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Jun 3, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [Day 8]: IASbaba's TLP 2020-UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) - High Ordered Thinking (HOT) Questions

SYNOPSIS [Day 8]: TLP 2020- UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) Q 1. What is ‘wolf warrior’ diplomacy? Explain the term in the light of China’s external diplomacy. Demand of the question: It expects students to write about the concept of wolf warrior diplomacy and its relevance in the context of China’s external diplomacy. Students should also write about impact in India. Introduction: Recently the Chinese foreign ministry has taken an increasingly strident tone against the United States, Hong Kong, India and Australia. This new approach dubbed as wolf-warrior diplomacy seems popular inside China. Body: Wolf warrior diplomacy: Wolf Warrior and Wolf Warrior II are Chinese action blockbusters that highlight agents of Chinese special operation forces. They have boosted national pride and patriotism among Chinese viewers. Wolf-warrior diplomacy named after these movies, describes offensives by Chinese diplomat to defend China’s national interests, often in confrontational ways. Use of comparatively new platform of Twitter by Chinese diplomats to hit back against external criticisms of China’s handling of the corona virus outbreak and the poor quality of exported Chinese medical equipment. E.g. Official diplomats expressed speculation that US army might have role in Wuhan outbreak. It reinforces a presumed transition of Chinese diplomacy from conservative, passive, and low-key to assertive, proactive, and high-profile. Wolf warrior approach as china external diplomacy: Chinese have become more confident and China’s foreign policy has become more assertive, gradually departing from Deng Xiaoping’s ‘taoguang yanghui’ dictum (meaning- observe calmly, secure our position, cope with affairs calmly, hide our capacities and bide our time, be good at maintaining a low profile, and never claim leadership) for foreign policy. As the Communist Party continues to promote ‘four confidences’— in our chosen path, in our political system, in our guiding theories, and in our culture — nationalism has been on the rise. “Wolf-warrior diplomacy” is an extension of soaring nationalism at home. Wolf-warrior diplomacy is evidenced not only in combative words but aggressive actions. For example, in early April, a Chinese coastguard ship allegedly sank a Vietnamese fishing trawler near the Paracel Islands. When Vietnam protested, the Chinese foreign ministry responded by saying Vietnam’s claims to the area are illegal. China’s image suffered during the crisis due to its bungled handling of the outbreak at the early stage. Many blame China for initially covering up the human-to-human transmission of the virus and not sharing complete information with the international community. Wolf-warrior diplomacy is part of the Chinese government’s endeavour to tell the China story. The latest diplomatic offensive is also part of the official effort to project China as a great power leading the global fight against the COVID-19. Impact on India: China’s current belligerence on the LAC and increased physical tussles between Indian and Chinese soldiers rightly explained as reflection of wolf warrior strategy. It has consistently undermined India’s vital interests in international organizations, territorial sovereignty, border conflict, counter global terrorism, expanded maritime policies in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea and huge trade deficit. There are tensions within the Chinese leadership on issues like Taiwan, Hong Kong and South China Sea and how they are resolved will also impact the course of India-China relations. However, it is too early to tell whether wolf-warrior diplomacy represents the culmination of Chinese diplomacy’s transition. As China faces growing external criticisms and demands for reparations over the corona virus, it is not inconceivable that Chinese leaders may rein in confrontational diplomacy to create an environment conducive to domestic reconstruction. Conclusion: Even if there is a US retreat from its global role, itself a debatable proposition, China is not yet capable of stepping into its shoes. There is a cluster of major powers that are also expanding their profile in their own regions. Asia itself is a crowded and contested geopolitical space and India is a major player. China will have to learn to live with a multipolar Asia and a multipolar world rather than seek singular hegemony. Q 2. What are the challenges posed by India’s federal polity in the formulation and implementation of a cohesive disaster response policy? Examine. Demand of the question: It expects students to write about the challenges posed by India’s federal polity in formulation and implementation of a cohesive disaster response policy in situations like current pandemic of COVID-19. Introduction: Responsiveness of government becomes evident in the manner in which it addresses the crucial task of ameliorating suffering and reducing losses. India’s handling of the present COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted significant challenges to implement cohesive disaster response. Body: The autonomy of states and the imperative of federal division of powers under constitutional obligations did not empower the center with authority or leverage to enforce compliance in disaster management. Challenges posed by federalism in formulation and implementation of disaster response: Political bickering: Many states expressed dissatisfaction over extension of nationwide lockdown without consulting states in response to threat posed by COVID-19. However formulation of nationwide policy to deal with disaster remains domain of central government. Lack of preparation by many states: In the response stage, it consisted of emergency plans which included emergency support functions of procurement, hospital infrastructure, search and rescue teams, and communication networks. E.g. many states lie below the national level figure of 0.55 beds per 1000 population; these include Bihar, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam and Manipur. Overlapping Authority: Health is state subject, however, prevention of the extension from one State to another of infectious or contagious diseases or pests affecting men, animals or plants come under concurrent list. Siloed Approach: Country’s existing healthcare apparatus is highly regimented, with separate institutions in-charge of primary, secondary, and tertiary health care. Such a siloed approach is a serious impediment to the country’s efforts at tackling any epidemic such as the current COVID-19. The imperative is for the formulation of a seamless approach. Information asymmetry: Despite the governmental assurances and policy declarations, the vulnerability of migrant workers is unlikely to be taken care of due to the ensuing lack of communication and absence of information sharing between the Centre and the migrants sending and receiving States. Such lack of coordination is posing health as well as socio-economic insecurity for these millions of returnee migrants in their native States. Sub-national response: As the lockdown demanded the closing of the inter-State borders, the crisis has witnessed the rise of the salience of sub-national identities in many states. Such rise of the regional identities might spell an imminent crisis in the inter-State relations in the near future. Such a tussle can disrupt the response to disaster. However, Indian response to pandemic of COVID-19 vindicates the flexible nature of Indian federalism coming handy in a crisis. In a first, several Indian states announced lockdown and sealed their borders announced even before the Central government took any decision. States have shown effective response in on ground management of administrative machinery and fiscal preparedness despite of significant loss of revenue. Both laws of Epidemic Disease act 1897 and National Disaster Management act of 2005 provides broad legal architecture to take a variety of emergency measures to contain the pandemic. It allows both the central and state governments to regulate the spread of epidemic diseases. While the Centre can take preventive emergency measures to control epidemic diseases at ports of entry and exit, states are constitutionally empowered to adopt preventive administrative and regulatory measures to check the epidemic. For a large federal country of a mind-boggling diversity, India’s ability to fight Covid-19 pandemic largely rests on how well it manages its Centre-state relation. When compared with other large federal countries such as the US, the country has done very well to minimize the frictions and provide a sense of direction to the states. The pandemic and the prolonged lockdown has given rise to unprecedented policy challenges that warrants systematic and sincere cooperation and coordination both between Centre and the States as well as amongst the States. In this regard, the existing institutional mechanisms like Inter-State Council which has remained largely moribund can be rejuvenated during this crisis. Conclusion: Along with the state specific responses to the pandemic of COVID-19, there is need of national plan with coordinated efforts. Uniformity in decision making is also critical in lifting lockdown and economic measures to be adopted in post lockdown situation. Q 3. What do the latest GDP figures indicate about the economy? Do these figures accurately portray the current status of the economy? Critically examine. Demand of the question: It expects students to write about the current status of Indian economy based on the latest GDP figures. Students should also write critical analysis of GDP growth figures. Introduction: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the data for the fourth quarter of the last financial year 2020 as well as the provisional estimates of the full-year GDP growth rate recently. India’s national income accounting has come in for sharp criticism in the past few years, some even suggesting that its credibility is going the China way. Body: Status of Indian Economy: The provisional figure, which is likely to be revised again by January next year when MoSPI releases the First Revised Estimates for FY20, states that the Indian economy grew by 4.2% in 2019-20. Sharp slowdown in the economic growth of last quarter to 3.1%. Fiscal deficit ballooned by a huge margin to 4.6 percent in fiscal year 2020 compared with the revised budget estimate of 3.8 percent. India’s growth scene was severely impacted even before Covid-19. In March, only the last week of the month was impacted by the lockdown (the nationwide lockdown began on March 25). Two key drivers of growth, private consumption and investment activity, have slowed down considerably even before the COVID-19 onslaught. What supported the growth story was growth in agriculture sector and continuing government spending. The growth in manufacturing sector and construction, two key segments from an employment perspective, were at zero and 1.3 percent in FY20 compared with a growth of 5.7 percent and 6.1 percent respectively in the previous year. The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), which is an indicator that shows investment activity on the ground, contracted by 2.8 percent in FY 2020 as against a growth of 9.8 percent in the previous fiscal year. The growth in eight core sectors contracted by 38 percent in April, giving us the first indication of the impact in the Q1 of Fiscal year 2021 economic activity. The debate still continues over whether the revision of the previous quarter’s GDP growth numbers were justified or not. In the absence of much actual data, quarterly GDP estimates were based on more assumptions than ordinarily used. And this opened up the possibility of GDP estimates being inaccurate. As extensions were given for various statutory timelines for submitting the requisite financial returns due COVID-19 pandemic. Former Chief Statistician of India has gone on record to say that in the fourth quarter of the last financial year, the GDP is likely overestimated by as much as Rs 2 lakh crore that’s 1 per cent of India’s annual GDP. CSO has significantly revised the previous quarters’ growth rates (compared to Q3 release) which is quite puzzling and raises questions about data quality and remarkable volatility in the new series. Demand rose for methodological note from CSO explaining the frequent revisions. There might be the case that Indian economy is undergoing structural change, which CSO is not able to capture. GST data is not given in a disaggregated level which is also a major obstacle in getting accurate data. On the other hand, member of the Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS) said that revision in previous quarter’s GDP numbers should not be a matter of concern as it is a routine process. Improving the quality of data is a work in progress. Conclusion: Data credibility needs to be restored, as soon as possible. There would be significant revisions in both Quarterly as well as Annual numbers in August when the Q1 of FY21 data is released. TLP HOT Synopsis Day 8 PDF

Jun 3, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd JUNE 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd June 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) takes suo motu cognisance of migrants' plight Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Statutory Bodies In News: Recently, The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Union Home Ministry, the Railway Board and the Bihar and Gujarat governments. The notices were in connection with the reported deaths of some migrant workers on Shramik Special trains and the lack of food and water for the passengers on these trains. NHRC took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of media reports about the trains starting late and taking many days to reach destinations. Important value additions National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) It is a statutory body. NHRC was established on 12th October, 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. The Act also provides for the creation of the State Human Rights Commission as well. The NHRC is an embodiment of India’s concern for the promotion and protection of human rights. The commission is a multi-member body consisting of a chairman and five members. The chairperson is a retired chief justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court. They are appointed by the President on the recommendations of a six-member committee consisting of: Prime Minister (head) Speaker of the Lok Sabha Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Leaders of the Opposition in both the Houses of Parliament Union Home Minister. They hold office for a term of three years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. The President can remove them from the office under specific circumstances. Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India sign $177 million loan for Maharashtra roads Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Global Groupings & GS-III – Infrastructure (Roads) In News: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Indian Government recently signed a $177 million loan to upgrade state highways and major district roads in the state of Maharashtra. Key takeaways The project will improve connectivity between rural areas and urban centers in the state. It will enable rural communities to better access markets, employment opportunities and services. Mobility will improve. It will expand development and livelihood opportunities to second-tier cities and towns which will lead to reduction in income disparities. It will also strengthen road safety measures by developing a road safety audit framework that will protect vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and children. Another feature is to update road maintenance system by encouraging 5-year performance-based maintenance obligations to contractors. Important value additions Asian Development Bank (ADB) It is a regional development bank. It was established on 19 December 1966. Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines. It was established to promote social and economic development in Asia. Motto: ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient and sustainable Asia & the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. It offers hard loans (currency) on commercial terms primarily to middle income countries in Asia and It provides soft loans (loan with a below-market rate of interest) to poorer countries in the region. Both types of loans are sourced from the bank’s ordinary capital resources (OCR). Five largest borrowing countries are China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh. Bodoland University develops fungal powder to boost immunity Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Biotechnology In News: Bodoland University has said that it has developed a fungal powder to help people boost their immunity to disease. The powder is from a parasitic but rare “super mushroom” called Cordyceps militaris. A potent pinch of C. militaris was powdered through lyophilisation or freeze-drying at – 80°C. Important value additions Cordyceps The earth has more than 400 species of Cordyceps. It is a fungus parasitic on insects as well as other fungi. It is often referred to as a super mushroom. It is known for its anti-ageing, anti-viral, energy and immunity-boosting effect. Cordyceps militaris is spread throughout the northern hemisphere. Image source: Click here Miscellaneous A3i coronavirus type Scientists at multiple CSIR laboratories have identified a coronavirus type - A3i - that may be the second most prevalent in India and may comprise 3.5% of the genomes globally. The most dominant coronavirus type in India is the A2a. There are 11 SARS-CoV-2 types identified globally with at least 6 of them identified in India. Cyclone Nisarga It is headed towards the coastline of north Maharashtra and south Gujarat on the western coast of India. In strength and intensity, it would be much weaker than Cyclone Amphan that struck recently and passed through West Bengal on its way to Bangladesh. Cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal side more frequent and stronger than those on the Arabian Sea side. The relatively cold waters of the Arabian Sea are main cause of less cyclones in the sea. Image source: Click here (MAINS FOCUS) GOVERNANCE/ SECURITY Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Important aspects of governance (Law & order) The challenge of law enforcement post-COVID-19 Context: The COVID-19 has impacted the Policing and has given new challenges in short term Law Enforcement during Pandemic times Essential: In a society struck by a deadly virus, strict maintenance of public order is most essential. Police ensured strict observance of guidelines, including physical distancing norms which reduced the disease spread. Criticality: Law enforcement was considered next only to healthcare in its critical function of preventing disease spread. Public cooperation during the pandemic helped the police to overcome the challenges of manpower and mobility. Use of Social Media: Police skilfully used social media to disseminate all relevant information to a majority of the population, both in urban and rural areas. Overall drop in crime: Zero Traffic on major highways lead to sharp reduction in traffic accidents & fatalities. Delhi Police reported a 70% fall in heinous crimes (murders and rapes) between April 1 and 15 compared to the same period last year. Uptick in domestic violence: The Tamil Nadu Police, for instance, reportedly received 2,963 calls on domestic violence in April 2020 alone What are the possible reasons for increase in domestic violence? There are two major factors for this rise. Most men were at home, either without work on in fear of losing their jobs. Data show that domestic violence increases when there is greater unemployment. The second reason is the non-availability of liquor during the lockdown period, which caused frustration among those men who are habituated to drinking. There was a similar increase in sexual and gender-based violence in West Africa during the 2013-16 Ebola outbreak What will be the challenges for Police in Post-COVID time? New dangers of Organised Crime: Due to restrictions across borders, crime gangs innovate to adapt to changing nature of illicit market. They may infiltrate health services and make profits through the sale of tightly regulated drugs Rise in Cyber Crime: Various fake portals have been launched to get people to donate money for the cause of combating COVID-19 Low quality Products: Police will also have the responsibility to curb large-scale manufacture of ineffective masks and hand sanitizers. Issue of Prisoners: One of the major challenge will be keeping prisons free of the virus given the scenario of overcrowded prisons in India. Way Ahead Government has to draft a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure by keeping COVID-19 in perspective since the virus is here to stay for atleast a year. Supreme Court has directed the States to constitute high-powered committees to consider releasing convicts who have been jailed up to seven years on parole, in order to decongest prisons. Public Cooperation experienced during the pandemic has to become the building block for future police-public relations Connecting the dots: Police reforms – Prakash Singh Case 2nd ARC FEDERALISM / GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2,3: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources Federalism: State’s Borrowing conditions altered Context: SpaceX’s The Centre increased the borrowing limit of states to 5% of gross state domestic product (GSDP) in 2020-21 from 3%. However, incremental borrowing beyond 3.5% of GSDP will be linked to reforms undertaken by the states. Did You Know? States borrowing relaxation was the fifth and final tranche of the Centre’s Rs 20 lakh crore economic stimulus package. The Centre has already hiked its planned borrowing for 2020-21 by 54% to Rs 12 lakh crore from Rs 7.8 lakh crore estimated earlier for Covid-19-related emergencies Total net borrowing by states for 2020-21 stood at Rs 6.41 lakh crore, based on 3% of GSDP What are the conditions insisted by Centre to avail the increased borrowing limit? Of the additional borrowing, the first 0.5% will be unconditional, The next 1% will be in four equal tranches, each linked to clearly specified, measurable and feasible reform action. The remaining 0.5% will be given if milestones are achieved in at least three out of four reform areas which are Universalisation of ‘One Nation, One Ration card’(ONOR) Scheme Improvements in Ease of doing business Power distribution reforms: States to bring down the aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses and narrow the gap between average cost and average revenues. Urban Local Bodies – Empowering them with more resources How does the enhanced borrowing limit help States? Availability of Additional Capital: This move that will make an additional Rs 4.28 lakh crore available to States Addresses Revenue Shortfall: Enhancement of borrowing limit will help to absorb the expected plunge in States’ revenue receipts. Avoid Cut in Capital Expenditure: Due to fixed expenditure on salaries & pensions and on politically sensitive issues like subsidies, a reduction in revenue will eventually lead to cut in infrastructure creation that is not good in long term Helps plug the shortfall in Centre’s Devolution: The budgeted Rs 7.8 lakh crore of devolution for FY21 could end up closer to Rs 5 lakh crore, since the Centre’s Rs 24.2 lakh crore target will not be met Conditions being insisted upon are more in the nature of reforms Power Sector: Despite UDAY scheme, States did not reform. As a result, currently state electricity boards (SEBs/discoms) owe power-generating firms about Rs 90,000 crore. Local Governance: Conditions like those on property tax will only help urban local bodies function better since their finances will improve as a result. Migrants: ONOR Scheme and installing PoS machines at Fair Price Shops will ultimately benefit the local population as well as migrants Investment: Condition on ease of doing business norms and the business environment will help attract investment. Criticism of the measure States have alleged that it is unfair for the Centre to set conditions on them in these difficult times. The central government penchant to levy ‘cesses’ instead of straightforward taxes in many areas means less has to be shared with the states under the finance commission formula. This has also partly led to inadequate resources with States. Hence, going forward Centre should reduce its focus on cesses Connecting the dots: Devolution of powers (legislative, executive, financial) Sarkaria Commission and Punchhi Commission (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note: Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers. Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding National Human Rights Commission: It is a statutory body formed under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The chairperson of the commission should be a retired Chief Justice of India or a judge of the supreme court Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Where is the headquarter of Asian Development Bank located? Philippines China Singapore Malaysia Q.3 Recently, Bodoland University has developed a fungal powder to boost immunity using super mushroom of the genus Cordyceps. Consider the following regarding Cordyceps: It is a fungus which parasitizes bacteria. It is known for its ant-aging and anti-viral effects also Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Cyclone Nisarga is headed towards the coastline of which of the following state of India? Maharashtra Gujarat Both a and b Andhra Pradesh ANSWERS FOR 2nd June 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 B 2 A 3 C 4 C Must Read About George Floyd incident and Civil protest happening in USA: The Indian Express About Central Vista Project: The Hindu About Monsoons and IMD’s Weather forecast: The Hindu

Jun 3, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 9]

To Know More about the Initiative -> Click Here Archives 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. Important Note: Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken and solutions. To take the Test 'Click here

Jun 3, 2020 MindMaps

MIND-MAPS: DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (DPSP) – General Studies 2

MIND-MAPS: DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (DPSP) – General Studies 2 For Previous Important Topics (Mind Maps) - ARCHIVES Hello Friends, Recently we have come up with a NEW INITIATIVE - BRAINSTORMING THROUGH MIND-MAPS! Mind-map is an incredible powerful thinking tool, an innate human language that will have immense benefit in your preparation. The main idea is to brainstorm different aspects of an issue - think in multi-dimensions; what we call 360 degrees of an issue. The whole of this exercise will unleash your creativity to push your brain cells to recall the data learnt and to make it more relevant for your preparation. It will help you to make your Revision and Retention a far better apart from giving you more Clarity in the topics/issue at hand and improve your Concentration. You can see the drastic impact mind-maps will have in a few weeks, provided you are regular with this exercise. So here we are with Today’s TOPIC! DPSPs - General Studies 2 NOTE – Instructions to download Mind Maps/Images Right Click on the image and ‘Open image in new tab’ Remove/Delete the resolution part from the URL. Eg. “-1536x757” and Press Enter/Load Again Right Click and Save Image As/Download (You’ll get the maximum resolution) GANDHIAN PRINCIPLES SOCIALISTIC PRINCIPLES YOUR PARTICIPATION? – VERY IMPORTANT Unlike what we were doing before, in this initiative we want students to learn and brainstorm through mind-maps (It is not necessary that you use a software/tool to design mind maps. You can prepare mindmaps using a pen and a sheet of paper). We will share the final printable mind map on every Wednesday & Sunday (2 times a week). We will also provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping. So, 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. TOPICS FOR THISWEEK* - DPSPs and Fundamental Duties To Know More about the initiative, Benefits and How to use a mind-map ->CLICK HERE Together we can, we will. The strength of the community is more powerful than individual effort. We have started it. You have to strengthen it” You can Start sharing Your Mind-maps (get feedback from IASbaba) & Topics of your interest in the comment section below!! Thank You IASbaba

Jun 3, 2020 Important Articles

[UPDATE] DISCOUNT: Procedure to Avail Discount for ILP 2021 and TLP 2021-OLD SUBSCRIBERS!

Hello Everyone, As promised, here we are with the details of Discount to be provided to Old Subscribers of IASbaba for ILP and TLP 2021 Programmes. Discounts: It is effective only to ILP 2021 and TLP 2021 Programs. 15% Discount is applicable to ILP 2021 and 10% Discount to TLP 2021. Discount is not applicable to All India Prelims Test (AIPTS)-2021. These discounts are applicable to all the OLD Subscribers of Full Programmes of IASbaba like AIPTS, ILP, TLP and PEP (Full Programme) Procedure to Avail Discount: While making the Payment through this Link- Payment Link Use Instamojo ID and Previous Registered Email while making Payment. Email to ilp@iasbaba.com for assistance in case you are not able to find your details. Programmes of IASbaba for 2021 Integrated Learning Programme (ILP)- 2021 Think Learn and Perform (TLP)-2021 (Mains Answer Writing) All India Prelims Test Series-2021 Thank You IASbaba

Jun 3, 2020 Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - Polity [Day 9]

To Know More about the Initiative -> Click Here DAILY STATIC QUIZ will cover all the topics of Static/Core subjects – Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Environment and Science and technology. After completing the 5 questions, click on 'View Questions' to check your score, time taken and solutions. Important Note Don't forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today's test :) To take the Test - Click Here

Jun 3, 2020 TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba's TLP 2020: UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) - High Ordered Thinking (HOT) Questions [Day 9]

To Know More about the Initiative -> Click Here Hello Friends, Welcome to IASbaba's TLP 2020, UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) - High Ordered Thinking (HOT) Questions [Day 9]. Questions are Current Affairs focused touching upon the 4 GS Papers (GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4). HOT Questions are designed to probe your analytical faculties. Note: Click on Each Question (Link), it will open in a new tab and then Answer respective questions! 1. What is equalisation levy? Why was it in news recently? Discuss. 2. How does multiplicity of institutions and regulatory authorities create challenges for good governance? Illustrate with the help of suitable examples. 3. Amidst the COVID-19 epidemic, we have witnessed shining examples of individuals demonstrating selfless leadership and dedication towards public good. Has any of these individuals motivated you? What did you learn from him/her? Discuss. P.S: The review from IASbaba will happen from the time the question is posted till 10 pm everyday. We would also encourage peer reviews. So friends get actively involved and start reviewing each others answers. This will keep the entire community motivated. All the Best :)

Jun 2, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd JUNE 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 2nd June 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting held Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Economy In News: Recently, The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) meeting was held through video conferencing. The meeting was chaired by the Indian Finance Minister. Key takeaways It was noted that the COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to the stability of the global financial system since its impact and timing of recovery was still uncertain. It highlighted the need for the government and regulators to remain vigilant on financial conditions that could expose systemic vulnerabilities. It also assured that the government and regulators would continue to provide liquidity and capital support to domestic financial institutions. Liquidity and solvency positions of non-banking financial companies, housing finance companies and micro-finance institutions were reviewed. Important value additions The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) It is a non-statutory apex council under the Ministry of Finance. It was constituted by the Executive Order in 2010. Its constitution was proposed by the Raghuram Rajan committee (2008) on financial sector reforms. It is chaired by the Finance Minister and its members include: The heads of all Financial Sector Regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA & IRDA) Finance Secretary Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) Secretary of Department of Financial Services (DFS) Chief Economic Adviser Minister of State for the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) Secretary of Department of Electronics and Information Technology, Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) Revenue Secretary. The Council can invite experts to its meeting if required. Objectives: To strengthen and institutionalize the mechanism for maintaining financial stability Enhancing inter-regulatory coordination Promoting financial sector development Assess the functioning of the large financial conglomerates. U.S legislation for sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for oppression of Uighur Muslims Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In News: Recently, the USA House of Representatives approved legislation which called for sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for oppression of Uighur Muslims. The bill has been sent to the President to veto or sign into law. Key takeaways It has been reported that several Chinese officials are responsible for repression of Uighurs and other Muslim groups in China’s Xinjiang province. The United Nations estimates that more than a million Muslims have been detained in camps. The bill also calls on U.S. companies or individuals operating in the Xinjiang region to take steps to ensure their products do not include parts using forced labor. China has, however, maintained denial about mistreatment and has claimed that the camps provide vocational training. Important value additions Uighurs Muslims They are a predominantly Muslim minority Turkic ethnic group. Their origins can be traced to Central and East Asia. They are considered to be one of the 55 officially recognized ethnic minority communities in China. However, China recognises the community only as a regional minority and rejects that they are an indigenous group. The largest population of the Uighur ethnic community lives in Xinjiang region of China. They also live in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Image Credit- The Economist Government raises MSMEs turnover limit Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Economy In News: Several decisions were taken up by the Government recently which aimed at helping the MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises). Key takeaways The definition of MSMEs has further been revised. Those enterprises with investment upto 50 crore rupees and turnover of upto 250 crore rupees will now be able to avail the benefits of MSME sector. All export turnovers of such enterprises will also remain exempted from the total turnover. It will lead to inclusion of many industrial units. Distressed MSME fund of 20,000 crore has also been approved to help the enterprises in distress. This decision will benefit over 2 lakh units in the country. Fund of Funds with initial outlay of 50,000 crore rupees will also be created. The amount will be infused in the MSME sector through equity route. This will provide an opportunity to get listed in stock exchanges. PM SVANidhi: Special Micro-Credit Facility Scheme launched Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Welfare Schemes; GS-III – Economy In News: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recently launched a Special Micro-Credit Facility Scheme for providing affordable loans to street vendors. The scheme is PM SVANidhi - PM Street Vendor's Atma Nirbhar Nidhi. Key takeaways The vendors can avail a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000. It will be repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year. On timely/early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy at 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on six monthly basis. There will be no penalty on early repayment of loan. Over 50 lakh people, including vendors, hawkers, thelewalas, etc. are likely to benefit from this scheme. Street vendors from peri- urban/ rural areas have become beneficiaries of an urban livelihood programme for the first time. MFIs/ NBFCs/ SHG Banks have been allowed in a scheme for the urban poor due to their ground level presence for the first time. Mudra Shishu loan for small businesses and cottage industries Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Economy In News: The Central government has announced 'Mudra Shishu loan' for small businesses and cottage industries so that shopkeepers do not suffer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key takeaways A 1500 crore interest subvention has been announced. 2% interest rate subvention for a period of 12 months shall be offered by the Government. It shall benefit small borrowers under the Mudra Shishu loans up to ₹50,000. Important value additions Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) It is a Non-Banking Financial Company which supports development of micro enterprise sector in the country. It provides refinance support to Banks / MFIs for lending to micro units having loan requirement upto 10 lakh. It provides refinance to micro business under the Scheme of Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana. MUDRA offers incentives through these interventions: Shishu : covering loans upto 50,000/- Kishor : covering loans above 50,000/- and upto 5 lakh Tarun : covering loans above 5 lakh and upto 10 lakh. Generally, loans upto 10 lakh issued by banks under Micro Small Enterprises are given without collateral. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: General Studies 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests Regional groupings involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. India, China and fortifying the Africa outreach Context: The COVID-19 effect are particularly devastating in Africa, where economic and public health conditions are extremely vulnerable. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Africa Ill-equipped to cope with a public health emergency of such magnitude due to shortages of masks, ventilators, and even basic necessities such as soap and water. Recession: COVID-19 outbreak has sparked off the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region’s first recession in 25 years. Deepens Health Crisis: With high rates of HIV, malaria, diabetes, hypertension and malnourishment prevalent in Africa, COVID-19 pandemic will further deepen the health crisis in the region. Impacts economic model: The steep decline in commodity prices has spelt disaster for the commodity dependent economies of Nigeria, Zambia and Angola. Possibility of Increased Public debt: According to the World Bank, the SSA region paid $35.8 billion in total debt service in 2018, 2.1% of regional GDP. This figure is set to increase due to falling revenues & precarious fiscal position of African nations Africa’s cycle of chronic external aid dependence continues: Together, African countries have sought a $100 billion rescue package, including a $44 billion waiver of interest payment by the world’s 20 largest economies. Beijing’s donation diplomacy China, being Africa’s largest trading partner (annual trade ~ $208 billion), was quick to signal its intent to help Africa cope with the pandemic. China despatched medical protective equipment, testing kits, ventilators, and medical masks to several African countries. The motives for such donations are: To raise Beijing’s profile as a leading provider of humanitarian assistance and “public goods” in the global public health sector. To shift the focus away from talking about the origins of the virus in Wuhan To build goodwill overseas, and establish an image makeover. To further secure Africa’s support in multilateral fora. In the past Beijing had used African support for securing a win for Chinese candidates as the head of FAO & WHO Criticism of Beijing’s donation Diplomacy Sub-optimal quality of China’s medical supplies Ill-treatment of African nationals in Guangzhou city, which grew into full-blown political crisis for Beijing On Africa’s part, the problem lies in the deep credibility gap between Africa’s governing class, the people, the media and civil society As a result, criticisms levelled against China has hardly surfaced at the elite level New Delhi and Africa during the Pandemic Increased Focus: Africa has been the focus of India’s development assistance and also diplomatic outreach, as evident in plans to open 18 new embassies. Similar Conditions: There is a keen interest to understand the developments and best practices in India because the two share similar socioeconomic and developmental challenges. Health Support: India is sending consignments of essential medicines, including hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and paracetamol, to 25 African countries in addition to doctors and paramedics at a total cost of around ₹600 million ($7.9 million) Capacity Building: e-ITEC COVID-19 management strategies training webinars during pandemic were exclusively aimed at training health-care professionals from Africa and SAARC, where best practices were shared by Indian health experts Ayurveda: A few African countries such as Mauritius are pushing for health-care partnerships in traditional medicines and Ayurveda for boosting immunity. Proactive Diaspora: Country-specific chapters of gurdwaras and temples by Indians in Africa, have fed thousands of families by setting up community kitchens, helplines for seniors and distributing disinfectants and sanitisers. The Contrasts – India and China The Chinese approach to Africa is threefold: Money, political influence and elite level wealth creation; Strong state-to-state relations as opposed to people-to-people ties; and Hard-infrastructure projects and resource extraction. India’s approach on the other hand is one that focuses on Building local capacities An equal partnership with Africans and not merely with African elites. Soft power with collaborative partnership is resource utilization Conclusion As India & China rise in Africa, their two distinct models will come under even greater scrutiny. Both powers might have to adapt their approached to the rising aspirations of the African continent. Connecting the dots: Regional Organisation: African Union, Indian Ocean Commission, SAARC Neo-colonialism S&T/ INTERNATIONAL/ ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 2,3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources SpaceX Crew Dragon: A new era in space exploration Context: SpaceX’s Crew Dragon craft has delivered Nasa astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), marking the first human spaceflight with private collaboration. A brief Background NASA’s Space Shuttle mission was decommissioned in 2011 Since then NASA has relied on the Russian space agency Roscosmos for ferrying astronauts to ISS. NASA was no longer interested in performing routine jobs like ferrying people to orbit as it wanted to reserve budgets for increasing R& and space exploration. Also, NASA wanted Private players (like SpaceX) to take up this role but it took nearly 9 years to do this Impact of Crew Dragon’ success Reduced Russian Dominance: Over the last nine years, there have been some 40 successful launches of Russian Soyuz spacecraft with US astronauts on board. But, now the Moscow’s monopoly on crew transport has ended. Emboldened US: President Donald Trump has pledged that US astronauts will return to the moon in 2024 to stay, and make a launch base for Mars. Speeds up Mars Mission: The US has also stated that it would put the first woman on the moon, and the first astronauts on Mars. Fire up US- Russia Space Travel competition: Trump’s competitive America-first rhetoric is of Cold War vintage, when winning the space race was a matter of superpower prestige Enhances Private Partnership: An era of public-private partnerships in space is beginning, where the sector will also be driven by profits rather than mere National prestige. Opens up Space Market: Rapid mass commercial aviation at the edge of space would probably be the most lucrative segment in the future National Cooperation: The biggest achievement of the ISS program could be lost: the "invaluable experience of cooperation." A return to nations going it alone in outer space would be a step backward for international collaboration Reduced Cost: The entry of private sector has begun to drive down the cost-per-launch through innovations such as reusable rockets. For a trip to the ISS and back Roscosmos had increased its fees from $21 million to nearly $90 million in 2020 Conclusion The Crew Dragon has broken a psychological barrier, but aversion to risk would probably keep private capital (especially in post-COVD world) to a secondary or supporting role in space. Connecting the dots: Gaganyan Mission of India India needs reforms in Space sector (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 The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) is chaired by which of the following? Prime Minister Finance Minister Chairman of RBI Financial secretary of Department of Economic Affairs Q.2 PM SVANidhi scheme is launched for which of the following? Street vendors Small shopkeepers Cottage industry Silk industry Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA): Loans upto ₹10 lakh are given to micro enterprises under this scheme Loans are collateral free. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Which of the following province of China is mostly inhabited by the Uighur Muslims? Guizhou Hubei Xinjiang Jiangxi ANSWERS FOR 1st June 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 A 3 C 4 C Must Read About India’s economic slowdown: The Hindu About Tweaking labour laws: The Hindu About India-Nepal relations: The Indian Express

Jun 2, 2020 RSTV Video

COVID KAVACH ELISA - Indigenous IgG Elisa Antibody Test – COVID-19 India Fights Back – RSTV IAS UPSC

COVID KAVACH ELISA - Indigenous IgG Elisa Antibody Test Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Global Pandemic – COVID-19 General Studies 3: New technological development to fight COVID-19 In News: The Centre announced that an IgG ELISA test for detection of antibodies to Covid-19 had been developed, and released a document outlining details of surveillance to be carried out in all districts to check for the prevalence of infection using the same. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Virology (NIV) at Pune has developed the indigenous IgG ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test “COVID KAVACH ELISA” for antibody detection for COVID-19. This robust test will play a critical role in surveillance of proportion of population exposed to Covid-19. What is IgG ELISA? Pune-based National Institute of Virology has developed an immunological assay — enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) — that can detect antibodies that are developed in response to the coronavirus infection. This is a first test of the kind to be developed in India and it will play a critical role in surveillance of proportion of the population exposed to the virus. ELISA-based tests are blood-based tests, which have high sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity of a test refers to the percentage of results that will correctly find out the presence of infection in a person and specificity refers to the percentage of results that will correctly find out whether or not a person is infected. It has a sensitivity of 92% and its specificity is 97%. What is the mechanism involved? The test involves drawing the blood of the person. The sample is then placed inside the small wells of an ELISA plate. These plates are coated with the antigen or the inactivated form of the virus. If the blood contains antibodies, it binds to the antigen and a substrate solution is added to the well. The reaction usually produces a colour change, thus detecting antibodies. ELISA tests can be done manually or in a semi-automatic and automatic way. What is IgG in the Indigenous IgG Elisa Antibody Test? It is an IgG Elisa-based test which means that the test will be done to detect the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. Antibody is a protein produced by the immune system in response to invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Antibodies are able to specifically recognize foreign invaders in the body, coat them by binding to them and then allow the immune cells of the body to clear them from the blood or mucous membranes, or sites like the lung. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a type of antibody. Representing approximately 75% of serum antibodies in humans, IgG is the most common type of antibody found in blood circulation. IgG molecules are created and released by plasma B cells. The antibody test isn’t checking for the virus itself. Instead, it looks to see whether your immune system -- your body’s defense against illness -- has responded to the infection. Note: ELISA-based tests and point-of-care tests are not used for confirming Covid-19 infection and are only used for surveillance purpose. Immunoglobulin G, or IgG antibodies are more likely to show up later after you’ve recovered Must Read: Plasma Therapy for Covid-19 Vaccine Development for COVID-19 Connecting the Dots: What is convalescent plasma therapy? Enumerate on the benefits and risks involved. Can researchers afford to take a gamble with antibody tests for coronavirus? Discuss. Essay: New technology comes with a learning curve; that learning curve has a human prize.

Jun 2, 2020 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

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