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May 11, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th MAY 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 11th May 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) Seasonal advancement in surging glaciers in the Karakoram Range Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Geographical phenomenon In News: Recently, scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), Dehradun have observed a seasonal advancement in surging or surge-type glaciers in the Karakoram Range. WIHG is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Image source: Click here Important value additions: Surging or Surge-type glaciers These are short-lived events where a glacier can advance and move at velocities up to 100 times faster than normal. They cluster around a few areas. High concentrations of surging glaciers occur in Svalbard, the Canadian Arctic islands, Alaska and Iceland. They also represent 40% of the total glaciated area of the Karakoram range. These can lead to the destruction of villages, roads and bridges. Therefore, monitoring of glacier surges is important. Image source: Click here Amendments brought in the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Education; In News: Recently various amendments have been brought in the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship Scheme by the Ministry of Human Resources and Development to boost research in the country. Key takeaways: Now, students from any recognized university can apply for the Fellowship. Earlier it was open only for students from Central Universities, IITs, IISc, NITs, IISERs, IIEST and IIITs. The requirement of GATE score has also been reduced from 750 to 600. There will be two channels of entries i.e direct entry and lateral entry. National Institute of Technologies (NITs) can also become PMRF Granting institution. NITs appear in top 25 institutions in the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF). A dedicated division "Research and Innovation Division" will be formed in the MHRD to boost research. Important value additions: Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) Scheme It was launched to attract meritorious students into research in 2018. It offers direct admission to such students in the Ph.D programmes in various higher educational institutions in the country. The research under PMRF will be carried in cutting edge science and technology domains. The institutes which can offer PMRF include all the IITs, IISERs, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and some of the top Central Universities/NITs. A research grant of Rs. 2 lakh per year is provided to each of the Fellows for a period of 5 years to cover their academic contingency expenses and for foreign/national travel expenses along with monthly stipend. Wafer-scale photodetector (thin slice-based) device fabricated Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Science and Technology In News: Recently, scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have fabricated a wafer-scale photodetector (thin slice-based) device, using gold-silicon interface. JNCASR is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Key takeaways: The gold (Au)-silicon (n-Si) interface shows high sensitivity towards light. The Au-Si interface was brought about by galvanic deposition (a technique for electroplating of metals) wherein water-based solutions (electrolytes) are used, which contain the metals to be deposited as ions. Important value additions: Photodetectors These are an important part of an opto-electronic circuit that can detect light. Their applications include: Controlling automatic lighting in supermarkets. Being used in security-related applications. Photodetectors are unaffordable for daily applications due to high material costs. Au-Si interface Photodetectors has many advantages: The fabricating process is quick and simple. The method is highly economical since it is a solution-based technique. It can detect weak scattered light as an indication of unwanted activity. The device does not require external power to operate and runs on self-operated mode. Black panther spotted in Goa’s Netravali Sanctuary. Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Biodiversity In News: A black panther has been captured on camera in Goa’s Netravali Sanctuary for the first time. Important value additions: Black Panther Image source: The Indian Express It is the melanistic (increased development of the dark-colored pigment) colour variant of any Panthera, particularly of the leopard in Asia and Africa, and the jaguar in the Americas. It is very difficult to detect/spot. It is mostly found in densely forested areas of southern India. IUCN status: Vulnerable Image source: Click here It is located in South Eastern Goa. It constitutes one of the vital corridors of the Western Ghats. It is bounded by Cotigao wildlife sanctuary on the eastern side and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park on the northern side. Netravali is an important tributary of River Zuari, which originates in the sanctuary. It has two important waterfalls namely, Savari and Mainapi. It consists of moist deciduous forests interspersed with evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Miscellaneous Naku La It is a pass in North Sikkim at an altitude of more than 5,000 metres above Mean Sea Level. Recently, Indian and Chinese Troops clashed near the pass which lead to many injuries. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Topic: General Studies 2: India and its neighbourhood Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Possible trends across the world post COVID-19 Context: As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis. Its rapid spread across the world compelled the governments to implement various degrees of lockdown which affected the global economy significantly. The world, right now, is facing the global economic crisis. In one of the posts on 9th May, we discussed how India should respond to the current geopolitical situation. Today, we discuss what trends we might get to see geopolitically in the post COVID-19 world. Ascent of Asia Economic forecasts indicate that only China and India are likely to register economic growth during 2020 out of the G-20 countries. Asian countries along with China have tackled the pandemic with greater swiftness, responsiveness and more effective state capacity as compared to the United States and Europe. Thus, It is likely that they will recover faster than those in the West. Rising China The emergence of a stronger and more assertive China is also one of the changing geopolitical situations. China has been growing economically since it joined the World Trade Organization in 2001. Its assertiveness has increased under the current President Xi Jinping’s leadership which has raised concerns in its neighbourhood and the U.S. In recent years, the U.S.-China relationship has moved from cooperation to competition. The Belt and Road Initiative which seeks to connect China to the Eurasia and Africa through both maritime and land routes is seen as a move against any U.S. attempts at containment. The ongoing trade and technology wars may lead to confrontation between the two nations. Recently, both countries have been involved in verbal confrontation due to COVID-19. U.S taking a backseat The U.S. has been in the forefront of shaping the global order since centuries. It has played a pivotal role right from the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations after World War I to the creation of the United Nations and Bretton Woods institutions after World War II. It was decisive in leading the western world during the Cold War, shaping global responses to threats posed by terrorism and taking action against climate change. However, its interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq generated resentment. These interventions also led to decreased domestic political will and resources. During the current COVID-19 crisis, "America first" attitude seems to be changing into “America alone”. It has been reported that the U.S. is cornering supplies of scarce medical equipment and medicines just for itself. It is also acquiring biotech companies which are engaged in research and development in allied states. Countries are losing trust in the U.S.’s competence due to its poor response at handling the pandemic in its own country. Despite being the largest economy and the military power, it seems to lose the will and ability to lead. This mood is unlikely to change irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming presidential election in November 2020. Tension among the European countries European UNION (EU) is continuously preoccupied with internal challenges due to: its expansion of membership to include East European states, impact of the financial crisis among the Eurozone members, ongoing Brexit negotiations. It is becoming increasingly difficult to reach agreement on political matters, e.g relations with Russia and China. The trans-Atlantic divide is increasing rift within the EU. Rising trend of political approach which appeals to ordinary people (populism) has led to some EU members supporting the virtues of “empty democracy”. The North-South divide within the EU is also apparent. This tension began particularly when austerity measures were imposed on Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal in 2010 by the European Central Bank. These measures were persuaded by Austria, Germany and the Netherlands. Most recently, Italy was denied medical equipment by its EU neighbours who had introduced controls on its exports. Ultimately, China had to airlift medical teams and critical supplies to Italy. Rediscovering the limits of free movement of goods, services, capital and people will be one of the trends to be seen post COVID-19. Weakening of the world organisations Global problems demand global responses. However, international and multilateral bodies have failed to take responsible measures during this pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) should have led global efforts against COVID-19 but it has become a victim of politics involving China and the USA. The UN Security Council (UNSC), the G-7 and the G-20 are paralysed financially when the world faces the worst recession since 1929. These institutions were always subjected to big power politics. Agencies, such as WHO, have lost autonomy over decades as their regular budgets decreased. Now, they mainly rely on voluntary contributions by western countries and foundations. Reform of these bodies is needed at the earliest. This can happen only with collective global leadership. The energy politics The final trend relates to energy politics. Growing interest in renewables and green technologies due to climate change concerns and emergence of the U.S. as a major energy producer were changing the energy markets before COVID-19 pandemic. Now, due to possible economic recession and depressed oil prices, internal tensions in West Asian countries may increase since these countries are solely dependent on oil revenues. This may create political instability in countries where governments are fragile. Conclusion Rising nationalism and protectionist policies may turn the economic recession into a depression which will enhance inequalities. The world may become more polarised. There will be greater unpredictability and more disturbed times ahead of us. Connecting the dots : What comprises G-20? Discuss its relevance and significance in the current geopolitical scenario. (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 Au-Si interface photodetectors, which of the following is/are correct? It is very difficult to assemble. It requires external power to operate Select the correct code: 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding the Black Panther: Recently it was spotted at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time. It is very easy to detect. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in which of the following state of India? Goa Maharashtra Karnataka Telangana ANSWERS FOR 9th May 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 D 2 C 3 A 4 B 5 C Must Read About ensuring safety in the courts The Hindu About democratic decentralisation amidst COVID-19 The Hindu About labour laws Livemint About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana The Indian Express About India’s agri-marketing The Indian Express

May 11, 2020 Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent and Creativity

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: WRITE UP by NEHA LAXMAN KIRDAK & POEM by MANOJ YADAV

ARCHIVES 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 WRITE UP by NEHA LAXMAN KIRDAK & POEM by MANOJ YADAV ! Well done, Keep it up !! WRITE UP by NEHA LAXMAN KIRDAK In his book – ‘GUNS, GERMS AND STEEL’, famous historian JARED DIAMOND had explained - Spanish conquest of Mexico was possible not because they had weapons, but because one of the servant in Spanish army was suffering from smallpox, which spread to natives [which were not immune to it like Europeans] and wept out 95% of native population clearing the way to victory for Spanish. One more example being – the interiors of Africa were invincible to Europeans because of parasite of Malaria! Also PLAGUE often termed as a black death was responsible to some extent for emergence of PROTESTATNS as it changed the notion of death. Today we all are living in the reality expressed by Paul Russel in words- “ Nothing on this earth is more international than the disease”. With the corona pandemic, we are witnessing a moment in human history after which all dimensions of human existence will experience a change as we all will enter into an epic era known as -POST CORONA ERA. I will take it one by one the various dimensions and the changes expected in them- Everyone knows this gloomy picture of global growth plunging at just 1.5 percent [half of the growth predicted in pre corona era], but here I have to bring you all of the very important lessons of history – ECONOMY = EMPIRE, and with a weakened economy, the global dynamics of power will change definitely. The gulf between developed and developing nations will rise, with closed borders and increased regulations – ANTI-GLOBALIZATION movements will set in, world will be having more isolated places with every country concerned about its own national interest only. New power equations driven by CHINA can also be a possibility. At the same time it is predicted that – unemployment rates are going to rise with many businesses facing closure and industries shutting down, which can feed radicalization as we have learned INEQUALITY = REVOLTS again from the history of the world, but at the same time we will experience change in work culture like work from home, more push for digitization of the economy by taking care of data privacy concerns [despite being ORWELLIAN in an emergency situation, we need data protection regulations] In terms of DEMOGRAPHY also we can expect changes as death toll in ageing countries like ITALY was high and country like INDIA will also face a doubling of the percentage of people in old age bracket [currently just 8 percent according to 2011 census], upcoming population policies in all countries will bear in mind this factor. HEALTHCARE going to be the major area where every country will equip itself to avoid such crisis in future, hospitals will have more respect than places of worship [temples, mosques, Gurudwaras, churches]. More budgetary allocations can be seen in this sector if people have learned their lesson – health is a real wealth! The EDUCATION spaces will be digitized, more liberal, more accessible in the upcoming years. In the society – CORONA made its first appearance in the form of imported cases and got termed as – ‘a disease brought by ELITE section’ and due to which now migrant laborers, workers from informal economy [which comprise of 90% jobs in INDIA] are facing the survival question. Which made the picture look like- “All are equal, but some are more equal than others” as said by Orwell in his book –Animal Farm. Our balance with NATURE will also get re-established as evidenced from pollution levels in all major polluted cities like Delhi going down, Ganga river getting clear stream, it seems nature is acting through an invisible hand to control the dominance of homo sapiens and to save this earth. It’s the most appropriate time to look inside our own selves, to question our intuitions, we need solidarity and humanity, even if the world will have strict border regulation our hearts can't be separated and they must continue to sing unanimously –VASUDHAIVA KUTUMMBAKAM. With containment strategies from CHINA and BHILWARA MODEL in INDIA, with drugs and vaccines invented, we are sure of revival from corona in the next few months. It is definite that the world will be a NEW PLACE to live in a post corona era, it’s the need of this hour that we all should pledge to be better people who will never compromise the diamond of UNIVERSALISM [which was there in the crown of INDIA since Indus valley civilization] mentioned by Tagore. Man is made by choices made by him and today we have to make a choice to behold the spirit of oneness keeping everything aside to illuminate thousands of hearts for survival of the upcoming generation with bold decisions on various fronts to be sustainable and resilient, AND REMEMBER – “HOPE IS THE REAL COLOR OF LIFE”. POEM by MANOJ YADAV ! 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. 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 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 11, 2020 RSTV Video

Road Ahead for International Students – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Road Ahead for International Students Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies for education during COVID-19 crisis In News: The ongoing lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has sent graduating students into a tizzy. Those looking to go abroad for higher studies are worried as well. The worst part is that since COVID-19 has affected most countries worldwide, no matter where Indian students planned to go, there is uncertainty. According to a survey done by study choice platform Study portals, 40 per cent of potential international students want to change their overseas education plans due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Interviews and announcements for several fellowship opportunities are also on hold in view of the uncertainty, putting plans on hold for many, who depend on funding help for studying abroad. International students in the US still have to deal with the future of their jobs, visas, post-graduation plans – and that’s probably just the tip of the iceberg. Students who have got admission There are many students who have already got admission but are now reconsidering because the classes have moved online and there is no clarity by when situation will improve. So for students who actually want to live abroad, paying hefty fees just to attend classes online does not seem to be a lucrative option. Digital learning kills the purpose of studying in a foreign university and is an undue financial pressure, with no clarity of when the would be able to land a job. Students who are studying and stranded in other countries Most universities and colleges are shifting classes, exams and even graduation online. But the rapid spread of COVID-19 is causing more impact than a shift from physical to virtual classrooms. Plus there are other questions: whether there is a possibility to extend the status of students whose visa statuses are set to expire but whose home countries are under health-related travel advisories, making them unable to go home. How the State Department plans to adjudicate student visa applications if consulates and embassies in countries affected by the outbreak are closed for extended periods. Also, if the lockdown goes on until October and no one is hiring because not a lot of people start a job remotely, then it could be an issue because under OPT you’re only allowed 90 days of unemployment, so if you don’t get a job by the 90th day after your OPT start date, then your work authorization is revoked and you have to leave the country, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had asked US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo to extend visas of Indian students and skilled professionals stranded in the US following the COVID-19 pandemic. Students with Plan B – Applying for Indian Colleges As the coronavirus pandemic has prompted many students aspiring for foreign colleges to turn towards Indian colleges, the competition for a seat is going to get tougher. According to a recent survey by Mindler, a career counseling firm, 56 per cent of students who aspired to study abroad are considering Indian universities as their Plan B. The road ahead for international students If there is a gap year: Necessity is the mother of invention and students will have to find out opportunities that arise online. Special Student Relief: Countries can work on creating Special Student Relief – suspend or alter rules regarding duration of status, full course of study, and employment eligibility, for specific groups of students from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. Private Universities/colleges in India: All private colleges have suddenly have had a great demand in people applying because they are going to take that backup. The private colleges will have to increase the number of seats because the demand is going to outstrip the supply. Also private colleges should seriously look at even introducing quality distance learning courses. Provision of career guidance: There is a need for better career guidance and counselling to be provided to students so that they can explore all the other options that they have and can stay mentally sane. Connecting the Dots: COVID-19 and education University admissions post COVID-19 will get tougher as foreign aspirants turn to Indian colleges. What steps should the government take to tackle this situation?

May 10, 2020 Important Articles

IASBABA का इंटीग्रेटेड लर्निंग प्रोग्राम (ILP) ऑनलाइन - 2021 - नए प्रतिमानों एवं अद्वितीय विशेषताओं के साथ - अब हिंदी माध्यम में भी - प्रवेश आरंभ !!

जैसा कि आप जानते हैं IASBABA द्वारा गत वर्ष से कई अभ्यर्थियों की अप्रत्याशित मांग के आधार पर हिंदी माध्यम में भी कुछ कार्यक्रम प्रारंभ किए गए थे जिनमें आल इंडिया प्रीलिम्स टेस्ट सीरीज और 60 दिवसीय कार्यक्रम प्रमुख थे, जोकि मुख्यतः प्रारंभिक परीक्षा से संबंधित थे। उक्त कार्यक्रमों के संदर्भ में अभ्यर्थियों द्वारा की गयी सकारात्मक सराहना, अन्य कार्यक्रमों को हिंदी माध्यम में आरंभ करने हेतु बढ़ती मांग और हिंदी में IAS तैयारी से संबंधित गुणवत्तापूर्ण शिक्षण सामग्री की अनुपलब्धता के मद्देनज़र इस वर्ष IASBABA टीम द्वारा सभी कार्यक्रमों को हिंदी माध्यम में आरंभ करने का निर्णय लिया गया है जिससे अधिकतम लोग लाभान्वित हो सकें। पिछले साल के 60 दिन के कार्यक्रम का नमूना 60 Day’s Sample Questions & Solutions (HISTORY)- > CLICK HERE 60 Day’s Sample Questions & Solutions (GEOGRAPHY)- > CLICK HERE 60 Day’s Sample Questions & Solutions (ECONOMICS)- > CLICK HERE CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and CHECK THE QUALITY of Full-Length MOCK TEST (GS & CSAT) पिछले लगातार चार वर्षों से, IAS परीक्षा के तहत सभी चरणों में पूछे गए प्रश्नों में से 65% से अधिक प्रश्न ILP कार्यक्रम में कवर किए गए हैं, जोकि IASBABA टीम द्वारा इस दिशा में किए गए अथक प्रयासों का परिणाम हैं। इसी उद्देश्य से IAS परीक्षा में प्रश्नों की अप्रत्याशित प्रकृति को ध्यान में रखते हुए एक बार फिर सतर्कतापूर्वक कार्यक्रम डिज़ाइन किए गए हैं, जिससे ILP को एक विश्वसनीय कार्यक्रम बनाया जा सके: UPSC / IAS तैयारी में उत्कृष्ट सफलता के लिए, हम अपने ऑनलाइन ILP कार्यक्रम के 3 प्रतिमानों के साथ आए हैं। ILP Basic ILP PLUS (+) ILP Connect (+) ये सभी मॉडल हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध हैं। ILP 2021 को “वर्किंग प्रोफ़ेशनल्स" की आवश्यकताओं को भी ध्यान में रखते हुए अच्छी तरह से डिज़ाइन किया गया है। तीनों कार्यक्रमों की संक्षिप्त रुपरेखा इस प्रकार हैं, जिससे अभ्यर्थियों को इसके आलावा किसी अन्य स्रोत को देखने आवश्यकता न पड़े। आगे जल्द ही विस्तृत विवरण अपलोड किया जाएगा - ILP Basic 2021 प्रारंभिक परीक्षा एवं मुख्य परीक्षा पाठ्यक्रम, साक्षात्कार को कवर करने हेतु व्यापक कार्यक्रम विस्तृत अध्ययन योजना (1.5 वर्षों के लिए) दैनिक लक्ष्यों / योजना के साथ VALUE ADD NOTES (VAN) - मुख्य परीक्षा + प्रारंभिक परीक्षा BABAPEDIA - करंट अफेयर्स की तैयारी के लिए वन-स्टॉप डेस्टिनेशन MAINSPEDIA (MAINS DATAHUB) - (GS1, GS2, GS3, GS4 और निबंध) PRELIMSPEDIA - करंट अफेयर्स आल इंडिया प्रीलिम्स टेस्ट सीरीज (AIPTS) - कुल 62 टेस्ट 52 GS (पेपर -1) प्रीलिम्स टेस्ट 10 CSAT (पेपर -2) प्रीलिम्स टेस्ट आल इंडिया रैंकिंग स्व-मूल्यांकन प्रणाली - प्रीलिम्स टेस्ट सीरीज में मुख्य परीक्षा और SYNOPSIS- कुल = 50 टेस्ट 30 माइक्रो मुख्य परीक्षा टेस्ट और SYNOPSIS (प्रारंभिक परीक्षा पूर्व) 20 फुल मोक् मुख्य परीक्षा टेस्ट और SYNOPSIS (प्रारंभिक परीक्षा पश्चात्) GS मुख्य परीक्षा के लिए MIND MAPS निबंध गाइड - मॉडल निबंध और Mainspedia सामग्री ABHIYVAKTI (ILP का सोशल मीडिया) - एक मंच, जहाँ आप USPC तैयारी के संबंध में अपने संदेह / प्रश्नों का समाधान पा सकते हैं। इसमें एक सहभागी-प्रणाली भी शामिल है, जिसमें समान वैकल्पिक विषय, कॉलेज या पृष्ठभूमि वाले छात्र ग्रुप बना सकते हैं तथा विचार-विमर्श कर सकते हैं! यह न केवल आपको एक अच्छा सहभागी-समूह / अध्ययन मंडली बनाने में सहायता करेगा, बल्कि एक-दूसरे को अपने लक्ष्यों को प्राप्त करने के लिए प्रेरित भी करेगा। ILP PLUS (+) 2021 ILP Basic की सभी विशेषताएं। इसके अतिरिक्त, इसमें वीडियो क्लासेस शामिल हैं। वीडियो क्लासेस में (कुल 92 वीडियो डिस्कशन / क्लासेस) शामिल हैं 62 डिस्कशन वीडियो (52 GS और 10 CSAT) – AIPTS (प्रीलिम्स टेस्ट) 30 क्लासेज - प्रत्येक विषय की रणनीति क्लासेज, प्रत्येक विषय के लिए दृष्टिकोण क्लासेज, प्रत्येक महीने की करंट अफेयर्स क्लासेज। राजव्यवस्था भूगोल इतिहास अर्थशास्त्र विज्ञान एवं प्रौद्योगिकी पर्यावरण प्रीलिम्स रणनीति क्लास - क्या करना है, क्या नहीं करना है, Elimination तकनीक मुख्य परीक्षा संबंधी उत्तर-लेखन कला करंट अफेयर्स - 10 क्लासेज (जुलाई 2020 से अप्रैल 2021- प्रति माह 1) ILP Connect (+) 2021 ILP Basic और ILP PLUS (+) की सभी विशेषताएं। इसके अतिरिक्त, इस कार्यक्रम की मुख्य विशेषता ONLINE MENTORSHIP है - जिसमें आपकी दैनिक/ मासिक/ विषय संबंधी एवं अन्य प्रगति की निरंतर निगरानी के लिए समर्पित Mentor होगा, जो आपको फीडबैक देगा, प्रेरित करेगा तथा आपको लक्ष्य के प्रति सही मार्ग में मार्गदर्शन करेगा! कृपया ध्यान दें: ILP Connect (+) के लिए सीटें सीमित हैं। यह पहले आओ-पहले पाओ के आधार पर आधारित है। ILP 2021, UPSC के अभ्यर्थियों के लिए सबसे व्यापक ऑनलाइन कार्यक्रम है, जोकि प्रारंभिक परीक्षा, मुख्य परीक्षा और साक्षात्कार का एकीकरण है। इसमें स्मार्ट अवधारणाओं के आधार पर थीम-आधारित समझ के साथ तैयारी को एकीकृत किया गया है। इस आवश्यकता को पूरा करने के लिए ILP को सूक्ष्म रूप से डिजाइन किया गया है। आप परीक्षा के प्रत्येक चरण के लिए बुनियादी आवश्यकताओं और अभिविन्यास को ध्यान में रखते हुए संपूर्णता में अवधारणाओं को तैयार करेंगे। दैनिक अध्ययन योजना के साथ दैनिक लक्ष्य: सुव्यवस्थित योजना सफलता का मुख्य आधार होती है। इसे ILP आपके लिए सबसे व्यवस्थित और तार्किक तरीके से नियोजन करता है। योजनाएँ आपको एक निर्धारित दिशा में ट्रैक पर रखती हैं, जिनसे आपको आगे लक्ष्य में आने वाली बाधाओं का निवारण करने में सहायता मिलती है। योजना में, आपको पाठ्यक्रम और संदर्भ क्षेत्रों पर ध्यान केंद्रित करने के लिए पाठ्यक्रम के दिन-वार कवरेज मिलेंगे। विस्तृत योजना में, प्रारंभिक परीक्षा एवं मुख्य परीक्षा पाठ्यक्रम दोनों को शामिल किया गया है, जिसमें दैनिक लक्ष्य, प्रत्येक 10 वें दिन एक प्रीलिम्स और मेन्स टेस्ट तथा प्रत्येक विषय के लिए सर्वोत्तम Value-Added Notes (VAN) के रूप में आपकी समग्र तैयारी का ध्यान रखा जाएगा। न्यूनतम स्रोत- संदर्भित किए जाने वाले स्रोतों को न्यूनतम रखा गया है। यदि आप प्रोग्राम को देखते हैं, तो आप पाएंगे कि हमने अपने स्रोतों को अधिकतम 2 प्रति विषय तक सीमित कर दिया है। यह एक अभ्यर्थी को बाजार में उपलब्ध कॉपी-पेस्ट और अप्रासंगिक स्रोतों को पढ़ने में अपना कीमती समय बर्बाद करने से रोकने के लिए किया गया है। रिवीज़न- रिवीज़न के लिए उचित/ संक्षिप्त तरीका बताया गया है जो एक सप्ताह के समय में आपके द्वारा सीखी गई बातों को समेकित करने में सहायता करेगा। चूंकि प्रक्रिया लंबी और गहन है, इसलिए रिवीज़न की कमी घातक हो सकती है। इसलिए, हमने रिवीज़न और समेकन के लिए पर्याप्त समय सुनिश्चित किया है। यही ILP-2021 की आशा, लक्ष्य, ह्रदय और आत्मा है जिसे पूरी ईमानदारी के साथ पालन करने की आवश्यकता है। यदि आप इसका कर्तव्यनिष्ठ होकर केवल एक वर्ष पालन करते हैं, तो आशाजनक रूप से आप इसके आलावा बिना किसी अन्य सामग्री/ स्रोत/ क्लासेज के सफलता अवश्य प्राप्त करेंगें। आगे शीध्र ही विस्तृत विवरण अपलोड किया जाएगा ILP दिशानिर्देश / नमूना नोट / उपयोगकर्ता इंटरफ़ेस / भुगतान लिंक के लिए - यहां क्लिक करें धन्यवाद IASbaba

May 10, 2020 MindMaps

MIND-MAPS: DISASTER MANAGEMENT (Part 2) – General Studies 3

MIND-MAPS: DISASTER MANAGEMENT (Part 2) – General Studies 3 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! DISASTER MANAGEMENT (Part 2) - General Studies 3 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) NDMA Guidelines for various Disasters The TOPIC for Next week will be "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES & GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION". 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 and 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. To Know More about the initiative, Benefits and How to use a mind-map ->CLICK HERE You can access the Mind Map on PRIVATISATION - CLICK HERE You can access the Mind Map on DISASTER MANAGEMENT (Part 1) - 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

May 10, 2020 Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent and Creativity

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: POEM by BHARATH KUMAR P.S & A SONG SUNG by GAURAV DAIWALKAR!

May 10, 2020 Motivational Articles

Creative Guidance – Blinded by Thoughts – Inspirational Educative Articles

Blinded by Thoughts: 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. Our thoughts are the most dishonest of all things that you can find in the universe. Everything in existence is honest, if you think about it. Existence lives by the law of life, it dies by the law of life, and it’s always straight. It’s always honest. It says, “This is who I am. This is what my situation of life is. This is what I can do.” As long as we are close to this process, we have some hope, but we are not in that process. We are constantly – every single moment – fooling ourselves into believing in our own thoughts. Whatever our thoughts tell us, we simply listen to it. Then, when we try to go beyond this process, we just use another thought (that is also our own). It’s our game, our mind, our thoughts. We keep on justifying our actions for ourselves. The Truth is there somewhere, and you have a desire to search for it. Because you are alive, because you’re born spiritual, there will always be a desire. There’s a lot of difference between that desire becoming a reality and you just simply staying with that desire. For a lot of people, Awakening will simply remain a desire, because they’re not willing to be ruthlessly honest with themselves. And poor creatures, they don’t even know how dishonest they are with themselves. If, even for a single moment, we can sit and watch our thought process and see how dishonest we are to ourselves – forget about others – because they don’t know you. Whatever you tell them, they listen. If you tell me tomorrow, “I did this, I did that, this is what I’m doing,” that is what I will believe. I cannot get into your mind and see what you’re doing, what thought process is running. Leave out others. We’ve made a living out of fooling others; that’s the whole world. You will not be able to find a new motivation to stay away from that because everybody’s in the same mess. We’re all concerned about our own self-interests, our own individual realities, and we will be like that. At least, when you decide to pick up the spiritual path, when you decide to search for the Truth, you have to internally become extremely honest with yourself. That is the only way you can continue to see how you are being tricked by your own thoughts. “This article is a part of the creative endeavor of Meditation Farm and IASBABA.”

May 9, 2020 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th MAY 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 9th May 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) National Infrastructure Pipeline proposes to set up National Land Management Corporation Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Infrastructure In News: The task force on National Infrastructure Pipeline has recommended setting up a National Land Management Corporation This corporation would help in monetising state-owned surplus land assets in a systematic manner. Key takeaways: Such a corporation should be set up under Companies Act. It would act as a facilitator for land monetisation and an asset manager for lands owned by the government and public enterprises. The Corporation should have representation from: Finance Ministry Department of Public Enterprises Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Independent directors from finance and real estate industry. The Corporation will be able to raise capital from the equity market, based on the value of its leased assets. Important value additions: National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) It is the investment plan unveiled by the Central Government for enhancing infrastructure in identified sectors for a period of five years from 2020-25. $1.4 trillion have been allotted to NIP. It will help India to become the $5 trillion economy by 2025. The funding will be jointly made by the Centre, states and the private sector in the proportion of 39:39:22 ratio. Changes brought to Labour laws by U.P and M.P governments Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III - Employment In News: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved an Ordinance exempting businesses from all the labour laws except few for the next 3 years. Madhya Pradesh government has also suspended many labour laws for the next 1000 days. Key takeaways: Uttar Pradesh: Laws related to the following have become defunct: Settling industrial disputes Occupational safety Health and working conditions of workers Trade unions, contract workers, and migrant labourers No relaxation in laws related to the following: Bonded labour Deployment of women and children Timely payment of salaries These changes will apply to both the existing businesses and the new factories being set up in the state. Madhya Pradesh Few important amendments are: Employers can increase working hours in factories from 8 to 12 hours. The factory registration will be done within a day, instead of 30 days. The licence renewal will be done after 10 years, instead of a year. Industrial Units will be exempted from majority of the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. Contractors employing less than 50 workers will be able to work without registration under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. Reasons for change in labour laws in both states: To attract investment. To encourage industrial activity. To protect the existing employment. To provide employment to workers. who have migrated back to their respective States. To increase the revenue of states which have fallen due to closure of industrial units during Covid-19 lockdown. The changes could lead to denying the rights of workers which is a violation of human and fundamental rights. It may create insecurity among the workers. The changes may lead to desperate conditions for workers. Important value additions: The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 It was enacted to promote industrial peace by providing appropriate machinery for amicable settlement of disputes arising between employers and employees. Luhman 16: Binary Brown Dwarf System Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Space In News: Recently, a group of astrophysicists have found that the closest known brown dwarf, Luhman 16A. It also shows signs of cloud bands similar to those seen on Jupiter and Saturn. Key takeaways: They used polarimetry technique to determine the properties of atmospheric clouds. They have found the actual structure of the clouds (not only their presence) in case of Luhman 16A. Important value additions: Luhman 16 Luhman 16A is part of a binary system (Luhman 16) containing a second brown dwarf, Luhman 16B. This pair orbits each other. It is situated at a distance of about 6.5 light years from the Sun and It is the third closest system to the Sun after Alpha Centauri and Barnard’s star. Brown Dwarfs They are also called failed stars. Their masses are heavier than planets but lighter than stars. Binary Stars System Binary stars are two stars orbiting a common center of mass. Calculations of their orbits allow the masses of their component stars to be directly determined. Polarimetry It is the study of polarization. It is a property of light. It represents the direction in which the light wave oscillates. When light is reflected off of particles it can favor a certain angle of polarization. By measuring the angle from a distant system, astronomers can deduce the presence of clouds. Miscellaneous FlytNow It is an Internet of Drones (IoD) platform that allows seamless integration of intelligent fleets of drones with cloud-based business applications. It can assist the Police officials to stream live multi-video feeds from multiple drones to their control room which shall enable them to respond quickly to emergencies. It is developed by FlytBase, an enterprise drone automation company. Rath Yatra at Jagannath Puri The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has allowed the construction of chariots for the annual Rath Yatra at Jagannath temple, Puri in Odisha. It is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath. During the festival, the three holy chariots carrying idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra are pulled by devotees. The temple is believed to be constructed in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple was called the “White Pagoda” and is a part of Char Dham pilgrimages (Badrinath, Dwaraka, Puri, Rameswaram). ‘AYUSH Sanjivani’ App Recently, it was launched by the Government. It is developed by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY). It intends to generate data on usage of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-rigpa and Homoeopathy) medicines and measures among the population and its impact in prevention of Covid-19. It targets to reach out to 50 lakh people in the country. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Topic: General Studies 3: India and its neighbourhood Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. India amidst challenging geopolitical situation Context: Today, India is in the midst of a new geopolitical situation: The world is moving in the direction of multi-polarity which may turn into a US-Chinese bipolar system in the long run. The world faces a destabilising power transition as China seeks to demonstrate international power in a world so far dominated by the U.S. “America First” attitude of the United States President has also caused rapid shifts in the balance of power. China-U.S. strategic contention is growing despite both countries being economically dependent on each other. Indo-Pacific Region (IPR), including countries of Indonesia, South Korea and Vietnam, is gradually turning into one of the world’s primary regions. The geopolitical aspect of relations between India, China and the United States is thus becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted. What should be India’s response in such a scenario? The current Indian government has set itself ambitious, long-term goals aimed at strengthening the country’s international standing as a “serious global player. To counter unstoppable growth of China, many experts advocate that India should enter into an alliance with the U.S. However, an alliance seems to be the wrong answer for India's growth quests which may harm its development ambitions. Strategic autonomy has been the pursuit for India since many decades. Hence, this is the most opportune time for India to not get entangled in contention concerning other countries which might affect India's national interests. India must follow diplomacy and flexibility, and adjust itself to the fast-changing balance of power and correlation of forces around it. The experts also believe that India can gain a full-fledged status of a great power only if it creates multilateral organizations independently that would safeguard its interests and express its values. India must develop a strategy of counterbalancing China. India is already trying to counterbalance the USA by strengthening and diversifying ties with Russia. Europe, though equally burdened by its own problems, could also play its part by recognizing and supporting India’s growth. India’s investment needs are increasing like never before. Thus, India must come up with such a foreign policy that could lure investors from both China and the United States, without getting involved in their politics. India should also retain for itself maximum freedom of maneuver and flexibility in international relations and uphold its claim to be the system-forming power of South Asia. High-level strategic dialogue between these countries about their core interests, red differences and areas of convergence should take place. Way forward The world also knows that without India’s participation neither USA’s IPR project, nor Beijing’s “Community of Common Destiny” concept can be fully implemented. On the other hand, India may not become a developed country if it continues business and politics as usual, or tries to imitate China’s experience in the last 40 years. It must adapt and manage its internal social and political situations better. Conclusion Today, India is more dependent on the outside world than ever before. It relies on the world for energy, technology, essential goods like fertilizer and coal, access to markets, and capital. Thus, the most important improvement that India needs to make involves its national security structures and their work. Connecting the dots: India - China relations are of global significance India’s participation is significant for USA’s India-Pacific Region project ECONOMY Topic: General Studies 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors. To sustain growth, India needs fiscal stimulus Context: We are aware that the impact of COVID-19 will debilitate or weaken the global as well as the Indian economies. Various institutions have assessed India’s growth prospects for 2020-21 ranging from 0.8% (Fitch) to 4.0% (Asian Development Bank). IMF has projected India’s growth at 1.9%, China’s at 1.2%, and the global growth at (-) 3.0%. India was already facing a persistent economic downslide before it slid into the novel coronavirus crisis. There was a sustained fall in the saving and investment rates especially with unutilised capacity in the industrial sector. 2019-20 Centre’s gross tax revenues also showed contraction. All these trends would continue to trouble the Indian economy in this crisis. 2019-20 India’s economic growth Central Statistics Office (CSO) had estimated gross value added (GVA) growth of about 4.9% for 2019-20. IMF’s GDP growth estimate for 2019-20 is at 4.2%. However, India may show real GVA growth of 4.4% for 2019-20. India’s growth prospects for 2020-21 GVA is divided into eight broad sectors (as shown in fig/table below) and all the sectors have been disrupted. Source: The Hindu Group A sectors This group comprises of two sectors - agriculture and allied sectors, and public administration, defence and other services. Total contribution to growth is expected to be highest as the sectors under this group have suffered only limited disruption. Agriculture and allied sectors In the case of agriculture, rabi crop is currently being harvested and a good monsoon is predicted later in the year. Despite some labour shortage issues, this sector may show near-normal performance. Public and defence sector This sector has been nearly fully active, especially with the health services at the forefront of the COVID-19 fight. Group B sectors This group comprises four sectors which may suffer average disruption. These sectors are mining and quarrying, electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services, construction, and financial, real estate and professional services. Group C sectors Manufacturing sector has suffered significantly. However, it is feasible to stimulate this sector by supporting demand. This sector requires strong policy support. Group D sectors This group is likely to suffer maximum disruption. This includes, trade, hotels, restaurants, travel and tourism under the broad group of “Trade, Hotels, Transport, Storage and Communications”. Note: Considering these four groups together, a GVA growth of 2.9% is estimated for 2020-21. Measures taken: Monetary policy initiatives – RBI has reduced the repo rate to 4.4%, the reverse repo rate to 3.75%, and cash reserve ratio to 3%. RBI has also opened several special financing facilities. The Centre has announced a relief package of ₹1.7-lakh crore. Now, these measures need to be supplemented by an appropriate fiscal stimulus. What measures are required? The actual growth outcome for India would depend on 3 important areas - the speed at which the economy is opened up; the time it takes to contain the spread of virus, and, the government’s policy support. Need for Fiscal Stimulus Fiscal stimulus can be of three types: relief expenditure for protecting the poor and the marginalised; demand-supporting expenditure for increasing personal disposable incomes or government’s purchases of goods and services, including expanded health-care expenditure imposed by the novel coronavirus, and, bailouts for industry and financial institutions. Way ahead: Centre’s budgeted fiscal deficit of 3.5% of GDP may have to be enhanced substantially and provide for a stimulus. Expenditure on construction of hospitals, roads and other infrastructure and purchase of health-related equipment and medicines require prioritisation. These expenditures will have high multiplier effects. Similar initiatives may be undertaken by the State governments under their respective Fiscal Responsibility Legislation/Law and to provide for the shortfall in their revenues and some stimulus. Connecting the dots: Do you think India needs a strong fiscal stimulus when already its fiscal deficit poses a major challenge? Which sector needs major policy support and why? What measures are needed? (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 National infrastructure Pipeline, consider the following statements: It is an investment plan in identified sectors for a period of 10 years, 2020-2030. The funding will be jointly made by the centre and state in the proportion of 50:50 ratio. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.2 With regard to the ordinance brought in by the Uttar Pradesh Government, consider the following statements: Laws related to the dispute settlement will be different for the next 3 years. There will be no relaxation in laws related to the bonded labour. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 Consider the following statements regarding the amendments brought in by the Madhya Pradesh government: Employers can increase the working hours in factories. Registration of factories will be done within 2 days instead of 30 days. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Recently, signs of cloud bands were observed by astrophysicists on the brown dwarf, Luhman 16A. Which of the following planets also show signs of cloud bands? Jupiter and Neptune Saturn and Jupiter Mercury and Jupiter Mercury and Venus Q.5 In which of the following city of Odisha is Jagannath temple situated? Sambalpur Bhubaneswar Puri Cuttack ANSWERS FOR 8th May 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 C 3 B 4 D 5 A 6 D Must Read About female genital mutilation The Hindu About migrant problems The Indian Express

May 9, 2020 RSTV Video

Impact of Lockdown on Women & Children – The Big Picture – RSTV IAS UPSC

Impact of Lockdown on women & children Archives TOPIC: General Studies 2 Government policies COVID-19 crisis In News: The COVID-19 crisis has a potentially far-reaching, long-term negative impact on women and children around the world. The impact is likely to be devastating especially for children, even though they appear to have less severe symptoms and lower mortality rates than other age groups. More than 1.5 billion students are out of school. Widespread job and income loss and economic insecurity among families are likely to increase rates of child labor, sexual exploitation and child marriage. Stresses on families, particularly those living under quarantines and lockdowns, are increasing the incidence of domestic violence. 67 per cent of the world’s healthcare workers are women, they are naturally more prone to infection. Women are already burdened with three times more unpaid care work than men. During lockdowns the burden increases manifold. As the lockdowns impose stricter control on one’s mobility, they put women in abusive relationships at extremely high risk of damage from physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The year 2020, marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, was intended to be ground-breaking for gender equality. Instead, with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, even the limited gains made in the past decades are at risk of being rolled back. The pandemic is deepening pre-existing inequalities, exposing vulnerabilities in social, political and economic systems which are in turn amplifying the impacts of the pandemic. Global lockdown and the rise in domestic violence cases As more and more countries have entered lockdown, globally there is an alarming upshot in domestic violence related distress calls to support helplines and response shelters. From the Hubei province in China to Brazil, from France to the UK, countries from all continents have already noted a rise in violent crimes against women. In the province of Hubei in Wuhan, China, which is the heart of the first outbreak of the Coronavirus, domestic violence reports to police tripled during the February lockdown period and rose to 162 from 47 last year. In Brazil state-run shelters are estimating 40-50 per cent rise in demands from endangered women. European countries report 20-30 per cent increases in calls to domestic violence helplines, from Catalonia to Cyprus. In Spain, where lockdown rules are among the strictest, with heavy fines levied on anyone not complying, domestic violence related fatalities have been reported in Valencia. In France, the interior minister has reported domestic violence incidents have shot up by more than 30 per cent since the country went into lockdown on March 17. Paris alone reported an up shot of 36 per cent. In the UK, calls to the national abuse hotline has gone up to 65 per cent last weekend. The Silent Pandemic Globally, violence against women affects one in three women. Closer home, the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16) (NFHS-4) suggests that 30 per cent women in India in the age group of 15-49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. 6 per cent women in the same age group have experienced sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. About 31 per cent of married women have experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence by their spouses. Home is the most unsafe place for women In 2018, a United Nations study suggested globally, home was the most unsafe place for women. Of all female murders, an overwhelming 82 per cent happen in their marital homes, and are committed by an intimate partner or a family member. As special cases, the dowry related death and honour killings have found special mention in the report, where the natal home of a woman also frequently becomes a dangerous place for her. Numbers do not lie Data from west African countries in the wake of the 2014 Ebola outbreak showed that concurrent with the lockdowns and closure of workplaces, schools and colleges, there was a steady increase in rape, sexual assault and violence against women and girls. NGOs working in Sierra Leone reported an upshot in teenage pregnancy rates from rapes and assaults, as young women and girls were at much higher risk at home. Overall, over one year, sexual violence increased 40per cent. Source: https://www.cgdev.org/blog/gender-lens-covid-19-pandemics-and-violence-against-women-and-children Impact of lockdown on domestic violence in India In India, the National Commission of Women has recorded 291 complaints of domestic violence in March and is now only receiving complaints via email. Drop in complains: Alarmingly, the hotlines run by NGOs and volunteer organisations, that are usually the avenues for women to report such attacks are eerily silent. Most activists, as well as experts who run these shelters or have been intimately associated with domestic violence work at the grassroots, believe that this drop probably reflects the continuous presence of the abuser at home during the lockdown. With curtailed mobility and a police force that is more than apathetic towards gender-based violence, women are losing even the avenues that could have saved them from abuse, and in extreme cases, death. The mechanism in place: Under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), police are not the first responder for women who experience domestic violence. The counselling centres are supposed to reach out to the complainants. During the lockdown the closure of these services can be lethal for women who need them. India direly needs an alternative alert system and a swift response to rescue women from dangerous situations. The UP police had released an emergency helpline number 112, but it was not specifically a domestic violence related helpline but a rather generic number to send alerts about violent crimes. Also, there is no word about the efficacy of that helpline. Some recommendations to the governments in the current context It is critical that governments utilise a human rights and intersectional based approach to ensure that everyone, including the most marginalised, has access to necessary information, support systems and resources during the current crisis. The state governments need to declare helplines as “essential services” that should remain open during lockdowns. Disseminate information about gender-based violence and publicise resources and services available. Increase resourcing for NGOs that respond to domestic violence and aid — including shelter, counselling, and legal aid — to survivors, and promote those that remain open. Encourage the equitable sharing of domestic tasks at home. Provide for the continued provision of healthcare services based on medical research and tests — unrelated to the virus — for women and girls. Ensure women’s timely access to necessary and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services during the crisis, such as maternal health services, safe abortion etc. As the steps to contain the transmission of the virus might require more stretches of isolation and confinement for the public, the government at the Centre and state levels need to address the upsurge in domestic violence immediately. For a lot of women, home is not the safe haven as normally believed. Their lives depend on the emergency response systems remaining functional. Connecting the Dots: Analyse the impact of COVID-19 on women and children. Essay: Home is NOT a blessing in disguise!

May 9, 2020 60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

UPDATE ON OPEN MOCK EXAMS - GS and CSAT (ENGLISH & (हिंदी)

Hello Everyone Since UPSC has delayed the CSE PRELIMS 2020 and the new dates will be announced only on the 20th of May, we have decided to postpone the Open Mocks. The following mocks will be postponed and the new dates will be updated only when the UPSC comes up with a new date for CSE PRELIMS 2020. GENERAL STUDIES MOCK 4 & CSAT 3 GENERAL STUDIES MOCK 5 & CSAT 4 Till now, Three OPEN MOCKS (FREE) are active. You can take the OPEN MOCKS - HERE Discussion Page 1 -> CLICK HERE RESULTS of Mock Exam 1 -> CLICK HERE Discussion Page 2 -> CLICK HERE RESULTS of Mock Exam 2 -> CLICK HERE Discussion Page 3 -> CLICK HERE RESULTS of Mock Exam 2 -> To be Updated You can access the 60 Day Plan - HERE All the Best! IASbaba

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