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Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - POLITY [Day 2]

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

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba's TLP 2020: UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) - High Ordered Thinking (HOT) Questions [Day 2]

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 2]. 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. India’s labour laws have been the most politically stubborn areas to reform, standing in the way of China-style industrial acceleration. Comment. 2. The toxic gas leak in Visakhapatnam that killed 11 people and made hundreds ill shows lessons haven’t been learned from the 1984 Bhopal tragedy. In this light, suggest a blueprint for preventing such disasters in the future. 3. What do you understand by ‘cultural diplomacy’? What dividends can India reap through sound cultural diplomacy? Examine.   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 :)  

IASbaba's Courses

FAQ’s: IASbaba’s Integrated Learning Program (ILP) BASIC / PLUS / CONNECT+ 2021 ONLINE and AIPTS 2021 Programme

Dear Students, Firstly, Thank You for such an awesome response to our recently launched Courses/Programs. We have been getting a lot of calls and mails on ILP, AIPTS and TLP Programs. To clear all your doubts at one place, we have created this elaborative list of FAQ's on ILP and AIPTS Courses. Kindly read with patience. This will clear most of your doubts. Also FAQ's on TLP and a comparison chart will be published shortly. You can take an informed decision by choosing the respective course according to your needs. READ THE FULL DETAILS OF ILP BASIC/PLUS/CONNECT 2020 READ THE FULL DETAILS OF AIPTS & AIPTS+   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) IASbaba’s ILP BASIC/PLUS/CONNECT+ 2021 ONLINE Programme   When will ILP 2021 Start? ILP 2021 will start on 1st July 2020. ILP program in Hindi (हिंदी) will start on 16th July 2020. Will ILP 2021 Programme be available in Hindi (हिंदी)? Yes, the entire ILP Programme – ILP Basic, ILP+, ILP Connect+ will be available in Hindi. ILP in HINDI (हिंदी) -> CLICK HERE FOR ANY DOUBTS/QUERIES in HINDI- CONTACT: 9911778098 Is ILP Prelims or Mains Focused? ILP will cover BOTH your Prelims and Mains Preparation. Will the Programme cover all the 3 Stages of Exam (Prelims, Mains, Inteview)? Yes. The Detailed Study Plan given now, will cover till Prelims. Prelims and Mains will be covered in an integrated approach in the 1st Phase. In Phase 2, i.e, Post UPSC Prelims 2021 Exam, according to the date of Mains Exam another Study Plan will be published on the ILP Portal (website) which would be Mains Exclusive. And post Mains Results, you will be guided and mentored through the Interview phase along with Mock Interviews. How is the Daily Study Plan designed/Importance of Study Plan? The Detailed Study Plan covers your entire syllabus of Prelims and Mains Preparation. even micro topics under the mains syllabus get covered. To Download the Detailed Schedule/Course Plan -> CLICK HERE Is the Programme designed for Working Professionals? Yes. The Study plan is designed such that, if a working professional can spare atleast 3-4 hours per day excluding the time spent for covering current affairs during work time in the weekdays and 8-10 hours on the weekends you can cover the syllabus on time. Also if you join ILP Connect the Mentors will guide you through on your plan and strategy regularly. What is Super 300? Super 300 is a kind of Scholarship Test. Based on the performance in the Test, FREE UPGRADATION will happen to ILP Connect+ for the TOP 300 Students. An OBJECTIVE TEST will be conducted on 20th June, 2020. Test will consists of 50 MCQ’s: 30 MCQ’s from Current Affairs and 20 MCQ’s from CSAT Syllabus (Aptitude and Logical Reasoning) How to Register for SUPER 300? When is the last date to register for SUPER 300? The last date to register for SUPER 300 is 19th June. To Register for Super 300 and take the Test, you must have enrolled either for ILP BASIC or ILP PLUS by 19th June 2020. TO REGISTER FOR ‘SUPER 300’ -> CLICK HERE Can I join ILP Connect+ without taking Super 300 Test? Yes, But the Seats are limited for ILP Connect+. The intake for ILP Connect+ will be 800 students only. 500 students will be considered on first come First-come-First Serve basis & remaining from SUPER 300. How will I get to know if there are any seats remaining for ILP CONNECT PLUS? As soon as the seats gets filled we will revoke the admission link. How many Prelims tests does ILP 2021 contain? A total of 62 Tests are provided. 52 Tests will be covering the entire General Studies and 10 Tests covering CSAT. How many Attempts can I take in each Prelims Test? You can take a maximum of 3 Attempts of each Prelims Test. Will there be Detailed Assessment and Ranking for Prelims Test? Detailed Assessment of your performance will be based on two tools for analyzing your performance in each test. Time-Analytics’ and Subject-wise Analytics’. This will help you gauge your efficiency per question (assist you in time-management) and to introspect your strength and weaknesses in a particular subject. All INDIA RANKING will be given for every test. How many Mains Tests are in ILP? How many questions will be given in each Mains Test? MAINS TESTS & SYNOPSIS– TOTAL = 50 TESTS 30 Micro MAINS TESTS & SYNOPSIS (Before Prelims) 20 FULL MOCK MAINS TESTS & SYNOPSIS (Post Prelims) The micro test will consist of 10 questions in each Test in the 1st Phase (Before Prelims). Later, post prelims, the 20 Mocks will be of full length (20 questions). Is there any facility that I could get my Mains answers evaluated in ILP Programme? Yes, due to many requests we have decided to include this feature. ILP portal will have a special feature this time, wherein you can submit your ILP Mains Test Papers for evaluation by paying an additional amount on per Test basis. Are the tests flexible? The tests are flexible. Once we upload a test you can give it any time based on your convenience. Prelims Tests can be accesses till UPSC Prelims 2021 whereas Mains tests can be accessible till UPSC Mains 2021. Will ILP cover Optionals? No. Only GS Papers and Essay will be covered under ILP Programme. How to prepare for Optional along with ILP 2021? In the daily model schedule we have mentioned how to squeeze in mains preparation. Mains static GS portion and optional can be done on alternate days in the same time slot. We have made an ideal timetable for three-time slots. If one can put more effort, one more slot can be created for optionals. Will the Value Added Notes (VAN) cover both Prelims and Mains? Yes. Our VAN is one of the most comprehensive documents which covers each and every topic of UPSC syllabus (Both Prelims and Mains) Will the Study materials (VAN’s) be sent to my address? No, all the material provided will be in the form of soft copy. You can download and study the same. Will I be able to Download or print Babapedia? Babapedia will be in Read Only format. It cannot be downloaded or printed. Should I make own notes from Babapedia? Yes, we recommend you to make your own notes which will not only help in easy revision but will also help in longer retention and sharpens your answer writing skill. Till when Prelimspedia and Mainspedia will be updated? Prelimspedia will be updated till 20 days before UPSC CSE Prelims 2021.Mainspedia will be updated till 20 days before UPSC CSE Mains 2021. Are all the materials and tests available in Hindi Medium? Is the translation done by experts? Yes, all the materials and tests (VAN, Babapedia, Prelims and Mains tests) are available in Hindi. The translation is done by the experts who have taken their UPSC CSE in Hindi Medium and have attended minimum 2-3 interviews. How will a mentor help me in this program? A mentor will help you to motivate as well as address your queries. The mentor will hand hold you in every aspect of your preparation related to this program. Please note that, topic-specific queries will not be entertained. For test specific doubts a separate portal is made available and abhivyakti wherein it acts as a social media of ILP. You can post such queries there. If I join ILP program with Hindi Medium, will my mentor communicate with me in Hindi? Yes, the mentors will communicate in Hindi for the Hindi medium students. How can I contact my Mentor? How frequently can I talk to my mentor? Can I speak to my mentor only over a phone call? You can talk to your mentor over a video call. There will be 20 Students who can connect at a time to your respective mentors. This will also act as a Buddy-System’, a small peer group to help and motivate each other for mutual learning. You can connect with your mentors 3 times a month. Basically 10 days once, so that you can get feedback on your performance in the Test and also on what should be your approach in the future. Even after that, you want to talk to your mentors you can talk to them over phone as per the time scheduled by your mentor. But it is advised to be in touch with your mentors over the video call, according to our experience which is more beneficial. What is the Importance of Mind Maps? How frequently will it be posted? Mind map helps you to visualize an image rather than the paragraphs. This way you will recall it much easier in the exam. It is crisp, so more information can be squeezed in a small space. You wouldn’t require bulky notes before the exam to revise. We keep posting them according to the Schedule. (Wherever the particular topic in the syllabus necessitates a mind map) and these Mind-maps will be available only in English. Will I be getting Essay Guidance if I join ILP 2021? Guidelines will be provided to you on how to write an essay, and then mock essays will be given for practice. UPSC asks for two types of topics – a static/ factual topic and a philosophical topic. Approach for both is different and will be provided to you as part of the Program. What is Abhivyakti? Each year we have a vibrant and engaging ILP community. Abhivyakti gives the ILP members a platform to get their doubts/queries addressed by IASbaba and peers and also initiate discussions/debates on important issues. What is Buddy System? Students having similar Optional-subjects, College or background can form groups and have discussions (peer-learning)! This will not only help you in forming a good peer-group/study-circle but also in motivating each other to achieve your goals. This is a boon! Especially for students who are studying at home, working professionals who are away from the UPSC-preparation hubs’ so that you can keep in touch with your friends, stay motivated, be informed and accountable at the same time. Will the videos provided in ILP+ and ILP Connect+ be live or recorded? The videos will be recorded. A user can watch it as many times he/she wishes. The test discussion videos will be generally provided within 2 days of completion of the test. ILP 2021 is for freshers or veterans? Should I join ILP or TLP? One can make best use of ILP, if he/she wants to cover the whole syllabus along with timely Prelims and Mains Tests. ILP will provide a yearlong schedule that will keep the preparation on track. So, both freshers and veterans can join this program. However, If you have finished thorough reading of the entire syllabus at least once or twice and only need guidance mainly for the Mains answer writing, and you can take care of Prelims through test series. Then we have an Integrated (Prelims & Mains) Test Series Based Mentorship Program TLP CONNECT or you can join Only Mains Mentorship Program TLP+. If I have joined ILP should I join AIPTS? ILP enrolled students need not join AIPTS. All the tests of AIPTS will be provided to the ILP registered students. What is the Fees for ILP Basic, ILP Plus, ILP Connect+ ? ILP Basic: Price- Rs.12,000 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.14,160/- ILP+ : Price- Rs.15,000 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.17,760/- ILP Connect+ : Price- Rs.20,000 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.23,600/- NOTE: Based on requests of many of our students, Discount will be provided to Old Subscribers (ILP/TLP/AIPTS/PEP (In PEP, only for those students who had enrolled for complete program can avail the discount). A one month window will be given, from 1st June – 30th June 2020. You can avail the discount then. Details will be published on 1st June. Kindly note, after 30th June 2020 the discount facility will be made inactive.      36. Where can I make the payment? Separate Payment links have been created for all the programs (ILP Basic, ILP+, ILP Connect+. Different Payment links for Hindi and English to make it easier to choose the medium and program of your choice. Please check the below post- ILP Basic, ILP+, ILP Connect+  -> CLICK HERE   37. From when can I access the ILP Platform? Once the payment is done- You will receive a Receipt/Mail with Login Details. Do not worry it may take 2-3 hours time since it is automated. You can always mail for any technical issue on given email ID (below) You will be able to login to your ILP account ONLY when the platform is activated. The platform will be activated one week before the start of the Program. The Program will start on 1st July, 2020.    38. Is there any Deadline to Join the ILP/AIPTS Programme? You can join the ILP 2021 or AIPTS 2021 anytime. There is NO DEADLINE! But we would advice you to join the program before it starts so that you can streamline and discipline your preparation. Please Note: ILP Basic, Plus, Connect+ Programs are available ONLINE ONLY FAQ'S All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS)  When will the All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS) start? The first Test of AIPTS (both in English and Hindi (हिंदी)) will start from 10th July, 2020. How many Tests are there in All India Prelims Test Series (AIPTS)? 62 Tests in Total. 52 General Studies Tests - 34 Tests (100 Mcqs) and 18 Current Affairs Tests (50 Mcq’s every 15 days). 10 CSAT Full length Tests To Download the Detailed Schedule of AIPTS -> CLICK HERE Will ILP 2021 Programme be available in Hindi (हिंदी)? Yes. FOR ANY DOUBTS/QUERIES in HINDI- CONTACT: 9911778098 Is AIPTS available both offline and online? Yes. But offline depends on the lockdown situation. Given the present conditions you can take the programme ONLINE and when conditions are back to normal you can change to OFFLINE Mode. Will all the tests be discussed in AIPTS+ ? Yes. Will the test discussion happen in Hindi (हिंदी)? Yes. What is the Fess for AIPTS, AIPTS+ (Offline and Online) ? AIPTS: Price- Rs.5,999 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.7,080/- AIPTS+ :Price- Rs.7,999 + 18 % (GST) = Rs.9,440/- Are the Prelims Tests flexible? Yes. Where can I make the payment? Separate Payment links have been created for both AIPTS and AIPTS+. Different Payment links for Hindi and English to make it easier to choose the medium and program of your choice. Please check the below post- AIPTS, AIPTS+  -> CLICK HERE If I still have Doubts/Queries with regard to ILP or AIPTS, where or whom to contact? You can reach us on Email id: ilp@iasbaba.com Mobile No: 9035077800/9986193413 (Please call between 10 am – 6 pm ONLY) Office Address: BANGALORE CENTRE: IASbaba’s TLP Centre 2– No. 1443/1444, 2nd Floor, Above Carzspa, Ganapati Circle, Chandra Layout, Vijaynagar, Bangalore 560040. DELHI CENTRE: IASBABA, 5B, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi – 110005. Landmark: Just 50m from Karol Bagh Metro Station, GATE No. 8 (Next to Croma Store)   All the Best IASbaba Team

TLP Mains 2020

SYNOPSIS [Day 1]: IASbaba's TLP 2020-UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) - High Ordered Thinking (HOT) Questions 

SYNOPSIS [Day 1]: TLP 2020- UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies)  Q 1.Why is the rural sector critical to the economy? Do you agree with the assertion that the rural sector can be the engine of economic recovery post COVID-19? Substantiate your views. Demand of the question: It expects students to write about the criticality of rural sector to the economy and write arguments about rural sector as engine of economic recovery post COVID-19 with examples and appropriate data.  Introduction: India is predominantly a rural country. As per the 2011 Census, 68.8 per cent of country’s population and 72.4 per cent of workforce resided in rural areas. Rural economy constitutes 46 per cent of national income. Despite the rise of urbanization more than half of India’s population is projected to be rural by 2050. Thus growth and development of rural economy and population is a key to overall growth and inclusive development of the country in post COVID-19 India. Body: Criticality of the rural sector in the economy: As per NITI Aayog report, more than half of Indian industrial production comes from the rural areas. Rural construction also accounts for nearly half of the total building activity in the country. The value of rural services is about a quarter of the total services output.  Agriculture has accounted for less than half of total rural output since the turn of the century. On the other hand, National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data shows that more than one-fifth of rural households with self-employment in agriculture have income less than the poverty line. Agriculture labour productivity in terms of gross value added (GVA) in India is less than a third of that in China and 1% of that in the US.  Rural sector is net importer vis-e-vis urban areas which indicate outward flow of money.  Rural sector as engine of economic recovery: If there is no universal access to a Covid-19 vaccine for another 18-24 months, then businesses in safer sectors and locations are likely to do well, here rural sector might act as net gainer.  In rural India, where it is naturally easier to have physical distancing and outdoor work. This may shift the focus from urban markets to rural markets, for both demand and production. Surplus labour: Livestock, fisheries, dairy, vegetables, fruit and food processing are more labour-intensive and high value-yielding. After many decades of neglect in research and development, lack of market access, on-off policies for exports, and market distortions, the present adversity may be a timely opportunity for this sector. Self reliant rural sector: Local production of items of local requirement, the local weavers, artisans and craftsmen may establish micro enterprises and form local community marketing cooperatives.   There may be community campaigns for buying local products, as far as possible, replacing some of the items coming from urban industrial sectors. Infrastructure investment: Local initiative for building community infrastructure, like water harvesting, canal irrigation network, huts for community market centers etc. may generate employment opportunities.  Employment opportunity: Community level planning and implementation of 100-days work programmes under MNREGA may be emphasized with assured timely disbursement of cash, and issuing of new job cards to those who are not yet included. However, rural employment has shrunk after 2005 while the urban areas have not been able to absorb the millions who are leaving the farm. Rural India is incapable of absorbing the estimated 23 million interstate and intrastate migrant labours who might return home from urban areas due to the COVID-19 lockdown. It would need support of a suitable policy framework and reforms in pricing policy, tax, market access, credit and rural infrastructure, like warehouses and cold storage. The next two years or so of how we learn to live with corona virus can redesign the economy towards safer and more sustainable production and consumption, with agriculture and the rural economy as its strength, rather than its weakness. Conclusion: In this economic pandemic, the lifeline of Indian economy lies in the transformation of the rural sector into a matrix of local economies, striking a balance between their diversified local production for local needs and surplus trading. Q 2. How far do you support the decision of the Government to cap air fares? What impact will it have on the airlines? Critically examine. Demand of the question: It expects students to write about the rationality behind the decision of government along with the implications of decision on the airlines with critical analysis.  Introduction: Domestic flights in India will have a cap on fares with both an upper and lower limit for three months when flights resume on 25th may. While the upper price limit is aimed at preventing any sharp rise in fares due to pent-up demand, the lower limit will help ensure that financial viability of airlines does not suffer amid high costs. Body: Domestic flights will connect all cities, though airlines will be allowed to use only one-third of the capacity approved for this year’s summer schedule. The government has created seven major fare sections/zones, based on the distance and time taken to cover the distance. Airlines have to make available 40% of total seats in an aircraft at less than the mid-point price between the highest and lowest fares. Rationality of decision to cap airfare:  Caps on airfares were generally restricted to about a few days during calamities like floods even earlier.  Measure is temporary: As market based pricing system like pre-covid times can resume after 24th august as per government briefing. To provide affordable travel: Rates could have skyrocketed as lockdown affected business of airlines badly.  The weakest or least attractive player may suffer the most as they cannot use pricing as a tool to steal market share in the absence of cap on minimum fare. The fixed price excludes PSF (Passenger services fee), UDF (User development fee) and GST. The decision not to leave the middle seat vacant or zero social distancing on board would allow airlines to fly in an economic manner. Impact on Airlines: The government putting a cap on lower fare would reduce sale of future tickets among customers compared to pre-COVID-19 time. Airlines operate on thin margins as their business models are based on high operating costs. Such decisions can threaten their financial viability. Pricing is most strategic to airlines and airlines should have freedom to make their commercial decisions.  First time a network-wide fare capping has been introduced, fare regulation was limited to affected areas of natural calamity.  India's Air Corporation Act was repealed in 1994, so the announcement to regulate airfares more than 2 decades later comes across as certainly a step back. The decision of government has been viewed as interference of government in market based system and termed as regressive regulation by certain sections. Conclusion: Though, extraordinary times require extraordinary measures, even market based pricing could have achieved the same desired results of affordability for passengers and financial viability for carriers. Airlines can expect the fare capping won’t continue beyond 3 month stipulated time.   Q 3. The announcement of the revival package for kick-starting the economy is fiscally prudent. Elucidate. Demand of the question: It expect student to write about the fiscal prudent nature of revival package of Indian economy with enabling provisions to that effect.  Introduction: Prime Minister announced Atmanirbhar Bharat package amounting to almost 10% of GDP. The five pillars that form the core of the strategy include ‘Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand’. Body: The Rs. 20 trillion stimulus package is the total sum of both fiscal and monetary steps. Economic package had five tranches on five successive days.  The first focused on small and medium enterprises, non-bank financial institutions, real estate and liquidity.  The second on migrants, affordable housing, street vendors, and micro credit.  The third on agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries.  The fourth on private-sector entry, the opening up of India’s coal sector, and the privatization of power distribution, airports and Union public sector enterprises (PSEs), as well as on raising foreign direct investment (FDI) limits.  The fifth focused on the rural employment guarantee, postponement of insolvency and other compliances, and incentivizing reforms in states by making their enhanced borrowings contingent on these. Fiscally prudent: Most of the package is essentially liquidity support with loan guarantees in some cases, where the fiscal payouts may happen only in future years, and that too to the extent some borrowers go bust or are unable to repay. The main elements of the package are Rs. 3 lakh crore guaranteed loan package to benefit 45 lakh micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); Rs 20,000 crore as subordinated debt to help support stressed MSMEs which will benefit another 2 lakh firms; Rs. 50,000 crore corpus for an MSME-oriented fund of funds. 3 lakh crore loan package will remain as back up only when bank loans go bad, or some MSMEs which benefited from the Rs 3 lakh crore guaranteed loan package are unable to repay. In the Rs 50,000 crore fund of funds for MSMEs, the Centre’s contribution initially will be Rs 10,000 crore. In the Rs 20,000 crore subordinated debt plan to fund stressed micro and small enterprises, the Centre will pay Rs 4,000 crore initially. Rs. 30,000 crore of liquidity for non-bank finance companies (NBFCs), housing finance companies, and micro-financial institutions; a Rs 45,000 crore partial credit guarantee scheme for NBFCs;  Rs 90,000 crore of liquidity for stressed power distribution companies (DISCOMs), but it is not a freebie either; states will have to guarantee the repayments. Additionally, the Centre will pay for another three months (June-August) the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) amounts usually paid by employers and employees who earn upto Rs 15,000 monthly. It will cost the exchequer Rs. 2,500 crore only. Temporary liquidity: The statutory contributions for Provident Fund will be cut from 12 per cent to 10 per cent for both employees and employers for three months, which will benefit 4.3 crore formal sector employees. The reduction in the PF contributions of employees will not cost the Centre anything; the cash flow relief to employees and employers for three months will end up reducing the overall accumulations in the employees’ EPFO corpus. Rs 50,000 crore of tax deduction at source (or tax collection at source) relief through a 25 per cent reduction in the TDS/TCS rates. The reductions in TDS/TCS payments will improve cash flows for both individuals and firms who receive such payments, but it does not cut the final amount of taxes payable. Considering the details of revival package, actual fiscal hit in the near term is well within the fiscal space of government. Covid-19 has reduced growth prospects of Indian economy to below 1% already with reduced tax collections; government had no other option but to become loan guarantor.   Conclusion: Revival Package has distributed fiscal cost of revival to next few years which is wise decision from the aspects of fiscal consolidation commitments of governments. If implemented well, can transform the face of India.  TLP HOT Synopsis Day-1 PDF

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

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

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 25th May 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) New plant species found in Western Ghats  Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III - Environment In News: Three new plant species have been recently discovered by a team of scientists of the Botanical Survey of India.  These species were found in the evergreen forest patches of the southern end of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Key takeaways: These species are: Eugenia sphaerocarpa It belongs to the Myrtaceae or Rose apple family. A good population of Eugenia sphaerocarpa is growing in the Kakkayam area of the Malabar wildlife sanctuary in Kerala above 800m. ‘Sphaerocarpa’ denotes to the large, showy lemon-yellow spherical fruits.  The fruits of Eugenia species are known for their palatability (pleasant to taste). Goniothalamus sericeus It belongs to the Annonaceae family of custard apple. A small number of Goniothalamus sericeus plants has been found in the Kanyakumari wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu at an altitude of 1400m. Mature flowers with characteristic greenish-yellow to beige petals are fragrant while the fruits are very showy and an attractive golden yellow in colour.  Sericeus refers to the presence of dense silky hair on petals. Memecylon nervosum It belongs to the Melastomataceae (Kayamboo or Kaasavu in local parlance) family. A small population of nervosum was also found at the Kanyakumari wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu at an altitude between 700-900m. The species has showy purplish-blue flowers and mauve to purplish red fruits.  Nervosum refers to the presence of prominently raised lateral and intramarginal veins on the lower surface of the lamina.  Image source: Click here Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyaya Yojana  Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-II – Welfare Schemes; GS-III - Agriculture In News: Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyaya Yojana is a new income support programme announced by the State government of Chhattisgarh. Key takeaways: Farmers would get up to ₹13,000 an acre a year under the scheme. In the first instalment, ₹1,500 crore would be distributed among 18 lakh farmers aming whom more than 80% are small and marginal farmers.  The annual cost of the scheme would be ₹5,700 crore. Initially, the scheme would cover rice, maize and sugarcane farmers.  It would later expand to other crops as well. Rice and maize farmers would get ₹10,000 an acre, while sugarcane farmers would get ₹13,000.  The money would be distributed in four instalments. This will help them through the agricultural cycle and help with extension activities. The additional income to farmers would increase rural demand and also act as a stimulus for the State’s economy.  India and Bangladesh Relations: Second Addendum to the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade signed Recently, the Second Addendum to the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade was signed between India and Bangladesh. To boost trade, economic activity and connectivity, India and Bangladesh have added five more "ports of call".  The protocol (water) routes have also been increased from 8 to 10. Inclusion of Sonamura- Daudkhandi stretch of ‘Gumti river’ (93 Km): It will improve the connectivity of Tripura and adjoining States with Indian and Bangladesh's economic centres. Important value additions: Protocol on Transit and Trade Protocol on Transit and Trade through inland waterways between Bangladesh and India was first signed in 1972 (immediately after independence of Bangladesh) It was last renewed in 2015 for five years with a provision for its automatic renewal for a further period of five years giving long term assurance to various stakeholders. Fountain of high-energy particles erupting from the ice found in Antarctica through ANITA Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Science and Technology In News: Researchers using NASA's Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) have found a fountain of high-energy particles erupting from the ice in Antarctica.  This could be proof of a parallel universe. Important value additions: Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) The ANITA instrument is a radio telescope to detect ultra-high energy cosmic-ray neutrinos from a scientific balloon flying over the continent of Antarctica. It is the first NASA observatory for neutrinos of any kind. Neutrinos are of great interest to astrophysicists as they are the only particle that can reach earth unattenuated (not weakened) at all energies. It detects these ultra-high energy neutrinos by use of the Askaryan effect.  This effect predicts the production of a coherent radio emission from the cascade of particles produced in a high-energy particle interaction. ANITA-I was launched in 2006–07 and ANITA-IV was launched in 2016.  Miscellaneous  Wadi Rum  It is also known as the Valley of the Moon. It is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan. It is the largest wadi in Jordan.  (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: General Studies 2: India and its neighborhood- relations.  The India-China border flare-up Context: The India-China border has been witnessed tensions during April-May 2020, with incidents reported in at least four different locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Pic Source: Times of India Where have the incidents (army clashes) happened? The Pangong lake in Ladakh Naku La in Sikkim Galwan valley and Demchok in Ladakh Why do face-offs occur? Non-Demarcation of LAC: LAC that has never been demarcated. As a result, India and China have overlapping claim lines along LAC which leads to such clashes Non-implementation of protocols: Additionally, the Protocols agreed to in 2005 and 2013 regarding rules of engagement to prevent such incidents, have not always been adhered to. What is behind the latest tensions? The northern bank of Pangong lake has always been a point of contention where there are differing perceptions of the LAC. The stand-off in Galwan valley(not many incidents in past as LAC was thought to be settled here) was triggered by China moving in troops & equipment to stop construction activity by India Delhi says that construction was well within India’s side of the LAC, but China thinks otherwise.  The broader context for the unexpected tensions in Sikkim appears to be a changing dynamic along the LAC, as India plays catch-up in improving infrastructure there.  China has enjoyed an advantage in infrastructure as well as terrain that is more favourable to mobilisation in Sikkim area and likes to maintain status-quo. Why has not the LAC been clarified? India has long proposed an exercise to clarify differing perceptions of the LAC to prevent such incidents.  The exercise could pave the way to regulate activities in contested areas until a final settlement of the boundary dispute. Maps were exchanged in the Middle Sector, but the exercise fell through in the Western Sector where divergence is the greatest. China has since rejected this exercise, viewing it as adding another complication to the on-going boundary negotiations.  What is the state of boundary negotiations?  In 2005, an agreement on political parameters and guiding principles completed the first of three stages of the talks.  The 2005 agreement said both sides “shall safeguard due interests of their settled populations in border areas”. The current, and most difficult, stage involves agreeing a framework to resolve the dispute in all sectors.  The final step will involve delineating and demarcating the boundary in maps and on the ground. What are the prospects of a settlement? The likelihood appears remote.  The main differences are in the Western and Eastern sectors.  India sees China as occupying 38,000 sq km in Aksai Chin. In the east, China claims as much as 90,000 sq km, extending all across Arunachal Pradesh.  One particular sticking point appears to involve China’s claims to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, which has been increasingly raised by China in recent years A swap was hinted at by China in 1960 and in the early 1980s, which would have essentially formalised the status quo.  Both sides have now ruled out the status quo as a settlement, agreeing to meaningful and mutual adjustments.  At the same time, the most realistic solution will involve only minor adjustments along the LAC, considering neither side will be willing to part with territory already held. What is the Strategic Calculation behind boundary dispute? India insists that its relations with China won’t improve fundamentally until the border dispute is resolved China appears to view an unsettled border as holding some leverage with India, one of the many pressure points it could use to keep India off-guard Conclusion Until the strategic calculus — and China’s broader view of its relations with India — changes, the stalemate will likely continue Connecting the dots: China’s Belt and Road Initiative & India’s Neighbourhood First Policy Panchsheel agreement between India & China in 1954 GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY/ AGRICULTURE Topic: General Studies 2,3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources  Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors  Income Transfer Schemes for farmers Context: Chhattisgarh government has recently launched the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana (RGKNY), an income transfer scheme for farmers About RGKNY It aims to supplement the income of the Chhattisgarh State’s 18 lakh rice, maize and sugarcane farmers through direct cash transfers RGKNY provides 10,000/acre for paddy farmers and Rs 13,000/acre for sugarcane farmers. The scheme will be extended to farmers of other crops — in fact, to landless labourers as well This is in addition to the Centre’s PM-KISAN scheme that provides ₹6,000 to farm families owning less than five acres of land Did You Know about similar income transfer schemes by State governments? Telangana Rytha Bandu Scheme offers cash transfer scheme of Rs 5,000/acre, per season Odisha government launched the KALIA scheme (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation)  West Bengal has Krishak Bandhu scheme Jharkhand has Mukhya Mantri Krishi Aashirwad Yojana  What are the Challenges of income transfer scheme? Targeting the Real Beneficiary:  Ideally, the money should go to the real tiller. But in large parts of the country, there is no record of tenancy. The government data shows only 10% tenancy in the country while several micro-level studies indicate that it could be anywhere between 25-30%. Identification issues: The other issue is identifying the landless labourers working on farms as majority of them are temporary and seasonal workers.  This leaves the task of identification to panchayats which can open doors for large leakages and corruption Short-term solution:  Income transfers are only palliative and cannot address the underlying problem, which is the non-remunerative nature of farming.  Transfer of income can lead to conspicuous consumption diverting money away from productive investments Why is there a low record of tenancy in India? The current law, favouring “land to the tiller”, is loaded against the owner. As a result, much of tenancy in the country remains oral. Hence, there is a need to change the tenancy laws, and open up land lease markets, ensuring that the owner of the land has full rights to take his land back after the expiry of the lease period Way Forward Information and persuasion campaigns:  Fully inform the tiller that the owner has got income support and then appeal to the owner to pass on this benefit to the tiller or adjust the rent accordingly This would increase the chances of the benefits being passed on to the real tillers — or at least help the tenants to bargain on the terms of tenancy. Creation of Umbrella Scheme by merging of Various Schemes:  Merging income support schemes, including the PM KISAN and state-level schemes, with the MGNREGA and price-subsidy schemes (food & fertilizer) to start a basic income cover for poor households This approach can cover landless labourers, farmers, and poor consumers  Structural Changes to Agriculture: This includes the following Rectifying messy land records Getting rid of unscientific and unsustainable crop patterns,  Correcting market linkages that make the farmers vulnerable to exploitation by officials and middlemen Ensuring adequate irrigation Adoption of technology Resolving conflict with wildlife, and  Adapting agriculture to changing weather and climate patterns. Connecting the dots: Zero Budget Natural Farming Cooperative Farming (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 Wadi Rum is located in which of the following Country? Yemen Jordan United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Q.2 Consider the following Species recently found in Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu and Kerala: Eugenia sphaerocarpa Goniothalamus sericeus Memecylon nervosum Which of the above was/were discovered in Malabar wildlife sanctuary? 1 only 3 only Both 1 and 2 1, 2 and 3 Q.3 Which of the following state has recently announced Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyaya Yojana for farmers? Jharkhand Odisha Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh ANSWERS FOR 23rd May 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 D 3 D Must Read About the need for increasing MGNREGA works: The Hindu About criticism of agricultural package recently announced: The Hindu About Criticism of Judiciary: The Hindu

Important Articles

NEW INITIATIVE: Prelims 2020: Babagiri-The Game Show (Season 1 Episode 2)

Hello Everyone, We are pleased to announce a new initiative- BABAGIRI: THE GAME SHOW! This is Episode 2.  The idea behind this program is to make your learning fun and captivating experience at the same time. Through these videos, you will be able to learn so many new things and value addition to your preparation. We wish to cover relevant and most important concepts for upcoming Prelims 2020 through this initiative. You will have a lot of value additions in these episodes. SUBSCRIBE to IASbaba’s Website (below) and our YOUTUBE Channel for the latest and most important updates!! To get Regular Updates from IASbaba, follow- 👉 TELEGRAM Channel – https://t.me/IASbabaOfficialAccount 👉 YOUTUBE  –  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChvbVdio9Wgj7Z3nQz1Q0ZQ 👉 FACEBOOK  – https://www.facebook.com/iasbaba/ Also, SUBSCRIBE to the WEBSITE Below, so that you don’t miss out on important posts! Hope, you find it useful :) IASbaba

Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Quiz [Day 1]

To Know More about the Initiative -> Click Here The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. 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

Daily Static Quiz

UPSC Static Quiz - 2020 : IASbaba's Daily Static Quiz - POLITY [Day 1]

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

TLP Mains 2020

IASbaba's TLP 2020: UPSC Mains Answer Writing (General Studies) - High Ordered Thinking (HOT) Questions [Day 1]

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 1]. 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 the Links and then Answer respective questions! 1. Why is the rural sector critical to the economy? Do you agree with the assertion that the rural sector can be the engine of economic recovery post COVID-19? Substantiate your views.  2. How far do you support the decision of the Government to cap air fares? What impact will it have on the airlines? Critically examine.  3. The announcement of the revival package for kick-starting the economy is fiscally prudent. Elucidate.    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 :)  

MindMaps

MIND-MAPS: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS PART 1 – General Studies 2

MIND-MAPS: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS PART 1 – 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! FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS PART 1 - 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) FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS PART 1  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 Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday (3 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 TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS, and SUNDAYS (every week). We will provide specific inputs on your mind maps to improve your skill of mind mapping. TOPICS FOR THIS WEEK* - Fundamental Rights will be covered in four mind maps which will be posted on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. 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

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