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60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

DISCUSSION PAGE- IASbaba’s ALL INDIA OPEN MOCK EXAM-2 2020

Hello Friends,  IASbaba’s ALL INDIA MOCK EXAM 2 -UPSC PRELIMS 2020 General Studies Paper I, is now LIVE and many of you are taking the same. This page is Open for the Discussion. You can discuss the concepts and new learnings from the test. You can also clear your doubts by posting your questions in the comment section below. Here is the Time-table for IASBaba's All India Mocks GENERAL STUDIES MOCK 1- Already Conducted on 23rd April GENERAL STUDIES MOCK 2 & CSAT 1- 1st MAY 2020 and  GENERAL STUDIES MOCK 3 & CSAT 2- 7th MAY 2020 GENERAL STUDIES MOCK 4 & CSAT 3- 14th MAY 2020 GENERAL STUDIES MOCK 5 & CSAT 4- 20th MAY 2020 प्रिलिम्स फुल मॉक टेस्ट अब हिंदी में To Know about the All India Mock Tests (GS & CSAT) and To Register for Mocks-> CLICK HERE For Discussion Page of Mock Test -1 -> CLICK HERE   Thank You IASbaba

60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan [Day - 53]- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY & CURRENT AFFAIRS

ARCHIVES OF 60 DAY PLAN PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): STARTING ON 16 APRIL JOIN NOW!   Dear Students, The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 53 is here! It is time to Introspect, Ideate and Improve!! We have come-up with articles to instil confidence, motivate you in the present situation. Do read these articles. Mark the words/lines in your dairy. These very lines can be the driving force’ in the time of uncertainty. [STRATEGY] MUST READ: 21 Days of Lockdown-What to do? Introspect, Ideate and Improve !! MUST READ: PRELIMS in Testing Times – Don’t Forget the ‘WHY’; IASbaba’s dedicated HOTLINE for Aspirants and Prelims Postponing Rumours Coronavirus[VIDEO]: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba   To ensure that your preparation goes smoothly and keeping up with our promise, we have come up with a Dedicated HOTLINE (Communication channel) - Connect with BABA for all UPSC/IAS Aspirants. From today, you will be able to speak with the Founders and Core Team of IASbaba on telephone regarding ‘any queries’ related to UPSC preparation in general or Subject-specific doubts. This Hotline, will be in addition to the 'ASK YOUR BABA' (#ASKBABA) thread opened on a daily basis for our 60 Day plan. We will try to make sure that with so much going around these days, you have at least one less thing to worry about.   How to make use of HOTLINE and ASK YOUR BABA (#ASKBABA)? There are 2 initiatives which will be running parallely. 1. HOTLINE - Connect with BABA (5pm - 7pm) The communication channel will be open ONLY for 2 hours Daily (except on Sundays - holiday) from 5pm to 7 pm. Please do not make calls before or after the specified time. As we will be occupied with other daily initiatives running on the website and mentorship. Hope you understand our time constraints. Please note that, call facilities are mainly for queries related to preparation per se like strategies, difficulties in reading a subject, what to read, what not to read, how to manage time, revision, motivation etc. You can call on the numbers given below. For any queries related to - UPSC Preparation (Prelims, Mains, Interview) Strategy & Current Affairs – contact 9986190082 Environment & Science and Technology – contact 9986193016 Polity & Economics – contact 9899291288 Geography & History – contact 9591106864 We have separated General Strategy (Preparation per se – Pre, Mains, Interview) and Current Affairs from other subjects. You can make use of the HOTLINE, as per your needs.   2. ASK YOUR BABA (#ASKBABA) - clear your doubts on the 60 Day Platform (Online from 11 am - 10 pm) Use the disqus comment section of that particular day (60 Day post - For Ex: Today is Day 25) to clear all your subject specific doubts of the day. You can post your queries/doubts with #ASKBABA !! Here, doubts related to the 60 day questions or conceptual clarity in a particular subject can be asked. Your doubts will be cleared on real-time basis (or max within hour it will be answered from the subject experts) If you are genuinely finding difficulty interms of preparing with that particular subject, then you can use 5pm-7pm window to make calls. If you are not able to speak to IASbaba's Team, then you can still post your doubts/queries in the same post of the 60 day initiative. As mentioned above, your doubts will be cleared on real-time basis (or max within hour it will be answered from the subject experts). Make the best use of the communication channel (Ask Your Baba/comment section on daily 60 Day post and calls) provided. We will make sure that, all your queries will be answered to. So we have  tried our bit, to ensure your preparation goes smoothly, you can do your bit by keeping in touch with us via phone/ website to keep yourself going, keep yourself engaged and staying positive during the rough times.   How to make the maximum use of this HOTLINE and #ASKBABA (Disqus comment of 60 Day Plan) on Daily basis? Now, that I have solved 30 mcq’s, what to do next?  How to Analyse my Performance? For Answers to the above Questions  ->CONNECT WITH BABA: IASbaba’s Dedicated HOTLINE for UPSC/IAS Aspirants !!   Note- Download the OMR Sheet and attempt the questions exactly like UPSC Prelims. After you are done, please post your OMR in the comment section. Once the solution key is released (5 PM), cross-check the answers and again, comment the marks (you got) in the same comment thread. This will keep you responsible and sincere in days to come. Also, we need more sets of scores for releasing the cut offs in the night so, requesting all of you to sincerely put your scores in comment section.    You can also take part in discussion with peers.   Q.1) Consider the following statements with regard to virus - Virus can infect plant, bacteria and fungus.   Coronavirus is DNA based virus. Virus lacks enzymes essential for the energy production.  Select the correct option - 3 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only All of the above Q.1) वायरस के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - वायरस पौधे, बैक्टीरिया और कवक को संक्रमित कर सकता है। कोरोनावायरस, डीएनए आधारित वायरस है। वायरस में ऊर्जा उत्पादन के लिए आवश्यक एंजाइमों की कमी होती है। सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 3 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.2) Consider the following statements –  Hemoglobin is also found outside red blood cells. The mammalian hemoglobin molecule can bind (carry) up to four oxygen molecules.  Largest amount of CO2 produced in the cell are carried to the lungs as bicarbonate ions dissolved in the plasma.  Both RBC and WBC are produced in bone marrow.  Which of the above is/are correct? 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 only 2, 3 and 4 only All of the above Q.2) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - हीमोग्लोबिन लाल रक्त कोशिकाओं के बाहर भी पाया जाता है। स्तनधारी हीमोग्लोबिन अणु, चार ऑक्सीजन अणुओं तक बंधा (carry) हो सकता है। कोशिका में उत्पादित CO2 की सबसे बड़ी मात्रा, प्लाज्मा में घुलित बाइकार्बोनेट आयनों के रूप में फेफड़ों तक पहुंचाई जाती है। आरबीसी और डब्ल्यूबीसी दोनों, अस्थि मज्जा (bone marrow) में उत्पादित होते हैं। उपरोक्त में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1, 2 और 3 केवल 2, 3 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.3) Consider the following elements – Carbon Oxygen Phosphorous Nitrogen Sulphur Boron Which of the above are present in DNA? 1, 2 and 4 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 only Q.3) निम्नलिखित तत्वों पर विचार करें - कार्बन ऑक्सीजन फ़ास्फ़रोस नाइट्रोजन गंधक बोरान उपरोक्त में से कौन डीएनए में उपस्थित होता है? केवल 1, 2 और 4 केवल 1, 2, 3 और 4 केवल 1, 2, 3, 4 और 6 केवल 1, 2, 3, 4 और 5 Q.4) Consider the following pairs –  Metal Function  1. Boron Pollen germination  2. Manganese Component of nitrogenase     3.Molybdenum Splitting of H2O to liberate O2 during photosynthesis  4. Zinc Needed for synthesis of auxins Iron Present in Haemoglobin molecule and attach to oxygen and carbondioxide molecules.    Which of the above is/are correctly matched? 1, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, 4 and 5 only  1 and 4 only All of the above Q.4) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें -               धातु                         क्रिया    1. बोरान परागण अंकुरण (Pollen germination)   2. मैंगनीज नाइट्रोजिनेस के घटक (Component of nitrogenase)   3.मोलिब्डेनम प्रकाश संश्लेषण के दौरान O2 को मुक्त करने के लिए H2O का विभाजन   4. जस्ता ऑक्सिन (auxins) के संश्लेषण के लिए आवश्यक   5. लोहा हीमोग्लोबिन अणु में मौजूद होता है तथा ऑक्सीजन और कार्बोनडाईऑक्साइड अणुओं के साथ संलग्न होता है।   उपरोक्त में से कौन सा सही ढंग से सुमेलित है / हैं? केवल 1, 4 और 5 केवल 1, 2, 4 और 5 केवल 1 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.5) Saffron is which part of the flower? Stigma Style Sepal filament Q.5) केसर, पुष्प का कौन सा हिस्सा  होता है? वर्तिकाग्र (Stigma) वर्तिका (Style) फूल की पँखड़ी का भाग (Sepal) रेशा (filament) Q.6) In which of the following ways inflammation can help in fighting infection? The area of infection gets more accessible to leucocytes. Plasma protein accumulates in the inflammated area which creates a protective layer, restricting the movement of virus to other parts of the body. Inflammated tissue sends the signal to T-cells and B-cells to initiate immune response.    Selected the correct option -  1 only 1 and 2 only 1 and 3 only All of the above Q.6) निम्नलिखित में से किस तरीके से सूजन (inflammation), संक्रमण से लड़ने में मदद कर सकता है? संक्रमण का क्षेत्र ल्यूकोसाइट्स के लिए अधिक सुलभ हो जाता है। प्लाज्मा प्रोटीन सूजन वाले क्षेत्र में जमा होती है, जो एक सुरक्षात्मक परत बनाती है, जो शरीर के अन्य हिस्सों में वायरस के संचलन को प्रतिबंधित करती है। सूजन वाले ऊतक प्रतिरक्षा प्रतिक्रिया आरंभ करने के लिए टी-कोशिकाओं और बी-कोशिकाओं को संकेत भेजते हैं। सही विकल्प चुने - केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 और 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.7) Which of the following statement (s) is/are correct about "convalescent plasma therapy” ? It was applied for the first time in case of Ebola.  WBC and blood plasma are transferred to the patient from the donor.  Convalescent plasma has the antigen of the infection causing virus.  Select the correct option -  1 only 2 only 2 and 3 only None of the above Q.7) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन "आक्षेपिक प्लाज्मा थेरेपी" (convalescent plasma therapy) के बारे में सही है? इसे इबोला के मामले में पहली बार लागू किया गया था। दाता से मरीज को डब्ल्यूबीसी और ब्लड प्लाज्मा हस्तांतरित किया जाता है। आक्षेपिक प्लाज्मा में वायरस पैदा करने वाले संक्रमण का एंटीजन होता है। सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 1 केवल 2  केवल 2 और 3 इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.8) Which of the following are the functions of the blood plasma? Maintaining blood pressure Delivering important protein for blood clotting Maintenance of pH in the body Carrying oxygen to the body from the lungs.  Select the correct option -  1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only All of the above  Q.8) निम्न में से कौन से रक्त प्लाज्मा के कार्य हैं? रक्तचाप (blood pressure) बनाए रखना रक्त के थक्के के लिए महत्वपूर्ण प्रोटीन वितरित करना शरीर में पीएच बनाए रखना  फेफड़ों से शरीर में ऑक्सीजन ले जाना। सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1, 2 और 3 केवल 1, 2 और 4 उपरोक्त सभी Q.9) Consider the following statements – The RT-PCR test detects the presence of antibodies in a patient to identify the infection RT-PCR tests are effective only in the later stages of the infection after the immune system has responded by synthesizing antibodies. Which of the above given statements is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.9) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - आरटी-पीसीआर परीक्षण (RT-PCR tests) संक्रमण की पहचान करने के लिए एक रोगी में एंटीबॉडी की उपस्थिति का पता लगाता है आरटी-पीसीआर परीक्षण (RT-PCR tests) केवल संक्रमण के बाद के चरणों में प्रभावी होते हैं क्योंकि प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली एंटीबॉडी का संश्लेषण करके प्रतिक्रिया देती है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.10) Which of the following correctly describe the term ‘herd immunity’ in context of infectious diseases? Immunity towards those diseases which have been already eradicated. Immunity towards that disease which occur every year. Resistance to the spread of a contagious disease as sufficiently high proportion of population has become immune to the disease. Resistance to the spread of a contagious disease as sufficiently high proportion of population has been vaccinated. Q.10) निम्नलिखित में से कौन संक्रामक रोगों के संदर्भ में 'झुंड प्रतिरक्षा' (herd immunity) शब्द का सही वर्णन करता है? उन बीमारियों के प्रति प्रतिरक्षण, जिनका पहले ही उन्मूलन हो चुका है। उस बीमारी के प्रति प्रतिरक्षण, जो हर साल होती है। एक संक्रामक बीमारी के प्रसार के प्रतिरोध के रूप में जनसंख्या का पर्याप्त उच्च अनुपात, रोग के लिए प्रतिरक्षित हो गया है। एक संक्रामक बीमारी के प्रसार के प्रतिरोध के रूप में जनसंख्या का पर्याप्त उच्च अनुपात ko पहले से टीका लगाया गया है। Q.11) Consider the following statements regarding vaccine – A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease. A vaccine always contains disease-causing microorganism.  Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect? 1 only 2  only Both 1 and 2  None of the above Q.11) वैक्सीन (vaccine) के बारे में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - एक वैक्सीन एक जैविक तैयारी है, जो एक विशेष संक्रामक रोग को सक्रिय अधिग्रहित प्रतिरक्षा (active acquired immunity) प्रदान करती है। एक वैक्सीन में हमेशा रोग जनित सूक्ष्मजीव होते हैं। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा गलत है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.12) Consider the following statements with regard to m-RNA Vaccine –  It triggers the body itself into producing some of the viral proteins.  It will be easier and quicker to produce than traditional vaccines.  It can be used against coronavirus.  Select the correct option – 1 only 1 and 3 only 3 only All of the above Q.12) एम-आरएनए वैक्सीन (m-RNA Vaccine) के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - यह वायरल प्रोटीन के कुछ उत्पादन में स्वयं शरीर को ट्रिगर करती है। पारंपरिक वैक्सीनों की तुलना में इसका उत्पादन आसान और तेज होगा। इसका उपयोग कोरोनावायरस के खिलाफ किया जा सकता है। सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 1 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 3 उपरोक्त सभी Q.13) Which organelle in the cell other than nucleus contains DNA? Mitochondria Chloroplasts Ribosome Lysosome Select the correct option? 1 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only Q.13) नाभिक (nucleus) के अलावा, अन्य कौन से कोशिका के अंगों (organelle) में डीएनए होता है? माइटोकॉन्ड्रिया क्लोरोप्लास्ट राइबोसोम लाइसोसोम सही विकल्प का चयन करें? केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1, 2 और 3 केवल 1, 2 और 4 Q.14) Assertion (A) – In three parent baby, embryo would get a small amount of healthy mitochondrial DNA from a woman donor, apart from receiving the usual nuclear DNA from its mother and father Reason (R) - Mitochondria from sperm are destroyed shortly after fertilisation. Select the correct option –  A is true, R is True and A is the correct explanation of R A is true, R is True but A is not the correct explanation of R A is true, R is false A is false, R is true.  Q.14) अभिकथन (A) - थ्री पैरेंट बेबी में, एक महिला दाता से भ्रूण को छोटी मात्रा में स्वस्थ माइटोकॉन्ड्रियल डीएनए मिलेगा, इसके अलावा उसके माता और पिता से सामान्य परमाणु डीएनए प्राप्त होता है। कारण (R) - शुक्राणु से माइटोकॉन्ड्रिया निषेचन के तुरंत बाद नष्ट हो जाते हैं। सही विकल्प का चयन करें - A सही है, R सही है और A, R का सही स्पष्टीकरण है A सही है, R सही है लेकिन A, R का सही स्पष्टीकरण नहीं है A सही है, R ग़लत है A गलत है, R सही है। Q.15) What is the fundamental need of oxygen in animals? Maintenance of blood pressure. Production of new cells. Conversion of food into useful energy. Prevention of cancer Q.15) पशुओं में ऑक्सीजन की मूलभूत आवश्यकता क्या है? रक्तचाप को बनाए रखना। नई कोशिकाओं का उत्पादन। भोजन का उपयोग योग्य ऊर्जा में परिवर्तन। कैंसर से बचाव Q.16) The fundamental property of our immune system is the ability to discriminate “self” from “non-self” so that invading bacteria, viruses and other pathogens can be attacked and eliminated. T-cells, a type of white blood cell, are key players in this defense. T-cells have receptors that bind to structures recognized as non-self and such interactions trigger the immune system to engage in defense. Other proteins functions as brakes on the T-cells, inhibiting immune activation. This intricate balance between accelerators and brakes is essential for tight control. It ensures that the immune system is sufficiently engaged in attack against foreign microorganisms while avoiding the excessive activation that can lead to autoimmune destruction of healthy cells and tissues. James P. Allison in 1990’s observed that CTLA-4 functions as a brake on T cells. He developed an antibody that could bind to CTLA-4 and block its function. This will disengage the T-cell brake and unleash the immune system.  What could be the medical advantage of this inhibition of negative immune regulation?  It can help in fighting new disease like COVID-19 It can be utilised in cancer therapy. It can reduce development of free radicals and aging. Select the correct option – 1 only 1 and 2 only 2 only All of the above Q.16) हमारी प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली का मूल गुण "गैर-स्व" से "स्व" को विभेद करने की क्षमता है ताकि आक्रमणकारी बैक्टीरिया, वायरस और अन्य रोगजनकों पर हमला किया जा सके और समाप्त किया जा सके। टी-कोशिका, एक प्रकार की श्वेत रक्त कोशिका, इस रक्षा में प्रमुख अभिकर्ता हैं। टी-कोशिकाओं में रिसेप्टर्स होते हैं जो गैर-स्व के रूप में मान्यता प्राप्त संरचनाओं से बंधे होते हैं तथा इस तरह की अंतःक्रिया प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली को रक्षा में संलग्न करने के लिए ट्रिगर करती है। अन्य प्रोटीन टी-कोशिकाओं पर ब्रेक के रूप में कार्य करती हैं, प्रतिरक्षा सक्रियणता को रोकती हैं। त्वरक और ब्रेक के बीच यह जटिल संतुलन दृढ़ नियंत्रण के लिए आवश्यक है। यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली अत्यधिक सक्रियता से बचते हुए विदेशी सूक्ष्मजीवों के खिलाफ आक्रमण में पर्याप्त रूप से लगी हुई है, जो स्वस्थ कोशिकाओं और ऊतकों के लिए आत्म-प्रतिरक्षण विनाश का कारण बन सकती है।   जेम्स पी. एलीसन ने 1990 में देखा कि CTLA-4, टी कोशिकाओं पर एक ब्रेक के रूप में कार्य करता है। उन्होंने एक ऐसा एंटीबॉडी विकसित किया जो CTLA-4 से जुड़ सकता है और इसके कार्य को अवरुद्ध कर सकता है। यह टी-कोशिका ब्रेक को नष्ट कर देगा और प्रतिरक्षा प्रणाली को हटा देगा।   नकारात्मक प्रतिरक्षा विनियमन (negative immune regulation) के इस निषेध का चिकित्सीय लाभ क्या हो सकता है? यह COVID-19 जैसी नई बीमारी से लड़ने में मदद कर सकता है इसका उपयोग कैंसर चिकित्सा में किया जा सकता है। यह मुक्त कणों (free radicals) और वृद्धावस्था (aging) के विकास को कम कर सकता है। सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 1 केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2  उपरोक्त सभी Q.17) Which of the following are parts of innate immunity? Skin Acid in the stomach B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. Cytokine Barriers Antibodies Select the correct option? 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 4 only 1, 2, 4 and 5 only All of the above Q.17) निम्न में से कौन जन्मजात प्रतिरक्षा (innate immunity) का हिस्सा है? त्वचा आमाशय में अम्ल बी-लिम्फोसाइट्स और टी-लिम्फोसाइट्स साइटोकाइन बैरियर एंटीबॉडी सही विकल्प का चयन करें? केवल 1, 2 और 3 केवल 1, 2 और 4 केवल 1, 2, 4 और 5 उपरोक्त सभी Q.18) Consider the following statements –  It is possible to make numerous copies of a DNA molecule in laboratory.  Base excision repair is a cellular mechanism that repairs damaged DNA by in vivo gene editing.  Select the correct option –  1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2  None of the above Q.18) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें - प्रयोगशाला में डीएनए अणु की कई प्रतियां बनाना संभव है। बेस एक्सिशन रिपेयर (Base excision repair) एक कोशिकीय तंत्र है जो विवो जीन संपादन (vivo gene editing) में क्षतिग्रस्त डीएनए की मरम्मत करता है। सही विकल्प का चयन करें - केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों इनमें से कोई भी नहीं Q.19) Recombinant DNA is the general name for taking a piece of one DNA, and combining it with another strand of DNA. Recombinant DNA technology allows genes to be transferred: From species of plant to another.  From microorganisms to higher organisms From animals to plants Select the correct answer using the codes given below. 1 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.19) पुनः संयोजक डीएनए (Recombinant DNA) एक डीएनए के एक टुकड़े को लेने के लिए सामान्य नाम है, तथा इसे डीएनए के एक और स्ट्रैंड के साथ संयोजित किया जाता है। पुनः संयोजक डीएनए तकनीक जीन को स्थानांतरित करने की अनुमति देती है: पौधे की प्रजाति से दूसरे में। सूक्ष्मजीवों से उच्चतर जीवों में जानवरों से पौधों में नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर का चयन करें। केवल 1 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.20) There has been widespread resistance in malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine. This has encouraged attempts to develop a malarial vaccine. However it is difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine. Which of the following is the most appropriate explanation? Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium, mutating at rapid rate.  We lack naturally acquired protective immunity against the plasmodium  Vaccines can be developed only against virus. Plasmodium does not release any nuclear material for antigen development in the body.  Q.20) क्लोरोक्वीन (chloroquine) जैसी दवाओं द्वारा मलेरिया परजीवी का व्यापक प्रतिरोध किया गया है। इसने एक मलेरिया वैक्सीन विकसित करने के प्रयासों को प्रोत्साहित किया है। हालांकि एक प्रभावी मलेरिया वैक्सीन विकसित करना मुश्किल है। निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा सबसे उपयुक्त स्पष्टीकरण है? मलेरिया प्लाज़मोडियम की कई प्रजातियों के कारण होता है, जो तीव्र दर से उत्परिवर्तन करती हैं। हमारे पास प्लास्मोडियम के विरुद्ध प्राकृतिक रूप से अधिग्रहित सुरक्षात्मक प्रतिरक्षा की कमी है वैक्सीन को केवल वायरस के विरुद्ध ही विकसित किया जा सकता है। प्लाजमोडियम शरीर में एंटीजन विकास के लिए किसी भी परमाणु सामग्री को जारी नहीं करता है। Q.21) Consider the following statements: NASSCOM Foundation launched ‘Innovate for Accessible India’ campaign along with Google.  The major objective of this campaign is to empower divyaang people with Apple Cloud, AI and other latest technologies. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?  1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.21) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: नैसकॉम फाउंडेशन ने गूगल के साथ ‘सुलभ भारत के लिए नवाचार' (Innovate for Accessible India) अभियान आरंभ किया है। इस अभियान का प्रमुख उद्देश्य एप्पल क्लाउड, कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता और अन्य नवीनतम तकनीकों के साथ दिव्यांग लोगों को सशक्त बनाना है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.22) Which of the following statements is/are Correct regarding Convalescent plasma therapy? Plasma can also be taken from people infected with HIV, hepatitis or syphilis. The whole blood or plasma from such people is taken, and the plasma is then injected in critically ill patients so that the antibodies are transferred and boost their fight against the virus.  WHO guidelines mandate the donor’s permission before extracting plasma. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 and 2 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.22) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन आक्षेपिक प्लाज्मा थेरेपी (Convalescent plasma therapy) के संबंध में सही है / हैं? प्लाज्मा को एचआईवी, हेपेटाइटिस या सिफलिस से संक्रमित लोगों से भी लिया जा सकता है। ऐसे लोगों से पूरा रक्त या प्लाज्मा लिया जाता है, तथा फिर प्लाज्मा को गंभीर रूप से बीमार रोगियों में इंजेक्ट किया जाता है ताकि एंटीबॉडी को स्थानांतरित किया जा सके और जिससे वायरस के विरुद्ध उनकी लड़ाई को बढ़ावा मिले। डब्ल्यूएचओ दिशानिर्देश प्लाज्मा निकालने से पहले दाता की अनुमति को अनिवार्य करता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 2  केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 और 2 1, 2 और 3 Q.23) Earth Hour is an annual event organized by  International Union for Conservation of Nature World Wildlife Fund United Nations Environment Programme World Nature Organization Q.23) अर्थ आवर (Earth Hour) किसके द्वारा आयोजित एक वार्षिक कार्यक्रम है प्रकृति संरक्षण के लिए अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संघ विश्व वन्यजीव कोष संयुक्त राष्ट्र पर्यावरण कार्यक्रम विश्व प्रकृति संगठन Q.24) Which of the following is/are Correctly matched regarding Traditional New Year?   Vaisakhi – Punjab Bohag Bihu – Odisha Puthandu – Tamil Nadu Pana Sankranti – Assam  Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 3 only 2 and 4 only 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3 and 4 Q.24) पारंपरिक नववर्ष के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? वैसाखी - पंजाब बोहाग बिहू - ओडिशा पुथंडू (Puthandu) - तमिलनाडु पान संक्रांति (Pana Sankranti) - असम नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 4 केवल 1, 2 और 3 1, 2, 3 और 4 Q.25) Which of the following is/are the member states of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)? Maldives  South Africa  Oman  Sri Lanka  Indonesia Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 3 only 1,3 and 4 only 1, 2, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Q.25) हिंद महासागर रिम एसोसिएशन (IORA) के सदस्य राज्य निम्नलिखित में से कौन हैं? मालदीव दक्षिण अफ्रीका ओमान श्रीलंका इंडोनेशिया नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1, 2 और 3 केवल 1, 3 और 4 केवल 1, 2, 4 और 5 1, 2, 3, 4, और 5 Q.26) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Methanotrophs’ They are obligate aerobes that use methane as a sole carbon and energy source. They are generally bacteria and can grow aerobically only. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.26) 'मेथेनोट्रोफ्स' (Methanotrophs) के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। वे एयरोबेस को बाध्य (obligate aerobes) करते हैं, जो मीथेन को एकमात्र कार्बन और ऊर्जा स्रोत के रूप में उपयोग करते हैं। वे आम तौर पर बैक्टीरिया होते हैं और केवल वायवीय (aerobically) रूप से बढ़ सकते हैं। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.27) ‘Modified New Pricing Scheme -III (NPS-III) primarily deals with Sugarcane Cotton Urea Paddy Q.27) ‘संशोधित नई मूल्य योजना -III (NPS-III) मुख्य रूप से किससे संबंधित है गन्ना कपास यूरिया धान Q.28) ‘Tectaria macrodonta’ was in news recently in the context of Algal Bloom Whiteflies COVID-19 Neglected Tropical Diseases Q.28) ‘टेक्टेरिया मैक्रोडांटा' (Tectaria macrodonta) हाल ही के समाचारों में किसके संदर्भ में था शैवाल प्रस्फुटन सफेद मक्खियों (whiteflies) COVID-19 उपेक्षित उष्णकटिबंधीय रोग Q.29) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Fourth Branch Institutions’ They are independent bodies, which are charged with performing vital functions of oversight. All these institutes are non-constitutional bodies. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.29) ‘चतुर्थ शाखा संस्थाओं’ (Fourth Branch Institutions) के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। वे स्वतंत्र निकाय होते हैं, जिन पर निगरानी के महत्वपूर्ण कार्य करने का प्रभार होता है। ये सभी संस्थान गैर-संवैधानिक निकाय होते हैं। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.30) Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Production Linked Incentive (PLI)’ scheme. It will help wooing the large companies to invest in India in mobile phone manufacturing and specified electronic components. It will give India the ability to be as agile as countries like China and Vietnam with respect to manufacturing of products. Select the correct statements 1 Only 2 Only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.30) उत्पादन संबद्ध प्रोत्साहन (Production Linked Incentive- PLI) योजना के संबंध में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें। यह मोबाइल फोन निर्माण और निर्दिष्ट इलेक्ट्रॉनिक घटकों में भारत में निवेश करने के लिए बड़ी कंपनियों को लुभाने में मदद करेगा। यह भारत को उत्पादों के विनिर्माण के संबंध में चीन और वियतनाम जैसे देशों के रूप में दृढ़ रहने की क्षमता देगा। सही कथनों का चयन करें केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 DOWNLOAD THE SOLUTION ENGLISH HINDI NOTE- Follow this for Comments Mention- Time Taken after solving the Test After the release of Solution Edit your Comment to Mention-  Correct/Incorrect and Score 2 Marks for Correct/0.66 minus for Incorrect. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020  PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): STARTING 15 APRIL- JOIN NOW! All the Best! IASbaba

60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

Quick Update: IASbaba’s ALL INDIA OPEN MOCK EXAM in ENGLISH/HINDI (GS & CSAT) -Tomorrow 1st May @ 9.30AM

IASbaba’s ALL INDIA OPEN MOCK EXAM in ENGLISH/HINDI (GS & CSAT) Hello Friends, This is a reminder for tomorrow's (1st May, 2020) PRELIMS Open Mock Exam of General Studies and CSAT (Available BOTH in ENGLISH & HINDI) TOP 100 ranks will be announced on the Website on 3rd May evening. Also, the link to check the Results will be updated in the same post. TO REGISTER FOR THE ALL INDIA MOCKS (English & Hindi) -> CLICK HERE  DISCUSSION PAGE ON MOCK TEST -1 ->CLICK HERE   IMPORTANT NOTE: All the MOCK EXAMS will be ACTIVE till the day of UPSC Prelims Exam 2020. You can take the Mock Tests anytime till that day. But we would suggest you to take it as per the Schedule mentioned above, so that you don’t waste your time, keep the momentum going and bring discipline in your preparation. Only students with VALID Email ids and other mentioned fields can take up the Exam and Ranks will be announced accordingly! Those who had Registered for 1st OPEN MOCK TEST and attempted the Test, which was held on 23rd April, need not register again. They can directly login on the exam day and take the test. Those who want to take the MOCK EXAM OFFLINE, you can login to our test platform, attempt a few questions and end the test online. Then Click on, Get PDF (under Downloads). Both the Question PDF & Solution PDF will be sent to your registered email id. For any Queries – Mail us on support@iasbaba.com   Thank You IASbaba

Topper's From IASbaba

TOPPER’S STRATEGY (PRELIMS): Muthu Somasundaram, Rank 23 Indian Forest Service (IFoS) 2019, a regular follower of IASbaba

TOPPER’S STRATEGY (PRELIMS): Muthu Somasundaram, Rank 23 Indian Forest Service (IFoS) 2019, a regular follower of IASbaba   Hello Fellow Aspirants, I’m Muthu S and I have secured Rank 23 in Indian forest service exam 2019. I graduated in Industrial Biotechnology in 2015 from AC Tech, Anna University,Chennai and have since been preparing for UPSC CSE. I have given 4 attempts and managed to clear all four prelims. This was the first time I cleared forest service prelims and fortunately cleared the whole exam. One note of caution is that I don’t have any separate strategy or method to clear forest service prelims. I have been following the same set of books and question paper solving strategy for all my attempts. 2019 question paper had a lot of Biotechnology(5) and anthropology(3) questions which gave the extra edge for me, to cross the forest service prelims cut off. Any other day, any other paper, it may not have happened. But the CSE Prelims strategy I have been following since 2016 prelims, has worked for me every year. Each person’s style of studying and revising is different. I’ll explain my strategy briefly. Please don’t take it at face value, compare it with yours, apply and see and then use it if it feels right for you. Here, is my Prelims Marks- Year Cut off Marks 2016 116 117.34 2017 105.33 113.34 2018 98 106 2019 100-102 118-120  (IFS cut off was 116)              As you can see, except for the first attempt, I have got at least 7-8 marks above cut off. But minimum three questions are always usually controversial when the answer key is prepared by institutes and getting those 3 questions wrong will take you out of the race. This fear was there with me every time, expect this year. This cat on the wall situation makes us anxious, confused, and restless. After making the mistake of not preparing till the prelims results came in my first attempt, I learnt the lesson(did not clear mains in 2016) and prepared for mains in the subsequent attempts even if I was in the doubtful range(went to interview in 2017 and 18). With the corona pandemic showing no signs of remission, a typical scenario which would play out in the minds of aspirants right now is - Will the prelims be conducted on time? No no, there is no chance! Will it be in June, July, August? What if they cancel this year’s exam itself? Why should I prepare now with no clarity on when the exam will be? But I had a perfect plan to study for 100 days for prelims, what to do with it. Maybe I should just prepare my optional and wait for the update from UPSC. Next day - Oh God, what if the exam happens on 31st may, why the hell am I preparing for mains now? That’s it Mr X, you have wasted all your time today thinking uselessly while all others would have finished the syllabus. It’s pointless to study now. The Following Day - let me see, what updates I got about the exam in a random forum or group. Looks like everyone is expecting it’ll be months away. I’ll devise a new plan now. This overthinking will go on endlessly without any actual preparation and finally when UPSC gives an update on the date, we may have too much cover in too little time. The main thing is that, everybody goes through this anxiety and restlessness due to the fear of uncertainty, clouding the clarity of our mind especially when we need it to be sharp and clear. It’s normal, you are not the only one going through it. Every aspirant and every person who cleared this exam must have gone through it at some point of time for sure. The only currency we have in this exam is Time and no one can afford to waste. All you need is clarity on, What all you have to cover (unfinished portions) Which books to revise What current affairs booklets to follow  How many question paper solving target you have. Once you have a written list of the above, all you have to do is trust it and go ahead studying. It’s impossible to cover every current affairs. There’ll always be better static books than the one you read. But one constant among all people who clear prelims is that, they follow a limited source material, revise it multiple times and finally trust that what they have covered would be enough. One simple example I can give is, recently a junior of mine asked me, which ncert would be better old or new? I have read only old one. Without reading the new one I cannot compare which is better. But I would never read the new one because I have already read the old ncert multiple times and it’s futile to read the same syllabus in a new book. Does it mean the new ncert is not useful? A big no! Many people clear reading the new one alone. The thing is you have to chose a source, trust and stick to it, if it works out properly (eg.getting the questions right in mock tests means the source you followed is enough ) Now coming to my strategy, I spent more time solving question papers than reading. I follow a very limited amount of basic books and revise it repeatedly.  List of books Polity: Indian Polity- Laksmikanth History: Ancient India Ncert 11th Medival India - TN 11th Spectrum modern India  Geography: India physical environment  Fundamentals of physical geography Past 4 years geography through maps videos Economy: 12th Macro economics Shankar Ganesh book  Current Affairs: Vision PT 365, Iasbaba Environment: Shankar environment Science and Technology: Vision PT 365 Art and culture: Nithin Singhania handwritten notes   My Mantra for Prelims - Question Paper solving  This is one thing I never get tired of doing. I solved whatever question papers I can get my hands on, religiously follow IASbaba's 60 Day Initiative and attend the free All India Mock Tests. Since 2017 I have been an ardent follower of the 60 day plan before Prelims. The quality of the questions is very good and it’s a good program to hone your question solving skills as well as brush up the basics. I want to sincerely thank IASbaba for continuing it as a free initiative and maintaining the quality of the program. There were times when after one attempt’s interview the time for next prelims would be short and I used to solve 4-5 day questions together and make short notes or titbits of the key. You can never take prelims lightly even if you had cleared it earlier, and the 60 day plan was an important part of clearing prelims since 2017 for me, as I used to have sense of satisfaction and confidence if I had completed all the 60 days questions. Many like me are using this program in their own ways.  On the worst days of prelims preparation, I would make sure I solve at least 30 questions and best days even two full-length papers. Further, I would make a note of my new learnings and mistakes of the key, because 100% I knew that I would never see the full key pdf or xerox again in the future. These short notes are the ones I revise every week as it keeps adding. Benefits of question paper solving- Your intuition develops better. Recognizing key words becomes faster. You will get to know your accuracy. For me I used to always get minimum 20 wrong even if I attend 70 questions. 90 plus I get less than 30 wrong, so the accuracy range is 20-30 and I always go for 90 plus questions. Believe me, I know seniors who clear forest prelims by attending less than 80 questions, where their accuracy is phenomenal. Again, each one is different.  Current affairs gets comprehensively covered since question papers will have CA which isn’t in your CA booklet. Over the last 5 years, despite reading spectrum modern history over 15 times, I still find it difficult to remember many things after 7-10 days from the last revision. But economy I understood well and I can’t remember the last time I revised it from a book. It just comes to my mind. That’s how many people differ in different subjects. So it’s normal if you keep forgetting. Don’t be too harsh on yourself! Further, never take your mock tests scores at face value. Don’t lose heart if you get less, don’t get complacent if you get above average. See the mock tests as questions and keep learning. And I very well know people in service who give less than 3 mocks and still clear. An IPS friend of mine gets terrified seeing less score in mock, loses focus for a few days at a stretch and hence his strategy is different, where he revises a lot but solves lesser questions. There is no single perfect strategy in this exam. If someone says it’s there, that’s definitely not true. What I would suggest is,  solve question papers everyday, 3 weeks at a stretch and see if your scores improve well. If it does, go ahead with solving more along with revising the basic books and CA. If it doesn’t show any marked improvement please do get back to the books. Social distancing is nothing new to us. In fact, we can take a class on social distancing 101. That’s our natural habitat. Unless we are called upon by the government to render national service (article 51A(d)) or your district administration calls for volunteers in these testing times, keep your focus right, trust the process and keep up the pace of preparation. Remember the following quote, If you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail ! -John wooden May the force be with you!   Thank You Muthu S Rank 23, IFoS

IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th April 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th April 2020 Archives Global Terrorism Index (GTI), 2019: India ranks seventh worst terrorism affected country Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Terrorism In News: India is ranked as seventh worst terrorism affected country in Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2019 report.  India is even worse affected than other conflict-ridden countries like Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Palestine and Lebanon. Meanwhile, India's think tank, NITI Aayog has questioned the methodology adopted by the report.  Key takeaways: Deaths from terrorism fell for the fourth consecutive year, after peaking in 2014. Afghanistan has replaced Iraq as the most affected country by terrorism. India has moved to the seventh position from the previous year’s eighth in the annual Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2019. Other countries ahead of India are: Afghanistan (most affected)  Iraq Nigeria Syria Pakistan Somalia Important value additions: The Global Terrorism Index (GTI)  It is a report published annually by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), a global think tank  It is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. The index provides a comprehensive summary of the key global trends and patterns in terrorism since 2000.  GTI scores are directly used in the Global Peace Index, the Global Slavery Report, It is also indirectly used in reports of World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness and Global Competitiveness Indices and compilation of Safe Cities Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit. SVAMITVA scheme: a new initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Welfare Schemes In News: Indian Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj has issued guidelines regarding the SVAMITVA scheme.  It is a new initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Important value additions: SVAMITVA scheme  It is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India. It is currently being implemented in six states -  Haryana Karnataka Madhya Pradesh  Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh  Uttarakhand. It aims to provide an integrated property validation solution for rural India for setting the boundaries of the rural lands.  Latest drone survey technology shall be used for mapping of rural housing land.  This scheme will help in streamlining planning and revenue collection in rural areas.  This will also help in resolving property related disputes.  The scheme will enable creation of better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs).  India remains on U.S. Priority Watch List  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Intellectual Property Rights; GS-II – International Relations In News: According to USTR's Annual Special 301 Report, India continues to be on the ‘Priority Watch List’ of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for lack of adequate intellectual property (IP) rights protection and enforcement.  Key takeaways from the report: India remained one of the most challenging economies for IP enforcement and protection.  Though India has made meaningful progress to enhance IP protection and enforcement in some areas over the past year, it did not resolve recent and long-standing challenges, and created new ones. These long-standing concerns were about: innovators being able to receive, maintain and enforce patents particularly in the pharmaceutical sector; copyright laws not incentivising the creation and commercialisation of content;  an outdated trade secrets framework. The report also pointed out high customs duties on medical devices and Information and Communications Technology.  Countries like Algeria, Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Venezuela are also on the Priority Watch List. Important value additions: Special 301 Report It is prepared annually by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).  It identifies trade barriers to United States companies and products due to the intellectual property laws, such as copyright, patents and trademarks, in other countries. The Special 301 Report was first published in 1989.   Miscellaneous  Petersberg Climate Dialogue XI  Indian Union Minister for Environment represented India in the first virtual Petersberg Climate Dialogue. It was the eleventh session of Petersberg Climate Dialogue. It is hosted by Germany.  It provides a forum for informal high-level political discussions, focusing both on international climate negotiations and the advancement of climate action. (MAINS FOCUS) INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY Topic: General Studies 2: India and its neighborhood- relations.  Security challenges and their management in border areas  Afghan Peace and India’s chances Context: On 16th April 2020, UN Secretariat held a meeting, of what it calls the “6+2+1” group on regional efforts to support peace in Afghanistan. This group includes Six neighbouring countries: China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Two global players: United States and Russia,  Afghanistan itself Did India participate in the meeting? No and this was not the first time that India was absent in such crucial talks  In Dec 2001, India was initially not part of talks that led to Bonn Agreement – that led to establishment of interim authority to govern Afghanistan, after US invasion led to overthrow of Taliban However, India fought back and was able to build consensus to accept Hamid Karzai as the Chairman of the interim arrangement In 2010 London Conference, India left midway when it learnt that meeting had decided to open talks with Taliban Post the talks, India’s efforts led to historic Strategic Partnership Agreement, which was Afghanistan’s first such agreement with any country. Why was India kept of 2020 talks? The reason given was that India holds no “boundary” with Afghanistan However, India was mainly kept out because it never announced its support for the U.S.-Taliban peace process New Delhi’s stand with regard to Afghanistan India’s position that only an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, and Afghan-controlled process can be allowed is a principled one, but has no takers in reality India has supported the Karzai government and later the Ashraf Ghani government, which has been fighting the Taliban India enjoys a generous goodwill among Afghanis due to various developmental projects undertaken by India  What is the basis of India’s goodwill in Afghanistan? The building blocks of India’s goodwill are its assistance in infrastructure projects, health care, education, trade and food security,  Three major projects that have cemented the friendship are:  The Afghan Parliament The Zaranj-Delaram Highway,  The Afghanistan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) The liberal access provided to Afghans to study, train and work in India. India has provided assistance of more than $3 billion in projects The bilateral relationship also has trade of about $1 billion  India has envisaged $20 billion projected development expenditure of an alternate route through Chabahar (Iran) How has India’s strategy on its support to Ashraf Ghani backfired? New Delhi’s excessive reliance on Ashraf Ghani has had a two-fold effect:  India’s voice in the reconciliation process has been limited  It has weakened India’s position with other leaders of the deeply divided democratic setup in Kabul such as the former chief executive Abdullah Abdullah.  Difficulties for India’s Strategic space in Afghanistan The U.S.-Taliban peace deal means that the Taliban has become more powerful vis-à-vis Afghan government, which is not in India’s interest given the Taliban’s close connections with Pakistan India’s presence inside Afghanistan is being threatened anew by terror groups such as the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), backed by Pakistan India’s resistance to open talks with the Taliban has made it an awkward interlocutor at any discussion on Afghanistan Peace process Erosion of India’s goodwill due to controversy surrounding Citizenship Amendment Act Way Ahead for India Union Government must consider the appointment of a special envoy to deal with its efforts in Afghanistan India must strive to ensure that its aid and assistance is broad-based, particularly during the novel coronavirus pandemic, even if some lie in areas held by the Taliban. India must make efforts to bridge the Ghani-Abdullah divide, and bringing together other major leaders with whom India has built ties for decades. Failure of this will mean a collapsing opposition to Taliban An understanding between Iran and the U.S. on Afghanistan is necessary for lasting peace, and India could play a mediatory part. Connecting the dots: Role of UN in international Conflicts – Critically analyse Defeat of ISIS- What led to it and its consequences? GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY/ ENVIRONMENT Topic: General Studies 2 & 3: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors  Indian Economy and challenges with regard to resource mobilization COVID-19: Opportunity for Energy Sector reforms Context: The 9-minute event on April 5th was one PM asked to switch-off lights and light lamps to show respect to COVID-19 warriors. It was interesting for the extent of public participation and expert management of National Electricity grid Pre-Covid, India’s power sector has been facing a mounting financial crisis which has made it more prominent in recent times caused by an expected slowdown. Challenges in Energy Sector The trend of low power demand, now furthered in the post-Covid economy Idle, old, and inefficient coal plants. Plant load factors of Coal plants for the 2019-20 period are at 56%, down from 78% a decade ago. High Industrial Power tariffs –one of the highest in world Heavily subsidised agricultural power tariffs leading to Cross-Subsidisation - High industrial power tariffs to lower the cost of agricultural power Financial health of the DISCOMs (Power Distribution Companies who purchase power from generators & distribute it consumers).  They now owe over Rs 8.8 billion to generators.  Challenges with Renewable Energy (RE) Difficulties of integrating it with National grid given its peak productions & falls. Uncertainty with RE: Weather patterns change and forecasting is never 100% accurate.  Electricity management of RE will be difficult given its fluctuating nature Way Ahead A market-based, automatic mechanism for integration of infirm renewable power into the grid is non-negotiable. Use of Li-ion battery storage to manage power spikes associated with the 175GW of RE planned by 2022 Restructuring of Coal Plants: Some of these old units could be restructured and shut down, based on their generation costs, remaining plant life & modernisation Improving Efficiency: Retrofit power units with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) to improve the environmental efficiency of old power plants Lower industrial power tariffs to meet the competition. Industrial power in Vietnam is, for example, 40% cheaper than in India Adoption of DBT framework for providing subsidy to agricultural power consumers Utilize the Crisis: Now is an opportunity to bring in fresh Covid-influenced industrial investment from Korea and Japan, which are diversifying away from China. New Legislative Framework: Enactment of proposed Electricity Amendment Bill,2020 and adoption by States with suitable modifications Conclusion The proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, 2020, is an ambitious step in the right direction—with bold moves to  Institute cost-reflective tariffs,  Remove subsidies, and  Strengthen the sanctity of contracts through greater enforcement  Provision of payment security to generators Connecting the dots: UDAY Scheme Paris Climate Goals and India’s commitment towards it (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 Global terrorism index is published by which of the following?  Amnesty International  Bill Gates Foundation  Institute for Economics and Peace  UN Security Council Q.2 SVAMITVA scheme is a new initiative of which of the following ministry?  Ministry of Panchayati Raj  Ministry of Agriculture  Ministry of Urban development   Ministry of Finance Q.3 Special 301 Report is published by which of the following?  United States Trade Representative  World Economic Forum  International Monetary Fund  Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.  Q.4 With regard to Special 301 Report, consider the following statements:  India is placed in US priority watch list. High custom duties on medical devices and Information and Communications Technology were one of the highlights of the report. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.5 Where is Petersberg located?  Germany  Russia France Italy ANSWERS FOR 29th April 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 A 2 C 3 C 4 D Must Read About situation in Brazil: The Hindu About limitation of Online Learning: The Hindu About COVID-19 impact on Women: The Hindu

PIB

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 20th April to 26th April – 2020

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 20th April to 26th April – 2020 ARCHIVES GS-2 Promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 in the light of the pandemic situation of COVID-19 (Topic: Governance) Background: During the current COVID-19 pandemic, there have been instances of  Attack on the most critical service providers i.e. members of healthcare services by miscreants, thereby obstructing them from doing their duties Members of the medical community are being perceived as carriers of the virus, and this has led to cases of their stigmatization and ostracization and sometimes worse, acts of unwarranted violence and harassment.   Several States have enacted special laws to offer protection to doctors and other medical personnel in the past. However, Covid-19 outbreak has posed a unique situation where harassment of the healthcare workforce and others working to contain the spread of the disease has been taking place at all fronts, in various places including even cremation grounds.  In this context, the Union Cabinet has approved promulgation of an Ordinance to amend the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to protect healthcare service personnel and property including their living/working premises against violence during epidemics. The President has given his assent for promulgation of the Ordinance.  The ordinance makes acts of violence against the healthcare workers as cognizable and non-bailable offences. Under it, there is also a provision to provide compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to the property. The investigation into the cases of attack will be completed within 30 days and judgment will be pronounced within one year.  Accused of the attack can attract a punishment ranging from 3 months to 5 years and a fine from 50 thousand rupees to  2 lakh rupees.  A compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged property will be taken from the accused if damage is done to the vehicles or clinics. The current Ordinance is intended to ensure that during any situation akin to the current pandemic, there is zero tolerance to any form of violence against healthcare service personnel and damage to property. Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 This law enables states to ban public gatherings, ask schools and large institutions to stop functioning, and issue advisories to companies to explore work-from-home models.   It also gives the state a right to penalise media organisations spreading misinformation.  For background and features, click here. What is an Ordinance? Ordinances are laws that are promulgated by the President of India on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet as per Article 123 of the Constitution. They can only be issued when Parliament is not in session. They enable the Indian government to take immediate legislative action. Ordinances cease to operate either if Parliament does not approve of them within six weeks of reassembly, or if disapproving resolutions are passed by both Houses. It is also compulsory for a session of Parliament to be held within six months. Governor can also promulgate an ordinance under Article 213. It however requires instructions from the President in cases where a passage of similar bill would have required the assent of President. Instances where ordinance can be used: It is meant as a last resort and not a tool to replace the power or functioning of Parliament. It can, generally, be issued only on pressing issues or issues that require immediate consideration that cannot wait for Parliament to assemble and consider the bill. Misuse: Ordinances are used by governments to pass legislation which is currently pending in Parliament, as was the case with the Food Security Ordinance Ordinances are promulgated when there is no consensus in the parliament. For E.g.: the ordinance on altering the Land Reforms Act. Re-promulgation: Re-promulgation of Ordinances raises questions about the authority of the Parliament as the highest law making body. In Wadhwa vs. State of Bihar (1986), the Supreme Court held that it is unconstitutional to re-promulgate ordinances without putting it to vote in the parliament. In the above instances, ordinances are being used to bypass legislature. However, following arguments show how it cannot effectively bypass legislature. Validity- Maximum validity for an ordinance is 6 months and 6 weeks. Restrictions- A constitutional amendment cannot be made through ordinance route. Judicial review- Re-promulgation of ordinance can be deemed unconstitutional by the court.  Not every law or major reforms can be introduced via ordinance route. In Krishna Kumar Singh vs. State of Bihar, SC held that the failure to place an ordinance before the legislature constitutes abuse of power and a fraud on the constitution Dr. BR Ambedkar had opined that the mechanism of issuing an ordinance is devised in order to deal with a situation that may suddenly and immediately arise when Parliament is not in session Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme (Topic: Government Schemes and policies) In News: Rs. 17,793 crores released for 8.89 crore farmer families during the lockdown Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from Government of India Under the scheme income support of Rs.6000/- per year in three equal instalments will be provided to small and marginal farmer families having combined land holding/ownership of up to 2 hectares Definition of the family for the scheme is husband, wife and minor children. State Government and UT Administration will identify the farmer families which are eligible for support as per scheme guidelines. The fund will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Significance of PM KISAN Scheme Support to small and marginal farmers who are largely involved in subsistence farming and struggles to invest in agriculture inputs or technology, Boost the rural consumption and positive for agriculture and allied sectors. Poverty reduction: Cash transfer programmes are an important tool of social protection and poverty reduction. They have an immediate impact on reducing hunger and rural poverty. Better use: This can increase productive investment, increase access to markets and stimulate local economies. Income support can be used to make a repayment or at least activate a bank account which can then receive a loan. Rural development: It can serve as an important complement to a broader rural development agenda, including a pro-poor growth strategy focusing on agriculture. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PM-GKY) (Topic: Government Schemes and policies) In News: In order to provide food security during the prevailing situation due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has decided to distribute pulses to the eligible households under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PM-GKY). About 107,077.85 MT pulses have so far been issued to the States/UTs. What: The ₹1.7 Lakh Crore relief package – named PMGKY- was announced by Union government to alleviate the distress caused by COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare Workers: Insurance cover of ₹50 lakh Food grains to Poor: 80 crore poor people under National Food Security Act will receive five extra kg of wheat or rice and 1 kg of pulses MGNREGA workers (13.63 crore): Wage increased from ₹182/day to ₹202/day Jan Dhan Women Account holders (20.4 crore): DBT of ₹500/ month for next three months  Senior Citizens, disabled & Poor widows (3 crore): Ex-gratia of ₹1000 (through existing pension schemes) Farmers (8.7 crore): Front loading of ₹2000 to them under existing PM Kisan Yojana Ujjwala Beneficiaries (8.3 crore): Free cylinders for next three months Wage earners: Those earning below ₹15000/month in firms having less than 100 workers will receive 24% of their monthly wages into their PF accounts for next three months Construction workers: Centre has directed States to use Construction worker’s welfare fund to give relief to 3.5 crore registered workers Strategy by Government: Government has followed two-pronged approach Ensuring a steady supply of food and cooking gas to poor people Easing cash woes of the vulnerable sections of society Fiscally prudent: By utilizing existing schemes funding for the package is kept within the budget so as to retain control over the deficit  Preserving Financial resources -Given the uncertainty over the length of crisis – government may announce future relief packages to adapt with changing situation Challenges: Modest cash transfer might not be enough given the drying up of incomes for the vulnerable sections of society Implementation issues: People may face difficulties to draw money from their accounts during the lockdown Migrant labourers may find difficulties to access the extra food grain announced Package does not address the challenges being faced by Informal MSMEs and other hard-hit sectors. GS-3 Crisis Management – COVID-19 A. Central Government constitutes 6 Inter-Ministerial Teams  To make assessment of situation and augment State efforts to fight and contain spread of COVID-19 effectively.  IMCTs to focus on complaints of implementation of lockdown measures as per guidelines, supply of essential commodities, social distancing, preparedness of health infrastructure, safety of health professionals and conditions of the relief camps for labour and poor people. The Committees have been constituted  by the Central Government in exercise of the powers, conferred, inter alia, under Section 35(1), 35(2)(a), 35(2)(e) and 35(2)(i) of the Disaster Management Act 2005. B. Surplus rice available with FCI allowed to be converted to ethanol For: Utilization in making alcohol-based hand-sanitizers and for blending in Petrol National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 under Para 5.3 inter-alia envisages that during an agriculture crop year when there is projected over supply of food grains as anticipated by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the policy will allow conversion of these surplus quantities of food grains to ethanol, based on the approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee (NBCC). What is the Science behind it? Ethanol is considered an effective substance against a large spectrum of microorganisms which can linger on the skin. A 2004 study published in the Clinical Microbiology Reviews journal says the best antimicrobial efficacy can be achieved with ethanol (60-85%), isopropanol (60- 80%) and n-propanol (60-80%).  Alcohol attacks viruses and other disease-causing pathogens by damaging their cell structures. Some alcohols damage the layers that envelop the virus, while some just break down the cells.  The novel coronavirus, for instance, is an enveloped virus surrounded by a fat layer. Lipid membrane viruses—like the coronavirus—can be killed using alcohol-based disinfectants and hand sanitizers. They simply break down the membrane or the layer of fat, leaving the virus unable to infect an individual. C. CSIR supports efforts to develop a drug to save lives of critically ill patients suffering from Gram-negative sepsis CSIR, is now initiating a randomized, blinded, two arms, active comparator-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of the drug for reducing mortality (deaths) in critically ill COVID-19 patients The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the trial and it will start soon at multiple hospitals It is found to be extremely safe in patients and no systemic side effects are associated with its use. The drug has been shown to reduce the mortality of critically ill patients by more than half. It also leads to faster recovery of organ dysfunction seen in this condition. What happens in Gram-negative sepsis as well as in critically ill COVID-19 patients? There is an altered immune response leading to a massive change in their cytokine profile.  The drug modulates the immune system of the body and thereby inhibits the cytokine storm leading to reduced mortality and faster recovery. D. Cabinet approves Rs. 15,000 Crore for ''India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package" Aim: Mounting emergency response to slow and limit COVID-19 in India through Development of diagnostics and COV1D-dedicated treatment facilities Centralized procurement of essential medical equipment and drugs required for treatment of infected patients Strengthen and build resilient National and State health systems to support prevention and preparedness for future disease outbreaks Setting up of laboratories Bolster surveillance activities, bio-security preparedness, pandemic research Proactively engage communities and conduct risk communication activities E. COVID India Seva: An interactive platform to establish a direct channel of communication with millions of Indians amid the pandemic This initiative is aimed at enabling transparent e-governance delivery in real-time and answering citizen queries swiftly, at scale, especially in crisis situations like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  Through this, people can pose queries @CovidIndiaSeva and get them responded to in almost real time. @CovidIndiaSeva works off a dashboard at the backend that helps process large volumes of tweets, converts them into resolvable tickets, and assigns them to the relevant authority for real-time resolution. F. First Mobile Testing Lab for COVID-19 detection Mobile Virology Research and Diagnostics Laboratory (MVRDL) developed by DRDO in association with ESIC Hospital, Hyderabad and Private industry Can process more than 1,000 samples in a day and will enhance country’s capabilities in fighting COVID19. G. Antiviral nano-coatings to be upscaled for making triple layer medical masks & N-95 respirator receives support to combat COVID 19: The use of highly effective antimicrobial nanoparticles on PPEs, masks etc., is a useful application that will provide an extra layer of protection for the high risk settings, such as for the medical workers H. Virucidal coating to prevent COVID transmission: The group will be extending their expertise on developing the molecules that will target the membranes of Covid-19 viral particles selectively. These molecules will then be used for engineering of different surfaces like glass, plastic and textiles including cotton, nylon, and polyester to provide virucidal coating that can potentially inhibit the viral transmission. I. Scientists working on anti COVID drugs using garlic essential oil: Under the Drug discovery platform, in turn, the research will explore separation of therapeutic and valuable medicinal components from the peel and seeds of fruits and utilisation of natural garlic essential oil as a ACE 2 protein inhibitor for preventing SARS-CoV-2 invasion. J. IIT Delhi develops low cost Probe-free Covid 19 detection assay - free Real-time PCR Diagnostic Kit: A testing kit which is at a very low cost for the people of India. The kit will not only empower healthcare services but also support the government in the time of crisis. K. UV disinfection trolley can effectively clean up hospital spaces in combating COVID-19 UV light in the range of wavelengths between 200 and 300 nm is capable of inactivating microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, thus disinfecting both air and solid surfaces.  Often, chemical disinfectants are not enough to remove the bacteria and viruses found in hospitals and other contamination prone environment.  Rapid decontamination of the used patient-care beds and hospital rooms before admission of subsequent occupants is a major requirement in hospitals in view of the limited availability of beds. Coronavirus is sensitive to UVC light, as in the case of other viruses and bacteria.  The germicidal effects of UVC irradiation with a peak intensity at 254 nm results in cellular damage of the virus, thereby inhibiting cellular replication.  Unlike chemical approaches to disinfection, UV light provides rapid, effective inactivation of microorganisms through a physical process. L. Herbal decongestant spray on mask can protect from suffocation: Wearing a mask for a long time is reportedly causing difficulties in breathing and congestion in the respiratory system.  The main reasons behind this problem include the accumulation of carbon dioxide and humidity in the inner cavity of the mask. When a person breathes in, this goes back to the lungs again. Repetition of this process over a period of time causes discomfort in breathing and congestion.  To address this issue, a herbal decongestant spray has been developed. This formulation helps in clearing the wind pipe and congestion by removing the mucus or cough leading to ease of breathing M. DoPT’s online Corona course: https://igot.gov.in – The training contents of the course include  Basics of COVID Clinical management ICU care management Infection prevention and care Usage of PPE Quarantine and isolation Training for NCC cadets Management of COVID 19 cases Laboratory sample collection and testing Psychological care of patients Paediatric care in COVID Pregnancy during COVID New Technology (Topic: New developments in Technology) A. Fish gills used to develop efficient low-cost electro-catalysts for rechargeable metal-air battery This bio-inspired carbon nanostructure can help overcome the bottleneck in the realization of several renewable energy conversion and storage technologies such as fuel cell, biofuel cell, and metal−air battery. The present strategy enriches a route to synthesize low-cost, highly efficient bioinspired electrocatalyst that is better than commercial Platinum on carbon (Pt/C) catalyst and could be utilized as next-generation nonprecious carbon-based electrocatalyst for energy conversion and storage applications. B. New model to predict ionospheric electron density can help communication/navigation Artificial Neural Networks based global Ionospheric Model (ANNIM) has been developed using long-term ionospheric observations to predict the ionospheric electron density and the peak parameters ANNs replicate the processes in the human brain (or biological neurons) to solve problems such as pattern recognition, classification, clustering, generalization, linear and nonlinear data fitting, and time series prediction, and very few attempts have been made to model the global ionosphere variability using ANNs.  Tracking the variability of the Ionosphere is important for communication and navigation. The ionospheric variability is greatly influenced by both solar originated processes and the neutral atmosphere origin, therefore, difficult to model. Scientists have tried to model the ionosphere using theoretical and empirical techniques; however, the accurate prediction of electron density is still a challenging task. C. Development of ten varieties of Anthurium By: D Vasini Bai, a women innovator from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala by using the cross-pollination method. Anthurium (Anthurium spp.) is a vast group of beautiful blooming plants available in a wide range of colors. The plants of the varieties are having high demands due to its use as indoor decorative plants. They are beautiful but also purify the surrounding air and remove harmful airborne chemicals like formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and allergens. Its importance of removing toxic substances from the air, NASA has placed it in the list of air purifier plants. Study shows that COVID 19 may affect the Central Nervous System causing loss of smell and taste (Topic: Medicine) Scientists of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur have explored the neuroinvasive nature of the COVID 19 virus SARS-CoV-2 highlighting that loss of smell and taste of infected patients makes their entire Central Nervous System (CNS) and the underlying structures in the brain more prone to viral infection with devastating effects. SARS-CoV-2 is known to interact with a specific human receptor known as hACE2 (human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2) which also happens to be the entry point of the virus and has an almost ubiquitous presence in most human organs ranging from lung parenchyma to nasal mucosa. The brain is also known to express this receptor. Nose and mouth both are very important entry points of the virus, which then may be slowly making its way to the olfactory bulb using the neurons of the olfactory mucosa. The olfactory bulb located in the forebrain is the structure that is chiefly responsible for the sense of smell. This explains the loss of smell associated with many asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 and also may be exposing the CNS to viral infection. The publication highlights that activities like smoking could increase the chances of contracting COVID-19 infection, attributing this to the interactions and co-expression of the hACE2 receptor and the nicotinic receptor, which is stimulated on smoking. Exploring ‘Super-luminous supernovae exploded rapidly and decayed slowly’ (Topic: Space) Researchers at the Arayabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Govt. of India found that SN 2010kd, a super-luminous supernova stands out with the amount of mass as well as Nickel ejected during explosion, which is much more than seen in case of normal core-collapse supernovae. What are Supernovae? Supernovae are a kind of energetic explosions where the core of massive stars (a few times to that of mass of our Sun) go to a catastrophic phase of explosion liberating huge amounts of energy.  These events are visible through very far away distances much beyond our own solar system. Super-luminous supernovae are a special type of stellar explosions having energy output 10 or more times higher than that of standard supernovae. NTPC launches Hydrogen Fuel bus and car project for Leh and New Delhi – Invites Global EOI (Topic: Energy; Environment) The move to procure Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles is first of its kind project in the country, wherein a complete solution from green energy to the fuel cell vehicle would be developed. The initiative will also harness renewable energy for generation of hydrogen and develop it's storage and dispensation facilities as part of pilot projects at Leh and Delhi.  The move to launch hydrogen powered vehicles aims at decarbonizing mobility segment.  Hydrogen Fuel Cell based vehicles Like conventional batteries under the bonnets of automobiles, hydrogen fuel cells too, convert chemical energy into electrical energy. From a long-term viability perspective, FCEVs are billed as vehicles of the future, given that hydrogen is the most abundant resource in the universe. Can be recharged faster and also give more mileage than the lithium-ion batteries commonly used in EVs today. The Workings: A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water. Fuel cells are often compared to batteries. Both convert the energy produced by a chemical reaction into usable electric power. However, the fuel cell will produce electricity as long as fuel (hydrogen) is supplied, never losing its charge. Hydrogen is high in energy, yet an engine that burns pure hydrogen produces almost no pollution. NASA has used liquid hydrogen since the 1970s to propel the space shuttle and other rockets into orbit. Hydrogen fuel cells power the shuttle's electrical systems, producing a clean by product - pure water, which the crew drinks. Criticisms: Hydrogen is more explosive than petrol. The process of making hydrogen needs energy — often from fossil fuel sources. That has raised questions over hydrogen’s green credentials. Think about it:  What are your views on: "Secularism and Harmony” is not "political fashion" but it is "perfect passion" for India and Indians If you were on the Advisory Council of the 15th Finance Commission, what will your views be on the following – Implications of the pandemic for GDP growth in 2020-21 and 2021-22.  Uncertainty about macro variables over time Possible assumptions for tax buoyancy and revenue in the current year and next year What should be the public expenditure fillip to shore up the economy Note: DIKSHA Platform: For augmenting teaching and learning processes VidyaDaan 2.0: For inviting e-learning Content contributions The programme has been launched due to the increasing requirement for e-learning content for students (both school and higher education) especially in the backdrop of situation arising out of Covid- 19 and also due to the urgent need to integrate digital education with schooling to augment learning. Has a content contribution tool that provides a structured interface for the contributors to register and contribute different types of content (such as, explanation videos, presentations, competency-based items, quizzes etc.), for any grade (from grade 1 to 12), for any subject as specified by the states/UTs. White paper by TIFAC to strategize revival of post-COVID 19 Indian economy The Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), an autonomous technology think-tank, under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, is preparing a white paper to strategize revival of post-COVID 19 Indian economy in the following areas – Strengthening Make in India initiatives Commercialization of Indigenous technology Developing a technology-driven transparent Public Distribution System (PDS) Efficient rural health care delivery Reduction of import Adoption of emerging technology domains like AI, Machine Learning, Data Analytics  Facilitating Farmers in Direct Marketing Government of India has been making concerted efforts to facilitate farmers in direct marketing and assure better returns.  There is a need to promote direct marketing without insisting for licensing procedures and facilitate the farmers in timely marketing of farm produce. In order to decongest wholesale markets & to boost the supply chain, following two modules under National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) have been introduced: FPO Module: FPOs can directly trade with e-NAM portal. They can upload produce details from collection centers with picture/quality parameter and avail the bidding facility without physically reaching to the mandis. Warehouse Based Trading Module: Farmers can sell their produce from Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) registered warehouses notified as deemed market, and do not physically bring the produce to the nearest mandis. What is e-NAM? e e-NAM is an innovative initiative in agricultural marketing to  Enhance farmers accessibility digitally to multiple number of markets & buyers To bring transparency in trade transactions with the intent to improve price discovery mechanism, quality commensurate price realization To develop the concept of One Nation One Market for agriculture produce Reach: Today, it has reached 585 mandis across 16 States and 02 UTs. More than 1.66 crore farmers and 1.28 Lakh traders registered on e-NAM platform.  Civil Services Day: 21st April; celebrated as a tribute to the great Sardar Patel - Iron Man of India, who envisioned our administrative framework and emphasised on building a system that is progress-oriented and compassionate Patel’s contribution: Widely considered to be the architect of modern India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played an important role in the integration of all the princely states (especially Hyderabad, Junagadh and Kashmir) into the Indian Union after the British left India in 1947. Provided good governance as an able administrator in diverse fields like modern farming and empowerment of tribal communities Organised peasants from Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in non-violent civil disobedience against the British Raj, becoming one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat. He earned the title of “Sardar” after spearheading a no-tax campaign by peasants at Bardoli in Gujarat. He also led the relief and rehabilitation operations when Gujarat was ravaged by floods and worked tirelessly during a plague outbreak in Ahmedabad. He is also remembered as the “patron saint of India’s civil servants” for having established the modern all-India services system. “A civil servant cannot afford to, and must not, take part in politics. Nor must he involve himself in communal wrangles. To depart from the path of rectitude in either of these respects is to debase public service and to lower its dignity,” he had cautioned them on April 21, 1947. Acknowledging the monumental contribution of Patel in nation building, Jawaharlal Nehru said, “History will call him the builder and consolidator of new India.” The remarks Patel made during the Quit India Movement are also relevant today. He said: “We have to shed mutual bickering, shed the difference of being high or low and develop the sense of equality and banish untouchability. We have to live like the children of the same father”. Solve: With great skill and masterful diplomacy and using both persuasion and pressure, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating hundreds of princely states with the Indian Union. Discuss. Must Read: Link 1

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent and Creativity

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: PAINTINGS by SWETA KUMARI & SKETCHING by ABHISHEK VERMA

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity Hello Friends, You must be aware of the term ‘catharsis’. It is the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. Recently we have launched a new initiative by the name Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity! Today's work is PAINTINGS by SWETA KUMARI & SKETCHING by ABHISHEK VERMA ! Well done, Keep it up !! PAINTINGS by SWETA KUMARI       SKETCHING by ABHISHEK VERMA !     Be creative and find your catharsis in whichever form of creativity you are comfortable with.  It could be anything- a song, a painting, a poem, a story, a dance performance, rangolis, jokes/humor, culinary skills, mimicry and whatnot. There is no limit to creativity. Just unleash and share it with everyone! Why don’t you share your moments of catharsis with us? UPSC is not only about academics but personality as well. And your personality is shaped by the creativity that you possess.   To know more about Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity' Initiative and the Previous Creative work  -> CLICK HERE We encourage you to keep the comment section alive by sharing your talents and also by commenting and encouraging the talent of your peers. We are also going to be a regular visitor here and will keep on posting the creative works by our talented team members and staff. NOTE- You can also nominate by tagging anyone (if you know about the talent of your friend or anyone) 🙂 You can share your talent/creativity with us on support@iasbaba.com and ilp@iasbaba.com  P.S: Kindly share it in a format that can be published on the website. We believe each one of you have some hidden talent. It’s time that you explore more about yourselves and remain positive throughout this journey. Make the best use of this opportunity! Thank You IASbaba

60 DAYS PROGRAMME-PRELIMS 2020

IASbaba’s 60 Day Plan [Day - 52]- IAS Prelims Test Series 2020 HISTORY & CURRENT AFFAIRS

ARCHIVES OF 60 DAY PLAN PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): STARTING ON 16 APRIL JOIN NOW!   Dear Students, The 60 Days Training has finally begun:) DAY 52 is here! It is time to Introspect, Ideate and Improve!! We have come-up with articles to instil confidence, motivate you in the present situation. Do read these articles. Mark the words/lines in your dairy. These very lines can be the driving force’ in the time of uncertainty. [STRATEGY] MUST READ: 21 Days of Lockdown-What to do? Introspect, Ideate and Improve !! MUST READ: PRELIMS in Testing Times – Don’t Forget the ‘WHY’; IASbaba’s dedicated HOTLINE for Aspirants and Prelims Postponing Rumours Coronavirus[VIDEO]: Awareness, Myths, Solidarity and Message to All UPSC Aspirants by Mohan Sir Founder IASbaba   To ensure that your preparation goes smoothly and keeping up with our promise, we have come up with a Dedicated HOTLINE (Communication channel) - Connect with BABA for all UPSC/IAS Aspirants. From today, you will be able to speak with the Founders and Core Team of IASbaba on telephone regarding ‘any queries’ related to UPSC preparation in general or Subject-specific doubts. This Hotline, will be in addition to the 'ASK YOUR BABA' (#ASKBABA) thread opened on a daily basis for our 60 Day plan. We will try to make sure that with so much going around these days, you have at least one less thing to worry about.   How to make use of HOTLINE and ASK YOUR BABA (#ASKBABA)? There are 2 initiatives which will be running parallely. 1. HOTLINE - Connect with BABA (5pm - 7pm) The communication channel will be open ONLY for 2 hours Daily (except on Sundays - holiday) from 5pm to 7 pm. Please do not make calls before or after the specified time. As we will be occupied with other daily initiatives running on the website and mentorship. Hope you understand our time constraints. Please note that, call facilities are mainly for queries related to preparation per se like strategies, difficulties in reading a subject, what to read, what not to read, how to manage time, revision, motivation etc. You can call on the numbers given below. For any queries related to - UPSC Preparation (Prelims, Mains, Interview) Strategy & Current Affairs – contact 9986190082 Environment & Science and Technology – contact 9986193016 Polity & Economics – contact 9899291288 Geography & History – contact 9591106864 We have separated General Strategy (Preparation per se – Pre, Mains, Interview) and Current Affairs from other subjects. You can make use of the HOTLINE, as per your needs.   2. ASK YOUR BABA (#ASKBABA) - clear your doubts on the 60 Day Platform (Online from 11 am - 10 pm) Use the disqus comment section of that particular day (60 Day post - For Ex: Today is Day 25) to clear all your subject specific doubts of the day. You can post your queries/doubts with #ASKBABA !! Here, doubts related to the 60 day questions or conceptual clarity in a particular subject can be asked. Your doubts will be cleared on real-time basis (or max within hour it will be answered from the subject experts) If you are genuinely finding difficulty interms of preparing with that particular subject, then you can use 5pm-7pm window to make calls. If you are not able to speak to IASbaba's Team, then you can still post your doubts/queries in the same post of the 60 day initiative. As mentioned above, your doubts will be cleared on real-time basis (or max within hour it will be answered from the subject experts). Make the best use of the communication channel (Ask Your Baba/comment section on daily 60 Day post and calls) provided. We will make sure that, all your queries will be answered to. So we have  tried our bit, to ensure your preparation goes smoothly, you can do your bit by keeping in touch with us via phone/ website to keep yourself going, keep yourself engaged and staying positive during the rough times.   How to make the maximum use of this HOTLINE and #ASKBABA (Disqus comment of 60 Day Plan) on Daily basis? Now, that I have solved 30 mcq’s, what to do next?  How to Analyse my Performance? For Answers to the above Questions  ->CONNECT WITH BABA: IASbaba’s Dedicated HOTLINE for UPSC/IAS Aspirants !!   Note- Download the OMR Sheet and attempt the questions exactly like UPSC Prelims. After you are done, please post your OMR in the comment section. Once the solution key is released (5 PM), cross-check the answers and again, comment the marks (you got) in the same comment thread. This will keep you responsible and sincere in days to come. Also, we need more sets of scores for releasing the cut offs in the night so, requesting all of you to sincerely put your scores in comment section.    You can also take part in discussion with peers.   Q.1) Consider the following statements about Indus Valley Civilization: Cotton produced by Harappans was known as ‘Sindon’ by the Greeks. There was no metallic money in circulation and trade was conducted by means of barter. The Harappans domesticated animals on a large scale. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 and 2 only 3 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.1) सिंधु घाटी सभ्यता के बारे में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: हड़प्पावासियों द्वारा उत्पादित कपास को यूनानियों द्वारा 'सिंधन' (Sindon) के रूप में जाना जाता था। प्रचलन में कोई धात्विक मुद्रा नहीं थी तथा व्यापार वस्तु विनिमय के माध्यम से आयोजित किया गया था। हड़प्पा वासियों ने बड़े पैमाने पर पशुओं को पालतू बनाया था। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 केवल 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.2) With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Murtipujaka” sect belongs to Buddhism  Jainism Vaishnavism Shaivism Q.2) भारत में धार्मिक प्रथाओं के संदर्भ में, "मुर्तिपुजक" (Murtipujaka) संप्रदाय किससे संबंधित हैं बौद्ध धर्म जैन धर्म वैष्णव धर्म  शैव धर्म  Q.3) With reference to Tripitakas, consider the following statements: The Vinaya Pitaka contains rules for monks and nuns of the Sangha. The Sutta pitaka contains the Buddha’s discourses on various doctrinal issues in dialogue form. The Abhidhamma Pitaka texts are also known as ‘Buddhavacana’ or ‘the word of the Buddha’. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  1 and 2 only 2 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.3) त्रिपिटक के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: विनय पिटक में संघ के भिक्षुओं और भिक्षुणियों के लिए नियम थे। सुत्त पिटक में संवाद रूप में विभिन्न सिद्धांत संबंधी मुद्दों पर बुद्ध के प्रवचन शामिल हैं। अभिधम्म पिटक ग्रंथों को 'बुद्धवचन' या 'बुद्ध के शब्द' के रूप में भी जाना जाता है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2  केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.4) Consider the following features of Mahayana Buddhism: The Buddha was interpreted as a transcendent figure who all could aspire to become. It believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and not in Idol worship of Buddha. The concept of Bodhisattva is developed under this sect of Buddhism. Which of the features given above is/are correct?  1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.4) महायान बौद्ध धर्म की निम्नलिखित विशेषताओं पर विचार करें: बुद्ध की व्याख्या एक पारलौकिक व्यक्ति के रूप में की गई थी, जो सभी बनने की आकांक्षा कर सकते थे। यह बुद्ध की स्वर्गिकता (heavenliness) में विश्वास रखता है, न कि बुद्ध की मूर्ति पूजा में। बोधिसत्व की अवधारणा बौद्ध धर्म के इस संप्रदाय के तहत विकसित की गई है। ऊपर दी गई कौन सी विशेषताएँ सही हैं / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.5)  The famous Sultanganj Buddha belongs to which of the following schools of Indian sculpture? Mathura School Gandhara School Amravati School Sarnath School Q.5) प्रसिद्ध सुल्तानगंज बुद्ध, भारतीय मूर्तिकला के निम्नलिखित में से किस स्कूल से संबंधित है? मथुरा स्कूल गांधार स्कूल अमरावती स्कूल सारनाथ स्कूल Q.6) With reference to medieval history of India, the terms Jaribana and Muhasilana refers to which of the following? Cesses paid by peasants in Sher Shah Suri's administration.  Land grants given to Sufi saints by Mughals. Types of slaves that existed during Mughal times. Custom duties paid by traders during Alaudin Khaliji's reign. Q.6) भारत के मध्यकालीन इतिहास के संदर्भ में, शब्द ‘जरीबाना’ और ‘मुहासिलाना’ निम्नलिखित में से किसके लिए है? शेरशाह सूरी के प्रशासन में किसानों द्वारा भुगतान किए गए उपकर। मुगलों द्वारा सूफी संतों को दी गई अनुदान भूमि। मुगल काल के दौरान मौजूद दासों के प्रकार। अलाउद्दीन खिलजी के शासनकाल के दौरान व्यापारियों द्वारा किया गया सीमा शुल्क भुगतान। Q.7) With reference to the ‘amara-nayaka’ system of Vijayanagar Empire, which of the following statement is/are correct? The nayakas were military commanders who were given territories to govern. The nayaka was responsible for expanding agricultural activities in his amaram. The nayakas were empowered to collect taxes from the peasants only. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 1 and 2 only 1 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.7) विजयनगर साम्राज्य की ‘अमर-नायक’ प्रणाली के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन सही है / हैं? नायक सेना के कमांडर थे जिन्हें शासन करने के लिए क्षेत्र दिए गए थे। नायक अपने अमरम में कृषि गतिविधियों के विस्तार के लिए उत्तरदायी थे। नायक को केवल किसानों से कर एकत्र करने का अधिकार था। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 1 केवल 2 और 3  1, 2 और 3 Q.8) In which of the following caves, the sculpture of Nataraja, surrounded by larger-than-life-size depictions of the Saptamatrikas were found? Aihole caves Guntapalle caves Pitalkhora caves Badami caves Q.8) निम्नलिखित में से किस गुफा में, नटराज की मूर्ति, सप्तमातृकों के पूर्ण-आकार के बड़े चित्रण से घिरी हुई पाई गई? एहोल की गुफाएँ गुंटापल्ली की गुफाएँ पित्तलखोरा गुफाएँ बादामी की गुफाएँ Q.9) Consider the following pairs:     Theatre form State    1. Swang Bihar    2. Bhaona Assam    3. Bhavai Madhya Pradesh Which of the pairs given above are incorrectly matched? 1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only 2 and 3 only  Q.9) निम्नलिखित युग्मों पर विचार करें:     रंगमंच का रूप राज्य    1. स्वांग (Swang) बिहार    2. भाओना (Bhaona) असम    3. भवाई मध्य प्रदेश   ऊपर दी गई कौन सी जोड़ी गलत तरीके से मेल खाती है? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 केवल 1 और 3 केवल 2 और 3 Q.10) Which of the following are included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Culture Heritage of India? Kalbelia  Sankirtana Yakshagana Kathakali Nawrouz festival Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 3,and 4 only 1, 2 and 5 only 2, 4 and 5 only 1, 2, 3 and 5 only Q.10) निम्नलिखित में से कौन, भारत की यूनेस्को सूची में अमूर्त सांस्कृतिक विरासत में शामिल हैं? कालबेलिया संकीर्तन यक्षगान कथकली नवरोज उत्सव नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1, 3, और 4 केवल 1, 2 और 5 केवल 2, 4 और 5 केवल 1, 2, 3 और 5 Q.11) The Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar styles of painting belongs to the which of the following Schools of Paintings? Mewar School Marwar School Hadoti School Dhundar School Q.11) चित्रकला की कोटा, बूंदी और झालावाड़ शैली, निम्नलिखित में से किस स्कूल की चित्रकला है? मेवाड़ स्कूल मारवाड़ स्कूल हाडोती स्कूल धुंदर स्कूल Q.12) Arrange the following organisations chronologically as per their formation. Indian League Bangbhasha Prakashika Sabha Poona Sarvajanik Sabha East India Association Select the correct answer using the code given below: 2 – 4 – 1 – 3  2 – 4 – 3 – 1  4 – 2 – 1 – 3  4 – 2 – 3 – 1  Q.12) निम्नलिखित संगठनों को उनके गठन के अनुसार, कालानुक्रमिक रूप से व्यवस्थित करें। इंडियन लीग बंगभाषा प्रकाशिका सभा पूना सार्वजनिक सभा ईस्ट इंडिया एसोसिएशन नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: 2 - 4 - 1 - 3 2 - 4 - 3 - 1 4 - 2 - 1 - 3 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Q.13) By the end of the nineteenth century, Indian exports consisted primarily of Raw cotton Jute and Silk  Oilseeds Wheat Indigo Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1, 2 and 5 only 1, 2, 4 and 5 only 1, 2 and 3 only 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Q.13) उन्नीसवीं सदी के अंत तक, भारतीय निर्यात में मुख्य रूप से शामिल थे कच्चा कपास जूट और रेशम तिलहन गेहूँ नील नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1, 2 और 5 केवल 1, 2, 4 और 5 केवल 1, 2 और 3 1, 2, 3, 4 और 5 Q.14) Who among the following was the author of books 'Shrimadh Bhagavad Gita Rahasya' and 'The Arctic Home in the Vedas'? Aurobindo Ghosh Swami Dayanand Saraswati Bal Gangadhar Tilak Annie Besant Q.14) निम्नलिखित में से कौन ‘श्रीमद भगवद गीता रहस्य’ और ‘वेदोंं का आर्कटिक गृह’ पुस्तकों के लेखक थे? अरबिंदो घोष स्वामी दयानंद सरस्वती बाल गंगाधर तिलक एनी बेसेंट Q.15) Which among the following event happened the earliest? Day of Deliverance National Humiliation Day Day of Unity and Solidarity Day of Independence Q.15) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी घटना सबसे पहले घटित हुई थी? मुक्ति दिवस (Day of Deliverance) राष्ट्रीय अपमान दिवस (National Humiliation Day) एकता और एकजुटता दिवस (Day of Unity and Solidarity) स्वतंत्रता दिवस Q.16) He was a great philanthropist; He started Ayurvedic Hospitals in Triplicane, Nungambakkam and Nellore; He was conferred the title ‘Dharmamurthi’ by Annie Besant and ‘Rao Bahadur’ by the British Government for his service to society. He was Veeresalingam Pantulu Calavala Cunnan Chetty Rettaimalai Srinivasan C.P. Ramaswamy Iyer Q.16) वह एक महान परोपकारी व्यक्ति थे; उन्होंने ट्रिप्लिकेन, नुंगम्बक्कम और नेल्लोर में आयुर्वेदिक अस्पताल आरंभ किए; उन्हें समाज के लिए उनकी सेवा हेतु एनी बेसेंट द्वारा 'धर्ममूर्ति' और ब्रिटिश सरकार द्वारा 'राय बहादुर' की उपाधि से सम्मानित किया गया था। वह थे वीरसलिंगम पंतुलु कलवला कुन्नन चेट्टी रेट्टिमिलाई श्रीनिवासन सी.पी. रामास्वामी अय्यर Q.17) In the context of freedom struggle, the 'Delhi Chalo Movement' is related to which of the following? Protest against Simon Commission Civil Disobedience Movement  Individual Satyagraha Quit India Movement  Q.17) स्वतंत्रता संग्राम के संदर्भ में, 'दिल्ली चलो आंदोलन' निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है? साइमन कमीशन के खिलाफ विरोध सविनय अवज्ञा आंदोलन व्यक्तिगत सत्याग्रह भारत छोड़ो आंदोलन Q.18) In the context of modern history, consider the following resolutions: Fundamental Rights National Council of Education National Economic Programme Which of the following resolutions was/were adopted at a special session of the Congress held at Karachi in 1931? 1 and 2 only 2 and 3 only 1 only 1 and 3 only Q.18) आधुनिक इतिहास के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित प्रस्तावों पर विचार करें: मौलिक अधिकार राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा परिषद राष्ट्रीय आर्थिक कार्यक्रम निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा संकल्प 1931 में कराची में आयोजित कांग्रेस के एक विशेष सत्र में अपनाया गया था? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2 और 3 केवल 1 केवल 1 और 3 Q.19) Which of the following is/are the principal feature(s) of the Government of India Act, 1935? It provided for the adoption of dyarchy at the Centre.  It provided separate electorates for depressed classes and women. It provided for the establishment of a Reserve Bank of India. Select the correct answer using the code given below: 1 and 2 only 3 only 1 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.19) भारत सरकार अधिनियम, 1935 की निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सी / से प्रमुख विशेषताएं हैं? इसने केंद्र में द्वैधशासन (dyarchy) को अपनाने के लिए प्रावधान किया। इसने वंचित वर्गों और महिलाओं के लिए पृथक निर्वाचक मंडल का प्रावधान प्रदान किया। इसने भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक की स्थापना के लिए प्रावधान प्रदान किया। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 1 और 2 केवल 3 केवल 1 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.20) Consider the following events: The Bhilai steel plant was set up with the help of the former Soviet Union. The First Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was held. The Constitution was amended to remove legal obstacles for abolition of ‘privy purse’. The bilingual state of Bombay was divided into separate states for Marathi and Gujarat speakers. Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events? 2 – 4 – 1 – 3 1 – 4 – 2 – 3 2 – 3 – 1 – 4 1 – 3 – 2 – 4 Q.20) निम्नलिखित घटनाओं पर विचार करें: भिलाई इस्पात संयंत्र की स्थापना पूर्व सोवियत संघ की सहायता से की गई। गुट निरपेक्ष आंदोलन (NAM) का पहला शिखर सम्मेलन आयोजित किया गया। संविधान को 'प्रिवी पर्स' के उन्मूलन के लिए वैधानिक बाधाओं को हटाने के लिए संशोधित किया गया। द्विभाषी राज्य बंबई को मराठी और गुजराती बोलने वालों के लिए अलग-अलग राज्यों में विभाजित किया गया। उपरोक्त घटनाओं में से कौन सा सही कालानुक्रमिक अनुक्रम है? 2 - 4 - 1 - 3 1 - 4 - 2 - 3 2 - 3 - 1 - 4 1 - 3 - 2 - 4 Q.21) Consider the following statements: Viruses such as coronavirus, influenza-causing viruses, Ebola, Zika have their genetic material encased in a layer of fat called the lipid envelop. Soap contains fat-like substances known as amphiphiles which compete with the lipids in the virus membrane and break the lipid envelope of the virus. Viruses such as rotavirus, poliovirus does not have the lipid envelop. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?  1 and 2 only 2 only 2 and 3 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.21) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: कोरोनोवायरस, इन्फ्लूएंजा जनित वायरस, इबोला, ज़ीका जैसे विषाणुओं में लिपिड आवरण (lipid envelop) नामक वसा की एक परत में इनके आनुवंशिक पदार्थ होते हैं। साबुन में वसा जैसे पदार्थ होते हैं, जिन्हें एम्फीफाइल्स (amphiphiles) कहा जाता है जो वायरस झिल्ली में लिपिड के साथ प्रतिस्पर्धा करते हैं और वायरस के लिपिड आवरण को तोड़ते हैं। रोटावायरस, पोलियोवायरस जैसे विषाणुओं में लिपिड आवरण नहीं होता है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 और 2 केवल 2  केवल 2 और 3 1, 2 और 3 Q.22) With reference to The Essential Commodities Act, 1955, Consider the following statements: Under this act, the government can fix the maximum retail price (MRP) of any packaged product that it declares an essential commodity. If the Central government thinks that it is necessary to maintain or increase supplies of any essential commodity, it can regulate or prohibit the production, supply, distribution and sale of that commodity. Which of the statements given above is/are Not Correct?  1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.22) आवश्यक वस्तु अधिनियम, 1955 के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: इस अधिनियम के तहत, सरकार किसी भी पैकेज्ड उत्पाद की अधिकतम खुदरा मूल्य (MRP) तय कर सकती है, जिसे वह एक आवश्यक वस्तु घोषित करती है। यदि केंद्र सरकार को लगता है कि किसी आवश्यक वस्तु की आपूर्ति को बनाए रखना या बढ़ाना आवश्यक है, तो वह उस वस्तु के उत्पादन, आपूर्ति, वितरण और बिक्री को विनियमित या प्रतिबंधित कर सकती है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही नहीं है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.23) Consider the following statements: A Review petition should be circulated to the same bench that delivered the judgment. A Curative petition and it is guaranteed under Article 145 of the Constitution of India. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?  1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.23) निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: समीक्षा याचिका (Review petition) को उसी पीठ को परिचालित किया जाना चाहिए, जिसने अधिनिर्णय दिया है। भारतीय संविधान के अनुच्छेद 145 के तहत एक उपचारात्मक याचिका (Curative petition) की गारंटी दी गयी है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.24) Which of the following statements is/are Not Correct regarding Cess in India? If the cess collected in a particular year goes unspent, it will be allocated for other purposes. The central government should share the cess with the state government. The cess can be levied on indirect taxes only.  Select the correct answer using the code given below: 3 only 2 and 3 only 1 only 1, 2 and 3 Q.24) निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा कथन, भारत में उपकर (Cess) के संबंध में सही नहीं है / हैं? यदि किसी विशेष वर्ष में एकत्रित उपकर बिना व्यय (unspent) के रह जाता है, तो इसे अन्य उद्देश्यों के लिए आवंटित किया जाएगा। केंद्र सरकार को राज्य सरकार के साथ उपकर साझा करना चाहिए। केवल अप्रत्यक्ष करों पर ही उपकर लगाया जा सकता है। नीचे दिए गए कूट का उपयोग करके सही उत्तर चुनें: केवल 3 केवल 2 और 3  केवल 1 1, 2 और 3 Q.25) With reference to Red Snow, Consider the following statements: Red snow is a phenomenon caused by Chlamydomonas nivalis. Red algae lowers the overall reflective properties of the snow. Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?  1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.25) रेड स्नो (Red Snow) के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: रेड स्नो क्लैमाइडोमोनास निवालिस (Chlamydomonas nivalis) के कारण हुई घटना है। लाल शैवाल (Red algae), हिम के समग्र परावर्तक गुणों को कम करती है। ऊपर दिए गए कथनों में से कौन सा सही है / हैं? केवल 1 केवल 2  1 और 2 दोनों न तो 1 और न ही 2 Q.26) Which of the following species of otters can be sighted in India? Eurasian otter Small-clawed otter Smooth-coated otter Select the correct code: 1 and 2 2 and 3 3 Only 1, 2 and 3 Q.26) भारत में निम्न में से, ओटर (otters) की किस प्रजाति को देखा जा सकता है? यूरेशियन ओटर (Eurasian otter) छोटे पंजे वाले ओटर (Small-clawed otter) मुलायम-आवरित ओटर (Smooth-coated otter) सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 2 और 3 केवल 3  1, 2 और 3 Q.27) Which of the following countries do not open to ‘Aegean Sea’? Turkey Greece Albania Croatia Select the correct code: 1 and 2 3 and 4 1 and 3 2 and 4 Q.27) निम्न में से कौन सा देश ‘एजियन सागर’ में नहीं खुलता है? तुर्की यूनान अल्बानिया क्रोएशिया सही कूट का चयन करें: 1 और 2 3 और 4 1 और 3 2 और 4 Q.28) Which of the following is the first country to recognize Rights of Nature in its Constitution? India Bolivia New Zealand Ecuador Q.28) निम्न में से कौन सा पहला देश है, जिसने अपने संविधान में प्रकृति के अधिकारों को मान्यता दी है? भारत बोलीविया न्यूजीलैंड इक्वेडोर Q.29) The ‘KhariaSavar’ community primarily lives in  North East India Central India Southern India Western India Q.29) ‘खारियासावर’ (KhariaSavar) समुदाय मुख्य रूप से पाया जाता है उत्तर पूर्व भारत मध्य भारत दक्षिणी भारत पश्चिमी भारत Q.30) ‘Nolamba dynasty’ was primarily spread over Maharashtra and Gujarat Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Rajasthan Assam and Meghalaya Q.30) ‘नोलम्बा वंश’ (Nolamba dynasty) मुख्य रूप से फैला हुआ था महाराष्ट्र और गुजरात आंध्र प्रदेश और कर्नाटक राजस्थान असम और मेघालय DOWNLOAD THE SOLUTION ENGLISH HINDI NOTE- Follow this for Comments Mention- Time Taken after solving the Test After the release of Solution Edit your Comment to Mention-  Correct/Incorrect and Score 2 Marks for Correct/0.66 minus for Incorrect. DOWNLOAD THE 60 DAYS PLAN 2020  PRELIMS EXCLUSIVE CURRENT AFFAIRS CLASSES (12 SESSIONS-By Tauseef Sir): STARTING 15 APRIL- JOIN NOW! All the Best! IASbaba

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent and Creativity

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity: "Corona: A blessing in disguise" by PRAVEEN KATIYAR!

Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity Hello Friends, You must be aware of the term ‘catharsis’. It is the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. Recently we have launched a new initiative by the name Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity! Today's work is "Corona: A blessing in disguise" by PRAVEEN KATIYAR! Well done, Keep it up !!   Corona: A blessing in disguise! #corona31 #corona #ncov #covid19 #a _blessing_in_disguise  #Praveen_Katiyar #Cosmo_2014 1-Modi ji, Trump & Xinping alike, running amuck knowing nothing in precise; Corona's novelty has thrown such a dice that the magnificent Humans have to hide in homes like  scared little mice...(Idea: Survival of the fittest is the law reminiscent, who ever stays home is a 'Champ' at present!) Lets get serious now: 2-Limping democracy, failing culture & education system is awfully stale; real chaos is simmering in this crisis to consume everyone & i hope that someone sensible remained to tell this disgraceful tale... (Idea: It is just a start of  the realization that we have not yet started in the right direction!) 3-Racketeering, profiteering, laundered money, biased decisions, etc.,  is the order the day; it is not enough to be just grumpy about when everybody important  is made to man the important positions but without any say.(Idea: Make them accountable! ) 4- Corruption is rampant, so is the cowardice amongst the people of importance-who could have a say when they would say; this system is biased against the weak certainly and the powerful ones always easily get away...(Idea: Make the thieves accountable and pay back. Media is unable to ask right questions. Alas!!!) 5-Ideologies of political parties seldom corroborate with what they say; they are all opportunity mongers as whenever the Sun shine they come out to make their hay... (Idea: I hope that there are exceptions.) 6-Anarchy often lurks behind the facade of strict authority ; the rulers must not lose its humane face & sincerely set right its priority... (Idea: Ugly show off of power with vulgarity is dangerous! Tread carefully as the crazy times is a double edged sword...) 7-Weapons, missiles & this constant race to show off our destructive deterrence might; humanity is doomed if this enmity sucks away our energy for a constructive fight...( Idea: WORLD WAR 3 is imminent and that will not be because of 'conflict of interest' but because of 'conflict to survive'!) 8-Life makes sense only when it embraces the beauty of chance by dispelling the evil of control; humanity has done so far so well in preparing the ground for 3rd world war, that's on the roll...( Idea: Nothing is permanent as per the theory of evolution. This retaliation by nature for striking a balance was long overdue...) 9- We mistook our capacities to know all the magic’s to produce more & more; the time is right to give up the ignorance and realize that nature could only fulfill our needs & not greed for sure...(idea: Simple life is a bliss!) 10-I don't need a Mercedes if my neighbor owns a Maruti car; my desires are as deceptive as at school was my progress report card... (Idea: Easy to understand if only you can relate with this. Meaning of success is just misconstrued...) 11-Selling the dreams of a rising Sun when actually it has been slowly setting ; only the sellers of those dreams are amassing wealth & the buyers are habituated to be always wanting... (Idea: "Apple" khao khud jaan jao! There is no need to buy unnecessary things..) 12- There is no need to build a 'Trillion $' company rather the need is to support a thousand 'Billion $' ones; Indians can surpass the ones like Apple & Amazon when the right leadership comes... (Idea: Imposing 'Conspicuous consumption' habits in the 3rd world middle class is the core philosophy of western world! ) 13-Indians no more have to live in disgrace and subjugation, so please quit taking pride in working beyond the walls; it is time for 'Ghar- Vapsi' mere Yaaron, as our country needs your service most of all... (Idea: watch film 'Swades', a simple yet powerful lesson to learn.) 14-Indians have always taken pride in being the soldiers serving the cause of the Capitalists' might, where the employees had to slog for ever for the sake of their employer's self aggrandizing fight(cause)... (Idea: India used to be the land of Sages, making sacrifices to purify their soul used to be their daily routine... Ponder upon the fact, if you can.) 15- Rope in people like 'Nadela and please bring the commanders like ' Sundar Pichhai'; there is a lot to do in our desperate country, we just need some honest intentions & clearer insights...(Idea: Harness the lost potential!) 16-Globalisation has been a lost game, as we have been bullied by them really rough; it doesn't have to be a zero-sum game, so lets pledge to find a win-win order for ourselves, as we have already had enough! (Idea: Desperate times desperate measures! Need to adopt "India first" approach! Feed us, teach us, empower us to the core first!!!) 17- We can change everything, only if we want the things not to remain the same; we can only do this together & we can surely defeat them in their own game! (Idea:Accept 'Sadharan Swadeshi', simple living high thinking...war against capitalist consumerism is needed, it is suffocating poor Indians.) 18-Brand is "a brand" because of expensive branding, but the value of those goods their utility must decide; lets end this culture of       ' mad-consumption' today, then tomorrow for everyone' s sleep there will be good night... ( Idea: Simple is beautiful, tasty and healthy. Daal Roti khao aur Parmaatma ke gun gao.) 19-Don't you commercialize everything please don't you strive for just the financial growth; fending for the purity of your soul is a saintly task, but it will nurture the interests of you & your generations-both! (Idea: Best things come free! Oneness with nature is divine and priceless, so better desist from this mad race of commercializing everything.) 20- Dreams of material wealth is a perpetual vanity and definitely a painful never ending troll; our generations will have to bear the burden of our dissatisfied unscrupulous souls... (Idea: We just don't need to eat more than we need!) 21-The hardships of the 'poor' are real & their helplessness is staring us right in our face; poverty is a viscous cycle after all & only together we can build for all a livable happy space... (Idea: Sadbhaav poorn Samriddha Saarthakta= principle of SSS.) 22-The nature's rebound is bound to happen but unknown is its nature and character; nothing overwhelms its' 'coping capacity' provided this reasoning excludes the selfish human factor... (Idea: Minus 'Human  Centricity' and everything becomes sustainable!) 23-Absolute power corrupts absolutely, is a fact only a few could deny; the myth of human superiority is about to get busted & to all our races this rule applies! (Idea: Jiyo aur Jine do! All the life forms are precious.) 24-Source of Elite's freedom have been the poor hapless slaves & their luxuries are guaranteed by the misery of the weaker lot; trends of 'Capitalism' can't go any further & a need for a revamped economic system demands some real 'food for thought'... (Idea: It is all about the Economy in the end, so why not make a better model that works for all and feeds all! ) 25-Crisis has a way of bringing to the fore, the issues, that are easy to ignore in good times; if the desperate measures demand us to give away our leisure and some pleasures ,then that would work just fine...(Idea: learn to give & earn the bliss...) 26-"Limits to Growth" is off limits to human ingenuity, is what our arrogant scientists had  once claimed; the nature has shown the signs of saturation & now everyone is to be blamed...(Idea: limits to growth is real!) 27-Humanity has dominated by the biased rules till day; now the time is to reap what we have sown or else we will close fast to our doomsday! (Idea: Karz chukaana padega...) 28-It is the right time we realised that nothing ever lasts, our future will be gloomy if we don't repent for our pasts... (Idea: Time to confess & repent!) 29- Our Earth is a super-organism(Hutton), and it is time to respect its 'evolutionary adaptation' as its processes are beyond man's control; the efforts towards 'Sustainable development' has been a farce so far, & the repercussions of this rat race to exploit it to the core is gonna be manifold! (Idea:God is the greatest mathematician and his principles are infallible, so in his Grand design , Man  is just serving as a temporary spec to just connect the dots...the sooner we realize it the better.) 30-SILVER LINING: Survival Instinct of humans is incredible, so is our spirit to strive and thrive; we must not let this gloom to fester our spirits, we just have to consider it as a "blessing in disguise"...(Idea: Together we stand, divided we fall! ) 31- I am no better than you & you are not better than me; I have just tried to put things in perspective, so just say 'AYE' if you agree with me... JAI HIND! JAI MAHAKAAL! # corona31 #corona #covid19 #ncov #blessing_in_disguise Praveen Katiyar   Be creative and find your catharsis in whichever form of creativity you are comfortable with.  It could be anything- a song, a painting, a poem, a story, a dance performance, rangolis, jokes/humor, culinary skills, mimicry and whatnot. There is no limit to creativity. Just unleash and share it with everyone! Why don’t you share your moments of catharsis with us? UPSC is not only about academics but personality as well. And your personality is shaped by the creativity that you possess.   To know more about Catharsis -Unlock Your Talent & Creativity' Initiative and the Previous Creative work  -> CLICK HERE We encourage you to keep the comment section alive by sharing your talents and also by commenting and encouraging the talent of your peers. We are also going to be a regular visitor here and will keep on posting the creative works by our talented team members and staff. NOTE- You can also nominate by tagging anyone (if you know about the talent of your friend or anyone) 🙂 You can share your talent/creativity with us on support@iasbaba.com and ilp@iasbaba.com  P.S: Kindly share it in a format that can be published on the website. We believe each one of you have some hidden talent. It’s time that you explore more about yourselves and remain positive throughout this journey. Make the best use of this opportunity! Thank You IASbaba

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Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th April 2020

IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th April 2020 Archives (PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS) 15-billion ADB loan to India to fund COVID-19 emergency Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Groupings; Health & GS-III – Economy; Disaster Management In News: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided $15 billion loan to the Government of India to fund its immediate response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic  The loan shall be used to deal with health and socio-economic impacts.  Key takeaways: The loan is approved by the ADB under its COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Programme.  The loan is the bank’s largest loan to India till date. The money will be spent to implement the containment plan and rapidly increase the test-track-treatment capacity.  It will also be used to provide social protection to poor people over the next three months.  India will also take the ADB's technical support to strengthen its implementation framework and capacities to implement Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.  Important value additions: Asian Development Bank (ADB) It is a regional development bank.  It was established on 19 December 1966.  Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines.  It was established to promote social and economic development in Asia.  Motto: ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient and sustainable Asia & the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. The ADB offers hard loans (currency) on commercial terms primarily to middle income countries in Asia and  It provides soft loans (loan with a below-market rate of interest) to poorer countries in the region.  Both types of loans are sourced from the bank's ordinary capital resources (OCR). Five largest borrowing countries are China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh.  U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom downgrades India's position in 2020 list Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations In News: The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has downgraded India to the lowest ranking. The report was released in Washington recently by the federal government commission that functions as an advisory body.  Key takeaways: It has put India amongst "countries of particular concern" (CPC) in its 2020 report.  The report placed India alongside countries like China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.  India was categorised as a “Tier 2 country” in last year’s report.  This is the first time since 2004 that India has been placed in this category. It included specific concerns about the Citizenship Amendment Act, the proposed National Register for Citizens, anti-conversion laws and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.  The commission also recommended that the U.S. government take stringent action against India under the “International Religious Freedom Act” (IRFA).  It recommended the administration to impose targeted sanctions on Indian government agencies and officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom.  Important value additions: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)  It is a U.S. federal government commission created by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998.  Responsibilities:  To review the facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom internationally To make policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Congress.  Headquarters: Washington, D.C.  Functions: USCIRF researches and monitors international religious freedom issues.  It issues an annual report after its evaluation of the facts and circumstances of religious freedom violations worldwide. Supreme Court rules inclusion of deemed universities under Anti-corruption law  Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II - Education In News: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has held that bribery and corruption in a deemed university can be tried under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Key takeaways: The judgement was given by a three-judge Bench led by Justice N.V. Ramana.  As per the judgement,  Individuals, authorities or officials connected to a deemed university, irrespective of their role or designation, come under the definition of a ‘public servant’.  Deemed universities come within the ambit of the term ‘university’ in Section 2 of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988.  A deemed institution, under the University Grants Commission Act of 1956, has the same common public duty like a university to confer academic degrees, which are recognised in the society. Important value additions: Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 It is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to combat corruption in government agencies and public sector businesses in India.  In 2018, Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill was passed under which punish bribe-givers and bribe-takers shall be punished.  The Bill provides for jail terms of three to seven years, besides fine, to those convicted of taking or giving bribes to public officials. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th April 2020 Image source: Click here  Deemed university Deemed university, or deemed-to-be-university, is an accreditation awarded to higher educational institutions in India, conferring the status of a university.  It is granted by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development.  Institutions that are 'deemed-to-be-university' enjoy the academic status and privileges of a university. Miscellaneous  Plasma therapy Plasma therapy uses blood donated by recovered patients to introduce antibodies in those under treatment.  The therapy for COVID-19 is still at an experimental stage and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) is currently studying its efficacy.  In 2014, convalescent plasma, collected from patients who had recovered from Ebola virus disease, was recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a treatment during the outbreak. During the H1N1 virus outbreak of 2009 and SARS epidemic of 2003, plasma therapy was used to treat patients. Tripoli Tripoli is the capital city and the largest city of Libya.  Violent protests have erupted in the city recently over a spiralling economic crisis despite a coronavirus lockdown. Daily Current Affairs IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 29th April 2020 Image source: Click here  (MAINS FOCUS) GOVERNANCE/ ETHICS Topic: General Studies 2 & 4: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.  Ethics in Public administration  Privacy concerns during a pandemic Context: In the midst of public health crisis, the measures taken by Union & State governments in India – lockdown, physical distancing norms - has been supported by public.  Nevertheless, there are certain pitfalls which needs to be avoided especially with regard to government’s technology solutions to tackle pandemic Dangers of government actions during Crises times Prone to overreach: Justice Khanna outlined that “when faced with crises, governments — acting for all the right reasons — are invariably prone to overreach” Threat to Civil Liberties: If the government so chooses, fundamental rights can be suspended at will stating that the need to save lives takes precedence over all other interests. Continuance of restrictive measures even after the crises has passed Invasive use of technology that seeks to utilise people’s personal health data. How has technology been invoked during this pandemic? Technology has been invoked at three levels.  First, in creating a list of persons suspected to be infected with COVID-19;  Second, in deploying geo-fencing and drone imagery to monitor compliance by quarantined individuals  Third, through the use of contact-tracing smartphone applications, such as AarogyaSetu Impact of technologies on privacy 1. The use of geo-fencing and drone technologies is unsanctioned Though cell-phone based surveillance is permissible under the Telegraph Act of 1885, until now the orders authorising surveillance have not been published.  2. Indiscriminate usage of modified surveillance drones  These are equipped with the ability to conduct thermal imaging, night-time reconnaissance, and integrate facial recognition into existing databases such as Aadhaar.  Some of the drones do not appear to possess any visible registration or licensing. 3. Dangers of contact-tracing applications like ArogyaSetu It promises users a deep insight into the movements of a COVID-19 carrier The aim is to ensure that a person who comes into contact with a carrier can quarantine herself.  The efficacy of such applications have been questioned by some Lack of Transparency: Details of the application’s technical architecture and its source code have not been made public.  Lack of accountability: The programme and its institution is not backed by legislation. Coercive in nature: Like Aadhaar it seems that the application will be used as an object of coercion (through issuance of e-pass) in spite of making its usage voluntary Invades Privacy: AarogyaSetu is framed as a necessary technological invasion into personal privacy, in a bid to achieve a larger social purpose Lack of clarity on how the huge personal data that it will collect will be deployed. Way Ahead A pandemic cannot be a pretext to renounce the Constitution Any action by government that infringes on privacy must meet the requirements of legality, necessity and the doctrine of proportionality (K.S. Puttaswamy Case) Civil Society should pay close attention to rights, not to impede the government’s efforts, but to ensure that they are not permanently reduced. Connecting the dots: Justice B.N.Srikrishna Committee report on Data protection  EU Data protection law GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY/ SOCIETY Topic: General Studies 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors  Indian Economy and challenges with regard to resource mobilization  Online Education Context: UGC held a meeting to consider a tentative academic calendar for the current year, and the need to promote online learning  How had India progressed with regard to access to education? In the last two decades, there has been a conscious effort on the part of the state to improve access to education at all levels with measures like Right to Education Act  OBC reservation in Higher Educational institutions Recent EWS reservation Online Education an integral part of Digital India programme Constraints with Online Learning in India Digital divide in India with poor not having sufficient access to internet 55,000 villages in the country are without mobile network coverage as per Niti Aayog, in its “Strategy for New India@75” report Proper Infrastructure: Personal computers and phones unequal to professional work Lack of Experience: Both teachers and students fall back on the communications grammar of the live classroom which produces confusion online.  Lack of Capabilities: Both teachers and students need training in how to operate in the electronic classroom, and how to deal with digital workflows. Increased burden: Parents have to bear the burden of keeping electronic classrooms in order Sociological issues with Online Education A large number of students are not comfortable with spoken or written English. This makes online pedagogical material that much inaccessible The students come with different levels of prior training, which makes it difficult to have a one-size-fits-all approach with online teaching. The bottom pyramid of society who are poorer might not find financial resources to access it and thus endangering their education prospects Way Ahead Increased funding to public education State-backed television and radio, along with community radio in underserved places, can help to bridge this divide temporarily.  Digitisation of public schools Leveraging the help of civil society to enhance the access of education, especially in remote places Connecting the dots: Operation Digital Board of GoI Impact of COVID-19 on telecom sector (TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE) Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section) Note:  Correct answers of today’s questions will be provided in next day’s DNA section. Kindly refer to it and update your answers.  Comments Up-voted by IASbaba are also the “correct answers”. Q.1 Headquarter of Asian Development Bank is located at which of the following?  Philippines China Indonesia Pakistan  Q.2 With regard to recently released report by The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, consider the following statements: It has placed India amongst countries of particular concern (CPC) in its 2020 report.  This is the first time since 2004 that India has been placed in this category. Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.3 As per the recent judgement by the Supreme Court, consider the following statements? Individuals authorities or officials connected to a deemed university come under the definition of a ‘public servant’.  Deemed universities come within the ambit of the term ‘university’ in Section 2 of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988.  Which of the above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Q.4 Tripoli is the capital city of which of the following country?  Tunisia  Chad Niger  Libya  ANSWERS FOR 28th April 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK) 1 C 2 A 3 C 4 C Must Read About RBI’s relief measures to Mutual Fund Industry: The Hindu ( Read here for background story) About measures to take for welfare of migrant workers: The Hindu About post COVID-19 economic models: The Indian Express

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