gandhi, during his famous Kingsley Hall, London address in October 1931 The International Monetary Fund has christened the ongoing economic crisis due to Covid-19 as “The Great Lockdown” and reckons it to be the worst recession that the world would have faced since the Great Depression that happened in the first half of the 20th Century. The total estimated loss to global economic growth is pegged at $9 trillion — more than three times India’s GDP. Earlier, the RBI had announced a flurry of measures essentially trying to do two things: One, provide regulatory forbearance (that is, greater leniency) in recognising non-performing assets; Two, it tried to boost the liquidity in the financial system so that businesses do not starve of funds. RBI’s additional measures are aimed to: Maintain adequate liquidity in the system and its constituents in the face of COVID-19 related dislocations Facilitate and incentivise bank credit flows Ease financial stress, and Enable the normal functioning of markets The Measures Liquidity Management 1) Targeted Long-Term Operations (TLTRO) 2.0: A second set of targeted long-term repo operations (TLTRO 2.0) for an initial aggregate amount of Rs. 50,000 crore will be conducted to facilitate funds flow to small and mid-sized corporates, including NBFCs and MFIs, who have been more severely impacted by the disruptions due to COVID-19. The funds availed by banks under TLTRO 2.0 should be invested in investment grade bonds, commercial paper, and non-convertible debentures of non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), with at least 50 per cent of the total amount availed going to small and mid-sized NBFCs and micro finance institutions (MFIs). 2) Refinancing Facilities for All India Financial Institutions Special refinance facilities for a total amount of Rs. 50,000 crore will be provided to National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the National Housing Bank (NHB) to enable them to meet sectoral credit needs. This will comprise Rs. 25,000 crore to NABARD for refinancing regional rural banks (RRBs), cooperative banks and micro finance institutions (MFIs); Rs. 15,000 crore to SIDBI for on-lending / refinancing; and Rs. 10,000 crore to NHB for supporting housing finance companies (HFCs). Advances under this facility will be charged at the RBI’s policy repo rate at the time of availment, in order to enable them to provide credit at rates affordable for their borrowers. 3) Reduction of Reverse Repo Rate under Liquidity Adjustment Facility Reverse repo rate has been reduced by 25 basis points from 4.0% to 3.75% with immediate effect, in order to encourage banks to deploy surplus funds in investments and loans in productive sectors of the economy. What is reverse repo rate: The interest offered by the RBI to banks who deposit funds into the treasury; can be used to control the money supply in the country. What is repo rate: It is the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds; used by monetary authorities to control inflation. 4) Raising Limit of Ways and Means Advances of states and UTs Ways and Means Advances (WMAs) Limit of states and union territories has been increased by 60% over and above the limit, in order to provide greater comfort to states for undertaking COVID-19 containment and mitigation efforts, and also to help them plan their market borrowing programmes better. The increased limit will be available till September 30, 2020. What are WMAs: These are temporary loan facilities provided by RBI to help governments tide over temporary mismatches in receipts and expenditure. Regulatory Measures To lessen debtors’ burden in wake of the pandemic 5) Asset Classification The moratorium period will be excluded while considering 90-day NPA norm for those accounts for which lending institutions decide to grant moratorium or deferment and which were standard as on March 1, 2020. This means that there will be an asset classification standstill for such accounts from March 1 - May 31, 2020. NBFCs will have the flexibility under the prescribed accounting standards to provide such relief to their borrowers. Simultaneously, banks have been asked to maintain higher provision of 10% on all accounts whose classification has been put on a standstill as above, so that banks maintain sufficient buffers What are Non-performing Assets: A classification for loans or advances that are in default or in arrears. A loan is in arrears when principal or interest payments are late or missed. A loan is in default when the lender considers the loan agreement to be broken and the debtor is unable to meet his obligations. Solve: Why are NPAs detrimental for the economy? Examine. 6) Extension of Resolution Timeline Recognizing challenges to resolution of stressed assets or accounts which are or are likely to become NPAs, the period for implementation of resolution plan has been extended by 90 days. Currently, scheduled commercial banks and other financial institutions are required to hold an additional provision of 20 per cent if a resolution plan has not been implemented within 210 days from the date of such default. 7) Distribution of Dividend Scheduled commercial banks and cooperative banks shall not make any further dividend pay-outs from profits pertaining to FY 2019-20; the decision will be reviewed based on the financial position of banks at the end of the second quarter of the financial year 2019-20. This has been done in order to enable banks to conserve capital so that they can retain their capacity to support the economy and absorb losses in an environment of heightened uncertainty. 8) Lowering of Liquidity Coverage Ratio requirement To improve the liquidity position for individual institutions, Liquidity Coverage Ratio requirement for scheduled commercial banks has been brought down from 100% to 80% with immediate effect. This will be gradually restored in two phases - 90% by October 1, 2020 and 100% by April 1, 2021. 9) NBFC Loans to Commercial Real Estate Projects The treatment available for loans to commercial real estate projects with respect to the date for commencement for commercial operations (DCCO) has been extended to NBFCs, in order to provide relief to both NBFCs and the real estate sector. Impact of RBI’s actions Liquidity enhancing measures will ease financial stress and help increase credit flows particularly to NBFC sector The NBFCs have experienced liquidity shortage since banks had not offered them any moratorium for repayment Housing sector: The soft loan to NHB should help bring down the cost of home loans Small businesses can hope for some cheap credit from SIDBI, and the rural-agrarian community from NABARD. Provides comfort to States to plan market borrowing programmes better and undertake better containment and mitigation efforts. Avoids Lazy Banking: Reduction in repo rate will discourage banks from parking their excess liquidity with RBI Relief to borrowers who were worried that opting for the moratorium may turn them into NPAs Challenges Ahead Implementation Challenges: With regard to TLTROs into NBFC, investment-grade NBFC assets will be harder to come by now, which will disincentivize the banks from engaging with TLTROs altogether Insufficient: There is no buy-out of corporate bonds by RBI, and no big largesse for real estate developers Muted demand in Housing sector, hence soft loans to NHB will not yield dramatic results. Consequences of heightened liquidity like Inflation which needs to tackled in future Way Ahead Banks will have to be liberal in extending help for working capital loans and overdrafts to their borrowers, including MSMEs. The government could help by extending a scheme of credit assurance cover that will encourage banks to be more liberal in their lending activity Important value additions: Monetary Policy Committee It is responsible for fixing the benchmark interest rate in India. The meetings are held at least 4 times a year. The committee comprises six members – three officials of the Reserve Bank of India and three external members nominated by the Government of India. Cash Reserve Ratio It is the share of a bank’s total deposit that is mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to be maintained with the latter in the form of liquid cash. Targeted Long Term Repo Operations Repo rate is the rate at which Banks borrow from RBI. Generally, these loans are for short durations up to 2 weeks LTRO is a tool that lets banks borrow one to three-year funds from RBI at the repo rate by providing government securities with similar or higher tenure as collateral. It is called ‘Targeted’ LTRO when RBI wants banks opting for funds under this option to be specifically invested in Targeted Sector (Ex: Corporate debt, NBFC, MFI) Connecting the Dots: How can central bank, during a crisis like COVID-19, ensure smoother & quicker monetary transmission? Suggest. What will the impact of money supply be on exchange rate? Discuss. Are the measures taken by RBI to rescue the Indian economy enough? Discuss

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